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Funding found for lifts at Flitwick railway station
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THAMESLINK rail managers, community leaders and holiday destination Center Parcs have welcomed a Government announcement of additional money for Network Rail to make Flitwick station fully accessible.
Wheelchair users, parents with buggies, the elderly and holidaymakers with suitcases will all benefit from a share of an additional £50m of Access For All funding provided nationally to put in a new footbridge with lifts at the station, as announced in Wednesday’s budget and detailed by the Department for Transport. Thameslink and Great Northern Managing Director Tom Moran said: “More than 1.6 million people use Flitwick station every year and lifts to the platforms will make an enormous difference to everyone who struggles because they use wheelchairs, have baby buggies, heavy luggage or find walking difficult.
Area station manager Bernie Lee, Step-Free Access campaigner Ian Cook (centre) and Bedford Commuters' Association chairman Arthur Taylor observe social distance advice as they celebrate securing funding for lifts at Flitwick station.
“That is why we have been supporting the campaign to fund lifts and a new footbridge. This is great news, particularly given the 150th anniversary of Flitwick station that we are celebrating this year. We will now work with Network Rail and our community stakeholders to help develop a scheme.” Disability campaigners were disappointed when the last five-year round of Access For All funding did not include Flitwick. Local MP Nadine Dorris raised the matter in the Commons and new representations were made. This latest announcement is an additional sum. Gavin Crook, Principal Programme Sponsor for Network Rail, said: “This is a vital project to improve accessibility at Flitwick station and we welcome the announcement that funding for this scheme has been secured. “Once complete, the project will make using the station much easier for all passengers and open up travel opportunities for more people. “Network Rail will continue to work closely
with stakeholders to deliver this scheme which will bring significant benefits for all passengers who use Flitwick station.” Arthur Taylor, chairman of Bedford Commuters' Association, said: “I am absolutely thrilled at this news. We have lobbied hard and been waiting for many years for this and were very disappointed when it did not make it through the last round of funding. This will be so much better for Flitwick passengers.”
Cllr James Jamieson, Leader of Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “The Council has worked very closely with Govia Thameslink and Network Rail to secure the necessary funds to deliver full stepfree access at Flitwick Station. Flitwick is an important gateway into our area, and it is essential that everyone wishing to travel here is able to do so via a fully accessible station. “We look forward to continuing our work with Thameslink and Network Rail, in particular through developing proposals for transport interchanges at both Flitwick and Biggleswade, and delivering significant infrastructure improvements for our residents, visitors and workforce.” Ian Cook, founder of the campaign group Step Free Access, said: "We're incredibly pleased at the success of our community's campaign to have lifts and ramps installed at Flitwick station and look forward to being involved in the design stage to ensure that the needs of everyone with mobility problems are accommodated. “Meanwhile we will not rest until we have a firm decision from the Government of the day and all parties involved, that all stations and all trains are fully step-free.” In normal times Centre Parcs runs a courtesy guest shuttle bus between its holiday Village Woburn Forest and Flitwick train station. Chris Bland, Travel Coordinator, said: “I am delighted that lifts are going to be installed at Flitwick. As well as improving access for our guests and staff, I anticipate the lifts will encourage more guests to travel by train.”
Four golden rules by Richard Atkinson Bishop of Bedford
TODAY, as I write this, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York have announced that public worship won’t happen until the Coronavirus crisis is coming to an end. By the time you read this we are likely to be further into the period of rapidly rising numbers of those with the virus, along with, sadly, a growing number of deaths. We will all be discovering what is to live without many of the norms of human interaction. I know many of us will also have found ways to support those around us. Early on, as the virus took hold, my colleague Bishop Alan, the Bishop of St Albans circulated four Golden Rules. Although circumstances have moved on, they still broadly hold good and so I commend them to you. Golden Rule One. Each one of us can think about how we can protect and support our neighbours. So much of the public rhetoric is sow-
ing fear about the danger of other people. So, taking all the official precautions, offer help and reassurance to others – and don’t demonise anyone or any group. Golden Rule Two: Think about who may be suffering more than me. For those of us who are healthy there is much less to worry about but the elderly, the housebound and those with chronic health conditions may be very anxious. There’s nothing like a friendly
voice to offer solace when someone is worried. A smile can bring cheer, even on the phone. Golder Rule Three. Don’t give into panic and start hoarding food. There is plenty to go around, so practise the Christian discipline of sharing. Ask your neighbours what they need and do you best to help them get it. If you are self-isolating you will of course need some supplies. Golden Rule Four: Live today to the full. None of us ever know what the future holds. In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6. 25 – 34), Jesus challenged his followers to live each day fully and not be afraid. Every time we are tempted to give in to fear we need to make a conscious choice to respond in trust and openness. Dear God our Shield and our Defender, guide and protect my neighbour in this time of health emergency; deliver them from all harm and may your love and care ever grow in this place. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord, Amen. (Revd Louise Collins)
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PBB Sports Media
Ben returns to the chair Gillian’s cooking up after near death crash some memories
BEDFORD’S Ben Robinson made his return in the sidecar chair with driver Wesley Pettman at Brands Hatch at the beginning of March, marking the start of their championship challenge. Robinson, 21, who works as a Transport Manager in Bedford, has always had a passion for Motorsport, and decided to get back on the chair last year after a near career ending accident at Mallory Park in 2018. “It was a tough decision to get back on, however with my background and my family’s background in Motorsport I felt I had something to live up to. Last year we had some resounding success, winning the FSRA Pre Injection Championship and coming 3rd in the Bemsee F2 Championship, this year we are looking to repeat that success, or maybe even make it better.” A sidecar is a type of motor-
bike, except it was three wheels rather than two. Two people operate it, one operating the controls, and one acting as a ballast, manoeuvring their weight around to ensure that the sidecar doesn’t flip going around corners, and to increase the speed of the outfit. The maximum speed of this outfit is 150mph. “It’s a pretty scary thing, sitting on something the size of a tea tray going that spee,d” Robinson told us, “but I’m an adrenaline junkie, what more can I say?” “The sport itself is an expensive sport, and we are always looking for new sponsors to come on board and support us where possible.” Robinson’s next round should have been at the home of Formula One, Silverstone, over the weekend of the 4th-5th April but we await the rescheduling of this event.
Monday-Friday 8am-5pm Saturday 8am-1pm A RESIDENT of Oak Way House took a trip down memory lane when she visited the kitchens of Bedford Charter House, recently, both part of Bedford Citizens Housing Association (BCHA). Gillian Craig, 79, was Head Cook at the original Bedford Charter House back in the 1980s. She was invited to take a look around the new kitchens to see how things had changed since her day. “I worked here for seven years and we catered for 62 people every day, “Gillian said. “The old kitchen was much smaller and we didn’t have all of the latest equipment that they have today. We had a great team and I loved working here.”
Gillian has lived at Oak Way House for three years. She worked in catering for most of her life, having studied cooking at Bedford College. She loved baking for her family and still occasionally cooks her favourite meals. Marie Taylor, Chief Executive of BCHA said, “it was lovely to show Gillian our new kitchens at Charter House and she enjoyed meeting the catering team. I hope that it brought back some great memories of her working life here with us.”
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Battle of the Bands – Year 7 pupils from Holywell School, won the Key Stage 3 Beds Band Factory – ‘Battle of the Bands’ for schools competition last month. The event for Bedford and surrounding areas, was held at Redborne Upper School, Ampthill on Wednesday, March 4. The winners from the Cranfield school named their group ‘White Eyed Peace’ which is fronted by 12-year-old Dilan Nahar. It was Hahar and his brother who composed verses 2 and 3 of the mash-up song. The first prize is the opportunity to have their song professionally recorded in a local sound studio. In a very tight competition joint second were Sharnbrook Academy Dark Angels and Woodland Middle School, Flitwick.
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World Book Day – Pupils and staff at Castle Newnham school, Bedford enjoyed celebrating World Book Day today with some fantastic costumes. They also brought their favourite books into school to read. Principal Ruth Wilkes said: "We fully support the importance of World Book Day and this is a great opportunity for the whole school to appreciate the world of books and the characters that they create. We also enjoy the fun of dressing up."
Pictured: Mr Balmbra, Head of Primary dressed as Biggles, Gangsta Granny, Alice in Wonderlands and Harry Potters.
LARGE LANTERN £20 WAS £25 BUY ONE – £15 GET WAS ONE £20 HALF PRICE SMALL LANTERN £5.95 WITH THIS VOUCHER OFFER ENDS 26/04/20each Offer ends 26/04/20 www.miltonernestgardencentre.co.uk www.miltonernestgardencentre.co.uk
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Sandy Twinning Association
Rather as expected the Comite in Malaunay have reluctantly agreed to postpone this year's May visit by twelve months because of the current situation regarding the Coronavirus. We can understand their reluctance as they had already paid up front for the coach, but given the current situation in both France and the UK, and the fact those taking part in the visit on both sides included a significant number of individuals deemed 'vulnerable' , there really was no other option. We had hoped to agree a weekend with the French as quickly as possible in 2021 and get back to visits in the early part of May, as we have done for the past few years. However, that is already proving problematical since next year
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the French are victims of their own policy on Bank Holidays. Their usual conges, on May 1st and 8th will both fall on a Saturday, which effectively means they will lose both. Unlike us they don't move May Day to the first Monday of the Month. Five years out of seven it works well for them but next year it doesn't so we will be looking for an alternative solution. The committee here will be meeting next on Tuesday March 24th and we will make a decision then. This is obviously a very disappointing state of affairs and, we believe, the first time in nearly 40 years that we have had to cancel a visit, but the present situation left us with no alternative.
Bedfordshire Seniors Cricket
The new cricket season is almost
upon us and it is to be hoped that b y the end of April the Coronavirus epidemic will have subsided sufficiently for the league programme to go ahead. The County will be running two over-60s sides both in southern area leagues but the new over-70s team has been placed in the northern section with fixtures against Yorkshire and Cheshire amongst others! We are always on the look-out for new players but also for anyone who might like to umpire or score for any of the sides. A small fee is available for umpires and scorers as well as a free tea and plenty of entertainment! If you would like to be involved with any of the seniors' sides, either as a player or official please contact Graeme Presswell on 07946 863262 or at: Graeme@presshoo.co.uk or Max Hill on 01767 681469 or at: amaxhill@outlook.com
Florence raised nearly £800 for Australian bush fire victims
A KIND-HEARTED seven-yearold girl, who lives in Ampthill, has raised nearly £800 by making and selling cakes in aid of the animals caught up in the Australian bushfires. Florence Roberts, seven, who attends Firs Lower School in Ampthill, felt distraught when she watched TV coverage of the bushfires earlier this year and the devastation it caused to the wildlife and their habitat. And so moved was the animal loving school girl that she decided to raise as much money as possible in aid of the animals by donating it to the WWF. She asked her teachers at the Firs school if she could bake some cakes and sell them to her fellow Year 2 pupils. Impressed by her initiative, they decided to open the cake sale to the whole school and Florence went about baking as many cakes as possible for it. She couldn’t believe it, then, when her cakes proved so popular that she raised a whopping £520. Spurred on, she then spent another weekend making more cakes to sell at the workplaces of her proud parents, Erika and Stephen Roberts and in doing so; she raised a further £265, making a grand total of £785. Proud mum, Erika says: “My
daughter Florence was distraught after watching the news covering the Australian bushfires she raised her concerns at school, telling them that she wanted to raise money in aid of the animals. The school supported Florence and what originally started out as just a cake sale for Year 2 became a whole school cake sale. The school raised a fantastic £520 in support of WWF and also recognised Florence for her compassion by awarding her “The Star award”. This is awarded annually to children who show outstanding care for our community or wider community. “Florence did not stop there though because she wanted to raised more money herself and organised a cake sale at mine and my husbands place of work . Florence baked all the cakes over a weekend and again raised a super £265 for WWF. We are so proud of Florence.” Florence, who would love to be a vet when she grows up, also became a Koala protector in January after donating £25 of her seventh birthday money to the Koala’s in Australia. Adds Erika: “What Florence has done is incredible. Everyone in our family think she is amazing.”
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ONE of the highlights for Flitwick Scouts (boys and girls aged 10 to 13) this month has been their expedition challenge. Several of the older Scouts them planned this two day event which included sorting out kit, cooking equipment, tents and food and then having to carry it. Starting from the Group HQ they hiked to Milton Bryan where they camped overnight and the following day hiked via Toddington back to Flitwick. All were taken out of the comfort zone. Daniel Green said: “I wanted to do the hike so I can get my Chief Scout Award. The hike was difficult as it was muddy and very windy. Working together and encouraging each other helped us. It was a fantastic achievement for us all to finish it.” The Scouts have also been learning how to use trangias to cook on, electronics and have done some tree clearing in Manor Park. The Beaver Scouts (boys and girls aged 6 to 8) have been climbing in Milton Keynes, made some gifts for Mothering Sunday, cooked some pancakes and went on a sleepover at MK Safari with over 100 other Beavers. Sam Warner said, “I enjoyed the sleepover as we could go in the play area, we then had a drink and biscuit and watched a film. After breakfast we had some more time in the play area. It was great”. The Cubs (boys and girls aged 8 to 10 ½) have visited the safety centre in Milton Keynes, made pancakes and valentine’s biscuits,
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Scouts show the way
learnt some international games and been on a circular walk. Ten Scouts and three adult volunteers will be away for a trip a narrowboat weekend in April. There is a Camp for Cubs at Great Barford in May. In June, the Group are holding a family camp at Bromham with an attendance of 250. This is then followed with a Cub and Scout camp at Chalfont in July/August. Adult volunteer Darren Reeve said, “It was great to see the Scouts working together to plan their expedition. This included selected the best route, the type of equipment they needed, food they would all eat and how long it would take them to walk there. It was good to see how well they all worked
Friendship Group at Milton Ernest Garden Centre
together to achieve their goals.” For further information about Flitwick Scout Group, please visit www.flitwickscoutgroup.org.uk
SANDY TOWN COUNCIL Great British Spring Clean 20 March-13 April
g the initiative again by The Town Council will be supportin ity litter picks, providing mun com ing urag enco and promoting ction of waste. colle ging arran and nt the loan of equipme to hold a community litter If you are part of a group who’d like andytowncouncil.gov.uk in@s adm act picking event in Sandy cont for more information.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS t situation Due to the curren rus the Town around coronavi ing all future Council is review ing or events it was hold light of involved with in by the advice provided Government. HOME Instead East Northants are excited to be starting a new Friendship Group at Milton Ernest Garden Centre. This is for anyone who would like to meet people and make new friends. Come out and join us for a sociable, informal meetup and take part in some fun activities such as quizzes, board games, arts and crafts and much more! No cost involved apart from refreshments which you can purchase from the café. Home Instead decided to start this new friendship group to create an awareness of what we can provide to people in their own homes, we offer a variety of services, home help, companionship, personal care, dementia care and Young Disabled Adults. When you need that extra help to stay at home
MIDBEDS
we have a Caregiver that will be right for you. We recognise how important social interaction is to us all. So, Home Instead wants to give back to the community and run a variety of friendship / companionship cafes across East Northants and North Beds. Lucy and Marie run all the community events in and around the area. If you would like to meet Lucy and Marie for their new Friendship Group come along to the next meetup. The dates of the of the New Friendship Group (10am – 12pm): 8th April, 13th May, 10th June, 8th July – please check before arriving. If you have any questions please call Marie or Lucy on 01933 678775
Replacement of broken Fallowfield play equipment
The new Flymobile has now been installed in the park at Fallowfield. This equipment replaces a previous item which was beyond economic repair. The Council obtained funding for the equipment from Central Bedfordshire Council’s Section 106 funding.
ship – n e iz it C r fo s rd a Mayor ’s Aw ations instarted, the closing date get your nesos formthin has the e Mayor’s Awards recognise some of
oc s The nomination pr e 13th April. The Mayor’s Award mmunity. Award co th r is ou ns d tio rve na se mi ve no ha ps for and groups who Community Grou s als d du an ivi ard ind Aw ul erf ns wond ls in the pres ard, Young Perso tai Aw de s e en se e tiz as Ci ple are e categories te someon uld like to nomina Award. If you wo and Facebook page. and on our website
Town Please check the for updates. Council’s website
Friends of Sandy Green Wheel – litter pick
The Friends of Sandy Green Wheel play an important part in helping keep areas of the Sandy Green Whe el looking good. The group will be holding its first litter picking event along sections of the Green Wheel route on the 4th and 5th April from 10am. If you’d like to join in and help look after our local greenspaces, please contact admin@sandytowncouncil.go v.uk.
COUNCIL MEETINGS All meetings commence at 7.30p m except Development Scrutiny Committ ee (Planning) which usually starts at 6.45pm in the Council Chamber, 10 Cambridge Road, Sandy SG1 9 1JE
Monday 6th April 2020 Town Council Monday 20th April 2020 Development Scrutiny Community Services & Environ ment Monday 27th April 2020 Annual Town Meeting Monday 11th May 2020 Development Scrutiny Policy Finance & Resources See our website for details of othe
r meetings 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
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The Will Writing Company
gardening Now’s the time to get all those jobs done! by Maureen Catlin Milton Ernest Garden Centre
E gardeners didn’t really need the Pundits to tell us – GARDENING IS GOOD FOR YOU. It is a low intensity work out that encourages an active lifestyle. Research shows that not only do Gardeners get health benefits from the physical exercise when digging, raking leaves, hoeing and mowing the lawn but mentally it is healthy as well. Gardening helps to keep the brain active and creative reducing the risk of dementia in over 60-yearolds by up to 40%. The physical exercise reduces stress and the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis and stroke. It gives us challenges that when achieved promote feelings of satisfaction and happiness. Gardening burns calories helping to control weight, relieves stress and improves the immune system. It demands responsibility giving us a sense of worth, improves the sensory skills, assists with anger management and helps us live in the moment. Repetitive tasks like weeding, watering and trimming help to calm the mind. If I’ve had a grotty day a “20 minute Hoe” on the veg patch chopping away at those weeds encourages the positive feelings associated with tidying up tasks. The stress hormone Cortisol is lowered in the brain by engaging in a rewarding activity. Gardening has been shown to do this. High levels of Cortisol in your brain can affect memory and learning hence the phrase “I have a lot on my mind”. Gardening can be enjoyed at many levels providing the gentle physical exercise which removes negative thoughts produced by life’s stresses and helps restore the mind set balance. Gardening is an activity associated with nurture, renewal and growth. When you sow a packet of spring onion seeds or transplant petunias into your patio tubs you are encouraging new life. Growing your own fruit and veg means you are creating a healthy lifestyle for your family. When we harvest our blueberries or dig our potatoes the reward centre in our brain produces Dopamine, a slight euphoric, which is triggered by the sight and smell of picking the fruit and veg. There’s a great joy when you pick that first ripe strawberry or the first portion of runner beans. This is akin to that felt when you take the first batch of cheese scones from the oven or have a morning’s retail therapy at Rushden Lakes. It is thought that the release of Dopamine and the rewarding feeling it produces was probably experienced by our hunter gatherer ancestors when they found their food. The release of this endorphin encourages repeat activity because it makes you feel rewarded and so it is self-perpetuating. A natural way of keeping depression at bay is to get your hands dirty. By not wearing gardening gloves and touching compost and soil with your bare hands promotes the release of Serotonin, the happy chemical. It is so called because along with Dopamine it helps to boost the immune system and put us in a good mood. Planting the Patio Tubs with brightly coloured Bedding Plants and Bulbs enhances our surroundings inviting you to step outside and
W
enjoy fresh air and some sun. Colour and perfume are great stimulators for positive thoughts. Studies have shown that by surrounding ourselves with flowers boosts our state of mind increasing feelings of happiness and joy. Colours like red orange yellow and pink denote laughter, white is bright cheerfulness and green foliage calms the anxious mind. Some flowers like orchids can be enjoyed in greenhouse where they increase the positive energy in their surroundings and are recommended for Feng Shui. Patient studies showed that those allowed flowers in their rooms needed less pain relief, had lower blood pressure and pulse rates were
less anxious and had a more positive attitude to recovery. What a shame NHS hospitals will not allow flowers in the wards. When your skin is exposed to sunlight it produces Vitamin C which helps with calcium absorption to strengthen bones and the immune system. ALL GOOD STUFF So have fun playing in the dirt, enjoy your freshly picked fruit and veg promoting that healthier lifestyle. Take a break from the computer screen and go out into your garden no matter how large and small. Pick up that trowel seek out the spade and secateurs start up the mower and discover for yourself why gardening is good for you.
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TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
The Lawn Doctor SINCE going public in these pages about my mole problem - no, not the one on my back but rather the one currently digging away in a lawn that has taken me literally years to improve, a number of you have very kindly been in touch offering potential solutions and empathy. In short, I am very grateful for both, thank you, but... Moley is still digging away! One of the most promising solutions was provided by a charming lady, known only to me as Jean from Harold, who telephoned to suggest the use of onions! I have long known that onions were repellent to many animals but could the humble onion be the answer to my prayers? Eagerly, I grabbed a number from my vegetable rack, peeled them, roughly chopped them into large chunks and then dug into the affected area, inserting a piece before covering with soil. Amazingly, the next day, there were no fresh excavations. Had Jean provided the wonder cure? At the time of writing, it is too early to report whether this has been successful or not but I might just give its pungent cousin, garlic a trial also. Putting peeled and chopped garlic cloves into a bucket of water and steeping them for a week or so, straining and then decanting into a garden mister and spraying aphid infected plants can work well as an insecticide and I for one, would always rather use the power of nature over harsher chemical options. In my correspondence this past month, one interesting comment came from someone who was alarmed to see a number of people using rotovators on his allotment. As well as causing a major disruption to the tranquillity of the setting, the man, a former agronomist, that is, someone whose job is concerned with soil management, made the point that regular use of a rotorva-
tor can create a ‘pan’ directly under where one is working. In other words, although the surface tilth may be broken up, in certain soil conditions, clay in particular, the rotating tines will compress the ground underneath. This is problematic for plants requiring a deep root run but also will be detrimental to drainage which given all the wet weather we have been experiencing might be worth bearing in mind. If the heavy rain fall has revealed areas of your garden prone to flooding, one of the best ways of illuminating this is by planting a tree. Trees require a large amount of water and the flooding this country has faced this winter has not been helped by this nation’s obsession with cutting trees down and horror of horrors, building. We continue to do both at our peril. The answer to last month’s question: ‘Unsightly worm casts at this time of the year are on your lawn. What do you do?’ In sports turf and in particular, high standard golf courses, bowling greens and even professional pitches for rugby, football and cricket, casts are dispersed using a ‘switch cane’. As the name suggests, once a pliable wooden rod but these days more likely (and much more effective) to be made of fibre glass is passed over the sword which flicks the tiny piles and broadcasts them. This prevents bare soil patches forming which in turn prevents weeds from germinating. This month’s just for fun question is: moles take their name from a corruption of the late middle English ‘moldwarp’. What does this literally mean? As usual, many thanks to all of you for contributing to this column and please contact me with any gardening tasks or queries you may have, lawndocgardens@aol.com or tel: 01767 627 581 or 07796 328 855.
Your guide to the local scene – perhaps! TEL: 07894 935952 ADS: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
Well I'm Not really too sure where to start, the information that I am about to present was accurate at the time of going to press however this may all change as the Corona Virus continues to rip its way through the UK so closures and event cancellations are inevitable. But the editor told me to do it, so here goes. Bedford Park Concerts have now confirmed that their 25th
anniversary year will feature the legendary 80s icon Paul Weller. Paul will be headlining the summer show in Bedford Park alongside supporting acts on Saturday 1st August 2020. Fans can enjoy live performances from Paul of new and old material plus some awesome classics from his back catalogue like ‘Wild Wood’, ‘Wake up the Nation’ and ‘You do something to me’, to mention a few . Paul will be launching his fifteenth solo album ‘On Sunset’ on 12th June, which sees him take his music in an exciting new direction, fans will be able to listen to some of these new album tracks during his Bedford Park headline set Tickets for this event are priced at £46.50 for Adult General Admission (subject to booking fees & terms and conditions
YOGA in Bedford
From March 2020 (no yoga 30 Mar)
CREATE HEALTH & WELLBEING
MONDAYS – 2.00pm £5, One hour class
@ PRIORY CHURCH 63 Newnham Avenue, Bedford MK41 9QJ Drop in, Mixed Ability. Please bring a mat Text/Phone:
June Hannigan 07551 290364
email: juandhannigan@yahoo.co.uk
— 11
SAVE £200
by Tony Hendrix
apply) VIP upgrade will cost you £95 and the Green Room upgrade - £25. Tickets go on sale Thursday 19th March at 10am, for more info visit www.bedfordparkconcerts.co.uk "Soul In The City" are a consortium of bedford promoters keen to bring some stunning 80s acts onto the local over 30s platform in Bedford . They plan on using the Bedford Corn exchange as their home venue and have entered into negotiations to date with both Kenny Thomas and Jocelyn Brown for events to be scheduled later this year. Unfortunately they were unable to commit to any dates until clarity on the virus was available. Their nights plan to incorporates an 80s/90s solo soul artist supported by real legendary DJs Tony Blackburn and Greg Edwards. They will not be engaging with any classic bands who more often than not retain the original 80s/90s name but do not retain many original members. Sounds like an awesome concept which I sure will see many sold out nights, watch this space for updates on these events . C.R.I.S presents a night of nostalgic lovers rock, soul, revival and Reggae from the 70s , 80s and 90s on Easter Sunday 12th April at Six's Nightclub located at 2 Lurke Street, Bedford. Music will be provided by Saxon Sound, Natural Dread Sound and Bedfords very own Cultural Roots Sound System headed by Mr and Mrs Cultural Beats with support from Cultural Beats Junior . Tickets are £10 in advance and more on the door available from Jemz Carribbean in Amptill road and from Six's Nightclub in Lurke Street. Pubs bars and clubs will be sailing through very choppy waters over the next few weeks , if youre an owner please ensure you check your insurance policy before you plan on a voluntary closure of your business, several insurers will only pay out only when a government body has demanded your business to close , don't get caught out. Keep safe!
BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN APRIL 2020
MBB
2 TUBS OF 50 ONLY
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Tel: 01234 823033
MILTON ERNEST GARDEN CENT RE Radwell Road (just off the A6) Milton Ernest MK44 1SH
Tel: 01234 961384 Tel: 07805 540432
info@blissplumbing.co.uk
www.blissplumbing.co.uk
12 —
APRIL 2020 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
MID BEDS
back
the
WADERS ROUND-UP by Mike Draxler
Corona virus calls a halt to fixtures TAMWORTH ...........................4 BIGGLESWADE TOWN ........0 FOUR to zero sounds like a hiding but it was cold comfort to Tamworth, top of the league, that certainly for long periods of the game the Waders had the better chances. Lady luck has deserted
the Langford Road outfit as the strikers yet again complete a nil return, despite creating chances not taken. On the Tamworth 3G pitch the Waders appeared the home side as they opened brightly and got in amongst the home defenders, Bush
and Edwards constant threats. Charles and Williams wide on the flanks, particularly Charles outpacing the fullback. Defending well the Waders fell behind to a strike from Ryan Beswick on 27 whose shot ricocheted more times than a "pinball wizard" beating
our keeper for the day Borja Loeches, who replaced Richard Walton on loan from Tamworth, so not able to play. Setting about repairing the damage with Matt Ball and James Peters wading in to the mix, the story of the last few games repeated at no reward. At
the interval and 1-0 all to play for. Out for the second period saw the Waders up the anti to keep the home supporters guessing. 3 minutes of madness occurred on 61 as what appeared to most an own goal, from a free kick, was credited to Jordan Gough, doubled the Tamworth lead. Onwards a shot from James Fry took another wicked deflection from a defender flying high into the roof of the net. A dubious penalty saved low from Loeches was hopefully a sign for a little increase in luck. Not to be as Beswick got his second on 74, the only clean goal of the game beating Loeches from a free kick and a very tight angle. Bell and Richardson replaced Charles and Edwards and ding doing created some havoc with some direct running a couple of shots blocked on the line that would give the score a more respectable look and truly reflect the game.
BIGGLESWADE TOWN ........3 LOWESTOFT TOWN .............0 THAT we last scored a goal and even longer to record a win. It wasn't of course, we hadn't scored for two games and not won a game outright since the end of January. All that came to an end last night with the Waders easily overcoming Lowestoft on a very cold, wet and windy evening that made football difficult. The game never in doubt although late rain moistened the top surface, Biggleswade set about the task with a reshuffled pack
after injuries to Edwards, Ferrell, Swain and Panter forced a very different line up pushing three players into the top line of Bell, Charles and Williams forming a three pronged interchanging attack. Within 2 minutes the visiting fullback was changed after sustaining an early injury. From here to completion Biggleswade pushed forwards, their dancing trio of attackers bringing out the best from the Lowestoft keeper Luis Tibbles. Relief and it took a while for the first goal to go in as Trey Charles beat the defenders to round the keeper on 42 and put the Waders in front. Just noting that down and almost a repeat performance saw Charles double his tally to give Biggleswade a 2-0 advantage at the turn round. After the break the rain eased but not so the Waders who pressed home the advantage with another goal on 51. Almost identical again as Jamie Peters broke and slotted past the advancing Tibbles. At 3-0 the game as a contest was done as Lowestoft offered nothing in return and difficult to recall a save Richard Walton had to make. Still pressing with the rain making conditions all the more difficult, the Waders management team felt comfortable to give a run out to Taish Griffith, Reece Crowter and Kweku Lucan. Guys with undoubted ball skills but with the wet surface, no dividends payed. A happy crowd left the Langford Road overjoyed that their beloved Waders had scored not once but three times and recorded a win.
Have to pay back thouands
TWO people received fines and costs and have to pay back thousands of pounds after admitting fraudulently claiming Council Tax Support for years while they were actually working. Shaun Emery, 46, of Hitchin Street, Biggleswade, started to claim the benefit in March 2014 on the basis he had no earnings but an investigation by Central Bedfordshire Council’s fraud team discovered he was in work the following month. He has to re-pay £3,131.66 for
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the discount he received, and Luton Magistrates’ Court ordered him to pay costs of £564, a victim surcharge of £44 and fined him £442.
Lynne Morris, 51, of Spoondell, Dunstable started claiming in December 2016 although the council fraud team found she too had also been working.
She has to pay back the council £3,118.96 as well as pay costs of £470, a victim surcharge of £39 and a fine of £390 imposed at the same hearing.
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The Bulletin is an independent publication, part of Rosetta Publishing Ltd. Published by ©2020 Rosetta Publishing Limited, 30 Radwell Road, Milton Ernest Bedford MK44 1SH. Tel: 07894 935952 Editorial: editorial@rosettapublishing.com Advertising: advertising@rosetta publishing.com Printed by: Reach Printing Services, Kimpton Road, Luton, Bedfordshire LU2 0SX.