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Network Rail making tracks in the right direction BEDFORDSHIRE EDITION
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Sustainability steps up a gear with Great Northern’s station cycle hub
WORK to provide disabled lifts and ramps at Biggleswade railway station is on track, despite rising costs, a meeting heard. An initial forecast of £2.4m was predicted to cover the ‘Access for All’ project finance. But network Rail explained this early estimate was for construction costs only and that a revised total better reflects all funding associated with the design, delivery and management process. Recent price increases in building materials were described by Bedfordshire Rail Access network (BRAn) as an “eye-watering amount”, potentially more than doubling the cost. It feared aspects of the scheme to improve access to the Station Road location might have to be sacrificed, with possibly poorer designs. An update on progress of three related developments locally was provided at the town council’s annual statutory. “A meeting was held on Monday, May 9, over
‘Access for All’ at the railway station, which began with the formal opening of the new cycle storage facility by Conservative north East Bedfordshire MP Richard Fuller,” she told town councillors. “there are three types of storage for bicycles. Some of it is secure and some more open, although it’s all covered by closed circuit television. “A fob is needed to access the secure storage. the fob can be obtained from the ticket office on provision of photo ID and (related) personal details. “the meeting adjourned to the town hall, during which network Rail said the costs have gone up substantially.
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network Rail hopes to have final financial approval from its internal investment authority by the end of July, according to councillor Russell. “that’s when the contract will be formally awarded, as the tendering process is already finished,” she said. “Work is to start on site in October. the main works will be done during the Christmas line closure and they still expect the facility to be open by June 2023. “Govia thameslink confirmed the new toilets will be built during this financial year, with male, female and disabled provided. “the town’s transport interchange remains on course to be completed by next March. “the highways regulation orders go to Central Bedfordshire Council’s traffic management committee on May 24 and the planning condition should be discharged by the end of June,” she added. new town mayor councillor Grant Fage described it as “extremely important work going on at the station”, saying: “I know the ‘Access for All’ working group have been overseeing this for a long time, so it’s good we’re starting to see some real delivery there now.” BRAn has said previously: “the residents of Biggleswade, particularly wheelchair users, anyone with restricted mobility and 8 St Cuthberts St, Bedford MK40 3JB parents with young children are getting a rough deal.” the group claimed it had taken “most of 2021 for a contractor to SALES & TRADITIONAL REPAIR SERVICE provide a vastly inflated estimate and nothing else.”
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Biggleswade station manager Fiona Blackwell and MP Richard Fuller, supported by members of the community, declare the new cycle hub open – see story on page 2.
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TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
Sustainability steps up a gear with Great Northern’s station cycle hub THE MP for North East Bedfordshire, Richard Fuller, has opened Great Northern’s new cycle parking hub at Biggleswade station, promoting greener travel in the community. With storage for up to 44 bikes in a secure area accessed only by a fob available for free from the ticket office, it also has CCTV, two charging bays for electric bikes and a maintenance area. Jenny Saunders, Customer Service Director for Thameslink and Great Northern, said: “We’re delighted to open this great new facility for our passengers at Biggleswade station. We hope that offering a more secure place
to lock up your bike, as well as electric bike charging facilities, will encourage more passengers to go green and cycle to the station. “Travelling by train and bike is the most environmentally-friendly travel combination, and through our station improvement programme, we’re working with local communities to make our stations even more sustainable.” The hub has been funded by the Department for Transport’s cycle rail fund, being managed by the sustainable transport charity Sustrans, with further funding from Central Bedfordshire Council.
The government fund aims to improve cycling facilities at stations, promote economic growth, improve journeys, and encourage environmentally-friendly transport to cut carbon. Encouraging bike journeys to stations is also high on the agenda as a way of encouraging people to get out and enjoy ‘active travel’ as part of their journeys. Over the next few years, further improvements to Biggleswade station include the installation of lifts and an accessible toilet as part of Network Rail’s Access for All scheme, and a new bus interchange funded by Central Beds Council.
SANDY TOWN COUNCIL 2 Day of Action in Sandy – 24th nJune on202 community safety issues and find out
Central Bedfordshire Council will be working with other partner organisations to hold a Day of Action in Sandy town centre on Friday 24th June. Teams attending will include Central Bedfordshire Council’s Safer Central, Environment, Highways, Parking Enforcement and Housing Services;
Bedfordshire Police; the Probatio Service; Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service; the Safer Neighbourhood Team; the Bobby Scheme; Stevenage Leisure Limited (Sandy Sports Centre); Dog Watch and Street Watch. Councillors from Sandy Town Council will also hold a Councillor Surgery from 10am – 12pm. These teams will engage with residents
what improvements residents might like to see. If you are worried about issues anywhere across the town, please come out to this event to talk about your concerns. Partners will also be working together to make visible positive improvements such as tidying vegetation and litter picking.
Platinum Jubilee Art Project
Sandy Town Council is asking our community for your ideas on how some S106 (developer contribution) funding should be spent. The money must be spent on public art, and the Council would like to use this funding on a piece of artwork for the town to commemorate this landmark Jubilee year. Public art could be a bespoke piece, designed by an artist or crafts person, and should involve an element of community engagement in the design process. Alternatively, the funding
could be spent on community activities focused on art - an example would be to appoint a public artist to host a series of workshops working with the local community. The artwork or project could be in any medium, such as clay or ceramics, mosaic, print, chainsaw art, photography, audio projects, etc. If you have an artistic idea to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee in Sandy, please send details to admin@sandytowncouncil.gov.uk
Councillor Surgeries
2022. All members Sandy Town Council is holding a number of Councillor Surgeries during queries or any raise and or Councill a with meet to attend, to welcome are public of the below. dates the on noon 12 10am from run concerns. Surgeries will Friday 24th June at the Community Stand, Market Square Saturday 20th August at the Community Stand, Market Square Saturday 24th September at the Community Stand, Market Square Saturday 22nd October in the Council Chamber, 10 Cambridge Road.
Sandy and Beeston residents’ fis hing permits available
Council meetings
All meetings commence at 7.30pm except Development Scrutiny Committee (Planning), which starts at 6.45pm in the Council Chamber, 10 Cambridge Road, Sandy, SG19 1JE (unless otherwise stated on the Agenda).
Monday 6th June 2022 Town Council [TBC] Monday 13th June 2022 Development Scrutiny Community Services & Environment Monday 20th June 2022 Policy, Finance & Resources Monday 4th July 2022 Development Scrutiny Human Resources
10 Cambridge Road, Sandy SG19 1JE Tel: 01767 681491 Fax: 01767 692527 admin@sandytowncouncil.gov.uk www.sandytowncouncil.gov.uk
BEDFORDSHIRE police found drugs with a street value of £640 when they searched a shed being used by burglar Aiden long in December 2020. long was jailed for 42 months in June last year but the drugs case was not brought against until this year. luton Crown Court heard the police raided his mother’s home in Biggleswade in relation to the burglary he had committed. In the shed they found 53 wraps of cocaine weighing 3.23 grams and 11 wraps of heroin weighing 0.79 grams. they had a street value of £640. In a police interview long said he had been forced to hold the drugs for two men who had threatened him. long, now 21, of Hanbury, Orton Goldhay, Peterborough appeared for sentence having pleaded guilty to two charges of possessing Class A drugs with intent.
Defending, Simon Gledhill said: “He is out of prison on licence now. the delay in this case is through no fault of his own. “the investigation into the two cases were bound up. the drugs were found when a warrant for the burglary was executed. “He has already served a long sentence, predominantly in lockdown conditions. “He has now come out on the other side and is determined to do well for himself and put his drug problems behind him.” Judge Gary lucie said: “there has been a delay in bringing this case for reasons nobody can explain. “Had this been dealt with at same the burglaries the judge would have taken totality into account.” He passed an 18 month sentence suspended for two years. the judge told him: “It is really important you stay out of trouble or you will go back to custody.”
Councillor says CBC should use reserves to help refugees by Euan Duncan – Local Democracy Reporter
MOnEy from its reserves should be used temporarily now by a local authority to help families accommodate ukrainian refugees in Central Bedfordshire, a councillor claims. Rather than wait until funding becomes available from government, Independent Potton councillor Adam Zerny says the cash allocation for Central Bedfordshire Council is needed already by those who qualify for payments. “While the local authority’s website proudly proclaims ‘Central Bedfordshire stands with the people of ukraine’, CBC hasn’t exactly been swift to stand with the local residents who have found homes for refugees,” councillor Zerny posted on social media. “there are more than 70 refugees in Central Beds involved so far, with a significant number of families incurring expenses. “After much public pressure, the government pledged money to support families hosting ukrainian refugees in the uK,” he explained. “the plan was to provide £350 per host family in financial support to cover expenses incurred in boarding refugees. “In addition, each refugee was to be provided with a ‘£200 interim payment to help with subsistence costs provided by the local council’. “While it was made clear the emergency £200, in the form of vouchers redeemable at the Post Office, was to be provided by local authorities, host families were left in the dark about who was to pay the £350 per month. “the council has acknowledged it will be receiving £10,500 from central government public money for every refugee hosted locally, yet none of these support payments have yet been made to host families.
“We began to hear from families which have taken in refugees and are suffering financial hardship as they cope with cost of living increases, combined with no sign of the payments from government or CBC. “they rang the council and were told to ring the government, which said it was down to local authorities. the council has agreed it will make these payments to hosts, after all,” he added. “But families in need may have to wait a little longer as CBC has admitted that it still doesn’t have the ‘necessary checks and data collection arrangements’ in place to make the payments. “Even though we’re now fully six weeks on from when refugees started to arrive, the council still can’t say when the payments will be made.” Councillor Zerny has written to CBC calling on “the payments to qualifying families judged to be in financial hardship” to be made immediately from CBC’s “significant financial reserves”. A council spokeswoman said: “We’re extremely grateful for the overwhelming support from residents committed to providing a home for ukrainian refugees. “Since the government published guidance last week about how the £350 payment will be administered, we’ve acted quickly to put measures in place to ensure the safety of guests arriving from ukraine. “no central funding has been provided to CBC yet, under the Homes for ukraine scheme. But now there’s clarity on the funding rules we’re required to follow, we can provide financial assistance and reclaim costs in arrears for the government. “Accommodation and DBS checks have been completed, allowing all the matched guests arriving to do so securely.”
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The Town Council owns The Riddy nature reserve which borders the Rive r species rich habitat, especially impo rtant to water voles. The Council allow Ivel and is a Sandy and Beeston to fish the river s residents of from runs from 16th June 2022 to 14th Marc The Riddy for free during the fishing season, which h 2023. A Resident’s Permit is required, whic h can be obtained from the Town Cou Environment Agency Rod Licence and ncil. A current present address in Sandy or Beeston some other form of identification containing your must be submitted when applying. Residents can apply for a permit by sending a copy of council.gov.uk. Alternatively, residents these documents by email to admin@sandytownmay bring their rod license and iden including their address to the Council tification offic hours: Monday & Wednesday 9am-4pm es, at the address below, during public opening and Friday 9am-2pm. Permits are also available to young See our website for details. people under the age of 12 but they must be accompanied by a responsible adult when appl ALL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND ying and while fishing. For more infor contact the Town Council offices. mation, please PRESS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND.
Drug dealer hid his stash in his mother’s shed
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Dilapidated Sandy Secondary School to rise again with £20m revival plan
PLANS for a £20m transformation and expansion of Sandy Secondary School face satisfying the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) that safety concerns relating to a nearby gas pipeline can be resolved.
Applicant and building design consultant Concertus for Central Bedfordshire Council has submitted proposals to the local authority to revive the dilapidated school premises in Engayne Avenue. the project includes £16m capital funding from CBC, which was approved by its executive last April. But planning documents on the council’s website, at the early stages of the process, include an objection from the HSE. “there are sufficient reasons on safety grounds for advising against the granting of planning permission in this case,” according to the HSE. “As the proposed development is
by Euan Duncan
within the consultation distance of a major hazard pipeline, you should consider contacting the pipeline operator (Cadent Gas limited) before deciding the case,” it warned. “there are two particular reasons for this. the operator may have a legal interest in the vicinity of the pipeline, which may limit some developments within a certain proximity of the pipeline. – Local Democracy Reporter
“the standards to which the pipeline is designed and operated may restrict occupied buildings or major traffic routes within that same
distance. “Consequently there may be a need for the operator to modify the pipeline, or its operation, if the development proceeds.” the local authority said: “A planning application has been registered with CBC for changes to remodel and refurbish Sandy Secondary School. “this is because, while the premises is recognised by the Department for Education as a school of more than eight forms of
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entry, it doesn’t have the capacity to accommodate the current level of students. “the number has increased in five years from 535 to just over 1,000 on the 17-and-a-half acre site. “these plans are for a two-storey detached teaching block, a singlestorey special educational needs and disabilities (SEnD) block, remodelling and improvements to the school buildings, and a new allweather artificial pitch. the renovation will also include work on the front of the school.” the planning consultation closes on May 6 and the target date for a decision on the application is July 1, added CBC. “If planning permission is granted, the council will appoint a contractor and a build programme will be produced. “Feedback is welcomed on these
proposed changes for Sandy Secondary School, which are aimed at helping improve the education of young people in the area. “this will be achieved by offering more facilities for the students, while increasing specialist learning spaces to meet the changing demands of the curriculum.” Sandy upper School converted to a secondary in September 2018, along with the lower schools in the cluster, which became primaries, the executive was told last April. Conservative Cranfield and Marston Moretaine councillor and executive member for families, education and children Sue Clark said at that time: “there was no funding made available to make that change. “the school was built in 1975 for three year groups with 22 students in each class, so much smaller than the current requirements.”
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Children’s personal data put on a public website A DATA protection breach by Central Bedfordshire Council in which the names of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) children were published on a public website was “a complete failure of process”, a meeting heard.
The local authority could face a significant fine after the names of dozens of SEND children were included in a response to a parent’s question in an email. The inquiry asking the council to provide the number of SEND children without school places for this September led to council officers posting a list of the names on the public website whatdotheyknow.com. Independent Ampthill councillor Mark Smith raised the issue during written questions at CBC’s annual meeting. “The council suffered a major data breach on Monday, May 9, by
by Euan Duncan – Local Democracy Reporter publishing these children’s names online potentially putting them at risk,” he explained. “What measures have been taken to address this breach and to ensure this doesn’t happen again?” Council leader and Conservative Arlesey councillor Richard Wenham replied: “We all agree it’s an urgent question because this is a very regrettable general data protection regulation (GDPR) issue. “The data containing the names of a number of children were released under a freedom of information request (FOI). “I would like to thank those who noticed this straight away and brought it to the council’s attention enabling this information to be removed as quickly as possible. “The council is extremely sorry and has issued a full apology, as well as taking steps to indi-
vidually contact any parent or carer of a child whose name was published. “CBC has immediately put extra checks in place. An internal review is in progress to look at all our procedures in this area, including the content and frequency of training for officers. “The incident was reported speedily to the information commissioner’s office (ICO). As you’d
all expect the council will be fully supporting any investigation. CBC will quickly implement any and all recommendations coming from the ICO.” Councillor Smith added: “I wonder if you’re aware that the email which went out to a certain number of parents compounded this error because it contained the Christian names of different children to the person it was being sent to. I wonder if you could look into that. “I also want to raise the point I
found staggering in the message we were sent out after this breach that this went through two sets of officers. “The FOI request clearly stated the (parent) wanted statistics, not the names of these children. I find it amazing that our system failed so badly, to go through two sets of officers, a complete failure of process. “I would like to see measures put in place and that we’re kept informed about this. We’re always reminded we shouldn’t reveal the
details of individuals. This is an appalling breach of GDPR.” Councillor Wenham said: “We were all shocked to see this information released. It would be premature to prejudge the outcome of either the internal review into process or the ICO, if it decides to proceed with an inquiry. “Additional checks are in place and any recommendations which come out will be speedily implemented, and I imagine will go through due process, including scrutiny.”
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TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
Meet the Mini Chocolatiers!
Fire safety success
Centenary Service – The Bedford Branch of the Royal British Legion commemorated their centenary on Saturday, May 7, 2022. A service was conducted at St Peter de Merton church in Bedford where the Legion’s colours were accepted by Rev Cass Howes, the Bedford Branch’s Padre.
MODERn educational resources aimed at delivering fire safety messages to primary school children have been designed by students from the Bedford College Group. A team from Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue Service met with Art and Design students at the group’s South Bank Art Centre in Bedford to discuss the ideas which will be used locally and submitted to a national emergency services resource website: StayWise. the images captured a range of messages including: Stop, Drop and Roll, calling 999 and matches/lighter safety all of which are part of their educational safety messages delivered to year two students at Primary School. Station Commander Steve Fowler (Prevention Delivery Manager), Crew Commander from Kempston station Haydon littlewood and Service Safeguarding Advisor Steph Godfrey, met with Work Placement Co-ordinator Matthew Hunt at the college. “the designs were all brilliant, we’re really impressed. the students paid close attention to the brief and created some fantastic and very useful new resources” said the fire team. Matthew Hunt said: “We are very grateful to the fire service for giving our students the chance to participate in a real design challenge and we hope their work proves useful in community work with children.” the next stage will be to consider how they are shared online and in printed forms.
SIx local children have discovered just what it takes to become a mini expert in chocolate after winning a chocolate-making session with award-winning chocolatier Aneesh Popat. local charity Creating Memories teamed up with the Chocolatier, who is based in Sandy, Bedfordshire, to invite children with special educational needs, disabilities or life-limiting illnesses aged eight and over to design their very own chocolate creation, with the six winning designs being sold as part of a special box earlier this year. Creating Memories Founder Pritti Saggi approached the Chocolatier to collaborate on the special project for children last year as a way to bring joy, spark creativity and support local business. the winners got to come to the factory, meet
Aneesh and make chocolate. During the session, the children got to taste a variety of different chocolate flavours and toppings while learning about the chocolate making process, before rolling up their sleeves (literally!) and getting stuck in creating chocolate bars, lollipops, and cocoadusted truffles! Aneesh said: “It was fantastic to meet these amazing children, who had all been so imaginative with their chocolate designs! I loved helping them to make some wonderful chocolate treats to enjoy, allowing them to get covered in chocolate and have some fun with the different flavours and combinations. “Each child left the session with their creations, and memories that I hope will last for a long time. I know that I will truly treasure this experience.”
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Taking over the reigns at an exciting time by Euan Duncan – Local Democracy Reporter
ROlES were reversed as councillor Grant Fage became the new mayor of Biggleswade and councillor Madeline Russell switched to being his deputy. Councillor Fage was elected unopposed at the town council’s annual statutory meeting, having served as the town’s deputy mayor for the last two years. Councillor Russell has served a three-year term as the town’s mayor guiding the local authority through the pandemic. Proposing councillor Fage, who was elected to the council in March
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2017, councillor Hazel Ramsay said: “He’s done a wonderful job as deputy mayor and deserves to step up.” A former Stratton Grammar School pupil, councillor Fage told the council: “It’s a tremendous honour to accept the position of Biggleswade mayor and represent our town at such a crucial time. “Over the coming decades, this town will face enormous change,” he explained. “the choices ahead of us, as councillors, and the decisions we make will shape Biggleswade for a very long time to come.
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“We take our duties seriously and make decisions carefully, caring deeply about our town. “this council has a strong team of councillors and staff from a wide range of backgrounds with diverse talents. I look forward to working with the team in this new role in the best interests of Biggleswade.
AMBITIONS “Someone mentioned to me becoming mayor, especially while in my 20s, is an accomplishment. While there might be a little truth in that, for me it means rather little compared to the ambitions we have as a council for our town. “there’s the delivery we’ve start-
ed and the genuine accomplishments we can attest to, which are also to the benefit of our residents.
“In councillor Russell we’ve been blessed with an outstanding mayor,” he added. “She’s seen our town and our council through truly exceptional times. Her drive to deliver during the last three years has been clear for all to see.
“Her steadfast delivery of the neighbourhood plan, which will shortly go to referendum, and extremely detailed response to Central Bedfordshire Council’s local Plan and the development of the town council’s staff team are all immense achievements.
“this will put Biggleswade in a far better position than perhaps sometimes we realise. I love this town and look forward to working hard for it. “And I formally thank councillor Russell. the town owes her a huge debt of gratitude.” During tuesday’s (May 10th) meeting, the mayor and his deputy read out separate oaths to fulfil their duties “to the best of their judgment and ability.” Councillor Fage put on the mayoral chain, which was unavailable at the corresponding meeting 12 months ago as it was undergoing repairs.
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— JUNE 2022
TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
Beds Colleges set to merge
CEntRAl Bedfordshire College is to merge with the Bedford College Group. the announcement was made on Monday, March 28, 2022. the merger is proposed to take effect from February 1, 2023. Central Bedfordshire College, which recently celebrated its 60th anniversary, serves communities across southern Central Bedfordshire and luton, with campuses in Dunstable, Houghton Regis, leighton Buzzard and luton. For both students and staff at Central Bedfordshire College it is ‘business as usual’. the management teams and governing bodies will be working closely together to ensure a seamless transition, and to put plans in place to expand the educational offer to meet the future skills needs of Central Bedfordshire and luton communities. Prof James Crabbe JP, Chair of the Corporation at CBC, said: “I am delighted to say that the Governing Body of Central Bedfordshire College agreed to a merger with the Bedford College Group. the merger will allow our vision of skills and vocational education for our region, which we as a College have developed over many years, to become an actuality, with enormous benefits for our students, our staff, local employers and the community of Bedfordshire as a whole. I am confident that this merger of our College, with its strong culture of an inclusive, calm and caring environment for learners and staff, will fit well with the ethos of the Bedford College Group, and could become a model for mergers in the FE sector.”
Dr Ali Hadawi CBE, Chief Executive of CBC, added: “We at CBC are excited by the prospect of merging with the Bedford College Group. this merger will enable us to offer additional courses in a wider range of subjects to a larger number of learners, young and old. In line with the FE White paper, we will be able to serve our communities through richer and more diverse curricula. We will also be able to meet the needs of a broader range of businesses across a wide range of industries locally, hence enhancing their competitiveness and success. this presents an opportunity for us to work with Ian Pryce and colleagues across tBCG to enhance learning and progression for students and create advancement possibilities for our staff.”
Allan Schofield, Chair of the Corporation at tBCG: “the Bedford College Group is delighted to have been selected as the merger partner for Central Bedfordshire College. It brings together the two largest post-16 educators in the local authority area and creates a financially strong institution which will allow us to expand the educational opportunities to everyone in Central Bedfordshire and luton.” Ian Pryce, Chief Executive tBCG: “We are really looking forward to working with Ali Hadawi and his team. We already have a great relationship with the College but this will allow us to deepen and build that relationship to create something very special.”
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Independent councillor storms out of planning committee meeting
A DISAGREEMENT over transparency by Euan Duncan – Local Democracy Reporter which led to a Central Bedfordshire councillor walking out of a local authority lack of transparency shines councillor Victoria Harvey said: “you have to follow meeting continued into full council a day through. “yesterday, she sought to legal procedure really carefullater. silence my concerns over a ly at the committee.
Cllr Caroline Maudlin.
Independent Biggleswade South councillor Hayley Whitaker left the council chamber in the middle of a planning debate on retirement accommodation at Silsoe. A little over 24 hours later, she was objecting to Conservative Sandy councillor Caroline Maudlin being appointed permanently to chair Central Bedfordshire Council’s development management committee. During the committee debate, councillor Whitaker said: “three-bedroom homes are generally not for individuals or couples. they’re used for families. We’ve got 12 here for families, which suggests it’s not going to be a retirement village.”
INTERRUPTION Councillor Maudlin said: “Just to interrupt, we’ve had the evidence stated that it’s a retirement village. “the officers did an incredible amount of work to get clarification on it, so to make that assumption would be incorrect when we’ve the experts here who’ve said that.” Councillor Whitaker retorted: “My view, which is what I’m here to give, is a threebedroom property wouldn’t simply be for couples.” Councillor Maudlin told her: “you’re allowed to give that view, Hayley.” Councillor Whitaker asked: “Do you want me to
walk out, because I will?” Councillor Maudlin replied: “Please do, if you want.” Councillor Whitaker added: “If I’m not prepared to have my say and you’re not prepared to listen to me, I suggest you get someone that is. I’m not just not prepared to tick the box.” Councillor Maudlin responded: “you’re not ticking the box, but this is a legal committee and we’ve got evidence from the experts.” Councillor Whitaker’s parting shot, as she left the council chamber, was: “no, I’m not prepared to tick the box and say this is fine.” Councillor Maudlin added: “I’m so sorry about that. I’m very concerned that we stick to the factual points and carry on to have a debate. “I really want that, but we don’t need to prolong today’s meeting with some of these thoughts.”
FULL COUNCIL the issue resurfaced at CBC’s annual full council, when councillor Whitaker proposed Independent Hayes and Houghton Conquest councillor Rebecca Hares to chair the committee. Councillor Whitaker explained: “While I applaud her (councillor Maudlin’s) enthusiasm to chair this committee permanently, it’s not something I can support as her chairing inexperience and
planning application for challenging an officer’s opinion.” But Independent linslade
“If not, you’re open to judicial review, which lays the council open to possibly
hundreds of thousands of pounds in costs. “the advice councillor Maudlin gave yesterday was to make sure councillor Whitaker didn’t fall into that trap.” Cllr Maudlin, whose appointment was confirmed, said: “I was quite shocked
Cllr Hayley Whitaker.
when I was trying to curtail your speech in light of those points put forward by councillor Harvey. “I’d be quite open for the monitoring officer to look at my style of chairing and see how I go forward. I feel all of us in a non-political committee need further training.”
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— JUNE 2022
TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
AROUND THE CLUBS
View from the pulpit Rt Revd Richard Atkinson – Bishop of Bedford To do my best to do my duty ‘To do my best to do my duty to God and to the Queen’. These words of the Promise that I took when a young boy scout remain with me. That sense of obligation and moral duty to do what is expected. The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend will see celebrations across Bedfordshire. It will be an opportunity to rejoice in her seventy years as our Monarch, to give thanks for her reign and to celebrate our community life. To recognise the fruit of her dedication and service as she has done her duty. The obligations that she assumed on the death of her father. Speaking in her first Christmas Broadcast in 1952 to a nation that was still recovering from the war, the young Queen Elizabeth spoke not just of her own call to duty, but
the duty of us all: Many grave problems and difficulties confront us all, but with a new faith in the old and splendid beliefs given us by our forefathers, and the strength to venture beyond the safeties of the past, I know we shall be worthy of our duty. Now I suspect that ‘duty’ feels to many as a somewhat old-fashioned concept. In an age of heightened self-determination that idea of obligation can seem foreign. And yet we all have duties – those that come from being part of families, those of being citizens, the obligations of being good neighbours. To care for the weak and vulnerable is, for instance, I believe not one option among many but rather part of our fundamental responsibilities as a human being – a duty that is echoed in the great
faiths but exists independent of them as well. Jesus speaking to his disciples in Luke chapter 17 encourages them not to look for praise, but rather to say when they have done what is expected of them: We are unworthy servants, we have only done what we are bound to do – we have done our duty. This Jubilee let us give thanks for our Queen. Let us pray for her and for all that lies ahead. Above all let us recognise someone who has done her duty in a most remarkable way. She has owned the obligations upon her and lived them out with sacrificial living and godly courage. As we recognise that, may we too own our responsibilities, that we too may do our duty.
Scouts’ accommodation unit officially to open at last the leslie Sell Activity Centre in Bromham, offers activities such as archery and climbing to around 600 Scouts, Cubs, Beavers and Guides each weekend in wonderful woodland setting. the old accommodation unit had seen better days, so in 2016 plans were started to fund a replacement. Bedfordshire Freemasons agreed to raise £500,000 to enable the construction of a log built unit to include underfloor heating, showers and a modern kitchen, which is fully wheelchairaccessible and has bunks for 48 children and their helpers. In just two years the funds were raised and construction began in July 2019, with the building substantially completed in March 2020. A grand opening ceremony had been
w
planned for the Spring - but then of course Covid restrictions put paid to all such plans. two years on and May 26, 2022 will see the official opening of the facility by Peter lowndes, the Pro Grand Master of the united Grand lodge of England, in the presence of local Freemasons, dignitaries and of course the Scouts. A engraved stone will mark the occasion, under which there will be a time capsule. tony Henderson, the head of Bedfordshire Freemasons said: “this building will stand for many decades, allowing young people the opportunity to engage in the kind of pursuits that grow skills, but more importantly that grow friendships. Freemasonry teaches integrity, friendship, respect and charity - values that are echoed in the
Scouting movement, and we very proud to have been able to build something that will stand as testament to those values.” “I think that it has never been more important to invest our time and support in our young people,’ says tim Kidd, the Scouts’ uK chief commissioner. ‘Scouts are passionate about helping young people to achieve the very best that they can and to learn skills that will stay with them for life. the support from the Bedfordshire Freemasons will help Bedfordshire Scouts enormously – huge numbers of young people will use the lodge to facilitate their learning about teamwork, leadership, practical skills, the natural world around them and, above all else, how to make this world a better place.”
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What an incredible day at Ickwell on May Day. So many of you came to support us for which many thanks. Our next outing, for want of a better term, will be at Sandy at the end of the month and we hope to see a number of you then. Other dates are in the pipeline but are not yet confirmed. now how do we spend the money we raise at these events. Just recently we became aware of on ex-soldier who was suffering with PtSD and could not get the help he needed. We were able to
arrange for him to go on a course to help with his recovery. Another person we have been able to help was a mother and her children, refugees from a very abusive relationship in Afghanistan, who had been involved in a car accident in which the children’s car seats were damaged. We were able to replace the seats. Just a couple of services we were able to satisfy. If you feel this is the type of service in which you would like to be involved please contact us on 01462 814683 or visit our website bslions.org.uk John Bennewith
FROM time to time, I get asked to give talks about gardens and gardening; on one such occasion, a sweet old lady bristling with pride explained to me how she had managed to remove all of the ground elder in her garden! She had every reason to be happy, ground elder is one of the most pernicious ‘weeds’ available in this country and its control is a slog and a half which is why, as you will see below, the Irish have given it a particularly appropriate nickname! If you have identified it as prevalent in your garden, weed killer can be used to treat it but as previously intimated in this column, with more and more people nervous of using glyphosate, you might opt to remove it using the old fashioned method of digging it out. Ground elder has rhizomes which are thick roots that run like an underground train system a couple of inches below the surface of the soil and readily form new plants above ground level. For this reason, hoeing is not really effective. using a spade or fork, I much prefer the former, dig into the affected area and turn over. then, using your hands simply remove the spaghettilike network of roots. Burn or legally dispose of but whatever else you do, do not put on the compost heap! labourious but strangely satisfying, like many jobs in the garden and its removal will certainly improve a garden’s appearance as well as improving the well being of all those plants that are wanted. One fairly common plant to treat with respect and preferably, to avoid ‘like the plague’ is Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum). native to Russia and being highly invasive, (insert your own witticism here!), it has a strong resemblance to Cow Parsely and can grow up to 3 metres (10ft) tall, with white umbels. not unattractive but it has a sting in
its tail - literally. Its sap is highly irritant to people and to many animals including dog’s so if you are out walking, take great care. Exposure to the sap can result in severe burns which will require treatment and can even leave long term scars to humans and animals. Interestingly, it is listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act in England and Wales which means that, while it’s not an offence to grow it in your garden, it is an offence to plant it in the wild or let it escape from your garden into the wild. So, if you are wanting to remove from your garden, be sure to wear appropriate clothing and gloves and burn or legally dispose of. The answer to last month’s ‘just for fun’ quiz question then is, what very prevalent plant is known in Northern Ireland by the highly appropriate nickname, Garden Plague is Ground Elder. this month’s question, no prizes just assume a smug demeanour if you know the answer: What equally prevalent plant is known to many as Twitch? Answer next month. A concerned local is being run ragged by something, in the dead of night, devouring his much loved broccoli and sprouts; he’s done all of the normal things to prevent attack including laying gravel around the plants, netting and even inspecting all of the leaves for butterfly eggs but thus far, all to no avail. Does anyone have any ideas as to what is doing the damage and ways of combating it? As usual, many thanks to all of you for contributing to this column, keep them coming, and please contact me with any gardening tasks or queries you may have, lawndocgardens@aol.com or tel: 01767 627 581 or 07796 328 855.
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JUNE 2022 —
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EMR refresh their trains
Sytner Mercedes-Benz fast track to jobs EASt Midlands Railway (EMR) has begun a project to refresh the interiors of its Intercity fleet – including replacing seats, toilet interiors and covering surfaces in a new special anti-bacterial cleaning product. the work will be carried out at Derby’s Etches Park depot and will see 5300 seats being refreshed, including new back covers, seat cushions, headrests and arm rests – while a number of seat covers will also receive deep cleaning by a specialist company. the toilet refurbishment in all 27 of EMR’s Class 222 Meridian trains has already been completed, providing a series of improvements to give a better experience for customers. these improvements include walls being painted, a new vinyl applied to door panels, the replacement of damaged fixtures, as well as the Call for Aid units and mirror surrounds being resprayed. Sinks have also been polished and buffed, while the baby changing areas have also been improved. As part of this work, EMR will be the very first train operating
company in the uK to use a new cleaning product which makes surfaces easier to keep clean and works continuously to reduce the growth of bacteria. the Cotech Biosafe product, which includes a special technology called Microban antimicrobial protection, will be applied to toilet surfaces to enhance hygiene and bring piece of mind to customers. Cotech Biosafe is the longestlasting coating of its kind currently on the market, protecting a surface for around seven to 10 years and does not require monthly reapplications like other similar products. the special product is supplementary to the regular cleaning programme that is already in place on the trains. neil Bamford, Fleet Director at East Midlands Railway, said: “As we await the introduction of our new Aurora fleet, we want to ensure our current Intercity trains offers customers a clean and inviting interior. “Following an audit, we have identified a number of seats that fall below our standards, and we are working hard to replace them.
“likewise, we wanted to refresh the toilets and make sure we are using the latest products available on the market to maintain cleanliness.”
GREAT job opportunities working on MercedesBenz vehicles are coming down the track for students from The Bedford College Group thanks to a relationship with the Sytner Group. The company took along Electric and Hybrid cars and a recently qualified apprentice to talk through career path-
ways at the college’s Advanced Automotive Technology Centre in Brunel Road, Bedford. Students will be applying for jobs and others will be given work experience to get them in the fast lane. For more information about careers in the industry go to bedfordcollege.ac.uk
Mayor Dave announces Solar Panel Scheme MAyOR Dave Hodgson has announced a scheme to encourage residents to come together to invest in renewables through a groupbuying scheme for solar panels and battery storage – ‘Solar together Bedfordshire’. Bedford Borough Council is working in partnership with Central Bedfordshire and luton Councils as part of Solar together Bedfordshire. Solar together Bedfordshire (www.solartogether.co.uk/bedfordshire) helps homeowners feel confident that they are paying the right price for a high-quality installation from pre-approved installers. this innovative scheme builds on four years of highly successful Solar together programme run across the uK. to date Solar together has delivered over 7,000 installations and over 130,000 tonnes of avoided lifetime carbon emissions. Bedford Borough residents can join the group-buying scheme which offers solar panels with optional battery storage and EV charge points, as well as retrofit battery storage for residents who have already invested in solar pan-
els and are looking to get more from the renewable energy they generate as well as increase their independence from the grid. It is free to register and there is no obligation to go ahead with an installation. Bedford Borough Council is working in partnership with Central Bedfordshire and luton Councils, alongside inde-
pendent experts iChoosr, to make the transition to clean energy as cost effective and hassle-free as possible. Mayor Dave Hodgson said “Solar together Bedfordshire gives local residents the opportunity to come together in a group-buying scheme, to get high quality solar panels at the right price, with
installation from pre-approved installers. “At this stage, we are inviting people to register online to become part of the group. there is no obligation to go ahead with the installation. “So if you are interested, please visit www.solartogether.co.uk/ bedfordshire.”
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14
— JUNE 2022
Farmers meet DEFRA officials
TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
More chance of seeing Elvis! by John Guinn
BEDFORD’S deputy mayor has told the area’s primary health provider that people have more chances of seeing Elvis than their GP. On tuesday, May 17, 2022, the council’s Rural Affairs Committee was updated on healthcare provision in the borough, particularly in the rural communities, by the Bedfordshire, luton and Milton Keynes Clinical Commissioning Group. During the meeting, Bedford mayor, Dave Hodgson, said the borough is the sixth-worst in the country in terms of number of GPs per population – one GP for over 2,700 people. Building on that point, deputy mayor councillor Charles Royden, said: “In Bedford there’s probably more chance of seeing Elvis than seeing your local GP.” Councillor Royden (libDems, Brickhill Ward) spoke about a resident who had to queue outside the surgery from 7.40am to try to get an appointment as he couldn’t get through on the phone. “What we’re having now is people having to go to
ON Thursday, May 12 at a meeting organised by Richard Full MP, over 30 local farmers and land managers met at Scald End Farm, Thurleigh, with officials from the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Since leaving the European Union, the agriculture sector has seen an enormous number of changes, not least the departure from Direct Payments under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the move to ‘Public Money for Public Goods’ and the introduction of the UK’s bespoke Environmental Land Management schemes
private GPs, we’re getting a two-tier health service in Bedford. “If they can’t see the GPs then they’re not getting into hospital, and not getting the treatment that they need for all kinds of things, which could be sorted out much more quickly if that can get an early diagnosis and early treatment,” he said. David Picking, BlMK CCG’s head of primary care development and transformation for practices in Bedford Borough and Milton Keynes, replied that the deputy mayor could email him (if the resident agrees) if he has concerns that a resident isn’t being treated, or isn’t getting the treatment they deserve, “you won’t be alone in that, there are a number of councillors that email me directly and I’ll do my best to find out what the problem is,” he said. Councillor Royden said that Mr Picking could be overwhelmed with emails as it won’t be hard to find residents who are having difficulty in seeing their GP. the mayor added: “then we’ll have a three-tier [health] system, those that have access to David Picking, those that can go private, and those that haven’t got access to David Picking.”
to replace the CAP funding. The large turnout highlighted the thirst for information that exists in the rural community of North East Bedfordshire. With increasing input costs in agriculture, steps have been taken to assist farmers with cash flow, however there are many questions surrounding the new schemes such as what measures farmers will need to take, what level of funding will be available for each scheme, how the application process will work and when payments will be delivered? The RPA and Defra officials delivered presentations on the changes and answered the many questions posed by the audience.
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We have an exci*ng day out planned for all the family as we open our gates as part of the Open Farm Sunday (OFS22) na*onal ini*a*ve sponsored by LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming). It’s your chance to find out where your food comes from and to see how a farm operates in the context of the wider environment and your community. There will be plenty to see and do including a large display of farm machinery, lorries *pping grain, livestock, wildlife displays, farm walks and trailer rides, hog roast, tea and cake tent, various food producers, ice cream and lots more! See you there! NO NEED TO BOOK— FREE ENTRY AND PARKING LOTS TO DO FOR ALL THE FAMILY & PICNIC AREA ALL FUNDS RAISED WILL GO TO CHARITY NO DOGS ALLOWED ON SITE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND UPDATES, VISIT OUR WEBSITE
JUNE 2022 —
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15
out & about
A summer full of top music Thursday, July 28, Simply Red will headline the first show, supported by the amazing Lisa Stansfield. Few bands have enjoyed the success and longevity of Simply Red. With over 60 million albums sold worldwide, five UK number ones, hit albums and over a billion views on YouTube, Simply Red remain one of the UK’s most successful bands. Lisa Stansfield has three BRIT Awards, two Grammy nominations, and enjoy a string of hits, including worldwide number one smash hit, ‘All Around the World’, on her way to selling over 20 million albums. A proven talent, Lisa Stansfield is sure to get the crowds up and
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Family Fun Day and Dog Show Sunday September 11 Contact: (01234) 823033 or enquiries@miltonernestgarden centre.co.uk
Music and theatre at St Paul’s: tuesday lunchtime recitals Go Compare insurance adverts, Wynne is a professionally trained opera singer with over 25 years’ experience, Singer and actor Marisha Wallace is a Broadway and West End sensation, best known for starring in Something Rotten, Dreamgirls, Waitress and more recently in the role of Motormouth Maybelle in Hairspray! Support acts to open the show include Rock Choir, Pilgrims Pre Prep School and singer songwriter Joe Bygraves. You can bring your own picnics to this show and as well as an amazing music bonanza it is accompanied by a stunning laser show and finishes with a firework spectacular. If you are an NHS worker you can also qualify for a ticket for just £1.00! www.bedfordparkconcerts.co.uk
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Friday June 3 in Bedford Park will be none other than the pioneers of UK Ska and one of the most influential and seminal acts in British History – ‘The Specials’. Influential, important and exhilarating live, ‘the Specials’ are a band embedded in this country’s DNA. It is impossible to envisage the musical landscape without them, from the startling, angular Gangsters in 1979 to their swan song, the epoch-making Ghost Town in 1981. They infused ska with punk, homegrown political anxiety with wider issues. Founded in 1977 the Specials were at the forefront of the 2 Tone movement, changing the face of UK music in the 1980s with seven successive top 10 singles between 1979 and 1981 including number one hits like ‘Too Much Too Young’ & ‘Ghost Town’. Saturday June 4, Tom Grennan Tom Grennan’s success has been closely followed by his hometown Bedford fans, and on Saturday, June 4, he will headline his first major outdoor concert in Bedford Park! Supporting Tom will be Brit and Mobo award winner Ella Eyre. Plus in a real celebrton of Bedford talent – The Wholls and The Scruff have also been added to the line up! Both bands are friends of Tom and they have all supported each other’s careers for many years. A brilliant Bedford heavy line up awaits! Tom Grennan comments “Bedford I’m coming for you! I am so excited to be headlining back in my home town! Home is where the heart is and I’m going to give you all the love and energy I can. I can’t wait to perform live for you, it’s going to be one hell of a party. Big Love!!” Tickets from: www.bedfordpark concerts.co.uk/events/
dancing. Broadway star Marisha Wallace will also support the show! Friday, July 29, sees Café Mambo Ibiza ‘In the Park’, touching down from the White Isle! The legendary Ibiza brand will bring thousands of dance music fans together for an unforgettable experience under the stars as they relive the massive tunes that provided the soundtrack to generations of Ibiza adventures. Serving up the classics are some of the biggest DJs in dance music; these include Mark Knight, Amine Edge & Dance, Lovely Laura & Ben Santiago and Todd Terry along with support from Bedford DJ, Mark Russell. Moving onto Saturday, July 30, which will see the modfather himself Paul Weller headlining. As frontman of The Jam, Weller spearheaded the Mod revival in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, scoring a string of hits, including Going Underground and A Town Called Malice. He had further success with the blue-eyed soul music of the Style Council in the mid to late ‘80s, before establishing himself as a solo artist. Supported by Richard Hawley and Andrew Cushin, it’s proving to be a popular show and is close to selling out. Sunday, July 31, the Bedford Park Concerts series ends with a firm family favourite show ‘Bedford Park Proms – Part 2’ and it’s Bedfordshire’s most prestigious al fresco Proms event. The Welsh opera star and BBC radio presenter Wynne Evans will be the headline vocalist along with Broadway and West End sensation Marisha Wallace. Wynne Evans is regularly singing to millions for the TV advertising campaign that has made him a household name as the spoof opera star Gio Compario. Although a spoof opera star in the
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at St Paul’s Bedford. June-July, 1pm. FREE with retiring collection in aid of church funds. Suggest min £5.00. Monthly Saturday organ recitals 12 noon, also FREE with retiring collection in aid of church funds. Contact: St Paul’s Church, St Paul’s Square, Bedford, MK40 1SQ. tel: 01234 340163 Email: admin@stpaulschurchbedford.org.uk JUNE – 7th yiyan Shen, Piano. 9th ExtRA SPECIAl 8pm Magellan and Elcano: Around the World: A play with music and Spanish dance. £15 https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/cather ine-of-aragon-festival-226039. the play commemorates the 500 year anniversary of the first circumnavigation of the globe; a remarkable achievement which changed the world forever. 10th ExtRA SPECIAl 8pm Carmen by Iberica de Danza (prestigious Madrid based company). Carmen vs Carmen uses the richness of Spanish dance to immerse us in a fascinating world of womanhood, freedom and the female soul. £24 Sat 11th Organ recital 12 noon with Ian Runnells, Director of Music at St Paul’s, Bedford 14th Simon Davies, Classical Guitar 21st Catherine Rose, Horn and Wind Instruments 28th Alis An, Piano. JULY – 5th lorraine Augustine, Piano. 12th Six on Sax. Contact: Ann Collett-White, Tel: 01234 266839 Mobile: 07989 837819
Sandy Historical Research Group: Southill
House, Southill, Bedfordshire, SG18 9lJ. Wednesday 8th June, 10.30 am – 12.45 pm tea/coffee/biscuits at the start, and the opportunity to enjoy the gardens after the tour of the house – Prior booking essential. £15.00 per person with all monies going to the Wixamtree trust which helps worthy Bedfordshire causes. Full details contact: Richard Barlow on 01767 226392 or email secretary@shrg.uk and places must be booked with Richard in advance To advertise your club, group or society in these columns please email your copy to: advertising@ rosettapublishing.com Please include a contact telephone number. These columns are for non-profit making organisations
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— JUNE 2022
TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
pubs
comedy Castle Comedy’s putting on 2 huge shows in June Thursday June 9 – The Quarry Theatre, Bedford The headline act is ZOE LYONS. With a mixture of silliness, satire and caustic one liners she is one of the one of the UK’s favourite comedians. She is a regular on Mock The Week and has appeared on Live At The Apollo, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow (BBC1) and hosts her own teatime TV quiz show, Lightning! (BBC2). “Probably the most impressive British female comic on the circuit” The Skinny Opening the show is NABIL ABDULRASHID. He finished third in the 2020 series of Britain’s Got Talent and was awarded the ‘Golden Buzzer’ in the first round of the competition. David Walliams described both his performance and writing as “perfect”. He has gone onto appear on Live At The Apollo, Mel Giedroyc: Unforgiveable, Richard Osman’s House Of Games and Celebrity Masterchef. “A fresh comic voice… unapologetically funny” The Sunday Telegraph Saturday June 25 – The BIG June Show, The Weatherley Centre, Biggleswade An Edinburgh Preview Special from two of the best comedians in the UK! Each act will do a one hour set as they prepare for Edinburgh and their upcoming national tours. SIMON EVANS is one of the UK’s most respected and established comedians. His TV credits include Live at the Apollo, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, Mock the Week and Stand Up For The Week. He is the regular host of GB News Headliners, the show where comedians tackle the days top news stories. ★★★★★ “A Masterclass” The Scotsman GLENN MOORE is an Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee
THE
conclub
Refurbed pub shows promise
by Tony Hendrix
and one of the best and most prolific joke writers in the country. Glenn is a regular face on TV, having appeared on Mock The Week, Rob Delaney’s Stand Up Central and The Stand
Up Sketch Show. All shows feature full support from top UK comedians and Paul Revill will host the shows! Doors 7pm Show start 8.00pm. Tickets: www.castlecomedy.co.uk
THE
QUEENS HEAD MENU NEW
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HOTEL NOW OPEN Queens Head, Rushden Road, Milton Ernest MK44 1RU
Tel: 01234 822412
Mon-Sat Noon-11pm Sunday Noon-10.30pm
Bedford brewer Wells & Co have quite rightly decided to take back one of their flagship pubs The Pheasant on Kimbolton Road into their managed estate portfolio .The pub will now be run directly by the brewery and has been given a ‘brand new look’ which has certainly bought back long lost customers to the pub which bizarrely achieved the ranking as being Bedfords worst pub by Trip Adviser back in 2016! One of the main areas that took a thumping during the pandemic was the hospitality sector. Many pubs bars and restaurants up and down the country had virtually a full twelve months worth of earnings wiped from their books as the country came to a halt due to the COVID 19 Lockdowns. Some venues came out the otherside a bit financially battered but still fit enough to continue, whilst others came out totally financially crippled and unable to
open their doors as was the case with The Pheasant. The pub has now been fully refurbished and looks absolutely stunning, the garden area is amazing offering plenty of comfortable seating, exclusive heated sheltered smoking areas and a very distinct array of night time lighting. The new look inside boasts brand new signage accompanied by a unique warm modern decor, the food menu is new and offers some tempting mouth watering dishes with a traditional roast dinner served on Sundays. There is the typical range of Wells and Co award winning beers and Ales brewed locally. I popped in just after the grand public opening, the new staff I found both accommodating and friendly, I ordered a meal which was delivered pretty quickly and tasted amazing. The beer garden was heaving with happy customers lapping up the sunshine, so I gave that a wide birth and remained inside. This pub has been renown for hosting an exciting range of events and entertainment, quiz nights, karaoke and themed Disco nights to name a few which I understand will still continue. The pub is the latest to join 25 others as a Wells UK managed pub, Wells UK say they plan to reach 29 in total by the end of 2022.
KEMPSTON 01234 851120 Queen’s Jubilee Friday 3rd June 2.30pm Afternoon Tea and Pimms with music from
Summer Concert
DANNI BENTLEY
only £18 per person but this must be prebooked
At 6pm it’s CASH PRIZE QUEENIES QUIZ
8pm it’s KARAOKE TIME Don’t miss a full day of celebrations (Please note the carpark will not be in use from 12pm till 7pm on this day) Saturday 4th June A great general covers night with
KIRSTEN SWEET
RICKY
V.I.PEAS we can’t wait to have this amazing band back Saturday 25th June We welcome back the amazing
DOLLY BAILEY another favourite here Saturday 2nd July a wonderful night of soul and Motown
LAURA CHURCH
Monday 11th July 2022 7.30pm Kempston East Methodist Church Raising funds for
Myla’s Mission Refreshments and Raffle Tickets £6 and £4 concessions www.kempstonconcertband.com
BEDFORDSHIRE BullEtIn
new to the conclub Saturday 11th June another new voice for you with the fantastic
Saturday 18th June it’s big band night with the one and only
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Children’s Theatre | Comedy | Theatre Dance & Physical Theatre | Poetry & Spoken Word Music | Film
Daxtonbury Festival is back 8/9/10 July 2022
With no event possible in 2020 or 2021 due to the pandemic, the team behind this boutique festival are now about to host “The best three day party in Bedfordshire” during the weekend of 8/9/10 July. Held on farmland near the village of Podington in North Bedfordshire, the festival features over 30 bands including local favourites such as Pearl Handled Revolver, The Workshop Boys, Lost For Words and Easydread together with the classic rock band Stray. Everyone involved with the festival – bands, organisers, volunteers and backstage crews etc – give their time for free in order to raise money for cancer charities. Originally just a friends and family barbecue, Daxtonbury has grown into a memorial to Chris Kelly, one of those friends, who passed away a few years ago. After the 2019 event the organisers were able to donate over £11,000 to help the fight against this awful disease Daxtonbury is totally about the chill and the vibe. Glastonbury it ain’t but then the ticket prices won’t leave you broke for the rest of the year, you won’t have to walk two miles to reach the main stage and the loos (probably) won’t overflow! This is a festival experience on an intimate scale. Music from mid-day to well past midnight, a chance to make a shed load of new friends and a weekend relaxing in beautiful surroundings. Together with an exciting line-up of live music there are high quality food stalls, beer tents, a cocktail bar and a unique range of other activities such as, kids entertainment, clay pigeon shooting, air gun shooting, welly wanging, street artists, craft stalls, line dancing, chain saw carving, massage, yoga, and a fantastic charity auction. On-site camping and car parking is free, glamping is an option and dogs and their well-behaved owners are welcome. This festival is about fun and goodwill and about contributing to a good cause. Festival-goers are invited to become part of the Daxtonbury family – people who will share the vision of a peaceful, family friendly event where nothing is left behind except footprints and where great memories are taken away. Some things are just too good to miss. To find out more and to buy tickets go to www.daxtonburyfestival.co.uk
Bedford’s largest performing arts festival returns
binge the fringe! book now
diary Bedford RSPB Local: As we Platinum Jubilee Picnic go into Summer our evening talks Party: 11am, Sunday 5th June give way to walks, until September when our talks resume. thursday 16th June – Evening walk. Marston thrift - meet at 7pm in the car park at the very end of MK43 0ny Wood End. (SP 972 412) Suitable for Experts and novices, RSPB membership not essential. Contact: 07905199769
Biddenham Gardeners Association: tuesday 21st June BEDFORDSHIRE BullEtIn
2020 at 7.30, Biddenham Village Hall. “A portrait of a Victorian Garden” By Russell Bowes. Visitors very welcome Admission £5 per meeting for non members – includes Raffle & Refreshments www.biddenhamgardeners association.org.uk Contact:
Celebration service and Jubilee picnic party with free bouncy castles, games, glitter tattoos, music and more. Free event bring your own chairs and picnic. Bromham Village Hall Playing Field, Bromham, MK43 8JP Contact: office@bromham.org or visit www.bromham.org
Bedford Art Society Meeting: Friday, June 3, 7:15 for
7:30. Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford MK41 8EB. Jill Buckingham will be painting a portrait in soft pastels. All her life an artist, Jill has been “enthused, touched and excited by nature and humanity”. Jill is here to share that enthusiasm and excitement with you. Entry free for members, £5 for visitors. Contact Jean Paterson on 01234 307210 or www.bedsartsociety.co.uk for further information.
Bedford National Trust Association: the next meeting
will be our AGM at the Addison Centre in Kempston at 2.30 on June 21st. there will be the AGM, refreshments and a speaker for 30 minutes. Mike Muncaster will talk on “Gone for a Burton”. He has come as our speaker in the past and we always enjoy his talks. there is no admission charge for the AGM. Everyone is welcome. there is plenty of parking. For further information Contact: Robin Salter on 01234 261897
Jumble Sale: Kempston
Mothers union, With Refreshments. transfiguration Church Hall, Bedford Road. 2-4pm, Saturday, June 18. Entry 50p. Contact: 01234 855819 Contact: www.bedfordmusicclub.co.uk
Bedford Music Club:
Bedford Floral Art Society: tuesday, June 7, at
7.30pm at the Addison Centre, Kempston when we are delighted to welcome back Gill McGregor with her floral demonstration entitled ‘Platinum Panache’. Visitors £7. Contact: www.bedfordfloralartsociety.co.uk
Tudor Reeds Folk Dance Club: Barn dance group meets
every other Wednesday 8-10pm, St Mark’s Church Hall, Brickhill. £2 inc refreshments Contact: Jenny 01234 217621t
Sandy Women’s Institute: Meets on the third
tuesday of every month (except August) at Sandy Conservative Club, Bedford Road, Sandy. new members are always very welcome. Visitors are charged a small fee of £4. For further information contact: Ann Patterson 01767 680644.
Kempston Senior Citizens Club: DANCING, WHIST,
BINGO. Meets Wednesday 10am12noon Friday 10am-4.00pm, Centenary Hall, behind Kempston town Hall, contact: Sheila Cobban, on 01234 347306
Bedford Folk & Acoustic Club: Acoustic and folk music round-the-room, every thursday evening from 8:30pm at the Bowls Pavilion of Kempston Hammers Club, MK42 7Bn. Musicians, singers and poets all welcome, at every level. Contact: us on facebook, or come and meet us at the Bowls Pavilion.
Yoga: Priory Methodist Church, newnham Avenue, Bedford MK41 9QJ. 2pm Mondays Contact: June for details: juandhannigan@yahoo.co.uk
:
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— JUNE 2022
TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
theatre
drink Gin Festival debuts this summer! Russell Park will come alive this summer with Bedfordshire’s largest outdoor Gin Festival on Saturday, June 25. The event will feature many local and national gin brands including Willow Tree, Hustle, Far Reaches and Black Bridge Distillery, plus craft beers, wines and much more. With bars, samplings, street food and live music, there’ll be something for everyone. Bedford’s craft beer shop Beerfly will be manning a craft beer bar – with a range of modern style beers from local brewers; Three Hills, Duration and
The 39 Steps
Sharnbrook Mill Theatre, Mill Road, Sharnbrook, 7.30pm June 14-18. “There are 20 million women on this island and I’ve got to be chained to you.” The award-winning Sharnbrook Mill Theatre transports you back to the 1930’s, when men smoked pipes, women wore hats and gloves, and nobody is as they seem! An energetic and manic cast of just nine actors will miraculously transform themselves, and their voices, into hundreds of characters, as you follow them on this fast-paced comedy parody play of the Alfred Hitchcock spy-thriller film, The 39 Steps. Marvel at their attempts to conquer many accents,
be amazed at the train scene, gaze in wonder at a dramatic plane crash, and get ready to clap the fantastic London Palladium performers. Will Richard Hannay ever be able to prove his innocence? Will the sheep get out of the way of the car? Just who is the man with part of his little finger missing? This witty and fast-paced whodunit is packed with non-stop laughs guaranteed to cheer you up… and yes, the handcuffs are real! Susan Moore, who is co-directing the play with Kim Arkle, said: “We have collaborated on bringing this zany, funny, death-defying, spy thriller/love story to the Sharnbrook Mill Theatre and we hope the laughter doesn’t lift the roof off (or maybe we do)!” Tickets: www.sharnbrookmilltheatre.co.uk
gardening
newcomers Baron Brewing. They’ll be serving a full range of hazy, hoppy, sour and stout beers to suit all palates. The ‘Talks & Tastings’ Tent will host meet-the-maker interviews with winemakers, breweries and gin producers, all on hand to talk through their stories and try a few tasters! Tim Edwards of Beerfly commented “Following the success of our Hops & Dreams festival a few years ago, we’re excited to have a bar at GinFest and open up the wonderful world of beers to a new audience. With the brewers on hand to talk through the beers it should make for a fun afternoon” Taste Bedford is providing hand-picked street food traders, a farmers market and local produce stalls. Street food includes the ever-popular smokery Feast, with their locally – sourced meats from Woburn Country Foods, Saf’s kitchen with Punjabi street food, award-winning Good Times truck with their grilled cheese sandwiches and for the first time since Covid, the little crepe truck, la Crepe Franglaise returns. Bedford’s favourite Foxy Wings will be collaborating with street-fooders Wabadubgrub, so you can find their famous spicy chicken in a unique mexican menu for the event. The farmers market will be buzzing- Bedfordshire Beekeepers always delight, plus look out for fruit and veg from Black Cat Farm Shop, fudge, flowers, cheese, oils and the scotch eggs are back! Bedford business newbies, SAY Doughnuts will be baking for the occasion too. Who could ignore the trend for interiors, so this year there’s an array of talented makers with craft stalls and kitchenalia including woodwork, pottery, metalwork, glassware and other homewares. Anne Harnan from TASTE said: “Curating the market is always exciting and we’re really pleased with this year’s traders – lots of friendly favourites with a sprinkling of new and unique stall holders. Taste is sponsored by Budgens of Bedford, supporting the community.”
with Milton Ernest Garden Centre
Stewart’s choice plants for June
O
by Maureen Catlin
uR tubs and hanging baskets are planted and starting to look really established so time to take a look at a few special treats to add to the summer garden. Stewart has been busy checking for gems that will enhance any planting scheme so here’s a few.
there are a lot more to follow through the summer months. Hardy perennial Pinks are delightful little evergreens that require very little maintenance. they are very suitable for our local alkaline clay soil at the front of a sunny border where they will flower endlessly from spring until autumn. the single or double flowers are loved by the
pollinating insects in an amazing array of colour combinations with a distinct sweet clove scent. A vase of these flowers will perfume the entire house. Remove the flowers as they fade to promote continual flowering and feed with tomato food. Stewart’s Choice is Dianthus tequila Sunrise a compact variety with fantastically perfumed
single soft orange pink flowers with buff centres and deep pink markings. It is excellent to grow in pots or window boxes and Dianthus Coconut Sundae a smaller variety with silvery green leaves and short stems. the double very perfumed pure white flowers have claret red centres. Both vari-
*
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Any 2 for £15 BENCH CUSHIONS £30 each www.miltonernestgardencentre.co.uk with this voucher
Tel: 01234 823033
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The one stop shop for your next garden room
eties are excellent Osteospermums or the Cape Daisies have long lasting colourful blooms through the summer and into autumn. Some varieties are hardy enough to survive a British winter but should generally be treated as tender perennials like Geraniums. they are great container plants for a sunny patio and should be planted in John Innes Compost number 2 or 3 with some grit added for free drainage. there is a great choice of varieties and colours the hardiest being the white or pink flower varieties. Feed with tomato food weekly and remove fading flowers to promote fresh buds. Stewart’s choices are Oesteospermum Stardust which is upright with purple pink single daisy flowers and yellow centres. the flowers last a long time attracting butterflies and bees. Oesteospermum lady leitrim is a large single daisy with pink mauve tones on white. It is easy to care for and will survive most winters. Cut them back a bit in late autumn and again in March before the new growth appears when flowering sometimes starts as early as April and does not stop until november. Hardy Fuchsias are another very long flowering sub shrub in an amazing range of colours from white pink red blue mauve and purple. they vary in size from Fuchsia tom thumb and lady thumb at 30cms, to grow in tubs, to Fuchsia Riccotonii with small purple and deep pink flowers at 1.2m for a shrub border. Fuchsias are ideal plants for shady places with compost enriched soil. Stewart’s Choice is lady thumb a little gem which forms a neat and bushy mound laden with pink and white flowers from June to October. Perfect to grow it in pots on a shady patio it is one of the hardier fuchsias. Protect the roots with a generous layer of mulch in autumn or move potted plants to a sheltered position in the garden
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during the worst of the winter weather. Fuchsia Dollar Princess is Stewart’s second choice, a bushy variety with lots of ruffled double purple flowers with contrasting cerise pink sepals from summer into autumn. It holds an RHS award for its excellent garden performance. A lovely compact specimen for a patio container or planted at the front of mixed borders. Stewart’s final choices are within the Dahlias which are tender herbaceous perennials that range in height from 20cms to 1.8m tall. they are sun loving plants that need lots of water, rich soil and feed but reward us by flowering nonstop from
Milton Ernest Garden Centre Radwell Road, Milton Ernest MK441SH
01234 851081 info@gardenbuildingservices.co.uk www.gardenbuildingservices.co.uk
THE FISH SHACK & SHIRES FARMSHOP at Milton Ernest Garden Centre
NOW OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
BEDFORDSHIRE BullEtIn
June to the first frost often now in December. the larger varieties all need support. the flowers are an amazing array of colour and form from tight pom poms to dinner plate size blooms and some with coloured foliage. A must exhibit for the Horticultural Show. Stewart’s choices are Dahlia Amazone a stunning plant only 60cms tall with masses of pink to red flowers held high above its compact foliage. Excellent for the front of a sunny border or in pots the flowers just keep on coming from summer right through to the autumn frosts. Dahlia Bishop of york is a rare hardy Dahlia with very dark foliage that is a perfect foil to the bright yellow flowers. A late source of pollen for the bees. So Stewart what’s next for July.
Fresh Grimsby fish supplied daily, comprehensive range of fish to suit all tastes. And now fresh fruit and vegetables, bread and meat from the Shires Farmshop Why not phone your order through or come and see us at Milton Ernest Garden Centre and pick our brains – we are here to help. FREE LOCAL DELIVERY
To order call: 07563 581483 docklandsfish@gmail.com @docklandsgrimsbyfish
20 —
JUNE 2022
TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
sport Nothing to play for
FOOTBALL – WADERS ROUNDUP BY MIKE DRAXLER
BIGGLESWADE TOW ........... 0 REDDITCH UNITED ..............0
the Waders bowed out of the Premier Central division in a game that typified the end of season and nothing for either team to play for. Chances for Redditch early on were thwarted by keeper Josh Hill who made good saves from efforts close in. the Waders had chances but as before were unable to put the ball in the net.
the second period was much the same as the season end approached. Redditch appeared to lose interest and only liam Smyth whose shot from distance tested the visiting keeper. the resulting corner saw Robbie Parker smash the ball against the bar, luck has not yet returned to Biggleswade. the hard work now begins with the recruitment of players, moulding them into a team to represent the Waders.
Flitwick Dolphins Swimathon tWO teams of five swimmers (orange hats and yellow hats) in each team in two separate lanes were originally entered for a combined relay effort of 5000 metres (5k) per team. As they reached that point quite easily, unbeknown to the swimmers, we decided not to mention that they had reached their team 5K targets and got them to carry on swimming! So many wonderful people had made donations to the Just Giving page; having raised more than £1270 (£670 above target), it was felt that it deserved a much longer swim by the Dolphins. Just another 20 minutes on and they managed to complete yet another 5K swim, meaning that each team of five swam a relay covering 10k. Combining both teams’ distances covered meant that overall the two Dolphins teams actually
swam a total of 20,000 metres to raise funds for Macmillan and Cancer research. All of the swimmers were truly amazing; they thoroughly enjoyed the event. you should’ve seen the look on their faces when they were told that they had actually done a 10,000m relay instead of just 5000m, and despite that they all wanted to carry on swimming!
Huge congratulations to Ella, Mabel and Harry of FDSC’s junior squad as well as Amber, Eva, Amelia, luke, Flynn, Sophie K and Sophie A of FDSC’s Flippers squad. Another Flippers Dolphin swimmer Maya-lily also swam in the Swimathon with her family in the next lane. Well done to all the swimmers who took part at the Swimathon, whether they were FDSC club
CONGRATULATIONS
swimmers, mums, dads, little brothers and sisters or aunties, uncles or swimming as individuals or teams with their friends; so great to give up their time for such worthy causes and huge thanks to the staff and management at FlC for hosting the event and encouraging everyone on the day. A big thank you as well to the contingent of Dolphin members who helped lap count all the other lanes for the other teams and individuals swimming their Swimathon, Flitwick Dolphins Swimming Club is ever so proud of the swimmers; they were absolutely fantastic. A great team effort with such brilliant parents, families and friends encouraging them and so many wonderfully generous people making all the donations and supporting the swimmers’ efforts. Sandra Grant
SANDY CRICKET CLUB NEWS
Sandy Cricket Club offers affordable cricket for everyone in the local Sandy community, just £1 per session. All new junior and adult players most welcome, no previous experience required. Annual Membership Fees: Senior £40, Full-time student £25, Junior £25 All activities at Sunderland Road Recreation Ground. tuesday evenings: Junior league matches Wednesday evenings from 6.30pm: Adult & u13+ age group practice sessions thursday evenings: Indoor Walking Cricket from July onwards Friday evenings from 6pm: Junior practice sessions Saturday afternoons: Adult league matches Sunday mornings: Junior league matches
WEEKLY PROGRAMME
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Sandy Cricket Club is endeavouring to provide affordable cricket opportunities for all members of the local community. If you would like to support us in achieving these aims, please see the many sponsorship opportunities online at our club page at SnAP Sponsorship. Alternatively contact the club via email: cricketclubsandy@gmail. com) or its website to discuss the various sponsorship options (including sponsorship of individual senior players, match ball, stumps, clothing, etc) from as little as £10. Werrington CC 1st xI 320-7 (Asif 116, Akhter 54, K. Morrallee 5-54), Sandy CC 1st xI 286-10 (Z. Hussain 70, nugent 64, Howlett 40*, J. Hussain 3-52) Werrington CC 1st xI won by 34 runs.
RESULTS
Monday 9th May East Beds Bowls League Div 1 Sandy town “B” 40 Baldock “B” 25 M Howlett, l Swain, D Mussino 22 H undrell, M Hayzelden, J Claydon 13 D Goodwin, J Seamer, R Swinnerton 18 D Davies, B todd, P Ellis 12 Monday 9th May East Beds Bowls League Div 6 Sandy town “C” 44 Flitwick “C” 22 J Beaumont, P Hawkins, R Hampson 21 C Carr, K lambert, P Waghorn 13 J Brophy, K Blankley, A lichfield 23 G Gray, S Scott, J Inseal 9 Wednesday 11th May County League Div 1 luton town 88 Sandy town 56 Saturday 14th May Friendly Sandy town 79 Fairfield 59 Monday 16th May East Beds Bowls League Div. 1 Sandy town “B” 24 Sandy Con “A” 36 M Howlett, R Swinnerton, D Mussino 18 I Jones, B Rouse, G Osborne 16 D Goodwin, J Seamer, M Gaylor 6 W Humberstone, I Dix, S Procter 20
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