Mid Beds Bulletin November 2021

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ISSN 2634-453X

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2021 ESTATE AGENT IN BEDFORD

MID BEDS EDITION

NOVEMBER 2021

Get your order in to Santa for a Christmas letter

WE all need a touch of Christmas magic this year. That’s why Santa’s workshop is open, and Santa and his elves are busy writing, sealing and posting letters that will put smiles on the faces of children everywhere!

With a letter from Santa, you’ll bring magical tales from the North Pole right to your doorstep. There are eight fantastically festive designs, from traditional Christmas to a North Pole Safari – so there really is something for every child, or even the family pet!

Whichever letter you choose, each one is more personalised than ever this year. You can add your child’s name, age, hobbies, what they want for Christmas and your very own P.S. message. Plus, it will be addressed and posted directly to your child via sleigh mail – so

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY

Sandy Town Council, the Royal British Legion Sandy & District Branch and St Swithun’s Parish Church are glad to be able to invite people across the town to come together again and participate in a communal act of Remembrance in a more traditional way this year.

they’ll feel like they’re at the very top of Santa’s good list!

After sending a massive 170,000 letters last year, we’re looking forward to reaching even more children this year.

And with a donation to the NSPCC, you’ll help Childline be here for children who need someone to listen. That’s the true spirit of Christmas.

Don’t leave your engine running – warns council

FINES could be handed out to inconsiderate motorists who leave their engine running when parked across Central Bedfordshire, affecting air quality.

MID BEDS BULLEINT

Local authorities can adopt extra legal powers, enabling fixed penalty notices to be given to drivers who let their vehicle idle and refuse to switch off.

“Engine idling isn’t enforced

by Central Bedfordshire Council currently,” according to a report to both its executive and general purposes committee.

“Doing so will enhance the work being done already to improve air quality and support the council’s sustainability plan,” said the report.

The issuing of a fixed penalty notice would be a last resort for civil enforcement and safer neighbourhood officers, it added.

Conservative Arlesey councillor Ian Dalgarno told the executive: “This issue can have a detrimental impact on air quality and the resulting effect on public health.

“This council has a commitment to help people make the right choices and become greener,” he said.

“We’ve put £5,000 in the budget which will go towards signage in areas where we know there are instances, such as outside schools.”

At CBC’s general purposes committee, Independent Potton councillor Adam Zerny asked: “While it’s a laudable objective, are we potentially opening up something that will lead to expectations from the public

Talk to us...

by Euan Duncan – Local Democracy Reporter

which we won’t fulfil?

“The council will get lots of examples of engine idling where officers are unable to do something.

“Most examples occur when people go in to shop and someone’s in the car listening to music, or in the summer air conditioning doesn’t work if the engine’s not on.

“I’m not suggesting we should ignore it. Clearly something’s in place and we need to support national legislation.”

Head of public protection Jo Borthwick replied: “I agree there’ll be some need to manage public expectation of what this might lead to about issuing fixed penalty notices.

“The effort needs to be put into communicating the need to turn engines off, improving driving behaviour and raising awareness of the problem.

“There’s some fairly old but useful guidance that goes with the legislation, which explains how we should enforce it “By adopting this, we’ve got the opportunity to do that in a formal capacity, even though the sanctions available are limited.

“Hopefully most drivers’ are already with us on this. Only the very few who choose to ignore us

will end up with a fine being issued.”

Conservative Leighton Buzzard South councillor Amanda Dodwell explained: “I’ve had a lot of complaints from residents about this problem.

“Some have tried to tackle it themselves, so it’s good to see the council taking action.

“When we’re doing patrols on engine idling the far greater problem is around parking on pavements and obstruction near schools. I would like you to tackle both.”

Conservative Cranfield and Marston Moretaine councillor Ken Matthews said: “I don’t see this is going to be a serious problem. It’s important the publicity indicates what could happen if people don’t comply.”

Conservative Linslade councillor Gordon Perham suggested: “We need plenty of signage around schools and where people generally do this.”

The general purposes committee agreed to recommend to full council an amendment to the scheme of delegation in the constitution to allow enforcement action to be taken, following the Department for Transport guidance.

So, what are you waiting for?

Order your personalised letter from Santa by December 14, to make sure yours arrives before Christmas.

To order your letter please visit: nspcc.org.uk/santa Emma Motherwell Local Campaigns Manager

NSPCC East of England

10:50am Parade will march from Swan Lane to the War Memorial on Bedford Road 11:00am Act of Remembrance, two-minute silence and wreath laying at War Memorial.

11:15am Parade will proceed along Bedford Road and to the Market Square, via the High Street and Cambridge Road.

11:30am Parade will be dismissed at the Market Square and the outdoor Service of Remembrance will begin.

Noon End of the Service of Remembrance.

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TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

Magpas take teddies to the skies

THE Teddies for Loving Care (TLC) scheme, funded

by Freemasons across the country, has now launched into the skies over Bedfordshire and the East of England after being taken up by Magpas Air Ambulance. At times of trauma, which the Magpas medical team deal with 24/7, something as simple as a teddy to hold can calm young patients, or the children who unfortunately witnesses accidents.

As Magpas Air Ambulance only attend the most seriously ill and injured patients in the region, keeping young patients and witnesses calm is a great help to their doctors and critical care paramedics.

Daryl Brown MBE, Chief Executive at Magpas Air Ambulance said, “We’re excited to be one of the first air ambulance services to take part in the Teddies for Loving Care scheme. Last year, Magpas Air Ambulance attended one critically ill child a week on average, and our clinicians’ work really hard to provide these children with the very best possible care in really difficult circumstances – having the TLC teddies to hand will help our doctors and paramedics give these children some extra comfort and something to cuddle while we treat them or a close member of their family.”

Someone who knows how crucial the care Magpas Air Ambulance provide is, is Edie, who at the age of 9 suffered such severe breathing difficulties her mum, Claire, couldn’t wake her up. After calling 999 an EEAST paramedic crew arrived but

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The Beds Bulletin and Kempston Calling are independent publications part of Rosetta Publishing Ltd. Published by ©2021 Rosetta Publishing Limited 30 Radwell Road, Milton Ernest, Bedford MK44 1SH Tel: 07894 935952 Editorial: editorial@rosettapublishing.com Advertising: advertising@rosettapublishing.com Printed by: Iliffe Print Cambridge Ltd. Winship Road, Milton, Cambridge CB24 6PP Regulated by IMPRESS: The Independent Monitor for the Press CIC IMPRESS. 16-18 New Bridge Street, London, EC4V 6AG T 020 3325 4288 E complaints@impress.org.uk w impress.press To view our complaints policy, please visit our website www.rosettapublishing.com

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recognised they needed the advanced skills and knowledge of the Magpas Air Ambulance team – who flew hospital level care straight to Edie, at her family home – before accompanying her to hospital.

Claire explained: “Thanks to the excellent care Edie received from the Magpas team, she did really well and was home the next day. Edie has Rett syndrome which in itself brings so many challenges, I honestly think if it wasn’t for Magpas Air Ambulance coming and giving her specialist antibiotics before we left for the hospital, it may have been a very different story.”

Now part of the Teddies for Loving Care scheme, the first child to receive a bear from Magpas Air Ambulance was Edie – who was sent one in the post.

Claire said, “Edie smiled as soon as I gave her the bear! She is non-verbal so the eyes and smiles speak volumes!”

Tony Henderson, the head of Bedfordshire Freemasons, told us: “The TLC teddy has become an invaluable tool for medical professionals and a real comfort for children. All children who receive a bear of course get to take it home. We have distributed over 29,000 teddies to Bedford and Luton A&E departments.”

Magpas is the oldest emergency medical charity of its kind, and since 1971 they’ve treated over 60,000 patients. They are also the Air Ambulance service most likely to attend a Bedfordshire incident.

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Two break-ins spark police appeal

BEDFORDSHIRE Police’s dedicated burglary team, Operation Maze, is investigating two incidents which happened on Tuesday October 5, in Luton and Biggleswade.

The first incident happened at approximately 7.45pm in Malthouse Green, Luton when a person returned to their home to see three intruders insidey.

The offenders were wearing dark clothing and face coverings.

The second incident happened on the same day (October 5) in Potton Road, Biggleswade at approximately 9.10pm. Three offenders climbed over the property’s rear gate and then attempted to force entry to the house by breaking the rear door glass. They were disturbed by the occupant and ran off from the scene.

Detective Constable Kevin Howes, who is investigating both incidents, said: “With days becoming shorter and nights approaching earlier, we usually see an increase of break-ins across the county around this time of year.

“Opportunistic criminals take advantage of the longer dark hours to burgle properties and we would like to remind residents of our advice on how to protect your home and property from burglars.

“We would like to ask anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious in the areas the offences took place to get in touch as any information may assist us in identifying and apprehending the perpetrators.”

Critical report by ombudsman makes 12 recommendations to Central Bedfordshire Council LESSONS need to be learned by healthcare providers and schools, as well as the local authority, after a critical ombudsman’s report on alternative education provision in Central Bedfordshire.

The investigation was into a special educational needs and disability (SEND) complaint from a parent, whose adult son has an autism (ASD) diagnosis.

“We accept the findings and we’ve unreservedly apologised to the family,” Conservative Cranfield and Marston Moretaine councillor Sue Clark told Central Bedfordshire Council’s executive.

“The ombudsman concluded there was fault by the council and made 12 recommendations, including apologising to the family and paying compensation,” she said.

“While it’s no comfort to them, what’s important now is we take forward the learning from this investigation and implement those recommendations.

“Since this case, CBC has made significant improvements in the SEND service and how we work with schools, which was a major feature of the complaint.

“This doesn’t excuse the poor

by Euan Duncan – Local Democracy Reporter service this child and his family received from us, but we’re making changes to ensure we deliver a better service.

“The executive must confirm by November 12th the action the council has taken or proposes to take in response to each of the recommendations.”

Conservative Arlesey councillor Ian Dalgarno asked: “Could you expand on what the impact of this report and recommendations will be on children’s health and on schools?”

Executive member for families, education and children councillor Clark replied: “I think it’s important members and other interested parties have a good understanding of the situation which led to this complaint.

“It’s not in the local governement ombudsman’s remit to investigate school or health partners, so their role in the circumstances surrounding this complaint hasn’t been examined in any detail.

“The complaint highlights the complexity around different agencies’ roles and responsibilities where, in this instance, a child fell through a gap in the system.

“I think there are learnings for health and particularly around the provision of a timely diagnosis.

We’ll certainly be talking to our colleagues in health and asking them to also learn from this report.

“There are a lot of lessons in the way schools report to us when they have a child who’s out of education.

“Several of the recommendations relate to that issue and we’ve absolutely strengthened the way we’re working with schools to ensure we know when there are absent children,” she added.

“We’re taking the recommendations and the learning extremely seriously and putting in some very good measures to address longterm absence with children quicker in future.

“Some of the actions have to be done immediately and the ombudsman told we’ve completed them. He hasn’t set a firm timetable for when the others have to be concluded.

We’re working through those actions in a rigorous and timely way.

“There’s a recommendation around partnership working, and I know the deputy director of children’s services has picked up the outcomes of the report with chief

nurse Anne Murray of the BLMK Clinical Commissioning Group.

“This is particularly in relation to collaborative assessment and management of suicidality (CAMS) service.”

Deputy director of children’s services Sarah Ferguson referred to “a huge amount of pace behind the changes”, saying: “They’re all pro-

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gressing in a timely fashion.

“Legal advice has been taken around some definitions, which isn’t really a local but a national concern. That enables us to move forward to do further work in reviewing our cases.”

The executive unanimously agreed a package of recommendations.

MID BEDS BULLETIN

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TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

Mayor Dave leads march towards zero carbon improvements that reduce carbon emissions and energy costs of community buildings within Bedford Borough.

2011 Adopted the Carbon Management Plan to set out a programme to achieve a 40% reduction in carbon emissions.

2018 The council exceeded this target, achieving a 62% carbon reduction.

2019 The council declared a Climate Emergency and pledged to become carbon neutral by 2030.

2021 Annual Greenhouse Gas Report shows council carbon emissions have reduced by a further 15%.

The council, led by the Mayor, have also worked hard to ensure the Borough continues to find new ways to reduce carbon emissions. These projects include a new solar farm at Bedford Green Technology and Innovation Park, electric

by John Guinn – Local Democracy Reporter

THE recent Climate Change Committee welcomed the Annual Greenhouse Gas Report that showed the council had reduced its carbon emissions by a further 15%.

Commenting on the report, Mayor Dave Hodgson said: “These fantastic results show that we’re on course to hit our carbon neutral target by 2030. I want to thank the phenomenal work of the team behind the changes we’ve made to become a more environmentally efficient council.

“We have invested in measures such as upgrading our heating system to biomass, installing smart LED lighting and moving to an evaporative cooling system for our data centre. We want to demonstrate leadership by getting our own house in order and encouraging others to do the same.”

A timeline of Bedford Borough Council carbon reduction strategy: 2009 Mayor Dave Hodgson’s Climate Change Fund set up to provide 50% match funding for

vehicle charging points, and most recently a collaboration with Enterprise to set up its electric/hybrid vehicle Car Club at River Street Car Park.

Mayor Dave Hodgson continued: “Despite our progress within the council and as a Borough, more can be done to tackle the climate emergency.

“This is why I have signed a letter calling on the Prime Minister to announce at COP26 that he will be giving more powers and funding to local government. I encourage all councils to do the same so that we have the capacity to meet our net zero carbon targets.”

“Another way Bedford Borough Council could reduce its carbon emissions would be to sell Borough Hall and rent it back, but this is “ultimate greenwashing”, a meeting heard.

Bedford mayor Dave Hodgson was responding to a question from Councillor Lucy Bywater (Green, Castle Ward) at the October 4, Bedford Borough Council’s Informal Climate Change Committee.

Following a presentation of the Annual Greenhouse Gas report by Paul Pace, the council’s chief officer for environment, Councillor Bywater asked: “Can we have a bit more information about what is contracted out, and is excluded in the emissions?

“If there’s a service that comes under the council’s responsibilities, it should be included, shouldn’t it?”

The mayor said, “When it comes to the Statutory Returns, one of the easy ways [to reduce the recorded emissions] is to outsource refuse collection.

“Some councils are making lower returns because they don’t actually include refuse collection.

“But that’s the way the government collects the data. The other way you can do this, and some councils have done this, is to sell Borough Hall and hire it back again.

“This will immediately wipe out Borough Hall as a carbon asset that we have to declare.

Deputy Group Leader, Cllr Roger

Rigby commented: “The Conservative Group has supported Bedford Borough council on its journey to reduce carbon emissions and I also thank the work of the team behind the changes.

All carbon reduction is good but as usual the Mayor is overblowing his own trumpet. The ever-lengthening traffic jams caused by roadworks around the borough will have a serious environmental impact.

The Mayor needs to look at the bigger picture, not only on how the council can cut its own carbon emissions but the impact of its decision making and activities on all other aspects of life in Bedford.

We will continue to keep the Mayor in check to ensure the future sustainability of our borough.”

“That is greenwashing of the ultimate type, we’re not intending to do that, that’s not the way we would go.

“If you outsource that isn’t a reduction, that’s moving stuff around. We need to review the statutory terms as they make a bit of a mockery of it.”

Racing ahead in motor sports

FORMER St Thomas More School student Joel Arguelles is moving ahead in the fast lane of karting and motor sports.

He won the British Indoor Karting Championship earlier in 2021 and then accelerated into outdoor kart racing in the prestigious Club 100 world. Now he has moved into car racing with his own self-built vehicle.

Joel, aged 26 of Bedford, completed a degree in Computer Science at UWE Bristol university before setting up his own business producing custom-made steering wheels volantech.co.uk This activity dovetails with his passion for motor vehicles, as from an early age he has repaired his own cars. Now he has built his

own racing car, and another for friend Mathew Mandipira, another ex St Thomas More boy, and they are sharing their successes online: Instagram: gas_motorsport_ “I am grateful to have been able to do all this through my passion for cars and racing,” said Joel who is looking for sponsorship or support for the Spring 2022 season, “Everything we do is selffunded so any support from anyone with an interest in the field of motorsports would be great.

“We hope to put Bedford on the map as a fast-moving place which fosters technical skills in the motor trade. Our ambition is to start a motorsport team based in Bedford.

BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN

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Thameslink fit defibrillators at every one of their stations THAMESLINK have announced they will shortly have publicly-accessible, life-saving automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at every one of their stations, the largest roll-out of heart restarters on the UK’s rail network.

The network has now been massively extended and upgraded with more defibrillators as part of a wider £15m stations improvement programme which involves over 1,000 projects across Great Northern, Southern and Thameslink, many suggested by local passenger and community groups.

More than 30,000 people suffer cardiac arrest out of hospital across the UK every year and fewer than one in 10 survive. However, early chest compressions (CPR) and defibrillation can double the chances of surviving.

Sam Facey, Head of Zero Harm in the Safety & Health team at parent company Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), said: “By fitting these life-saving AEDs, we believe we’ve made a genuinely positive contribution to the communities across our vast net-

Parking schemes for Biggleswade’s residential streets?

by Euan Duncan – Local Democracy Reporter

HIGHWAYS officers are investigating which areas of Biggleswade would benefit from a residents’ parking scheme, a meeting heard.

One of the roads could be Brigham Gardens, but no date can be predicted yet, a Central Bedfordshire Council traffic management meeting was told.

There were 12 representations received to the statutory consultation over double yellow lines potentially being installed, according to principal highways officer Lisa Wright.

“Residents are concerned they would be unable to park, and it’s non-residents parking which causes the issues in the road.

“The recommendation is we don’t proceed with the implementation of double yellow lines at this time.”

A petition was reported to the March meeting asking for ‘No waiting at any time’ restrictions to be put in there.

This was requested “to prevent obstructive parking preventing access for emergency vehicles and the blocking of pedestrian footways”, according to a report to the meeting.

“It was felt inappropriate to introduce residents’ parking permits in Brigham Gardens as an individual road, because it would require a wider review to be undertaken,” said the report.

“Ward councillors were asked to continue direct talks with the town council to see if parking charges are set at a level to maximise car park use and are a deterrent to drivers parking in inappropriate locations on residential streets.”

Local resident Nick Gurney said: “If you put yellow lines on our street and do nothing else it’ll create a bigger problem for us.

“We’ve no safe alternative to park in. We’re elderly and vulnerable. We need to park adjacent to our houses.

“We feel the solution is to create residents only parking in front of our properties. We accept this would involve charges.”

Conservative Biggleswade North councillor Ian Bond read a

OBSTRUCTIVE PARKING

letter from Brigham Gardens resident Mark Brunt, who agreed the waiting restrictions proposal “would punish the residents for dangerous parking of non-residents”.

Councillor Bond said the parking in garages for some of the properties is unsuitable, and Mr Brunt described them as “small in comparison with modern cars” in his remarks.

“There are real issues there,” explained councillor Bond. “It’s not an easy solution. This needs to be looked at as part of a bigger scheme, so we don’t transfer the problem somewhere else, as the officers say.”

Conservative Arlesey councillor Ian Dalgarno explained: “Brigham Gardens is a reflection of the issues we have across many areas of Central Bedfordshire, with estates which aren’t designed for the number of vehicles people have.

“I understand the impact of just double yellow lining all that area, especially if residents don’t have off street parking in space constrained areas.

“Deliveries wouldn’t be impacted. The crux is whether yellow lines are a suitable solution and I don’t believe they are.

“Brigham Gardens is one of many roads in Biggleswade where we’ve had representations asking us to consider residents’ parking only.

MID BEDS BULLEITIN

“That will hopefully bring down the cost of implementation.

This is a better solution because you can get permits for visitors as well.

“There’s a cost to that, but if it resolves the issues that helps residents,” added councillor Dalgarno, who chairs the meeting and is the executive member for community services.

“I’ve had talks with highways officers about a wider residents’ permit scheme for Biggleswade as a matter of urgency, which will include Brigham Gardens.

“I can’t give you a timeline on that, unfortunately. And we’ll provide the disabled parking bay as advertised.”

BETTER SOLUTION

work, which covers London and nine counties.

“All our defibrillators are publicly accessible, so of huge benefit not only to those travelling with us but also the communities we serve. They’re fully automatic – anyone can use them – and our staff are being given familiarisation training.”

The AEDs are ‘smart’, giving verbal instructions and then shocking a patient only if they need it. They also use remote monitoring to sound the alert on dying batteries or out-of-date chest pads and all the cabinets are being wired in – to keep them warm and ready to go.

Sam added: “We’re fitting the same model across our network to provide consistency of quality, staff familiarity and maintenance, and at some stations, where we were updating an existing AED, we’ve been able to return the original device to local charities for use at a second location in the community.”

In an emergency, 999 operatives will shortly know the location of every AED and will direct people to them if they are close enough.

Scouts receive top awards

OVER 20 Beaver Scouts (boys and girls aged 6 to 8), Cub Scouts (boys and girls aged 8 to 10) and Scouts (boys and girls aged 10 to 14) attended a County “top awards” presentation event held at Redborne School, Ampthill. For the children it was recognition of the commitment and endeavour they had put in to achieve the awards.

Martin Wesley, lead volunteer for Bedfordshire Scouts said, “It’s quite remarkable that these children have been able to achieve these awards as for the best part of 18 months Scouts have not been able to meet face to face or go camping.”

To earn the award the children had to gain Challenge badges, including Skills, Outdoors, Team working and Adventure plus activity badges that range from cooking to pioneering, astronomy to skating and IT to model maker.

Josh Boyle said, “I was really proud to receive my award. My favourite badge was the Outdoor challenge as we put up a tent, made a fire and cooked some food. I’m now working towards my Silver award in Cubs.”

Darren Reeve, lead volunteer for Flitwick Scouts said, “The volunteers within the Group, the children and their parents and carers have

worked really hard to ensure these awards are achieved. Not every child achieves these awards and it is great to see that despite the obstacles of the last 18 months these children have persevered to get the top award for their section. With most of the restrictions now lifted, some of the

activities we’ve been able to resume have included camping, climbing, paddle boarding and science experiments.”

For further information about Flitwick Scouts, please visit www.flitwickscoutgroup. org.uk

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— NOVEMBER 2021

TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

Former police officer would have been dismissed for targeting vulnerable victims In 2017 the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Professional Standards Department received a report that Mr Ephgrave had sent text messages to a member of public while on duty.

As a result, a thorough investigation was launched and uncovered that Ephgrave had actually sent messages to four female victims of crime between December 2016 and December 2017.

A one-day public hearing con-

A PANEL has ruled that a former police officer who sent inappropriate text messages to victims of crime would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had he not already resigned.

Former PC Mark Ephgrave left Bedfordshire Police in August 2018 after allegations around his conduct came to light, however under new regulations misconduct proceedings could still be brought against him.

ducted via Teams on Monday (11 October) ruled that Mr Ephgrave had breached the Standard of Behaviour for Professional Authority, Respect and Courtesy and Discreditable Conduct.

The chairman of the independent panel concluded that he would have faced instant dismissal for his actions. Mr Ephgrave did not attend nor contest the hearing.

Assistant Chief Constable Sharn Basra said: “Targeting vul-

nerable victims of crime is completely unacceptable. People come to us for help and support and should be able to have full trust and confidence in our officers. This was a case of an officer abusing that position of trust for his own gratification and gains and such behaviour has no place in this force.

“As soon as we became aware of the allegations a full investigation was launched by the Independent Office for Police

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Conduct, which subsequently identified further victims.

“While the officer resigned after being confronted with the accusations, it was only right to ensure a full hearing was held and ensure Mr Ephgrave will be placed on a barred list which could prevent him working in similar roles in future.

“I would urge anyone who has been victim to similar behaviour to please call us.

“This case shows we will listen and take action against anyone who behaves in such a way and betrays the uniform we all wear with such pride.”

Since April 2016 there have been 22 sexual misconduct cases recorded against Bedfordshire officers or staff with 10 live cases still being investigated.

In that time period three people have been dismissed from the force for gross misconduct, Mr Ephgrave is one of an additional three three officers who would have been dismissed had they not already resigned.

A further former officer who has left the force is also awaiting a hearing.

Police and Crime Commissioner Festus Akinbusoye said: “Quite rightly, the public expect the highest standards of professional conduct from police officers and staff.

Actions that fall below this level potentially tarnish the image of the vast majority of officers who go about their work as expected.

“I am pleased that, despite the resignation of former PC Ephgrave, Bedfordshire Police has proceeded with a gross misconduct hearing which found that he would have been sacked had he remained in the role. He will now go on the barred list.

“As Police and Crime Commissioner, I am fully committed to holding the Chief Constable accountable for the maintaining of the highest standards from our officers and ensuring Bedfordshire Police provides absolutely no room this sort of behaviour for any member of staff.”

Long arm of the law successfully prosecutes rapist after 19 years THE past finally caught up with Bedford man Alan Addison on Friday, October 15, 2021, when he was jailed for raping a teenage girl in the early hours of New Year’s Day in 2002.

Addison had been 36 when he raped the 14-year-old girl in a flat in the town, having been out drinking in a local pub.

Addison, (57) appeared for sentencing at Luton Crown Court. He admitted a charge of raping the girl and of indecently assaulting her.

Michael Williams prosecuting said the defendant had spent the evening of New Year’s Eve drinking in a pub in Bedford and at the end of the night, went back to a flat with others.

BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN

The court heard also present in the flat that night was the 14-yearold girl who, having consumed alcohol, was lying on a sofa in the lounge.

Judge Gary Lucie, hearing the case, was told that as the night wore on, the defendant and the teenager ended up the only ones in the room.

The prosecutor said Addison asked the girl for a cuddle and then “proceeded to kiss her and take her clothes off.”

Mr Williams said the girl was left panic stricken and froze as he indecently assaulted her and then raped her.

“She said it was rough and it hurt her. She doesn’t know how long it took but she said it felt like forever,” he said.

The court was told the girl pretended to fall asleep, but was awake all night. Mr Williams said the girl, having spoken to a relative about what had happened, was taken to a police station, but then “abandoned her complaint” fearing that she had no support.

As a result of what happened to her that night and the aftermath, Mr Williams said the victim’s life “went downhill.”

She was plagued by nightmares and flashbacks and began using drugs. Eventually, she turned to sedatives to “black things out,” he said.

She left school without any qualifications and in her 20s was using Ketamine which damaged her health.

“She said the defendant stole her childhood and the years taken from her she will never get back.”

Rishy Panasar, defending, said Addison had shown “remorse” for what had happened and had suffered a “breakdown.”

Judge Lucie jailed Addison for nine years, explaining that he would have to serve two thirds of the sentence behind bars before being eligible for release on licence and serving the remainder in the community.

NOVEMBER 2021 —

TEL: 07894 935952 ADS: advertising@rosettapublishing.com SANDY TWINNING ASSOCIATION

We have received an initial provisional list from the jumelage in Malaunay of those who have indicated a wish to come to England next May for the 40th celebrations. Most of the names we know but there are a few members of the walking group to which many of their Association belong.

There are 43 names on the list and we are going to need a good number of host families for the visit. As this will be a special celebration to mark 40 years of the twinning with Sandy we are hoping to involve as wide a section of the local community as possible, but as ever we will endeavour to keep the onus on hosts to a minimum.

Many of our members live outside Sandy and in surrounding villages and the widest section of the community we can involve the better. Hosting will be required for three nights from May 6-8. If you are able to help please let us know.

In typical French fashion the list includes several speculative pairings, based on who would like to have come in 2020 and in the wake of the ukulele visit to Malaunay in 2019. I will contact certain people individually in the near future to ascertain how you might feel about hosting, but in the meantime if any members can suggest new hosts or cajole some of their friends into taking part, that would be extremely helpful.

16 members attended the end-of-summer barbecue last Sunday and this proved to be a most convivial event in warm, pleasant sunshine. A big thank you to Martin for cooking the meat. £25 was raised for Association funds.

We have also started discussions with our friends in Skarszewy to see if any activities will be possible in 2022. We already know that they would like the summer schools to resume but this will inevitably depend upon the response I get from Sandy and Stratton secondary schools. At this moment in time life in Skarszewy is virtually back to normal with very low new infection rates across the country. The local angling club has just celebrated 70 years of its existence with a gala match and lavish barbecue celebrations at Borowno Lake. The secretary for the past 30 years has been Witold Borkowska who has compiled a book to mark the occasion and sent us five complimentary copies.

The book is beautifully presented with plenty of photos; a worthwhile memento if the occasion.

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For any information about our link towns or the Association’s activities please contact Martin Pettitt on 680082 (martin.pettitt@virginmedia.com) or Max Hill on 681469 (amaxhill@outlook.com)

FRIENDS OF SANDY CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

This year’s event could well be bigger than ever as there will be a record number of festive stalls as well as all the usual attractions and stage performances. The event will also coincide with a big Christmas tree spectacular at the local St Swithun’s church. The switch-on event will take place on Sunday November 28th from approx. 13.00-17.15 with the actual switchon of the lights taking place at 16.30. What we need above all is help with the planning and especially on the day itself. If you would like to help in some way or other with what is traditionally Sandy’s largest community event of the year, you will be most welcome. To express an interest please contact either the Town Council or friendsofsandychristmaslights@outlook.c om

BIGGLESWADE EVENING TOWNSWOMEN’S GUILD:

Chairman Ann Taylor welcomed members to the meeting on Monday, October 11.

Birthday greetings were given to Barbara Gould and Ann Taylor.

The speaker for the afternoon was George Howe who gave a very interesting illustrated talk entitled Switzerland by Train. He had many beautiful slides of alpine flowers, mountains, cable cars, chalets and the famous revolving restaurant. There were photos of the north face of the Eiger, San Moritz and a fascinating insight into the world of ice turf which is horse racing on compacted ice and includes all the trappings of a traditional horse racing meeting. This meeting though included races of horses pulling a chariot and people on skis. He was thanked by Bobby Ball.

In September the walking group had a lovely walk around the Sandy Mast followed by lunch at Beds Growers.

Forthcoming events are the monthly walk meeting at 10.45 am on Thursday, October 28 at Radwell Round and the anniversary lunch at the Green Man, Stanford on Thursday, November 18.

The competition for the afternoon, something beginning with the letter S was won by Alison Careless with sweetners.

The next meeting will be held on the Monday, November 11 when the speaker will be Thelma Rogers speaking about a typical Christmas when she was growing up in Wales. The competition will be for something beginning with T. The guild meets on the second Monday of the month 2pm at The Orchard Community Centre, Kings Reach, new members and visitors are very welcome to join us.

ROYAL ARTILLERY ASSOCIATION

The Biggleswade Branch of the Royal Artillery Association held a Branch Meeting on 6th October 2021, at the Sea Cadets Hall. There were ten members present.

The President took the chair on behalf of the Chairman for this meeting and recited The Royal Artillery Prayer including a special mention of two members who sadly have passed away.

The minutes of the July 2021 Branch meeting were accepted as a true record.

The Treasurers report was received.

The Branch Garden Party at the Conservative Club on July 24 went well with 39 members and guests attending.

The President asked if the members would like to attend a Christmas Lunch if one was organised. The members present agreed to this.

The President spoke about the arrangements for the Remembrance Day Parade this year. A full Parade is being planned, at present. 49 Battery Royal Artillery have confirmed that they will send a contingent of soldiers for Remembrance Day Parade.

The Branch meets on the first Wednesday of the month at the Sea Cadets Hall, Biggleswade starting at 13.30hrs.

The next Meeting is on Wednesday 3rd November 2021.

Please contact the Chairman Ted McKenzie on 07900 806235

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7

Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service in Sandy Sandy Town Council, the Royal British Legion Sandy & District Branch and St Swithun’s Parish Church are glad to invite people across the town to come together again and participate in a communal act of Remembrance this year, with a parade and service in the town centre on Remembrance Sunday, 14th November.

As Remembrance is always so well supported by our community, with hundreds of people taking part, the decision has been made to run the 2021 parade and service entirely outdoors, allowing everyone to participate in a covid-safe environment. We would ask anyone who is experiencing covid-19 symptoms; has been told to self-isolate; or has tested positive in the last 10 days, to please not attend the event.

Schedule for Parade and Service Sunday, November 14, 2021 10:50am Parade will march from Swan Lane to the War Memorial on Bedford Road 11:00am Act of Remembrance, two-minute silence and wreath laying at War Memorial.

11:15am Parade will proceed along Bedford Road and to the Market Square, via the High Street and Cambridge Road.

11:30am Parade will be dismissed at the Market Square and the outdoor Service of Remembrance will begin.

During October, Remembrance banners were installed on lampposts along Sandy High Street. The banners were funded by a government grant which was awarded by Central Bedfordshire Council, and were arranged by

the Town Council, to be displayed throughout the month leading up to Remembrance Sunday.

Roger Sparks, Chairman of the Royal British Legion Sandy and District Branch said, “It is great that the people of Sandy will get the opportunity to remember those who have paid such a high price that we can live in freedom; barely a single year has gone by when there has not been a conflict of some sort and the banners on the high street will help to focus on the fact that we will remember that sacrifice today, tomorrow, forever.”

Showing the image of the unknown Tommy wearing a poppy and the message ‘Lest we forget’, the banners represent the town’s commitment to remembering and honouring the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces, veterans, and their families.

The Mayor of Sandy, Cllr Martin Pettitt, said: “I hope these banners serve as a timely reminder this Remembrancetide of the huge debt we all owe to all of those who served, who suffered and the many who made the ultimate sacrifice. We will and should remember them.”

SANDY TOWN COUNCIL CounCil meetingS

except All meetings commence at 7.30pm h Development Scrutiny (Planning) whic r, mbe Cha ncil Cou the in starts at 6.45pm 10 Cambridge Road, Sandy, SG191JE da). (unless otherwise stated on the Agen ber Due to the size of the Council cham and the potential number of people present, Councillors, officers and ed to members of the public are encourag ting. mee the g durin wear face coverings Monday 1st November 2021 Town Council Monday 8th November 2021 Development Scrutiny t Community Services & Environmen Monday 22nd November 2021 Development Scrutiny Policy Finance & Resources r See our website for details of othe meetings.

AND ALL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC .

END ATT TO E PRESS ARE WELCOM

Shop Sandy with Christmas offer Vouchers

As we all begin preparing for a more normal Christmas this year, Sandy Tow and Sandy Centre Group, in partnersh n ip with some of our brilliant local busi Council have produced a leaflet jam-packed nesses, with special offer vouchers for local residents to enjoy in the lead up to the big day.

There are a whole host of fantastic deal November and December, when custo s, savings and freebies to be claimed during mers use vouchers from the ‘Shop Sand which will be delivered to homes arou y’ leaflet nd Sandy and Beeston this month.

There really is something for everyone, with offer s available at a great variety of shop s, restaurants and specialist businesses.

The voucher leaflets were produced usin Back Fund, facilitated by Central Bedf g funding from the government’s Welcome ordshire Council.

Sandy Christmas ligh ts switch on event

Residents and visitors to Sandy will once again join Christmas Lights Switch On Event later this month in the excitement of our traditional .

The event, organised by 12:30pm on Sunday 28t the Friends of Sandy Christmas Lights, will run from h November 2021 in San dy Market Square.

This year’s event will be even bigger and better tha ing sweets, truffles, Christ n mas eve boxes, tombolas, before, with over 40 stalls, includshoes and jewellery, bat hog roast, mulled wine, h bombs and more. crafts, Visitors will also enjoy all of the event’s much-lov including a Funfair, San ed attractions and enterta ta’s inments, street entertainment and Grotto, stage acts including local schools and mu , of course, the all-import Carnival Prince and Prince ant Christmas lights sw sicians, itch on by the ss.

Sandy Skatepark funding boosted by local businesses for The project to provide a new skatepark of Sandy gratefully received the support two local businesses last month. tier, We are pleased to announce that Fron have y, Sand in base local a have who ct by expressed their support for the proje s. making a generous donation to its fund We were delighted that Sandy-based,

ly GeeJay Chemicals Ltd. also generous their ed show and ing fund contributed excitement for the Sandy Skatepark Project. tier We’d like to express our thanks to Fron g this and GeeJay Chemicals for supportin important community project. the The current total of funds secured for ions ribut cont S106 ts, gran ugh thro project

ds at and local businesses’ donations stan approximately £73,000. est, as Fundraising work continues in earn the much more is still needed to realise project’s aim of providing a new, high your If . park skate rete conc ity qual business is interested in making a dona ncil tion, please contact Sandy Town Cou using the details below.

10 Cambridge Road, Sandy SG19 1JE Tel: 01767 681491 Fax: 01767 692527 admin@sandytowncouncil.gov.uk www.sandytowncouncil.gov.uk

8

— NOVEMBER 2021

TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

Developer fined for planning breaches A BREACH of condition notice was issued to developers for failing to comply with agreed working hours, a meeting was told.

This was one of the cases highlighted by Ian Johnson, Bedford Borough Council’s manager for heritage & planning compliance during a report updating the Planning Committee (October 18, 2021) on planning enforcement.

“There was an increase in case load last quarter,” he said. “But that was principally due to a vacant post in the team.”

Mr Johnson said, “A significant number of notices have been issued and action taken in the last quarter.

“The owner of Samson’s House was prosecuted and fined a total of £7,500 for failing to comply with breach of conditions notices issued in relation to bins and cycle storage and landscaping.”

“Enforcement notices have been issued on major cases relating to unauthorised dwellings on former farm sites.

by John Guinn – Local Democracy Reporter “Finally, a breach of condition notice was issued on the developers at the G Park in the Wixams for failing to comply with agreed working hours.”

Mr Johnson also gave a summary of the Appeals Report for the quarter July 1 to September 30.

The full report highlights that the government monitors local authorities on the quality of decisions they make on development applications. This is measured by the percentage of the total number of decisions that are then subsequently overturned at appeal.

If too many are overturned within either category (major and non-major) then the government may designate the authority as underperforming for that category of applications. “[This is] a good appeal support performance for the last quarter,” said Mr Johnson.

“With 18 out of 21 appeals dismissed.

“In terms of appeals of note, appeal inspectors continue to show strong support for our Spatial Strategy, particularly on how we approach development in the open countryside.

“We’ve also had a first appeal relating to the council’s HMO Planning Guidance. That appeal was refused on parking grounds”.

Mr Johnson added that the inspector considered that the measures within this guidance should be applied with a degree of “flexibility and pragmatism”.

The committee was told that the appeals and enforcement team leader is leaving next month, but will be replaced internally by a principal planning officer.

While this will leave a vacant post in planning, the council is currently running a recruitment drive for planning officers at all levels, the close for applications was October 18.

The future’s orange

ORANGE is the new red when it comes to safety in the electric motor vehicle business. Vehicle batteries emit up to 500 volts and are deadly in the hands of the inexperienced.

Essential training courses are available now at the new-look Advanced Automotive Technology Centre in Brunel Road, Bedford.

“Last year 10% of the new car market was electric and hybrid, that will only increase. Of the 100s of local garages and repairs shops locally only a handful are qualified - others are turning away work on electric vehicles. They need to sign up sooner rather than later for their own safety and to stay in business,” said James Woolley, Head of Motor Vehicle.

Students from the age of 16 upwards can take a series of motor vehicle courses at the college, which still cover petrol cars of course, but include the science behind electric battery powered vehicles. From the theory students can progress to safety courses which enable them to work on the “orange for danger” elements of the cars.

The college has its own hybrid vehicle at the recently overhauled premises in Brunel Road which was formerly an engineering centre

- now relocated to the college campus in Cauldwell Street in town.

The Bedford College Group’s motor vehicle unit was previously at Triumph Way in Kempston.

The Gas and Plumbing Technology Centre remains in the same road of the industrial estate.

Did you know: Nationally there are 450,000 mechanics who will require the Level 3 Electric Vehicle Course qualification to be able to work on electric cars.

After 2030 only new electric/ hybrid cars will be sold in the UK Current guidelines apply only to cars, announcements about vans and lorries have yet to be made.

This photo shows a battery in the boot of college hybrid car, fully electric vehicles will have batteries more than three times that size set in across the bottom of the car. A plug-in hybrid vehicle battery will last for about 30 miles before switching back to petrol.

Want to know more about electric vehicle courses go to www.bedford.ac.uk Trades people are invited to a mince pie morning on Friday, December 17, to see the new facility.

Contact jwoolley@bedford.ac. uk

£4.3m gateway to the future Continued from page 3

support and benefit from the skilled workforce created at the CMC was held: Modular Building Automation; Sika; Passive Purple; Beattie Passive; L&Q; Stewart Milne; E3Recruitment; Excel Structures; Intelligent Membranes; Timber Development UK and Trussed Rafter Association

Winning team of contractors

Ashe Construction, part of the Ashe Group of Hitchin, Herts, led a highly skilled team toward the completion of the project.

Devonshire Architects led by Stuart Devonshire Cheshire Mechanical and Electrical Contractors Retrofit (UK) aluminium cladding contractors.

Key links: https://www.semlep.com/ http://www.connollyfoundation.or g.uk/ https://wixamtree.org/ Probably the biggest single purchase of construction training equipment made by The Bedford College Group arrived from New Zealand to its new home at the CMC.

BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN

Biggest investment in building technology

The £300,000 Howick FRAMATM 5600 is a high-tech rollforming machine that manufactures steel framing by combining software, firmware with hardware, which makes building possible in less time, with more precision and efficiency. As part of the offsite, smart build and MMC movement, the Howick FRAMATM series is driven by accurate computer control and using CAD technology, to turn slit metal coil into steel framing components ready for assembly into frames, trusses, floor cassettes and walls.

Dubbed as the 3-D printer for framing, the Howick technology is being used successfully in the offsite manufacturing sector of the UK construction industry. Having access to such high tech and up to date equipment will mean students and apprentices at the College will get a chance to learn and experience tested industrialised construction to allow them to gain the skills needed for the workplace.

Said Director of Construction David Wilkins: “We are seriously excited to have this sort of equipment at our new specialist Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) Centre. Being experienced in the use of this sort of gear will give our students a hard-hat head-start when it comes to employability skills in the modern construction industry.

TEL: 07894 935952 ADS: advertising@rosettapublishing.com

NOVEMBER 2021 —

Artist recognised for art and volunteering work

SHUTTLEWORTH Veteran Aeroplane Society (SVAS) volunteer Phil Jackson has been awarded two honours for his art and volunteering work.

The first received was The Guild of Aviation Artist’s full membership, awarded by a ballot of full members at this year’s Annual exhibition. The Guild of Aviation Artists is recognised throughout the world as the premier society for the promotion of aviation art. With over 300 members, the Guild brings together the worlds of art and aviation and stages exhibitions and events across the UK. The Guild’s aim is to promote aviation art in all its forms and to encourage interest in the genre by artists and non-artists alike.

Phil has sold aviation paintings at a number of charity auctions, including a painting of the DH88 Comet ‘Grosvenor House’ at an Auction of Promises last year fundraising in support of the Shuttleworth Collection. Won by Katie Redhead for her husband Dan, the painting was due to be presented to the winner at the The Guild of Aviation Artists 2020 annual exhibition at The Mall Gallery in London. Due to COVID-19 the 2020 exhibition was postponed and this year was online only, with a hopeful return to the live exhibition in 2022, and the painting was instead

LAWN DOCTOR

MID BEDS BULLETIN

FOLLOWING on from the recent request for your home made horticultural remedies for use in the garden, a number have been received; thank you all for taking the time to forward them and feature below.

Please keep them coming.

Unfortunately, thus far, none that have been received tackle an increasingly common place problem that can have a devastating impact upon a garden viz., box blight.

Box (botanical name Bauxus) has been a regular sight in all kinds of gardens forever and is used in all sorts of ways to delineate beds, to create architectural shapes and textures or to provide the base material for those skilled in topiary to demonstrate their creative genius.

Box blight then is a disease of leaves and stems and is caused by the fungus Cylindrocladium buxicola. Although roots of the plant are unaffected.

It can spread rapidly, and in common with many fungal conditions, thrives in humid areas or those where air flow is problematic.

If anyone reading this is concerned about the condition, please contact me and I will forward some further details or simply look up, if you are able to, box blight online and you will find a lot of information.

Interestingly, if you trim box very regularly, the foliage will be denser and therefore more likely to thwart air flow and this increases the probability of the plant contracting the disease!

Onto your homespun gardening remedies to try!

If you have a tree near your house that is frequented by a squirrel the sight of which excites your dog leading to much barking and therefore widespread misery to your neighbours, inconsiderately you can do nothing or, don your thinking cap and create an innovative and effective solution that works perfectly and involves no pain to either squirrel or to the tree!

Get yourself some dark coloured, robust plastic sheeting, the sort available in builder’s merchants and presumably used in roofing.

The wider the better, cut a piece, wrap around the trunk of the tree at around head height, secure bearing in mind you do not want to damage the tree and the squirrels claws are unable to gain any traction on the bark and therefore is unable to climb! Brilliant. Lateral

presented to Matt in front of the aircraft (pictured) at the Collection. Phil will go on to receive his award at the GAvA AGM on March 27, 2022 at RAF Cosford in Shropshire.

Phil’s second award is The Tony Harold Memorial Trophy, awarded by the Committee of the Vintage Aircraft Club, for noteworthy and regular support of VAC activities and aero artistic/literary ability including Phil’s painting of “Richards Pride” (depicting Richard Shuttleworth’s DH60X Moth). The presentation for this award will be held at the Shuttleworth House on Saturday November 20th 2021.

Phil leads monthly online ‘Art for All’ sessions via Zoom for the Shuttleworth Veteran Aeroplane Society (SVAS), which began in response to the COVID-19 lockdowns, allowing budding artists of all ages, including scouts and youth groups, to learn to draw vintage aircraft and vehicles. The 2021 series subjects are all exhibits full or part purchased by the SVAS and members. These sessions are free and attendees benefit from Phil’s artistic extensive experience made as easy to follow as possible! The online sessions will continue until December, with a return to in person sessions planned for next season.

thought at its best.

Equally fiendish is the cunning rouse at persuading Muntjak etc., to stop nibbling your much loved plants. No, not land mines, snipers or anything horrid but soap!

In particular, Irish Spring Soap.

Apparently, freely available at Amazon, one cuts into cubes, simply threads some heavy duty florist’s wire through the pieces and dangles them around the garden. Muntjak do not like the smell and so are deterred.

Indeed, grating soap using an old cheese grater, into the compost or back filled soil that goes on top of your newly planted bulbs can deter squirrels from digging them up.

As with the muntjak, squirrels are, apparently, put off by the smell. If you should try any these, please let me know how you get on.

Last month’s just for fun quiz question was: Montbretia, Dicentra Spectabilis and Japonica are all former names of plants regularly found in gardens in this country; what are their current names?

The answers are, repectively, Crocosmia, Lamprocapnos spectabilis, and although regularly seen in plant names, the word Japonica, on its own, normally refers in this country to Chaenomeles or as it is also known, Ornamental Japanese Flowering Quince.

This month’s just for fun question is: Often to be seen walking the fields in agriculture, although also often employed in horticulture, what is the precise job of the agronomist?

As usual, many thanks to all of you for contributing to this column, keep them coming, and please contact me with any gardening tasks or queries you may have, lawndocgardens@aol.com or tel: 01767 627 581 or 07796 328 855.

GARY BERRIDGE

Plastering and general maintenance INCLUDING:

● UPVC doors and windows ● Facias and guttering ● Tiling ● Free estimates ● Painting & decorating

Tel: 01767 316485 07582 485155

9

12

— NOVEMBER 2021

TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

MID BEDS BULLETIN

NOVEMBER 2021 —

TEL: 07894 935952 ADS: advertising@rosettapublishing.com

A song of Remembrance for the generations…

BEDFORD School’s Chapel Choir and Chelsea Pensioners Release Remembrance Day Single ‘White Doves of Peace’ with classical singer/songwriter Jamie Lonsdale.

Boys from Bedford School’s Chapel Choir will feature in a special Remembrance Day single with the Chelsea Pensioners, which is due to be released on 5 November 5.

The boys, who were excused from lessons specially to take part, were recorded singing ‘White Doves of Peace’ written by singer and songwriter Jamie Lonsdale, back in September inside the school’s iconic and beautiful grade II chapel.

Alexander Olleson, a music scholar at the school and current BBC Young Chorister of the Year shares his beautiful voice as he sings solo as lead vocal as the song opens.

The choir’s recording has been cleverly blended with the beautiful and heart felt voices of The Chelsea Pensioners, a full symphony orchestra and a military brass band which were recorded at the world-famous Abbey Road Studios in London.

There is also a mention of the late ‘Captain Sir Tom Moore’, who is referenced in the song lyrics for the way he ‘stepped towards his goals’.

Captain Tom captured the nations hearts after he raised £38.9m in three and a half weeks, with donations from 163 countries.

Bedford School have a close link with his family, as his

grandson attends the school and the school were put firmly in the media spotlight as part of Captain Tom’s 100th birthday celebrations when the school received and displayed the thousands of birthday cards that were sent to him from across the world. The single commemorates Remembrance Day and all the souls who fought so valiantly across the world, with an emphasis on the importance of peace and respect for one another.

It was produced by record producer Robert Emery who is currently directing the musical ‘Bat Out of Hell’ which is touring the UK. Head of Choral Music at Bedford School, Mr Keith Roberts said, “It was a great privilege for our choristers to be involved in this project, to work (albeit remotely) with the Chelsea Pensioners and to have an orchestral backing track. They were a credit to the Chapel Choir and school

and should be very proud of their singing and their professional behaviour.”

In the words of singer songwriter Jamie “The song aspires to global peace, a fairer world, living in harmony whilst always remembering those who gave their lives…”

The juxtaposition of the young boys who will be the heroes of tomorrow, the Chelsea Pensioners who are the heroes of yesterday and Jamie in the middle, is a powerful message.

Jamie himself is an ex-military man having served with the Royal Navy on board the Royal Yacht Britannia and he also has a strong serving military family history with his 55 Great Uncle being the Duke of Wellington and Jamie is also a descendent of Lord Raglan (the British commander in the Crimean War) and he had a further three great uncles on the battlefield at Waterloo.

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BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN

14

— NOVEMBER 2021

TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

Bedford Modern School gets Bedford School crowned Smart with Michael R Peters Independent Boys’

School of the Year 2021

MICHAEL R Peters, the Bedford electrical retailer, has been busy over the school summer holidays.

Back in March this year the Harpur Trust School, Bedford Modern, invited Michael R Peters to help in the planning and implementation of a major project to refurbish 34 classrooms and three common rooms.

Paul Mead, managing director, said “we were delighted to be involved with such a prestigious local school and it is fantastic that the school are using local trades to complete this extensive project.”

Planning took place between April and June and the work commenced at 12 noon on the day the

students broke up for the summer holidays. Each room was completely refurbished with new floors, decoration and furniture all supplied and fitted by local contractors.

Paul said, “ for our part we supplied and fitted thirty-five 75” and 86” Smart educational touch screens, imaging cameras, wiring looms, data cabinets, whiteboards and PA speakers. Extensive data termination took place with over 989 ethernet connections being completed.”

“The project went extremely well with all our products being installed and tested before school started In September.

BEDFORD School wins Independent Boys’ School of the Year in the Independent Schools of the Year awards.

Boys and staff at Bedford School are celebrating after beating stiff competition from across the UK to be named ‘Independent Boys’ School of the Year’ in the much-coveted annual Independent Schools of the Year Awards.

The esteemed independent allboys school in the heart of Bedford was humbled to receive the soughtafter award after demonstrating how it has embraced and maximised the unique opportunities that an all-boys school can offer.

The awards were hosted online and chosen by a prestigious panel of judges, who know the sector well, including the CEO of the Independent Schools Council (ISC), the CEO of the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA) and the CEO of the Council of British International Schools (COBIS), a number of others in senior association roles and five serving Heads.

This year, they were overwhelmed by the strength and volume of nominations received with over 700 entries submitted.

Jim Massey who presented the award explained they chose

Bedford School for “its holistic school experience, tailored to the specific needs of the all-boys community, designed to ensure that students’ individual qualities are nurtured without inhibition and lived without awkwardness, so that they be good men.”

James Hodgson, Head Master at Bedford School, commented, “This is reward for the hard work of an entire community: over 1100 boys, their teachers, non-teaching staff, families, governors and Old Bedfordians, all of whom have played their part in making the school the happy, vibrant and successful place that it is today.

“I feel immensely lucky every day to be working here and contributing what we can to the town in which we all live.”

Independent Schools of the Year is an awards scheme that aims to showcase the excellence of the educational experience available to students of all backgrounds.

It recognises and applauds the varied and imaginative ways in which independent schools prepare young people for their future lives and is a real celebration of the diversity of the sector and the impact that it has on the lives of children and young people.

Plea to businesses – help send a Scout to Korea

NICK Kealy a Scout Leader for Colmworth has been given the amazing honour of being selected to lead the Bedfordshire Contingent of Scouts (36 children and four Adults) to South Korea for the World Scout Jamboree in 2023.

This international event takes place every four years and draws around 40,000 children from all over the world in a festival of solidarity and culture like no other. It is kind of the Scout Olympics if you will.

Traditionally this has been considered quite an elite event with individuals needing to raise around £4000 each over a two year period to attend. This is often done through fundraising events and donations which really helps bring the Jamboree Contingent together as lifelong friendships.

Fund raising is already six months behind due to COVID. You can imagine with COVID and the financial challenges over the last 18 months the thought of needing to pay £4000 would seem very daunting and put a lot of parents (and children) off of applying!

Nick is really keen to change this perception so that people from disadvantaged backgrounds apply for the opportunity to attend this event.

By changing the message from ‘To attend you will need to raise around £4000’ to ‘You will need to commit time and energy to help raise the money’ means the attendees that could really get the most

from this are not put off by the money element.

Nick has been given some support from the County Scouting Association to subside places and has a plan to try and gain sponsorship from local businesses in the Bedfordshire area.

Applications are now live and open to all eligible Scouts/ Explorers regardless of background. n Applications are open, download or complete the form at www.bedswsj.org.uk and they will be closed from midnight on the November 4 n To be considered for the selection weekend on November 20/21you need to be a current Scout or Explorer in the Bedfordshire district and born between July 22, 2005 and July 31, 2009 n It truly is open to all eligible members of Scouting with the emphasis for selection to the contingent being about who is thought will get the best out of it not just the best people at lighting fires and tying knots. n Any Bedfordshire businesses that wishes to support please do get in touch. It’s not just about giving money but if you can offer any products or services or venues for fundraising events it will all be helping us to achieve our goal of changing 36 young peoples lives.

Please feel free to get in touch Nick via phone on 07903 553 134 if you can help.

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jected into the future to explore the possibility of a Coronavirus museum. I would encourage any young person to get involved in the competition as you can express yourself fully and feel a sense of pride in having your voice recognised and rewarded”.

This year, the school encouraged its British Council partnered mixed secondary school, Kamasengre in Kenya, to also enter the competition and were thrilled to learn that one of their students secured a Bronze Award.

The international schools’ writing contest used the theme of “Community in the Commonwealth” to reflect on the global spread of COVID-19 and how it has affected the lives of many Commonwealth citizens.

Students were encouraged to consider how, through adversity, societies came together and share their stories of growth, community, and hope. The final judging decision was made by an expert panel that included the famous author Imtiaz Dharker.

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TEN students from Mark Rutherford School are celebrating their success in an international essay writing competition run by the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS).

More than 13,000 young people from across the Commonwealth entered the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay competition run by the RCS, which has a rich history of promoting literacy, expression and creativity by celebrating the excellence and imagination of young people.

Six Mark Rutherford students successfully secured a Bronze Award, a further three students achieved a Silver Award, whilst one student, Joseph, was proud to continue the school’s success in receiving a Gold Award for the second year running.

Gold Award winner, Joseph, said: “It felt great when I found out that I had won, it filled me with pride knowing that I had achieved an extraordinary accomplishment through my reflections on the pandemic. My entry pro-

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View from the Rt Revd

Richard Atkinson

In Focus with

Dave

Yasin

by Dave Hodgson Mayor of Bedford

The Bishop of Bedford

ALL SOULS

In Focus with

Our Lord Lieutenants’ Service of ‘Thanksgiving, Remembrance and Hope’ on October 10th at St Paul’s Church in Bedford was a special opportunity to reflect on the impact of the pandemic. T he service is available through this link: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=aCfNb59jDUU&t=0s. I encourage you to watch it.

Representatives of those who provided medical care, staffed and organised vaccination centres, provided meals for those in need, managed care homes and of those affected by the virus focused our thankfulness for the response to the pandemic. So much care and dedication, given and experienced, across our county.

At the end of the service, we looked forward with hope and dedicated ourselves to working together for a stronger and more just society; a hope symbolised by the blessing of three saplings which were later planted at local schools. A visible symbol of how we must plant and build for future generations. Very much the challenge of COP26.

Finally, at the heart of the service was time to remember. To remember all those affected by the virus (and those still affected today) especially those who died. For many of us are carrying the sorrow and pain of losing loved ones.

Not just the loss, but the experience of not being with them when they died, of not being able to hold the funeral as we wished and so much more. As is necessary with all bereavement we have missed the opportunity to grieve and to mourn well.

One opportunity to do this is All Soul’s Day (November 2nd). Known also as ‘The Commemoration of the Faithful Departed’ it is an opportunity to remember the departed and to commend them to the love of God, often by lighting a candle in church.

To enable this, many of our local churches will be holding special services either on the day or on an adjacent Sunday. If there is one near you, you will be very welcome.

However, whether or not, there is a service near you, I encourage you to use this time of All Soul’s to remember those who have been lost. It could be sitting in a quiet space at home and lighting a candle.

It might be finding a church or another place of worship that is open, lighting a candle if that is available, and spending time giving thanks for your loved ones and offering up to God your sadness, pain and grief.

15

MP for Bedford and Kempston

REMEMBRANCE AND CHRISTMAS

FACE THE RESIDENTS

November and December will see a number of events across the Borough.

On Thursday, November 11, we will commemorate Armistice Day at Riverside Square in Bedford with a presentation of Standards and a two-minute silence.

Remembrance Sunday will take place on Sunday, November 14, at War Memorials and Roll of Honours across the Borough, In Bedford the traditional wreath laying will take place at the War Memorial on Bedford Embankment at 11am and will be followed by a parade down the Embankment, finishing in Harpur Square. In Kempston the Town Council have arranged a Remembrance Service at Kempston East Methodist Church at 2.30pm followed by a parade to the War Memorial for a silence and wreath laying.

There will also be Remembrance events in many of the villages across the Borough.

It is good that we will be able to commemorate Remembrance properly again this year following a reduced number of events last year. However, I would urge people to remember Coronavirus is still present in the community and to remind you to continue to take precautions such as wearing face coverings in enclosed spaces or when in large groups and try to maintain a social distance where possible.

Later in November and in early December we will see the Christmas Lights switched on in Bedford and Kempston as well as some of the villages and I am looking forward to seeing displays across the whole Borough.

Throughout December there will be events in Bedford town centre every weekend running up to Christmas and other events across the Borough, please do check social media to see what is happening in your area.

I recently launched my Christmas Card competition for Primary aged children to design my Christmas Card, you can find more at https://rosettapublishing.com/bulletin/2021/10/13/mayordave-hodgson-launches-the-2021-christmas-card-competition/.

On October 15, the CEO of East West Rail, Simon Blanchflower and EWR Operations Director, Will Gallagher came to Bedford at my request to meet elected representatives and members of the public.

I invited ward Councillors on a walkabout’ to show Simon Blanchflower and EWR Operations Director, Will Gallagher first-hand the homes that would be affected in the vicinity of Bedford station because of the Government’s plans to extend the tracks from 4 to 6.

The Councillors and I called for the electrification of the line and EWR confirmed that they have been making the case to Government for the line to be electrified rather than using diesel trains. We pressed EWR on the four-track option and EWR confirmed that they were still looking at all possibilities to minimise the effect on the local community ahead of the publishing of their consultation response early next year.

The public meeting at St Cuthbert’s Hall was constructive and although we limited the numbers to 40 to observe social distancing and keep the public Covid-19 safe in an indoor space, it did mean we were able to cover a wide spectrum of questions. We would have liked to have given more notice to the public, but we didn’t get confirmation for the public to be involved in the visit until a week before.

We grabbed the opportunity because we didn’t want the date to drag into the winter when we know residents have already waited so long for a meeting and when Covid infection rates may rise to a level where public meetings are unsafe.

Residents from the Poets area and Ashburnham road were given priority but there were also residents from Brickhill, Queen’s Park, De Parys, and Kempston, including members of the BFARe group and Protect Poets.

Some brilliant questions were asked by residents on the Need to Sell Scheme, the four-track option, freight, the consultation process, and the prospect of further disruption to the Bromham Road Bridge, but it was the passion to save not just homes, but a whole community that struck a chord.

One Poets’ resident described the years of uncertainty because of the Government’s potential compulsory purchase order plans, made her feel like a prisoner in her own home.

Some answers by EWR were useful for residents, including a clearer timeline for the next steps of the consultation process. While no solutions were offered up at this point by EWR, they repeatedly told us that they’re still working with their engineers to find possible solutions to all the issues that repeatedly came up in 9,000 respondents to the consultation.

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THE people of Bedfordshire came together at St Paul’s Church, Bedford on Sunday, October 10, 2021 to give thanks, remember and look forward in hope as the nation emerges from the challenges of the pandemic.

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis was accompanied by her husband Professor Joe Nellis, and supported by the Vice Lord-Lieutenant, Colonel Chris Sharwood-Smith MBE and three of her Lord-Lieutenant Cadets. The High Sheriff of Bedfordshire Eric Masih, the Speaker of Bedford Borough Council, the Mayor of Luton, the Chairman of Central Bedfordshire Council, the Chief Fire Officer, the Chief Constable, the Police & Crime Commissioner, Town Mayors from across the county and many other representatives of countywide organisations joined the congregation.

The service, which was held in line with current Covid19 guidelines, was led by the Revd Canon Kevin Goss and the address and blessing was given by the Bishop of Bedford The Rt Rev Richard Atkinson OBE. The Royal British Legion County Standard was presented during the first hymn and two of the LordLieutenant’s Cadets presented the Lieutenancy Flag and the Bedfordshire Flag.

The service was in three parts. People from all sec-

tions of the community who were involved in the pandemic were invited to share their experiences and this was an opportunity to give thanks for their contribution. This included local GPs involved in setting up vaccination centres, a volunteer who provided meals for key workers and people in need, a Care Home Manager, Military personnel, a Vaccination Centre volunteer and a Covid survivor. Each of them had a different story to tell, all of which were truly inspiring.

The service then had a period of remembrance when representatives of faith communities were invited to light candles whilst the choir sang and the congregation were given time to reflect.

This led the service into the final part when the Bishop of Bedford blessed locally grown saplings representing the new hope of life. The saplings were presented to the Bishop by Lord-Lieutenant Cadets and will be planted in three schools in Bedfordshire to celebrate HM The Queen’s Green Canopy.

Speaking after the service the Lord-Lieutenant said “It was a very emotional Bedfordshire Service of Thanksgiving, Remembrance and Hope at St Paul’s Church. I was really inspired and greatly moved by the stories of how so many went the extra mile to help during the pandemic.”

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TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

film review comedy Castle Comedy spreading the humour across Bedfordshire

The Lost Daughter ‘The Lost Daughter’ is a story about Leda (Olivia Colman), a Leeds-born lecturer who goes alone on a beach holiday from her house in Massachusetts to a paradise island in Greece. It is clear from the get-go that she has no intention of socialising with anyone. She’s even unapproachable to Lyle (Ed Harris), the elderly property caretaker.

Later, Leda discovers a deserted beach, only for a big family of New Yorkers to intrude on her space.

She gently declines to move when the annoying Callie (Dagmara Domincyk) asks her to.

However, two family members – Nina (Dakota Johnson) and her little daughter Elena – fascinate her, and she becomes engrossed in watching the pair. As she watches them, she is overcome by her recollections of the horror, uncertainty, and intensity of early parenthood.

Eventually, she is thrown into the weird and scary realm of her own mind, where she must confront her unorthodox past choices as a young mother.

‘The Lost Daughter’, based on a book of the same name by Elena

Castle Comedy is spreading its wings in November and heading to new venues across Bedfordshire!

Castle Comedy Flitwick – The Rufus Centre – Saturday November 13 Flitwick Town Council teams up with Castle Comedy to put on a brilliant comedy special at the Rufus Centre.

Ferrante, is Maggie Gyllenhaal’s directorial debut after a long acting career.

She received recognition for her performance in ‘The Dark Knight’ (2018) and won a Golden Globe award for Best Actress for her performance in the BBC politicalthriller miniseries ‘The Honourable Woman’ (2014).

Olivia Colman and Dakota Johnson feature in this starstudded drama. Colman has appeared in a number of films, including ‘The Iron Lady’ (2011),

‘The Lobster’ (2015), ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ (2017), and ‘The Favourite’ (2018), for which she received an Academy Award for Best Actress.

Johnson, on the other hand, is most known for her role in the ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ film trilogy (20152018).

She won a BAFTA Rising Star Award in 2016 for her part in the series.

‘The Lost Daughter’ will be released on UK’s Netflix on December 31, 2021.

ANGELA BARNES, after a career in health and social care, Angela decided to realise a longheld ambition and give comedy a go.

Within a couple of years, she had won the 2011 BBC New Comedy Award with her gloriously down-to-earth and straight-talking humour.

Since then Angela and her witty world view have been catapulted onto numerous radio and television

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shows including appearances on Russell Howard’s Good News, Russell Kane’s Whistle Stop Tour on BBC Radio 2, Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week, Stand up for the Week and BBC Radio’s The Now Show.

“Brilliantly funny” Sarah Millican GLENN MOORE is an Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee and one of the best and most prolific joke writers in the country.

Glenn is a regular face on TV, having appeared on Mock The Week, Rob Delaney’s Stand Up Central and The Stand Up Sketch Show.

Castle Comedy Leighton Buzzard – The Crooked Crow Bar, Wednesday November 24 The Crooked Crow Bar teams up with Castle Comedy to put on a classic mixed bill of comedy featuring TV names and rising stars.

STEPHEN BAILEY is one of the fastest rising stars in UK comedy.

He has appeared on Live At The Apollo and has a stand-up special on Comedy Central. He is the presenter of Channel 5 and 5Star’s new show Celebs on the Farm and flew out to America to host Celebs on the Ranch!

He has also appeared on Comedy Central’s Roast Battle, ITV2’s The Stand Up Sketch Show, The Apprentice: You’re Fired and Coronation Street! “He’s an archbitch with a winning smile, everyone’s favourite gay best

friend. Bailey’s confident, funny & suitably rude” - The Reviews Hub NEIL MCFARLANE is a Scottish stand up comedian hailing from Glasgow. He performs across the length and breadth of the British Isles and has also entertained international audiences. He has reached the finals of both The Scottish Comedian of the Year and the BBC Comedy awards.

Castle Comedy Christmas Specials – December 2, 9, 15 and 16.

The ultimate Christmas shows are back in December!

There will be shows in Bedford, Biggleswade, Leighton Buzzard and Henlow.

So, if you fancy some festive cheer you know what to do.

Tickets: castlecomedy.co.uk

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Kempston, MK42 8PN. Tuesday November 16, Tuesday 2.30 Speaker Jason Middleton on ‘Pearl. A famous Gemstone’ Contact: Betty Thomas 01480 860421

Kempston Senior Citizens Club: DANCING,

WHIST, BINGO. Meets Wednesday 10am-12noon Friday 10am-4.00pm, CENTENARY HALL, behind Kempston Town Hall, for further information contact: Sheila Cobban, on 01234 347306.

1-5 December. Theme: ‘It’s Panto!’. St Paul’s church, St Paul’s Sq, Bedford, MK40 1SQ. Wed-Sat 10-5, Sunday 12-4. £3.00. Free under 16 years. Daily community concerts and competitions. Festival concert: Minerva Piano Trio Friday 3rd December 7.30 pm. In aid of the church and Bedford Hospital Charity & Friends. Further details at http://www.stpaulschurchbedford.org. uk/ Minerva Piano Trio: Friday 3rd December 7.30pm. Works by Ravel, Stravinsky, Mozart, Vivaldi and others. Contact: Tel 01234 340163

Christmas Tree Festival:

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Kempston Musical Society: Christmas Carol

BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN

Concert, Kempston Musical Society will be performing a selection of Christmas carols and festive music on the evening of Saturday 18th December at Priory Methodist Church, Newnham Avenue, Bedford.

Tickets will cost £7.50 on the door, which will include refreshments. This concert is guaranteed to get you in the mood for Christmas.

To find out more about all our forthcoming concerts or information about the choir Contact 01234 781010 or email prestissimo@btinternet.com MKNTA and £4 for non-members

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by Tony Hendrix I don’t usually get the chance to cover up and coming local artists, my editor recently received a biography of a local artist which was passed my way, I had a listen to music which I found very impressive!

Jonathan Stolber is a Data Administrator by day for Aston Training which is part of The Bedford College Group.

Away from his desk the staff member changes into a music composer whose work is a big hit with the worlds leading music platform Spotify. Jonathan, aged 41, has worked for Aston for three years.

The office is located in Gold Street, Northampton which is right next door to a destination vinyl store ‘Spun Out’ where some of his music can also be found.

Jonathan is an outstanding multi-talented instrumentalist, singer/songwriter and producer, who has twice been nominated for BBC awards and was a winner of a place to join Masterclass sessions at the world famous Abbey Road studios.

He spent most of lockdown locked in his home studio putting final touches to his new release ‘An Unshakeable Demon.’

The record was mixed by legendary engineer Steven Durose (Oceansize) and mastered at the icon Abbey Road studios by Frank Arkwright( Mogwai/The Killers).

The EP is a bristling, industrial collection of synth-heavy song writing; theatrical, brooding and ominous.

Tackling themes of mental health heightened by the pandemic, and exacerbated by social media, Stolber confronts issues we all face in re-

Christmas Tree Festival Concert: St Paul’s church, St

Paul’s Square, Bedford, MK40 1SQ. Tickets £17.50 Contact: 01234 783181/ 01234 340163 or www.peoplesfundraising.com/concert-tickets.

In aid of the church and Bedford Hospital Charity & Friends.

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Don Broco

Bedford Esquires – November 10 A ferociously good live band acclaimed for their relentless highoctane performances, Don Broco are heading out on a massive uk tour stopping off at 10 cities.

They’ve added Bedford’s Esquires to the list of venues!

The tour supports the release of the band’s new album, ‘Amazing things’, which was released digitally this on Friday, October 22.

‘Amazing Things’ is the band’s fourth album, and follows the release of 2018’s ‘Technology’, which was was a top five album in the UK charts and has had over 100 million streams to date.

Fund Raising Tea Dances: Addison Centre,

Kempston, Mondays November 8 and 29, 2pm to 4.30pm. £3.00 including a cuppa Contact: 01234 851877 or 01234 340997

emerging into a post-COVID world.

The Debut Single ‘Coming Up For air’ taken from the EP has now gained radio play across a variety of platforms including The BBC, Exile Fm, Radio Wigwam and Amazing Radio UK. Progradar have described the ep as “one of this year’s most enlightening releases and one that still intrigues after every listen.”

During early 2020, Jonathan shared a Piano Day release entitled ‘The Minotaur’ under his solo artist name ‘The Holy Road’ to raise money for Mental Health Awareness (TinyChanges.Com).

The track was then selected to feature on Nils Frahm’s curated Official Piano Day, global playlist.

The track has gone on to feature on Spotify’s Roadburn Essential Sounds playlist to reach a further 4.6K listeners.

Have a listen to his music I’m sure it will attack your rhythm buds!

‘An Unshakeable Demon’ is available across all streaming services:

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January 20, a concert of classical Indian ragas by a true master of the sitar: Mehboob Nadeem.

February 24, a recital of songs by Vaughan Williams, Rachmaninov, Brahms and Schubert by the Russian-British baritone Theodore Platt who joins us from his day job at the Bavarian State Opera.

March 24, a programme of trios by Haydn and Beethoven, together with a recent work they commissioned from local composer Cherlyl Frances-Hoad.

The Season concludes on April 28 with a brilliant young quintet, Connaught Brass, who took first prize in the inaugural Philip Jones International Brass Competition in 2019. Contact: www.bedfordmusicclub.co.uk

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TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

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Colourful foliage plants for winter gardens N

by Maureen Catlin

OVEMBER is the first winter month when the light levels are lower and there’s a general sad feeling that the bright colours of summer in the garden have come to an end for another year. Gardens though need not be gloomy.

Brightly coloured winter evergreens will light up our borders and tubs and there is a vast array to choose from. Here are a few proven old favourites and some interesting new introductions.

Let’s start with some suggestions to grow in a mixed border or as feature and focal plants.

Abelia Gold Jewel is an attractive compact semi evergreen shrub with pure golden foliage that fades to a deep copper colour as the plant ages and goes through

the winter months. The trumpet flowers are pink and white and scented from June until late autumn. Plant in moist well drained soil in sun or partial shade.

Escallonia Gold Brian is a bushy, compact, evergreen shrub with bright yellow scented new foliage that turns burnished gold and holds this colour throughout winter. The bell shaped rosy red flowers appear during the summer months.

One of the brightest yellow variegated evergreen shrubs in winter is good old “Golden Privet” a much undervalued plant possibly due to the “suburban clipped front garden hedge” of the 1930’s. The foliage positively shouts out I am here on a dull November day. Euonymus Silver Queen which holds the Royal

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It is also good in a patio container. It can be used to help add light and colour to areas of lightly dappled shade and in winter adds another feature to the garden. It grows well in moist well drained soil and benefits from some winter protection.

Senecio Angel Wings is a striking perennial plant that has been achieved lots of awards. Its large, silvery white leaves have a soft, downy texture making it ideal for a sensory garden. It is an eye catching feature for a border or pot where it will thrive in a hot sunny spot. It quickly forms a good sized clump and will become tolerant of drought once established. Move to a dry sheltered spot if temperatures dip below minus eight degrees.

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Horticultural Society’s prestigious Award of Garden Merit. It is a versatile evergreen shrub with dark green leaves and pretty pink white margins. Inconspicuous pale green flowers appear in summer, sometimes followed by pale pink fruits.

Skimmia Japonica Perosa is a compact, rounded evergreen shrub which produces grey green leaves with creamy yellow margins.

The dense clusters of red to pink buds are held all winter above the leaves giving a good splash of colour before opening to small star shaped white flowers in spring. This is a male variety of Skimmia which will pollinate varieties like Skimmia Reevesiana or Skimmia Nymans to produce bright red berries that hold on the plant for at least six months. It grows well in shady places.

Euphorbia Ascot Moonbeam is an upright, bushy, evergreen perennial with shoots bearing dense whorls of light grey green leaves with creamy white margins and from spring into summer. The small pale yellow flowers are surrounded by large, pale yellow bracts. It associates well near the front of the border with red Heucheras and silver Brunnera requiring no maintenance.

Fatsia Japonica Spiders Web is a new Fatsia grown for its handsome foliage which looks as though it has been dusted with icing sugar. It makes a wonderful specimen particularly when planted near white flowering plants like Hydrangea Annabelle that complement the leaf variegations.

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like a grass but has recently been reclassified as a member of the asparagus family so is actually a variegated perennial. Its grass like foliage is attractively striated with cream lines against dark green. In the spring flower spikes emerge from the plant bearing small scented yellow blooms.

It is hardy and will tolerate frost and drought and grows well in containers. Plant in semi-shade amongst the broad spotty leaves of Pulmonaria or Symphytum where the spiky upright leaves provide a visual foil.

Many of these suggestions for the border can also be planted in tubs like Euonymus, Fatsia, Senecio, and Skimmia using John Innes or a good fibre based compost.

A group of plants that can

always be relied upon to give brilliant colour and a sculptured shape for winter Patio Tubs are the dwarf conifers. The picture shows the variety of shapes and colours available in these colourful evergreens.

To name a few for yellow foliage Cupressus Wilma, Chamaecyparis Pearly Swirls, Karamachiba, and White Beauty and Thuja Goldy. Chamaecyparis Curly Tops has bright silver blue leaves while Juniperus Lime Glow,Cryptomeria Mushroom, Thuya Anniek and Fire Chief and Chamaecyparis Rubicon all turn a bronze red colour as the weather gets colder and the light levels reduce.

With some of these additions to your planting scheme The Garden is never dull in winter.

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19

sport FOOTBALL – WADERS ROUNDUP BY MIKE DRAXLER

Waders serve up 14 goals…

ALVECHURCH ........................1 BIGGLESWADE TOWN ........0 Saturday, September 25 NOT too much to recommend this match won by a quality goal from Sam Mclintock at the very end of the first 45. Mclintock cut in and

Man of the match: Kane Ferrell.

curled a shot from the edge of the box, past the despairing hands of Wader’s keeper Jake Alley.

Alvechurch had pressed all through the half and the great expectation of going in level at the break was shattered.

After the break the Waders showed in patches what they may be capable of with a little more belief, but that was not strong enough to gain an equaliser.

Alvechurch continued playing an attacking game but were unable to breach the green wall a second time.

Just one of those games, best forgotten.

BIGGLESWADE TOWN .........7 BARWELL ................................0 Saturday October 9 THE Waders first home league game since the August Bank holiday saw a standing ovation for Chris Nunn’s team. Biggleswade

timid Infront of goal on their travels certainly made amends with a glut of goals. Returning players from injury and a settled squad certainly worked wonders at the Yvette Brewer Stadium.

From the off Biggleswade were on the offensive. Joe Howe galloping down the left flank at every opportunity. Howe’s cross on nine gave new signing Ben Stevens his debut league goal with a ‘gilzeanesque’ header at the near post.

All Waders with Barwell offering not too much in return. Sitting in the stands, the sun shining the afternoon felt great and got better on 42 as Stevens, Wilson and finally Silva exchanged passes for Silva to drive home for a 2-0 advantage at the turn round.

After the break still on the offensive a lunging tackle from Barwell 4 HervePepe-Ngoma on Matt Hall at 50, the referee having

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no hesitation in showing a red card. From the free kick James Peters had the ball Infront of goal before unleashing a shot to make it three.

Peters it was again firing for the top corner which the visiting keeper, Liam Castle, did well to push round the post. Ronan Silva was unstoppable as his shot on 61 beat the despairing keeper to make it four.

A corner on 66 was headed backwards and found Matt Hall grateful for the ball and the coolest of finishes as he side footed over the packed penalty area to make it five. The return of Joe Neal a 65th minute substitute was a welcome sight, returning from injury.

Joe his usual game of trying to cover every inch of the pitch. 81 and Joe working his way into the box was felled. Neal made no mistake with his spot kick making it six.

Barwell upped the game and through everything forward.

Howe, Hall, Purse and the retuning captain Shane Bush defended well to keep the clean sheet.

As a finale Ronan Silva completed his hattrick on 91 to take home the match ball.

Man of the match: James Peters.

BIGGLESWADE TOWN .........7 STRATFORD TOWN...............1 Tuesday October 12 THIS game was not about the numbers more the way it was achieved.

Never in your wildest dream would you have put the Waders down to score another seven following Saturday’s. But yes, they did and in some style.

From the off Neal, D’Arcy and Stevens were at the visiting defence, with Joe Neal’s persistence paying off in under twominutes as he ‘nicked the ball form the goalkeeper’s toes and ran the ball home.

Biggleswade never gave Stratford time to settle, if it was not the front three harrowing, in came Sam Squire, Ronan Silva and James Peters.

More on next page

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20

— NOVEMBER 2021

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sport

…and then they dry up!

Continued from page 19

The Wader defence held firm with Howe and Hall in the middle flanked by the ever-dependable Kane Farrell, just back from injury with Luca Purse on the other side.

Josh Hill was given the opportunity of a league first team start and equipped himself well.

One scary moment Ashley Sammons lashed the ball against the Wader’s post after beating the defensive line early on but apart

from that it was the 89th minute before another chance came their way. Sandwiched in between was a peach of a shot from Ben Stevenson 32 and Blake D’Arcy rounded off the first half scoring on 45.

Out for the second period and only nine gone D’Arcy was there again to bundle the ball over the line to make 4-0. Move on six and a snap shot from Joe Neal beat the keeper to make it five. Another two and Ronan Silver not to be left out

made it six with another shot from distance. The game quietened down with a series of substitutions from both sides. This did not change the direction of play as Junior Muyembe and David Manu took the line even higher. Manu it was, that was bundled over in the area for a penalty which David promptly despatched to make it seven. A consolation goal on 89 by Enoch Andoh as he ran the defence, taking away that clean sheet. Final score 7-1

Man of the match: Luca Purse.

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NEEDHAM MARKET.............3 BIGGLESWADE TOWN .........0 Tuesday October 19 SOMETIMES it’s difficult to sit and write a match report, having sat and thought about Tuesday’s game, Needham took us to task and could have been three up in the first ten minutes. The wind blowing in their favour the home side pressed the advantage and scored through Callum Page on 20.

Disaster as Hand Mpongo doubled the lead on 22. The quick passing between the Needham

back line through to the midfield cut open the Wader’s back line at will. The score went to three on 39 through Callum Page after a peach of a ball was played down the right side. The ball crossed in for Page to get his second of the night. At the break 3-0 Back out and with the wind playing with the Waders, life improved with an even second 45.

Unbelievable to think that a week earlier Biggleswade netted seven.

Only a couple of times was the home keeper tested but Garnham was up to the task and thwarted the front line.

A disappointing evening but Needham thoroughly deserved the win to leave us Wader faithful the long journey home, goalless and pointless.

AFC RUSHDEN AND DIAMONDS ....................0 BIGGLESWADE TOWN ........0 Saturday October 23 AS you would expect with only two league points separating the teams before the start, this was always going to be an eager battle.

Kicking down the slope the Waders had the best of the first 45 creating but no clear chance except one where the ball came in from a corner, bounced around the area before a green toe put the ball high over the bar, when it seemed easier to score.

The game was peppered with niggly fouls, meaning no flow to the play.

The second 45 was much the same, all approach and no finish from either side. Chances were few and not really a worry to either keeper, hence the score of 0-0 and the shorter than normal report.

Still two league points separate the teams.

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BIGGLESWADE TOWN .........0 RUSHALL OLYMPIC..............1 Saturday, October 16 AFTER the exhilarating matches against Barwell and Stratford, we all knew it couldn’t and wouldn’t last, Rushall Olympic visited the Yvette Brewer Stadium with only one thing in mind. Not to let the Waders continue with a hatful of goals.

A tough, strong outfit, physically big Rushall started the better taking the game to Biggleswade. A strange reversal of a decision by the referee on 11 minutes, after being surrounded by Rushall players, gave Tyler Lyttle the free kick from 40 metres. Wow, did it ever fly straight into the top corner for a quality strike giving Rushall the lead.

As much as the Waders did their best to get into some rhythm it was not going to be a day for the boys in green. Chances were few and both defences played well to keep the forwards at bay. Joe Neal and Ben Stevens went close, Luca Cardine adding a bit of pace when he came on for the injured Blake D’Arcy. At the end the Rushall physicality won out 1-0.