AMPTHILL•FLITWICK•WESTONING•HARLINGTON•TODDINGTON
VOTED NUMBER ONE FOR LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 2018
The country’s first newt officer
Central Bedfordshire Council has been chosen as the base for the country’s first ever newt Officer. Great crested newts are protected, and surveys indicate that they are present in about a third of Central Bedfordshire ponds, higher than the national average. If a proposed planning development is within 500m of a pond, great crested newts become a consideration for planning applications. that’s where the newt Officer steps in. Speaking about the new scheme, Councillor nigel Young, executive Member for regeneration at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “the council takes its responsibilities to conservation very seriously. Great crested newts are protected under both UK and european legislation. Surveys show that there is a healthy population here in Central Bedfordshire, so it’s great that we have the first ever newt Officer based alongside our officers, to help developers and builders meet their legal obligations to this important species of wildlife. We have always looked to support new initiatives and approaches to delivering the growth we need, while ensuring the natural environment is protected.”
newt Officer, Indea Chawk from Barton-le-Clay in Bedfordshire, is working alongside the council’s planning and ecology teams. Indea is responsible for raising awareness amongst developers and planners of a new licensing scheme for newts. Central Bedfordshire Council
has been granted a district licence for great crested newts, as part of an initial regional conservation scheme that is delivered by her employers, natureSpace. Indea will be working with the council’s planning officers and others from six nearby authorities
and a newt conservation body, to offer developers a quicker and easier way to meet their legal obligations to protect and conserve great crested newts. With a biological sciences degree and background in teaching science, Indea is well placed to carry out the role of a newt Officer, and is loving every minute of her new job, as she explains: “When I saw the job advertised, I knew it was perfect for me: it enables me to work closely with nature, making a real difference to conservation. I am learning so much more about our native species and wildlife.” “I will be advising planners and developers about the scheme, and making sure than anyone who isn’t in the scheme is adhering to the planning and legal requirements. at the moment I am spending a lot of time liaising with the council’s planning team, and, of course, the ecologists who are out on site digging new ponds and creating high quality habitats to support newt conservation.” the new alternative newt licensing route scheme is fully supported by the government, and is scheduled to roll out nationwide over the next few years.
Vice Lord-Lieutenant announced
HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis, announced the appointment of her new Vice Lord-Lieutenant at a dinner held on Thursday, July 12, 2018, for her Deputy Lieutenants, to mark the retirement of her current Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Col Colin Mason OBE TD, on August 19, 2018. Colin has been Vice Lord-Lieutenant since 2005 supporting the previous LordLieutenant, Sir Samuel Whitbread KCVO DL until 2012, and being recommissioned on the appointment of the new Lord-Lieutenant, Helen Nellis. The new Vice Lord-Lieutenant will be
Colonel Christopher Hugh Sharwood-Smith MBE DL and his appointment will commence on August 19, 2018. The Lord-Lieutenant, Helen Nellis, said: “I wish to pay tribute to the enormous contribution made by Colonel Mason in his 12 years of service as Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire. “He is a remarkable man of great integrity who has given loyal and dedicated service to the county and to HM The Queen. “I look forward to working with his successor Colonel Chris Sharwood-Smith who will bring great experience and a big heart to the role.”
Bedford Park Concerts this August – Billy Ocean, Jess Glynne and Lesley Garrett See page 13
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TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
Family fun for Flitwick Scouts Over 250 children, parents and carers connected with Flitwick Scout Group have just enjoyed a family camp at Bromham. there was a wide range of activities for everyone to do. these ranged from caving to craft, climbing to crate stacking and tomahawk throwing to zorbing. It was a great opportunity for many of the children and adults to try some new activities. toby Druce aged 12 said: “My favourite activities were caving, firing the water rockets and zorbing. I’ve done so many activities with the Group and have gained my astronautics, hikes away, emergency aid and meteorologist badges. I’ve made new friends and learnt new skills such as teamwork and first aid.” Parent, vanessa ng-Millar commented: “thank you so much for a wonderful weekend, the children and I have loved every minute of it.” adult volunteer, nigel taylor said: “the whole weekend demonstrated some of the activities Scouting provides. It was also a great opportunity to engage with the parents and hopefully we may be able to encourage some of them to volunteer to help. Scouting provides opportunities for children and adults to learn new skills that they will remember for years to come.” Beaver Scouts (boys and girls
aged 6 to 8) have recently had a picnic in ampthill Park, have had some evenings around skills, have done some cooking and then rounded off the term with a camp fire at Milton Bryan. Some of the Cubs (boys and girls aged 8 to 10) recently went to Phasels Wood in Hertfordshire where they tried caving, climbing, cresta
run, go karts and climbing through a spider’s web. along with their families all of the Packs joined together to participate in the end of term treasure Hunt around Flitwick. Jonathan Smith, lead volunteer for the Group said: “this is a great opportunity for people to see parts of Flitwick they didn’t know existed and also to talk to parents and carers
about what Scouting delivers to the children.” they have also been participating in water sports, visited Shuttleworth as part of their air activities badge, some backwoods cooking and had an athlete badge evening. One of the Scout troops (boys and girls aged 10 to 14) were hosts to a television documentary team who filmed them making and racing chariots. they have also been working towards their World Challenge badge. the other troop has had evenings on survival skills, had a Japanese experience and worked towards their International Badge. Some of the explorer Scouts (14 to 18) recently attended Gilwell 24 where the challenge for them was to stay awake from 9.00am on the Saturday to 9.00am on the Sunday. Some of the activities they could do over the 24 hour period included high ropes, climbing, trampolining, bungey runs, disco, films and fairground rides. the Group are gearing up for their third camp this year when approximately 40 Cubs and Scouts will spend a week at Gilwell Park in Chingford. For further information about Flitwick Scout Group, please visit www.flitwickscoutgroup.org.uk
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AUGUST 2018 BULLETIN — 3
Second chance for unwanted items £2,500 fine for fly tipping
a reUSe shop at the council’s new thorn turn Household Waste recycling Centre is now open for business. the shop, which is open seven days a week from 9am-5pm including bank holidays, sells those items taken into the council’s recycling centres which can be reused. the reused items go towards our recycling targets and help boost the overall amount of waste that’s reused, recycled and composted in Central Bedfordshire.all items for sale have been collected either directly from the thorn turn site near Houghton regis, or from one of the council’s other waste recycling centre sites in ampthill, Biggleswade and leighton Buzzard. the range of reusable materials being sold include bicycles, bags, luggage, clothing, shoes, soft furnishings and furniture (with valid fire safety labels), children’s games and toys, along with sports equipment including golf clubs and bags, CDs, DvDs, books, clocks, pictures, mirrors, jewellery, garden furniture and tools. residents who want to donate an item should let a staff member know at any one of the council’s Waste recycling Centres. all items must be in good condition and safe to use. these items will then be taken to the thorn turn reuse shop. Councillor Budge Wells, Deputy
executive Member for Community Services at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “reuse shops are extremely popular for the public who want to grab a pre-loved bargain, and our shop at thorn turn is already proving to be a success.” “We are always looking at different ways that help reduce the amount of waste we dispose of and encouraging reuse is one of those ways. the new shop at thorn turn will help prevent unnecessary waste from being thrown away, and so improve our recycling rate. everything we can do to help people to reuse or recycle means our residents’ council tax goes even further. the money saved can be spent on vulnerable members of our society, or maintenance of libraries or play areas and that has to be great news!” “We hope our residents will continue to make good use of this facility by donating items that are in a reusable condition, and perhaps also pick up a bargain for themselves whilst they’re here.” the reuse shop is located at thorn turn Household Waste recycling Centre, Grendall lane, Houghton regis, Bedfordshire, lU5 6GJ. For full details on what items are acceptable, visit www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/waste/tidy-tips/ reuse-shop-thorn-turn.aspx.
tHe Food Business Operator and director of Crepe Cottage, a food business which was based on High Street South in Dunstable, has been prosecuted for fly-tipping commercial waste from the business. a guilty plea was entered by Mr tyrone Bird at luton Magistrates’ Court on tuesday, July 3, 2018 on two counts of breaching section 33 of the environmental Protection act 1990, for fly-tipping Bird was ordered to pay a fine of £733 for each offence, pay costs of £1,283 and a victim surcharge of £73. Central Bedfordshire Council launched an investigation in august 2017, after an ongoing waste problem relating to the business was reported. Council officers attended the premises and discovered that waste was being placed outside the shop in the evening, for collection the next day. However, the waste wasn’t collected, and so waste sacks started to pile up, with the bags bursting open and the contents escaping. Mr Bird was invited to a number of PaCe interviews during last October and november. He was then sent a Section 108 questionnaire requiring him to attend an interview, which he didn’t attend. Whilst attempting to arrange another interview, council officers attended the property on two further
occasions, 7 november and 24 november, to examine additional waste left at the rear of the premises. On both occasions, the waste was not placed in commercial waste sacks. When searched, the contents confirmed the waste belonged to Crepe Cottage. Mr Bird was sent a second Section 108 questionnaire requiring him to attend a PaCe interview in December. Mr Bird attended this interview. He read out a statement, explaining that his waste was taken away by Biffa, and that he had an agreement with them to collect additional black sacks. enquires were made with the Biffa Commercial team and they confirmed that the contract with Crepe Cottage started in april 2017, but the account for the business was temporarily suspended due to an overdue payment. Councillor Budge Wells, Deputy executive Member for Community Services at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “all businesses produce waste. Companies have a legal responsibility to ensure that they dispose of their business waste correctly, and without harm to the environment. “If your rubbish is found to have been fly-tipped and not legally disposed of, we will take further action and you could be prosecuted.”
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TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
Flitwick’s Anchor boys win again!
FlItWICK Boys’ Brigade anchor boys won two more trophies at the recent Battalion end of session celebration. they swept the board in the art Competition with the first place in each year group, so that was trophy number 1. they finished second in the Sports Day that afternoon. a big cheer went up as Flitwick anchor Boys were named anchor Boy Champions for 2017/2018 beating 23rd luton by just one point! at the Battalion end of Session event held at Woodland School in Flitwick the Juniors finished fifth in
their triathlon and fourth place for the year. Company Section finished seventh for the year. Senior Section were second in their tennis Competition and finished in third place in the annual Competition.
Back to our weekly BB programme for the summer the weather has not meant any change in programme with the anchor Boys and Juniors enjoying a scavenger hunt, a games evening, a treasure hunt and visits to Kempston Outdoor Centre and McDonalds. Company and Seniors have had a games evening, a very challenging
treasure hunt, done outdoor cooking and been swimming at Centre Parcs. So all very much living the adventure. Our Session concluded with a Family BBQ at the home of one our BB Families. Whilst we don’t have any BB meetings in august on Friday 3rd august we will be at Flitwick village Hall serving refreshments on this morning between 9 and midday. as it is holiday time we will have some activities for youngsters so do come along and join in the fun. We start back to BB on
thursday 13th September when the anchors and Juniors will be having a minions evening! We have limited spaces in all age groups anchor Boys for School years 1-3 Juniors for School Years 4-6, Company Section, School years 7-10, and Seniors for boys aged 15+ to keep up to date with Flitwick Boys’ Brigade then please do like our Facebook page or follow us on twitter. alternatively to find out more call 01525 720506 (leave a message if no answer and we will get back to you) or email 1flitwick@boys-brigade.org.uk
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Have your say on the farms estate Central Bedfordshire Council is consulting with the public on its draft Farms estate Plan. the local authority manages around 4,700 acres of public farmland across the area, and is asking for feedback on its proposed approach to future management. a policy has been drafted to shape the way the local authority manages its farms estate over a 10year period. the farms are rented to 58 tenants across the Central Bedfordshire area, with a number of farms close to Flitwick, Maulden and ampthill; to the east and south of Biggleswade and Sandy; and around arlesey and Stotfold. legislation means that local authorities have to provide chances for people with agricultural experience to farm. alongside this, there are wider public benefits to the council owning the land. these include providing greater public access to the countryside; income for the council; greater control over the pace and type of development in rural areas; and encouraging initiatives to boost biodiversity and maintaining the look and feel of the countryside. Councillor eugene Ghent, executive Member for assets, said:
“Councils have owned farms for decades, and they’re still important to us today. they allow us to control the growth of towns, and provide a source of income, food and employment. they also can be used to protect and conserve our natural environment and wildlife, and for greater access to the countryside. “We need a plan for our farmland to meet the challenges and opportunities over the next 10 years. Our proposed approach is to have a more manageable smaller number of farms of a larger size, with more proactive management. “We will also be looking at buying more land, to ensure we have at least 2,000 hectares on our estate for future generations to benefit from.” there will be an eight-week public consultation process on the draft farms estate plan. the public can have their say online at www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/co nsultations. Paper copies are available from local libraries and leisure centres. The consultation runs until 5pm on 19 August. The public feedback will be considered by the Council’s Executive Committee on 9 October 2018.
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Record turn out for charity
UP to 100 dog owners living in and around ampthill gathered at the Country Park on Sunday 24th June to go on a ‘dog walk for dementia’, raising an incredible £550 for the alzheimer’s Society. the charity ‘dog walk for dementia’ event had been organised by local ampthill resident, Kirsty Bourne, who sadly lost her own dad to the disease. She had already raised £2000 in May by holding a special live band and curry evening with talented singer, emma robbins. Keen to do more to raise awareness about dementia, she then decided to organise the 40-minute charity dog walk on Sunday. She was over the moon when so many dog walkers joined her for the event, where each family were asked to give a £5 donation. all the dogs proudly wore a blue ribbon and free cake was served up after-
wards after an enjoyable stroll around ampthill’s Country Park. Kirsty reflecting on her own dad who died of dementia, said: “Dementia just creeps up on you. at first my father was forgetful – he couldn’t remember where he had parked the car, or he would post letters without putting an address on the envelope. So when we got a dementia diagnosis, it was really shocking. there’s no cure for dementia and symptoms gradually get worse. “My father stopped being able to use the telephone or change the tv and I became his carer. It affected my life hugely. “everyone’s dementia is different and the worst thing I found with my father was the change in his personality. He became so angry. “It was like a tiny bit of his brain knew he wasn’t right and it made him very aggressive towards me.”
Local design agency wins big!
aMPtHIll design agency D2 Creative has been recognised as Most Outstanding for Branding Services in Bedfordshire in the Corporate vision Magazine Marketing, Pr & Design awards 2018. the awards aim to recognise some of the most innovative, creative and forward-thinking firms from across the industry who continually maintain relationships, covey fresh ideas and encourage businesses to bloom. a local design agency has been awarded a prestigious national magazine award which recognises innovation and fantastic service across the industry. D2 Creative of ampthill has been crowned the Most Outstanding for Brand Services in Bedfordshire, which marks another successful year for the small agency that packs a big punch. D2 has an esteemed directory of clients, including eaSt ambulance nHS trust, BeSt Schools trust and other elite private corporate businesses, such as the World’s number 1 legal firm and several financial and insurance service providers. Dylan Davies Creative Director and Founder of D2 Creative couldn’t be happier with the prestigious award, he said: “It’s always amazing to win an award; it really validates what we do and the experience we offer our clients. the service we provide is built upon three core values; expertise, quality and efficiency. this is at the heart of everything we do, and the reason we have been able to build, nurture and maintain long standing relationships with our clients.
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‘Bedfordshire Beauty’ to celebrate WI Centenary tO celebrate the Centenary in 2019, the trustees of Bedfordshire County Federation of Women’s Institutes commissioned the production of a new rose, through the firm of Harkness roses at Hitchin.
the new rose ‘Bedfordshire Beauty’ was launched at the Hampton Court Flower Show. two coaches of WI members and friends travelled to Hampton Court on thursday July, 2018, to
Central Bedfordshire schools gets SATs results boost PUPIlS attending Central Bedfordshire schools have achieved an increase above the national average in their provisional standard attainment test (Sats) results for reading, writing and mathematics, among pupils aged 7-11. the key stage 2 results show that the percentage of children in the area achieving the expected standard in this key performance indicator has risen four per cent from 58 per cent to 62 per cent – one per cent above the national average increase from last year. Central Bedfordshire has also seen key stage 2 increases of four per cent (up to 78 per cent) in the writing teacher assessment and two per cent (up to 74 per cent) in children achieving the expected standard in the reading test. In key stage 1 (ages 5-7), the percentage of children working at the ‘expected standard or greater depth’ in Central Bedfordshire
increased by 3 per cent to 73 per cent, while in mathematics this rose by two per cent to 79 per cent. In the early years foundation stage (five-year-olds), Central Bedfordshire has seen a one per cent increase in achieving a ‘good level of development’ for children, while in phonics (age 6) there has also been a one per cent rise in children working at the ‘year 1 required standard’. Cllr Dixon said: “We are delighted that our year 6 pupils have recorded above national average results for reading, writing and mathematics. this is a pleasing rate of progress for our schools, albeit provisional. We still have work to do to get where we would like to be but any increase in our children achieving better results for the core subjects of reading, writing and mathematics is a welcome one and it sets a positive tone for future improvements.”
view the rose, prior to ordering their very own rose in September. these will be planted in their Gardens for them to be in full bloom across Bedfordshire in 2019 the WI movement came to the County in 1917, when Dunstable WI was formed. this WI unfortunately disbanded and reformed many years later, although by 1918 eight institutes had formed, enabling the formation of the County Federation on 27th September 1919.
the first County Chairman was Mrs M Whitbread of Southhill and of the famous brewing family. the launch of the rose is at the beginning of a programme of events being organised throughout 2019 to celebrate our Centenary year. a Church service is to be held in Dunstable, a Peel of Bells across the County on the actual birthday, 27th September, together with a Celebratory afternoon tea to be held at the Sculpture Gallery in Woburn to name a few.
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TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
Strong performances from Beds’ schools FrOM its smallest team ever of only 17 athletes, Bedfordshire and luton Schools mined nuggets of gold, silver and bronze, as well as an age group trophy and a record four internationals (plus one reserve) at the english Schools athletics Championships held at a sunny Birmingham last weekend. newly crowned european Youth Champion, raph Bouju (Mark rutherford) stormed away from the field in the Inter Boys 100m recording 10.66 seconds adding the eSaa title to the one he won in Hungary the previous weekend. Hannah Foster (Chalk Hills), a semi-finalist at the european Youth Championships, dominated the Inter Girls 300m coming home in a personal best of 38.64 seconds for a comfortable victory. Meanwhile, her training partner Jazz Sears (lea Manor) was equally dominant in the Inter Girls triple Jump, setting a new Championship Best Performance of 12.46M and winning by some 30 centimetres. leonie Brunning (St thomas More) went into the Inter Girls High Jump with a best of 1.69M, ranking her 10th in the UK. rising magnificently to the occasion, she set new personal bests of 1.72m and then 1.75M to claim the silver
medal, missing out on the gold only on count-back. novice athlete, renaldo Smith (Stockwood Park) was also having Heat/pool Semi Final Final JG 100 IG 200m IG300 IG HJ IG HJ IG lJ IG tJ SG HJ SG tJ JB Shot IB 100 IB 800m IB 100m H IB tJ IB Shot IB Hamm
a great day. In a tight struggle for the minor medals and a coveted place on the international team, his sixth and final leap of 13.93M saw
FUll reSUltS anD SCHOOl attenDeD
Place (final) leah anin naomi Palmer Hannah Foster leonie Brunning emily Dunning Kierra Grant Jazz Sears amy thurgood Ite aderoju Jordan ackuaka raph Bouju Jamie Webster Stephen Simmons renaldo Smith Kye Charlton Brown tom litchfield
4th 12.70 s 4th 25.46s 1st 39.51s 2nd 1.63M 10th 1.55M xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx 1st 11.06 s 7th 1m 57.38 2nd 13.77s pb xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx 5th 25.6s xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx 1st 10.83s xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx 1st 38.65s pb 2nd 1.75M pb xxxxxxxxxxxx 10th 5.32M 12.46M CBP 13th 1.58M 16th 10.70M 4th 13.20M 1st 10.66s xxxxxxxxxxxx 6th 13.77spb 3rd 13.93Mpb 4th 14.87Mpb4th 6th 57.79Mpb
Personal Bests = 5 entry Standards = 4 national Standards = 7 1st places = 3 2nd places = 1 3rd places = 1 Internationals = 4 plus reserve team results (Group C): Inter Boys 1st; Inter Girls 2nd pb = Personal Best Performance cbp = Championship Best Performance
JG 100 IG 200m IG300 IG HJ IG HJ IG lJ IG tJ SG HJ SG tJ JB Shot IB 100 IB 800m IB 100m H IB tJ IB Shot IB Hamm
leah anin naomi Palmer Hannah Foster leonie Brunning emily Dunning Kierra Grant Jazz Sears amy thurgood Ite aderoju Jordan ackuaka raph Bouju Jamie Webster Stephen Simmons renaldo Smith Kye Charlton Brown tom litchfield
1st 2nd
10th 1st 13th 16th 4th 1st
6th 3rd
6th
Mark rutherford Harlington Chalk Hills academy St thomas More Bedford Girls School Stopsley High School lea Manor High School Cedars Upper School Bedford Modern School Cardinal newman School Mark rutherford rushnore School Bedford School Stockwood Park academy Home School Samuel Whitbread academy
him just 2 centimetres ahead of fourth place and just 9 centimetres shy of the silver medal position. ralph, Hannah, Jazz and leonie were all duly selected for the international match against Scotland, Ireland and Wales next weekend, with renaldo as non travelling reserve. the shot was a productive event for the team with two fourth places. Both threw very close to their previous bests. Kye Charlton Brown in the Inter Boys recorded 14.87M, whilst Jordan ackuaku (Cardinal newman) in his first major competition did 13.20M in the Junior Boys. tom litchfield (Samuel Whitbread) improved his lifetime best by over 3 metres recording 57.79M forsixth place in the Inter Boys Hammer, whilst Stephen Simmons (Bedford School) also clinched sixth place in the 100m Hurdles final with another personal best of 13.77 seconds. In the team competition for the medium size counties, Beds & luton won the Inter Boys trophy for the tenth time in its history, and were a tantalisingly close runner up in the Inter Girls to a strong Somerset team by just two points for the second consecutive year.
Priory and Grove House Gardens are recognised again BOtH Priory and Grove House Gardens in Dunstable have again been recognised by the Green Flag award Scheme as among the very best parks in the world having retained Green flag status every year since 2010. Dunstable now boasts three Green Flag award winning open spaces; the other being Dunstable Cemetery which gained its first Green Flag in 2017 Dunstable’s three Green Flag sites are among a record-breaking 1,883 UK parks and green spaces that will today receive a prestigious Green Flag awards – the mark of a quality park or green space.
this international award, now into its third decade, is a sign to the public that the areas boast the highest possible environmental standards, are beautifully maintained and have excellent visitor facilities. the town Council’s Chairman of Grounds and environmental Services, Councillor liz Jones said: “We are absolutely delighted to have kept our Green Flags again for the ninth year running. We know how much quality green spaces matter to our residents and visitors, and this award celebrates the dedication that goes into maintaining
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these areas to such a high standard. International Green Flag award scheme manager Paul todd said: “We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag award scheme, with more Green Flags awarded this year than last year.” “each flag honours the thou-
sands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag award. “We are proud to have so many wonderful green spaces in the UK for people to enjoy, and hope that next year, we award even more flags.”
Sing with the Danesborough Chorus this autumn
GOOD news for local singers! the Danesborough Chorus is keen to recruit you, whether you’re soprano, alto, tenor or bass. Our popular amateur classical choir is midway through rehearsals for Karl Jenkins’ inspirational work, the armed Man: a Mass for Peace. Come and join us on Wednesday 5th September when we resume rehearsals after the summer break, or hear us sing this piece at the concert which we’re performing jointly with Bedford Choral Society and Milton Keynes City Orchestra on Sunday 14th October in Milton Keynes Theatre. then it’s nearly Christmas - yes, really! Starting Wednesday 17th October, the choir will be rehearsing new music, including a varied programme of Christmas music, with some traditional carols we’ve loved since childhood, and some less familiar songs, with perhaps a touch of ‘classical’ as well. If you haven’t sung for a while, and you’re feeling rusty, what better way to start exercising those vocal cords than singing carols with us? Our Christmas concert takes place in Woburn Parish Church on the evening of Saturday 15th December. the Danesborough Chorus meets each Wednesday in aspley Guise village Hall from 7.45 - 9.50 pm. You can talk to our membership secremore about the choir and our next concert by visiting www.danesborough.org.uk
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Ceremony marks ‘topping out’ of new Dunstable Centre COnStrUCtIOn of the new Dunstable Centre reached another milestone, with a ‘topping Out Ceremony’ to celebrate the building construction reaching its highest point. the topping-out ceremony took place on tuesday, July 10, 2018, at the Dunstable site, which is in Court Drive. attendees from Central Bedfordshire Council and other key organisations took the opportunity to have a tour of the construction site. at a time when leisure centres and libraries across the country are closing, the council are proud to be investing in new and improved facilities that will help residents’ health and wellbeing and secure services in the town. the £20.1million centre is ontrack to be opened in the winter 2018/2019. With £1m national lottery funding from Sport england, the building will be a state-of-the-art community hub that will provide a new leisure facility, new library, accommodation for a new Citizens advice service, and day-care for adults with learning disabilities. Councillor Ian Dalgarno, executive Member for Community Services at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “at a time when leisure centres and libraries across the country are closing, we are investing in new and improved facilities that will help our residents’ health and wellbeing. “We are therefore delighted to celebrate reaching this key milestone in the redevelopment of this building. Works on the centre are well underway, with the building almost weather tight. We now have one complete building again, with the new buildings now fully connected to the existing ones. the new roofs have been progressing well, with the roof over the swim-
Left to right: Cllr Peter Hollick, Dunstable councillor; Cllr John Chatterley, Dunstable councillor; Cllr Budge Wells, Deputy Executive Member for Community Services; Cllr Steven Watkins, Deputy Executive Member for Community Services (Leisure); Cllr Fiona Chapman MBE, Chairman of the Council and Cllr David McVicar, Dunstable councillor.
ming pool and sports hall now complete.” “the previous leisure centre and library were no longer fit for purpose or cost effective to run. Both required substantial improvements, so we embarked on a comprehensive redevelopment of the old leisure centre to create this new building instead. By bringing services together under one roof, the new combined facility will reduce running costs, while providing more flexible services to the community, such as improved opening hours for public services. Once complete, the new facility will boast a modern leisure centre with a 100-station gym, 4 studios, 25-metre swimming pool, and a learner pool with a new viewing gallery. there are new changing rooms for the swimming pools, and two more new changing rooms: one on the ground floor to service the
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MICHAEL A. BARNARD
Mob: 07785 237683 Office: 01525 714777 Email: mickthebrick2000@yahoo.co.uk
sports hall, squash courts and studio space; and one on the first floor for the gym. the centre will also include a café and a brand-new, fully accessible ground floor library,
with a new digital offer including public computers, iPads and a gaming zone, flexible space for activities, a children’s zone, and new facilities for teenagers.
Etonbury ‘Green Wheel’ Masterplan approved Central Bedfordshire Council, arlesey and Stotfold town Councils, and Fairfield Parish Council have formally approved and adopted the plan for an ‘etonbury Green Wheel’. the green wheel is a long-term vision to form a linked loop of publicly-accessible green spaces and paths around arlesey, Fairfield and Stotfold, which has been prepared in partnership with Bedfordshire rural Communities Charity (BrCC). the idea is to improve the existing public paths, and to create new additional routes, in order to provide a continuous circular network of public paths around these towns and villages. the ‘wheel’ will be formed of a ‘rim’ of connected paths supported by ‘spokes’ of linear paths and sections leading from the towns and villages out to the ‘rim’ and the wider surrounding countryside. the project will initially focus on the creation of the walking route, which is likely to formally open in 2019. this will be followed by a cycling route, including links to the national Cycle routes 12 and 51. there are already a number of landmarks and places of local inter-
est which will be accessible from the Green Wheel, such as the Kingfisher Way and Hicca Way walks; the Great north Cycleway (national Cycle route 12); etonbury Wood; Stotfold Watermill nature reserve; the Blue and Green lagoons; and arlesey’s Glebe Meadows and Old Moat nature reserves. Cllr. Dalgarno, executive Member for Community Services at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “the Green Wheel will help encourage residents to go out into the countryside more, and enjoy the beautiful rural scenery that Central Bedfordshire has to offer. “We are working with landowners to create and upgrade paths. So this green wheel will be launched in two stages - a walking route, followed later by the full cycling route. “as well as the opportunity for walkers, cyclists and horse riders to take healthy exercise in the open countryside and visit local places of interest, the loop will also provide arlesey railway Station commuters with better traffic-free routes to make their journeys greener and safer.”
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out & about
Full-on line-up for the autumn season
Castle Comedy Bedford is the monthly comedy club held at the Gordon arms, ent Shed, Castle road, Bedford. a new season of comedy shows gets under way in September and runs through to December. the first show is on Thursday September 13 and features Desiree Burch. She is a sassy new Yorker who shot to stardom by winning the Funny Women award 2015. She has since appeared on ‘8 out of 10 Cats’, ‘Frankie Boyle’s american autopsy’, Mock the Week, Have I Got news For You and the latest series of live at the apollo! “The funniest comedian I have ever seen in person. She left me breathless with laughter.” ★★★★★ Scotsgay the October show on Thursday 11, stars Rob Deering. He is the UK’s foremost guitar-wielding, looplayering stand-up comedian. He has
toured nationally and performed solo shows at the edinburgh Fringe to critical acclaim. He has hosted the Comedy Club (BBC radio 4), appeared on Comedy rocks with Jason Manford (Itv), Pointless Celebrities (BBC One) and won Celebrity Mastermind (BBC One) and the comedian’s edition of the Weakest link. “Truly wonderful stand-up” Sunday Times there is a double headline show on Thursday November 9. Opening the show is Stephen Bailey. He is a comedian and television personality, whose friendly and open brand of gossipy humour has made him one of the most sought after acts on the UK comedy circuit today. He is a regular on Zoe Ball on Saturday/Sunday.
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Closing the show is Sean McLoughlin. He has appeared on ‘russell Howard’s Stand-Up Central’ and Comedy Central’s ‘live at the Comedy Store’. He has supported ricky Gervais and Katherine ryan on tour! Finally the Christmas Specials are on December 13, 14 and 20. Headlining the shows on the 13 and 14 is Ivo Graham. With posh boy charm and self-aware wit he has proved a hit with audiences of all ages. He has multiple tv and radio shows including live at the apollo and Mock the Week. Pat Monahan will headline Thursday 20. He is an audience favourite who blends a highenergy comedy style with hilarious observational material. “Supremely engaging, adored by audiences” THE SCOTSMAN all the shows feature full support and are hosted by Bedford favourite, Paul Revill. Doors open 7.30pm, Shows start at 8.15pm and tickets are £10 (£8 nUS) or if you fancy a treat, you can buy £18 tickets, which include a pre-show meal and glass of wine from the Gordon arms. to book visit www.castlecomedy.co.uk
H
ack in b s p e t S th e o t e m ti c eclecti
s 80
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SIAN TURNER M O R F IC S U M E LIV s ffet) from Floote udes a bu Tickets £10 (incl onal Fancy dress opti
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.00pm ‘til late 7 – 8 1 0 2 r e b m 15th Septe
To get your tickets please call: 01525 290042 18 Market Place, Woburn MK17 9PZ
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AUGUST 2018
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 ADS: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
Bedford Park Concerts’ – star studded line-up Billy Ocean Billy Ocean has sold over 30 million records in his lifetime to date. He has collected a pile of Gold and Platinum records across the world and hit the number one spot worldwide in the pop charts including the USa, australia, Germany, Holland, and the UK. Billy has achieved extraordinary success as both an artist and a songwriter. We are so excited to have this exceptional artist confirmed to play in Bedford Park this summer. Backed by his full band expect hit after hit from ‘love really Hurts Without You’, ‘Caribbean Queen’ ‘Suddenly’, ‘When the Going gets tough (the tough gets going)’as well as the now classic Get Outta My Dreams; Get Into My Car plus many many more! also on the bill is international soul singer Jaki Graham, the mighty ASWAD, Loose Ends ft Carl McIntosh and ‘The Christians’.
Friday August 3
Jess Glynne
the triple Brit award nominee and platinum selling artist will be ‘right Here’ in Bedford Park this Summer! Jess Glynne first came into the public prominence in 2014 as the vocalist on Clean Bandit’s Grammy award winning and #1 hit ‘rather Be’; Glynne scored another number one earlier that same year on route 94’s ‘My love’. Pop sensation Jess Glynne has since become one of the biggest UK breakthrough acts of recent years. Her chart-topping debut album, I Cry When I laugh – which includes the singles right Here, Hold My Hand, Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself and take Me Home – turned double platinum in the UK, making it the biggest selling debut album of 2015.
Saturday August 4
Lesley Garrett Bedford Park Proms takes place on Sunday 5th august in Bedford Park. the soloist this year will be none other than english soprano lesley Garrett, this exquisite musician, broadcaster and media personality is the perfect fit for Bedford Park Proms. lesley Garrett is known for her cross-over repertoire that stretches from Mozart to Meat loaf via West end Musicals; reaching places that other opera stars can only dream of. a fantastic leading lady for Bedford’s 2018 Proms.
Sunday August 5
Joining lesley will be tenor Jeff Stewart, who enjoys a busy worldwide career and his dramatic tenor voice is much in demand, both in opera and on the concert platform. With over 120 performers on stage this will be a magnificent performance as the guest soloists, a 70 piece choir and the london Gala orchestra, conducted by Stephen Bell take to the stage for performances including Handel’s Zadok the Priest, Bizet’s Habanera, verdi’s Grand March (aida) and Grieg’s In the Hall of the Mountain King. the musical celebration will
culminate with rousing favourites for flag-waving and singing along, including rule Britannia and land of Hope & Glory, as thousands of lasers and fireworks light up the sky.
AUGUST 2018 BULLETIN — 13
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AUGUST 2018
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
Ampthill Armistice100 WW1 Living History Encampment Saturday 13th October Ampthill Great Park
––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––– BeDFOrDSHIre FaMIlY HIStOrY SOCIetY
Interested in Family History?
then come along to the next monthly talk on Friday 7th September 2018
‘The Many Ways of Counting our Days’ by Colin Oakes
7.15 p.m. Drama Hall, Mark rutherford School Wentworth Drive, Bedford MK41 8PX Members free, visitors £1.
NEW EVENT... MUSIC QUIZ
8PM FRIDAY OCTOBER 12th THE WHITE HART AMPTHILL
the Friends of ampthill’s Christmas lights and the White Hart are delighted to announce this brand new fundraising event. So many quizzers have asked for a music quiz to be held in ampthill and we have joined forces to satisfy that demand. teams of upto six will compete for some sparkling prizes while enjoying pizza and nibbles. tickets cost £10 and must be prebought from the White Hart. Should be a very enjoyable evening.
Art Exhibition to be held at St Andrew’s Church, Ampthill on October 6th/7th 2018.
CHRISTMAS IS COMING! Following last year’s successful trial we will again be choosing the young person to Switch on ampthill’s Christmas lights from entrants who attend one of the town’s schools or pre-schools. Entry forms will be available from Monday November 5th and must be returned completed together with a £1 coin taped to the form by Friday November 9th. Multiple entries are allowed but each one will cost £1. the draw will take place on Monday November 12th in good timefor the switch-on on Sunday November 18th.
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the town’s traders are fully supporting the continuing purchase of the stunning icicle lights which proved so popular last year. We all say a very big ‘tHanK YOU’ for your generosity. richard Holden. Fundraiser for the Friends of ampthill’s Christmas lights
www.bfhs.org.uk
––––––––––––––––––– WOULD YOU LIKE TO EXHIBIT? The “Living History Event” gives an insight into ‘camp life’ and how WW1 soldiers trained and lived.You can just turn up at at this free event anytime between 10.00am and 3.00pm. The camp will be located close to the Crosses in the Park. There will be a company field kitchen, machine gun section, drills, activities, and talks. Other events will be taking place to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armistice. www.tommyfootprints.com
tHe FrIenDS OF aMPtHIll’S CHrIStMaS lIGHtS
artists who would like to exhibit should contact a_bhodges@btinternet.com or telephone 01525 404625 for further information or an application form.
SPONSORED ‘BIKE ‘N HIKE’ A GREAT DAY OUT
Saturday, 8 September, 10am- 6pm. Cycle, walk or drive to beautiful open churches in Bedford, Kempston and surrounding villages. In aid of Beds and Herts Historic Churches trust
to join in, contact the area Organiser, alan Colley 07761 545705, colley64@yahoo.co.uk
See http://www.b-n-h.co.uk/ and www.bedshertshct.org.uk/bikenhike.html
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Who will press the plunger to light up Ampthill this year?
––––––––––––––––––– BEDFORD ORGAN & KEYBOARD CLUB THE ADDISON CENTRE –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
PRESENT NEWCOMER TO BOKC
JOANNE NAULLS IN CONCERT WEDS 29 AUGUST 7.30 – 10.00pm TEA, COFFEE/BAR/RAFFLE –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Members £5 PAY AT Non-Members £6 DOOR –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Contact: 01234 344423 www/Organfax/clubs/Bedford
CAR BOOT SALE Sundays: 19th August, 16th September and 21st October Sellers 9.00am – Buyers 10.00am
MILTON ERNEST GARDEN CENTRE Radwell Road, Milton Ernest MK44 1SH Teas, Coffee, Breakfast, Snacks in Café For pitch enquiries contact Simon 01234 823033 E: simongoatley@miltonernestgardencentre.co.uk
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 ADS: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
AUGUST 2018 BULLETIN — 15
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AUGUST 2018
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
the Bulletin series are independent magazines with no affiliation to any other organisation. Š2018 rosetta Publishing ltd. 30 radwell road, Milton ernest MK44 1SH. tel: 07894 935952 or 07724 905406. email: editorial@rosettapublishing.com or advertising@rosettapublishing.com Printed by: Mortons Print limited. newspaper House, Morton Way, Boston road, Horncastle, lincolnshire ln9 6Jr