AMPTHILL•FLITWICK•WESTONING•HARLINGTON•TODDINGTON – SEPTEMBER 2018
VOTED NUMBER ONE FOR LOCAL NEWS
Americana fans – Bedford’s Danni Nicholls headlines at the Stables, Wavendon, on Saturday November 10 – watch out for our forthcoming exclusive interview
COUNCIL DENIES LAND BANKING ACCUSATIONS CENTRAL Beds Council is under fire by a green charity for ‘landbanking’.
The Council for the Protection of Rural England says that the council has bought land for development and then sat on it. In June 2014, CBC gave planning permission for a huge development of 5,125 houses to be built on a 262 hectare site in Houghton Regis called Houghton Regis North Site 1.
5,125 homes is equivalent to a new town almost 30 per cent larger than the town of Ampthill. It is the largest single housing development site anywhere in Bedfordshire. Four years later and hardly a brick has been laid on this site despite CBC stating, as a reason for planning permission being given on agricultural land in the Green Belt, that residents were “in desperate need of new homes”. Now, quietly and without any detailed explanation of the reasons to support their decision, the council has stated that it does not see that
any development will take place on this hugely valuable site until 2023/2024 – up to 10 years after planning permission was given! A spokesperson for CPRE Bedfordshire said: “We are extremely concerned with this decision. “This development has been described as a Strategic Site in CBC’s Local Plan 2035 which has just been submitted to the Government for approval. “We have written to the Leader of CBC asking for full details of their decision, how and why it was taken and by whom, and if planning permissions will now be withdrawn from the developers concerned. “Developers are continually saying that they can build more homes if they are given planning permissions – this case proves CPRE’s argument that developers are refusing to build-out permissions they already have in order to keep house prices high. “In this case, it seems to us that CBC is complicit with developers in holding back development. “Residents of Central Bedfordshire deserve to know what’s going on!”
A spokeswoman for Central Beds Council said: “The term land banking means stockpiling parcels of land for future sale or development by land holders. “We fail to see how this term can be applied to us, given that our role is not as a landowner but as a planning authority. “ We are delighted that at recent appeals, the Planning Inspector has agreed that we do have a five-year land supply. “ The wider issue of when houses will be built on sites already granted planning permission is a problem for all local planning authorities, and one that they currently have little control over. “Central Bedfordshire Council continues to push the government to grant additional powers to hold developers and housebuilders to account. “In the meantime, we use mechanisms such as S106 legal clauses if they don’t start to build their houses within an agreed period. We are pleased to say that our approach means that we have one of the fastest number of new homes being built in this region.”
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SEPTEMBER 2018
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
Life on the farm for Redborne students TWo students at Redborne school are learning how to bring home the bacon with farming apprenticeships funded by The Connolly Foundation Jack Suddabby, 18 and Mackenzie Harris, 16 are studying for qualifications that they are hoping will lead to a career in agriculture and husbandry. Jack, a former Redborne student, has been working on the farm for two years whilst also studying at Shuttleworth College. He is continuing to gain relevant qualifications such as his Transport of Animal Licence. He has now bought a small flock of
Herdwick sheep that he keeps at the school farm and is hoping to expand on this flock. Jack has also gained a licence that enables him to raise and prepare Christmas turkeys onsite. Jack will also be taking on more of a lead role in selling farm produce and advertising the products available from the farm. The Connolly Foundation has also secured another apprenticeship for Mackenzie Harris, known as Mickie, who has just finished her GCSEs. Teacher Kelly Savage said: “Mickie has a passion for agriculture. She will hopefully be enrolled at college soon and starting with us
after the summer. “A real success has been the bespoke curriculum that is run at Redborne school as part of our learning support department. “Jack has begun to work along side these students that have special educational needs and will be working towards a horticulture qualification. Jack and Mickie will also be supporting these students alongside their teaching assistant to gain confidence and skills around the livestock on the farm.” A former apprenticeship student Ryan Jones is now in full time employment, having gained his Level 2 Agriculture Diploma.
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A new library for Dunstable – the next chapter In preparation for the next chapter of Dunstable Library, opening hours at the current library at Vernon Place will be changing. From Tuesday, September 11, 2018 Dunstable Library will be open from 10am to 2pm Tuesday to Saturday. Its last day will be Christmas Eve when it will close its doors for the last time at 2pm, ahead of the move into its new home at The Dunstable Centre, Court Drive, Dunstable. This will help to provide time to sort out the old building, the recruitment and training of new staff and the move to the new building. The brand new larger state-of-theart facilities based within the new Dunstable Centre, will house the most popular books and services, plus public access computers, flexible space for activities, events and clubs. During the closure, library users will be able to access the same library services in Houghton Regis and Leighton Buzzard. The library will be running a Drop Off Point for people to return library items at The Grove Theatre. The Drop Off Point will be open between 10am and 5pm,
Monday to Friday, and 10am and 2pm on Saturdays throughout the closure period. Items will have been issued for a longer period than usual so that members will not be charged fines while the library is closed. Councillor Ian Dalgarno, Executive Member for Community Services at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “The leisure centre and library in Dunstable were no longer fit for purpose or cost effective to run. By bringing services together under one roof, the new facility will reduce running costs, while providing more flexible services to customers, such as improved opening hours for public services. “The brand-new library will be a large, bright and airy open-plan space, incorporating state-of-the-art equipment. The space will flow seamlessly within the main foyer and will be zoned for different activities.” More information about the Dunstable Centre redevelopment and the story so far can be seen on our website at www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/leisure/centres/dunstable /redevelopment/overview.aspx
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Upgrade to start on final part of A421 CEnTRaL Bedfordshire Council is to commence preparatory site work on the a421 from the first week of September, ahead of dualling the remaining section of road running from Magna Park in Milton Keynes to the roundabouts in Central Bedfordshire adjacent to junction 13 of the M1. The initial work is starting after the Department for Transport announced in March that they had approved £23.5 million worth of funding from SEMLEP’s Local Growth Fund for the project. Both Central Bedfordshire Council and Milton Keynes Council are each contributing up to £3million towards this £28.5million project. as well as easing congestion, the upgraded a421 road will help improve access to planned developments in Central Bedfordshire, such as the 5,000 homes proposed in new villages in the Marston Vale area (in Central Bedfordshire Council’s Local Plan), as well as 40 hectares of employment land. The upgraded road will also help improve access to Ridgmont train station, which is due to be enlarged as part of network Rail’s East-West Rail project.
Councillor nigel Young, Executive Member for Regeneration at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: said: “as a council, we have a commitment to investing in infrastructure and providing it ahead of growth. “The a421 road project supports our priorities to enhance Central Bedfordshire, and the new road layout will improve east-west transport links.” The widened road is anticipated to make a significant contribution to the area, including 2,500 jobs.”
The initial preparatory work will run to February, and will involve clearing the site, putting in new boundary fencing, and relocating utilities company pipes and cables*. In February 2019, the major work on dualling the road will commence. next year the widened carriageway will need two bridges to be extended: the Cranfield Road bridge, plus another footbridge near Hulcote that will safely take pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists over the a421 (via four public rights of way). The improvement works are anticipated to be complete by the end of 2020..
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SEPTEMBER 2018
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
Brave Debbie keeps smiling DEBBIE BURRELLS will be a familiar face to many in Bedfordshire – former landlady at the French Horn, Stepplingley. Debbie has now been struck with a deadly form of Motor neurone Disease but with her usual aplomb has launched a campaign to help others by raising awareness of MnD. “I was diagnosed with motor neurone disease eights months ago and although plagued with acute exhaustion and severe muscle weak-
ness which often confines me to a wheelchair, nothing was going to stop us from having an amazing time at our MnD garden party. “We were raising awareness of Motor neurone Disease and collected a staggering £1,725.25 via a raffle tombola and side stalls. “So much was given by staff at Bedford’s Beales department store, Centre Parcs, Bedford Swan Hotel and Lotus Spa, Hobbycraft and Jewellery by Jade – who has made us a bracelet exclusively to highlight to our fightback fund called: daisychain. “I am so truly humbled by kindness from retailers in Bedford, family and friends. This is just the start of the Daisy Chain fight back fund already we have a sponsored silence going on and my little nieces and nephews have made a shop and are selling sweets to their friends and donating the takings,” said Debbie Debbie now faces losing her capacity to communicate as the MDn worsens. She is already having to be fed through a tube as she cannot swallow. Her family and friends are keeping up the great work and now more than £2,500 has been raised.
A-Level success stories from all over the county THE waiting is finally over as students across Central Bedfordshire received their a-Level results. Early indications for provisional results show that all ten schools showed an improvement resulting in an increase in the average points score per entry across Central Bedfordshire of 3.4 points to 32.1 (C+ grade). The average score for academic students (which includes those doing extended a-Levels) is 32.2 (C+ grade), up 3.4 points from 2017. Technical/vocational students’ average score is 36.0 (Distinction grade), up 2.3 points from last year. There have been plenty of individual success stories too. Manshead CE Academy in Dunstable is celebrating 40 per cent of students achieving top grades a*B, including 15 per cent of students who topped that with a*-a results. All Saints Academy, also in Dunstable, are celebrating an improvement in a-Level qualifications. Fourteen students have university places, and some are now pursuing apprenticeships in a vocational setting, for example in the Fire Service and midwifery. at Vandyke Upper School in Leighton Buzzard one particularly impressive pupil, Julia Debicka, arrived in England from Poland aged
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seven speaking no English. She has achieved four a-Levels graded a*, a*, a and B. Two students from Harlington Upper School will be studying at the University of Oxford, with many others studying prestigious courses such as medicine, engineering and mathematics at top universities. at Stratton Upper School in Biggleswade, William Hyde took four a-Levels and achieved three a* grades and a B. He will now go on to read Physics at Durham university. among the many successful students at Redborne Upper School in ampthill were twins Alex and Matthew Cummins. alex is to study computing at Imperial College in London and Matthew will read natural Sciences at Cambridge. Euan Farrell is also going to study natural Sciences at Cambridge where William Simpson will read Law. Helena Milton-Jones is going to study medicine at Imperial. Councillor Steven Dixon, Executive Member for Families, Education and Children, said: “These results are down to the hard work of the students, teachers and other staff at our schools and the pupils’ families. after all of the waiting, I hope everyone enjoys the rest of the summer and I wish them the very best of luck.”
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Achieving the prestigious Queen’s Guide Award
(l-r) Mentor Christine Baker, Girlguiding Bedfordshire President Betsy Marley, Lotte Ridley, Dunstable Division Commissioner Bev Chidley, County Trefoil Guild Chair, Jan Griffin
On Thursday July 19, Lotte Ridley from 1st Toddington Guides was presented with her Queen’s Guide award at a ceremony held in Toddington, Bedfordshire. The Queen’s Guide award is the highest award you can work towards in guiding and can take a number of years to achieve. It is a challenging programme of excursions, outdoor adventures and community action. To achieve her award Lotte travelled to Japan to take part in the World Jamboree, planned the Toddington Centenary Celebrations and became a First aider as well as completing a number of other challenges. Lotte is the first person to have achieved the Queen’s Guide award in the District since 1982 and now, as a Guiding Leader in Training, hopes to encourage other girls to take on the challenge. Lotte said: “It is amazing to have achieved this award. Guiding has made me realise that I want to work with children and has started me on my career as an Educational Psychologist.” Lotte added: “I now also intend to visit other guiding units and hopefully encourage other
girls and young women to get involved.” Girlguiding Bedfordshire’s President Betsy Marley said: “We were delighted to present Lotte with her award. She has shown exceptional commitment to reach the highest level, we are all very proud of her.” –––––––––––––––
Successful year
aFTER a very successful year Singing for Charity, The ampthill Singers made enough money to give two charities a huge £2,500 each. S.a.n.D.S (Stillbirth and neonatal Death Society) and Bedford age U.K, both attended a special evening with the choir to receive their cheques. ampthill Singers have now been singing for different charities for quite a few years now and have given away over £40,000. The Singers choose in april their favourite charity for that year. Everyone puts forward their choice then the vote is taken. This year 2018 the chosen ones are Bedford Stroke association and Chums.
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SEPTEMBER 2018
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
New approach for future of schools SCHOOLS across the Central Bedfordshire area are actively working with the Council on long-term planning for education. With some 40,000 new homes planned for the area over the next 15 to 20 years, it is clear that the increasing population of young families will
expect their children to access highquality education in good local schools. The Council already plans for school places on a five-year basis and the current forecast is for 9,700 extra children to be entering the system over that period. But
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the Schools for the Future programme is a longer-term, coordinated and strategic plan to deliver the right schools in the right places, to meet future needs. Historically, Central Bedfordshire has operated a three-tier model of lower, middle and upper schools. But schools have had, in recent years, more freedom to convert to academies – which are run by trusts and not the Council – or to change their age ranges with more becoming primary and secondary. Central Bedfordshire is no longer a three-tier system but a more mixed range of different school types. not only can this be confusing but also uncoordinated change can affect the viability of other schools in the local area. So, the Council has been working collaboratively with all Central Bedfordshire schools and the Department for Education to understand what will be required up until 2035, which is the timeframe of the draft Central Bedfordshire Local Plan. Schools and Council officers have been working together in eight areabased groups, sharing their own preferences and ambitions in the context of increasing demands. From this work, some shared commitments have been agreed,
including a need to continually focus on delivering the best outcomes for children and to work in a more collaborative and joined up way. Today it was also agreed that, where schools want to move to a primary and secondary school model, they will be supported to do so. The next step is for the schools to work together to agree a plan for their area and the Council has committed to supporting this change. Central Bedfordshire Council Executive Member for Families, Education and Children, Cllr Steve Dixon, said: “We are helping schools work together and plan together so that schools’ ambitions to change can fit in with the rest of their community and deliver the right school places for the future. “This engagement has been driven by the need to plan for growth in Central Bedfordshire, but it has also highlighted a mixed and, often confusing, school landscape. However, a clear majority of schools in the area have either already converted to primary and secondary, or are open to exploring a change. “So, we’ve made a commitment to support those ambitions and will continue to work with the school community to firm up more specific local plans over the coming months.”
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Bedford hospital gets Local community delve into the history & archaeology new £1m scanner
At a ceremony on Monday, July 30, 2018, the Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Mrs Helen Nellis officially opened the recently extended MRI scanning suite at Bedford Hospital (South Wing). Pictured are (L-R): Mr Robert Oakley, retired Consultant Radiologist; Gordon Johns, Chairman of the Board of Bedford Hospital; Mrs Helen Nellis and Mrs Deborah Inskip, Chair of
the Bedford Hospitals Charity. The Friends were instrumental in raising the funds for the new Siemens MRI scanner, aided by two anonymous bequests. The hospital now has two scanners with the addition of the new scanner, increasing the capacity of the MRI unit, bringing a new level of efficiency and more comfort for the patients.
MORE than 50 members of local community groups and history societies joined woodland archaeology experts at a recent conference and woodland walk at Flitwick Manor. Organised by the Greensand Country Landscape Partnership, the conference explored the background and research carried out on local woodlands, reviewed historical maps of wooded areas within the landscape and discovered historical names of the woods, in order to get a better understanding of their heritage. There were a number of high profile speakers at the event; with Stephen Coleman, Historic Environment Information Officer for Central Bedfordshire Council, Derek niemann, a long term Bedfordshire resident and editor of Winter and Smallwoods Magazine and andrew Luke, Head Gardener at Wrest Park, providing key note speeches.
archaeological survey techniques were also discussed, including the methods for carrying out walk-over surveys and lidar, which is a surveying method that measures the distance to a target by illuminating the target with pulsed laser light and measuring the reflected pulses with a sensor.
LASER LIGHT
Commenting on the conference, Mary Preen of Bow Brickhill History Society said: “Delving into History was a fascinating insight into the geology, ecology and history of Greensand Country.” Eloise Markwick, Conservation and Project Officer at the Greensand Country Landscape Partnership explains: “We were delighted with the response to the first of three annual ‘Delving into History Days’ and the enthusiasm and passion that the community clearly has for the distinct, beautiful and loved countryside of Greensand Country. “I would like to say a big thank you to all of the experts who gave informative and insightful speeches about the history and heritage of the woodlands within our landscape at our first event.” Guests were also informed about opportunities to apply for Community Heritage grand funding and provided with further details on how to achieve funding from the Greensand Country Landscape Partnership, to investigate and promote local heritage. For further information about Greensand Country visit greensandcountry.com, and for regular updates follow @greensandsocial on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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SEPTEMBER 2018
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SHEILA SMITH is the founder behind Northamptonshire Business expo, which launched in 2014. Here in Bedfordshire, we are fortunate to now have Sheila bring her expertise and proven track record to The Rufus Centre, Flitwick for ‘Your Bedfordshire Business Expo’ on 10th october 2018 from 10am-4pm. As a Google Digital Garage event partner, we can be sure of a busy day of free workshops delivered by Google and others. Sheila has had over 25 years experience in sales at every level and is well known for having a ‘can-do’ attitude to business. She has a proven track record in delivering events to a very high standard and her flexible, adaptable approach enables her to smoothly manage any occasion. Now you’ve made it this far. Isn’t it time you made contact? Start your business relationship today and get in touch with Sheila by email hello@eventssmith.co.uk via her website www.eventssmith.co.uk or by telephone 07809 635181.
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Ninth Annual Bedfordshire Walking Festival this month SEPTEMBER is a great month for walking, the air is cooler, it feels fresher and colours begin advancing through the trees. In Bedfordshire the whole county begins that change and is a great place to enjoy a walk. The Bedfordshire Walking Festival 8th to 16th September offers lots of opportunities for people of almost all abilities. Whether it is one of the walks for health of between 30-90 minutes, an informative guided walk of around two hours, a half day walk of around 3 hours, or for the really serious, full days of between 12-21 miles. For some people health walks are a lifeblood and they can be found in ampthill, Flitwick and Toddington. Walks for Health is a joint venture between The Ramblers and The Peoples Post Lottery but we won’t come knocking at your door, we won’t come ringing your bell so do yourself a favour and come and join in. Informative guided walks offer an insight into the places, people and buildings around them proving that first appearances can be misleading. For example, did Queen Victoria drink Flitwick water? What did the roman’s do at Ruox? answers to these questions and more can be found on the Two Moors Heritage Trail on Tuesday 11th starting at 9-
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30am from Flitton Moor. another on Saturday 15th starting from ampthill Park west car park at 1-30pm entitled “Kings and Preachers”. whilst further afield on Sunday 9th at 11-00am go along to nearby Houghton Hall Park for a one hour guided tour discovering the developments made in the park including the Kitchen garden Those preferring walkers’ walks of a half or full day from should enjoy local walks from, Harlngton, Sundon, ampthill, and Ridgmont with lots more further afield, Rounding off the nine days, over the weekend of 15th & 16th is the annual Greensand Ridge Challenge 40 miles across the Greensand Country. One of the most attractive features of the festival, organised by The Bedfordshire Ramblers and supported by local councils, is that almost all the walks are free and do not require booking so you can just turn up. Some, mostly the health walks it is better to phone the leader beforehand. There isn’t space to extol all the virtues of the festival and its walks extending northwards to Bedford and beyond, Souhwards around Luton and Dunstable, East/west across the Greensand Country. Why not explore Bedfordshire on foot this September?
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
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SEPTEMBER 2018
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
Former top officer found to have committed gross misconduct a FORMER officer who repeatedly accessed information on an individual has been found to have committed gross misconduct. Chris Beresford, who had resigned from his role as a detective chief inspector in February after 20 years’ service, was found to have breached professional standards and would have faced instant dismissal had he still have been a serving officer. a Special Case Hearing held at our Kempston HQ on Wednesday, august 8, 2018, heard how Beresford had accessed force computer systems outside of his role on numerous occasions between november 2015 and October 2016. an investigation was launched in January by the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Professional Standards Department which found he had accessed a crime report,
REALISING THE POTENTIAL OF EACH PERSON
Graduation Day is a really special occasion for our young people. Whether it marks the end of vocational study or an apprenticeship, further education or higher education, or time at school, it is a day of celebration and moving on. as a parent, my children’s graduations were very special and joyful days that stay with me. Recently I attended some of the graduation ceremonies at Bedfordshire University. as in previous years there was much clapping, cheering and whooping, from both fellow students and proud families. and rightly so! The students have worked hard, achieved much and go forward to exciting futures. However, Bedfordshire University (where I am proud to be a Governor) is not just about academic achievement as its ‘vision’ indicates:
DUTY OF CARE A BURNING PASSION
Last month (23 July), I had the pleasure of welcoming women from across Bedfordshire to an afternoon celebration to recognise 100 women from the county who work tirelessly to keep the public safe, while commemorating 100 years since women achieved the right to vote. During my time as Commissioner, I have attended many events which celebrated the success and hard work of men, which is why I felt it was so important, this year especially, to focus on the outstanding work and achievements of women in Bedfordshire. While I wanted to provide a real afternoon of celebration in a fantastic setting, over an afternoon tea to remember, what I really wanted to achieve from the event was a lasting legacy, linking these incredible women together through the launch of a Bedfordshire Women’s network, to be consulted by my office and Bedfordshire Police over future policy, whether over Domestic abuse
custody record, case documents and a restraining order and sent emails to outside agencies and websites in relation to the ex-partner of a family member with no policing reason. He was interviewed and subsequently criminally cautioned for two offences under the Data Protection act and Computer Misuse act. although Beresford had already resigned from the force, a decision was made in 2017 that all gross misconduct cases must continue to their conclusion. Chief Constable Jon Boutcher chaired the misconduct hearing and formally dismissed Beresford, who did not attend the hearing but was represented by the Police Federation. Mr Boutcher said: “Chris Beresford abused his position to repeatedly access personal information of an individual with no proper policing purpose.
View from the Rt Revd
Richard Atkinson
The Bishop of Bedford
We will be a leading university for expanding higher education opportunities: inspiring our diverse student body to achieve ambitious goals and broadening understanding and horizons across the communities we engage. In particular, there is an emphasis on widening accessibility to higher education, on the diversity of the student body and on encouraging students to contribute to, and engage with, the needs of society. It is a visible reminder that education is more than just academic achievement. at its best it is about the development of the whole person – the fulfilment
Update from the
Police & Crime Commissioner by Kathryn Holloway
or Serious Youth Violence or achievable ways to improve policing of their communities, as examples, and to give them a platform to informally share their valuable viewpoints, to network and support one another and that’s just what we’ve done. The two main awards were received by women who I am sure many of you from around the county have had the pleasure of meeting, are aware of the work they have been doing. The Lifetime achievement award rewarded an individual with a long history of exceptional work to
He accepted his criminal acts by accepting a criminal caution in May. Having looked at the circumstances of this case presented to me, I consider that he is fortunate not to have faced criminal charges. “Police officers are trusted with access to a large amount of personal data and it is imperative that information is handled responsibly and appropriately. “This was a breach of that trust and an abuse of his powers which let his colleagues down and could well damage the reputation of the force. Such behaviour has no place in policing and is gravely injurious to the relationship between the public and the police. It is in the public interest to ensure the swift and immediate cessation of the careers of any police officers who fail to live up to the high standards expected both by the organisation and the public in this regard.”
of their potential as a individual and as a citizen. It is why the writer of Proverbs in the Old Testament often talks about the importance of ‘wisdom’ rather than learning - How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. Proverbs 16:16. at a recent Governors meeting two outstanding lecturers from the university gave presentations on their work. Both were rooted in significant academic study and research. Both linked their work to the needs of our world. The first was about dance and included a project in which students engaged with elderly residents in a cross-generational dance workshop. The second was from someone who is an expert on issues of unaccompanied children seeking asylum and who advises others on the issue. Both are among those who have enabled so many young people to move forward in their lives. Both are representative of the wonderful learning available at the University and at the heart of our county which enables the God-given potential of each person to be realised.
make her community safer and went to Cllr Colleen atkins. The judges deliberated long and hard over the shortlisted nominees saying that all the shortlisted applications were genuinely worthy lifetime achievers but the majority of the panel, including me, had personal experience of working with Colleen and seeing her burning the midnight oil and delivering a level of public service above and beyond what has been expected of her in her professional roles, whether as a Community Safety Lead or Chair of the Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service. The coveted Woman of the Year award went to T/Superintendent Juliette Everett of Bedfordshire Police for her dedication to the county’s current campaign against knife crime and for the way she has encouraged and inspired generations of new police recruits. not only this but her burning passion to deliver a real duty of care to her colleagues shines through. Juliette represents the very best of Bedfordshire Police and I am very proud to work with her.
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Flitwick Scouts camp in the park
FIFTY members of Flitwick Scout Group have recently experienced seven days of various activities. The Cubs (boys and girls aged 8 to 10) and Scouts (boys and girls aged 10 to 14), young leaders (boys and girls aged 14 to 18) and adult volunteers spent a week camping at Gilwell Park near Chingford, Essex. Amongst the wide range of activities the children participated in were: 3G swing, archery, bouldering, building shelters and sleeping in them, grass sledging, high ropes, hiking, kayaking, medium ropes, pioneering, raft building, slack lining and water slide. Due to the very warm weather the activities most sort after by the children, (and the adults) were the water slide, water bombs and water wars. Many of the children had not experienced some of these activities before and many of them were, ‘out of their comfort zone’. All of the activities will help the children gain badges ranging from our outdoor Challenge to our Adventure Challenge and Backwoods Cooking to Hikes Away. The Group were camping next to Scouts from Ghana and had the enjoyment of exchanging Group scarves, playing football and sitting round the camp fire singing songs with them. Some of the highlights for Adam Preece were cooking his evening meal on an open fire he had helped to build, and sleeping out in the shelter he had helped to make.
Archie Gillett said: “I was really tired at the end of the week, but I had a great time and took part in lots of activities I had never done before.” Adult volunteer, Michelle Lewis said: “It’s wonderful to see the children having so much fun and being challenged to undertake activities they would not normally do at home or school. All of the children gain so much confidence by trying the activities and the volunteers get a great deal of pleasure seeing the children pushing themselves to achieve new levels.” In order to possibly accommodate a third Scout Troop, Tigers Cub Pack will be moving to a Friday from September. Trustee, Nigel Taylor said: “Scouting provides so many activities for young people and the programmes run across all of the sections are incredibly stimulating for the children. The Group are finding that more and more children are staying with the Group as they enjoy the activities provided by the adult volunteers. The children tell their friends and this leads to more children wanting to join.” Nigel added: “Scouting provides young people with opportunities they might never have been given the chance to do elsewhere. Some of the children will have cooked their own meal for the first time and this helps to provide them will skills for life.” For further information about Flitwick Scout Group, visit www.flitwickscoutgroup.org.uk
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12 — BULLETIN
SEPTEMBER 2018
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
out & about Full-on line-up for the autumn season
Castle Comedy Bedford is the monthly comedy club held at The Gordon arms, Ent Shed, Castle Road, Bedford. a new season of comedy shows gets under way in September and runs through to December. The first show is on Thursday September 13 and features Desiree
Burch. She is a sassy new Yorker who shot to stardom by winning The Funny Women award 2015. She has since appeared on ‘8 out of 10 Cats’, ‘Frankie Boyle’s american autopsy’, Mock The Week, Have I Got news For You and the latest series of Live at The apollo! “The funniest comedian I have
ever seen in person. She left me breathless with laughter.” ★★★★★ Scotsgay The october show on Thursday 11, stars Rob Deering. He is the UK’s foremost guitar-wielding, looplayering stand-up comedian. He has toured nationally and performed solo shows at the Edinburgh Fringe to
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critical acclaim. He has hosted The Comedy Club (BBC Radio 4), appeared on Comedy Rocks with Jason Manford (ITV), Pointless Celebrities (BBC One) and won Celebrity Mastermind (BBC One) and the comedian’s edition of The Weakest Link. “Truly wonderful stand-up” Sunday Times There is a double headline show on Thursday November 9. Opening the show is Stephen Bailey. He is a comedian and television personality, whose friendly and open brand of gossipy humour has made him one of the most sought after acts on the UK comedy circuit today. He is a regular on Zoe Ball on Saturday/Sunday. Closing the show is Sean McLoughlin. He has appeared on ‘Russell Howard’s Stand-Up Central’ and Comedy Central’s ‘Live at The Comedy Store’. He has supported ! Ricky Gervais and Katherine Ryan on tour! Finally the Christmas Specials are on December 13, 14 and 20. Headlining the shows on the 13 and 14 is Ivo Graham. With posh boy charm and self-aware wit he has proved a hit with audiences of all ages. He has multiple TV and radio shows including Live at The apollo and Mock The Week. Pat Monahan will headline Thursday 20. He is an audience favourite who blends a high-energy comedy style with hilarious observational material. “Supremely engaging, adored by audiences” THE SCoTSMAN all the shows feature full support and are hosted by Bedford favourite, Paul Revill. Doors open 7.30pm, Shows start at 8.15pm and tickets are £10 (£8 nUS) or if you fancy a treat, you can buy £18 tickets, which include a preshow meal and glass of wine from the Gordon arms. To book visit www.castlecomedy.co.uk
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 ADS: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
SEPTEMBER 2018 BULLETIN â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 13
14 — BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2018 ––––––––––––––––––– BEDFORDSHIRE FaMILY HISTORY SOCIETY
Interested in Family History?
Then come along to the next monthly talk on 7.15 p.m. Friday 7th September 2018
‘The Many Ways of Counting our Days’ by Colin oakes
Drama Hall, Mark Rutherford School Wentworth Drive, Bedford MK41 8PX Members free, visitors £1. www.bfhs.org.uk
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TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
BEDFORD ORGAN & KEYBOARD CLUB THE ADDISON CENTRE
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PRESENT POPULAR ENTERTAINER
DIRKJAN RANZIJN IN CONCERT
WEDS 26 September 7.30 – 10.00pm TEA, COFFEE/BAR/RAFFLE –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Members £5 PAY AT Non-Members £6 DOOR
KARL JENKINS’
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THE ARMED MAN
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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.
––––––––––––––––––– WOULD YOU LIKE TO EXHIBIT?
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.
––––––––––––––––––– BEDS anD HERTS ORGanISTS’ aSSOCIaTIOn are celebrating their 80th anniversary with an
David Poulter
ORGAN RECITAL (Ex Liverpool Anglican Cathedral) at Woburn Parish Church MK17 9PG at 3pm Saturday 15th September Tickets £12 available on the door. Watch David Live by Video Link on the fabulous Three Manual norman & Beard Organ.
Contact: 01234 344423 www/Organfax/clubs/Bedford
BEDFORD naTIOnaL TRUST aSSOCIaTIOn Next meeting - Addison Centre - 2.00 for 2.30 Tuesday 18th September, 2018
“The First Female in Fleet Street” An illustrated talk by a national photojournalist – Deborah Brady
“We were treated to views of numerous impressive action packed images she had captured, which appeared in headline news --” There will be a small charge for entry. Tea and biscuits availableon arrival. Everyone welcome. For further information contact Betty Thomas on 01480 860 421
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WILLINGTON VILLAGE MARKET Peace Memorial Hall at Willington, near Bedford, MK44 3PY Come and enjoy the sights, smells and tastes of the season! Immerse yourself in the community atmosphere as you browse the produce of Bedfordshire’s makers, bakers and growers! Further details: contact Emma at umsaparker@yahoo.co.uk or hello@willingtonvillagemarket.co.uk
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It’s not too late!
It's not too late to come and visit the Luton Hoo Estate Walled Garden this summer our Open Wednesdays continue until the end of September from 1030-1600 price is just £5 which includes a guided tour. Come and see the progression - it changes each year, the north-west quarter in particular has been lawned and its borders planted. The Shooting Lodge Cafe serves refreshments and light lunches and is found by walking through the Woodland Walk - an atmospheric area where your imagination can run riot when you glance at the fallen trees and logs. Children, in particular, find this fascinating and there are quizzes to occupy them in the walled garden itself. Younger children are very welcome in pushchairs, or just to toddle around. We also have an autumn Open Day on Wednesday October 31st 1030-1300 where children's activities will be on offer including snail races - a very popular pastime. Entry price £5 for adults, £3 for children (4+) and free parking. Free tours which give a history of the garden as well as giving visitors
an insight into this volunteer-run enterprise. Refreshments will be available. If Wednesdays are not possible for you there is one other opportunity: Thursday, September 13th is Heritage open Day from 11001500 free entry and tours £2. Displays will feature stories about the Estate 1918 Roll of Honour men who were killed and some of the women they left behind including Lady Wernher. Our Shooting Lodge cafe will be open then (in addition to Wednesdays) which serves tasty light lunches and good coffee. Don't forget to buy produce from our stall plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit and plants will be on sale too as well as Luton Hoo honey. Talks on Fridays continue this year on September 28th and continuing until the end of april on the last Friday of the month. They will be held in the Estate Office Lecture Room from 10301230 for a £5 donation to "garden revival" funds. Entry is via the a1081, between Luton and Harpenden. Take West Hyde Road/newmill End turning and turn left into entrance gate, follow the signs to the Walled Garden. Postcode LU1 4LF. There is no entry to the walled garden from the Luton Hoo Hotel.
Ampthill Armistice100 WW1 Living History Encampment Saturday 13th October Ampthill Great Park
MID BEDS. FLOWER CLUB Thursday 13th September at 7.45 pm next meeting of Mid Beds. Flower Club in Flitwick Village Hall.
Kathleen Doggett will give an Autumn demonstration. Visitors welcome £6.00 More details contact Marion Tucker Tel 01234 742396
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CAR BOOT SALE Sundays: 16th September and 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
The “Living History Event” gives an insight into ‘camp life’ and how WW1 soldiers trained and lived. You can just turn up at at this free event anytime between 10.00am and 3.00pm. The camp will be located close to the Crosses in the Park. There will be a company field kitchen, machine gun section, drills, activities, and talks. Other events will be taking place to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armistice. www.tommyfootprints.com
SEPTEMBER 2018 BULLETIN — 15
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 ADS: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
W W W. S H U T T L E W O R T H . O
RG
Visit this Autumn! Free entry for children under 16!
WWW.SHUTTLEWORTH.ORG/PLAN-YOUR-VISIT Explore The Shuttleworth Collection and look around The Swiss Garden this Autumn, with plenty to do for all ages. Discover The Collection’s treasure trove of early aviation from the pioneers of 1909-1950s, vintage cars, bicycles, agricultural exhibits, and motorcycles. Enjoy the pretty and unusual buildings and tranquil landscape within our Regency period Swiss Garden, home also to two peacocks. With an on-site restaurant and gift shop. Parking is free and there’s a fun Play Area for children (disabled friendly). Events, trails and activities run throughout the year. Visit our website to plan your visit, we’re open daily (except Christmas) and nding us is easy - just off the A1 at Biggleswade!
Shuttleworth, Old Warden Aerodrome, Bedfordshire, SG18 9EP, 01767 627927
16 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; BULLETIN
SEPTEMBER 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