MID-BEDS
NOVEMBER 2014
Ampthill, Flitwick, Harlington, Toddington & Westoning
2 — MID BEDS BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2014
TEL: 07724 905406/07894 935952
EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com Issue 9 Volu me 7 SEPT EMBER 2014
150,000+ readers every month ● Over 62,000 magazines delivered door-to-door ● The magazines are retained and read ● They don’t go out with the recycling on Monday ● They don’t get left on the hall table ● THIS MEANS OUR ADVERTISERS GET RESPONSE UR monthly community news magazines have plenty to read in them, in an old fashioned local newpaper way. We publish the type of editorial, people want to read, photographs, stories and articles on their local community groups, societies, clubs, schools and churches and much more… in fact exactly the material that your local newspaper won’t publish, and the glossy A5 advert directories can’t. If you are doing business in these areas, you can’t help but score by advertising with us, call us now and discuss how we can help your business grow.
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MID BEDS BULLETIN The Mid Beds Bulletin circulates in Ampthill, Flitwick, Harlington, Toddington and Westoning. What our readers say: “Your magazine is absolutely brilliant and is jam-packed full of good, local information.” 12,000 copies delivered door-to-door.
WEST BEDS BULLETIN Covering the rapidly expanding area to the west of Bedford. Biddenham, Bromham, Great Denham and Wootton, this magazine follows the very successful format of giving our readers local editorial content, 8,000 copies delivered door-to-door.
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TEL: 07724 905406/07894 935952 ADS: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
MID BEDS BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2014 — 3
Ready, Steady, Cookout
The Girlguiding Bedfordshire County Shield Competition is held is every year and each year sets a different challenge. This year it was a – Ready, Steady, Cookout Guides from all over Bedfordshire took part and six units reached the final held on Saturday 27th September, at Woodcroft in Luton. The girls challenge was to cook a three course meal, on an open fire, in just two hours. The Lord-Lieutenant Mrs helen Nellis said: “It has been fantastic to see so many young women working together in teams and having a huge amount of fun,” Mrs Nellis added, “The quality if the meals they produced in the outdoors was exceptional.” Joy hall, one of the three judges said: “The competition was very close, all the meals where of such a high standard it was very difficult to choose the winner, but it was the 1st Toddington Guides with their Chicken Cacciatore and Baked Apples with cream that saw them lift the trophy and become this year’s County Shield Winners . The first competition was held before 1920 and the has been a fixture in the Girlguiding calendar ever since. Left: The Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire presents the Trophy at the GirlGuiding Cookout Final.
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The beard is still growing! Make a note in your diaries for the big shaving event on January 11th
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4 — MID BEDS BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2014
TEL: 07724 905406/07894 935952
EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
Signs of growth at Boys Brigade! OCTOBeR was a busy month for Flitwick Boys Brigade starting with their first presentations of the new session when they enrolled one new member and presented membership cards and service awards to the other boys. Growing Bigger, Growing Better is a national campaign, to expand the Boys Brigade. The boys are being encouraged to recruit their friends and rewards are being made to both individuals and also to each section as they grow. One individual recruitment badge was presented and the youngest BB members the Anchor Boys were very excited to receive their first recruitment reward – a trip to McDonalds or Burger King! Looking ahead to November three new members are due to be enrolled, which will mean some further Growing Bigger, Growing Better rewards! Battalion competitions with other Boys’ Brigade Companies across the area got under way, with Anchor Boy Football Skills, when Flitwick came fourth. In the National Ten-pin Bowling they made it through to the knockout stages for the first time! Well done boys.
by Angela Brydon, Company Captain
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Just one Junior Section boy went along to the five-a-side football and joined with other boys from 1st Kempston, and the team finished fourth. On the all-important Battalion scoreboards Flitwick Anchor Boys are third Juniors are sixth and Company Section equal sixth, with the Seniors yet to score anything. During the Church Parade service at Flitwick Methodist Church BB were challenged as part of JMA (Junior Mission for all) to find out more about a country and to report back at February Church parade. So watch this space! Boys Brigade took part in the Flitwick Community Big Tidy Up, when three boys and three adults collected litter from Chapel Road and The Thinnings – 21lbs (9.5kg) of rubbish were collected which contributed to the grand total of 264 kg collected across the town. November will see more Battalion competitions, and of course the Annual Remembrance Parade with other groups in the town.
TEL: 07724 905406/07894 935952 ADS: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
MID BEDS BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2014 — 5
Katie and Claire introduce new concept to Ampthill
OUR FRONT PAGE photograph shows Claire left and Katie right, the owners of Blow’n’Go, a new concept in super fast hairdressing. They held an official opening
party on October 9, at their new salon in Dunstable Street, Ampthill. Judging by the number of staff on hand they are well capable of achieving a wash and blow dry in
ANY STYLE, ANY TIME! We believe that everyone loves having their hair done, but time is often a problem. Choose the style you want, have a wash and blowdry within 30 minutes. Fast, young, fun and affordable, so for that important meeting, job interview or great night out, our stylists are ready to use their tricks to make you feel glamourous. We also have a fantastic range of add-on treatments including: Hair Extensions, Hair Treatments, Make-up, HD Brows and Botox.
10% OFF wedding beauty treatments at our KG Salon in Barton-le-Clay, when you have your wedding hair and make-up at Blow ‘n’ Go OPENING TIMES Monday...............Closed Tuesday ........10am-7pm Wednesday ...10am-7pm Thursday ......10am-8pm Friday ...........10am-8pm Saturday .........9am-4pm
97B Dunstable Street Ampthill MK45 2NG
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under 30 minutes – just the ticket for that Christmas party or last minute important appointment. Pictured above are the team on the opening night.
6 — MID BEDS BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2014
TEL: 07724 905406/07894 935952
EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
Christmas present problem for a biker? We have a great range of clothing and accessories to suit most budgets – your biker will be made up! Helmets: Shoei, AGV, MDS, Caberg, Spada. Gloves: RST, Richa, Global Warming, Knox, Weise. Jackets and Trousers: RST, Yamaha, Weise, Spada, Wolf. Boots: RST, Sidi, Dainese, Weise. Kevlar Jeans: Draggin, RST. Yamaha T-shirts, novelties, accessories Locks and chains plus much more…
■ New Yamaha bikes and scooters. ■ Quality used bikes changing daily. ■ Award winning workshop. ■ Finance arranged subject to status. ■ Friendly and professional help.
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TEL: 07724 905406/07894 935952 ADS: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
MID BEDS BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2014 — 7
Can you give a helping hand?
TOddINGTON Area helping hands is a group of volunteers who provide help and support for people within Toddington, Chalgrave, Tebworth and Wingfield. This includes lifts to the doctors, local hospitals and other medical appointments, and lifts to social events, to the shops or the hairdressers. We also collect and deliver prescriptions. Toddington Area helping hands has been running for seven years. Over this period we have completed in excess of 3800 tasks. We have a volunteer bank of
approximately 35 people which includes drivers, walkers, duty Officers (who man the phone on a weekly basis) and the committee. On average we help 40-45 residents every quarter. We are always looking for new volunteers so please contact us if you have a little spare time and would like to help an excellent local organisation on the number below. Alternatively if you need help please call us on 07882 988270.
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8 — MID BEDS BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2014
TEL: 07724 905406/07894 935952
EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
Dolphins Masters East Region medal haul
A TeAM from Flitwick Dolphins took part in the east Region Masters recently with resounding success! Vital Statistics – six swimmers, 27 swims, 20 medals (eight Gold, seven Silver, five Bronze), one east Region Record and three ‘Notable Firsts’. For Dan Georgescu and Noreen Weighell it was their first
Club Chairman Nigel Halford.
ever competitive pool swims. Dan, undaunted by 14km down the Thames in August, was a little nervous climbing the blocks for the first time ever in a competitive race, even if it were only for a mere 400m freestyle. Dan was fourth in that race but took silver in the 200m free and the Men’s medley relay. Noreen, who is more likely to be officiating than swimming at these events, was most concerned about the possibility of being disqualified by her fellow judges, but her two swims in the mixed relays netted her two golds. The other ‘notable first’ was that it was the first time that Flitwick Dolphins had ever fielded Masters Relay teams and with winning two golds in the 200+ combined age Mixed Relay and a silver in the Mens 160+ combined age Medley Relay it won’t be the last. Whilst Dolphins are used to Liz Woolner (three Golds, one Silver, one east Region record) and Ian Murray (three Golds, one Silver, four Bronze) gaining success at these events it was the turn of two of the club’s senior com-
Ian Fowler, Liz Woolner, Noreen Weighell and Ian Murray.
mittee members to show what they could do, despite several years since either had swum competitively. Treasurer Ian Fowler, no doubt benefiting from daughter Olivia’s advice, gained silver in the 400m freestyle for his age group, as well as two team medals while Chairman, Nigel Halford,
took two individual silvers and one bronze with a team silver. To compete in Masters events you must be aged 25 years or over but the programme often includes Senior (18-24) events. Following this year’s success, Dolphins will aim to take a bigger team to the championships next year.
FLOWERS WITH FLAIR G & R LEE MEMORIALS FUNERAL TRIBUTES AND HEADSTONE PACKAGES All include choice of fresh flowers No. 1 5ft Casket with your choice of flowers No. 2 3ft Casket with your choice of flowers, three letter tribute ie: mum, dad etc., one single ended spray with your choice of flowers No. 3 All of No. 2 with an extra two posies. Then: Choice of three headstones with gold or enamel finish with up to 90 letters, with flower urn then fitted into church grounds approximately 6/8 months later. PACKAGE PRICES:
No.1 £1350. No. 2 £1450. No. 3 £1550. Cemetery fees are separate to this offer and each church is paid a cheque though us to the council. All our headstones are to BS8415 NAMM SPEC
CALL LEANNE 01525 838140 or RICHARD 07855 064577
Nigel Halford, Ian Murray, Dan Georgescu, Ian Fowler.
FOOTBALL CENTRE OFFICIAL OPENING
THOUSANDS of local football players and supporters are already enjoying the benefits of a brand new facility in the area. Flitwick Football Centre is home to both Flitwick eagles and Flitwick Town FC. The centre has a number of senior and junior pitches and a community hall for various functions which is available for hire. An official opening ceremony will take place on 14th November 2014. Those expected to be attending are: the local MP, the CeO of Mid Beds Council, MD of Mid Beds Council, Directors from Mid Beds Council Planning and Projects, delegates from SDC who built the Centre, delegates from Flitwick Town Council, Beds FA Leadership team, Team Beds and Luton, representatives of Flitwick eagles and Flitwick Town, local businesses, a FA Football Ambassador and the local media.
10 — MID BEDS BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2014
TEL: 07724 905406/07894 935952
EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
New Head Coach
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ALL BEDS
THe ReCeNT resurgence of British Swimming, as witnessed at the Commonwealth Games and european Championships over the summer has been possible, in part, thanks to the new young coaches emerging in the sport. Mid Beds Swim Squad is therefore delighted to have secured the services of young British coach, Tom McManus as their new Head Coach and, to complement this appointment, to have secured the backing of LV= for another season. Tom brings a wealth of experience with him which can only benefit the Squad. He previously spent five years as Assistant Head Coach at Bolton Metro where he coached three relay teams to top 15 places in the 2014 National Championships. He has been a Coach on several england Talent Programmes (Level 1 and Level 2) which aim to assist the development of swimmers from age group and youth swimming into Junior and Senior International Competition such as the european and Commonwealth Championships. Prior to the London Olympic games Tom assisted at Stockport ITC working with some of the top swimmers in Great Britain. Following the 2012 Games Tom gained valuable experience assisting at Manchester High
Performance Centre where he helped prepare the swimmers for the IPC World Championships 2013. Tom spent two years in Australia as the Swim School Supervisor of the biggest swim school in Victoria, with over 2500 swimmers, where he established a new working relationship to feed swimmers into Melbourne VicCentre swimming club giving a pathway to elite international swimming. This arrangement provided Tom with experience of the operations and coaching of one of the best swim programmes in Australia. Tom has also spent two years as a swim teacher at a Special educational Needs during which time he worked with children with complex and differing disabilities and set up his own swim school. Tom said, after his first week with the squad: “I have been very impressed with the attitude and application of all the swimmers in my first week of coaching. They have all shown great willingness to take on board new coaching and teaching techniques and I can already see an improvement. This attitude bodes well for the future.” With Tom McManus at the helm and with the backing of LV= Mid Beds Swim Squad are looking forward to a very bright future.
TEL: 07724 905406/07894 935952 ADS: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
The start of Poplars Pantry
MID BEDS BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2014 — 11
SUE RYDER ST JOHN’S HOSPICE
Volunteer Vacancies Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice need
VOLUNTEER DRIVERS & WARD ASSISTANTS We are currently short of volunteers to support our nurses on the ward as ward assistants; for volunteer drivers to take blood specimens to Bedford Hospital Path Lab and also for volunteer drivers to support our families i.e. where they are unable to visit loved ones as they do not drive, or if a patient needs day treatment and they are unable to get here. Patient and their families are paramount to us at St John’s.
Please call Donna on 01767 642436 for more information IN 1988 Poplars was still a young garden Centre but was ready to expand. However on the Saturday before Easter, the start of the gardening season, a disastrous fire burnt down half of the centre. After being closed for just one day to make the premises safe Poplars reopened with just an outside till and a week later reopened the remaining shop area. Plans were quickly put in place to rebuild with a much larger building which would for the first time include a coffee shop – Poplars Pantry. A grand opening was held at Easter 1989 and Poplars Pantry began in a small way serving hot drinks and cold snacks and a limited range of cooked food. A few months later the original Manageress left and her assistant Angela was promoted to run the Pantry joined by Marion who this week completed 25 years continuous service.ntinuous service.
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12 — MID BEDS BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2014
TEL: 07724 905406/07894 935952
EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
Sharing is our mantra!
SHARING has become a recurring theme of late at Flitwick Methodist Church. Late September saw our Harvest Festival when our services were led by our own Minister Rev Graham Claydon-Knight. We collected gifts of non-perishable food to share with people locally and the Prebend Street Day Centre in Bedford. We also shared this occasion with one of the church families as we celebrated the Baptism of their new arrival. The sharing theme continued in October at the Annual JMA (Junior Mission for all) Service. During the service there was an opportunity to find out how JMA is about Learning, Praying and Serving others. There was a video about a project in Plymouth were the local community is supported through a centre providing training and food parcels to those in need. The various children’s and young people’s groups in the church were encouraged to engage with JMA during the year. Boys’ Brigade was challenged to find out about a country and report back at a service in February. The S Club were challenged to learn and then
then a specific prayer at a future family service. Girls Brigade was challenged to raise £75 for JMA during the year. The service concluded with the JMA members being presented with badges and certificates to acknowledge there activities and money collected during the past year. Over £800 in total was collected over the past year. Looking ahead to November our Church Anniversary on
November 16th – 141 years young! We look forward to welcoming Rev Tony Pick to lead our morning service at 10.30am– with more tales of when he was a young tearaway! The evening service will be led by our own minister Rev Graham Claydon Knight. To keep up to date with all that is happening at FMC see then checkout our website and Facebook page.
Watch Flitwick LIGHT UP for Christmas!
TheRe’S nothing quite like enjoying a night in on a frosty winters evening but on Sunday 30th November, we urge you to put on those warm, woolly jackets and scarves and head down to the Flitwick Christmas Lights Switch On. The event will take place in Tesco car park from 4pm where there will be stalls, fun fair rides, mulled wine, refreshments from The Lounge Coffee Shop and more. We would like to invite children along to take part in the Festive Fancy dress Competition too! The winning boy and girl will turn on the lights at 5pm so put on those outfits and see if you can win! The age group for entering the competition is 4 - 10 years. For more information on the Flitwick Christmas Lights Switch On call 01525 631900. don’t forget to Add Us on Facebook.com/flitwick.towncouncil and follow us on Twitter @eventsFTC.
Support the final fundraising at the Little Shop
DURING the remaining months of 2014, The Little Shop on the Green, based in Market Square Toddington will be raising money for the Keech Hospice based in
Luton, who provide emotional and practical support for adults and children diagnosed with life-limiting conditions and The Cancer Treatment and Research Trust
(CTRT) which plays a key role in raising funds for the world-class cancer research undertaken by consultants at the Mount Vernon Cancer Centre. We will be splitting
the profits raised equally between these two deserving charities. Please do make the time to come and take a look at our Christmas stock and support our final fundraising as the shop will be closing in January. During the past two years over £25k has been raised by a team of wonderful volunteers and we are working hard to secure great donations for our final charities. Many thanks for your custom and support over the past two years.
LETTERS AND CONTRIBUTIONS We donate 100% of profits to charity
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‘The Little Shop’ is on the Green in Toddington. We stock a wide range of contemporary & beautiful gifts & cards for adults & children.
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Letters to the Editor are welcomed. However the Editors retains the absolute right to edit, omit as he/she sees fit, without reference to the author. Please email your contributions to: pat@rosettapublishing.com with Mid Beds Bulletin in the subject line. Or Tweet us at: #RosettaCom or Facebook at: RosettaPublishingLtd
TEL: 07724 905406/07894 935952 ADS: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
MID BEDS BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2014 — 13
Toddington Scouts prepare for Christmas!
TODDINGTON Scout Group decided to prepare for Christmas by holding a camp at Milton Bryan in September. With the action including making decorations, having a traditional Christmas dinner and a Christmas tree, 40 Scouts enjoyed a tiring, but enjoyable weekend. They also learnt some circus skills, had a camp fire and made water rockets which resulted in some of them getting rather wet! At the end of the weekend, the Scouts had gained their artist, nights away and outdoor challenge badges. Six months ago, the Group were devastated when their HQ was vandalised which resulted in
it having to be knocked down. However, with help from the local community and several grants and loans, the Group have continued to meet and are becoming stronger than ever. The HQ will now cater for more than 100 boys and girls aged 6 to 18. With 20 adult volunteers, the Group continue to offer fun, adventure and challenging activities for a wide range of young people. In August 24 young people and 12 adult volunteers visited Guernsey where the highlighted activities included coasteering, go-karting, kayaking, high ropes and a day spent with the Civil Protection staff on the island. elle Ritchie, a young leader with the Group said: “Scouting gives you great opportunities to do things that you will not get elsewhere. It’s great to be outdoors doing activities.” Adult volunteer, Ruth Humphries said: “Being involved as a volunteer has given me some going to the nominated charities. Anyone interested in joining us great experiences. I would never for this evening’s entertainment have been on the high ropes or should email northeyuk@aol.com gone camping with my family if it or call 01525 450120. If you prefer had not been for Scouting.” Lead volunteer for the Group you can buy a ticket with cash directly from the Dew Drop Inn or Karen Calder said: “I was in tears
A busy month for Ampthill Rotary Club AMPTHILL & District Rotary Club are running a fund raising evening at The Dew Drop Inn, Ampthill on Wednesday 12 November from 7 pm. Ampthill Rotary charities this year include Sand Dam Projects, Polio eradication, Rotary Foundation, NSPCC, Children in Need and the local community. Sand dams are the most costeffective form of rainwater harvesting and provide communities with a clean, local and reliable source of water – even during periods of drought. Sand dams have virtually zero operation and maintenance costs and last at least 30-50 years. They store water under sand, protecting it from contamination and evaporation. A sand dam is a steel reinforced concrete wall built across a seasonal sandy riverbed. During the rainy season, a seasonal river forms and carried soil downstream. Within one to four rainy seasons the dam completely fills with sand. However, up to 40% of the volume held behind the dam is actually water stored between the sand particles. The highest concentration of sand dams with the strongest track record is found in Kenya although examples are found throughout world’s semi-arid regions from Angola to Zimbabwe. The evening will feature Alan Cardwell on saxophone and Phil Haslam on guitar entertaining us to an evening of smooth jazz. The cost of the evening of dinner and music is £20 with all profits
Fairies n Frogs. People who are interested in local goings-on might also like to know about our evening dinner speaker on Wednesday 19 November. We are pleased to have invited Wayne Matton, General Manager of Center Parcs Woburn Forest for a return visit. Wayne will be bringing us up to speed on the benefits to the local community through job opportunities, engagement with local businesses and the experience of the first summer in business at this new facility. Call 01525 450120 to ask about availability of tickets which will cost £14 a head including dinner at Ampthill Masonic Lodge. And just to make certain that Ampthill Rotarians are kept really busy you will also find us at the Ampthill Christmas lights switchon on Sunday 16 November. We’ll be cooking burgers and sausages to feed you hungry visitors (which we’ll sell at a small profit) and offering you the opportunity to dedicate a light on the Tree of Light. This is a chance to wish someone a Merry Christmas, to remember a loved one, to thank a friend… whatever you wish. Messages will be displayed in Phonus window during the Christmas period.
when I saw the vandalism at the HQ. We were determined to carry on and provide Scouting adventures for the young people of Toddington. The local community have given us some great support over a difficult time. We will continue to offer a variety of activities for boys and girls, young adults and adult volunteers in Toddington.” For further information about Scouting, please visit www.scouts.org.uk or phone 0845 3001818.
KRAV MAGA SELF DEFENCE FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN
CHILDREN’S CLASS: TUESDAYS 5.45-6.45pm
ADULT’S CLASS: TUESDAYS 7-8.00pm
The British Legion, Station Road, Flitwick MK45 1JT Contact: Alex Paris on 07763 812232 www.wkma.uk.com
14 — MID BEDS BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2014
TEL: 07724 905406/07894 935952
Ridgmont Station success in heritage awards
RIDGMONT Station Heritage Centre was runner up in the ‘Most enhanced Station Buildings’ category in the recent National Community Rail Awards. The former station house built in 1846 in a Victorian Gothic Cottage Orné style is one of the oldest railway buildings in the county, but has largely been redundant for over 40 years. It has gradually been refurbished by Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity & Marston Vale Community Rail Partnership over a six-year period. The building now boasts a Tea Room (the original Ladies Waiting Room), Gift Shop, Tourist Information Point, meeting room, three offices & restored Victorian Booking Office. Recent additions include a Community Cabinet which currently houses a 1930’s exhibition. The Tea Room is operated on a commercial basis and the remainder of the Heritage Centre staffed by a team of over 25 volunteers. The Community Rail Awards are arranged by the Association of Community Rail Partnerships (ACoRP) to celebrate outstanding
achievement in Community Rail development across england and Wales. The panel of independent judges from the rail industry were impressed by the way that the project had significantly improved the station building and facilities. The judges commented: “This is a very good project which has taken a lot of commitment over a long time to achieve”. There was further success in the Photo Competition, the ‘essence of Community Rail’ image with a photo of a school visit to the Heritage Centre, taken by elstow School teacher Mrs Liz Maker and submitted by Stephen Sleight, being voted in first place by the 350 guests at the awards dinner. Stephen Sleight, Bedfordshire RCC Transport Team Leader & Marston Vale Community Rail Partnership Officer, said: “I am delighted with our success. This is a fitting reward for all the hard work and dedication put in by our many volunteers. Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre is now a real hub of activity attracting interest from the general public, rail enthusiasts and historians alike.”
EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
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MID BEDS BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2014 — 15
Good neighbours celebrate 20 years! TWeNTy years ago houghton Conquest residents launched their good neighbour group, to be there for fellow residents in need of a bit of extra help. Armed with a £200 local authority grant and support from Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity, houghton Conquest Care became reality on 17 October 1994 and is now the longest running good neighbour group in Bedfordshire. The group is an extra helping hand to local people, enabling them to manage their lives independently by providing light dIy tasks, lifts to and from hospital and other appointments and by helping with shopping. The group is currently preparing for a busy time enabling people to get
Friends of St Johns Hospice
AS THe festive season approaches, I wanted to let you know about our annual Lights of Love service this year which will be held on 7th December 2014 when we celebrate the lives of those near and dear to us that we have lost. This is an opportunity to remember loved ones at either a 4pm or 6.30pm carol service at the hospice. There will be a Christmas remembrance tree with the opportunity to fill out a memory bauble in their name which can be then hung on the tree. Please let the hospice know if you would like to attend by Friday 28th November so that we can cater for you with some light refreshments. Thank you. This is an outside event so wrap up warm and bring your wellies! For more information please contat Fay on Tel: 01767 642424 email: fay.boissieux@sueryder. org
to their flu jabs ready for the winter. Sylvia Sollars, one of the founding members of the group remembers the very first job that came to houghton Conquest Care: “Mrs Partridge had had new double glazing but was still getting draughts through her back door. We insulated the door and made it much cosier.” The group’s caring nature and the range of help remains the same although twenty years ago the group operated with the help of a pager device. This allowed the volunteer on duty for the week to dial in and pick up messages having been alerted to a caller by the bleep from the pager. Things are much easier these days
now that we have mobile phones. Many early group members and ‘clients’ are now firm friends, testament to the fact that taking part is an excellent way to get to know people and form strong links and friendships. New volunteers are very welcome to ensure that the group stays alive and kicking and continues to help houghton Conquest villagers for the next twenty years. Fundraising forms an important aspect of the work – for example, the annual Bring and Buy Sale, and a Quiz Night which everyone is welcome to attend. If you would like to know more about houghton Conquest Care, please contact the volunteers on Tel: 07969 982970.
promising project, the Oxford to Cambridge Rail Line would link up the major towns and cities of Reading, Oxford, Aylesbury, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge. It is currently in its planning stage but is expected to be delivered by March 2019 when trains will begin to use the route. This new rail line is set to bring much growth and expansion in the Borough of Bedford. It would help forge important links across Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire and the rest of the UK. The route is planned to follow the current Marston Vale line as far as Bletchley, where a new railway would be built to carry the line to Claydon
A
GUEST FEATURE WRITER
Joe Mummery
Joe is a 15-year-old student at Biddenham Upper School whose interests are music, kayaking and railways. He plays the trumpet, saxophone and is a member of Bedford Town Band. His ambition is to pursue a career in journalism, radio broadcasting or biochemistry.
East West Junction through the new station being built at Winslow. At Claydon Junction the existing freight only line that runs to Bicester will be updated to accommodate frequent passenger services. From there the route will join the existing line that runs to Oxford and Reading which will give connections to the West of England and South Wales. The funding for the delivery of this project is secured by the government with £500m allocated for it. Bedford Borough Council has stated that: “£2.6 million has been committed as a contribution to the project.” This would mean that local businesses and developers would help contribute to the project. With this new rail line across the country, Bedford is set to benefit
hugely. Potentially the project could create many jobs in the Borough. Furthermore, with the increased connections around the country it is projected that it would attract many more people to the county. With Heathrow, Birmingham and Oxford a little over than an hour away it would draw in much tourism to the area. However, there are fears that Milton Keynes will take the lion’s share of the benefits away from Bedford. Bedford Mayor Dave Hodgson states: “There is no particular reason why Bedford should gain any less from this project than Milton Keynes.” Richard Fuller. MP for Bedford and Kempston, believes that: “Milton Keynes will do everything it can to take as much advantage as it can
rail link but for once Bedford could be getting some of the action, and it will probably do better than it perhaps it has done over the years when competing against Milton Keynes.” With the arrival of the new railway there will need to be a number of infrastructure works carried out in and around Bedford. There could be congestion problems around Bedford with the large number of additional passengers being transported. Another issue is the location of Bedford station. It is proposed that the station would be relocated back to its previous position, 200 yards south of where it is at the moment. This would allow trains to come from the west of England and travel to the both the North and Midlands (once electrification has been
completed), with Bedford becoming a large travel hub. Mayor Hodgson said that: “Network Rail will be working on plans to upgrade Bedford station, and it is my intention that this upgrade will be accompanied by a wider regeneration project to upgrade the area and bring new jobs and improved facilities.” The Bedford to Cambridge extension of the line would require a new track to be built a much of the orginal track bed has been lost to development. In talks with Richard Fuller, he said: “There are three main proposals for this part of the scheme. The first is to take a similar route to that of the Varsity line through the area of Newnham and along by Willington and Blunham. A second option would be to go south and follow the route of the Bedford
bypass and the A421 to Cambridge. The final option would exit Bedford by the north and travel around Bedford to connect to Cambridge. Fuller believes that: “The central route following the former Varsity line would be too expensive to recreate. The Southern route would be more direct and cause less disruption, whereas the Northern route would bring much easier interchange with the lines to the Midlands.” Bedford Borough Council and local constituency MP will be in close contact with Network Rail and the East West Rail consortium to help deliver this project. In the interview with Richard Fuller, he is of the opinion that there is: “Widespread support from all the MPs along the route to make it happen.” Furthermore, he reassured that he is pressuring the Secretary of State for Transport, Patrick McLoughlin, to give the prominence of the extension of the route as far as Felixstowe and Bristol. This infrastructure development promises great positive change for Bedford and the surrounding areas.
The plan of the proposed route: eastwestrail.org.uk
18 — MID BEDS BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2014
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Countryside Champions recognised by CPRE
THe BeDFORDSHIRe branch of Campaign to Protect Rural england (CPRe Bedfordshire) has announced the winners of its sixth Living Countryside Awards. The Awards were presented by HM LordLieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis at the distinctive Moggerhanger Park – a previous CPRe awards winner - on Tuesday 7th October. The Awards presentation showcased the great contributions made by people and projects to improve the county’s countryside and develop urban green spaces - and revealed some exciting new initiatives taking place across Bedfordshire. Bringing to wider recognition the individuals, community groups, businesses and landowners, that make special efforts to enhance Bedfordshire’s rich and diverse landscape. The awards reflect the enjoyment and environmental benefits brought to local communities through these inspiring projects that often go unnoticed. Commenting on the awards, CPRe Bedfordshire Chair, Gerry Sansom, said: “The entries into this year’s Living Countryside Awards demonstrate the number of inspiring projects underway which positively impact the evolving character of Bedfordshire’s countryside and urban areas. This is why we take such pride in running the award ceremony; to recognise and celebrate those who are making a difference today and for future generations”. Awards were given in three categories Building Design & Restoration, Biodiversity & Landscape Improvement and Sustainable enterprise. A full list and description of CPRe Bedfordshire’s Living Countryside Awards Winners 2014 can be viewed on www.cprebeds.org.uk A total of 22 projects were recognised, with the top CPRe Mark awarded to seven projects. Now in its sixth year, this is the highest number of CPRe Marks given in one year to projects by the branch. This is excellent news for Bedfordshire, showing that there is great work being done. The top CPRe Mark winners are: Sustainable enterprise – CPRe Mark to Golden Gardens in Goldington, Bedford - For the creation of two community gardens created
from disused garages owned by Pilgrim’s Housing Association, which have transformed a concrete wasteland into a valued asset for the local community. Volunteers produce flowers and vegetables and a café on site provides a lively social venue for volunteers and local residents. Sustainable enterprise - CPRe Mark to Mrs Middleton Ltd, Lilley - for the development of a new quality food product of cold-pressed rapeseed oil, grown at wildlife-friendly Barton Hills Farm, featuring on each bottle a Made in Bedfordshire label and the field name and grid reference where the rapeseed was grown. Sustainable enterprise – CPRe Mark to Chris Dodson, Master Thatcher for work on properties in north Bedfordshire - This fourth generation thatcher impressed the judges by his dedication to his craft, with a commitment to a high quality thatching service, including the use of authentic and traditional methods of straw harvesting and roof installation. Building Design & Restoration – CPRe Mark to Bassmead Manor Barns, Staploe - for the renovation and construction of farm buildings into a stylish destination wedding venue, including the use of traditional building materials, the construction of a timber framed building - using top quality materials and paying respect to its history and surroundings. Building Design & Restoration – CPRe Mark to St Mary’s Church & Observation Tower, Clophill – for the work done to consolidate and open up the old church above the village to the community, including the installation of a new steel staircase and observation tower, allowing visitors 360-degree views of the landscape. Biodiversity & Landscape Improvement CPRe Mark to John O’Gaunt Golf Club, Sandy - for the clear commitment and success shown by the golf club over a number of years managing out of play areas for wildlife, including implementing the ‘Operation Pollinator’ scheme to improve habitats. Biodiversity & Landscape Improvement CPRe Mark to Jubilee Wood, Biggleswade for the creation of a new 4.5 hectares woodland area for the people of Biggleswade, including
the planting of 8000 trees and an orchard of 100 trees, half of which were planted by local community groups. The full list of winners: SUSTAINABLe eNTeRPRISe CATeGORy CPRe Marks to: Chris Dodson, Master Thatcher Mrs Middleton Ltd, Lilley Golden Gardens, Goldington, Bedford Silver Awards to: Harper’s Food, Pepperstock Woburn Golf Club Commended: New Allotments, Haynes Cornfields Restaurant, Colmworth. BIODIVeRSITy & LANDSCAPe IMPROVeMeNT CATeGORy CPRe Marks to: John O’Gaunt Golf Club, Sandy Jubilee Wood, Biggleswade Silver Awards to: The Foragers’ Way, Linslade New Footpath at Poppy Hills Lake, Henlow Sand Martin Wall, The Forest Centre and Millennium Country Park, Marston Mortaine. Commended: Millennium Garden & SOe Memorial, Tempsford Hedgelaying, Harlington Garden Cemetery Lousy Bush Nature Reserve, Wrestlingworth Building Design & Restoration category CPRe Marks to: Bassmead Manor Barns, Staploe St Mary’s Old Church & Observation Tower, Clophill Silver Awards to: Linden Cottage, Harrold Ridgmont Heritage Centre, Ridgmont Commended: Harper’s Food, Pepperstock Millennium Garden & SOe Memorial, Tempsford The Old Barn, Stagsden War Memorial, Carlton Top Farm House, Colmworth
Big rise in victims of hate crime reporting incidents
A SURGe in the number of hate crime victims who report incidents to the police was welcomed by Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner Olly Martins. Latest figures show a big increase in reports since May when the county-wide Hate Crime Strategy and Awareness campaign was launched. “It’s great news that many more victims are now getting the message and refusing to suffer in silence,” the Commissioner said. “It’s so important that people who find themselves abused in this way report incidents to the police. Nobody should put up with this
odious type of crime, and I am delighted that victims are becoming increasingly confident in reporting it. The police can - and do - prosecute those responsible, but first they need to know what’s happening.” Reporting in the five months ending in September has increased by around a third compared with the same period last year, and is already higher than for the whole year preceding Mr Martins’ election as Commissioner. Speaking during National Hate Crime Awareness Week, he went on: “No-one should think they have to put up with hate crime of any
description. Reporting it is not only about putting a stop to it, it’s about seeking and accepting support so that they can get on with their lives.” Hate crime and hate incidents include physical attacks to someone or their property, threats such as offensive letters or phone calls, verbal abuse such as in offensive posters and gestures, or bullying at school or work. Hate crimes are those motivated by prejudice, bigotry or intolerance on the grounds of disability, gender identity, race and ethnicity, religion or belief and sexual orientation.
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Bedford Ladies & Girls FC RESULTS
Wednesday 15.10.2014 The FA Womens Premier League, Se Division 1 League: LutonTown LFC 2 v Bedford Ladies & Girls FC First Team 1 (Chloe Scott)
Saturday 18.10.2014 The Beds & Herts Womens & Girls Football League, Saturday U13s League: AFC Dunstable Ladies FC U13s 5 v Bedford Ladies & Girls FC U13s 2 (Alicija Olszanskia, ellen Reynolds) Hertfordshire Girls Football Partnership League, Saturday U15s League Cup: Watford Ladies Hornets U15s 10 v Bedford Ladies & Girls FC U15s 1 (Saskia Powell) Cambridgeshire Womens & Girls County Football League, Saturday S-Tech U18s League: Bedford Ladies & Girls FC U18s 7 (Charlie King 4, Chelsea Hunter 2, Cyeanne eaton 1) v Hampton FC U18s 4 Sunday 19.10.2014 The FA Womens Premier League, Reserve Southern Division League: Bedford Ladies & Girls FC Reserves 2 (Tash Fensome, ella Meadowcroft) v West Ham United LFC Reserves 3 Results from Girls (youth League) Fixtures played on 18/10/14: Garston Ladies U16 FC 14 - 0 Toddington Rovers U16 FC Leighton Park Rangers U16 FC 1 - 10 Luton Town U16 FC Woburn Lionesses U16 FC 10 - 2 Langford youth U16 FC Crawley Green U14 0 - 4 Mid Beds Tigers U14 FC eB Lions U14 FC 12 - 1 Wootton Rangers youth U14 FC Flitwick eagles U14 1 - 2 AFC Dunstable Ladies U14 FC AFC Dunstable Ladies U13 FC 5 - 2 Bedford Ladies & Girls U13 FC Langford youth U13 FC 0 - 0 Crawley Green U13 FC Woburn Lionesses (Claret) U13 FC 1 - 4 AFC Kempston Girls & Ladies U13 FC Biggleswade United U12 FC 0 - 6 Tattenhoe youth U12 FC eB Lions U12 FC 4 - 2 Flitwick eagles (White) U12 FC Water eaton youth U12 AFC 2 - 10 Chesham United Ladies U12 FC Results from Women’s (Adult) Fixtures played on 19/10/14: Houghton Athletic FC 4 - 1 AFC Dunstable Ladies Blues FC (Bedfordshire FA County Cup) Woburn Lionesses Ladies FC 6 - 1 Crawley Green Ladies FC (Bedfordshire FA County Cup)
MID BEDS BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2014 — 19
FOOTBALL
Home sweet home
FLITWICK Town Football Club moved to their new home at the Flitwick Football Centre in October. The first game at the new centre saw the first team take on Wootton Blue Cross in the Beds FA Senior Trophy, when they won 6-1. Since then the Reserves and first team have had less successful results at the new Centre but it is good to have somewhere to call home. In other news the first team played Wootton again in the League the week after the cup match. However the match was abandoned after 18 minutes due to a horrific injury to a town player. Paramedics attended and Kevin Rimmer was transported to Bedford Hospital where he underwent surgery to repair the damage to his fibula and ankle. Looking ahead to November
the following home games for Flitwick Town are planned. All take place at the Flitwick Football Centre, Ampthill Road, Flitwick. Where refreshments are available during the matches. All matches 2pm kick off: 01/11/14 1st Team v eastcotts AFC
08/11/14 Reserves v Moggerhanger United Reserves
22/11/14 1st Team v AFC Oakley M&dh The first team play Renhold away in the next round of the Beds FA Senior Trophy on Saturday 8th November. For more details on Flitwick Town Football Club, look up their website, like them on Facebook or follow them on twitter.
New police recruits inducted
LAST month 34 new recruits joined Bedfordshire Police, adding to the 73 who joined the Force earlier in the year. eight of this number are experienced transferees from other constabularies and several have waited through the period of the four year recruitment freeze to be able to join Bedfordshire Police. The new recruits competed against nearly 1500 other applicants for the opportunity to join the Force as police officers. Commenting, Police and Crime Commissioner Olly Martins said: “The recruitment of 107 police officers reflects the Chief Constable’s and my determination to protect visible frontline policing in the county.”
NHS Ambulance Service first aid courses
THe eAST of england Commercial Services Team has been running first aid training courses for over 13 years initially working from within Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire. The training now operates throughout the six counties (Bedfordshire, Hertford shire, Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, essex and Norfolk). This commercial work has supported the funding of front-line ambulances by giving valuable training to the wider public who can help in an emergency before the arrival of the NHS Ambulance personnel. Our profits are reinvested into frontline services. Our clients come from a broad
background including business personnel (shop keepers, administrators, health and safety officers etc.) university students and staff, school teachers and school students, fire fighters, police firearms staff, zoo keepers, research staff, electrical component manufacturers, prison staff, physiotherapists and other health care staff including Dentists, GPs and nursing staff. We have taught 3,000 children in 25 schools during this past year. These students have learnt valuable life-savings skills. each student has also been provided with our support materials. Some of our commercial profit is used to fund school work.
Initiatives in the education of basic life-saving skills demonstrate the absolute value to the community created by work in the school student setting. Analysis of data gained through similar projects in europe and America send a clear message: the necessity to equip youngsters with the skills and knowledge in basic life- saving skills raises out of hospital survival chances.
Public Access Defibrillators PADs
We work in collaboration with our Community Partnership Team, AeD manufacturers, the national charity
SADs UK, and other interested parties. We are passionate about the provision of Public Access Defibrillators in schools, other areas of high footfall, and rural locations etc. Work in this field includes the training to those who may need to use the machines. We have worked closely with Bedford Rotary Groups who have shown a keen interest in the need for AeDs and they have funded local AeD initiatives. Be trained by the professionals. Contact us to discuss your training requirements. 08456 02058 (24 hours) e: commercial.training@ eastamb.nhs.uk
20 — MID BEDS BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2014
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EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
Women’s business success Shuttleworth Veteran Aeroplane
THe prestigious Bedfordshire BusinessWomen Awards were held at The Swan Hotel in Bedford on 16 October 2014, with an impressive line-up of female entrepreneurs from across the county. This annual BBW event, which recognises the achievements of businesswomen living and working in Bedfordshire, brought together an eclectic mix of both business men and women at a sumptuous threecourse meal hosted by the iconic Swan Hotel in the centre of Bedford town. The ceremony was presented by local Heart FM disk jockey, Matt Jarvis, who began the celebrations by thanking the generous event sponsors: Charles Wells, BromleyRahlke Financial, Basepoint Luton, Bedford i-Kan and Harpur Trust, with Heart FM themselves sponsoring the appropriately named Silver Heart Award. From the many entries received
this year, six winners were announced, as follows: Hannah Catmur, Pocket explorers (Start-Up Award), Rebecca eastwick, Keech Hospice Care (Fundraiser of the year), Georgia O’Keefe, Look C (young Achiever), Laura Parra, La Parra Jewels (Self employed BusinessWoman of the year), Caroline Clark, Happiness Matters (Silver Heart Award) and lastly crowned Bedfordshire Business Woman of the year 2014 was Teresa Brooks of Community Life Magazine. The atmosphere at the event was one of pride, excitement and jubilation, proving for yet another year that Bedfordshire is home to many successful and innovative companies, run by ambitious and entrepreneurial women. For more information on this networking group, which has been running for over 25 years, visit www.beds-business women.org.
I want your news, stories, reports and photographs call me on 07724 905406
Garden notes
IF yOU have not yet got round to doing it, this month is almost the perfect time to sow your winter onions, peas, garlic and broad beans. Shallots too if you have them. One proviso though, some varieties are recommended to be better set after Christmas than before. In a mild winter like last winter, it probably wouldn’t matter too much, but after the weather has turned nasty it is too late to change your mind. By now, most of us will have leaves to clear up even if we don’t have trees. It is a bit of a chore but if you have somewhere to store them in plastic bags they will make a useful mulch for the garden in a years time. The grass should not need cutting much more until spring, but will benefit from aerating with a fork stuck well in and wriggled about. If it is dry enough, give it a dressing of half and half sharp sand and old compost (or new if you are that keen), brushed in with a stiff broom. Add some autumn and winter feed to promote root growth and by next year you should have a healthy lawn to cut. It is a good time now to tidy up shrubs and herbaceous plants, thinning where needed and dividing or moving while the ground is still
Society receives Queen’s Award
THe prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2014 was presented by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis to the Working Volunteer members of the Shuttleworth Veteran Aeroplane Society (SVAS the friends of the Collection) at the Old Warden aerodrome on Thursday 25 September.
The Shuttleworth Veteran Aeroplane Society were among five groups selected for the award from over 300 nominated by members of the public. The award is given to those who made a difference to the lives of others, or whose work has benefited their community. The SVAS’ objectives are to educate the public in the science, practice and history of aviation and motoring by supporting the charitable work of the Shuttleworth Collection at Old Warden. Collection Trust Chairman edmund Wood said: “The Collection is an independent unsubsidised trust and operates a world leading collection of vintage and veteran aeroplanes, auto-
mobiles motorcycles and bicycles which are maintained in working condition and regularly displayed to the public. Without the support of the working volunteers, who contribute in excess of 25000 hours a year, it would probably be impossible to maintain our status as a living working collection and community educational establishment.” This unique UK national honour, the highest for groups of volunteers, was created over a decade ago by Her Majesty The Queen to recognise the outstanding contributions that volunteers make to their local communities. It has an equivalent status for voluntary groups as the MBe has for individuals.
warm. Botanically speaking. Roses and other woody shrubs can be pruned now. Once you have weeded, if you have got a supply of well rotted compost, a mulch of it on beds or dug ground will help to suppress germinating weeds, and with the help of the worms, feed your soil. Having just come back from warm and floriferous Madeira, I visited a cold and decidedly damp allotment to discover what was happening there. The runner beans had come to an end as had the courgettes. The raspberries and blackberries had also stopped fruiting so head of catering can at last put away the maslin pan and wooden spoons for another season. The freezer is well stocked with crumbles and fruit pies so Sunday lunches will be complete for the next few months. At the ripe old age of quite a bit, I have to admit to having become a bit of a fair weather gardener, so over the next few weeks I anticipate having plenty of time to peruse the catalogues and magazines to decide what I am going to try to grow next year. Other than older that is. HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis presenting the award to Richard Callaghan SVAS members Ken Hyde and Alan Reed.
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MID BEDS BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2014 — 21
Banish those winter blues – laugh! THE CLOCKS have gone back , the nights are drawing in and the temperature will be distinctly chilly. Fear not, Castle Comedy is ready to banish the winter blues and warm you up with a night of feel good comedy! The date for your diary is Thursday the 13th November; the venue is as always the Gordon Arms Ent Shed! Headlining the show is comedy veteran, Silky. Liverpudlian-in-exile Silky has been a full time comedian for half his life. In that time he has performed all over the world; appeared on numerous TV shows including Paramount’s ‘The World Stands Up’ and has his own successful comedy club chain. Another claim to fame is that he has been the warm up man for BBC1’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’… that’s ‘Brucie’ bonus if ever there was! In his own words he does ‘Jokes and Songs’… what everyone one else says is he is just about the best in the business! Below is just some of the long list of praise he has “One of the best Set Lists I saw the whole of last year. Absolutely brilliant. Great improviser, wonderful stand-up, beautiful singer” Fred MacAulay, BBC Radio Scotland “far better guitar playing than is required for a comedy show” – Stewart Lee “Skilful and entertaining … Silky’s audience banter is sans pareil” - Time Out “a very, very funny fella … just brilliant” – John Bishop Also on the bill are Simon Fielder (below)
and Sy Thomas who are the stars of the cult internet show ‘Life of Si’. They are performing individually this show as they are both hugely talented stand ups. Simon is a former weather presenter for the Big Breakfast who has reached the final of numerous comedy competitions, in his own words “always the bridesmaid”. He is charm personified and an incredibly likeable comic. “Compelling to watch... Unashamedly feelgood.” – Chortle Sy Thomas started off as a children’s television presenter for Nickelodeon before presenting two series of CITV’s much loved gadgets and games show ‘The Cool Stuff Collective’. As a comic he has supported the majestic Marcel Lucont on his UK tour as well as taking his own show to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this year, where he gained a five star review from Three Weeks. Your Mc for the evening is Castle Comedy regular and the Bath Comedy Festival New Act of the Year, Paul Revill. The shows sell out quickly so be sure to book early to avoid disappointment! Doors open 7.30pm, Show starts at 8.15pm and tickets are £8 (£5 NUS) or £15 which includes a pre show meal and glass of wine at the Gordon Arms. To book call 07736 060541, Email castlecomedy@ hotmail.co.uk or online at www.castlecomedy.co.uk Castle Comedy – Bringing Comedy Royalty to Bedford.
22 — MID BEDS BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2014
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GROVE THEATRE DUNSTABLE more. Performed by an almighty cast with a forked tongue firmly in each cheek and the devil driven rock n’ roll of Dr Haze and The Interceptors from Hell.
Jim Davidson: No Further Action Thursday 6 November 7.30pm
AFTER a twenty-four day run at the coveted Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Jim Davidson is back and he’s storming the stage at the Grove Theatre on Thursday 6 November at 7.30pm packed with jokes! Firmly established as one of Britain’s top stand-up comedians, Jim Davidson is now a household
name across the United Kingdom. Jim had his first taste of entertaining at the age of twelve when he was chosen to appear in Ralph Reader’s Gang Show at the Golders Green Hippodrome. A few years later, he found his way back into show business when he went along to a pub in Woolwich where the regular stand up comedian hadn’t turned up. Pushed into it by his friends, he ended up on stage telling gags... and the audience roared with laughter! Soon after, Jim was in popular demand scoring gig after gig and numerous television appearances. After being acquitted from recent allegations, Jim is no stranger to controversy. Few comedians could turn the worst year of their life into a resounding success. Fresh from winning the most successful series of Big Brother by a landslide, comedy king, Jim Davidson has done exactly that. No Further Action will see Jim tell the story of his arrest and the nightmare 12 months that followed; the clearing of his name and winning the heart of the nation all over again. It promises to be the most outrageous, hilarious and insightful show Jim has ever performed, but most of all, it will be the truth.
The Circus of Horrors: The Night of the Zombie Saturday 8 November 7.30pm
TRICK or treat? This time it’s definitely a treat as The Circus of Horrors: The Night of the Zombie comes to the Grove Theatre on Saturday 8 November at 7.30pm! Following its appearance on
Ultimate Elton and the Rocket Band Sunday 9 November 7.30pm
GET ready for the feel good factor as Ultimate Elton and the Rocket Band hits the stage at the Grove Theatre on Sunday 9 November at 7.30pm! Some tribute artists look like their idol, some sound like their idol. Paul Bacon as Elton John does both! Close your eyes and you won’t believe your ears, open your eyes and you won’t believe them either! You simply won’t find a closer tribute to Sir Elton John. A lifelong Elton John fan, Paul
various subsequent TV shows, The Circus of Horrors has become a cult classic! The spook-tacular show found fame when it stormed into the finals of Britain’s Got Talent and since then, has become a West End smash hit – the first circus to appear in the West End for 100 years. The show starts its gruesome beginnings at the Glastonbury Festival in 1995 and became an instant hit, touring all over the world from Chile to Chatham, Argentina to Aberdeen and Japan to Jersey! They’ve shared a stage with some of the biggest names around such as Alice Cooper, Eminem, Motley Crue, Oasis, Iron Maiden, The Manic St Preachers, Marilyn Manson and many more. Now, The Circus of Horrors is marking its 20th anniversary in style with another spine-chilling production! Their latest terrifyingly brilliant incarnation is set in 2020 in a decrepit corpse ridden London. This once popular city is now plagued by zombies: a metropolis ruled by the undead that climaxes in an awesome flaming apocalypse. The story twists and turns with grisly murders and sensational shocks – all interwoven with some of the greatest and most bizarre circus acts on earth, sword swallowers, knife throwers, daredevil balancing acts, astounding aerialists, a demon dwarf, a Guinness World Record holding ‘hairculian’ hair hanging beauty, Sinister Sisters, fire limboing acrobats and much
first started singing and performing Elton’s songs whilst studying Performing Arts at University in the early 1980’s. With an extraordinarily similar singing voice to Sir Elton’s, Paul is able to draw on an amazing back catalogue of hits to produce a truly wonderful celebration of Elton’s music. In fact, Paul’s performances often feature some of Elton’s actual clothes, bought from his ‘Out the Closet’ sales! Hailed as the Official UK No. 1 Elton John Tribute Act, Paul Bacon is sure to have you singing along to some of this pop icon’s greatest hits. From the classic Your Song, Candle in the Wind, Sorry Seems To Be the Hardest Word to dance floor hits like Crocodile Rock, I’m Still Standing, this is a night of sensational music that you won’t want to miss!
Meet Toto! ON Saturday 4th October, dogs from all over Bedfordshire came to try their paw at winning the part of Toto for BATS’ Wizard of Oz musical. There was a great turn out for the doggy auditions and fun categories and much fun was had by all. After demonstrating some fantastic skills of obedience and tricks amongst stiff competition, the part of Toto was awarded to the wonderful Robbie, seen here with Hattie Farnsworth who will be playing Dorothy in the show. Robbie’s owner, Megan Molloy of Flitwick, Beds said: “I am over the moon for Robbie to have won the part of Toto. He is such a loving dog and when we rescued him 20 months ago I never imagined how amazing he was going to be.” Co-directors Adela Kerr and Katy Gardiner commented: “Robbie will be a fantastic addition to the show, the audiences will adore him.”
Judge and local canine behaviourist Malcolm Johnson was impressed with the high standard of the entries and has offered to continue his support for the show by training Robbie for specific acting requirements. Congratulations must go to the other finalists who all performed beautifully: in second place Sky (owner Sophie Arter of Clophill), third Biddy (owner Jane Porter of Pertenhall, North Beds) and fourth Chase (owner Vanessa Taylor of Letchworth).
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MID BEDS BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2014 — 23
FUNd RAISING TeA dANCe
24 — MID BEDS BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2014
TEL: 07724 905406/07894 935952
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–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BeDFORD FOLK DANCe CLUB
ADDISON CeNTRe KeMPSTON MONDAy 17th NOV 2014 2.00 - 4.30pm £2.50 incl refreshments –––––––
7 – 10:30 £8 Putnoe Heights Church Bedford MK41 8eB THe IVeL VALLey BAND + JOHN MeeCHAN Bring a plate of food to share and own drinks Ron Law 01234 825574 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– elisabeth Curtis Centre, Riding for the Disabled
SOCIAL AFTeRNOON
WITH BILLy KeyeS on keyboard and afternoon tea WeD 3RD DeC 2014 2.00 - 4.30pm Tickets £6.00 Tel: 01234 340997 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
ChRISTMAS FAIR British Red Cross Bedfordshire
Saturday 22nd November 2014, 10am – 4.30pm, entry Fee £3.50 erskine May Hall, Bedford Boys Preparatory School, De Parys Ave., Bedford, MK40 2TU. Parking/disabled parking, Teas, cakes, choirs, raffle, art competition, tombola, secret bid for a holiday in Turkey ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
ChARITy CONCeRT
Ampthill Singers Charity Concert this year is
‘Lets go to The Movies’
On Friday November 14th or Saturday 15th at 7.30. Charities being supported this year are Parkinson’s and Chums. Fun for all the family what ever age. Tickets can be bought at the door on the night or to avoid disappointment phone 07506 198682.
ChRISTMAS FAyRe
Autumn dance
Saturday 22 November
QUIz NIGhT
Church Hall, Church end, Kempston Rural
Saturday 22nd November, 7.30 for 8.00
£7.50 per head, includes two course supper. Teams of up to 8. Raffle. Call 01234 852391 to order supper/book a table. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
BeDFORD LOCAL GROUP OF THe WILDLIFe TRUST
Dragonflies
an illustrated talk by Henry Stanier 7.30pm 12th November Priory Park Visitor Centre, Barkers Lane Bedford MK41 9dJ. All welcome. No charge but voluntary contributions are appreciated. Further details under ‘events’ on www.wildlifebcn.orgk –––––––––––––––––––––––––– BeDFORD NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION 23.0pm Tuesday, November 18th
Talk “The Archaeology of Gardens” by Sue Oosthuizen
Tuesday January 20th
Talk “101 Things you never knew about Garden Birds”
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by Chris Ward 2.30 at Addison Centre, Kempston, everyone welcome. Contact for further details 01480 860 439 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BeDFORD ART SOCIeTy MeeTING Friday 7th November 7.15 for 7.30 start Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford, MK418eB
SUNDAy 23rd NOVeMBeR 2014 10 am to 4 pm WOOTTON VILLAGe HALL, CHURCH ROAD, WOOTTON. Refreshments and light lunches served. Raising money for MAGPAS Air Ambulance and W.I. Funds. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
entry is free for members and £5 for visitors. For information contact Jean Paterson tel 307210 or www.bedsartsociety.co.uk ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
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TeMPLeFIeLD LOWeR SCHOOL
Saturday 6th december 2-4pm Templefield School Malham Close, Flitwick MK45 1AJ
WOOTTON W.I. CRAFT FAIR
John Somerscales has had a career in design for education and nowadays concentrates on painting beautiful watercolours. He will discuss composition and demonstrate watercolour landscape painting.
NeARLy NeW SALe
Including jumble and bric-a-brac and books SATURdAy 8th NOVeMBeR GReAT BARFORd VILLAGe hALL 12NOON TO 3PM RAFFLe TO Be HeLD eNTRANCe 50p ReFRFeSHMeNTS AVAILABLe Items donated for this sale, please contact Anne on 01234 870395 and she will arrange collection’ Proceeds of sale to Village Hall and Partnership funds ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
KeMPSTON CONCeRT BANd RAISING FUNdS FOR MOTOR NeURONe dISeASe
KeMPSTON eAST MeTHODIST CHURCH Monday 15th december 7.30pm Refreshments and Raffle Featuring Hand Bell Ringers from Biddenham –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BeDFORDSHIRe FAMILy HISTORy SOCIeTy welcomes you to its talks. Library and bookstall are available at meetings. Members free and visitors £2. Doors open at 19.15 Friday 7 November 2014 Illustrated talk
BURIAL CUSTOMS AND THEIR HISTORY
By CANON DeNIS MCSWINey Friday 5 december 2014 Illustrated talk
BEHIND THE SCENES OF ‘WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE’ TV PROGRAMME
By DR.NICK BARRATT at Mark Rutherford School Drama Hall Wentworth Drive Bedford MK42 9RX www.bfhs.org.uk Next meeting will be Friday 9 January 2015 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
BeDFORD, BIGGLeSWADe CATS PROTeCTION
ChRISTMAS BAzAAR
BRING ANd BUy
EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– GReAT BARFORD VILLAGe HALL (registered Charity No 300035) GReAT BARFORD – WOLLSTeIN PARTNeRSHIP
Sunday 23 November Great Barford Village hall, Fishers Close, Green end Road. Great Barford. Many Stalls, Childrens Games, Grand Raffle, Lucky Dip, Tombola, Refreshments. Doors Open 2.30pm. Admission Adults 50p, Children under 14 free. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
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Thursday 13th November 6:30pm – 8:30pm in aid of The Prebend Day centre
Centenary hall, Bedford Road Kempston, MK42 8BG 50p entrance for adults. free entry for children. For more details contact: laura.charnock@ntlworld.com Book a stall for £10! Please donate items for the centre – such as tins of soup, toiletries, clothing and blankets. Top quality items for sale at bargain prices! There will be drinks and refreshments for sale to keep you hydrated while you shop! So bring your old stuff and leave with new goodies and the knowledge that you’re helping a great cause! See you there... –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ST ANDReW’S CHURCH Kimbolton Road, Bedford MK40 2PF Saturday 22 November at 7.30pm Roderick Williams – Baritone Joseph Middleton – Piano Concert tickets £8, £7 concessions £4 students 16 - 21 Children free accompanied by an adult
Tickets at the door are £9/£8 conc. Tickets from: St Andrew’s Church Centre Office, tel 01234 216881 or Bedford Central Box Office tel 01234 718112 www.standrewsbedford.org ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
WORLd ShIP SOCIeTy
Meetings held at Kempston Constitution Club, 196A Bedford Road. Branch Secretary Dave Menzies, Tel: 01234 352014
19 November Branch social evening at the King William PH 17 december Alan Pepper giving a presentation –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– STAGSDeN VILLAGe HALL presents
WIddeRShINS PUPPeT TheATRe
‘The Magic Porridge Pot’
Friday 5th December at 6pm
A trio of traditional tales with Widdershins’ trademark ingredients of Puppets, Pop-up Sets and Original Music A prelude to Christmas for all the family. Tickets: Adult £8, Child (under 16) and concessions £6, Family (2 adults 2 children) £24 Contact: Sheila Thompson 01234 824477 or 40 Bedford Road Stagsden ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
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MID BEDS BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2014 — 25
W E S T O N I N G P L A Y E R S present
Breezeblock Park A DRAMATIC COMEDY BY WILLY RUSSELL Ampthill Rugby
LADIES’ LUNCH
A dramatic comedy about the ups and downs of 1970s family life on a Lancashire housing estate at Christmas
On the 8th of November
WESTONING VILLAGE HALL
we have a Ladies Lunch £15 per head includes a glass of wine
7.30pm Thursday 27th, Friday 28th, Saturday 29th November 2014
Starts 12.30 Prior to 1st XV match v Stourbridge Contact Suzanne Burke 07866 776979 | 01525 876691 Suzie.burke60@btinternet.com
Contains adult material - not suitable for children under 14
TICKETS £8 from 01525-753776 or 07563 730841 jan.crofts1@ntlworld.com Raising money for www.helpforheroes.org.uk
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TEL: 07724 905406/07894 935952
Gif t A Song
Caritas Harmony Are Joined By Ladies from Herts, Beds & Bucks To Gif t A Song For Macmillan At Christmas !
! ! !
Christmas Spectacular 6.30pm Sat 13 December 2014 Methodist Church, The Square, Dunstable LU5 4NA Tickets £5 from Brenda on 01582 873656 Children 12 and under free
email - info@caritasharmony.co.uk
www.caritasharmony.co.uk
Service of Remembrance St Paul’s Church, Bedford 3pm, Sunday 16th November 2014 Join the Road Victims Trust for a service being held as part of the World Day of Remembrance for road traffic victims. The service will be complemented by music from The Bedfordshire Police Choir. This day has been dedicated to road traffic victims across the world and as part of the day of our service is a chance to remember and celebrate the lives of local victims and also recognise the efforts of those who have provided support to the families, friends and witnesses in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire. If you would like to make a donation to Road Victims Trust visit our website at www.rvtrust.org.uk Thank you for your support Charity No: 1142336
EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
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MID BEDS BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2014 — 27
The joy of Christmas
CHRISTMAS
BUNYAN MEETING MILL STREET, BEDFORD
Sunday 7th December 2014 - 5pm Bedford Salvation Army’s annual charity Christmas concert at the Corn Exchange, this year in aid of the Community Resettlement Support Project Featuring musicians from Bedford Salvation Army and special guests The Daubeney Academy Singers Adults £6. Children under 16 £2. Tickets available from Bedford Salvation Army, Commercial Road, Bedford & The Corn Exchange Central Box Office 01234 269 519 www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk
Sunday 7th December 5.00pm: Sunday 14th December 11.00am: 6.30pm: Sunday 21st December 11.00am: 6.30pm: CHRISTMAS DAY 10.00am:
Christingle Service Family Nativity Service Communion for Advent Morning Worship Service of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight FAMILY SERVICE
Do come and join us for all or any of these occasions. A warm welcome awaits you this Christmas and always. Regular Sunday Worship 11.00am and 6.30pm throughout the year. www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk
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TEL: 07724 905406/07894 935952
ChRISTMAS TRee FeSTIVAL
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BeDFORD MUSIC CLUB Music on Thursdays
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18th century French music for violin, viol da gamba, harpsichord Thursday 13 November 2014, 1945 Bunyan Meeting, Mill Street, Bedford Tickets on the door or from 01234 261811 £18, Conc £16, Students (18-25) £5, Under 18 £2 www.bedfordmusicclub.co.uk –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– KeMPSTON LOCAL HISTORy SOCIeTy Present
St Paul’s church, Bedford. In this splendid setting over 60 trees will be decorated to the theme ‘Friendship thru Sport’. Includes 2 Trees of Remembrance. Proceeds shared between St Paul’s and the Bedford Hospitals Charity. This must see annual festival has raised over £100,000 since 2001. Open Wed 3rd Dec -Sunday 7 Dec 10-5 (Sunday 2-5). Admission £2.50, children free. Refreshments served. Further details 01234 340163. As part of the Christmas Tree Festival, once again The ensemble of London will be presenting a ‘Classics at Christmas’ concert at St Paul’s Church, on Friday 5 december, 2014, at 7.30 pm. Tickets are available on line at www.bedfordhospitalcharity.org.uk, or telephone 01234 783181, or St. Paul’s Church 01234 340163. Cost £15 to include glass of wine. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Fantasticus (baroque ensemble)
dOWN MeMORy LANe
Come and share your old photos and memories of Kempston Drop in anytime 2.00-4.00pm Tuesday 2nd december Project 229 Bedford Road, Kempston All welcome. Car lifts can be arranged. Free refreshments For further details or car lift call 01234 852943 www.kempstonlocalhistorysociety.org.uk
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Wed 3rd – Sunday 7 dec
The copy deadline is the 18th of the month preceeding publication send copy to: pat@rosettapublishing.com or call 07724 905406
EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
TEL: 07724 905406/07894 935952 ADS: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
MID BEDS BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2014 — 29
In conjunction with Sharnbrook Mill Theatre you are invited to join us for the
CHARITY EVENING PERFORMANCE of
BEDFORD ORGAN AND KEYBOARD CLUB Forthcoming Concerts at THE ADDISON CENTRE, KEMPSTON CONCERT by very Popular Organist
CHRISTMAS DANCE CHRIS POWELL DINNER/ With DAVID THOMAS WEDS 26 NOV 2014 8.00 – 10.30pm Members £4.00 Non-Members £5.00
WEDS 10 DEC 2014 7.30– 11.30pm Members Guests
£21.00 £23.00
For more information contact: 01234 344423
Presents MISS SAIGON SCHOOL EDITION Performed entirely by students Music by CLAUDE-MICHEL SCHONBERG Lyrics by RICHARD MALTBY JR and ALAIN BOUBLIL Original Stage Production by CAMERON MACKINTOSH School Edition specially adapted and licensed by JOSEF WEINBERGER LTD on behalf of MUSIC THEATRE IN’IERNATIONAL and CAMERON MACKINTOSH
7.30pm Friday 14th November 2014 TICKETS £15 (include a complimentary drink on arrival) Available from: Sharnbrook Post Office, the Tourist Information Office, and Road Victims Trust. BOOK EARLY SO AS TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT! Please contact Alison Panton, the Trust Administrator on 01234 843345 or by email on enguiries@rvtrust.co.uk Evening contact 01462 811642
30 — MID BEDS BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2014
What’s
TEL: 07724 905406/07894 935952
HOT
BRINGING YOU THE LATEST REVIEWS Diesel), the film’s mix of sci-fi, comedy and action elements works a treat. The rag-tag team is thrown together when Quill steals a mysterious orb coveted by Ronan The Accuser (Lee Pace), who wants to
FILMS
The Imitation Game Benedict Cumberbatch • Keira Knightley • Matthew Goode IN CINEMAS: 14 November Benedict Cumberbatch portrays Alan Turing in this bittersweet World War II code breaking drama. The historical biopic follows Turing’s efforts – as leader of a group of young mathematicians – to crack the Enigma code, used by the German war machine to issue orders to its forces, but it’s the heart-breaking personal cost endured by the troubled mathematical genius that forms an unpleasant subtext. Despite his work at Bletchley Park having been credited with shortening the war by at least a couple of years, Turing was later sentenced to chemical castration for engaging in a homosexual relationship, leading to his eventual suicide in 1954. So while it’s great that the film celebrates Turing’s invaluable work during WWII, it’s also shocking that anyone – not least a war hero – could be subjected to such bigotry in the post-war years. Sadly, Turing could never talk about his work at Bletchley, as it was subject to the Official Secrets Act, and his codebreaking efforts only came to light many years after his death. Cumberbatch is already being tipped for an Oscar for his performance as the code-breaking genius, while he’s ably supported by an ensemble cast that includes Mark Strong, Keira Knightley and Matthew Goode. ★★★★★
painter of light’, it’s also more than fitting that cinematographer Dick Pope works hard to create scenes that reflect the spirit of Turner’s landscape paintings, whether on land or at sea. ★★★★✩
What We Do In The Shadows Jemaine Clement • Taika Waititi • Jonathan Brugh IN CINEMAS: 21 November This hilarious mockumentary follows the adventures of a group of idiotic vampires who live in a suburban flatshare, and bicker among themselves about whose turn it is to do the dishes. The reality TV-style format invites us into their home to witness their pathetically mundane lives, as they get ready for a night out, but can’t check out how they look in the mirror as they lack a reflection. Co-starring Jemaine Clement of Flight Of The Conchords fame, it would have been easy for the film to fall into a cheesy Addams Familystyle tribute, but that’s carefully avoided here, and there are plenty of laughs to be had from the cultural differences between the amiable bloodsuckers and the outside world. ★★★★✩
DVDS
Mr. Turner
Guardians Of The Galaxy
Timothy Spall • Paul Jesson • Dorothy Atkinson IN CINEMAS: Now
Chris Pratt • Zoe Saldana • Dave Bautista ON SALE: 24 November
Timothy Spall is on top form as eccentric British painter J. M. W. Turner (1775-1851) in Mike Leigh’s film about the inspirational artist. Picking up the award for Best Actor at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, Spall portrays Turner as an inarticulate and bumbling figure with an appalling lack of social graces, but also someone who went to great lengths for his art – even going so far as strapping himself to the mast of a ship to experience a storm at sea. For an artist commonly known as ‘the
EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
One of Marvel Comics’ best kept secrets, the Guardians Of The Galaxy might not have the immediate cinematic appeal of Spider-Man or Iron Man, but thanks to some savvy marketing, a cracking script and a brilliant ensemble cast, the movie turned out to be the surprise hit of the summer. Following the adventures of a bunch of galactic misfits, including their wise-cracking leader Peter Quill aka Star-Lord (played by Chris Pratt), plus a gun-toting raccoon (voiced by Bradley Cooper) and a talking tree (mumbled by Vin
use the device for his own dastardly scheme. It’s about as slender a plot device as you’d find in a comic book – which we guess is the point – and it’s all just an excuse for our gang of thieving ne’er-do-wells to go on a series of wild adventures. Some of the overly ambitious action sequences do fall a little flat, though, but such missteps are rare in a film that plays out like a drunken Saturday morning cartoon show from the 1980s.★★★★✩
Dawn Of Planet Of The Apes Andy Serkis • Gary Oldman • Keri Russell ON SALE: 24 November Set more than a decade after the events of the last film, Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes sees Andy Serkis reprise his role as genetically-altered super chimp, Caesar, as war erupts between humans and apes. A viral apocalypse has killed off most of the human race, with survivors banding together in destroyed cities, while a growing ape community goes from strength to strength. The spark for conflict is provided by none other than Gary Oldman, taking on the role of Drefus, a human leader who blames the apes for the death of his family. New director Matt Reeves certainly delivers an action-packed sequel to the 2011 reboot, but it’s difficult to tell which side you’ll be cheering for by the end of the film. ★★★★✩
The Inbetweeners 2 Simon Bird • James Buckley • Blake Harrison • Joe Thomas ON SALE: 1 December If you’re a fan of The Inbetweeners TV series or the previous film – which proved to be a surprise box office smash on its release in 2011 – you should have a pretty good idea what to expect here. Based on the hugely popular Channel 4 sitcom, the new movie sees the four hapless school friends meet up in Australia for a lads’ holiday, with obvious comic (and cringe-worthy) results. The comedy sequel has been written and directed by original creators Damon Beesley and Iain
TEL: 07724 905406/07894 935952 ADS: advertising@rosettapublishing.com Morris, while cast members Simon Bird, James Buckley, Blake Harrison and Joe Thomas reprise their roles as Jay, Simon, Will and Neil. ★★★★✩
ALBUMS
MID BEDS BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2014 — 31
tunes that effortlessly recaptures their glory days of organ-driven, 60-style pop music, with original singer, Stephen Holt, replacing Tom Hingley as the band’s frontman. It’s all reassuringly familiar, although penultimate song ‘Let You Down’ does make an effort to mix things up a bit, with guest punk-poet John Cooper Clarke doing what he does best. ★★★★✩
GAMES
has pulled no punches with his latest game, as players take control of a detective investigating multiple homicides at a mental hospital just as the world goes to hell. Your unfit copper – who can’t run very far without gasping for breath – confronts all sorts of genre staples, including a chainsaw wielding madman, demonic dogs and a chap with a safe for a head, who we can only assume is a doff of a hat to Pyramid Head from the Silent Hill series. The mix of third-person gunplay and stealth mechanics is well done, although the game relies a bit too heavily on well-worn horror tropes for its scares. ★★★✩✩
BOOKS The Churchill Factor: How One Man Made History Bayonetta 2 No One Is Lost by Stars ON SALE: Now Canadian indie pop stalwarts Stars are back with their seventh studio album, combining a more dance-oriented sound with lyrics that dwell on the harsher realities of life. It might be the end of the world as we know it, but the five-piece band from Montreal won’t go down without a fight, or a smile on their faces, while the see-saw vocals of Torquil Campbell and Amy Millan are as lush, crisp and ethereal as they’ve ever been. Standouts include the choral melody that weaves its way through ‘Trap Door’, while disco-tinged opener ‘From The Night’ and the anthemic title track will have you on your feet and heading for the dance floor. ★★★★★
Let’s Get Metaphysical by Carnivores ON SALE: Now Having built up a loyal following through lots of hard gigging and sporadic single releases, alt rockers Carnivores have finally gotten around to releasing their debut album. Let’s Get Metaphysical is a thrilling, tumultuous wall of sound that starts with a bang and builds steadily to a thunderous roar, underpinned by some surprising melodies, good old-fashioned chants, fragile harmonies and even playful brass sections. The Paisley ‘newcomers’ even find time for a spot of hard-hitting social commentary with the politically charged ‘John Maynard Keynes’, but it’s the ear-splitting sound of ‘Insecuricor’ that really sets the album alight. ★★★★✩
Inspiral Carpets by Inspiral Carpets ON SALE: Now Although they were never as hip as the Stone Roses or Happy Mondays, the Inspiral Carpets were still an integral part of the socalled Madchester scene of the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. Now Oldham’s finest are back with a new self-titled album – their first in 20 years – and it’s like they never really went away. For your money you get an LP’s-worth of original
Format: Wii U ON SALE: Now Bayonetta is widely regarded as one of the greatest third-person action games ever made, so it’s testament to the team behind this utterly bonkers sequel that it trumps its predecessor in almost every area. Once again, the titular Umbra Witch becomes embroiled in an apocalyptic punch-up between the forces of Heaven and Hell, obliterating all-comers with a riotous array of kicks, punches, dodges, twirls, jumps, slashes and poses. Whether battling angels on top of a fighter-jet, slaying a dragon while perched precariously on the side of a skyscraper, or fighting your way through the bowels of a gigantic demon, the game unfolds at a frantic pace. There’s also an allnew two-player online co-op mode where you and a friend can team up and play through various scenes from the main campaign, placing bets on who will bag the most points. ★★★★✩
Disney Magical World Format: 3DS ON SALE: Now Whether you’re dancing at a ball thrown by Cinderella, helping Winnie the Pooh find honey, or learning to fish with Donald Duck, you certainly won’t be stuck for things to do in this charming Magic Kingdom-inspired life simulator. Once Mickey Mouse has invited you to visit the fanciful world of Castleton, a wide range of activities opens up, including designing your own clothes and furniture, indulging in some light dungeon crawling, crafting magical items, and collecting trading cards. Most of these are unlocked by collecting Happy Stickers as you play, and you’ll soon gain access to other Disneythemed worlds based on Cinderella, 100 Acre Wood, Alice In Wonderland and Aladdin. ★★★✩✩
The Evil Within Format: Xbox One (also on PS4, PC, PS3, Xbox 360) ON SALE: Now The creator of Resident Evil, Shinji Mikami,
by Boris Johnson ON SALE: Now When he’s not bossing London as the city’s elected mayor, or making a fool of himself in another carefully orchestrated publicity stunt, Boris Johnson fancies himself as a bit of a writer. As a former editor of The Spectator and a regular columnist for The Daily Telegraph, it seems like he’s rather good at it too, so now he’s written an illuminating portrait of Winston Churchill. Marking the 50th anniversary of Churchill’s death, Johnson explores the singular brilliance of Britain’s greatest wartime leader, and a man of pivotal importance to the history of the 20th century. The Churchill Factor is an engrossing read, too, not least for busting some myths about the hard-drinking aristocrat who had to be ordered by the King to stay out of action on D-Day. It’s probably the best thing Johnson has ever written and is a page-turner from start to finish. ★★★★★
The Bulletin series are independent magazines with no affiliation to any other organisation. Š 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