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Enviro-Hub opens World record marathon attempt making it even easier to volunteer
INSIDE: OUT AND ABOUT n SPORT n AROUND YOUR CLUBS n LOCAL NEWS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
BedFORd Borough Council has announced the launch of the ‘enviro-Hub’ project based in Kempston. enviro-Hub’s make it easier for people to volunteer and keep their local community clean, by making litter-picking equipment available to borrow without having to plan ahead. The enviro-Hub has been launched following a successful bid to WRaP’s Litter Innovation Fund (the charity behind the ‘Recycle Now’ initiative), and the project is running in partnership with Fusion at Kempston Pool. The Litter Innovation Fund looks for new ways of reducing and preventing litter and littering. Members of the public will be able to borrow the equipment by calling into Kempston Pool during opening hours, and signing out what they need to be able to head out litter picking – It’s as simple as that! There will be information about the enviro-Hub on boards at addison Howard Park and Hillgrounds to let people know how they can get the equipment, general recycling information, and showing
where the closest bins are. There are also biodegradable dog waste bags located alongside these at the noticeboards, completely free-touse. This new initiative is being launched with a community litterpicking event on Saturday 25 January between 10am-12pm meeting at the Hillgrounds sports ground main car park (by the pavilion). everyone is welcome to attend, find out more about enviro-Hubs, and do a bit of litter picking in the area. Cllr Charles Royden, Portfolio Holder for environment said “It’s great that the Council was awarded this money to set up the new enviroHub’s project. This will make it really easy for local residents and park users to access litter-picking equipment and help us to keep the park and surrounding area clean and tidy, without having to give notice or organise a formal litter pick. “Thank you to all of our fantastic volunteers working in our parks, open spaces and in local communities across the Borough. If you have never volunteered, this is a great way to get started.”
By day you will find Nikki Horner from Wootton in Bedfordshire working at Grange academy – a Special Needs school for young people in Kempston. as a Learning Support assistant, Nikki plays a great part in the education and development of the students at this specialist provision. But when the bell rings for home time, 47year-old Nikki swaps the classroom for the pavements as she pounds the streets in training for a remarkable running challenge. On Sunday, april 26, 2020, Nikki will complete the Virgin London Marathon whilst wearing a Rubik’s Cube! Raising money for Whizz-Kidz – providing disabled children with the essential wheelchairs and other mobility equipment they need to lead fun and active childhoods. Nikki, who is only five foot one tall, will run the 26.2 miles in a custom built cube
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that meets the rules and standards to complete the Guinness World Record challenge. Nikki has four children – ranging from nine to 24-years-old. Married to andy, they have been together for 15 years. Nikki says “I started running in 2013 after I put a bit of weight on after a major operation 18 months previously. I had a full hysterectomy after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer, I was told on by the consultant on a Friday and in theatre on the Monday. “a few weeks later I was given the all clear. Which was fantastic news. Some People say when you have run a race and got a medal you get addicted. I totally agree, I have now run three marathons London, Milton Keynes and Manchester.” Find out more about Nikki Runs and her incredible challenge via her website: https://nikkirunsuk.wordpress.com/
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MARCH 2020
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KEMPSTON TOWN COUNCIL MEETINGS IN MARCH/APRIL Tuesday March 10th, 6.30pm PLANNING 7.30pm KEMPSTON TOWN COUNCIL
Thursday March 12th, 7.30pm KEMPSTON BURIALS JOINT COMMITTEE
Tuesday 17th March, 7pm POLICE TARGET SETTING and COMMUNITY SAFETY FORUM in the Council Chamber. Tuesday April 14th, 6.30pm PLANNING 7.30pm KEMPSTON TOWN COUNCIL
Thursday 30th April, 7.30pm ANNUAL PARISH MEETING for residents is in the Council Chamber In the Council Chamber, 104 Bedford Road, Kempston
Christmas?
https://www.bedford.gov.uk/counciland-democracy/website-information/ Pay-Report-Request/ You can also report issues to the Kempston Town Council who will forward them on to the Borough if appropriate. Everyone has some perfectly usable possessions that they don’t want anymore. You can donate to a charity shop or email www.freecycle.org.
It may seem like a funny time of year to talk about Christmas but Kempston Town Council are already discussing events for later this year. Those of you who attended the last ‘Christmas lights switch on’ will have noticed slightly more attractions. The Council are hoping to expand these in the future. However all of these events cost extra money so the Council are looking for ‘sponsors’ who will be mentioned in all publicity literature. Please contact Kempston Town Council for further details.
Join in
So if all this talk of recycling and rubbish collection has spurred you on about aspects of climate change and Just head to the Kempston pool, sign to want to get involved, then you may out the equipment and start litter pickany possible actions to mitigate the be interested in the following-situation. For more information about ing – simple! Councillors Sue Oliver and Sam the group please contact Kempston For more information check out the Blacklaws are organising two events Town Council. information boards on Hillgrounds in March. Sports Ground (next to the recycling Firstly there will be a ‘community litter banks) or the Addison Howard Park The newly formed Kempston Town pick’ in Wilsher Walk on Saturday 7th (next to the play area) or contact Council Climate Change Group (initiMarch 10.30 – midday. Meet at the 01234 718 060 email ated by the Council but includes many Do you want to help keep Kempston green at the end of Loveridge Avenue. volunteers@bedford.gov.uk members of the community) organclean and tidy at a time convenient to Secondly, a bulky waste collection ised a publicity stall outside the You don’t have to wait for an organyou? Bedford Borough Council have vehicle will be based on Hartwell Swannery Restaurant at Bedford ised event – just do it when you like! Drive beside the green on Saturday launched a brand new project in hospital recently. Kempston called Enviro-Hubs to make Although not everyone has access to a 28th March 9am-11am. A litter pick Members of the group were pleased to litter-picking equipment available for computer or the knowledge of how to will also take place from the same welcome Mohammad Yasin MP who volunteers to borrow on an ad-hoc use it, those who do can report many position. It is hoped that similar basis during the opening hours of the problems to Bedford Borough directly events will take place in other areas of supported them to raise awareness swimming pool! Kempston. and talk to the very many visitors online by using
Be aware
A load of rubbish
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
Drugs and criminal cash seized as force cracks down on organised crime
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aLMOST £1.8 million worth of drugs were seized from dealers across Bedfordshire last year. Police also clawed back more than £900,000 from criminal groups operating in the county, with those linked to organised crime groups sentenced to more than 300 years behind bars across 2019. around £100,000 of this money will be spent on policing as well as local good causes in Bedfordshire. drug experts from Bedfordshire Police gave evidence in 199 drug trafficking cases last year – a
67 per cent increase on the previous 12 months. Within those cases, an estimated £1,786,500 worth of illegal street drugs were seized, alongside £151,371 in cash. Meanwhile the economic crime unit from the eastern Region Special Operations Unit (eRSOU) seized a total of £916,589 across Bedfordshire last year. This included 49 cash forfeiture orders on behalf of Bedfordshire Police, totalling £436,519. The bulk of this money was seized by a specialist team at London Luton airport.
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Half of this money is split between police forces across the region, with some £32,673 to be reinvested directly back into policing in Bedfordshire. Financial investigators at eRSOU also took advantage of powers under the Criminal Finances act to freeze bank accounts suspected of harbouring dirty money. Seven bank accounts with a total of £447,403 in them were frozen and forfeited, with £33,488 of this money set to be put back into frontline policing in Bedfordshire. a further £33,199 was seized by eRSOU after 32 successful convictions by Bedfordshire Police. The force receives all of this money, with some of it given to youTurn and other local charities. Bedfordshire Police secured jail terms of 130 years for offenders linked to organised crime groups across 2019. eRSOU investigations led to prison sentences for Bedfordshire offenders of more than 170 years, across three major investigations into drug dealing and firearms. T/detective Superintendent david Cestaro, the force’s partner-
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ship lead for serious and organised crime, said: “Serious and organised criminals operating in the UK sexually exploit children and ruthlessly target the most vulnerable. “Be it modern slavery or drug dealing, much of their core business involves the exploitation of vulnerable people to line their own pockets. “Our ground breaking drugs market profile as well as the Government’s serious violence strategy all show lucrative drugs markets underpinning serious and organised crime. “These results show the relentless focus our force has on
responding to this threat. We and our colleagues at eRSOU will continue to work proactively and collaboratively to tackle this scourge, protect vulnerable people, and lock dangerous offenders up.”
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MARCH 2020
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Open wide for career in dental care Deputy Lieutenant throws weight behind charity fund raising event WORK placements with an outstanding modern dental surgery at Great denham await students of Bedford College. The dental Centre Bedford lead by dr Sarah Nackasha and team of 20, within the Meikle John medical building on Kingswood Road, offers a wide range of first class treatments – and training for those in the profession. The team also encompasses leading dentists who are Specialist and lecturers in endodontic, Periodontics and Prosthodontics. Joining a celebration to mark the start of a special relationship was The Bedford College Group executive director of Sales & Marketing Sarah Baxter, and dental Programmes Project Manager and dental Lecturer colleague Samuel Morgan (in the dentist’s chair).
a BRaNd new sporting quiz comes to Bedford next month, backed by a deputy Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Nick Kier.
Said Samuel: “We are grateful that the dental Centre is taking in some of our young people to gain valuable work placement in such an outstanding environment, and for the team to have chosen Bedford College to support the team’s Continuing Professional development.
“Our CPd sessions are currently rated by all our dental partners as outstanding and they would all would recommend them to other professionals!” If you would like to consider a career as a dental nurse, receptionist or manager, then go to www.bedford.ac.uk
The inaugural Question of Sport charity quiz and dinner is raising funds for Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice, based in
Moggerhanger in Bedfordshire. It takes place at the Bedford Blues Rugby Club on Thursday, March 5. The three round interactive sporting quiz, with two course dinner and a charity auction will see questions shown on large screens using wireless keypad technology, featuring a range of question styles including the old favourites ‘Mystery Guest’ and ‘What happened next?’ The winners will lift the coveted Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice Question of Sport trophy. Nick Kier, one of the deputy Lieutenants of Bedfordshire, is backing the event to help raise vital funds for the much loved local hospice. He said, “Here in Bedfordshire we are incredibly lucky to have such outstanding inpatient and outpatient palliative care services and family support provided by Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice. They look after hundreds of local families each year, but as a charity they need our support to help raise vital funds so that care can continue. That’s why I hope lots of local groups and businesses will sign up to take part in the first ever Question of Sport event, raising much needed funds.” The charity fundraiser is sponsored by M&dH Insurance Services Limited. Richard Hames, Managing director, said, “We’re really looking forward to the first ever Question of Sport raising vital funds for Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice so they can continue to be there for families across Bedfordshire and beyond. “The hospice is a cause close to many people’s hearts, and we’re thrilled to be giving our support to this great new event which will be a lot of fun while supporting the work of the volunteers and staff at the hospice. We hope lots of other local businesses will join us on the night for a bit of sporting competition.” Prices for teams of ten are £550.00 and teams of five £275.00, with more than half of the tables already sold out. To secure your team’s table email hayley.webb@suerydercare.org or call 01767 642422. you can read more about Question of Sport at: www. s u e r y d e r. o r g / s u p p o r t - u s / fundraise/events/st-johns-question-of-sport-2020 For more information on Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice visit www.sueryder.org/stjohns
Conservatives call for a detailed business plan for town centre
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BEDFORD Borough Council Executive Member for Town Centres Cllr Henry Vann has reiterated the Council’s commitment to backing Bedford town centre in the face of the wider crisis for the UK’s high streets. appearing before the Council’s Budget and Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Cllr Vann identified the town’s independent traders as a key strength. With two in every three shops being independents, Bedford has a much higher proportion of independent traders than other towns. Cllr Vann also noted that Mayor dave Hodgson’s creation of the new town centres portfolio is a sign of the Council’s resolve to support shoppers and traders. Cllr Vann said: “With our new Town deal Board meeting for the first time this week and exciting plans for new events and more regeneration of the High Street, including a successful bid for a ‘High Street Heritage action Zone’, we’re working to help Bedford town centre face the major challenges of today and the years to come.’ “It was good to be able to
address questions from Councillors across all parties. despite difficult national trends, by working together with businesses and residents, we can help Bedford town centre to continue to thrive. Bedford has a unique offer of heritage, retail and culture and we want to make our town a destination accessible for everyone.” Liberal democrat Budget &
Ribbon cutting marks opening of the i-Worx BedFORd i-Worx is officially open following a ribbon cutting by Mayor dave Hodgson and Peter Horrocks CBe, SeMLeP’s Chair today. The i-Worx features an advanced Technology and engineering Workshop Cluster offering twelve modern, office and industrial units, which will form part of the new Bedford Commercial Park. i-Worx joins the suite of i-Brand premises, including i-Lab, i-Kan and i-Hub, owned and run by Bedford Borough Council, providing high quality business space to small and medium sized companies. Bedford Commercial Park is a 45-acre mixed use development owned and managed by global
property firm Goodman, adjacent to the well-connected a421. Its first phase has seen the completion of a 407,143 sq ft logistics warehouse, with further development of the site set to create up to 1600 jobs. One of the twelve bespoke technology and engineering workshop units will be dedicated as an education and training facility to help inspire the next generation of students and help prepare people with the technical skills for these kinds of businesses. The South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP) also launched their new Growth Curve Initiative, a fullyfunded programme for high growth businesses in the area.
Corporate Committee Spokesperson Cllr Jake Sampson added: “It was good to hear from both Cllr Vann and from Bedford BId about the work being done to support our town centre. all town centres face challenges in the face of trends towards out-of-town and online shopping, so we were pleased to hear more about how committed the Council is to working with partners to keep Bedford thriving.” despite national challenges affecting stores in recent months, Bedford maintains a lower empty shop rate than nearby towns including Milton Keynes and Northampton. Meanwhile Cllr Vann thanked the 2000+ people who responded to the town centre consultation and laid out some of the measures which will help to ensure the town continues to be an enjoyable place to visit and to spend time and money in. Conservative Cllr, Phillippa Martin-Moran commented on the: “The Town Centre needs a detailed business plan for investment by the Council and other parties, and a clear vision for its long term future. “The Council must follow the lead of others including the Harpur
MARCH 2020 KEMPSTON CALLING —
Centre and entrepreneurial independents by creating additional ‘draws’ in our town centre to ensure that it is an adaptable place for leisure and commerce. “There are clear success stories but there is so much more than can and should be done to build upon these, and the Council needs to lead by example in attracting new visitors and funding, by working with experts. “accessibility and cleanliness are things I hear all the time, and I think that we owe it to residents to hear the results of the consultation as soon as possible, residents care deeply about their town centre.”
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Harpur Trust makes shortlist
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Dave
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DO NOT WORRY
GP SURGERIES NEED URGENT INVESTMENT
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What are you worried about? a survey in 2015 identified the top twenty worries. They included my local area and levels of crime, the health of my pet, whether I am a good parent, whether my partner still loves me, whether or not I am attractive and job security. The top five were financial/credit card debts, my diet, low energy levels, and worries about savings/financial future, with getting old in general at the top of the list. Throw in coronavirus and the uncertainties of events post-BReXIT and there is something there for all of us! What are you worried about? We all worry at times and some of us more than others. It is therefore always a bit of a shock when one encounters again the exhortation of Jesus not to worry. In the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew’s Gospel Jesus says: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life.” In tune with the war-time “what’s the use of worrying, it never was worthwhile, so pack up your troubles in your old kit bag and smile, smile, smile,’ Jesus says, ‘and can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your life.” Worry is often not that proper concern about known challenges, but rather that anxiety about what might be – but equally might not be. Most of us will indeed grow old with all its joys and challenges, but we will gain nothing by just worrying about it. Worry not only sets up anxiety about the future, it also impairs the present. There is a story about a woman who was worried that one day she would be burgled. One night there were noises downstairs and here husband went down to investigate. In the kitchen he did indeed find a burglar. “Good evening”, he said: “I am pleased to meet you. Come upstairs and meet my wife. She has been waiting ten years to meet you!” When Jesus in the New Testament exhorts us not to worry, it is an invitation to put our trust in the love of God rather than in our own efforts. Rather than let distrust, uncertainty and fear fill our hearts and minds and souls, we should trust in the Lord who cares for us and enables us to live with confidence and hope. easier said than done? Why not give it a try? Worry rarely adds anything to our life!
In January, the Cater Street surgery in Kempston was placed in special measures by the Care Quality Commission dropping from “good” in just two years. Such is the extent of the GP crisis, the surgery has had to rely on locums and was found to have a three-month “backlog” of new patient files. General practice is the first point of contact with our health service for over a million patients every day, but it has been running on empty for too long. This is clearly a surgery struggling to cope with the decimation of primary care services under the Tory Government. The Prime Minister insists he is investing record funding in the NHS, but the truth is, that prior to 2010, the long-term funding increases in the NHS was 4% per year. The Tories’ latest commitment is just over 3%. Not enough of the NHS budget is allocated to primary care and there have been huge cuts to social care on top. If people can’t access a GP when they need to see a medical professional, they feel they have no choice but to present at a&e – which we know is already under immense pressure. The NHS is also seeing the first sustained fall in GP numbers in the UK for 50 years, losing over 1,600 full time equivalent GPs since September 2015. Large workloads, and feelings of demoralisation leading to burnout are behind a surge in the number wanting to quit. according to the BMa, 8 out of 10 GPs feel unable to deliver safe care. The latest GP Patient Survey shows a quarter of patients now wait a week or more to see their GP. This number has almost doubled since 2012. It is essential that the Government takes urgent action to tackle the huge pressures on general practice and wider NHS, to ensure GPs continue to deliver high quality patient care. This means, urgently increasing funding for primary care, tackling the workforce crisis, urgently expanding the number of GP training places as well as significant efforts to retain experienced GPs.
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Reducing carbon emissions is important to me – it always has been. I am proud Bedford Borough has led on this in many respects, and indeed won awards. We need to do more and we need to do it quickly. Back in 2011, we announced our target to reduce the council’s carbon emissions by 40 per cent, via our bold Carbon Management Plan. We have so far reduced carbon emissions in council buildings by 62%! We have supported a wide range of energy-saving, carbon-cutting projects from solar panels on village hall roofs to insulated doors at a church to upgraded heating systems in schools. We have recently relaunched the Climate Change Fund to enable us to continue supporting similar projects. Our new Climate Change Committee has recently agreed the baseline for our carbon emissions of 7,276 tonnes for 2018/19. We are committed to reducing this to net carbon neutral by 2030. We have already undertaken a number of renewable energy generation projects such as solar panels on council building and the archimedes screw on the River Great Ouse and have replaced our street lighting with Leds. at the most recent meeting of the Climate Change Committee we agreed to switch to a renewable electricity contract and will replace our fleet with electric vehicles over the coming years. We are also looking at increasing our generation of renewable energy. I am keenly aware reducing the council’s emissions is only part of the solution and we will be working with local business, charities and the voluntary sector as well as local residents to help encourage everyone to reduce emissions. To this end, I am asking you if you have any ideas – big or small – on how we can reduce emissions, please do send me your suggestions to dave@Mayordave.org.uk
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BEDFORD is a town known for its rugby. Stars of Rugby Union have run out on the famous ground of the Bedford Blues at Goldington Road for more than a century.
Now that much loved community hub is under threat from proposed changes at a national level which that means clubs, playing in the Greene King RFU Championship (effectively the 2nd division of english Rugby), could lose hundreds of thousands of pounds of funding. Full details on the background can be found on https://bedfordrugby.co.uk Find out what Bedford Blues are all about – visit a game at Goldington Road. you will be in the company of upwards of 2,500 people cheering on the team, who play an exciting brand of fast, open, attacking rugby in a wonderful family atmosphere. apart from attending matches, there are a variety of excellent, well-appointed facilities of various sizes to suit your needs. The Marquee regularly holds weddings and large family and business events, whilst other bars and rooms are used throughout the league match, with chances being year for every need, all of which pro-rata to how much is donated. goes to support the rugby side of Prizes include meals at fantasthe business. tic local restaurants, holidays and For businesses, there is the the chance to win £1,000 at the chance to sponsor a player, a end of season Friends Soiree in match or to advertise your comThe Marquee, with the muchpany, or simply have a table for lunch prior to a game. around 450 loved Blues players. all members are invited and people enjoy this at any given the event is free. home match. https://rppaccounts.co.uk/wp-conFor those who want to really tent/uploads/2019/07/dd-Formmake a difference there is the Logo.pdf Friends of the Blues which has Bedford Blues have recently raised £123,000 over six years to help fund capital projects and sup- set up The Blues Foundation. as a registered charity the foundation port player welfare. aims to support rugby in the coma monthly donation from £7 munity for all. per month (or more if you wish) For enquiries regarding could see the Friends help to fill this or the hiring of facilities, the £250,000 gap left by the prosponsorship or hospitality posed cut back. please contact the club on a donation entitles you to 01234 347980. entry to a draw at every home
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www.miltonernestgardencentre.co.uk
Tel: 01234 823033
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MILTON ERNEST GARDEN CENTRE Radwell Road (just off the A6) Milton Ernest MK44 1SH
7
8 — KEMPSTON CALLING
MARCH 2020
FOR ALL ENQUIRIES TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
Going higher exhibition GOING Higher is an exhibition that displays the work and experiences of people who identify as disabled through physical or mental health. Plus a celebration of the work done by community and therapeutic art practitioners and centres who are a valuable asset to our communities, with the work they do. Some of the work also reflects the experience of disabled people
who use art activism. an artistic space at its best is where artists, tradition and cultural keepers are curating work that can be, world confirming or challenging, fosters critical thinking and expands compassion to create a more generative society. Work has been given by The Recovery College Bedford, youth Inspired, Vince Laws, Mary e Hearne, anne-Marie abbate, Jill Reynolds and Sew N Sew.
There is a wide variety of work including textiles, mixed media collage, painting, sculpture and poetry. textile techniques include embroidery, collage, quilting, appliqué or the stencil hangings made by Vince Laws that form a backdrop to his performance poetry. Exhibition open daily until March 7, 10pm-3pm. Bromham Mill Gallery, Bridge End, Bromham MK43 8LP
Free School is ‘excellent’ STaFF, pupils and parents are celebrating news that OFSTed has recognised Bedford Free School (BFS) as a school where “leaders, staff and pupils relentlessly strive for excellence in all that they do.” The glowing report, published on Thursday, February 13, confirms BFS overall remains a “good” school with most areas graded as “outstanding”. In particular, the report praises the school’s ethos and high expectations. The school, which was recently confirmed as within the top 150 performing secondary schools nationally in the league tables, is celebrating this recognition of its performance.
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and unyielding. Staff provide the support pupils need to meet these expectations. Pupils value their education and their time at school. They work with exceptional determination to achieve their admirable goals.”
during the two-day inspection, which took place in January, inspectors visited lessons and spoke to numerous pupils. Inspectors noted: “Leaders’ expectations of staff and pupils are exceptionally high
KEMPSTON RURAL PARISH COUNCIL
The Parish Council is responsible for a number of local services, including: roadside seats, Bus shelters, Litter bins, dog waste bins, Wood end Play Space, the closed church yard at Church end. In addition, the Parish Council liaises with the Borough Council on matters that are their responsibility such roads and footways. It also considers and responds to local planning proposals and other matters that might affect the lives and well-being of residents. The Parish Council meets on the third Thursday of the month (except august and december), at 7.30pm in all Saints Church Hall. There is always 15 minutes set aside for public questions. CONTACT DETAILS:
The Parish Clerk, Mrs Sue Bottoms 17 Willow Springs, Cranfield, Bedford MK43 0DS 01234 751300 sue.x999@btinternet.com http://kempstonrural.bedsparishes.gov.uk
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Tel: 01234 961384 Tel: 07805 540432
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TEL: 07894 935952 ADVERTISING: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
MARCH 2020 KEMPSTON CALLING —
gardening
Things to do in the garden this March by Maureen Catlin Milton Ernest Garden Centre
I
T’S spring — so if you haven’t already LeT’S GeT STaRTed.
Last summer was very dry followed by an unusually wet autumn and winter so although the weather has been mild the soil has been cold and wet for a long time. although the grass started to grow early the very wet conditions have produced a lot of moss growth. It is time to treat the lawn with a good feed weed and moss killer and re seed where bare patches appear. aFTeRCUT by Westland will build a strong lawn and kill both weeds and moss. you can mow the lawn just four days after treatment. after seven days the grass looks greener, the moss turns black, dies and can be raked out and the weeds grow rapidly, distort and shrivel. any bare patches can then be reseeded using Smart Lawn Seed again by Westland
which germinates at cooler temperatures, establishes quickly and outgrows any moss and weed regrowth. (No I do not have shares in this company but these twoproducts are good). Work on the Veg Patch should only be undertaken if the soil does not compact when you walk on it or stick to the fork or spade when you attempt to dig. Most soils locally have been too wet to dig in late autumn. Once the soil temperature reaches 8°C rake it to a fine tilth and start sowing carrot and beetroot seeds thinly and parsnips about three seeds 15cms apart. I still sow in rows 60cms apart which makes hoeing, watering and mulching easy. Towards the middle of March plant onion, shallot and garlic sets and vegetable plants like cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and lettuce that are available from the Garden Centre. If you have a greenhouse you could sow these as seed to plant out later. It is generally not energy
Garden notes by Richard Callaghan
20th of March and grow these on in the greenhouse protecting with fleece if a frost is forecast. It is too early to plant most other veg varieties so be patient but you could check that the seed potatoes are chitting nicely. Fruit trees and bushes can be planted now. dig in plenty of compost to open the soil to encourage quick fibrous root growth. The quicker the plants establish the sooner you will have luscious fruits to enjoy. Some interesting varieties are Sweetheart Strawberries which are very sweet and juicy, Blueberry Hort Blue Petite the first blueberry to give two crops per year in July and September and an old French pink currant Gloire de Sablon which has heavy crops of fragrant, sweet juicy berries. Starline apples are new column apple trees that grow two metres tall
and can be grown in pots. They are disease resistant, require no pruning and produce heavy crops from top to bottom. Garden Fountain has good flavoured green yellow apples in September, Firedance has yellow orange fruit with a crisp juicy texture in October and Blue Moon has amazing purple blue crispy well flavoured apples in august. March is also the ideal month to plant all hardy plants in the borders incorporating lots of fibrous compost and slow release feed to produce strong roots and healthy growth. Ornamental grasses and evergreen ferns should be cut back to 15cms before the new growth and fronds appear. all herbaceous plants can be trimmed and those encroaching into places unintended can be removed with a spade. Start slug and snail control
now using Growing Success advanced Slug Killer Ferrous Phosphate which is not toxic. The slugs are attracted to these pellets consume them and bury themselves so there are no slimy corpses they turn into fertilizer. as the spring bulbs finish flowering feed with Bonemeal to initiate the flower buds for next year. do not cut back the bulb foliage but leave to die back naturally to build up the food stores in the bulbs. as the shoots on Clematis, Honeysuckles and Climbing Roses start to grow tie onto the support using raffia or soft string. apply a good compost mulch and feed with a high potash feed like Rose Food to produce lots of flowers. This is a gentle introduction to the busy season ahead remember it’s now a proven fact GaRdeNING IS GOOd FOR yOU.
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IF LIKe me the weather has meant putting it off until tomorrow, Iíve got some bad news. Tomorrow is here. Theoretically we can now start sowing pretty much most of the things we want to grow but unfortunately no-one has told the weather. There are of course things that can be started indoors if you have the room and an understanding partner. Last year I said to myself ìItís March, lets goî so I set up my propagator and sowed dozens of tomatoes and cucumbers and things to put in my polytunnel, but they grew quicker than I allowed for and when I wanted to put them in the polytunnel it was still far too cold so they sat in the conservatory and got taller and taller. When it was fit to plant them I set them deep but they sprouted from under the ground and grew into huge bushes instead of tidy plants. This year I am going to try and sit on my hands and content myself with going through my seed box to make sure I have got everything I want to grow until the end of the month. at the end of the day , as the days get warmer and longer things grow quicker and catch up with where they should be. There are still lots of things that need doing both on the allotment and in the garden. I only grow autumn raspberries and they are starting to send up new shoots so last years growth needs cutting back to just above ground level. Having said that, some of last years stems have got some strong buds on them so I might leave one or two stems on each plant to get a few early fruits. I have got some roses that still need pruning and several of my clematis are shooting strongly so I shall cut them back to about knee height to encourage them to send out lots of strong new shoots to
cover the walls and fences with loads of flowers. The early flowering clematis I cut back after the flowers are finished. dogwoods or Cornus can also be cut back to about four to six inches from the ground. This encourages abundant new growth and should ensure that next autumn and winter I get lots of vibrant red stems after the leaves have gone. Hydrangeas are another plant that when the threat of frost has passed I cut back to a pair of strong buds on each stem. Camellias are looking good right now but ideally they need positioning so the morning sun misses them when there is a frost.
efficient to heat a greenhouse nowadays but you could consider a heated propagator. It is then possible to sow tomato seed, sweet peppers and rocket around
L A I C E SP ING SPR ER OFF
9
www.miltonernestgardencentre.co.uk
Tel: 01234 823033
MILTON ERNEST GARDEN CENTRE Radwell Road (just off the A6) Milton Ernest MK44 1SH
10 — KEMPSTON CALLING
MARCH 2020
FOR ALL ENQUIRIES TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
out & about ––––––––––––––––––––––– IRISH CEILI AND SET DANCING
––––––––––––––––––––––– MUSIC ON THURSDAYS
––––––––––––––––––––––– BEDFORD EARLY DANCE AND MUSIC
Featuring local horn player and young Musician finalist Ben Goldscheider, with Callum Smart, violin and Richard Uttley, piano Music by Haydn, Huw Watkins, Mozart, Brahms Bedford School Recital Hall Tickets on the door £18, Student (18-25) £5, Under 18 £2 on the door or phone 07584 102043 www.bedfordmusicclub.co.uk
Wednesdays 7.30pm-9.30pm £2 per session – first evening free No partner required. Beginners welcome. The Reading Room, 1 Barkers Lane, Bedford. Ring Tim 01234 317847 for more details
Meet monthly on Saturdays 2-6pm at Brickhill Community Centre, Avon drive, Bedford MK41 7AF For further information, dates and times please contact david Parsons 01234 853637 email: bedmg1djparsons.me.uk or visit our website www.djparsons.me.uk/bedmg/ All Welcome KeMPSTON MUSICaL SOCIeTy
––––––––––––––––––––––– SCHUBERT’S MASS IN G & KARL JENKINS’ REQUIEM
Kempston Musical Society, together with invited soloists, will be performing Schubert’s Mass in G & Karl Jenkins’ Requiem 7.30pm Saturday 25th April 2020. Kempston East Methodist Church, Kempston. Tickets will be available on the door and will cost £8.50 and will include refreshments. To find out more about all our forthcoming concerts or information about the choir please call email info@kmschoir.co.uk. BedFORd RSPB LOCaL GROUP aRa club, Manton Lane Bedford MK41 7PF Thursday 19th March. Meeting 7.30pm aiming to finish by 9.30pm Steve Portugal - a Senior Lecturer in animal Behaviour at the Royal Holloway University of London will tell us all about
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“Migration - Avian Migration and Moult. The Annual Cycle”
Suitable for experts and Novices, RSPB membership not essential. entrance fee, group members £1 Guest £2 annual group membership £5 under 18s enter free. BedFORd LOCaL GROUP OF THe WILdLIFe TRUST Wednesday 11th March Meeting 7-15pm for 7.30pm Priory Methodist Church Hall, Newnham Avenue, Bedford MK41 9QJ
––––––––––––––––––––––– ‘Planning for Wildlife – Development pressure in our three counties’ an illustrated talk by Conservation Manager Matt Jackson Plenty of parking available, all welcome, no charge but voluntary contributions are appreciated. Further details available under events on www.wildlifebcn.org or 01234 266057
BedFORd FLORaL aRT SOCIeTy 7.30pm, Tuesday, March 3rd, Addison Centre, Kempston Floral demonstration by doug Howard entitled
––––––––––––––––––––––– “BRILLIANTISSIMUM” Visitors welcome £7 www.bedfordfloralartsociety.co.uk
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7.45pm Thursday 19 March
Ashwell Trio
BedS & NORTHaNTS MS THeRaPy CeNTRe
––––––––––––––––––––––– Third Saturday of every month 10am - 12.00 noon entrance 50p adults FRee PaRKING Clothing, Bric a Brac, Books, Linen, Toys and Games – Refreshments available 155 Barkers Lane, Bedford. MK41 9RX Tel: 01234 325781 www.mscentrebedsandnorthants.com
MONTHLY SALE
––––––––––––––––––––––– KEMPSTON GARDENS ASSOCIATION
If you are interested gardening why not come along to our meetings. 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 For further information contact Trevor on
01234 856040 or Marian on 01234 855288
––––––––––––––––––––––– BRIDGE CLUB Cranfield Village Hall MK43 0DR Sundays 6.50 for 7pm Info email tim.sharrock1@gmail.com
––––––––––––––––––––––– STEWARTBY AMATEUR OPERATIC AND DRAMATIC SOCIETY
Meet, Thursdays 7.30 at Stewartby United Church Hall, Park Crescent. If you are interested in performing (singing acting or dancing) or helping back stage, come along and give us a try. all newcomers welcome! For tickets and further information, visit our website: www.saods.org.uk.
––––––––––––––––––––––– CHURCH ORGAN EVENT 2.30 – 3.30pm Saturday 18 April at St Owen’s in Bromham Park Organist david Williams explains and demonstrates the church organ & invites you to ‘have a go’ Followed by tea and cakes donations in aid of church funds 7.30pm Monday 16 March
––––––––––––––––––––––– ‘Tracing convict lives using digital technology’
Professor Bob Shoemaker of Sheffield University Free to members of the Ha (Historical association). Others welcome, donation £3 St Peter’s Chapter House, de Parys Avenue, Bedford, MK40 2TX Further details 01234 266839/07989 837819
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Saturday 7 March 7.30 pm
––––––––––––––––––––––– ‘AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN’
An evening of varied church music through the ages sung by Cantamus chamber choir Conductor Gary Mudd. Organist Ian Runnells. Bunyan Meeting church, Mill St, Bedford Tikets £10 at the door. Proceeds to the Friends of Bunyan Museum
clubbing
Buoyant nightlife keeps on growing
––––––––––––––––––––––– KEMPSTON SENIOR CITIZENS’ CLUB daNCING, WHIST, BINGO
Meets Wednesday 10am-12noon Friday 10am-4.00pm CeNTeNaRy HaLL, behind Kempston Town Hall, Bedford Road For further information telephone: 01234 347306 CHRIST THE KING PARISH HALL Harrowden Road, Bedford MK42 0SP 9am to noon Sat 8th Feb
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entry 50p Refreshments available, Tables £5 - must be prebooked. For information call on 01234 965497 2pm to 4pm Friday 28th Feb
TABLE TOP SALE
AFTERNOON VINTAGE TEA admission £4 - Tea, home-made cake and friendship. For Information call 01234 326291
BIddeNHaM GaRdeNeRS aSSOCIaTION Biddenham Village Hall 7.30pm Tuesday 17th March
––––––––––––––––––––––– “Gardens Question Time”
By Roger Skipper and R Callahan Visitors very welcome admission £5 per meeting – includes Raffle & Refreshments
BedFORd aRT SOCIeTy Friday 6th March 2020 7.15 for 7.30 start, at Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford, MK418EB Tim Fisher is an expert with oil pastels. He show the full potential of the medium with tips on technique and different surfaces while painting a winter landscape. entry is free for members, £5 for visitors. Contact Jean Paterson 01234 307210 or www.bedsartsociety.co.uk for information
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––––––––––––––––––––––– WORLD SHIP SOCIETY BEDFORD BRANCH Kempston Constitution Club 196a Bedford Road, Kempston 3rd THURSday in the month 19 March 2020 Branch AGM followed by the Chairman’s presentation Telephone: 01234 352014
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by Tony Hendrix Well the months are certainly zooming by valentines crept up on us very quick and already we are seeing the easter eggs on the shop shelves. The good news is this month should hopefullysee out the back end of the post Christmas blues and now that Brexit has poked its head into the economy there’s no evidence to date of any financial upset that many were expecting. Bedford’s nightlife is still as buoyant as ever with new clubs bars and restaurants still opening up on a regular basis. Lets now have a quick look at a few of the bangers I recommend for this month. Bedford’s Premiere live music venue esquires as usual has a delicious menu lined up for us this month, here you can catch the hottest new bands on the main stage, dance the night away in Holy Molys or simply grab a drink in esquires Bar, an event that im sure will stimulate your musical rhythm buds sees the legendary James Taylor Quartet on the main stage Saturday 14the March. James Taylor is one of the great British instrumentalists of his generation. The band’s relent-
lessly entertaining tunes take inspiration from the rare-groove style funk, and boogaloo funk of the 60s and 70s and, the band is, without a doubt, one of the most important jazz-pop crossover outfits in British live musical history today. The show starts at 8pm till 11pm with tickets costing you £20 , tickets are available from esquires Bar and Slide Record store or online from www.wegottickets.com
The Real Thing will be at The Corn exchange on Friday 27th March with original vocalists Chris amoo and dave Smith together with their live five- piece band . They will be out touring in 2020 on the back of a new movie playing nationally in cinemas called ‘everything’ which is a documentary film premiered in London’s West end and now on general cinema release and will be on BBC TV in May . They have also released a greatest hits album featuring their 3 million selling No 1 Hits ‘you To Me are everything’ ‘Can’t Get By Without you’ and Feel The Force. This is going to be an
awesome night from the original artists performing in the prestigious main auditorium, the show starts at 07.30 pm to book your ticket call 01234 718044 , adults £24.50 concession tickets £22.50
Coming to town next month sees a new Caribbean cuisine and entertainment venue opening up in Howard Street called ‘Carumbar’ located next door to The executive Club under Lurke Street car park. Owners Sophia Forrester Blake and husband desmond Blake have been chasing their dream for many years to open up their own Caribbean restaurant which is now just a few weeks away. The Venue will offer both casual in house dinning and take outs, open Wednesdays to Sundays specialising in authentic Caribbean dishes, jerk chicken being their main speciality. Special nights will feature light entertainment with steel pans, reggae saxophones and reggae vocalists, Caribbean beers, rums and punches will also be available to compliment the vibe.
Caribbean cuisine
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MARCH 2020 KEMPSTON CALLING —
11
comedy It’s the eighth birthday show at the Comedy Club’s new home p Castle Comedy Bedford is celebrating its 8th Birthday in april. Having moved venue to Central Square in the heart of Bedford in March, this will be Castle Comedy’s biggest and best Birthday show ever! Join the celebration on Thursday April 9th at Central Square Bedford. There will be star acts, lots of balloons, competitions and of course birthday cake! Headlining the show is Hal Cruttenden. He is one of the top comedians working in the UK today, as well as being a highly accomplished writer and actor. He has hosted Live at the apollo! Performed twice at The Royal Variety Performance, appeared on Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow and Have I Got News For you. He has his own Radio 4 sitcom ‘Hal’, won Celebrity Pointless and is frequently seen on ‘Great
“Sweet as a nut”
joke writers in the country. Glenn is a regular face on TV, having appeared on Mock The Week, Rob delaney’s Stand Up Central and The Stand Up Sketch Show. He can be heard daily as one quarter of The dave Berry Breakfast Show on
British Bake Off – extra Slice’. “He’ll make you laugh… a lot!” HHHH Daily Mirror Opening the show is Glenn Moore. He is an edinburgh Comedy award nominee and one of the best and most prolific
absolute Radio, the UK’s biggest commercial radio breakfast show. “The best showcase of pure joke-writing skill on the Fringe” HHHHThe Guardian Completing the bill is Joshua Robertson. When he was 11 years old he had a quad bike accident which left him with severe brain damage and a physical disability. Now 26 he has been working as a comedian for seven years. His journey has been astonishing, and he is a true inspiration as well as being hilarious! He has appeared on the BBC, supported Shappi Khorsandi and been awarded the prestigious John Brabourne award. The show is hosted by Bedford favourite, Paul Revill. doors open 7pm, Shows start at 8.15pm Tickets £10 (plus booking fee) To book tickets www.castlecomedy.co.uk
NEW LOOK – NO MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED
KEMPSTON 01234 851120
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conclub Daley’s Bedford Road, Kempston 01234 851143
Saturday February 29th 8.30 till late Charity fundraising event for Cancer Research UK and Memorial Evening for Barbara Lowen-Smith with
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Tues, Weds, Thurs 3pm–Midnight – Fri-Sat Noon-1am – Sun-Mon Noon-Midnight
S
Saturday 7th March
Saturday 4th April
THE BEAUTIFUL
OUR BIG TRIBUTE NIGHT WITH THE BRILLIANT
STACEY LEE
KEISHA AS WHITNEY HOUSTON
DIARY DATES EASTER SUNDAY Saturday 14th March
HAYLEY ROSE
CHILDREN’S EASTER PARTY WITH BEST BONNET/DECORATED EGG, DISCO, GAMES
Saturday 18th April
THE FANTASTIC
AFTER A FEW YEARS OF BEING UNABLE TO BOOK HIM THE AWARD WINNING ELVIS TRIBUTE
GEORGIE MASON
IS BACK THIS WILL BE AN EPIC NIGHT NOT TO BE MISSED
Saturday 21st March
Saturday 28th March BIG BAND NIGHT WITH THE AMAZING
2 TONE ALL SKA’S A NIGHT OF BRILLIANT MUSIC AND VERY NAUGHTY BANTER PLEASE NOTE THIS ACT IS NOT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN ADULT HUMOUR/LANGUAGE
LEIGH CASLING
Kempston Calling is an independent publication, part of Rosetta Publishing Ltd. Published by Š2020 Rosetta Publishing Limited, 30 Radwell Road, Milton ernest Bedford MK44 1SH. Tel: 07894 935952 editorial: editorial@rosettapublishing.com advertising: martin@rosettapublishing.com Printed by: Reach Printing Services, Kimpton Road, Luton, Bedfordshire LU2 0SX.