NOVEMBER 2018
PRICELESS
VOTED NUMBER ONE FOR LOCAL NEWS
INSIDE: OUT AND ABOUT n SPORT n AROUND YOUR CLUBS n LOCAL NEWS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
2 — KEMPSTON CALLING
NOVEMBER 2018
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 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
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Christmas Lights switch-on
It really is creeping up fast – Christmas that is! It will not be long before the festivities kick in. So make a note early in you diaries of two events. 6.30pm, 4th December Christmas Lights switchon. Gather at 6pm at the Saxon Centre. Mayor of Kempston James Valentine will switch-on the Christmas lights. The Kempston Concert Band will be on hand to lead the Carol Singing. Father Christmas will take a break from toy making and will be hoping that he will get a warm welcome and a mince pie or two!
Senior Citizens’ Christmas afternoon
Good time!
At the Mayor’s reception on 22 September in aid of his charities Keech Hospice Care and Autism Bedfordshire Councillor Valentine welcomed representatives from, among others, Kempston East Methodist Church, Bedford Lions UK, the Royal Anglian Regiment, Springfield Primary School and 1st Kempston Girls Brigade.
Donation
Kempston Town Council supported the joint 18 Town 1-3pm 5th December, at the and Parish submission Centenary Hall Bedford Road against the Environmental Permit being granted for the (access at side of Kempston Town Council offices through Covanta Incinerator. It is due to operate on a car park). Open to all senior used clay pit near Stewartby citizens in Kempston. There will be light refreshments and close to the Millenium Park in the middle of the Forest of entertainment will be Marston Vale. Because resiprovided by a Kempston school choir. The event is free dents of Kempston would be affected it was decided at a and there is car-parking and recent meeting to donate disabled facilities. £500 to Bedfordshire Against For catering purposes it is Covanta Incinerator as they very important that you had received permission from inform the office if you are a High Court judge to going to attend.
Also attending were the Deputy Lieutenant and High Sherriff of Bedfordshire, Mayors and Deputy Mayors from across the county, plus Kempston Town Councillors and Bedford Borough Councillors. A special thank you to Cllr Sue Oliver for arranging for Kempston Musical Society to entertain the audience, and to Janet Welsh the conductor. A great time was had by all!
proceed to two day Substantive Court Hearing. BACI served a claim against the Environment Agency under judicial review. It was held recently and the outcome is awaited.
Good and bad
The ‘good’ news is that the new flower pots have been delivered to the Saxon Centre and lots of new planting is due to take place. However the ‘bad’ news is that the very long awaited demolition of the redundant toilet block has been delayed
MEETINGS IN NOVEMBER/DECEMBER
PLANNING COMMITTEE ............6.30pm 13 November TOWN COUNCIL.........................7.30pm 13 November PLANNING COMMITTEE ...........6.30pm 11 December TOWN COUNCIL ........................7.30pm 11 December KEMPSTON BURIALS JOINT COMMITTEE ....................7.30pm 13 December
due to the discovery of asbestos! Unfortunately it was well concealed so its existence was not known until the demolition started. However it is all in hand and will be professionally handled. The Council hope that once the seasonal planting has taken place in the new flower pots, the troughs on the railings (they have been excellent during the Summer), and the perennial plants due to be planted in the brick planters have matured then the whole area should be well on the way to having a new lease of life!
COUNCILLORS’ HELP AND ADVICE SURGERY Every Saturday 10.30am–12 noon in Sainsbury’s at the Saxon Centre.
O EW S TI N A A L TM R AL RIS ECO CH & D S HT
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Riverside Bedford, Riverside Square, Bedford, MK40 1AS @RiversideBdfd * Details correct at time of printing. £12.95 per person menu is tapas buffet at Albero Lounge. KEMPSTON CALLING is an independent monthly magazine with no affiliation to any other organisation. © 2018 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
NOVEMBER 2018
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR TO THE EdITOR: A quick
note to congratulate Mayor James Valentine, Town Council Leader Kay Burley, Councillors Sue Oliver and Carl Meader and their borough and town council colleagues for the ongoing refurbishments at the Saxon Centre. I know that it has taken a lot of effort, time and money to get this far but the developments are already making a real difference. The square is brighter, smarter and more welcoming and it’s great to see the toilet block finally coming down too. I look forward to seeing all the new flowers and shrubs bedding in over the coming weeks as well. All in all, these changes have really brightened up the school run. Well done and thank you. Ross Purves Springfield Avenue, Kempston
TO THE EdITOR: Another
BIG THANK YOU to all who attended my dog show in Addison Howard Park Kempston on Saturday 29th September 2018 to raise monies for dOGS FOR GOOd. This year it is the charities 30th Anniversary. It was therefore amazing that this was truly our best show to date. We had perfect weather, which drew out the crowds. Again we had two lovely Judges dean dodd and Jean Marrington who had the difficult task of picking the winners of 18 Pedigree and Novelty
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
Classes. This year we had the most dogs ever with 135 dogs registered for the various classes. We had others who merely had a go at Agility, came for socialisation or tested their skills in our Obedience competition, won by Katrina with Blue. It was a wonderful friendly atmosphere. A fantastic opportunity to see a range of dog breeds and particularly good socialisation for new puppies on the block. Best in Show was won by Tegan a beautiful dalmation, Best Puppy in Show was a long haired daschund, and Best Novelty in Show went to Tilley a sweet whippet. Local winners included Tony with our Matilda, a Basset Hound coming third place in the Pedigree Open Class, Labradors Marley and Norman joint 5th place in the Gun dog Class, Harry beat his friend Ozzie coming second in Best Biscuit Catcher. Andrea and dylan fourth place in Best Rescue. Barry with Otis a Labradoodle winning 4th place in Best Veteran. Marvin from our pug family exceeded all expectations winning second place in the Happiest Face Class and first place in the Odds and Sods Class! Well done to us all. We had some great stalls including Alan Smith’s amazing Birds of Prey, Shetland Pony Rides and Tilleys Tea Shop. Again thanks goes
to local businesses who contributed to our tombola and provided prizes for our winners, including the Albero Lounge, Bedford, Costa Coffee Saxon Centre, Kempston, Blossom Cafe, Willington Garden Centre, GM Growers, Jolleys and Pets at Home. A special mention also goes to the Bedford Lions who again funded all our Rosettes and the 101st Kempston Scouts who provided the venue. Photographs were again taken this year by Kate Everall who supplied a free photo shoot and print to Best in Show, Best Puppy in Show and Best Novelty in Show. Photos are available to view online at kateeverallphotography.pixieset.com Overall the event has now raised £1525.65p for my charity which included a generous donation from ARAS dog Rescue and Training Club. This could not be achieved without your support together with all my friends who helped set up, run and clear away after the event. See you all again next year. Kathy Stone Secretary Beds Supporters Fund Raising Group for Dogs For Good
TO THE EdITOR: I
write in response to the letter from Matt McCarthy last month about crime in Kempston. Mr McCarthy raised the issue of people who might feel reluctant to contact the Police in case of reprisals
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and made an “offer to be an intermediary for local people, someone who is willing to share intelligence with the Police on an anonymous basis”. A member of the public, however well-intentioned, offering to act as an intermediary with the Police is irresponsible at best, and possibly quite dangerous. When crimes are reported anonymously, it can be anything from minor issues like noisy behaviour to very serious matters like child sexual abuse. It’s important that crimes are recorded carefully and that reports are acted upon in a timely manner. In the event of a prosecution, the manner and detail of this report could be crucial. Is someone with no qualifications or training really in a position to take on this responsibility? It would be preferable for anyone who wishes to report a crime to call the Police. If they wish to remain anonymous, then CrimeStoppers is an established, reputable charity that the Police recommend and trust for this purpose. Their number is 0800 555 111. But please don’t give your confidential information to freelance operators. Being a “candidate” isn’t a qualification, and playing upon people’s fears to raise your political profile is hardly helpful. Shaun Bowman
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Mynewhair the ‘salon that cares’
NOVEMBER 2018 KEMPSTON CALLING —
Architectural Antiques Ltd & Bedford Stained Glass Ltd Genuine Reclaimed Architectural Antiques. Architectural Antiques is a family run business established in 1989 specialising in restoration and installation of period fixtures and fittings particularly fireplaces, doors and stoves. A full installation services is provided which is carried out by experienced fitters. External and internal doors are an important part of the business with 800 stripped doors in stock. Many external doors are sold with stained glass panels allowing borrowed light to enter the building. Bedford Stained Glass Ltd was established providing a restoration and repair service plus hand painted stained glass commissions are undertaken. Please visit; www.bedfordstainedglass.co.uk Much of the success of the businesses is based on good service, attention to detail and high standards. When giving advice, particularly on installation of period fixtures and fittings, it is important to have a good understanding of architectural styles and methods of construction. Architectural Antiques are a main supplier for both Gazco & Stovax (Electric & Gas fires / Stoves) and British Charnwood Stoves (solid fuel) on display are selected models from the ranges available. So if you are looking for a period fireplace, electric or gas fire or solid fuel, electric or gas stove, radiators, bathroom fittings, flooring, doors, door furniture, stained glass, gates, railings, oak beams, bricks and many other items. Please visit the showroom at: 120 Castle Road, Bedford. MK40 3RG Tel: 01234 213131 Email: aa-ltd@hotmail.co.uk Web: www.architecturalantiquesbedford.co.uk
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A KEMPSTON-based salon has joined a pioneering charity’s expanding network of Salons that Care. Has become the latest addition to mynewhair’s 960 strong-network of hairdressers and 835 Salons that Care across the UK and Ireland. The charity, mynewhair, was founded and inspired by professional stylist Trevor Sorbie MBE. mynewhair provides advice and support to anyone who has experienced medical hair loss, and has a national support network of independent salons and trained hair professionals who provide a wigcustomisation service for their clients. High Sreet Hair salon owner Lorraine Biswell and stylist Jenny smith attended mynewahair’s nurseled training with Trevor Sorbie for hair professionals, and has now become part of the charity’s network of Salon that Care. As part of the salon’s work with the charity, High street hair has pledged their commitment to training
and provide a caring and sensitive service for their clients. Lorraine salon owner said: “As a salon we recognise the importance of offering a tailored wig service and supporting clients through their journey of medical hair loss. Raising awareness that support for hair loss is available through difficult times is very important to us.� The charity’s Level 1 and Level 2 training equipping Lorraine & Jenny with specialist expertise across all areas of advice, wig-cutting and aftercare. As a new member of mynewhair’s Salons that Care network they join hair professionals across all areas of the UK and the Republic of Ireland. “We are proud to enable those going through cancer treatment to access the help and support they need locally. The difference that a styled wig can make is tremendous and we are delighted to be able to help women regain their confidence and feel like themselves again.�
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6 — KEMPSTON CALLING
NOVEMBER 2018
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
Great news on track for Kemspton
THE future is on track for Bedford with the East West Rail project getting underway. Transport Secretary Chris Grayling welcomed a milestone moment for East West Rail during a visit to Bicester on 4th October 2018 as he saw how enabling works are laying the ground for construction. Meeting with Network Rail staff on the western section of the route, the minister saw how preparations are laying the foundations for a worldclass rail link and significantly better journeys for passengers between Cambridge, Milton Keynes, BEdFORd and Oxford.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “East West Rail will transform journeys in one of Europe’s most vibrant economic regions, providing passengers and businesses with a transport system that unlocks economic opportunity and drives forward new housing and jobs. “As a hub for technical and scientific innovation, home to world-class universities and a skilled workforce that drives growth, the success of England’s economic heartland is imperative to the UK’s prosperity and productivity. “Rapid progress on the project means we will see construction under-
way on direct, fast and reliable services from next year, delivering significantly better connections for passengers.” Chris Grayling met with Rob Brighouse, Chair of the East West Railway Company, who said: “East West Railway Company is working hard with Network Rail to open this line as soon as possible. We’re delighted to have the work underway. When open this line will boost economic growth, and make it easier and quicker for people who live here to travel in the local area.” In a joint statement, both universities of Cambridge and Oxford said:
“We believe that better transport links between these global university cities will help boost academic and research investment across the corridor, providing fresh opportunities and economic benefits to communities throughout our region. Oxford and Cambridge have both seen turnover double over the last 12 years, which has in turn significantly boosted the local, regional and national economies.” Professor Sir Peter Gregson Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor of Cranfield University, said: “The Cambridge-Milton Keynes-Oxford growth corridor is a beacon of innovation for the UK, featuring world-leading, research-intensive universities. For the UK to thrive, we must ensure that the potential of the region to boost the UK’s skills and productivity is fully unlocked. As a leading university at the heart of the growth corridor, we believe that increased connectivity across the region is vital to boosting skills and promoting innovation. East West Rail is an important step in that process and we welcome its progress.” Patrick Cawley, director of Sponsorship for Network Rail’s LNW route, said: “The preparatory work we are currently carrying out will ensure we are ready to start construction as soon as we can. This will enable us to deliver a first class railway and all of the wider economic benefits it will bring to the local regions.” East West Rail is being built progressively in 3 phases. With phase 1 between Oxford and Bicester already complete, phase 2 will see major track and signalling upgrades extending services from Oxford to Bedford and Milton Keynes to Aylesbury. These works includes the reinstatement of the Varsity line between Bletchley and Claydon Junction, a mothballed section of railway closed since the 1960s. The project is a vital part of the government’s plans to provide the region with a road and rail network fit for the future, improving links to jobs, education, leisure and health services. The government also recently announced the preferred corridor for the Oxford to Cambridge expressway will run alongside the East West Rail route, improving links between 2 of the country’s intellectual powerhouses and delivering faster, safer and more reliable journeys. The East West Rail route is divided into 3 sections: • the western section phase 1 (Oxford to Bicester) and phase 2 (Bicester to Milton Keynes/Bedford and Aylesbury to Milton Keynes) • the central section (Bedford to Cambridge via Sandy) • the eastern section (Cambridge to Norwich and Ipswich) - existing railway which could link into East West Rail.
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 ADS: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
NOVEMBER 2018 KEMPSTON CALLING —
Best career options by Smiles! Careers in the fast-growing industry of dental health are now ‘open wide’ to those aged 16 and over at Bedford College. dental Nursing Advanced Apprenticeships are on offer for those aged 16+ during which time they will achieve a diploma in dental Nursing and be working a real surgery. For those who perhaps need a year in college full-time to gain confidence before stepping out into the world of work, there is an Intermediate course leading to a City & Guilds qualification which will include work experience in dental practices. Bedford College director Karen Campbell said: “I have long wanted to see this training made available to young people and to help the industry which is crying out for new technical talent. This is a fantastic opportunity for everyone in Bedfordshire to support one of the fastest growing personal and medical services.” Photographed here is L-R apprentice Sharhys, Karen Campbell with High Street dental Practice Manager
7
Kempston drug dealers charged
A MAN and a woman from Kempston have been charged after officers carried out a drugs warrant. Liam McClean, 21, of Hartwell drive, has been charged with possession with intent to supply a Class A drug. Teresa McClean, 51, of the same address, is facing two charges of possession with intent to supply a Class B drug. Liam McClean has been remanded in custody while Teresa McClean has been bailed, pending a future court date.
Debs
Professional Hairdressing daniel Melinte and dr Raajuy Shah. In the chair is college dental programmes manager Sam Morgan. The Bedford College Group is the No 1 provider of career-related train-
ing opportunities in the region. Its 1,200 staff come from professional and industry backgrounds and the college works with 1,500 employers across Beds, Bucks and Northants.
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8 — KEMPSTON CALLING
NOVEMBER 2018
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
Unique in a number of ways! dAUBENEY Academy is an Ofstedrated good secondary school that is proud to not only serve its local community of Kempston and Bedford but also to welcome students who choose to travel here from further afield. We are a unique school in a number of ways: we are a former middle school with a small site and a rich curriculum that places equal importance upon both academic achievement and character development; we are a proud member of the CMAT family of schools; we have a deserved reputation for excellence in performing arts, music and sport. Our agreed values of respect, responsibility, learning, confidence and honesty permeate what happens in our school, both in classrooms and during the many additional activities that we use to complement our learning. All members of our inclusive community aim to create good people who are ready for life in a challenging modern society and our approach to achieving this can be summarised by our motto: Work Hard & Be Kind To Each Other.
As well as working towards gaining excellent academic qualifications, daubeney students are able to make themselves more employable to businesses and attractive to colleges by gaining the nationally renowned Colours (Challenger diploma) awards, which we offer as an integral part of our school life and our drive to produce effective contributors to society. Once students have earned 100 credits (20 against each of our shared values) they will have earned
their House Colours and will be rewarded with a metal pin badge that can be worn on their school blazer. After all four badges have been earned, which may take a few years of effort towards developing their character against our shared values, students will also have earned their Challenger diploma. In order, the Colours that students who are committed not only to developing an outstanding character but also to daubeney Academy can gain are: House Colours; daubeney Colours; CMAT Colours; Challenger diploma Colours We are proudly a small school with big plans where world class learning takes place, and the size of our year groups and classes enables a personalisation to take place in learning that can’t always be found elsewhere. Bigger is not always better, and as a small secondary school we will always favour quality over quantity. World class learning does not only need time to flourish but also space, and the atmosphere in our school is one where all students realise that they are known as individuals by their committed teachers and that their progress matters to them. We are distinctively daubeney and our clearly articulated vision of working hard and being kind to each other and of students not only earning impressive academic achievements but also being given many opportunities to develop their characters sets us apart from other schools and helps our community to thrive. Both academic progress & character development are important in a
world where there are more people than ever going for the same jobs, apprenticeships and university places and the balanced curriculum of traditional subjects and modern extra-curricular opportunities that we are designing on purpose will help our students to stand out when they leave us at the age of 16 and look to continue their learning journey in a college or workplace. The excellent learning that took place previously in Years 5 and 6 at daubeney Academy lays the foundations for the learning that follows it from Year 7 to Year 11. Our teachers have mapped and designed our curriculum so that all of the dots are connected and we are aware of what has come before and what is still to come. Strong foundations are important if you are building something that you intend to be long-lasting and successful. At daubeney Academy, we have created a climate on purpose where it’s ok to step outside of your comfort zone and take risks as we know that this is when the most learning often takes place and the best character development happens. Currently, we have spaces available in years 7, 8, 9 & 10 for students who wish to join us. For an informal chat or a tour of our school, please contact our Headteacher, Steven Miles, directly on smiles@daubeneyacademy.co.uk
WHAT’S SAID ABOUT US:
Pupils behave very well and they develop positive attitudes to their learning. They are happy at the
school and work hard. Ofsted, 2016. Pupils feel safe and are well looked after in the school. Ofsted, 2016. Pupils are achieving well in a wide range of subjects, including English and mathematics. Ofsted, 2016. The relationships between staff and pupils are strong. Challenge Partners, 2016. Routines are well established and effective; behaviour for learning both around the school and in lessons is strong. Challenge Partners, 2016. Daubeney Academy is an inclusive community that values every child. Everything is done to ensure that children are supported and challenged in equal measure. Although academic achievement and attainment is a priority, the school takes great pride in its work around developing the whole child and helping them to become active, caring and responsible citizens. The children are a real credit to the school and they are well able to articulate the school’s values and principles. They feel very safe and secure and have great respect for the teachers and support staff who care for them and who help them to learn and achieve. IQM, 2017. Pupils come first at Daubeney Academy. Staff go above and beyond the line of duty to support pupils and to ensure they are well cared for and are well educated. Staff treat each other well and model expectations and as a result there are very good relationships with all stakeholders. IQM, 2017.
Great Denham Community Hall opens A NEW community hall in Great denham has officially opened thanks to an official ceremony attended by the Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Helen Nellis. Located on Saxon Way, the hub is already being used by a range of local residents living in and around the Great denham Park development for a variety of different activities. The community hall is part of a wider new homes site developed by sister companies Barratt and david Wilson Homes in the West of Bedford that is made up of over 2,700 homes, two schools and a nursery and a number of retail outlets. Also in attendance at the launch event was Managing director of david Wilson Homes South Midlands John dillon, Jim Weir, Chair of Great denham Parish Council, Ubaldo Cortese, Chair of Great denham Community Hall and pupils from Great denham Primary School. At the event the guests were treated to some songs from Great denham Primary School and a key
was handed over to Ubaldo Cortese who will now be using the facility. Helen Nellis, Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, said: “It was a delight to officially open the splendid Great denham Community Centre which is
playing such a central role in helping to build a strong and cohesive community. “Congratulations to the developers and the local volunteers who have all invested their time and resources
to create something special which will be used for generations. The vibrant singing from the local primary school children was fantastic and they obviously enjoyed performing in these splendid surroundings.” Inside the community hall a plaque has been installed which was unveiled on the day. John dillon, Managing director at david Wilson Homes South Midlands, said: “We are delighted to see yet another community facility launch at our Great denham Park development. “This is an important milestone for the development and will give residents a space to meet and hold events. “A welcoming community is now being formed at Great denham Park and we hope that the new centre will give new and existing residents a central space to get together.” For more information on the homes at Great denham Park, please call the david Wilson Homes team on 0844 811 4477 or visit www.dwh.co.uk
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 ADS: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
NOVEMBER 2018 KEMPSTON CALLING —
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Kempston Challenger Academy – a ‘good’ school! OFSTEd visited Kempston Challenger Academy in September 2018, the outcome of the inspection resulted in the school being judged a GOOd school. Staff and students were thrilled with many incredibly positive comments, which included: • Leaders have relentlessly focussed on improving the quality of teaching, learning, assessment, behaviour and achievement. • They have significantly improved the quality of education and the curriculum provided. • The behaviour of pupils is good. • Pupils are confident and polite. • Well-established routines, and carefully planned sequences of activities, ensure that the very large majority of teaching is effective in developing pupils’ understanding, knowledge and skills. • Pupils are respectful of difference and demonstrate tolerance. They were very clear that being different in any way is not a problem for pupils at Kempston Challenger Academy. • Teachers have very secure subject knowledge. They give clear explanations, provide high quality resources and give help and guidance to pupils on how to improve their work. Ian Evason, Executive Principal said: “With massively improved GCSE results, a huge increase in attainment at Key Stage 2 SATs, and the maintaining of high standards in the Sixth Form, it is pleasing to have Ofsted recognise the success that KCA is enjoying. As a school, we are not complacent and we are always trying to improve, I was very pleased that Ofsted also agreed with our school improvement priorities. I believe this report is vindication of the incredible hard work and
professionalism of all the staff, the hard work and behaviour of our students and the support of parents and carers.” Stephen Chamberlain, CEO of the Challenger Multi Academy Trust said: “We are absolutely delighted by the comments in the Ofsted report that comment on the work of Mr Evason, Mrs Young and his leadership team, the staff, Local Governing Body, parents and the children and young people at
KCA in transforming the academy over the last two years. “The report also reflects on the trust’s wider vision for character education and learning outside the classroom through the Challenger diploma that promote Challenge, Motivation, Achievement and Teamwork (CMAT). We are delighted that we now have two ‘Good’ secondary provisions in Kempston.”
Conservatives choose their candidate RYAN Henson has been selected as the Conservative candidate for Bedford and Kempston for the next General Election. Ryan, who is the Head of Government Relations for the Catholic Agency for Overseas development, was selected by members of the Bedford and Kempston Conservative Association on Thursday, October 11. A councillor in East Hertfordshire, Ryan will campaign to regain the seat lost at the 2017 General Election. His campaign will focus on tackling unemployment hotspots in
Bedford and improving educational outcomes for young people across the constituency. “I am delighted to be selected as the Conservative candidate for Bedford and Kempston,” Ryan said. “I believe in serving society and local communities, standing up for those who do the right thing, those who do the work, those who raise the families and those who start the businesses which fund our public services. “Only the Conservatives can build a country that works for everyone with a stronger, fair economy and a more caring society.”
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10 — KEMPSTON CALLING
NOVEMBER 2018
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
T H U R S D AY
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NOVEMBER 2018 KEMPSTON CALLING —
Local charity supports St John’s hospice
A MAJOR Bedfordshire charity is supporting the work of one of the county’s most vital services, the Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in Moggerhanger. The Connolly Foundation has given £5 million to local causes and organisations over the last ten years and is delighted to be supporting Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in the fantastic range of work that it does both in the hospice and the community, for patients and their families. The services that are provided at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice are free of charge to the patient. It is part funded by the NHS but most of the running costs are raised through fundraising. It costs £9,000 a day to run all of the services. Lisa Maclean, Hospice director, said: “We are hugely grateful to the Connolly Foundation for their support and that they have given us the choice on where we spend the money so we can ensure that it is used in the areas that need it most. Whether we are supporting people in the hospice or in their own homes, our focus is on quality of life – giving every patient the care and support they need to spend the time they have left in the way they choose. We don’t just care for our patients but we also look after and support their families and carers. Support from organisations like the Connolly Foundation enables us to continue to provide vital hospice care to communities in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire.” The hospice is for people living with conditions like cancer, heart failure and lung disease. They have a 15-bed inpatient unit where they offer end of life care but also shorter stays when required. The team try and accommodate the needs and wishes of patients and families encouraging pet visits, celebrations and even a cheeky film and takeaway. Other services include a day Therapy Service where the team take a holistic approach and tailor people’s therapy to their individual needs. There is also a Family Support Team as well as a Palliative Care Hub who work with local care providers such as GPs, therapists and social workers. The Hub team are also available to provide support and advice over the phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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12 — KEMPSTON CALLING
NOVEMBER 2018
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
£5.2M ENGINEERING CENTRE OPENS AT BEDFORD COLLEGE The official opening of the Advanced engineering and Construction Centre at Bedford College took place on Tuesday October 16, 2018.
Named the Buchanan Centre after the first woman member of the Institution of Civil Engineers dorothy donaldson Buchanan (1895-1957), the centre was declared open by Professor Helen Atkinson (pictured) of Cranfield University. Before cutting the ribbon Professor Helen Atkinson said: “People with technical skills really do matter to the economy, to help fulfil the requirements of industry. It is a priviledge to open this new building.” The Buchanan name reflects the choices of Bedford College in celebrating the best figures in modern technologies and education. The Brundtland Building, a showcase of eco-technologies, is named after Gro Harlem Brundtland a director General of the World Health Organisation who pioneered sustainable development. The Stansfeld Building is after Margaret who established Bedford College of Physical development and is considered a national pioneer of widening women’s opportunities.
Local Growth Minister, Jake Berry MP, said: “Our investment in this state of the art Advanced Engineering and Construction Centre at Bedford College demonstrates our commitment to improving skills and training for our young people, which is central to boosting economic growth across the UK and building a country that works for everyone. ‘Local Growth Funding worth £2.5 million will ensure that students have the skills and training required to go onto higher engineering and degree level training, supporting local manufacturing and the wider economy for years to come.’ Ian Pryce CEO of The Bedford College Group, said: “Bedford College has a proud history of preparing young people for careers in engineering. As the industry has evolved so have we and this new Advanced Engineering Centre will provide training opportunities for tomorrow’s technologies.” Hilary Chipping, Chief Executive, SEMLEP said: “Local businesses are demanding more highly-qualified engineers in relevant disciplines needed for the specialist engineering and manufacturing sectors we have in the area. The Buchanan Centre is in prime position to work closely with local employers to respond to their needs by giving students access to state-of-the-art equipment and training. SEMLEP is delighted to support the Bedford College Group with investment through our Local Growth Fund.” The Buchanan project has cost £5.2 Million from generous donations from public and private organisations, as well as the college’s own funds.
This includes £2.5m from SEMLEP’s Local Growth Fund. The Connolly Foundation of Bedfordshire which supports training in the construction industry has funded a virtual reality suite allowing students to “walk around” within design concepts. The Connolly Foundation also generously supports apprentices via the college.
HEFCE (Higher Education Funding Council England) gave a grant of £170K from the Catalyst Fund to develop a range of market-driven Higher Education (HE) engineering courses. This will expand the current Higher Education courses which include: Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Sustainable Construction and Building Services and Construction.
Left to right: David Pridmore, Bedford College Academies Trust; Ian Pryce, CEO of The Bedford College Group; High Sheriff of Bedfordshire Julian Polhill; Judith Barker, SEMLEP; Vice Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Chris Sharwood-Smith MBE; Mayor of Bedford Dave Hodgson; Steve Lowe, Connolly Foundation and Professor Helen Atkinson, Cranfield University.
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NOVEMBER 2018 KEMPSTON CALLING —
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14 — KEMPSTON CALLING
NOVEMBER 2018
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
No crocodile fears at Zoo Centre THE highest standards of animal welfare will be maintained at the new £3.65 Million Zoological Education Centre now underway at Shuttleworth College on the Old Warden Estate near Biggleswade. Bringing the Amazon and The Outback to Bedfordshire, Shuttleworth College’s ZEC will be the only Further Education centre in the UK to have a specially-designed biome for housing tropical creatures from around the world. The unit will follow an “Evolutionary Pathway” along which students will learn how to look after every “order” of the animal kingdom. It will include an aquatic room, bird flight area and outside paddocks for the bigger animals. This highly specialised training which young people can undertake at The Bedford College Group facility will prepare them to follow the trails cut by earlier students who are now working in prestigious zoos and conservation centres. Carl Groombridge, Centre Curator said: “The facility will allow us to expand the range of animals we have here. For example we already have some caiman small-sized crocodilians, but will now have Mississippi alligators too in their own pool. “We are already part of an international conservation and educational network, but this new facility will put us firmly on the world map. For me it is a dream come true.” Carl and team have been working closely with the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) which owns London and Whipsnade zoos, to create an environment where animal welfare is paramount. For designcubed architects Stephen Blowers and Rob Starnes the project brings with it many extra challenges - designing an environment for
Photo shows a Dwarf Caiman and Mississippi Alligators awaiting their move to a natural setting.
wild animals as well as the staff and students means mitigating risks posed by handling and issues of bio-security to avoid cross-contamination. “The new Zoological Education Centre has been designed with strong biosecurity segregation whilst housing a wide range of species. “The centre has the potential to provide class leading enclosures including a pioneering tropical biosphere with lightweight ETFE roof, allowing for learners of all disciplines to study natural sciences. We have been delighted to develop the centre in close collaboration and with the support of ZSL, Carl and his team, to allow for quality training to
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industry standards. The new centre will allow opportunities to gain more standing within the educational community for higher education and authoritative bodies.” As the construction crews start work on preparing the site, Rob and Stephen are adding the finishing touches to design features in conjunction with Carl and his team. Between now and the opening of the new centre to students in September 2019, the animals from the existing units will have to be moved and settled in to their new home. “It will be the animals going in two by two,” said Carl.
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NOVEMBER 2018 KEMPSTON CALLING —
Professional kit for Springfield footballers PUPILS attending Springfield Primary School, in Kempston, have been buoyed at the start of the new term, with the delivery of a free Premier League Primary Stars equipment pack. Stocked full of items including Nike match footballs, training bibs and numbered and lettered floor markers, the Premier League equipment pack will aid teacher delivery of active lessons across the curriculum. The equipment pack was awarded to pupils at Springfield Primary following Miss Pugh’s successful application for last year’s Premier League Primary Stars Kit and Equipment Scheme. The scheme is part of the Premier League Primary Stars education programme which uses the appeal of Premier League and professional football clubs to inspire children at primary schools across England and Wales the opportunity to learn, be active and develop important life skills. PLPrimaryStars.com offers
primary school teachers free curriculum-linked resources in English, Maths, PE and PSHE, and opportunities for schools to enter competitions and access free offers like the Premier League Primary Stars Kit and Equipment scheme. Richard Scudamore, Executive Chairman of the Premier League said: “The Premier League Primary Stars kit and equipment packs provide a fantastic boost to schools at the start of the new school year. We hope that coupled with the free downloadable online resources, we can inspire children to do their best in the classroom and on the sports field.” Miss Pugh, Class teacher and PE Coordinator, Springfield Primary School, said: “This equipment pack contains fantastic resources that will support our teachers in delivering high quality PE lessons and extracurricular clubs. The resources will aid teachers in planning fun and engaging lessons and will contribute towards our goal of getting children more physically active.”
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Calling all old girls of 1st Kempston Co. Were you there at the beginning when the company started in 1958? This year on Saturday December 1st, 2018, the 1st Kempston Co. of the Girls Brigade celebrate it’s 60th birthday! The re-union will take place at Kempston West Methodist Church hall from 4.30pm until 8.30pm, with tea and cakes and a fashion show. There will be the chance to see old memorabilia, videos and photographs spanning the 60 years right up to the present day. Also time to reminisce with others about camps, displays, Duke of edinburgh expeditions, Albert hall rally performances, competitions in Northern Ireland, the Denmark exchange tours and lots more. All past and present members welcome! So book the date: December 1st 2018
Kempston Hammers pulling in more success 2018 continues to be a fantastic year for all our sporting sections and this time on a world platform! Our ladies tug of war team, Bedford Ladies, have just returned triumphant from the TWIF Tug of War World Championships that were held in Cape Town, South Africa competing on a panoramic pulling field with the ocean on one side and Table mountain as a back drop on the other. The ladies competed in both the Open Club competition as Bedford and in the Closed International competition representing England. Against some very strong competition the ladies pulled exceptionally well winning bronze medals in both the Open 500kg and Closed 540kg events against teams such as Sweden, Chinese Taipei etc. There was more success for Kempston itself with local resident and club member dan Kenny winning bronze in the England Men’s 640kg weight. Team England had great results in the world championships brining home Gold, Silver and Bronze
medals and many of these pullers/teams regularly compete at Kempston Hammers ground each year so come along to the club and watch some of the worlds best pullers in action next year at KHSSC (fixtures available on www.tugofwar.co.uk).
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16 — KEMPSTON CALLING
NOVEMBER 2018
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
Traffic cops ‘remember the fallen’
The Beds, Cambs and hert road Policing Unit will feature a poppy on all of their marked patrol vehicles in the build-up to the centennial remembrance Sunday. The idea was put forward by PC Mark Fairclough and Joint Protective Services ACC Paul Fullwood, both of whom served with hM forces before joining the police. PC Fairclough said: “I was pleased to receive such tremendous support for this idea to remember our fallen service personnel and show our respects for the ultimate sacrifice they made. “I did not want to force this idea on anyone, but have received positive feedback from every officer I have spoken to”. The poppy will feature on the vehicles to commemorate the
centenary of the end of World War One on 11 November, 1918. ACC Fullwood, who leads the units under the BCh Joint Protective Services command, including the rPU, said: “I am proud to support the centennial
remembrance Day with this gesture. “This is certainly not a glorification of war. We will be supporting the royal British Legion poppy appeal as we show our respects on this momentous anniversary.”
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Call for business leaders to join enterprise Board
SEMLEP, the organisation responsible for determining local economic priorities and securing investment to support business innovation and growth, is looking for new board members. As representatives from local businesses, the new board members will contribute their knowledge and expertise to steer government and local investment into creating jobs, promoting productivity and tackling commercial and skills issues identified by businesses. SEMLEP is looking for a number of business representatives from across the diverse range of companies, sizes and sectors based in the South East Midlands area. dr Ann Limb, CBE dL, Chair SEMLEP “Now is the time for more of our strong business leaders to step up and step into a regional leadership role to shape the economy our communities need for the future. “SEMLEP is recognised by government as a highly-performing LEP and we’re working with government to further strengthen our governance through the Board so that we’re in the best possible place to lead new funding programmes.” Ann Limb adds, “A key part of this work is ensuring that we have equal and diverse business representation on our Board.” In July this year, the government published recommendations for all LEPs to have one third women representation by 2021 and 50% representation by 2023. The recruitment process is being overseen by Cllr Hazel Simmons, Leader Luton Borough Council and SEMLEP’s board champion for equality and diversity. Hilary Chipping, Chief Executive, SEMLEP comments, “There are major opportunities and challenges facing our businesses and communities over the coming period. How we prepare for, and adapt to, EU exit, how we best harness innovation and business capabilities to leverage opportunities in new and emerging sectors and, how to tackle infrastructure issues that are holding business growth back are the key agendas for the SEMLEP Board. “Our area is one of the fastest growing in the country. We need more strong, experienced and diverse Board members to advocate for the successes of South East Midlands economy and shape the priorities for the future.” For more information visit https://www.semlep.com/work-withus/. Or, for a confidential conversation with Hilary Chipping, SEMLEP’s Chief Executive you can email Leanne at leanne.nadal@semlep.com
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NOVEMBER 2018 KEMPSTON CALLING —
County lines – tackling drugs and cuckooing AWAreNeSS is starting to grow about county lines drug dealing and cuckooing, which is having an impact in Bedfordshire and other areas across the country. The behaviour is simple. drug dealers, often from major cities such as London, will move into new areas like Bedfordshire to sell their products. The link from London to their new base in Bedfordshire is known as the ‘county drug line’. Often, these dealers will take advantage of and exploit vulnerable housing tenants, taking over their home and using it as a base for their criminal operation. This is known as ‘cuckooing’. These gangs are often violent and extremely intimidating. Not only do they exploit vulnerable people for their base, but they also target children and recruit them into their criminal network. We know of children not even in their teens yet who have been targeted by older dealers to start dealing drugs. These organised crime groups can often have links to other forms of exploitation such as human trafficking, modern slavery and child sexual exploitation.
While the county lines model is associated with major cities, we now know of gangs in Bedfordshire that have adopted this tactic, going to areas such as Berkshire, Norfolk and Suffolk and establishing their own supply lines. More than 20 people have been arrested as part of Operation Nola, our new crackdown on county lines, since it was launched in June. A number of vulnerable people at risk of cuckooing have also been safeguarded as part of this operation. Every month senior officers meet with agencies such as social services, housing teams and charities such as Unseen to coordinate our work in tackling things like county lines and modern slavery. It is crucial that professionals across Bedfordshire are working together to address this threat. The public can be the eyes and ears across the county, help the police respond to the threats faced by children and vulnerable people and protect them from exploitation. The signs of someone being cuckooed may not be obvious. It could be that you have not seen your neighbour for a long time, or perhaps
there are more and more people coming and going than before. Their home could have become very messy, or it may even be that there are loads more takeaway boxes around than you would expect. Likewise, there are signs to spot children and young people involved in county lines. They might have more than one phone, particularly older and cheaper handsets. They might have large amounts of cash or luxury items like expensive clothes, trainers and jewellery. It is also worth keeping an eye out for items associated with drug dealing, such as bags, cling film, rubber bands, digital scales, Vaseline and baby wipes. Language is also important. Slang words such as G-pack, traphouse, bando, nittys and boodge are all part of a county lines dealer’s vocabulary. The police are asking you to report your suspicions. You can visit the online reporting centre or call 101, quoting Operation Nola. Always call 999 in an emergency. Information can be reported to Crimestoppers who will accept information anonymously. Call them on 0800 555 111 or visit their website.
Park Life
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IF yOU go down to the park today, you’ll discover a whole new world of fitness. Fitbiznow has been working closely with Bedford Council to set up group fitness classes in two of our green flag parks. Fitbiznow now offers group training classes in the great outdoors, for all fitness levels and abilities. The sessions are held every Saturday at 9:30 until 10:30 in harrold-Odell Country Park and Priory Country Park. The sessions are fun and you will make quick progress - you won’t even realise you’re working hard. For both parks, the first session is free. If you’re keen to carry on, the cost is £5 per week which includes a donation towards the upkeep of the parks. There are no joining fees, you simply show up when you want and pay as you go. For more info get in touch with Jules: jules@fitbiznow.co.uk Tel: 01234 964047 www.fitbiznow.co.uk/groupclasses
18 — KEMPSTON CALLING
NOVEMBER 2018
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
Winners of CPRE Bedfordshire’s Living Countryside Awards 2018
CPRE Bedfordshire held its bi-annual awards evening on 3rd October 2018 in the Harpur Suite at Bedford Corn Exchange with over 100 people attending. The awards were presented by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Helen Nellis. Also present was the deputy Mayor of Luton Cllr Mark Rivers. The 2018 Living Countryside Awards saw the biggest number of applications yet with 32 projects shortlisted across six categories (Biodiversity & landscape Improvement, Local Food & drink, Young People, Greening Urban Spaces, Health & Wellbeing, Sustainable Enterprise) Ten entrants were awarded the top accolade – a CPRE Mark. These ranged from a school putting outdoor
learning at the heart of the curriculum to locally roasted coffee and covered the whole county from Luton to Sharnbrook. CPRE Mark Winners: Groundwork east – special award for a diverse range of projects and initiatives Castle Close, Sharnbrook (Biodiversity & Landscape Improvement) Tiddenfoot Waterside Park (Biodiversity & Landscape Improvement) Incredible edible, Dunstable (Greening Urban Spaces) The Vale Academy, Dunstable (young People) Mrs Middleton’s Salad Dressings (Local Food & Drink) Wooden hill Coffee Company (Local Food & Drink) Bevistan Dairy (Local Food & Drink) Penrose roots (health & Wellbeing) Dunstable Men in Sheds (health & Wellbeing) KSK Bedford were the headline sponsors for the awards and also sponsored the Biodiversity & Landscape Improvement and Young People categories. Health & Wellbeing was sponsored by Free Range design & Print Solutions, Sustainable Enterprise by BedsLife magazine, Greening Urban Spaces by Woodfines, Local Food & drink by Sharnbrook Hotel.
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
Success for local drag racer LAST month the National drag Racing finals were held at Santa Pod (Podington). Local racer Paul Brown made it his third win in two different classes in six years. Originally from Oakley, Paul now lives in Bedford with his partner Zoe. Paul says: “This is by far the toughest season of racing I have ever had. But I’ve managed to pretty much do everything apart from getting an event win! Perfect ET and Perfect Light Award, No.1 Qualifier and event runner up. With only four events this season you could not
afford to make a mistake in qualifying or eliminations as there was always someone very close chasing your tail. “A massive thank you to everyone in this photo. They have given up a huge amount of time and effort in all different ways to allow me a chance to be out on the track. Pictured: dave Brown, Lesley-Anne Horsman, Zoe Sparrow, Andy Harrison, Lee Stapleton, Ruaridh Hart, Rachel Harrison, Bethany Harrison, Katie, Lulu, Smiler Mason, with Andy Harrison, Lee Stapleton, Zoe Sparrow and Rachel Harrison.
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NOVEMBER 2018 KEMPSTON CALLING —
Beacon Of Light, Bedford
A WeeKeND of events in Bedford, marking the centenary of the end of the First World War, will culminate in the lighting of a ‘Beacon of Light’, as part of the ‘Battle’s Over’ National Tribute on 11th November. Following the lighting of a beacon by the Queen at 7pm beacons will be lit up and down the country. So far more than 800 beacons are confirmed across the United Kingdom, with over 1,000 expected to take part. Bedford will join the event with a beacon lighting tribute at the War Memorial on Bedford Embankment. t Locally the event will be hosted by Bedford Borough Council with local people invited to attend the free celebration. The Royal British Legion has also organised a number of events taking place over the weekend including: • A Festival of Remembrance at the Corn Exchange on Friday 9th November. All are welcome and tickets are available from Bedford Corn Exchange • The installation of a commemorative bench on The Embankment. • Service of Thanksgiving at St Peter’s Church, 2:30pm on the 10th November. All invited • An overnight vigil, by the War Memorial on The Embankment. • Remembrance Service, The Embankment, at 10:30 on the 11th November.
Sentenced for armed robbery
A MAN from Kempston has been sentenced to over four years in prison after an armed robbery at a local CoOp store in July. Curtis Clarke, 29, of Kendall Road, was sentenced on Friday, October 5, at Luton Crown Court. He pleaded guilty to robbery, possession of an offensive weapon and theft. At around 6.45am on July 27, the manager of the shop in St John’s Street was told by a colleague that Clarke was in the store. On asking him to leave the store, Clarke pulled a knife from his trousers and said: “I will stab you, I am taking it.”
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20 — KEMPSTON CALLING
NOVEMBER 2018
LACK OF TRANSPARENCY
Just over a year ago, Shackleton and Cauldwell primary schools in Bedford left local authority control to join the Heart Multi Academies Trust which also includes Bedford Academy and Shortstown Primary. The core aim of the new partnership is in their words ‘to create a family of academies who are at the heart of their community delivering great education and improving life chances for all.’ In reality, the Government is forcing schools – especially those they view as failing – to become academies by offering much needed funding they wouldn’t otherwise get. It can be an irresistible offer to schools and parents alike who just want the school to be as good as possible. But parents and teachers are now finding out, it’s not working out as they’d hoped. With no consultation at all with parents, the council or even school leaders, plans were put in
WE’RE SLASHING OUR CARBON FOOT PRINT
We quite frankly have a plastic waste crisis here and across the planet. Such a crisis calls for decisive, effective action, not just at government level but all levels, including local organisations and indeed all of us as individuals. That’s why we’ve committed to make Bedford Borough Council a single-use plastics free council by the end of 2020. This is a challenging target, but the situation presents a major challenge for us all, and demands that we tackle it. I’ve been sickened by the images we’ve all seen of the harm done to wildlife and our environment by plastics waste. We all know of the damage it does, yet there is still an obscene amount of unnecessary plastic
OSCAR – CHAMPION OF PEACE AND JUSTICE
How do you name your pets? Often when I confirm young people and they tell me a little about themselves, the names of their pets are one of the details they give me. The names range from the day to day, to the exotic, to names that only make sense to the owner. We don’t currently have pets, but for a time we did. Over the years there were three cats and one dog – and a selection of unnamed stick insects! Stick insects apart we named our pets after Christian saints and martyrs! Well what else would you expect of a member of the clergy, although to be fair the pets of my current colleagues across Bedfordshire usually have more familiar names. In turn the cats were desmond, dietrich and
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
In Focus with
Yasin MP for Bedford and Kempston place to replace three qualified and experienced head teachers with one executive head. The news was not welcomed by many parents, who quite rightly could not see how this would improve their children’s education. I am delighted to say that their quick reactions to campaign against the move has brought them a reprieve. Plans have been suspended while the Regional Schools Commissioner is brought in to mediate. I hope Heart MAT takes note of what happens when you don’t consult with the people
In Focus with
Dave by Dave Hodgson Mayor of Bedford waste across our society. In the UK, the amount of plastic waste generated annually is estimated to be nearly five million tonnes. Plastic waste can take hundreds of years to break down, and plastic bags and other plastic rubbish kills thousands of animals every year. In the face of such grim facts, it’s easy to be become simply disheartened.
View from the Rt Revd
Richard Atkinson
The Bishop of Bedford
Perpetua. desmond was named after desmond Tutu. His black and white fur symbolising the harmony of humanity that the former Archbishop of Cape Town and Nobel Peace Prize winner champions. dietrich was in honour of dietrich Bonhoeffer, the Lutheran Pastor who stood out against the Nazis. Perpetua was in memory of St Perpetua an early third century martyr of the Christian church in Africa. A great cloud of witnesses as ever there was! Our wonderful Golden retriever who we had for fifteen years was named Oscar. People would
your plans affect. And I hope the Trust now listens to parents, stops the plans and starts to recognise and build on the achievements of the schools, not force through a massive restructure which just causes uncertainty and confusion for teachers and children. Because there is no evidence that academies deliver better results but ever-increasing evidence that standards often plummet following academisation. Our schools have had their budgets cut year after year, we have a teacher retention and morale crisis, and teachers are being forced to ask parents for money for the most basic provisions, so they can teach their students. Meanwhile, Heads of Multi Academy Trusts are earning huge salaries from public funds and there is little or no transparent accountability about how public funds are being managed. I fully support Labour’s plans to end the current free schools and academies programmes, moving towards a new system where all schools follow the same rules, and parents, local communities and teachers have meaningful power over the schools in their areas.
But there is a lot that individuals and organisations can do to make a positive difference. As a Council we’ve already slashed our carbon footprint by over 50%. Meanwhile, we’ve transformed the Council’s performance on environmental matters such as energy conservation, waste reduction and tackling littering. Littering enforcement did not previously take place locally, yet it is crucial to minimising the blight of plastic and other waste on our local environment. We want to match our success across these other areas to ensure the Council’s own house is in order over unnecessary plastic waste. Part of our commitment will also involve working with schools, businesses and others to promote the importance of minimising plastic waste. It might be a cliche, but we only have one planet. We need to start acting like it. often assume it was a family name, or possibly a reference to Oscar Wilde. In fact it was a tribute to Oscar Romero the martyred Archbishop of San Salvador. Originally conservative by temperament his experiences of the victimisation and oppression of the poor in El Salvador made him an out-spoken champion of the poor. To quote him: When the church hears the cry of the oppressed it cannot but denounce the social structures that give rise to and perpetuate the misery from which the cry arises. On March 23rd, 1980 he was assassinated whilst taking Mass. As I write this, I found myself thinking again of Oscar our dog, and Oscar the Archbishop. The former a faithful companion for many years. The latter has just been canonised and made a saint. Writing to Pope Francis the Archbishop of Canterbury said: “As a champion of peace and justice Oscar Romero stood up against oppression and was consistently on the side of the poor, the underprivileged and the marginalised. In this he emphasised and demonstrated the love of Christ himself”. Oscar - not just the name of a dog but an example for us all!
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NOVEMBER 2018 KEMPSTON CALLING —
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Bells will ring out BIG Mac Deal #15 on Armistice Day CHURCH bells will be ringing out across the country to mark 100 years since the end of the First World War. Thousands of active towers in England and Wales are currently practising their routines for this year’s Armistice day on Sunday November 11. Many will ring at their solemn morning Services of Remembrance and then in a more celebratory mood later in the day. Bedfordshire, one of the smallest counties in the country, lists more than 80 churches in three districts (Bedford, Biggleswade and Luton) where bells are rung. Most will ring at some time on the day – some at the same time. It will be spectacular and the sound will be unforgettable. Throughout the year, bell ringers have been running a recruitment drive. It was estimated that around 1,400 bell ringers lost their lives in the Great War. And the initiative was to get at least 1,400 new people to join up and learn. The early years of the 20th century were the days when more people went to church and presumably more of them were ringers; but ringing is still the same mix of learning a skill, becoming part of a team and having a role in the community as it was 100 years ago. The tower at All Saints Church in Milton Ernest (pop 750) in north Bedfordshire is doing its bit. It has a
ring of six bells (St Paul’s in Bedford has 12, St Andrew’s eight) and has been training a complete team of people new to ringing, some of whom should be ready for Armistice. Tower captain John Mustoe, once a familiar figure on consumer orientated TV and radio said: “Whether you are 16 or 17 or 60 or 70 or younger or older you could learn to ring church bells. “You don’t have to be musical to do it. Nor do you have to be strong. But you will learn rhythm and you will become fitter.” People come and go in bell ringing bands. Teenagers go on to higher education or develop different passions, experts retire or move away, career changes affect spare time available. All of these factors have affected the team at All Saints and at most other towers; so there is always a need for new recruits. For those still in education, it’s a chance for another skill to put on a CV or to pursue as part of the duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme. For others it’s a rewarding hobby and for the retired it might be just the challenge they have been looking for. If you are interested or want to see how it works, go along to your local church tower. You’ll get a warm welcome. The email contact for Milton Ernest is Neil Roy on MiltonErnest@bacbr.org.uk
Garden notes MY ‘Tomato Summer’ is almost at an end. Having ended up with twice as many plants as I originally intended due to a mixture of impatience and over enthusiasm I ended up with almost commercial quantities of tomatoes. I have made Passata, bottled them frozen them, pureed them, and virtually forced them onto friend and foe alike but now have just two plants of Catering’s favourite mini plum tomatoes left. This means that soon it will be a choice of supermarket or nothing for fresh salad tomatoes. On the allotment most of this years crops are coming to an end, with the exception of course of the ones which will be harvested over the winter. Garlic and onions have been planted but I am not doing broad beans this year as we still have loads in the freezer. I was going to leave my digging until later but now the weeds have had a sniff of rain they have gone into overdrive as we have
had such a mild October. So I have cleared all my beetroot and bottled it. The huge roots were chopped up and put into the compost and the little ones went in as baby beets so now I have got enough to last until I have some ready next year. The ground I weeded and dug roughly so that is some I hopefully won’t have to do again for a while. Last year at this time My sprouting broccoli and Brussels sprouts were about as tall as I am, but this year they are barely half as tall, and the actual Brussels vary between the size of a marble. I have given them a feed of Sulphate of Ammonia which is rich in Nitrogen to give them a boost in the hope that I will have some sprouts to accompany the turkey for Christmas dinner. At last the grass is beginning to recover but there are still some serious brown patches. I will keep an eye on them over the winter and re seed where necessary in the spring. I just hope next summer is not quite as
ISMAIL Anilmis is opening his 15th Mcdonald’s franchise this month – a very BIG Mac deal for a man who started flipping burgers at the Bedford High Street restaurant when it first opened in January 1981. Ismail rose up the promotion ladder within Mcdonald’s and eventually decided to go down the business owner pathway. He bought his own first franchise at Hockliffe near Leighton Buzzard in 2000 creating I&A Restaurants Ltd. He is now among the only a handful of individuals who own 15 or more of the 1,270 Mcdonald’s restaurants in the UK. “Back in 1981 I started as crew member at the newly opened Bedford High Street restaurant and after six months I was promoted to a manager,” said Ismail, a delightfully modest man who has to be persuaded to talk about himself and not his team, “Now we employ 1,500 people and have a really good management team. It’s all about that team working and training people to progress through the company.” He bought the franchise for the Bedford High Street restaurant in July 2006. Something of a sentimental acquisition, but the popular restaurant is well supported by 1,000s of students from the town centre Bedford College. Always keeping up with customer demands and Mcdonald’s commitment to service, Home deliveries are now available from some of Ismail’s restaurants including Bedford, and Bedford High Street
pioneered the brand’s Signature burgers which compete with the gourmet outlets. “We are very keen to make the most of the national branding and marketing initiatives which an international company like Mcdonald’s makes available, whilst maintaining our relationship with our local community,” added Ismail. I & A Restaurants support a wide range of charity and community events around each outlet – including regular clean-up campaigns, fundraising for football and much more. In 2018 the team took part for the fourth time in the Mcdonald’s annual Oxford to Holland cycle ride bringing the total they have raised to £100,000 for Ronald Mcdonald House Charities.
fierce for the lawns. We have a lot of trees round the grass I look after so at the moment it is a round of keeping the leaves off the grass to help it recover. I am giving the lawns a dressing of Autumn and Winter lawn
feed now to strengthen the roots to make them better able to compete with weeds and thicken the grass. Autumn feed is low in nitrogen so it does not encourage top growth. Richard Callaghan
Odell & Son PLUMBING & HEATING Local Run Family Business
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gardening Wrap up warm this winter by Maureen Catlin Milton Ernest Garden Centre
ITH winter fast approaching I thought an update on how to protect those precious plants from any severe winter weather would be helpful. Our climate is usually sympathetic but recently we seem to have experienced some extremes either prolonged periods of excessive cold or continuous rainfall causing saturated cold soil conditions which can cause considerable damage to plants and even kill hardier specimens. Being aware and taking steps to reduce the damage if extreme conditions are threatened can save heartache in the spring. Many plants that we grow in our English Gardens were collected by those 17th and 18th century pioneers from warmer climes all over the world. Although they may have become tolerant to lower temperatures cold and wet conditions especially for plants growing in containers can be fatal. Water logged soil means there are no air spaces and the roots literally drown. Incorporating coarse sand and grit along with fibre and providing good drainage in pots will minimise this risk. Plants can be more easily protected from extreme cold than long periods of cold wet soil so try to keep containers dry. The best treatment for tender plants when a cold period is forecast is to move any grown in pots to the most sheltered part or the garden often against the house wall, a greenhouse even if unheated or a conservatory. If the plants are grow-
W
ing in the borders protect them using garden fleece jackets or layers of fleece wrapped around the plant and tied in place with sisal or raffia. Standard Bay or Olive Trees should be moved to shelter, the heads and pots should be wrapped with fleece and the stems wrapped with pipe lagging or hessian. Another way to prevent the pots and so the roots from freezing is to stand them in a larger container, anything will do even a plastic bag and fill the space around and on top with bark, leaves
or peat as insulation. Cordylines need protecting from cold, wet and windy conditions so keep the soil dry, gather the leaves vertically and tie with raffia and then wrap in several layers of fleece and bring next to the house for warmth. Green leaf varieties are hardier than the coloured but Pink Passion will need to be brought under cover. Phormiums however are hardier and will survive temperatures down to -13 degrees if planted in the border. In pots keep the soil dry as it
is wet cold soil that causes the damage. A plastic collar over the pot that causes rain to run away is useful but good drainage is always the key. Palms and Tree ferns grown in pots should also be kept dry and wrapped in fleece to protect their central core. Rhododendron and Camellia buds can be damaged especially by those first severe frosts around early december when we are all so preoccupied with the preparations for Christmas we forget to protect them so wrap with fleece at the end of October. Citrus varieties grown on hot sunny patios in summer must be moved indoors every winter just like those on the terraces of Versailles. If you do not have a greenhouse or conservatory an unheated spare bedroom will be fine but not the garage or shed unless there is plenty of light. The soil must be kept just moist to prevent leaf drop. The new varieties of Alstromeria that are excellent for pots suffered badly with the 2017/18 winter because the pots were frozen for too long. I will put mine in my barn next winter as insurance as the leaves have died it doesn’t matter that it is dark. Alstromerias in the borders benefit from being covered with a good layer of bark. Bark mulch and peat are also good for protecting Fuchsias, Canna Lilies, Chocolate Cosmos, dahlia Bishop of Llandaff and Salvia Hot Lips. Musa Basjoo the hardier Banana plant, grown for its dramatic foliage, needs the leaves removed in late autumn, wrapping with fleece and then hessian but to be sure bring it into the porch, conservatory or greenhouse.
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NOVEMBER 2018 KEMPSTON CALLING —
out & about comedy p
Stephen Bailey.
Laughing all the way to Christmas
Castle Comedy Bedford has some brilliant shows to finish the year off. On Thursday November, there is a double headline special featuring two up and coming stars! In december look out for the Christmas Specials starring Ivo Graham (Live At The Apollo) and Pat Monahan (Show Me The Funny). Opening the November show is Stephen Bailey. He is a comedian and television personality, whose friendly and open brand of gossipy humour has made him one of the most sought after acts on the UK comedy circuit today. He has just filmed his first comedy special for Comedy Central. Stephen is also the presenter of Channel 5 and 5Star’s new show Celebs on the Farm and is the resident agony aunt on Zoe Ball on Saturday/Sunday for ITV. “He’s an arch-bitch with a winning smile, everyone’s favourite gay best friend. Bailey’s confident,
Ivo Graham.
music a
Danni topping at the Stables
Headlining the Jim Marshall Auditorium at The Stables, Wavendon, Milton Keynes, this month is danni Nicholls. The November 10 concert will be her first time headlining the venue’s main stage. danni, a former pupil of Mark Rutherford School Bedford, describes her music as ‘Americana’. So what exactly is Americana? “It’s a melting pot of American roots styles” says danni who goes on to quote Jed Hilly, CEO of the Americana Music Association who says you’ll know Americana “if you can taste the dirt through your ears,”. One of danni’s biggest musical funny & suitably rude” The reviews influences is her grandmother, who has hub always had a love of country and rock Closing the show is Sean n roll “I was brought up on this stuff; McLoughlin, he is an acclaimed Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Elvis. I have young comedian who has supported mixed some other genres and influRicky Gervais and Katherine Ryan on ences in to create my own sound”. tour. The past year has seen BedfordHis television appearances include born and based danni Nicholls Stand-Up Central, Live At The supporting the legendary Shakin’ Comedy Store and he starred in a 5Stevens on 28 dates of his major UK part series on Viceland. Sean has also tour, opening for Lucinda Williams, made appearances at Just For Laughs in Montreal and headlined shows across Europe. “The best comedian you haven’t heard of.” Time Out Plus musical comedy sensation, George rigden and Paul revill will host the show. doors open 7.30pm, Show starts at 8.15pm and tickets are £10 (£8 NUS) or £18 which includes a pre show meal and glass of wine at the Gordon Arms. To book & information on the Christmas Specials go to www.castlecomedy.co.uk or call 07736 060541 Castle Comedy – Bringing Comedy Royalty to Bedfordshire.
Pat Monahan
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The Secret Sisters and playing prestigious festivals all over the world, the most recent being at The Long Road Festival. danni’s album ‘Mockingbird Lane’ was nominated ‘UK Album of the Year’ and danni herself ‘UK Artist of the Year’ by the Americana Music Association plus ‘Best Country/Folk Artist’ for the Unsigned Music Awards. Bob Harris, Radio 2 “absolutely love(s) the elegance and beauty of her music” with a growing reputation as one of the UK’s leading artists. danni has made several trips to Nashville, Tennessee teaming up with some of the best writers and musicians in the business, to co-write and record her songs. She has released two studio albums so far, ‘A Little Redemption’ (2013) and ‘Mockingbird Lane’ (2015) danni has also made a live album in conjunction with Vintage TV. Her next studio album ‘The Melted Morning’ is set for release Spring 2019. To see danni live with full band and special guests at The Stables on November 10th, book online at www.stables.org or contact The Box Office on 01908 280800
24 — KEMPSTON CALLING
NOVEMBER 2018
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
THE
conclub KEMPSTON 01234 851120 Saturday 3rd November
ONE OF THE BEST SOUL AND MOTOWN SINGER'S THE AMAZING
UCHE Saturday 10th November
ONE OF THE CONCLUB’S FAV GIRLS
CHLOE ALLEN is back Saturday 17th November
THE BRILLANT
DALE BROOKES Saturday 24th November
IS OUR BIG
WHITNEY HOUSTON TRIBUTE NIGHT
Saturday 1st December
DOUBLE WHAMMY TRIBUTE NIGHT WITH
TOM JONES and PINK Names now being taken for
TEA WITH SANTA on 11th/12th December Friday 14th December
THE GROWN UPS’ CHRISTMAS PARTY Sunday 16th December
KIDS’ CHRISTMAS PARTY Sunday 23rd December
IS OUR CHRISTMAS SONGS AND CAROLS NIGHT WITH
DANNI BENTLEY
CHRISTM AS
F A Y & COFFE RE E MORNI NG Kemps St John’s ton Support Group Hospice, Moggerhafor nger Saturda
y 8t 10.00am h December –12.30p m A ll Saints Chu Church E rch Hall, Kempstond, n
Admission £1.00 includes tea coffee or a soft drink
Stalls include: Homemade cakes, Bric-aBrac, Xmas Goodies, Gifts, Books, Raffle and a Tombola Further information Tel: 01234 856040
SUPER SUNDAY BEER PRICES Fosters and Smooth 50p off a pint – 1pm till 6pm
SATURDAY NIGHT BINGO BEER RAFFLE – WIN A £30 BAR TAB
Kempston’s own local, monthly news magazine delivered to over 9,500 homes in the town Call 07724 905406 to get a great deal on advertising
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NOVEMBER 2018 KEMPSTON CALLING —
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From The Jam featuring Bruce Foxton ALL MOD CONS 40th ANNIVERSARY + GREATEST HITS SHOW Bedford Corn Exchange Friday 16th November, doors at 7.30pm
2018 sees the 40th Anniversary of the release of ‘All Mod Cons’ the third album release by The Jam. Back for their another show at Bedford Corn Exchange following a sell-out show in 2017, this time round the band will be performing hits from the All Mod Cons album, including one of their most commercially successful singles, ‘down In The Tube Station At Midnight’. British Invasion Pop influences run throughout the album, including the bands’ take on The Kinks’ ‘david Watts’. This show will see the band perform tracks from the iconic album, followed by a selection of the classic hits and great album tracks from across their fantastic catalogue. In 2000, Q magazine placed ‘All Mod Cons’ at Number 50 in its list of the 100 Greatest British Albums Ever. The Jam had amazing chart success with 18 singles and 7 albums to make the top 40 in the United Kingdom from their debut in 1977 to their break up in 1982. Their last 5 albums were all top ten hits and their last 8 singles made it into the top 10. Those attending this gig can expect to hear masses of classic Jam hits such as down In The Tube Station At Midnight, Going Underground, Town Called Malice and The Modern World and many more… Tickets are available in person (booking fee free) from Slide Record Shop in the Arcade, Bedford, Mario’s Hair design in Kempston and online from seetickets
“Sweet as a nut”
NEW LOOK – NO MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED
Daley’s Bedford Road, Kempston 01234 851143
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MATT ROBERTS in the bar
Saturday 24th November
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KARAOKE DISCO £25.00 beer for best singer – in the bar Saturday 10th November
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SOUL POWER DUO in the bar
in the bar
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SKA DISCO in the bar
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NEW YEAR’S EVE DISCO Games, buffet – tickets only ON SALE NOW – £10 each
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Mon-Thurs 11.30am–12midnight, Fri-Sat 11.30am-1am, Sunday 12noon-12midnight
26 — KEMPSTON CALLING
NOVEMBER 2018
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
To advertised to 60,000 homes in central and north Beds call 07724 905406 Remembrance Services in Kempston 2018 ROYAL BRITISH LEGION ANNUAL SERVICE 11 November at 2.30pm east methodist church, bedford road, Kempston followed by laying of wreaths at st John’s street war memorial – Tbc
BEDFORDSHIRE AND HERTFORDSHIRE REGIMENT ANNUAL SERVICE 18 November at Noon please gather at 11.30am laying of wreaths at war memorial opposite the Keep
Kempston’s own local, monthly news magazine delivered to over 9,500 homes in the town Call 07724 905406 to get a great deal on advertising
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quarry theatre p Gregg Wallace: Doesn’t get tougher than this 7.30pm Saturday 10th November
The star of BBC’s MasterChef, Inside The Factory and Eat Well For Less takes to the stage for this brand new live show mixing hilarious behind the scenes tales with demonstrations and
audience fun and games. Join Gregg as he answers the questions you’ve always wanted to ask, shares classic anecdotes and dishes up a sumptuous serving of MasterChef’s juiciest bits. Complete with a Q&A, this really is a must-see event for any foodie and Gregg fan! Premium tickets (including signed merchandise) and limited VIP meet and greet tickets also available – book early!
NOVEMBER 2018 KEMPSTON CALLING —
John Challis, of Only Fools and Horses fame 7.30pm, Friday 16th November
Enjoy an intimate evening with John Challis, one of the nation’s greatest comedy actors, best known as Boycie in BBC1’s Only Fools and Horses. In this one-off show the national trea-
sure will reveal secrets from the set with stories and anecdotes from his dazzling career.
John has worked with biggest names in show business, he’ll be spilling the beans about Only Fools and Horses co-stars like Sir david Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst and fellow performers like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Oliver Reed and George Best. He’ll also recall tales from his time in dr Who, Coronation Street.
KEMPSTON HAMMERS
PRESENTS LOCAL LIVE BAND
NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY
The VIPeas
Monday 31st December 2018 8pm-1am
Tickets £15 available from the Club or call the Office on 01234 853262
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28 — KEMPSTON CALLING
NOVEMBER 2018
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
St Owen’s Church, Bromham Bromham Park - MK43 8LL
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
sing
“Reflective Music for Remembrance” Tuesday 13th November at 7.45p.m. Featuring works by: Parry, Schubert and others
!
Adults: £10 Children u16: £2 Tickets at the Church door ! ! Reservations by phone ! Tel: 825454 (mornings) or 826551 ! ! (evenings) ! !
Includes wine/squash & light snacks
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NOVEMBER 2018 KEMPSTON CALLING —
Christmas spirit at Danesborough Chorus
The danesborough Chorus promises you a warm welcome at its Christmas concert in St Mary’s Church, Woburn, on Saturday 15th december, at 7.30 p.m. Our heart-warming evening of seasonal music also features Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols, with the rare treat of a solo harpist, Elizabeth Bass, and Holst’s charming Christmas day - a choral fantasy on old carols. The concert is conducted by Ian Smith and accompanied by John Witchell on the piano and organ, with perhaps a memorable reading to touch or amuse you, perhaps even bring a nostalgic tear to your eye, capturing that special atmosphere of Christmas. Tickets are £12 (centre) and £9 (side) and £5 for under 18s, all unreserved, including a glass of wine or soft drink and a mince pie. For tickets, phone 01525 376760; or send stamped addressed envelope to danesborough Tickets, 26 Melfort drive, Leighton Buzzard, Beds, LU7 2XN, stating number and price(s) of tickets required together with cheque made payable to ‘danesborough Chorus’. www.danesborough.org.uk
––––––––––––––––––––––– BLACK CRICKET KIDS CLUB Great for aspiring animal keepers, entomologists and herpetologists. First Wednesday of every month in Shortstown Village hall, Southcote, Shortstown, Bedford, MK42 0QL. Fun, educational and entertaining sessions for children aged 5 - 13 who love animals, pets and wildlife. Children with SENd are warmly welcomed and sessions are differentiated to meet individual needs. Sessions are £5 per child (siblings £3). www.blackcricket.co.uk/kids-club www.facebook.com/blackcricketkidsclub Email: kidsclub@blackcricket.co.uk
BEDFORD ORGAN & KEYBOARD CLUB THE ADDISON CENTRE –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
PRESENT POPULAR ENTERTAINER
BRETT WALES IN CONCERT
WEDS 28 NOVEMBER 7.30 – 10.00pm TEA, COFFEE/BAR/RAFFLE –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Members £5 PAY AT Non-Members £6 DOOR –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Contact: 01234 344423 www/Organfax/clubs/Bedford
–––––––––––––––––––––––
WINTER WARMER FOR NOVEMBER Delicious, warming home-made soup with crusty roll –OF ONLY £3.50 2 TUBS 50 ONLY
www.miltonernestgardencentre.co.uk
Tel: 01234 823033
WITH THIS VOUCHER
MILTON ERNEST GARDEN CENTRE Radwell Road (just off the A6) Milton Ernest MK44 1SH
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30 — KEMPSTON CALLING
NOVEMBER 2018
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––– BEdFORd FOLK dANCE CLUB KEMPSTON AND DISTRICT MODEL COUNTRY AND FOLK RAILWAY SOCIETY DANCE CLUB Thursday evenings 8pm – 10pm Putnoe heights Church, Bedford MK41 8eB Its good fun for only £2.50 including refreshments No partner required. Ron Law 01234 825574 www.bedfordfolkdanceclub.com
Wednesdays from 7.30pm-10.00pm at Kempston east Methodist Church New members welcome For further details contact Brian Woodcock on 07795251988 or brianwoodcock@btinternet.com
––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––– ADDISON CeNTre TIDDLYWINKS KeMPSTON CHRISTMAS GIFT FAIR FUND rAISING TEA DANCE
MON 12TH NOVEMBER 2018 2.00pm to 4.30pm AdMISSION £3.00 (INCL CUPPA) Tel: 01234 851877 or 01234 340997
––––––––––––––––––––––– DOGS FOR GOOD
CHARITY NIGHT WITH FYNNIUS FOGG
7.30pm Saturday 10th November 2018 AFC Kempston, Hillgrounds Road, Kempston, Beds MK42 8SZ Tickets £7 includes a £1 discount against a Fish and Chip Meal. Tickets from Kathy on 01234 302956 or Kathy.stone@ntlworld.com
11.00am to 3.00pm 4th November 2018 KEMPSTON HAMMERS SPORTS & SOCIAL CLUB High St, Kempston Entry50 pence Up to 20 stalls including refreshments
BEdFORdSHIRE FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Interested in Family History? Then come along to the next monthly talk on Friday 2nd November 2018
–––––––––––––––––––––––
‘COLONEL FRED BURNABY – VICTORIAN SUPERMAN’ by Amanda Goody 7.15 p.m. Drama hall, Mark rutherford School Wentworth drive, Bedford MK41 8PX Members free, visitors £1. www.bfhs.org.uk
––––––––––––––––––––––– 60TH ––––––––––––––––––––––– ANNIVERSARY MUSIC ON REUNION THURSDAYS of the 1st Kempston Boys’ Brigade will take Fenella Humphreys violin, Robert Thompson piano 7.45pm, Thursday 15 November Bedford School Music recital hall Tickets £18, Students 18-24 £5, Under 18 £2 on the door or from 01234 261811 www.bedfordmusicclub.co.uk Saturday 24 November
––––––––––––––––––––––– in aid of charities in the UK and abroad 104pm St Paul’s church, St Paul’s Sq, Bedford, MK40 1SQ To book a stall contact 01234 340163 www.stpaulschurchbedford.org.uk/
CHRISTMAS FAIR
KEMPSTON MUSICAL SOCIETY
––––––––––––––––––––––– CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERT
Kempston Musical Society, Ouse Valley Singers and the Bedford Hospital Choir, together with invited soloists, will be performing in aid of Bedford Hospital 7.30pm Saturday 15th December at St. Peter’s Church, De Parys Avenue, Bedford. Tickets £10 adults, £7 for students and £4 for the under 18s and over 60s and includes mince pie and hot or cold drink. Tickets will not be available at the door, get yours by email at djfscott@yahoo.co.uk. Tickets are selling fast, so be quick. For more information about the choir please call 01234 781010
––––––––––––––––––––––– IRISH CEILI AND SET DANCING Wednesdays 8pm to 10 pm £2 per session – first evening free No partner required. Beginners welcome. The reading room, 1, Barkers Lane, Bedford. Ring Pat 01234 308224 for more details. ST. PAUL’S CHURCH, BEdFORd
––––––––––––––––––––––– FREE LUNCHTIME CONCERT
every Tuesday 1.10pm-1.50pm until November 27 Come and listen to talented musicians from the Royal Academy and the Royal College in this beautiful church. The church cafe opens at midday..
place on Saturday, February 9th 2019, 7pm at Kempston east Methodist hall. There will also be a PArADe on Sunday February 10th at 10:30am An open invitation is extended to ALL past members. Please spread the word! For details or to attend, please contact dave Simms on 07985643678 or kempstonbb.pma@gmail.com
––––––––––––––––––––––– PRIORY METHOdIST CHURCH
AUTUMN/ CHRISTMAS FAIR Saturday 3rd November 10.00am – 2.00pm
Many stalls selling cakes and preserves, cards, gifts, paintings, crafts and others. Raffle, competitions, activities for children, refreshments and lunches. Entry is £1 (accompanied children free). Priory Methodist Church, Newnham Avenue, Bedford. All proceeds to the Church.
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BINGO
Kempston hammers Club (Cutler) Fun, friendly bingo with Eyes down at 8pm Open to all. 01234 853262 Wednesday November 28th Thursday December 13th. Tickets available from dec. 1st
THE BIG XMAS BINGO KEMPSTON HAMMERS SSC The VIPeas
New years eve 2018
Tickets available soon
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MUSIC FOR REMEMBRANCE
SUNG BY CANTAMUS CHAMBER CHOIR Schubert, Brahms, Mendelssohn, Parry and others Conducted by Paul Edwards Tuesday 13 November 7.45 pm St Owen’s Church, Bromham Sunday 18 November 3.15pm Christchurch Bedford Tickets at the door. details 01234 741871/07989 837819
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––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––– BEdFORd NATIONAL TRUST 60TH ANNIVERSARY ASSOCIATION 2.30pm Tuesday 20th November REUNION of the 1st Kempston Boys’ Brigade will take place on Saturday, February 9th 2019, 7pm at Kempston east Methodist hall. There will also be a PArADe on Sunday February 10th at 10:30am An open invitation is extended to ALL past members. Please spread the word! For details or to attend, please contact dave Simms on 07985643678 or kempstonbb.pma@gmail.com
Addison Centre, Kempston Plenty of parking space available We are celebrating 40 years of the BNTA Come and join us. We have a speaker who - was on ‘This is your life’ - was a torch bearer at the Olympics - is involved in motor racing for the disabled He is David Butler
We are a (non-profit making) Toddler Group who meet at Centenary hall, 104 Bedford road, Kempston on Tuesday from 1.00 pm to 2.30 pm (term time only) We have a large range of toys and activities for the children to enjoy, where they can learn to share and socialise We provide refreshments for both child and carer. Contact: debbie on 07975 –772-058 or Suzanne on 01234-857467.
Come to hear him. Everyone welcome
––––––––––––––––––––––– 3T’S TODDLER GROUP
Monday 19 November 7.30 pm
––––––––––––––––––––––– FEMALE FELLERS: WOMEN WORKING IN THE FORESTS OF FIRST AND SECOND WORLD WAR BRITAIN Illustrated talk by Cherish Watton of Churchill College, Cambridge. St Peter’s hall, St Peter’s Church, De Parys Avenue, Bedford MK40 2TX Free to HA members (Historical AssociationBedford). Others welcome with a donation of £3.00 details 07989 837819/01234 266839 ALL SAINTS PARISH CHURCH KEMPSTON
––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 or Frances Leonard on 01234 852480
––––––––––––––––––––––– WORLD SHIP SOCIETY Kempston Constitution Club 196A Bedford Road, Kempston 3rd WEdNESdAY in the month 21 November 2018 Branch social evening at the King William PH Kempston 12 December 2018 Alan Pepper giving his presentation “Christmas Fare 2018” Please note this is the SECONd Wednesday of the month. Telephone: 01234 352014
BEDFORD BRANCH
“CORDITE, CASTROL R AND THE OLYMPICS”
––––––––––––––––––––––– CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL 5th-9th December Theme:’Christmas Around the World’ St Paul’s church, St Paul’s Sq, Bedford, MK40 1SQ In aid of the church and Bedford Hospitals Charity To book a tree now to decorate contact 01234 340163 DAILy COMMUNITy CONCerTS AND COMPeTITIONS. Open Wed-Sat 10-5, Sunday 9th 12-4. £2.50. Under 16 free. Christingle Saturday 9th 4.30 pm Further details on https://bedfordhospitalcharity.org.uk/treefest
––––––––––––––––––––––– PHILHARMONIA CHAMBER PL AYERS’ CONCERT
Friday 7th December 7.30 pm Works by Brahms (String Sextet), Piazzola, Gershwin, Porter In the magnificent setting of the Christmas Tree Festival St Paul’s church, St Paul’s Sq, Bedford, MK40 1SQ Mulled wine & mince pies served. Tickets £16 incl programme from 01234 340163/01234 783181 https://bedfordhospitalcharity.org.uk/treefest
THE WILdLIFE TRUST - BEdFORd LOCAL GROUP
––––––––––––––––––––––– ‘THE MAKING OF THE BEDFORDSHIRE L ANDSCAPE
the story behind the view’ - an illustrated talk by Brian Kerr Wednesday 14th November - Meeting at 7-15 pm for 7-30 pm start Priory Methodist Church hall, Newnham Avenue Bedford MK41 9QJ Plenty of parking available in Church car park. No charge but voluntary contributions are appreciated. Further details available under Events on www.wildlifebcn.org or at 01234 266057
––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––– BEdFORd RSPB LOCAL GROUP Meet at ArA club, Manton Lane Bedford MK41 7PF. Thursday 15th November 7.30pm Lloyd Peck presents
Lloyd is a scientist with the British Antarctic survey and will talk on how animals & humans adapt to extreme cold. Suitable for Experts and Novices, RSPB membership not essential. Reg. Charity No. 207076, more info www.rspb.org.uk/groups/bedford
‘THE ANTARCTIC’
TIDDLYWINKS TODDLER PLAYGROUP
Meeting at Kempston hammers Sports & Social Club every Thursday 9.30 till 11.00am school term time only All children welcome from new born to preschool age Large range of toys,activities and a craft table. Refreshments supplied for both children and carers. Non profit making playgroup If your require further information just come along or ring Ruth on 01234 854657
––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––– KEMPSTON SENIOR KEMPSTON GARDENS CITIZENS’ CLUB ASSOCIATION dANCING, WHIST, BINGO Meets Wednesday 10am-12noon Friday 10am-4.00pm
CENTENARY HALL, behind Kempston Town Hall, Bedford Road For further information telephone:
01234 857011
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
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TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 ADS: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
NOVEMBER 2018 KEMPSTON CALLING —
Christmas dates for your diary
Carols
for kids
SUNDAY 9TH DEC
9.15, 11.15AM & 4PM ADDISON CENTRE, KEMPSTON
Carols especially for children this Christmas
Carols In the PArk
SUNDAY 16TH DEC
MULLED HOT DRINKS FROM 3.45PM
ADDISON HOWARD PARK, KEMPSTON (NEAR THE GRANGE) REMEMBER TO BRING A LANTERN
Come along, whatever you sound like...
community SUNDAY 23RD DEC
Carols
4.30PM & 7.00PM ADDISON CENTRE, KEMPSTON
Come and have a good sing-a-long this Christmas...
CHRISTMAS TUESDAY 25TH DEC AM DAY SERVICE 10.00-11.00 ADDISON CENTRE, KEMPSTON Celebrating together the birth of Christ the Saviour
graceinthecommunity.com
/graceinthecommunity
graceinthecommunity
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SAXON CENTRE Lloyds Pharmacy at Saxon Centre, 242 Bedford Road, Kempston, Bedford, MK42 8PP, is now under new management and trading as Britannia Pharmacy. Tel: 01234 854023 Email: britannia.242bedfordroad@britanniapharmacy.com
Under new management – meet the staff We are an independent pharmacy and pride ourselves in offering quality services, tailored to meet the needs of our community. Since taking over from Lloyds pharmacy in Saxon centre; we have retained the same staff members, the same opening hours, and provide the same services. n Flu jabs n Travel Clinic n Cold & Flu n Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) n Free prescription collection and delivery service n Free glucose testing n Travel vaccinations n Free blood pressure check
!
n Cholesterol testing n Emergency contraception n 7-day medication reminder packs
You can also speak to one of our trained pharmacists who can offer you popular and effective treatments without the inconvenience of having to visit your doctor for the following conditions: n back pain n Women’s urine infection n Hair loss n erectile dysfunction n Oral contraception n Period delay
Please bring this cut out coupon to the Pharmacy to register for EPS
n skin infection
n Haemorrhoids n Weight loss
n stop smoking
n malaria preventions
n Traveller’s diarrhoea
I would like to nominate Britannia Pharmacy to manage my EPS. Name:................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Address: ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................