Kempston Calling December 2020

COME IN OUT OF THE COLD WITH THESE WINTER FASHIONS SEE PAGE 17

DECEMBER 2020

Wishing all of our readers, advertisers and staff a Happy Christmas and a normal New Year!

THE LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS…

W

A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM BISHOP RICHARD ATKINSON HAT will we remember when the pandemic is finally under control and life moves on?

For some, very sadly, the memories will be of loss – especially of loved ones, but also of employment and of opportunity.

For others it may be the pain of separation from family and friends, particularly those in care or at a distance.

What will we remember?

I am sure we will also recall the many signs of hope that we have seen and experienced.

The hope embodied in Captain Sir Tom Moore.

The hope expressed through simple acts of kindness and neighbourly concern.

The hope reflected in the resilience, imagination and creativity of the human spirit.

The hope that is the firm belief that there is a way through this.

December for Christians is the season of Advent. A time of preparation for, and expectation of, Christmas and our celebration of the birth of Jesus.

A reminder to us all that even with many of the traditional aspects of Christmas stripped away this year the central message of hope remains.

The light shines in the darkness and the darkness does not overcome it (John 1:5)

PROMISE It is that promise of the triumph of good over evil echoed in many of the great faiths, not least those lights of Diwali that is being celebrated as I write.

It is the hope of Discover Islam doing so much in Luton to provide food, personal protective equipment and other resources in response to need.

It is the hope of the Sri Guru Ravidass

Sabha in Bedford combining with the Marcus Rashford campaign to provide packed meals during half term.

It is the hope of the Rainbow Festival at St Paul’s Church Bedford just before the latest lockdown that celebrated the contributions of so many.

It is the hope that emerges as human skill produces the vaccine that we need and ever improving medical insights enable more of us who are seriously ill to recover.

It is the hope of a small baby born in a manger, God with us in all the joys and sorrows.

As we would sing this Christmas: Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

2 — KEMPSTON CALLING

DECEMBER 2020

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DECEMBER 2020 KEMPSTON CALLING —

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4 — KEMPSTON CALLING

DECEMBER 2020

FOR ALL ENQUIRIES TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

Goodbye and many thanks!

THE November council meeting was the last for Carol Urwin (Kempston Town Council’s clerk) who has retired after 12 years service in Kempston and a working lifetime in local government.

Councillors paid tributes to her hard work and support to them and the residents of Kempston.

The work of a clerk is wide and varied. Carol has overseen all of the arrangements involved in organising events for the Mayor and the community such as Remembrance Day, Christmas parties for senior citizens, Christmas lights switch on and various fundraising events.

She also had to deal with all the administration and legal responsibilities involved with running a Town Council. Councillors thanked her for her exemplary professionalism, efficiency and cheerful friendly support over the years.

Everyone will miss her very much!

Sadly due to the current restrictions it was not possible to have a leaving ’do’.for Carol.

However the Mayor Carl Meader privately presented her with some garden centre vouchers as a gift from present and past councillors in recognition of their gratitude to her.

We all wish her all the best for a long and happy retirement. We hope that she will now have more time to enjoy her many hobbies including marathon running!

At the same time that the Council said ‘goodbye’ to Carol they said ‘hello and welcome’ to Helen White who takes over the position.

Carol will be a hard act to follow but councillors are sure that Helen’s enthusiasm and local knowledge will stand her in good stead to manage it well.

Carol is pictured here with her work colleagues and Mayor Carl Meader.

KEMPSTON TOWN COUNCIL Looking forward

Tuesday December 8th, 6.30pm PLANNING Tuesday December 8th, 7.30pm COUNCIL Thursday December 10th, 7.30pm KEMPSTON BURIALS JOINT COMMITEE

FUTURE MEETINGS

Those of you who have ventured out recently will have noticed that the flower pots at the Saxon Centre and the railing troughs around Kempston have been replenished after summer flowering.

The usual profusion of colour is something to look forward to in the coming months.

Recycling Orange plastic refuse bags are available at the Town Council offices in Bedford Road, for residents without recycling bins.

Virtual Council meetings are being held via zoom — log-in details for each meeting can be obtained from the Clerk

The bags should only be used for recycling waste and most households should have an ‘orange bin’.

Only get them if it is absolutely necessary as they are rationed!

We did remember them It was a pity that ‘normal’ arrangements for Remembrance Sunday couldn’t take place due to the Covid 19 pandemic. However as promised last month – Kempton’s Mayor Carl Meader laid a wreath at the War Memorial on behalf of everyone in Kempston. If you happened to be passing at the time you may have heard the playing of the ‘Last Post’. You can visit the Kempston Town Council website to view the video of the wreath laying.

Thanks to technology the bugle playing is superimposed on the video but was played through an amplifier at the time. The music was provided by local resident Peter Halliday a former Colour Sergeant in the Grenadier Guards. Many thanks to

Save our bank Town Councillors Ross Purves (plus his wife Mel) and deputy Mayor Sam Blacklaws for their creativity in producing the video!

Several other groups, organisations and individuals also made their own arrangements to lay their poppy tributes. Many thanks to everyone for observing the ‘lockdown’ rules regarding the event.

Many of you will already know that Barclay’s Bank are proposing the closure of the Kempston branch in Bedford Road at the end of January 2021.

Kempston Town Council discussed the issue at a recent meeting.

Councillors were very disappointed about the proposal and will be writing to Barclays to express their views on behalf many residents in Kempston who will find it difficult to make alternative arrangements.

Whilst it is recognised that there has been a change in banking habits over recent years, many people are still dependent on the presence of the bank. Many residents do not have the equipment, knowledge or confidence to avail themselves of possible alternatives.

Some residents do not have transport or finances to travel to other branches. Customers with visual difficulties or confusion over procedures welcome the face to face support from staff that helps to add to their independence and wellbeing.

Christmas lights It is a pity that we can’t all enjoy the usual festivities associated with our ’switch on’ of the Christmas lights – next year hopefully!

The Christmas lights in Kempston are due to be switched on 1st December and the tree at the Saxon Centre ‘dressed’ a couple of days before that.

So hopefully when you are reading this that should have happened and Kempston is a blaze of festive lights. Out of the ‘lockdown’ and into the light!

None of us know how the future will work out with Covid 19 still about.

Please don’t relax-be careful and continue to remember HANDS, FACE and SPACE Wishing all Kempston residents a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year

104 Bedford Road, Kempston, Bedford, MK42 8BG Tel: 01234 851005 www.kempston-tc.gov.uk Email: clerk@kempston-tc.gov.uk Office hours: 10am to 3pm Monday to Friday

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DECEMBER 2020 KEMPSTON CALLING —

Grange Academy celebrated Diwali with array of activities

PUPILS at Grange celebrated the Hindu festival of Diwali through exciting learning linked to their curriculum.

Diwali is the Indian festival of lights, usually lasting five days and celebrated during the Hindu Lunisolar month Kartika.

One of the most popular festivals of Hinduism, Diwali symbolises the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

The day was organised to ensure that all pupils have exposure to other cultures and how they celebrate. Catherine Assink Head teacher explained that the idea was to use the curriculum as a vehicle to introduce Grange pupils to other cultures. “We had a wonderful day learning Indian dancing, eating a range of sweet and savoury Indian dishes, reading about Hindu gods and goddesses and exploring light - with pupils even learning how to make fireworks in science.

“Grange is always seeking to find ways to extend our curriculum and ensure that our pupils are engaging in learning in fun and interesting ways. We want our pupils to be reflective citizens and experience different things and this is a great example of this.”

One of the highlights of the

In Focus with

Dave

by Dave Hodgson Mayor of Bedford

TIER TWO RESTRICTIONS

day (and there were many!) was every pupil in the school having a chance to work on filling a Rangoli pattern (traditional Indian art form) with coloured rice.

Shanie Lumsden, Art teacher, said “It was wonderful to see how patient and careful the pupils were placing the rice into the pattern. They worked so well as a team and I was so pleased with the final result.

“We had very soothing Indian music on in the art room, incense and electric candles and the whole experience was very relaxing and definitely reinforced all our school’s work on mindfulness and mental health!”

As part of Grange’s Food For

Life award, where the school is working towards gaining another quality award in learning about food and healthy eating, pupils were spoilt for choice with a tasty menu of different curries, bhajis, vegetables and even a traditional Hindu dessert.

“I am Asian so I love this food. This is what I eat a lot but I was happy that my friends could taste my food too,” commented a pupil in year 8.

Another pupil was surprised at how much they enjoyed the food: “ I have never had an onion bhaji before, it was actually delicious. I was a bit nervous at first but it wasn’t that spicy and actually the vegetables tasted better.”

As you will have seen the Government has placed Bedford Borough in the new Tier Two – High Alert category for the new Coronavirus restrictions.

Bedford Borough has been grouped with Central Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes in a sub-region.

This means it is not only our number of Coronavirus cases, positivity and behaviour that determines our restrictions but also those of these neighbouring authorities.

TIER TWO MEANS: n you must not meet indoors with anyone you do not live with or who isn’t in your support bubble. n groups of no more than six people can meet outdoors, including in a private garden n pubs and bars must remain closed, unless operating as restaurants.

Hospitality venues can only serve alcohol with substantial meals, and must stop taking orders at 10pm and close by 11pm n indoor leisure centres and entertainment venues can open

n organised outdoor sport, physical activity and exercise classes can take place n organised indoor sport, physical activity and exercise classes will only be permitted if it is possible for people to avoid mixing with people they do not live/ bubble with.

In addition, shops will be open, personal care services such as hairdressers, barbers and beauty salons will be open, and places of worship can hold communal worship services but people must not socialise with individuals outside their household/support bubble.

Throughout the Coronavirus pandemic the Council has been supporting businesses including pubs, restaurants and non-essential shops that have had to close and we will continue to do so.

Many individuals and businesses have been hit hard, and the new restrictions will particularly impact on our hospitality industry and I am calling on the Government to ensure far more support is provided.

If additional support is not forthcoming many pubs, restaurants and other businesses will be forced to close forever. The Government urgently needs to address this.

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DECEMBER 2020

FOR ALL ENQUIRIES TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

Get your electricals online at

www.michaelrpeters.co.uk Capturing NHS workers for ‘Behind the Mask’ photographic project A LOCAL photographer selected as one of only 100 photographers across the country to be part of the 2020 Vision project, which aims to celebrate and pay tribute to NHS workers in a ‘Behind the Mask’ exhibition in London.

The Arts Council funded project will see portraits of over 600 healthcare workers displayed in an exhibition and compiled into a book to commemorate their commitment and

hard work during the crisis.

Tara Gillen who lives in Bedford was chosen to represent the area, and her photographs of Bethany Bean, a care assistant and the Catlin Evans, a midwife were selected for the exhibition.

Tara, who runs www.taragillen photography.com says: “I felt proud to be able to celebrate the resilience and hard work that our healthcare workers in Bedford have shown. This project aims to show who the people behind the masks are and given them the recognition they deserve.’

“The portraits were taken outdoors and in accordance with social distancing guidelines.”

The Lottery-funded collaboration was initiated by Sophie Sheinwald, a photographer and creator of visual story book Generation Share, one of Forbe’s top isolation reads and Annie Murray, who is the founder of Horizon, a charitable organisation dedicated to providing film and media workshops for people in recovery from addiction.

To learn about the 2020 Vision Project, visit 2020visionproject.co.uk

Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice

We can t stop caring.

Sue Ryder Nurses and sta are needed more than ever – at a time when we simply don’t have enough funding. We’re facing an end-of-life care crisis the like of which we’ve never seen before.

Please help us keep caring. £21 from you could help pay for an hour of the expert care and compassion someone needs at the end of their life.

Donate today at: sueryder.org/winterappeal Sue Ryder is a charity registered in England and Wales (1052076) and in Scotland (SCO39578). Ref. No. 07222. © Sue Ryder. November 2020.

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DECEMBER 2020 KEMPSTON CALLING —

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Oldest marathon runner dies

Iva carrying the Olympic Torch on part of its Bedford leg in 2012.

A WOMAN from Bedford who ran in the London Marathon at the age of 88 has died.

Iva Barr, who took part in a total of 20 marathons, was the oldest runner in the 2016 event.

She finally stopped running in that year.

In a statement Bedford Harriers

Athletic Club said she died on Tuesday, November 17, 2020.

The club said: “It is with great sadness that we have learned that our fellow Harrier and friend, Iva Barr, passed on Tuesday, November 17, at the grand age of 93.

“Iva was a member of Bedford

Harriers from the early days and only stopped running a few years ago.

“As well as being an ambassador for the Club, Iva also encouraged, and was an inspiration to many older and younger runners.

“RIP Iva, we shall all miss you!”

Gold and Silver Awards THE annual Achievement Ceremony for The Bedford College Group took place online on November 26th Gold sponsor was the BedfordBID representing 100s of town centre businesses who welcome the staff and students of the Group with open arms Monday-Friday, especially in these difficult times.

Among the Silver sponsors was the Rosetta Publishing Group, who help to spread the good news about the Group’s successes.

Pictured here is Sam Laycock, Chair of the BedfordBID, and Manager of the Harpur Centre, who spoke via video link to the audience who are normally found in the Bedford Corn Exchance for the ceremony.

For the full story go to www.rosettapublishing.com/ bulletin

Xtra Xmas Lights D

espite the difficulties of 2020, business organisation, BedfordBID, has ensured that the town is a sparkling seasonal sight this Christmas.

BedfordBID, which represents 100s of shops, restaurants and offices in Bedford, has been adding every year to its range of ‘Love Bedford’ Xtra Xmas lights – these include: Lamp post lights in: St Cuthberts Street Mill Street

thanks to BedfordBID

Harpur Street/Harpur Square Tavistock Street/The Broadway St Peters Street St Peters Street garden trees uplighters Howard Street tree lights AND the large, real

Christmas tree outside Clinton Cards adorned with twinkly lights.

In addition businesses themselves are making an extra special effort this year such as Michael R. Peters in The Broadway and the Riverside complex of

Latest information of ‘what’s on/open and when’ can be found on www.lovebedford.co.uk which is being updated throughout lockdown with details of how to buy from local shops online.

restaurants and bars.

While all businesses try to trade within the confines of restrictions, BedfordBID is hoping to make sure people keep up with the spirit of Christmas in the town.

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Good neighbours!

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DECEMBER 2020

TWO Kempston residents are behind moves to cheer up their elderly neighbours who have been feeling distinctly lonely during the Covid-19 lock-down.

Melissa of Dennis Road, wanted to do something in memory of Vera, her next door neighbour, who had passed away, aged 102.

She, thought it would be a good idea to send some Christmas cheer in the form of letters and Christmas cards to the older people in her road.

She involved Sim another neighbour and together they arranged for children to design Christmas cards and write letters for the local pensioners.

Between the pair of them they also persuaded McColls to donate some groceries and sweets to lift the spirits of their older neighbours.

It worked – their neighbours are extremely grateful for the extra attention they have been receiving over the past weeks and have really appreciated the children’s letters and cards.

With the donated grocery items Melissa and Sim have made-up 19 ‘goody bags’, it is hoped that they be able to get Father Christmas to deliver the gifts to the elderly.

The spirit of human kindness lives on!

Pictered left: Melissa with Sim right.

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KEMPSTON Hammers Sports & Social Club Art Group will be celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2021. It was formed by Peter Mason who is still a member today.

Soon after the Kempston Hammers Sports & Social Club was inaugurated to save the site from developers, the Art Group was one of the first groups to hire the hall for its weekly meetings.

The group normally meet from 10-12 every Wednesday.

They have a local artist whoprovides a ‘workshop’ giving professional advice and tuition. The group recently exhibited some works at the Quarry Theatre, Bedford ‘Art Exhibition’.

The group has unfortunately

shrunk over the Covid19 period, so a few places exist for anyone who would like to take the opportunity to join this friendly group.

If you are interested go along

and see them, or give Kempston Hammers Club office a ring on 01234 853262 to check if the club is open under Covid-19 secure guidelines.

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DECEMBER 2020 KEMPSTON CALLING —

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WHAT a question! But one that needed to be answered by Emma (the Manager), Barbara (the Deputy Manager) and staff members, Fatima, Toni, Susie, Laura and Daniel of the Bunyan Pre-school in Kempston.

Discussion took place as to all the difficulties facing this year's celebrations because of the restrictions.

First of all, was Father Christmas himself, after all he is a very old man you know His management team reported that he had been self isolating (as per regulations) and they were trying to find his Birth Certificate so that they would know which group he would be included in when the vaccine was available (hopefully before December 25th 2020).

The next problem was the Reindeer. Rudolf has a particular problem that with his nose glowing so bright, it is thought he may have to isolate or have a special face mask designed and hold on a minute, there's dasher and Dancer and … oh dear, some one is going to be disappointed because there's eight of them never mind there's always next year. So the other reindeer are going to have to practice pulling the sleigh with two metre intervals between them and this is proving quite hard. Also, It was hoped that one of the Holiday Air Corridors would be open for the normal round the world trip on Christmas Eve but no news was forthcoming as yet.

The sleigh itself will be of a new design so that it can hover, therefore not touching any surface saving all the cleansing and cleaning. it is hoped the new model may be electric (ecofriendly) and with the cooperation of our local council, a special

electric charging station could be positioned in the High Street which can charge a sleigh in 5 minutes with enough power to go round the world. Watch this space for progress and beware the High Street might be closed for 5 minutes at midnight on that day.

And no Christmas would be the same without presents would it? Luckily one of the staff knows a Miss S White and she has put forward a plan for her Kempston based firm, Smallbutgood7 to produce enough presents for all the Preschool children. Unfortunately, at a recent staff meeting, one was grumpy, one was happy, one was asleep, one who did not understand was being briefed by a bashful one and Doc was dealing with a sneezy one, but they all agreed the children come first and planned to have all the presents

ready 72 hours before delivery (regulations) so that no sanitizing or cleansing would be necessary.

As a precaution another

delivery company was contacted to standby and a Delivery Time Slot was booked with Elph&Zaftee who having read and digested the 721 page manual on this procedure quoted regulation 25122020 specifying that 'all good children need presents and in no circumstances should this be inhibited'.

Following approval by the Committee, Nina (Chairperson) and the committee members, the go ahead was given for the celebrations to be advertised and thanks were expressed to all concerned to make this a Christmas as before.

So it's GOOD NEWS! GOOD NEWS! The children at Bunyan Preschool will celebrate Christmas with a party, a special visitor and presents at the end of term.

If you have any queries or would like your children to be part of this Preschool please ring Emma on 07944 630369 or pop in and see them (by arrangement) during term time or visit the new Face book page, just type in Bunyan Preschool.

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DECEMBER 2020

FOR ALL ENQUIRIES TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

AI technology for maths and English learning PIONEERING an Artificial Intelligence (AI) teaching tool has empowered The Bedford College Group to take a huge leap forward in advancing online study for people of all ages.

The lockdown-led demand for laptop learning, highlighted the value of the Century computerised system, which supports classroom sessions in schools and colleges.

Happily, Bedford College had been involved in a Century pilot pre-Covid in 2018/19, and its feedback had helped to shape the fast-moving AI product.

Now the latest Century system is available to students and staff. It will be used by 16-19 year olds, apprentices and adult learners.

The South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP), which covers Bedfordshire, Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire, allocated £440,000 for the Artificial Intelligence maths and English learning platform.

This grant will fund the learning platform which has been designed to improve the achievement rate of learners undertaking maths and English qualifications, improve digital skills and improve teacher efficiency and wellbeing.

Ian Pryce CBE, Principal and CEO of The Bedford College Group, said: “Our AI maths and English learning software will secure our prime position as the college which promotes cutting edge technology education for the region.

“This learning platform will support our provision in maths and English for students, and make it possible for them to progress in their education and careers.”

Far-sighted staff member Nina Sharp spotted the potential of Century when attending a seminar several years ago. When the college

was invited to pilot a project with Century in 2018/19 she saw the huge benefits that were possible, as now as Director of Progression Pathways, Nina is delighted to champion this teaching technology.

“If a student is struggling, it adds new content to help them, if a student is clearly finding the sessions too easy, it stretches and challenges them. The teacher can see all of this on a dashboard and intervene accordingly.

“It embeds long-term memory learning too by revisiting areas which a student may have struggled with, and checking if they kept their grasp of that skill. More training prompts are given to remind them. So it helps them to maintain the knowledge they have learned.

“These learning elements are called nuggets, and by gaining them students gain a sense of achievement – a small piece at a time. It helps with their self esteem and confidence.

“The Century package offers 1,000s of high quality resources which can be used as home work by the student or as part of what would otherwise be classroom learning.”

Director of Progression Pathways Nina Sharp is a great example of how Bedford College encourages the development of its students and staff. Nina was a student at Bedford, winning an Outstanding Student award, presented by Principal Ian Pryce.

She worked for a private training provider, then joined the college as a staff member.

Promoted to Head of English and maths later, she is now a Director helping to shape the future vision and resources needed to ensure The Bedford College Group remains an educational leader in the region in these challenging times.

Progression path of Nina

Hospices given £5,000 by Freemasons

FOUR local hospices which give outstanding help to people approaching the end of their lives, have been supported by Bedfordshire Freemasons.

The hospices receiving grants are: Bedford Daycare Hospice ..£500

Keech Hospice Care – Adult Hospice Service ................£1,440

Keech Hospice Care – Children’s Hospice Service ................£1,455

Sue Ryder Care: St Johns Hospice .............................£1,825 The grants from Bedfordshire Freemasons come through the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF), and will be used to help the hospices continue their vital work during these difficult times.

This is just one of 203 grants to hospices around the country from Freemasons.

In total £750,000 will be donated to hospices all over England and Wales this year.

This includes £300,000 which will be distributed to each hospice that receives less than 60 per cent funding from the NHS. A further £450,000 will be provided to individual hospices across England and Wales via Hospice UK, the national charity for hospice care.

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Call for community stories for UK Disability History Month

UK Disability History Month (UKDHM) is an annual event that serves as a platform to focus on the history of people living with a disability and their struggle for equality and human rights.

This year, Disability History Month runs from now until December 18, and focuses on the theme of ‘Access: How far have we come? How far have we to go?’

To recognise the contributions people have made, and the challenges they have faced, The Higgins Bedford is asking residents of Bedford Borough to share stories of their own experiences of living with a disability, which can be added to their collection.

With this new contemporary collection of personal stories, The Higgins Bedford hopes to be able to collaborate with local people and community groups that work with people with disabilities, and to share these with the wider local community in the future through a variety of media that would be as inclusive as possible.

If you have a personal story, photographs, video, objects or other contributions related to your own experiences of living with disabilities that you would like to tell us about and potentially offer as a donation, please email Lydia Saul, Keeper of Social History at The Higgins Bedford at Lydia.Saul@bedford.gov.uk for further information.

He had no previous convictions, reprimands or cautions.

Defending, Ms Raj said: “He is a young man who acted completely out of character.

He was a young, naive and immature. He is genuinely remorseful.”

Recorder James Wood QC told him: “It was a disgraceful piece of dangerous driving and aggravated vehicle taking.”

He passed a 12 month sentence suspended for two years. He must carry out 200 hours’ unpaid work and complete 30 days on a rehabilitation programme.

In addition he has six months to pay £500 compensation each to the woman passenger, the taxi driver and the owner of the Meriva.

The judge also banned him from driving for two years saying he must take an extended driving test.

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to children to travel to school. It is important to highlight that many e-scooters have a maximum speed of 15.5mph and some are able to exceed this, which can be dangerous for the rider and pedestrians if they are involved in a collision.

“Our focus is engaging with members of the community and making them aware of the law regarding e-scooters. Offenders who knowingly and persistently break the law will be dealt with appropriately.”

Inspector Louise Bates from Bedfordshire Police’s local community policing team said: “Escooters have become hugely popular within our communities, but it’s important that people know the law surrounding them before purchasing or using one.

“It is illegal to ride an e-scooter in public if it’s not part of an authorised trial and can be very dangerous due to the speeds it can reach.

“We know that there is a lot of confusion surrounding the use of e-scooters so our officers will be going out to engage and educate our communities on this to keep our road users safe.”

“When the police approached the Meriva it drove off. The police followed with their blue lights on.

“It went into Hurst Grove and then onto Bromham Road.

“An officer estimated it reached 100mph when the speed limit was 30mph.”

Johnson, who had a teenage woman passenger with him, drove onto the bypass and headed towards Kempston breaking the 60 mph limit.

He drove the wrong way around the third roundabout he reached, clipped the kerb and flipped over the car, which skidded for 10 to 15 yards.

Johnson, now of Common Road, Kensworth, appeared for sentence having pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and aggravated vehicle taking.

E-SCOOTERS have increased in popularity in recent years but they are only legal to ride on private land with the landowner’s permission or as part of a government trial.

Police officers in Bedfordshire are reminding people that riding an e-scooter in public when it is not part of an authorised trial is against the law and can result in penalty points, a fine and the vehicle being seized.

It is also illegal to ride a Segway, Go-Ped or powered unicycle on public roads, cycle lanes and pathways as they are not considered roadworthy vehicles.

Chief Inspector Rebecca Rowley-Smith from the Roads Policing Unit for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire, said: “With trials of rented e-scooters taking place around the country, some people are purchasing their own in the mistaken belief they can legally use them on public paths and roads. This is not the case and we are finding that otherwise law-abiding citizens are inadvertently breaking the law in this way.

“Some parents are giving them

A TEENAGER who flipped over a stolen car when he was chased by police in Bedford early on a. Christmas Day morning avoided going to prison on Friday, November 26, 2020.

Kyle Johnson, now 19, had to wait nearly two years before he was sentenced following the three minute high-speed pursuit on December 25, 2018.

Luton Crown Court heard that somebody else had stolen the silver Vauxhall Meriva it had been taken from an address in Bedford in the early hours of Christmas Eve that year.

Prosecutor Jai Patel said: “The Meriva’s number plates were changed and, at 1am on Christmas Day, Johnson was driving it when he struck aRadwell taxi in Bedford.

Road (just off the A6) “The taxiMilton driver gave the MK44 police the numErnest 1SH ber plate and it was seen at twenty to two in Queensbury Close with its headlights on.

12 — KEMPSTON CALLING

DECEMBER 2020

FOR ALL ENQUIRIES TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

COUNCIL FIND TEN FREE PARKING SPACES FOR CLICK AND COLLECT

Don’t all rush at once !

DURING the current lockdown, some shops in the Bedford Town Centre are offering a click & collect service, making it easier for shoppers to support local businesses in the town centre.

Under current government guidelines, non-essential retailers can still open for click & collect services, where shopping is pre-ordered ahead of time and collected from the store.

The measures were added following requests made by businesses in order to help them thrive in our town centre.

Although they have only been added for an initial period of up to 18 months, Bedford Borough Council may look to make these measures permanent if they prove successful with businesses and residents.

The parking bays will allow visitors

free parking for up to 15 minutes, allow drivers to pick up hot food deliveries promptly and provide loading areas for those making deliveries to nearby businesses.

Bedford Borough Council has installed these parking bays on: Castle Lane Commercial Road Greyfriars Car Park Harpur Street Lurke Street Mill Street River Street St Cuthbert’s Street St Loyes Street St Paul’s Square Councillor Henry Vann, Portfolio Holder for Town Centres and Planning, said: “Funded by the Mayor’s Town Centre Priority fund, the introduction of these parking bays represents further investment by Bedford Borough Council to support our town centre traders, despite the challenges presented by COVID-19.

“These new parking measures – ini-

tially in place for a trial period – will make it even easier for residents, visitors and businesses looking to use the town centre, building on the safety measures in place, two hours free parking, and our essential market stalls. We are urging residents to shop local to support our independent retailers and national chain stores this Christmas and this will make it even easier to do so.”

Councillor Charles Royden, Portfolio Holder for Environment, said: “We have taken the decision to install ten parking bays, which will improve access to the town centre for both residents and businesses. This investment in parking will open up our retail and hospitality offer to shoppers and make it easier for people to support local businesses.

“Bedford Town Centre, like many towns nationally, is facing new challenges presented by COVID-19, alongside those they were already facing before the pandemic. We’ve listened to what businesses, partners and residents have said they want in the town centre and will continue to

deliver improvements that make Bedford Borough a better place to live, work and stay.”

Samantha Laycock, Chair of BedfordBID, said: “We’ve been working with hospitality and retail businesses in Bedford Town Centre to understand what they need from us and the Council to continue giving shoppers the same great experience.

“The general consensus is that these parking bays will have a positive impact on shoppers and visitors in Bedford Town Centre. The introduction of these parking bays will help stores to provide click & collect services to shoppers and will also enable food and drink businesses to provide takeaway and delivery services to residents of Bedford Borough.”

Cllr Roger Rigby commenting for the Conservative group said: “I welcome these click and collect parking spaces, it’s a great idea to support our hard pressed businesses but 15 minutes is not enough.

TORIES NOT CONVINCED

“Most people will wonder as they queue and collect can they get back in time.

“Will the parking attendants be hovering to hand them tickets to make up the parking enforcement account deficit of around £800k this year?

“A brilliant idea but 30 minutes would remove the fear of a penalty payment to the Mayor’s Christmas Stocking.”

BedfordBID will be updating their website to provide information on which town centre businesses are offering a click & collect service.

For more information, on businesses currently open and for click & collect and delivery services, visit the BedfordBID Covid-19 Hub: https://www.lovebed ford. co.uk/covid/.

If you would like more information on the parking bays, you can contact the Council’s Parking Services team by emailing Parking.Services@bedford.gov.uk or calling 01234 718057.

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Conservatives call on Mayor Dave to give retailers an early Christmas present

BEDFORD’S Mayor should remove parking charges in the town centre for four hours every weekday until the New Year, according to Bedford’s Conservative Deputy Leader.

Councillor Roger Rigby is calling on the Mayor to rescue Christmas for our town’s heroic traders and deliver them an early present, with swift action to encourage shoppers back into town, during what is usually one

of the busiest times of the retail year.

Deputy Conservative Group Leader Cllr Roger Rigby commented: “This second lock-down has dealt Bedford’s retail businesses a heavy blow, coming so soon after the COVID restrictions earlier this year and with a huge switch to online shopping during the course of the pandemic.

“The Mayor must help make December busy and profitable, aiding in the revival of our hard

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

pressed retailers and bringing shoppers back into Bedford.

“Whether it’s shopping in town or click and collecting, with so many wonderful entrepreneurial, boutique and established shops, Bedford must be the place to visit this Christmas.

“Bedford’s businesses need a trading boost and we have seen town centre footfall and parking revenues are already down.

Businesses have worked hard to make the town centre COVID safe, and offering free car parking will bring them customers.

“Bedford Bid’s members’ survey asked for more free car parking long before COVID, but now it is absolutely vital for the survival of our town’s retailers. The Borough must gift our retailers and their customers’ free

Christmas parking.”

The Green’s responce to Conservatives’ call for free parking: Green councillors support efforts to help local businesses thrive especially at this challenging time, but don’t agree that the best way to attract greater numbers

of customers is to offer more free parking.

Lucy Bywater said: “Free parking effectively incentivises more people to make even short journeys by car.

“Increased dominance of vehicles won’t make the town centre attractive or safer. Evidence from both Sustrans and the Government show that people overestimate how many potential customers travel by car, and evidence shows that cycle parking delivers five times higher retail spend than the same area of car parking.”

Lucy added that: “Temporary changes to the High Street have created less room for cyclists and white paint markings elsewhere have not made a difference.”

Ben Foley said: “Bedford has an excellent variety of independent

businesses who deserve our custom. Current lack of footfall is due to the increasing attraction of shopping online while people are rightly cautious about venturing out, rather than the cost of parking.

Various things encourage people into towns around Christmas.

“What will encourage people to visit the town centre will be factors like feeling safe, access to enough public toilets, good disabled access and proper safe routes for cyclists.

“There also needs to be more support for independent local businesses to trade online as well: we should be building on websites like lovebedford.co.uk/covid/”.

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CEO announces his retirement

PHILIP Simpkins, Chief Executive at Bedford Borough Council has announced that he will be stepping down from the role in April 2021.

Philip has worked in local government for 43 years and for Bedford Borough Council since 1990, having previously held posts including Director of Finance and Deputy Chief Executive before being appointed as Chief Executive of the newly formed unitary authority in 2009.

Philip Simpkins said “It has been an honour to work with and for the people of Bedford Borough over the last 30 years.

“After significant consideration I have decided that the time is right to move on as plans are put in place to move us out of the global pandemic and as we approach the midway point in the council election cycle.

“I would like to thank all Elected Members, staff and the very many stakeholders I have worked with over the years at Bedford Borough Council. I will continue working alongside the

Mayor and councillors as we move to address the significant financial pressures facing the Council.”

Dave Hodgson, Mayor of Bedford Borough said “I’d like to thank Philip for his considerable service to local government and in particular for his work and achievements in Bedford Borough.

“Philip was the first Chief Executive of this unitary authority and a key player in leading us to achieve the unitary status in 2009.

“His extensive background in finance has been invaluable as we sought to weather the challenges of austerity. His influence and input didn’t stop at Bedford Borough though.

“He is well-known across local government, being one of the longest running Chief Executives in the East of England.

“Philip will continue working ahead of his departure but I wish him all the best for his retirement.”

Philip will continue in post until April 2021, to enable the council to plan for the future.

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GRACE Community Church is urging people impacted financially throughout the pandemic to seek help now and not allow their debts to build up further.

The Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Debt Centre based at Project 229, Kempston is offering free help to people facing money problems, due to the coronavirus (COVID19) pandemic, in Kempston, Bedford and the surrounding area.

Naomi Frossell, Bedford and Kempston CAP Debt Centre Manager, said: “We know that many people wait as long as three years before finding help with their debts.

“At first it may seem like you can manage a drop in income but when bills start to get missed debt can rapidly build up until it becomes unmanageable.

“Debt can be caused by many different reasons – ill health, bereavement, relationship breakdown or low income – so it may not just be due to the pandemic although we know that many people in our area have had a reduction in hours or income and may be struggling.

“Getting help as early as possible can make a big difference.

“We want everyone in our area to know that our service is here, completely free of charge.

“We don’t want anyone going into the winter and towards Christmas worrying about how they’ll manage.”

Since the pandemic hit, the CAP Debt Help service has adapted to follow social distancing guidelines to stay safe whilst still offering its award winning debt help, along with unique support, across the local area.

This support includes helping clients with practical things such as linking up with local food banks, arranging emergency fuel top ups, support, encouragement and a friendly voice at the end of a phone.

CAP client Jude said: “Being in debt was awful. I dreaded the postman. Every time he came it

Badge abusers prosecuted

BEDFORD Borough Council has prosecuted two individuals for misusing blue badges during October 2020. The perpetrators must pay back over £1,000 between them in fines, costs and victim surcharges.

On October 22, Rasheena Kalyan of Ampthill Road, Bedford pleaded guilty to misusing a Blue Badge after using her father-in-law’s badge to park on Mill Street while taking equipment to her beauty salon.

She was ordered to pay a fine of £250, costs of £500 and a victim surcharge of £32.

David Maddox of St Cuthbert’s Court, Newnham Road, Bedford was also prosecuted in October for illegally using his brother’s blue badge to park in St Loyes Street.

Mr. Maddox claimed that his brother had been with him at the time of the violation, however CCTV footage and bus pass usage information proved that this was not the case. He was ordered to pay a fine of £120, costs of £200 and a victim surcharge of £32.

DECEMBER 2020 KEMPSTON CALLING —

13

Kempston church vows to help people with money problems due to the pandemic

was just debt, debt, debt. I was completely alone and there was no one to talk to. I had to cut back a lot, skipping meals and going without different things. Then I got in touch with CAP. It was amazing. You get these lovely people who are prepared to help and do whatever they can. They’re so kind. Because I was going without meals, they brought me a big bag of stuff from the church’s food bank. At last someone was here to listen to me and help me. I could finally breathe.”

Naomi added: “It doesn’t matter

whether people have reached the desperation Jude faced, or whether they’ve just begun to struggle. We are able to help and are determined to do whatever we can to alleviate the additional pressure that many people are facing as they negotiate loss of or low income.

“We may all be affected by this pandemic but we’re not all in the same boat. Asking for help is a positive step.”

If you are struggling with debt and need help, get in contact with CAP today on 0800 328 0006 or visit capuk.org.

JEAN SHORTENING SERVICE AVAILABLE

14 — KEMPSTON CALLING

DECEMBER 2020

FOR ALL ENQUIRIES TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

Go check out Dreamwear for the latest fashions

REACH TO CLOSE LUTON PLANT — Opened less than 10 years ago, Reach plc have anounced their intention to close their Luton print plant. This state-of-the-art facility cost a rumoured £68 million – it has the best of everything, Kempston Calling and its sister titles, Beds Bulletin and East Northants Reporter have been printed there since April 2019. Reach have six print plants across the UK, their Birmingham plant is also under threat. The closures will result in the loss of around 150 jobs. As far as Rosetta Publishing is concerned we will be staying with Reach and our papers will move to their Watford plant. It will be with a twinge of nostalgia as I remember watching the printing of the Luton News at the Alma Street offices in the early 60s.

I left school in 1966 and went to work in the Luton News composing room in Castle Street, just before Home Counties Newspapers opened their new press hall there.

When the opportunity came up to have my papers printed in Luton it was a sort of home-coming for me. Being a Lutonian going to Watford will hurt! — Martin Quince.

STREETWEAR lovers have a great new retail shop to check out and buy from in Harpur Street, Bedford.

Owner Tauseef of the Dreamwear shop first started selling his unique clothing range from ‘pop-up’ shops back in 2016.

Since then he has graduated to his flagship store on the corner of Harpur Street and the Broadway, which recently celebrated it’s first anniversary.

Tauseef says: “Dreamwear is a strong, empowering brand, offering great vibrant products which makes us different and what we are offering is so unique and no one else sells that. If people come in and request and suggest a custom product we will make it happen!

We will always say ‘yes’ because we hate saying no.

We retail our branded unisex range which includes headwear, t-shirts, hooded tops and premium tracksuits.

Also we provide a custom trainer service and much more.”

You can check out Dreamwear’s products at: www.dreamwearldn.com and via Whatsapp for personal assistance +44 7446 937 374.

Christmas Soup Kitchen seeks raffle prizes A SOUP kitchen is being held in the town centre, organised by volunteer staff from across Bedford College Services (BCS Ltd), including those who work at Bedford College in Cauldwell Street, Shuttleworth College near Biggleswade, and Wixams Academy.

Soups will be free for everyone, with donations from those who can afford a few pence, or perhaps a pound or two.

The activity will include a raffle, for which prizes are being sought from local businesses, contact klewton@bedfordcollegeservices.co.uk A Love Bedford gift voucher of £25 has been donated by BedfordBID is support of the project.

Organiser BCS Ltd Katrina Lewton said: “BCS Ltd staff are giving up their time and suppliers are donating food so we can make this takeaway service possible. The event will raise funds for the regular ‘Dine with Us on the Streets’ local charity which makes food available all year round from its

location in The Parade, Greyfriars.”

AB Fruits and Brakes Food will be donating recipe contents and Katrina and team will be adding the magic to make a range of soups available.

The Bedford College Services organisation (BCS Ltd), is a commercial wing of The Bedford College Group and handles catering and venue hire.

The soup kitchen will be held in the former church on the site of The Bedford Sixth Form in Bromham Road on December 21-24, 11am-2pm.

A list of organisations which have been helping the homeless year in, go to www.lovebedford.co.uk

Pictured below L-R: BCS Ltd Managing Director Amanda Riches with Katrina Lewton and a £25 Love Bedford gift voucher donated by BedfordBID for the raffle. They are in front of the Munch and Mocha brand of the in-house college catering service.

Below left: Robert Bosco co-owner of AB Fruits, behind him L-R: Amanda Riches MD, BCS Ltd, Stefano Cimmino AB Fruits, Katrina Lewton BCS Ltd.

Did you enter our Santa Pod fireworks spectacular lucky draw?

Well if you didn’t you missed out on the chance to win a family ticket to Santa Pod’s Fireworks spectacular on Wednesday, November 4.

Trudy King entered our online draw and she was the lucky winner.

Trudy from Dunton near Biggleswade, and her family enjoyed a fantastic firework display on a great night when the weather behaved itself!

If you want the opportunity to enter our next lucky draw, sign up to get your own daily update of Bedfordshire news — it’s free https://rosettapublishing.com/ bulletin/sign-up/

ARA signs major contracts securing its long-term future

AIRCRAFT Research Association Ltd (ARA) based in Manton Lane, Bedford signed two landmark contracts in 2020 helping secure ARA’s future as a leading specialist in aerospace and defence services.

The company has extended its partnership with BAE Systems by signing a long term (framework) agreement to support the company’s future platform developments.

The agreement comprises transonic wind tunnel testing and a range of complementary aerodynamic services.

ARA is supporting BAE Systems with testing and instrumented model design and manufacturing services for their role in the Team Tempest collaboration initiative to develop a next generation combat air system.

The second piece of good news from the company, they have announced an extension to their partnership with Turkish Aerospace by signing an agreement to support Turkish Aerospace’s future platform developments.

The contract comprises wind tunnel testing in the transonic range with the facility for a complementary aerodynamic services.

ARA has previously collaborated with Turkish Aerospace with both testing and instrumented scale model design and manufacturing services for Turkish Aerospace’s

next generation combat aircraft TF-X as part of the risk reduction phase where the highest levels of quality wind tunnel data are required to verify and validate aerodynamic designs.

Mr Paul Hutchings, Chief Executive Officer said: “We are proud that BAE Systems and Turkish Aerospace have entrusted us to provide key aerodynamic testing services for their new aircraft developments. We think this underlines our reliable and flexible approach with innovative technologies.”

ARA is one Bedford’s oldest and largest employers providing

testing services in its transonic wind tunnel, design and manufacturing of high specification test models as well as aerodynamic consultancy services.

ARA’s tools and techniques generate high fidelity data to enable clients achieve optimal aerodynamic performance for their designs and potentially reduce noise, fuel burn and weight.

From ARA’s origins in the 1950s testing pioneering aircraft designs like TSR2, Vulcan, Harrier, Tornado and Concorde through to tomorrow’s commercial and military platforms, ARA remains a critical solution provider.

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DECEMBER 2020 KEMPSTON CALLING —

15

Criminal jailed for his part in £7.5m drugs conspiracy sent down again Prosecutor Martin Mulgrew said: “The large husky dog there caused him to make off. Two hours later at twenty past five in the morning he arrived back at the property on his pushbike, but he was again deterred by the dog.”

That break in happened on June 9, 2019. On July 19, 2019, he got into a home in Beaconsfield Street in Bedford where he stole a laptop and a watch.

That home had a doorbell camera which enabled police to identity Amin, who has a distinctive beard and glasses.

The burglary left the home owner worried and unable to sleep.

She had to take time off work.

Six days later, on July 25, he got into the living room of a flat in Spenser Road, Bedford.

He was using his mobile phone as a torch when he was confronted by the owners.

He was told to go away and said: “Sorry, wrong house, wrong house.”

He was arrested and interviewed and answered no comment to police questions.

Mr Mulgrew said Amin was linked to the crimes by his distinctive appearance from the doorbell footage and by glove marks.

Amin of Prebend Street, Bedford appeared for sentencing having pleaded guilty twooff the A6) Radwell Roadto(just burglaries and twoErnest attempted Milton MK44 1SH burglaries.

The judge was told he had three previous convictions for burgling peoples’ homes. In 2010 he received an 18 year sentence for drug offences.

He was out of prison on licence when he committed the Bedford break-ins.

Edward Ellis, defending said Amin had a traumatic childhood and had experimented with drugs.

He said he has sought help for his problems.

Judge Caroline Wigin told him the burglary had caused “considerable distress.”

She jailed him for three years four months saying: “In 2010 you got 18 years for drug offences.

When you were released you resumed your offending.”

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In 2016 he was charged with attempting to smuggle a blade, a mobile phone and memory cards in to Frankland Prison, Durham – he was being transferred from one

prison to another at the time.

Given his early release Amin failed to grasp the opportunity to go straight – he has appeared in court again, and found guilty of burglary.

He was twice scared off by a big husky dog when he tried to break into a house in Bedford.

Amin, 42, first got into the home in Foster Street at 3.20am, through the front door, St Albans Crown Court heard on Thursday, November 12, 2020.

SENTANCED to 18 years in prison for his part in a conspiracy to supply heroin with an estimated value of £7.5m (75kg of heroin) in 2010, Asif Amin of Bedford was released on licence after nine years.

16 — KEMPSTON CALLING

DECEMBER 2020

FOR ALL ENQUIRIES TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

100 bikes donated to key workers

LAST month saw the 100th free bike donation to NHS key workers from Sustrans, through Bedford Borough Council.

Bikes have been donated from numerous different sources including Govia Thameslink, Bedfordshire Police and through several ‘Give your bike a new life’ events where the Bedford public donated their unused bikes.

Mechanics and volunteers from Sustrans and Bedford Park Rotary Club worked hard to ensure the bikes were cleaned and repaired and made roadworthy.

With over 25 volunteers from Sustrans staff and Bedford Borough Council staff, these bikes have been donated to 100 key workers from the NHS. These bikes have helped to shorten the commutes of some of our local key workers, as well as helping them to get

more exercise, and travel in a greener way.

Mayor Dave Hodgson said “It was great to be at the donation of the 100th bike to Anu, a staff nurse at Bedford Hospital.

“A massive thank you must go to everyone who donated their unwanted bike, and to all the individuals and organisations involved in getting them fixed up and out to key workers in our NHS.” Debbie Inskip Chairperson

of Bedford Hospital Charity & Friends said: “It has been wonderful to meet all of the staff at Bedford Hospital who have been working hard throughout lockdown, and to be able to reward them with a free bike.

“We’ve really enjoyed hearing their stories about how the new bike has improved their fitness levels, reduced their commute time and enable them to save money on their commute.”

Sue Ryder hospices forced to launch its second urgent fundraising appeal of 2020 NATIONAL healthcare charity Sue Ryder which runs Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in Moggerhanger near Bedford, Bedfordshire, is launching its second urgent fundraising appeal of 2020.

The charity is experiencing a £2million a month shortfall, whilst its doctors and nurses continue to play a vital part in the Coronavirus effort.

Sue Ryder is appealing to local people to support its urgent fundraising campaign ‘We can’t stop’ so that Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice can continue to provide the expert and compassionate end of life care it is so well known for.

Allison Mann, Hospice Director at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice, said: “Coronavirus has hit us hard. We received a wonderful response from our supporters to our emergency appeal earlier in the year. This, paired with the emergency funding that we received from the government, covered our funding shortfall until the end of June 2020.

“Unfortunately however, our struggle continues. Our fundraising events remain cancelled for the rest of this year and our high

street shops have now closed for a second time.

“As we head into the winter months and coronavirus cases continue to rise we are expecting an increase in people needing end of life care.

“None of us expected this pandemic to go on for so long and clearly a monthly shortfall of £2 million is unsustainable for any charity, which is why we need to ask the public to help us.

“Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice is playing a vital part in the Coronavirus effort – all of the staff here want to use their skills, expertise and experience to help patients and their families in the months ahead as well continue to relieve the pressure on the NHS. However, in order to keep our services running through the winter and beyond we urgently need to secure more funding now.

“We know that times are tough for everybody at the moment, so please be reassured that every bit really does help and thank you very much from all of us.”

To support Sue Ryder visit: sueryder.org/winterappeal20

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17

COME IN OUT OF THE COLD WITH THESE WINTER FASHIONS Baby it’s cold outside, but here are some suggestions for these winter days. These are just a taster for what is available.

The choice is huge. Sure you can sit at home and buy online but nothing beats being there in person to try the clothes on.

So why not go shopping and treat yourself to coffee and cake at one of the many cafés on the high street – and you’ll be supporting your local shops. www.boutiqueplanet.co.uk

www.boutiqueplanet.co.uk www.regatta.com

www.wallis.co.uk

www.oasis-stores.com Regatta in Debenhams

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18 — KEMPSTON CALLING

DECEMBER 2020

FOR ALL ENQUIRIES TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

out & about

by Tony Hendrix

It’s a tough gig but someone has to do it!

I POST my column this month from within a small state in Kansas City US called Wichita, apart from business aviation activities within Wichita I also found a bit of free time to explore a few of the local night spots as I was curious to find out what challenges if any Wichitas nightlife was up against.

Firstly despite the fact that Covid-19 is spreading like wild fire throughout most of the states in the US, there appears to be no real restrictions on opening hours and very limited Covid19 protocols in place!

I visited a few bars most of them appeared to be homes for some exceptionally strange republicans experiencing Trumpmania, however there was one bar that totally stood out from the rest called Twin Peaks.

During such challenging times this bar was pretty busy for a Tuesday night, I couldn’t quite work out what the attraction was until I took a seat at the bar.

I should have noticed straight away that the bar was packed predominantly with men, then it clicked the bar attendants and waitresses were all very attractive young ladies with clothing struggling to cover up the bare essentials!

Now the general concept behind this bar I thought was great, unfortunately during these challenging times it’s all about getting customers through the doors.

I had a brief chat with the duty manager Karen she commented: “We are this busy most nights of the week, yes I admit our customers are mainly middle-aged men doing a bit of window shopping however they spend money like there’s no tomorrow whilst studying the eye candy. The girls will show a bit

Twin Peaks waitresses modelling their PPE! of attention to selected customers which is usually rewarded by a generous tip.”

I could definitely relate to why this venue was so busy, lots of eye entertainment coming from the ladies and big screen monitors showing retro sporting highlights and great background music from the 60s and 70s.

All they need to do now to complete the programme is to introduce a night or two dedicated to the ladies perhaps with some muscular males behind the bar, this may well be an idea for someone to try in Bedford I feel it would be a roaring success!

Bedford Esquires and the Place Theatre are among music, dance, theatre and cultural venues across the UK who have been awarded a grant as part of the Government’s Cultural

Recovery Fund.

Esquires and The Place have both been closed since March, with both facing an uncertain future without financial support.

The owner of Esquires Gareth Barber commented: “We are extremely pleased to announce that Bedford Esquires has been awarded a grant of just over £173,000 as part of the Cultural Recovery Fund, issued by Arts Council England and DCMS. “I hope this funding will secure the long term future of Bedford’s only dedicated live music venue and our staff, seeing us into the new year with increased optimism and a focus on bringing quality live events back to the town.

“In the past seven months of us being shut, there have been some very testing and dark times and we only got

to this stage now with the incredible efforts and support shown through the Crowdfunder earlier this year.

“The application for the funding wasn’t an easy one and we’ve been waiting nine long weeks to hear the outcome, with many sleepless nights and anxious days.

“I want to just go on record to thank my wife, Louisa, who I wouldn’t have been able to even fill the application in without and has had to put up with me being moody.

“Also the network of friends, fellow promoters, venue owners and our MP Mohammad Yasin, who has been very supportive throughout this.”

This has been an uphill struggle for this venue, I take my hat of to Gareth Barber he has fought hard to keep Esquires alive, his determination and strength from those around him have

helped this dream come true, I’m sure in the new year we will again see the town’s stand alone live music venue fully operation again back at capacity with some awesome acts in the pipeline.

This has probably been one of the worse years we will ever see in our life time, job losses, business closures, covid related deaths, lock downs the list is endless, let’s pray that 2021 irradicates this dreadful desease that has caused so much upset in our lives in one way or another, we need to stay positive and keep safe, have a good a Christmas as you can and I wish each and everyone of you all the best for new year.

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DECEMBER 2020 KEMPSTON CALLING —

gardening

P

with Milton Ernest Garden Centre

What better Christmas gift?

by Maureen Catlin

LANTS make superb Christmas Gifts for all our friends and family. They are visually appealing with bright colours or calming green with wonderful shapes. Many are also fragrant.

The home becomes a better place because people’s moods are elevated with plants adding to our décor contributing to good health and wellbeing.

Plants are not just for Christmas so to make sure they give months of pleasure here are some tips to care for them.

Poinsettias probably most define Christmas with their red bracts, bright green leaves and golden flowers. Yes the golden bobbles in the middle of the bracts are the flowers. They are tropical plants so are happy between 15°C to 20°C in a bright draft free place. Avoid a windowsill. Only water when the surface of the compost is dry.

Anthurium is a superb plant which is very easy to look after. It has bright red flowers that last for months. They like warmth and humidity and tolerate low light levels but avoid over watering by standing on a tray of pebbles just covered with water away from direct sunlight.

Christmas Cacti will drop the flower buds if over watered but require some humidity in the air so stand on a tray of pebbles and keep these moist. Gerberas require slightly brighter light so put on a sunny windowsill during the day but bring into the room at night. African Violets are always delightful in jewel box colours. Again stand on sand or gravel and keep moist but away from direct sunlight.

Winter flowering houseplants that are more

19

suited to cooler houses are Azaleas, Cyclamen, Solanums and Kalanchoe.

Azaleas need to be kept moist so again stand on a tray of pebbles and water from below.

Occasionally plunge the pot into a bowl of water so the level is above the rim. Allow to soak for 30 minutes, remove and drain before replacing onto the tray of pebbles.

Cyclamen should always be watered from below and the spent flowers and stems removed at the base to avoid corm rot. Again plunge

the pot occasionally. It is one of the best houseplants for cool places.

Solanums, the Winter Cherry is a very easy plant for temperatures between 10°C to 15°C. Only water when the soil feels dry on top. It is also good in autumn tubs on the patio until there’s a hard frost. Easiest of all is Kalanchoe, Flaming Katy. It likes a cool but bright place tolerating dry conditions if occasionally plunged.

An Amaryllis bulb makes an interesting present. Amaryllis is easy to grow and should be planted with one third of the bulb above the soil level.

Place in bright light and water sparingly at first increasing as the foliage develops and await that gorgeous flower.

Hyacinths with their heavenly fragrance also like cooler places and will perfume the whole house for weeks.

In this time of turmoil the Peace Lily Spathiphyllum will be a welcome gift. It is one of the top ten household air cleaning plants with white and green flowers and shiny green leaves.

It is easy to grow by plunging in water when dry and standing away from sunshine on a gravel tray.

Bromelia with the bold stunning exotic whirls of red foliage in a stylish pot is a trendy present.

The red colour remains for a long time. It likes similar conditions to Spathiphyllum.

It is fun to grow Citrus Fruits especially if there is a heated conservatory. The hardier varieties like Lemon Trees and Kaffir Limes will tolerate lower temperatures down to 0°C and can be grown outdoors. It is advisable to wrap the pot with hessian in late October and move against a protected wall or inside if severe

“Plants are good for you” all Gardeners know this

weather is forecast. Calamondin, Orange, Kumquats, Mandarins and Grapefruits need warmer conditions above 5°C. All Citrus Plants need plenty of sunshine and careful watering too much and too little water can result in leaf drop.

We recommend plunging the plant in water so the level is above the pot and leave for one hour.

Remove and allow to drain and do not water again until the soil is completely dry.

Orchids make special presents. Phaelenopsis are easy to grow tolerating the drier heat of central heating as well as being almost perpetually in flower. Water them sparingly from the top and stand on pebbles.

Terrariums are back in fashion together with large foliage plants like Calathea, Parlour Palms, Swiss Cheese Plants, Ficus, Ferns, Dracaenas and Yuccas. All have made resurgence popularity since Lock Down and spending more time indoors. All Houseplants look more attractive in a decorative pot which helps to maintain humidity and makes the Christmas Present special.

ALL OF US AT MILTON ERNEST GARDEN CENTRE WISH OUR READERS A HAPPY SAFE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR. OUR NEW ON LINE SHOP HAS MANY GARDENERS’ CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS

20 — KEMPSTON CALLING

DECEMBER 2020

FOR ALL ENQUIRIES TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

sport

Robbie is a Goodman

FOOTBALL at Kempston Rovers level is notorious for the high rate of player turnover at clubs – some sides will register upwards of fifty players in a season as they chop and change looking for that winning formula.

So, for a player to reach a milestone of 200 games for one side is rare. Kempston Rovers have one such player in current captain, Robbie Goodman.

With previous experience at Ampthill Town and Leighton Town, Robbie arrived at Hillgrounds in the summer of 2015, making an immediate impact on the side by contributing ten goals on the way to the United Counties League title and North Bedfordshire Charity Cup double. Robbie was an ever present in the club’s league campaign that season, indeed, Robbie only missed eight games over two seasons between 2015 and 2017.

The 2017-18 season was a landmark as Robbie was in the side for every single game of the season, starting all but one game. He rediscovered the goal scoring touch as well, finding the net nine times through the campaign.

In early October 2017, Robbie headed a stoppage time winner against one time Conference outfit Hayes & Yeading, a goal that Robbie considers the stand out one of his time with Rovers.

He improved on this in February 2018, however, scoring a first half hat-trick from right full back against eventual champions Beaconsfield Town, “three world class tap-ins” according to the

player himself.

The 2018-19 season was shaping up to be as good as the previous one, with Robbie almost an everpresent again.

He was amongst the goals early on as well, scoring twice against Berkhamsted in late August and was a key part of the club’s run to the third qualifying round of the FA Cup, their best performance in the competition for over forty years, losing narrowly to Woking, who were put out of the Cup by eventual runners up, Watford.

In late November, the club saw a huge change in the playing staff after the resignation of the then joint managers. Robbie’s last game for the club that season was as a substitute in the County Cup against Luton Town. A few days later, his transfer to local rivals Barton Rovers was complete.

It was that last Kempston game that meant Robbie was cup tied for the rest of Barton’s County Cup campaign, leaving him to miss out on a cup final appearance.

Robbie returned ‘home’ for the 2019-20 season and only missed one game before the season was curtailed due to covid reasons. His only goal of the season came in a special way, on a special day.

A left footed volley from the edge of the box finding the top corner was a brilliant way to mark his two hundredth game for Kempston. During the shortened season, Robbie was given the honour of the captain’s armband on three occasions.

For the 2020-21 season, Robbie has kept the captain’s armband on a permanent basis, now in his sixth season with the club, Goodman is the experienced head in the dress-

ing room. Reflecting on his time with Kempston Rovers, Robbie was cheekily philosophical. “I’d like to avoid being cliché, but it is the friendliness of the club that has kept me here so long. All the people from the volunteers to the

small but brilliant bunch of fans.

Yeah, I’d like to play in front of bigger crowds, but I always leave Rovers with a smile on my face.”

That might have something to do with Robbie always staying for a drink with the fans after games.