Mid Beds Bulletin October 2020

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MID BEDS EDITION

OCTOBER 2020

New £2billion Kickstart scheme will create thousands of new jobs

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RICHARD FULLER MP has welcomed the Government’s landmark new Kickstart scheme and called on local employers to sign up and help young people into work to mark the opening of the initiative.

The £2billion scheme has been designed to ensure young people at risk of long-term unemployment have a future of opportunity and hope by creating quality, governmentsubsidised jobs across the UK, helping to spur the country’s economic recovery after the coronavirus pandemic.

Under the scheme, announced in June as part of the Government’s Plan for Jobs, employers that sign up will be able to offer young people aged 16-24 who are claiming Universal Credit, a six-month work placement that is fully funded by the government. This means the Government will pay 100 per cent of the young persons’ age-relevant National Minimum Wage, National Insurance and pension contributions for 25 hours a week, which the employer can top up if they choose to.

The Government will also pay the employer £1,500 for each young person they take on, to support any training or associated costs like uniforms that they might incur when setting up the scheme. The scheme will initially be open until December 2021, but there is the option for it to be extended.

Young people will be referred into the new roles through their Jobcentre Plus work coach with the first Kickstarts expected to begin at the start of November.

Commenting, Richard Fuller said: “With the launch of the Government’s £2 billion Kickstart scheme I’m calling on local employers across North East Bedfordshire to sign up to provide Kickstart jobs.

“We cannot allow young people to be left behind as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and schemes like this will be vital for creating jobs and giving young people the skills to access them.

“I’m delighted that the Govern-

ment is putting young people are the heart of its plans to build back stronger after the pandemic and hope as many as possible in North East Bedfordshire are able to take part.”

Commenting, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said: “This isn’t just about kickstarting our country’s economy – it is an opportunity to kickstart the careers of thousands of young people who could otherwise be left behind as a result of the pandemic.

“The scheme will open the door to a brighter future for a new generation and ensure the UK bounces back stronger as a country.”

Property closed due to anti-social behaviour

A BIGGLESWADE property was made the subject of a three-month closure order by Luton Magistrates on Wednesday, September 2, after a number of concerns were raised by the local community.

Police, Central Bedfordshire Council, and a local housing association, successfully applied for the closure order on the property in Urban Way. The property was reported as a source of nuisance by residents,

and the local community policing team linked in with the local council to support the neighbourhood.

Following a search, a quantity of drugs and drug paraphernalia were discovered at the address.

PC Aiden Howarth, of the Biggleswade and Ampthill Community Team, said: “We are satisfied with the court’s decision to close down the property. This closure wouldn’t be possible without the support from the community.

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‘Dead-eye’ Dave sets his sights on being a world champ

BEDFORD marksman out performed the competition at Garlands Shooting Ground, Tamworth, to become British Sporting Open High Gun Champion for 2020.

David Ferrimen from Bolnhurst, took part in the five day event to emerge as overall winner in the Clay Pigeon Shooting Associations’ (CPSA) High Gun competition, on Sunday, September 6.

Competitors had 120 clays to shoot and David topped the lot to go into the finals on the Sunday.

David, 25, is the Gun Room Manager at Sporting Targets in Riselely, where he has been working since leaving Sharnbrook Upper School.

He is no stranger to winning, having represented England at both Junior and Senior levels in the past.

The Bulletin asked him about what the future holds, he told us confidently that he will be competing for European and World titles in 2021, and there is also the wedding to his fiancé Vicky to arrange!

Harpur centre celebrates local heroes with new installation FOLLOWING the recent reopening of the basement floor in The Harpur Centre, a communityfocused mural celebrating Captain Sir Thomas Moore was installed to coincide with the grand opening of Energie Fitness.

In line with the grand opening of Energie Fitness Gym, the Harpur Centre team surprised visitors with a fantastic tribute to Captain Sir Thomas Moore, NHS staff and key workers to celebrate the enormous community spirit

across the town during the pandemic.

The town is immensely proud of local resident and WW2 veteran, Captain Sir Tom Moore, who raised over £32million in donations for NHS Charities Together. His Grandson, Benjamin, who attends Bedford School created the ‘100 laps’ concept and ran Captain Tom’s social media pages, further heightening the meaning behind the mural for the people of Bedford and across the county.

On the day, the Energie Fitness Gym team were also giving out spot prizes and gifts for both members and non-members, a stunning balloon archway was installed and a grand ribboncutting took place to open the doors to eagerly anticipating visitors.

Ryan Harris, Deputy Centre Manager, commented: “We are

delighted to have installed our fantastic mural to celebrate the national and local hero, Captain Sir Tom Moore, as well as all of our heroes across Bedford. With the launch of the mural and opening of Energie Fitness Gym, it was brilliant to see an abundance of positivity within the Centre after a few difficult months. We are so proud of the people of Bedford, and it is wonderful to give something back to the town in return for their understanding and support, not just through recent times, but always.”

Energie Fitness Gym, Bedford, is a top-quality gym with industry-leading equipment, classes and resources for members to use. They offer the ultimate experience, expertise, and welcoming atmosphere to help people of all abilities to reach their goals.

The Beds Bulletin is an independent publication part of Rosetta Publishing Ltd. Published by ©2020 Rosetta Publishing Limited 30 Radwell Road, Milton Ernest, Bedford MK44 1SH Tel: 07894 935952 Editorial: editorial@rosettapublishing.com Advertising: advertising@rosettapublishing.com Printed by: Reach Printing Services, Kimpton Road, Luton, Bedfordshire LU2 0SX 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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Flitwick Scouts keen to return BACK in March, face to face Scouting was suspended due to Covid 19. However, that did not stop Flitwick Scouts engaging in lots of Scouting activities. Zoom became a very popular resource for children, young people, adult volunteers and parents/carers.

One of the highlights was the virtual family camp. This included making water rockets, garden obstacle course, scavenger hunt, cooking, quizzes and making gigantic bubbles.

A large number of children (boys and girls aged 6 to 14) have taken the opportunity to work towards different activity badges at home. These have included Artist, Astronomer, Chef, Collector, DIY, Global Issues, Home Help, Personal Safety and Scientist. It has also meant that children have built their confidence by talking to a large group of people about what they have done to achieve the particular badge.

Several children have taken

the opportunity to get some exercise by going on walks with members of their family. These have resulted in many Hikes Away badges being gained.

Cub Scout, Thomas Hendry said, “I’ve missed seeing my friends and playing games and so I’m really looking forward to going to Cubs and doing lots of different activities and playing some games with them.”

Adult volunteer, Nicky Taylor said: “The last six months have been very testing but all of the children, young people and volunteers have risen to the challenge. One of my favourite activities was seeing some of the children show things they had made for their DIY or Artist badge or talking about their hobby. We have just had risk assessments approved which means we can start to get back to face to face Scouting.”

For more information www.flitwickscoutgroup.org.uk/

Police ask for help to tackle dog theft in the region

BEDFORDSHIRE Police is experiencing an increase in dog theft reports and is asking the public to be wary of this new wave of crime across the county.

On Sunday, September 13, police received reports that eight dogs had been taken from a kennel in Wilden, including a black Labrador, two cocker spaniels and five English springer spaniels, which comes after reports of a number of attempted dog thefts in the region.

Inspector Craig Gurr, from the force’s Rural Crime Team, said: “This is an absolutely devastating crime that impacts people and families, and unfortunately we have seen an increase in these reports during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The demand for puppies has increased as people are starting to work from home and other social distractions are limited. This demand has created a surge in puppy thefts, as the price of dogs has almost doubled in some cases.

“If anyone was in the Wilden area on Sunday or have recently seen advertisements containing any of the dogs mentioned for sale, please get in contact and report these to us using our online reporting tool.”

Bedfordshire Police is working with other forces across the eastern

region, UK Pet Detectives, DogLost and Pets4Homes to tackle this type of criminality, and recently helped to reunite a dog with its owner after it was suspected to have been stolen from the Manchester area.

This was a result of working with DogLost charity, which assists in the search for missing dogs and has kindly donated two microchip scanners to the force’s rural team. These can now be used to identify stray or recovered dogs, or other animals, and items, like saddles, that have a microchip.

To discourage offenders please don’t buy dogs from social media sites or from anyone who cannot provide appropriate documentation. Before purchasing your dog make sure you check the proof of ownership, health check and pedigree papers. Additionally, ask to see the puppy in its home environment with its mother.

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Get your free garden waste bin

IF you’d like a bin for your garden waste contact Central Beds Council. They have 240-litre green wheelie bins which are completely free and intended to replace the current system of two garden waste bags per household. The new bins are not compulsory, so you can

keep using the bags if you’d prefer but you may only have the one green bin. They will be emptied on the same day as the garden waste sacks were. Once you start using the bins, you won’t be able to leave your sacks out, too, but you can still use them in your garden.

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Outgoing headmistress celebrated with portrait A PORTRAIT of outgoing Bedford Girls’ School (BGS) Headmistress, Miss Jo MacKenzie, was unveiled at the school last week.

Miss MacKenzie has spent ten years building an outstanding school that encapsulates her vision of education; a community focused on developing young women who have the intellect, skills and motivation to make a real difference to the world around them.

The oil painting was created by talented artist and BGS alumna, Mihaila Kuveljic, who recently graduated with a Fine Art degree from Oxford Brookes University.

Inspired by photography, Mihaila’s use of rich colours and meticulous attention to detail helps explore themes such as beauty in creating a more enticing aesthetic.

Mihaila who left BGS in 2016 reflected: “When considering the composition of the painting, I firstly needed to see what ideas and concepts Miss MacKenzie wished to be portrayed within the piece.

Her love of people, the school and gardening were all aspects which stood out to me the most.

“When considering the background of the painting, I decided to create a wash of greens with a

slight blue tint to reflect on Miss MacKenzie’s love of scents within a garden. The green contrasted nicely against the baby pink of her jacket, as well as reflecting the school colours.

“When I first walked into Miss MacKenzie’s office, I noticed the delicate arrangement of baby’s breathe on her desk. I decided that these were the perfect flowers to add to the composition, as it

reflected her love of understated beauty within a garden.”

Miss MacKenzie said: “Lots of staff have seen the portrait and have said that Mihaila has captured my spirit in the eyes, and that I think is the hardest thing to do. The fact that Mihaila has done it so well is a credit to her incredible talent.

“It is so important to me that an alumna painted this portrait. The creative arts is such an important

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ON Sunday, September 6, 16year-old Darcy McBride, a Sixth Former at Bedford School, finished in first place in the U21 category of the British Open Sporting clay pigeon championship, held in the West Midlands.

In the final, Darcy shot a 75 bird layout to tie for first place.

This meant there was a shoot off in the afternoon, which again ended in a tie.

This forced a sudden death for the title, and Darcy just took the top spot.

Darcy is the youngest person to win this national competition since 1948, when the competition was founded.

This victory follows his recent win in the Junior category at The Churchill Cup, another national event which took place on Friday, August 28, in Yorkshire.

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part of this school, and it’s really important for me that students see what happens as you pursue them as a career. I thank Mihaila from the bottom of my heart and am so proud she is an Old Girl of this school.”

The piece of art will join the collection of portraits of other former Headmistresses from the heritage schools in the Senior School corridor.

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Ffion’s over the moon in Kempston

Financial Impact of COVID-19 for Bedford Borough Council Bedford Borough Council’s Executive discussed the financial impact of COVID-19 following a report highlighting that the council is facing a financial gap of between £22 and £36million over the next five years with the impact of COVID-19 causing a significant pressure.

The impact of COVID-19 has affected services across the Council, with new ways of working and new demands, placing the council under unprecedented pressure in working to deliver care for the vulnerable, elderly and shielded. This has included setting up a Community Hub, providing food and support to those in need while keeping vital dayto-day operations running in challenging circumstances.

The council’s finances for 2020/21 were discussed at a meeting of the Executive, Wednesday, September 16, setting out the financial impact of these vital support services and lost income to the Council. This report forecasts extra costs and lost income of £12.7m in this year’s Budget. This is on top of £1.3m extra spent in 2019/20 at the start of the outbreak.

To date, the Government has given £8.9m in grant funding to the Council to cover the financial impact of coronavirus. The remaining £3.8m gap this year is to be addressed by reprioritising spending and reserves that will be moved away from their original purposes.

Looking ahead to 2021/22, the Council is currently forecasting a gap of £21.8m, as the impact on Council Tax and Business Rates does not affect the current year but will affect future years. Work has already begun to build on previous efficiency plans to find ways of managing this gap and proposals will come out for consultation later this year. The funding gap will be kept under review during the year as there remains a large number of uncertainties that depend upon the impact of COVID-19 over coming months and the economic fallout.

Cllr Michael Headley, Portfolio Holder for

COVID IMPACT

INTERIOR design company Proven-Salle based in Kempston, will be featured as part of this year’s Small Biz 100, a national campaign highlighting some of the UK’s most inspiring small businesses.

The business was started by Ffion Hawke in May 2018, is the home of beautiful furniture and accessories, particularly with a French countryside or Provencal influence.

Proven-Salle will be placed in the spotlight on Sunday, November 29, 2020 with a number of promotional activities planned.

Ffion said: “I’m absolutely over the moon to be part of the Small Biz Family and feel very

Finance said, “Over the last 10 years, throughout the period of austerity, the Council has been finding ways to become more efficient and make savings. However, the financial impact of COVID-19 goes way beyond what we have previously had to look at. Add to that the unknown potential impact of Brexit and no certainty on future grants from the government, and all councils are finding themselves in a period of greater uncertainty than I’ve ever known before.

“We are expecting difficult decisions ahead and with so much still unknown about the course that the coronavirus pandemic will take and the final impact it will have on the economy, we will be keeping a very close eye on the unfolding funding shortfall and doing our best to minimise the impact on local services.”

The report on the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy can be found on the Council’s website.

Commenting on the Borough’s financial position, Conservative group leader Graeme Coombes said: “Though we appreciate these are difficult financial times for all, it is still disappointing to read that Bedford Council is forecasting a shortfall of nearly £22m next year. We welcome the fact that Government has provided £8.9m of grant funding to help alleviate some of the biggest challenges that the Council is facing, as well as providing large grants to the Council for town centre improvements and to help rough sleepers.

“This issue will not go away soon and like any family managing its household budget, the Mayor needs to be continually on the lookout for reasonable cost savings that can be made and for sources of revenue that can be tapped into to improve the financial situation.

“He needs to make Bedford Borough more pro-business and enterprise friendly as it is only with a dynamic and booming local economy that we can turn things around and improve the Borough’s financial picture.”

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honoured to have been selected for 2020.

“Small businesses are the life blood of the economy and are essential for driving the recovery of the UK post Covid.

Thank you to everyone who has supported small businesses, bought from small businesses, liked their social media posts and generally been amazing.

“It all makes such a difference! I can’t wait to connect and collaborate with the Small Biz 100 community, especially during the weeks leading up to Small Business Saturday on December 5, 2020.

“It’s so lovely to share such uplifting news with people during such strange times.”

Bedford selected for High Streets Heritage Action Zone BEDFORD Borough Council will receive £1.76 million from Historic England to deliver building works and a cultural programme to regenerate Bedford high street. The South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership and LoveBedford are also contributing funding.

The High Streets Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) programme is run by Historic England on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, with a contribution from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. It encourages partnerships with local organisations, building owners and occupiers to secure lasting improvements to buildings and the public realm. The initiative aims to make the high street a more attractive place for residents to visit.

The funding Bedford Borough Council will receive will be spent on physical building works and to deliver a cultural programme to encourage people to engage with the local heritage.

In Bedford funding will be used to reinstate the historic features of buildings across the high street, reducing traffic and bringing the wider community back into the area.

Bedford Borough Council has currently earmarked 43 buildings as eligible for funding under the HSHAZ programme. Improvements to these buildings could include: n Reinstatement of traditional shopfronts. n Conversion of vacant floor space for retail and/or residential use. n Repair and reinstatement of architectural details to the façade of buildings. n Undertaking structural works to help achieve these improvements.

Councillor Henry Vann, Portfolio Holder for Town Centres and Planning said, “Yet more investment has been secured for our town centre and we are delighted with the success of our High Street Heritage Action Zone bid. High streets across the UK are facing challenging times but in Bedford Borough, with our shared vision and exciting partnerships with local businesses and communities, we will be able to provide a real boost to the High Street for those who live in, work in, learn in, shop in and visit our town.

“Bedford has such a rich, diverse history and heritage and this funding will help us restore some of the buildings that play such a vital role in that history as well as help us to try and bring some buildings back into use, further supporting town centre businesses.

Through our work with Historic England and local partners, we will be able to make real physical improvements to the appearance of Bedford’s High Street and historic buildings.

Tony Calladine, Regional Director at Historic England in the East of England, said: “Investing in heritage delivers good results for people – it means looking after and celebrating the places at the heart of our communities, and the buildings and public spaces which define their character. This investment for our historic High Streets Heritage Action Zone scheme will unlock the potential of these precious high streets and help them thrive again.”

If you are a building owner in Bedford Borough and your premises falls within the High Street Heritage Action Zone, you can speak with the HSHAZ team about possible refurbishments to your property. If you would like to get in touch, please contact Jessica Mittler, HSHAZ Project Manager.

Government announces changes to support tenants THE government has announced emergency legislation that will help support tenants over the winter months.

Eviction notice periods have been increased to six months, meaning that tenants who are served notice will be able to stay in their homes until the end of March 2021, allowing them extra time to find alternative support or accommodation. Some exceptions remain, including where a tenant has demonstrated anti-social behaviour or committed fraud, and the landlord would like to rent the property to an alternative tenant.

Support is also being provided to tenants struggling to keep up with rent payments because of the pandemic. Landlords will be expected to work with their tenants to put in place a flexible payment

SUPPORTING

plan based on their individual circumstances. Every effort should be made by the landlord to cooperate with their tenant(s) before seeking eviction.

Councillor Colleen Atkins, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Regulatory Services and Housing said, “The extension of the eviction notice to six-months and other help is welcomed and will give further support to tenants during these difficult times. With citizens across the UK facing unprecedented challenges, we need to ensure that those who are most vulnerable to the economic impacts of COVID-19 get the support they deserve.

“As a council, we are committed to supporting residents who are struggling to keep up with rent payments through no fault of their own. If you are having a dispute with a private landlord and are

worried about losing your home, please get in touch.”

Bedford Borough Council is available to offer advice and assistance to any resident facing eviction. If you or someone you know would like advice on a housing issue call Bedford Borough Council on 01234 718058.

The Citizens Advice Bureau is also available to offer free and independent advice to anyone struggling to maintain payments of rent and bills.

If you want to speak to Citizens Advice Bureau Bedford, you can phone 01234 867944 between 9:45am-1pm Monday to Thursdays and between 9.30am – 1pm on Fridays. Advice can also be requested through their online form at https://www.bedfordcab. org.uk/find-advice- form.html.

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Helping young people in the county to thrive A MAJOR new project to support young people’s mental wellbeing during the coronavirus pandemic is being supported by the Connolly Foundation.

Youthscape, based in Luton, helps disaffected young people. It has implemented ‘Thrive’ a new initiative that helps youngsters across Bedfordshire whose lives have been turned upside down by Covid-19. Many are finding it hard to cope with isolation, a loss of routine, anxiety about the future, a disruption to their education, and in some cases difficult or traumatic experiences at home.

The Connolly Foundation has provided funds to develop a new suite of resources for schools across the county. The material has been developed through the summer of 2020 with input from psychologists, educational psychologists, youth workers and community representatives.

More than 30 schools across the county have already committed to using ‘Thrive’ in the first weeks of term. Speaking at the launch of the new resource, Youthscape’s CEO, Chris Curtis, said “Every student across Bedfordshire should have access to advice and support for their mental wellbeing as they return to school - and we’re excited to have played a part in making that happen. The Connolly Trust have stepped in and made it possible to create this new programme in time for the start of

term. We hope it will benefit thousands of young people in the next few months.”

At the heart of the new resource are a series of films following the experiences of three local young people as they deal with the impact of lockdown, missed exams and the return to school. Their stories are both inspiring and insightful.

Alongside these films, there is advice and input from leading psychologist, Dr Kate Middleton and 10 activities for students to complete. Together the resources give schools everything they need to deliver support for students through lessons and tutor times.

Red Cross event

The COVID-19 crisis has caused the postponement of this year’s Bedfordshire Christmas Fair. The event, now in its 16th year, is normally held in late November in the Great Hall at Bedford School but this year will take place online.

From November 14 to 28, visitors will be able to go to www.bedford shirechristmasfair.org and shop from around 75 fabulous virtual stalls. Each stallholder has kindly agreed to donate 10% of the value of purchases to the Red Cross.

Stalls will offer gifts, accessories, homewares, games, fashion, pet and gardening items, and speciality food and drinks. There’ll be something for even the hardest-tobuy-for family member.

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Happy 100th birthday

Look after our feathered friends

DORIS Potter celebrated her 100th birthday on Tuesday, September 1.

Doris a resident at The Willows Nursing Home in Shakespeare Road, Bedford, had a celebratory party to mark her milestone 100th birthday.

Asked about her recipe for longevity, she said: “I like to keep busy, take life as it comes and enjoy a drink.”

Surrounded by her fellow residents, staff and her daughter — Patricia she is pictured holding her telegram from the Queen.

Doris took up residency at the Willows in 2006.

Born in south London (nee Johnson), Road (just theherA6) Doris Radwell moved to Bedford 1984off with Milton Ernest 1SH late husband Harold PotterMK44 who died in 2005.

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The couple met at the Handley Page aircraft factory in Cricklewood, north London. Doris worked in the offices and Harold was a mechanic.

During Doris’s working life she carried out office work mainly in London. At one stage she was the secretary to the governer of a borstal in Suffolk and she also ran a village shop for a period of time.

Doris and Harold had two daughters, Barbara who died in 2006 and Patricia who is still with us and gave the Bulletin her mother’s life story.

There are four grandchildren in the family, Barbara had a son and Partricia has three sons.

Prior to her residency at the Willows, Doris liked her gardening and also to cook for her family.

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SEPTEMBER 2020 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN

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MID BEDS

AROUND THE CLUBS

THE LAWN DOCTOR

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION BIGGLESWADE BRANCH

ONE of the most common plants I see in gardens is also the one that receives least attention and least praise: laurel. For many, Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus), provides an evergreen hedge that although is never the star of the show it does create a perfect and constant backdrop for more flamboyant plants to stand out.

Prune once a year, it is generally unfussy about soil conditions and its use as hedging, creating different ‘rooms’ in a garden or preventing prying eyes is unsurpassed.

Another function of all hedges is its ability to reduce sound levels from busy roads and a good, densely grown laurel border does this remarkably well. Indeed, many people only realise this when it is too late and they have

The Biggleswade Branch of the Royal British Legion have had their activities severely curtailed by the current COVID19 pandemic.

All planned visits were postponed, and the Mayor’s Civic Service and wreath laying at The American Cemetery for American Memorial Day were both cancelled.

Due to the ongoing situation, no formal Parade is being planned for Remembrance Sunday or Armistice day this year, and although Poppy Appeal sales are being restricted to branches of banks and large supermarkets, the Legion has a number of wreaths and wooden crosses for private Acts of Remembrance.

These are available for a donation to the Poppy Appeal (wreaths minimum £20) from Diane Keogh, Branch Vice Chairman on 07963 464465.

APPEAL FOR NEW MEMBERS The Royal British Legion is the UK’s leading Armed Forces charity and one of its largest membership organisations. Membership is open to everyone. If you have an interest in the objectives of the Legion and want to help and support for those who have served and their families, come and join us. We welcome men and women of all ages, whether they have served in the Armed Forces or not.

Members get together through the network of branches and clubs all over the country and overseas to participate in social, fundraising and welfare activities.

Under normal circumstances the Biggleswade Branch meets on the last Wednesday of the month at the Church Rooms, St. Andrews Church, Shortmead Street, Biggleswade SG18 0AT. Contact the Chairman, Tony Dray, 01767 600996.

Toxic Laurel

had an established hedge removed!

A question I have had a number of times recently, and I presume it is because increased numbers of people are spending more time outside, is, are laurel fruit edible?

Looking like green or black olives or even smallish tomatoes and appearing at this time of the year, they certainly look appetising but, eat them at your peril! My basic rule of thumb with all plants is the ultra cautious: assume a plant or its fruit is poisonous unless you are completely sure that it can be eaten.

A surprising number of commonly occurring plants are toxic or have poisonous elements to them.

When cut, laurel leaves release an almond smelling vapour that is

SANDY TOWN COUNCIL bration Sandy Green Wheel ceJ.S.le t.

Alsford butchers on Sandy High Stree el Town Council held a Sandy Green Whe r mbe Celebration Fortnight in August-Septe route to mark the 2nd anniversary of the people being opened and to encourage local es on to explore the wonderful green spac their doorstep. ran a As part of the celebration, the Council rs lette find to ers walk g competition askin guess placed along the route and enter their for the jumbled word. petition The Council congratulated the com randomly were who Joe, and el winners, Rach ctly chosen from the entrants who corre S. guessed the word was GREENSAND her, The couple received a £50 prize vouc lar popu which they chose to redeem at the

in and Thank you to everyone who joined its 2nd walked the Green Wheel to celebrate yed anniversary, we hope everyone enjo taking part. is invited Anyone who has walked the route Council to collect a free badge from the Town vereception to commemorate their achie ment. n If you haven’t walked the Sandy Gree route the Wheel yet, you can collect a map of from the Town Council office, at during 10 Cambridge Road, Sandy SG19 1JE ay, nesd Wed and nday open times (Mo download 9am-4pm and Friday 9am-2pm) or it from the Council’s website.

ORS TOWN COUNCILL PINNACLE WARD

BEESTON WARD

IVEL WARD

Cllr M P Scott Work 01767 680983 (Option 1) scott729@btinternet.com “The Gowans” Seddington Nursery Great North Road Seddington,Sandy SG19 1NZ FALLOWFIELD WARD Cllr P Sharman 07889 599556 3 Swallow Crest Sandy SG19 2SN Cllr Dr N Thompson 01767 683137 46 Kestrel Way Sandy SG19 2TE

(continued)

(continued)

Cllr M Hill 01767 681469 amaxhill@outlook.com 21 The Green Beeston SG19 1PE 01767 682549

Cllr C Osborne

Cllr W Jackson will.jackson662@btinternet.com 14 Westfield Gardens Sandy SG19 1HF

Cllr T Knagg 01767 223165 b.knagg2584@outlook.com 3 Jubilee Close, Sandy SG19 1RR

Cllr M J Pettitt 01767 680082 martin.pettitt@virginmedia.com 42 Swansholme Gardens Sandy SG19 1HL

VACANCY

Cllr S Sutton 01767 227589 33 Bedford Road Sandy SG19 1EP

IVEL WARD

PINNACLE WARD

Cllr P Blaine 01767 692619 peterblaine.blaine@gmail.com 19 Poplar Close Sandy SG19 1HH

Cllr P N Aldis 01767 691333 nigel.aldis1@gmail.com 7 Mayfield Court Sandy SG19 1NF

M.B.E., J.P.

01767 682032 ‘Summercourt’ 2 Leeds Smith Drive Sandy SG19 1LU

Cllr A Gibson 01767 699517 amandafage@hotmail.com 1 Allhallows, Sandy SG19 1HS Cllr J Hewitt 01767 512002 Clock Tower Cottage Hazells Hall, Everton Road Sandy SG19 2DD Cllr R Lock r.lock8259@gmail.com 2 Havelock Close Sandy SG19 1TE

Theatre on the Green

The Council was pleased to welcome the Pantaloons Theatre Company to the town during the last month. The popular touring dramatists staged two open-air performances each of their adaptations of Sherlock Holmes and Twelfth Night on Beeston Green, to the delight of local families.

The Pantaloons’ shows have been a regular annual fixture at RSPB The Lodge, however recent circumstances left them looking for an alternative venue this year. The company fed back to the Council that these performances were well-received and they very much enjoyed putting on the shows.

The Council felt the shows offered residents a valuable opportunity for entertainment following the months of lockdown, and was glad to help enable local people to enjoy these unique events which could be run safely by the organisers, outdoors, with small audiences and appropriate safety measures in place.

Town Council meetings

Meetings of Sandy Town Council and its committees are currently being held virtually on the Zoom video conferencing platform.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the meetings and can contact the Clerk at clerk@sandytowncouncil.gov.uk for details on how to join.

All meetings commence at 7.30pm except Development Scrutiny Committee (Planning) whic h starts at 6.30pm Monday 5th October 2020 Development Scrutiny Community, Services and Environ ment Monday 12th October 2020 Human Resources Monday 26th October 2020 Development Scrutiny Policy, Finance and Resources Monday 9th November 2020 Town Council See our website for details of othe r meetings.

ALL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLI C AND PRESS ARE WELCOME

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

actually cyanide! Many years ago, a tabloid newspaper carried the story of someone who had trimmed their hedge and was taking the clippings in their car to the local tip when they were suddenly overcome by toxic fumes.

Happily, they were able to stop and get out before it was too late.

Similarly, those veritable funsters and animal welfare specialists, the Victorians, used to make, as an entertainment, a death jar which was simply a newly torn laurel leaf being put into an empty jam jar along with a butterfly.

The lid was then added and they amused themselves by watching it die as it became poisoned by the build up of deadly gas. Don’t you just love human beings?!

The internet is full of stories of how it is possible to prepare and eat the fruit of laurel as long as the pips are not ingested but why bother? If you want an almond flavour, erm, simply get some almonds!

As with everything else in the garden, treat with respect and try and resist the temptation to wander around licking things and you and yours will be perfectly safe.

Blade Sharpening Service Clients often ask if I know of all sorts of different trades people who they can trust as simply put, there are so very many untrained charlatans out there. Over the years, I have amassed the names of

a large number of trained and qualified people, expert in their fields all of whom very regularly receive glowing endorsements from their customers.

The most unusual request I’ve had was for a teacher of Russian!

Recently however, I was asked if i knew of a reputable blade sharpener to come and ‘liven up’ a number of sheers, secateurs and other garden tools.

To this end, can I recommend the services of local man, Jason, who will come to your house, collect you tools and then disappear off to his well equipped van.

Moments later, you once again have tools that actually work! He can be contacted via 07786 666 965.

The answer to last month’s just for fun quiz question, Which garden in the Cotswolds is notable for its miles of sculptured hedges?

Clue: it also gives its name to a type of lavender?, is Hidcote Manor.

This month’s question is, inspired by the above, the three main threats to Cherry Laurel plants are Powdery Mildew, Leaf Spot Fungi and Bacterial Shothole.

How can these be treated?

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.

Quiz

View from the Rt Revd

Richard Atkinson

The Bishop of Bedford

TREASURING OUR CHURCHES

One of the bonuses of the last few months has been that I and my wife have started cycling again. It is good to be in Bedfordshire with its lack of hills and some good cycle ways.

As a result of this new activity, this September we were able to participate in the annual Bike ‘n Hike to raise funds for the Beds and Herts Historic Churches Trust. The Trust awards much needed grants to churches across our County to help with the restoration and repair of their fabric.

Like many others we visited a range of churches, including in our case the wonderful thatched Chapel that is home to the Roxton Congregational Church, the parish church in Tempsford with its mementos of its association with Tempsford Airfield and those who flew from there during the war, and Howard Chapel in Cardington.

Sadly, this year the restrictions of Covid 19 meant that most of the churches and chapels were closed, although there was the chance to see the continuing work at Blunham to install much needed facilities in the parish church.

Just a few of the rich inheritance of historic churches that are the heart of our communities. Buildings that are much loved, but which are also substantial responsibilities for their congregations. Not everyone recognises that the churches do not receive government funding, as in some European countries where the fabric is the responsibility of the state, and instead must raise the money needed for repair themselves. Organisations such as the Beds and Herts Historic Churches Trust are crucial in helping people do this.

For whilst they are places of prayer and worship, they are also repositories of local history and story. Over the same weekend as our Bike Ride I attended an outdoor, and socially distanced, service to celebrate the 800th Anniversary of the building of the Church in Chalgrave on the edge of Toddington. There was prayer and there was praise, but there were also readings detailing the history of those 800 years in our nation, along with story-telling of what the church meant to people today.

Whether or not you are a worshipper, do treasure our churches.

They are there for all of us.

TO ATTEND.

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MID BEDS

SANDY CRICKET CLUB ON August 31, 2020, Sandy Cricket Club held a Presentation Day to honour the services of former Club President Michael Reynolds.

The day included a T20 Match for current and past players of the club, and during the interval Mick was presented with an engraved decanter and glasses gift set to commemorate over 50 years of service to the club. Mick’s family had successfully managed to keep the presentation as a complete surprise for him.

Life Member John Gurney gave a speech recognising Mick’s contribution to the club including more than 20 years as Club President. As well as the current players there were also several of the club’s Life Members in attendance to show their appreciation and to help celebrate Mick’s commitment to the club over many decades.

SANDY Cricket Club’s 1st XI finished top of the Bedfordshire Invitational Saturday League 2nd Division.

In a shortened league season, the 1st XI lost just one match. In the final match of the season Zahaan Hussain scored his maiden century for the club.

The 2nd XI is where the club looks to introduce younger players into adult league cricket and reintroduce senior players who are returning to the game after a few years break.

The team finished the season with consecutive victories, and it was great to see the younger players make good contributions towards those victories.

The club also participates during the winter months in the local indoor cricket league, and

Presentation Day

League Winners

Around the area

THEATRE ON THE GREEN With the fallen beech tree providing an effective windbreak the Pantaloons outdoor theatre group came to Beeston Green at the end of August and gave two performances of the Sherlock Holmes story to audiences of around 100, with social distancing effectively observed. Live theatre was performed on the Green as far back as the Middle Ages, but this is the first time for at least a decade that such an event has occurred in Beeston. The Pantaloons, who are well known in the area for their annual appearances at the RSPB Lodge and Shuttleworth, return to the Green in mid-September and will present two adaptations of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.

BLUNHAM CRICKET CLUB Blunham Cricket Club can now boast the installation of an automated watering system for its square on the Barford Road ground. The BPFA and the Parish Council have both been very supportive of this development which is one of the final pieces of the jigsaw to make the Blunham ground fit for top-class club cricket. The ground has been

given a good chance to recover after last season’s Guinness World Record marathon and in the current season, greatly shortened by the pandemic, only the Roxton ground has been used for home matches.

After months of waiting, in part due to the current crisis, Blunham Cricket club has finally received official notification from the Guinness Book of Records that last summer’s world record has been accepted. There is no certainty it will appear in the 2021 edition but it will definitely be included the year after.

The record for the longest continuous game of cricket now stands at 170 hours and, hopefully, this will stand for some time. The week-long event last August attracted considerable media interest, large crowds and also featured on the Channel 4 documentary on Britain’s wildest weather with the players having to continue playing during a freak, torrential hail storm. As well as achieving the world record the event was a real triumph of good organisation and in all raised over £30,000 for the club and charity.

this coming season is hoping to add a 2nd indoor team.

The club is always looking to increase participations levels for all adult and junior teams. If you would be interested in playing indoors this winter, or outdoor league cricket next summer please contact us via the club website sandycricketclub.co.uk, the club Facebook page, or email: cricketclubsandy@gmail.com.

If you would be interested in supporting junior and senior cricket in Sandy by sponsoring Sandy Cricket Club, please contact the club via the options above.

Sponsorship

Club secretaries are reminded to send their reports by the 18th of the month.

BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN OCTOBER 2020

— 9

Apply for your child’s school place for September 2021

KEY dates to remember applications are now open if your child is due to start school, or transfer to middle, secondary or upper school in September 2021.

If you are applying for a place to start school or to join a middle school, you have until January 15, 2021 to make an application.

The deadline for applications for young people transferring to a secondary or upper school next year is 31 October, 2020.

To ensure you have the necessary information to enable you to make an informed choice regarding your child’s education, our school admission webpages also contain further information about schools in Central Bedfordshire and about the application process.

Last year, a high percentage of families in Central Bedfordshire got their first preference of primary or lower school (95 per cent), middle school (89 per cent), upper school (97 per cent) and secondary school (95.5 per cent).

You are encouraged to apply for a school place using our online application system.

It’s a quick and simple process that allows applications to be reviewed or amended at any time until the deadline date.

Alternatively, paper application forms are available from our School Admissions team.

Call 0300 300 8037, email or write to School Admissions, Central Bedfordshire Council, Watling House, High Street North, Dunstable, LU6 1LF.

10 —

OCTOBER 2020 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN

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Sentenced for county-wide burglary and theft offences BEDFORDSHIRE Police continues to drive down burglaries across the county after more than eight years imprisonment have been secured.

Three men were sentenced on Wednesday, September 16, at Luton Crown Court for a range of burglary and theft offences.

Shane Ellwood, 28, of Artur Street, Luton pleaded guilty to a number of theft, fraud and drug offences in relation to incidents which took place in Luton and Flitwick between April and May this year.

Ellwood was arrested on May 6, 2020 after he was spotted on CCTV trying car handles in Guilford Street, Luton.

Officers were dispatched to investigate it and arrested him shortly after in Station Road. After he was searched a quantity of cannabis and heroin was found as well as surgical gloves and a torch.

Following the investigation by the force’s dedicated burglary prevention team, Operation Maze, he was forensically linked to further offences: n a theft from a motor vehicle in Park Street, Luton on April 3 n theft of a car and a watch in Grave Pit Road, Flitwick on April 4 n handling stolen goods and fraud in the Farley Hill area of Luton on April 20 He has also admitted being involved in 12 other offences which were taken under consideration upon his sentencing.

He was sentenced to 12 months

Shane Ellwood, Radoslaw Kozak and Tomasz Lesinsk.

imprisonment.

Radoslaw Kozak, 28, of Hurst Grove, Bedford pleaded guilty to theft, possession of a knife, going equipped and three burglaries and was sentenced to total of 39 months.

Kozak was arrested on January 31,

2020 after a call was made from a member of the public saying that a person is trying car door handles in Luddingtons Lane in Bedford.

Officers arrested him shortly after and he was searched. A number of items including bolt cutters and a Stanley knife

were found.

He was then linked to two incidents in Linden Road, Bedford on January 27 and 28, where he is seen committing the burglaries on CCTV. Additionally, his fingerprints were matched to another burglary in Duckmill Lane, Bedford on August 21,

2019.

Tomasz Lesinski, 34, of Goldington Avenue, Bedford pleaded guilty to six counts of burglary and one count of theft and was sentenced to total of 46 months.

He has targeted a number of addresses across Bedford including: n an office burglary in Duckmill Lane, Bedford on August 21, 2019 n a burglary of an assisted living facility in Bedford on September 15, 2019 n a business burglary in Linden Road, Bedford on October 21 and November 6, 2019 and an attempted burglary at the same location on November 11 and November 12,2019 Detective Constable Jason Wheeler, from the forces dedicated burglary team – Operation Maze team, said: “Our force is dedicated to investigating burglaries and putting the perpetrators behind bars.

Burglary not only causes financial loss to the victims, but also psychological trauma caused by the break-in and breach of the safety of their home.

“Hopefully these sentences will serve as a reassurance to our residents of our commitment to keeping you safe.

“Whilst we are working hard to secure results, we would encourage residents to think about their home security as we are approaching darker nights. Please ensure that you keep your windows and doors double locked, and when going out at night, consider leaving a light on to make your home look lived in.”

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BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN OCTOBER 2020

— 11

Celebrate the lives of loved ones with a Walk to Remember

PEOPLE across Bedfordshire are putting their best foot forward this October and walking in honour of their loved ones to raise money for a local hospice.

Walk to Remember 2020 will see people walk a route that means something to them to remember the life of someone special.

It’s being organised by Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in Moggerhanger near Bedford,

which cares for people with lifelimiting conditions as well as supporting their families.

The hospice had to postpone its annual night-time walk Starlight Hike due to Coronavirus, but is hoping local people will don their walking boots and Walk to Remember at a time and location that suits them.

A Walk to Remember is what friends Carrie Irvin, Sharon Kane

and Tracey Slevin did in tribute to their best friend Suzanne SharpBayliss, who was cared for at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in 2016.

In 2018, the trio did a 26.2 mile walk in her memory and raised more than £4,500 for the hospice.

Now, the group of friends, who call themselves ‘The Jellybabes’ due to their love of jellybabies while out walking, are hoping that others will follow in their footsteps.

Carrie shares, “Our walk was really special and along the route we felt really close to Suzanne.

We planned the route carefully to take in places we had been with her, starting from the baby clinic where we all met in Sandy.

“We finished at the pub in Carlton where Suzanne’s wedding reception was held and where her funeral wake was held.

“We also visited the boat at Star Rowing Club in Bedford which was named after her.

“We chose to walk a marathon length because Suzanne had been involved in the first marathon the Jellybabes did and supported us in the marathons we sadly did without her.

“We did the walk to remember Suzanne and to raise funds for Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice who looked after her so well.”

Ellie Burke, Community Fundraiser at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice, said: “Our new event for

Dave’s charities are quids in!

THE current Mayor’s charities Autism Bedfordshire, Bedford Sea Cadets and Foodbank Bedford have recently received £1,000.

This funding goes towards helping the charities support the community in Bedford Borough.

Last November, these three charities were awarded £1,650, bringing the total money donated in the last twelve months to £2,650 for each charity.

Money donated to the Mayor’s charities comes from fundraising events held by the Council such as bake sales and dress down days.

Money was also raised through the Mayor’s Concert, Council Carol Service and Bedford Floral Arts Society.

Mayor Dave Hodgson said: “I am extremely pleased to have been able to award £2,650 to Autism Bedford, Bedford Sea Cadets and Foodbank Bedford.

2020 – Walk to Remember – gives people the chance to celebrate the life of someone special and walk in their memory.

“You can choose a 5K or 10K distance and a route that means something to you. It could be somewhere you enjoyed walking with your loved one, or a route which has a special meaning.

“You can walk any day

throughout October or join hundreds of others across the country for our official walk day on Saturday, October 17.

“You can encourage your friends, families and colleagues to join you. Even if you can’t walk together physically, you can start at the same time and share your photos and special moments with one another.

“Entry is free, but it’s your donations and fundraising that will make all the difference to patients and families needing our expert care. Sign up today at: sueryder.org/walktoremember” Contact the hospice’s fundraising team on 01767 642 412 orstjohnsfundraising@sueryder.or g for more information about the Walk to Remember 2020.

Bedford Castle Rotary’s ‘Cancelled Celebrity Lunch’ raises £16,100 for Keech Hospice BEDFORD Castle Rotary Club’s Celebrity Lunch with Roy Walker was due to take place on the 20th March, but with the country about to go into lockdown, a decision was taken to cancel the event.

Despite this, ‘the lunch that never was’ still raised the fantastic sum of £16,100 for Keech Hospice Care.

Over 300 people had booked tickets for the lunch and many of these opted to donate the ticket cost rather than take up a refund.

Further donations were also received from many more who hadn’t purchased tickets.

President Mike Salsbury said: “To raise such an incredible amount of money for an event that didn’t take place is just incredible and I’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of our members, ticket

holders and sponsors for their donations. The Pandemic has hit hospices hard, and so I am delighted that we were able to present a cheque to Keech Hospice Care during these difficult times.”

Charles Codrington Chairman of fundraising for the club, thanked his committee for all their efforts, especially Chris Kilroy and the team at Old Road Securities.

12 —

OCTOBER 2020 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN

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ON Wednesday, September 16, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Mrs Helen Nellis, made a socially distant Covid-19 friendly visit to Keech Hospice Care to present the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service to its volunteers.

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by volunteer groups to benefit their local communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. Winners are announced each year on 2nd June, the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation. It is the MBE for volunteer groups.

Keech Hospice Care provides free specialist care to adults in Luton and south Bedfordshire and children in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Milton Keynes who have life-limiting and terminal illnesses. The volunteers of Keech Hospice Care play a pivotal role in the delivery of the services provided and cover a wide range of functions such as working in charity shops, fundraising, driving patients to the hospice, lifeguarding the pool and maintaining the gardens.

Joined by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire Mr Robert Voss CBE, Mrs Nellis read out a commendation from HM The Queen, which she then presented to Chief Executive Liz Searle, along with a domed glass crystal.

Mrs Searle said: “I am very honoured to be accepting this award on behalf of our exceptional volunteers. For nearly 30 years, our volunteers have made

Keech Hospice Care what it is today. Without them, we simply wouldn’t be here.

“This award is a fantastic tribute to all their hard work. I’m delighted their continuous dedication is being recognised because it enables us to keep providing outstanding care to children and adults, and their families when they need it most.”

Speaking after the visit, The Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire said: “It was an honour to present the prestigious Queen’s Award on behalf of HM The Queen to a group of dedicated volunteers who

have worked tirelessly over many years, and more recently throughout the pandemic, to create an environment where patients can spend quality time with their family and friends supported by expert and compassionate professionals.

My sincere congratulations to all the volunteers and staff at Keech Hospice Care for this welldeserved award.”

To join Keech Hospice Care’s family of volunteers, whatever time you have to offer, please visit www.keech.org.uk/volunteer or call 01582 492339. Full training is provided.

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Helen Nellis and HM LordLieutenant of Hertfordshire Robert Voss with Liz Searle, Chief Executive of Keech Hospice Care

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Stoptober is back – it’s never too late to quit smoking MILTON ERNEST GARDEN CENTRE STOPTOBER is your chance to join thousands of people around the country who are taking part in Stoptober and quitting smoking.

Are you up for taking on the challenge and achieving one off the most important changes you can make to benefit your health?

Defeating cigarettes can give you back your freedom and help you become healthier, fitter, save you money and even look better.

There is no denying that this has been a challenging year for everyone. COVID-19 has had a huge impact on our way of life.

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Yet, it has also brought home the importance of looking after our health and wellbeing, and quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to improve your health.

We know that smoking increases the risk of contracting respiratory infections and can lead to more severe symptoms from COVID-19.

Smoking is also a major cause of many other health conditions such as heart disease, lung disease and cancer.

Throughout this pandemic over

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thanA6) happy to support you a million people in theRoad UK have Radwell (just off the them. quit smoking and manyErnest more are Milton MK44 alongside 1SH Cllr Louise Jackson, Portfolio attempting to quit.

Holder for Health and Wellbeing Stoptober is a great time to join said: “Quitting smoking is the those that have already quit as we single most important thing you leave summer behind and begin to can do to improve your physical enter the winter months. and mental health. There are lots of The best way to quit smoking is resources and services available by using effective products such locally. If you are thinking about Nicotine Replacement Therapy or joining the Stoptober campaign, I Champix in combination with would urge you to sign up today. specialist support from the Stop Smoking Service. Together it “There is a belief from many means you are three times more smokers that smoking reduces likely to successfully quit. anxiety and stress, which is in turn Maybe you are vaping to quit causing many smokers to put off smoking and although we cannot quitting. provide E-cigarettes, we are more “The reality is that instead of helping people to relax, smoking increases anxiety and tension.

When smokers light up a cigarette, the feeling of reduced stress or relaxation is temporary and is soon replaced by withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

Offer ends 31/10/20 “It is never too late to benefit from stopping, smoking remains have a terrible driving record.” the nation’s biggest killer with half He sentenced him to 12 months of long-term smokers dying premaimprisonment and banned him Radwell (just A6) turely.” for threeRoad years and sixoff the from driving Milton Ernest MK44 1SH Take up the challenge today go months. He was also told he must to “My Quit Route app” via your take an extended driving test before normal app store or www.thestop he gets behind the wheel of a car smokingservice.co.uk again.

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chase in Bedford and Kempston

A BEDFORD man with an appalling driving history was told by a crown court recorder on Monday, September 14: “If you carry on drink driving you are going to end up killing someone.”

Recorder Cairns Nelson QC made his remarks when sentencing

Lithuanian bricklayer Aurelijus Zvironas at Luton Crown Court.

Zvironas 44, led police on a high speed chase through Bedford and Kempston in June of this year while drunk at the wheel of his BMW. It ended with him crashing into a traffic light pole and demolishing it.

In court he pleaded guilty dangerous driving, driving with excess alcohol, failing to stop for police, driving whilst disqualified and driving with no insurance.

The court heard it was the fourth time Zvironas had appeared in court for drink driving since 2011.

Prosecutor Richard Barrington was told how late on the night of June 9 this year the defendant was behind the wheel of his BMW having been drinking cider at a friend’s home.

Police officers spotted Zvironas performing a ‘U’ turn in Ampthill Road, Bedford.

They decided to follow him and put on their blue lights to indicate he should pull over. Mr Barrington said he pulled up, but as an officer got out of the police vehicle Zvironas sped off.

The court was told the defendant drove through a number of streets in Kempston hitting speeds of 80mph on roads where the limit was 30 mph. He eventually came to a halt in Spring Road, Kempston when he collided with a traffic light pole.

When police got to him he was slumped over the steering wheel and the airbags had been inflated.

In the collision the front near side wheel of the BMW had come off and was found 20 metres away.

Back at the police station following his arrest he was given a breath test which showed he was between two and a half times to three times over the drink drive limit. Recorder Nelson was told that in August 2011 the defendant had been banned from driving for 18 months after a conviction for drink driving.

In October 2014 he had been banned for 36 months for driving with excess alcohol The following year he had received another three year driving ban for driving whilst disqualified.

Then in 2016 he had received a suspended sentence for drink driving and driving whilst disqualified.

The court was told the defendant had made full admissions to the police and had pleaded guilty at an early stage.

Recorder Nelson was told he lived with his disabled mother in De Havilland Avenue, Shortstown and contributed financially to his family.

Passing sentence the recorder told the defendant: “It is frankly a miracle nobody including yourself was seriously injured in this accident. You were clearly drunk.”

The recorder then told him: “You

While stocks last

ONE of the country’s most experienced and high-profile executive leaders has joined the board of Advantage Schools as Chair.

Dr Ian Campbell, currently Interim Executive Chair of Innovate UK – which takes a leading role in driving the UK’s technology and innovation strategy, will serve as the chair of the board of the Bedford-based schools group from this week.

Dr Campbell has more than 20 years of experience of executive leadership, including extensive entrepreneurial and business experience in the healthcare sector.

Dr Campbell said: “Advantage so that we can maintain the incredSchools is one of the country’s ible standards at our schools and most innovative trusts, and I have the new ones that join our family” “Ian has particular interest in already been impressed by both the skills and dedication of the ensuring that children receive an staff, its schools and the determi- excellent education regardless of Milton Centre is a safethat theirGarden background – something nation of the Board to grow andErnest is central to ourWe vision of ensuring keep improving. place to eat and shop. maintain all children are able Social to acquire “The Trust’s schools exceptional are the that hygiene standards. the knowledge peobest they have ever been, and I am Distancing – there that is noeducated air ple take for granted and I know passionate about helping the Trust conditioning – just FRESH– AIR. he willisbeto a strong and challenging deliver a high-quality, academic Our objective look after you! and inclusive education for all voice in ensuring our schools exceed their obligations in this children in the region.”

Advantage Schools chief exec- regard.”

Advantage Schools is a family utive Stuart Lock said: “Ian has had an incredibly broad range of of primary and secondary schools exceptional experiences, meaning based in Bedford. This year its our excellent board of Trustees has schools have received Good and been further strengthened. As the Outstanding ratings from Ofsted, trust expands, I know that he will and it runs the area’s most successenhance the leadership of our Trust ful secondary school.

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14 —

OCTOBER 2020 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN

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MID BEDS

Quincy Motorcycles

by Tony Hendrix

Westoning’s Bell gets new landlords

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‘Best Veg’ are open Wednesdays and Saturdays

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Opening up a pub that has been closed for over a year is certainly no easy task even for an experienced landlord plus the current financial climate brings additional challenges.

This challenge however has brought two Luton landlords Eric Hsu and Ali Alp to the middle of Bedfordshire to rescue The Bell Public House in Westoning which ceased trading back in June 2019.

The pub is in the heart of Westoning and previously thrived on its reputation for many years as an outstanding restaurant pub.

The local community in Westoning were over the moon when they heard that their favourite pub was reopening.

Both Eric and Ali still run a pub in Luton called the George II based in Bute Street, which has been established under their ownership for over 10 years, this bar focuses predominantly on live entertainment and fine dining.

The New Westoning Bell dining experience is graced with an authentic Turkish cuisine, influenced by Ali who has a strong, traditional Turkish background.

All the food is freshly prepared on the premises, the chefs in the kitchen are all highly qualified and experienced in delivering both international and authentic Turkish dishes. In order to support local businesses the pub has also teamed up with Ampthill’s Kelchner brewery, who will be supplying the

pub with their local ales and gins.

During my visit to the Bell I was pleasantly surprised to see how busy they were, the beer garden was socially distanced and packed!

I was particularly impressed with the array of cocktails on offer and my favourite Prosecco Frizzante was on draught!

Certainly a remarkable venue well worth checking this one out sometime soon, have a look at the menu on their website. www.thebellwestoning.co.uk

Local Charity receives huge boost from National Lottery Heritage Fund A GRANT from the National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Heritage Emergency Fund will help ensure that local environmental charity The Greensand Trust survives and is able to continue playing a leading role in the sector in the local area.

The Greensand Trust manages many important sites across the Greensand Ridge and surrounding areas in Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire, including Rushmere Country Park near Leighton Buzzard and several Sites of Special Scientific Interest and Scheduled Monuments. It is a lead partner in the Greensand Country Landscape Partnership and has also developed The Working Woodlands Training and Education Centre at Maulden Wood. Alongside many similar organisations, it has been a challenge to cope with the double impact of much reduced incomes but significantly greater numbers of people using the great outdoors.

The £249,000 grant is one of the highest awarded so far through the fund, and will cover the costs of adapting sites and visitor centres to new circumstances, providing additional equipment and vehicles, day-to-day staff costs, conservation work and essential repairs to heritage features.

“We are extremely grateful to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for this support,” said Peter Smith, Chairman of the Trustees, “it will help us not only survive but hopefully build and recover strongly. We feel it is a strong endorsement of our work in the area

over the past 20 years and will help ensure we can do even more in the next 20.”

Ros Kerslake, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Heritage has an essential role to play in making communities better places to live, supporting economic regeneration and benefiting our personal wellbeing. All of these things are going to be even more important as we emerge from this current crisis.

“Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, we are pleased to be able to lend our support to organisations such as The Greensand Trust during this uncertain time.”

Like The Greensand Trust, other charities and organisations across the UK that have been affected by the unprecedented impact of the coronavirus outbreak are being given access to a comprehensive package of support of up to £600 million of repurposed money from The National Lottery. This money is supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our communities and spans the arts, community, charity, heritage, education, environment and sports sectors.

Thanks to National Lottery players, £30 million is raised every week for good causes, including heritage of local and national importance. By playing The National Lottery, people up and down the country are making an amazing contribution to the nationwideresponse to combatting the impact of COVID-19 on local communities across the UK.

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gardening

BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN OCTOBER 2020

— 15

with Milton Ernest Garden Centre

Roses grow on you

T

HE rose is probably the most popular plant in most English gardens. It is also one of the oldest in cultivation with fossil evidence of having existed 35 million years ago.

It was grown 5000 years ago in Chinese Gardens and 1000 years ago the Romans planted Roses for medicinal purposes, perfumery and to produce “confetti� for celebrations. In England in the 15th century it became a symbol of political power in the War of the Roses between the Lancastrian and Yorkshire factions of royalty.

Roses were planted in large numbers in France in the 18th century when repeat flowering varieties became popular. These are the ancestors of our modern varieties today.

We grow Roses in many different ways for the vibrant colours and perfume they add to our gardens in summer and autumn.

Roses can be grown to decorate many places whether for a

mass display on their own, an addition to mixed shrub and perennial borders, against walls or fences, over arches or pergolas, as standard small trees, as ground cover or a feature in pots on a sunny patio.

Roses are available in a vast array of colours and many have names that highlight occasions like wedding anniversaries and birthdays so make excellent living gifts for gardening friends. Most varieties also make good cut flowers for the house.

Roses will grow successfully in many different soil types but prefer heavy clay to lighter sandy places.

It is advisable to add organic material like peat and farmyard manure and a mycorrhizal

compound to help the plant to establish a good root system easily.

It is important to plant roses deeply to prevent wind rock which reduces the vigour so dig a hole that allows the soil to cover the graft at the base of the stem by two inches. It is better to plant roses between October and March when the plant appears dormant above ground but it will start to grow roots in the winter months ready for the top rapid spring growth.

Most roses need a sunny position.

When planting new roses dig farmyard manure into the planting hole to improve the soil structure and mulch the ground surface with bark to retain moisture and smother weeds.

It is important to prune roses to produce the best display. It is essential to use clean sharp secateurs. Do not prune in frosty weather.

Prune Bush and English Shrub Roses by half in November to prevent winter root damage and again in March to three outward facing buds. If you cut the plants back by half again after flowering feed with a good rose food and keep watered for about four weeks you can enjoy a second flush of flower in early autumn.

Miniature and Patio Roses should be only lightly trimmed in early spring.

Climbing Roses are pruned to maintain their shape so train four to five long stems horizontally to encourage flowering shoots along the stem. If you are growing over an archway wind the stems as laterally as possible around the upright posts for a lot more flower before training overhead.

Rambling Roses need severe pruning. Cut out the old stems that have flowered and tie in the

new ones maintaining a horizontal plane to promote flower buds.

Ground Cover roses can be reduced by half immediately after they flower and will often flower again in the autumn.

Most old varieties of shrub rose flower once in a season on old stems so only need light pruning to remove any diseased or damaged branches and to prevent congestion.

To keep roses free from disease it is important to maintain vigorous growth so feed generously and give plenty of water in dry weather.

In November feed with bone meal

which is slowly released during winter and from March until June feed with rose food or fish blood and bone.

Also put a good layer of mulch around the base of each plant in February to help control any fungus spores in the soil. It is advisable to spray roses when the leaves have grown in spring with a fungicide to control mildew and blackspot and an insecticide if aphids are seen in early May. There are so many wonderful roses that I cannot begin to recommend varieties. Instead here are a few photos of real specialities.

16 —

OCTOBER 2020 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN

sport

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One of those days Another podium for Tuck in

by Mike Draxler

ST. IVES ....................................1 BIGGLESWADE TOWN ........0

THE long wait since March when the 2019/20 season was cut short and the current 2020/21 season starting late the air of anticipation and excitement was bouyant. All the social distancing rules in place meant we could see the return of the Waders.

A much changed team from March with only a handful of players remaining in Chris Nunn’s full season in charge. Having watched some pre-season games, the group of players ably coached by Scott Davies and Russell short blended into a cohesive unit. But and as you know there is still a But, put the glare of a competitive spotlight on, all changes.

Both teams seemed hesitant although an initial flurry saw

Shane Bush’s brilliant shot fingertipped over the bar by home keeper Martin Conway. At the other end Kyle Forster repeated the heroics foiling Dylan Williams from a free kick just outside the box.

The only highpoint for a Wader, a Davies free kick just skimming the bar. St. Ives controlled by the Wader’s defence which is proving excessively frugal, with Forster gathering efficiently behind the back line. A scare on half time saw Forster have exstensive treatment on the pitch as the players left the field.

Happily Forster was able to return.

The second period faired no better with chances a rarity as defence and midfield play dominated. St. Ives took the lead on 73 from Marc Richards after the ball had bounced about the Wader’s goalmouth for an eternity before Richards standing on the line could not miss.

FA CUP 1ST QUALIFYING ROUND

Waders thrashed LEISTON ..................................5 BIGGLESWADE TOWN ........1

It is hard to believe a week ago the Waders put together a home performance to inspire confidence and give that expectation to the season.

On Saturday although I never wrote it two or three players were not involved in the game.

Last evening 11 individuals took to the park. Individuals is the word, as if they had just met.

Not one of the boys used can come out with any credit. The squad is small but a major re-think in the next four days, if we are not to suffer another humiliating defeat.

It all started good with Waders attacking, Neal, Giles and Charles

all working the tricky footwork.

Short lived as on Leiston’s first attack, 1-0 as Will Davies helped himself at the near post on six.

Disaster came as Tommy Boxer had to be replaced, injured.

This completely upset the discipline of the Wader’s back four.

An unusual mistake found Davies in again to beat the keeper on 34.

At half-tme and a mountain to climb, we lived in hope.

The second period was worse, Leiston ran the Waders ragged, Davies helped himself to another brace and Jamie Collins smashed one past Forster from 25metres.

Trey Charles pulled one back on 81, not to respectability, but a fine individual goal to make the final embarrasing score 5-1.

mixed fortunes at Nurburgring 2020 continues to throw challenges in the direction of Ben Tuck who, against the odds pulled out another fantastic podium finish at the latest round of the DTM Trophy at Nurburgring. The result means that he has visited the rostrum at every one of the three weekends of the inaugural season of the high profile DTM support championship and sees him placed 3rd in the race for the title.

The podium finish in Race #1 was a welcome achievement for the Walkenhorst driver in the light of the weekend’s action at the Nurburgring, which was far from smooth.

Troublesome setup compromised Tucks qualifying performance for both of the weekend’s races. Whilst he took his BMW M4 GT4 to a hard-fought 3rd place in Race #1, a penalty after contact in Race #2 halted his spirited fight back through the field, ending his chance of Championship points.

The weekend enjoyed unusually warm and stable weather for the Eiffel, but it was not quite the signal for sunnier times in Tucks 2020 campaign. After a lot of work on the Walkenhorst Motorsport run BMW, both free practices netted encouraging results in the run up to qualifying for Race #1.

Tuck has been consistently the fastest lapping BMW of the championships 4 preceding events, claiming the honours in five of the eight outings on track across qualifying and races.

However, Nurburgring was to prove trickier, when Tuck took his #34 machine to 6th position for the weekend’s opening battle.

Race 1 saw Ben quickly move forward with two places gained on Lap one, and a stunning move to claim 3rd two laps later, by which time the leaders had already broken away.

The race settled into a pattern of consistency and focus for Ben, the resulting podium a satisfying, if anti-climactic conclusion: “I said I wanted that podium and we managed it! We worked hard for that one and I feel that was the best that we could manage from our BMW today. I tried everything I could but just couldn’t keep up with the car in front on the straights.”

In qualifying for Race 2 Ben was among the top handful of drivers in sectors one and two,

but he was almost bottom of the field in the final section of the lap, belying a crucial issue in the final chicane, which consigned Ben to 12th on the grid for Race #2.

Facing another challenge for the race, Tuck immediately found three places on lap one getting him into the points paying positions and another on the following lap, building momentum for a dramatic and impressive comeback.

But Ben’s progress was cut short when a penalty was handed out, commanding Ben to return a position to a car he’d passed just seven corners after the start five laps earlier.

The car he was obliged to let pass was down in 16th position, which consigned Ben almost to the back of the field. This eliminated the chance of championship points and denied the

race of potentially action-packed battles as Ben caught those cars he normally fights with.

But, without hesitation Ben complied and set about fighting back yet again, eventually reaching 13th position having overtaken a total of eight cars during the race, an average of one every other lap. Ben was disappointed but focused on the next race. “Clearly Race #2 was not the result we were expecting, we’d been making good progress so to get the penalty was unfortunate. But I’m confident we can do more next week and we’ll be up there again looking for more podiums.”

The weekend leaves Ben in 3rd position in the Championship and the team with a short turnaround ahead of the next race in just one week, again at Nurburgring.

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