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LINDA, Mike and Mark Butcher were delighted to learn at the end of last year that their nomination to Asda, Biggleswade for Angela’s Small Cell Ovarian Cancer Research Fund at The Eve Appeal had been successful. It would be one of three charities to compete for Asda’s Green Token Awards from January 1, 2020. Whilst this was the Anniversary of losing Angela in 2013, the family decided it would be a good way to remember her especially by doing their own launch of the scheme on day one. Family and friends rallied round, with many daily shopping in Asda so that they could put their tokens into the slot for Angela’s Fund. The green tokens were paused during lockdown, Asda has now released the winner and runners-up. It was well worth the wait as Angela’s Fund won first prize and a cheque for £500. Linda says: “Angela’s Fund has gone from strength to strength since celebrating raising £120,000 in May 2019. Six months later in November 2019 the Fund had reached £130,000. The team managed to hold the annual Angela’s Annual Birthday Bash on March 14. By June 8, the Fund had reached £140,000! But still no celebrations. Asda’s generosity has given the Fund a great
start to its next milestone and by the time it’s reached they’ll be able to have a triple celebration and thank you party for £130k, £140k and hopefully £150k!” Whilst Angela’s Annual Charity Par 3 Challenge has been cancelled for July, the family are still actively fundraising in any way they can and receiving donated items for re-sale or clothing, shoes and handbags for cash exchange, along with 5p’s for their September handover. This continued support has so far led to the world’s first research project for small cell ovarian cancer getting off the ground in April 16. The world’s first session purely dedicated to small cell ovarian cancer at the British Gynecological Cancer Society Conference in July 18, the 15 month project was extended to a full five year research programme in May 19. The UK patient research registry has now become an international research and information portal, go to: www.smallcellovariancancer.com
Left to right: Linda, Mark and Mike supporting Angela’s Fund at the Asda Green Token Stand.
New skatepark at Chambers Way play area in Biggleswade is now open
THE £200,000 project, to replace the skatepark which closed in June 2018, has been designed with input from local skateboarders, BMX and scooter riders and support from The Skateparks Project. It was constructed by Maverick Skateparks, who have created a superb concrete skatepark which includes features suitable for all
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ages and abilities. These include quarterpipes, a 360º rollover, two volcanoes and a bowl. The skatepark also includes new sensor-controlled LED lighting and CCTV to help users to feel safe and is nestled within sympathetic landscaping. The concrete design is more hard-wearing and is likely to require less repairs.
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Footballer Kyden, 11, scores funds for Sue Ryder hospice A young football fan has dribbled a ball for five kilometres around his local area to raise funds for a Bedfordshire hospice. Kyden Dixon-Langley, aged 11 from Bedford, set himself the tricky feat of carefully controlling a ball for just over three miles, which he completed in only 47 minutes. He was accompanied by his mum Charlene, who helped to choose a safe route and cycled alongside him, cheering him on. Kyden’s charity challenge raised £332 for Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice, which cared for his grandad Douglas Langley and also helped his friends. The hospice, located in WHILST STOCKS LAST Moggerhanger near Bedford, provides expert care for people with life-limiting conditions, as well as supporting their families. Football-loving Kyden has been playing the game every day Radwell Road (just off helped the A6) in his garden during lockdown, my grandad and my friends friendly. I want to help them by 1SH and Kye at a sad time,” said raising money because it is hard and supports Milton the sameErnest club asMK44 his Cassie grandad – Tottenham Hotspur. Kyden. “I remember going there for them right now. I want to thank “This charity in Bedford to see them and the staff were very them for everything they do for
everyone who is ill. Thank you for helping me.” Helen Kingston, Community Fundraising Officer at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice, said: “Thank you so much Kyden for your incredible support; we are really impressed with your fantastic football skills. “The £332 you have raised will help to make sure we can continue to offer our palliative care and be there when it matters for patients and their families. “For example, it could pay for around 15 hours of our expert care, helping people live the best life they possibly can. “We are searching for other big-hearted people in the local community to follow in Kyden’s footsteps and take on an active challenge this summer as part of our Virtual Summer Series. Please contact our fundraising team for more details on 01767 642412 or stjohnsfundraising@sueryder.org” You can support Kyden at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ kyden-dixon-langley
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WANT to work towards a business degree to improve your career options? But can’t afford to give up work, or don’t have the time for college because of family commitments? Then consider now the new flexible “blended” learning options available with multiple start points from September 2020, November, January 2021 and March at The Bedford College Group. These courses are open to students across Beds and Northants, where Tresham College is part of the Group. Online study, spread over a year, means you can combine your work/life commitments with college and gain a Higher National Certificate in Business. If you are eligible to go straight on to the next step the Higher National Diploma in Business, then that could enable progression on to a Top Up Degree course from September 2021, still at your local campus. The degree is validated by the University of Northampton. If your free time is limited, the HNC and HNDs can each be taken over two years. Entry Qualifications for HNC: A Levels or other Level 3 equivalent qualifications and maths and English GCSE (full qualification) minimum Grade 4 or grade C. The College also accept those with extensive knowledge and experience in a relevant sector. If your first language is not English, learners should have a minimum of 6.0 IELTS. Head of Business Emma
Helkenberg says: “The HNC or HND in Business are ideal if you are seeking a higher education qualification in the world of business. These flexible courses provide specialist business education over one year and are delivered online with a nominated tutor to support you throughout plus several Saturday workshops with specialist tutors. You will gain a thorough grounding in the key concepts and practical skills required to progress into employment or continued undergraduate studies. The qualifications are designed to ensure that you build and improve your skills in the management of resources, decisionmaking, analytical research, independent enquiry, reflective learning and creative thinking. The course can be studied alongside employment or other commitments, however, motivation and self-discipline will be key.” The Group can give advice on course funding and payment schemes to help make the course more accessible for those on a budget. The multi-award-winning Group offers people progression in education from those aged 16 taking Level 2 (GCSE) course, supports catch-ups on maths and English, directs people through Level 3 (A Level equivalent) to degree-level learning up to and including full BA and BSc qualifications. All without “going away” to university.
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LONDON MAN JAILED FOR MORE THAN NINE YEARS FOR GBH WITH INTENT
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A LONDON man has been jailed after he targeted a teenager and attacked him with a knife in a shop in Bedford. Winston Osei-Tutu, 27, of Lymington Avenue, Wood Green, received his sentence of nine years and four months at Luton Crown Court on Wednesday (15 July) after pleading guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent. He was also handed a 15-month sentence in relation to possession of an offensive weapon, which will run concurrently. On 6 November 2019, the victim walked into a shop in London Road, Bedford, when Osei-Tutu followed him in and pulled out a knife. The pair then got into an altercation. Osei-Tutu then chased the victim down the aisles in the shop and stabbed him multiple times. Staff members attempted to intervene before Osei-Tutu fled from the shop. Osei-Tutu handed himself in with the weapon to police a few
days later on 11 November. Bedfordshire Police’s dedicated team tackling guns and gangs, Boson, worked tirelessly to complete the essential enquiries to secure a conviction, despite having no engagement from the victim. Detective Constable Lindsey Cook, investigating, said: “I really hope this case sends a strong message that carrying a knife will change your life, whether the out-
DNA evidence nails ‘mean’ burglar A MEAN burglar who was part of a gang that targeted a Bedford house while a young family were away over Christmas was jailed for 30 months on Monday, July 20. Michael Clark was caught because he left behind a tiny trace of his blood on a broken window by the front door. When the tiny amount was scientifically examined it gave up his unique DNA code. Clark who had chalked up a long list of previous burglaries and been before the courts on numerous occasions was soon back in police custody. He pleaded guilty to the breakin when he appeared at Luton crown court. Prosecutor Sarah Taylor said
Clark had been part of a gang that had taken property from the house in Shakespeare Road, Bedford worth more than £11,000. The gang had struck some time between Christmas Day last year when the family left the property and when they returned on December 29. Judge Mark Bishop was told every room in the house was ransacked leaving the young family shocked by the mess the burglars had left behind. The judge told Clark that he had left the family feeling vulnerable and the effects of what he done on them was long lasting He jailed Clark for a total of 30 months.
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come is being put behind bars, getting injured or worse. “Osei-Tutu deliberately targeted his victim, followed him, and left him with multiple stab wounds. This was a shocking level of violence and the sentence reflects that. “Serious youth violence and knife crime is a priority for Bedfordshire Police and we will continue to crack down on those committing such crimes, as well as working with our partners to show young people a better path. “This case is also an excellent example of how we can prosecute
offenders, even if a victim is reluctant or unwilling to engage with us. It is vital that those who commit such offences are brought to justice and we will continue to work hard to secure evidence and fight crime.” Last year saw a nine per cent decrease in incidents of serious youth violence in the county, which equates to 200 fewer victims. For more information or support about getting out of a gang, please visit the Bedfordshire Violence and Exploitation Reduction Unit’s website.
BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN AUGUST 2020
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Over 100 stolen bikes recovered Serial supermarket robber jailed for six thanks to victim’s sleuthing 4 —
AUGUST 2020 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
FED up with having his bicycle stolen, four in total. A Bedford resident decided that he had enough. The resident set up some video surveillance and caught the thieving scumbag, not once but twice in the act of bike theft. He then did some internet research and found his bike for sale via social media, he managed to get an address, which was passed to the police Officers attended the address of the seller in Bedford, and a 41-year-old man from the town was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods. He has been released under investigation while police enquiries continue. Officers recovered in excess of 100 bikes at the property. PC Jade Kilbey, investigating, said:
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“This was a proactive arrest carried out off the back of intelligence provided by a member of the public who had been a victim of bike theft. The number of bicycles we have recovered is significant and it would be great to be able to reunite some of them with their rightful owners. “We would urge anyone who has had their pedal cycle stolen within the Bedford area in recent weeks to get in contact with the make, model, colour and serial number of their bike, along with any other distinguishing features. “Please bear in mind our contact centre is extremely busy and must prioritise emergency calls, so please use our online reporting centre to provide details, using the crime reference 40/35795/20: https://www.bedfordshire.police.uk/report/ReportShared/Report-a-crime.”
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years at Luton court A MAN who threatened staff at two supermarkets with a knife after he was confronted attempting to steal alcohol has been jailed for six years. Fasal Ali, 38, of no fixed address, brandished a knife at staff of Sainsbury’s and Waitrose stores in Bedford when they challenged him over items he was stealing. Bedfordshire Police detectives have also praised the bravery of staff at both supermarkets, whose courage in coming forward led to Ali’s conviction. Ali’s first offence took place at the Waitrose store in Goldington Road in August 2018. He got into an argument with two members of staff at the store when they spotted him trying to leave with a number of bottles of brandy via a fire exit. As he was unable to open the fire door by ramming it with a trolley, Ali instead headed to the front of the store. When the two staff members followed him, Ali pulled a small kitchen knife from his waistband and threatened them, telling them not to follow him. He left the shop with around £230 of alcohol and made no attempt to pay for the items. The second incident occurred the following month at the Sainsbury’s in Clapham Road. Ali grabbed four bottles of brandy from a shelf and when challenged by staff, drew an eightinch knife from his waistband and told them not to follow him. He exited the store before cycling away on a bicycle. CCTV and witness statements led detectives to Ali, who was found guilty of two counts of robbery and two counts of possession of a knife in a public place. He was jailed for six years. Detective Constable Aroop Nandre, who investigated the case, said: “These two near-identical cases brought thuggery and the threat of violence to places where thousands of us do our shopping every week. “Ali was brazen and almost
casual in the way he reached for a knife on two occasions when questioned by supermarket staff. This sort of nonchalance towards wielding knives particularly justifies the sentence we have seen handed out. “This was obviously a traumatic event for the supermarket staff, who were simply doing their job and have been left understandably fearful by Ali’s conduct. “We wouldn’t have been able to convict Ali without their help and support, which took tremendous courage and bravery.”
Properties closed linked to drugs and anti-social behaviour
BEDFORD Community Policing team obtained a three-month closure orders of two properties A property in Palgrave Road had been the source of anti-social behaviour issues. Another property in Charnwood Avenue had been reportedly linked to drug crime.
Bedford man charged with conspiracy
A MAN from Bedford has been charged in connection with a burglary and several attempted burglaries in Great Denham. Seth Lee, 20, of Henley Road, Bedford, was charged on Tuesday, June 30, 2020, with conspiracy to commit burglary in connection with several incidents that took place on June 6, 2020. Lee will appear at Luton Crown Court on 2 August.
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Abandoned bikes restored for NHS key workers
August 2020
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THREE delighted NHS staff at Biggleswade Hospital are now enjoying free bicycles, thanks to a partnership scheme between rail company Thameslink, Luton and Central Bedfordshire Councils to renovate abandoned bikes and donate them to key workers. The project is one of a series of activities being run by Thameslink to support staff, passengers and local communities. The aim was to help hospital staff get to and from work while maintaining social distancing and getting some valuable extra exercise. The renovated bikes were matched with specific workers who will really benefit from them, and presented on Tuesday, July 7, at the hospital. Tracy Brewer-Reeves, who works for the Mental Health Unit, said: “I’m super-excited to receive my recycled bicycle. As an employment specialist I am based within the community, working alongside individuals who are seeking their first steps into employment. “A bicycle will enable me to get around Biggleswade and Potton to maintain one-to-one appointments with service users, and to engage with local employers and charities to develop our service.” Tracy’s colleague, administrator Claire Tabb, said: “I think this is a great initiative – I’m very grateful that I have been the lucky recipient of a bike that I will be using to travel to and from work, not only saving fuel and the environment but also hopefully keeping me fit and healthy.” Social worker Ria Cameron said: “Sadly I had never learnt
how to ride a bike but always wanted to. With this bike I can learn to ride at last and then use it to cycle to work, which will save money on travel and provide me with daily exercise.” Thameslink and Luton Council both picked out the machines in best condition from their stocks of abandoned bikes. The mechanics at the council’s long-standing recycling scheme inspected and overhauled the bikes as necessary to ensure they were in safe, roadworthy order. Around 30 bikes were divided between staff at Luton and Dunstable University Hospital and Bedford Hospital, and six were earmarked, with Central Bedfordshire Council’s help, for staff at the smaller Biggleswade Hospital. Three of these are now with their new owners. Tom Moran, Managing Director for Thameslink and Great Northern, said: “It’s fantastic working with our partners to support Bedfordshire hospital staff at this challenging time. As key workers ourselves, we’re proud to be supporting NHS staff in the communities we serve. “At a time of great national challenge, we are proud to help keep Britain moving by supporting everyone who still needs to travel by rail, and to play our part in National Bike Month. Now, more than ever, is a time when we all need good neighbours, to stay connected, and help each other out.” Luton Cllr Paul Castleman,, said: “We are grateful to NHS staff for the vital work they carry out and are pleased to see how the bikes are benefiting them on their daily journeys to and from work.”
Sandy man involved in drugs shoot out
EMMANUEL Munangatire, 21, from Abbey Grove in Sandy, is awaiting for sentencing at Northampton Crown Court in August, for his part in gunfight in Hitchin on July 22, 2019. Munangatire along with four other offenders were involved in a drug debt dispute, which ended in a gunfight. The offenders were armed with a 9mm pistol, a handgun and a sawn off shotgun. Two men from Bedford, Michael Frimpong, 19, from Charnwood Avenue and Nathan Mead, 37, from Haylands Way in the town, have already been jailed for their part in handling
an illegal fiream. Brothers Danovan Jones of Hitchin and Oliver Jones of Luton, drove to Hitchin to meet Emmanuel Munangatire to resolve a drug debt. Shots were exchanged at a location 200 yards from Purwell Primary School. A swift police investigation resulted all five being arrested and charged. The police’s investigations also resulted in Shah Ali, 35, from Seagull Lane, London, being arrested and charged with possession of an illegal firearm. He was subsequently sentenced to seven years and six months inprisonment.
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‘Vampire’ deer being handreared at Whipsnade Zoo KEEPERS at Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire pare hand rearing a unique species of deer known as the ‘vampire’ deer – due to their set of sharp canine teeth. Chinese water deer are born weighing less than 1kg, less than a bag of flour, so keepers at the UK’s largest Zoo are taking steps to protect the tiny fawns from prey by caring for them around the clock. Zookeeper Gracie Gee said, “The Chinese water deer fawns are a very welcome new arrival to Whipsnade and an important species for us to care for as the population in the wild is Vulnerable and continuing to decline. “They are so small when they are born mak-
ing them extremely vulnerable to predators, large birds could easily scoop them up, so we are hand-rearing the fawns in a sheltered space until they are big enough to move to their new enclosure at Whipsnade – all of this ensures we have a strong population at Whipsnade to safeguard the future of this species.” Just 12cm tall at birth, the seven fawns, named Bao, Yang, Yin Mei, Chen, Lu and Zhi, are being bottle fed by zookeepers every six hours. Unlike some other deer species, the young males will not grow antlers but begin to develop a unique set of sharp canine teeth when they are about six months old – known as fangs or tusks.
SANDY TOWN COUNCIL Play area safety
able to The Town Council was pleased to be ng havi July, 7th on s park play our re-open them implemented measures to help keep safer for everyone to use. e indiSadly, we have received reports of som on viduals not following the new rules layed hygiene and distancing, which are disp s. area play our on notices in all been We understand that residents have and eager to use the play equipment again and ds would ask that people speak to frien is family members, to make sure everyone the ng visiti n whe rules e thes complying with parks:
yourself • Maintain a 2m distance between d and anyone outside of your househol and g durin re, befo s hand your • Sanitise after after using the play park, especially touching the equipment and gates n you • Wash your hands thoroughly whe get home or • If the play area is busy, please wait come back at another time in the • Don't consume any food or drink play area • Take any litter home with you ing our We appreciate residents’ help in keep y. play parks safer for everyone to enjo
£1,000 awarded to The Need Project
At a meeting of Sandy Town Council on 29th June 2020 the Council unanimo usly voted to award a grant of £1,000 to The Need Project. The importance of the valuable work undertaken by the charity, providing food packages and essentials to those experien cing deprivation in the local area, has been made even more clear during the last four months.
Sandy & Beeston in Bloom d
The hard work of our green-fingere last community members was celebrated month in the Sandy and Beeston Best Kept Gardens competition, hosted by the Town Council in partnership with Sandy Enhancement Group. Residents ens entered photos of the beautiful gard to ed creat ’d they ays displ l and flora brighten their streets or better enjoy . their outdoor spaces during lockdown The photos were displayed on the d Council’s Facebook page to help sprea ity mun com the with joy some seasonal and maybe even inspire some budding new gardeners! The worthy winners, chosen by repre will , SEG and ncil Cou the of tives senta each receive a voucher to spend at the Sandy High Street business of their choice. We received some gorgeous one entries and would like to thank every who contributed to the online event. ers All of the entries, including the winn o are still available to view in the phot : gallery pinned on our Facebook page ncil. ncou ytow /sand .com book .face www
Street Food Market returns
We are glad to be working with the orga nisers of the popular local street food mark et, Eat Feast, to bring this local favourite back to Sandy Town Centre this summer. In their first visit to Sandy this year, on Friday 24th July, Eat Feast provided a takeaway versi on of their street food market. The Coun cil is delighted to be able to work with the market provider and keep the event going in line with government COVID-19 guidelines. The next markets will be running on Friday 14th August and Friday 11th September, from 4-9pm in the Tow n Centre Car Park. Unfortunately, two specialist markets planned for later in the year have had to be cancelled by the organiser as a result of issues arising from the COVID-19 lockdown and restrictions. The Council will be working with the organiser to plan specialised markets for 2021. It is still hoped that a French market will be able to be held in the town in October; more informati on on this will be provided closer to the time.
Upgraded CCTV cameras
To help make our public places safer, Sandy Town Council is currently replacing its existing CCTV cameras in the outdoor spaces it owns. We are pleased to be able to cost-effectively upgrade the equipment to higher definition, infrared enabled cameras, which will provide better quality images and coverage of these community spaces. Members of the public should note that Sandy Town Council operates cameras in the Town Centre Car Park and Bedford Road and Sunderland Road recreation grounds. CCTV in the Market Square and High Street is operated by Central Bedfordshire Council. Any queries on CCTV can be directed to : clerk@sandytowncouncil.gov.uk.
gs Town Council meetin and its
Council Meetings of Sandy Town being held virtually tly ren cur are s tee mit com ncing platform. fere con eo vid om Zo on the welcome to attend Members of the public are t the Clerk at tac con can and the meetings il.gov.uk clerk@sandytowncounc . join to how on ails det for at 7.30pm except All meetings commence mmittee (Planning) Co y Development Scrutin which starts at 6.30pm
Monday 3rd August Development Scrutiny sources Policy, Finance and Re Monday 17th August Town Council Monday 24th August Development Scrutiny and Environment Community, Services
ails of other See our website for det gs. etin me E PUBLIC AND ALL MEMBERS OF TH TO ATTEND. E OM LC WE E PRESS AR
10 Cambridge Road, Sandy SG19 1JE Tel: 01767 681491 Fax: 01767 692527 admin@sandytowncouncil.gov.uk www.sandytowncouncil.gov.uk
Teacher receives international acclaim for book about Africa
AMPTHILL author and teacher Rob Baker is clocking up five-star reviews across the globe for his new book ‘Toubab Tales’. The book describes his varied adventures in Mali, West Africa, as he discovers fascinating new cultures and makes arduous journeys to remote locations. One reader in New Zealand described Toubab Tales as: “a page turner through and through” and an Amazon reviewer in Canada called it a “riveting read” which he “could not put down.” He has also sold many copies in the USA as well as closer to home. ‘Toubab’ is the name given to Westerners in that part of Africa; a name Rob is called on a daily basis as he grapples with the trials of ex-pat life, enduring malaria, heat-stroke, frequent car trouble and some incredibly long journeys. But Baker’s book also cele-
brates the richness of Mali’s music and culture, as he drinks tea with the locals, learns to play the kora (a 21-stringed harp) and engages in lively banter with taxi drivers. His story closes with a military coup, which throws the entire country into disarray; a challenging time for his whole family. “The coup was a scary and testing for us all,” says Rob. “We feared for our lives and were not sure how we would get out of the country.” Now available on Amazon worldwide, Rob is confident that this new travel biography will continue to receive acclaim. “It took me seven years to complete, but I loved every moment,” he said. “I had so many genuinely moving and fascinating experiences; I had to share them with the world.”
Man jailed less than four days after committing assault
A MAN was jailed on Thursday, July 24, after assaulting a woman on Monday evening. At around 7pm on Monday, July 20, Lee Hallett, 40, of Everton Road, Potton, was arrested by officers responding to a report of an altercation at the address, during which a woman said she had been assaulted by another woman. At the scene, officers were able to establish from the victim that she had in fact been assaulted by Hallett, who had punched her and
burned her with a cigarette. Hallett was charged with assault by beating on Wednesday (22 July), and yesterday (23 July) was jailed for 18 weeks at Luton Magistrates’ Court, after pleading guilty. Bedfordshire Police Detective Sergeant Nashoria Hussain, who led the investigation, said: “Justice was swiftly served and Hallett is now locked up where he will have some time to think about his behaviour.”
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College ‘Hip Hop’ dancer in top three
BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
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August 12, 2020
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BEDFORDSHIRE dancer Tasharne Reid, aged 16, has been placed in the top three of a Hip Hop Unite World Championships. Tasharne, who lives in Luton, trains now under the Phoenix Starr Academy of Dance collaboration with The Bedford College Group. The Bedford College Group Director of the Arts Toby Clark said: “We are very proud of Tasharne’s achievement and it’s great to see student success already arising from this exciting new collaboration between the college group and the Phoenix Starr Academy of Dance. “The college group is already well known for success in its Performing Arts courses and it’s great to be adding a specialist dance provider to our provision at the Bedford campus.”
Originally Tasharne competed at the Hip Hop Unite Manchester heats. He came first in his category against numerous other experienced dancers. Since lockdown, Hip Hop Unite organised the competitions online where dancers were required to film themselves and post their submission onto their Social Media platforms. Tasharne came first again in his category and went on to represent the UK in the Hip Hop Unite World Championships. Another Phoenix Starr student Nadia Wedderburn also came third in her category in the heats. Instagram tasharne_misterious https://www.bedford.ac.uk/ our-courses/subjects/performingarts/copy-of-performing-andproduction-arts-ual-level-3diploma-dance-pathway
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Season begins at last for Ben Tuck!
After a long wait, Ben Tuck’s 2020 season eventually kicked off over the last month with the opening three rounds of the Nürburgring Langstrecken Serie (NLS) at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The first three rounds have provided a challenging start to Ben’s 2020 campaign. Continuing as a pro driver with Spa 24H winning Walkenhorst Motorsport, Ben is driving the BMW M4 GT4, the same car with which he achieved success last year. Ben didn't take long to show that he had lost none of his pace during the extra-long off season and during qualifying, he took the car to a solid second row start. The team elected for Ben to take the final stint in the season’s first four-hour race. Almost 90
minutes in, the car was involved in a race ending accident at the Adenauer Forst sequence. Ben was next behind the wheel in July for rounds two and three. In round two the car suffered a mechanical problem before Ben could set a qualifying time. In the opening stint Ben was hit by another car causing a broken steering arm. The delay consigned the crew to a grinding fight back finishing in 6th place. Round 3 saw Ben robbed of top qualifying time. 7th position grid spot was the result, Ben again started the race. After 11 laps, Ben brought the car in from the lead. Five laps later another mechanical problem brought the car in for 25 minutes. The race ended with the team finishing 6th.
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Dolphin swimmers remain positive despite lock-down FOR 2020, Dolphins had an exceptional number of qualifiers for the spring and summer Regional and National Championships. Unfortunately, due the pandemic, those events were cancelled. This is obviously very unfortunate for the swimmers who have qualified, especially as for some they had qualified for the first time and all of the swimmers had worked so very hard to achieve this accolade. It has to be said, that despite the pandemic causing all Swim England fixtures to be
National and Regional qualifiers
cancelled, those swimmers who qualified for these competitions, it is still a great achievement in itself. Congratulations to these exceptional swimmers who qualified for the Nationals and Regionals for 2020
Francesca Baber had qualified for the English Summer Nationals in 50m, 100m and 200m freestyle and 200m butterfly. This was a fantastic achievement and sincere congratulations to Cesca.
English Summer Nationals
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This was to be the first year in which Regionals Championships were to be run in both the spring and summer. Congratulations to the following Dolphin qualifiers Francesca Baber ..........................................A squad Daniel de Filippo.........................................C squad Lily Farr.......................................................B squad Sophie Fowler .............................................CBSS Jake Hickmot...............................................A squad Adam Holmes..............................................A squad Megan Jones................................................A squad Edward McFarland......................................A squad Eloisa Miller................................................A squad Isaac Moon ..................................................A squad Chris Murphy ..............................................Masters Prem Parmar................................................A squad Anna Rumley ..............................................A squad Emma Schofield ..........................................A squad Harrison Shaw ............................................B squad Oscar Sherwani ...........................................B squad Lilli Thompson............................................A squad Phoebe Thorn ..............................................A squad Tyler Watson................................................A squad Lauren Young ..............................................A squad Ben Rayner..................................................A squad Max Thomas ...............................................CBSS Joe Vesztrocy ..............................................B squad
Spring and Summer Regionals
The European Masters Championships is, unfortunately, another casualty of the current pandemic lockdown. However, in another Dolphin success story,
European Masters
Lawn Doctor
Continuing this month by addressing readers’ questions, please keep them coming by the way, I had an interesting question from one regular contributor who wanted to know why every year her hollyhocks are a different colour. This is referred to as ‘Genetic Variation’. Some of you will remember the scene in the erstwhile television comedy Only Fools & Horses where a character called Trigger, who works as a road sweeper, tells everyone that he has owned his favourite broom for 20 years. He goes on to report that in that time it has had 17 new heads and 14 new handles! In other words, not the same broom at all. Well, similarly, the hollyhocks that grow in your garden in exactly the same place year after year, are in fact not the same plants at all but relatives of the
Masters Swimmer Liz Woolner would have been a favorite for at least a medal at those championships.
2020 has seen a number of para/disability swimmers training camps. In February a training camp took place at the University of Hertfordshire with swimming para athletes travelling from all around the region to come together for the training camp organised by East Region. Two of the participants from Dolphins had this to say about the training camp. “Hi, we are Ida and Abi, and this is our report about Para swimming. We swim with Flitwick dolphins, but we also do para training throughout the year at various locations across the south-east, some are close but some are quite far away. The last one we went to was at Hatfield in February 2020. Firstly, we do one-hour of land training; this includes R.M.A.P Raise. Mobilise. Activate. Prime. It is interesting to see how different exercises can be modified for different abilities Then we hit the pool for two hours. We are assigned groups depending on what they think our capabilities are but you can be moved into a different group at any time in the session. We get great tips and learn how to adjust things, so they fit our capabilities. We work hard and get tired towards the end. We train to the best of our abilities and we feel all our hard work pays off. We really appreciate the support and advice of the coaches and we both really can’t wait to get back into the pool”
Para Swimmers training
originals. Hollyhocks are biennial which basically means it takes them two years to complete their life cycle. Towards the end of their allotted time, seeds from the plant drop and germinate naturally and these may be a different colour from the parent plant. So, just as Trigger’s broom is in fact periodically a new one, so are hollyhocks. Seen in a garden near you, the attached picture of a foxglove is noteworthy simply because the top flower rather than appear as a small cone as is normal, has fully opened thus giving a perfect insight into what it looks like inside. Asked if this was rare, I was forced to admit that it was. Have you ever seen one? If so, what you are seeing is in fact an example of ‘terminal peloria’. No not the name of a 1960s band but rather, a genetic mutation!
After an extremely wet start to July, the many questions I had last month about beige lawns seem like a long held memory from many years ago as I am now getting questions about cutting lawns in the rain! As I always say when I’m faced with this question: it depends on the lawn and it depends on the lawn mower! I very regularly cut lawns in the wet, in this country, if I didn’t I would starve! But... not all lawns can cope with it so, the best thing to do, is to try a small piece of lawn, ideally hidden from view. Needless to say, electricity and water are not a good mix and if your mower is electric, do not even attempt it. The answer to last month’s just for fun quiz question was prompted by a reader asking: ‘you often mention a plant’s pH, what does it actually mean’? pH is an abbreviation of ‘power of hydrogen’where ‘p’is short for the German word for power, potenz and ‘H’ is the element symbol for hydrogen. In gardening, it is used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a soil, with 7 being neutral. Acid soil is below 7 and alkaline soil is above 7. Simply put, different plants thrive in different soil types. For example, Camelia and Rhodedendron require acid soil. If your garden does not have this and you want to grow these plants, it is necessary to use ericaceous compost along with a regular dose of ericaceous feed. Not sure what soil type you have? A relatively inexpensive and easy to use kit can be bought from garden centres which allows you to find out which is very worthwhile doing as it could potentially save you a lot of money on dying plants. This month’s question is: What commonly seen plant is named after two 17th Century Swiss brothers who were both Physicians and Naturalists? As usual, many thanks to all of you for contributing to this column and please contact me with any gardening tasks or queries you may have, lawndocgardens@aol.com or tel: 01767 627 581 or 07796 328 855
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Former Pod’s chief starter dies
TRIBUTE has been paid to drag racing legend Stu Bradbury. The CEO of Trakbak Racing Ltd (Santa Pod Raceway) Keith Bartlett said: “It is with deep regret that we learnt of the passing of Stu Bradbury. “I have been very aware of how serious Stu’s illness has been over the past few years. It was amazing how well Stu fought his illness over the last few years and carried on with his role as chairman and founder of the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame, (BDRHoF). “With the support of his wife Bev, family and friends, Stu carried on being involved in the sport of drag racing – a sport which Stu had first been involved in back in the mid to late 1960s. “I will always remember watching Stu on the start line in the 1970s, dressed in full Americana, with boots, bright yellow jacket, Stetson hat and cowboy boots. “When the American drivers came to Santa Pod to race back in the 1970s they were greeted on the start line with a chief starter almost being one of their own. “On my own first ever run down the Santa Pod quarter-mile in the mid 1970s I was under the chief starter Stu Bradbury who I saw as real pro, while I was just a guy coming from street racing thinking I can make it here – on that first run not only was I shaking on the line, but I also managed to red light! “During the early 1970s I was in awe of so many people at Santa Pod from drivers like Dave Stone, Owen Hayward, Dennis Priddle, Clive Skilton who were my
Court backlog to be eased with temporary courts
TEMPORARY new courts are being set up across the country in a bid to help clear the backlog of cases caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Ten courts are being established in England and Wales and will be open from next week. One of the new ‘Nightingale’ temporary courts will be in Stevenage in north Herts at Hertfordshire Development Centre. Like the others it will be able to hear civil, family and tribunals work as well as non-custodial crime cases. Justice Secretary Robert Buckland said: “the new ‘Nightingale Courts’ would help with reducing delays and delivering speedier justice for victims.” Even before the lockdown it was estimated there were around 37,000 cases waiting to be heard in the crown courts and nearly 400,000 waiting for slots in magistrates' courts.
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heroes and many of the Pro Stock drivers of the day, as I was very much into door slammer classes – and added to that was Stu Bradbury this larger than life chief starter. “After a fairly long period out if the front line of drag racing Stu came back into it full on in the 2000s, when he founded and set up the BDRHoF, of which I have been privileged to be part of. “Over the past seven to 10 years Stu, along with people like Geoff Stilwell, have taken the BDRHoF into becoming a world-wide recognised organisation and this has been achieved despite fighting his illness over the past few years. “In my opinion it is fitting and maybe ironic that in 2020 there will not be the BDRHoF Awards Banquet held each November. (due to the Covid-19 Virus), which, if it had gone ahead would have been held without Stu at the helm. “Stu you will be sorely missed in the drag racing family. Hopefully his wife Beverley will still be seen around the track and keep some involvement with the BDRHof.”
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out & about
by Tony Hendrix
Give the Rice ‘n’ Peas and Guiness Punch a try
Mouth watering carribbean cuisines are certainly becoming a rarity within many towns, they appear to spring up pretty quick and before you know it theyre gone! Bedford however appears to have become pretty much a home for this authentic Carribbean cooking, those looking for good quality Carribbean dishes in town have had to look no further than Bedfords long established Carribbean “The Tuck Inn” located in High St Bedford and the award winning “Jemz Carribbean” in Amptill Road , both of whom serve some absolutely amazing dishe . Another player is now to join the team Saturday August 1, sees the long awaited opening of another Carribbean cuisine opening up in Howard Street called “Carumbar” the venue is located next door to The Executive Club under Lurke Street car park. Own-
ers Sophia Forrester-Blake and husband Desmond Blake have been chasing their dream since 1999 to open up their own Caribbean restaurant which is now just a few days away from opening. The Venue will be slightly different to the traditional restaurants not only will it offer both casual in house dinning and take outs it will also feature light entertainment with steel pans, reggae saxophones and reggae vocalists, Caribbean beers, rums and punches will also be available to compliment the vibe. I had the pleasure in catching up with Carumbar owner Sophia Forrester-Blake who apart from being one of the restaurants owners is also a professional singer Sophia began: “Our story began way back in 1999 with the opening of our Caribbean Eatery in Walthamstow, London, from there, we continued to grow and
View from the Rt Revd
In Focus with
In Focus with
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Yasin
Dave
The Bishop of Bedford
MP for Bedford and Kempston
CAPTURING THE GOOD
£2m FOR GRANGE UPDATE
One of the positives that has developed during the period of lockdown has been the amazing number of people who have supported their neighbours and others in need through practical help. Meals have been cooked, shopping collected, medicines sourced, and so much more. Endless phone-calls and on-line communications have been made to those who most isolated and alone. This heartening response has come from community groups, churches, faith groups, the local authorities, parish councils and many others. It is a welcome reminder of our human capacity to care for others beyond ourselves. That altruism that indicates powerfully that we can rise above the selfish gene; that we are more than just the product of self-protective biological determinants. ‘God saw everything that he had made and behold it was very good’ (Genesis 1:31) We have seen much that is good in recent weeks. We also know that the capacity to create chasms between ourselves and others is all too easy. A combination of fear and self divides humans from one another. At its worst it brings us into conflict. More often we know from recent times that when society is under pressure, when the economy deteriorates, when people lose their jobs, it is so much harder to stay together and to cherish our neighbour, let alone those who are different. In the late 80’s and through the 90’s I was heavily involved in work to support the unemployed including chairing a New Deal for Employment programme. I recall not just the devastating impact of the loss of work on individuals and families, but also how easy it was for different parts of the community to scapegoat others. Far from a concern for those who were vulnerable and out of work, there was all too often a desire to judge and condemn. Already the number of people registering for Universal Credit has risen dramatically. This is as true locally as it is nationally. It is probable that many more jobs will disappear as furloughing and other support comes to an end. How will we respond? I pray that we will capture the present altruism and make it the hallmark of our life together, however tough things might get. In the end, as always, it is up to all of us – the good thing is that we have seen what can be done!
I am delighted that Kempston’s Grange Academy has been awarded £2.26m in funding to replace its 1980s portacabins with purposebuilt classrooms. The funding is part of the Government’s Condition Improvement Fund and will help replace five buildings that the headteacher said were not fit for purpose. I first visited Grange Academy in January and was shocked at the state of repair of some of these temporary classrooms. Following my visit, I asked the Prime Minister to urgently review the funding formula for capital and revenue, so that schools for children with special educational needs and disability are not disadvantaged because they have fewer pupils. Grange Academy ceased being under the control of Bedford Borough when it became an Academy in March 2013. As a Multi Academy Trust, it must apply to central Government for funding, which can be an arduous process. Over the years, the school has been forced to patch up the deteriorating buildings and latterly has conducted daily safety checks to check whether some of the classrooms were safe for the children and teachers to work in. Four other schools in the Borough also received funding for condition improvement bids. It is a questionable system that requires schools to compete with each other in a bidding process to get funding to fix urgent problems often related to compliance with health and safety legislation. And what about the schools that aren’t successful? It took Grange Academy years to get the funding they need to make vital safety improvements to the school. The first bid, which took enormous time and effort to put together, failed, despite the headteacher being able to poke her fingers through the portacabin walls. It’s a poor system. School funding should be based on need, not putting schools through the mangle, having to send the begging bowl for vital fixtures to a central Government that has no knowledge of the staff, kids and unique requirements of a local school.
eventually opened a successful Caribbean Catering company, where we served our Caribbean flavours around the country to a multitude of events and occasions. “Our vision was to launch this beautiful Caribbean restaurant, CaRumBar, in the heart of Bedford, where we could provide our customers with the complete Caribbean experience. From the moment you walk through the door, you will forget your worries and be whisked away into our Caribbean culture with evenings and weekends filled with music and entertainment you can enjoy while tucking into our mouthwatering cocktails and Caribbean cooking.” I will definitely be popping into this venue to sample their rice ‘n’ peas with oxtail washed down with a Guinness Punch! For bookings and a menu visit www.carumbar.co.uk or simply give them a call 01234 867722.
by Dave Hodgson Mayor of Bedford
BANGLADESHIS AT HIGHEST RISK FROM COVID-19
I was pleased that the recent Full Council meeting (July 15) unanimously agreed to support the motion regarding the impact COVID19 is having on Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) groups. This motion arose from the Public Health England report ‘COVID-19: Review of disparities in risks and outcomes’ and the subsequent recommendations for action. We do not have local data on the ethnicity of COVID-19 cases or related deaths. National data tells us people from BAME groups are at higher risk of infection and higher risk of death. The council heard that this is true even if all groups follow the same guidance and it is very important not to confuse the greater risk of harm with greater blame for spreading infection. They also heard how among the healthcare workers who have died of COVID-19 – including doctors and nurses, those from the BAME community have been disproportionately represented. After accounting for age, sex and deprivation, people of Bangladeshi ethnicity are most at risk, with around twice the risk of death than people of white British ethnicity and people of Chinese, Indian, Pakistani, other Asian, Caribbean and other Black ethnicity have between 10% and 50% higher risk of death. The Council is calling upon the government to mandate comprehensive, quality ethnicity data collection and recording in respect of COVID-19 plus all routine health and care data collection systems, including the mandatory collection of ethnicity data at death certification (with an opt-out for individuals who do not wish to specify). The Council is also calling upon NHS and Public Health England to ensure that data is shared and made available to local health and care partners, including councils, to inform actions to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on BAME communities.
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gardening A
BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN AUGUST 2020
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with Milton Ernest Garden Centre
Summer time and the living is easy!
UGUST is summer and holiday time the weather is usually conducive to outdoor living so this year especially with the Coronavirus Pandemic let’s stay home, relax, potter, barbeque, entertain within your bubble but most of all enjoy your garden. This month the summer bedding plants if you were lucky enough to either have grown some from seed or bought from the limited stock at the Garden Centre are at their best. Keep watering them regularly and feed once a week with a liquid plant food to keep them going well into autumn. Hardy annual flower seeds can be sown this month for early colour in the borders next year. I scatter the seeds in patches but always mark these areas in case I accidently disturb them when weeding. Some varieties to try are Calendula Oopsy Daisy, Forget Me Not Indigo and Digitalis Firebird can all be grown in sun or part shade while Cornflower Classic Romantic, Nasturtium
Orchid Cream and Poppy Victoria use in Ratatouille which chance to sow salad crop seeds well especially Runner Beans and MEGC July 2020 ADS.qxp_Layout 1 15/06/2020 11:13 Page 1 freezes Cross love a sunny place. When well. Water Tomatoes often to outdoors. Also sow Pak Choi, hoe weeds which compete for the seeds have germinated thin to avoid blossom end rot (black at Chinese Cabbage, Turnips, Spring water. the distance recommended on the the bottom of the fruit) and Cabbage, Winter Spinach, Swiss Finally keep the pond topped packet for the maximum success. continue feeding weekly. Cut and Chard and Autumn Onion Sets. up with water. If you have fish Prune Wisteria to three buds on freeze or dry herbs and sow the Try some potatoes in a planter to aerate the water in hot weather. all extension growth and feed with last batch of Parsley, Basil and have new potatoes with lunch on Ask Keith at the Garden Centre superphosphate. Lightly trim Coriander. August is the last Boxing Day. Water all vegetables for further advice. Hebes and Lavender after flowering and remove the dead flowers from Roses to promote more flowers. Cut back Perennials that have finished flowering but feed and keep watering to promote new growth. Rhododendrons, Azalea and Camellias set the flowering buds now for next spring so keep watered and fed with ericaceous feed. Hydrangeas should be watered every three days whether in pots or the border. Spray Dahlias to prevent earwigs damaging the flowers and WHILST STOCKS LAST keep cutting bunches for indoor displays. Also watch for holes in the leaves of evergreens or a guests at outdoor mealtimes. sudden plant collapse which could Prune trained fruit trees. Please be Vine Weevil. Treat with Road (just off the A6) ask TerenceRadwell at the Garden Centre Provado or Organic Control. Hang for detailed advice. Milton Ernest MK44 1SH up Wasp Traps to deter unwanted Pick the summer fruits as they ripen and make jam or freeze any excess or trade with a neighbour. Raspberries, Blackcurrants, Redcurrants, Blackberries, Loganberries and Gooseberries can be pruned immediately after harvest. Cut Strawberry plants back to ground level and pot up any runners to replace old plants or increase your stock. Can’t have too many Strawberries!!!!! Keep picking SCRUMMY Blueberries a very worthTHE BEST LUSCIOUS AFTERNOON while fruit to grow even in a tub. BREAKFASTS CHEESE SCONES LUNCH TREATS Protect carrots from Carrot Root Fly by covering the plants with pest control fabric which prevents the fly laying its eggs at the top of the carrot. The larvae cause the damage. Feed cauliflowers cabbage and broccoli with Growmore or Organic Chicken Manure for strong healthy plants and spray to control white fly and to welcome our customers again caterpillars.We’re Keep harvestingwaiting the vegetables when youngthe and full ofCoffee Shop opens on Saturday July 4th when flavour and freeze any excess. We put your safety first at all time – During the Corona Virus pandemic, Road CourgettesRadwell will produce large(just off the A6) we have continued to provide all of our services. We have made over 10,000 hours of home crops if you harvest Miltonregularly Ernest MK44 1SH visits without incident. This is due to the diligence of our team in following the additional when they are banana size, an safety measures we introduced at the beginning of March 2020. excellent vegetable to barbeque or
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BEST PRICES PAID FOR GOOD QUALITY CARS
CALL PAUL
01582 619173 07966 873153 PAULJONESUSEDCARBUYERS.CO.UK WE WON’T LET YOU DOWN “LOOKING FOR EVERYTHING AND ANYTHING”
01525 306316 – 07925 338435
Seriously, has tarmac ever looked this classy?
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ISCOU NT
FREE n Call: 0 o obligation
176 to book 7 360076 y quote B ours – ulletin
Telephone: 01767 360076 Freephone: 0800 781 6343 Mobile: 07428 511932 www.lcdrivewaysolutions.co.uk
LC Driveway Solutions Ltd Long Lake Meadow, High Road, Seddington, Sandy SG19 1NU
Resin Bonded • Block paving • Patio slabs • Tarmacadam • Fencing • Turfing • Brickwork • Graveling • Landscaping and much more