Kempston calling march 2017

What’s on at 9ES 2CE2 NTRE PAG SEE

MARCH 2017

PRICELESS

2 — KEMPSTON CALLING MARCH 2017

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EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com

KEMPSTON TOWN COUNCIL 104 Bedford Road, Kempston, Bedford, MK42 8BG Tel: 01234 851005 www.kempstontowncouncil.com Email: kempstoncouncil@btconnect.com Office hours: 10am to 3pm Monday to Friday

Engagement Kempston Town Council has been very concerned about the consequences for residents and businesses in Kempston if the Nat West Bank closes.

A letter was written to the Bank asking for further details. In their reply they confirmed that they would not be revisiting the decision and have followed the Industry Access to Banking Protocol in full.

The Protocol states that a community engagement and impact assessment will take place after a decision has been taken to close the branch.

After advising the staff the bank will engage with other stakeholders (these may include the local authority, local business associations and local advice organisations).

The purpose will be to understand the impact on the community and branch users.

Considerations will include the number of personal and businesses affected, the age

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with fish and chip supper CENTENARY HALL Saturday 18 March 7.00 for 7.30pm £7.50 per head Teams of up to six people – Pay bar and raffle All proceeds to Road Victims Trust and Keech Hospice Care Tickets available from the Town Council office or call 851005

profile of users (older and younger), number of vulnerable and more dependent (e.g. disabled, older, digitally excluded and/or lower income customers and potential future users.

It states that the publication of this information will be made before the closure of the branch. The Bank is happy to share a copy with the Council once it has been drafted.

The Protocol says ‘decisions on branch closures are ultimately commercial decisions for the Bank to make’.

Not everyone has the facilities or wants to bank online and may not have the ability to travel further.

Questions will continue to be asked about the Community Engagement and Impact Assessment.

Who will be engaged with, how and when?

The Council looks forward to being ‘consulted’. Will the closure affect you?

MEETINGS TAKING PLACE IN MARCH/APRIL KEMPSTON BURIALS JOINT COMMITTEE

9 March 7.30pm

PLANNING COMMITTEE

14 March 6.30pm

TOWN COUNCIL MEETING

14 March 7.30pm

PLANNING COMMITTEE

11 April 6.30pm

TOWN COUNCIL MEETING

11 April 7.30pm

All meetings held at Kempston Town Council and are open to the public

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More volunteers trained thanks to Morrisons Foundation

KEMPSTON CALLING MARCH 2017 — 3

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LocaL charity the Road Victims Trust is celebrating a funding boost thanks to a £3,250 award from the Morrisons Foundation. The charity will use the donation to train new volunteers who will support bereaved families and help them cope with the trauma resulting from a fatal road collision.

Mark Turner, chief Executive of the Road Victims Trust was handed a cheque by Paul Ferguson, Manager of the Morrisons store in Bedford, and Sandra Muir, the store’s community champion.

Speaking about the award Mark said: “This is a wonderful gesture that will go directly to the training of volunteers to support local people whose lives have been devastated by a road death. We are grateful for the support of the Morrisons Foundation”.

Store Manager Paul was delighted to see a local charity benefit from funds raised through the sale of single-use carrier bags. He said: “We’re really pleased that the Morrisons Foundation has been able to award this donation to the Road Victims Trust. The charity provides an important service helping people facing very difficult circumstances, and it’s great to see funding go to such a worthy cause.”

The Morrisons Foundation, a charity set up by the supermarket, awards grants for charity projects which make a positive difference to people’s lives. charities are encouraged to log on to www.morrisonsfoundation.com to find out how to apply for a grant.

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KEMPSTON CALLING is an independent monthly magazine with no affiliation to any other organisation. © 2017 Rosetta Publishing Ltd, 30 Radwell Road, Milton Ernest MK44 1SH. Tel: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952. Printed by: Mortons Print Limited, Newspaper House, Morton Way, Boston Road, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6JR

4 — KEMPSTON CALLING MARCH 2017

TEL: 07724 905406

EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com

Lord Lieutenant’s visit to Kempston Probus Club

KEMPSTON Probus Club was delighted to have as its guest speaker at the January lunch Mrs Helen Nellis, HM LordLieutenant of Bedfordshire.

Members were told of her role as the Queen’s representative in Bedfordshire and her responsibility for the arrangements for all Royal visits in the County, attending each visit and escorting the Royal visitor during such visits.

The post, which does not carry a salary of any kind, also embraces other duties such as advising on submissions for Honours Nominations and chairing the Lord Chancellor ’s Advisory Committee for the appointment of Magistrates.

Mrs Nellis stressed her particular interest in youth development matters and supporting voluntary organizations. In addition to all of this she still finds time to be Lady Captain of her golf club!

Kempston Probus Club meets on the second Tuesday of every month at the Addison Centre to enjoy lunch, friendly banter and an

interesting guest speaker. It was established in 1984 for the purpose of providing a regular lunch meeting for retired or semi-retired businessmen.

The club arranges frequent trips and outings to places of interest or entertainment. It also has active bowls and golf sections with friendly matches and competitions arranged with other clubs in the region.

From time to time members’ wives are invited to join them for lunch and an annual dinner, with entertainment, is held in February.

Our speaker for February was Bill Hamilton, the former BBC News Correspondent, who told us about his role as ‘The Man on the Spot’, covering events both at home and overseas in a long career with the ‘Beeb’.

If you would like more information on membership and the club’s programme of events please contact our Hon Secretary or visit our website at www.kempstonprobus.org.uk which also contains copies of our monthly newsletter Keith Cawdell – President

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KEMPSTON CALLING MARCH 2017 — 5

KEMPSTON PARK INDOOR BOWLS CLUB NEWS

KBIPC is enjoying another Winter Season of increased membership, longer bowling hours and many more social occasions. We are also participating in more matches against other clubs as well as hosting County , Cup and League competitions. The Winter Championships are getting to the Quarter and Semi Final stages with the Finals due in April. With the expansion of the Club comes the need to provide the services and high class bowling facilities for the membership.

The Bowling Committee recognised that with the expansion of membership which includes those who have joined through Reactiv8, new novice bowlers and established bowlers who need help and advice, we were lacking in qualified coaches. The call went out to our experienced bowlers and we are glad to say that ten members stepped forward to take up the challenge. As you can see from the picture, they all passed and are now taking up the challenges in front of them to help and assist at what ever level is required. The Club is proud of the

Newly qualified coaches

Presentation of the qualified Coaching Awards 2016 Back row: Peter Sharp, Mick Page, Henry Lovell, Mike Love, Derek Richards and Geoff Darrington. Front row: Jean Saunders, Edweena Church, Gill Darrington and Christine Greaves.

effort and time that these coaches learn, top up or advance their Community and the friends of the Club will recall that when the committed to the task and look bowling techniques. membership took over the running forward to seeing their skills Next major project rewarded on the playing surface Continued on page 12 Members, our Kempston by all who use them and want to

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EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com

Jailed for historic sex assaults on young girls

a KEMPSTon man has been jailed for sexually assaulting two young girls in the 1970s.

But before 66-year-old Eugene Mitcham, 66, was sentenced one of his victims confronted him by reading out her victim impact statement from the witness box at Luton Crown Court.

Mitcham, of Eaton Road, Kempston, was said to be maintaining his denials to all the allegations made against him.

He was convicted by a jury of three charges of indecent assault, two against the girl who was under 13 and one against a different girl aged over 13 but under 16. The jury found him not guilty of six other charges at his trial earlier in January.

Detective Constable Samantha Shane, from the Bedfordshire Police Child and Vulnerable Adult Abuse unit, said: “It is never too late to report abuse and I hope that this case shows to others that if you come forward, you will be listened to, you will be believed, and justice can be done.

She was only aged between eight and eleven when she was touched indecently by Mitcham who was a regular visitor to her home in the 1970s.

Now a married career woman she spoke directly to Mitcham who was sitting in the dock.

She said: “What you took from me can never be recovered but I refuse to be a victim. You may have taken my childhood years but you will never have my adult years.”

TWO AND HALF YEARS She said his behaviour had Judge Lynn Tayton QC jailed been ‘systematic and devious’ but his arrogance stopped him from him for two and a half years. He will be on the Sex Offender’s feeling guilt or shame.

Register indefinitely, is barred from working with children, and must have no contact with his victims or girls under 16 who are not related to him.

She said: “You abused trust that was placed in you. The victim personal statement makes clear the profound effect the abuse had on her. It affects her on a daily basis.

“I have read a number of references which speak of you as a good man. They are from people who find it quite incredible to learn of your convictions in terms of the person they know. But I am afraid that is quite often the case.

“You maintain your denials and have a number of medical problems. But the offences are so serious that only an immediate custodial sentence can mark that.”

Deborah

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KEMPSTON CALLING MARCH 2017 — 7

United colours of Kempston

Free places for schools

THE Bedford Half Marathon & Mini Miles in support of The Sick Children’s Trust are bringing and exciting, new race to Bedford. On the 2nd of September this year, thousands of runners will gather in the historical Priory Country Park to take on the newest half marathon in Bedfordshire.

With live music and entertainment, finishers will be able to celebrate with friends and family in a quintessentially British picnic party atmosphere and support the younger generations taking on the Bedford Mini Miles in the afternoon.

Event director, Mark Draper who lives in Bedford said: “The aim of the Bedford Half Marathon & Mini Miles is to provide a fun, family and community-focused event to encourage and inspire people of all

ages to become more active. We want the event however, to be more than just a running race, we want it to be a celebration that the people of Bedford can be proud of.”

He continued: “The Mini Mile races are fundamental to the staging of this event. We strongly believe that positive, inclusive sport is enormously beneficial to the physical and mental health, and wellbeing of children. This event has the potential to reach young people across Bedfordshire and connect them to sport with a positive experience.”

In an effort to give back, the Bedford Half Marathon & Mini Miles is providing 200 free places in the Mini Miles races to schools across Bedford.

More information can be found at www.bedfordhalf.co.uk

DauBEnEy academy were delighted to welcome students and teachers from Springfield Lower School, camestone Lower School, Kempston Rural Lower School and Bedford Road Lower School for a joint chinese new year Festival. This has become an annual event involving all the Kempston schools following an initiative instigated by Mrs allen, Head teacher at Springfield Lower School a range of activities were available for all students to enjoy such as Tai-chi, calligraphy, a traditional fan dance and singing with the finale being a dragon dance. The day was enjoyed by students and staff of all the schools involved.

Led by the outstanding arrangements of Mrs Ventriglia from Springfield, all of the students who took part were a credit to both their schools and the diversity of Kempston.

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KEMPSTON CALLING MARCH 2017 — 9

New £5 million Advanced Engineering & Construction Centre

EMPLOYERS from the engineering industry were given an advanced viewing of the 21st century training facilities which will be built on the College’s well established riverside campus in the heart of Bedford.

The announcement event was hosted by aircraft manufacturer Hybrid Air Vehicles and sponsored by Ashe Construction, Chameleon Event Management and BlueGreen Design.

Holding it in one of the iconic airship sheds demonstrated the significance of the investment in engineering, not just for Bedford but for the entire South East region.

Bedford has a proud history in manufacturing, previously being a national and WW2 centre for engineering with companies such as WH Allen, Rolls-Royce and Texas Instruments operating in the town until the 1970s.

This legacy of engineering is still reflected in the businesses which successfully operate across the county today.

Bedford College is linked to this legacy. Today it has a dedicated apprenticeship engineering centre and offers extensive ‘built environment’ and civil engineering facilities at its

SOUTHFIELDS ROAD KEMPSTON MK42 7NR

Three students who made presentations to the audience at the Advanced Engineering Centre launch L-R: Toby Hunt of Flitwick who joined Bedford College one day a week aged 14 and is now an Assistant Project Manager for Princebuild Ltd, Manisha Ahmead who is taking an engineering BTEC after passing A Levels at Biddenham Upper and star student Oskar Kutyla of Luton who aspires to aeronautics and space engineering.

award-winning eco designed Brundtland Building at its Cauldwell Street campus.

Bedford College has won funding for the Centre via SEMLEP (South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership) which recognised how the further education college is leading the way and working with international

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names such as Cranfield University as well as already providing a BSc in Engineering with the University of Northampton.

In partnership with international motor giant General Motors, Bedford College is also running Mechatronics Apprenticeships – the only one in the region which meets the new

Government ‘standards’ for apprenticeships to match modern industry demands.

The new Advanced Engineering & Construction Centre is essential to meet the skills required by UK businesses to maintain their place in the global economy.

The Advanced Engineering & Construction Centre will house newer, lighter, analytical equipment, BIM Software and robotics. The Centre will allow students to move through to the higher engineering and degree level training essential in today’s manufacturing and civil engineering markets.

It will increase student numbers by an additional 300 full-time and parttime students and 150 higher level apprentices each year - thus meeting some of the huge demand from employers for skilled Engineers.

The space will provide students with room to experiment with intelligent design, analyse and assess problems, and develop real life solutions in the safety of the classroom and the virtual world environment.e employers.

This Advanced Engineering & Construction Centre is what they want to help power the South East forward.”

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EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com

Information evening for would-be volunteers Charges for

BEDFORDSHIRE Police is hosting an information evening for would-be Special Constables.

The force’s next information evening will take place at Police Headquarters in Woburn Road, Kempston, on Monday 6 March from 7.30pm. The evening is a chance for members of the public interested in volunteering with the force to hear more about the Special Constabulary from serving Specials, as well as more about the application process.

The Special Constabulary is the UK’s volunteer police force. Specials work closely with full time Police Officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSO’s) both to patrol Bedfordshire’s rural and urban communities, and volunteer in specialist units like the Roads Policing .

After completing their initial training and once they have taken their oaths, Specials have a further two years of on the job tuition and support from experienced colleagues before they become independent.

Wayne Humberstone, Special Constabulary Chief Officer, said: “Our Special Constabulary does a fantastic job, working hard to support their colleagues on the front line in protecting people, fighting crime and keeping Bedfordshire safe. Now we are looking to expand our numbers, and intend to host regular information evenings throughout the year so

lock ins and lock outs

Specials Chief Officer - Wayne Humberstone

the public can find out more about what it takes to be a Special.”

Special Constables must be over 18 and able to commit a minimum of 16 hours a month to the role, although

Bedfordshire’s Specials volunteer an average of 28 hours a month.

To register for the information evening on 6 March, call: 07590465193.

BEDFORDSHIRE Fire and Rescue Service is now charging to attend nonemergency calls to release people from lifts, lock outs and lock ins.

Group Commander Steve Allen explained: “Over the past five years Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has been called to more than 1,700 people stuck in lifts and locked in and locked out of premises. Many of these turn out to be non-emergencies. This constitutes a potential cost to local taxpayers in the region of half a million pounds over the period. It also means Firefighters are not available to deal with other genuine emergencies.

“Anyone dialling 999 requesting Fire Service assistance for a person stuck in a lift or locked in or out of their homes or car, where there is no immediate threat to life, threat of injury or a medical emergency, will be informed that they will be expected to cover the costs of call-out and attendance.

“Trained Operators in Fire Control will determine if the incident is an emergency, if so appropriate crews will be mobilised. If the situation is not an emergency the caller will be reassured and advised on how they can resolve the problem and if necessary provided with telephone numbers for organisations who can arrange a local locksmith or contractors.”

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BUILDING BRIDGES

Most of those who visit the village of Cardington little realise that they cross an engineering landmark when they come from the A421. For the small, five-arched, humped bridge that crosses Cardington Brook was designed and engineered by John Smeaton (1724 – 1792) in 1778. Known as the ‘Father of Civil Engineering’, he is best known for the design and construction of the Eddystone Lighthouse.

Often when I drive over the bridge, I reflect on the nature of bridge building.

Smeaton’s bridge serves as a symbol of that relationship building that is so important for nurturing strong, inclusive community.

Last month the bridge in Tadcaster near York was re-opened, having been rebuilt

BRINGING BACK EYES AND EARS

“Having been your Police and Crime Commissioner since May last year, I am delighted to announce the best news I feel I could give to the residents of Bedfordshire. The Chief Constable, Jon Boutcher, and I are in the process of rolling out an uplift of virtually 10% in our Frontline and are bringing Community Policing – the eyes and ears of policing – back to the county.

During my administration we recruited 96 police officers over the last financial year and are recruiting 100 more right now, in six intakes from July this year. Even when retirements and leavers are taken into account, we expect our Frontline to increase from 1026 officers to 1126 paid for by a combination of our existing Government funds, council tax and internal savings. Good housekeeping and diligent use

KEMPSTON CALLING MARCH 2017 — 11

View from the Rt Revd

Richard Atkinson

The Bishop of Bedford

after it was swept away in the floods at the end of 2015. Suddenly what had been divided was reconnected; the gulf that is the river was once again bridged. All too often in our lives and in our world there are those rivers of divide which separate peoples and nations; divisions that more often than not are only healed by patient mediation and bridge building. It is the work of places like Corrymeela in Northern Ireland who for years have persistently worked at reconciliation between

Update from the

Police & Crime Commissioner

by Kathryn Holloway

of the budget means I have £720,000 more to spend on your policing in the coming financial year.

Since taking over the role of PCC, my absolute priority has been increasing the visibility of the Force and your access to officers.

You may have seen that, on Monday February 13 2016, I held a public meeting at Ampthill, with senior officers and the local dedicated PC, Aaron Dagley, to confirm that a police presence is coming back to the town - after its police

the Catholic and Protestant communities. It is the counsellors, mediators and reconcilers in our world who patiently rebuild bridges between those who are estranged.

This is no easy task. One of the quotations I recall is that ‘the problem with being a bridge is that people walk over you from both sides’. George Mitchell, the American Senator, who negotiated much of the Good Friday agreement in Northern Ireland, remarked on how, at any one time, either the Catholics or the Protestants would be absent from the room. Yet he persisted and helped build the bridge. As a Christian, bridge building – being a reconciler – is at the heart of what God desires of me; the God who in Jesus knew the cost of seeking to reconcile humankind with their heavenly Father.

Whatever our beliefs, that call to be bridge builders is before us all. Where in your life, your community, can you build bridges? station closed – who will be based, as I promised, alongside their fire service colleagues at the fire station. PC Dagley will be joined by the Head of the Watches, PCSO Juliet Wright and her visiting colleagues from Neighbourhood Watch, Speedwatch, Streetwatch etc. and an Inspector and Sergeant who work on collaboration with the fire service will hot-desk from there, backed by a community team, based at Biggleswade. This latest “Community Hub” adds to those already announced for Leighton Buzzard, Luton, Bedford, Biggleswade, Dunstable and Houghton Regis.

Sadly, none of this work can be recognised by our police watchdog – Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) – who can only take it into account once completed and bedded in to show that it is making a difference. Please be reassured that, in the meantime, the Chief Constable and I are doing everything possible to strengthen policing of your communities.”

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR TO THE EDITOR: You were kind enough to include an article on the Kempston Over-50’s Club in your January edition.

I just wanted to tell you that the outcome has been incredible. Since publication I have had a stream of callers asking for more details and yesterday we had our monthly meeting and were almost overwhelmed!

In January we had 35 people attend and yesterday it was well over 60.

We even had to send out for fresh supplies of milk for the tea/coffee break!

Most, if not all, had come as a result of seeing the article. I have also had calls from people who couldn’t make yesterday but are intending to come along to our next meeting which will be held at 2pm on 2 March at the Kempston Methodist Church Hall in Foster Road.

Thank you so much for giving us the space and for helping us through what could have been a difficult time for the club. All power to Kempston Calling and Rosetta Publishing David Longman

EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com

KEMPSTON PARK INDOOR BOWLS CLUB NEWS from page 5

of the club there was much that needed to be done to bring the facilities back to a good level and to make the club the place to belong to and the place to bowl.

Many small jobs were completed by dedicated members and the first major project (Year 1) of our 5 Year Plan was to update the Toilets and Changing Rooms. This was completed in 2016 at a cost of

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£100,000.00 and has now been fully paid for by grants and revenue from the clubs activities.

The Management Committee have now decided to move on with the next phase. In the confidence engendered by the success of the club, we have decided to add to the 2nd year plan, years 3 and part of year 4 of the 5Year Plan.

Besides having the confidence in the club financially, we have also realised that when we renew the bowling surface it would be realistic to complete the work above the surface at the same time to make sure that no damage would occur to the new surface if work were to done above it after the renewal.

That extra work is the replacement of the heating systems with a new Air Flow Heating & Air conditioning system (this will also be completed above the social area.

The toilets, changing rooms and offices will also benefit from new heating systems), the installation of a false ceiling just below the current roof level, and to be included in that ceiling new state of the art LED lighting panels which will bring our lighting levels over the playing surface to the EIBA recommended 500 lux level.

These areas will save energy and bring down the running costs.

All of these works will be completed with high quality as their criteria and awarded to contractors who have vast experience in the world of bowls.

The target set to those contractors will be that the whole project will be completed starting Monday April 24th and the club to open on Monday 8th May for the Summer Season.

This will be a very expensive but affordable project financed by some grants but mainly from the clubs revenue. Members’ money paying for members’ benefits, as it should be.

The Management Committee will make the final decision imminently and release the details to the membership forthwith.

All of this is further encouragement to join us, for bowling, for social or just come along for any reason whatever.

Our social facilities are also available for hiring’s and special functions.

Peter Smith – Director

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KEMPSTON CALLING MARCH 2017 — 13

In Focus with

ALL PARTY SUPPORT

The combined effect of massive government cuts and rising need for care services is a full-blown funding crisis for Bedford Borough Council. The Council’s main government grant is falling from £30 million in 2015 to under £6 million in 2019.

By 2020/21, there is a funding gap of £27.5 million.

In the face of this crisis for the Council, we were pleased that our budget received all party support, with thirty nine votes for and one against.

The budget includes tough decisions which frankly we do not want to make, but which are sadly unavoidable. It protects the vulnerable in need of vital care, so we are grateful for the overwhelming

6

STILL LOOKING FOR THE PLAN?

During a tour of Parliament, your attention may be drawn to the paintings that depict episodes in our history. Many convey tensions between church and state, others the battles between the monarchy and the people. All are about the pursuit, or allocation, of power.

Power comes in many forms and in complex societies like ours, power is dispersed and operates at multiple levels.

The Prime Minister is, probably, the most powerful individual in the country, but she is not our Head of State and she has to win majorities from both elected and unelected houses of Parliament to get anything enacted. Even then those pesky judges – the lynchpins of our freedoms – may have

Dave

by Dave Hodgson Mayor of Bedford

support for it across the Council chamber.

The budget includes more money for both adult and children’s social care, more money for emergency accommodation for the homeless and funds for the ongoing refurbishment of the Council’s older people’s residential homes. It also includes the school investment programme which will enable the transfer to the two-tier schools system and the replacement of all temporary classrooms.

In Focus with

Fuller Richard Fuller MP for Bedford & Kempston

We’ve seen the impact of the dire funding situation elsewhere, such as Surrey County Council’s initial plans for a 15% council tax rise, and Lancashire County Council closing 28 of its libraries.

The situation is very different here, with all libraries saved, for example. But as the government cuts continue to bite we are having to make some unwanted changes we have successfully averted until now, long after they became typical elsewhere.

We want to avoid the loss of services as far as possible, and that’s the motivation behind our new efficiency programme. This shift to digital technology to support more efficient working will save over £10 million per year which would otherwise have to be cut from services.

Meanwhile, I’ll keep up the fight for fairer funding from government, which is desperately needed.

or to encourage change – but they do not have executive power – the formal power to force changes in their communities. Ever since Bedford Borough voted to have an elected Mayor in 2002, executive power locally is in the hands – almost entirely – of our elected Mayor.

An elected Mayor cannot do everything, and he or she will always be constrained by the resources at their disposal. What a Mayor can, and should, do however is outline a vision for the community and an ambitious plan to achieve that vision; to have the confidence to articulate where we should be heading and to lobby and pressure for the steps needed to get there. Without such leadership, a community can falter.

Our first Mayor, Frank Branston, had a vision and a clear plan. Judged by the latest “Local Plan”, our current Mayor – after seven years in office – is still struggling.

£6.

something to say. And woe betide a Government which seeks to undertake a coup – our armed services and our police owe their loyalty to the Crown, not to the Government. Yet power is there and is exercised, sometimes forcefully, to promote our national interests.

Political power also exists at a local level. Members of Parliament have “convening” power – the power to bring people together to help focus on a problem

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THE UK’s largest independent brewer, Charles Wells, ended its 140th year since the brewery opened, on a high announcing increased profits.

Chief Executive of Charles Wells, Justin Phillimore, (pictured) said: “We had a great year celebrating our 140th year of brewing beer!

“Highlights included Estrella Damm extended their distribution contract with us for a further five years, excellent profit growth

across our managed houses in the UK and France, the launch of Charlie Wells Triple Hopped IPA and Bombardier Pale Ale, and ongoing investment in our leased and tenanted pubs to the tune of £3.7m, all equating to an increase in turnover across the business of £4.8m.

“We’ll be focussing investment in our managed houses, accelerating roll-out of our Pizza, Pots and Pints concept and actively looking for more sites across France”

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21st century science catching criminals

A Fingerprint Lab Technician is using forensic light sources to examine the fingerprints left on a discarded supermarket pastries’ box, knowing it could be the missing link to convicting a burglar at the scene of the crime.

Within the Scientific Services Unit which serves Bedfordshire Police and its partners in Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire, fingerprints are developed from such items as carrier bags and juice cartons by using superglue adhesive.

These prints can then be viewed by Fingerprint Experts to determine whether identifications can be made.

The nature of the work of the Scientific Services is very sensitive, so in order to protect the anonymity of those who work there we have not revealed their names in this article.

However, the Head of the Unit is clearly very proud that science is significantly contributing toward the conviction of criminals. “We have 60 Scenes of Crime – or SOCO – vans offering the same high level of service right the way across the three counties we serve.

“These vans are equipped with Wi-Fi, meaning that where appropriate we can remotely send fingerprints back to the Fingerprint Bureau for identification. A recent example of where this approach was taken led to the identification of a murder suspect in under 50 minutes from when the SOCO first arrived at the scene.”

“Victims of crime are sometimes surprised at the arrival of a Scenes of Crime Officer, rather than a police officer but due to the pressures on policing the SOCO role has changed over time, and depending on the nature of the offence we can be the only representative from force that attends the scene. We get very positive customer feedback in relation to how we deal with the public and the services that we provide.”

The Scientific Services Unit fully reflects the variety and type of evidence recovered by officers, including digital, video and CCTV formats, with a specialist Forensic Imaging Unit of analysts who are dedicated to the enhancement of photography and video.

There are many new techniques and technologies on the horizon within forensics such as a footwear pilot developed by the Metropolitan Police - “Treadscan” where a scanner instantly categorises and matches the sole of footwear worn by a suspect to prints previously left at the scene of a crime, and an App for a mobile phone, which can eliminate

USING THE INTERNET

the prints of a home-owner and family members when comparing them to fingerprints found at the scene.

The unit does not just work on current crimes but the type of historic “cold cases” recognisable to the viewers of television drama “Silent Witness.” They have recently had some really good cold case hits through the utilisation of recent advances in DNA technology.

KEMPSTON CALLING MARCH 2017 — 15

18 — KEMPSTON CALLING MARCH 2017

TEL: 07724 905406

EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com

Techological innovation at BGS on show

The new Bluebell Club – a big hit with youngsters

BEDFORD Girls’ School is welcoming over 100 visiting educators from Scandinavia and Poland into its classroom today and tomorrow to share best practice on how to integrate Apple iPad technology into the classroom.

The two-day visit of Danish, Finnish and Polish teachers comes after BGS was recently awarded Apple Distinguished School status, which recognises schools for their pioneering use of Apple technology in teaching and learning.

The designation from Apple is awarded to schools that meet the stringent criteria for innovation, leadership and educational excellence in the use of technology, and encourages schools to share their expertise with both local and international schools.

Miss MacKenzie, BGS Headmistress, said: “The School’s decision to roll out iPad Minis to all students across the whole school in September 2014 underlines our commitment to preparing girls for the future in a globalised world. Technology does not replace great teaching but it can transform learning and enhance the educational experience.

“By sharing this vision, and our expertise, with educators from overseas, we are hopefully playing a small part in technology coming to the forefront of education worldwide.”

During the visits BGS’ European colleagues will hear from Miss MacKenzie, Mr James Potter, Director of Digital Strategy, and Ms Kit Davies, Digital Design Creator. They will outline the School’s journey from the trialling of iPads to the full integration of them in to all aspects of the curriculum, high-

lighting how it is enhancing students’ learner attributes.

Following the presentations educators will go on learning walks, visiting a number of classes in the Junior and Senior schools, where they will examine how students are learning using the iPads, witnessing the plethora of ways that the devices can be integrated into the lessons.

To find out more about the Apple Distinguished School status award, visit www.apple.com/ education/apple-distinguishedschools

THE new school holiday club for children launched at Moggerhanger Park, Mogger hanger, Bedford during the February halfterm, proved to be a big hit with youngsters.

In a new venture The Bluebell Club, based in the Garden Room, ran a mixture of fun outdoor activities as well as arts, crafts, making and creating, all aimed at getting children involved in the outdoors, nature and finding out about the house and its grounds.

Those who attended had a great time taking part in treasure and scavenger hunts, den building, playing outdoor games, making seed pots, creating canvases and much more.

Organiser Karen said: “We are delighted with the response we received for this unique new club, nothing like this has been hosted at Moggerhanger before”. Karen added: “It is such a wonderful location and ideal for a club such as The Bluebell Club, there is so much space to explore and scope to do lots of exciting things.”

Following the success of the launch, the club returns for the Easter holiday and will run from Monday 3rd - Wednesday 5th April.

The club is open to children aged five years and over.

For more information, you can visit the web page at www.get intobed.org/BluebellClub.html

Moving your business on

MARKETING your shop or salonbased business can mean taking clients away from those premises.

Successful spa & salon owner Kerry Cash has been expanding her business base with Friends of 5th Avenue events at local venues.

A first lunch at the Dog House Kitchen in Willington, has been followed on by two suppers at The Embankment Hotel. Kerry brings together friends for fun offering a two course meal, free glass of bubbly, table gift, free raffle, and make-up demonstration for £25.

“It might seem counter-intuitive to take customers away from your business base but it is about developing a broader relationship with them.

“We have been in business for 18 years and we do like to give something back to our loyal clients, who have become friends, by arranging events like this.

Many of them are busy working wives and mothers and this is a chance for them to have some ‘me’ time, keep up to date with make-

up and beauty trends or just have a lovely night out,” said Kerry, “In turn we have the chance to gently remind them of the changing services we have on offer at 5th Avenue.

A former Businesswoman of the Year, Kerry’s bright ideas have led to her being on the board of the Bedford College Commercial Services Ltd, the commercial wing of the multi-million Bedford College.

Kerry was a high profile Board member of the Bedford Business Improvement District (BID) and has championed many good local causes and helped raise thousands for charity.

Her team take part in the annual Ladies” Day at Bedford Rugby Club by giving mini manicures to men and women from the crowd and she launched the first in car showroom beauty room at Mercedes in Ampthill Road.”

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Bikers support air ambulance

OVER 60 members of Oakley Motorcycle Club, met up at the Indiya restaurant on Bedford’s Broadway on Sunday January 25 for their annual curry afternoon.

The owners of the restaurant have for many years helped the club support East Anglia Air Ambulance by giving a percentage of the bill to the bikers’ favourite charity. This year the joint venture raised £500.

The Oakley-based club has over 430 members and is probably the largest multi-marque club in the country. They meet every Thursday evening at Oakley Sports and Social Club, this is not just a male preserve, the club has many female members who also are bike riders.

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Rotary Youth Leadership Award RYLA is an intensive eight day course supporting 18 – 26 year – olds as future business and community leaders, and the Kempston Rotary Club has been sponsoring candidates for many years. This course can be a life changing experience, and works by helping participants to find out about themselves; in creating a testing environment to explore skills and behaviours; creating challenges, both physical and mental; teaching how to be effective and confident leaders whilst encouraging involvement in the wider world.

The course is residential at the Outdoor Centre at West Perry on Grafham Water; there are outdoor elements such as sailing, canoeing and orienteering, and indoor activities encouraging effective decision making in business simulation; problem solving; team working; improving public speaking and presentation skills; understanding the problems of leadership and learning from one’s own mistakes.

Ideally a candidate who has some experience of work will gain most from the course, we are looking to build on potential, but late year apprenticeship, college or university students would be considered. However the candidate must be available for the entire 8 day duration of the award and proof of availability may be asked for. If you think you could profit from this type of experience and training, please contact drtonyb@ntlworld. com for details of application and interview.

July 29 – August 5

KEMPSTON CALLING MARCH 2017 — 19

Birding in Bedfordshire AT THIS time of year, when the weather can vary from hour to hour, the easy option is to sit watching television or reading a book. These can both be very enjoyable pursuits but they can’t replace the pleasure that can be gained from being outside and experiencing the natural world for yourself.

Going for a walk with a pair of binoculars in hand can be a wonderful distraction from a busy life or give a new interest that can last a lifetime. This is a good time to get

out and about whilst we still have many winter visitors such as Fieldfare, Redwing and maybe even Waxwing if you are lucky. Birds can be easier to see when the trees are bare and the grass and crops are quite short. Before long our summer visitors will arrive and the best time to see these is in early spring while they are singing for mates and nest building.

In our county we have a friendly local RSPB group based in Bedford who meet at least once a month.

During the summer months we lead free local evening walks and a Dawn Chorus event and throughout the year we have field trips to various reserves and other birding sites.

Indoor meetings (September to May) are at the ARA club in Manton Lane, Bedford. Our aim is to provide a social evening with interesting and knowledgeable speakers on a range of subjects. You don’t need to be an RSPB member to join us.

More details can be found at www.rspb.org.uk/groups/bedford.

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MARCH IN THE GARDEN – by Milton Ernest Garden Centre

O matter how large or small your garden if you love food cooking and growing things what can be better than growing your own fresh Fruit, Veg and Herbs to supplement your diet and you can do it all in POTS. You can carefully select the varieties to grow to maximize the quality, flavours and yield and of course only grow the things you really like. Here are some tried and tested varieties to try.

Last month in To Eat or Not To Eat we grew potatoes in pots. To recap you will need a 45cm tub or barrel for three tubers to produce a good crop of delicious new potatoes the recommended variety to use is Rocket. Put about 15cms of compost in the bottom of the barrel and the potatoes on top. Cover with compost and continue to add compost as the foliage grows until the barrel is full. Feed with Growmore and keep watered. Harvest in June.

Sow Mixed Lettuce Leaves and Rocket Runaway in a trough approximately 45cms long and 15cms deep in Jacks Magic Compost. It is only about eight weeks before they are ready to eat so keep sowing small quantities every two weeks for a continuous supply. Courgette Buckingham Yellow and Cucumber Marketmore are very productive in pots. Keep the

N

From pot to pot

plants watered and fed with tomato food and cut as soon as the fruits mature for crops throughout the summer. Excellent for oriental cooks is Pak Choi Green Revolution it matures quickly and there is no wastage as we wilt the whole vegetable in sesame oil for about fiur minutes.

Another brilliant cropper is Climbing bean Cobra. Grow in a large pot making a wigwam of bamboo canes Plant two seeds to each cane and harvest when the pods are about 12cms long and very thin for great flavour.

Tomatoes, Peppers and Chillies are all brilliant for pot culture. Start the seeds on a sunny windowsill in seed compost in March and only plant in the final place after the last frost.

All these vegetables like a sunny place, regular tomato food and water but give great rewards.

Sub Arctic Plenty is an excellent small tomato and Alicante is large. Both set well in cooler climates. King of the North a large variety of Salad Pepper also cooks well and Prairie Fire is a hot small Chillie.

Herbs grown in pots are fantastic because

EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com they can be on a sunny kitchen windowsill or outside the back door, so convenient when finishing a dish or serving. I always have Basil Aroma and Coriander Cliantro growing on my kitchen sink windowsill, so easy to water them there. Outside the backdoor are Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme (you can sing it if you want) Oregano and Chives. These plants will grow for at least a couple of seasons if you plant using John Innes Compost and feed with a slow release fertilizer. Keep harvesting herbs and if they are growing faster than you use them put on trays to dry, freeze or microwave for winter use.

To grow Strawberries and Raspberries in pots choose a glazed, plastic or fibre glass container not terracotta which dries out too quickly. Any good compost like Westland JI with Multicompost is suitable and the container should be raised on bricks or pot feet to give good drainage.

Any variety of Strawberry will do well but at the moment there is only one Raspberry, Ruby Beauty. Blueberries are the easiest crop and highest yielding of all fruit to grow.

They need acidic soils so ericaceous compost with added mycorrhizal compound.

So from Pot to Pot all so delicious and fresh and all your own grown.

Garden notes

by Richard Callaghan

AT last, after what seems a grey eternity, what could be called Gardeners Manic March has arrived. This is when at the first glimpse of some hazy sun we rush to our seed boxes to see what we can sow, very often without worrying too much about the soil conditions.

After a cold wet winter like we have just had, which included a few very welcome frosts, it will take some time for the soil temperature to get above the ten degrees that most things ne for germination. If you haven’t got cloches or some plastic sheeting to warm the soil it is just as well to wait a week or so. Things will get away faster and grow better when the soil is warm. Tomatoes take eight weeks from sowing to planting out when frosts have finished so any time in the next couple of weeks takes us up to the middle of May which should be about right.

They like some warmth to germinate, but once they are going they are pretty hardy so as long as you can give them lots of light and a reasonable temperature they should be fine. Don’t sow them

too thickly to prevent damping off and legginess. I read a report recently about a new variety called Mountain Magic grown out doors last year proved to be almost imper-vious to blight even while other varieties round them suffered. It did not mention the flavour though!

A nice steamy bedroom window should be fine for them to grow on. There should be room, as the seed potatoes that were there to chit can be put somewhere cooler now ready to be planted by the end of the month.

Over the Christmas period some of the frosts were so hard they even got into the polytunnel but fortunately the worst of them had passed by the time I sowed my seeds in there so I hope that they will be alright. This year will be a large learning curve to discover what I can get away with in there and what I can’t. It will be interesting to find out just how early and how late things can be grown in there.

Kempston Hoo Allotments have one or two plots available for immediate use. If interested, please ring David on 01234 853163.

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Running the Marathon for Keech Hospice Care

Hi everyone, Most of you know me for various different reasons, whether it be professionally or personally, either way sorry :) I know I’m a nightmare ahahaha!

Nightmare or not I have volunteered to participate in the London Marathon this year and pledging to raise £2,500 to be able to run on behalf of Keech Hospice Care and help support them You may wonder why I have decided to suppose Keech Hospice Care over other charities and the main reason is any charity is the right charity. Everyone’s lifes have been affected by some sort of illness within their friends and family Also due to my role within Sainsburys DHL our site is dedicated to support Keech Hospice Care and have done since the set up of our depot, so I have built a bond with Keech over the years and have seen what great things they have done with their money they recieve from donations;

upgrading their facilities and supporting not only the sick children but supporting their family not only during but afterwards which makes a big difference to these peoples lives.

I would really appreciate it if you would sponsor me, it doesn’t have to be an extravagant amount every little helps, and in the mean time leading up to the event, I will be doing a few silly fundraisers to try and make up any outstanding funds e.g. car wash in fancy dress For anyone who does sponsor me, I am truly greatful as this will be an experience of a life time and a great opportunity for Keech to recieve well needed funding Thank you in advance – love you all.

Zara Carroll

As mentioned Zara works for DHL and also plays football for Luton Town Ladies.

If we could get some company sponsorship that would be fantastic.

To donate go to: virginmoneygiving.com and search for “Zara Carroll”

KEMPSTON CALLING MARCH 2017 — 21

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The BIG Easter Egg Hunt

Runs from Saturday March 25 to Saturday april 22

FOLLOWING the success of the Bedford Chronicles App which was launched with Bedford Chronicles partner Digitwell Solutions at the start of the 2016 Autumn half-term, in another first for Bedford, the free fun app returns for the Easter Holiday.

This time there are loads more features and some yummy chocolate prizes to be won!

Virtual ‘eggs’ will be hidden across Bedford and the aim of the game is to find them all. There are some located in Bedford town centre as well as in some of Bedford’s parks. It is easy to play, players simply download the free app and set their location now the hunt can begin. There is a map to help navigate and clues to help users find the hidden eggs. As before there will also be some interesting, ‘Did You Knows’ and ‘Cool Facts’ about Bedford’s past, so players will find out a bit more about some of the locations they visit that they might not have known before. So not only will the app get players out and about they may even learn some things about Bedford’s fascinating story along the way.

Once all the virtual ‘eggs’ have been collected players can enter into a free prize draw to be in with a chance to win a real Chocolate Easter Egg or two!

Karen Fryc from The Bedford Chronicles said: “We were delighted by the response the app received when it was first launched last year, especially as something like this has never been done in Bedford before, and we are so excited that we have been able to bring it back this Easter.”, Karen added: “We have been working hard with Andrew from Digitwell Solutions who has been able to incorporate lots of new technology to make the app even bigger and better!”

The app can be played by anyone who has access to an Android or iPhone and is completely free to download and play. The app itself will run for four weeks across the Easter holiday and will launch on Saturday 25th March. Players will be able to download the app to their phone from The Bedford Chronicles website, or via their phones at The Google Play or Apple Store.

KEMPSTON CALLING MARCH 2017 — 23

Charities benefit from Community Awards

CHARITIES across Luton and Bedfordshire have been invited to apply for a cash boost from this year’s Community Awards.

Over the last seven years the awards have recognised and rewarded the magnificent teams and people who make up the vibrant, multicultural community across Luton and Bedfordshire.

In that time, a host of charities have benefited from a combined total of £100,000, including the Luton & Dunstable Hospital and Level Trust to name just two. The money comes from donations from sponsors as well as fundraising on the night of the award presentations.

Mostaque Koyes, the awards’ organiser, said: “This year, for the first time, we are formalising the process of applying for what is likely

to be a substantial amount of money.

“It is possible that we could have a pot of around £20,000 and we want to make sure it reaches the causes that best reflect the community aims and objectives of the awards.”

“We will also want to know how being the Community Awards chosen charity for 2017 will benefit the charity and the people they seek to help so our committee can come to a decision.”

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out & about music competition Dub Pistols 20th tAnniversary Tour

Dr Feelgood + The Reformers

Bedford Esquires 8pm, Saturday April 1

As they gear up to celebrate 20 years of riotous marauding, the Dub Pistols are prepping their seventh asyet-untitled album in 2017 and there’ll be a documentary about the band dropping at some point in the year too. In the meantime they are out on the road this spring as usual, earning their reputation as the hardest working band in showbiz and return to Esquires following on from 2016’s sell out gig.

Over their career the Dub Pistols have worked with heroes like The Specials, Busta Rhymes, Horace Andy, Madness and Gregory Isaacs.

A kinda 21st century equivalent of 2-Tone acts The Specials or The

Free Easter Egg Trail John Bunyan Museum Saturday 1st to Saturday April 22.

Bring your children to the Museum for some free and easy Easter fun.

Hunt the coloured cardboard eggs among the displays, rearrange the letters on them to find the mystery word or phrase, and win a chocolate egg and sticker.

Quotes from children who have done the Easter Egg Trail in the past include: ‘I liked going into the pulpit to see if an egg was there’ and ‘It was fun and the museum wasn’t too big’.

Beat, the Dub Pistols are the quintessential festival band. Coming over a bit like if King Tubby and The Skatalites bumped into Terry Hall at a Goldie gig, the Dubs have reached their two decade milestone with a lot of ups and downs along

The Museum’s free Easter Egg Hunt runs from Saturday 1st to Saturday 22nd April.

The Museum is open from 11am to 4pm, Tuesday to Saturday (closed on Good Friday).

There are lots of other quizzes for children to do too. Just ask the friendly steward on duty.

The John Bunyan Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11am – 4pm until the end of October (closed on Good Friday).

Admission is free.

For more details contact the Curator, Nicola Sherhod, on 01234 270303 or e-mail curator@bunyanmeeting.co.uk. www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk/museum

Bedford Esquires 8pm Friday March 17

the way. They´ve burned through different members and hundreds of thousands of pounds on assorted capers and hedonism. It should have been a recipe for oblivion, but the band that started out in the mid-90s with Barry DJing while musicians jammed over the top has metamorphosed into a mighty reggaematic bass-driven live machine, a super-tight festival regular that keeps winning over new fans at Glastonbury, Bestival, BeatHerder and across Europe.

“To be honest it doesn’t feel like 20 years’’ says frontman Barry Ashworth, “Much of it has been a blur and hard to remember, you just keep going — looking forward — and then one day you stop and look back and go, ‘Wow where did the time go?’ So much has happened, so many ups and downs, so many lifts off into space and then crash on reentry.”

Special guest support from Kioko + DJ. Tickets on sale now – Long may the Pistols continue to mash up the place!

Tickets £13 advance, available from online from Seetickets and in person from Esquires Bar, Planet Boutique in Bedford, Mario’s Hair Design in Kempston and Vinyl Revelations in Luton.

WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO SEE THE DUB PISTOLS – JUST ANSWER THESE TWO QUESTIONS: How many years have Dub Pistols been together?

What is the Dub Pistols frontman called?

Email your answers to: sally@thepadpresents.com

Formed on Canvey Island in Essex in the early 1970s Dr Feelgood remains one of the most popular and exciting live rhythm and blues acts in the world. The raw and uncompromising style of their performance resulted in the album Stupidity that immediately went to the number one position in the UK .

Dr Feelgood have also enjoyed global success with a string of hit singles including Roxette, Back in the Night, Milk and Alcohol, Down at the Doctors, She Does it Right, Going Back Home and See You Later Alligator – which gave the group their first gold record. Punky Ska’n’B, taking a sprinkling of influence from both Ska and the original RnB sound to help form their set of original tunes, and the band continue to tour extensively throughout the world.

The last album to feature Lee Brilleaux – Down at the Doctors, was recorded live at the Dr Feelgood Music Bar on Canvey Island, (now the site of the Oysterfleet Hotel) just two months before he died.

The current line-up features the rhythm section Kevin Morris on drums and Phil Mitchell on bass (both 33years), Steve Walwyn on guitar (26 years), and Robert Kane (formerly of the Animals) the most recent addition – joining in 1999.

Julien Temple’s film Oil City Confidential released on 2nd February 2010 tells the story of the bands formative years featuring the Wilko Johnson era.

May 2011 saw the digitally re– mastered re-release of Chessmasters originally released in 2000 on EMI Records … the band’s tribute to the Chess label, home to many of the finest blues artists of the 20th century and the first Dr Feelgood album to feature Robert on vocals.

On their last visit to Bedford the band played to a packed Corn Exchange, this time we bring them back to their club roots for a night of maximum RnB at Esquires.

Taking the main support slot is rock’n’roll band The Reformers.

Tickets are on sale now – £16 from Seeticketsor from Esquires Bar, Planet Boutique & Mario’s Hair Design.

TEL: 07724 905406 ADS: advertising@rosettapublishing.com

Launch of children’s Writing Competition

Announcing the launch of John Bunyan Museum’s annual competition for school-age children and young people, ‘Sincerely, Elizabeth Bunyan.’

We are asking you to imagine you are Elizabeth Bunyan: your husband John has just been imprisoned for his beliefs. You have been left to look after the children, and must be strong and fight for his freedom. As Elizabeth, write a 500 word letter to the powerful Judge Hale, to plead and argue for his pardon and release.

Curator Nicola Sherhod says: “Elizabeth Bunyan is a forgotten heroine: she was brave and courageous. She tried over and again

to be heard by the Judges, and threw a letter into the coach of one of them as he passed, as well as visiting the Swan Hotel to plead in front of an intimidating group of Judges, Justices and gentry.”

There are four age groups: school years 1-3, 4-6, 7-9, and 1013, with a first, second, and third prize in each of the categories.

Closing date for the competition is 5th June 2017, the winners will be announced prior to a presentation evening on Tuesday 4th July 2017.

The John Bunyan Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11am – 4pm (closed on Good Friday). Admission is free.

For more details contact the Curator, Nicola Sherhod, on 01234 270303 or e-mail curator@bunyanmeeting.co.uk www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk/museum

A tribute to Bruce Springsteen St Cuthberts Hall 7.30pm April 8

The Bootleg Boss is the real deal. A Springsteen fan for over 25 years, living and breathing the spirit of the New Jersey landscape and developing an amazing way of delivering the music of The Boss.

From the early days of Greetings from Asbury Park through Born to Run, The River, Born in the USA and later albums, the Bootleg Boss gives 100% commitment in an amazing show with his own E Street Band of seasoned musicians – creating a truly authentic sound and live experience. www.stcuthbertshall.co.uk/

KEMPSTON CALLING MARCH 2017 — 25

26 — KEMPSTON CALLING MARCH 2017 MARCH IN KEMPSTON LIBRARY

Regular Weekly Events: Mondays 2:15pm Pre-School Story Time Mondays 3:30-5:30pm Lego Club Tuesdays 11am Rhyme Time Tuesdays 2pm Wiggles and Jiggles Baby Group Tuesdays 3:30pm Homework Centre Wednesdays 2:30pm Family Colouring Club Thursdays 11am Wiggles and Jiggles Baby Group Thursdays 2pm Knit and Natter

BEDFORD ORGAN & KEYBOARD CLUB THE ADDISON CENTRE –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

A CONCERT BY

ABDREW NIX WEDNESDAY 29 MARCH 7.30 – 10.00pm –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Members £5 PAY AT Non-Members £6 DOOR –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Contact: 01234 344423 www/Organfax/clubs/Bedford

Thursdays 3:30pm Homework Centre Fridays 3:30-5:30pm Lego Club Saturdays 10:30am – 3:30pm Saturday Kids Club Special Events in March: Wednesday 1st March 2:30pm Adult Craft Club (£1 per session).

Thursday 2nd March World Book Day Peppa Pig Activities Friday 3rd March: 4pm Adult Creative Writing Group.

Saturday 4th March Saturday Kids Club World Book Day Pig Special!

Monday 6th March: 4:30pm Chatterbooks Reading Group for 8-12 year olds.

Wednesday 29th March: 2:30pm Adult Craft Club (£1 per session).

We have a full programme of Easter holiday activities coming up, that will all be revealed in the April edition of Kempston Calling.

Sessions for basic computer help. Need help with your tablet? Book a one to one session now!

Housebound Library Link and Mobile Library services also available.

Homework Centre for Middle and Upper School students, every Tuesday and Thursday term time, 3:30-5:30pm.

Download the Bedfordshire Library App from the Apple and Play Store now!

For further details on all the Library events and services, visit the virtual library via www.bedford.gov.uk/libraries

TEL: 07724 905406

EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com

THE

con club KEMPSTON 01234 851120 Saturday 4th March THE AMAZING FIVE PIECE GIRL BAND

SUGASOUL SISTERIN Saturday 11th March THE ONE AND ONLY

SOUL MAN Saturday 18th March

LAUREN ASHLEIGH Saturday 25th March

JAMES LEONARD Saturday 1st April For the last time this year before his summer tour – THE FANTASTIC

JOE SCRIPPS SAM SMITH AND OLLY MURS TRIBUTE NIGHT

Sunday 2nd April

JUMBLE SALE

OUR BIG CHARITY EVENT

11am till 1pm in aid of motor neurone disease

Sunday 16th April

IN AID OF A LOCAL FRIEND SUFFERING WITH MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE Bouncy Sumo, live singers, raffles, auction, BBQ, charity football match at Kempston Rovers men verses women – all proceeds going to our good friend for future support and Motor Neurone Society all welcome We are also collecting for the jumble sale. good quality White Elephant, clothes, toy’s, baby clothes, bric-a-brac, also raffle prizes being collected if you can help

DIARY DATE Saturday 6th May ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S BEST ELVIS TRIBUTE

LEIGH CASLING Memberships still being taken don’t miss out on being part of the best club in Bedford for entertainment – all free to members – also sky sports – racing UK Sky Sports + on SUPER SUNDAY Fosters and Eagle Smooth 50p a pint cheaper between 1pm-6pm

CHECK FOR DETAILS www.facebook.com/conclub.kempston

TEL: 07724 905406 ADS: advertising@rosettapublishing.com

the place p Hancock’s Half Hour

To celebrate over 60 years of Hancocks Half Hour, written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson, James Hurn a talented actor and impressionist will be performing three classic episodes of Hancocks half hour, voicing the entire cast.

6pm Sunday March 5

FILM: Manolito Gafotas/Manolito Four Eyes The summer is not looking promising for Manolito Gafotas as he is condemned one again, to spend the holidays in a small flat with his mother, his grandfather and his small brother - until his usually absent father shows up to take him on a road trip that they won’t forget.

Based on the popular children’s books by Elvira Lindo (but rated 15+ because of some nudity and adult humour). Shown in Spanish with English subtitles. Running time 1hr 29mins.

7.30pm Tuesday March 7

FOLK NIGHTS: Pagoda Project 8pm Thursday March 9 (doors 7.30pm)

Captivating and original, Folk Jazz fusion.

Created by Paul Hutchinson (Piano Accordion) and Karen Wimhurst (Clarinets) to evolve their fusion sound, Pagoda Project brings together a unique blend of traditional folk music with jazz improvisation to create a warm and dynamic sound. Their debut album Clarion attracted a five star review in Songlines magazine and Paul and Karen are have been enthralling audiences with their entertaining delivery and enchanting performances.

Paul Hutchinson, also known for Belshazzars Feast, and Karen Wimhurst, previously a member of the Cauld Blast Orchestra, have a

www.theplacebedford.org.uk/ 01234 354321

wealth of musical experience in a diverse range of genres from classical to folk. Both are talented composers, educators and performers and are highly regarded musicians in their own right.

The Pendulum Swings 7.30pm Friday 10 and Saturday March 11

A-Game Entertainment returns to The Place before a national tour of the smash hit, dark comedy, The Pendulum Swings. Present day Death Row, two men await their executions. The days are long and numbered. All Frank and Michael have is each other and the friendship they built through a wall. As Frank’s time draws near, the youthful and tormented Michael must try come to terms with the idea of losing his only family. Will he understand the way life works and make his peace in time?

Diary of a Hounslow Girl You’ve heard of an Essex Girl or even a Chelsea Girl but what is a Hounslow Girl?

From traditional Pakistani weddings to fights on the night bus, The Diary of a Hounslow Girl is told through the eyes of a hooped earring, headscarf wearing 16 year old British Muslim Girl growing up in West London. A funny, bold, provocative play highlighting the challenges of being brought up as a young woman in a traditional Muslim family, alongside the temptations and influences growing up in and around London.

7pm Tuesday March 14

StageWrite17 7.30pm Wednesday 29 March 29 – Saturday April 1

Bedford’s most popular new writing event has seen writers from Bedford and further afield compete to see their play performed at the festival.

From the huge number of plays submitted this year, StageWrite will produce four evenings of new writing including comedy and drama on a range of themes.

KEMPSTON CALLING MARCH 2017 — 27

comedy p Maddest, silliest Ent Shed, Bedford Doors 7.30pm March 9

Castle Comedy returns on Thursday March 9th at The Gordon Arms, Ent Shed in Bedford. The show will be packed full of comedy talent and the laughs are guaranteed!

Headlining the night is the Raymond & Mr Timkins Revue.

They are without a doubt the maddest, silliest, stupidest, cleverest and funniest double act of comedians on the circuit! Likened to Morecambe and Wise and the Two Ronnies, they can bring the house down with nothing more than a couple of Lidl carrier bags and an Oasis song! If you like music and let’s face it, who doesn’t, you’ll like them. If you like silliness, middle aged men dancing and unsavoury acts, you’ll probably love them!

“A mad, anarchic triumph of stupidity over style. Not to be missed” THE GuaRDian Opening the show is adam Vincent, an Australian who has made Bedford his home! He was a huge success ‘Down Under’ representing Australia in NBC’s Last Comic Standing. His career in the UK has gone from strength to

strength and he is part of the writing team for the hugely successful Last Leg on Channel 4. Adam’s stand up is chipper and hilarious yet darkly subversive at the same time.

Completing the bill is Dave chawner. Dave is an award winning comic, published author and mental health campaigner.

‘This is one comic you have to make the effort to see’ THE ScoTTiSH HERaLD To book call 07736 060541 or online at www.castlecomedy.co.uk

A Great Music Festival For Lovers of Everything Vintage Following last year’s amazing sell-out success, we are excited to annou

nce...

TWINWOOD FESTIVAL • BEDFORDSHIRE • 25, 26, 27, 28 AUGUST 2017

• OVER 100 LIVE PERFORMANCES OF MUSIC FROM THE 1920S TO THE 1960S • THIRTEEN GREAT VENUES • ACRES OF DANCE FLOORS • 150 VINTAGE TRADERS • HAIR & BEAUTY • COMEDY & CABARET • DANCE WORKSHOPS • INTERESTING MUSEUMS • CLASSIC CAR DISPLAYS • GREAT BARS & FOOD INCL. CARVERY • LARGE CAMPSITE W/ GENEROUS PITCHES • GLAMPING & LUXURY CAMPING AVAILABLE • LATE NIGHT CLUBS & DJ SESSIONS

2017

TICKETS

ON SALE NOW

THE MANFREDS • SI CRANSTOUN • ROY G HEMMIN GS • THE GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA THE REVOLUTIONAIRES • THE CHICAGO STOMPERS • DOW N

FOR THE COUNT • ZOOT SERIOUS • JIVE ACES • MIKE SANCHEZ ELECTRIC SWING CIRCUS • FLEUR DE PARIS • STICK Y WICK ET • BASI N STRE ET BRAW LERS • THRE J J KING • THE ZOOTS • LAURA B • BENOIT E BELLES & THE BEVIN BOYS VIELLEFON • THE DAISY

THUNDERBRIDGE BLUEGRASS • KING PLEASURE

CHAINS • CHAMPAGNE CHARLIE • BAMBOOZLE • BO WALTON

BISCUIT BOYS • MUDIBU & THE JEZEBEL SEXTET DUSTY LIMITS • GOOD ROCKIN’ TONIGHT • MAT • LOLA LAMOUR • MOSCOW DRUG CLUB WALKLATE & PAOLO FUSCHI • THE BOBCATS • KIERAN TOWERS & CHARLOTTE CARRIVICK • THE THE GOAT ROPER RODEO BAND • LOUNGE CAT KING CATS • GREGGI G • COUNTRY CATTIN’ • IDEALS JOHNNY & THE JAILBIR & THE

DS • COCO BOHÈME • STILL-MOVING DJS • SWING NOIR

...PLUS MANY MORE - STILL TO BE ANNOUNCED!

to kets this year, it is advised Due to high demand for tic ice. ntage of our “Early Bird” pr va ad ke ta to o als d an , rly book ea

824773 OR FOR INFO CALL 01234

CLICK:

stival.com

www.twinwoodfe

THREE AND A HALF DAYS OF ENTERTAINMENT STARTING FROM FRIDAY 25TH AUGUST

TEL: 07724 905406 ADS: advertising@rosettapublishing.com

KEMPSTON CALLING MARCH 2017 — 29

NEW LOOK – NO MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED

Daley’s Bedford Road, Kempston FRIDAY 31st MARCH

SOPHIA SOUL TICKETS £3 in advance £5 on the door

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

SATURDAY 29th APRIL

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

BINGO 9pm Every Sunday ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

3 POOL TABLES in the bar

01234 851143

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

DR SKA IN THE BAR – FREE

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

“Sweet as a nut”

SATURDAY 13th MAY

TRIBUTE TO ELVIS

JC ARON TICKETS: £2 in advance £5 on the door Check him out here: www.tribute-to-elvis.co.uk

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

NOW IN THE BAR

FUNCTION ROOM FOR HIRE ★★★★★★★

SUITABLE FOR ALL OCCASIONS NEWLY

REFURBISHED

Holds up to 120 flexible seating arrangements ★★★★★★★

www.facebook.com/daleysclub Email: daleysclub@outlook.com

Mon-Thurs 11.30am–12midnight, Fri-Sat 11.30am-1am, Sunday 12noon-12midnight

30 — KEMPSTON CALLING MARCH 2017 TEL: 07724 905406 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––– KEMPSTON HAMMERS ADDISON CENTRE KEMPSTON TABLE TOP SALE, BEDFORD MUSIC CLUB FUN BINGO Sat 18th March 9am to noon, MUSIC ON THURSDAYS SOCIAL DANCE Wednesday 29th March christ the King church Hall, Kitty Whately, mezzo soprano, EVENING £1.00 on the door Harrowden Road, Bedford MK42 0SP Stalls £5 per table.

Entry 50p. For info please call Sue on 01234 965497

Eyes down 8pm EVERYONE WELCOME

Sat 18th March from 7.30pm christ the King church hall, Harrowden Road, Bedford MK41 0SP Music from The Three Cups and Malakey.

Bring and share food, Bar, Raffle Tickets £5 adult and £3 children Call Sue on 01234 965497 for tickets.

Records Service Bedfordshire Archives is pleased to present their new exhibition Thinking of You, With Love.

The exhibition brings together some of the most personal and emotive records from a variety of collections and time periods, and provides a touching insight into the lives of ordinary folk in Bedfordshire going back hundreds of years.

Postcards, valentines and letters sent between friends and family members will be on display. Among the items in the exhibition are a series of letters from First World War soldier Wilfred Hammond to his family in Tavistock Street, Bedford.

Also on display is a coded love letter written by a local man to his married lover in the eighteenth century; and a handmade valentine sent by an Elstow man to his bride-to-be in 1860.

The exhibition runs until the end of March and can be viewed in the Riverside Building, Borough Hall, Bedford: Monday - 9.15am-5pm Tuesday -9am-5pm Wednesday - 9pm-5pm Friday - 9am-5pm

–––––––––––––––––––––––– THINKING OF YOU, –––––––––––––––––––––––– WITH LOVE… IRISH DANCE From Bedfordshire Archives and

–––––––––––––––––––––––– TEA DANCE Friday 24th March 2pm to 4pm christ the King church Hall, Harrowden Road, Bedford, MK42 0SP Entry £3 which includes tea and cake and some lovely music to dance to.

BEDFORD RSPB LOCAL GROUP Meet at ARA club Manton Lane Bedford MK41 7PF. Thursday 16Th March 7.30pm Steve Lovell presents

––––––––––––––––––––––––

‘BRITISH BIRDS OF PREY’

The past, present and future of these magnificent birds.

Entrance fee, group members £1 Guest £2 annual group membership £5

–––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––– BRING AND SING BEDFORD SINFONIA

St. Peter’s church, Bedford Saturday 25 March 7.30pm Conductor: Michael Rose Soloist: James Jarvis (Cello) The orchestra presents a concert of two halves - the first featuring four short works for strings, and the second a great work for wind.

Mendelssohn - String Symphony no. 4 Sibelius - Romance R Strauss - Romance for Cello and Orchestra Dvorak - Nocturne Mozart - Gran Partita for Wind K361 Tickets: Adults £12, Concessions £10, Children/Students £5. Please call 01234 718044 or go to www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk For further details visit www.bedfordsymphony.com

CONCERT

ADDISON CENTRE KEMPSTON FUND RAISING

––––––––––––––––––––––––

Mon 13th MaRcH 2.00pm to 4.30pm £3.00 (INCL CUPPA) Tel: 01234 851877 or 01234 340997 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

TEA DANCE

FAURE REQUIEM Saturday 1st april.

Join Kempston Musical Society at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Midland Road, Bedford.

Proceeds to be donated to St Francis Support of Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Northern Uganda charity.

Singers - £5. Rehearsal 4pm. Music and Refreshments provided. Dress White top, Black bottom.

Audience - £6. Concert 7.30pm.

More details – Janet 01234 781010.

BEDFORD NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION Tuesday, 21st March at 2.30 Speaker Alexandra Milner on

––––––––––––––––––––––––

“HISTORY OF THE FANYS”

The First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (Princess Royal’s Volunteer Corps); an all-female organisation, started in 1907.

Meeting takes place in the Addison Centre, Kempston.

Tea and biscuits will be served.

Cost £3.00 for NT guests and £3.50 for non-NT guests.

You will receive a warm welcome if you attend.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

William Vann, piano Songs by Purcell, Mahler,Schubert, Barber, Horovitz, Dove, Sondheim 7.45pm Thursday 30 March Bedford Girls’ School Tickets £18, Students (18-25) £5, Under 18 £2 on the door or from 01234 261811 www.bedfordmusicclub.co.uk

SaT 4th MaRcH From 7.45 to 11.00pm Licensed Bar – Raffle Tea/Coffee Admission at door £5.00 For further information ring 01234 851877

DANCING, WHIST, BINGO Meets Wednesday 10am-12noon Friday 10am-4.00pm

HISTORY SOCIETY 7:30pm Wednesday 8th March Illustrated talk:

–––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––– KEMPSTON SENIOR BEDFORD ARCHITECTURAL, ARCHAEOLOGICAL, & LOCAL CITIZENS’ CLUB at the CENTENARY HALL, behind Kempston Town Hall, Bedford Road For further information telephone:

01234 857011

–––––––––––––––––––––––– KEMPSTON GARDENS ASSOCIATION

If you are interested gardening why not come along to our meetings.

New members and visitors always welcome.

We meet the second Wednesday of most months of the year in All Saints Church Hall, Cemetery Road Kempston. We have speakers and demonstrations covering every aspect of gardening from Window Boxes to Allotments and outings are also arranged throughout the year.

For further information contact Trevor on 01234 856040 or Marian on 01234 855288 BEDFORD LOCAL GROUP OF THE WILDLIFE TRUST 7.30pm Wednesday 8th March

––––––––––––––––––––––––

an illustrated talk by Peter Holden MBE. Peter, a well known naturalist, will reveal the strategies and structures birds use to protect their eggs and young.

Priory Methodist church Hall, newnham avenue Bedford MK41 9QJ. Plenty parking available, All welcome, no charge but voluntary contributions are appreciated.

Further details available under Events on www.wildlifebcn.org or at 01234 266057 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

‘NESTING’’

WORLD SHIP SOCIETY

BEDFORD BRANCH Kempston Constitution Club 196A Bedford Road, Kempston 3rd WEDNESDAY in the month 19:30 for 20:00 start

15 March Branch AGM,

followed by a presentation by Bill Barber entitled “Coals to Newcastle NSW” Telephone: 01234 352014 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

‘A BEDFORDSHIRE BOBBY GOES TO WAR’

Clive Emsley (Emeritus Professor of History, Open University) Putnoe Heights church & community centre Bedford MK41 8EB Non-members welcome - £2-00 entry Enquiries (01234) 365095 www.baalhs.org.uk Bedfordshire Family History Society 7.15pm Friday 3rd March Interested in Family History? Come along to our next monthly talk

––––––––––––––––––––––––

“BRICK WALLS & DIGGING DEEPER INTO YOUR FAMILY HISTORY”

by Gill Blanchard held in the Drama Hall of Mark Rutherford School, Wentworth Drive, Bedford MK41 8PX Members free, visitors £1. www.bfhs.org.uk ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

KEMPSTON AND DISTRICT MODEL RAILWAY SOCIETY

Every Monday 7.30 to 10.00 At the Church of the Transfiguration rear church hall New members welcome For further details contact Brian Woodcock on 07795251988 or brianwoodcock@btinternet.com –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ALL SAINTS PARISH CHURCH KEMPSTON

FULL AFTERNOON TEA & A GUIDED TOUR

of this historic church to visiting groups of 10 or above at a cost per head of £7.95.

Contacts are Janet Fardell on 01234 855158 email:martinandjanet1@btinternet.com or Frances Leonard on 01234 852480 email: francesmleonard@gmail.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

TEL: 07724 905406 ADS: advertising@rosettapublishing.com

KEMPSTON CALLING MARCH 2017 — 31

Edward Bawden and his Studio

The Ladykillers

Edward Bawden Gallery February 11, 2017 – January 28, 2018

7.30pm Monday 13 to Saturday March 18

Edward Bawden and his Studio, a new exhibition showcasing the work of influential British artist and designer Edward Bawden (1903– 1989) opens at The Higgins Bedford on 11th February 2017.

During the eight years prior to his death in 1989, the renowned watercolourist, printmaker, illustrator, designer and former Official War Artist Edward Bawden donated the contents of his studio to Bedford. From the walls of his house, the insides of cupboards and the drawers of his plan chest came adverts for Fortnum & Mason, Ealing Comedy posters, plates for Wedgwood, letters and photographs; an entire life’s work. In his workroom in the attic of Brick House, Great Bardfield, his Essex home for four decades, or later in his plant-filled studio in Saffron Walden, Bawden worked hours ‘that no self-respecting trade unionist would consider, and no shop steward condone for a moment’.

Bawden produced a huge body of work during a long career spanning most of the twentieth century. This new exhibition will focus on Bawden’s life in the studio, through his letters, photographs and

Sharnbrook Mill Theatre A band of hapless criminals face their worst nightmare: a little old lady!

With a brand-new, sparkling script, The Ladykillers is a black comedy, adapted from the celebrated Ealing film by Father Ted writer, Graham Linehan, brought to you by the award winning Sharnbrook Mill Theatre Trust. Set in 1950’s London,

Mrs Wilberforce is a sweet, innocent little old lady, who rents out her lopsided house to a group of amateur musicians, who aren’t all that they seem!

They’re actually a band of criminal misfits, who will stop at nothing to cover up their crimes.

With only her pet parrot, General Gordon, to help her, Mrs Wilberforce is left alone with five desperate men.

But who will be forced to face the music? www.sharnbrookmilltheatre.co.uk

most importantly his work.

Bawden often took inspiration from his surroundings and the views from his studio frequently feature in his work. He was also meticulously tidy, and the order and discipline he applied to his designs was equally in evidence in his workroom, with its polished mahogany desk, neatly laid out materials, cherished library of reference books and collection of Victorian artefacts. Walls were decorated and hung with Bawden’s own wallpaper designs, lino blocks and prints.

BEDFORD HOSPITALS CHARITY PRIMROSE CARS APPEAL SATURDAY MARCH 18th at 7.30pm Concert of songs and scenes from Gilbert and Sullivan Comic Operas by

The Wandering Minstrels

at the Howard Hall, Bedford Modern School, Manton Lane, Bedford Two hours of Savoy favourites, combining the biting wit of W.S. Gilbert and the enchanting music of Sir Arthur Sullivan Tickets £12.50 each including interval drink available at www.bedfordhospitalcharity.org.uk or call (01234) 781200