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FREE AMPTHILL•FLITWICK•WESTONING•HARLINGTON•TODDINGTON
APRIL 2017
LOCAL NEWS magazine
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REJOICE AND AGAIN I SAY REJOICE
‘Call the Midwife’ has come and gone. nonnatus House survived for a time the more austere leadership of Sister Ursula. The midwives have been augmented by nurse Valerie Dyer. Challenging issues such as female genital mutilation, the introduction of the pill, and the care of the mentally ill have been explored. And to cap it all, nurse Barbara has had her dreams fulfilled as she marries the local curate and rides with him on a fairground gallopers. What will I do on a Sunday evening without it? In the final episode of this series nurse Barbara asks her clergyman father, Canon Gilbert, about the secret of his long marriage to her mother. He replies, ‘finding joy in the simple things’.
PROTECTING THE YOUNG A PRIORITY
After criticism from the police watchdog HMIC, I want to let you know of the progress which has been made by Beds Police in protecting vulnerable young people who go missing, many of them from local authority care. A recent report from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) was critical of the Force’s handling of ‘missing’ young people, including those looked after by local authorities who abscond from care or foster homes. Those who are not where they are supposed to be should be designated as ‘absent’ by police but those who have a history of previous risk factors, such as older individuals associated with them who may represent a threat of sexual exploitation or drug use, should be categorised as ‘missing’, resulting in an immediate police response. Significant changes have already been made to protect vulnerable young people, but the real shame about the HMIC report is that it couldn’t include work which had just started, or is being introduced,
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View from the Rt Revd
Richard Atkinson
The Bishop of Bedford
I’ve been thinking about ‘joy’ this Lent. It has been the focus of one of the weekly study sessions I have lead in both Bedford and Luton. For ‘joy’ is a marvellous thing. Unlike happiness and pleasure, with which it is often contrasted, joy is not solely of the emotions – a pleasurable experience that comes and goes; but rather a deeper experience that can be present even when life is tough. It would be strange to say that one is ‘happy’ after a
Update from the
Police & Crime Commissioner by Kathryn Holloway
in its assessment. A great example of that work is the introduction of a specialist Child Sexual Exploitation and Missing Investigation Team (CMIT) in Bedfordshire which takes responsibility for cases of ‘missing’ youngsters from the wider Community Policing Teams. CMIT is working and producing real results; according to the latest data from February 2017, the time taken to find “missing” young people has dropped dramatically from 71 hours to 29 hours, and the repeat cases has fallen from 47% to 31%. My own office is helping the Force to improve
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funeral, but there are funerals that give ‘joy’. A colleague was talking about his father’s funeral and spoke of it as a sad but joyful occasion, because there was thanksgiving for a life well lived and a deep sense of the presence of God. For Christians the source of joy is our confidence in God. The Jesuit theologian Pierre Teilhard de Chardin said, ‘Joy is the most infallible sign of the presence of God’. C. S. Lewis describing his conversion to Christin faith writes of being ‘Surprised by Joy’; a joy that once you have experienced it you will want it again. St Paul in his letters urges us to rejoice – Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again, rejoice (Phil. 4:1) He is at one with Canon Gilbert, for when we see joy in the simple things, when we rejoice in one another and the gifts of creation, then we too may well be surprised by Joy.
protection of these vulnerable young people too. My Director of Policy, Anna Akerman, (the author of the College of Policing’s guidance on missing people), will help train both officers and partners, particularly stressing why return interviews are so vital and what should be included to try to make sure a young person is safe and to understand why they left without notice in the first place.
One particularly important thing to note is that many cases involve young people housed in our county who come from elsewhere, usually London, who often don’t want to be here. This shows what a challenge this issue is for the Force at the same time as 999 calls in life-threatening emergencies. High risk cases of ‘missing’ young people are given urgent attention by 999 response officers and a crime team led by a senior investigator. I hold the Chief Constable and Force to account. This type of work demonstrates what is being done pro-actively, around the clock, to protect these young people. It is a tragedy that this was not part of the recent report as it was such a blow to public confidence in Bedfordshire Police when the reality proves that this issue is an absolute priority.
The Rufus Centre ‘See For Yourself’ Open Day On 11th March the Rufus Centre doors were opened for their ‘See For Yourself’ Open Day. The focus was to showcase the venue for the multitude of functions they can accommodate, including wedding receptions, anniversary parties, birthdays and civil ceremonies. The Lockyer Suite was dressed with their impressive ceiling canopy, sparkly curtain and ambience lighting. Sarah Dempsey, Weddings & Events Co-ordinator, was on hand to inform people about what they offer and answer any questions customers had about the venue. Other features from the Decorations Collection were displayed, such as our popular wedding easel and beautiful lily vase centrepieces.
Dotted around the room they also had a few stallholders, including UK Events & Tents, Light Up Your Love, Ritzy Music, Sugar & Spice Catering Services and The Guest Factor. These businesses add the all-important, added extras to any celebration. Separate from the Open Day they had two children’s birthday parties, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, and a Tea Dance in the evening. It’s fair to say March was jam-packed for functions there! If you’re looking for a venue for an upcoming celebration but were unable to make the Open Day, email: sarahdempsey@ therufuscentre.co.uk or phone 01525 631905 to arrange a show round or find out more details.
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A nice scenic run – the Flitwick 10k!
DOn’T forget to secure your entry into the Flitwick 10k taking place on the 9th April. Organised under UK Athletic rules, this accurately measured, well marshalled event, in 2017, is proud to host the Bedfordshire County Championships. The course is a fast, scenic and undulating route taking in the glorious countryside surrounding Flitwick. First run in 1989 with a field of just 157 people, the Flitwick 10k ran on the original course, under the stewardship of Phil & Cally King, for ten years; gradually growing in numbers until it peaked at 541 for the tenth anniversary in 1998. Due to external pressures, including difficulties negotiating the Tesco roundabout the race was dropped until its re-launch, with a slightly modified course in 2004. Despite the five year gap, Ampthill and Flitwick Flyers managed to attract of field of 360 to its flagship event and managed to talk John Motson, who had run the old course, to present the prizes once he had got his breath back!
2005 the field doubled in numbers to 720 runners and continued to grow. In 2012 a special presentation was made to nicky Moss, the 10,000th finisher of the Flitwick 10k and the flyers are now well on their way to attracting their 15,000 runner. The Flitwick 10k attracts all ages from teenagers (15+) to octogenarians of all abilities. In 2017 one competitor is running for the 17th time, and 83 year old is running for the 16th time and another competitor running for the 13th consecutive year. There is even an entry from a runner who ran in the first Flitwick 10K in 1989. The race offers CHIP timing, SMS messaging of all results and all finishers receive a race T-shirt. There is a reduced entry fee offered to over 60 club runners and a FREE 1 mile Kids Fun Run held after the main race. Great prizes up for grabs, a trophy for the first man and first lady home, medals to the first veteran in each age category and team prizes. A £50 cash prize will be award-
ed for setting a new course record. The men’s current record holder is Simon Tanui 30:12 and ladies current record holder is Jo Wilkinson 33:49. There will also be a cash bonus to the winner that takes the Flitwick 10k to a new level, men’s event sub-30, ladies event sub33.30. Advanced entries UKA affiliated runners £14, unaffiliated runners £16, V60+ affiliated runners £8. Entries accepted on the day if not sold out, all categories £17. You can enter online at
www.sportsentrysolutions.com or by post. Forms can be downloaded from www.flitwick10k.org.uk Any queries, visit the website, drop the Race Director an email at racedirector@flitwick10k.org.uk Don’t forget to check out the Ampthill and Flitwick Flyers other great events: MArSTOn 5k Friday 16th June 2017 www.marstonforest5k.org.uk AMPThIll TrOPhy Sunday 15th October 2017 www.ampthilltrophy.org.uk
‘Pizza’ the action
The children from St George’s school in Dunstable enjoyed a ‘pizza’ the action when they visited Poplars Garden Centre last month. St George’s is one of a few local schools who have had the opportunity to visit Poplars and try their hand at pizza making. The children were given their own pizza bases and a selection of toppings to choose from. Once their pizzas were prepared, it was off to the Poplars’ state of the art pizza oven to watch it cook! Then came the best bit – they got to eat their very own handmade pizzas for lunch! And the fun didn’t stop there as there were fairy cakes to decorate too! At the end of their visit, each child was presented
with a personalised ‘I made Pizza at Poplars’ certificate. The pizza experience really is a great way of getting the children involved and to learn about food preparation in a fun and friendly environment. St George’s Deputy head Stuart Compton said: “We had a fantastic visit to Poplars making pizzas. All the staff were so kind and helpful and the new catering facilities are amazing. The children had a lot of fun creating and eating their lunch! Many thanks to Poplars.” If you know of a school that would love a pizza experience, then please call the restaurant on 01525 872017 or email them: therestaurant @poplars.co.uk.
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Charity car washes are a great success
FIreFIGhTerS at Bedford and Dunstable stations raised more than £700 recently with their charity car washes. Both stations opened their doors to the public to offer car washes to raise money for the Firefighters’ Charity. The Charity offers a broad range of support to Firefighters. Bedford Community Fire Station raised £282 and Dunstable Community Fire Station £420 in donations for washing vehicles of all shapes and sizes during the day. Strategic Operational Commander Andy Peckham, service coordinator for The Fire Fighters Charity, said: “These nationally coordinated events are fundamental in enabling our charity to deliver a range of services to beneficiaries. “The car wash event will raise in the region of £150,000, which goes toward therapy, rehabilitation and specialist mental health and recuperative care support. On a local level they also enable our firefighters to promote important road and home safety messages and meet with our communities by opening up our stations. We are truly grateful to everyone that comes along and makes a donation to The Fire Fighters Charity.”
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Bedfordshire Freemasons donate £64,500 to good causes in just one night!
FREEMASOnS from across Bedfordshire gathered in Kempston, last month (March) to donate £64,639.48 to 46 local and national charities/good causes. The Provincial Grand Master of Bedfordshire, Anthony Henderson told us: “At the Heart of Freemasonry is Relief, which for a Freemasons means supporting charities and good causes – both financially and physically – which serve the communities we live in. “We started these cheque presentation evenings to charities/ good causes some nine years ago, and if you include the £64,500.00 donated this evening, Bedford shire Freemasons have given over £664,500 to national and local good
causes in the last nine years. In 2017 English Freemasonry is celebrating its 300th Birthday, and as part of these celebrations we intend to provide additional support to local charities and good causes”. Shirley Scotcher (Head of Fund Raising at St John’s Hospice, Moggerhanger), – one of the 46 charities/good causes which benefitted from the Freemason’s generosity – told us: “I would publicly like to thank Bedfordshire Freemasons for their continuing financial support of Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice and for the sterling work they do for us every year, by overseeing the parking at our Summer Fayre, which this year is
taking place on Sunday 13th August”. As a final act of generosity, at the end of the evening one of the Freemasons – who is a volunteer at
Flitwick Scouts Serve up a Feast BEAVERS (boys and girls age 6 to 8) from Flitwick Scout Group have recently earned their cook badge. To achieve the badge they made their own Pizzas, fruit kebabs and smoothies, and iced and decorated biscuits. They also found out about a balanced diet and about being clean and safe in the kitchen. The Cub Scouts (boys and girls aged 8 to 10 ½)
have been working towards their Disability Awareness badge where they have used numerous aids. They have learnt for themselves how everyday tasks such as buttering bread can be difficult for people with a physical disability. The Scouts (boys and girls aged 10 ½ to 14) have been learning about First response which has included knowing what to do in the event of an
Bedford’s Shelter for the Homeless – took the food left over from the buffet, and gave it to those in our community who spend their nights sleeping on the streets of Bedford.
emergency, practicing CPR and putting people into the recovery position. All nine sections are supported by a group of Young Leaders (young people aged between 14 and 18). They take an active part by running games and helping to deliver the activities by instructing small groups of children. Amelia Rutt said, “I enjoy being a young leader with the Beaver section. I have been able to develop skills and it’s great when you see the smile on a child’s face when they succeed in completing an activity.” The Group have three camps already planned for this year. One of them will be a week at Walesby Forest in nottinghamshire where the Cubs and Scouts will get the opportunity to try their hand at numerous water activities, crate stacking, climbing and tomahawk throwing. An Explorer Unit (boys and girls aged 14 to 18) has recently started up in Flitwick and members have planned their programme with two of the early activities being pancake making and climbing. Adult volunteer Jonathan Smith said, “There are great opportunities in Flitwick for young people to get involved in Scouting. We provide activities from abseiling to cooking, being creative to playing with friends.” For further information about Scouting visit www.flitwickscoutgroup.org.uk
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Secondary Offer Day delight for pupils
ALMOST all pupils transferring to secondary and upper schools across Central Bedfordshire in September have been granted their first preference.
1st March was national Secondary Offer Day, when parents and pupils across the country found out what the future held for them. It was good news here with 97 per cent of Central Bedfordshire pupils who applied to transfer to upper schools for the 2017/18 academic year granted their first preference and a further 2.8 per cent gaining their second preference. And 91 per cent of Central Bedfordshire pupils applying for secondary school here have been offered their first preference school. A further five per cent received their second preference and one per cent their third choice.
Of all the applications, most came via the council’s online system, with 94 per cent of transfer to upper school applications and 85 per cent of secondary applications done that way. That’s the quickest way of finding out the news as anyone applying online or requesting an email notification hears the news today, with decision letters then being sent out by second class post. For more information about school admissions and transfers, visit www.centralbedfordshire. gov.uk/admissions or email admissions@centralbedford shire.gov.uk or call 0300 300 8037.
Taxi firm you can trust! 24 hour tennis marathon The Fully computerised data despatch system
REPRESEnTATIVES from Flitwick & Ampthill LTC took part in the Bright Ideas for Tennis 24 Hour Tennis Marathon on Saturday 25th – Sunday 26th February 2017. The event is in its fourth year and the two Tennis Pro’s playing throughout were Danny Sapsford and Wimbledon sensation Marcus Willis. Play took place at the national Tennis Centre, Roehampton. Bright Ideas for Tennis, helps clubs raise funds to improve their facilities. Flitwick & Ampthill LTC was one of 12 clubs nationwide invited to take part in the event, and play alongside Danny and Marcus and a host of other former Davis Cup Pros. The club was allocated a four hour slot from midnight until 4:00am, playing with Danny, Marcus, and fellow pros nick Weal and James Auckland. Flitwick & Ampthill LTC are raising funds to install floodlights to the four unlit tarmac courts at the club. The eight participating members, ran a number of fund raising events alongside the sponsorship including Saturday Morning Bacon Baps and a Mind Bending Quiz. The club has decided to split any sponsorship made for the event 50/50 with local charity Leonard Cheshire Disability,
Agate House, in Ampthill. The sponsorship page is still open until 30th April 2017, and we welcome any donations. Please donate using the following URL: https://mydonate.bt.com/fundr aisers/marcusbreed1 If you would like more information on the club please go to: http://www.flitwicktennis.co.uk/ or call reception on 01525 715214 between 9:00am – 19:00 MondayFriday.
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10th anniversary celebrations Statement
FIzz and balloons at the ready… Grove Theatre is nearly ten and preparations are being made for a special birthday party on Friday 21 April! Grove Theatre’s beautiful history began with an opening gala on 21 April, 2007 although the venue was officially opened in July of the same year by the Duke of Gloucester. The gala was proceeded by a week long run of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. The theatre has been lucky enough to stage a diverse and varied program of events throughout the years; from theatre shows to film screenings, action-packed workshops to, more recently, Live
and Encore Screenings. The Grove Theatre stage has been home to many famous productions, including Avenue Q, The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Blood Brothers to name but a few.
The theatre’s also seen stunning productions of cherished tales come to life with the annual summer youth project. The theatre is delighted that the Grove Production Project has served as an invaluable platform to introduce youths to the Arts, to further their interest and to help continue to develop valuable skills. Of course, the venue is more
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than a stage, bricks and infrastructure; the venue has a pulse. Grove Theatre is built on a passion to provide its patrons with art that educates, entertains and inspires, and it is proud to be a second home for many people. Ten years on, Grove Theatre would like to celebrate this milestone with as many of you as possible! Indulge in High Tea in the afternoon at 12pm and then party in the evening from 7.30pm with live music from some familiar faces, including stars of 2016 pantomime and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalists Kieran and Sarah, as well as local musicians The Blue Rinse Band.
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that didn’t stand up in court
A WOMAn found herself in court this week after she’d supplied a fake bank statement to back claims that she’d paid her Council Tax bill. After defaulting on payments and falling into arrears, Katie Darville of Pinemead, Shefford, emailed Central Bedfordshire Council to say she’d paid her Council Tax and included a copy of her bank statement – showing the payment – as proof. However, the Council had no record of the payment being made and, when the defendant was asked to produce the original, she was unable to provide the statement and the matter was passed to the Corporate Fraud Team to investigate. The defendant was interviewed under caution in April last year and admitted to altering her bank statement. She said she believed the payment had been made, but it had not shown up on the statement. Therefore, she’d added it manually. The defendant was found guilty at Luton Magistrates Court and sentenced to a 12 month conditional discharge. She was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £15 and costs of £400. Councillor Richard Wenham, Executive Member for Corporate Resources, said: “While the Council appreciates that some residents do have difficulty paying their Council Tax, and we will do what we can to help, there is no excuse for deceit. “Genuine mistakes do happen, but this was a clear case of someone trying to avoid paying their share of Council Tax. We take a zero tolerance approach with anybody who seeks to avoid paying their Council Tax, as this reduces money available for essential services and means other taxpayers have to contribute more.” If you suspect someone of committing Council Tax or benefit fraud, contact the Council’s Corporate Fraud Team on 0300 300 4154.
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Toddington Scouts packing in the programme
OUR whole Group is now supporting ‘We’ve got your back: Backpack Appeal’ and have been donating essential items to go in to backpacks for the homeless in Leighton Buzzard and Linslade area, to help them feel cared for and more comfortable. Our various sections have been enjoying their Pack nights in our cosy Scout Hut. Internal refurbishment of the Hut is almost complete, with work underway to landscape the site, including new turf currently being laid etc.
We continue to fundraise to install handrails on the disabled ramp, obtain secure storage facilities etc. We will be holding a Quiz night during the Toddington Spring Festival and are planning to take part in the St. George’s Day activities on The Green, following our Parade along Dunstable Road and the High Street to the Service at St. George’s Church that morning. It has been a while since we’ve done a St. George’s Day Parade through the village, as in recent years we’ve taken part in the District’s Play & Promise events instead. Since the new Year, our team of dedicated Leaders have been helping our young people towards gaining badges in all manner of topics including Personal Safety, Cooking, DIY, Meteorology, Fire Safety and navigation. There are a number of our Scouts aiming to achieve their Gold Scout Award and we wish them well with this. The various sections have been doing a wide variety of activities including a 10-pin bowling outing for the Explorers, Jiu Jitsu demonstration for the Beavers and a Morris Dancing evening for the Cubs. The Cubs had a great time with the sticks and the music, as the photos below show. A big thank you goes to the Jiu Jitsu instructors and Morris Dancers for coming along to spend time with our young people.
As we approach Easter, and the nights get lighter, we start to look forward to spending evenings outdoors and planning our Camps for the summer. There are a few in the diary already for June and July. We’ll also have some Explorers undertaking their Duke of Edinburgh Awards, with plans for their expeditions underway. Let’s hope the weather is kind to everyone this year! If your child is interested in joining Scouting, or you are interested in finding out more about volunteering as a helper/leader, please go to: www.toddington. scoutsonline.co.uk/ You can help in lots of ways, as little or as often as you can. Just get in touch – we’d love to hear from you!
OUT DOORS
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HM Lord-Lieutenant’s Honours Ceremony
AT A special ceremony held at Cranfield University, by kind permission of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Sir Peter Gregson, the Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen nellis, bought together the Bedfordshire recipients who received their Honour in the 2017 new Year Honours List, to celebrate their success, and to learn about the work behind their achievement. Dignitaries present included the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, Charles Whitbread; Deputy Mayor of Luton, Councillor Dr Raja Saleem; Chief Constable Jon Boutcher; Deputy Chief Fire Officer Glen Ranger; President of ST John, Anthony Duggan, and the Chairman of Central Bedfordshire Council, Cllr David Bowater. They were joined by recipients’ family members and friends to hear details about the achievements of each person read by the Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets. Photo: by kind permission of June Essex Photography: HM Lord-Lieutenant with Honours Recipients: L-R: Anthony Wilson MBE; Tony Fenwick MBE; Chris Sharwood-Smith MBE; Nigel Sparrow MBE; Alfred Hitchcock CBE QPM and Kim The recipients honoured were: Bromley-Derry CBE.
- kim Bromley-Derry CBe – - Michael Grant MBe – for - Chris Sharwood-Smith MBe Services to Conservation and – for Services to the Army for Services to Local the Community in Billington Cadet Force Government The Lord-Lieutenant said: “It - Alfred hitchcock CBe QPM - Frederick nigel Sparrow MBe – for Services to the was very inspiring to meet and – for Services to Defence and Community in Clapham hear the stories of those who Policing - Tony Fenwick MBe – for - Anthony Wilson MBe – for received Honours and Awards for Services to Building and their contribution to local and Services in Equality in the Engineering national life. They are all great Education Sector
examples of what a difference each of us can make if we go the extra mile. “It was a pleasure to hold this important ceremony at Cranfield University, the UK’s only wholly Postgraduate University, which has an outstanding reputation nationally and internationally.”
Pre-school rewarded for helping apprentice to achieve his dream
A PRE-SCHOOL has been honoured for the outstanding support it has given to an apprentice with additional learning needs. Margaret Burnet, setting manager at Windmill Pre-School, in Flitwick, and her team were presented with an Outstanding Contribution Award. It was presented by Sue Harrison, the council’s Director of Children’s Services, at a special ceremony at the pre-school in Malham Close, Flitwick. Margaret and her team supported an apprentice who was halfway through his apprenticeship when his placement broke down. They assisted him through some challenging times allowing him to work at the setting so he Apprenticeship and achieve his tional learning needs, Margaret was able to complete his Level 2 Early Years qualification. spent a significant amount of her Intermediate Early Years Due to the apprentice’s addi- time helping him to achieve, for
example showing him the value of play with children and explaining the importance of observing children. Mrs Harrison said: “It was lovely to meet such a great team. The support which Margaret and her team gave to this young man meant that he was able to complete his apprenticeship when he could so easily have walked away from it. “Their commitment has allowed him to fulfil his ambition of working with young children as he has secured employment at another nursery in the area.” Margaret said: “We are thrilled to have the hard work we invest in our apprentices acknowledged. “It is a privilege to help our apprentices take the first steps in their childcare career.”
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MID BEDS BULLETIN APRIL 2017 — 11
HMIC Report FDSC at 2017 Beds ASA County Championships
CLLR Fiona Chapman, Chair of Bedfordshire Police and Crime Panel, said: “The Bedfordshire Police & Crime Panel carries out detailed scrutiny of the work of the Police & Crime Commissioner. The Panel has agreed to comment as follows on the recent HMIC Report and its grading of ‘inadequate’ for the Beds Police Force. Over the past five years, Bedfordshire has had three Chief Constables and two PCCs and our latest team had been working together for just six months when this inspection and report was made. The Panel finds this report and grading particularly ill-timed as we have seen over the past ten months how the new team have agreed initiatives from the Commissioner’s new Police Plan, which are well underway to implementation by the force. These are positive steps designed to deliver a good local police force. Unfortunately it appears, the inspection has taken no note of these improvements. Public confidence is beginning to increase as the plans to bring back community policing are implemented and new rural hubs are being established around the county. The Panel has begun to see a lift in morale of hard-working staff and officers of Beds Police and we are very concerned that this unnecessarily negative report will set back both public opinion and staff morale at a crucial time. The serious underfunding of Bedfordshire Police is very well documented and accepted nationally. The criticisms within this report can be directly attributed to having insufficient resource to deal with the complex crime faced within the county. The Panel wish therefore to reassure the public that it is its view that the current team leading Beds Police are taking real steps to improve policing in Bedfordshire and are disappointed that the HMIC inspection had not taken on board the ongoing improvements. The main problem facing Bedfordshire Police is the inadequate funding from Central Government. What is needed now is a period of consolidation and time to embed the changes and improvements being made by the leadership team of Bedfordshire Police which have the full support and backing of all the Panel.”
OVER the last week end in January and the first weekend in February, the Bedfordshire ASA County 2017 Championships were held at Inspire, Luton. Flitwick Dolphins had 44 swimmers compete over the two weekends which was a fantastic achievement for all those that had qualified to swim at this year’s Counties, with new Personal Best times reached, Regional times achieved, Long Course Club Records gained and Medals won, it was an excellent swimming from Flitwick Dolphins Swim Club. Swimmers that represented the club (in the age groups - age at 31st December 2017) were: 10/11 years – Adam Thompson, Connie Booker, Francesca Baber, Gabriel Young, Jack Williams, Max Thomas, Paige Walker, Ruby Blackmore, Ruby Race and Ryhanna Cummins. 12 years & under – Eloisa Miller, Holly Cahill, Jake Hickmott and Sophie Fowler. 13 years & under – Adam Holmes, Emma Schofield, George Maskell, Maddie Phillips, Mari Cutler, Tom Malia and Tyler Watson. 14 years and under – Autumn Handscombe, Eddy McFarland, Imogen Thompson, Isaac Moon, Lillia Thompson and Olivia Fowler. 15 years and under – Emma Boost, Adam Schofield, Billy Cutler,
Kiera Williams, Oli Hunt and Rebecca Grogan and the 16 years and over age group were Carl Halford, Chris Murphy, Claudia Grant-Dawson, Gemma Trott, Georgina Curtis, George Hart, James McFarland, Katie Tompkins, Liz Woolner, Melissa Dolby, Rachel Stevenson and Thomas Allan. A total of 14 Gold Medals, 18 Silver and 29 Bronze were won, the medallists were Francesca Baber, Eloisa Miller, Sophie Fowler, Adam Holmes, George Maskell, Tom Malia, Tyler Watson, Autumn Handscombe, Eddy McFarland, Isaac Moon, Adam Schofield, Billy Cutler, Rebecca Grogan, Chris Murphy, Georgina Curtis, George Hart, James McFarland, Katie Tompkins and Liz Woolner. Additional congratulations going to Chris Murphy who came second and James McFarland third overall in the Men’s Open 200m Butterfly as well as Eddy McFarland in the Men’s 15 years and under who came third overall in the 1500m Freestyle and 400m Individual Medley and second overall in the 200m Freestyle and 400m Freestyle. Congratulations also to George Hart who came third overall in the Men’s Open 200m Backstroke and Rebecca Grogan who came third overall in the Woman’s 15 years and
Chorus seeks new recruits for concert
SInGInG is a really important part of being human, giving us the opportunity to express our emotions and sociability. no wonder we enjoy the great sing-alongs at music festivals and events like the BBC’s Last night Of The Proms concert and the FA Cup Final. Many people feel inspired to get involved with music-making, but rather than be a bathroom baritone or a closet soprano, why not join local choir Danesborough Chorus? It’s the perfect opportunity to discover the thrill and satisfaction that singing together can bring. Danesborough Chorus is one the region’s most established and renowned choirs, with members of all ages and a wide range of jobs and interests. Rehearsals are held every Wednesday at 7.45pm in Aspley Guise Village Hall. The choir will soon start rehearsing for the Summer concert which will be on 1 July in Woburn Parish Church: the inspiring story of Elijah, a choral block-buster by Felix Mendelssohn with enough blood and thunder to rival a Hollywood action thriller! “Hopefully, joining Danesborough Chorus will help people feel confident about learning to sing wonderful classical music” said choir chairman Jeremy Hopkinson. “We are brought together by our love of singing some of the greatest music ever written for voices. And there’s nothing quite as rewarding as singing in the uplifting atmosphere of Woburn Church, so why not come and hear our Spring concert on 25 March, and then join us in April for our Summer term.” This is a great opportunity for anyone who hasn’t sung for a while or is new to choral singing, and from April to July, we are offering a ‘Taster Term’ for just £10. Please call Carol Yirrell, tel: 01296 680328 for more information and encouragement. It could be the best call you make this year! For more information about the choir, the professional soloists and orchestras which have performed with the choir, the works presented and the benefits of joining, visit website www.danesborough.org.uk.
under 200m Breastroke as well as to Autum Handscombe who came third overall in the 15 years and under 50m backstroke. Georgina Curtis, in the open category, came second overall in the 50m butterfly and third overall in both the 100 butterfly and the 100 breastroke. Three of the clubs relay teams swam to Bronze – these were the Men’s 11/12 years 200m Medley Relay team, swimmers were Adam Holmes – 50m Backstroke, Tom Malia – 50m Breastroke, George Maskell – 50m Butterfly and Tyler Watson – 50m Freestyle. The Men’s 14/15 years Freestyle Relay team Adam Schofield, Billy Cutler, Isaac Moon and Eddy McFarland and also the Women’s Open 400m Medley Relay team, Georgie Curtis - 100m Back, Rebecca Grogan -100m Breastroke, Liz Woolmer - 100m Fly and Katie Tompkins - 100m Freestyle. There was also 44 Long Course Club Records gained with congratulations going to:- Adam Thompson, Autumn Handscombe, Chris Murphy, Edward McFarland, Eloisa Miller, Francesca Baber, Georgie Curtis, George Hart, James McFarland, Lillia Thompson, Sophie Fowler, Tom Malia & Tyler Watson. The swimmers showed real team spirit and determination and are looking forward to further success during 2017. Thanks must go to the ever supportive parents and the hard working coaching team. Other Dolphins news - Liz Woolner, Masters Swimmer has so had an amazing start to the 2017 Masters Swimming Calendar. Firstly at the South East Region Masters Long Course Championships at the K2 in Crawley on 22 January 2017, Liz broke the British record for women’s 50-54 years in the 100m butterfly and she also broke the long course and East Region long course records for 50m freestyle and 100m backstroke Further success followed at the Suffolk Masters Short Course Championships at Sudbury, Liz gained four East Region records in 50m backstroke, 50m free, 100m butterfly and 50m butterfly – being just 0.04s outside the British record on the 50m butterfly! She also gained two new Personal Best times in 100m freestyle and 50m freestyle and won five gold medals. At the recent Bedfordshire Counties Liz was awarded the Bedfordshire Masters Decathlon trophy, which was presented to her by the President of the Bedfordshire ASA Rosemary Currell for her achievements and success within the Masters Swimming.
12 — MID BEDS BULLETIN APRIL 2017
TEL: 07724 905406
EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
It’s a #CrimeNotToCare when it comes to getting rid of your rubbish
CEnTRAL Bedfordshire Council is launching a campaign to tackle the epidemic of fly-tipping that is affecting communities up and down the country. In Central Bedfordshire in the past 12 months there have been more than 1220 fly-tipping incidents. This costs the council an average of £150 a time to clear up, leading to a bill of around £180,000 a year. The #CrimenotToCare campaign, which launches on 20 March and is being run in partnership with environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, aims to educate householders about the right thing to do with their rubbish and to reduce the amount of household waste that is fly-tipped by rogue traders who offer to take people’s waste away for money and then dump it. The campaign hopes to remind individuals that if their waste is fly-tipped, even if they gave it to a third party to dispose of, they can be prosecuted and end up with a fine of up to £5,000 and a criminal record. A recent survey by Keep Britain Tidy found that 47% of people don’t know that they’re legally responsible if their waste is fly-tipped by a third party, for example by a builder they employ; and that 36% of people think it is acceptable to get rid of an unwanted sofa or mattress in a way that is legally classed as fly-tipping. Cllr Budge Wells, Deputy Executive Member for Community Services at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “We need the public to understand that their rubbish is their responsibility and they must do the right thing with it. Simply giving it to a ‘man with a van’ who offers to get rid of it cheaply could prove costly for people and result in them getting a criminal record. The public has a duty of care and this campaign will help explain to them exactly what that is and how to protect themselves.” For details of your responsibilities for disposing of unwanted items safely and how to report fly tipping, visit www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/fly-tipping.
RESPONSIBILITY
Hard going at Championships
Youth Parliament discuss lowering the voting age
CEnTRAL Bedfordshire’s Youth Parliament members have discussed the UK Youth Parliament’s Votes @ 16 campaign with their local MPs. Paige Taylor (etonbury Academy) and Mia Pole (harlington Upper School) met with Alistair Burt (MP for north East Bedfordshire) and Kelvin Hopkins (MP for Luton north) respectively to discuss and highlight the issue. Votes @ 16 was chosen as the UK Youth Parliament campaign’s for 2017 during a ballot which saw almost a million 11-18 year olds take part. Make Your Mark is an annual ballot which asks young people to highlight the issues which matter most to them. This year a record 978,216 took part, including 5,832 across Central Bedfordshire. The five leading topics were discussed during a lively House of Commons debate in november with Votes @ 16 selected as the Youth Parliament’s national campaign. Mia and Paige said: “Lowering the voting age to 16 has been an ongoing discussion in politics for a long time now. Scotland did just that in 2015 after allowing 16 and 17 year olds to take part in the Scottish referendum a year earlier. But here, 16 and 17 years olds have missed out on having their voices heard on some recent
important issues that will affect their future. “That’s why the Youth Parliament felt that it was time to push for the voting age to be lowered so that their voices, and the voices of their peers, are represented in national issues. We hope that by talking with our local MPs and raising the profile of the campaign that this issue might be considered within the government’s current agenda.” Mr Hopkins said that he was fully behind the campaign to lower the voting age following his meeting with Mia. The Labour MP said: “I fully support Votes @16. If young people are mature enough to get married, they are mature enough to vote. Politics is too important to be left just to older people and the sooner young people get involved in politics the sooner they understand how important it is. “Having a say in how we are governed and what kind of world we live in is vitally important but also fascinating when we come to understand it.” Conservative MP Mr Burt added: “I thought Paige made a very good case for Votes @ 16. I’m not sure if the time is yet right for such a change, but I think the argument has been strengthened by Young People’s participation in the Scottish referendum.”
BEDFORDSHIRE and Luton Schools found it tough going at the English Schools Cross Country Championships at the norwich show ground last month. One of the favourites Ben Davies (Redborne School, Ampthill) could not take part in the Senior Boys face as he had been selected to represent Great Britain at the World Cross Country Championships. But Tia Wilson (Mark Rutherford, Bedford) did not disappoint. She was up with the leaders from the start of the Inter Girls 3.75k on a fast flat course, made difficult in high winds. Her gritty performance saw her finish in 8th place a nd she will represent English Schools in the Home Counties International for the third consecutive year. Full results: Junior Boys 42nd out of 45 Joe Lawson - Sam Whitbread - 228 Harry West - Harrold Priory - 243 Oliver Brady - Redborne - 250 Jack Sharp - Rushmore - 276 James Vinnicombe - Harrold Priory - 284 Johnnie Winter - Lincroft - 297 Kai Courtney - Sam Whitbread - 322 nathan Hyde - Wootton - 341
Inter Boys 38th out of 45 teams Cameron Gillies - Sharnbrook - 86 Aideen Killeen - Harlington - 156 Joe Ryan - Sam Whitbread - 179 Jed noblett - Manshead - 266 Richard Laursen - St Thomas More - 273 Jake Harrison - Sharnbrook - 297 Oliver Davies - Bedford Free School - 317 Reuben Williams - St Thomas More - 327 Senior Boys 38th out of 45 teams Ryan Ward - Sam Whitbread- 120 Sam Burton - Stratton - 200 William Forster - Sandy - 248 Dominic Menzies - Bedford College - 268 Eryk Sokolowski - Bedford Modern - 270 Matthew Birchall - Bedford College - 296 Jamie Stancombe - Harlington - 318 Tom Angel - Sam Whitbread - 323
Junior Girls 42 out of 45 teams Sophia Perusko - Bedford Modern - 24 Amy Killick - Van Dyke - 240 niqole Carter - Broadlands - 322 Yasmin Palmer - Harlington - 324 Caitlin Allen - Stratton - 325 Marisa Mistry - Bedford Girls- 328 Emma Moore - Sam Whitbread - 331 Lucy Tapster - Margaret Beaufort - 341 Inter Girls 21 out of 45 teams Tia Wilson - Mark Rutherford - 8 Rose Abbott - Sharnbrook - 101 Libby Jay - Chalk Hills- 118 Hannah Shelton - Sharnbrook - 179 Katie Lansbury - Wootton - 217 Sophie Maddock - Cardinal newman - 224 Lucy-Mae Shepherd - Wootton - 236 Maisie Relton - Mark Rutherford - 279 Senior Girls 29 out of 45 Bonnie Murphy - Wootton - 102 Anna Vinnicombe - Sharnbrook - 104 Lauren nichols - Bedford 6th form - 125 Josie Smith - Bedford College - 181 Ellie Lawton - Bedford Girls School - 275 Anna Garbutt - Bedford Girls School - 285
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MID BEDS BULLETIN APRIL 2017 — 13
PROPERTY MARKET UPDATE
Spring is in the air As the nights are getting noticeably lighter, it’s not so chilly in the morning and if you survived storm Doris your thoughts may be turning to moving to a new home this Spring. It’s a poplular time of year and traditionally an active time for those entering the housing market. Get prepared and reap the rewards If you are going on the market take a fresh look at your home as if you were a buyer seeing it for the first time. In my 28 years of selling thousands of houses here are my top tips to lead to a easier and less anxious sale. Start at the front of the property is the entrance tidy? a smart clean front door speaks volumes. We all still have to live but tidy away the unnecessary items and do all the small jobs you have been meaning to get round to doing. Ensure the heating is on and lighting works as it can make a big difference to the feel of a home. Outside clear the old leaves and paths and roof of moss and if
by Tony Inskip
the weather good enough get the garden furniture out. Finally make the driveway or parking as easy for buyers to arrive and depart easily. Here’s the dull bit. Do find any guarantees for appliances, the boiler and especially any planning documents or building regulation papers, you will need them in today’s legal world. Buyers do have a choice and they are well informed in 2017 so be prepared and they will choose you. If you are thinking of moving this Spring do call us for a fresh valuation and we will gladly come and visit you at any time.
We are now allocating spaces for September 2017 Visit our OUTSTANDING setting on Tuesday 18th April 2017 10.30am until 12.00
The £50 Challenge
THIS year we are looking for companies, groups, and schools across Bedfordshire and northamptonshire to take part in our £50 challenge for the MS Therapy Centre. The challenge is all about using your business skills and innovation to generate as much money as possible for the MS Therapy Centre, we will lend you £50 and then it is over to you to make it grow. This is a great way to put your business brain and money-making acumen to the test to grow the £50 as much as legally and ethically possible, in four months. The £50 Challenge will see
fundraising activities ranging from quiz nights and car washes to treasure hunts and tombolas. We will hold a special awards event to bring together the local organisations who have taken part in The MS Therapy Centre £50 Challenge to celebrate their achievements and thank them for their support. SIGn UP nOW Will you take up the £50 Challenge? To sign up today or for more information call Paula Priestley on: 01234 325781 or email: paula.mstherapycentrebedsand northants@gmail.com
If your child already has a place with us as a new starter or if you are considering us for the future, please come along, have a look around and meet some of our friendly team. We offer pre-school and wrap around care for children from 12 months up RSVP C/o Toddington St George C of E School Manor Road Toddington LU5 6AJ (entrance via village hall car park) Tel: 01525 875400 info@toddingtonchildcare.org.uk http://toddingtonchildcare.org.uk
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TEL: 07724 905406
EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
APRIL IN THE GARDEN
E can save a lot of money trying to make our garden colourful this summer by growing flowering annuals from seed. The thrill of sowing seeds and watching them grow is very satisfying. These plants are either hardy and frost resistant or tender and damaged in cold weather so ideal for long summer flowering. An annual is a plant that germinates easily and produces lots of colourful often perfumed flowers full of nectar and pollen because they need to be pollinated and produce their seed within one year. This need for perpetuation attracts lots of bees, butterflies, hoverflies and other pollinating insects. Bees are particularly attracted to blue flowers, butterflies pastel shades and hoverflies to orange. These plants are very useful space fillers and for areas of naturalising because they set and spread their seed very readily so if left undisturbed will quickly spread in a couple of seasons. Choose
W
the varieties depending on the place you want colour be it a sunny border, dry bank, hedgerow, shade or woodland. Many cottage garden plants, herbs and wild flower seeds are annuals.
Hardy annuals can be sown directly into weed free finely raked soil at the beginning of May when the soil is warm. If the surface is too rough cover it with good planting compost like John Innes which will give a fine tilth into which fine seedlings will easily germinate. now water to moisten the soil, scatter the seeds thinly and just cover with fine compost. Water every couple of days during the germination period which is usually 10 to 14 days. Another way is to plant a pinch of seed into a planting cell tray with approximately 5cms square cells using seed compost. When the seedlings have two true leaves thin to three seedlings per cell and grow on until the plants are easy to handle, about 5cms, and
Plants for pennies
then plant into the border or container. The same technique can be used for any tender annuals which can be started on a sunny windowsill and planted outside after the last frost in April or May. Here are some suggestions of hardy annuals to grow. Calendula or Pot Marigolds and nasturtiums are bright cheerful plants with lemon, yellow, orange and red flowers ideal to grow in the fruit garden to aid pollination. They are also good to eat. Ipomea or Morning Glory, Sweet Peas and Convolvulus are all climbing annuals. Grow at the back of the border or in a patio pot over an obelisk or a tripod of bamboo canes. Pick the sweet peas every couple of days to promote more flowers. Mignonette, night Scented and Virginia Stock are very highly perfumed and fill the evening with their wonderful scent. Plant these in tubs on the patio to enjoy with your G&T. nigella, Poppies, Larkspur, Linaria, Canterbury Bells, Candytuft, Cornflower, Godetia, Scabious and Clarkia are all traditional cottage garden plants to sow in patches in mixed sunny borders to keep the interest here all through the summer months.
Insects are particularly attracted to Agremone with huge saucer shaped flowers and Clary with upright Oxford blue spikey blooms. nemophila with powder blue Forget me Knot, only larger, flowers and Limonanthus the Poached Egg plant has white flowers with yellow centre. Both low growing front of the border plants. For shady areas Foxgloves and Honesty thrive. Although strictly biennial they are treated as annuals. For a bit of exotica Cleome has interesting pink or white spikey fluorescence and
Amaranthus aptly named Ribbons and Beads has dramatic long tassel flowers in lime green and crimson. Coreopsis Roulette with striking red and yellow flowers, Chrysanthemum Rainbow is what it says, Sunflowers , Lavatera and Cosmos with large stunning pink and white saucer flowers are absolute musts. If you have a garden large enough for a wild area scatter wild flower seed mixes. You will love the result. Sow, Grow and Enjoy without breaking the bank.
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MID BEDS BULLETIN APRIL 2017 — 15
out & about What’s on at the Grove The Wizard of Oz – Easter Panto
Are you missing the full audience participation, laughter and fun for all the family that pantomime brings? Well, good news, you don’t have to wait until Christmas to enjoy it all again! Follow the yellow brick road to the Grove Theatre, Dunstable this April as a fantastic all-new Easter pantomime version of The Wizard of Oz bursts onto the stage on Tuesday 4 April at 3pm & 7pm and Wednesday 5 April at 1pm & 5pm. With an all-star cast and amazing live band, Enchanted Entertainment presents The Wizard of Oz, starring Britain’s Got Talent winners Ashleigh and Pudsey as Dorothy and Toto, and comedy legend Bobby Davro as Scarecrow. Join Kansas farm-girl Dorothy and her pet dog Toto on a magical
adventure and watch in amazement as they are picked up by a tornado and carried off to the magical Land of Oz.
If you’re saying I Want It All and have a Crazy Little Thing Called Love for Queen, then let Supreme Queen entertain you with an homage to the world’s most theatrical and dramatic rock band. Front man Scott Maley plays an uncannily realistic Freddy, with just the right look, stage persona and the most incredibly powerful voice. The promise is We Will Rock You with Supreme Queen on Sunday 23 April at 7.30pm.
Queen
Vienna Festival Ballet is proud to present the classic tale of Cinderella, one of the best-known rags-to-riches fairy tales of all time. Its timeless narrative resonates through the ages in many forms, such as film or stage adaptation, but never so beautifully
Cinderella
as through dance. Sunday 30 April at 5pm.
The Swinging 60s, with its iconic fashion, ground-breaking music and significant moments in history, is for some, the most defining era in British history. If you’re a fan of the 60s and want to Twist And Shout to your hearts content, join the Grove Theatre, Dunstable as iconic musicians of the 60s take to the stage this season, including Gerry Cross the Mersey and a reunion for Brian Poole & The Tremeloes. Gerry & The Pacemakers topped the UK and US charts for much of the 60s, becoming the first band to have their first three records go to number 1! To relive the success and memorable sound of hits including How Do You Do It, I Like It and You’ll never Walk Alone, performed by Gerry himself; make sure you’re free for an evening of nostalgia with Gerry Cross the Mersey on Thursday
Swinging 60s
27 April at 7.30pm. Gerry will also be joined by special guest, top comedy entertainer, Mike Lancaster on his tour. Wednesday 31 May at 7.30pm. Fresh from his hugely memorable performance on 2016s I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, one of the UK’s most energetic and exciting comedians returns to the road with his solo show, Joel Dommett: Live. Catch the star of Sky1’s Bring The noise, BBC 3’s Impractical Jokers, ITV 2’s Reality Bites, BBC’s Russell Howard’s Good news and E4’s Skins, as he delivers his high octane comedy to you on Wednesday 12 April at 8pm. The multi-talented and irrepressible Brian Conley will also appear on the Grove Theatre stage with an all-new show: The Greatest Entertainer (In His Price Range) on Thursday 4 May at 7.30pm.
Comedy
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TEL: 07724 905406
EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
The Illegal Eagles: 20th Tour Grove Theatre 7.30pm Friday April 28
Raising money for Bedford Hospital
Hitchin Band return to the Forest of Marston Vale Forest Centre this Easter to perform a set of swing classics and raise money for a new vein finder for Bedford Hospital’s Day Treatment Unit. In previous years, these concerts have raised well needed funds for ‘Cardiac Rehab’ the ‘Primrose Unit’ and the ‘Fourth Floor Care of the Elderly Complex’. This year the aim is to raise money to enable the ‘Day Treatment Unit’ on ‘Gifford nash’ ward to purchase a ‘Vein Finder’. This will go some way to ease the discomfort and fear some patients feel when undergoing blood tests. Profit made
by the Forest Centre will go towards their target of planting five million more trees and keeping the Forest growing and thriving. Hitchin Band under their Musical Director Graham Chambers, are pleased and proud to present their seventh Spring Charity Concert in aid of Bedford Hospital on Saturday 22nd April at 7.30pm at the ‘Forest Centre’, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, MK43 0PS. Tickets are £9.00 each and 2 lucky members of the audience will each receive a £100 John Lewis voucher. A licensed bar will be open and snacks will be available. Tickets can be purchased from The Forest Centre Reception, or by calling 07947 007764.
Often acclaimed as the world’s official no.1 Eagles tribute, The Illegal Eagles return to the stage in 2017, this time celebrating their own incredible 20 years of UK & international touring! . This seasoned group of talented musicians are true Eagles fans at heart. Members Phil Aldridge, Al
Vosper, Trevor newnham, Garreth Hicklin, Greg Webb, and latest addition Christian Phillips’ impressive mastery of the Eagles distinctive sound has made them one of the most sought after shows of their kind in the world. For their special 20th Anniversary Tour, The Illegal Eagles bring you their strongest and most popular show to date. Performing all the classic Eagles hits including Hotel California, Take It Easy, Lyin’ Eyes, Take it to the Limit, Life in the Fast Lane, Desperado and many more!
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1,100 Years of Ashwell History
MID BEDS BULLETIN APRIL 2017 — 17
Community boat’s season launch
11am-5pm Sunday May 14 The John Bunyan is Bedford’s
The picturesque village of Ashwell welcomes visitors to its popular annual event ‘Ashwell at Home’, where visitors can enjoy a wide range of things to see and do, with entertainment for all the family. This year marks the 1,100th Anniversary of the founding of the village and there is something to see or do to mark each century of the village’s history. Stunning gardens both large and small will be open for you to view the many horticultural treasures, including the pretty village cottage garden; you can visit the village lock-up (no longer in use!) and help dig an archaeological test pit to try and discover more Ashwell treasures! Children can enjoy free workshops including storytelling, drama and crafts. They can take part in a treasure hunt, fish for treasure and pan for gold! Join in the fun at craft workshops in the school and make May Day crowns, garlands and have their faces painted! There will be a ‘Pirates centre’ at the Village Hall with lots of fun activities going on. And, new for 2016, there will be a May Procession at the end of the day, bringing everyone together. www.ashwellathome.org.uk
Community Boat run by volunteers, and provides cruises both public and private hire on Bedford’s River Great Ouse. Last year it carried over 7,000 passengers and in total has carried over 22,000 passengers since it was launched in July 2013. This year’s public cruises launch on Easter Saturday with an evening Fish and Chip Supper Cruise, followed on Sunday afternoon by an Afternoon Tea Cruise, Bank Holiday Monday also has a special Afternoon Cruise. Thereafter there are public cruises every Thursday and Sunday with Fish & Chip Supper Cruises on various Friday and Saturday evenings. The boat which carries 50 passengers also has monthly Lunch Cruises to The Anchor in Great Barford and Afternoon Tea Cruises to The Barns Hotel, plus a monthly Jazz Cruise featuring top national and regional jazz trios. The boat is fully licensed for drinks, has a 5 Star Food Certificate, and is available for private functions and parties of all descriptions including wedding cruises. Due to being run by volunteers prices are very reasonable and cruises can be booked online at www.johnbunyanboat.org, or by phoning 01908 690301.
“Landscape Journeys” Eagle Gallery, Bedford Saturday May 6–13
Bedford’s Eagle Gallery the not for profit artist co-operative will host a one woman show by renowned landscape artist Gillian Flack. Gillian is inspired by her surroundings in East Bedfordshire and beyond. She describes herself as an oil painting addict preferring to paint outdoors even when the weather is unkind. Gillian has exhibited at The Royal Institute of oil painters, The Society of Women Artists, the
Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy and numerous local and regional galleries. Her frequent travels have taken her and her brushes across Europe, to America, India, Cuba and Morocco where she has adjusted her pallet to the contrasting environment. Gillian uses the full richness of the oil paints resonance to create superbly constructed works. The exhibition runs Saturday 6 May to 13 May from 10am to 5.30pm and you can meet the artist daily from 10.am to 1pm. The entry is free at the Eagle Gallery in Castle Road, Bedford and this is an exhibition not to be missed.
FLOOTES Free flowing Prosecco Performance —— T W O H O U R R U N N I N G T I M E —— THE MAIN ACT Brut Prosecco The star performer on stage throughout, with characteristic creamy lemon citrus, nuance of nashi pear, intense brightness and some pepper and spice THE OVERTURE Arancini Rice Ball Salmon Gravlax/Dill Mayo Tomato and Parma Ham Bruschetta our own Lincolnshire Sausage Roll Beef & Horseradish creme fraiche Roll Bang Bang Chicken THE INTERMISSION Limoncello Sorbet THE FINALE Mini white chocolate muffms Admission £37.50 per person Pre-booked ticketing a must. Performances 12 to 8 daily Call now (01525) 290042 or email info@flootes.com 18 Market Place, Woburn MK17 9PZ
A Great Music Festival For Lovers of Everything Vintage nce... Following last year’s amazing sell-out success, we are excited to annou
TWINWOOD FESTIVAL • BEDFORDSHIRE • 25, 26, 27, 28 AUGUST 2017
• OVER 100 LIVE PERFORMANCES OF MUSIC FROM THE 1920S TO THE 1960S • THIRTEEN GREAT VENUES • ACRES OF DANCE FLOORS • 150 VINTAGE TRADERS • HAIR & BEAUTY • COMEDY & CABARET • DANCE WORKSHOPS • INTERESTING MUSEUMS • CLASSIC CAR DISPLAYS • GREAT BARS & FOOD INCL. CARVERY • LARGE CAMPSITE W/ GENEROUS PITCHES • GLAMPING & LUXURY CAMPING AVAILABLE • LATE NIGHT CLUBS & DJ SESSIONS
2017
TICKETS
ON SALE NOW
THE MANFREDS • SI CRANSTOUN • ROY G HEMMIN
GS • THE GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA THE REVOLUTIONAIRES • THE CHICAGO STOMPERS • DOWN FOR THE COUNT • ZOOT SERIOUS • JIVE ACES • MIKE SANCHEZ ELECTRIC SWING CIRCUS • FLEUR DE PARIS • STICK Y
WICKET • BASIN STREET BRAWLERS • THREE BELL J J KING • THE ZOOTS • LAURA B • BENOIT ES & THE BEVIN BOYS VIELL EFON • THE DAISY CHAINS • CHAMPAGNE CHARLIE • THUNDERBRIDGE BLUEGRASS • KING PLEASURE BAMB OOZLE • BO WALTON & THE BISCUIT BOYS • MUDIBU
DUSTY LIMITS • GOOD ROCKIN’ TONIGHT •
& THE
JEZEBEL SEXTET • LOLA LAMOUR • MOSCOW DRUG
MAT WALKLATE & PAOLO FUSCHI • THE BOBCA CLUB KIERAN TOWERS & CHARLOTTE CARRIVICK • THE TS • THE GOAT ROPER RODEO BAND • LOUNG KING CATS • GREGGI G • COUNTRY CATTIN’ • E CAT IDEALS JOHNNY & THE JAILBIRDS • COCO BOHÈME • STILL-M OVING DJS • SWING NOIR
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to kets this year, it is advised tic for nd ma de h hig to e Du d” price. advantage of our “Early Bir e tak to o als d an , rly ea ok bo
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Free Easter Egg Trail John Bunyan Museum Saturday April 1-22
Bring your children to the Museum for some free and easy Easter fun. Hunt the coloured cardboard eggs among the displays, rearrange the letters on them to find the mystery word or phrase, and win a chocolate egg and sticker. Quotes from children who have done the Easter Egg Trail in the past include: ‘I liked going into the pulpit to see if an egg was there’ and ‘It was fun and the museum wasn’t too big’. The Museum’s free Easter Egg
Hunt runs from Saturday 1st to Saturday 22nd April.
The Museum is open from 11am to 4pm, Tuesday to Saturday (closed on Good Friday).
There are lots of other quizzes for children to do too. Just ask the friendly steward on duty.
The John Bunyan Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11am – 4pm until the end of October (closed on Good Friday). Admission is free.
For more details contact the Curator, nicola Sherhod, on 01234 270303 or e-mail curator@bunyanmeeting.co.uk.
www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk/museum
MID BEDS BULLETIN APRIL 2017 — 19
20 — MID BEDS BULLETIN APRIL 2017
TEL: 07724 905406
EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band Bedford Esquires Doors 7.30pm Bank Holiday Sunday April 30
‘The Boss UK’ – Bruce Springsteen Tribute Band Bedford Corn Exchange Saturday May 27
“This band is awesome -– mighty, moving and unstoppable…” Amanda Price, The Times) Bruce Springsteen is touring the world – tickets for his stadium shows sold out in minutes – but don’t feel left out! The Boss UK brings all of Bruce’s best-loved hits in a sweat-drenched, ninety-minute show with all the passion, intensity and realism of true Boss. Some say, not just the best tribute to Springsteen, but the best tribute band, full stop. From the blistering opening of
‘Born to Run’ this production becomes one huge sing along so get ready to become part of the show! Bruce has sold over 120 million albums worldwide and is ahead of Queen, Abba, Michael Jackson and David Bowie in an all time list of acts with UK no1 albums! 49 nominations and 20 Grammys with Born to Run, Thunder Road, Dancing in the Dark, I’m on Fire, Born In The USA, and the Oscar winning Streets of Philadelphia among with many stellar songs brought to the stage in The Boss UK’s show. LPH Concerts are delighted to bring the band to Bedford Corn Exchange on Saturday May 27. Tickets £20 are on sale now and can be purchased online from The Corn Exchange, also in person from La Piazza, St Pauls Square, Bedford.
Gillian Flack at the Eagle Gallery
One woman show
“Landscape Journeys”
10am – 5.30pm Saturday May 6 – Saturday May 13 Meet the Artist between 10am-1pm FREE ENTRY 101 Castle Road, Bedford MK40 3QP Tel: 01234 346995 EAGLE GALLERY IS A NOT FOR PROFIT ARTISTS CO-OPERATIVE
Geno originates from Evansville in Indiana, USA and first came to England in the 1960s as part of the US Air Force. His love of Blues and Soul music soon found him jamming with local bands in and around Ipswich and eventually led him to London where he caused a sensation singing with top R&B acts Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames and zoot Money’s Big Roll Band at the legendary Flamingo Club in Soho. His live shows were immortalised in two of the biggest selling albums of the 60s – “Hand Clappin’ Foot Stompin’ Funky Butt Live” and “Hipsters Flipsters and Finger Poppin’ Daddies”. His status as the undisputed “King of Soul” was cemented forever by Kevin Rowland and Dexy’s Midnight Runners in the 1980’s with the World-wide no.1 smash hit single “Geno”, which paid homage to the great man himself. Throughout the years Geno and his band have continued to
tour extensively all over the World and have released several highly acclaimed albums and singles. His latest live double album simply entitled “It’s Geno Time”, recorded at the legendary Half Moon in Putney, is widely regarded as his best work to date. Geno’s life long love of Blues and R&B has led to yet another chapter in his illustrious career with the long standing rhythm section of the Ram Jam Band (Geoff Hemsley on drums, Steve Bingham on bass and Stuart Dixon on guitar) a hardhitting, fast-moving show of classics. Tickets from See tickets priced £15 advance and will be available in person from the usual outlets of Esquires Bar, Planet Boutique in Bedford and Mario’s Hair Design in Kempston.
TEL: 07724 905406 ADS: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
MID BEDS BULLETIN APRIL 2017 — 21
Kaiser Chiefs headline
Proms ‘Goes to the Movies’
Bedford Park Saturday August 5
Bedford Park Sunday August 6
Kaiser Chiefs are one of the century’s most popular indie-pop outfits. The band formed in 2002 and have enjoyed enormous global success since. They consist of lead vocalist Ricky Wilson, who has achieved added fame from his stint as a judge on the UK talent show The Voice, guitarist Andrew “Whitey” White, bassist Simon Rix, keyboardist nick “Peanut” Baines and drummer Vijay Mistry, who replaced founding drummer nick Hodgson in late 2012. The band’s big break came along when they performed at the nME Awards tour in 2005, as the opening act. This opportunity allowed the band to start making a name for themselves in the UK. Their first album debuted the same year, entitled ‘Employment’, and reached the number two spot on the UK album chart and was subsequently certified five times platinum. The album was even shortlisted for a Mercury prize, but narrowly missed out on the prestigious award. Since this encouraging start, the band has fast become one of the most successful UK indie rock bands today. Their most notable hits include ‘I Predict a Riot’, ‘Every day
I love you Less and Less’ (both from their debut album) and smash hit ‘Ruby’ from their second album, amongst many others. Their second album, ‘Yours Truly, Angry Mob’ topped the success of their first, reaching the number one spot on the UK albums chart and the album’s lead single ‘Ruby’ became their first ever UK number one single.
Just answer this question: Q: Name the song and fill in the blank – “I predict a .…” Email the answer to: info@lphconcerts.co.uk with ‘kAISer ChIeFS COMP’ in subject line.
WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS
Looking for a great evening of entertainment the whole family can enjoy? Then Bedford Park Proms should be high on your list of things to go to this summer. The concert will feature guest soloists Australian Tenor and West End Musical Star Daniel Koek. Daniel played the iconic role of Jean ValJean in Les Miserables and wowed the Bedford Proms audience in 2015. Joining Daniel will be Soprano Joanna Forest, whose debut album ‘Stars Are Rising’ was released in March. Joanna is one of the most exciting new British sopranos in the UK right now. The renowned London Gala Orchestra and the Bedford Choral Society will be performing popular classics and film scores. Local school choirs and a special musical
theatre drama group as well as some other special guests will be warming the crowd up before the concert. Adults and children alike will love the film theme this year, as along with the favourite classical scores, there will be some exquisite renditions of popular film soundtracks. As always we guarantee an electric atmosphere, laser show as well as the spectacular firework finale. It’s a great opportunity to get the whole family together, you can bring your own picnics and drinks into this concert and set up chairs, picnic tables and gazebo’s if you wish or just lay out the picnic rug. Buy your tickets now at www.bedfordparkconcerts.co.uk For further information please call Louise Harris on 07980 996318 or email louise@louiseharrispr.co.uk
Just answer this question: Q: The proms tenor this year is Daniel Koek – which iconic role did Daniel play in Les Miserables? Email the answer to: info@lphconcerts.co.uk with ‘PrOM COMP’ in subject line.
WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS
22 — MID BEDS BULLETIN APRIL 2017 MID BEDS ART SOCIETY
BEDFORD MUSIC CLUB
TEL: 07724 905406
EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
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SPRING 2017 EXHIBITION & SALE
Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 May Flitwick Village hall, Dunstable road, Flitwick, Beds Mk45 1hP Open Saturday 12:00 to 17:00; Sunday 10:00 to 17:00 Paintings by local artists, painting demonstrations, free entry and parking, disabled access, refreshments available and a tombola. MID BEDS ART SOCIETY
–––––––––––––––––––––––– Want to be inspired? Join us at our demonstration evenings. Feeling creative? Try our Saturday
PAINTING WORKSHOPS
in Barton-le-Clay. Visitors are always very welcome. Sat 8 April, 10 am-4 pm “Animal in pastel”: a workshop with Kerry newell Wed 19 April, 7.15-9.30 pm “Vibrant acrylics” demonstration by Hashim Akib Wed 17 May, 7.15-9.30 pm “Pastels Landscape” demonstration by Sandra Orme Sat 20 May, 10 am-4 pm “Bring in the sunshine” acrylic/oils workshop with Amanda Jackson For Saturday workshops, please call 01525 712735 or email vivianne.callow@hotmail.co.uk. Places are subject to availability, so early booking is advised. A list of materials needed for workshops will be provided to attendees. For more general information, call 01525 715376 or look on www.midbedsart.co.uk where you can see the annual programme, find links to artists’ websites and check venue location maps. Visitor Fees: Evening meetings £4 on the door; Workshops £30 by cheque in advance BEDFORD RSPB LOCAL GROUP Meet at ARA club Manton Lane Bedford MK41 7PF. Thursday 20th April at 7.30 pm Jacquie Clark, head of the Demography team at the BTO presents
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‘RINGING FOR CONSERVATION’
Entrance fee, group members £1 Guest £2 annual group membership £5 Reg. Charity no. 207076, more info www.rspb.org.uk/groups/bedford SUE RYDER – ST JOHn’S HOSPICE The Hospice is situated in the village of Moggerhanger and provides incredible care for those living with incurable illness in our community. Each year they need to raise £2.4 million to provide this care. So please come along and support our
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Saturday 22nd April 10.00 – 1.00pm Wilstead Village hall (Cotton end road). Please make a note of this event in your diary and come along and support this very worthwhile cause. If you would like to help with donations of cakes and raffle prizes, it would be very much appreciated. Please contact Ray on 07749876923.
COFFEE MORNING
MUSIC ON THURSDAYS
Marian Consort, vocal group Ave Virgo Sanctissima Fayrfax, Lambe, Byrd C McDowall, Frances-Hoad, Weir, R Panufnik Thursday 27 April, 1945 Bunyan Meeting Tickets £18, Students (18-25) £5, Under 18 £2 on the door or from 01234 261811 www.bedfordmusicclub.co.uk
BRITISH RED CROSS BEDFORDSHIRE Sunday 23rd April, OPen GArDen The King’s Arms, Ampthill, Beds., MK45 2PP 2 – 5pm, Drinks & cakes, Parking. Tickets £3.00 pay on entry. –––––––––– Tuesday 9th May FlOWer ArrAnGInG DeMOnSTrATIOn AnD ShOPPInG OPPOrTUnITy at Savin’s Wholesalers, Vinegar Hill, Hatch, Sandy, Bedfordshire, SG19 1PR 11am – 3pm, Refreshments, soup & cakes, raffle & tombola. Free Parking. Tickets £10.00 available from Sandra on 01582 589084. Further details on website redcross.org.uk –––––––––– Sunday 21st May, OPen GArDenS The Manor House and The Old Rectory, Milton Ernest, Beds., MK44 1RF, 1 – 5pm, Drinks & cakes, Plant stall, Parking. Tickets £4.50 pay on entry. –––––––––– Sunday 11th June OPen GArDenS Dragon’s Glen, Clophill, Beds, MK45 4BQ 1.30 – 5pm, Drinks & cakes, Plant stall, Parking. Tickets £4.00 pay on entry. –––––––––– Sunday 25th June, OPen GArDenS The Secret Garden, Wymington, nn10 9LS, 1.30 – 5pm, Drinks & cakes, Plant stall, Parking. Tickets £4.00 pay on entry. –––––––––– Friday 30th June OPen GArDenS West End, Cheddington, LU7 0RP 2 – 5pm, Plant stall, Parking. Tickets £3.50 pay on entry.
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BEDFORD LOCAL GROUP OF THE WILDLIFE TRUST Wednesday 12th April 2017 Meeting 7.30 pm
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‘’POLE TO POLE’ an illustrated talk by Dr Pat Doody
This will follow a short AGM
Priory Methodist Church Hall, newnham Avenue, Bedford MK41 9QJ. Plenty parking available, All welcome, no charge but voluntary contributions are appreciated. Further details available under Events on www.wildlifebcn.org or at 01234 2660579
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The Bulletin series are independent magazines with no affiliation to any other organisation. Š 2017 Rosetta Publishing Ltd. 30 Radwell Road, Milton Ernest MK44 1SH. Tel: 07894 935952 or 07724 905406. EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com ADVERTISInG: advertising@rosettapublishing.com Printed by: Mortons Print Limited. newspaper House, Morton Way, Boston Road, Horncastle, Lincolnshire Ln9 6JR