JULY 2020
FIVE YEARS JAIL AFTER GUN FOUND IN BEDROOM We are here for all your household electrical goods – please call us
01234 352107
www.michaelrpeters.co.uk
A KEMPSTON drug dealer who had stored a gun in his bedroom has been jailed for five years.
TURNED-IN TO POLICE BY PARENTS
Umar Javid, 19, of Hastings Road, Kempston, had pleaded guilty to possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition, two charges of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and possession of cannabis.
It was reported to police earlier this year that Javid was believed to be in possession of a firearm.
In April armed officers recovered a gun from Javid’s bedroom and established that it was a blank firing weapon that had been converted into a viable firearm. Prior to this, on 21 June last year, Javid was arrested when officers stopped a vehicle in Bassett Road, Leighton Buzzard. He was captured as he dropped cling-filmed packages containing Class A drugs while he attempted to run away from police. He also had a small amount of cannabis in his possession as well as a mobile phone, which when investigated indicated he was involved in dealing drugs. Javid appeared at Luton Crown Court on Monday, June 8, via video link. He was handed a five-year term for the firearm and ammunition offences, as well as custodial sentences of three years for both the drugs supply offences, which will be served concurrently. Javid will serve his five-year sentence in a young offender institution. It marks the latest major sentence secured by Bedfordshire Police’s Boson guns and gangs team, which has secured almost 500 years in jail terms for offenders linked to serious violence over the past two years. Detective Sergeant Wil Taylor, from Bedfordshire Police’s Boson Team, dedicated to tackling gangs and serious youth violence, said: “We are really pleased to see Javid behind bars. Drug dealing and firearms cause significant harm to our communities and we will never tolerate this in our county. “
Teenage father with long string of convictions gets 15 months detention
A POLICE officer was sent flying in the air when teenager Theo Cranfield drove a scooter at him. Cranfield, 19, was sentenced to 15 months’ detention on Thursday, June 11, 2020, by a judge who told him: “ It was more by luck than judgement that he had not killed or seriously injured somebody.”
The police had spotted a missing, vulnerable teenager on the back of the bike in the Hillgrounds and Hartwell Drive area of Kempston.
Luton crown court heard the officer produced a baton and shouted: “Stop” as the scooter when
through a pedestrian alley. But Cranfield, accelerated, put his head down and elbows in and drove towards him. The officer was hit by the wing mirrors and handlebar, suffering injuries to his arm, knee and foot. Cranfield himself was treated for a broken ankle when the scooter crashed. Josephine Teale, prosecuting, said the scooter had been stolen overnight on the July 24 last year. Cranfield and the missing teenager were spotted the next day by the police. It travelled about a mile before the crash. Cranfield of Ashburnham Road, Bedford appeared for sentence from Bedford prison, having pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking, assault of an emergency worker, driving with no insurance and no licence and driving while disqualified. He had prevous convictions including offences of domestic burglary and aggravated vehicle taking.
Shaher Bukhara, defending, said he had pleaded guilty at his first opportunity in the crown court. She said before being remanded in custody in February he had secured a job in Poundland. She said: “He showed a lack of maturity. He is
extremely remorseful. He want to grown up. He had a two month old baby he has not seen.” Judge Rebecca Herbert told him: “You have an appalling record for a 19-year-old. You have been completely lawless over the last three years or so. “You appear to take absolute no notice of sentences passed on you. You have been a complete menace on the road. “I am told you have a baby – I hope that may be the start of you approaching life in a different way.” The judge added: “Let me make it clear police officers are entitled to perform their duties without assault. This court won’t tolerate assaults on officers.” She also banned him from driving for four years and three months and said he must take an extended retest saying: “Your driving record is appalling. To protect the public you have to be prevented from getting behind a wheel until you grow up.”
2 — KEMPSTON CALLING
CD Adverts 2020.qxp_Layout 1 27/05/2020 10:10 Page 1 JULY 2020
Odell & Son PLUMBING & HEATING Local Run Family Business
WE’RE THE ONLY CALL YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE
Tel: 01234 855007 Mob: 07795 821595
FOR ALL ENQUIRIES TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
£169,000 to support domestic abuse victims
Same Day Service & FREE Estimates FIXED PRICE BOILER SERVICE FOR £60
BEDFORDSHIRE’S Police and Crime Commissioner, Kathryn Holloway, has launched a new fund for services supporting Domestic Abuse and Serious Violence victims during the Covid-19 pandemic, distributing £169,000 which she won from the Ministry of Justice after a rise in violence within the home nationally. The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has allocated funds made up of £113,000 for services the Police and Crime Commissioner already commissions and a further £56,500 for additional projects.
• Combi Specialists • Boiler Breakdown Services • Landlord Gas Safety Checks • Bathroom Refurbishments • Basic small leaks to Complete System Powerflushes 221794
DEAD OR ALIVE CARS • VANS • 4x4s WANTED FOR CASH – UP TO £5000 PAID
One of Bedfords largest stockists of printer cartridges including original, compatible & remanufactured ink & toner cartridges.
10% Discount Voucher
Use this discount voucher to receive 10% off anything in-store, or use voucher code 'NEWS' to get 10% off online.
DVLA DESTRUCTION CERTIFICATE SUPPLIED COUNCIL LICENSE HOLDER
Offer expires on 23rd December 2020. Only one voucher to be used per customer & per transaction. This Voucher cannot be used in conjunctionwith any other offer or with a Cartridge Depot Discount Card. ©2020 Cartridge Depot. All rights reserved. Terms & conditions apply.
OPEN 7 DAYS
BEST PRICES PAID FOR GOOD QUALITY CARS
CALL PAUL
Ink or toner low? Think...
01582 619173 07966 873153 PAULJONESUSEDCARBUYERS.CO.UK WE WON’T LET YOU DOWN “LOOKING FOR EVERYTHING AND ANYTHING”
Cartridge Depot 30 St. Loyes Street, Bedford MK40 1EP E-Mail: info@cartridge-depot.co.uk Tel: 01234 910908 www.cartridge-depot.co.uk
“It’s hugely welcome that this extra emergency help is being made available by the Ministry of Justice during the pandemic. It’s incredibly disturbing that national helplines have seen a surge in calls and this is, naturally, reflected in those needing help right now in this county and those who are likely to have their first chance to access support when the lockdown is raised further,” said PCC Holloway. The fund was advertised by the Bedfordshire Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) and partners were invited to an online meeting where the fund distribution was explained and discussed against the needs of victims, identified by charities and victim support organisations in the county. Applications needed to address how the funding would support the rise seen in Domestic Abuse during the pandemic and had to relate to the following areas: • IDVAs; Independent Domestic Violence Advisors • CHIDVAs; Child focused Independent Domestic Violence Advisors • Family Court support • Face to face or remote counselling for individuals and/or their families • Support for particular groups such as Disabled, LGBT victims or those from Black and Minority Ethnic community groups. The following organisations were awarded funds: Bedfordshire Police Partnership Trust; The Safer Luton Partnership; Home Start; ACCM UK; Reactiv8 the Nation CIC; Living Your Life (Bedfordshire); Luton All Women Centre; Counselling Foundation; Mindfulness Support Service CIC; The Hope Programme; FACES; TOKKO Ltd; Embrace; Azalea.
Local author’s book supports cancer charity
TO THE EDITOR: May I ask you? What do Kempston Mill, Addison Howard Park, the old Boot Factory in Stuart Street; and a cafe, charity shop and an estate agents premises in Bedford Road, have in common? They are all to be found in the new book Megan’s Magic Wheelchair, written by myself,. I’m donating all profits from it to Macmillan Cancer Care. Brian Lawson
MEGAN’S MAGIC WHEELCHAIR
Kempston Calling is an independent publication part of Rosetta Publishing Ltd. Published by ©2020 Rosetta Publishing Limited 30 Radwell Road, Milton Ernest, Bedford MK44 1SH Tel: 07894 935952 Editorial: editorial@rosettapublishing.com Advertising: advertising@rosettapublishing.com Printed by: Reach Printing Services, Kimpton Road, Luton, Bedfordshire LU2 0SX Regulated by IMPRESS: The Independent Monitor for the Press CIC IMPRESS. 16-18 New Bridge Street, London, EC4V 6AG T 020 3325 4288 E complaints@impress.org.uk w impress.press To view our complaints policy, please visit our website www.rosettapublishing.com
Kingsley Garage A fAmily run business since 1978 www.kingsleygarage.com
All makes of cars serviced from £90
● MOTs ● Repairs PLEASE PHONE FOR A QUOTE ● Car Sales FREE local collection & delivery + courtesy cars by appointment
267-271 Bedford Road, Kempston, Bedford MK42 8BP
Tel: 01234 855757 Email: service@kingsleygarage.com
LAPTOP & COMPUTER
Server, Printer, Apple, Setup, Repairs, Data recovery, Internet, Wireless, Network, Virus infection, Home/Office computer problems. Services from £40. Your local IT support, 7 days services, WE VISIT YOU No Fix - No Fee Qualified, Experienced PClaprepairs@gmail.com
01525 306316 – 07925 338435
Megan, an eleven-year-old girl, is thrown into a world of secret codes, adventures and magical experiences when, as a result of needing to get her grandad’s old wheelchair repaired for her own use, she meets the enigmatic and very old Professor Bizarriness. The book is written for the age group 10 to 18 although happy early readers of the book have included adults. The story was developed from one of a number of short stories made up for the author’s grandchildren. The book is available as an ebook or paperback from Amazon books and the author is donating all profits to Macmillan Cancer Care.
MEGC July 2020 ADS.qxp_Layout 1 15/06/2020 11:13 Page 1
TEL: 07894 935952 ADVERTISING: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
JULY 2020 KEMPSTON CALLING —
KEMPSTON’S POST OFFICE SAVE £10 u reeSp With this voucher when NOW OPEN AFTER MAKE-OVER you spend £50 or more on u
Your local post office has recently undergone an extensive refurbishment with a stronger emphasis on Off-licence and Grocery sales along with the normal full range of Post Office services.
lSac i
WOODLODGE GARDEN POTS
l Passport check and send l Biometric / digital photography for online passports, visas, driving licence and ID l Foreign currency on demand l Travel and other insurances: car, home/contents, life etc l Range of savings products l Everyday post office products. l Dry cleaning and repairs.
WHILST STOCKS LAST
www.miltonernestgardencentre.co.uk
Tel: 01234 823033
MILTON ERNEST GARDEN CENTRE Radwell Road (just off the A6) Milton Ernest MK44 1SH
SHOP COFFEE THE MILTON ERNEST GARDEN CENTRE SCRUMMY THE BEST BREAKFASTS CHEESE SCONES
LUSCIOUS LUNCH
AFTERNOON TREATS
l Full range of convenience store products. l Off licence & Tobacco sales l Groceries, fresh milk and bread at competitive prices. We’re waiting to welcome our customers again l Full range of Asianwhen grocery the Coffee Shop opens on Saturday July 4th
Tel: 01234 MiltonCompetitive Ernest MK44 1SHWHY PAY Open late Monday-Saturday 9am-7pm Convenient and MORE? Radwell Road (just off the A6)
823033
Bedford Vehicle Servicing & Tyres Using Technology that YOU can depend on! • Batteries • Brakes • Clutches • Cooling Systems • Diagnostics Tuning • Exhausts • Oil Change • Rotating Electrics • Steering & Suspension
2 TUBS OF 50 ONLY www.miltonernestgardencentre.co.uk
01234 216662
FREE DELIVERY ON ORDERS OVER £50
56 College Street Kempston MK42 8LU
Te l : 01 234 8230 33
MON-FRI 8am-5.30pm SAT 8am-1pm
MS Tree Care
DAVID J FRAS PLUMBING & HEATING LTD
Martyn Smith – Arboculturist with over 10 years experience
FRIENDLY, RELIABLE SERVICE EVERY TIME — NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL
● ● ●
All Tree And Hedge Work Undertaken 24 Hour Emergency Call Out ● Hedge Cutting Stump Grinding ● Fully Insured
01234 851235/07712 050068 mstreecare@btinternet.com
l l l l
Boiler services and repairs Boiler replacements Heating system upgrades Radiators and towel radiators
l l l l
Powerflushing Underfloor heating Wireless controls Cylinder replacements
l Bathroom & wetroom installations l Taps, showers, ball valves l All general plumbing & heating
maintenance
Mob: 07866 926433 567084
3
Beds Borough Debenhams keeps Bedford buzzing Council facing over £30m shortfall
4 — KEMPSTON CALLING
JULY 2020
FOR ALL ENQUIRIES TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
DEBENHAMS reopening in Bedford, but not in Milton Keynes, has been a boost for the town centre.
BEDFORD Borough Council Executive will discuss at its next meeting the financial impact of coronavirus. They will have before them a report which sets out an expected financial gap of £32.6millon over the next two years. The impact of coronavirus has affected services across the Council, placing them under unprecedented pressure working to deliver care for the vulnerable, elderly and shielded, including through the Community Hub, while keeping vital day-to-day operations running in challenging circumstances. The Budget for 2020/21 will be discussed at a meeting of the Executive on Wednesday, June 24, setting out the financial impact of these vital support services and lost income to the Council. This report forecasts extra costs and lost income of £13.7m in this year’s Budget. This is on top of £1.3m extra spent in 2019/20 at the start of the outbreak. To date, the Government has given £8.9m in grant funding to the Council to cover the financial impact of coronavirus. The remaining £4.8m gap this year is to be addressed by reprioritising spending and reserves that will be
moved away from their original purposes. Looking ahead to 2021/22, the Council is currently forecasting a gap of £27.8million. This summer, work will begin to build on previous efficiency plans to find ways of managing this gap and proposals will come out for consultation later this year. The funding gap will be kept under review during the year as there remain a large number of uncertainties that depend upon the impact of coronavirus over coming months and the economic fallout. Cllr Michael Headley, Portfolio Holder for Finance said “Over the last 10 years, throughout the period of austerity, the Council has been finding ways to become more efficient and make savings. However, the financial impact of coronavirus goes way beyond what we have previously had to look at. “We are expecting difficult decisions ahead and with so much still unknown about the course that the coronavirus pandemic will take and the final impact it will have on the economy, we will be keeping a very close eye on the unfolding funding shortfall and doing our best to minimise the impact on local services.”
A queue formed on the first opening morning on June 15, with people eager to make purchases. Similar socially-distanced lines formed at Primark and New Look fashion stores farther along the Silver Street/ Midland Road trail. Even BBC TV came to town to celebrate the rebirth of Bedford. The Arc, formerly the Art Centre and Gallery cafe was relaunched. The combined location is run by brother and sister Gemma and Simon, whose Dad, Don Gillett was a familiar face at the Howard Street setting for years. The centre opened under the new brand of The Arc and brings a new flair, modern displays and products to the store. Gemma comes from a creative and media background in London but has moved back to Bedford with her husband and two children. “She is hugely excited about the new chal-
lenge and is in the process of rebranding and redesigning the interior,” said Don who will continue to work within his other business interests. Gemma’s brother Simon is already under the same roof running The Gallery cafe incorporating the Companions bakery. Previously a French bakery, that part of building has a stateof-the-art bakery and very popular coffee shop setting – enabling people to stop and have a coffee, light lunch and spot of art and gift shopping. The corner of Howard Street is a busy thoroughfare with people visiting Lidls in adjoining Lurke Street. A favourite port of call is Frescoes. The fresco on the wall once made international news with its recreation of a
Al fresco at Frescoes Café society is coming back in Bedford with tables and chairs outside, soon to be allowed by changing Covid regulations.”We want those who are keen to visit Bedford to feel welcome and safe here in our town centre. Businesses now need support from our valued customers.”
Michelangelo’s work at the Sistine Chapel. Said owner Kevin, who has been a champion of independent businesses in Bedford for more than a decade: “These are extraordinary times. Businesses in Bedford have proven themselves to be resilient in the past and capable of embracing new ideas. Our town was one of the first 12 in the UK to have a Business Improvement District, which has championed commerce for consumers since 2005. “Now we face the greatest challenge of all to our town centre and well really must work together to encourage customers to come back. We have a lot of advantages: a beautiful riverside, attractive buildings, plenty of town centre parking and many independent businesses who have a vested interest in bringing the town back to life.” Frescoes opened for takeaways from June 25, 10am-3pm and hopes to be ready for sit downs from July 7. The nearby Lurke Street multi storey car park is open. Full details of who is open go to www. lovebeford.co.uk
KEMPSTON TOWN COUNCIL KNOW YOUR TOWN COUNCILLOR MAYOR AND DEPUTY: Councillors Meader and Blacklaws Kempston North
Kempston Central and East
Sam Blacklaws
Kay Burley
c/o 104 Bedford Road, Kempston MK42 8BG sgblacklaws@gmail.com 07513 705791
7 Westdale Walk, Kempston MK42 8NX gordoncolling@btinternet.com 843805
Sue Oliver 4 Loveridge Avenue, Kempston MK42 8SD sue.oliver@bedford.gov.uk 303029 Kempston South
Shaun Bowman 5 Harrier Way, Kempston MK42 7TY shaun-bowman@virginmedia.com 07905 780603
Carl Meader 39 Highfield Road, Kempston MK42 7JH carl.meader@bedford.gov.uk 857621 or 07557 800156
Kempston West
Fiorentino Manocchio 32 Hartwell Drive, Kempston MK42 8UY fiore.manocchio@gmail.com 07818 426266
Mohammed Masud 46 Henderson Way, Kempston MK42 8NP cllrmasud@bedford.gov.uk 07974 276944
Mohammed Nawaz c/o 104 Bedford Road, Kempston MK42 8BG mn4bedford@gmail.com 07786 160607
Steve Conway c/o 104 Bedford Road, Kempston MK42 8BG steve@steveconway.net 07592 483336
Terri Conway c/o 104 Bedford Road, Kempston MK42 8BG terri@steveconway.net 07592 483336
Ross Purves c/o 104 Bedford Road, Kempston MK42 8BG rmpkempston@gmail.com 07732 969871
Thanks very much Times are tough and the future is uncertain. All of us are affected by the current Coronovirus pandemic in some way. Many people are very vulnerable and really rely on a great deal of help and support from others. Our community has rallied round, either as part of a group or organisation but particularly as individuals. They give their help generously to those less fortunate than themselves. These acts of compassion and kindness should be applauded by all of us! However this is no time for complacency so all of us still need to look out for each other!
Borough Community Hub If you need help to get food or prescriptions and don’t have any support, then call the Borough Community Hub 01234 718101
Help still available Although the Town Council office has remained closed to visitors, staff are still there to answer telephone calls and emails.Naturally the councillors’ help and advice surgery at Sainsbury’s has also had to be suspended. However all Kempston Town and Borough Councillors are still available to help residents if they can.
Watch the space Even though the ‘lockdown’ has been eased nationally it is important that we all remain very vigilant about the spreading of Covid-19. Please continue to observe social distancing!
Staff and Councillors were very sorry to hear about the sad death of Councillor Richard Hyde recently. He served the residents of Kempston for very many years. He was always reliable and enthusiastic in carrying out his duties as a councillor. Twice he held the office of Chair of the Council and led the Council with great integrity. Richard had been involved in many local organisations and he will greatly missed by all of us. Our thoughts and sympathies go especially to his wife Pam and their family.
104 Bedford Road, Kempston, Bedford, MK42 8BG Tel: 01234 851005 www.kempston-tc.gov.uk Email: clerk@kempston-tc.gov.uk Office hours: 10am to 3pm Monday to Friday
BORO’S PLANNING IS UNDEMOCRATIC TEL: 07894 935952 ADVERTISING: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
JULY 2020 KEMPSTON CALLING —
MEGC July 2020 ADS.qxp_Layout 1 15/06/2020 11:13 Page 1
COUNCILLOR Alison Foster, a member of the Bedford Borough Council Planning Committee, has expressed her concerns that applicants and objectors no longer have the same rights to be heard as before the COVID-19 pandemic.
deeply important planning is to communities and that is why it is so important to have Councillors input into decision taking and not just officers. “This isn’t simply a case of being able to object, communities can also support applications that officers have recommended for refusal. As elected councillors we understand how planning impacts positively, and negatively on people’s lives. “I feel strongly that with the current amended scheme officers have too much power and too much control which, in my view, is highly undemocratic and a denial of residents rights of representation. “ Recent planning committees had been very well attended by community groups such that a number of committee meetings had to be moved into Professional hairdressing • Eyelash the Council Chamber. Across the extensions • Gel manicure • Pedicure country many councils have moved Fully professional and insured – Member of Guild of Beauty Therapists to fully virtual meetings for their MOBILE OR HOME SALON – WIDE AREA COVERED RoadCentral (just off the A6) planning Radwell committees, Tel: 07717 176786 Milton Ernest MK44 1SH Bedfordshire Council for example, Email: Gr02cut@hotmail.co.uk using their existing rules for decision taking.
SAVE £10 u reeSp With this voucher when you spend £50 or more on u WOODLODGE GARDEN POTS
lSac i
WHILST STOCKS LAST
Debs www.miltonernestgardencentre.co.uk MILTON ERNEST GARDEN CENTRE
At the last physical meeting of the planning committee on March 23, 2020, the day after lock down was announced, a decision was taken under pressure to give officers extra powers for four months so that the Chief Officer for Planning and Infrastructure had power to decide all planning applications other than those that were allowed to be called in to the committee only by a political Group Leader, the Chair of the Planning Committee or the Chief Executive. The previous ‘scheme of delegation’ allowed for all councillors to call in applications to be heard by the planning committee where they or their residents had genuine concerns about a planning application. Cllr Foster was unhappy about
this decision at the time of the March meeting and asked to hear the recording of the meeting. Unfortunately this was not available. Since this decision was taken Bedford Borough Council has been able to arrange virtual meetings using ‘Webex’. Cllr Foster, as Conservative Spokesperson on the committee asked for a late item to be added to the committee agenda on June 22 recommending that the amendments made to the scheme of delegation at the March meeting be cancelled and that the prior scheme of delegation be reinstated. This was not allowed. Cllr Foster said: “Since the March decision, things have changed and we are now able to hold virtual meetings. I and my fellow Conservative planning committee members therefore are very unhappy this decision hasn’t been revoked. We are now seriously concerned that it may be extended further. As a result we all abstained from the vote at the last meeting where the decision was deferred to the next planning meeting. “As a Councillor I know how
Tel: 01234 823033
O E E F S F C H O TMHILE P T O N E R N ES T G A R D E N C E N T R E SCRUMMY THE BEST BREAKFASTS CHEESE SCONES
LUSCIOUS LUNCH
AFTERNOON TREATS
We’re waiting to welcome our customers again when the Coffee Shop opens on Saturday July 4th Radwell Road (just off the A6) Milton Ernest MK44 1SH
Monday-Friday 8am-5pm Saturday 8am-1pm
WE ARE SOCIAL DISTANCING READY Call or visit for all your electrical supplies
Trade & Public Welcome
Your local LED specialist
Tel: 01234 857800 2a Howard Street, Kempston MK42 8EA elliottelectricalsuppliesltd@hotmail.co.uk
Visit our website or find us on Facebook
www.elliottelectricalsupplies.co.uk
Tel: 01234 823033
2 TUBS OF 50 ONLY www.miltonernestgardencentre.co.uk
Tel:Tel: 01234 961384 01234 823033
FREE DELIVERY ON ORDERS OVER £50
Tel: 07805 540432
info@blissplumbing.co.uk
www.blissplumbing.co.uk
5
6 — KEMPSTON CALLING
JULY 2020
FOR ALL ENQUIRIES TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
Zooming into new opportunities New funding available for local support projects in Bedfordshire / Northamptonshire / Milton Keynes
The lockdown measures brought about rapid change to working conditions. Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Hangouts have become integrated within our daily schedules for lots of people. Some changes may be long-term. Remote working, where this is possible, may become the norm for many. Two specific local community projects have quickly adapted to embrace the situation, seeing new opportunity to help disadvantaged people develop the skills needed to secure employment in a postlockdown world. Disabled jobseekers are excelling through the Buckinghamshire Disability Service (BuDs) Reach4Work programme, using their own experiences to redevelop a website to support other people with disabilities to access key employability information. While unemployed people over 50 ‘Zoom’into new opportunities with the support of the Impactful Governance: Social Enterprise & Community Work programme. “In the last four months I have achieved more personally, then I thought was possible. I have newfound confidence and skills.” The Reach4Work project supports disabled people, or people with long-term health conditions, to realise their potential and use their talents without barriers, through digital work experience. Project Co-ordinator, Michael Broadley said “For many of our participants, working from home is a real benefit. Some people can struggle to get out of the house and into an office. In the home environment, productivity can rocket.” “BuDS gives me a daily focus, something to get up and dressed for in the morning and some sort of structure in these crazy and very lonely times.” The Social Enterprise & Community Work programme helps unemployed over-50’s to develop the valuable insight, experience and skills needed to create their own charity or social enterprise and
secure employment in the community and voluntary sector. “We help people to realise that they have really valuable skills just waiting to be used. For example, one participant, due to family circumstances, hadn’t had social interaction with another person in over a year. “By being in a supportive environment (Zoom call) with people of a similar age in similar circumstances, her confidence dramatically improved. Using her newfound confidence, she is now making facemasks in the voluntary sector.”Andrew Waite, Chief Executive at Impactful Governance – Community Interest Company described. Both projects, funded through SEMLEP’s Community Grants programme, support local communities to come together, a community even more crucial and valued at a time when some people risk becoming more isolated. SEMLEP’s Community Grants programme will re-open for funding applications on 17August 2020. The programme offers local community organisations 100% grant funding up to £20,000 to support people back into work or training. To find out more information, visit www.semlep.com/community-grants/
The Will Writing Advertisement Proof Company
Please check carefully, whilst every effort is made to Mayfairaccurately, House we cannot be compose your advertisement held responsible for errors if you do not check this proof. 11 Lurke Street, Bedford MK40 3HZ
www.thewillwritingco.co.uk Please check the following:
Tel: 01234 964911
Telephone numbers Free■ Will & Testament ■ Email addresses
The Will Writing Company celebrating its 23rd Year in business and is Webisaddresses offering a free Will & Testament Names (joint or single) to all readers. If you have been meaning to make a Will, now is your chance to take advantage of Address this exclusive offer and give you and your loved ones peace of mind. By All spelling making a Will, you decide who takes care of your children and who inherits yourPlease estate.email Storage facility optional. acceptance or amendments to
■ ■ ■ ■
To take advantage of this offer and book an appointment or for further information please call our offices on the above number between the hours of 9:00am-5:30pm Monday to Friday. martin@rosettapublishing.com
OFFER ENDS 31st JULY 2020
FREE WILL VOUCHER
This voucher entitles you to a FREE Mirror Will (normal cost £125) or a FREE Single Will (normal cost £85) Valid until 31st JULY 2020
The Will Writing Company Mayfair House, 11 Lurke Street, Bedford, Beds, MK40 3HZ Tel 01234 964911 Email enquiries@thewillwritingco.co.uk Terms and Conditions. Office appointments only. This voucher can not be exchanged for cash. The voucher must be produced at your appointment.
Police donate unclaimed stolen bikes to help hospital doctors and nurses
BEDFORDSHIRE Police is donating 25 bicycles to doctors and nurses at Bedford Hospital to help them with transport issues during the coronavirus pandemic. All the donated bikes have been recovered by police, and their owners could not be traced. They have been sent to local bike shop Flamme Rouge Cycles in Bromham Road, to ensure they are safe before being handed over, and which has been offering free bike services to all key workers during lockdown, PC Rich Dawson, who helped to organise the donation, along with Property Sergeant
Vicky Stoughton, said: “The initiative came about when I was made aware of bikes being stolen from key workers at the hospital. “Following on from this, we realised there were around 25 we could donate to the wonderful doctors and nurses across the county who have been working so hard throughout lockdown to save lives.” Debbie Inskip at Bedford Hospital Charity & Friends said: “We are very grateful for the donation of the bikes which will be invaluable to our doctors, nurses and staff who are currently without transport. “This will save them having
to use public transport which puts them at greater risk of catching the virus. Our thanks go out to PC Dawson and Sgt Stoughton for organising the donation and Flamme Rouge Cycles for checking the bikes are road worthy.” The first bike has been handed over to A&E nurse Elaine Gillard, who had her bike stolen on a night shift. The others will be donated once they have all been checked over and any repairs carried out. Photograph shows: Elaine Gillard being presented with her new bike by PC Dawson, Sgt Stoughton, Debbie Inskip and Jamie Quiggan of Flamme Rouge Cycles.
CARS, VANS, LORRIES, 4x4s WANTED FOR CASH SPECIALISING IN BUYING
BMWs, Vauxhalls, Fords, Toyotas and other makes
n ANYTHING CONSIDERED n n 24 HOUR RECOVERY n n HIAB SERVICE AVAILABLE n Please call
07850 479650 07736 777177
TEL: 07894 935952 ADVERTISING: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
JULY 2020 KEMPSTON CALLING —
View from the Rt Revd
Richard Atkinson
The Bishop of Bedford
PRIORITY FOR THE POOR
The announcement today, as I write this, that the Department for International Development will be merged into the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has if I am honest deeply irritated and angered me. One of the strengths of our country is our commitment to international aid to support the poorest in the world. Britain is only one of seven countries to meet or exceed the UN’s target for international aid spending of 0.7% of gross national income. It is something of which we can be rightly proud as a nation. In contrast the United States only achieved 0.15%. It is not just the allocation of resources that matters – although these are vital in bringing both relief and opportunity to some of the poorest people in the world. In the words of the Chief Executive of Save the Children, British aid has among other impacts advanced ‘child and maternal health, education’ and the fight against ‘poverty’. It is also the expertise that our country has developed and its world-wide reputation for being an agent of humanitarian relief. A friend in the development field said to me that the more we give to well-off countries, the more we will be seen as an unreliable partner. The announcement of the merger of the two departments remarked that we gave more aid to Zambia than we do to Ukraine and implied that this was daft since the latter was a strategic ally. Whilst the latter point is true and Ukraine needs our strategic and foreign policy support, we aid Zambia because it still has people in absolute poverty. A 2019 World Bank overview reported that Zambia ranks among the countries with the highest level of inequality globally and ‘as of 2015 58% of Zambians earned less than the international poverty line of $1.90 per day (compared to 41% across sub-Saharan Africa)’. Sadly, Zambia is far from being the only example of profound need. Our reputation and standing around the world is at risk. The commitment of many currently working in the field of international development is at risk. Most importantly the lives of some of the poorest people in the world are at risk. In words from the Book of Proverbs: Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy (Proverbs 31:9)
In Focus with
Dave by Dave Hodgson Mayor of Bedford
CYCLING AND WALKING IMPROVEMENTS
Cycling and walking is important for a number of reasons, not least our health and particularly now as the Government would rather we did not use public transport. I recently announced a number of schemes for pedestrians and cyclists, which will also help businesses in Bedford town centre. We will see four new cycle lanes and markings on four roads inMEGC July 2020 ADS.qxp_Layout 1 15/06/2020 11:13 Page 1 Bedford: River Street, Greyfriars, Bromham Road and the Embankment later this summer. By the time you read this work will have begun on the High Street with wider pavements for pedestrians. The High Street scheme will also see a reduction to one lane for traffic with average speed cameras to reinforce the 20mph speed limit. This scheme will help pedestrians to visit High Street shops whilst socially distancing, particularly around people who may be queueing for shops. This scheme has been partly funded by the Government’s Emergency Active Travel Fund. We have been working to find ways to make it easier for people to visit our town centre businesses, and to be able to walk and cycle to where they need to go. These improvements will help people to feel safe and welcome when they visit for their essentials, and the schemes for cyclists will hopefully give more people the confidence to try commuting by bike. Creating this additional space for pedestrians by widening the pavements on the High Street will create a more comfortable and pleasant environment for shoppers, and make it easier for businesses to keep operating at what is a very difficult time. Bedford Borough Council is committed to supporting cyclists and pedestrians. If you have any suggestions for further cycling and walking routes please do email me at Dave.Hodgson@Bedford.gov.uk and Radwell Road (just off the A6) we will look into them. Milton Ernest MK44 1SH
SAVE £10 u reeSp With this voucher when you spend £50 or more on u WOODLODGE GARDEN POTS
lSac i
WHILST STOCKS LAST
www.miltonernestgardencentre.co.uk
Tel: 01234 823033
MILTON ERNEST GARDEN CENTRE
7
8 — KEMPSTON CALLING
JULY 2020
FOR ALL ENQUIRIES TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
Cartridge depot launch new online service CARTRIDGE Depot has launched a new online shop to help those isolating at home. They are offering free same day delivery to selected postcodes. Cartridge Depot is Bedford’s award winning specialist stockist of printing consumables including original, compatible and re-manufactured printer cartridges. They supply from their shop in St Loyes Street, Bedford. Husband and wife team Guy
and Vincenza Ciampa said: “During these uncertain times we really wanted to help our regular and new customers. This is why we have chosen to offer free delivery on any order as well as offering free same day delivery to selected postcodes.” Tel: 01234 910908 or visit www.cartridge-depot.co.uk. The shop has now re-opened to walk in customers, however in order to help keep their customers safe and to stop the spread of the
virus they have made some temporary changes to how they operate. Opening times have reduced slightly, to ensure that they can continue offering their same day delivery service, which is in high demand.
S G & SONS
CASH • CASH • CASH Cars, Vans, 4x4s, Sell you car legally Any unwanted MOT failures
Top prices paid MIN £0-£5k Also good clean cars bought for cash Licensed waste carrier DVLA destruction certificate issued We put your safety first at all time – During the Corona Virus pandemic, we have continued to provide all of our services. We have made over 10,000 hours of home visits without incident. This is due to the diligence of our team in following the additional safety measures we introduced at the beginning of March 2020.
Call: 07702 519730 7 days a week