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MID BEDS EDITION
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SEPTEMBER 2021
POLICE FUNDING IN BEDFORDSHIRE TO BE REVIEWED? POLICING in Bedfordshire is underfunded by a quarter of the resources the county force needs, a meeting heard. The funding formula for police forces under which Bedfordshire is treated as a rural setting could be reviewed during the current Parliament, according to Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner Festus Akinbusoye (pictured).
“That’s the first time I’ve ever had that kind of reassurance,” he told a Biggleswade Town Council meeting. “The funding formula is an issue,” he explained. “It’s one of the reasons why in Bedfordshire, we’re funded as a rural location rather than an urban area. “There are the real challenges (locally) of many of the large
by Euan Duncan – Local Democracy Reporter
towns in the country. I’ve been informed by the Home Office this is an issue which is going to be resolved hopefully during this Parliament. “And what it means is we’ll be in a position where once and for all we’ve the beginning of an adequate level of policing.” Mr Akinbusoye was invited to speak to town councillors and answered questions which focused on police funding and town centre disorder. Councillor Duncan Strachan described Bedfordshire Police as “25 per cent underfunded because of the formula, which is totally and utterly wrong”. He said: “We’ll give you every support we can to enable you to get that funding because it’s absolutely essential for
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Man jailed for sexual assault
A MAN from Shefford was jailed for four years after pleading guilty to the sexual assault of a young girl and possession of indecent images. Justin Sandilands, 43, of Church Street, Shefford, was jailed at Luton Crown Court for a child sexual offence dating back to 2019. The victim disclosed the offence to a family member, who then informed the police. Upon his arrest a number of digital devices were seized which were then examined by Bedfordshire Police’s Digital Forensic Unit. After the content of these devices was reviewed by investigators, thousands of indecent images of children and extreme
pornography were discovered. Sandilands was sentenced to 42 months for one count of sexual
assault, and was also sentenced to further six months for possession of indecent images offences. Investigating Officer Michela Zasada, from the force’s Internet Child Abuse Investigation Team (ICAIT), said: “Sandilands not only actively looked for and downloaded thousands of images of children, he also assaulted a young girl for his own sexual gratification. “I applaud the courage of the victim who came forward and supported our investigation which resulted in Sandilands being brought to justice. He will now spend time behind bars where he will be unable to cause any more harm.”
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sport See pages 15 & 16 for reports of the Waders’ recent matches
Stagecoach announce new service to Bedford
STAGECOACH are making several modifications to routes in north east Bedfordshire linking Biggleswade, Potton and Sandy with Bedford. The new 72 route will operate direct between Biggleswade, Potton and Sandy, serving the Market Square, Willow Road, Mill Lane and Newtown in Potton before operating straight to Sandy and then on to Bedford. This route will facilitate more sustainable travel as well as improved links for students attending Bedford schools and colleges and residents attending Bedford Hospital.
The 72 route will also incorporate school movements between Potton and Stratton Upper School in Biggleswade at peak times. The 72 and 73 services will have a slight route change around Sandy to simplify the route. Journeys will now operate via Sunderland Road, improving links to Bedford, Potton and Biggleswade for customers in Dapifer Drive and Berwick Way as well as improving transport links for workers at the Sunderland Road Industrial area. Existing stops at Fallowfield and Engayne Avenue will be retained on all journeys.
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SEPTEMBER 2021 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
Founder of Bedford Hospital Charity passes Brian Woodrow OBE DL June 12, 1938 July 16, 2021
A WELL-KNOWN figure in Bedford Brian Woodrow died in his sleep on Friday, July 16, whilst on holiday with all his family in Norfolk. Brian was lured to the Bedford area when he accepted a role working for Texas Instruments in 1968 and following a successful career in recruitment and advertising, including 25 years commuting to London, he retired in 1988. Brian was an active member of the Bedford community and following his retirement became deeply involved in many local organisations and charities. Brian leaves a huge legacy as he worked tirelessly for the community of Bedford being involved with around 15 different charities including The Bedford Hospital Charity, Hospice at Home, Country Days, Swaziland Schools Project, St Paul’s Church, Bedford Sports Foundation and the Sharnbrook Mill Theatre to name but a few. His most significant achievement was establishing and running Bedford Hospital Charity that over his leadership raised in excess of £10m for the hospital and helped create the Primrose Cancer Centre. However, he was also central to the creation of the Bedford Sports and Hockey
Centre in Queens Park, the restoration of St Paul’s Church, the setting-up of Country Days. His enthusiasm, hard work, boundless energy and his ability to extract charitable money from people of Bedfordshire and beyond will be greatly missed. Brian was High Sheriff of Bedfordshire in 1995, was awarded his OBE for services to the community in Bedford in 2003 and latterly was a Deputy Lieutenant of Bedfordshire. Beloved husband of Sally, much loved father of James, Nicholas and Jeremy and adored grandpa of Laura, Harry, Emma, Tom, Jeremy, Annie, Jake and William. He will be greatly missed. A funeral was held at St Paul’s Church, Bedford, on Thursday, August 5.
Shiny new gateway to town Caribbean delight
AN upgrade to the look of Cauldwell Street, a gateway to the town centre, is nearing completion with the final cladding panel laid on the Centre of Modern Construction (CMC) building at Bedford College. Doing the honours on Wednesday, August 11, was the Chief Executive of The Bedford College Group Ian Pryce CBE, Neil Hart of SEMLEP and Vanessa Connolly of the Connolly Foundation. The £4.3 Million building has been made possible by funding via SEMLEP of £2.9 Million. In addition £750,000 was donated by the Connolly Foundation towards the very latest construction equipment inside the building. The exterior of the CMC complements the look of the Brundtland
Building on Cauldwell Street, itself a pioneering example of eco-retro fitting. The stylish silver and grey colour scheme is highlighted across the Cauldwell Street/Riverside campus which blends one of the very oldest buildings in Bedford* with the latest in modern, green construction techniques. The finale will be the external refurbishment of the 1950s Tower Block so it blends in the with riverside skyline. College House on the corner of Cauldwell Street and St Mary’s is said to be the oldest brick-built building in Bedford. Its style was replicated in the design of the new Stansfeld Building which forms part of the Eastern frontage of the college campus.
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IT LOOKS like Bedford could well be the home of one the best Caribbean restaurants in the UK, as Jemz Caribbean located in Ampthill Road scoops yet another prestigious award. The restaurant has been in operation now for six years run by Patrick and Sandra Harris and already have accumulated a total of three awards to their name. Back in 2019 the restaurant claimed the The Best World Cuisine award at the Food Awards England 2019 and now they have just claimed The Corporate Livewire Prestige Awards. This organisation recognises small and medium-sized businesses that have proven to be the best in their market over the past 12 months. All shortlisted companies put forward in the prestige awards are asked to support their nomination with evidence of their work, positive feedback from their clients, information on previous accreditation and recognition as well as highlighting the most outstanding parts of their businesses. The organisation is nationwide and company protocol is to invite nominees to participate in the awards ceremony which was held at Woking in Surrey.
WITH furlough ending in the autumn many people are wanting to make career changes to secure their futures. There is a demand for engineering employees across a range of industries from manufacturing to construction. In education, those who have worked in the ‘real world’ and can bring that expertise to a teaching role, are greatly valued. Both career paths require degree-level qualifications. “The good news is these can
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Jemz was nominated anonymously along side other national nominees, they were later informed that following intense scrutiny they had been voted Caribbean restaurant of the year 2020/2021 for London and the South East region. The award was collected by Patrick and Sandra Harris and Eunessa at the prestigious awards ceremony as pictured. We asked both Patrick and Sandra for the hidden secret to winning all these awards. “We guess the secret of our success at Jemz is being customer focussed and good old Caribbean home-cooking. We have no plans to branch out as yet as we are still establishing ourselves and just concentrating on putting Caribbean food in the world’s cuisine market. “We are pleased to receive this award and this should give other Caribbean restaurants confidence and encouragement that we are being recognised.” The restaurant provides a wide variety of Caribbean food all cooked fresh on site, they can also cater for a wide variety of events. Jemz is certainly a customer friendly restaurant delivering the real flavour of the Caribbean to the local community.
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be accessed via courses which can fit around the ‘day job’,” said Charlie Whewell Head of Higher Education and Partnerships, of The Bedford College Group. “Many learners find that our Part-time courses (from one day a week) and even Full-time (from two days a week) can be flexible enough, to fit around life and work. This means the can complete degree-level courses whilst holding down the job that pays the bills, or while managing family commitments.”
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BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2021
MID BEDS EDITION
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More comfort and communication Schools for the for returning rail passengers Future – what will it mean for your children CENTRAL Bedfordshire Council are currently holding a number of consultations. One which has great relevance to our readers is that on ‘Schools for the Future’. In the consultation are a number of proposals effecting schools in Biggleswade and the surrounding areas. This consultation proposes: n Potton Middle School and Potton Lower School schools to amalgamate and become a primary n all existing lower schools and Biggleswade Academy to become primary schools n a new primary school on land east of Biggleswade n possible options for Wrestlingworth CofE VC Lower School and Dunton CofE VC Lower School, including amalgamation n Edward Peake CofE VC Middle School and Stratton Upper to become secondary schools n a new secondary school on land east of Biggleswade (this is a different site to the new primary on land east of Biggleswade); Edward Peake CofE VC Middle School would become a secondary school and relocate to this new school n Lawnside Academy moves to the vacated Edward Peake CofE VC Middle School site n there would be one sixth form open to pupils of both secondary schools (currently Stratton Upper and Edward Peake CofE VC Middle School) For more information on this go to www.schoolsforthe future.co.uk/plans/biggleswade/overview
PCC says: Police funding in Bedfordshire to be reviewed?
Bedfordshire. “We need police on the street, of which you’re clearly very conscious. I appreciate your funding difficulties. We’re a classic county lines town.” The PCC replied: “What we’ve had to rely on as a policing area is the special grant to plug the gap both in the demand and the resource we’ve got available. “Bedfordshire is number four in Britain in the level of exposure to importing and exporting of county lines. We knew we had some serious challenges, but we didn’t realise it was that bad. “Ten per cent of all the firearms seized nationwide were from Bedfordshire. That gives an indication of how bad things were. “About five or six firearms have been seized In the last three weeks,” he said. “So we’ve some serious issues in our county. “It’s a target for county lines and we widely acknowledge that. But the government knows we have to get this funding formula resolved. “We can’t keep relying on the special grant on an annual basis to deal with this. It means the level of policing we need in areas like Biggleswade it just doesn’t happen.
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“The resources get taken up by gang activities in other parts of Bedfordshire, but we all pay for policing and I want everywhere in the county to benefit from what we need.” The national crime plan which will be published around the middle of August will have an emphasis on prevention and early intervention, added the PCC. “While it’s important we carry on with the enforcement priorities, it will tackle the special crimes at the high level we get such as drug dealers and gangs, which are an absolute nightmare in Bedfordshire. “I believe we need to be equally aggressive in dealing with a lot of the causes of the crime we see in our communities, especially the exploitation of young people when they’re being drawn into gangs. “Some of the things which happen regarding young people are absolutely shocking. We’re working closely with local authorities, and there’s work going on in schools. “The violence reduction unit has people going to the schools engaging with young people and informing them about the dangers of county lines, again involving drugs.”
A M U LT I M I L L I O N POUND improvement programme by Govia Thameslink Railway promises returning rail passengers a better station experience which includes Sandy station. • 1,500 square metres of waiting rooms, shelters and canopies built or refurbished – more protection than 2,000 umbrellas • nearly 3,000 new seats installed – more than the Royal Festival Hall • over 100 new customer information screens installed across the network, with a combined display area of over 50 square metres Thameslink passengers returning to their stations as lock-down restrictions ease will be able to enjoy a host of new features designed to give them a better journey experience.
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SEPTEMBER 2021 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
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Would YOU buy it? White rhino calf as been
BOSSES at one of the town’s charity shops is urging the Borough Council to reopen the tidy tip to ‘walk-ins’. Every morning the staff at charity shops across the town are faced with piles of unwanted items. Many of these pieces are unsaleable and are only fit the tip. The situation is getting so bad that council staff are having to come and clear the pavements of bags of what is basically rubbish. Charity shops are convinced that if the tidy tip was open subject to the arrangements prior to the pandemic, people wouldn’t be dumping their unwanted items on their door steps. Managers at the shops are asking residents only to donate goods that have some resale value and not use the shops as an easy way of getting rid of their rubbish. A guiding principle should be “would YOU buy it?”
born at Whipsnade Zoo
THE female calf, named Nandi by zookeepers, which means ‘sweet one’ in Zulu, was born at 4am on 21 August at the conservation Zoo, and is a welcome addition to the European Endangered species breeding programme. She joins her mum Tuli and dad Sizzle within the Zoo’s herd (also known as a “crash”) of eight Southern white rhinos. Following a 16-month pregnancy, keepers at the UK’s largest Zoo had been using stool samples from 14-year-old rhino mum, Tuli, to monitor her hormone levels, and knew that she was within a couple of days of giving birth. They were delighted when, before dawn on Saturday, she gave birth to a healthy, female calf in an indoor part of the enclosure that had been reserved for her use. Southern white rhinos are the world’s second largest land mammal. According to the IUCN Red List for Threatened Species, there are approximately 10,000 Southern white rhinos left in the wild, and their numbers are decreasing due to poaching, habitat loss, introduction of invasive species and climate change. Team leader Mark Holden said: “We are overjoyed to be welcoming such a precious addition to our ‘crash’ of Southern white rhinos at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo. “Southern white rhinos are
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born with over-sized, rubbery feet, which they have to ‘grow into’, so Nandi is understandably wobbly when she walks. Rhino calves spend most of their first week or two resting and drinking milk, but over the next few weeks she’ll grow, and as she does, she’ll get more playful, and confident in
exploring her huge enclosure here. “Tuli is very protective right now, so we’re letting them rest away from the group and out of sight of visitors, but in a few days they’ll both start to feel more confident about Nandi venturing out and getting to know the rest of the herd.”
New smart bike shelter opened THE new smart bike unit on Horne Lane has been officially opened, with a ribbon cutting by Mayor Dave Hodgson. This new unit is in the same location as the old bike racks by Harpur Square, enhancing these
well-used facilities. This is the UK’s first ever cycle hub to feature an app-based locking system that can be managed from your smartphone or tablet. The unit uses secure encrypted Bluetooth and ‘Near Field Communications’
to communicate between your phone and the shelter, you do not need internet access. Over 250 people have already signed up to use the unit, and since it opened for use earlier this summer it has already been used over 300 times. To access the shelter, cyclists just need to email: Sustainable. Transport@bedford.gov.uk with their full name, address in Bedford Borough and phone number. They will then receive details on how to access the unit and will need to download the ‘Okey Access’ app on their smart phone.
Mayor Dave Hodgson said: “It was great to officially open this new bike unit. Safer cycle parking is a priority for cyclists and this new unit is a real asset to our town centre. Cyclists will still need to lock their bikes in the shelter, but this added security will help to keep bikes safer. “This is just one in a number of different projects across our town centre; with the High Street works to reduce traffic in the town, and the Town Deal and Heritage Action Zone bringing additional investment and improvements.” This shelter is being funded as part of the Government’s £1m Town Deal Accelerator Fund. One of the other projects is signing of 27 cycle routes into the town centre and a circular route around the town to encourage more people to cycle.
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BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2021
MBB EDITION
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190K comments submitted for East West Rail consultation
T H E E a s t We s t Railway Company (EWR Co) has reported, that its recent 10 week consultation received more than 9,800 responses, made up of (over) 190,000 individual comments that are now each being analysed.
Responses to the East West Rail project’s second non-statutory public consultation were submitted by a wide range of people across the route, including members of the public, local authorities, businesses, parish councils, MPs and local community groups. The team is now working through the views and information provided, which will inform the next stage of design work for the new rail line, with a focus on creating a positive legacy for local communities and the environment. The public consultation covered two key themes: 1. Customer experience and railway operations. 2. Infrastructure proposals – including five route alignments for the section of East West Rail between Bedford and Cambridge, stations and level crossings along the whole East West Rail route including Oxford station, Bicester London Road level crossing, Bletchley and the Marston
Vale Line as well as Bedford station. With infrastructure proposals covering such a variety of concepts and options, and an intense period of engagement with local communities, responses came in covering a multitude of topics and themes. Analysis is being carried out by categorising responses for review by the relevant EWR Co technical teams to make sure every comment counts. The consultation itself used innovations such as virtual consultation rooms, easy explainer videos, factsheets and online chat sessions on top of sending traditional printed material to 270,000 addresses and using advertising to reach out to as many people in local communities as possible. Simon Blanchflower CBE, Chief Executive of East West Railway Company, said: “The number of responses we’ve received, the breadth of information and level of detail they contain demonstrates the value of consulting with local people at an early stage, and the huge level of public interest in East West Rail. “Our team of experts at EWR Co are now examining every comment and we will report back to communities on what we have been able to do as a result of the information people shared with us. The whole team here appreciates the thought and expertise displayed in the responses which were provided. “At the same time, we will continue to reach out to local commu-
nities and their representatives, so we can carry on talking without the formality of a full consultation. At the end of last month, I was invited to North East Bedfordshire by Richard Fuller MP to meet with him and representatives from the local community – my first such in-person meeting since Covid restrictions were lifted. It was great to be out on the route and I plan to have other similar meetings in the weeks to come.” Throughout the consultation EWR Co held more than 100 online meetings with interested organisations, local authorities and residents. During the consultation
there were 51,000 visitors to eastwestrail.co.uk with 199,000 page views. Some 75,000 documents were downloaded from the website including the consultation document, the technical report and several topic papers and factsheets – and 270,000 consultation summary documents were posted to residents and businesses along the East West Rail route. Consultation in numbers l 9,800+ responses to the public consultation l 190,000+ individual comments being analysed l 270,000 consultation summaries posted to residents and
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businesses along the East West Rail route 75,000 documents downloaded from the East West Rail website 51,000 visitors to www.eastwestrail.co.uk and 199,000 page views 4,800 visits to our virtual consultation rooms 3,500+ direct emails with people who asked questions during the consultation 400+ pieces of media coverage about the consultation 300+ advertisements in media along the route 64 online meetings with local MPs, councillors and parishes 32 online meetings with stake-
holders including industry and business groups l 18 online public webinars l 16 live chat events The responses to the second non-statutory consultation, alongside ongoing technical, financial and environmental studies, will be used to help shape the next stages of design. EWR Co will publish a report summarising the consultation feedback as well as information on how the feedback has been used to inform plans for the railway. People will then have further opportunities to comment on the proposals at the statutory consultation which is planned for 2022 following which EWR Co expects to submit a formal application for a Development Consent Order to the Secretary of State for permission to construct and operate the railway.
Sue Ryder Palliative Care Hub gets new Operations Manager
SUE RYDER St John’s Hospice Palliative Care Hub, which provides around the clock palliative support to people with a life limiting condition in Bedfordshire who prefer to receive care at home, has appointed a new Operations Manager. Amy Tyler, 33, from Stewartby has joined the Sue Ryder team from the Primary Care at Home Team at East London NHS Foundation Trust. “I have a personal connection with Sue Ryder St Johns Hospice as both my Grandad and Aunt spent their final days here, receiving quality care from the wonderful staff making their end of life as comfortable as possible,” Amy shares. “My same Aunt also worked here as a Sue Ryder Nurse on the Inpatient Unit and many of the current staff have many lovely memories of her. The hospice is surrounded by beautiful grounds and the people, including staff and volunteers, are so welcoming and supportive. “My background is administrative and managerial and I wanted to progress my career, as well as work somewhere that means a lot to me. When I noticed the vacancy of Operations Manager for the Palliative Care Hub I thought it was a perfect fit.” As part of her role, Amy is responsible for managing the day to day running of the Palliative Care Hub, working in collaboration with the Clinical Lead to optimise the staff rota and providing general office management, support for staff inductions, facilitating 1-1 meetings, staff performance, engagement and reporting. Amy is really enjoying her new role at Sue Ryder. “I enjoy getting to know and working with a variety
of people,” she shares. “Working within the Palliative Care Hub means that I am privileged to be part of a team of seven Registered Nurses, 21 Nursing Assistants and five Night Staff, plus our Bank team members too. “My welcome here has been amazing and I have received great support from all levels of staff.” “People are always interested when I say I work at a hospice and I feel very proud to do so. They always want to know more and I explain the service, my role and the people I get to work with on a daily basis. No two days are the same!” Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice currently has a number of Registered Nurse and Nursing Assistant job roles both in its Palliative Care Hub and inpatient unit based in Moggerhanger just outside Bedford, and Amy is keen to encourage more people join the charity too. “Working at Sue Ryder is such a rewarding career, providing palliative and end of life support and care to people and their families, knowing that you have contributed to making their final days as comfortable as possible.”
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SEPTEMBER 2021 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
Walk to Remember – Bedford Sign up to Walk to Remember – Bedford and walk 5k to celebrate the memory of your loved one this October. Get together with family and friends to remember someone special, raise funds and help Sue Ryder fill someone’s last days with love. Join hundreds of supporters at Walk to Remember – Bedford on Sunday October 10, 2021. Walk to Remember – Bedford, kindly sponsored by M&DH Insurance Services Ltd, will start at Everards Meadow. The 5k route will lead you along the beautiful Bedford Embankment and through Russell Park. You will have the opportunity to place a dedication en route in memory of loved ones. Crossing the finishing line, you will be rewarded with a well-deserved medal and the knowledge that you’ve done something amazing to remember those close to you.
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Crime Commissioner misses meeting discussing his plan!
The funds raised will help Sue Ryder to support people through the most difficult times of their lives. Whether that’s a terminal illness or a bereavement, with your support we can be there when it matters. Sign up now at: sueryder.org/walkbedford or contact the Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice Fundraising Team via email: stjohnsfund raising@sueryder.org or call 01767 642424. Sign up – standard tickets are: adult £12, child £7. Children under 5 go free. Family tickets (2 adults, 2 children) are £30, and a team of 6 ticket is £60. Or if you can’t make this date, organise your own Walk to Remember with family and friends any day in October. Simply register, then choose how far you Walk to Remember – 5k, 10k, or pick your own distance. Decide your start and finish line and make it your Walk to Remember with a route that means something to you.
BEDFORDSHIRE Police and Crime Commissioner Festus Akinbusoye (pictured right) has apologised for failing to turn up for a meeting to discuss his police and crime plan. The county’s police and crime panel had to rearrange its question and answer session with the PCC after his no show for a meeting in August. An extraordinary panel meeting was held on Thursday, August 19, at which he “shared his deep regrets about the misunderstanding last week, which I take full responsibility for as PCC.”
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He told the panel: “I won’t point any fingers at anyone or any group of people. “The buck stops with me. I should have understood better and I’m glad to be here anyway.” Liberal Democrat Goldington councillor Tim Caswell thanked the PCC for his “gracious apology” to the panel, saying: “That’s restored a lot of goodwill.” There are seven priority areas in the PCC’s police and crime plan for the next three years. These are: l investment in communitybased and community-led policing for urban and rural areas; l recruitment and retention of police officers; l tackling the causes of crime and breaking the cycle of reoffending; l placing residents and victims at the centre of policing priorities; l multi-agency and transparent approach to community safety and crime reduction; l transparency and open communication; l and national contributions and engaging with the strategic performance review. Referring to rape convictions being “notoriously low”, councillor Caswell asked the PCC for his views about “current conviction rates” and what can be done to improve them. Mr Akinbusoye replied: “My clear view about where they are is nowhere near good enough. It’s shocking. “Having met and having known women who’ve been raped, and seen some since I’ve been in this role, to hear what they’ve been through is heartbreaking. “I’m absolutely committed to ensuring we’ve the resources so that the victims of this horrific crime get every support they need immediately. “From the instance they report the incident to the way they’re treated by our officers is the way it should be. Also that the way we convict these people (rapists) and lock them away is done properly.
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by Euan Duncan – Local Democracy Reporter
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“The biggest concern I have about this now is over the serious issue of the backlogs in our courts. “Covid hasn’t helped that at all,” he explained. “We’ve those victims who you need to be part of an investigation. “The longer an investigation goes and the longer the delays, the drop out rate is just astonishing. So we’re now working on the case of having Nightingale courts being opened up. “I’m due to have a discussion with the courts service to see what we can do to expedite this. But the backlog is something which gives me a huge cause for concern at the moment.” Councillor Caswell added: “Bedford has no court and people accused of crimes and very vulnerable witnesses often can’t get to Luton.” The PCC said: “We’re doing some work at the moment through one of the victim support services to see what more can be done to educate witnesses or victims about the several options available to them when they go to court. “There are procedures in place now where they can give a statement, so they can give evidence remotely and where they can give their witness statement pre-recorded. “I’m not sure those options are being made clear to victims early enough to the point where they say: ‘I don’t want to face that guy in court’. “In fact there are ways around that without jeopardising the prosecution.”
Well dressed burglar gets jail
A BURGLAR, who entered a highend clothing store in Bedford by digging through a wall and was arrested wearing a coat he took, has been jailed for 32 months. Richard West, 46, of Shakespeare Road, Bedford, who was found guilty of one count of burglary and one count of attempting to commit burglary, was sentenced at Luton Crown Court on Friday, August 6, 2021. ––––––––––––––––
N
Caught by the seat of his pants
A BURGLAR who was caught when fibres from his jeans were found on a garden gate has been jailed for almost five years. Peter Smith, 38, of Prebend Street, Bedford, was jailed over two burglaries in Kempston in August last year. Police officers, led by the victim’s description of the burglar, found Smith in Chantry Road, Kempston and when they tried to speak to him, he ran off but was subsequently arrested.
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BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2021
MBB CAHNGE
— 7
£4.5 million investment in new bridge to replace dangerous level crossing
A BRIDGE dubbed ‘ugly’ by a local councillor is to replace a notorious level crossing in Bedfordshire at a cost of more than £4.5m.
Network Rail intends to build a bridleway over the East Coast Mainline at Biggleswade and close Lindsells crossing on public safety grounds. The bridge will be 12.6m tall, 60.1m wide and span 113 metres, according to a report to Central Bedfordshire Council’s development management committee. There are about 310 trains daily on the East Coast Mainline, travelling up to 125mph from London to Peterborough and the north-east of England. A new bridleway will be created on one side of the track to redirect a right of way because of the crossing’s removal, said the report. The committee approved an application from Network Rail Infrastructure Limited for a new ramped and stepped bridleway footbridge over the railway line, about 400m north of Lindsells crossing. Planning officer Tom Mead said: “Of particular benefit, the structure would provide a safe means of passage over the East Coast Mainline accessible to all users of the relocated bridleway.” He explained that part of the application site is owned by Conservative Biggleswade North councillor Ian Bond, who addressed the committee and then left the meeting. Councillor Bond described the
OLD CROSSING
by Euan Duncan – Local Democracy Reporter
crossing as “one of the most dangerous in the country”, saying: “A successful housing infrastructure fund (HIF) bid for Biggleswade by CBC asked for Lindsells to be replaced by a new bridleway bridge. “Nobody in their right mind would want such a large bridge. But the proposal before you is a quantum leap from the original application submitted in May. “A proper scheme is required and Biggleswade residents deserve the best we can provide.” Biggleswade Town Council said it supports the strengthened landscaping plans, asking for attention to be paid to the irrigation and the use of mature trees. Network Rail project manager Andrew Farnworth referred to Lindsells as “a high risk category because of the line speed at the crossing, the frequency of trains and its length”. He said: “Despite some mitigations, the crossing has a history of deliberate misuse and user error. Tragically there’ve been two fatalities there in the last ten years. “Through CBC, Homes England is providing funding to build the new bridleway bridge and facilitate the closure of the crossing. “The design is a steel structure
similar to those at many other rural locations in the country. “It’s recognised it’s a large structure, but that’s the necessity of creating a bridge that safely passes over an electrified fourtrack railway. “We think we’ll be on site for six to eight months.” Biggleswade Independent South councillor Hayley Whitaker said: “There’s a huge amount of local opposition to this development. “That said, safety has got to be paramount. It’s blooming ugly. It’s just the ugliest thing. And the original plans for the screening with trees were pretty poor. “My major concerns are the night time works which will have a huge impact. If we can condition noise barriers or quiet piling, that would go a long way towards mitigating the noise experienced by local residents.” There were eight objections from residents, two in favour of the plans and five general comments received. The committee agreed an earlier application by Network Rail in November to close the bridleway at Lindsells level crossing and build a replacement bridge, while upgrading two Biggleswade footpaths to bridleways.
NEW BRIDGE
Town councillors highlight a string of potential issues with development plans PLANS for up to 416 homes on a 43-acre site north of Biggleswade are being opposed by the town council. Applicant Hallam Land Management asked for its development brief for land north of Biggleswade, with access from Furzenhall Road, to be put on hold in March 2020. The project includes affordable housing, allotments, a community orchard, public open space, children’s play area, parking, cycleways and footpaths, and landscaping. Open land lies north of the site, with the East Coast Main Line to the west and housing accessed from Potton Road to the east. There have been three petitions opposing
the outline proposals, according to the planning notice on Central Bedfordshire Council’s website, as well as 1,412 representations against it, 15 in favour and six general comments. Deputy mayor Grant Fage told a town council meeting: “It was over 18 months ago we first started to see the detail of this application. “There has been a back and forth between us and our planning consultant as and when further documentation has become available,” he explained. “The objection highlights the most material areas which ourselves and the consultants agree are the things planning
officers should be caring about the most. “We could have probably come up with a list of 20 to 30 things we dislike about this scheme, but we picked out those which are the most impactful. “Firstly, there’s the terrible access down Furzenhall Road and the applicant’s inability to deal with parked cars. “Secondly, the very poor analysis they’ve done over the junctions between Shortmead Street and Sun Street and between Drove Road and London Road. “And also there’s the disruption caused to and the impact on several monuments and potentially nationally important archaeology on that site.
“I’d like backing for sending that to CBC as our official response to the planning application,” he added. “I’d like to request that we ask CBC to put this response and that of Sandy Town Council on the planning portal, so it’s accessible to others. “We should also ask for our technical audit to go on the portal, as it seems to have mysteriously disappeared. “And we should ask Central Beds to do more work over the Grove Road junction with London Road, which is already over capacity.” Councillor Mark Knight described it as “an excellent response”, asking whether it
could include “a reference to the dangerous and narrow nature of footpaths on the Potton Road railway bridge.” Mayor Madeline Russell summarised the recommendation, saying: “This paper should be the formal response from the town council to the plans. “We’re to add a note about the footpaths on Potton Road bridge, request various documents go on the planning portal, and ask for CBC’s consultants to analyse the Grove Road and London Road junction.” The land north of Biggleswade project would be determined by Central Bedfordshire Council’s development management committee in due course.
8 —
SEPTEMBER 2021 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
Talks by local crafts people
The Sandy Guild is a group of local people offering friendship, support and fundraising within the local community. We are organising talks and demonstrations to be held every other month. During lockdown did you wish there was a skill you could learn, if so these talks could be the opportunity you are looking for. The first demonstration will be held on Thursday September 23 at 7.30pm at Sandy Town Council Office, 10 Cambridge Road, Sandy, SG19 1JE. Local artist, Sophie Patel, will be talking about her pet portraits. She will demonstrate some simple drawing exercises and then do a study with a Q&A session. Tickets cost £5 by emailing sandyguild2019@gmail.com via our Facebook, page or by calling 07500 907715. All profits will go to St John’s Hospice.
MID BEDS EDITION
Walks along Greensand have become easier FINDING routes to walk in Greensand Country has just become easier thanks to new leaflets from Bedfordshire Geology Group (BGG). As well as suggesting attractive places to visit, the three free geotrails explain how the rocks under your feet affect the scenery that you pass through. Now, the Curry Fund has awarded the BGG a certificate of excellence for the quality of the leaflets. The Fund’s chairman, Doctor Haydon Bailey, presented the framed document to Bev Fowlston of the BGG in front of members and guests at old St Mary’s Church in Clophill. A Curry Fund grant helped pay for the leaflets and Haydon commented that it is “an initiative of high geological significance. It has a wide target audience including both geologists and non-geologists, with a very wide age range.” The Greensand Country Landscape Partnership also helped to cover the costs. “We wanted to show how geology affects what you see when you’re out walking and Greensand country has many distinct features” said BGG Secretary, Derek Turner. “You’ll find quarries where building stone and sand have been extracted and see distinct plants like heather that can cope with the dry sandy soils.” The geotrails cover three areas of Greensand Country
which forms a narrow corridor across Bedfordshire. The Western Geotrail starts from Rushmere Country Park near Leighton Buzzard and the Central Geotrail loops around Maulden. The Eastern Geotrail includes a short walk from the RSPB car park at the Lodge near Sandy and another around Potton with a link between them for seasoned walkers. The leaflets can be downloaded from the publications page of the BGG website bedfordshiregeology group.org.uk
SANDY TOWN COUNCIL LORS COUNCILPIN TOWNL WA NACLE WARD RD
BEESTON WARD Cllr M P Scott tion 1) Work 01767 680983 (Op om et.c tern btin 9@ scott72 “The Gowans” Seddington Nursery Great North Road Seddington,Sandy SG19 1NZ RD FALLOWFIELD WA Cllr P Sharman 07889 599556 3 Swallow Crest Sandy SG19 2SN on Cllr Dr N Thomps 137 683 67 017 46 Kestrel Way Sandy SG19 2TE Cllr S Paterson com cllr.s.paterson@outlook. dy San et, Stre ter 15 Car SG19 1BT
IVE Cllr P Blaine 01767 692619 ail.com peterblaine.blaine@gm 19 Poplar Close Sandy SG19 1HH
Cllr P N Aldis 01767 691333 nigel.aldis1@gmail.com SG19 1NF 7 Mayfield Court, Sandy M.B.E., J.P. Cllr C Osborne 01767 682032 ll ‘Summercourt’ Hi M lr Cl dy SG19 1LU 2 Leeds Smith Drive, San 469 01767 681 g ag Kn m T lr k.co Cl amaxhill@outloo SG19 1PE 01767 223165 21 The Green, Beeston m b.knagg2584@outlook.co 1RR 549 682 67 017 Close, Sandy SG19 ilee Jub 3 Cllr W Jackson Cllr A Gibson et.com will.jackson662@btintern 01767 699517 1HF 19 SG dy San s, om 14 Westfield Garden amandafage@hotmail.c dy SG19 1HS tt San tti ws, Pe allo J Allh M 1 lr Cl Cllr J Hewitt 01767 680082 .com 01767 512002 martin.pettitt@virginmedia ells Hall, s Clock Tower Cottage, Haz 42 Swansholme Garden dy SG19 2DD San d, Roa 1HL rton 19 Eve SG dy San Cllr R Lock Cllr S Sutton r.lock8259@gmail.com 01767 227589 2 Havelock Close 33 Bedford Road Sandy SG19 1TE Sandy SG19 1EP
Lamppost banners celebrate Sandy
Sandy town centre was brightened last month by the installation of new lamppost banners on columns along the High Street. The banners all celebrate different features of Sandy, encouraging the community to enjoy our lovely greenspaces and support our High Street. These banners formed part of the Town Council’s ‘Celebrate Summer in Sandy High Street’ initiative and were produced using grant funding from the government’s Welcome Back Fund, which looks to support the safe return to local high streets, facilitated by Central Bedfordshire Council. Further enhancements for the town centre, such as additional planters, decorative lighting and bunting have also been secured through this grant. Look out for a change next month as the current banners will be swapped out for some new designs, as part of the town’s Remembrance tribute.
Council meetings
All meetings commence at 7.30pm exce Human Resources which starts at 6.30 pt Development Scrutiny (Planning) whicpm and h starts at 6.45pm in the Council Cha mber, 10 Cambridge Road, Sandy, SG191JE (unl ess otherwise stated on the Agenda). Due to the size of the Council cham ber and the potential number of people pres ent, Councillors, officers and members of the public are encouraged to wear face coverings during the meeting. Monday 6th September 2021 Development Scrutiny Policy Finance & Resources Monday 20th September 2021 Human Resources – Town Council Monday 4th October 2021 Development Scrutiny Community Services & Environmen t See our website for details of othe r meetings. ALL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
AND PRESS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND.
Sandy skatepark proje ct progress Sandy Town Council’s am bit concrete skatepark to rep ion to provide a new, high-quality lace the town’s old facility Sunderland Road recrea at tio support following the aw n ground has received further arding of £25,000 in gra nt funding from Central Bedfordsh ire The Council is delighted Council’s Community Asset Fund. to receive the funding, wh £44,000 in grant fundin ich adds to g already secured by the Council. To date the Council has rais the costs of a new skatep ed approximately £69,000 towards ark. The Council is also please d process Maverick Skatep to announce that following a tender arks has been appointed with the Council on the to partner des build of a new skatepark ign, consultation, engagement and . The Council will be worki ng with Maverick to sec funding towards the pro ure more jec the design of the skatep t and to engage with the public on ark over the coming we eks. Be sure to follow the Sandy Skate Par information and to find k Project Facebook page for more out how you can get inv olved.
10 Cambridge Road, Sandy SG19 1JE Tel: 01767 681491 Fax: 01767 692527 admin@sandytowncouncil.gov.uk www.sandytowncouncil.gov.uk
TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
SANDY TWINNING ASSOCIATION
Whilst life in Skarszewy seems to have returned more or less to normal with lots of large outdoor gatherings and the Borowno beach venue crowded most days with the fine weather, friends in Malaunay report that the French are becoming increasingly agitated about the rapid rise in new infections which has now overtaken the UK. Travel restrictions have now been eased between Britain and France with the need for quarantine on return home removed. However the French government has controversially introduced new green passes which are needed for entry to restaurants, museums, cinemas etc. and which are not proving popular. Vaccination rates have been ramped up and are now well ahead of Poland, though in both countries the numbers of those refusing to be jabbed remains much higher than here. The weekend of May 7/8, 2022 has now been officially agreed by both sides for celebrating the 40th anniversary of the twinning with Sandy. As we gradually emerge from the pandemic and start to resume activities there is a need for the association, like all similar groups, to recruit new blood if we are to continue, and if any members of the local community would like to be involved with either link please get in touch. We have members from Henlow to St Neots and both our partner towns involve extended communities as well. For any information about our link town’s or the Association’s activities please contact Martin Pettitt on 680082 (martin.pettitt@virginmedia.com) or Max Hill on 681469 (amaxhill@outlook.com)
FRIENDS OF SANDY CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
A much depleted management group held its first meeting last week for over a year and confirmed that this year’s event will go ahead barring any new restrictions introduced by the government. The event will take place on Sunday November 28, between 1pm and 5.15pm in the town centre and will follow a similar format to what was organised two years ago. There will be a large
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number of stalls offering a wide variety of seasonal treats, a full programme of stage acts, a Santa’s grotto, a large funfair and street performers including a fairy on stilts. The lights will be switched on at 16.30 by the town’s Prince and Princess. More details as planning progresses but for the moment please make a note of the date in your diaries. What we need above all is help with the planning and especially on the day itself. Meetings are only held monthly so demands on time are not excessive. Like so many community groups we have lost members during the pandemic for one reason or another and the group needs to rebuild. If you would like to help in some way or other with what is traditionally Sandy’s largest community e vent of the year, you will be most welcome. Tot express an interest please contacts either the Town Councillor or friendsofsandychristmaslights@outlook.com
BIGGLESWADE SANDY LIONS CLUB (CIO)
Life seems to be returning to something approaching normal. We are now meeting face to face on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. The Second Vice District Governor Lesley Spence spoke to us about ROAR which asks children aged 7 to 11 years what would they change to make the world a better place? They work together in small teams to agree their project, make a model and present their findings to their peers who judge them. The winning team goes on to represent the school in regional and hopefully national finals. We have sponsored three schools in the area so wait for the results. We will be at several fetes this year although only one looks definite which is Gamlingay Show on September 18, I shall be on two stalls, Potton View Care Home and Lions. Someone suggested that I should have my face painted as half Lion and half Black Swan, so watch this space. During lockdown we have been busy helping wherever we can. I have already mentioned ROAR but that is not the only project we have beendoing. Message in a bottle and message in a wallet have continued apace as have the collection of spectacles. Please do remember to recycle your old spectacles at one of the points shown on our website www.bslions.org.uk. We have also made small donations to various local needs. We would like to welcome you to one of our meetings on the first or third Wednesday of the month. So that we can make sure you are met and properly looked after I would suggest that you ring one of the numbers on our website which are 01462 814693 or 0345 833 9749. I hope to see some of you at one of the shows or fetes. Please do make yourself known to us. John Bennewith
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A1 underpass flooding needs sorting out by Euan Duncan –Local Democracy Reporter
A PASSIONATE plea for action has been made by the mayor of Biggleswade Madeline Russell over the flooding of a path under the A1 in the town. The underpass is part of a riverside walk to Jordan’s Mill and is frequently flooded, according to a report to the town council. Councillors were asked to agree writing to Highways England “to request that it improves the drainage, so that the right of way is open at all times”. Councillor Russell explained: “We’re still finding mud and water under the bridge alongside the river. “They haven’t got the levels right and there’s no way that water can drain away. “You would need Wellington boots. You couldn’t do it with walking shoes, I don’t think. “I spoke about this to Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity (BRCC) which said it’s Highways England’s responsibility. “One of Central Bedfordshire Council’s rights of way officers has given us the correct place to contact. And I’ve taken some photographs that can be sent with a letter. “What I’m asking council to do is write to the Highways Agency explaining the issues and mention-
ing it’s a well used path. “I don’t really want to keep climbing over the wall on to the river bank to enable me to get through there,” she added. “I’m getting too old to do that.” CBC Conservative Biggleswade South and town councillor Mark Foster asked whether it was the clerk writing on behalf of the local authority or the town mayor sending the letter. “It’s the town council writing,” she replied. “I just wanted to be clear,” said councillor Foster. “It absolutely needs to be done, not just for yourself, madam mayor, but for the benefit of everyone else as well.” Councillors agreed a letter should be sent by the town clerk to Highways England to solve the flooding of the A1 underpass.
THERE has been quite a lot of media attention over the past couple of years given to the use of Glyphosate as a weed killer. In America, a Californian Court awarded damages to Dewayne Johnson who said it was responsible for giving him terminal Cancer. However, it is still available to use and for many that use total weed killer, it is the primary active ingredient in the most commonly available brands. The debate as to its continued use rages but this has led many people to look for alternatives and against that backdrop, I recently used white vinegar and happily, it appears to have been effective. I simply decanted some into a garden sprayer, and sprayed on a patch of gravel, on a sunny and hot day and within a few hours, the weed was looking decidedly moribund. It is worth noting that the vinegary smell hung around for a while but it did the trick. Similarly, and coincidentally, a client of mine in an attempt to remove fungal growth from a fairy ring on her lawn, recently sprayed a mixture of one part white vinegar to three parts water onto the offending interlopers and she also reports that this has been successful BUT with a caveat: the nearby grass is looking a little brown. At the moment of writing, it is too soon to say whether the damage to the sword is terminal or not but I will report back next month. My dear old dad used to incur the wrath of my mother by raiding her larder and use table salt liberally scattered on weeds that were poking through the patio. Although effective, having obtrusive, white mounds of salt dotted around is not everyone’s definition of what constitutes an attractive garden and certainly was certainly not my mother’s! Garlic spray is an effective pest control as is a squirt of washing up
liquid diluted with water or if muntjack or even domestic cats are causing damage, chilli powder or white pepper scattered can be effective. The website, for those of you online, www. naturalgrower.co.uk, is interesting and has a range of organic, vegan friendly horticultural solutions and preparations. Do any readers have any suggestions for non-conventional weed or pest control in the garden? If so, please get in touch using the details below. Last month’s just for fun quiz question was: what is the botanical name of the plant known as ‘Rose of Sharon’? Bit of a trick question as this biblical expression refers to a number of different, unrelated plants and once again highlights the problem of using common names rather than the unambiguous botanical names. For many, Rose Of Sharon is applied to the Hypericum calycinum whereas for others, it alludes to the Hibiscus syriacus. As if that wasn’t confusing enough, the term is also applied to Hibiscus rosa-senensis, Paeonia lactiflora, Malus domestica and even a type of Iris! Bite the bullet, brace yourself and gird up your loins, but not all at once, and always use botanical names would be my advice! And if anyone accuses you of being pretentious, simply say what Sybil does in a memorable episode of Fawlty Towers and say ‘Pretentious? Moi?!’ This month’s just for fun question is: What common name was dianthus barbatus given to honour the Duke of Cumberland’s victory at the Battle of Culloden? As usual, many thanks to all of you for contributing to this column, keep them coming, and please contact me with any gardening tasks or queries you may have, lawndocgardens@aol.com or tel: 01767 627 581 or 07796 328 855.
LAWN DOCTOR
MID BEDS EDITION
BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2021
— 9
Soon there will be no places for local children
TIME is running out to avoid a repeat of children born and raised in a Bedfordshire village being told no place is available at the local primary school, a parent has warned. A working group has been set up to review the situation, according to Langford resident Joe Henley. Presenting a petition of more than 400 signatures to Central Bedfordshire Council’s executive, he described how progress is painfully slow. Langford Village “The Academy campaign began in April when my wife and I were staggered to find that our son hadn’t been allocated a place at this school, despite being born in and living in Langford,” he explained. “He was also declined a place at our second and third primary school choices Raynsford Academy at
Henlow and Clifton All Saints Academy. “All three schools are hopelessly oversubscribed and the situation in Langford is getting worse. “A snap decision was made by the Bedfordshire Schools Trust (BEST), which runs the village academy, to reduce the intake from 45 to 30 this year. “In Langford, two new year groups in the same number of classrooms meant fewer children could be admitted in reception. “Five Langford children weren’t allocated a place at the local academy in April,” he said. “A working group has formed around this issue, which mobilises CBC, BEST and the parish council, with myself representing the parent community. Applications for next year open
in September, added Mr Henley, who called for the school to be expanded. “This is no longer about our child or our family. This is about the future of school places in our village, and those that surround us. “Next year we know at least 37 children will apply for the 30 places in reception at Langford Village Academy. “We ask the executive to support our group and a petition which received 430 signatures in five weeks.” Conservative Leighton Buzzard South councillor Amanda Dodwell replied: “I understand how strongly you feel as in many cases families want their children to go to school in their village. “I also understand not being given your first choice this April
was stressful and upsetting. “The reduction in pupils being admitted at Langford Village Academy is part of a wider plan for Shefford, Stotfold and the surrounding areas within CBC’s Schools for the Future programme. “Pupil place planning for the area for the next academic year didn’t require any extra places to be secured, this proved to be correct. Councillor Dodwell, who’s the deputy executive member for families, education and children. said: “If the pupil admission number for Langford had expanded to 60 it would have had to have been reduced elsewhere. “As this school is an academy the local authority cannot enforce pupil admission numbers. BEST agreed the revised figure, as did the regional schools commissioner.”
10 —
SEPTEMBER 2021 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
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NEWS that a multi-million Hollywood style studio is to be set up at Broxbourne in Herts, is news to the ears of graduates of The Bedford College Group. Students at the South Bank Centre in Bedford are preparing for a career in films with a range of performing arts and moviemaking technical skills. Among them is the “top up” degree course taking students to full BA qualifications. Of 14 students who embarked on the brand new Media Technology and Music Production BAs (Level 6) all have now heard they have passed, and four gained 1st Class degrees. Course Manager Sean Doyle MA, said: “We are so proud of all our students who are now wellplaced to seek careers in the fastmoving fields of movies and music.” The students themselves are a great mix of people proving how “progressing” from entry level courses to a full degree is very accessible at The Bedford College Group. This applies across a range of subject areas where people can study at a Higher Education level bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk Patrick Taylor, Music Technology graduate, of Milton Keynes travelled to the South Bank Centre in Bedford because: “There is nothing else like this in the area. The lecturers here know how the industry works and offer great insights.” Patrick progressed from a Foundation Degree into the top up at Bedford College. In addition to being a guitarist, Patrick, is working in ‘mastering’ engineering in the industry, and as a tech-
Sean centre front, with L-R Patrick, Ryan John and Charlotte.
nician at Milton Keynes Theatre. Fellow Music Technology success, Ryan Shackleton, 23, of Clapham, Bedford joined the college as a Level 3 student and worked his way towards his degree. He has made contacts in South Korea and plans to work there alongside his new musical
friends. “It’s very welcoming and comfortable here at Bedford College, but also inspiring.” Media production graduate Charlotte Afflick from Wootton came to college at the age of 16 to take a Level 3 BTEC in Media, TV and Film. She stayed on to
progress through her Higher Education journey via a Foundation Degree and now has a 1st in Music Production. “It’s brilliant at Bedford College. Covid could have put a spanner in the works, but the staff made it all fit and now I am looking to head towards a career in production management.” John Harrison, aged 42, decided to pursue his interest in movies as a profession, signing up as a mature student. Living in Bedford, the location of the campus and the flexibility of hours meant he could keep his job while writing scripts and planning his first film with a fellow 2021 graduate Matthew Jolaosho, who has a film in the Toronto Film Festival. https://bedfordcollegegroup.ac .uk/about/news/matthew-takingthe-movie-business-by-storm/ Alex Mortby Director of Higher Education said: “Our Higher Education courses are well recognised by a wide range of major employers in engineering, technology, health and care services, and our links with the arts and creative industries offer vital in-roads for students. The Bedford College Group is a great place to be an undergraduate, all the quality of teaching and contacts, without the living away costs of going to university.” Thinking of going through clearing to find a degree course? Look at The Bedford College Group campuses in Beds and Northants. No need to ramp up accommodation costs, or give up local jobs. Final date for applications October 19.
Foundation supports new college facility
A DONATION of £750,000 by The Connolly foundation is helping to fund a new Modern Methods of Construction facility at Bedford College. The new department will provide courses for school-leavers, apprentices, and those wishing to progress to Higher Education in this exciting and developing area. The facility will provide training in the latest equipment used on building sites as well as the manufacturing of building ‘offsite’, which will enable students and apprentices to
gain quality experience both in and out of the college environment. It will also be used to re-skill those already in the industry to respond to emerging methods of construction. David Wilkins, from Bedford College, said: this significant donation from the Connolly Foundation has enabled the College to invest in the latest industry equipment which is used in the design and manufacture of Offsite buildings, representing a key part of the future of the Construction Industry. With this equipment
we will be able to train a wide representation of new and existing personnel with these emerging technologies and techniques as well as contributing to reducing the skills gap in the industry. The building is expected to be open in September and will accommodate nearly 100 students from the age of 16. The total cost is £4.3 million and the college has also received a donation from the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP).
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View from the Rt Revd
Richard Atkinson
The Bishop of Bedford
CELEBRATING TEACHERS
As the GCSE and ‘A’ Level exam results are announced each year I find myself remembering those who taught me at school. Whilst some have faded from memory, a select few remain prominent as those who helped me to be the person that I am. For education is never just about the conveyance of knowledge. It is always also about the development of potential, character, and personhood. Among those I celebrate are Miss Sworder (it was surnames in my day!) who got me going as a seven year old; Mr Blaiklock who unlocked the mysteries of mathematics; ‘Chalky’ White who had taught my uncle, but yet retained his passion for teaching and the desire to introduce us to the intricacies of Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling; and Chris Dean (we were getting more familiar by the sixth form) who revealed the wonders of modern history. Who do you remember? Who do you celebrate? One of my roles as a Bishop is to Chair the Diocesan Board of Education which oversees our family of 138 Church Schools across Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire. Despite what is often said these are not ‘faith’ schools in a confessional sense, but state schools that have a Christian character established for the communities where they are set. Popular with parents, inclusive in nature, they continue the involvement of the Church of England in the education of children that has been there from the start. Over the last eighteen months at our Board of Education meetings we have listened to the headteachers on the Board as they have described how they and their colleagues have responded flexibly, creatively, patiently and with sheer hard work to the testing environment caused by the pandemic. It has been humbling to hear of the commitment to their children, their learning, and their well-being. Despite the often changing, and sometimes inconsistent advice of government, they have given their all. At the start of this new school year let’s celebrate those who teach and all who work with them in our schools – all our schools whatever their character or foundation. Let us cherish the vocation that is teaching and rejoice in those beginning to train. Above all let us rejoice in that gift of education that not only conveys knowledge but gives us life. As Jesus said: ‘I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly’.
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BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2021
In Focus with
In Focus with
Dave
Yasin
by Dave Hodgson Mayor of Bedford
— 11
MP for Bedford and Kempston
FOREIGN POLICY FAILURE
SUPPORTING JOBS AND BUSINESSES
I recently attended the ‘sod turning’ at Fujifilm’s new UK Office headquarters off Cardington Road and also visited the Amazon fulfilment centre at Bedford Commercial Park. I have been pleased to be able to visit a number of businesses across the Borough as the Coronavirus regulations have started to be relaxed. I am keen to visit as many of our wide variety of businesses as possible to better understand the opportunities and pressures they face. If you have a business, of any size, and would like me to visit please drop me an email at Dave.Hodgson@bedford.gov.uk Bedford Borough has a rich mix of businesses from a variety of sectors, with a number of high-value companies employing highly skilled personnel to undertake complex and innovative commercial operations. Other such businesses include Unilever, Aircraft Research Association, Hybrid Air Vehicles, Swiss Precision Diagnostic and Mologic to name just a few. It is really valuable to have a number of high-value businesses joining, expanding or investing in Bedford Borough. Not only have they brought investment and high skilled employment, they will also act as a catalyst to attract more business investment and high-value jobs into the area, against the backdrop of the emerging Oxford Cambridge Arc. We are also seeing investment in growing talent locally. I was very pleased to be at the opening of the new STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) teaching block at Mark Rutherford School. The new centre of excellence comprises seven classrooms and a lecture theatre and will inspire a whole generation of young people in Bedfordshire to pursue STEM subjects and help grow the next generation of engineers, scientists and technologists. You can read more about the opening at https:// mayordave.org.uk/en/article/2021/1409137/mark-rutherfordschool-s-new-stem-teaching-block.
Watching the scenes at Kabul airport as the Taliban took control has left me and many others with feelings of overwhelming sorrow and anger for the millions of Afghans in danger. Reports that parents are throwing their babies over barbed-wire fences in desperate attempts to save them from Taliban rule show the sheer scale of the foreign policy failure of the US, UK and NATO, matched only by the humanitarian emergency now unfolding. I have already had a stream of heart-breaking correspondence from constituents here in Bedford and Kempston, frantic at the thought of the fate that awaits family members. Our immediate priority must be the deployment of British troops to evacuate British nationals, as well as the Afghan staff and interpreters who assisted our armed forces. The Government has been shamefully slow to assure these Afghans, and urgent steps must be taken to rescue all those to whom we owe a huge debt. The oncoming refugee crisis will require an international response and recent cuts by the Conservative government to the foreign aid budget, including to Afghanistan by half, put us on the back foot. It is imperative that the UK Government urgently co-ordinate with the UN and other international organizations to establish safe routes for refugees to neighbouring countries. The Government’s resettlement scheme to take 20,000 refugees over several years, with just 5,000 this year has already been derided by the UNHCR as ‘confusing and disingenuous’; most Afghans fleeing the Taliban will not be able to access the scheme. The humanitarian crisis must mark a turning point for our failed asylum system, including ending the hostile environment. The Nationality and Borders Bill would criminalise a woman fleeing the Taliban with her children on a boat across the channel. This Bill, which I voted against, is cruel and unworkable and must be overhauled. It is a tragic end that we are ceding back the country to the very insurgency that we went in to defeat in the first place. I have heard from British soldiers who are now further traumatised that their sacrifice has amounted to nothing. Of course, that’s not true. 457 brave British military personnel died fighting for decency and tolerance and to keep us safe from terrorist attacks. For 20 years, they largely succeeded, with the help of the Afghan people, the majority for whom yearn for a true democracy, and 70,000 of whom died fighting for their country.
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CASTLE Newnham school is supporting a group of ex pupils who are doing the Three Peaks Challenge in memory of a school friend who tragically took his own life in 2019. In August they set off for Scotland in a minibus lent by the school. Liam Taylor is one
of the group who is involved in the challenge which aimed to raise for money for MIND the mental health charity. “Although we knew that Andy was suffering with some mental health issues, for the people who knew and loved him, this was obviously a massive
shock”, said Liam. “Mental illness and the stigma surrounding it is a big issue for men of a certain age in this country, and as Andy’s friends we wanted to find a way to do something to help with this issue in any way we could. “What we came up with was the Three Peaks Challenge. This involves climbing the highest mountains in Scotland (Ben Nevis), Wales (Snowdon) and England (Scafell Pike) in the space of 24 hours in order to raise money and awareness. “Mind, do wonderful work with supporting those with mental health issues and suicide prevention.”
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12 —
SEPTEMBER 2021 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
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film review mealtime The Duke Jim Broadbent goes back to 1961 as Kempton Burnton in the comedy biography ‘The Duke’. The movie portrays the real story of a 60-yearold taxi driver who stole Goya’s portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery in London. Burnton claims the act of thievery was made for the greater good of the British elderly in care homes. Through a ransom note, Burnton agrees to return the painting, as long as the police fulfil his request asking the government to invest more for the future of elderly. Long before the event happened, Burnton himself had been campaigning for pensioners to be given free television. The movie will reveal not only what actually happened in the once-in-a-lifetime of the old man, but also the personal problems Burnton had been struggling with. Names among the cast are Helen Mirren, Fionn Whitehead, Matthew Goode, Anna Maxwell Martin, Aimee Kelly, Charlotte Spencer, and Sian Clifford. Meanwhile, those behind the
One pot chicken and potatoes
Serves: 4 An easy supper to make, particularly as all the ingredients go into one pan, so it even saves on the washing up!
screen are British director Roger Michell who takes the lead in making true of the screenplay by writers Richard Bean and Clive Coleman. ‘The Duke’ was first premiered at the Venice Film Festival on 4th, September 2020. It has gotten remarkable comments from movie critics in mainstream media despite failing to be the
events’ official selection. One of the reviews is written by Guy Lodge from Variety, saying that the film “Is a perfectly nimble, kind-hearted bit of teatime entertainment — ideally tailored to Jim Broadbent in one of his most appealing big-screen roles. ‘The Duke’ will hit the theatres in the UK on September 3, 2021.
INGREDIENTS - 300g cooked chicken, cut into bite-sized chunks - 650g salad potatoes, halved - 1 (400g) tin chopped tomatoes - 1 onion, chopped - 2 tbsps olive oil - 2 tsps ground cumin - ½ tsp dried chilli flakes - 3 tbsps chopped fresh coriander (optional) - 2 garlic cloves, crushed (optional) METHOD 1. Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan, add the onion and fry for two minutes until soft. 2. Add the potatoes, garlic, cumin and chilli and cook for a further minute, stirring. 3. Add the chicken, tinned tomatoes, then half fill the tin with water and add this to the pan. 4. Bring the mixture to the boil then simmer uncovered for 14 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the sauce thickened slightly. 5. Stir in the coriander and season to taste. 6. Serve in bowls with green beans.
comedy ‘Comedy in the Sun’ in Russell Park and The Quarry, Bedford Castle Comedy has two very special shows this September. Friday September 3 – Castle Comedy & The Comedy Cow team up with the Bedford Running Festival for an outdoor spectacular in Russell Park, Bedford. It will feature some of the biggest names in UK comedy, lovely surroundings & big laughs! SARA PASCOE is one of the biggest comedy stars in the UK! She is the host of Comedy Central’s Guessable & Dave’s Comedians Do Lectures and one of the stars of Mock the Week, Live at the Apollo and Taskmaster. She has also appeared on The Last Leg, QI and Have I got News for You. “Always clever and sometimes exquisite” The Independent JO CAULFIELD whether you’ve seen her on TV shows such as Have
I Got News For You, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow or The Royal Variety Performance, heard her on the radio on “Just a Minute” or “Stop The Press”, or caught her live at one of her awardwinning Edinburgh Festival shows, the chances are you’re already
Castle Comedy hosts the British Comedian of the Year: Bedford Heat. This competition has the biggest comedy prize in the UK, a whopping £10,001. This will be a special show
familiar with Jo’s work. “One of the finest female comics at work” The Observer PATRICK MONAHAN is an audience favourite who blends a high-energy comedy style with hilarious and engaging topical and observational material. His TV appearances include the hit family entertainment series Splash! (ITV) and the new series of Celebrity Squares (ITV). He was the winner of ITV1’s Show me the Funny. “Supremely engaging, adored by audiences” THE SCOTSMAN Thursday September 16 – British Comedian of the Year at the Quarry Theatre, Bedford.
where some of the UK’s top acts do their best 10-minute sets in the hope of going through to the final for the chance to win the mega cash prize! The standard of entrant has been outstanding with UK comedy circuit headliners the hottest up and coming acts appearing. The best thing is you the audience get to vote on who should win! Castle Comedy favourite Paul Revill will host the show. Doors Open at 6.30pm and the Shows Start at 7.30pm/8.00pm. Tickets: castlecomedy.co.uk
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He has since become one of the UK’s biggest pop stars achieving a string of number one national chart hits . Olly’s show will certainly put a smile back on the faces of concert goers as he performs his biggest hits, including tracks from this recently certified triple platinum album ‘Never Been Better’. The following evening Saturday 11, sees an amazing evening with the vibrant Café Mambo Ibiza, Balearics and Ibiza club anthems delivered by a star-studded line-up of DJs, world-famous Pete Tong,
Danny Howard, Faithless featuring sister Bliss, Hannah Wants, Riton and support from local DJ Mark Russell. This is a truly phenomenal line up, I can only imagine this evening will be attracting every house freak in town wanting to party again ! Finally Sunday 12, sees a night in the park for the slightly maturer clientele, Tenor Wynne Evans (Go Compare insurance TV advert vocalist) and soprano Victoria Joyce. This rousing musical accomplishment to the evening will be accompanied by the London Gala Orchestra . Despite the relaxation of Covid19 restrictions, organisers will have Covid-19 protocols in force to
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reduce queuing, there will be controlled entry and exit into the park and supplementary catering and toilet facilities will be available. For more information including pricing on the Bedford Park Concerts please visit: www.bedfordparkconcerts.co.uk All these concert dates in The Park will sell out very quickly, as the UK has now awakened from lockdown everyone will be looking for an excuse to party, you have been warned get your tickets now!
Rock Choir reunited for ‘inside’ rehearsals Rock Choir Members in Bedford, Milton Keynes and Hitchin have been delighted to be able to resume physical choir rehearsals ‘inside’ this week following the relaxation of Covid restrictions. It’s been a long 16 months since Rock Choir had to switch to online, virtual teaching sessions via Zoom and YouTube. The Members also known as ‘Rockies’ have been keeping their spirits up by getting involved in not only their teaching sessions but online charity events and socials including baking activities, fancy dress, quizzes and much more. The Bedford, Milton Keynes and Hitchin Rockies make up one region of Rock Choir which is taught in over 400 communities across England, Wales and Scotland, featuring a total of over 33,000 Members. Each area of the country has had to adhere to different government guidelines on their approach to indoor choir rehearsals. The Welsh Rockies were able to lead the way in late June, whilst the rest of the country waited in anticipation for restrictions to be lifted in July. After leading her first ‘in person’ sessions with her Rockies in Bedford, Milton Keynes and Hitchin Rock Choir Leader, Lizzie Deane, commented: “What a wonderful (and emotional) week of indoor and outdoor rehearsals for our final Week 10. We stayed safe with distancing, sanitizer, good ventilation, masks and WE SANG TOGETHER IN HARMONY for the first time in a year and a half!! So so good to be back! Bring on September!” Local Rock Choir Members have all been overjoyed to reform together again. Rock Choir Member, Rachel Johnson, commented: “Lovely to see everyone’s faces and hear real harmonies going on again.” Fellow Rock Choir Member, Tim Holcroft, added: “Fantastic being back tonight! Lovely seeing
— 13
out & about
music
Following months of speculation and cancellations Bedford Parks Concerts live music weekend has been given the green light. This live music event was originally scheduled for summer 2020 however due to Covid restrictions was postponed from the weekend April 29 to the Bank Holiday weekend August 1, 2021. Covid restrictions also saw this date cancelled and now rescheduled for September 9 to September 12, 2021, now it finally looks like this concert is definitely going to happen! However take note the original programme has changed slightly more so by way of some refreshing additions. This now four day Bedford Park live Music festival will feature Birmingham’s finest Ocean Colour Scene on September 9, with special guests Dodgy, The Wholls and Marquis Drive, the show starts at 5pm till 11pm. Ollie Murs undoubtedly one of the UK’s biggest pop stars takes to the stage on Friday 10 at 5pm, complimented by an evening of chilled sounds of Ibiza from a star studded line up of DJs on Saturday 11 and finally an evening featuring some amazing operatic vocalists. Olly Murs will definitely be the highlight of the festival, Olly shot to fame back in 2009 when he achieved second place in the sixth series of the X Factor.
BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2021
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everyone and great to sing together again. Can’t wait for next term’s songs. Love them already!” Caroline Redman Lusher, Creator and Creative Director of Rock Choir has been highlighting the importance of group singing and the powerful positive impact it has on mental health and well-being. Caroline Comments: “I am overjoyed that our ‘Rockies’ have been allowed to regroup and sing together inside once again. It’s been a long and emotional 16 months waiting for this moment to happen. Rock Choir is a lifeline for so many of our Members and the lockdown experience has been incredibly hard for them. However their resilience and determination to engage with our online teaching was overwhelming! I am so proud of all the Rock Choir Members and my dedicated Rock Choir team who passionately led our choirs with the love, energy and positivity that Rock Choir is famous for. “The nation’s mental health is at its worst and the services and support to combat loneliness, depression and anxiety are in huge demand and oversubscribed. Allowing choirs to reunite across the whole of the UK will now have a tremendous and positive impact and allow a healing process to begin for those who take part. Choirs of all types provide a life-line and this lifeline needs can now be reinstated.” Along with the Bedford, Milton Keynes and Hitchin Choirs, Rock Choir Members across the country are now preparing for their own physical rehearsals! It’s guaranteed to be an emotional reunion! The Bedford Rock Choir is now preparing for its first live performance since the pandemic, as they make a welcome return to the Bedford Park Proms on Sunday September 12. For further information or to set up an interview with Lizzie Deane, please contact Louise Harris on 07980 996318 or email louise@louiseharrispr.co.uk
food and crafts at Warden Abbey Vineyard, near Old Warden. Sunday, Sepember 12, 11- 4pm Wine tasting, local food and other stalls, Petting Farm, BBQ and refreshments. Entry: Adults £4 online, £5 on day. Children under 16 free. Tours £5. For further details and directions contact www.warden vineyard.org.uk
Sandy Historical Society: ‘Postcards’ Talk by
Rodney Todman, Friday 7.30pm September 24. Stonecroft Lounge, off St Swithins Way, Sandy, SG191BB. Admission. £2 includes tea/coffee & biscuits. Please wear a face covering. Raffle. Ample parking. For further details Contact 01767 680171
Yoga: Priory Methodist Church,
Open day and wine sale Sunday 12 September
. local artisan food and craft stalls
. guided vineyard tours
Garden Centre, Radwell Road, Milton Ernest MK44 1SH, Cars £5, vans £10. Sellers setup 9am, Buyers 10am-2pm, Sunday 5th September and Sunday 3rd October. No need to book a stall, bring your own table Contact: (01234) 823033 or enquiries@miltonernestgarden centre.co.uk
Bedford National Trust Association: Addison Centre,
Kempston, MK42 8PN. Tuesday September 21, 2.30 Speaker. Polly Saltmarsh, ‘The Role of a Paintings Conservator’, Polly works as a paintings conservator for the National Portrait Gallery and the National Trust, among others. October 19, Tuesday 2.30 Speaker, Rob Spray, on ‘Hidden Treasures of our Secret Seas’. November 16, Tuesday 2.30 Speaker Jason Middleton on ‘Pearl. A famous Gemstone’ Contact: Betty Thomas 01480 860421 Advertise your event here from as little as £7 per month, email: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
Entry:
. free self-guided tours
Adults £4 online, £5 on day
. history display
Under 16s go free
. petting farm
Guided tours £5
. children’s activities
Advance booking Ad for entry and tours is recommended
. BBQ and refreshments
Newnham Avenue, Bedford MK41 9QJ. 2pm Mondays Contact June for details: juandhannigan@yahoo.co.uk 8/21
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11am to 4pm
Bedford Road, Old Warden, Bedfordshire SG18 9LS
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QUEENS HEAD M I LT O N E R N E S T
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Food served: Mon-Sat 12-2, 6-9 Sunday 12-4 See our Facebook page for upcoming events
HOTEL NOW OPEN Queens Head, Rushden Road, Milton Ernest MK44 1RU
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Mon-Sat Noon-11pm Sunday Noon-10.30pm
Kempston Senior Citizens Club: The Club has been closed
since mid March 2020 and it is only now that we feel we can reopen the Club on Wednesday, October 6, at 9.30 a.m. at the Centenary Hall, Kempston, Bedford, for sessions on Wednesday mornings and Friday mornings and afternoons (with the exception of Friday, October 15, when the Hall will not be available). We are a social Club with sequence dancing on Wednesdays and sequence dancing, whist and bingo on Fridays. New members are welcome and for further information contact: Sheila Cobban, on 01234 347306.
SEPTEMBER 2021 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
Monday-Friday 8am-5pm Saturday 8am-1pm Call or visit for all your electrical supplies
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gardening
I
by Maureen Catlin
N September we should plant any bulbs that we want to flower indoors at Christmas time. Prepared Hyacinths are probably the most popular Christmas flowering bulb. These have already been treated to bring their natural spring flowering time forward by about three months. Good varieties are Pink Pearl, Delft Blue or City of Haarlem, yellow. The lovely vibrant colours and fantastic scent fill the house at this time of year. Bulbs will flower for Christmas if planted from the third week in September to the middle of October. Choose an attractive container, for 3 bulbs it needs to be 15 cms in diameter, and using bulb fibre or a peaty compost half fill the pot. Set the bulbs close together, but not touching each other or the sides of the container, on the fibre or compost. Fill around the bulbs leaving the tops just showing at the surface. Water the pot and then place in a cool dark place. Check after three weeks and water if the compost is dry and continue to check and water until the shoots are 3 to 5cms. Then move to a cool light place until the flower starts to show and then to a warm window sill to flower. Hyacinth pots also make lovely presents so finish with a moss topping and coloured ribbon. It is interesting for children to watch the bulbs grow so planting in a hyacinth glass with just water and using the same technique of dark cool and then light warm conditions they can watch the roots, shoots flowers and leaves all emerge from the bulb. All that’s needed is to keep topping up the water level. Paper White, Pheasant Eye and Bridal Crown are all good varieties of Narcissus for planting at the end of September. Their natural flowering period is January or February, but
Christmas! good quality bulbs will flower 6 to 10 weeks from planting. They all have a lovely perfume and should be planted as tightly as possible on the surface of the compost in a tall pot to balance the height of the bulbs and with a plant support. Water the pot and put in a cool dark place and keep checking until the shoots appear and then gradually bring into a light warm place to flower. The miniature Narcissus Tete a Tete and Pipit are also delightfully scented and excellent to grow in the same way for flowering indoors. They will probably not be in flower until January but still a joy in the middle of winter. Large bright yellow Crocus and fragrant Grape Hyacinths also flower in January if grown indoors. Plant the bulbs at the end of October in the same way with a dark cool period of approximately 8 weeks before bringing into a light warm place. Another very popular gift at Christmas is the easy to grow Amaryllis. It is usually sold in an attractive box containing the pot compost and bulb. Good varieties to look out for are Christmas Star and Picotee both single flowers and Cherry Nymph and Dancing Queen with double flowers. Plant the amaryllis in a container that is 2.5cms larger than the width of the bulb. Leave the top third of the bulb sitting above the soil level. Place the pot in a brightly lit spot on a windowsill and water sparingly until it produces shoots. To encourage
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the stem to grow straight keep turning the pot towards the light and the soil moist. Amaryllis should flower six to eight weeks after planting and the flowers will last for ages. To help the blooms stay fresh, move the pot to a slightly cooler but still bright spot once it starts to flower. With proper care, an amaryllis bulb can go on producing spectacular flowers year after year. All you need to do is feed the bulb with a balanced liquid fertiliser after flowering. As the leaves begin to turn yellow stop watering and allow the bulb to dry. Simply begin watering again next spring to wake the bulb up.
Next month we can look at bulbs for the garden.
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BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2021
NED BEDS EDTIION
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sport FOOTBALL – WADERS ROUNDUP BY MIKE DRAXLER
Waders cruising for 60 minutes BIGGLESWADE TN........2 LOWESTOFT TOWN .....1 AUGUST 17 THE first home fixture of the current campaign brought an unusually high turn out from the supporters for a mid-week game at the Yvette Brewer stadium, but were treated to what possibly could be the goal of the season. The pitch looking first class, a few enforced changes to Saturday’s line up and off we go. Biggleswade in the driving seat, ahead on points and trying hard to take a lead, certainly looking the more likely. As time wore on the two teams cancelling each other for goal scoring oppor-
tunities, it all erupted. On 26, a free kick on the half way line, passed to Joe Neal, who beat a couple of players before letting go ‘a rocket ship’ from 35 yards that flew into the top corner of the net. Goalkeeper static as was the crowd who had trouble believing what they had just witnessed. Biggleswade were cruising, creating opportunities unfortunately not taken. At half time 1-0 flattered Lowestoft who had not entered the game. After the break much the same pressure from the Waders. On 54 a corner in from the right by Kane Ferrell, found Joe Neal lurking at the near post to double the lead.
CRICKET August 10, 2021 Despite a second unexpected defeat against Ufford Park Blunham Cricket Club remains top of Division 2 of the Whiting and Partners Cambs and Hunts, league and with three games to go everything points to the season’s decider against Newmarket at the end of the month. The club’s strength in depth continues to pay dividends this season with 2nds well ahead in their league and the 4ths enjoying their best-ever season and making a late bid for promotion. The club also won the East Beds shield in an exciting game against Eaton Socon. Bedfordshire Seniors The league season is now over and all three sides had several victories apiece to celebrate over the past three months. The over-60s
1sts ended the season well and have taken their good form into the plate competition with a nail biting victory away to Cheshire by one wicket. The 2nds just missed the playoffs, but have progressed in the plate after a good victory over Leicestershire. The over-70s enjoyed four league victories including the double over Norfolk, traditionally a bogey side. Disappointingly however the gleam lost to Wiltshire in the first round of the plate. Bedfordshire is by far the smallest county to take part in the seniors’ competitions and so does really well to compete at all levels. Only 21 counties nationally manage to put out an over-70s team and the fact that the team is currently ranked 14th speaks volumes in itself.
Blunham Cricket Club
Sandy Cricket Club
BISCL Div 1 Roadrunner CC v Sandy CC Roadrunner CC 258-8 (S. Boota 119, A. Ali 55, K. Morrallee 3-35), Sandy CC 260-9 (K. Morrallee 77, P. Stevenson 49, C. Birkett 42, V. Masih 3-39, S. Boota 3-37) Sandy CC won by 1 wicket Sandy CC v K’ Hammers CC Sandy CC 326-4 (C. Birkett 151, M. Howlett 93), Kempston Hammers CC 244-7 (B. Iqbal 61, M. Zafer 66, S. Nugent 3-46) Sandy CC won by 82 runs Sandy CC v Clifton CC Match ball sponsored by M. Whittle (Life Member) Sandy CC 215-7 (T. Germany 43, M. Howlett 40, J. Grewal 3-21), Clifton CC 135-10 (C. Foxall 38, S. Nugent 5-36) Sandy CC won by 80 runs K’ Methodists CC v Sandy CC Sandy CC 208-9 (T. Germany 42, L. Eplett 33, G. Wright-Pack 343), Kempston Methodists CC 7310 (L. Eplett 3-11, S. Nugent 3-19) Sandy CC won by 135 runs
Sandy CC v Hexton CC Match ball sponsored by Sandy CC President Sandy CC 171-10 (S. Summers 79, D. Smith 3-42, A. Ansari 417), Hexton CC 175-9 (T. Pickford 49, A. Ansari 72, L. Eplett 4-39) Hexton CC won by 1 wicket
BISCL Div 3 Biggleswade CC v Sandy CC Biggleswade CC 218-3 (B. Fensome 47, M. Smith 59, B. Gauge 61), Sandy CC 48-10 (B. Gauge 6-9) Biggleswade CC won by 170 runs Sandy CC v Blunham CC Match ball sponsored by M. Whittle (Life Member) Sandy CC 153-9 (M. Cooke 4-20), Blunham CC 154-8 (T. Burt 44, T. Smith 46, B. Stevenson 5-32) Blunham CC won by 2 wickets Dunstable CC v Sandy CC Sandy CC 123-10 (P. Hudson 37, S. Saunders 37, L. Manley 4-24), Dunstable CC 123-10 (O. Thaker 55, L. Pettit 5-13) Match tied
This was the wake-up call Lowestoft needed and they set about repairing the damage. Four minutes on and Jake Reed got his toe to a loose ball to make it 2-1. Same minutes again saw the dismissal of Blake D’Arcy for a second yellow which gave Lowestoft even more drive. Chris Henderson, Lowestoft 10 who had been fairly anonymous until now, dropped deeper and was bossing the play from midfield, spraying passes left and right. Lowestoft gave it a good go but with the resolute Wader defence, scares were at a minimum. Lowestoft had much the better of the last 30 minutes, but possession could not be exchanged for goals.
Man of the match: Joe Neal.
Sometimes, just sometimes… BIGGLESWADE TN........0 P’BOROUGH SPORTS ...3 AUGUST 21 YES, it happens and hard to admit but Peterborough were just too good for us. Coming down the A1 with a two out of two-league performances and a fancied side for promotion was never going to be easy, but you go into each game with positivity and hope. Peterborough equipped themselves well the non-stop forward momentum kept the Waders not only on the back foot but pressed hard into their own half. The first goal after24 minutes a deflection from one of our own after a Dan Jarvis shot. The second
on 42 was a peach. Ferris running free on the wing to put in a pinpoint cross for Jarvis to net. At halftime it looked all over as the teams went in 0-2. Out for the second half and much of the same. 61 gone and a corner fired in found McCammon free on the edge of the box to shoot home from the edge of the box. Biggleswade were not without plusses. The whole team stuck to the task, opportunities to score to a minimum if any.
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92 minutes in, Shane Bush equalizes HEDNESFORD TOWN...1 BIGGLESWADE TN........1 AUGUST 28 FOR the second week in succession, we faced a team with a 100% record. The Waders have never been to Keys Park Stadium Hednesford and were impressed with the ground and facilities. 552 spectators waited patiently to see where this encounter would go. Most of the matches to date have started in a similar fashion, both teams feeling their way round the opposition. What became apparent very early on was the dominance of the Wader's defence. With Shane Bush partnering Matt Hall in the middle, Kane Ferrell and Steve Shaw out wide more than coped with the Hednesford forward line. Chances were at a minimum as is usual with teams so well matched.
The first 45 produced little and delivered nothing as the teams went all square at 0-0. The second 45 produced more of an urgency from the home side but still they were unable to breach the back line, when they did the everimproving Jake Alley between the sticks gathered in safely. Wader's heart pounded as
mid-way through Joe Neal rounded the keeper on the edge of the box and his shot was on its way before the timely intervention of defender Josh Webb. 73 in and a Hednesford corner was powered home by Lewis LudfordIson to break the deadlock. Waders re-shuffled Sam Egole and Luca Purse coming on pushing captain Shane
Bush upfront as the spearhead. Time was running short, time added on ticking away. A corner coming in from the right to a posse of Waders found Shane Bush putting his toe to the ball, on 90+2, levelling the scores. Hednesford were in disbelief but with no time left, the 100% start had gone. It’s a Shane.
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16 —
SEPTEMBER 2021 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
MID BEDS EDITION
TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
sport FOOTBALL – WADERS ROUNDUP BY MIKE DRAXLER
Anxious start to new season
NUNEATON BOROUGH ..3 BIGGLESWADE TOWN ...3 AUGUST 14 ALWAYS anxious the start of a new season. The team put in the work at the training ground and friendlies, the team management go out in search of players and the backroom staff make sure all
the paperwork is correct and things happen on the day. Kick off comes, relax as both teams are well prepared for the 90 minutes to come. It all started quietly with neither team making an impact on the game, certainly the Waders had the better of the opening minutes. On 13 a
well taken corner from Kane Ferrell pinpointed the back post where Sam Squire pounced on the sloppy marking to give Biggleswade the lead. It took Nuneaton 27 minutes to have their first shot at goal, but not on target. New boy Joe Howe made
his way forward on 32 to fire in at the keeper who did well to hold the ball at the second attempt. Waders were defending deep, but you can’t legislate for a 25 metre thumper from Jordan Goddard, on 37. A minute later, a fierce tackle on Jemale Mckenzie saw the forward replaced by
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Junior Muyembe to play out the last minutes of the half, going in all square at 1-1 Out for the second period which started much the same as the first with no domination from either side, the defenders much in control. On 61 Sam Squire had to leave the field injured to be replaced by another new boy Steve Shaw. Shaw fitted into the back line with Russell Short moving into midfield. This upset the balance of the Waders and on 70 Carl Baker stepped up with another shot from distance to beat the visiting keeper. It was a short-lived lead as tricky David Manu coming in from the right dazzled the keeper with a “scoop” shot that hit the bar, post and the keeper before resting in the net. Back came Nuneaton with Damien McCrory shooting wide on 80. Back to the other end and Blake D’Arcy twisted the fullback inside out before cutting in to unleash a wonder strike that curled round the keeper and hit the net at pace. Stunned silence followed the only noise from the jubilant Green Army and Blake’s team mates who smothered
him after such a goal. With only six minutes on the clock plus extras surely the Waders would return with all the points. Goddard had other ideas as his s econ d 25 metr e thumper beat the diving Jake Alley to level the scores at 3-3. And that Ladies and Gentlemen is Entertainment. A great performance for Biggleswade taking on and so nearly beating one of the big hitters in the Premier league Central. Man of the match: Sam Squire.
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