AMPTHILL•FLITWICK•WESTONING•HARLINGTON•TODDINGTON
OCTOBER 2018
VOTED NUMBER ONE FOR LOCAL NEWS
FIFTEEN MINUTE TRIP TO NEW RAIL LINK FOR AMPTHILL RESIDENTS
Wixams’ station back on track – amid accusations of inaction BEDFORD Borough Mayor Dave Hodgson has stepped in to rescue the planned station in Wixams after the failure of the toothless planning deal to deliver the longplanned project.
the original planning agreement in 2006 did not make the delivery of a station a condition of the development, instead including a contribution from the developers comprising less than half the estimated cost. It was intended that the rest would be funded nationally. Commenting, Mayor Dave said: “this is a crucial facility for Wixams and we cannot let this station just be lost to the community. I know from speaking to local residents just how important this is for so many people. that’s why, while it isn’t the job of councils to build railways stations and that was never intended in this case, I am stepping to make it our business. “We will make sure residents get the station they were promised.
“the station should have been made a condition of the development back when planning permission was awarded. there is still more work to be done on getting all the plans and approvals in place. However, Mayor Dave’s commitment means that for the first time, funds for the full cost of the station have been identified. the station will be served by the thameslink line, including services to and from london. the full cost of the station is projected to be £27.4 million, and the gap in funding to be filled by the Council is £14 million.
Borough Cllr for Wixams, Graeme Coombes commenting on the announcement said: “this is welcome news and not before time.
NOT BEFORE TIME
New Senior Coroner for Bedfordshire and Luton Central Bedfordshire Council, as the lead authority for the Bedfordshire & luton Coronial area, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. emma Whitting as Senior Coroner. the appointment follows an open competition and is made with the consent of the Chief Coroner and lord Chancellor. emma is a Barrister and currently sits as an assistant Coroner in four jurisdictions: Coventry, Warwickshire, Birmingham & Solihull and the Black Country. She will take up her post on 1st October 2018. In assuming her new full-time role, emma says: “It will be a great honour to serve the people of Bedfordshire and luton as their Senior Coroner. I look forward to leading the experienced team of offi-
e
cers, administrative staff, and assistant Coroners, in delivering a modern, open, consistent and just service with the bereaved at the heart of the process.”
after a prolonged push by residents, the Parish Council, Wixams neighbourhood Watch and others, continuous pressure has forced the Mayor to act. “For those of us who have followed this saga for the last nine years, the lack of urgency and coordination from the Mayor and Borough Council has been all too apparent, for too long. the Mayor has chosen to blame everyone else for the delay and present himself as the white knight riding to the station project’s rescue.
But the question must be asked of him: “Why has it taken you so long to get your act together?
“If you can do this now, why not years ago, before the costs spiralled out of control?”
“also, it was only six months ago that the Mayor was lauding the benefits of a new station in Sharnbrook. Strong opposition from Wixams residents and the lack of planning and proper research by the Mayor meant that the Sharnbrook scheme had to be pulled before it had even got started.”
2 — BULLETIN
OCTOBER 2018
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
Have you applied for your Find out about plans for a new child’s school place for crematorium in Steppingley September 2019? IF YOUr child is due to start school in September 2019, or transfer to middle, secondary or upper school, applications are now open.
Schools must offer your child a full-time place in the September, following their fourth birthday, if that is your wish; though your child does not have to attend school full-time until the term after their fifth birthday. If you are applying for a place to start school or to join a middle school, you have until tuesday 15 January 2019 to make an application. However, if your child is transferring to a secondary or upper school in 2019 then the deadline for applications is Wednesday 31 October 2018. Councillor Steven Dixon, executive Member for Families, education and Children, said: “last year, over 90 per cent of parents and carers applied for a school place online. “It’s a quick and simple process and applications can be reviewed right up to the deadline date. “We hope that, with all the time pressures parents and carers face, that applying online will be a convenient way to ensure their children do not
miss out on the opportunity to attend a school of their choice. “last year, 96 per cent of families in Central Bedfordshire got their first preference of primary or lower school, 95.7 per cent had their first preference met for middle and 92 per cent had their first preference met for secondary and upper schools.” to apply for a place online, visit www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/adm issions Central Bedfordshire Council has dedicated school admission web pages that contain a wealth of other information including school catchment areas, deferred entries, making an application on religious/faith grounds and how places are allocated. Parents and carers can also complete a paper application form – these are available from the school admissions team. Call 0300 300 8037, email admissions@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or write to School admissions, Central Bedfordshire Council, Watling House, High Street north, Dunstable, lU6 1lF.
Central Bedfordshire Council is looking at building a new and contemporary crematorium behind the Steppingley Hospital in Steppingley near Flitwick. ahead of any planning application, the council is sharing its early plans to seek public feedback. there is currently no crematorium in Central Bedfordshire, so residents are having to travel to other areas which are close to full capacity. the proposal is for a crematorium on agricultural land at the rear of Steppingley Hospital, with access from Fordfield road. the proposed location is well tucked away from sight and there would be additional landscaping, so that the building would not impact on the landscape. You can find out more about the proposal online at: www.centralbed-
fordshire.gov.uk/crematorium the council is also holding a public drop-in event on Monday 24 September from 4:30 –6:30pm at the rufus Centre, Steppingley rd, Flitwick, MK45 1aH. Councillor eugene Ghent, executive Member for assets and Housing Delivery, said: “nationally we have an aging population; people are living longer and that’s no different in Central Bedfordshire. We also know that Central Bedfordshire is an area that is set to grow. Over the next 20 years we are expecting around 40,000 new homes to be built. “Unfortunately, more people also means an increasing demand for crematorium and mortuary services. We want to make sure our residents have a local service to use at what can be an important and often distressing time.”
Jail after high-speed car chase a Man from Shefford was jailed for eight months and disqualified from driving for two years after driving dangerously during a police pursuit in July. Harry Webb, of new road, was also convicted of possession of class B drugs after officers found cannabis in his car.
Webb was spotted doing around 60mph in a 30mph zone at 11.55pm on the High Street, arlesey on 15 July. Webb failed to stop and was pursued to Stotfold, Henlow, Meppershall and Shillington. PC Chris thompson, said: “Webb had no regard for any other motorists or pedestrians.”
OCTOBER 2018 BULLETIN — 3
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NOW A NEW CHALLENGE TO LOCAL DEMOCRACY! THE Government and Local Authorities have acted together to create yet another QUANGO – ‘The Central Growth Board’.
“It will enable them to push through massive developments along the Oxford – Milton Keynes – Bedford – Cambridge Corridor without the consent of local people, crushing local democracy,” says the Campaign for the Protection of rural england (CPre).
the Mayor of Bedford, Dave Hodgson and the leader of Central Bedfordshire Council, James Jamieson, both committed to the nIC plans, have joined the Central Growth Board.
the Central Growth Board has been formed to ensure that controversial Oxford – Cambridge developments across the local authority areas covered by the South east Midlands local enterprise Partnership (SeMleP) – Bedfordshire, Milton Keynes, luton, aylesbury Vale and northamptonshire plus the rest of Buckinghamshire, are pushed through without debate. Similar ‘Growth Boards’ are being created in
Oxfordshire and Cambridgeshire. a spokesperson for CPre Bedfordshire said: “CPre Bedfordshire believe that the work of the new “Central Growth Board” is already underway with controversial planning applications and projects being pushed through with minimal consultation with the people of Bedfordshire. examples are: The Expansion of Cranfield Airport to become a major airport for private jets – some very large. to be called london Cranfield. new runway and ground facilities include a 300 bed hotel – doubling the number of aircraft movements from 20,000 to 40,000 per year increasing passenger numbers to 70,000 per year.
type, it appears that Bedford Borough Council itself was also not consulted even though Cranfield airport is on the border between the two la’s. this despite the fact that the Mayor of Bedford, Dave Hodgson knew all about plans to expand Cranfield airport. We have written to the Mayor of Bedford and the leader of CBC, James Jamieson asking for the reason behind their undermining of the local democratic process and what they will do to put it right. Proposed new A6 – M1 Link Road which will slice through the Chilterns area of Outstanding natural Beauty and impact historic woodlands. Details of the controversial route of the a6-M1 link road was mysteriously absent from CBC’s local Plan 2035 which was presented to Government for approval a few months ago. then “out of the blue” on July 10th, Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) put the route of the new road forward for “pre-application consultation” with local people at a number of drop-in sessions across the area. these sessions were held during the summer holidays (the first starting on the 17July and the last on the 30th July) when many residents were away on holiday. those residents who were available were given just seven days’ notice of the first drop-in event!
this planning application was quietly approved by Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) in June 2018 without consulting the many town & Parish Councils in Bedford Borough which will be directly under the flight path or otherwise impacted e.g. by air pollution, increased traffic etc. Villages like Wootton (Bedford Borough) to the north and west of Bedford town which will be heavily impacted by the very large increase in car and HGV traffic due to the airport expansion. Several north Bedfordshire villages are directly under the flight path. Strangely, for a strategic application of this
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4 — BULLETIN
OCTOBER 2018
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
Have you a property related problem? THE PROPERTY DOCTOR CAN HELP Autumn is upon us, with a freshness in the air and crispness under foot. Now is the time of year that windows get closed to keep the wind and the chill out and washing cannot be hung out anymore. This is also the time of year that we, as Building Surveyors, start getting more calls regarding damp and mould growth. More often than not when we arrive the windows are shut, the washing machine and tumble dryer are on and washing is hanging off the radiators and on airers. This excess moisture cools rapidly on cold surfaces and reverts to liquid. This is not damp but condensation. In areas where air movement is restricted, generally behind furniture, this can result in the growth of mould spores. Can you open windows or make sure the trickle vents are clear and open? This will allow some air movement and allow the moist air to be expelled from the house. Do your bathrooms have extract ventilation and does it continue when the lights are switched off? These units also help to get moist air outside. Other fixes are possible to reduce the level of moist air and also to move the air around. READER QUERIES: What do I need to do when a Party Wall Notice is given to me?
Q A
This is not a bad thing. It means your neighbour is having good advice and heeding it. However it can be concerning if works are due to be undertaken close by. You cannot stop the works but the ‘Party Wall etc Act 1996’ does allow you to have your interests protected. The best thing to do is to contact a Chartered Surveyor who will be able to talk to you through the process and advise on how to respond to the Notices. If in doubt contact our Building Surveyors on 01525 722210.
Do you have any questions about your property that you need answering? As the expert, ask the Property Doctor – Jim Mallams
Suite 1 Franklin House, 2 Steppingley Road, Flitwick MK45 1AJ E: jim@cubebuildingconsultancy.com www.cubebuildingconsultancy.com
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OCTOBER 2018 BULLETIN — 5
£300k to Council prosecutes flytipper YMCA for repeatedly offending
a CHarItY with premises in Bedfordshire has been awarded nearly £300,000 towards activities which combat the causes of homelessness in local young people. the YMCa already helps 100s of people of all ages off the county streets each year and into safe accommodation. But its Fun 4 Young People (F4YP) is designed to stop people ending up on the streets in the first place. So impressed has the Big lottery organisation been with the charities work in Bedfordshire that is has awarded the project £299,117 over three years. “Heading towards living on the streets often begins in unhappy homes. By mitigating several of the risk factors associated with family breakdown and increasing protective factors in the lives of children and young people, we are reducing the potential for them to become displaced from their families and eventually homeless, said Paul Hunt YMCa Bedfordshire CeO, “approx 85% of our residents aged 16-25 state that a family breakdown was a catalyst for their homelessness and of the six main risk factors associated with family breakdown the first two focus on disengagement with school. Our F4YP programme looks to tackle these risk factors head on by helping support marginalised, disadvantaged 5-16-year-old children , young people and their peers through after school and holiday clubs. “this funding could save millions of pounds in the costs of social and health care which arise when people become homeless and their lives spiral downwards.” F4YP seek to make their session very affordable with 75% of placements going to disadvantaged and marginalised pupils. Fees to attend all their sessions are purposefully kept low with some after school activities only charging £2.30. Of course it means that these activities are immensely popular with parents who cannot afford private clubs, or feel excluded from other more expensive activities. “We work with schools serving the most challenging areas and encourage pupils to join our clubs. We aim for our courses to be accessible, great fun and enhance the learning appetites for those that attend. Subject tutors get the opportunity to showcase elements of the subjects that may not always be taught in the classroom until a later age, for example science experiments, music and drama. the 12-1 reading sessions we provide have been fantastically successful and help children to look forward to school lessons they previously disengaged from” said Sophie Stock, F4YP Youth Services lead.
a rePeat waste offender was sentenced at luton Magistrates Court on tuesday, after a member of the public found waste with his name on it dumped in Millfield lane, Caddington. this was the second prosecution by Central Bedfordshire Council against Mr Corey ashleigh-John (also known as Korey ashleigh), of tinsley Close, luton, who was found guilty in March 2018 of three waste offences relating to two littering offences, for which he received a total of £2,846 in fines and costs. then just weeks after he received the fine, a local resident was walking
along Millfield lane in Caddington when they saw several items of waste dumped on the ground with his name on it. the resident examined and photographed the waste and then reported it to the council. When Mr ashleigh-John attended court on tuesday, august 28, he pleaded guilty to failing to respond to information requested by the council (Section 110 environment act 1995). the court ordered him to pay a fine of £120, pay a contribution towards costs of £120, and a victim surcharge of £30. Councillor Budge Wells, our Deputy executive Member for
Community Services, said: “We would like to thank to the member of the public that took the photo evidence, as this assisted us in securing a successful prosecution. “We have a zero-tolerance attitude toward fly-tipping and waste offences in Central Bedfordshire and we will not hesitate to prosecute and fine those who harm our borough. “Members of the public can help us to reduce crime, nuisance and antisocial behaviour by reporting any incidents to our customer services team on 0300 300 8302 or by emailing customers@centralbedfordshire. gov.uk.”
6 — BULLETIN
OCTOBER 2018
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
Plenty of ‘skills for life’ at Flitwick Scouts
AS A NEW Scouting term starts for Flitwick Scout Group, they continue to offer a wide range of exciting activities for boys and girls aged 6 to 14. The programme for the Beavers this term includes some International evenings, National Smile Day, Diwali and
working towards their safety and communicator badges. The three Cub Packs started their term with an evening of games as they welcomed more children to the section. Activities planned for the next three months include making sedan chairs, world food day, recy-
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cling, global issues and an evening involving cupcakes! At the Cub section meetings over 200 badges were given out. These included Backwoods Cooking, Gardner, Hikes Away, Personal Safety, Time on the Water, Adventure Challenge and Outdoor Challenge. Some of the activities the Scouts will be undertaking include survival skills, fire safety, fire lighting, hiking and mechanics. Robert Savage, said, “I really look forward to Beaver meetings. I missed not being there during the summer holidays. We do something different every week. I enjoyed going on the crate stacking when we went to family camp earlier this year. The best bit was jumping off the crates only attached to a rope and two people holding it!” Lead volunteer for the Group, Jonathan Smith said, “The number of children involved in the Group has increased by over 40% in the last five years. “This is due to the brilliant programmes planned, organised and delivered by section leaders and young leaders. The children go to school and tell their friends about some of the activities they have been doing and this results in more children wanting to join the
Group.” The Explorer Unit (boys and girls aged 14 to 18) have a programme that includes, ready steady cook, survival skills, fire lighting, a night hike and a sleepover. Some of the Explorers are also Young Leaders with the Group and are learning about team working, planning and communication when working with the sections. The Group also have several members working towards their Duke of Edinburgh award. Hannah Niles said, “I enjoyed working with the Beaver section so much to get my Bronze award that I’ve decided to do some more volunteering with the Group so I can achieve my silver award.” The adult volunteers in the Group have started to plan the venues for next year’s Cub Camp, Group camp and summer Cub and Scout camp. Beaver meetings are held on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays; Cubs meet on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; Scouts meet on Mondays and Fridays and Explorers (boys and girls age 14 to 18) meet on a Thursday. For further information about Flitwick Scout Group, please visit www.flitwickscoutgroup.org.uk
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OCTOBER 2018 BULLETIN — 7
Presentation of British Empire Medals
at a special ceremony held at the Harpur Suite in Bedford, by kind permission of the Mayor of Bedford, the lord-lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen nellis, presented five British empire Medals awarded in HM the Queen’s Birthday Honours list 2018. Dignitaries present included the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, Julian Polhill, the Mayor of Bedford, the Chairman of Central Bedfordshire Council, town Council Mayors/ representatives of leighton-linslade, Shefford & Flitwick, Chief Fire Officer Paul Fuller CBe QFSM MStJ Dl, Chief Superintendent David Boyle and the President of St John’s ambulance anthony Duggan OBe. the recipients were joined by
family members and friends and heard details about the achievements of each person read by the lordlieutenant’s Cadets. the lord-lieutenant presented each recipient with their British empire Medal on behalf of HM the Queen. the medallists honoured were, top left clockwise: l Mrs Iva Dorothy Barr BeM (for services to charitable fundraising in Bedford) l Mrs Gladys Dawson BeM (for services to charity and the community in Clifton, Bedfordshire) -l Mrs Jacqueline Dawn Haggerwood BeM (for voluntary and charitable services to the
community in Clapham, Bedfordshire) l Mrs Gillian lake BeM (for services to the voluntary sector in Bedfordshire) l Ms Joanne todd BeM – Watch Commander, Hertfordshire Fire and rescue Service (for services to the Prince’s trust team Programme, Hertfordshire) HM lord-lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen nellis said after the ceremony “It is an honour to make these awards on behalf of HM the Queen. I was so impressed by the talents, hard work and compassion of the award winners who all work so hard to make our communities stronger in different ways”.
at a special ceremony held at the Harpur Suite in Bedford, by kind permission of the Mayor of Bedford, the lord-lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen nellis, brought together the Bedfordshire recipients who received their Honour in HM the Queen’s Birthday Honours list, to celebrate their success, and to learn about the work behind their achievement. Dignitaries present included the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, Julian Polhill, the Mayor of Bedford, the Chairman of Central Bedfordshire Council, town Council Mayors/ representatives of leighton-linslade, Shefford & Flitwick, Chief Fire Officer Paul Fuller CBe QFSM MStJ Dl, Chief Superintendent David Boyle and the President of St John’s ambulance anthony Duggan OBe. they were joined by recipients’ family members and friends to hear details about the achievements of each person read by the lordlieutenant’s Cadets. the recipients honoured were top left clockwise: l Professor timothy William roy Briggs CBe – Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, royal national Orthopaedic Hospital nHS trust (for services to the Surgical Profession)
l Mr nicholas Houghton CBe – Deputy Director, International tax Policy & Structure, HM revenue and Customs (for services to International tax Development and Promoting Overseas Investment in the UK) l Mr robert John Davis OBe – Governor, HM Prison Belmarsh (for services to HM Prison and Probation Service) l Mr Peter John Cowan MBe (for services to the community in luton, Bedfordshire) l Mr Paul Frederick Dodds MBe – training Manager, WorldSkills UK (for services to the WorldSkills Competition) l Mr David James Heather MBe – Headteacher, Pulford Church of england Va lower School, Bedfordshire (or services to education) HM lord-lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen nellis said after the ceremony “It is a genuine pleasure to celebrate the work and contribution of those people who have achieved national recognition. they have all gone the extra mile in their fields and made a notable contribution to the life of the nation as well as in our county”.
All photographs courtesy of Keith Mayhew, People Press.
Queen’s Birthday Honours Ceremony
8 — BULLETIN
OCTOBER 2018
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
Best ever GCSE Results at Harlington (again!) and Best Upper School in Bedfordshire (again!)
eVerYOne is absolutely delighted with another wonderful set of exam results this year. GCSe results at Harlington were again superb and represent “Best ever” performance for the second year running, particularly as GCSes and a levels are based on new, tougher specifications.
It was a pleasure to see so many high grades. By any measure the results are impressive. Harlington is at least 20% above the national average and, when the comparable results are made public in the autumn, we are likely to be 10% above other Central
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Bedfordshire Upper Schools. • Overall, a superb 84% of Harlington students achieved the benchmark 9-4 grades in both english and maths, with 62% gaining strong passes (levels 9- 5) • english and maths results individually were particularly strong with pass rates of 88% and 89%. • a total of 26 students gained an impressive 8 or more top grades (grades 9-7 or a*/a). High achievement was common at Harlington and this year there were 53 students with at least 5 top grades (grades 9-7 or a*/a) • Overall, more than one in every two students at Harlington achieved at least one grades 9-7 or a* / a grade • One student achieved a wonderful 9 GCSes at grade 9. Overall, the a level points scores further improved on last years’ excellent results. almost 70% of all results were grades a*-C. this has been achieved when the majority of a level
A LEVEL
grades this year were decided solely by final exams, with no link to coursework or aS-levels.
Seven students gained an impressive three or more grades at a*/a and will go on to study History at University of Oxford; Psychology at University of Surrey; Biological and Medicinal Chemistry at University of York; Medicine at University of exeter; Mathematics at University of Warwick; Modern languages at University College london; Biological Sciences at University of Oxford. there were many other notable successes this year with students going on to study Drama, theatre and Performance at University of Sussex; Mathematics with Finance at University of leeds; Masters in electronic engineering with Music technology at University of York; english literature and Creative Writing at University of Warwick; apprenticeship at Deloitte, london; Mechanical engineering at University of nottingham; engineering at University of Warwick; History at University of Birmingham; aerospace engineering at University of Manchester; Computer Science at University of Bath; Geography at University of Birmingham; Diagnostic radiography and Medical Imaging at University of Portsmouth; Design Crafts at DeMontford University.
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OCTOBER 2018 BULLETIN — 9
MONDAY
Redborne School South (Gym) 7:30pm
WEDNESDAY
Flitwick Lower School, Temple Way 7:30pm
THURSDAY
Redborne School South (Gym) 7:30pm
SATURDAY
Flitton & Green eld Village Hall 9:30am
10 — BULLETIN
OCTOBER 2018
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
Flitwick Church offers a wide open welcome St Peter anD PaUl’S CHUrCH had a special double celebration on Sunday 16th September, attended by over 100 people including the Bishop of St albans, the right reverend alan Smith.
the first reason for celebration was that the congregation has taken the step of opening the Church building on a daily basis from 9 am to 3 pm, so that visitors or people from the town can enjoy the peace and quiet there. St Peter and St Paul’s is the only grade one listed building in Flitwick, and has occupied the site on Church road for over 800 years. Vicar, rev lucy Davis told us, “For many of us, life is very pressured, hours are scarce and it’s difficult to find time out. there is something very special about coming into this ancient building, something very special about the atmosphere of calm that all sorts of people find helpful. they might want to pray or light a candle, or just sit and reflect away from it all. In his
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sermon, Bishop alan reminded us that our God is a God of open arms not locked door. We want people to be able to enjoy the Church all week long, not just on Sundays, because God is with us all week long, not just on Sundays.” there has been careful planning behind the scenes to make it possible to open the building, from putting up emergency exit notices to locking away all the items of value. rev lucy commented, “I am delighted that the Church community has taken this brave and imaginative step, which is counter cultural in many ways. “We hope that people in Flitwick will really enjoy the freedom of access to Church, helping us to build on the very positive relationships that exist here between the Church and the local community.” the local community has already shown its huge support for the Church in a recent appeal, raising over £25,000 to repair the historic lych Gate which stands at the Church’s entrance. “this was a double celebration,” rev lucy told us, “and one way of saying thank you to all our donors.” the lych Gate was built over 100 years by the wife of a former vicar, rev Francis ashpitel, and among the congregation at the celebration service was his great, great granddaughter. Other guests included the mayor of Flitwick, Cllr Gareth Mackey, and many individuals who had given towards the repair work because of an association with the Church through Christenings, Weddings and Funerals. the specialist repairs to the lych Gate will ensure the future of the iconic gate for generations of people in Flitwick yet to come, welcoming them into the Church which has opened its doors to them. For further information about St Peter and Paul’s, visit www.flitwickchurch.org.
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SEEKING AND SEARCHING
One of the things I have done in the last few days is to commission a new school chaplain. It took place during evening Prayer sung by the excellent school choir. It was a good and inspiring inauguration of the chaplain’s ministry. the commissioning happened in the same week that the results of the latest national Social attitudes Survey indicated that religious allegiance had fallen, especially amongst those who describe themselves as Church of england. equally significantly the number of people who describe themselves as having ‘no religion’ had risen substantially, especially amongst the young. It would not be surprising therefore if some questioned the appointment of the chaplain and the continued prominence of the chapel in the life of the school. In contrast I suggest that the chaplain and the
Mid Beds Labour endorses ‘Six Tests of Brexit’
MID BeDFOrDSHIre labour Party has recently expressed its support for the Shadow Cabinet’s six tests of any eU withdrawal agreement and new relationship with the eU proposed by the government, and has sent an urgent message to Jeremy Corbyn, urging labour MPs to vote against any proposal which does not meet these tests. John tizard, labour’s campaign co-ordinator in Mid Beds says: “the Chequers’ proposal cannot win a Parliamentary majority and has been rejected by the eU. Yet, the Conservative Government and Party are fighting amongst themselves as our country hurtles towards a brutal Brexit. a ‘no deal’ Brexit will lead to long term economic disaster, with the greatest burden falling on the poor, the Good Friday agreement would be violated, employment rights would be decimated and we would lose tariff free access to our biggest trading partner. the Conservatives seem keener on infighting and deregulation than the national interest.” at a recent meeting of Mid Beds labour Party, members endorsed the labour Party’s six tests and called on labour MPs to vote against any proposals that do not match these tests, including membership of a customs union and membership or alignment with the Single Market to protect both jobs and the Good Friday agreement. Mid Beds Chair, David Short says: “We urge our MPs not to support any withdrawal that does not meet these tests, and the Party should, if circumstances dictate, and there if there is no general election, support a referendum on the final agreement.”
View from the Rt Revd
Richard Atkinson
The Bishop of Bedford
chapel remain vital resources for the school community. It is not just that the decline of formal religious allegiance does not equate to the end of the quest for belief and meaning. nor that to answer ‘no religion’ is often more about alienation from faith institutions, rather than a denial of religious enquiry and seeking. But rather that such seeking and searching makes three big questions especially relevant today. the first is ‘Who am I’? Who am I in this complex, diverse, global world? Who am I
OCTOBER 2018 BULLETIN — 11
amidst growing ethnic diversity? Who am I amongst the gender fluidity of our age? Who am I as someone who desires to be loved, to be valued, to be of worth? Profound questions that are as much theological as philosophical. the second is ‘Who are we’? What does it mean to be part of the global family with increasing awareness of the needs of my brothers and sisters across the world? How am I to understand my responsibilities to my fellow human beings? What does it mean to be part of world where far from disappearing, faith in many countries is on the increase? Finally ‘Who is God’? this is not a call to dogma and particular beliefs, but an invitation to seek and search as we seek to understand the spiritual and the divine. Chapels and chaplains are resources to support this enquiry, this journey, this discovery. as such they are far from the periphery of an institution and rather can be the centre of the search for truth and meaning that most desire. It is why I was glad to commission a new chaplain last week.
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OCTOBER 2018
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
out & about We talk with Danni Nicholls ahead of her appearance at the Stables Headlining on Jim Marshall Stage at the Stables, Wavendon, next month is Danni nicholls. Her november 10 concert will be her first time headlining on the venue’s main stage and she is super excited to be there. Danni is a former pupil of Mark rutherford School, Bedford, she describes her music a mixture of americana and country. Danni says her biggest musical influence was her grandmother, who had a love of rock’n’roll and american country music. not that her parents weren’t musically inclined, it’s just they were more into dancing. Country music has become hugely popular in the UK, championed by ‘Whispering’ Bob Harris, whose radio 2 show commands a huge following. Bob says: “I absolutely love the elegance and beauty of her music.” Danni was asked who she would like to perform with: “ Johnny Cash, if he were alive, he’s not, so it has to be Brandi Carlile.”
Danni has made several trips to nashville, where she teamed up with some of the best writers and musicians in the business, to co-write and record her songs. She has released two studio albums, ‘a little redemption’ in 2013 and ‘Mocking Bird lane’ in 2015, there’s also a ‘Vintage tV’ live album. the next studio album is set for release in the Spring of 2019. Her favoured americana songs are the grittier, dirtier numbers. She frequently quotes Jed Hilly, CeO of the americana Music association: “If you can taste the dirt through your ears,” as her mantra. Here’s your chance to win both of Danni’s studio albums, on CD. Just answer the following questions, email them before October 24, to: competition@rosetta publishing.com with ‘Danni’ in subject line. 1) What secondary school did Danni attend? 2) What UK music festival has Danni recently performed at?
Photography: Graham Flack
CAR BOOT SALE Sunday 21st October Sellers 9.00am – Buyers 10.00am
MILTON ERNEST GARDEN CENTRE Radwell Road, Milton Ernest MK44 1SH Teas, Coffee, Breakfast, Snacks in Café For pitch enquiries contact Simon 01234 823033 E: simongoatley@miltonernestgardencentre.co.uk
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OCTOBER 2018
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
––––––––––––––––––––––– KeMPStOn MUSICal SOCIetY
AN EVENING OF BOTH MODERN AND SECULAR MUSIC
Kempston Musical Society, together with invited soloists, will be performing a concert of modern and secular music and songs from musicals, stage and screen on Saturday 27th October 2018.
the event will take place at Priory Methodist Church, newnham avenue, Bedford and is in aid of autism Bedfordshire and type 1 teens Diabetes. the evening will start at 7.30pm and is sure to be an enjoyable night. tickets will be available on the door and will cost £7 for adults and £5 for children up to the age of 15 and will include refreshments. to find out more about all our forthcoming concerts or information about the choir please call 01234 781010 or email prestissimo@btinternet.com.
––––––––––––––––––––––– KARL JENKINS’
THE ARMED MAN
comes to Milton Keynes Theatre on Sunday 14th October, at 7.30p.m.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Karl Jenkins’ acclaimed composition The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace, in Milton Keynes Theatre
the Danesborough Chorus is joined for the first time by Bedford Choral Society to perform this 20th century choral classic. Milton Keynes City Orchestra accompanies the performance and also opens the programme with the glorious Serenade for Strings by antonín Dvořák . tickets: £20, £17, £15 and £10, with £5 off all prices for under 18s. available from Danesborough tickets, tel. 01908 583460 or Bedford Choral Society tickets, tel. 01234 781421. Please note: extra fees are payable if you buy tickets from Milton Keynes Theatre Box Office.
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BEDFORDSHIRE COUNTY FEDERATION OF WOMEN’S INSTITUTES
BEDFORD ORGAN & KEYBOARD CLUB
CRAFT FAIR
THE ADDISON CENTRE
Start your Christmas Shopping Now!
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
PRESENT POPULAR ENTERTAINER
TONY STACE
Locally produced Crafts; Gifts; Tombola; Cakes; Raffle. FLITWICK VILLAGE HALL th SUNDAY 28 OCTOBER 2018 10AM – 4PM Entrance 50p – refreshments available
IN CONCERT
WEDS 4 OCTOBER 7.30 – 10.00pm TEA, COFFEE/BAR/RAFFLE –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
For more information contact W.I. House 01234 359538 or email bcfwi@btconnect.com
£5 PAY AT Members Non-Members £6 DOOR –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Contact: 01234 344423 www/Organfax/clubs/Bedford
––––––––––––––––––––––– JAZZ ON THE OUSE
Following the success of last year’s Jazz on the Great Ouse Cruises the John Bunyan Boat team are pleased to announce this year’s programme. the cruises are run in association with Olney Jazz Club, Conscia Jazz and the Barns Hotel and feature top jazz musicians. thursday October 18th – Tom Syson Trio featuring Tom Syson of Conscia Jazz on trumpet with Edwin Ireland (double bass) Jacky Naylor (keyboards)
––––––––––––––––––––––– St. PaUl’S CHUrCH, BeDFOrD
FREE LUNCHTIME CONCERT
every Tuesday 1.10pm-1.50pm until November 27 Come and listen to talented musicians from the royal academy and the royal College in this beautiful church. the church cafe opens at midday..
BeDFOrD natIOnal trUSt aSSOCIatIOn Tuesday 16th October, at 2.30 in Addison Centre, Kempston
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‘BEDFORDSHIRE LIEUTENANCY’
Rob Oakley OBE DL, will represent Helen Nellis, HM Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire. there will be a small admission charge. tea and biscuits will be served before the meeting. everyone is welcome. For further information contact Betty thomas on 01480 860 421
Friday 12th October 2018 BeDFOrDSHIre FaMIlY HIStOrY SOCIetY Interested in Family History? to the next monthly talk on along then come
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‘THE FUTURE OF FAMILY HISTORY’
by Dr Nick Barratt 7.15 p.m. Drama Hall, Mark rutherford School Wentworth Drive, Bedford MK41 8PX Members free, visitors £1. www.bfhs.org.uk
––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––– WOULD YOU LIKE TO DOGS FOR GOOD EXHIBIT? with Fynnius Fogg Art Exhibition to be held at St Andrew’s Church, Ampthill on October 6th/7th 2018. artists who would like to exhibit should contact a_bhodges@btinternet.com or telephone 01525 404625 for further information or an application form.
A Charity Night 7.30pm Saturday 10th November 2018 aFC Kempston, Hillgrounds road, Kempston, Beds MK42 8SZ tickets £7 includes a £1 discount against a Fish and Chip Meal. tickets from Kathy on 01234 302956 or Kathy.stone@ntlworld.com
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TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 ADS: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
OCTOBER 2018 BULLETIN — 15
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OCTOBER 2018
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
the Bulletin series are independent magazines with no affiliation to any other organisation. Š2018 rosetta Publishing ltd. 30 radwell road, Milton ernest MK44 1SH. tel: 07894 935952 or 07724 905406. email: editorial@rosettapublishing.com or advertising@rosettapublishing.com Printed by: Mortons Print limited. newspaper House, Morton Way, Boston road, Horncastle, lincolnshire ln9 6Jr