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BULLETIN AMPTHILL•FLITWICK•WESTONING•HARLINGTON•TODDINGTON
Approval being sought for sale of redundant site
RETIREMENT HOMES SET FOR OLD ‘NICK’ AMPTHILL Police station is to be sold to retirement home specialists McCarthy and Stone. The station, which in one by Bulletin Staff form or another has been in Reporter
Ampthill since the 19th century, was closed in 2014, to help Bedfordshire Police to apply for planning permission Authority make savings. once they have developed their A Flitwick ‘Policing Hub’ was set up to cover the area. The site, comprising just under one acre, includes the former magistrates’ court where the notorious A6 muderer James Hanratty first appeared in the dock after his arrest. He became one of the last people to be hanged in Britain when he went to the gallows in Bedford for murdering Michael Gregsten in 1961. The Police and Crime Commissioner, Olly Martins, has written to the local police and crime panel to inform them and seek formal approval of the sale. McCarthy & Stone will need
proposed scheme. Cllr Paul Duckett, who represents Ampthill on Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “We do need accommodation for older people in the area. There is a care home being built in Ampthill and another in Flitwick but with a growing older population this is a good alternative use for the site. Ampthill has had its own police station for many years but I understand the need to make savings and the changing role of policing, so this is a positive move.” At the time of going to press McCarthy Stone had not responded to our calls.
Grooming Shack’s Crufts success
Maisie, a Briard – French herding breed of dog handled by andi Horwood won Best of Breed over 90 other Briads at Crufts in March. Maisie was also declared a Champion on the day after being awarded her third Challenge Certificate. she is owned by Jenny snelling a good friend of andi’s. andi who runs The Little Grooming shack at Maulden
Garden Centre, has 23 years of dog grooming experience under her belt and has been showing dogs of various breeds for over 13 years. Her love of dogs is self evident in the number of show awards she has received. andi’s dogs are always immaculately turned out and her enthusiasm very much shows in her work at the shack.
MAY 2016
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Bishop Richard by Rt Revd Richard Atkinson Bishop of Bedford
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ONe of the most rewarding experiences of being a Bishop is when I meet women and men who are exploring their call to ordained ministry as a deacon and priest in the Church of england. As part of the process they have to meet me as their Bishop, and gain my support, in order to attend a selection conference. Not only are these inspiring conversations that explore people’s journeys of faith, but they are also occasions of great hope. For many years the Church of england sadly lost the plot on ministry. The numbers coming forward to be ordained went down and, equally significantly, the ages of those selected went up. Not only were there fewer people, but they would serve for less years. Combined with an aging work-force and the consequent increase in retirements the future looked bleak. In recent years the tide has begun to change. More and more people are coming forward and being selected for training; the age profile of those chosen is going down; and in particular a healthy proportion are under thirty. There is a commitment to see these numbers increase further. It is one of the most hopeful indicators in the church today. This is very much the story of ministry in the Diocese of St Albans. In a few weeks’ time it will be represented by those ordained as deacons and priests in our Cathedral. It is good news, not least because across our county a number of parishes are currently vacant. For those who live in Henlow and langford, Harold and Carlton, renhold, elstow, and elsewhere it matters that there are priests to take on their parishes. Above all it is good and hopeful news because all those I meet with to explore their vocation are committed, not just to pastoring church congregations, but to serving the whole community and being at the heart of their neighbourhoods. As I write this, I am also thinking ahead to our Bishop’s staff residential meeting which is happening at St Columba’s House in Woking; the place to which thirty-seven years ago I went for my selection conference, and where I was recommended for training. It will be the first time I have returned, but already the memories are there of how my call was explored and affirmed. I thank God that others are on the same journey.
EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
Sheriff of Bedfordshire’s appointment ceremony
Mr CHArleS WHITBreAD was officially appointed to the Office of the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire at a ceremony held at All Saints Church, Southill on Sunday 3rd April. The ceremony was attended by around 120 dignitaries, family and friends, including the lordlieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis. The Office of the High Sheriff is an annual appointment by the Queen which goes back to Saxon times and Charles takes over the role from the Countess of erroll. The High Sheriff is the Queen’s representative in Bedfordshire for all matters relating to the Judiciary and the maintenance of law and order. The Office of High Sheriff is nonpolitical and entirely self-funded. As such, the 55 high sheriffs of england and Wales are able to bring people together within their counties and to support not only the Judiciary but also the enormous contributions made by the emergency services, the armed forces, local authorities, church and faith groups and the voluntary community.
Bedfordshire has been home to the Whitbread family since around 1280. The family lived firstly in the parish of Shillington before moving to Cardington in 1639 and then to Southill in 1795. Charles and his wife Jane, now live at Southill Park with their two sons and two daughters. Charles follows a tradition of high sheriffs from within his family: 1767 Samuel Whitbread (Hertfordshire), 1831 Samuel Charles Whitbread, 1837 William Henry Whitbread, 1947 Major Simon Whitbread, 1962 Humphrey Whitbread TD, 1973 Sir Samuel Whitbread KCVO. As well as heading up the family estate at Southill, Charles is involved in several organisations in Bedfordshire, and counts natural history, conservation and reading amongst his interests. During his shrieval year he is looking forward to gaining a greater understanding of the legal system as well as meeting and connecting people in a variety of organisations, both voluntary and statutory, throughout the county.
View from
Nadine Dorries by Nadine Dorries MP for Mid Bedfordshire
PROJECT FEAR FAILING
FIrST was the ‘legally binding’ deal that wasn’t. Then came the £9 million Project Fear propaganda leaflets, paid for by you. And now, this week, we have had George Osborne’s dodgy growth projections. even supporters of the UK remaining in the eU believe their campaign is losing the plot. I believe that both camps in the referendum debate have a duty to present the risks and opportunities of their preferred course of action to the public so an informed decision can be made. So far only Vote leave seems to be doing this. As I have said so often, my belief is that the UK will prosper outside the eU in a way that it simply can’t while it is still tied to an unaccountable bureaucracy and failed economies. We give over £350million ever week to the eU and, yes, we do get some of that back in rebate. But not enough. And as the eU expands and countries with appalling human rights records, such as Turkey, are allowed to join we will receive less and less. Taxpayers’ money from the UK will be paid to support countries with failing economies. As an ex nurse I object to this. Our NHS desperately needs more cash and I want to stop sending money to the eU and increase funding to our NHS. We should re-take control of our immigration policy so that we can favour highly skilled newcomers, particularly from Commonwealth countries, over unskilled migrants from the eU who usually work honestly and hard but are still producing a glut at the bottom end of our labour market that keeps wages low. Faceless unelected eurocrats are planning to further expand and integrate their eU power base. They already make over 60% of our laws. For these reasons, and many others, the vision of Britain outside the UK is one that is inherently positive. As the referendum nears and the momentum swings against project fear and the remain camp, their claims will become ever more blood curdling. But remember this, the people who buy our goods today will still want them tomorrow. If we leave, we will have total freedom to offer them to the rest of the world on our terms.
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Charles, with the Lord-Lieutenant and his Cadet.
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2 — MID BEDS BULLETIN MAY 2016
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MID BEDS BULLETIN MAY 2016 — 3
East West rail route announcement is good news for Bedfordshire NeTwork rail’s preferred option for the Central section of the route is the Bedford–sandy–Cambridge corridor. The proposed Central Section would connect with the Western Section of east West rail via a geographic ‘corridor’ that starts in the Bedford area and progresses towards Sandy and on to Cambridge. Network rail will publish written documentation, analysis and evidence supporting the decision in May. Once the methodology behind the Bedford-Sandy-Cambridge corridor is published, further analysis and consultation will take place to determine options for the ‘line on a map’ route.
Bedfordshire, bringing essential infrastructure to support housing growth and the prospect of more jobs.” erica Blamire, Principal Strategic Planner at Network rail, said: “In reaching our decision on
the Central Section we have assessed the benefits and costs of several potential broad corridors, with input from rail industry stakeholders and regional working groups, including the local authorities in the east West rail Consortium and the Department for Transport. “We’ve considered the station catchment areas for population and employment, operating costs, forecast passenger demand, demand for short and longer distance journeys, and the impact on reducing crowding on the london rail network.
“We’ve also considered the infrastructure needs, train service opportunities and wider impacts that the railway would have. This work has allowed us to reduce the 20 potential corridors which were originally identified down to this single corridor which the evidence indicates offers the best return on investment.” east West rail seeks to provide more, faster and more reliable services connecting east Anglia with Central, Southern and Western england to improve
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Cllr Sue Clark, Deputy executive Member for regeneration at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “It is incredibly important we continue to make progress with the Central Section, as its completion means faster and better rail services for Central
connectivity and support economic growth. Work is already underway on the Western Section of east West rail. A new passenger service between Oxford Parkway and london Marylebone via Bicester Village started in October 2015. Services will operate from Oxford from December 2016.”
At a meeting of Sandy Town Council on 9 November 2015 the Council resolved that it strongly supported the east West rail link coming via the Sandy corridor. As such today’s announcement is welcomed by the Town Council and we look forward to hearing more specific details about the corridor route and the effect this will have on Sandy. The east West rail link will have a big impact on Sandy and the Council will be working to create a link with the east West rail Consortium to ensure we have as much information as possible about the proposals. It is hoped that the Consortium will now actively engage with the town and its residents on a local level throughout the process.
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4 — MID BEDS BULLETIN MAY 2016
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Blow for Bedford Brass
BeDFOrD Brass has launched an appeal for new players. Musical Director Mrs liz Schofield said: “It is really good fun to play in a group and make
music together. That’s why we are launching a search for the town’s hidden players and inviting them to join us.” liz took over the baton just a
Plans to create 300 lower school places in Stotfold have been approved
a MeeTiNG of the council’s executive in april gave the green light to double the amount of places offered at Fairfield Park Lower by expanding the school onto a second site. The decision follows a four-week public consultation carried out by the school with the council’s support, which ended last month. The decision means that the outstanding lower school will increase from two-form to four-form entry, eventually offering 600 places for children aged three to nine as well as a 60place nursery. The initial intake of additional children to the new site will commence in september 2017 with numbers gradually rising to meet demand from extra homes being built in the area. The school has already agreed to take additional children on its existing site for september 2016 in the form of a bulge class to meet local need.subject to planning permission being granted, the new site will be built on what is currently farmland west of stotfold road.
few weeks ago and is looking to swell the volume of Bedford Brass - trombonist and percussionists are in particularly short supply but players of any brass instrument are welcome. The Band rehearses every Thursday evening in Kempston east Methodist Church hall from 8pm-10pm. Bedford Brass also has a training band called the ‘AJs’. Mr. Peter Halliday conducts the AJs on Tuesday evenings at Kempston West Methodist Church from 7pm to 8.30pm. Band Member Jenny Gellatly said: “Bedford Brass is a non competing band and each year the Band plays at a number of concerts, fetes, churches and band stands in Bedfordshire & the surrounding area.” If you would like more information about joining the band or would like to book the Band, please contact the Band Secretary Mrs Pat Vought, Tel 01234 852949 email info@bedfordbrass.com
EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
Girlguiding Beds honoured at ceremony
oN Thursday 31st March the High sheriff ’s Citizenship award for 2015–2016 were held at The Forest Centre in Marston Moretaine, Bedford. it was an uplifting evening designed to recognise achievement and to honour the positive work of local volunteers and community groups, who regularly and freely give their time to help others. Members of Girlguiding Bedfordshire were delighted to be winners in three categories for their work as part of the Girlguiding charity. County Commissioner ann Crome, Bedford Division Commissioner Gill Lake and 15 year old Young Leader keliyah Morodore-spencer, all received awards. ann and Gill have both dedicated many hours to giving girls their own space, allowing girls a voice and in many cases, changing girl’s lives. keliyah has overcome huge obstacles in her personal life,
including the recent death of a very close family member, to continue her work as a young leader at 25th stopsley rainbows as well as helping at 5th stopsely Guides. keliyah was thrilled to have won and said: “even though things are sometimes really challenging for me at home, i still want to give back to my community. i love volunteering and being part of Girlguiding has allowed me to do that, this is very important to me” Gill said: “i have been volunteering within Girlguiding for many years. During that time i have held a number of posts, both as a Leader as well as Division Commissioner, and it is a real honour to receive this award.’ Gill added, ‘ so many people give of their time to lead girls within Guiding and that contribution, is truly priceless.” well done to every single person who was nominated for an award, winners one and all!
Welcome to the Nearly New Shop THe Nearly New Shop has been based in Moggerhanger for over 20 years, becoming a firm favourite for local bargain hunters. Keen shoppers can purchase pre-loved clothing for men, women and children, books, DVDs, bric-a-brac, and computer games, and some great one-off jewellery pieces. They have fashion for all shapes and tastes, so whether you’re looking for something to wow at a wedding, or on the hunt for a new wardrobe, pop in to find that perfect item. They also have our £1 rails so you can treat yourself to a whole new outfit for less than £5.
WHAT WE DO Boiler services and repairs l Boiler replacements l Heating system upgrades l Radiators and towel rails l Powerflushing l Underfloor heating l Wireless controls l Cylinder replacements l Bathroom and wetroom installations l Taps, showers, ball valves l All general plumbing and heating maintenance l
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MID BEDS BULLETIN MAY 2016 — 5
Flitwick Scout Group are top of the County
WITH the Scout Association recently announcing an increase in membership for the eleventh successive year, figures show that Flitwick Scout Group is the biggest in Bedfordshire. An increase of members by over 11% and an increase in female membership of nearly 36% have confirmed that the Group is still providing fun and adventurous activities for many young people. The Group also has 14 Young leaders (boys and girls aged 14 to 18) who are learning and developing skills that will help them to get a qualification and give them skills and knowledge which will help them when applying for university, college or employment. The success of the Group means they get regular enquiries from parents of children wanting to join. Young people joining the Group will learn about first aid, pioneering and science amongst other things. They will also get the opportunity to go kayaking,
climbing and camping. Badges they can earn include, Communicator, Cook, Outdoor Challenge, Our Skills Challenge, Home Help, road Safety, Sports enthusiast and Time on the Water. Taylor lock aged 7 said, “I
Helping more people in the community ST JOHN’S Hospice have launched their Hospice at Home Service and their Befriender Service with the support of Sue ryder’s national charity partner Morrisons. With this, they have expanded their services within the community and can reach more people. The service has been developed with their patients in mind, as they know many people prefer to have care at home. Their skilled carers can provide short term help with personal care, including feeding and drinking, and offer general advice and support to help manage symptoms. Maria King, Hospice at Home co-ordinator said: “When a patient makes the choice to be cared for at home, they and their families want peace of mind. We make sure they are supported and cared for in a calm and secure environment.’ Their Partnership for excellence in Palliative Support (PePS) service is a partnership of 15 organisations from the health, social care and voluntary sectors. They support patients with conditions such as motor neurone disease, dementia, kidney disease,
heart failure and respiratory diseases. The service provides patients and their families with 24-hour support and advice from qualified nurses who have access to current care information. This service helps patients to be supported in a way that’s personalised to their needs. Tracey Haddock, Head of Community Services for the PePS team, said: “In the past four years we’ve had over 5000 referrals to the service and currently support over 150 patients a month to stay in their own homes. Patients feel reassured that there is a nurse that can support them and their family 24 hours a day.” The service is available to all patients who are registered with a Bedfordshire GP and have been identified as being in the last year of life. They accept referrals from patients, families, carers and health and social care professionals. For more information about the service or to refer a patient call: 01767 641 349 email: Bedfordshire.peps@nhs.net
Friends of Ampthill Christmas Lights
ON Friday 1st April 2016, The Friends of Ampthill Christmas lights organised a fun quiz night at the Cross Keys, Pulloxhill. It was a brilliant evening with 16 teams taking part. Two teams were the joint winners – Team Barnstormers and Team Hammertime - and they graciously shared the first prize and received their award certificates. Congratulations to both teams. Sadly, our Chairman, Mr richard Holden was taken into hospital during the morning having had a stroke, however the evening went ahead and it is pleasing to be able to report that Mr Holden, although still in hospital at the time of writing, is on the road to recovery.
The committee would like to take this opportunity of thanking all those who took part in the quiz; all those who donated raffle prizes and those who supported the evening behind the scenes. You are all greatly appreciated. Our thanks to the staff at the Cross Keys who once again made us feel very welcomed with their warm and friendly hospitality. We were provided with a delicious supper at half time. We raised £342.84p after expenses in support of the lights in Ampthill Town at Christmas which is very rewarding. Please keep an eye open for future events which will be advertised at the appropriate times, to take place during the year.
love being in Beavers because we do something different every week. Some weeks we make things, then another week we’ll do some experiments. Sometimes we go for a walk in the woods. I’ve learnt so many things and made lots of friends.”
The Beaver Scouts (boys and girls aged 6 to 8) have sections that meet on a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. The Cub Scouts (boys and girls aged 8 to 10 ½) have sections meeting on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The Scouts (boys and
girls aged 10 ½ to 14) have sections which meet on a Monday and Friday. Adult volunteer Amanda Smith said: “We provide activities and opportunities that young people want to do. Many children get great satisfaction from creating and making a model and showing their parents/carers. Others take great delight in going for a walk in the woods through the puddles and the mud. For others, spending a night away from home at a sleepover or camp will be a great adventure.” lisa Scofield said, “I have a son in Scouts and a daughter in Cubs. In the years they have been with the Group they have done so many varied activities. They’ve been camping, hiking, crate stacking, learnt about different cultures, learnt first aid and have earned several badges. They have also made many new friends.” Adult volunteer Katherine Gao said: “I work with the Beavers every other week, and I really enjoy helping the children
learn new skills and experience new activities. I was especially pleased to be able to bring the children first-hand experience of the Chinese culture and language which helped them to earn their International Badge.” Although the Group has increased the number of adult volunteers over the last 12 months, it is always looking for more people to help with a section or to be a trustee. Adult volunteer Nicky Taylor said, “Being involved as a leader is very rewarding. Watching the young people build self-confidence through encouragement and fun, structured activities is a great boost for all concerned.” The Group are very focused on the local community and recently supported the Ampthill & Flitwick Flyers’ 10k race where they provided refreshments for marshals, spectators and competitors. For further information about Flitwick Scout Group, go to www.flitwickscoutgroup.org.uk
6 — MID BEDS BULLETIN MAY 2016
TEL: 07745 818071/07724 905406
EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
Bedford Guiding Lights shone brightly
oN saturday 9th and sunday 10th april girls and leaders from across the Bedford Division took part in the second ever Bedford Guiding Lights Gang show, held at The Place Theatre in Bedford. Based on the original, ‘Gang show’, which was started in 1932, when scouts in London performed in a variety show, Bedford Guiding Lights was started in 2014, although just for guides, incorporates all of the fun of the original Gang show. There were two fully packed performances filled with singing, dancing, acting and an array of amazing costumes. rainbows, Brownies, Guides and their leaders performed hits from across the ages, executed dance routines and even performed some magic tricks! Producer Gayle Darlington-shaw, who is also an assistant rainbow Leader, said: “we are so proud of all the Leaders who have worked so hard with the girls to put on such a brilliant show. i for one, cannot wait to do it all again.” Gayle added: “so much hard work has gone into putting the show on, but it has been worth every minute.” The Bedford Guiding Lights are shining brightly!
WINDOWS, DOORS & Customer service and quality CONSERVATORIES SUGAr & SPICe opened in Harlington October 2015 and we are proud of the way both the shop and our unique menu have developed since. We offer a wide range of snacks, full meals, funky ice-cream thick shakes, take-away and of course cake. Most of our food is homemade onsite and there are options to suit all dietary requirements. Children are made very welcome so after-school and Saturday afternoons buzz with little people dressing-up and creating free craft projects such as paper hats, paper chains and colouring in
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(some of the parents have been known to join in!). It’s not all about the little ones though, there are plenty of adult themed books in our library, puzzles and curiosities to pour over whilst you visit. Putting great customer service and quality Homemade food to the top of our priorities list has now earned us a nomination as ‘Best Newcomer’ in ‘The Bedfordshire Food & Drink Awards 2016’ and is the icing on our GF, Vegan and Homemade cakes! Please vote: “Sugar & Spice”: http://bit.ly/ 1OitAGn
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You can’t be too careful
BeWAre Greeks bearing gifts, well not quite Greeks but people from the eastern part of europe are being particularly helpful in the high street branches of some banks. Apparently the ATMs inside the main branches will dispense a lot more cash than say a cash machine outside in the street. recently an unsuspecting customer tried to use the ATM
in a bank in the high street but there appeared to be a malfunction. A helpful person who was standing nearby suggested that the machine wasn’t working properly and that they should go and have a word with one of the bank’s customer service representatives. Well by the time the ‘rep’ had logged on to the person’s account the helpful person of
eastern appearance or their accomplice(s) had helped themselves to £2,250 in cash from the account. So the moral if you have a problem with an ATM, is beware of anyone being too helpful, well that excludes the bank staff of course, because there may be a scam going on. Our advice is stick with the machine and holler out loud to get some attention and see if anyone makes a hasty exit!
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Good news for buyers of second hand cars
lONG standing campaigner against so-called ‘mileage correction firms’, HPI, has welcomed the recent news that Business Minister, Anna Soubry, has pledged a law change to close the loophole that enables fraudsters to wind back the miles on a vehicle’s odometer. As many as 1.7 million used cars with a fraudulent mileage reading could be on the UK’s roads, posing a considerable danger to other road users. Mileage correction firms are widespread throughout the UK, despite there being very few legitimate reasons for a vehicle to have its mileage altered – also known as ‘clocking’. Clocking is used by criminals to boost the sale price of a vehicle, often adding thousands of pounds to the asking price. However, vehicle history check expert, HPI, warns that due to the computerised systems on modern vehicles today, clocking a car can have serious ramifications over and above a false mileage reading. Around 10% of all the modules in a modern car, such as the airbag, ABS and ignition, feed information into the central eCU system, and each time an event occurs – such as a faulty airbag
warning – a ‘snapshot’ of the vehicle’s mileage will be recorded on these modules. Therefore, unless a vehicle’s mileage is wound back by a particularly ‘diligent’ and skilled clocker who alters the mileage readings on all potentially affected modules in addition to the odometer, these will be out of sync, leading to issues with safety warnings – and potentially legal cases in the event of an accident. Neil Hodson, deputy managing director for cap hpi explains further, “Clocking is a blight on the used car industry. It’s a fast and easy way for unscrupulous sellers to make money, with many simply thinking, ‘Why not?’. But here is a perfect example of why not – serious problems can occur with a vehicle. “Firstly, there is the potential to miss important servicing and warning light indicators, as the car’s various different components will be reading different mileages. By changing the mileage, a clocker will actually be causing conflicts within the cars electronics and interfering with the normal routines for servicing and repair. In addition, the manufacturer’s warranty is likely to be void if the car is discovered to have been clocked.
High note for College’s musical students
rePreSeNTING Bedford College for the 2016 Battle of the Bands at the Stables, MK were the winning band ‘Weighted Space’. The group comprised of five first year Music Performance students, who competed against ten other schools and colleges to win the event. Jamie Gilman - lewis (bass player and co-singer of Weighted Space) said: “Winning Battle of the Bands was something that we weren’t expecting, so when they announced our name we were both overjoyed and genuinely shocked. “The whole night was so much fun and it makes me very excited for the future of the band. Congratulations to everyone who took part, thanks to the organisers and the judges, and well done to everyone in Weighted Space for pulling off the win”. The students have won Marshall amps and a free six hour recording session and the music department have won an electric
piano worth £1,000. Bedford College staff Charlie luscombe and Ben BaalBowdler, the rest of the music team and students would like to congratulate ‘Weighted Space’ and all the other schools and colleges and organisers that took part in this fantastic event. *Bedford College music students’ final show of the year can be seen at esquires club on Thursday May 19th. This is an amazing opportunity for Bedford College students and a real high note on which to end the year. Prospective music students and their parents/guardians are invited to attend along to the esquires showcase. The age policy on the door at esquires is as stated on their website: All gigs at esquires are 16+. If you look young for your age, bring ID! 14-15 year olds can attend if accompanied by their parent / legal guardian. Club Nights downstairs on a Friday / Saturday are strictly 18+.
MID BEDS BULLETIN MAY 2016 — 7
Cube square funding circle
A BeDFOrDSHIre-BASeD company has helped local academy schools win over £5 million in Government funding. In the latest round of Condition Improvement Fund (CiF) bids to the education Funding Agency (eFA), Cube Building Consultancy based in Flitwick, secured six out of seven applications totalling £1.8 million, bringing the amount raised over the past three years to over £5 million. The Bedfordshire Schools that have benefitted from their latest bid winning services include, Alameda Middle School and The Firs lower School in Ampthill, Brooklands Middle School and Gilbert Inglefiled Middle School in leighton Buzzard, Holywell Middle, Cranfiled and Wootton Upper School. Cube are a firm of chartered surveyors who have been providing a full complement of services to schools and businesses for over 12 years. It has achieved ground-breaking success for more than a dozen academy schools by providing
bid, project and contract management services. The bids have been secured for vital works such as new roofs, new heating and distribution systems and essential health and safety compliance works such as fire safety and lighting systems. “We have expertise in an area which is completely unchartered territory for many School leadership Teams and School Business Managers. There are
strategic decisions that need to be evaluated before seeking access to funding streams that can make a huge difference to a school’s balance sheet. If they take the wrong route early on they could miss out on vital funds,” explained Key Account Manager Tim Warneford at Cube, “Cube and our legal associates, combine strategic and operational advice in ensuring the school is fully appraised of their
options before strategically collecting and collating data in support of their long term aims. We deliver a range of services that include Condition Improvement Fund (CiF) bid preparation and submissions. Cube’s CiF success rate currently stands at 75% against the industry average of 25%.” Working in partnership with specialist solicitors who have acted for many schools converting to academy status, the two companies provide strategic advice on the range of academy models most suited to each school and on built environment is-sues, whether during the transfer from the local Authority or as a wider MAT arrangement. Cube is staging an event for school Business Managers, Governors and school Heads to explain how to ensure that CiF bids and multi-academy applications for funding have the best chance of success. anyone who would like to attend can contact Tim warneford at tim@cubebuildingconsultancy. com or call on 01525-722218.
8 — MID BEDS BULLETIN MAY 2016
TEL: 07745 818071/07724 905406
EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
Wonderful women at work
BeDFOrD College is helping the Soroptimist International organisation celebrate its 85th anniversary in 2016. The college has links with the local branch of the society dating back to its earliest days. Now it is keeping that connection alive with modern activities to support women at home and abroad. Illustrator Sara Sayer is the latest female student to benefit from a £1,000 Bursary from the late Peggy Holgate via the Soroptimists of Bedford. Sara is a second year HNC 5 Fine Art student who promotes her work under the brand kookymagpie.com She used her bursary to attend an illustration summer school at Central Saint Martin’s in london and then ran a community course at a pop-up art event in Bedford. She is photographed with Soroptimists rita Beaumont, left, and Pauline Panter, right at the South Bank Arts Centre at Bedford College. On May 12th Soroptimists will be joining the college Hair & Beauty Show at the Bedford Corn exchange to ask local salons and spas to support their Bedford Bloomers campaign to help young women in Sierra leone. President of the Bedford branch Pauline Stewart JP says: “Ours is an organisation which has included amongst its past members some of the most inspiring women from the county, who had influence at national and international levels. We want to
pass that baton on to the next generation who are currently starting out on their lives and careers.” Bedford Soroptimists will be hearing from Bedford College Hair & Beauty lecturer Melissa Peacock at a special workshop on October 17th and on October 23rd they will be celebrating the 85th anniversary lunch at the Bedford Corn exchange. Bedford College in Cauldwell Street has been independent for 20 years, but before that was part Bedford College Higher education which included the world-famous Pe and teacher training organisations (which are now part of the University of Bedfordshire). The link between the college and the Soroptimists includes names like the late eileen Alexander, after whom the sports hall is named in Bedford. She was President of the Bedford Soroptimists in 1978-79. More recently long-serving Bedford College governor Miss Paddy Barratt was President from 1998-99. Melissa Peacock from Bedford College: “There has been some great work going on between the Soroptimists and the college and we thought this anniversary year would be a good time to wave the flag for both organisations.” Bedford College is the largest provider of post-16 education in the county with apprenticeships, advanced and degree-level learning. www.bedford.ac.uk Bedford Soroptimists http://sigbi.org/bedford
Entrepreneur launches pet bed business
BeDFOrD Modern School Year 7 student Alice Habermehl, has successfully launched an environmentally friendly pet bed business following her pitch to Pets at Home Head of Innovation, Claire Gavin, on the BBC show, Pocket Money Pitch which was aired on Monday 28 March. Alice auditioned for the television programme in 2015 and after several selection stages, including a Skype audition with the assistant producer of children’s BBC, she was chosen to take part and present her business idea in a head to head, Dragons Den style pitch to a panel of five young business entrepreneurs. Alice’s business idea is to create and sell attractive, low cost and environmentally friendly cardboard pet beds. She has called her business Aleo Pet Products; the first two letters of her name and the last two from her cat’s name, Cleo. The idea started when Cleo preferred an empty cardboard box to the luxury cat bed Alice had saved her pocket money to buy. But the young entrepreneur decided to turn her disappointment into something positive and decorated the box with her own design. She then applied to take part in Pocket Money Pitch with the business proposal of selling boxes for children and creative adults to decorate and personalise as beds for their pets.
She said: “All cat owners will know how much cats love cardboard boxes; they’ll jump into one at the first opportunity! Aleo pet homes are stylish, low cost, environmentally friendly and fully customisable. I hope that children and adults will have hours of fun decorating their Aleo pet homes.” Alice enjoyed taking part in Pocket Money Pitch and was inspired by the experience. She has worked hard to develop her idea and has secured a manufacturer for her product in the UK and which is being stocked at both Scott’s Veterinary Clinic in Bedford and Willington Garden Centre. The industrious 12-year-old plans to donate some of her profits to Bedford and District Handicapped riders Association; a charity her grandma founded 55 years ago which, together with her brother, Ollie, she has raised hundreds of pounds for in the past. For further information visit: www.aleopetproducts.co.uk.
TEL: 07745 818071/07724 905406 ADS: dave@rosettapublishing.com
MID BEDS BULLETIN MAY 2016 — 9
Get fit for summer with the Harpur Run & Fun Day Local PPC team shortlisted
THe Harpur Trust is delighted to announce the launch of its 450th anniversary 5k fun run on Sunday 22nd May at Priory Country Park. The run, which is being supported by The Bedford Harriers AC, and officially started by Olympic Gold Medallist Tim Foster MBe, is part of an all-day sports themed public event which promises to be one of the highlights of the charity’s anniversary celebrations this year. Open to everyone living in Bedford and surrounding areas and with an array of free sports activities and tasters, the event is expected to attract around 3000 people. As well as a 5k fun run around the lake and surrounding countryside there will be a 1k kids run plus climbing, orienteering, mini golf and an inflatable assault course. Priory Sailing Club will be offering a variety of water sports as part of their annual open weekend and students from the University of Bedfordshire will be on hand to measure your fitness levels. local bike shop Flamme rouge are offering free safety checks to anyone who cycles to the event and they will be exhibiting a selection of bikes. Stage demonstrations will
in European Search Awards
include line dancing, street dance and cultural dance as well as performances from the Queen’s Park Fusion Choir plus an array of charities and local businesses will be exhibiting. Sarah elam is managing the Trust’s anniversary events and said: “The 5k race is the perfect entry level race for a complete beginner, but its setting in the stunning Priory Country Park will ensure there is a scenic route
for more seasoned runners looking to up their personal best. This event isn’t about raising money for the Trust, but we are encouraging people to raise money for a local charity if they so wish and we have been delighted to see so many people tweeting that they have signed up to support a local cause.” With 12 weeks to go, there is plenty of time to get those running shoes on and get training but
with just 300 places available, those interested are being encouraged to sign up ahead of the event via the online registration system which can be found on the run and Fun pages of the Harpur Trust’s website at www.harpurtrust.org.uk/450. The Trust is also recruiting volunteers to help out on the day so if you are aged over 18 and would like to be involved, please contact Sarah on 01234 369519.
FlITWICK based PPC team nominated for TWO awards in the european Search Awards 2016. ONe of only THree UK companies nominated in one of the categories, and the only UK Company based outside of london. receptional, a digital marketing agency based in Bedfordshire, have been shortlisted for two european Search Awards, announced on 24th March 2016. The award ceremony will take place on May 4th 2016 at Salle Wagram in Paris and celebrates the very best in SeO, PPC, Digital and Content Marketing in europe. The first nomination received by the agency is for ‘Best Use of Search- Third Sector’ for their work with leading UK charity Mencap, achieving GrantsPro level for the charity after just 3 months on the campaign. Matthew loughlin, Head of Paid Search at receptional, said: ‘The Mencap campaign was a huge success. Achieving the level of GrantsPro allowed the charity to spend up to £334,000 each year
of free Google spend – an increase of £250,000 against their previous grant. ‘This extra spend will considerably further their ability to help others with learning disabilities and their families.’ The second nomination is for ‘Best Small PPC Agency’. receptional is one of only two UK-based agencies nominated for this award and the only agency based outside london. The receptional PPC team is formed of four full-time paid search consultants, all individually responsible for client PPC account management. All receptional paid search consultants are Google AdWords, Analytics and Bing certified professionals, with a combined PPC experience of 17.5 years. The team currently manages 22 active paid search client accounts across Google AdWords, Bing Ads, Facebook Ads, Twitter Ads and Adroll Ads. The team will be travelling to the award ceremony in Paris in May where they will hopefully bring back the prestigious awards to the receptional office in Flitwick.
There’s no place like home…
Second year apprentice wins prestigious award
BeDFOrDSHIre-based MACS Plasterboard Systems limited are pleased to announce that lorrieAnn Frater has won a prestigious Apprentice-of-the-Year award. lorrie-Ann beat substantial competition in winning the Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) award and was honoured at a gala awards lunch at the Plaisterers Hall in london. lorrie-Ann Frater is an Apprentice Quantity Surveyor working at MACS Plasterboard Systems as she moves towards gaining her BTeC level 3 in Construction and Built environment and NVQ Diploma in Construction Contracting Operations General level 3 at Bedford College. lorrie-Ann joined MACS in 2014 as a school leaver with virtually no knowledge of Quantity Surveying or of the Construction Industry. She is now on her second year of her apprenticeship. ‘We are extremely proud of lorrie Ann being awarded the FIS apprentice of the year. It is recognition like this, of the hard work, that both lorrie Ann and the MACS Commercial Team have made bought which pushes the company to the forefront of training & development”, says MACS Commercial Director
Mark Wareham, lorrie-Ann’s immediate supervisor. “She is a self-motivator who challenges herself by setting (and meeting) ambitious targets and goals. lorrie-Ann is an excellent worker who can complete all appointed tasks with a minimum of supervision or explanation. In a short period of time lorrie-Ann has progressed from being a novice to becoming to a valued member of the MACS team; to such an extent that she and now runs the financial side of the MACS Plasterboards Customer Care Works – a role that involves pricing works to be carried out for MACS clients and also responding to client requests or queries. Mark added, “lorrie-Ann has shown a maturity beyond her years and has proven to be an engaging and delightful person when interacting with all her colleagues at MACS. She also has shown an ability to thrive and progress as a woman in an industry (and a position) that is still very male-dominated.” In addition to winning a trophy as recognition of her achievement, Frater was also awarded a cheque for £200 from award sponsor SIG.
…that’s certainly the case for Dean and Helen O’Connell who finally have a place of their own thanks to Central Beds. The newly married couple are the first people to move into the new
council housing built on what was a derelict garage site in Creasey Park Drive, Dunstable. The four homes there are the first new council housing built here in 40 years. Dean is a wheelchair
user and their bungalow has been specially adapted to make it accessible to him. It means that after six years of living with his parents, the couple now have their independence and can think
about starting a family. The couple were officially handed their keys at a recent ceremony, where Dean and Helen were joined by invited dignitaries and council staff.
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10 — MID BEDS BULLETIN MAY 2016
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“The increase in numbers of sightings of these smaller garden birds highlights the impact that a well stocked bird feeder can have on some species”
Big Birdwatch sees increase in garden birds
THe mild winter has seen the rSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch record an increase in the sightings of smaller garden birds in the county In Bedfordshire, the house sparrow remains the most spotted garden bird, with starlings and blue tits rounding off the top three
Further down in the rankings, small garden birds including coat tit, greenfinch, goldfinch and long tailed tits benefitted from warmer weather in the county More than 519,000 people across the UK took part in the 2016 rSPB Big per cent. Small, insect-eating birds like long- tailed Garden Birdwatch counting a bumper tits are particularly susceptible to the cold as 8,262,662 birds the food they rely on is hard to come by in
Nearly 5,000 people across Bedfordshire joined in the world’s largest garden wildlife survey turning their eyes to the garden to watch and count birds during the 37th rSPB Big Garden Birdwatch – witnessing some exciting and interesting changes among our most popular garden birds. residents throughout Bedfordshire joined in excess of half-a-million people across the UK, who together counted over 8 million birds during the wildlife survey. In Bedfordshire, house sparrows took the top spot again, with an average of six being seen in 74% of gardens across the county during the survey. Blackbirds came in second and blue tits returned to take their place amongst the top three after dropping to fourth place last year. Across the county, other small birds, such as great tits and long tailed tits were seen to fly up the charts in comparison to 2015 results, which the rSPB believe is down to the birds benefitting from the mild months leading up to January’s Birdwatch. In the UK wide figures, the tiny longtailed tit has flown into the Big Garden Birdwatch top 10 – the first time in eight years – after the average number seen visiting gardens across the UK increased this year by 44
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We ran a number of advertisements in the Rosetta series of magazines and are pleased with the response rates and we will be running a similar promotion in 2016 Sue Alexander, MD Eagle Travel For more information on the areas covered and advertisement rates please call Dave on 07745 818071 dave@rosettapublishing.com NEW FOR 2015!
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frosts and snow so milder conditions have contributed to a higher survival rate. Dr Daniel Hayhow, rSPB Conservation Scientist, said: “This year’s survey was another brilliant year for the Big Garden Birdwatch. More than half-a-million people took part counting a bumper 8.2 million birds, proving us with valuable data which helps to build a better picture of how our garden birds are doing. “The weather can have a varied effect on different groups of birds in terms of behaviour and habitats used. The significant increase in long-tailed tit sightings, along with other smaller garden birds, highlights the impact that mild weather conditions can have on garden birds. The warmer temperatures have made it easier to find food, like insects, which in previous colder winters would have been harder to come by because of frosts and snow.” In recent years long-tailed tits, and other smaller birds, have adapted to feeding on seeds and peanuts at bird tables or from hanging feeders. Often because of the colder temperatures birds struggle to find foods in the wider countryside so have become more reliant on garden feeders. This has had a dramatic effect on the number of these birds vis-
iting our gardens in search of food and drink – since 2006 the average number of long-tailed tits seen in UK gardens has increased by 52 per cent, while great tit numbers have gone up by 13 per cent and coal tit by 9 per cent. Dr Hayhow added: “The increase in numbers of sightings of these smaller garden birds highlights the impact that a well stocked bird feeder can have on some species. long-tailed tits only started using garden feeders in recent years, and now more people are spotting them in their gardens as this behaviour develops.” Despite this boost in numbers many other of our garden favourites are struggling. Sightings of well known species such as starlings and blackbirds have experienced another drop during the Big Garden Birdwatch this year. This decline continues a trend that has seen the number of both species visiting gardens decline by 81 and 30 per cent retrospectively since the first Birdwatch in 1979. Ben Andrew, rSPB Wildlife Advisor, added: “A lot of our favourite garden birds are struggling and are in desperate need of our help. Gardens or outdoor spaces are an invaluable resource for many species – they can provide a safe habitat and enough food and water to survive – which are likely to have a significant effect on their populations.” The same trends have been spotted in the parallel event, Big Schools’ Birdwatch, which continued to break records with more schools and children taking part than ever before. The UK-wide survey of birds in schools had almost 100,000 school child spending an hour in nature counting birds. Blackbird remained the most common playground visitor for the eighth year in a row. The top three was rounded off by starling and house sparrow. Big Garden Birdwatch and Big Schools’ Birdwatch are a part of the rSPB’s Giving Nature a Home campaign, aimed at tackling the housing crisis facing the UK’s threatened wildlife. The charity is asking people to provide a place for wildlife in their gardens or outdoor space – whether it’s putting up a nest box for birds, creating a pond for frogs or building a home for hedgehogs.
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l the wide range of opportunities to work with employers to enhance student learning. emma lowe, Director of Quality, Performance and Standards at Bedford College, said: “It is very rewarding to see it acknowledged that Bedford College is recognised by businesses and professionals for our work in ensuring students have a clear line of sight to jobs through our delivery of Higher education. “Bedford College offers progression for 16-year-olds into Higher education, and we are glad to have our work in this area highlighted and endorsed by experts in education.” QAA’s Higher education reviews are carried out by experts from other universities and colleges. every review team includes a student reviewer, because QAA believes that students should be partners in the quality assurance of their education.
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THe Quality Assurance Agency for Higher education (QAA) has confirmed the quality and standards of provision at Bedford College, including Shuttleworth College, following its review in January 2016. Shuttleworth Director Mike Johnston has welcomed the news: “We believe our range of land-based learning in developing Higher level courses provides valuable support to rural industries and employers.” A team of QAA reviewers visited the college and judged that its academic standards, the quality and enhancement of its student learning opportunities, and the quality of information about its learning opportunities all meet UK expectations. The review identifies a number of examples of good practice. These include: l the strategic and market-led approach to the development of the provision to meet the needs of local employers and students
Mike Johnston Director of Shuttleworth College.
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EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
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email: ovenmen@live.co.uk parent company est. 1998
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MID BEDS BULLETIN MAY 2016 — 11
out & about music a
The Pad presents Hackney Colliery Band Esquires, Bedford Friday May 27
“Craving a mash-up of early rave classics in frenetic, Balkan brassband style? Finally, your prayers are answered. An inspired musical collision.” “Reinventing the brass-band format for the 21st century” Times “This is the most enjoyable, fun music that I know of” observer “One of the greatest live bands we have in this country” BBC radio 2 ever craved for a night out that’s a little bit different? You’ve seen a million four piece indie rock bands, your fair share of tributes, and you’re all over watching a DJ
Spring King +guests Esquires, Bedford Friday May 13
Spring King is a four-piece postpunk band from Manchester. They are ‘a small-scale, art-pop-punk project’. The band hit the road for a handful of select shows following a year that saw them pick up support from the likes of The Guardian, Stereogum, NMe, DIY and The line of Best Fit, along with becoming the first ever band to be played on Beats 1; being playlisted
theatre c ‘Alle Thee Dysk’s a Stage’
Parkside Hall, Ampthill 7.45pm June 2 & 3
Based on a Terry Pratchett novel, Wyrd Sisters brings together a wicked Duke and Duchess, the ghost of a murdered king, dim soldiers, strolling players, and a land in peril. But three witches stand between the Kingdom and destruction. Their leader Granny Weatherwax, lively Nanny Ogg, and flowery Magrat Garlick, find themselves dragged into royal politics. King Verence I of lancre, has died under suspicious circumstances, and his cousin Duke Felmet and the obnoxious Duchess have taken the throne. The Three Witches hand over the King’s crown and son (Tomjon) to a troupe of itinerant actors for adoption. Acknowledging that destiny will
events t 14th Annual International Kite Festival
Russell Park, Bedford Sat 11 & Sun 12 June
Bedford Borough Council is getting ready to host the 14th Annual International Kite Festival on Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th June, in russell Park, Bedford and you’re invited!
twinwood festival play other peoples records for four hours. The answer? Head to esquires on Friday 27th May, where former Amy Winehouse live collaborators Hackney Colliery Band are performing, for what promises to be one of the finest shows the venue has ever seen. The band released critically acclaimed debut album ‘Common Decency’ in 2013, and mix up their live sets between original compositions and their own take on other artists songs, including their infamous ‘Prodigy Medley’. The nine piece brass band have backed some of the worlds finest, as well as selling out shows across the world in their own right, and closing the 2012 london Olympics. They describe themselves as Contemporary brass rock/hip-hop/ Balkan/afrobeat/jazz music - all we know is it’s going to be fun!
at both radio 1 and 6 Music; and touring with Courtney Barnett, Slaves and FIDlAr. With extensive 6music play, radio One Maida Vale sessions, championed by Zane lowe, the first band ever played on Apple’s Beats 1 and more there’s huge excitement in the music scene about this up-and-coming prospect. New single ‘Who Are You?’ was launched recently and announced as hottest record in the world on radio 1 by Annie Mac and has just been ‘A’ listed on 6 Music. Huw Stephens has also just made it his record of the week on radio 1.
eventually take its course, their ambitious plan to move the Kingdom 15 years into the future when the lad will be old enough to reign, and to reinstate the King’s natural heir, might just work. The Witches rule never to interfere, but with a child’s life in danger, and the fate of the Kingdom at hand, Granny certainly doesn’t want to get involved. It looks like she has no choice, but she does have a saying about rules, if you’re going to break them “Break them good and hard!”. This play is a wonderful parody of ‘Macbeth’ with a fair amount of fairy story thrown in for good measure. Masquerade will be performing Wyrd Sisters) on Tickets cost £10 and the curtain goes up at 19:45. tickets are available by phone (07817 528077) or email: masquerad etheatregr oup@gmail. com
each year, this free event attracts thousands of visitors to Bedford and is a great day out for the family. The event showcases kites from the four corners of the globe. This year’s event will include kite demonstrations and workshops for children and adults, as well as food, drink, entertainment, music and more! The kite Festival is open on saturday, from 10am – 6pm, and on the sunday, from 10am – 5pm.
The original and best vintage music and dance festival
As vintage style continues to grow in popularity, every year, over the August bank holiday, Twinwood festival attracts increasing numbers of wellturned out vintage lovers to its historic site in Clapham, Bedfordshire. Now in its 15th year, the festival will be offering visitors over sixty fabulous vintage music acts, with bands
like The Puppini Sisters, Alex Mendham and His Orchestra, Down for the Count, Mike Sanchez, The Bootleg Beatles and the electric Swing Circus. Spread over eleven themed on-site venues the programme of music spans from the 30s right through to the swinging 60s and also includes Gypsy Jazz and electro Swing! However, Twinwood Festival is not just music! 2016 will see the biggest selection of original vintage, retro and vintage reproduction traders, with well over 150 different stalls across the site. There will also be several vintage beauty salons, a men’s
barbers, museums, classic cars, dance lessons, bars, clubs, food vendors and, of course, plenty of places to dance! Twinwood Festival is also a great place to camp with picturesque campsites providing close by, affordable and comfortable accommodation to festival goers with generous pitches, perfect for caravans, campervans, motorhomes and tents. As if this wasn’t enough, for the first time 2016 visitors will be able to buy glamorous glamping packages for the festival in association with Brook Bell Tents.
12 — MID BEDS BULLETIN MAY 2016
TEL: 07745 818071/07724 905406
EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
the quarry e
events t
Busk Till Dusk St John’s Hospice Saturday August 13
Shakespeare Untold
Think No Evil of Us
The Quarry Theatre, Bedford 4.30 & 7,30pm Friday May 6
The Quarry Theatre, Bedford 7.30pm Tuesday May 24
The stories you know from the characters you don’t! This family-friendly double bill comes from london’s world-renowned venue, Shakespeare’s Globe, and is a great opportunity for any budding young theatricals to experience Shakespeare as they’ll have never seen before. In romeo Untold, the story of Shakespeare’s starcrossed lovers romeo and Juliet is retold through the eyes of the Capulet Ball’s party planner. Titus Untold retells Shakespeare’s goriest tragedy, Titus Andronicus, as seen from the kitchen of Titus’s piemaker. These shows premiered to great critical and popular acclaim at the edinburgh Fringe, and are now touring internationally. rediscover two Shakespearean classics together in just two hours (inc. an interval).
Following the amazing success of last year’s event, Busk till Dusk 2016 is back even bigger and better. There were some fantastic acts, some whom are reappearing this year. The event takes place on August 13 at St John’s Hospice. This festival-in-a-day really has something for everyone. From classical to rock, pop and everything in between you won’t be disappointed. It’s an event that you won’t forget, while raising lots of money for your local hospice. It’s going to be a superb day and one you won’t want to miss. last year There was a mix of visitors of all ages. They welcome music lovers to bring their blankets, picnics and painted faces. There will be something for everybody including a variety of food traders and our very own St John’s Bar serving real ales, cider and Pimms, with all profits coming to the hospice. For more information or to buy your tickets go to: http://www.busktilldusk.com/
Written and performed by David Benson, this classic one-man show unlocks the character of one of Britain’s best-loved and most-missed entertainers. In this thrilling and hilarious tour de force we see Kenneth Williams at his funniest - and at his most badly behaved. David Benson’s uncanny impersonation was also heard in the acclaimed BBC radio 4 series, ‘The Private World of Kenneth Williams’. Following its Fringe First winning debut at the edinburgh Festival in 1996, ‘Think No evil of Us’ played in the West end. Now it returns for a strictly limited twentieth anniversary tour in an updated version. The show continues to prove its enduring popularity both with audiences who loved Kenneth Williams and those who know nothing of his work.
Cruising season has started
grove theatre Motown, soul and comedy from both the films, including the tunes that made them; everybody Needs Somebody, Soul Man and Shake a Tail Feather, complete with Pork Pie Hats and sunglasses. This new stage production, tribute to the legendary Brothers, includes a nine piece live band and also features over 40 classics from James Brown, Aretha Franklin, ray Charles.Maybe something more enigmatic and entertaining is what you look for in music performance? russell Watson fits the bill entirely in that case, performing at the Grove Theatre on Friday 17 June at 7.30pm. His new show, Songs from the Heart, continues to show how russell is the UK’s best-selling classical crossover artist of all time. He’s captivating to watch and enchanting to listen to, so join russell as he sings to you, ‘Songs from the Heart’, a stunning collection of your best loved songs.
A Day To Remember Sunday 8 May, a momentous point in British history back in 1945, and one that is still considered so today Ve Day. The Grove Theatre, Dunstable invites you to celebrate that day with A Day To remember on Sunday 8 May at 2.30pm. As a special commemorative celebration of Ve Day, A Day To remember gathers local dance, drama and music groups to entertain and join forces as a supportive and celebrated community. expect all the pomp and circumstance of the proms whilst being entertained by the brilliant talent in Central Bedfordshire. Why not make it a truly memorable day by enjoying a delicious Afternoon Tea before the show, at an additional cost; during which time you will be entertained by the Memphis Belles singing toetapping classics.
2.30pm Sunday May 8
Dance
We’ll Meet Again In celebration of wartime entertainment which kept spirits high for many, the Grove Theatre, Dunstable will be raising your spirits by bringing you all the entertainment of We’ll Meet Again, on Wednesday 11 May at 2.30pm. With live music by the Martyn St James Band and many other variety acts, this show will create an uplifting atmosphere for everyone. In a tribute to the nation’s Armed Forces of yesterday, today and tomorrow, there will be performances of some of the greatest songs of the 40s, by artists such as Vera lynn and George Formby. The cast includes comedy entertainer Steve Barclay, Andy eastwood, Maggie O’Hara, Mervyn Francis and Pete lindup. With all the great entertainment of the war years, this is damp eye nostalgia that will leave you with a warm and sentimental glow.
2.30pm Wed May 11
Menopause the Musical Mood swings, hot flushes, night sweats and chocolate binges. Sound familiar ladies? Well you’re not alone and it’s time to revel in it. Gone is the time to mask ‘The Change’ you’re experiencing; instead welcome Menopause the Musical coming to the Grove Theatre, Dunstable on Saturday 21 May at 7.30pm; a hilarious celebration of women and ‘The Change’. Featuring an all-star cast, Cheryl Fergison (eastenders), linda Nolan (The Nolans) and rebecca Wheatley (Casualty) bring comedy and entertainment to ‘The Change’ that is the menopause. No longer should this be a silent passage, but celebrated as an unavoidable stage in every woman’s life, and one that
7.30pm Saturday May 21
brings freedom from hormonal servitude. The all-singing, all-dancing comedy of Menopause the Musical is set in a department store, where four women bond unexpectedly at a lingerie sale. They soon let loose about their womanly transformations, which results in a hysterically funny and uplifting show about ‘The Change’. Packed full of sharp one-liners about memory loss and hot flushes, accompanied by a soundtrack of comic parodies of pop classics, you will want to prepare yourself for a fantastic girls’ night out as women unite!
Music From pop and swing to blues, Motown, soul and even classical music; the Grove Theatre, Dunstable has something for
May – June 2016
everyone with a whole host of live music acts this season, including Bye Bye Baby, Chicago Blues Brothers and russell Watson. If you’re looking for world class vocals and harmonies, snappy choreography and a vast catalogue of hits for a memorable night of nostalgia, then don’t miss Bye Bye Baby at the Grove Theatre on Friday 20 May at 7.30pm. This show will take you back in time on the musical journey of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, celebrating some of the greatest hits such as Beggin’, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Walk like A Man, let’s Hang On and Grease, with a superb grand finale medley of even more unforgettable songs. Or for fans of the Blues Brothers movies there’s a brand new Jailbreak Tour! by the Chicago Blues Brothers hitting the Grove Theatre stage on Saturday 11 June at 7.30pm. A night of the best blues,
What better way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, than with a trip to the theatre to be transported to worlds of magic, sequins and an experience to enliven the senses? You won’t know what to watch first with the array of dance productions at the Grove Theatre, this season! If one Ballroom dancer isn’t enough of an evening, then you can also be a part of An Audience with Ian Waite and Natalie lowe in A Touch of Class on Friday 10 June at 8pm. The pro-pairing are best known for their high intensity performances on the hit BBC show, Strictly Come Dancing, and have become family favourites for pushing the boundaries of dance, creating routines that will dazzle and wow you. With a mixture of Ballroom and latin, this show will transport you to a place of wonderful moments and is set to be a night you will remember forever. And not forgetting another treat to make the evening extra special; you can also book a Pre-Show Meet and Greet with the stars!
With the arrival of spring the John Bunyan Community Boat takes to the river again for its fourth season on Bedford’s beautiful river Great Ouse. Since its launch in July 2013 the boat has carried over 15,000 people on private and public cruises. The 2016 programme starts on Sunday 1st May cruising from Priory Marina, calling in at Sovereigns Quay (next to the Star rowing Club) and cruising up to Kempston. On Thursday afternoons the cruises run from Sovereigns Quay towards Cardington lock. Other regular public cruises include a three hour cruise to Great Barford to The Anchor for lunch, a cruise from the Town Centre to The Barns Hotel for Afternoon Tea, a Saturday evening Fish & Chip Super Cruise, the very popular Sunset Cruise and Afternoon Tea Cruises run in conjunction with The Bedford Swan Hotel. The highly acclaimed Thursday evening Jazz Cruises continue on a monthly basis featuring top jazz musicians. Full details can be found on the website: www.johnbunyanboat.org. Tickets for the public cruises can be purchased on line, and at The Travel & Tourist Office at Bedford Bus Station, or the Corn exchange Box Office, No. 13 St. Paul’s Square or by phone 01946 817456.
Camera Club’s Exhibition Parkside Hall, Ampthill Saturday 18th June
Proud of your photographs? Want a Family Portrait? The eighth Ampthill & District Camera Club exhibition will take place on Saturday 18th June 2016 at Parkside Hall, Woburn St, Ampthill, MK45 2HX between 10.00am and 4.15pm. The exhibition of the Club photographers’ work offers an excellent chance to see creative work from local members and perhaps yourself! This year the Club is holding a public competition for nonmembers to submit digital images, of any subject, which will be judged and prizes awarded. There are two classes for entry: Junior (Under 16 years of age) and Adult (16 years of age and over). Club members will also be hosting a Portrait Studio where you can have family and/or individual photos taken . Full details of the competition and how to make appointments for portraits can be found at: http://www.ampthilldcc.com/
TEL: 07745 818071/07724 905406 ADS: dave@rosettapublishing.com
music a
Tom Jones with special guests
The Shires Bedford Park Sunday August 7
With a career that has spanned more than half a century Toms Jones is an international performer with more than 100 million record sales generated by hits such as ‘It’s Not
Unusual’,’ Kiss’, ‘Delilah’ and ‘What’s New Pussycat’, Tom Jones along with his band are set to entertain Bedford with a repertoire that spans five decades. Tom Jones has won many accolades including a BrIT Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music and a Silver Clef Award for lifetime Achievement. Knighted in 2006, the global star has amassed 36 top 40 UK hits. His irresistible show traverses musical eras and genres,
We have one pair of tickets to give away to see Tom Jones Live at Bedford Park on the 7th August To enter simply answer the following question Q: Fill in the missing blank of one of Tom’s most famous songs – It’s not ______________ Email the answer to: louise@louiseharrispr.co.uk with Tom Jones Comp in the subject heading. Good luck! NB: By entering this competition you give permission for LPH Concerts to contact you via email about their future events (martin is this allowed? )
Proms in the Park celebrates 20 years Bedford Park Concerts are returning this year with their much loved event - The Bedford Park Proms, which will take place on the August 6. It will be made even more special this year as the Proms will celebrate its 20th anniversary and as such the audience will be treated to a spectacular night of music, fireworks and the famous laser show as well as some other surprises on the night. The concert will feature the renowned london Gala Orchestra and as in previous years The Bedford Choral Society will be back performing popular classics and film scores. There will also be some very special guest soloists. This year Classical Brit
August 6, 2016
Award winning Blake will be the headline act at Bedford Park Proms. The classical super group have sold over one million albums; they mix eclectic classical and pop songs with rich harmony vocals. Their extraordinary success has seen them tour extensively all over the world and as well as winning over the public they have also been firm favourites with royalty, performing several times for the Queen at Buckingham Palace. Blake will be joined by rebecca Newman, affectionately named ‘The People’s Soprano’ by fans, colleagues and the media. Singer-songwriter rebecca Newman stormed to number one in the Official UK Classical Albums Chart with her debut album release. She has also shared the stage with some of the biggest classical stars from russell Watson, Alfie Boe, and Aled Jones. The night will conclude with a spectacular firework finale, which for many was the biggest highlight of last year’s Proms. The Bedford Park Proms is one of the only shows in the country where the fireworks are truly choreographed to the music. In true Proms style, the audience is encouraged to bring picnics, table and chairs or rugs and enjoy the amazing family friendly atmosphere.
We have one pair of tickets to give away for Bedford Park Proms on Saturday 6th August Q: What is the name of the female soprano singing at Bedford Park Proms this year? Email the answer to louise@louiseharrispr.co.uk with Proms Comp in the subject heading NB: By entering this competition you give permission for LPH Concerts to contact you via email about their future events (martin is this allowed? )
TICKET INFORMATION Tickets are now on sale at www.bedfordparkconcerts.co.uk Like us on Facebook - /Bedfordparkconcerts Follow us on Twitter – @BedfordConcerts
entertainers in the world but some home grown talent too! Tickets are on sale now and expected to sell out fast. They can be purchased at:
appeals to young and old, male and female, mainstream and cutting edge. Tom has always been about the power of the voice, the power of the song – he is a living legend, one of the few musical artists whose profession began at the dawn of modern popular music who continues to have a vital recording and performing career to this day. Warming the crowd up and
returning to their home county will be very special guests The Shires. The duo of Ben earle and Crissie rhodes are one of the hottest country influenced acts right now. Hailing from Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, The Shires are set to warm up the Bedford crowd and open the show for what will be an electric night of fantastic music from not only one of the greatest
www.bedfordparkconcerts.co.uk Tickets - Adults £45 inclusive of booking fee. Children age 5-15, £15 inc booking fee. Under 5s, Free.
Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. Please note this is NoT a picnic concert. Fully licensed bars and a variety of hot food outlets.
TICKET INFORMATION Tickets are now on sale at www.bedfordparkconcerts.co.uk Like us on Facebook - /Bedfordparkconcerts Follow us on Twitter – @BedfordConcerts
14 — MID BEDS BULLETIN MAY 2016
TEL: 07745 818071/07724 905406
EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
For more information on the areas covered and advertisement rates please call David on 07745 818071 dave@rosettapublishing.com FLITWICK SINGERS present
An evening with
PAM RHODES Pam Rhodes from BBC1’s Songs of Praise will be hosting an evening of your favourite hymns
Friday 13th May at 7.30pm Ampthill Methodist Church Ticket price £7.50 Phone 01525 753686 or 07906 509950 Email flitwicksingers@gmail.com Raising funds for local charities
TEL: 07745 818071/07724 905406 ADS: dave@rosettapublishing.com
MID BEDS BULLETIN MAY 2016 — 15 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
MUSIC NIGHT
THe FeNNY sToMPers Jazz BaND Bedford lions Club are proud to announce a fundraising event on saturday 7 May 2016 Bromham Village Hall, Village road, Bromham Mk43 8JP The musicians will be ‘The Fenny Stompers Jazz Band’ from Fenny Stratford, near Bletchley, Milton Keynes. The prime purpose of the event is to raise funds for Beds & Northants MS Therapy Centre. Tickets are available from any member of Bedford lions Club, or the lions ticket website: liontickets@outlook.com Doors open at 7.30pm. Tickets are £13 per person, the price includes a fish and chip supper.Friday 6th May 2016 BeDFOrD ArT SOCIeTY meeting, 7.15 for 7.30 start, at Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford, MK41 8eB
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ST PAUl’S CHUrCH, BeDFOrD, 7.00 pm saturday 7 May
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CONCERT
demonstrates using watercolour and ink Friday 6th May 2016
Choirs from Norway and Bedford in joint concert Choral concert jointly by Konsberg Kantori and S Paul’s church choir Bach cantatas and other works £10.00 (£5.00 F/T students and under 18) from 01234 340163 or at the door.
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CHAMBER MUSIC RECITAL
SPRING EXHIBITION
7.00 for 7.30 pm saturday 14 May by local and international artists: guitar, voice, piano duets and solos by Tamara McCoy and Valerie Hartzell works by Carulli, Liszt, Dyens, albeniz, Boccherini, and de Falla £12.00 (£10.00 concessions) from 01234 340163 or at the door. PrOCeeDS TO ST PAUl’S CHUrCH. More information. http://www.stpaulschurchbedford.or g.uk/index.shtml ST PAUl’S SQUAre, BeDFOrD MK40 1SQ –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
JAZZ ON THE GREAT OUSE
Please note advertisement booking deadline is the 18th of the month preceding pubilcation
Linda Travers Smith
Following the success of last year’s Jazz on the Great Ouse Cruises the John Bunyan Boat Team are pleased to announce the programme for 2016. The cruises which are run in association with Olney Jazz Club, Consica Jazz and The Barns Hotel feature top national and local jazz musicians. The programme is: Thursday May 19th PIANO JAZZ with the AlAN HAUGHTON TrIO featuring Alan Haughton (piano) Tomas Pedersen (double bass) Bobby Orr (drums) Thursday June 23rd rICHArD eXAll (sax/clarinet) with AlAN HAUGHTON (piano) BOBBY Orr (drums) Thursday July 21st rACHel AND FrIeNDS featuring rACHel HICKeY (vocals) BIll MereDITH (piano) NIGel eMerTON (double bass) Thursday august 18th GArrY WOOD SWING BAND featuring GArY WOOD (vocals and trumpet) rONNIe FerN (Drums) AlAN HAUGHTON (piano) Thursday september 22nd TOM SYSON TrIO, featuring TOM SYSON (trumpet) ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– All SAINTS CHUrCH Great Barford Proudly presents
SHANNON EXPRESS
saturday 18th June 2016 from 7.00pm – 9.30pm £10.00 per ticket (to include refreshments and free glass of wine.) Please contact: Maureen Munnelly on 01234 870633 or Ann lovesey on 01234 870693 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
entry is free for members, £5 for visitors. Contact Jean Paterson 01234 307210 or www.bedsartsociety.co.uk for information. MID BeDS ArT SOCIeTY
10am- 4pm saturday 28th - Monday 30th May, 2016 Flitwick Village Hall Dunstable road, Flitwick MK45 1HP Free entry & Parking Paintings by local Artists Paintings Demonstrations refreshments Available Tombola PArKSIDe SINGerS are giving a
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CONCERT
2.30pm sunday May 15th to help raise funds towards Aragon Day 2017. Tickets cost £7 each and are available from COUNTrY PrOPerTIeS AMPTHIll tel: 01525 403033 or tel 01525 751629.
WIlSTeAD PlAYerS Wilstead Players are offering a
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RIOTOUS COMEDY entitled
‘The Haunted Through Lounge and Dining Nook at Farndale Castle’ by David McGillivary and Walter Zerlin Jnr It features the inept Drama Society of the Farndale Avenue Townswomen’s Guild attempting to perform a play which inevitably goes horribly wrong! Performances in wilstead are
6th and 7th May.
Tickets £8 from Box office 01234 740782
BeDFOrDSHIre FAMIlY HISTOrY SOCIeTY Friday 6 May 2016
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ILLUSTRATED TALK IS
WINGS OVER THURLEIGH
Mark rutherford School Drama Hall Bedford MK42 9rX www.bfhs.org.uk . Next talk will be Friday 1 July 2016 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
BrITISH reD CrOSS BeDFOrDSHIre
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OPEN GARDENS 2016 sunday 8 May, 1.30- 5pm Gardens of westoning, Mk45 5Jw. Teas, toilets, plants, parking. sunday 15 May, 1.30-5pm Milton House, Milton ernest, Mk441rL Teas, toilets, plants, parking.
Monday 30 May, 1.30-5pm Tofte Manor, souldrop rd, Beds. Mk44 1HH. Teas, toilets, plants, parking.
sunday 5 June, 1.30-5pm oakley Gardens, westfield road, Mk43 7sU. Teas, toilets, plants, parking.
sunday 12 June, 1.30-5pm, Howbury Hall, Bedford, Mk41 0JB. Teas, toilets, plants, parking.
sunday 26 June, 1pm to 5pm Turvey House and Garden, Beds., Mk43 8eL. Teas, toilets, plants, parking. £6.00 pre-book for house & garden by 12th June, telephone Natasha on 01582589083. Garden only on the day £4.00
ST JOHN’S HOSPICe forthcoming events
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OUT OF OFFICE CHALLENGE
24 June 2016 Get together with your work colleagues and join us for a day of volunteering, team building and networking. Teams will compete for points throughout the day, with exciting prizes for the winning team.
GARDEN OF MEMORIES
17 July – 1.00pm – 5.00pm A summer memorial event to be held in the grounds with the opportunity to purchase sunflower plaques with you loved ones name.
ART EXHIBITION
20 -21 July To be held at St John’s Hospice. Visit www.sueryder.org/stjohns for more.
BUSK TILL DUSK
13 august – 3.00pm -10.00pm Come and experience 20 Acts performing across 3 stages in this one day music festival. This summer event is guaranteed to be a great day out for all. To book your tickets go to www.sueryder.org/busktilldusk
COUNTRY FAYRE
14 august – 11.00am – 4.30pm Come along to St John’s Hospice country fayre and enjoy a day of best attractions including vintage cars, birds of prey, archery, craft stalls, dog show, food court and much more. www.suryder.org/countryfayre
STARLIGHT WALK
24 september - 8.00pm walk starts at 10.00pm A 10k and 5k walk around the hospice grounds and local area. A wonderful night full of fun, and memories. Sign up now to take advantage of our early bird offer. email stjohnsfundraising@sueryder.org for more.
CHARITY BALL
12 November – 7pm – 1.00am Our yearly ball will be taking place at The Park Inn Hotel Bedford. Get your glam rags ready and register your interest. For further info call 01767 642412 email: stjohnsfundraising@sueryder.org –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
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MOGGERHANGER
PLANT SALE Friday 20th May 10a.m. to 1p.m.
COFFEE MORNING saturday 21st May 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
PLOUGHMAN’S LUNCHES CREAM TEAS sunday 22nd May 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
CREAM TEAS
At little Orchard, 36 Blunham road Chalton, Moggerhanger MK44 3rA raffle - Cake Stall - Pickles & Preserves
Bedding plants, hanging baskets, tomato plants, vegetable plants,
herbs, perennials and much more For more information call Jo Hollington on 01767 641184
All proceeds to St. John’s Church ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– COCK INN WOOTTON
saturday 28th May
MAY MADNESS
In aid of MacMillan Cancer Support starting at 1pm
OlYMPIC THeMe
There will be organised games for children, bouncy castle, bucking bronco bull, BBQ, auction, raffle and various other activities
in the evening
DISCO
All PrOCeeDS GO TO MACMIllAN –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
AMPTHILL AND DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB
‘Probus’ is a meeting point for retired PrOfessional and BUSiness men which was founded fifty year ago, our own club being in existence for 42 of those years and covering the area from Toddington to Houghton Conquest.
we meet on the first Tuesday of every month at ‘The Cross keys’ in Pulloxhill to socialise, lunch at 12.30 and regularly have a guest speaker. we tend to finish around 2.30pm. in addition we have two weekend breaks a year, occasional visits to places of interest and ladies invitation lunches. Our members are a friendly crowd and love to welcome new members. If you are interested, please e-mail Paul on pscriv@hotmail.co.uk who will be pleased to bring you along and introduce you.
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16 — MID BEDS BULLETIN MAY 2016
TEL: 07745 818071/07724 905406
Posh patios and desirable driveways Tailored to suit your taste and budget
LC Driveway Solutions Ltd Block paving • Patio slabs • Tarmacadam • Fencing • Turfing • Brick work • Graveling • Landscaping and much more Long Lake Meadow, High Road, Seddington, Sandy SG19 1NU
EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
SWIMMING
Great success for Flitwick Dolphins
A STrONG squad of 25 Swimmers from Flitwick Dolphins competed at the City of Cambridge Open Meet on the 8th, 9th and 10th April along with 26 other swimming clubs. Competition was fierce, as for some swimmers this was their last chance to gain a qualifying time for the east region Championships in May. However the determination of the Flitwick swimmers saw three days of fantastic swimming achievements, where an amazing 72 new personal best times were gained, three gold, six silver and three bronze medals were won, and a new club record was achieved. Gold medal winners were: Sophie Fowler (10), Katie Tompkins (15) and eloisa Miller (10). Silver medals went to: Katie Tompkins (15), eloisa Miller (10) and Ben rayner (13) who also achieved his regional qualifying time. Bronze medallists were eloisa Miller (10)
and Katie Tompkins (15). There were fantastic swims and personal best times from the rest of the squad: ryhanna Cummins (9), Felix Moon (10), Francesca Baber (10), Jake Hickmott (10), emma Schofield (11), Daniel Miller (11), Maddie Phillips (11), George Maskell (11), Mari Cutler (11), Tyler Watson (12), Autumn Handscombe (12), Imogen Thompson (12), lillia Thompson (12), Isaac Moon (12), Olivia Fowler (13), Billy Cutler (13), Kiera Williams (13), Adam Schofield (13), Sam Dennis (13), emma Boost (14) and Phillip Cummins (14). Also congratulations to Jake Hickmott for gaining a new club record for the ten year-old boys’ 100m Backstroke. Once again there was incredible support from the coaches, Nigel Halford, Judy Thompson and Ian Fowler, as well as the parents and volunteers who make the club so successful.
Free quotations and advice All work full guaranteed No deposits required Full public liability insurance
Telephone: 01767 360076 Freephone: 0800 781 6343 Mobile: 07428 511932 www.lcdrivewaysolutions.co.uk info@www.lcdrivewaysolutions.co.uk
Designs for the old Co-op site in Houghton Regis unveiled
THose of you familiar with the derelict site that used to house the Co-op will be excited to hear that plans and designs for a new proposed independent Living scheme have been unveiled. The scheme would provide homes for older residents as well as community space and retail opportunities and has been designed with feedback from the local community. The Bulletin series are independent magazines with no affiliation to any other organisation. © 2016 rosetta Publishing ltd. 30 radwell road, Milton ernest MK44 1SH. Tel: 07894 935952 or 07724 905406. eDITOrIAl: editorial@rosettapublishing.com ADVerTISING: advertising@rosettapublishing.com Printed by: Mortons Print limited. Newspaper House, Morton Way, Boston road, Horncastle, lincolnshire lN9 6Jr.