Mid Beds Bulletin January 2022

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JANUARY 2022

TWO Central Bedfordshire Conservative councillors have quit the party to become independents and criticised its culture in the process.

Biggleswade North Councillor Steven Watkins has supported the Tories since his teenage years and suggested his (Conservative) ‘political career is over’ now.

Stotfold and Langford councillor Nicola Harris accused the party of putting “self-interest” ahead of everything else.

Councillor Watkins took to social media to vent his frustration, saying on Facebook: “I’m very disappointed and upset to have left the Conservative group on Central Bedfordshire Council.

“I’ve been a member of the Tory Party since I was sixteen and always supported them locally and nationally.”

“I’ve been increasingly vocal in cabinet about the poor performance of some of my colleagues.

My view was that I should be able to do this privately. If not then, when?” he asked.

“I’m a Biggleswade man through and through, but we have seen this council let us down with dodgy developer deals, allowing more housing than we can accept, a lack of progress on a health hub, with GP appointments a rarity and a lack of a plan for our town, apart from more housing.

“The council leader thought my insolence was too much to bear and suggested I ‘resign’ from cabinet, abstain from votes on policies I didn’t agree with and perhaps disappear to the toilet for votes on issues I couldn’t stomach.

“If anyone thinks it’s an ego trip, I must say that in reality my political career is over. I sit as an

LET US DOWN

Steven Watkins.

Nicola Harris.

by Euan Duncan – Local Democracy Reporter

independent until 2023 when I need to decide if I stand again,” he concluded.

His decision to become an independent follows that of Councillor Harris last month.

She said in a statement online: “Following much consideration I resigned from the Conservative party as of November 28, 2021.

“I’ll continue to work as your local councillor, as an independent member without any affiliation to a political party.

“Acting as an independent allows me to address your concerns and issues as always, but without the restrictions and limits placed upon me by a political party.

“The phrase ‘toeing the party line’ is commonly used and

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unfortunately is a very accurate way to describe what’s currently expected of a party member.

“A Conservative councillor is expected and required to vote with the party on any matters, even if they feel it’s not in the interest of the local community.

“The party puts self-interest ahead of anything else, and this is not something I can agree to.

“Within the local Conservative group, this culture means an elected representative is penalised if they don’t accept the party line, even when they don’t agree with it.

“This is clearly not in the best interest of the local community,” she added. “Neither is this what democracy is about, and the party I was once proud to represent has become an embarrassment.

“The national Conservative party is antiquated and has lost sight of its core values.”

The Conservative leader of Central Bedfordshire Council Richard Wenham has been approached by the local democracy reporting service for a response.

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Renhold man awaits sentencing after being found guilty of sexual assault

A YOUNG woman woke to find a man on top of her as she lay face down in her bed. She told a court how she managed to turn over and he left the room in his boxers and T-shirt, before returning moments later.

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The woman, who had spent the evening with him drinking in Bedford town centre, said: “He came back in and said are you alright and I said why did you do that?”

She said she ordered him to leave her home in Bedford and, after he had gone, she knocked on her parents’ bedroom door to tell them what had happened.

On Thursday, December 16, 2021, 25 year old James Stark from Green End, Renhold, Bedford was found not guilty by a jury of raping the woman, but found guilty instead of an alternative charge of assault by penetration.

Stark sobbed in the dock at Luton Crown Court after the jury had delivered the verdicts. Trial Judge Gary Lucie adjourned the sentencing until the January 28 for the preparation of reports and granted him bail until then.

He ordered that he be subject to an electronically monitored home curfew until his sentencing, when he will have to be at home between the hours of 7pm and 7am.

But before he left the court the judge told Stark “By granting you bail I am not giving you any indication of how you will be dealt with.”

The judge said the likelihood was that that he would receive a sentence of “immediate custody.”

Judge Lucie said when the case comes back to court he will also want to know why it took so long to come to the court.

The matters which the jury had to reach verdicts on took place in August 2017. Stark was on trial pleading not guilty to rape and an alternative charge of assault by penetration.

Opening the case to the jury,

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prosecutor Marion Smullen said they would have to decide what happened between Stark and the woman in the early hours of August 10, 2017.

She told the how the evening before, the young woman who was 21 at the time was out in Bedford catching up with friends and drinking in the bar, Esquires.

At the end of the night the court was told the woman and Stark caught a a taxi back to her parents home.

The court was told that in the early hours the pair were alone in the lounge of her home. On arrival back, she had changed into shorts and T-shirt and had supplied a duvet they could sit under as they watched TV and chatted and drank some alcohol.

Miss Smullen said eventually the woman decided to go upstairs to bed leaving the defendant downstairs on the sofa.

The jury was told she got into bed wearing her shorts, knickers and her T-shirt. As was her habit, said the prosecutor, she put on headphones to listen to music as she dozed off.

Giving evidence to the court, the woman said: “The next thing I know, I woke up and he (Stark) is on top of me in my bed. He was on top of me, inside me.” She said at the same time she could hear him breathing close to her ear.

The woman said she was able to turn over still feeling “sleepy and disorientated,” and the defendant then got off the bed and briefly left the room.

She said she noticed her knickers had been removed and were beside her on the bed.

Continuing her evidence, she went on: “He came in and he was like ‘Are you alright?’ I didn’t say anything and started crying, like weeping and I said ‘Why did you do that?’

“I was just in shock.”

She said the defendant was dressed in his boxers and T-shirt and she went on: “I kept saying just go, get the f… out.”

The woman said he left and she then went into her parents’ bedroom to tell her mother what had happened.

The court heard that Stark had

KNICKERS REMOVED

left behind his trousers, his hat, his mobile phone and passport at the victim’s house.

He was arrested later that morning back at his home.

Miss Smullen said that in a police interview the defendant answered no comment to questions put to him, but later in his defence case statement, he said there had been digital penetration with a finger of her vagina and it had happened with her consent.

The prosecutor told the jury it was because of what he was claiming, that there was the alternative charge to the rape allegation, of assault by penetration.

In the witness box Mr Stark told the court back at the woman’s home they had been drinking while watching TV. “She mentioned to me that she wanted to go upstairs. She indicated through her body language and the way she looked at me that I too should follow her.

She went upstairs and I followed her upstairs.” He said in her bedroom they “embraced” and he said she removed his hat.

Next, he said he took off his trousers and he removed her shorts as they got onto the bed where he said he took her knickers off.

His barrister Richard Reynolds asked him: “Did you have any doubts in your mind about what she wanted you to do?” He replied: “No.” The barrister asked him: “What did you think you were going to do?” Mr Stark replied: “Get intimate, sex or heavy petting, kissing.”

He said he lay next to her on the bed in a “spoon position” and put his hand between her legs and intimately touched her.

But, he told the jury, he began to have doubts “about what I was doing” and he said he stopped and left the room to go to the bathroom.

He said when he returned “she looked annoyed at me” and he said she told him to leave, eventually telling him to “Get the fuck out.”

He went on: “I panicked because I didn’t understand what was going on.”

Asked why he didn’t take with him his clothes and possessions he answered: “It was pure panic.

When she said get the f… out, I didn’t understand.”

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Council trials innovative technique to repair roads

CENTRAL Bedfordshire Council are trialling an innovative technique to make longlasting repairs to its roads and footpaths.

A special hand-applied micro asphalt by a company called Rejuvo provides an exceptional, hardwearing road and footpath surface. It is blended using enhanced fibre technology which delays surface deterioration.

The process is quick, with the applica-

tion taking just a few minutes and the surface is ready for use just a couple of hours after as there is a 30-minute drying time. It requires no excavation, meaning waste is minimal, and it’s more environmentally friendly than traditional repairs.

This, combined with the speed of the repair, means it will offer the council better value for money and minimise disruption to the community.

Masonic help for the county’s foodbanks FIVE Bedfordshire Foodbanks have each been supported with £1,000 by Bedfordshire Freemasons to help them to continue to provide their vital service during this festive season. Bedford, Luton and Dunstable foodbanks, the Need project in Stotfold and Leighton Linslade Helpers have all received donations.

June Tobin of Leighton Linslade Helpers told us: “We started as a foodbank to assist our town’s emergency response to the pandemic and the lockdowns. Not everyone in our community has access to the internet and nor do they do internet shopping.

“We found there was a great demand to ensure our community was kept safe and didn’t go hungry. However, it soon became clear that there was a greater need in general, and our Charity become established as a permanent organisation.

“We have seen an increase in demand for food parcels, not just

for those on benefits, but also those in work, experiencing hardship.

“Donations of food and money ensure that we have a stable base to support our community, especially during winter when they are coping with larger utility bills, but also at Christmas time, when the pressure is at its greatest for families.

“We cannot thank those that donate to us enough, it brings joy and happiness, not just to the families, but also to the volunteers, who take great pride in helping their community, so thank you from all of us.”

The head of Bedfordshire Freemasons, Tony Henderson, said; “No one should go hungry at any time of the year, but especially not at Christmas. We hope that our donation helps fewer families to have to make a choice between heating or eating over this Christmas period.”

This technique will be trialled from now until March on several roads in towns and parishes across Central Bedfordshire.

Councillor Ian Dalgarno, Executive Member for Community Services at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: Maintaining our roads and footpaths so they are safe and fit for use is one of our

KEY PRIORITIES

key priorities. We are constantly investigating new ways to carry out road improvements, and trying out innovative technology like this ticks all the boxes. It will provide a better long-term repair and helps us minimise disruption for our residents, keeping the road network moving.

We are working hard to meet our decarbonisation targets, and this is one example of how our highways service is using inno-

vation to reduce its carbon footprint and work in a more sustainable way. The team is also trialling the use of kinetic, solar, and thermal energy, as well as harvesting rainwater to make the brine solution for use by our gritters and using electric vans for highways inspections. We are really excited to see how this product works on our network and will be analysing the results once the programme is complete.

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TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

Cleanliness issues at Fusion facilities are again subject of complaint USERS of some leisure centres in Bedford are being faced with ‘dirty’ facilities, a meeting heard.

Bedford Borough Council’s portfolio holder for leisure and culture, councillor Doug McMurdo, was asked to comment on reports of unclean leisure facilities in the borough at the Full Council meeting on December 1.

Councillor Graeme Coombes (Conservative, Wilshamstead Ward) said that he is again receiving reports of dirty facilities at Fusion managed sites – in particular the swimming pools.

He said: “[There is] poor cleanliness in toilets and poor cleanliness in changing rooms, as well with all of the issues that we’ve had.

“We have many questions and conversations about Fusion over recent months and years.

“It seems unacceptable to me, particularly when we’re in the midst of Covid,” he said.

“Good hygiene, hand washing and cleanliness of facilities and making sure that they’re clean are extremely important.

“So would you like to comment?”

Councillor Doug McMurdo (Independent, Sharnbrook Ward) replied: “I am aware of some issues that have been raised directly with me and not through this channel in respect of Oasis, and that has been raised with the officers.

“Only this morning [Wednesday] they were doing site visits to address that and I will be updated tomorrow [Thursday] on their findings.

SOME ISSUES

Changing career lanes

by John Guinn – Local Democracy Reporter

“But I would urge you, and indeed any member colleagues, not to leave it to Full Council but bring it to my attention at the earliest point in order that we can address it.

“Poor cleanliness, tidiness, is not something that we want to tolerate,” he said.

Councillor Coombes said he is happy to raise these issues outside of Full Council.

He added: “The ones I refer to specifically are the pools, and I don’t think it’s something that can be brushed away.

“If we can’t do something as basic as just cleaning rooms and toilet facilities and things like that, what are Fusion doing?

“You say that you are going down to see them, would it not make more sense to do unannounced visits,” he asked.

Councillor McMurdo said: “Might I just remind you that we are actually talking about people and individuals actually providing and doing this cleaning.

“I don’t think this is the right forum to be having such a debate, so I will welcome you to talk to me about the specifics and we will address them in the right and proper fashion.”

He added that officers do carry out unannounced inspections, but the one carried out on Wednesday morning was “not in anticipation of this discussion” “I will get back to you in a very timely fashion.

“Because from what you’re describing that is contractually unacceptable in the current envi-

ronment, wholly unacceptable and I will see personally that that is remedied,” he said.

Councillor Coombes said he hadn’t expected this to be an antagonistic question and was merely raising an important issue.

“I do disagree with you, I think this is exactly the right forum to raise this issue.

“This is a council and we’re discussing public business and council facilities.

“So we’ll have to agree to disagree on that because for me this is exactly the right place to be raising these issues, but I thank you for your answer,” he said.

A spokesperson for Fusion Lifestyle said: “Fusion Lifestyle take cleanliness concerns seriously.

We have robust cleaning and hygiene practices in place in line with UK Active guidance cleaning protocols for Covid-19.

“We have recently invested in new cleaning machinery to ensure hygiene standards within our changing rooms are maintained.

Our cleaning regime is supplemented with regular deep cleaning schedules and, in addition to this cleaning stations and hand sanitisation stations are positioned at activity entry points throughout the centres.

“Fusion Lifestyle is committed to ensuring cleaning standards are adhered to on a daily basis to both minimise the risk of Covid-19 transmission and to ensure our customers find a friendly, safe environment at all our centres.”

DISAGREEMENT

Left to right: David Wilkins, Teddy, Kelly, Jo, Fradreck and Karen.

TWO Bedford College construction apprentices came top in their class in the regional divisions of the National Apprenticeships Awards 2021.

Kelly Durham-Flinter won the Advanced Apprentice of the Year. Kelly, of Bedford, now works for Bedford Borough Council and is moving into Environmental Engineering.

She was previously a quality control engineer at a ceramics manufacturer but always had an interest in civil engineering – more particularly bridge building.

When looking for an apprenticeship for her son, she realised she could be a mature apprentice, applied and is now heading towards a job she couldn’t have dreamed of when at school.

Jo Adkins, of Little Addington, Northants, won the regional Higher / Degree Apprentice of the Year.

She has been working for highways in Northants and is now doing the job she really wanted: Traffic Engineer – keeping the roads moving across the county.

“As an ‘ageing’ student trying to switch careers with no previous experience in the field I wanted, I was nervous. I wanted to repay the chance given to me by my family and the college and my employer.”

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Former Beds PC found to have committed gross misconduct

A PANEL has ruled that a former Bedfordshire Police officer who pursued an inappropriate relationship would have been dismissed from the force for gross misconduct had he not already resigned.

Former PC John Marshall left Bedfordshire Police in July 2020 after allegations around his conduct came to light, however under new regulations misconduct proceedings could still be brought against him.

The Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Professional Standards Department received a report that Mr Marshall had had a sexual relationship with a woman who he first met online, but later encountered while responding to a concern for welfare.

A thorough investigation found that not only had Mr Marshall pursed the relationship, he repeatedly failed to take action relating to further concerns for her welfare.

A one-day public hearing conducted virtually on Monday, December 6, 2021, ruled Mr Marshall – who chose not to attend the hearing – was found to have breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour for Discreditable Conduct, Integrity and Authority, Respect and Courtesy.

The chairman of the independent panel concluded that he would have faced instant dismissal for his actions.

Assistant Chief Constable Sharn Basra said: “The actions of Mr Marshall while he was a serving officer in my force are completely reprehensible – it is never okay to target vulnerable victims and his behaviour completely goes against the code of ethics we as officers are here to uphold.

“In force we are committed to tackling Male Violence Against Women and Girls and this includes the predatory nature of behaviour like Mr Marshall’s – our recently launched strategy clearly sets out our approach to improving internal practices to ensure no man who wears the police uniform would target and abuse a woman in this way, not least someone described as vulnerable.

“In addition, Mr Marshall’s actions showed flagrant disregard for the welfare of the individual in question and his failure to appropriately identify concerns and safeguard her could have ended in tragic and disastrous consequences.

“We took immediate action upon learning of the allegations surrounding Mr Marshall, and this resulted in his resignation from the force. However, as is our due process for dealing with misconduct matters, we continued a thorough investigation to ensure a full hearing was held and to ensure that Mr Marshall is placed on a barred list, which could prevent him working in similar roles in the future.”

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She had a message for other apprentices: “I hope students realise how fortunate they are, and that if they work hard they will succeed.”

Teddy Kye-Nyarko Head of Technical and Professional Training and Fradreck Mutezo, Training Co-ordinator were both congratulated by Vice Principal Karen Campbell and Director of Construction David Wilkins on their dedication in helping apprentices achieve so much during the challenges of lockdown.

Said David: “This shows how people can re-visit the career of their choice when they are older and that apprenticeships are a good route into high quality jobs – for everyone who makes the commitment.

“The construction industry is crying out for skilled and professional employees who can help with civil engineering contracts and we are here to bring both parties together.”

The Bedford College Group has a wide range of construction training facilities across Beds and Northants ranging from entry level full-time courses to apprentices for people aged 16 and over, higher diplomas and degrees.

Full details www.bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk

JANUARY 2022 —

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Raise funds for Sue Ryder by recycling your Christmas tree THE tradition of having a beautifullydecorated, twinkly Christmas tree in our homes is one that is deep-rooted and brings us plenty of joy.

But the problem of what to do with a real tree once the festivities end is a common one.

To help solve it, a local hospice is branching out and encouraging residents to recycle their real trees through its Christmas Treecycling service.

Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice’s green scheme will see Christmas trees that are no longer needed collected from people’s homes, chipped into mulch and recycled.

Not only that, but the initiative will raise vital funds so Sue Ryder can continue offering its compassionate palliative care and bereavement support – and help people make every moment count this Christmas.

Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in Moggerhanger will work in partnership with Just Helping to offer its Christmas Treecycling service, kindly supported by Brightman Brothers Tree Care and J & R Tree Services.

People who live in MK40, MK41, MK42, MK43, MK44, MK45, SG18 and

SG19 postcodes will be able to have their Christmas trees collected from their homes between Saturday 8 and Monday January 10, 2022.

They can sign up at sueryder.org/stjohnstrees by Wednesday, January 5,2022.

A donation to Sue Ryder is welcomed in return for collecting the Christmas trees.

The trees will then be chipped down into mulch by the teams at Brightman Brothers Tree Care and J & R Tree Services, and recycled by being spread over the hospice’s gardens to help plants and flowers thrive.

This means residents who choose to Treecycle will not only help to raise funds so the hospice can continue caring for local families, but will also reduce landfill and keep the hospice’s grounds looking beautiful for patients and loved ones to enjoy.

Joanne Landucci, Senior Community Fundraiser at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice said: “Once all the fun and festivities are over, it’s difficult to know what to do with our real Christmas trees. We are really excited to announce our tree-mendous Christmas Treecycling service is a practical and green solution to this problem – and will also raise vital funds for our expert palliative

care and bereavement support.

Each Christmas tree we collect and each donation that is made will help us to continue supporting people to make the most of the time they have left – and filling their last moments with love and care. A special thank you to the teams at Just Helping, Brightman Brothers Tree Care and J & R Tree Services for their wonderful support.”

Speaking on behalf of her husband Robin, from J & R Tree Services, Chelsea Zwetsloot explained why they were inspired to get involved: “The teams at Brightman Brothers Tree Care and J & R Tree Services have a personal connection to Sue Ryder, and Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice especially.”

Chelsea added: “The teams are keen to encourage the recycling of Christmas trees, as they see the value of reusing tree chippings in their day-to-day jobs.

Find out more about Christmas Treecycling and book a collection at sueryder.org/stjohnstrees Contact the fundraising team at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice with any queries on 01767 642 412 and stjohnsfundraising@ sueryder.org

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TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

Commissioner welcomes Honouring the founders increase in funding for of Bedford Marianettes drug treatment BEDFORDSHIRE’S Police and Crime Commissioner, Festus Akinbusoye, has responded to the Government’s ten-year drugs plan to cut crime and save lives.

The Government has announced a record £780 million to rebuild the drug treatment system.

The new campaign against county lines networks is set to address both rehabilitation and clamp down on criminals who carry out half of all shop thefts, robberies and burglaries.

The Commissioner said, “In my view, this is one of the most ambitious plans to finally address some of the major causes of demand on police resources – ever! I’ve said this before, illicit drugs and alcohol addiction are huge problems.

“The prevalence of drugs and alcohol in incidents that require police attention is phenomenal. Be it domestic abuse, serious violence, burglaries, murders etc. drugs and alcohol play a huge part. While it is crucial to enforce against the suppliers of illegal drugs for example, this alone will not work!

“We must be relentless in helping people break their dependence on these substances. The cost of not doing so has been well quantified by Dame Black in her excellent report which is why I greatly welcome this change in narrative and focus by the Government.”

The strategy also sets out a £300 million investment to: n dismantle more than 2,000 county lines gangs n put up to £145m into the County Lines Programme to target road and rail networks used by gangs n carry out 6,400 disruptions against organised criminal activity The Association of the Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC), will look at opportunities to incentivise the whole policing system to focus on drugs, including the national policing framework, the strategic policing requirement, engagement with

DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

Police and Crime Commissioners, the inspection framework, and training and professional practice.

The Commissioner added, “I will continue to work closely with my national PCC colleagues to help to cut drug-related crime, anti-social behaviour and noncrime demands on policing. These are some of the primary concerns of our communities and will help to protect the most vulnerable.

“I will continue to provide the latest information, insights and guidance to partners and ensure that Bedfordshire is a key contributor to national programmes and partnerships.”

If you would like more information or to contact the office please email: pcc@bedfordshire.pnn. police.uk

Founded in 1960, Bedford Marianettes, are an amateur theatre society, and for over six decades, the company has produced many memorable musical shows and concerts. The founders and producers of Bedford Marianettes were Eric and Joan Pates who, through their boundless enthusiasm and their tireless dedication to musical theatre, gave

entertainment and enjoyment to many. The Marianettes belatedly celebrated their 60th anniversary during the last weekend of November and to pay recognition to Eric and Joan’s contribution to musical theatre in Bedford, a commemorative plaque was unveiled at Bedford Corn Exchange on Friday, November 26, 2021.

Nearly £6m investment in Bedford Hospital’s outpatient provision THE government has announced that the country’s hospitals will benefit from a share of a £700m investment.

The money will be spent expanding wards, installing modular operating theatres, upgrading outpatient spaces, MRI and screening technologies,

to help reduce waiting lists.

Part of the £5.9m will be spent at Bedford Hospital creating 20 flexible multi-purpose outpatient rooms.

Richard Fuller, MP for North East Bedfordshire, said: “I welcome the additional funding of £5.9 million for Bedford Hospital

as part of the £700m investment in hospitals this winter.

“With the roll-out and acceleration of COVID-19 boosters alongside the largest flu vaccine programme in UK history, we are doing more than ever to support people to stay well this winter.”

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TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

BRAND NEW SIXTH FORM AT WIXAMS ACADEMY

JOIN US FOR OUR OPEN DAY Thursday 3 February 2022, 6.00pm–8.00pm Location: Green Lane, Wixams MK42 6BA Register now for our Open Day by visiting: www.wixamsacademy.co.uk/opendays COME ALONG AND: • Explore our many extra-curricular opportunities, such as drama and sports • Have a walk through our wonderful modern building • Meet our committed teaching and support staff • Find out more about our highly aspirational and supportive ethos Applications to be made directly through www.wixamsacademy.co.uk/sixth-form

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JANUARY 2022 —

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AROUND THE CLUBS The omens for 2022 are certainly not looking good at the moment.

With case numbers now rising rapidly in France and the recent announcement about the new Omicron variant, it is impossible to plan anything at present with confidence.

We have already cancelled the English summer schools in Poland, which is also seeing a sharp rise in new infections.

The Twinning Association is still intending to hold its AGM at the beginning of January and it is then definitive decisions will be made based on what happens over the next month or so.

From what we can gather all twinning associations are in exactly the same situation. Ever changing travel restrictions and testing requirements are making future planning pointless at present.

The monthly newsletters will continue regardless and our many friends will give us regular updates as to what is happening in both Malaunay and Skarszewy. We would like to wish you all Bonne Annee and szczesliwego Nowego Roku 2022.

For information about any of the Association’s activities please contact Martin Pettitt on 680082 (martin.pettitt@virginmedia.com) or Max Hill on 681469 (amaxhill@outlook.com)

TWINNING ASSOCIATION

FRIENDS OF SANDY CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

The Christmas tree and lights seem to be getting a big thumbs –up this year and we continue to receive very positive feedback about the switch-on event at the end of November.

Please continue to send us your comments to friendsofsandy christmaslights@outlook.com

BIGGLESWADE IVEL TOWNSWOMEN’S GUILD

Chairman Ann Taylor welcomed members to the meeting on Monday, December 12. Birthday greetings were given to Joan Chelley, Maureen Harding and Pauline Dover.

In November four members of the walking group had a walk around Bedford embankment and then enjoyed a lunch at Blossom Café, Willington.

The guild anniversary lunch at the Green Man, Stanford was very well attended and enjoyed by all.

Ann Taylor and Chris Davies represented the guild at the remembrance day parade laying a wreath at the town war memorial.

Following the business meeting members enjoyed an afternoon Christmas tea party to the accompaniment of carols from Kings College.

As usual there was a varied selection of food all provided by the members themselves.

A bring and buy stall was well supported. A competition for “A Christmas decoration with a memory” was won by Pauline Dover,

2nd Yvonne Crane and 3rd Gill Hibbert.

A festive quiz followed and the afternoon concluded with an amusing story from Sheila Mills childhood when her father, one Christmas, tried to capture a goose that had intruded their garden to eat from the newly growing vegetable patch.

Following a chase around the garden with a broom in his hand, the goose finally escaped their Christmas table.

The next meeting will be held on the Monday, January 10 when the speaker will be Bill Davies with a talk entitled “On and off the footplate”.

The competition will be for something beginning with the letter “U”. The guild meets on the second Monday of the month 2 pm at The Orchard Community Centre, Kings Reach, new members and visitors are very welcome to join us.

Sandy Cricket Club will be hosting a Comedy Night on Saturday 19th February 2022. The Comedy Night will take place at Sandy Conservative Club, Bedford Road.

Big Deal Comedy will be providing 3 stand-up comedians & a compare for the evening. For further information, and to purchase tickets (just £10 each) please email: cricketclubsandy@gmail.com

The second team are mid-table in Division Five after two matches.

500 CLUB DRAW TICKETS

Tickets are now on sale for the 2022 500 Club Draw.

Tickets cover 10 monthly draws from March 2022 through to the larger Christmas Draw in December 2022.

Great value at just £10 per tickets (that’s only £1 for each monthly draw).

Monthly draws have prizes of £100, £50 & 2 x £25; the December draw has prizes of £300, £130, £100, £75, £50 & £25.

For further information, and to purchase tickets (£10 each) please email: cricketclubsandgmail.com Come and support one of your local sports clubs.

SANDY CRICKET CLUB

Sandy Cricket Club will be organising FREE taster sessions for anyone who would be interested to participate in Walking Cricket.

If you would be interested in having a go, please come along to the sessions on Saturday 5th and 12th February at Sandy Secondary Schools Sports Hall, 10-11am.

All equipment will be provided, so just bring yourselves, get active & experience some social interaction in a friendly environment. No previous experience required. For further information, please email: cricketclubsandy@gmail.com

WALKING CRICKET

JUNIOR INDOOR TRAINING

Sandy CC Junior Indoor Cricket Sessions will commence again in February 2022 on Saturday mornings at Sandy Secondary School Sports Hall from 9-10am.

The sessions will run every Saturday, and all new players very welcome to come along and join in. No pre-booking is required, and sessions are open to all local juniors.

For more information, please visit www.sandycricketclub.co.uk, find us on Facebook, or email: cricketclubsandy@gmail.com

INDOOR CRICKET LEAGUE

Sandy CC currently has two teams competing in the Bedfordshire Indoor Cricket League. The 1st team are currently unbeaten and are top of Division Three.

IVEL BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT CENTRE

Are you recently bereaved?

Have you been struggling with coming to terms with your loss? Would it help to talk with someone?

FOR MORE INFORMATION TELEPHONE MID BEDS BULLETIN

07704 734225

(Monday-Friday 9am-6pm and speak to one of our

Bereavement Support Volunteers Sharing your loss can make the burden of grief easier to manage. Please don’t grieve alone.

03/22

SANDY TOWN COUNCIL More grant funding success for skatepark

tepark Great news! Sandy Ska l in its bid sfu Project has been succes nt contrigra t can nifi sig r the ano for rking in wo y pan com a m fro bution grant g stin exi to g din our area. Ad ious funding secured from var ies, this organisations and compan ed for rais brings the total of funds r £110,000! the project so far to ove ing the The project team is continufunding re fundraising work, as mo project’s the is still needed to realise high-qual, new a ing vid pro aim of your If . ark tep ska ity, concrete g opportubusiness has any fundin this t nities which could suppor and et ass nity mu com ant import please you’d like to get involved, il. unc contact Sandy Town Co

Thank you for supporting Sandy’s Christmas lights event

Sandy Town Council were glad to work the Friends of Sandy Christmas Ligh with ts help in arranging a community Chri to stmas Lights Switch-On Event again in 2021 . would like to thank the members of We the Friends of Sandy Christmas Lights and the other volunteers, stallholders, mus all icians and entertainers who worked so hard to give our community a magical start to the festive season. Our thanks also go out to ever yone who attended this very special even t.

We hope all residents and visitors to Sandy this Christmas enjoyed the town cent re lights display. The scheme for 2021 inclu some extra sparkle, with new festoon ded lighting on the community stand and addi tional pea lights in live trees around the Mar ket Square. These additions were made possible by grant funding from the governm ent’s Welcome Back Fund, facilitated by Cen tral Bedfordshire Council.

This year, the Council will be renewing its

Skatepark design even t

Christmas lighting contract, so look out for a whole new display next Christmas!

Sandy Town Council wishes everyone across our community a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.

New Fallowfield playpark equipment

Sandy Skatepark Project is with appointed contractor, continuing to work Skateparks, to develop the Maverick design of the future skate facility to be built This month, the Council’s contractor is due in Sunderland Road recreation ground. to install a new seesaw and inclusive roundWe need your help to cre about in the playpark at Fallowfield ate serves and inspires its futu a skatepark which recreation ground. The new equipment will holding another face-to-f re users; we will be replace pieces which had to be removed last ace engagement session this month to dis year due to safety issues and were, unfortucus for the skatepark and sta s residents’ visions nately, beyond repair. We hope local families rt to work towards a final design. will enjoy using the new equipment when the installation has been completed.

The Council is aware tha t the second concept design for the skatepark , sha month, was poorly receiv red online last ed. The changes in this design were based on online survey and at the feedback given in the On Sunday 9th January 2022, join us for the w Pri Ne hope everyone who is inte de of Place Day. We Sandy Green Wheel Winter Walk. Start the winter counour h oug thr r of the new skatepark wil rested in the design tou a h wit Year well, l come to the January nacle, the Riddy nature event (date TBC) to make tryside, including the Pin the River Ivel. Meet us of contribute towards a fina their views heard and ks reserve and the ban l design which truly the town centre at in serves the needs of San at the community stand dy’s skating community and be ready to set p ma . r you lect col to Look out for details of the 9:15am is 6 miles and takes eve eel nt wh on full the The Skatepark project’s Facebo off at 9:30am. you can join for as ok but lk pag wa e, www.facebook.com/Sandy around 2½ hours to you like. Dogs as te Ska teparkProject or on the news section of the much or as little of the rou Council’s website. . too me are welco

alk Green Wheel Winter W

Council meetings

All meetings commence at 7.30pm except Development Scrutiny Committee (Planning), which starts at 6.45pm in the Council Chamber, 10 Cambridge Road, Sandy, SG19 1JE (unless otherwise stated on the Agenda). Due to the size of the Council Chamber and the potential number of people present, Councillors, officers and members of the public are reminded to wear face coverings during the meeting.

Monday 10th January 2022 Development Scrutiny Policy Finance & Resources Monday 24th January 2022 Town Council 31st January 2022 day Mon Development Scrutiny Community Services & Environment See our website for details.

ALL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND PRESS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND.

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

9

10

— JANUARY 2022

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TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

View from the Rt Revd

Richard Atkinson

The Bishop of Bedford

NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS

Have you like me added a stone to a cairn on a mountain path.

Playing our part in renewing and enlarging those key markers that keep us on track, especially when visibility declines.

Each individual stone small and insignificant, but together creating something substantive.

If I am honest, I am not a great one for New Year’s Resolutions.

There are several reasons for this, but one is the experience of setting goals for the new year and then immediately failing. Usually this happens because the resolution is too ambitious – I know I ought to take a walk each day but realistically once a week would be a good achievement.

I should pray more often, but inevitably other things take precedence. Setting the higher target just brings failure and the temptation to give up completely.

It is possible to create a boulder by manhandling one huge rock into place. It is easier to do it stone by stone.

The disciple Peter in the New Testament is an impulsive man. It is Peter who walks on the water, before sinking beneath the waves.

It is Peter who recognises Jesus as the Messiah and then can’t accept that he will suffer and die.

It is Peter who attests that he will never fall away from following Jesus and then very quickly afterwards denies him three times. He makes big resolutions and inevitably fails.

Arguably our world will be changed not by the few great leaders who have the influence to make truly radical changes.

Rather it will be the many – you and I included – who make the difference by our small acts of love and goodness. Like building the cairn, each one gradually increasing its impact.

Let us make our resolutions. A new year is a good time to refocus our priorities and set our ambitions.

Not just for ourselves but for the well-being of our world.

Resolutions that are modest but achievable, visionary but realistic.

So that together we bring change for the good.

I am amused by this quotation: ‘My new year’s resolution is to stop procrastinating. But I’ll wait until tomorrow to start!’. On the contrary don’t just make the resolutions, start today!

The Bulletin is delivered to 4,574 homes in Sandy/Beeston, and 7,875 homes in Biggleswade That’s a door-to-door delivery of 12,449 copies to homes in the area Call 07894 935952 to discuss your advertising plans or email: martin@rosettapublishing.com

New manager appointed for Biggleswade care home RESIDENTS and staff at Beaumont Park nursing home in Biggleswade are pleased to welcome Jeanette Whitbread as Home Manager.

Beaumont Park is part of Healthcare Homes which operates 47 homes and 11 homecare branches across Eastern and Southern England.

Jeanette, who lives in St Neots, has 20 years’ experience of working in both the care and charity sectors prior to joining Beaumont Park. She was the registered manager of a MENCAP home for 15 years where she was responsible for the care and wellbeing of residents ranging in age from 18 to 60.

She then joined Leonard Cheshire, a charity that provides support to disabled people through a variety of services including care at home, residential care and training and skills programmes. Here she was a Quality Manager, auditing care homes to assess quality compliance across the northwest of England and Northern Ireland.

Jeanette now brings all that

experience to the running of Beaumont Park, which is rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission.

“I love the care sector and I’m very passionate about care delivery,” explains Jeanette, who sees the rekindling the relationships Beaumont Park residents had with their local community as a vital part of her new role. “Residents have lost some of their sense of connection to their local community during Covid, so I’m really keen to start rebuilding that.”

She is also passionate about introducing students and young people to the care profession and has started a programme for Health & Social Care undergraduates at nearby North Hertfordshire College.

Students come into the home to gain experience and knowledge alongside their degree programme.

“They’re doing the academic theory at college – and we’re providing the practical on the ground experience.”

Jeanette adds: “Residents love it. Students are able to give our residents valuable one-to-one time.

They learn about the residents’ lives, what life was like in years gone by. And the residents learn about the young peoples’ lives.”

As Home Manager, Beaumont Park which is located on Shortmead Street in Biggleswade is a significant local employer with around 35 skilled staff in wide range of roles, from care and nursing to maintenance and administration.

medicine for the soul.’ Luther Burbank ‘It will never rain roses: when we want to have more roses we must plant more trees.’ George Eliot ‘Flowers are restful to look at.

They have neither emotions nor conflicts.’ Sigmund Freud ‘Look deep into nature, and you will understand everything better.’ Albert Einstein ‘Flowers are the music of the ground. From earth’s lips spoken without sound.’ Edwin Curran ‘To forget how to dig the earth and tend the soil is to forget ourselves’ Mahatma Gandhi ‘But for one’s health, as you say, it is very necessary to work in the garden and see the flowers growing.’ Vincent Van Gogh ‘Flowers are like friends; They bring colour to your world.’

Unknown ‘We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.’ Abraham Lincoln ‘Gardening simply does not allow one to be mentally old, because too many hopes and dreams are yet to be realized.’

Allan Armitage ‘A weed is a plant that has mas-

tered every survival skill except for learning how to grow in rows.’ Doug Larson ‘My wife’s a water sign. I’m an earth sign. Together we make mud.’ Rodney Dangerfield ‘There’s one good thing about snow, it makes your lawn look as nice as your neighbour’s.’ Clyde Moore ‘Why are husbands like lawn mowers? They are difficult to get started, emit foul smells, and don’t work half the time’.

Unknown ‘A man should never plant a garden larger than his wife can take care of.’ T.H. Everett And my absolute favourite: ‘You can lead a horticulture, but you can’t make her think.’

Dorothy Parker If you have any similar words of wisdom not mentioned above, as always, please send them to me and I will include them in future articles.

All correspondence can be emailed to LawnDocGardens@aol.com or posted to: Lawn Doctor Garden Services, 14 Sand Lane, Northill, SG18 9AD. As usual, please contact me with any gardening queries or tasks you may have.

Best wishes all for a very Happy & Healthy New Year.

LAWN DOCTOR A HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL

Thank you very much to everyone that has sent in entries to this year’s Gardening Quiz.

There is still time to enter.

Mislaid December’s newspaper?

Contact me via the details below and I will send you the questions.

Remember though, answers have to be received by January 15, 2022.

More important to me than gardening are words so rather than inflict yet more of mine onto you, what follows are some of my favourite observations about all things horticultural and I hope you find them as amusing, as thought provoking and as inspirational as I, do?

‘I like gardening – it’s a place where I find myself when I need to lose myself.’ Alice Sebold ‘If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.’ Marcus Tullius Cicero ‘Gardening requires lots of water – most of it in the form of perspiration.’ Lou Erickson ‘Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.’ Unknown ‘Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food, and

MID BEDS BULLETIN

JANUARY 2022 —

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11

Inquest into death of University welcomes three new VCs man found hanging in cell at Bedford prison A PRISONER on remand at Bedford jail accused of attempting to murder his wife was found hanging in his cell, an inquest heard.

Ezra Tamiem, 39, who had never been in custody, was under the care of the prison’s mental health team because he was considered to be a risk to himself.

The hearing before a jury at Ampthill was told the father of two from Wyboston in Bedfordshire had been remanded in custody at Bedford prison on May 4, 2020.

Bedfordshire’s Assistant Coroner Dr Sean Cummings said on his admission: “Staff said he was disorientated and confused and was struggling to answer simple questions.”

He was placed on the Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork process that aim to support people at risk of self-harm.

He was placed on constant watch as he was considered a suicide risk and on May 6, 2020 he was moved onto the healthcare in-patient unit.

Dr Cummings said Ezra Tamiem was prescribed medication and his condition improved, but he was placed on constant suicide watch again on June 12, after a visible ligature mark was seen on his neck.

The constant watch ended three days later. He was found dead at ten to eight in the morning on 15th July last year when a nurse came to give

SELF HARM

him his medication.

The coroner said one of the main issues in the inquest was “could his death have been reasonably prevented?”

The inquest, which is due to last four days, is due to hear what checks staff made on him during the night.

In a statement read to the court by her lawyer, his wife Clare Tamiem said they had a “good solid marriage for many years.”

But she said her husband began to drink and became more controlling. She said she could not cope with his behaviour and wanted a divorce.

He had begged for a chance to change but, on May 1, last year, they agreed she would leave the family home with the children.

She was in her bedroom when he came “screaming and coming at her with a knife.”

“He stabbed me as if he were possessed. I was confused by his erratic and out of character behaviour,” she said.

Mrs Tamiem said when she heard of his death she was “absolutely devastated.”

She said: “He had never been convicted. It was his first period in custody. His daughters have lost their father. He could have been a loving father to them in the longer term.”

A post mortem examination found the cause of death to be asphyxia due to hanging.

THE University of Bedfordshire has welcomed three new Pro Vice Chancellors (PVCs) this academic term to lead the areas of Education & Student Experience, International and Research & Innovation.

The new PVCs and core members of the Vice Chancellor’s Executive Group are Dr Julie Brunton, Adrian Dutch and Professor Andrew Church.

Professor Rebecca Bunting, Vice Chancellor, commented: “I am so pleased to announce the successful Pro Vice Chancellor appointments here at the University of Bedfordshire. The passion, the energy and the ambition our new team now has are crucial characteristics for what we want to achieve as a successful institution, and I very much look forward to seeing how our plans for the areas of Education & Student Experience, International and Research & Innovation progress.”

Stepping into the role of PVC for Education & Student Experience, Dr Julie Brunton joined Bedfordshire from Sheffield Hallam University where she was Associate Dean of Teaching, Learning and the wider Student Experience.

In her new role Dr Brunton will be working to develop and implement the Education and Student Experience Strategy, aligned to improve student satisfaction, retention, attainment and graduate outcomes. She will also be responsible for overseeing the University’s academic partnerships in the UK. She said: “The University of Bedfordshire is a very inspiring

place to work – staff are working so hard to make the student experience the best they can and that is exciting to be part of.

“I had an excellent time while at university myself and know the benefits and enjoyment that it can bring. The diverse student body now has a wide range of needs and preferences for achieving a high quality student experience. My aim is to develop Bedfordshire’s student offer to achieve this high quality experience.”

Adrian Dutch joined the University as PVC for International. He entered the education sector over ten years ago at City University London, where he founded their International Office, and he has held positions including Head of Marketing, Head of Student Recruitment and Director of International.

Dutch hopes to use his experience to build on the already successful international strategy in place at the University and plans to attract more international students

to the facilities and courses available at the Bedford campus. He said: “International is one of the success stories here at Bedfordshire, with the International Office and the Centre for Academic Partnerships doing a tremendous job in building our profile and recruiting significant numbers of international students over the last few years.

“We plan to build on that success, increasing the diversity of the countries our students come from, the diversity of courses they choose to study, and also diversifying the income streams that generate revenue for investment in the University, such as Summer Schools, Study Abroad, TNE and overseas partnerships.”

Professor Andrew Church has taken on the new role of PVC for Research & Innovation, joining Bedfordshire after spending twenty years at the University of Brighton where he was most recently the Associate PVC for Research and

BUILDING ON SUCCESS

Enterprise.

Professor Church is an active researcher himself, publishing papers, supervising PhD students and securing research funding, and is currently part of an interdisciplinary team funded by the Economic and Social Research Council and the Global Challenges Research Fund, conducting research on sanitation in off grid communities in Nepal, Ethiopia, Ghana and India.

Professor Church says that the positive impact that research can have on the world is part of his motivation for this new role. He said: “Covid-19 has shown just how important university research, including work at Bedfordshire, is to the health and well-being of societies around the world. New knowledge generated by universities is fundamental to promoting fairness and justice, stimulating economies and tackling environmental degradation including biodiversity loss and climate change.

Bedford Borough Sports Awards winners!

BEDFORD Borough Council has announced the winners of this year’s Bedford Borough Sport and Physical Activity Awards.

With an incredible array and quality of nominations this year, the panel decided to award four ‘Special Commendations’, reflecting how close the final scores were in several categories.

Sarah Bullimore won ‘Adult Personality of the Year’ for her achievements in equestrian eventing, including a bronze medal at the

European Eventing Championships earlier this year.

In the ‘Junior Personality of the Year’ award, Etienne Maughan was successful with her accomplishments in athletics. She is ranked 2nd in the UK in the under 17s 80m hurdles, and 4th in the UK in the under 17s 100m. Special Commendation went to Gracie Wall, following her outstanding performance in the under 17s high jump despite injury.

This year’s ‘Unsung Hero’ is Paula Bailey for her work with the

WITH YOU WHEN IT MATTERS MOST

Modernian Swimming Club until her untimely death in February 2021.

She passionately wanted to give back her time to the club that both her children swam with, and supported the club with many unseen hours behind the scenes.

Special Commendation in the ‘Unsung Hero’ category went to Baz and Paula Townsend, who have given their time and expertise to Bedford Blues for over 20 years in an entirely voluntary capacity. Their work maintaining the ground and making sure fans and spectators have the best experience on match days is so valued by players, staff, directors and fans of the Blues.

The full list of Sport and Physical Activity Awards winners this year is: Adult Personality of the Year 2021 Winner – Sarah Bullimore – Eventing, Equestrian Junior Personality of the Year 2021

Winner – Etienne Maughan – Athletics Special Commendation – Gracie Wall – Athletics, High Jump Disability Sports Personality of the Year 2021 Adult Winner – Dermot Bailey – Wheelchair Tennis Special Commendation - Manjit Singh Kali-Rai – Walking Hockey Junior Winner - Varun Bandi – Wheelchair Racing Club of the Year 2021 Winner – Riverside Tennis Club Community Club / Group of the Year 2021 Winner – No Barriers – Tennis Special Commendation - Canoe Trail Crew – Multi Sports Primary School of the Year 2021 Winner – Westfield Primary School Team of the Year 2021 Winner – Bedford Hockey Club, Women’s Over 35 Squad Coach of the Year 2021 Winner – Richard Harpham – Multi Sports Unsung Hero 2021 Winner – Paula Bailey – Swimming

Special Commendation Hero – Baz and Paula Townsend – Rugby Union Service to Sport 2021 Winner – Mike Carter - Kayaking Cllr Doug McMurdo, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture said “The Sports and Physical Activity Awards, supported by a range of local companies, recognise and celebrate the contribution of individuals, clubs and coaches to sports and physical activity locally. I personally want

to thank them all for their much valued contributions and participation – thank you!

“These Awards really do demonstrate the incredible sporting prowess we have locally, along with the commitment and work of coaches, clubs, schools and volunteers to help our athletes be their best.

Sport can create such an incredible community spirit, which is so important in these challenging times.”

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We would like to wish all of our families and the community a safe and contented Christmas. Our thoughts are with the families who have lost someone precious this year.

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12

— JANUARY 2022

JANUARY is famous for New Year’s resolutions. There’s something so motivating about pressing the ‘reset’ button and starting a new year with a fresh set of goals – a brand-new year for a brand-new you. And this year that feeling’s likely to be stronger than ever, as we emerge from the worst of the pandemic.

For many of us, becoming slimmer, fitter and healthier will be at the top of the list of our New Year’s resolutions for 2022.

Spending so much time indoors, often coupled with more indulgent food choices and disrupted routines, saw many healthy habits fall by the wayside during the pandemic – and then Christmas rounded it off! And let’s not forget, getting into great shape is the very best thing that we can do for our long-term health.

If you’re ready to make 2022 the year that you take control, lose weight, get fitter and gain confidence, read on. Here are seven secrets of success – all backed up by the latest research into weight loss and behaviour change, from local weight loss expert Susan Phillips from Slimming World.

TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

A ‘new you’ for ‘22 4. Set a goal It’s hard to achieve a goal if you don’t set it out clearly in the first place! And when you’re thinking about your dream weight, don’t be afraid to be ambitious. Research from Slimming World shows that slimmers who set ambitious targets lose twice as much weight as those who try to be ‘realistic’. Shoot for the moon – you never know where you might land! Susan says: ‘As well as setting an overall weight loss target, all my members set a mini goal every week – whether it’s to lose weight, to get more active, to plan ahead or to try something new – making that commitment to a goal definitely helps them achieve more.’

1. Don’t go hungry To lose weight you have to eat less, right? Well, no! What you’re eating is much more important than how much. Swapping high calorie, unsatisfying foods (think chocolate, alcohol, pastries) for foods that are lower in calories and more bulky, so they fill you up for longer, is key to losing weight in a way that’s easy to live with. Research shows that by basing your diet on low energy dense foods, like fruit and veg, and foods that are most filling – or satiating – like lean meat, fish, eggs, pasta and potatoes, you can actually eat a larger amount of food and feel more satisfied while losing weight.

“We might think we need to be overly strict with ourselves when we’re losing weight – counting and measuring all our food and reducing portion sizes right down – but this type of restrictive approach ultimately leaves us feeling more hungry and deprived,” says Dr Jacquie Lavin, Slimming World’s Head of Research.

Some quick and easy changes include using less fat when you cook, so you boil or athlete to get active – just making a commitment to moving more all adds up. dry fry instead of frying in oil, swapping full Many people make the mistake of joining a fat dairy products for low fat or fat free, gym, overdoing it in week one and quickly ditching sugary drinks in favour of low giving up, thinking ‘exercise isn’t for me’. calorie drinks and adding more fruit and Finding an enjoyable, achievable, and veg to your daily meals. sustainable way of building new active ‘My members find that by making habits into your routine is key – anything simple changes to their shopping and that gets you moving more, from heavy cooking, which we talk about in our group gardening or vigorous housework to brisk every week, they lose weight without walking, dancing, cycling, or playing frisbee feeling hungry,’ says Slimming World in the park, counts. What’s most important manager Susan. is making it a regular habit – as natural to your day as brushing your teeth. Susan 2. It’s OK to walk before says: ‘In our local group we encourage each you run! other to get more active, and we’ve got a If it’s your goal to get fitter, remember new set of 50 online videos for members so you don’t have to become a professional they can easily get started at home.’

5. Don’t opt for a quick fix

3. Be kind to yourself We all start January with great intentions, but it’s all too easy to go off track.

It’s what you do next that matters most – and the most important thing is not to beat yourself up about it. A Slimming World survey of 1,700 slimmers showed that when they did have a slip up, being selfcritical was more likely to lead to comfort eating and giving up completely, whereas when they were kinder to be kind to themselves (imagine how you’d talk to a friend who’s had a setback), they more quickly got back to healthy eating, lost weight and they kept it off.

So, cut yourself some slack!

It’s no secret that many people find losing weight far easier than keeping it off long-term.

To avoid becoming trapped in a yo-yo diet cycle, it’s important to approach weight loss as a permanent change to your lifestyle – and focus on developing new healthy habits that are sustainable for life, as well as getting support to make those changes.

Dr Jacquie Lavin, Slimming World’s Head of Research, says: ‘A group support approach is tried and tested – research shows that the more groups Slimming World members attend, the more successful they are. Based on their weightloss over a year, the top 10,000 slimmer’s who attended their weekly weight-loss group regularly lost 30% of their body weight – around five stone each. In our groups, members are equipped with all the tools they need to stay slim for life, so that they can be confident that the changes they’re making are sustainable forever.’

6. Strike a balance An all-or-nothing approach is rarely effective when it comes to weight loss.

Restricting yourself when it comes to food and drink might work in the short-term, but

pretty soon you’ll be fed up, hungry and giving up completely.

A little bit of what you fancy is key!

That might be a Saturday night glass of wine or a bit of chocolate in the evenings.

Whatever it is for you, having a flexible approach and a balanced mindset is much more likely to deliver long-term success.

7. You don’t have to go it alone The principles of losing weight are quite simple, yet if it was that easy – we’d all be doing it! Studies show that embarking on your weight loss journey alongside other slimmers brings more success than going it alone – sharing the ups and down, having cheerleaders who are on your side, and sharing advice and tips.

And not only that – recent research revealed that people who are supported to lose weight in a group increase their mental toughness – developing more control, embracing challenges and growing in confidence – more than those who choose to lose weight on their own - and go on to lose more weight than those who don’t have the support of a Slimming World group.

Dr Jacquie Lavin says: “The power of the group and the peer support members give one another is what sets Slimming World apart.

“Our members become part of a community, something special, which helps them to realise that they are not alone in the challenges they face.

“That’s combined with our personalised approach – called IMAGE Therapy – which helps every member discover more about themselves as a slimmer, identify their own pitfalls and danger zones, and create practical plans to overcome them.”

To find out more about Slimming World and how to join, visit slimmingworld.co.uk, call Susan, the Team Manager for Bedford on 07717 870513.

BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN

JANUARY 2022 —

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Diary ‘Music on Thursdays’ Concert Season. January 20, a concert of classical Indian ragas by a true master of the sitar: Mehboob Nadeem.

February 24, a recital of songs by Vaughan Williams, Rachmaninov, Brahms and Schubert by the Russian-British baritone Theodore Platt who joins us from his day job at the Bavarian State Opera.

March 24, a programme of trios by Haydn and Beethoven, together with a recent work they commissioned from local composer Cherlyl Frances-Hoad.

The Season concludes on April 28 with a brilliant young quintet, Connaught Brass, who took first prize in the inaugural Philip Jones International Brass Competition in 2019. Contact: www.bedfordmusicclub.co.uk

Bedford Music Club:

Kempston Senior Citizens Club:

DANCING, WHIST, BINGO. Meets Wednesday 10am-12noon Friday 10am-4.00pm, CENTENARY HALL, behind Kempston Town Hall, for further information contact: Sheila Cobban, on 01234 347306.

Friday January 7, 7.15 for 7.30 start, Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford MK418EB. Bedford born artist Oliver Winconek has painted many well known actors and members of society. He will demonstrate painting a portrait in oils and acrylics at our first actual meeting of the year. Entry is free for members, £5 for visitors.

Contact: Jean Paterson 01234 307210 or www.bedsartsociety.co.uk for information.

Bedford Art Society:

Yoga: Priory Methodist Church,

Newnham Avenue, Bedford MK41 9QJ. 2pm Mondays Contact: June for details: juandhannigan@yahoo.co.uk

Sandy Women’s Institute: Meets on the third

Tuesday of every month (except August) at Sandy Conservative Club, Bedford Road, Sandy. New members are always very welcome. Visitors are charged a small fee of £4.

January 18, Jane Kennedy will be teaching us the basics of British Sign Language. For further information contact: Ann Patterson 01767 680644.

Bedford Folk & Acoustic Club: Acoustic and folk music

round-the-room, every Thursday evening from 8:30pm at the Bowls Pavilion of Kempston Hammers Club, MK42 7BN. Musicians, singers and poets all welcome, at every level. Contact: us on facebook, or come and meet us at the Bowls Pavilion.

Bedfordshire Family History Society: Monthly

meetings in the Drama Hall of Mark Rutherford School, Wentworth Drive, Bedford, MK41 8PX on Friday, January 7 and our talk will be The Brooks Family of Flitwick Manor by Richard Morgan. Doors open at 7.00 p.m. for a 7.30 p.m. start. Members Free, Visitors £1. Contact:

Bedford RSPB local group: ARA club, Manton Lane

BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN

Bedford MK41 7PF. Thursday, January 20. Meeting 7.30pm. Wilf Powell - “Jewels in the Air”. Wilf, previously Chairman of the Bedfordshire Natural History Society, will describe aspects of the biology and behaviour of hummingbirds. With photos taken in Ecuador, Costa Rica, Trinidad, Cuba and Brazil. Members £1 Guest £2, under 18s enter free. Contact: www.rspb.org.uk/groups/bedford

music

13

comedy These top acts will get everyone laughing!

Castle Comedy is back in 2022 with more great shows to get everyone laughing!

Saturday February 5, The Weatherley Centre, Biggleswade The Big February Show at the Weatherley Centre will feature three headline quality acts and be the ultimate comedy night out!

Harrison’s going for it in 2022!

by Tony Hendrix

Happy New year I would love so much to say what an awesome year 2021 was, but sadly this was not the case, another year torn apart again by the pandemic.

However I take my hat off to Esquires and The Corn Exchange who despite last year’s challenges still managed to put on some fantastic artists and entertainment, whilst Mark H Iarrison from Bedford Park Concerts took risks to another level by pulling off shows in the Park with acts like Olly Murs, Craig David and Pete Tong to name a few he is an amazing promotor and certainly knows how to throw a party!

Well it looks like they have more in store for 2022.

Simply Red, have announced five huge live dates for summer 2022 one of which being Bedford Park on Thursday, July 28, when Mick Hucknall brings his unique brand of UK soul and pop into the heart of Bedford.

This special show in Bedford also features a very special guest appearance from UK soulful dance diva, Lisa Stansfield.

Simply Red is undoubtedly one of the UK’s biggest bands they have a huge catalogue of unforgettable hits, including ‘Something Got Me Started’, ‘Stars’, ‘Fairground’ and the US #1 hits, ‘Holding Back The Years’, and ‘If You Don’t Know Me

By Now’.

Few bands have enjoyed the success and longevity of Simply Red. With over 60 million albums sold worldwide, fiveUK number one hit albums and over a billion views on YouTube, Simply Red remain one of the UK’s most successful bands.

Mick Hucknall formed Simply

Bedford National Trust Association: 2.15pm, Tuesday

January 18, Addison Centre, Kempston. MK42 8PN. The speaker will be Ian Keable on “The Century of Deception - The Birth of the Hoax in Eighteenth - Century England”.

Hoaxes were written about extensively, and depicted by satirical artists such as Hogarth and Gillray.

They are imaginative, and the tricksters had varying motives. An entertaining talk. There will be a small admission fee. Everyone welcome. No need to book. Plenty of parking space. Contact: Betty Thomas on 01480 860 421Contact::

Bedford Local Group of The Wildlife Trust:

Wednesday January 12, 7-15pm for 7.30pm. ‘Bedfordshire’s Wild Life and Wild Places: 20 years into the new millennium. an illustrated talk

by Graham Bellamy. Priory Methodist Church Hall, Newnam Avenue, Bedford MK41 9QJ. www.wildlifebcn.org or Contact: 01234 266057. C

ontact:

Red in 1985 in Manchester and enjoyed immediate success with first single ‘Money’s Too Tight To Mention’.

Mick said: “I’ve spent most of my life going out and singing for people, and it has felt strange not to have that for such a long time. It’s wonderfully inspiriting that people can go and see bands again now, and I can’t wait to get back on stage.”

Apart from Simply Red another artist that rocked the house during this era non other than the soul diva herself Lisa Stansfield who will also take the stage as part of this huge live music event. After being introduced to Coldcut in 1989, her guest vocals helped ‘People Hold On’ storm the charts and led to a solo career which saw the Rochdale star conquer the world with her accessible soulful dance music.

The fun continues in the park just two days later Saturday, July 30, when the Legendary Paul Weller comes to The Park. Paul will be performing both new and old

material here’s a few to remember from his back catalogue ‘Wild Wood’, ‘Wake Up the Nation’ and ‘You Do Something To Me’.

Paul’s seventeenth solo album called ‘An Orchestrated Songbook’ was released last month. Recorded with award-winning arranger, Jules Buckley and the BBC Symphony Orchestra the album reimagines a selection of his vast catalogue. This follows 2021’s highly acclaimed number one album ‘Fat Pop’ which I’m sure I’m sure will be featured within his new catalogue Paul commented; “It’s brilliant to announce these UK summer shows for 2022 and to be able to play outdoors again after such a long time. Can’t wait.”

Simply Red, Lisa Stansfied and Paul Weller what an amazing line up and simply just too good to miss, two nights of packed live entertainment from some of the UKs finest artists performing for you in Bedford Park.

Tickets are available from www.lphconcerts.co.uk

Headlining the show is ANGELOS EPITHEMIOU. He is a comedy legend and award-winning burger van owner! He is the unwitting star of Shooting Stars (BBC2), Dave’s One Night Stand, The Rob Brydon Show and Channel 4’s The Angelos Epithemiou Show. You are in for a true comedy experience from one of the UK’s most brilliant alternative acts… think Little Britain meets Vic and Bob meets a smattering of Ivan Brackenbury and then lower your expectations and get on board.

‘Brilliantly executed anticomedy shtick’ Chortle

Opening the show is PAUL TONKINSON. He is a sensational live performer, Yorkshire man, marathon runner and former (double award-winning) Time Out Comedian of the Year. He has appeared on Michael Mcintyre’s Comedy Roadshow, Comedy Central’s The Comedy Store and The World Stands-up.

‘Hilarious. No one makes me laugh like Paul Tonkinson. Go see him’ Michael McIntyre Monday February 14, The Quarry Theatre, Bedford Castle Comedy is back at The Quarry Theatre on the most romantic day of the year. The show will feature star names, Roses chocolates and loads of laughs!

Headlining the show is LAURA LEXX. She is an award-winning comedian and writer. In 2019 she won the coveted Best Performer Award from the British Comedy Guide and became a viral sensation with her tweets about a fictional romance with Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp! She went on to write her first book, Klopp Actually: (Imaginary) Life with Football’s Most Sensible Heartthrob.

As a natural storyteller she can tease a grin from pretty much anyone! She has appeared on Live At The Apollo, Mock The Week, Hypothetical and Comedy Central’s Roast Battle.

“Rib-tickling...a tour-de-force” ★★★★ THE TELEGRAPH

Opening the show is SCOTT BENNETT. He is the star of the latest series of Live At The Apollo and destined to be a household name! In 2020 Scott was voted “Best Act” in the Comics Comic Awards, a prestigious award decided by comedians and promoters in the industry. He has supported Michael McIntyre and Rob Brydon on their UK tours.

Catch him here before he is selling out theatres and arenas on his own!

“Clearly has a big future, flashes of Peter Kay, Jason Manford and John Bishop” Bruce Dessau, Evening Standard All shows feature full support from top UK comedians and Paul Revill will host the shows!

Doors 7pm,shows start at 8pm.

Shows finish at 10.45pm To book your seat for a great night visit www.castlecomedy.co.uk

THE

QUEENS HEAD M I LT O N E R N E S T

Food served: Mon-Sat 12-2, 6-9 Sunday 12-4 See our Facebook page for upcoming events

HOTEL NOW OPEN Queens Head, Rushden Road, Milton Ernest MK44 1RU

Tel: 01234 822412

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Mon-Sat Noon-11pm Sunday Noon-10.30pm

14

— JANUARY 2022

TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

gardening

with Milton Ernest Garden Centre

J

January the start of work in the garden

by Maureen Catlin

ANUARY is the middle of our winter but it is actually the start of the gardening season.

It is often the coldest month of the year but we can still enjoy bright sunny days which inspire We Gardeners to start all over again.

As the days continue to lengthen nature wakes from its winter sleep and plants start to grow new buds and shoots and the bulbs begin to appear. The first Snowdrops and Aconites really do lift the spirits.

Enjoy the fresh air on dry sunny days while tidying and assessing where to start.

As long as there is no frost or snow on the soil a little energetic digging on the vegetable patch and applying homemade compost prepares the soil for planting in March and April. It’s a good time to mulch the asparagus bed and dig trenches for sowing Peas and Beans later. Fill the trenches with

w

rotted garden compost or farmyard manure.

Visit the Garden Centre now for the best selection of seed potatoes onions shallots and garlic.

Seed potatoes can then be spaced

in trays in a cool frost free light place to chit. Onions garlic and shallots are ready to plant at the end of February.

Chillies should also be planted now in a heated propagator or in

the airing cupboard, do remember to check for germination which can take a long time. Peas Broad Beans Asparagus and Sweet Peas can also be sown this month.

It is the right time of year to prune Apple and Pear trees but avoid this job if frost is threatened.

An open branch structure allows for good pollination reduces disease and allows sunlight to reach the fruit when ripening.

Remove damaged diseased or crossing branches establishing a framework of four to five main branches. Shorten last year’s growth on the main stems to one third to an outward facing bud leaving some side shoots to produce fruiting buds next year.

Secure grease bands to control migrating insects.

Prune established fruit bushes by removing old fruiting stems and leaving an open branch structure for Gooseberries, Red and Black currants and Blue and Hybrid berries. Autumn fruiting raspber-

IT’S TIME TO START PLANTING 4 bags 50L Multi-purpose compost £20 £6 each – Also available from our on line store

www.miltonernestgardencentre.co.uk

MILT ON ERNEST GARDEN CENTRE Tel: 01234 823033

Radwell Road (just off the A6) Milton Ernest MK44 1SH

O

winter months. Do not prune Plums Cherries Peaches or Nectarines at this time of year. It encourages a whole range of fungus problems.

Pruning Wisteria now by reducing summer side shoots to two or three buds produces lots more flowers and maintains the shape of the plant. Cutting Honeysuckle back really hard removes the often overgrown tangled mass and encourages strong healthy new growth.

Hellebores, Christmas Roses, are really coming into flower and will remain so for several months.

It is worth removing some of the foliage, especially if marked or damaged, to expose the beautiful flowers. There are now so many glorious varieties to choose every garden benefits from growing this plant for its subtle winter colour. It is quite one of my favourites.

If you did not lift corms bulbs or tubers like Dahlias, Canna and Calla Lilies and Agapanthus cover with a thick layer of mulch to protect from frost damage.

This is also the worst month for our garden birds. If we look after them now they will repay us in the warmer months by eating a lot of our garden pests. They have already taken most of the late bugs seeds and berries so it’s time to daily supplement their food and supply water.

Fat snacks are a great source of energy and should be hung in feeders free from plastic netting that can entangle the feet of smaller birds. Sunflower seed hearts are another great favourite as well as peanuts. Hanging feeders where the activity can be constantly watched from my kitchen window is for me a great joy.

This month is also a great time to visit the Garden Centre to see what other plants you could grow to add colour and interest at this time of year.

BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN

ries should be cut back to ground level while removing last year’s fruiting stems from summer fruiting varieties and tying new canes to the support structure. Put a thick layer of garden mulch around the base of raspberry canes.

A forcing pot covering a clump of Rhubarb will give you luscious sweet stems in March.

Cover Nectarine and Peach trees to stop the rain causing Peach Leaf Curl disease which will severely reduce your crop and looks very unsightly. Pot grown trees should be moved to the protection of a building for the

Every adult in the country now needs to get a Covid-19 booster vaccine, because two doses does not give you enough protection against catching Omicron.

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GET YOUR COVID-19 BOOSTER VACCINE NHS.UK/COVIDVACCINATION

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sport FOOTBALL – WADERS ROUNDUP BY MIKE DRAXLER

Two points out of a possible twelve

BIGGLESWADE TOWN...2 TAMWORTH......................2 Tuesday November 30 The first game in ten days saw the Waders put on a vintage show for the slim crowd. Not a win but not a loss and the team can be proud of their outstanding efforts.

It all started so badly with a static Wader defence standing watching as Tamworth 11 Tyrell Waite looped a header into the net on three minutes.

All uphill from here? Not for your Waders some fine individual skill from Neal and Silva, Stevens and Squire matched by joint passing that rounded the Tamworth defence.

It took a while for the belief to appear but on 21 Ronan Silva rocked the swagger from Tamworth as his toe put the ball beyond visiting keeper Jasbir Singh.

It was a very keen contest for the remainder of the half with what seemed like endless stoppages for injuries to Joe Neal, Joe Howe and Russell Short. Howe having to be replaced by Stevan Shaw. The first 45 extending to 50.

The second period was much of the same, Joe Neal being replaced by debutant Jack Vasey, a signing on the day.

Waders stuck to the task and played with a pride and passion we have often witnessed in the past. 53 possibly saw the turning point when Jack Thomas was shown a red card after a

Man of the match: Ronan Silva.

tackle on Kane Farrell. On 62 another free kick in from the right by Tamworth 4 Ryan Beswick found Matthew Stenson whose header alluded all, to make it 2-1.

The ‘game playing’ continued and disrupted severely causing irritating stoppages.

Waders upped the tempo and on 84 Siva it was again whose shot high into the net levelled the game up. Tamworth were now fearful and packed the 10 men into the penalty box to stop the green onslaught. It was so close but not to be but a tremendous effort and appreciation from the crowd.

BIGGLESWADE TOWN...1 ALVECHURCH..................1 Saturday December 4 With a very small squad, injuries are always going to affect the starting 11. With Joe Neal, Joe Howe, Sam Squire and Russell Short all injured in the Tamworth encounter back

came Mat Hall, Luca Cardines, Steven Shaw and new boy Jack Vasey starting against Alvechurch.

The afternoon, cold and windy but the Waders soon had us warm with some fine, interesting approach play. Vasey linking well with Rohan Silva and the lightening quick Luca Cardines showing his pace down the flanks.

Silva it was first after 20 minutes whose shot was just the wrong side of the post.

Strike partner Vasey not to be out done jinked his way past two before his measured shot hit the post and rolled away.

A confident looking Waders certainly continuing from Tuesday. Alvechurch were not without their frighteners, a flash header from Daniel Waldron just off target.

Cardine skipping the full back, crossed for Ben Stevens to volley, but high.

At the end of the half 0-0.

Out for the second period and although less creation, seemed more purpose as both teams went looking for the points. 61 in and a corner fed back to James Peters whose shot found the net at pace. At the other end Jake Alley was performing his own miracle with a point blank save from Tyrell Skeen-Hamilton.

With more and more pressure building for Alvechuch the Waders dropped deeper and deeper, something had to give and on 81 Charlie Dowd broke free to slide a ball past the advancing Jake Alley.

At 1-1 the match was evenly poised, neither team wanted to commit. With Joe Neal coming on for Vasey for the final few minutes, he was unable to work a situation the game ending all square but another much needed point for the Waders.

BIGGLESWADE TOWN...0 BANBURY UNITED ..........2 Saturday December 18 Banbury came with a little bit of a swagger in their step after recent success in the FA cup, with a tv appearance and hitting the top of the Southern League Premier Central during the week. It was never going to be easy with a Wader’s squad decimated by injury.

However, we know our Waders and Chris Nunn had prepared the side to give it their all and so they did. Pick of the bunch Ronan Silva a determined young man who has blossomed in the green shirt. Joe Neal forever willing to battle hard for the ball and laying his body on the line.

The two flank men Ben Stevens and Luca Cardine still learning their craft, lightening quick with a trick or two.

Moving back, we have James Peters and Robbie Parker both determined to stop or create.

The back line of Stev Shaw with Kane Farrell wide are complimented by the effervescent Matt Hall, all consistent performers, Russell Short fitted in for Shane Bush and is very comfortable at centre back. In the absence of Jake

Alley, Josh Hill is an equal replacement, exuding confidence in himself which passes through the team. Back patting done let’s move on to the game.

It was cut a thrust with Biggleswade edging the statistics but not the goal tally. Silva, Neal and Stevens all had worthwhile efforts stopped while at the other end Chris Wreh and Jack Stevens had shots go wide.

A frustrated Banbury started to show signs of temper as the match was drawing to a close.

On 83 Chris Wreh got his toe to a loose ball to give the visitors an advantage.

Waders pushing on saw substitute Shane Bush with a snap shot that was well saved by Banbury keeper Ben Taylor.

With the Waders in full flight a gap at the back let in Morgan Roberts to slide the ball under the advancing Josh Hill.

We can be very proud of our team who gave everything plus to get something from this game, as it turned out just 10 minutes short.

Man of the match, Ronan Silva – pictured above left.

ST. IVES...............................2 BIGGLESWADE TOWN...1 Sunday December 26 After two days of festive feeding, it was great to get out to the local Boxing day match at St. Ives, with the Waders new signing Will Owens straight in to the starting line-up. With an early kick off at 1300 hours the crowd were not disappointed

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with the game.

From the off the offensive Waders pushed St. Ives back and contained the home team in their own half. Ronan Silva and Joe Neal had early chances, with Owens and Cardines supplying the pace down the flanks.

Fortunately, or unfortunately depending on your colours, Biggleswade could not make the possession count. At 45 the scores level, all looking promising for the second half.

After the break St. Ives came out with new resolve and pressed hard against the Wader's defence. An early chance missed by the home team who kept up the pressure until Ethan Johnston's back flick beat the Wader's keeper on 51.

The visitors upped the game and a stunning crossfield ball from Owens found Luca Cardines who ran on into the area before powering a shot past the advancing keeper ten minutes later. Waders continued to press committing men forward looking for the elusive win.

Leaving space at the back Tyrone Baker on 82 exploited to the full with his tricky run and curling shot beating Josh Hill with sheer pace. With eight minutes left Biggleswade laid siege to the home goal and on another day an equaliser or winner would have come.

Joe Neal had the best chance late on when a scramble saw the keeper fall on the ball to deny the Luckless Waders.