Mid Beds Bulletin September 2020

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MID BEDS EDITION

WHILE many town centres are suffering through lack of footfall, Sandy and Biggleswade do not appear to be as badly hit as other towns which lack the community spirit of these two towns.

Yes there are fewer people in the shops but they are not completely devoid of customers.

Elsewhere there are other signs of positive underlying activity.

In Biggleswade planning applications have been received for the former HSBC branch to become a physio centre with domestic accommodation to the rear. In Station Road, plans are in for a Craft Beer Centre in the former Medlock shop. Proposals have been received for the New Inn on the Market

Square to become a bar and restaurant, a gin distillery and rental accommodation.

A spokesperson for Biggleswade Town Council said: “It’s tough, but it’s not all doom and gloom, and there are still opportunities to be had.

“One pleasing addition to the town centre is the Jones’ Café which opened in June.”

There are concerns over Biggleswade market with several stallholders giving up and either retiring or putting their hands to something else.

So if you are interested in the possibilities of a market stall in Biggleswade town centre, contact: enquiries@biggleswadetowncouncil.gov.uk As we go to press it has been an announced that Biggleswade’s Pizza Express will sadly not reopen!

REDEVELOPMENT AT GIRTFORD BRIDGE At August’s Sandy Town Council meeting, councillors discussed a recent planning application for land adjacent to the A1 at Girtford Bridge. The planning application lodged by Sai VRP & Sons Ltd, of Barton Road, Cambridge, is for the redevelopment of the site to provide two drive-through food outlets (Use Class A3/A5), three restaurant units (Use Class A3) and one restaurant/gym unit (Use Class A3/D2), following demolition of the existing buildings. Councillors were broadly in favour of the plans, with some reservations about the impact on

existing traffic flows on the approaches to the Sandy roundabout. It was noted that there is a potential for 100 jobs from developing the site.

THE MEADOWS The former Days Inn hotel building now in the ownership of Central Bedfordshire Council is scheduled to become temporary accommodation for homeless families.

There will be 22 family units and 13 single person units. The conference hall is not part of the new arrangements and there are on-going discussions as to what its future use may be – suggestions please on a postcard to the CBC!

Entrepreneurs are still active as can be seen below in the planning application for Girtford Bridge, Sandy.

© Google Earth

SEPTEMBER 2020

Detective resigned from the force prior to facing gross misconduct charge A fORMER officer has been found to have committed gross misconduct after sending inappropriate messages to female colleagues over social media.

Jagjeet Dhillon who resigned from his detective constable post in November after a 10 year career, had denied breaching the standards of professional behaviour.

He would have faced instant dismissal had he still been a serving officer.

On Thursday, August 6, 2020, an independent panel sitting at King’s House in Bedford upheld that he had committed gross misconduct for authority, respect and courtesy, equality and diversity, duties and responsibilities and discreditable conduct.

An investigation by Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Professional Standards Department was launched last year following complaints from a PC who had been supervised by him while he was in an acting detective sergeant post.

COMPLAINTS

The panel heard from four witnesses who gave evidence that he had acted inappropriately towards them including sending pictures and suggestive comments via social media.

Although Dhillon had already resigned from the force, legislation changes in December 2017 instructed that all gross misconduct cases must proceed to their conclusion even where officers have resigned or retired.

Assistant Chief Constable Sharn Basra said: “Noone should be made to feel uncomfortable while at work, and Jagjeet Dhillon’s behaviour towards colleagues who would have looked up to him was entirely unacceptable and fell well below the standards we expect.

“Equality and respect are core values here at Bedfordshire Police and absolutely every officer and member of staff should be treated with dignity and respect. I’m pleased the officers felt supported to speak out, by collectively challenging such behaviour we will continue to create a positive culture throughout the organisation.”

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SEPTEMBER 2020 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN

Pep’s supporting your local hospice this summer Keep up-to-date go to: www.rosettapublishing.com/bulletin

PEOPlE in Bedfordshire are being encouraged to lace up their trainers and take on a virtual running, walking or cycling challenge this summer for a local hospice.

With numerous marathons, runs and cycle events cancelled, Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice is searching for people who still want to complete a challenge in 2020 and get that finish line feeling.

Sue Ryder’s Virtual Summer Series is an opportunity for people to choose their own activity and distance. They can complete their challenge in their own time, wherever they want, and raise vital funds for the charity.

Pep (Giuseppe) Marsala, an MOT tester and mechanic at D.O.M.S Autos in Bedford, signed up to the Summer Series and ran 50km (31 miles) during the month of July.

The father-of-two did the challenge in stages of 5k runs around Bedford Park, sometimes accompanied by his youngest child who cycled alongside him.

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

Pep has raised £550 for the hospice, which is located in Moggerhanger near Bedford and cares for people with life-limiting conditions.

“I supported Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in memory of my nonno (grandfather) Giuseppe, my uncle and our close friends, who spent their days under the hospice’s care,” said Pep. “They were all such loving, kindhearted people and I love that I was able to do this in their memory.

“I wanted to support a hospice that is close to my family’s heart and mine.

The staff at the hospice are wonderful people, they give everybody in their care the dignity and support they deserve.

“It means so much, what they have done for us, for the people we have now lost, at the hardest time of their lives. You can’t put a value on it.”

Hayley Webb, Senior Community fundraiser at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice, said: “Thank you so much to Pep and his family and friends for your kind support and fantastic

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fundraising – we are really impressed by your determination and early morning runs.

“We are searching for people to join Pep and sign up for our Virtual Summer Series. If your run or cycle race has been cancelled this year, this is your opportunity to complete it virtually. Or perhaps you want to set yourself a new challenge. Do the distance in your own time, wherever you want, and get that finish line feeling.

“You will be helping to raise vital funds so we can be there when it matters for local families at a time when they need us most. for example, £140 could pay for a hospice nurse for a day, can. Sign up at www.sueryder.org/ summerseries” You can support Pep through JustGiving: www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/doms-autos To find out more about the Virtual Summer Series, please visit www.sueryder.org/summerseries or contact the hospice’s fundraising team at stjohnsfundraising@sueryder.org

WANTED

POlICE have released an image of a man who is wanted to be recalled to prison. liam Moriarty, of Beech Avenue, Northampton, is also wanted for breaching his bail conditions. The 26-year-old has been charged with burglary, theft of a motor vehicle and a number of driving offences. If anyone who knows of his whereabouts, or who recognises the man pictured, is urged to contact police.

You can contact police via bedfordshire.police.uk/report or on 101 and request to speak to the Operation Maze burglary team.

You can also submit information via independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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MID BEDS

BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2020

— 3

Commissioner breaks ground for new custody suite

BEDfORDSHIRE’S Police and Crime Commissioner, Kathryn Holloway, has officially broken the ground for works to begin on a new multi-million pound custody suite for Bedfordshire Police at its Kempston headquarters.

The works are to include a new 22-cell custody block, additional office accommodation and extra parking and the new custody block is set to be built within two years.

The project marks the first major new building the force has under-

taken since 2005.

“Since the old Greyfriars station in Bedford closed down because its custody suite was not fit for purpose, its replacement has been being planned. This has been a priority for me and I’m absolutely delighted to get this build underway on my watch.

“Our current custody suite is a temporary building, which can be sold on when it’s no longer needed, but I want us to have a purpose built modern detention suite.

Huge cost of misusing a ‘Blue Parking Badge’ A MOTORIST who used his wife’s Blue Badge when she was not present was caught during one of Central Bedfordshire Council’s enforcement days, Luton Magistrates’ Court heard.

Mark Skipp, 58, of Chadwick Close, Dunstable, was found guilty of misusing the badge to park in Ashton Square in November 2019. He was fined £220 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £32 and costs of £600; a total cost to him of £852.

People who misuse badges to park in spaces reserved for Blue

Badge holders are inconsiderately taking spaces away from those who genuinely require them.

They allow a disabled person to park closer to their destination and must only be used by another person if the badge holder is present and being dropped off or collected.

Rules around Blue Badge use are very clear, and CBC have a zero-tolerance attitude against this type of crime. If they catch people using badges incorrectly, they will take action.

Custody in luton has been totally refurbished since I became PCC in 2016 and we will now be creating similarly high standard facilities for the north of the county.

“This is essential as our detention staff deserve to have the best working environment we can provide and we need to remember that those in police custody have not yet gone before a court and are innocent until proven guilty.

“Anyone wanting to know what luton custody is like now only has to watch C4’s ‘24 Hours in Police Custody’. Similar working and detention conditions are just what’s needed at Kempston moving forward,” said Commissioner Holloway.

Bedford Borough Council granted planning permission for the new site on friday, 29 May. The £18 million project coincides with planning permission set to run out on the existing temporary custody facility at Kempston.

The state-of-the-art custody facility will be accompanied by some 1,600 sqm of new office space. This will allow the force to have all its investigation teams operating under one roof, which should translate into benefits around operational work and information sharing.

Chief Constable Garry forsyth

Agent gets £1000 to support community THE Biggleswade Community Agent is very grateful to Councillors Steven Watkins, and Hayley Whitaker, The labour Hall lunch Club and Beds Rural Communities Charity who have kindly given a Ward Grant or donated money to be used for Biggleswade residents to help with the isolation people continue to experiencing during this Covid-19 situation.

This funding will be spent on the Summer/Winter campaign that the Community Agent carries out each year.

Residents who have been shielding due to being clinically vulnerable or who are disabled should contact Gill to see if they are eligible for a free item to help keep them occupied in a meaningful way over the coming months or an item which will aid activities of daily living or enhance safety within the home.

Examples of free items available on a first come first serve basis: Crossword books; Word search books; Sudoku; Adult and children colouring books; Scratch art; Hand held fan; Handy grabber; Sock aid; long handled shoe horn and many more items.

Cause for Applause Are you a carer? Have you received special help recently?

Carers are invited go public about help or a kindness that has made a difference to you. This is your chance to show your appreciation. A panel of carers will look at all nominations and pick out a few for special recognition. Everyone nominated will receive a token of appreciation.

Nomination form available online from carersinbeds.org.uk.

Closing date for nominations 31 August 2020.

Do You Need Help from others for Your Personal Care? If your struggling to manage without support, are over pension age, you should be able to claim Attendance Allowance of £58.70 or more per week. This is not means tested. If you are paying care home fees you are also eligible to claim, including the Higher level for night-time care (£87.65).

If your carer is below pension age and is caring for 35 hours a week they might be able to claim Carers’ Allowance of £64.60. Contact your Community Agent for help.

Are You Eligible for Pension Credit? If your weekly income is below £167.25 (single person) or £255.25 (couple) then contact your Community Agent and she will help you to apply for Pension Credit. You may also be eligible for a rebate on your energy bill, Housing Benefit, help with NHS costs, and a free TV licence, so it is worth applying even if your income is only just below the threshold.

Need Help to Fill in a Form? If you are struggling with paperwork, such as Blue Badge, Bus Pass, Council Tax Reduction, Housing Benefit and Attendance Allowance applications, your Community Agent can help you. for more information contact Gill Reeves, Biggleswade Community Agent on 07534 484750 or email gillr@ bedsrcc.org.uk Gill is DBS checked and works for Beds Rural Communities Charity.

said: “This is a major and muchneeded investment in our force estate which will enormously improve our custody facilities in Bedfordshire.

“The additional office space will also allow us to bring a number of teams under one roof, fostering closer working between different departments and offering a better working environment.

“I have no doubt that this new facility will have a positive impact on the force for years to come.”

Willmott Dixon, the construction company undertaking the project, will be working to minimise the impact of the construction site for operational staff going back and forth from HQ. Chris Tredget, Managing Director of Willmott Dixon, said: “We are delighted to be working with Bedfordshire Police to deliver

their brand new 22-cell custody suite and offices.”

“One massive benefit of this project is that it settles the future of Kempston HQ. It means Bedfordshire Police is wedded to this site, which means that custody is just

the start and new windows, car parking and a better and more sustainable workplace can be planned for the main building too which is just what our incredibly hard working officers and staff deserve,” said PCC Holloway.”

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SEPTEMBER 2020 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN

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Six months for endangering an aircraft

A MAN who pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a woman and disrupting a flight from london luton Airport last year, has been jailed for six months.

Kramat Khan, 36, of Stone Close, Great Denham, was travelling to Tenerife with easyJet on June 29 last year, when he inappropriately touched a member of cabin crew as she carried out an inflight drinks service, claiming it was an accident. later, as she was working alone in the galley, he grabbed her from behind in a tight hug, and kissed her neck, ignoring her pleas for him to stop.

Throughout the flight Khan repeatedly left his seat and removed his shirt, despite requests from the crew and pilot over concerns for the safety and comfort of all passengers on board, not to do so.

Khan ignored them, and his behaviour escalated to become abusive and aggressive towards the crew and the other passengers, demanding a fight, and being racially abusive towards members of crew who tried to assist.

The pilot was forced to request a priority

landing in Tenerife, however, the crew took the decision to report Khan’s behaviour to police on their return to the UK. At luton Crown Court on friday, July 31, 2020, Khan was sentenced to six months imprisonment for endangering an aircraft. for the sexual assault, he was sentenced to a further two months to run concurrently, and one month for racially aggravated harassment, also concurrent.

Sergeant James Hart of Bedfordshire Police’s Airport Policing Unit said: “Khan’s behaviour posed a serious risk to the crew and passengers, and he acted disrespectfully towards a female member of the crew, leaving her shaken and distressed for several days after.

“We are pleased that the severity of his actions have been recognised by the court in the form of a jail term.

“The crew’s primary responsibility is for the safety of the aircraft and its passengers, and Khan’s behaviour put that in jeopardy.

“Abusive and disruptive passengers must expect to be firmly dealt with, and this behaviour is never acceptable, let alone on

board an aircraft.”

Mick Broster, Head of Security for easyJet, said: “Whilst serious disruptive passenger incidents are rare, easyJet will not tolerate them.

We take them very seriously, always push for prosecution, and fully co-operated with the police during their investigation.

“The safety and wellbeing of all of our passengers and crew is our highest priority.”

Victims of sexual assault can receive support and guidance from Bedfordshire Police and its partner agencies, including the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), as well as support through the criminal investigation process, regardless of how long ago the offence occurred.

Call on 101, or report your concerns via our online reporting tool. Always call 999 in an emergency.

If you have been a victim of sexual assault, reports can be made to police on 101. You can also contact the SARC through the Emerald Centre, by visiting www.emeraldcentre.org, emailing info@emeraldcentre.org or calling 01234 842750.

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Teenage boy charged with breaching closure order on block of flats

AT THE end of July, the Bedford community policing team secured a partial closure order on the entire block of flats at Chandos Court, Bedford, meaning that only residents, immediate family and support workers can enter.

Amid continued patrols by police and members of housing association staff stationed at the property, together with CCTV supplied by Bedford Borough Council, a 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of breaching the partial closure order. He has subsequently been charged.

On Wednesday, August 12, 2020, luton Magistrates’ Court granted a full closure order on another address in Chandos Court, as part of the ongoing major multiagency operation to tackle drug crime and criminal exploitation, and drive out criminality for the longer term.

Bedfordshire Police officers continue to work closely with housing association bpha and Bedford Borough Council to ensure the safety of residents and resolve local community concerns.

Inspector Samantha Hunt, from the Bedford community policing team, said: “We have been working with our partners for months on this ongoing operation and will continue to do so in order to create long term solutions to drive out

crime and protect the vulnerable in our society.

“We take reports of these issues very seriously and know the damaging impact drugs and anti-social behaviour can have on our communities, so please continue to report any issues to us.

“Our investigation into these issues continues, and we remain committed to stamping out organised crime and exploitation in our community.”

Kevin Bolt, bpha’s chief executive, said: “These actions demonstrate our ongoing commitment to working with our partners on a long-term plan to reduce antisocial behaviour, and to making these homes a better place to live for our residents.

“We hope the message is clear that such behaviour in our properties won’t be tolerated and that we will carry on working in this joined-up way to ensure progress continues to be made.”

You can report concerns around drug activity and wider anti-social behaviour via the online reporting tool on Bedfordshire Police’s website.

Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

The boy has been released on bail and is due to appear at luton Youth Court on 22 September.

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BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2020

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— 5

PCC wins third Special Grant of £2.9m for Beds Police BEDfORDSHIRE Police and Crime Commissioner, Kathryn Holloway, has won a third consecutive Special Policing Grant for Bedfordshire Police to cover the cost of its outstanding unit focussing on fighting gang, gun and knife crime, after persuading the Home Office and Policing Minister of the need to back Bedfordshire once more.

The grant will total £2.9m and will be paid to Bedfordshire Police to cover the cost of its exceptionally high performing specialist Boson unit targeting Serious Organised Crime groups and others involved in Serious Violence, in 2020-21.

This latest grant to the PCC comes just days after the Policing Minister, Kit Malthouse, visited Bedfordshire Police HQ to meet with her and Chief Constable, Garry forsyth, and to see for himself the drugs, weapons and cash seizures achieved by the Boson team and colleagues in the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit so far this year.

“It’s entirely fair to say that the Minister, Kit Malthouse, was incredibly impressed by what he saw and rightly tweeted after his visit last Tuesday that Bedfordshire Police is a ‘force on the front foot’ as a result. I’ve been helped by officers within the force and our finance team to make the most robust argument possible again this year that to keep going with outcomes including almost 500 years in prison terms for offenders, we needed the financial backing from Kit to deliver at this outstanding level – and this latest grant proves he was listening. “for the past two years to date, against all the odds and the naysayers and even advice to forces saying that Special Grants weren’t going to be available, I’ve proved that it’s absolutely possible to win extra investment in policing if you prove what more the Home Office gets for more investment.

“Boson has delivered the enforcement – together with the community involvement and diversionary input of the Bedfordshire Violence and Exploitation Unit which the Minister has backed with two further grants of £880,000 each to me and they’ve collectively helped to drive Serious Youth Violence in

this county down by approximately 9% and the Home Office understands that this is what success looks like.

“Originally, the Special Grants were restricted to paying for events on a single day taking place outside ‘business as usual’ in policing, like a terror attack. The Home Office has accepted my argument that the costs of dealing with the most serious criminals and the violence meted out to control their crime empires, particularly around drugs, as well as weapon supply, is unprecedented for Bedfordshire Police and is also not ‘business as usual’ for a police force funded as ours is. That’s why I’m so delighted that, although the odds were against me in many ways, the right thing is being done and this exceptional work will go on.

“It’s a great day for me as PCC having insisted on applying for Special Grants in the first place and, even when things looked bleak, on making another bid and also for every officer and member of staff who can be so very proud of this performance and the quality of the arguments they helped me to make with the evidence of what they do day in and day out but it’s a truly terrible day to be in an Organised Crime Group or violent gang in Bedfordshire!” said Commissioner Holloway.

This latest Special Grant follows two years of similar exceptional grants to PCC Holloway to pay for the work of the Operation Boson team of £4.571m and £3m respectively.

Over the past six months, Bedfordshire Police’s specialist guns and gangs team has continued its work disrupting these criminal activities, even during the coronavirus lockdown. figures show that from february to July this year, the Boson team executed 43 warrants and made 108 arrests. In this time the team also seized two guns, six imitation firearms, almost four kilograms of Class A and Class B drugs and around £67,800 in cash.

The Boson team is also heavily involved in prevention work with partners. In June and July alone, more than 200 young people were referred to multi-agency panels co-chaired by Boson members and those working in youth offending, to develop solutions to stop especially vulnerable young people getting involved in criminal activities and helping them break

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the cycle of gang exploitation.

Detective Superintendent Duncan Young said: “This new funding is great news for the force and indeed for the Boson team and will really make a difference in us being able to continue to build on the fantastic work we have done so far in reducing Serious Youth Violence and our fight against gun and gang criminality.

“It was extremely beneficial having the Minister for Crime and Policing, Kit Malthouse, visit us last week. It gave us the opportunity to showcase how we have used previous government funding and all the good work that Boson has achieved over the last two years. But we were also able to demonstrate the reality our officers face every day and how the threat from gangs continues to be a significant issue for our communities.

“This new funding will help us continue with our multi-agency approach to tackle this county-

wide issue of serious violence, through both enforcement activity as well as prevention and diversion projects for young people.”

Bedfordshire Police Chief Constable Garry forsyth added: “It was a delight to welcome Mr Malthouse to Bedfordshire last week and I know he was struck by the enormous success we have had in tackling organised crime and exploitation, as well as the scale of the challenge we continue to face around issues such as drugs, gangs and firearms.

“Our Police and Crime Commissioner has been a true champion for the force on these issues and has helped us secure an unprecedented amount of government funding to tackle these issues head-on.

“This newest multi-million pound grant is just the latest in a long line of successes and the results we have been able to achieve with similar funding to date speak for themselves.”

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Tories call for action over Fusion’s mis-management of Bedford’s leisure facilities

URGENT action is required by Bedford Borough Council, according to Conservative Councillors, to end the lingering uncertainty over the future of its leisure services contractor, fusion lifestyle. fusion’s management of the Borough’s leisure venues has been repeatedly called into question by Conservative Councillors, who have criticised fusion’s persistent failure to maintain standards of cleanliness and service set for them by the Council. In addition, users of the Borough’s leisure centres have

been left wondering when many of their cancelled classes will resume. further uncertainty has been brought about after stories of redundancies and financial pressure on fusion.

Bedford’s Conservative Councillors believe that the failure of fusion is so serious, that the time has

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come to take the leisure services contract back from them. The Council has always been fearful that taking back the contract would increase costs to the Council, but Conservatives believe that the Borough should take the initiative and establish a trust or other armslength body to manage its leisure centres. That way

the tax benefits that fusion currently enjoys would not be lost, thus avoiding costs to taxpayers.

Conservative Group leader, Cllr Graeme Coombes commented: “The experiment with outsourcing the Borough’s leisure services to fusion has proved a flop, with a poor choice of service provider in fusion and a contract which clearly favours the provider rather than Bedford residents.

Conservative Councillors have repeatedly questioned fusion’s ability to deliver, and time and again fusion has failed and we have been proved right.

In addition to the poor contract, users of the Borough’s swimming pools and sports centres feel short-changed by the shabby facilities and uncertainty over when cancelled exercise classes will resume. fusion has been a disaster for residents of Bedford from beginning to end. It’s time we cut fusion loose and found a way to bring leisure services back under Borough Council management, whilst ensuring that there is no additional cost to Council taxpayers as a result.”

Bedford Borough Council has ongoing discussions with fusion lifestyle and the Borough Council, both around the longterm and an interim solution that will enable some leisure facilities to open in the near future.

Cllr Doug McMurdo, Portfolio Holder for leisure said “As a Council we are doing all we can to try and find a solution that works for residents and users of the leisure centres, that is safe and financially viable for everyone.

“We look forward to fusion confirming the safe reopening of the sites soon and look forward to seeing the facilities in use again.”

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BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2020

LOOK AFTER OUR £5 million boost for college GARDEN BIRDS BEDfORD College is one of 188 across the UK to receive a share of £200 million funding announced

by Department of Education

“We want to build a world class further Education system which delivers for the whole nation, and a key part is ensuring

colleges are fit for the future - with in the country Bedford College better facilities,” said Gavin will receive £2 million initially which will really help us upgrade Williamson Education Secretary.

Earlier in the year Prime some of our oldest buildings at the Minister Boris Johnson said of the Bedford campus.

“This comes on top of the addiinvestment it was important to: “…lay the foundations for a country tional £2.9 million we will receive where everyone has a chance to suc- thanks to support from SEMlEP ceed, with our younger generations to allow us to develop a new offsite-construction centre. front and centre of this mission.”

“It feels like government is Ian Pryce CBE, Principal and CEO of The Bedford College acknowledging the importance of Group said: “We applaud the gov- colleges in helping the country ernment’s decision to invest £1.2 recover economically from the billion to improve further educa- Covid-19 pandemic, and the need tion college buildings, Radwell Roadand (justtooff to theinvest A6) in technical skills.

The £5 million “building” release £200 million of that Milton Ernest MK44 1SH bonuses for Bedford will be availstraightaway.

“As one of the largest colleges able for projects starting in 2020.

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Finalists at the SME Business Awards 2020

THE Cartridge Depot based in Bedford, have been successful in reaching the finals of the SME luton & Bedfordshire Business Awards!

They are finalists in two categories which are the Green Award and Positive Impact Award!

Cartridge Depot supply print consummables to commercial business and home users.

They began trading in March 2012 from a shop in Bedford town centre.

The Cartridge Depot team look forward to attending this year’s Bedfordshire Business awards ceremony, which takes place on Monday, November 9.

The two categories they are finalists in are: ‘Green Award’, this is in recognition of the recycling service they offer for empty printer cartridges, and ‘Positive Impact Award’ this is in recognition of how they have changed the services they offer to help out during the covid-19 pandemic.

The businesses partner’s Guy and Vincenza commented: “This year has been hard for all of us and we have done our best to help as much as we can. It is hard to see when and if things are going to get back to normal, but one thing we can all take from this is that if we all work together and support each other we can achieve great things.

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SEPTEMBER 2020 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN

MID BEDS

Life saving equipment installed at nature reserve

A PARTNERSHIP with Bedfordshire fire and Rescue Service and Sandy Town Council has resulted in the installation of a water safety board at the Mill on the River Ivel, near the entrance to the Riddy nature reserve in Sandy.

The board was provided by Bedfordshire fire and Rescue Service as part of a scheme to install a number of them in areas where previous incidents have been identified.

The board includes an informational sign and a throwbag which can be used to help anyone stuck in the water before the emergency services can attend.

A person on the bank can use the throwbag to help someone in the water to gain buoyancy and pull them to safety, without needing to enter the water. This equipment is kept in a locked cabinet on the board, which requires a code to be opened; the code can be given to someone making a 999 call to report an emergency.

The Council would ask residents to refrain from trying to swim in the pond or river and to be very careful near the edge of the water as

TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

Man charged over robbery

A MAN has been charged with robbery after an elderly man had his wallet stolen. Jonathan Stimson, 46, of Anne Street, Biggleswade, has been charged in connection to the incident in Potton Road, Biggleswade earlier

this month. Stimson has also been charged with possession of crack cocaine. He appeared at luton Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, August 19 where he was remanded into custody ahead of a future court appearance.

Shannon Court Doctors’ Surgery – no plans to leave

Firefighter John Lea and Crew Commander Simon Ford joined Mayor Michael Scott by the water safety board.

there are numerous dangers to be aware of.

Hidden currents and cold water shock can make open water very dangerous, even for the strongest swimmers. Under the water, weeds

can ensnare people’s feet and hazardous items can cause injury. Steep or slippery banks can make it difficult to get out, and polluted water, if ingested, can cause illness.

SANDY TOWN COUNCIL

Photography: Steve Liddle

hono Sandy’s Mayor and Deputy Mayor were St. Swithun’s Church on Saturday 15th August, for the of nds grou the in held on orati Branch of the Royal commem d members of the Sandy and District 75th anniversary of VJ Day. They joine ced service of remembrance, led by Revd. Huw Davies, istan British Legion for a short, socially-d g the conflict. to honour all those who died durin message of public to share a VJ Day memory or The Council invited members of the the Council’s website. via remembrance with the community, k/sandy-diaryonline at www.sandytowncouncil.gov.u read to able avail are s sage These mes ges iversary-messa news/news-archive/vj-day-75th-ann

September marks the 2-year Anniversary of Sandy Green Wheel’s Green Wheel hoped to take part in the Bedfordshire Walking Festival, with a special event this autumn, but unfortunately, the Festival can’t go ahead this year.

Green Wheel In lieu of the planned event, the Town Council decided to hold a Sandy to explore the Celebration Fortnight to mark the anniversary and encourage local people . doorstep their on route brilliant walking residents are As part of the celebration, running from 22nd August – 6th September, the Sandy High invited to enter a competition, with the chance to win a £50 voucher for Street business of their choice. word. All you There are 10 letters on cards placed along the route which spell a secret with a photo of need to do is find the letters and email your guess for the secret word, All correct yourself on the Green Wheel walk, to admin@sandytowncouncil.gov.uk. guesses will be entered into a draw for the £50 prize.

High Street So far this year, the Council has given over £300 in prize vouchers for Sandy ts and businesses; doing what we can to help our wonderful local shops, restauran services who need the support of local residents now more than ever.

Street food market returns

Friday 14th August saw this year’s second Eat Feast international street food market in the town centre car park.

Despite the poor weather the event still proved popular and will be returning for its third visit on Friday 11th September 2020. The market runs from 4pm-9pm .

The Town Clerk informed the meeting that he had spoken with the agents for the application who had indicated there are no plans for the surgery to leave Shannon Court.

It was also reported that Shannon Court Surgery were aware of the application but had stated they had no plans to relocate from Shannon Court and are committed to their Sandy Surgery.

A change of use application was made in respect of the second floor of Shannon Court in March, 2020, to convert that floor into eight self-contained flats which had be approved.

What you need to know about dogs on leads

ion VJ Day commemoratured to represent the Council at a small

Sandy Green Wheel celebration opening. We had

THE prior notification of change of use for the first floor of Shannon Court, Sandy, was discussed at August’s meeting of Sandy Town Council.

A change of use application had been lodged in July to convert the first floor in to nine selfcontained flats.

The Council had received notification of an application as as they are the owners of the car park.

Councillors had asked for clarification on the implications of the application as they were unhappy about the lack of parking spaces provided for in the application.

New swings for Bedford Road The Town Council will be replacing the swings and safety matting at Bedford Road recreation ground as part of its review of play equipment.

The new swings will be funded by Section 106 grant money and will be installed after the school holidays.

The work has become necessary due to the age of the swing frames which were originally installed in the 1980’s. A new children’s rocker will also be installed to replace one which was previously removed.

Town Council meetings

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

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

All meetings commence at 7.30pm except Development Scrutiny Committee (Planning) which starts at 6.30pm Monday 14th September 2020 Development Scrutiny Policy, Finance and Resources Monday 28th September 2020 Town Council Monday 5th October 2020 Development Scrutiny Community, Services and Environ ment See our website for details of othe r meetings.

ALL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND PRESS ARE WELCOME TO ATT END.

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

CENTRAl Bedfordshire Council’s Executive committee has agreed to keep the existing rules as it renewed Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) in relation to dogs, for the next three years.

A blanket rule requiring dogs to be on leads in any open space with a marked sports pitch has been retained and renewed.

The order also includes dogs being prohibited from fenced play and games areas and parts of the council’s country parks.

Dogs will also still need to be on a lead in cemeteries, picnic areas and A and B roads as well as

on public footpaths.

The decision was made following a consultation in November 2019 which revealed that 56% of respondents disagreed or strongly disagreed with the proposal to remove the requirement that dogs are kept on leads near sports pitches.

The results also showed that 97% of respondents strongly agreed or agreed with the proposal to retain the dog fouling order.

With 90% of respondents strongly agreeing or agreeing with the proposal to retain the dog exclusion zone orders.

CRICKET WITH A DIFFERENCE

as well and the over-70s will play their first ever games in the near future. Just friendlies for the time being.

Sandy update

PROfESSIONAl and recreational cricket at all levels and age-groups has resumed since the beginning of August and, although the games are as competitive as ever, a range of procedures and restrictions make matches feel very different, and the social side of the sport is on hold for the time being.

Changing rooms and most pavilions are out of bounds. Players arrive already changed and there are no teas. The ball has to be sanitized every 6 overs or 20 minutes and players also sanitise their hands.

During the game the ball has to be returned directly to the bowler and not passed round the fielders, the batsmen run down specified corridors and only the umpires can touch the wickets and bails. Drinks breaks are needed but all players arrive with their own supplies. Bars are sometimes available with social distancing in place.

As the 2020 season will last for no more than six6 weeks almost all the usual leagues have been discontinued and replaced with small groups of clubs playing each other in mini-leagues. Teams themselves look quite different with many players option to give this season a miss completely. Everything feels very different but at least those who want to are getting the change of playing competitive cricket.

Beds seniors are up and running

SANDY TWINNING ASSOCIATION

SANDY’S partner town in Poland, Skarszewy, is celebrating its 700th centenary this year and souvenir mugs depicting the Polish town’s three partners, Mechernich in northern Germany, Pelplin in Pomerania and of course Sandy, have been produced in large numbers for the local population and several sent to us.

With life in Poland seemingly almost back to normal the mayor of Skarszewy is hoping to run a number of outdoor events in September to mark the 700th including a grand kayaking competition on the local river.

After a July of low infection rates the situation in france has deteriorated over the past fortnight prompting the UK government to impose quarantine restrictions of 14 days for all those returning home from holidays in france.

Paris and Marseille have seen a surge in new infections as well as areas such as Brittany, the South West and Normandy, with the spikes blamed on greatly increased number so of holiday makers taking advantage of hot, sunny weather. Our contacts report some problems in the Rouen area and along the coast close to Dieppe.

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child can be isolating and sometimes scary, help others know they are not alone l Make the most of your unique life experiences (both good and bad) to support and mentor others on their journey as a SEND parent l Special needs volunteer work supporting families is a very rewarding experience l Give young children and babies the best possible start in life l Make new friends with likeminded people.

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Lawn Doctor AfTER the brutal, scorching heat of mid-August, very happily as far as the plants and many of us humans are concerned, the normal mixed bag of British weather has returned including some much needed rain. Nothing does more for a garden than a thorough drenching although the vigour with which it finally fell did damage the petals of many plants in bloom. for the most part, these will soon be replaced by new but one favourite garden plant that suffers with extreme heat almost as much as I do is the Hydrangea and 2020 looks like being another bad year for them.

In times of excessive heat, their flowers can ‘fry’, shrivel and turn to crispy, unattractive, toasted versions of their former fecund selves. Similarly, leaves can also become brittle and all in all, this staple of many gardens can look rather moribund. As in recent years, the hydrangeas that have coped best with the recent horror temperatures are those that are surrounded with shade. Known to be thirsty plants, their name is actually taken from the Greek for ‘water vessel’, which is in reference to the shape of its seed capsules and not as the BBC’s horticulturally untrained face of gardening suggests because they require lots of water.

Other plants that have been hit by a lack of rain over previous years has been trees and a number in this area are looking pretty forlorn at the moment. Trees can take a long time to react to deficiencies of water and so by the time they show external signs of stress, dropping leaves etc., it can often be too late to undertake any remedial action. That said, it is surely always better to try something than to do nothing, and so if you can, whether it be within your boundary or not, why not give a tree a good drink.

As with all watering, rain water is preferable to that out of the tap but if that is all you have, then so be it. Many gardeners will tell you what a difference a down pour of steady rain will have on everything in their garden and I for one believe that it might also have something to do with the atmospherics at the time it rains. Why do I think this? Even if, as many do these days, you store rain water in water butts etc., using this still seems to have less influence on all flora than the magical impact of falling, fresh rain water. Does any-

Lavatera – see quiz question.

one out there agree with this? As with everything else I write, please tell me if you have a different view. It’s always fascinating to hear from you.

With all of the young birds now safely fledged from their nest, it is a good time to trim your hedges but: a word of warning! In many ways, hedges are the unsung heroes and heroines of the gardening world as they can provide food and habitat for all sorts of animals.

One such I was recently introduced to was a wasp! In fact, quite a lot of wasps who for very understandable reasons took exception to me disturbing their ‘des res’ and in a scene reminiscent of the Benny Hill television programme, chased me around a garden before kindly providing me with a throbbing memento of the occasion!

My advice: before trimming any hedge just look at it for some minutes and see if anything is flying nearby? If you should see wasps I would heartily recommend the wearing of armour or better still, to delay trimming until they have gone elsewhere.

The answer to last month’s just for fun quiz question, What commonly seen plant is named after two 17th Century Swiss brothers who were both Physicians and Naturalists?, is lavatera. This easy to grow plant is known to many by its common name ‘Mallow’ but is actually named after Johann Heinrich lavater (1611-1691) and Johann Jacob lavater (15941636).

This month’s question is, inspired by the above: Which garden in the Cotswolds is notable for its miles of sculptured hedges?

Clue: it also gives its name to a type of lavender?

Many thanks to all of you for contributing to this column 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.

MID BEDS

BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2020

Sign up for the Walk to Remember 2020

Get together with family and friends to celebrate someone special this October on the Walk to Remember 2020.

It’s being organised by Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice, which cares for people with lifelimiting conditions.

Ellie Burke, Community fundraiser at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice, said: “Due to uncertainties in the current situation, we have sadly postponed our Starlight Hike this year, but are excited to announce our new event, Walk to Remember 2020.

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

“Choose your distance of 5K or 10K, your start and finish line and a route that means something to you, to raise crucial funds or make a donation and help us continue to be there when it matters.”

To sign up: www.sueryder.org/walktoremember

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10 —

SEPTEMBER 2020 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN

Comedy is bouncing back

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Works completed on Britannia Road THE Transporting Bedford project on Britannia Road is now complete, bringing congestion easing measures to this well-known traffic hotspot in Bedford.

Britannia Road links two major roads in Bedford; Ampthill Road and Kempston Road, past Bedford Hospital South Wing.

This project has delivered a major change to the road layout, widening the road to create more space for traffic to flow, a new traffic light junction at King’s Place, and upgraded traffic lights along the length of the road to improve traffic flow.

There were also improvements carried out to the layout of the main Hospital car park and existing drop-off areas, helping to improve traffic flow down Britannia Road.

Cllr Charles Royden, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Highways said “I am delighted that this next phase of the Transporting Bedford project is now complete and this road is completely reopen to the public.

“This scheme is one element of this wider project, and will link in with works on Ampthill Road expected to start later this year, delivering improvements along this whole corridor coming into Bedford from the south.

“The completion of the Britannia Road works was unfortunately delayed, not least due to the coronavirus outbreak, and our thanks go to business, residents and commuters for their patience during these works.

“As more and more of the Transporting Bedford project comes to fruition, I hope that people will really start to see and feel the improvements, with

changes to the roads, improvements to traffic signals and more helping to ease congestion and make our roads safer.”

Hilary Chipping, Chief Executive at SEMlEP added, “We are delighted that Britannia Road is now complete and open for public use.

“We look forward to seeing the refurbished road have a positive impact on our local economy enabling greater business productivity in the town centre by improving traffic movement. SEMlEP are proud to have awarded the Transporting Bedford project £15.5 million of local Growth fund investment, continuing to use our area’s connectivity to shape business opportunity.”

Transporting Bedford is an £18million project to tackle congestion hotspots in Bedford, funded by both Bedford Borough Council and £15.5M funding from the South East Midlands local Enterprise Partnership (SEMlEP), through the local Growth fund and represents the largest ever investment in Bedford’s roads.

CASTlE COMEDY is ready to save your summer with two brilliant outdoor comedy shows.

The outdoor comedy specials are on Thursday September 3, at Henlow Bridge lakes and Saturday September 12, at The Rufus Centre, flitwick. They will feature star names, lovely surroundings and big laughs all in a safe environment.

Opening the show at Henlow Bridge Lakes is Suzi Ruffell.

She is regarded as one of the best up-and-coming acts, Suzi won Best Club Comic at the 2019 Chortle Awards. Suzi has most recently appeared on live at the Apollo, Mock The Week, Roast Battle, Ultimate Worrier, Hypothetical, The last leg and The Jonathon Ross Show.

TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

Suzi is co-host of the hit podcast like Minded friends with Tom Allen. “On the cusp of stardom” The Evening Standard Closing the show is Simon Brodkin. He was named “the world’s most famous blagger” by The Daily Telegraph, he is an untameable prankster and acclaimed character comedian. Of his many characters, Simon is best known for his irrepressible, south london wide boy lee Nelson! Simon’s television appearances include live At The Apollo, Sunday Night at The Palladium (ITV); The John Bishop Show & Channel 4’s Comedy Gala. “Never less than ingenious” The Times Castle Comedy is teaming up with The Comedy Cow to put on the show at The Rufus Centre in

Flitwick. Headlining the show is Paul Sinha. He is best known for his starring role in ITV1's The Chase, where he regularly chases down opponents in his guise as 'The Sinnerman'. He has appeared doing stand-up on Comedy Centrals The Alternative Comedy Experience and ITV1’s Tonight At The london Palladium. finally, he gained a legion of new fans for his cult performance on Taskmaster. ★★★★★ Edinburgh Evening News All the shows will feature support from top UK comedians and be hosted by Castle Comedy favourite, Paul Revill.

Doors Open at 6pm and the Shows Start at 7.30/7.45pm.

Tickets for the shows are £15 from www.castlecomedy.co.uk

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The times they are a-changing

THE massive changes being inflicted on creative industries

by Covid, and ensuing financial cutbacks, means that it is vital for young people understand how they can make a living in media and music.

There is no doubt that having the latest technological skills, and understanding the fast-paced changes in how media and music is accessed by audiences, is going to be vital.

The South Bank Arts Centre, at the riverside Bedford College campus has a longstanding reputation of links with those actually working in the media and music industry.

Keeping in touch with how that is changing in the coming few years will give students a huge advantage.

New from September is a top up degree taking those who have an level 5/HND in Media Production or Music Technology to a full BA (Hons) in just one year. The course can be paid for in instalments and the schedule allows students to keep on work and family commitments.

“We’re very excited about this progression course and delighted to be working with the University of Bedfordshire in delivering, close to home in

Bedford, a degree which will set students on the right path to a future in media and music,” said HE Performing Arts Course Manager Sean Doyle.

Sean and team have seen a wide range of former media and music students go on to produce their own movies, complete with film premieres or online launches, and forge careers in the studios or via the internet, in the music business.

The Media Production course covers sound, image and interaction, research and how the industry is developing, a special project and working with contemporary practices.

Visiting speakers from the industry, or online sessions with them, will help to inspire students.

The Music Technology course can lead to careers which will still exist post Covid such as broadcasting sound technician, instrument technician, sound engineer, or music producer. It covers composing, recording and mixing.

“Despite all the doom and gloom about theatres and venues closing, the upside is there are fantastic opportunities for people to create their own sounds and reach out to audiences direct,” added Sean.

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BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2020

— 11

Students show remarkable resilience in ‘A’ Level studies STUDENTS at Mark Rutherford School are extremely pleased with their A Level results despite the challenges this academic year has brought due to the COVID-19 pan demic.

Commenting on the results, Mrs Foster, Deputy Headteacher and Director of Sixth Form said: “We are very proud of the students and the resilience they have shown through such unprecedented times with the majority moving on to their first choice options of university or apprenticeships.”

“Those moving on to university have secured a number of competitive places to read a wide range of subjects.

“The majority of the subjects we offer were achieved with a 100% pass rate. The percentage

of A* and A grades also saw an increase on last year; over 38% of all students achieved at least one A* or A grade.

“A number of subjects achieved excellent results including: Spanish, French, Music, Further Maths and English Literature with 100% A*-C grades.”

“We always look forward to hearing from the students and their successes as they start the next phase of their journey as confident and independent young adults.

“If you are interested in joining our high achieving and very successful Sixth Form, where students are supported and cared for by our dedicated and experienced teachers, please contact the Sixth Form Team via the school website.”

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Our farm shop is serving our organically reared lamb, local beef, chicken and pork and fresh fruit and vegetables as well as home-made sausage rolls and scotch eggs?

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12 —

SEPTEMBER 2020 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN

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Higgins Bedford Reopens

AfTER being closed for five months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Higgins Bedford has reopened to the public.

Visitors will once again be able to enjoy displays telling the story of the local area, alongside nationally significant collections of art and design.

New measures will be in place for the safety of visitors, volunteers and staff, and to help ensure an enjoyable experience for all.

This has included reducing the capacity of the museum to ensure that people can socially distance.

Visitors will need to book a free timed entry ticket visit www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk or by calling 01234 718044.

Everyone visiting The Higgins Bedford must wear a face covering, except for children under 11 or for the legitimate reasons set out in Government guidance.

Visitors will be able to view the popular Dreams and Nightmares exhibition, featuring artworks selected from the Cecil Higgins Collection, which has been extended to Sunday 20 September 2020. As well as being able to visit the galleries, the museum shop will be open while The Higgins Pantry café has already reopened its doors (opening times can be found at www.thehigginspantry.co.uk).

TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

Peeing out of my belly button

D’Parys reopens to strong sales and earns Travellers’ Choice award fOllOWING a challenging few months due to Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, the d’Parys on De Parys Avenue, Bedford, has hit the ground running, with an impressive level of trade in its first few weeks of reopening, and has picked up a prestigious new accolade to celebrate.

The d’Parys team has worked tirelessly to create an environment that’s safe yet social, controlled yet welcoming, and their efforts have paid off; despite the ongoing trading limitations imposed by Covid-19 restrictions, food and drink sales are now approaching pre-lockdown levels, just a couple of weeks after reopening.

Tor Humpherston, Operations Manager at the d’Parys, explains: “We worked hard during lockdown to provide the best service

we could in the form of takeaway meals, drinks and grocery boxes, both to help our local community and to ensure that the pub’s name was front of mind when the time came to reopen.”

Speaking of positive feedback, the d’Parys has additional reason for celebration in the form of a

coveted Travellers’ Choice award from TripAdvisor. Every year the world’s largest travel platform pulls together all the reviews, ratings and bookmarks logged on its website to shine a spotlight on the very best in the hospitality field, and the d’Parys has made the cut for 2020.

Charged with sexual offences

A 39-YEAR-old man has been charged with sexual offences after two incidents in 2018.

James Hargreaves, 39, of Bedford, has been charged with two counts of sexual assault, two counts of false imprisonment and two counts of possession of a bladed article in connection with two separate incidents in 2018,

one in Irchester Country Park and one in East finchley woods, where women in their 20s were taken and sexually assaulted.

Hargreaves appeared at Northampton Magistrates’ Court on Monday, August 17 and will next appear at Northampton Crown Court on Thursday, September 17.

WHAT do you do when notice a little bit of blood in your urine?

If you have any sense you will see a doctor pronto.

That’s just what Kempston resident Nicky Johnson did.

She had a small trace, visited the doctors and eventually was diagnosed with bladder cancer in May 2018.

This type of cancer is more common older people and especially men but little is known about it.

Nicky was baffled, she being 49-year- old female and a non-smoker had led a pretty healthy life-style up until this.

She underwent surgery to remove her bladder and now has catheter in her belly button.

To share her experience she has recently published a book entitled: ‘The parts of me I can live without’, which is available from Amazon. All royalities from the book sale go to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge.

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View from the Rt Revd

Richard Atkinson

The Bishop of Bedford

TOUCH MATTERS

As a Bishop I get sent material from all sorts of organisations and causes. Some are frankly bizarre; others don’t interest me; some catch my attention. One of the latter was an email from Julia Jones about John’s Campaign. founded in 2014 after the death of Dr John Gerrard and based on the reflections of his family that things would have been so much better if they had been able to continue to care for him, alongside the medical provision, the purpose of the campaign is simple.

It is ‘the belief that carers should not just be allowed but should be welcomed and that a collaboration between the patients and all connected with them is crucial to their health and well-being.’

In the best of times there is more to do to enable this essential partnership in hospital and care. I recall visiting my father towards the end of his life in hospital, and despite some excellent staff, thinking that the system could do more to recognise us, his family, as co-carers.

More recently the strictures of Coronavirus have made everything so much harder. My mother with very advanced dementia couldn’t be visited for over four months. Seeing us on a small iPad screen made no sense to her. Even now that visits can happen, we rightly wear masks and sit at a distance. That essential gift of touch which is so important to the frail is denied. for once I don’t know the answer. I know that were I to be a conveyer of infection, it wouldn’t just be my mother at risk but also the other thirty-five residents with their frailty. That would be irresponsible. All I can do is feel the pain of not being able to hold my mother’s hand as part of an elusive connecting with someone whose mind is far away.

It is no surprise that Jesus in the Gospels often touches people.

He touches the sick, the leper and the outcast. Healing is more than just words – we all need quite literally the healing touch.

Not being able to touch, and hold hands, and embrace is one of the sad consequences of the virus. I hope and pray that when the time is right we truly value the gift of touch, not least as part of that vital task of family and carers being partners in the care of those with dementia.

In Focus with

Dave

by Dave Hodgson Mayor of Bedford

CLINICAL COMMISSIONING GROUP MERGER

from 1 April 2021, Bedfordshire, luton and Milton Keynes Clinical Commissioning Groups are planning to merge into one single NHS Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

This will have an impact on how they operate as commissioners, (commissioning is the process by which health and care services are planned, purchased and monitored) and how they will work together in the future.

My Executive is opposed to the creation of a single CCG covering Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes. What we, as elected representatives of Bedford Borough residents want to see, are high quality, responsive health services.

We are opposed to this merger as we have not been convinced that there is a medical rationale, that is, we don’t believe it will deliver better health outcomes, and we anticipate the creation of larger CCG will result in a more remote organisation, less likely to listen to local views.

We are convinced that what Bedford Borough needs is more localised provision and oversight of health services, including primary care. That local organisation could nonetheless collaborate with other organisations. In our view, a Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes CCG would not provide this.

We have already seen a number of issues where the current CCG has been found to be too remote and non-responsive to the needs to Bedford Borough, for example when they wanted to close Putnoe walk-in centre.

Another example of this came during the current Coronavirus pandemic, when the surgery at the Church lane busy shopping centre was made a ‘red site’ without the CCG having carried out an appropriate risk assessment and implementing mitigation measures and responding with indifference to requests from the Borough Council to undertake a risk assessment.

The Commissioners have set up at survey and are asking for views ahead of submitting a final application in September 2020, you can have your say at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/ r/OneBLMKpublic — until Sunday 13 September.

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BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2020

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Crossing safety warning as trains return to Marston line

405040. In an emergency always NETWORK Rail today warned dial 999.” people to take great care when On the Marston Vale line there using levels crossings on the are thirty-two public and private Marston Vale line. level crossings which are always This safety advice was issued being reviewed for safety. before train services resume on the Three public foot crossings, in Bedford-to-Bletchley (Marston lidlington, Millennium Park Vale) following a period of Covid crossing near Millbrook station, inactivity. and school crossing in Woburn london Northwestern Railway Sands, are scheduled to close when passenger trains will start running train services return on 24 August. again on Monday, August 24 for Alternative barriered crossings are first time since the country went available nearby in all three places. into lockdown in March.

Train drivers have reported a With increased numbers of train series of near misses with pedestricrew available and more people now using the railway, services dangerous and can result in death Treat the railway with the respect ans and trespassers at Woburn and caution it deserves. Don’t risk Sands crossing in recent years. will resume in the morning and or serious injury.

“Officers will be proactively yours or others’ lives to save a few Because of the potential risk to evening peaks in seven days’ time.

Johnny Amadi-Ahuama, level engaging with users of road and minutes of time. Anyone witness- crossing users in these locations crossing manager for Network foot crossings and won’t hesitate ing criminal acts can report them Network Rail has chosen to close Rail, said: “Not following the rules to prosecute those flouting the law. via text on 61016 or phone on 0800 them before a tragedy occurs. when using road and foot crossings over the railway can have devastating consequences. With so few trains running on the Marston and Abbey Vale lines over recent months, I’d like to remind people that it’s really important that they treat the railway with the caution and respect they need to.

“I’ll be working hard with my colleagues, the British Transport Police and train operator london Northwestern Railway to get this message out there so everyone in the area stays safe when passenger services return on August 24.” lawrence Bowman, customer experience director for lNR, said: “I would like to thank our customers onRadwell the Marston Vale lineoff the A6) Road (just for their patience andErnest understandMilton MK44 1SH ing while we have been working hard to bring back their train service.

“The coronavirus had an unprecedented impact on our train crew and we had to make hard decisions on how to use our available resources to move the maximum number of passengers. I am pleased we will once again see passenger trains on both routes from next week and we hope to run an even fuller service later this year.”

Teams from Network Rail and British Transport Police will be patrolling the area and giving advice to people.

Trespass, vandalism and welfare patrollers will work in addition to BTP patrols to engage with members of the public and remind people it is against the law to trespass on the railway or break the rules while using level crossings.

Inspector Martin Turner, Sector Commander for the British Transport Police, said: “My offiRadwell Road (justasoff the A6) We put your safety first at all time – During the Corona Virus pandemic, cers will be increasing patrols we have continued to provide all of our services. We have made over 10,000 hours of home Milton Ernest MK44 1SH the lines reopen.

Trespass, vandalvisits without incident. This is due to the diligence of our team in following the additional ism and anti-social behaviour on or safety measures we introduced at the beginning of March 2020. near the railway line is extremely

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SEPTEMBER 2020 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN

TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

MID BEDS

Top results at The Bedford Sixth Form STUDENTS at The Bedford Sixth form in Bromham Road, Bedford have shown that, despite all the controversy, the very best A level results were possible at a state sixth form, with a range including A* stars, as well as, Distinctions in Extended Diplomas.

Here are their scores and their preferred destination universities: These students all achieved a full set of A or A* grades at A level: Brightman, Emily: A* A A – University of Birmingham – International law and Globalisation

Shaw, Katie:

D*D*D* & B – Anglia Ruskin University – Psychology with Clinical Psychology

Paul, Manisha:

D*D*D* & B – University of Birmingham – Master of Nursing

Kelly, Daisy:

These students got very high A levels including A*: Gochev, Daniel:

A* A A – University of Warwick – English literature

A* A B – University of Birmingham Mathematics

Rodden, Jack:

Tumani, Lucian:

brilliant teachers that led me through.

“This year was different to any other and that came with a lot of anxiety and stress but TBSf equipped us with all the tools we needed to get through such a tough time.”

D*D*D* & B – Durham University – Marketing and Management

A* A* C – Kingston University – Creative and Cultural Industries

A* A* A* A* - University of Oxford – Biochemistry

KATIE Shaw, 19, from Sandy is off to Durham University to study Marketing & Management.

“I’m glad to have got into my first university choice.

“Studying at The Bedford Sixth form has been a delight and I truly owe my success to the

Lalsie, Luca:

A* A A – University of lincoln – Graphic Design

Morgan, Emily:

Durham bound to study marketing

D*D*D & A* - University of Southampton - Psychology

A A A – Nottingham Trent University Accounting and finance

Rogers, Oliver:

These two students got the highest possible grades across an Extended Diploma and an A level: Church, Lillith: D*D*D* & A* - london School of Economics and Political Science Sociology

D*D*D* & A* – loughborough University – Sport Management

Gray, Amie:

These students got a very high combination of an Extended Diploma and an A level: Betts, Eleanor: D*DD & A*

A* A B

Hollingsworth, Ellie: Loeffler, Emma:

A* A B – King’s College london English

Richmond, Katy:

A* A B

Scorer, Ellie:

These students got Three Distinctions in their Extended Diplomas and also passed an A level: Thorman, Ashleigh:

D*D*D* & C – St George’s, london – Paramedic Science

D*D*D* & C – University of Bedfordshire – Physical Education QTS - Secondary

Watts, Ruby:

D*D*D* & D – University of Bedfordshire – Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

Ping, Chloe:

Tanaya gets grant for geography

STUDENT Tanaya Singh is off to Kings College london to study geography thanks to her three A level passes in Geography, Govt & Politics and English literature & language.

The 18-year-old from The Bedford Sixth form has her sights set on career in policymaking in the Government.

The first in her family to go to university, Tanaya has already won a valuable bursary from the Peter Roberts Collab Group of £2,500. In addition, she has is being helped with a £3,500 grant

from the Harpur Trust.

“The funding will help me buy equipment for extra curricular activities and fields trips on my geography course, which I start in September. It will enable me to take some extra steps towards employment in Government where I hope to get a role when I have completed my degree,” said Tanaya.

In the meantime she hopes to set up a YouTube channel sharing her experiences of the course and what she is learning as it it unfolds.

Oliver Rogers, 18, of Toddington, Mid Beds upgraded his degree course to Accounting and Finance as a result of getting the grades which added up to a better score than he had expected.

“We have shown consistently improving results for our students since opening less than a decade ago.”

Emily Brightman, aged 18, of Bedford hopes to become a lawyer when she has completed university.

Off to Oxford University to study BioChemistry is Jack Rodden who gained four A stars at The Bedford Sixth Form. He lives in Olney on the Beds/Bucks border.

Emily Morgan, 18, of Sandy, Beds was inspired to take up Graphic Design after seeing brand-making challenges on the The Apprentice.

Paul Clarkson, Head of The Bedford Sixth form

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A

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gardening POSITIVE outcome of the Covid Pandemic this spring has been that a lot of people locked down at home became ’Gardeners’.

There has never been so many people taking up this wonderful pastime and discovering the Active, Creative, Interesting, fascinating, fulfilling and Rewarding hobby of growing plants we call Gardening.

It was very difficult in the spring to fill Patio Pots and Hanging Baskets with colourful plants for summer because when Garden Centres were allowed to open in the middle of May there were very few summer bedding plants with which to fill our containers.

Many millions of these plants had been assigned to the compost heaps by the commercial nurseries because they had passed the sell by dates.

It is now time to change the scene and replant to make the Patio colourful through autumn and winter. Any container can be used if we follow a few basic guide lines. The container should be big enough to ensure it holds enough compost to prevent drying out too quickly which happens even in winter.

Also it should hold a good layer of draining material at the bottom to prevent waterlogging like gravel or a drainage saucer. Also raising the container from the ground with pot feet is a good idea. By using a Multi compost with John Innes and 10% added grit both plants and bulbs will benefit.

It is not as important in winter if the pot is in sun or shade but

BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2020

— 15

with Milton Ernest Garden Centre

Yay! We’ve discovered the best pastime ever positioning away from icey blasts in December and January is good.

Traditional autumn plant combinations are Pansies or Violas which will flower autumn winter and spring under planted with dwarf daffodils like Tete a Tete and tulips like Red Riding Hood with attractive stripey foliage. Another good scheme is Primroses in flower in autumn and spring with crocus flowering from January onwards.

By including bulbs in the mix gives another dimension and a promise of added interest later. It is

so exciting to see the first bulb shoots appearing in the dark winter days.

Combinations of small shrub and herbaceous plants attractively arranged coordinating colour and shape themes also under planted with small bulbs is another suggestion.

A couple of recipes to try are: Maroon Pansies, Pinky Grey Succulent, Deep Red flowering Heather, White Cyclamen and a Variegated Hebe planted in a 45cm Terracota Bowl under planted with White Crocus.

Solanum, Yellow feathery Santolina, Heuchera Silver frost, and a Red leaved Cordyline under planted with Tulip Peaches and Cream. Stand a Pumpkin nearby and there’s a display for Halloween.

Autumn flowering Chrysanthemums give many weeks of colour way into winter when planted on their own in a 30cm container.

Daffodils can be planted in layers in a deep pot. Put 10 cm of compost on top of the drainage material and then a layer of daffodil bulbs about 10cm apart.

Add another 10cm layer of compost and another layer of bulbs and if there is enough room repeat this ending with a layer of compost.

The bulbs will all grow to the

same height and burst from the pot.

What about planting a deep container with some layers of potatoes for New Potatoes to eat for lunch on Boxing Day? I use Jacks Magic Compost for this. Also for fresh herbs for the Turkey stuffing plant a pot with Sage and Thyme.

Hanging Baskets are another source of winter Plant Pleasure. It is better to plant one large basket for winter and spring interest so choose a 40cm basket. Using Jacks Magic Compost half fill the basket and add the layer of dwarf daf-

fodils tulips or crocus. Then anything goes and all look good. for the trailing edge plants choose Aubretia, Ajuga, lysimachia, lamium, Variegated Thymes, Ivy, Heathers or Trailing Violas. for the upright middle plants look at Helichrysum, Heuchera, Grasses and Dianthus.

If you have just started growing plants rekindled an old interest or like some of us unable to live without a potter in the garden every day enjoy the best hobby The Garden. It will keep you sane.

“Autumn flowering Chrysanthemums give many weeks of colour way into winter”

16 —

SEPTEMBER 2020 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN

sport

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Ben dominates inaugural DTM Trophy Race!

WITH debut wins in GT and prototype cars and a podium in his first Nürburgring 24 Hours appearance, Ben Tuck has been no stranger to making a mark on his debut across a number of championships. But his arrival into the newly christened DTM Trophy made his intentions loud and clear he is here to win. With an undisputed lights-toflag victory, Ben dominated the inaugural race of the DTM Trophy at Spa-francorchamps behind the wheel of his Walkenhorst Motorsport BMW M4 GT4. After topping the timing sheets in free practice, Ben claimed pole position and followed up with the race win, to finish an almost perfect day in the Belgian Ardennes.

The DTM Trophy is the brand new GT4 feeder series to the legendary and highly respected German DTM Championship. As part of the DTM package, the DTM Trophy receives high profile billing across its six double header weekends in 2020, making it a hugely important platform for manufacturers, teams and sponsors alike and its launch was an important moment in GT motorsport. To claim the inaugural win in such an emphatic manner firmly put Ben on the DTM map.

The first of the DTM Trophy races was held on Saturday in warm sunshine after a dry qualifying in which Ben claimed pole position more than three tenths of a second ahead of his nearest rival. His teammate, former European GT4 Champion Max Koebolt, drove the sister BMW to 3rd position. At the lights, Ben held the lead through the tight hairpin at la Source and the world famous Eau Rouge and from that point on he was able to manage the gap to second place consistently to the chequered flag under the watchful eye of his race engineer, renown BMW Works touring car and GT driver, Jörg Müller.

Ben was delighted with the Saturday result: “Walkenhorst has done a great job all day long. It was down to me to not make any mistakes, which I managed to do. At the beginning, I had a battle with Jan Kisiel and I was able to break away, after that it was all about managing the gap to P2.

Thanks to the help I got from Jörg, we were able to do that until the end of the race”.

With barely enough time to allow the realisation that he’d claimed the first ever DTM Trophy win, it was back to work for the second of the weekends two races on Sunday.

However, as is so often the case in motorsport, Ben was not to have it all his own way. Race day #2 brought some controversy over track limit warnings to other competitors and the two

TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

Boyds of Bedford classic and custom car and bike meet

Goldington Road, Bedford, August 16, 2020 Photography: Keith Mayhew/peoplepress

DRY QUALIFYING

Walkenhorst drivers played a conservative game in qualifying to ensure they posted a valid time.

Starting from 5th and 6th positions the race held more challenges.

Soon after lights out it became clear that a set up gamble had not paid off and Ben set about making the best of a mishandling car. After making two early positions, the race settled into a gruelling battle from 4th position in which Ben fought to remain clear of the clutches of the chasing pack. With a deteriorating car, the race was just too long, and Ben eventually succumbed on the final lap, ceding two positions before the flag.

Ben was philosophical: “Today wasn’t quite our day but we just about managed to scrap it out and finish P6 in qualifying and the race. We tried something different on the set up of the car and

SIXTH PLACE FINISH

unfortunately that was the wrong way to go, but these things happen... at least we still come away with the first ever DTM Trophy race win from yesterday.”

Overall, the weekend leaves Ben in a strong position, with 2nd in the Drivers’ Championship and Walkenhorst top of the Teams Championship.

Ben’s appointment by the team marked an important new chapter in Walkenhorst’s evolution. Walkenhorst Motorsport team manager Niclas Königbauer said “We’re absolutely delighted to expand our programme for 2020 by joining the DTM Trophy. Racing alongside the DTM is a fantastic opportunity for Walkenhorst.

In Ben, we have a genuine young talent who has already shown exceptional ability in GT racing. for us, in our first-ever sprint race series, it was really important that we performed well”

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