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WITH the current contracts to treat residents’ black bin residual waste coming to an end, Central Bedfordshire and Bedford Borough Councils have been taking part in a procurement process to award a new contract for this vital service.
The process received only two bids, both of which included the waste being treated at an Energy Recovery Facility. Veolia represented the best option in terms of quality and price, saving the councils over £1,000,000 per year, in line with their duty to obtain best value. As part of the contract, Veolia are, over time, intending to treat waste at the Energy Recovery Facility at Rookery South.
Cllr Ian Dalgarno, Central Bedfordshire’s Executive Member for Community Services, said: “The facility at Rookery South was approved by national government in the face of strong opposition from both local people and both councils. “But in awarding the contract we were also aware that Rookery South’s operator has started to allocate the waste disposal capacity to various waste producers, such as local authorities, and waste could be brought into Bedfordshire from further away. “Using a local facility means that waste that we collect uses this capacity rather than sending it to facilities further away. Its location in Bedfordshire means we can directly deliver our waste to the plant, lowering emissions from transporting the waste when it becomes operational in 2021.” Cllr Charles Royden, Portfolio Holder for Environment at Bedford Borough Council said: “As a Council we were strongly against this facility being built at Rookery South, which was approved by national government in the face of strong opposition
from both local people and the two local councils. Indeed Bedford Borough Council provided financial support to try and stop the facility being built. “Veolia was the company selected under the strict government procurement regulations because they offered best value. The council has no alternative since we need to have in place a way of disposing of our waste from over 75,000 households and businesses across the Borough. “This is for black bag waste and will not compromise the council’s efforts in increasing recycling going into the future. We carry out a fortnightly recycling collection and we would always encourage residents to reduce the waste they create, reuse what they can, and recycle as much as possible. These are simple steps we can all take to reduce our impact on the planet.” This black bin waste from local residents and businesses will help towards generating electricity equivalent to meet the needs of 112,500 homes, reducing the use of fossil fuels.
Party for six as Angela’s Fund reaches £150,000!
ADHERING strictly to the Covid guidelines, when Angela’s Small Cell Ovarian Cancer Research Fund at The Eve Appeal reached another fantastic milestone of £150,000, Linda, Mike and Mark Butcher were again unable to have a big celebration. With the current maximum level of people in any group being just six, Linda said: “We couldn’t possible invite three people to join us when all of our amazing family and friends have been so supportive and enabled Angela’s Fund to gain such momentum. We opted, therefore, for three special members of our family to join us – our pets, Henry, Sooty and Mimi!” Angela’s Fund is supporting pioneering research into the rarest form of ovarian cancer (small cell) and the Butchers have been raising funds since the loss of their daughter/sister, Angela on January
1 2013. It was Angela who started the fundraising back in November 2012 when she was terminally ill and no research had been carried out anywhere in the world, with no effective treatment available and no hope of survival. She wanted to give hope to others! Inspired by Angela, family and friends have continually supported fundraising activities, which has led to this latest amazing milestone.
With research underway, Angela’s Fund and The Eve Appeal are now supporting the development of this research worldwide and fundraising continues. Additional support is always welcome and if you would like to help in any way, please message Mark James Butcher on facebook, phone Linda on 07730 319209 or visit www.smallcellovariancancer.com
NOVEMBER 2020
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NOVEMBER 2020 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
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Still time to visit Whipsnade and watch the sea lions before they go up north WHIPSNADE Zoo’s colony of sea lions recently featured in a TV documentary as they are preparing to move to the awardwinning Yorkshire Wildlife Park. The six playful animals – male Dominic, 13, and females, Lara, 12, and Bailey, 13, and two-year-old youngsters, Hanno, Oakley and Maui – featured in a two-part ITV documentary that charts behind-the-scenes zoo life. The colony will be moving in November and they have been in training to get used to their transport crates for the cross-country move from ZSL Whipsnade Zoo. They will enjoy life in Yorkshire in a new purpose-built facility which opens in Spring 2021. Tina Campanella, speaking of Whipsnade’s plans said: “The opportunity to move the sea lions came at the perfect time, as our exhibit is due a significant revamp and, like we do with all of our animals and enclosures, we reviewed our overall plans to make sure we’re caring for the animals
that we can do the most for. “We’ve decided that there are new animals that really need our help and conservation expertise, while the sea lions will be in the excellent care of the dedicated zookeepers at Yorkshire Wildlife Park.” London Zoo (ZSL): An Extraordinary Year, which was broadcast on October 1, it illustrated the efforts of the staff to care for animals during the challenges of the pandemic and re-opening to the public. Dr Matt Hartley, Head of Animals at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Branton, near Doncaster, said: “We are very excited to welcome the sea lions and have been in close contact with ZSL Whipsnade Zoo to make the journey as smooth and easy as possible. “It is a relatively short journey, but everyone is focused on making it comfortable for these charismatic animals who I’m sure will be a big hit with our visitors. “The documentary was fascinating and shows clearly how much love keepers have for their animals and how wonderful the
sea lions are. “The sea lions were be a big hit in the documentary, and we will ensure they have a great, happy home here in Yorkshire.” Transport arrangements from Bedfordshire to Yorkshire have been meticulously planned with a team of keepers and vets on hand throughout the journey as well as a careful plan to gradually introduce the sea lions to their spacious travel containers. ZSL Whipsnade sea lion keeper Alex Pinnell (pictured), who features in the documentary, said: “Though we will miss our intelligent and playful colony of sea lions, we’re delighted they will be going to Yorkshire Wildlife Park, who are building an amazing, brand-new exhibit, custom designed for sea lions – it’s also great that they’re moving together as one colony, so will remain a family unit.” The new facility is part of an expansion which will double the size of the park from its current 150 acres of spacious animal reserves with over 450 animals of over 70 species.
Higher gear in engineering
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NEW Director of Engineering at The Bedford College Group is Dr Frank Dzokoto. From a background in industry and pioneering digital processes in manufacturing, Frank is planning to move engineering education across the Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire college into a higher gear in motor vehicle and motor racing. The Group’s Motor Vehicle Technology Centre at Kempston, is already switching to electric and hybrid transport training in keeping with modern car manufacturing, and the National College for Motorsports at Silverstone, Northants is in the fast lane when it comes to helping young people into Formula One careers. “In both areas we want to ensure our students can overtake others and progress on to higher levels of education, to move from technicians into engineers,” said Frank who divides his time between the NC4M at Silverstone and the Brundtland Building of green technologies at Bedford. Bedford College already offers a range of BSc degree courses in technology and engineering. The plan is to close the gap between 16-year-old apprentices, and achieving those higher qualifications, and promotional aspirations in advanced manufacturing and digital engineering careers. HNC and HND courses will be familiar names to those who have studied in skilled sectors, but now Frank wants to offer fast-track courses. “Not everyone is able to study full-time, many people want to study part-time to increase their qualifications. Some people want to go up a gear and complete courses which are traditionally taken over three years part-time and instead take them in, effectively, 18 months.”
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Nurse encourages others to consider a rewarding career in palliative care A NURSE working with a Sue Ryder hospice in Bedfordshire is shared her story during Hospice Care Week last month in the hope of inspiring others to follow a career in palliative care. Leonie Turner, 32, works as a palliative care nurse at St John’s Hospice in Moggerhanger run by the national healthcare charity for palliative, neurological and bereavement care, Sue Ryder. Leonie says she is keen to encourage people to think about a rewarding career within the hospice industry and wants people to know that her line of work, which many people wrongly feel is sad and depressing, leaves her with a ‘good feeling’ at the end of each shift. A mother of three, Leonie has wanted to work at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in Moggerhanger ever since her grandad received end-of-life care at the hospice when she was a child. Leonie said, “I always wanted to be a nurse or a midwife when I was younger. When I did my nursing training my last placement was on a medical gastro ward so I fell into a job there and stayed there for about six years. “When it was time to move on I got a position on an elderly medical ward and then I saw an advert in the paper for Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice. “I have been here for over three years now and it is everything I expected it to be. I feel after every shift that I have done the best I can do for my patients and that’s a good feeling. “Sometimes at the hospital it just wasn’t possible to deliver the care you wanted to deliver whereas now I know that I have done all I can for my patients and as a nurse that’s what you want. “As nurses and nursing assistants all we want is for our patients to be comfortable and I think we achieve that, helping people to die with dignity and respect.’ The outbreak of the global Coronavirus pandemic has led to some changes in the way hospice staff work, but Leonie shares everyone has been understanding and the hospice team is continuing to do everything they can to provide expert and compassion-
ate palliative care despite the challenges caused by the pandemic. “It’s about keeping everybody safe. My nan was in the hospice at the end of April during lockdown so I do know what it has been like for people who haven’t been able to visit their relatives like they would have been able to before all of this. “But people have been really understanding, and they know we are doing everything we can.” Leonie adds, “As a direct result of the pandemic, our care is needed now more than ever. By joining our friendly team at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice you’ll be making a real difference to people at a time it really matters.” For information on vacancies email recruitment@sueryder.org or call 07971 495101. Bedfordshire Police are appealing for information after a person was threatened with a knife in Sandy. The victim was walking along The Mill at around 10.30am on Tuesday October 20, when he was approached by a teenage boy who was shouting abuse. He was left with minor injuries and is believed to have been targeted for his gender identity. The offender was described as white, with short brown hair, 5’8’’, around 16-years-old and was wearing jogging bottoms. PC Daniel O’Mahoney said: “Hate crime is unacceptable in our county and it won’t be tolerated. “We are keen to speak to anyone who might have witnessed it.” Call on 101 quoting reference number 40/57247/20. or call anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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MID BEDS
BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2020
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Lord-Lieutenant visits Rural Communities Charity (BRCC) HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis, was delighted to make a socially distant covid safe visit to BRCC to thank the volunteers and staff for their tremendous efforts during the pandemic. On the visit, the Lord-Lieutenant met with Chief Executive Tracy Cowan (pictured left) and those team members who were actively
involved in supporting the communities during lockdown, and who are continuing to do so in the ongoing pandemic. As a Rural Charity, BRCC works across Bedfordshire supporting communities in a number of different ways, such as providing community transport, supporting Good Neighbour schemes, promoting Healthy Walking via the
Walking 4 Health scheme, running the shop, café and deli at The Barn, Cardington and running Heritage Projects like Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre, Warden Abbey Community Vineyard and the Greensand Country Landscape Programme. CEO Tracy Cowan said: “It has been wonderful to welcome the Lord Lieutenant.”
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NOVEMBER 2020 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
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Country clothing award adds up
Mufti Day raises £537 for Captain Tom’s Foundation
SCHOFFEL, manufacturers of the finest country clothing, were delighted to sponsor an award for rural Shuttleworth College. Lecturer in Maths David Jarvis thought it would “add up” to ask the country wear company to link up with agriculture students, by sponsoring a GCSE award. The winner of the award Dion Braid-Feasey, who passed his GCSE maths in the summer of 2020 showed “determination, consistency, a positive attitude and a hard-working ethic” to become the worthy winner. Dion was awarded the premium high quality £150 Oakham fleece gilet by Schoffel in recognition of his efforts. Dion, from Newport Pagnell, MK said: “I really enjoy my agriculture course here and it simply made maths easier to study in this setting.” Students who fail English and maths GCSEs at school have to retake them if they join college. Success rates at The Bedford College Group, of which Shuttleworth College at Biggleswade is a part, are high because students can see the relevance of the subjects in the context of their vocational courses. Apprentices must have GCSE English and maths as a base line of educational achievement. If you are interested in a countryside career then look at www.bedford.ac.uk for links to Shuttleworth College.
BEDFORD School is helping to build on its partnership with Captain Sir Tom Moore by making his foundation one of its charities of the year. The leading independent
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school, which is attended by Captain Sir Tom’s grandson Benjie Ingram-Moore, will back the Captain Tom Foundation which was set up following the phenomenal success of the 100year-old’s lockdown fundraiser. The pensioner captured the hearts of the nation after he pledged to walk 100 lengths of his garden – a quest which saw him raise nearly £39million for the NHS throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Susie Spyropoulos, Head of Charities at Bedford School, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be supporting the Captain Tom Foundation throughout the current academic year. “It was the natural step for us to take to continue the inspirational work that Captain Sir Tom and his family have undertaken in such a short space of time and inspire hope when it was needed the most. “We are keen to work with the Ingram-Moore family and the Foundation to raise as much money as we can for their charity partners; The Royal British Legion, Mind, Helen & Douglas House and Willen Hospice.” She added: “Our pupils have a long and proud tradition of working hard and undertaking various activities for charity. “We recently held a Mufti Day in school, raising £537 for the Captain Tom Foundation and £1,612 in total. The school as a whole usually raises somewhere in the region of £30,000 over the course of the school year, and although we are faced with
COVID related challenges, the boys are getting creative and coming up with new ways of raising money.” In addition to supporting the Captain Tom Foundation, Bedford School will also support St John’s Hospice, the Red Cross, Bedford Foodbank and Movember this term. In April, Bedford School hosted a display of thousands of Captain Sir Tom’s 100th birthday cards. The school’s Great Hall was transformed into a sorting office, with more than 100 pupils, parents, staff and Old Bedfordians volunteering to set aside envelopes and separate gifts, cheques and donations. They then created a spectacular sea of cards which led to visits from press from around the world. Hannah Ingram-Moore of the Captain Tom Foundation, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be one of the chosen charities for Bedford School’s fundraising. “We are passionate and committed to continuing the legacy of my father. “The mission of the foundation is for a more hopeful world and we will be supporting causes that are close to our hearts. “We thank Bedford School for choosing to support us on this mission.” The newly formed Captain Tom Foundation has four pillars: to combat loneliness, support those facing bereavement, champion education and equality and support friends overseas. For more information, visit www.captaintom.org
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HM Lord-Lieutenant’s cadets ready to serve
Cadet Warrant Officer Abby Bierton from Beds & Cambs Air Training Corps receiving her Lord-Lieutenant certificate.
HM LORD-LIEUTENANT of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis, recently appointed her Cadets for 2020/2021 at a ceremony held virtually online. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting lack of opportunities for Lord-Lieutenant Cadets, the Lord-Lieutenant extended the appointment for six of her Cadets from 2019/2020 and commissioned Cadet Warrant Officer Abby Bierton from Bedfordshire & Cambridgeshire Air Training Corps (Flitwick Squadron). The role of Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets is to support the LordLieutenant in carrying out her duties as The Queen’s representative in the county and their selection and appointment acknowledges their outstanding contribution to their Cadet service and to the community. This year’s Cadets are • Petty Officer Cadet Elisabeth Allison (Flitwick & Ampthill Sea Cadets) • Cadet Warrant Officer Abby Bierton (Bedfordshire & Cambridgeshire ATC) • Cadet Colour Sergeant Leah Flores (Beds & Herts Army Cadet Force) • Police Cadet Connor Fossey
(Bedfordshire Police) • Fire Cadet Ryan Harper (Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue Service) • Cadet Sergeant Harilaos Karavaggelis (Bedford School Combined Cadet Force) • Leading Cadet Kate Travers (St John Ambulance) The Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets are the finest of the many talented young people in the Cadet Forces and Emergency Services within Bedfordshire. They are excellent leaders and a credit to their organisations and to the county. Speaking after the commissioning, the Lord-Lieutenant said “It is a genuine privilege to work alongside some of the finest young people in Bedfordshire and I would like to thank the dedicated volunteers who devote so much time to helping to develop our cadets. I am delighted to welcome CWO Bierton to my team of LordLieutenant Cadets who have already impressed me with their commitment, maturity and professionalism when supporting me at key events in the County prior to the pandemic. I am looking forward to continuing to work with the Cadets and hope that they have an exciting year ahead.”
BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2020
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Festus does 200 hours as a ‘Special’
FESTUS Akinbusoye is the Conservative Candidate to be your next Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Bedfordshire in 2021. PCCs are elected by the public to set the strategic priorities for the policing area and hold the Chief Constable accountable for delivering these, ensure support is there for victims, and work with the Chief Constable to oversee the reduction of crime in the area. In short, PCCs are there to be the voice of the public in dealing with the police. Here in Bedfordshire, we have seen the investment in police increase from £102m in 2010 to just over £120m in 2020/21. This has also meant officer numbers are increasing again after the cuts of a few years ago. Festus commented on this investment: “I have seen the valuable addition these new officers are to our police force having done over 200 frontline duties as a Special Constable in two months. I commend our police officers for their remarkable work in keeping us safe. “While I welcome the increased investment, we absolutely need it to be sustained and increased. Under successive governments, we have been funded as a rural area, when in fact, we have similar crime challenges compared to larger urban areas like Birmingham, Manchester and parts of London. I want to work with the government, in making the case for this unfair funding formula to be fixed once and for all if elected as your next Police and Crime Commissioner in May 2021. “I live in rural Bedfordshire and have done so for ten years. My children attend school in the area, and I recently volunteered over 200 frontline hours in two months as a Special Constable with Bedfordshire Police. “I run a business which employs about sixty staff and have mentored young offenders in prison, served as a link governor for the Offender Learning and Skills Services at a further education college, and currently am a board member at a YMCA.”
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Named as a Rising Star 6 —
NOVEMBER 2020 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
BEDFORD School pupil Benjie Ingram-Moore, the grandson of the inspirational Captain Sir Tom Moore, has been lauded for his work on the phenomenal £38.9million fundraiser for the NHS throughout the coronavirus pandemic. A teenager who took a leading role in the biggest positive news story of the year has been recognised with a prestigious award. Bedford School pupil Benjie Ingram-Moore, the grandson of the inspirational Captain Sir Tom Moore, has been lauded for his work on the phenomenal £38.9million fundraiser for the NHS throughout the coronavirus pandemic. He has now been unveiled as the winner of the Rising Star category in the 2020 Independent School of the Year awards. Benjie played an important role in his grandad walking 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday, with the aim of raising £1,000 for the NHS. Benjie, a Lower Sixth student at Bedford School, said: “I have been absolutely blown away by how life has changed over the past five months or so. “During this time, I was lucky enough to go to Windsor Castle and meet the Queen for Grandad’s investiture and meet the likes of David Beckham and Michael Ball, which is just incredible. They are all experiences I never thought would happen. “Thank you to absolutely everyone who helped me on this journey. “Having been preparing to sit my GCSEs, this isn’t close to anything that I had expected this summer, but it is an absolute pleasure to have won this award. “I hope to be able to push on from here with the Captain Tom Foundation and continue Grandad’s legacy.” Benjie, who set up a Twitter account which gained a following of more than 75,000 in a week, secured a much-coveted spot on The Michael Ball Show on BBC Radio 2 and messages of support from celebrities including Dame Kelly Holmes, Lord Sugar and Jason Donovan. He also worked with his family to gain the support of BBC Breakfast and Piers Morgan at Good Morning Britain for Sir Tom’s exploits. For Sir Tom’s 100th birthday, Bedford School’s Great Hall was turned into a sorting office, with more than 100 pupils, parents, staff and Old Bedfor-
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dians volunteering to set aside envelopes and separate gifts, cheques and donations. They then created a spectacular display of cards which led to visits from press from around the world who wanted to see the display and speak to Benjie. James Hodgson, Head Master of Bedford School, said: “Benjie is an incredibly modest, humble young man with a strong determination to succeed. “He is consistently reliable and when given extra responsibility, will always perform the task to an exemplary standard, going above and beyond what is asked of him. “It is these qualities, as well as his ability to build positive relationships, that have led him to the success that he has had fundraising with Sir Tom and his family for the NHS. “We are incredibly proud of Benjie; he has always been a rising star. It’s an absolute delight that he has been recognised in this way with the Rising Star award.” Benjie was unveiled as the winner during a virtual Independent School of the Year awards ceremony on Thursday .
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Raising thousands of pounds running the virtual London Marathon
TWO dedicated runners have sprinted to success, raising £3,472 for Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice. Jacob Fordham from St Neots and Angus Macdonald from Potton took to the streets on a very soggy Sunday (October 4) to complete 26.2 miles. They were due to take part in this year’s London Marathon, which was cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic. But it didn’t stop them – and they decided to do the distance ‘virtually’ on what would have been the day of the marathon instead. Jacob Fordham chose a route around his local area of St Neots and Cambridge in memory of his grandfather Bill, who was cared for at the Bedfordshire hospice in November 2018. “The thought of grandad looking down on me with a massive smile on his face as I crossed the finish line means the world,” said Jacob, who raised £1,532. “I had heard about Sue Ryder but I didn’t really know what they did until my grandad was taken into Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice. “My grandad was diagnosed with terminal cancer and the nurses were amazing in their care in the last days of his life. They were also amazing for the support that they gave to my nan and the rest of our family during these difficult times. “It was only then that I really understood how much the charity does and how much the charity relies on donations, as big or small as these might be. I wanted to run the marathon for Sue Ryder as I can’t think of a more deserved charity and one which has touched the hearts of so many.” Elsewhere, fellow marathon runner and town councillor Angus Macdonald took to the streets in and around Potton. He braved the elements to do a 23 mile run before breakfast, followed by a 3.2 mile dog walk to make up his marathon miles. “We are fortunate here in the north east corner of Bedfordshire to have Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice, providing excellent care and support for those who need it,” said Angus, who raised £1,940 through fundraising activities such as selling face masks and pocket dolls with his
daughter on Potton market. “I’ve seen the difference it makes to friends and neighbours who have needed to use St John’s Hospice for their loved ones, and listened to the praise they have for the dedicated staff and health professionals. “It is essential that these hospices are around to support all of us, if we are ever in need.” Hayley Webb, Community Fundraising Manager at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice, said: “A huge congratulations to Angus and Jacob who pulled on their trainers to complete the cancelled 40th London Marathon virtually in support of our hospice. “At Sue Ryder, we give supporters such as Angus and Jacob the name ‘Team Incredible’ because they take on amazing challenges and raise vital funds to ensure we can continue providing our compassionate palliative care and bereavement support. “We are really grateful to Angus and Jacob; their support will help us to be there for people at the most difficult time of their lives. “If you are feeling inspired to take on your own challenge of a lifetime, applications are now open to join the 2021 team at www.sueryder.org/london”
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WINTER COLOUR Bedford College Group wins FE College of the Year nated with Ofsted’s recent announcement that The Bedford College Group, (including Tresham), is rated Good in all areas, with adult and young learners developing “excellent” study skills. The Skills Funding Agency has also formally confirmed the College’s status as Outstanding for financial health with a £1million surplus. The College has invested in its seven campuses, including a £3.65 million Zoological Education Centre at Shuttleworth which opened in September 2019, the first of its type developed with the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and providing a unique learning environment for students. The College has also been awarded £7.5million from SEMLEP to redevelop the Wellingborough campus, enabling 1,000 additional students to study locally. The College’s new Buchanan Centre for advanced engineering opened in October 2018 and is specifically designed to meet the needs of businesses in the region. The building received £2.5 million funding from SEMLEP, £170K from HEFCE’s Catalyst Fund and the Connolly Foundation of Bedfordshire funded a virtual reality suite. In 2018 the College was also granted membership of the Chartered Institution for Further Education under its Royal Charter in recognition of its exemplary position in the sector. At the 2020 event, The Bedford College Group also won the Professional Services Team
While stocks last award for these developments. Said Ian: “Our Estates Team is so unassuming, yet so committed to making the student experience special from the minute they arrive on campus. This year they have performed exceptionally in the most difficult circumstances, keeping us safe, yet still managing to complete three major construction projects on time and budget. “I hope every college estates team will feel the award recognises their work too.” In 2017 Judith Larsen won TES FE Teacher of the Year, in Road (just off the A6) 2018 KeithRadwell Haynes was named Milton Ernest MK44 1SH TES FE Assessor of the Year and in 2019 Samantha Jones won TES FE Teacher of the Year.
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THE Bedford College Group has won the title of FE College of the Year in the prestigious Times Educational Supplement (TES) Further Education awards (October 16 2020). The Group, which comprises Bedford College, Shuttleworth College and The Bedford Sixth Form in Bedfordshire, and National College for Motorsport and Tresham College in Northamptonshire has risen to become one of the top FE establishments in the UK and a leading provider of employer-related education. Ian Pryce CBE, Principal and CEO who has steered the Group to this success said: “The awards night was a wonderful celebration of the work of our extraordinary sector. I’m still in shock. “The shortlist for College of the Year was very strong, so to be judged the winner is one of the best moments of my two decades at The Bedford College Group. It has been a very special year for us on so many fronts. “The congratulations of so many friends and colleagues in the sector is overwhelming. I am so proud of our 1,200 staff and 16,000 students and so privileged to be allowed to be their Principal. I never thought an online event could be so emotional.” Bedford College took on a huge challenge merging with Tresham College in 2017. Tresham was a large college in a different county, rated inadequate by Ofsted in 2016 and with extensive financial deficits. However, passion, determination and exceptional hard work from staff at all levels of the College has culmi-
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SEPTEMBER 2020 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
MID BEDS
Sandy gets new outdoor gym equipment SANDY Town Council has opened its new outdoor gym facility at Sunderland Road recreation ground. The outdoor gym is freely available for everyone
across the community to use, 24hours a day. The equipment is designed to be inclusive for a wide age-range, from teenagers to elderly residents and for people of
all abilities, strengths and skill levels. It has been installed between the car park and Jenkins Pavilion, so it is easy to access for anyone arriving either by car or on foot. The 8-piece, 15-user suite offers a variety of exercise opportunities, including pieces designed to target all the major muscle groups, and improve users’ cardiovascular fitness, strength, mobility and balance. Each item is labelled with instructions and advice on its usage and fitness benefits. The idea for an outdoor gym at Sunderland Road was suggested by Sandy Secondary School students, Megan Dyson and Charlie Trayhorn, during a presentation given to the Council
earlier this year. The students, who are now in Year 11, had spoken to the Council on a wider project they’d undertaken around their vision for the future of the town. The outdoor gym was awarded partial funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner for Bedfordshire’s Violence and Exploitation Reduction Unit (VERU) Grant Fund due to the positive opportunities it will offer to Sandy’s youth community. The Council believes the facility will offer great physical, mental and social benefits to Sandy’s young people, and those of all ages for years to come. The Council would ask everyone to be mindful of COVID-19 guidance while using
the outdoor gym, which should be treated similarly to children’s play equipment. Advisory signs will be displayed on site and users should: l attend in a group of no more than six, unless all from the same household; l maintain a two metre distance between themselves and anyone outside of their household or bubble; l wipe down equipment and sanitise their hands before, during and after using the outdoor gym, and avoid touching their face; l wait or come back at another time if the outdoor
gym is busy, to avoid overcrowding; l and do not use the facility if experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 (new persistent cough, high temperature or loss or change of sense of taste or smell). Anyone with symptoms must self-isolate at home for at least 10 days and arrange to get a test. The new facility will enhance the existing sports and leisure hub at Sunderland Road, and it is hoped this will be the first step of a wider project, as the Council seeks further grant funding for additional outdoor fitness equipment at other recreation grounds.
SANDY TOWN COUNCIL Christmas Lights
Remembrance Sunday Due to the continuing necessity to restrict gatherings because of the COVID-19 outbreak, Sandy’s usual Remembrance Sunday Parade will not be able to go ahead this year. is However, the Town Council feels it this k mar ately opri important to appr important occasion, so is liaising with ll other organisations to ensure a sma group of representatives from the town are able to carry out an act of Remembrance. Residents are encouraged to participate in Remembrance wherever they are and join in the national two minutes silence at 11am on Wednesday 11th November. The Council will once again adorn town centre lamp posts with large opoppies as part of Sandy’s commem e shar to ents resid e ration and we invit a message of Remembrance with the community on our website. Messages can be sent by email to admin@sandytowncouncil.gov.uk d, or to our office at 10 Cambridge Roa Sandy, SG19 1JE. Members of the public can also show
their support by displaying a poppy in their window. The Royal British Legion have created printable A4 posters which can be downloaded from their website; there is a full colour version and one which can be coloured in at home. The posters can also be collected from the Council office. Sandy and District Royal British Legion are hoping to run a ‘nearnormal’ appeal this year, with collections at Tesco in Sandy and Frosts in Willington; these will be subject to safety regulations and non touch payments will be available.
To make sure Sandy is me rry and bright this festive season, the Co un the town centre Christma cil agreed for s be installed early this yea light motifs to r; they will be turned on at the end of November. It has been necessary to complete the work during October du e to the effects of the pandemic. Our ligh ts supplier brought forward their ins tallations nationally to counter the logistical challenges of COVID-19 and government restrictions, and to avoid disappointment. We apologise for this un sea which is needed to ensure sonal timing, centre brings some cheer the town during the Christmas period. It is looking likely that thi s switch-on event will no years’ lights t be ahead due to COVID-19 able to go . It a small Christmas marke is hoped that t mi possible and this is curren ght still be tly being worked on.
You can also donate to the Poppy Appeal online, or by phone, text, or post. For more information, to download a poppy poster or Town Council meetings contribute a message to the Mee of tings of Sandy Town Council and its Legion’s virtual Field committees are currently being held virtually on the Remembrance, go to Zoom video conf eren cing l. platf ppea orm . rbl.org.uk/poppya
mits Residents’ fishing per available ich borders the
e wh The Riddy nature reserv The Town Council owns important to water voles. The Council River Ivel and is especially river from The and Beeston to fish the allows residents of Sandy son which runs from June to March, for sea Riddy during the fishing free. ed from the Town uired which can be obtain A Residents’ Permit is req Environment Agency Rod Licence and t present address Council offices. A curren fication containing your nti ide of m for er mit. some oth per a for g lyin time of app must be submitted at the the age of 12 but der un ple le to young peo The permit is also availab by a responsible adult when applying ied tact the Town they must be accompan re information please con and while fishing. For mo Council offices.
Members of the public are welcome to attend the meetings and can contact the Clerk at clerk@sandytowncouncil.gov.uk for details on how to join. All meetings commence at 7.30pm except Development Scrutiny Committee (Planning) whic h starts at 6.30pm
Monday 9th November 2020 Town Council Monday 16th November 2020 Development Scrutiny Community Services and Environ ment Monday 7th December 2020 Development Scrutiny Policy Finance and Resources See our website for details of othe r meetings. ALL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLI C AND PRESS ARE WELCOME
10 Cambridge Road, Sandy SG19 1JE Tel: 01767 681491 Fax: 01767 692527 admin@sandytowncouncil.gov.uk www.sandytowncouncil.gov.uk
View from the Rt Revd
Richard Atkinson
The Bishop of Bedford
CELEBRATING FAMILY
Family and families are important. They are different for all of us. They are a fundamental building block of society where the young find their identity, the old receive care, the generations meet together, the sick are supported and there is a commitment to mutual flourishing. Yes, at times they can be dysfunctional and even deeply damaging. It is always salutary to remember that since Cain murdered Abel families are the locus of much violence and abuse. However, we must never let the challenges of being family blot out their potential and promise. During these testing Covid 19 times, however, it can sound as if we are more concerned about who can drink with whom in a pub or use the gym, than whether or not we are celebrating families. There are, of course, really difficult issues about cross generational meeting, especially where parents or grandparents are in care. The need to protect those who are vulnerable in health terms can apply to all ages. There must be limits to family gatherings – as much as I would like to meet up with our extended family that is not reasonable. But doing what we can to affirm family life, to value the contribution of grandparents, to enable meetings of siblings and parents needs more attention. The ‘rule of six’ is fine but does that really mean that my wife and I have to decide who is left out from our three children and two partners. Ultimately this is not about the detail of regulations, although they need to be worked out. It is about a celebration of family that recognises that strong and supported family life will help us through these challenges, not diminish our capacity. More than that as we enter ever more difficult economic times with rising unemployment, increased household need and real hardship for people, we need stronger family life, not weaker. Whilst the state can provide essential funds (and it needs to do so), it can’t supply that necessary love and mutual support. All too often the real and complex questions about family life (there is no one model) means that policy makers tend to shy away from speaking about it. That helps no-one. Celebrating our families, with good support where there is family breakdown, is good for us and good for society, especially during a Pandemic.
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MID BEDS
Face to face for Flitwick Scouts AFTER not being able to meet face to face since March, members of Flitwick Scouts are delighted to be able to meet each other outside. The adult volunteers have used their imagination and carried out lots of research to design games and activities for all of the children and young people to do whilst remaining socially distanced. This has also meant changing times and venues to ensure all of the activities are carried out safely. The activities have included the Athlete Badge, health and fitness, hoop football, making ballistas, hikes to Ampthill and around Flitwick and exploring the wildlife at Manor Park. Since March an enormous
amount of badges have been earned by the children and the majority of these have now been awarded. These include Animal Friend, Book Reader, Collector, Disability Awareness, Experiment, Gardener, My Skills Challenge, My World Challenge and Camp at Home. Adult volunteer, Louise Rutt said, “The children have been very engaged with their badges and it’s been great to see their parents/carers supporting them to achieve them. One of the highlights of getting back to meeting outdoors was the opportunity for Lead Volunteer Jonathan Smith to present some Chief Scout Awards to Beavers (boys and girls aged 6 to 8) and to
Around the area BEESTON OPEN GARDENS
It is with regret that the committee has decided to terminate the Annual Open Gardens event in Beeston. The event was impossible to organise this year because of the pandemic and subsequent lockdown. The committee felt at a recent meeting that the future was so uncertain at present, it would be impossible to hold the event in 2021 as restrictions would still be in place and people would not want to open their properties to 200+ visitors, and the traditional serving of refreshments in a covid-safe manner would be exceedingly difficult. It has been agreed that the funds currently held will be divided between St John’s Hospice, Moggerhanger and Beeston Methodist Church. The Chair of the group Val Haygarth would like to express her thanks to all past and present members of the committee, all those volunteers who came forward for car-parking duties, stewards, washers-up, cake bakers and raffle prize donors, also those wonderful people who have allowed us, for one day, to encroach into their private space and view the diverse gardens that are hiding in our village. Special thanks must also be extended to Mr Roger Cope who over the past fourteen years has mown the car park, opened up his farmyard and given us the use of his barn for storage and to Ros and Max Hill, who throughout this difficult time have been running a plant stall outside their house, and with garden centres being closed for many weeks, this has raised the magnificent sum of £600. Finally, thanks must of course go to all those wonderful visitors who came, often from some distance away, and spent their money so enabling the Open gardens to donate £12,500 to local Charities over the years.
It is to be hoped that once some semblance of normality returns, we can build upon the goodwill shown by so many people in the village over the past six months and bring together a new team to organise new activities in the village and perhaps even a different style Open Gardens. We did at least manage one event this summer with the outdoor performances of the Pantaloons Theatre group, and they are hoping to return in 2021.
OVER SEVENTIES UP AND RUNNING
The 2021 cricket season was greatly curtailed by the pandemic with the only fixtures occurring during August and September. One obvious achievement was that we did manage to get the Bedfordshire 0ver-70s team up and running with a few friendly games, and this has undoubtedly helped with the planning for what we hope will be a full league season in 2021. Initially the team had a baptism of fire with heavy defeats against Herts. (twice), Leics. and Yorkshire Ridings. However the final game saw a complete transformation in the team’s fortunes with a convincing 8 wicket victory over a wellfancied Leicestershire team which had beaten us easily just three weeks earlier. In this game tight bowling and fielding restricted the visitors to just 116-7 from their allotted 40 overs. In reply a swashbuckling second-wicket stand of 114 between Ian Willis and Richard Saltmarsh guided the team home with 18 overs to spare. In the other games we were very much second-best to wellestablished over-70s outfits. Brian Ingram held the batting together with two half centuries and the wily Gerry Ingham was always economical with his slow spin. Importantly we have a nucleus of a squad for next year which skipper Colin Stubbs views with optimism.
Cubs (boys and girls aged 8 to 10 ½). Jonathan said, “This is the best part of my role. It is great to hear about the activities the children have done, the badges they have gained and the adventures they have been on.” Christopher Walker said, “I’ve just moved to Cubs and my first evening was a games night in the rain. The dice game was brilliant. I was so proud to get my Bronze Chief Scout Award.” Parent, Julia Savage said, “The volunteers with the Group have been awesome. They’ve spent many hours writing risk assessments and ensuring all of the activities and children were safe. They’ve engaged with all of the parents/carers and children.” For further information about Flitwick Scouts, please visit www.flitwickscoutgroup.org.uk/
BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2020
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First Class degrees in IT
NO NEED to go “away” to university to get a First Class degree in Digital Technologies, 13 of 20 students at the Bedford College have achieved that result in their home town. With 100% pass rate and 13 First Class Grades, we could not have prouder of the world and effort of our students, and the amazing support of the teaching team throughout the year and the lockdown period. These results are all the more exceptional because this is the first year the course has been delivered at the Bedford College Cauldwell Street campus, and the finale came during the Covid-19 crisis. Lindsey Francis, (pictured front) Course Manager for Higher Education – Computing said: “It has been a challenging year for both the students and the teaching team with the college closure and the need for remote teaching and support. “However, despite these challenges the results are in, and all of the students are thrilled with their grades. “With 100% of our 20 students passing the degree and 13 First Class Grades we could not be prouder of the work and effort of our students, and the amazing support of the teaching team throughout the year and the lockdown period.”
The degrees are validated by the University of Northamptonshire. Bedford College works closely with universities to deliver a wide range of degree courses. The Bedford College Group is known as a high performing Further Education for 16 to 18 year olds. But it delivers so much more now with increasing number of students progressing on to Higher Education, degree level learning. There are variations with Higher Education courses, including the full three years being studied at the college campus, some titled Top Ups, and some requiring students to complete their third and final year at a validating university campus. The critical difference in today’s “new normal” is that remote learning means students can gain critical degrees without the cost, or inconvenience, of going away to university campus. Comment from one student: “Thank you for all you have done for me over the past 5/6 years from Level 3 all the way up to me getting a degree… I really didn’t think I’d ever get a degree after failing most of my GCSEs so now I’m walking away with a 2:1 I’m over the moon.” — Jake Higgs If you want to learn more about how to start and progress on to Higher Education courses visit www.bedford.ac.uk
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BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2020
— 11
Students benefit from a specialist laboratory
THANKS to two local charities, Mark Rutherford School has remodelled an existing science laboratory, with state of the art facilities now better enabling the delivery of the demanding practical skills work required by the A Level Chemistry course. Mrs Bloor, Headteacher said “The generous donations from both the Gale Family Trust and the Connolly Foundation have made it possible for us to continue our focus on delivering
an excellent education and providing students with opportunities to further their academic development.” “This investment in our
teaching facilities will enable the school to increase capacity to accommodate more students, wishing to undertake A Level Chemistry in a specialist purpose built laboratory. “This will enable us to deliver relevant chemistry practical skills to students, in readiness to access high quality A Level courses, Apprenticeships and University places as they enter a period of transition moving from one phase of life to another.”
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NOVEMBER 2020 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
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Jail for would be ‘freerunning’ robber A MAN who was spotted by police committing a robbery and then attempted to hide in a basement has been jailed for more than four years. Bedfordshire Police officers spotted Mohammed Sada, 25, of The Embankment, Bedford, in a scuffle with another man in Midland Road on April 22. As officers approached, Sada was seen dropping what turned out to be the victim’s wallet before he ran away. Sada attempted to evade officers by climbing over a six feet tall wall down an alleyway off Church Street before climbing onto the roof of a building. Police established a cordon in the area and a member of the public directed officers to a basement door, which was usually open but had been locked. Officers forced entry through the door, despite mattresses having been placed up against it to prevent access. Inside they found Sada laying on the floor. At the time Sada was also subject to a criminal behaviour order which banned him from entering Midland Road, which had been put in place to due to previous offending. Sada was found guilty of robbery and breaching a criminal behaviour order. On Monday, October 5, he was sentenced to four years and three months for the robbery offence, as
well as 10 months for the criminal behaviour order breach. This will be served concurrently. PC George Mallen, who investigated the offence, said: “This was a nasty and cowardly attack, with Sada grabbing his victim from behind. “He then showed a complete disregard for the law by making off from our officers and attempted to hide. “Sada’s experience should serve as a warning to others – if you commit crime, there is nowhere to run or hide where we won’t find you.” If you have been affected by crime, the Signpost Hub offers free and confidential support to victims in Bedfordshire, whether it has been reported to police or not and irrespective of where and when the crime occurred.
Four parks receive Green Flag Award
BEDFORD Park, Addison Howard Park, Priory Country Park and Harrold-Odell Country Park have all received this year’s Green Flag Award. This announcement marks the 19th year in a row that Priory Country Park has won the award. The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for their management across the United Kingdom and around the world. Mowsbury Hillfort and the Hill
Rise Nature Reserve, two of Bedford Borough’s volunteermanaged sites, have also received the Green Flag Community Award for a third year in a row. Dave Hodgson, Mayor of Bedford Borough, said: “In Bedford Borough, we are very proud of our parks and open spaces. We’re fortunate to have such high-quality spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy.” “Our parks and open spaces have been even more important this year with more residents using them during the pandemic crisis.”
PUBLIC NOTICE
THE LI C E N S I N G AC T 2003
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NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR LICENCE
TAKE NOTE that an application for the grant of a Premises Licence has been made to Bedford Borough Council by Lotte Rose Bridal Boutique Ltd in respect of premises known as:
8-12 Bromham Road, Bedford MK40 2QA
Proposed licensable activities: Supply of alcohol: Monday–Saturday 11.00–20.00, Sunday 11.00–17.00 (for consumption on the premises) Hours open to the public: Monday–Saturday 09.00–20.00, Sunday 11.00–17.00 Representations: ANY PERSON wishing to make any representation to the application should write to the Chief Officer Legal & Democratic Services, Bedford Borough Council, Borough Hall, Cauldwell Street, Bedford MK42 9AP specifying the grounds for making representations. Interested parties or responsible authorities may make written representations, these should be sent to the Chief Officer Legal & Democratic Services by 20th November, 2020. Applications can be viewed during office hours at the Council or via the council's website on https://www.bedford.gov.uk/licencing/ It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application, the maximum fine for this is unlimited. Dated: 26th October, 2020
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Safe and secure WFH scene Working From Home is not always the fun it sounds – distractions abound and the need to feel ‘normal’ by going out of the door to ‘the office’ is suddenly very appealing. A Covid-secure, cost-effective and creative setting is Provident House in Harpur Street. Here you can hot-desk in a variety of spotlessly clean rooms for a little as £10 a day or £25 a week, with FREE coffee, scanner and printers If you secure a dedicated desk for £75-£100 a month you enjoy the same fringe benefits
BEDFORD’S PREMIER BUSINESS HUB 07475 763200 https://provident.house 44 Harpur Street, Bedford, MK40 2QT
AND FREE wi-fi and on-site technical support is available if your laptop won’t link up, or you can’t log into ‘Teams’ or any one of those many technical hitches which arise when WFH. An added bonus is two hours FREE parking Monday – Saturday at the Queen Street multi-storey, and at 50p an hour after that, is the cheapest in town.
The building was a popular co-working space destination pre-lockdown with freelancers, and has now been upgraded and adapted to take on board all social distancing and sanitised requirements in the ‘new normal’. Already Provident House has won the approval of organisations running a series of new Government and Council supported courses for those learning English. In addition to the office spaces, Provident House is the home to Bedford Radio. A brand new recording studio, ideal for those keen to present themselves via Podcasts, is on site and can be hired for £3 for 30 minutes. Just bring your script. “WFH is not for everyone. We offer respite in a professional, comfortable and inspiring setting. “We’re here to help those looking for an uplifting change of scenery.” www.provident.house
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NOVEMBER 2020 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
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MID BEDS
THE LAWN DOCTOR
by Tony Hendrix
Nightlife taking a hammering – again!
Just as we thought that nightlife in the town may be getting a kick start back to the road of recovery by Christmas, nightlife takes yet again another major hammering! The few pubs, bars and clubs courageous enough to reopen have now been hit with new government covid-19 restrictions compulsory forcing them to close at 10pm. I still find it pretty difficult to grasp why the hospitality sector appears to the first to be targeted for closure and the last to be assessed for reopening , this ridiculous 10pm curfew begs to asks the question does covid-19 only come out at 10pm every night in search of pubs clubs and bars, and when it finds you, if you’re in a group of six people or more only then will you get infected! All this new government legislation has caused is for hardened drinkers to start drinking earlier and faster and have a hang out party outside pubs at 10pm. Following a devastating eight months of closure Esquires will be finally opening its doors again for some very select socially distanced shows commencing the weekend of Friday and Saturday, November 6 and 7. The venue has recieved much love and support from the
community which has certainly been a major factor in reopening the venue. The opening of the venue will coincide nicely with the end of furlough, hopefully so long as events are allowed to continue with the new social distance formula in place staff jobs will be saved and this awesome nostalgic live music venue will be up and running again. The venue has applied to the Cultural Recovery Fund from Arts Council England should this be successful the venue will definitely be taking every conceivable opportunity to put shows on but this could still be several months away . Unfortunately any future events will not honor any crowd funder cards however this will definitely change as soon as the recovery phase sets in.
Current guidelines allow tickets to be sold in groups of four only with a maximum capacity of 60 people. The opening weekend sees Pearl Handled Revolver which has ready sold out on Friday, November 6 the second show on Saturday, November 7, of the opening weekender sees ex Inspiral Carpets front man Tom Hingley who will be delivering a huge back catalogue of some of the finest Indie tunes on record, Tom will be supported by local artist Sunsinger and The High Seas, a few limited tickets are still available for this show. Please note at the time of writing this article the above mentioned gigs were scheduled to go ahead however you are advised to visit Esquires website for any changes or cancellations
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THE British weather never ceases to surprise and after the record breaking amount of rain in this area recently, some gardens are looking rather forlorn as they struggle to cope with too much of a good thing. If any parts of your garden remain very wet, puddles, squelchy sounds, etc., the best advice is to avoid it as any compaction will damage soil structure and create more compaction which will further diminish its ability to drain. But as every keen gardener knows, there is always something to do in the garden! Can’t get on the ground and the threat of being stuck inside with day time television looms like a gruesome punishment? It’s amazing what jobs can suddenly be found to do if such a vile prospect is on the horizon! Got a glasshouse? All glasshouses are at their most effective when the glass is clean and letting in lots of light. I visit many gardens where sometimes it is not so very obvious as to which is a glasshouse and which is a shed! Cleaning the glass, inside and out, is always a great boon to any plants one is trying to nurture. If you are unable to reach the top, do not use a ladder; far safer to buy a brush than to risk a horrid injury. Similarly, flower pots and containers can harbour all sorts of nasties that damage sensitive, young plants so a thorough clean is always a very good idea. Other jobs involve the maintenance of tools and machinery: all mean that when they come to be used in earnest, they are primed and ready for action! Sharp tools make such a difference in a garden. Better for the plant, a clean cut recovers far quicker and is less likely to encourage infection, but it is also a lot easier for the gardener to make. Why not contact Jason the blade sharpener on 07786 666 965. Similarly, putting a lawn mower away dirty, with blunt blades and not in great shape after a busy year is only going to create a problem in spring so why not service now? If your mechanical skills are not to up to the task, call Groundcare Machinery Services in Cople on 01234 831 123 to do the honours. Do it now and you will avoid the mad rush in spring.
Had an interesting question about rose pruning, as I always do at this time of the year. The question was, should they be pruned now? I am very definitely of the prune in spring school of thought. In the right conditions, roses will continue to flower, if regularly deadheaded, until Christmas. Prune them now, as was once suggested, and you will be denying your garden colour just when it is perhaps needed/wanted most. Far better to delay hard pruning until spring just when they start to grow again, in fact. The only real exception to this, is if you have very tall roses. Winds at this time of the year can result in swaying plants which of course will result in damage to the roots so a judicious trim with sharp, clean secateurs will prevent ‘wind rock’ from taking place. When I was growing up, the phrase ‘putting the garden to bed’ was regularly heard but this is a nonsense really. Although some plants can go dormant, a healthy
garden is always full of life, and in many ways this just becomes more subtle at this time of the year.
The answer to last month’s just for fun quiz question, the three main threats to Cherry Laurel plants are Powdery Mildew, Leaf Spot Fungi and Bacterial Shothole. How can these be treated? Pruning out effected leaves can help as can appropriate fungicides but if the cultural conditions that created the problems in the first place aren’t addressed, the problem could well return. Contact me for more information. This month’s question is, your beloved lawn is covered with wormcasts and fungus, what can be done? As usual, many thanks to all of you for contributing to this column, keep them coming, and please contact me with any gardening tasks or queries you may have, lawndocgardens@aol.com or tel: 01767 627 581 or 07796 328 855.
Quiz
You can’t beat fresh produce! We are pleased to announce that you can now buy your fresh fish and vegetables from our garden centre
‘Best Veg’ are open Wednesdays and Saturdays
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gardening
BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2020
— 15
with Milton Ernest Garden Centre
Berried B
TREASURE by Maureen Catlin
ERRIED fruits are very productive and really worth growing. They produce some of the healthiest food we can grow and many can be accommodated in quite small gardens.
They are rich in Fibre, Vitamin C and Antioxidant Polyphenols and so are important for a healthy heart, for reducing blood pressure and cholesterol slowing cognitive decline and diabetes. Some can be grown in tubs but many are better grown in the border or veg patch to achieve maximum crops. The birds also like the berries that we find tasty so it is vital that you provide some protection. A fruit cage is the ideal solution which allows easy maintenance of the crops and easy picking at harvest. It is also vital to water often during the months when the fruit is forming and ripening so a ground irrigation system like Drip or Seeper Hoses will produce amazing crops of rich berries to eat fresh or freeze for winter use. This initial outlay will pay for itself time and again. For example you should expect at least 0.5 to 1 kg of fruit per raspberry cane per year. I have seen raspberries in the supermarkets costing £1.99 for 20 berries! So Raspberries are really worth growing. For early and midseason varieties I like Glen Proven and Tulleman and for autumn fruiting Joan J or Autumn Bliss. But wait there’s a new kid on the block, Ruby Beauty is the world’s first compact variety. It is summer fruiting, the canes are short and stout so no need for support wires. It will even grow in a large pot. Useful tip feed with Rose Fertiliser in April. It is high in Potash producing lots of flowers and therefore fruit. Blueberries are another very prolific fruiting berry a super food which is also expensive to buy. It is recommended that you plant 3 plants together to get good pollination and large yields. Grow in lime free compost and feed with ericaceous feed as they like acidic soil. Put sulphur chips around the base of each plant every couple of years to reduce the soil ph. Blueberries grow very well in containers Chandler and Sunshine Blue are both recommended varieties with masses of large berries that are easy to pick and will freeze very well for winter use. The flavour of freshly picked ripe Straw-
berries is to be relished. Probably the favourite berry for children to eat they can be grown in tubs and even hanging baskets. Choose a spot that enjoys six to eight hours sunlight per day. Plant three plants in a 14 hanging basket and five in a similar size deep pot. Feed with tomato food every week in the growing season and water copiously. I grow Strawberry Pegasus, Elsanta and Hapil for sweet juicy berries of excellent flavour. Blackberries are much valued for Blackberry and Apple Pie, Jam or to eat fresh with Breakfast Cereals. You need space to grow good varieties like Adrienne and Oregon Thornless which grow vigorously and need a framework to be trained for easy harvesting. Opal however is small enough to grow in a container. All have delicious sweet juicy berries that freeze well. Tayberries and Loganberries are both hybrids from Blackberries and Raspberries.
They produce a lot of long stems so need space to be trained on a wire frame. Loganberries are used mostly for culinary purposes but Tayberries produce long sweet berries of excellent flavour. Gooseberries are an undervalued soft fruit that is beginning to resurge in popularity because it is so versatile. A variety like Invicta can be used as dessert or for cooking and preserves so well either by freezing or for making jam or chutney. It will grow in poor soil even in part shade. Invicta trains very well as a fan shape on a wall which makes harvesting easy. Jostaberry is a natural cross between a Gooseberry and a Blackcurrant. This soft fruit looks like a Blackcurrant and has the same refreshing flavour with a hint of gooseberry. It has prolific crops which ripen in July. Most of the berry fruits are easy to grow and are a great addition to GROW YOUR OWN.
16 —
NOVEMBER 2020 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
sport
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Round-up of the Waders most recent matches by Mike Draxler
BIGGLESWADE TOWN......................0 BROMSGROVE SPORTING..............1 WE are heading in the right direction. The previous match at Leiston was a disaster and although with one or two exceptions essentially the same squad re-arranged with devastating effect. Bromsgrove, one of last season’s title contenders came with a pedigree reputation. Although their season has not had the best of starts expectation in the midlands is high and a win at the newly named Yvette Brewer Stadium. The home fans were unsure what to expect, but a breath of fresh air ran through a shuffled pack with the addition of returning Jamie Peters and new signing Fabio Lopez. Seconds in and Trey Charles is chasing a ball down into the penalty box, Upended? Too early for that kind of decision, play waived on. The Waders continued to press Fabio and Jonny Giles teasing down the wings, Charles and Sam Squire being very direct towards goal. The feeling it had to come; the imbalance of play far too great to do otherwise. The front four all had strikes at goal but the back of the net proved elusive as in previous matches this season. At the 45-minute mark all square but a major improvement by Biggleswade. Out for the second period again saw Bromsgrove under permanent pressure. Again, the front four kept up the momentum ably backed up by Scott Davies whose command of the midfield is to be admired. We must mention the back four plus Kyle Forster. Without the usual two central defenders, captain Shane Bush and Jake Keirons took over with Jordy Ngathe and Kane Farrell in the wide positions carrying on the tradition of a very mean defence. Limiting Bromsgrove to a handful of chances which Forster dealt with. As time wore on and no score appeared it felt likely that with the Wader’s luck at present, Bromsgrove would “nick” one. Charles and Giles both had chances but the pick of them all went to Sam Squire whose header fell the wrong side of the post. Fears became reality as on 83 a rare Bromsgrove corner was met by Luke Ward who powered high into the net. The last few minutes
with Neal and Lucan coming on for the Waders were a flurry of pressure. BIGGLESWADE TOWN .....................7 LEISTON ................................................4 AFTER the previous week Leiston who finished that match with a swagger in their stride arrived at the Yvette Brewer Stadium full of confidence anticipating carrying on where they left off, returning to Suffolk with three points. The match under way saw the boys in green attacking from the off pressurising the Leiston back line. No clear chances but a heap of promise. Waders hearts dropped a beat on 13 when Will Davies our undoer of last week crept in at the far post to give Leiston the advantage. With both teams without a point at the start something had to give, surely not the Waders again. We waited and waited a full six minutes before Jonny Giles beat old Wader’s favourite Sam Donkin from the edge of the box. Not to be outdone Joe Neal waded in on 26 with a similar strike to give Biggleswade confidence to carry on with debutant Leon Chambers-Parrillon making it three on 33 with another long-range shot. Half time and 3-1. After the break Leiston wasted no time in clawing one back, a real old mix up and the consensus of opinion was an own goal, the culprit unknown on 49. Onwards Biggleswade pressed and were rewarded with another Joe Neal strike to make it 4-2 bit with close to 30 minutes remaining Leiston were not following the script. Back they came with two goals in 6 minutes from Liam Jackson, one a penalty, levelling the score. Straight from the re-start the ball worked to Jonny Giles who hit a thunderbolt regaining the lead again on 71. Leiston could take no more, working hard to get back on level terms only to be snatched away, but what a goal! 78 and a corner coming in from the left found Joe Neal and his bullet header left Donkin with no chance. Neal a hat-trick hero. No quite finished as Jonny Giles followed his strike partner on 82 to join Joe Neal with three apiece. STOURBRIDGE....................................2 BIGGLESWADE TOWN......................2 LITERALLY a last-minute equaliser saw Stourbridge keep their unbeaten run intact
after having been run all over the park by 10 men in the second half. All the visits, in my memory, have resulted in always coming home empty handed. Stourbridge have not lost in three league games playing an emerging Biggleswade Town would make for a very interesting contest on a wet afternoon in the West Midlands. And so, to the start and not unexpected Stourbridge were on the offensive with twin strikers Birch and Mills proving a handful. Mills’s runs down the left were telling as the balls came in to the Wader’s box. Forster was equal to all gathering safely. New boy at the back Matt Hall bedded in nicely with Shane Bush, Kerons and Farrell keeping the wide slots. Stourbridge took the lead on five through Kayelden Brown sweeping in at the far post. Ominous? Maybe given our visits here in recent past and that it takes Biggleswade time to realise their confidence. Davies and Leon Parrillon in the midfield were always busy, fascinating to watch as they both sprayed the ball about, turning on a sixpence, creating space. Stourgbridge had all the chances and should have clicked the scoreboard more than once. But and as you know there is always a but, on 40 Fabio Lopes wide left cut in and unleashed a shot high into the net to level it up at the break. I wonder sometimes what the management team say at half time, because the second half saw the dominance of this Waders side emerge. One minute in and disaster as Fabio Lopes is sent off for foul play. Ten men against the glass boys. Forget the reputation Biggleswade played them off the park. Stunning runs by Giles and Neal backed up by Squire kept the ball at the wrong end for the Midlander’s. On 70 Jonny Giles with what is now becoming the norm slotted past the home keeper to silence the drummer, as Biggleswade took the lead. No change in tactics as the visitors kept pressing. Joe Neal ran from the half way line at pace down the right beating two defenders plus rounding the keeper only to see his shot blocked on the line. The minutes ticked on and the home side used all three subs in an attempt to change the flow of traffic. The Waders kept pressing sniffing victory. The time
added, was added to as a final assault was made in a desperate bid. Bradley Birch hit a shot from outside the box, Forster had it covered but then it hit a defender and completely changed direction. 2-2. Felt like defeat at the final whistle, far from it, anyone who witnessed this match could only be so proud of the Bedfordshire boys, fantastic!
ROYSTON TOWN ................................1 BIGGLESWADE TOWN......................1 WE have come to expect a goal fest from this fixture, meetings in the past seasons have given us a netful of goals. The last being in February, before the lockdown, when Royston swaggered their way to a 30 win. Personnel have changed as have playing styles. Neither side have got off to the start they would have wanted. But Royston were tipped as were our last opponents Stourbridge, to be the clubs most likely. So it was to Garden Walk Royston, travelling in torrential rain not knowing if the game would start. The weather was kind, the pitch in tip top condition with the game kicking off at 19.30. The Waders came out with the same starting line-up as at Stourbridge. Kicking down the slope Biggleswade got into action from the off. Pressing and probing the Royston defence. Certainly, if there were chances, they fell to the boys in green. Royston seemed content to overhit the ball, Kyle Forster collecting with ease. Biggleswade are so at ease and confident with each other, passing and using the whole 11 players on the pitch. One memorable pass Jonny Giles Crossfield with pinpoint accuracy found Joe Neal control the ball on his chest and move swiftly towards goal. The Waders certainly had the Royston defence at sixes and sevens and on 40 a cross ball into the area was deflected past his own keeper by number 6 Taylor Parr. Going in at the break a goal to the good, Royston would surely try to make amends. The second period saw Royston up their game pressing forward at every opportunity taking advantage of the slope. It took a full fifteen minutes for Biggleswade to regain their shape, to regain the initiative. Neal was a constant
threat running all over the park as the spearhead. Giles, Lopes and Squire added greatly as Biggleswade built up the pressure. Neal with only the keeper to beat had his shot saved at the near post. Shane Bush from a corner just too high and Fabio Lopes had a shot from distance blocked on the line. Royston were anxious and pushed forward, the boys in green getting deeper. For fifteen minutes Kyle Forster stopped, caught or blocked everything a fine display of keeping. When the equaliser came it seemed inevitable. Most of the 22 players were in the Wader’s box save the Royston keeper. On 88 Adam Watkins powered his shot past a disappointed Forster to level.
BIGGLESWADE TOWN......................2 ALVECHURCH.....................................1 THE score line would suggest a match that was close to call but the Waders came out determined to put the previous result at Redditch, far behind them. With what felt like a carnival atmosphere at the Yvette Brewer stadium, the Waders took the game to Alvechurch from the off. Joe Neal. Leon Pappilon and Jamie Peters all had attempts at goal in the early stages. Scott Davies a thunderous free kick from the left hit the bar. Fine lines indeed. Disaster shook Biggleswade on 16 as Kyle MacFarlane on the break shot past Kyle Forster it what was Alvechurch’s only shot of the first half. It was all Biggleswade as the boys resplendent in new kit tried to make amends. At the break much expectation from the home support. Out for the second half and only just comfortable after the break, a misjudged hand from Alvechurch the resulting penalty giving Joe Neal the opportunity, which he took with some style on 48. 3 minutes on and a corner came back out to the lurking Jonny Giles who shot from 30 metres beating all and the unsighted visiting keeper. The youngsters, Giles, Neal. Pappilon and Squire put on a show of immense ball skills keeping Alvechurch firmly in their own half. One shot on target for the visitors during the second half was all they had to show for their afternoon. Even though the score line did not shift Biggleswade were well in control and the three points in the bag.
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