OCTOBER 2019
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Youngsters warned over killer gas craze
INSIDE: OUT AND ABOUT n SPORT n AROUND YOUR CLUBS n LOCAL NEWS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
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Be in no doubt Nitrous Oxide can kill you
POTENTIALLY-lethal laughing gas is still widely being used by young people in Kempston two years on from a law banning its sale for psychoactive purposes.
Evidence of it use can be found around the town, behind the shops in Bedford Road and the Springfield Centre to name but two.
Legislation introduced in 2016 prohibited the sale of the gas called nitrous oxide and commonly referred to as ‘noz’.
But former North West of England Chief Crown Prosecutor Nazir Afzal has come out and said the law has been failing to stop supply.
Catherine Maryon, chairman of trustees of a leading drugs charity, Solve It, agrees, saying we are in the “grip of an experimenting epidemic” when it comes to new psychoactive substances, (NPS). She said: “Nitrous oxide is easy to get and unfortunately the 2016 law has been shown to be ambiguous. “We know young people use it without necessarily knowing there are dangers, which is why our work is focusing on safety and helping
people make informed decisions. “We have a generation of young people growing up in a culture where it’s deemed acceptable to take substances without any idea what it contains or any concept of the potential consequences. We are in the grip of an experimenting epidemic. “The good news is that a huge proportion of young people want more education on this topic. “It’s essential we have the chance to work with local authorities, local schools and youth groups to reach our young people and give them the opportunity to make informed choices when it comes to solvents and other substances.” Nitrous oxide use has been linked to five deaths last year, according to official statistics, and is the second most popular recreational drug after cannabis in England and Wales.
COUNTY’S JUNKIES SPEND OVER £63 A WEEK ON DRUGS
POLICE forces from across the eastern region have renewed their focus on tackling illegal drugs as part of a Government-backed project led by Bedfordshire Police.
As part of this project Bedfordshire Police analyst Scott Owen worked with partners to produce a ground breaking drugs market profile, the first research project of its kind by any UK police force. It found there are 34,000 people using illegal drugs in Bedfordshire, with up to £54 mil-
lion spent on cocaine and around £59 million spent on cannabis every year. Bedfordshire Police also used funding from the Home Office for a Heroin and Crack Action Area (HACAA) project, coordinating work with different forces from across the region to counter the
Continued on page 4
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Springfield Primar Primary y Orchard Street, Kempston, Bedford, MK42 7LJ Head of School: Mrs C Andrews telephone: (01234) 306000 fax: (01234) 306001 email: springfieldprimaryschool.org.uk
2 — KEMPSTON CALLING
OCTOBER 2019
FOR ALL ENQUIRIES TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
In Focus with
View from the Rt Revd
In Focus with
Dave
Richard Atkinson
Yasin
by Dave Hodgson Mayor of Bedford
£2M TOWARDS HIGH STREET REGENERATION
With town centres across the UK in crisis, we will fight for any funding or other support available for our town. So we were delighted to win £2 million Heritage England’s Historic High Street Fund for a regeneration project centred on Bedford’s historic High Street. This is a great achievement by Executive Member for Town Centres Cllr Henry Vann and all the team involved in the bid. The project will deliver real physical improvements in and around the High Street, which we are also transforming into a much more pedestrian friendly environment featuring wider pavements and just a single lane of traffic. The benefits this project will deliver are crucial for the town centre at large. It seems as though every day brings another national news story of shop closures and declining footfall across the country’s high streets. We have obviously bucked the trend in many respects, with our introduction of a range of free parking deals and a lower empty shop rate than many nearby towns. There’s a lot more to do, however, on what is an ongoing task. Indeed, I appointed Henry to the new town centres cabinet portfolio this year to give even more impetus to our ongoing efforts to support local shoppers and businesses. Having conducted a major public consultation to gather peoples’ views and ideas, Henry and the team are working on a new town centre plan. We are very grateful to all those who took part, and we will be using the tremendous amount of feedback received to flesh out our clear vision for a prosperous and vibrant Bedford town centre. That feedback is another reminder of how much people care about their town locally. That stands Bedford in very good stead, as we continue to face down those challenges and work together to make our town centre even more enjoyable and attractive for all.
The Bishop of Bedford
MP for Bedford and Kempston
DOWN BUT NOT OUT
NO DEAL BREXIT WILL PUSH NHS TO THE BRINK
I recall vividly Theophilus Rolle’s pride as he showed me their renewed and re-ordered church before the Easter Sunday Service last year. You could smell the fresh paint. Not surprising since he had been up until early morning to complete the task. I recall the joy of the Easter Service and the wonderful parish lunch that followed. St Anne’s church is not in Bedfordshire but in the Bahamas. I was there as part of my extended study leave. St Anne’s is one of the five churches in which I led Holy Week and Easter Services. I haven’t yet seen a picture of St Anne’s today, or the other churches, but I know that they like the communities they serve will have been severely damaged, if not destroyed, by Hurricane Dorian that lingered over Great Abaco and neighbouring islands. What is certain is that most of the buildings, infrastructure and crops of those islands have been destroyed. A rising number of people have lost their lives. 76,000 people across the islands have been made homeless. My friend, the Bishop of the Bahamas, Laish Boyd has written this: Dorian is a monster storm, unprecedented and extensive… the devastation has been catastrophic, such as has never been seen or imagined in these parts. I am well aware that this is not the first or only place to have suffered catastrophic damage in this way. But for my wife and I there is something different about this. Having enjoyed their generous hospitality, the pain at what those we met and others have experienced is immense. We want to help, but we feel so powerless. Like others we have given money to support immediate relief https://www.uspg.org.uk/donate_form.php?giveto=Rapid%20 Response%20Fund%20Bahamas Wherever possible I include the islands in my prayers. It is good to know that Anglican and other churches around the world are responding to their need. Yet as so often it is those in the midst of crisis who show the way. Bishop Laish has written: Make no mistake: the situation is dire, the stories are heart-breaking, the suffering is great…However, we have to take every opportunity to look on the bright side, to count our blessings, to celebrate what did not go wrong, and to encourage others to do so. Let us trust God even as we press on. Remember, please the people of the Bahamas. They are down but not out.
The Operation Yellowhammer documents confirmed that leaving the EU without any arrangements in place risks intensifying the NHS staffing crisis. Shortages and price rises for vital supplies are expected whilst the need to care for returning emigrants would create huge funding shortfalls at a time when health and care need it most. There are currently around 100,00 vacancies across the board including 40,000 vacancies in substantive nursing posts. Years of austerity, cuts, staffing shortages and ministerial mismanagement mean patients are being failed in record levels. According to NHS England, there could be as many as 4.5 million patients on the waiting list in England. And Britain now sits at the bottom of a major league table for cancer survival in high-income countries. Set against this background, with no give whatsoever in the system, nurses and doctors have warned that abruptly ending freedom of movement in a no deal Brexit could lead to serious disruption and safety concerns for patients. Since the Brexit vote, there has been a 90 per cent fall in nurses signing up since 2016. The Health Secretary has said that he wants to fill the staffing gaps with “a new Windrush Generation” of overseas nurses but a new immigration policy on this scale could take years to bed in. EU nationals make a significant proportion of the social care workforce which has 110,000 vacancies. Even if even a small number of the EU nationals working in the sector leave, the stress on the NHS will go from critical to life support. The Yellowhammer document confirmed the adult social care system is expected to be tipped over the edge by a no-deal exit, with providers starting to go bust as early as the new year. Plans for some form of Brexit war chest to support social care providers and a cut in the salary threshold are the least the government be planning in preparation for what is going to be a catastrophic winter if the UK crashes out without a deal on 31 October.
KEMPSTON TOWN COUNCIL Climate Change
Take Notice
At the September meeting, the Council unanimously passed a declaration of a climate emergency. This brings Kempston Town Council into line with Bedford Borough Council, the UK Parliament and many other towns and cities around the country. Although it is a small council with limited resources, it is committed to playing it’s part in tackling climate change. The first step will be to set up a working group to develop practical suggestions for the Council’s consideration. It is asking local residents and representatives from Kempston’s businesses, schools, religious groups, charitable and other organisations to join this group. Please contact Cllr Ross Purves at rmpkempston@gmail.com or via the Town Council office.
The Town Council notice board that is situated outside the old Lidl’s site in Manor Drive will be relocated, possibly to St John’s St. area. It has also been decided to look into the possibility of purchasing another notice board that could be sited in the vicinity of the one-stop shop in Hillgrounds Road.
Refresh The Centenary Hall that is owned by Kempston Town Council is widely used by many local residents, community groups and organisations. Kempston Town Councillors have therefore decided that parts of it are in need of re-decoration and a general refresh.
Kick-Off At a recent meeting the Council was pleased to hear that a youth football club will be hiring pitches at Cryselco sports field. They will be using the facilities on both Saturday and Sunday throughout the football season.
Blooming Marvellous Even this late in the year, (at the time of writing), the flower pots on the Saxon Centre and many of the troughs on the railings have found a new lease of life and are providing a feast of colour on the eye! They have been magnificent with their tumbling flowers merging into each other. The choice of plants and the actual planting is done by
MEETINGS IN OCTOBER/NOVEMBER
October 8th PLANNING 6.30pm October 8th TOWN COUNCIL at 7.30pm November 12th PLANNING at 6.30pm and KEMPSTON TOWN COUNCIL at 7.30pm. In the Council Chamber, 104 Bedford Road, Kempston
Cleverley’s nursery who have a stall twice a week at Kempston’s market. Kempston Town Council commission and pay for the planting and watering of all the flower pots, troughs and ‘Welcome to Kempston’ signs, so it’s very sad and annoying that someone has seen fit to steal some plants from the brick planters at the Saxon Centre. It costs all of us in Kempston! It will soon be time to plant the next season flowers. Can everyone please keep an eye open so that we can ALL enjoy them!
104 Bedford Road, Kempston, Bedford, MK42 8BG Tel: 01234 851005 www.kempstontowncouncil.com Email: kempstoncouncil@btconnect.com Office hours: 10am to 3pm Monday to Friday
CONSERVATIVES ASK SHOPPERS TO BACK TOWN’S TRADERS
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A PROGRAMME of road works across Bedford has come at a terrible time for the town’s businesses, according to Cllr Roger Rigby.
Network Rail’s rebuild of the Bromham Road railway bridge began in June, enabling the upgrade to the Midland Main Line, closed the road to vehicles until the spring of 2020. At the same time, Bedford Borough Council is undertaking its ‘Transporting Bedford 2020’ project, investing £15.5m of Government funds to alleviate congestion at ‘pinch points’ in the town, including Manton Lane and Britannia Road.
Cllr Rigby is now asking residents to dodge the road works and back Bedford town centre’s businesses rather than shopping elsewhere. He said: ‘Town centre footfall reduced by 4.8% in 2018 compared with 2017, while the latest figures for January – May 2019
showed a 4.3% fall compared with the same period last year. This, coupled with the closure of our premier department store Marks & Spencer in May, demonstrates a serious need for new thinking and significant investment in the town centre. “People are telling me wit all the road works it is easier to go to other, nearby shopping destinations 20-30 minute journeys away where the parking is cheap or free, but the experience is better in Bedford with The Higgins museum, the Embankment and our fantastic independent shops. “The Conservative Group urges people to support Bedford town centre by using our shops, cafes, restaurants and cinema. It is worth a few minutes spent in traffic to enjoy all the excellent things Bedford has to offer.”
…and the winner is
Bedford BID (Love Bedford) teamed up with Select Travel on Mill Street this summer to hold a Free prize draw. The prize, courtesy of Select Travel, was a two night break in the historic city of Warwick for two adults and two children with a day ticket entry to Warwick Castle. Entries came from online and also onsite at the successful Medieval Festival held on Castle Mound. With nearly 1800 entries we were delighted with the response and interest we gained for Love Bedford and our partner. The prize was won by local resident, David
Lowe who said: I entered the competition as it was the perfect prize for my wife, two daughters and I. Where possible we try and support local business. We have good friends who run the Foresters Arms and the Foundry and are huge advocates of places like The Store and other independents. We also have a food blog on Instagram (Bedfooduk) which is a bit of fun but supports and celebrates all things food and all things Bedford”. For more events and news on Bedford please visit www.lovebedford.co.uk and www.facebook.com/lovebedford
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Top Ten reasons to Love Bedford
1 LOVE BEDFORD is the marketing brand of the Bedford Business Improvement District, voted for and run by town centre businesses. 2 BedfordBID is a legal entity, formed under Labour Government legislation which Bedford helped to set in motion by being one of the 12 pilots in the UK in 2005 when Patrick Hall was MP and the late Frank Branson was Mayor of Bedford. Now there are more than 300 BIDs in the UK and they are seen by the current Government as the best way for businesses large and small to pool their resources in town centres. 3 The BIGGEST pay the most by far and the smallest pay nothing and enjoy the benefits of the “all for one” pot of money which is managed by a voluntary Board of BID businesses. It does not pay for the ‘statutory obligations’ of our local council. 4 New rules for what will be the 4th term of BedfordBID (re-elected every five years) means that fewer start-up and small businesses have to pay the levy. Those who
COUNTY’S JUNKIES SPEND OVER £63 A WEEK ON DRUGS Continued from page 1
increased use of these Class A drugs. Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Lay, Bedfordshire Police’s head of serious and organised crime and chair of the Home Office’s drugs tactical working group, said: “This event marks another step forward in improving our response to illegal drugs. “Drugs drive demand across a whole range of public services, from healthcare and social services
through to ourselves as a police force. “Gun crime and other serious violence is often fuelled by clashes between rival drugs gangs, while drugs can also be a motivator for things such as burglary. “We are leading the way nationally with some pioneering work on how we respond to the issue of drugs and the exploitation of vulnerable people, and are determined to ensure it has a lasting impact and helps rid our communities of this corrosive commodity.”
Officer jailed for 20 months AN OFFICER who admitted to stealing more than £9,000 from a force exhibits store has been jailed for 20 months. Detective Sergeant David Sharpe, 40, who was based within the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit at Hertfordshire Constabulary HQ, was handed a 20-month prison sentence at Cambridge Crown Court on August 28, after being convicted of two counts of theft by employee. On March 18, it was discovered that a sum of money amounting to £9,080, was missing from
FOR ALL ENQUIRIES TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
exhibits storage in the Major Crime Unit. He was voluntarily interviewed by the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Professional Standards Department and said that he had made a snap decision to take the money, and that he was planning to pay it back before anyone had noticed it was missing. He was suspended from his post while an investigation was launched. As well as his sentence, he also received a confiscation order to pay back £8,961.09 of the stolen money.
with the town centre. In some cases joint were released of the burden of Business projects attract joint funding. For instance Rates under Government changes (eg the High Street Heritage project which businesses in receipt of small business rate boosted the town centre included a relief, based on a rateable value of less than contribution of £100k by BedfordBID. £12,001) will not have to pay the BID levy either under BID4 – a great result for 8 Love Bedford is well established POSITIVE independents who have welcomed the news. brand in print and across all on-line platforms with promotions, events and 5 That pot of money is collected by the council activities funded from the levy pot for the on behalf of the BID but it is all passed to the benefit of all businesses. Details of all these BID to be spent according to a Business Plan activities can be found on being voted upon by businesses affected in www.lovebedford.co.uk October 2019. 6 The process for the vote is already underway 9 A BID is valuable part of the jigsaw bringing in circa £400,000 a year which will be lost with Ballot Papers being sent to those completely if businesses vote not to pay. businesses which will have to pay the BID 4 (Business Rates go to Central Government levy. This is NOT a public vote. Nor is it a not to the local council directly). vote for personalities but for the entity itself, If the vote is NO, then there will be no BID in 10 A vote for BedfordBID is a Vote of Bedford after April 2020. Confidence in the town centre by business owners and operators. Ultimately a vibrant 7 BedfordBID does NOT work in isolation. It is town centre is more appealing to visitors, vital link between small businesses, shoppers, future investors and the wider multinational retailers, private landlords, the community. council, police and other agencies concerned
HM Lord-Lieutenant’s Honours Ceremony held at RAF Henlow AT A special ceremony held in The Canaletto Suite at The Woburn Hotel, by kind permission of Her Grace The Duchess of Bedford, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis, brought together the Bedfordshire recipients who received their Honour in the 2019 Queen’s Birthday Honours List to celebrate their success, and to learn about the work behind their achievements. At the same ceremony, the Lord-Lieutenant also presented a British Empire Medal to one Bedfordshire recipient on behalf of HM The Queen. Dignitaries present included the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire Meryl Dolling, the Chairman of Central Bedfordshire Council Cllr Brian Saunders, the Deputy Speaker of Bedford Borough Council Cllr Jane Walker, Town Council Mayors of Biggleswade, & Sandy, Chief Superintendent David Boyle, Deputy Chief Fire Officer Andrew Hopkinson, Police & Crime Commissioner
Photography: Keith Mayhew, The People’s Press Photography
4 — KEMPSTON CALLING
Nick Kier BEM DL receives his British Empire Medal from HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis on behalf of HM The Queen
Chief of Staff Clare Kelly and the President of St John’s Ambulance Anthony Duggan OBE. They were joined by recipients’ family members and friends to hear details about their achievements which were read out by the LordLieutenant’s Cadets. The recipients honoured in the Queen’s Birthday List 2019 were: Dr Julie Mills OBE (Bedford) For services to Promoting Business and Education Links Professor Michael James Norton OBE FREng (Bedford) For services to Engineering and the Digital Economy Mrs Eve Alexandra BURT MBE (Bedford) For public and political service Mrs Elizabeth Jane Bewick JACKSON MBE (Biggleswade, Central Bedfordshire) For services to the Northern Ireland Economy and Innovation in Law The British Empire Medallist honoured in the Queen’s Birthday List 2019 was: Nicholas Hector KIER BEM DL (Bedford) For services to the Community in Bedfordshire HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis said after the ceremony: “It was a real pleasure to recognise those Bedfordians who received national Honours from HM The Queen this year in the beautiful setting of The Woburn Hotel. The various contributions that each of the Honours’ recipients have made to our county and to our nation is outstanding. In going the extra mile, they have all made a lasting impact for good on our community.”
Parking machine break-ins
TWO parking machines on Beverley Crescent, Bedford were broken into over one weekend, with attempts made on two more machines in the area. Nearly £100 was taken from these two machines, making a total of around £2,600 stolen from parking machines in the Borough in 2019 alone. Repeated instances of criminal damage to the Council’s parking machines is costing increasing levels of taxpayers’ money- approximately £7000 since the start of 2019 alone.
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OCTOBER 2019 KEMPSTON CALLING —
5
Teaching excellence in fashion
COMING up with creative designs which beat universities from across the UK in corporate clothing design is more than just a passing fashion at Bedford College.
To add to the celebrations, for the first time this year (2019), students took part in the University of Northamptonshire’s Fashion Show – exhibiting work, which according to one outside examiner equalled the university standard. The Programme and Pathway Leader behind this success is Elisa Bratton who has worked at the college for five years and has experience at other colleges and industry. It was her inspiration and hard work that has ensured her students at Bedford College won “The Best University” plaque in 2017 at the PCIA. Elisa commented: “These awards are a testimony to the continuous hard work and dedication of our students, they inspire me with their creativity and application.” Students benefit from university level training that is closer to home which combines creativity with practicality - as witnessed by the college’s success in the PCA where protective clothing has to combine ‘industrial strength’ with wear-ability.
UNIVERSITY STANDARD
Elisa Bratton – inspirational teacher.
Amy’s on her ‘A’ Game
Head of Department for Art & Design, Alan Parsons added: “The success of our students is rooted in the passion and dedication of our lecturers. It underlines the value of our approach to vocational education where skills and craftspersonship are valued equally alongside the notions of creativity and academic achievement that are often the prime focus for universities. “At Bedford College, our curriculum model is a contemporary embodiment of the workshops in the Technical Institutes, where students’ creativity and knowledge is underpinned with a self-sufficiency borne through practical skills and the result, as you can see, is a designer who can most effectively meet a client’s brief with a creative solution for future design problems.
“This year, the work of our BA students has been outstanding. An external examiner judging our work was singing our students praises. We are putting Bedford on the map now in the fashion world and our students have portfolios which are ‘employer ready’ which means when they come to find work they are ahead of the game.” Students who took part in the show at the University of Northamptonshire were: Megan Wallis, Poppie Robertson, Sophia Phillips and Holly Varney-Lonsdale. Some of their work was exhibited at the Harpur Centre, Bedford over the summer.
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In 2017, 2018, and 2019 the HND Fashion & Textiles team took the top prizes at the national Professional Clothing International Awards (PCIA) spotlight. International fashion icon Vivienne Westwood is a regular judge, who offers a chance of work experience at her fashion house alongside prize money of £1,000, - demonstrating that this is a seriously competitive platform.
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organised by Cruise Trade News and the judging panel is made up of specialists and industry experts, together with the magazine’s editors. Earlier this year, Amy was also a finalist at the 2019 Travel Agent Achievement Awards in recognition of her passion for touring and adventure holidays, but she says: “Cruising will always be an important part of who we are, and as Bedfordshire’s only accredited CLIA Cruise Master, cruising is another passion of mine, and it’s been an honour to be recognised for my work in cruising too.”
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Maria is now rocking in jeans after baby weight loss and will be helping others to do the same had loss all her confidence and self-esteem. She was embarrassed and little by little was isolating herself from the real world. Then, with the help of Slim-
ming World she was able to lose the weight following the birth of her second baby and get her selfesteem back. Never in a million years did
Maria think she would go near a pair of jeans, this was a decade also the last time she had. Now looking and feeling fab in her jeans, Maria is looking to help others who want to do the same, who want to get that body confidence to wear whatever makes them happy and feel full of confidence that they enjoy life to the full when she opened her group in Flitton last month. Maria who gained five stones with her second pregnancy was really unhappy with her weight, she wanted to lose her baby weight, plus a bit of interest she found along the way “I was tired, I felt really low, I didn’t want to go out socialising and I felt too unfit to exercise. I hated that I was in much bigger clothes sizes as well, and I couldn’t even contemplate wearing jeans, I hid in oversized comfortable dresses.” Maria felt nervous about getting help, but she joined a local group in Ampthill and then Silsoe to get the support she knew she needed. “I felt really nervous, even though I have done this before after my first child, it is always scary walking through the
MARIA Gibbons found that after having two children she had gained much more weight than she wasn’t comfortable with going to any mum and baby groups, she
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doors on your first night’ however she was pleasantly surprised when she got there. “I was nervous, but once I walked through the door, there was such a warm welcome, I felt at ease straight away, no one judged me and it was just a lovely community to be part of. The group helped me so much on my journey, not just on the first night, but right the way through with empathy and encouragement whenever I needed it”. As an Italian, Maria loves a bit of pasta and for her, one of the best things about Food Optimising was the freedom to enjoy her favourite foods. “I love the fact that I can eat enough to satisfy my appetite, and that I can include the foods I love to eat like lasagne, carbonara, homemade burgers, and my family can all eat with me, it’s perfect.”
Losing 5 stones means that Maria is just feeling so much happier and healthier “ I am so much more confident, I am wearing nice jeans, I feel fitter and healthier and can keep up with my young family.” Helping others is what Maria is wanting to do next “I just feel like I want to help others, I know how amazing it feels to have lost my excess weight and I want to share that feeling with others, I know how it feels to be unhappy, and I know I found the best solution for me and my family, and that’s something to share.” Maria opened her group last month at the St John the Baptist Church Hall, High Street, Flitton MK45 5EL her group time will be 7:30pm. You can call Maria on 07739 518231 if you wish to speak to her before joining.
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OCTOBER 2019 KEMPSTON CALLING —
7
New Vice Principal of Bedford Hillersden Hall bringing new life to historic Elstow College Group, Karen Campbell
A £750,000 appeal to build a community hall from the ruins of Hillersden Hall next to the historic Elstow Abbey Church is being launched on September 21/22. Already over £230,000 has been donated and spent on the renovations of the scheduled monument ruins in preparation for the new build. The rest is being raised as the hall is built, to the exacting standards of English Heritage. “This is a site which dates back over a 1,000 years to before Judith niece of William the Conqueror, which means that work will be expensive, but this is really history in the making,” said Priest in Charge Father Paul Messam. Hillersden Hall was built in approximately 1620 in what was left of the 14th Century cloisters of the Abbey which were destroyed in the Reformation when King Henry VIII took over many wealthy Catholic places of worship for what we now know as the Church of England. In later centuries the manor house fell into ruins. The first part of renovation of the site into a community hall took place in the 21st Century thanks to a generous bequest. Now the project moves forward when VIPS and the local community are invited to visit the
local community will get behind this appeal for what will be a valuable community asset. Already we are working with The Bedford College Group and the charity Groundwork Luton & Bedfordshire to involve people in activities in and around the location.” Tourism is vital to the funding of Elstow Abbey and the new Hillersden Hall will serve, in part, as a visitor centre for those who travel from around the globe to see the village of John Bunyan author of what was the world’s best selling book for centuries (behind the Bible):
site over the weekend of Saturday and Sunday 21 and 22 of September. “We will have large L-shaped marquee covering the site of what will be the restored hall and inside there we will have an exhibition of history of the site and a pop-up cafe in the church - as well as the hugely popular tea garden next door,” added Father Paul, “There will be a Just Giving Page and fund-raising leading up to building work actually starting in the Autumn of 2020. “In addition we will be seeking grants and hoping that the
KAREN will be responsible for Apprenticeships, land-based learning, construction and STEM (science technology engineering and maths). This follows Karen’s experience as Director of Social Studies at the Group since 2018. Karen has worked at Bedford College for more than 10 years having started as Additional Learning Support Manager and then Head of Care Childcare and Counselling. She then went on to oversee Health & Social Care, Child Care, Counselling, Teacher Training and Access to HE, Prince’s Trust, Learning Centres, pre-Employment Training and was lead for Adult Education. She joins Emma Lowe and Georgina Ager as the three Vice Principals of The Group. Retiring as Vice Principal this year is Mike Johnston, longstanding and respected leader of Shuttleworth College which merged with Bedford College in 2009 and is now one of the most successful land-based learning establishments in the country supporting the farming, rural and outdoor activity sectors. The Bedford College Group was formed in August 2017 as a result of the merger of Bedford College, including Shuttleworth College and The Bedford Sixth Form, with Tresham College and its sites at Kettering, Wellingborough and Corby.
The story of pilgrim Christian has inspired worshippers across the centuries and 1,000s have visited Elstow from the USA, South Korea and across Europe. More details bunyansbedford.weebly.com Visitors to the church can now make high-tech donations through a card “tap” machine inside the historic doors. “Churches have to move with times to raise funds and to welcome people not just on Sundays but seven days a week. We need help with funding in the same way that benefactors throughout the centuries have supported their local church,” said Father Paul
PILGRIM’S PROGRESS
Bedfordshire Police Fun Day
BEDFORDSHIRE Police successfully held its fifth annual family fun day last month. The sun was shining as the force welcomed almost 15,000 people to this year’s event which was held at Bedfordshire Police Headquarters in Kempston. The event was opened by PC Dave Wardell and retired police dog Finn. People had the chance to see displays from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Dog Unit, and a visit from the police helicopter from colleagues at the National Police Air Service (NPAS). There were plenty of interactive activities for all to try their hand at, including a Bikeability ‘unrideable bike’ challenge, a ‘crime scene’ to investigate and a chance to meet officers from 24 Hours in Police Custody. There were also opportunities to meet and greet Chase from Paw Patrol and a dance off between community dance group, UFM vs officers and staff. A range of fundraising events were held during the day and a huge amount was raised for Embrace
CVOC, a charity which supports children who are victims of crime. Chief Constable Garry Forsyth said: “The Family Fun Day was an amazing day and I want to express a huge thank you to everybody who contributed and everyone who came to support the event. It was great to see so many people enjoying themselves. “We were very fortunate to have the day opened by Britain’s Got Talent finalists PC Dave Wardell and Finn, the police dog that saved his life, and there were so many stalls showcasing what policing is all about and getting people involved in the important work that we do, including impressive displays from the dog unit and exciting landing from the police helicopter by our colleagues from NPAS. To top it off we raised a huge amount of money for our force charity Embrace CVOC supporting child victims of crime. “These events are so important for the force to build relationships with our local communities, we loved meeting you all and we hope to see you at next year’s event.”
Be me. Start your own journey of discovery Junior School Information Evening Wednesday 02 October 2019 Wednesda Sixth Form Information Evening Wednesday 09 October 2019 Wednesda Open Day Saturday 09 November 2019
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Sounds of the underground? Wootton Upper School wins silver award for ‘vibrant and committed’ history department SIR David Attenborough has introduced us to the idea that plants have senses which can respond to their environment. Now a 22-year-old at Shuttleworth College is trying to find out if they react to sound. Peter Lickorish has won a
Milton Keynes Parks Trust bursary of £500 to conduct experiments in the potting shed of the land-based campus near Biggleswade. He is placing propagation stage Euphorbia plants in sound boxes to see whether they grow
best in silence, with the sound of trickles of water or mixed noises such as students talking around them. Peter is completing the study as his dissertation for his Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Masters and said: “There is a practical application for this especially with the modern designs of plant walls in and outside of offices. Setting aside atmospheric influences, do plants respond to the sound of a busy office or traffic noise, or does that stunt their growth compared to gentle sounds like running water?” Peter works part-time at Shuttleworth College supporting those on the RHS courses which range from Level 1 Diploma up to degree-level and has his own business - Peter Lickorish’s Plant Paradise based in his home of Shenley Church End, Milton Keynes. Explaining about the support for his project, Peter added: “The bursary is called the Fred Roche Foundation Study Award and is named after the man who was the General Manager Milton Keynes Development Corporation and thus green space developer of the new city. Only now can his vision for the greenness of Milton Keynes be really appreciated. Like others from Milton Keynes who are interested in plants and gardens, I came to study at Shuttleworth College as it is has a long-standing reputation in the field of horticulture and agriculture.” For more information about horticulture courses and research programmes at Shuttleworth College visit www.shuttleworth.ac.uk
AWARD-WINNING Wootton Upper School has won praise for the opportunities and teaching standards it provides pupils studying history in a national assessment programme. The Bedford-based school has achieved the coveted ‘silver’ History Quality Mark - the second highest ranking available - following a rigorous inspection of its history faculties earlier this year. The award is presented by the History Association and is recognised as a national seal of approval in education, offering parents, pupils and staff reassurance that standards of history teaching are of an exceptionally high standard at the school. It follows last year’s success in which Wootton became one of only nine schools in the UK to receive the coveted Secondary Geography Quality Mark (SGQM) in recognition of “excellence in teaching and learning in geography” in the 2018 awards scheme. Michael Gleeson, Executive Principal, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled for the school to receive this accolade which cements our reputation as a high-achieving academic institution. Much praise and thanks is owed to our head of history, Kristina Johns, whose vision and leadership has been instrumental in achieving this award. “The assessors had some high praise indeed for the school, describing the department as “vibrant and committed” and recognising our ambition to become a centre for excellence for history education.
“One of our key strengths at Wootton is never to rest on our laurels and this award gives us further room to push the boundaries of our success even further. I have every faith that we will continue to improve the department and believe that a future gold award is within our expert capabilities as a team.” In its final report, the History Association assessors concluded that the school had the building blocks to make history a “powerhouse” within the academy. Lessons were “good” and sometimes “outstanding”, it added, and work “mercifully free” from GCSE explicit formats, with students responding with “authentic historical thinking”. “The enthusiasm and learning of the energetic and dedicated teaching staff is matched by thoughtful engagement of many of the school’s students in historical thinking and study,” it said. “The school has clearly invested strongly in securing an experienced, energetic and ambitious team of history specialists who will be able to move forward together to achieve and maintain excellence in the subject.” The school was also praised for its “enrichment” provision, giving pupils the chance to take part in a range of suitable activities including historical field visits to battlefields, war museums, trips to Berlin and Hampton Court Palace, The silver Quality Mark will remain in place for the next three years at the end of which the school can be reassessed for a potential gold award.
Raising the roof in construction training
SETTING the standards for training in the modern construction industry is now a key role for one of The Bedford College Group’s Directors, David Wilkins. Director of Construction & Building Services Dave, has stepped up from Vice Chair to Chair of the British Association of Construction Heads (BACH). The body represents 80 colleges nationwide which offer training for the construction industry. It liaises closely with employers and with Government agencies to determine how to meet the changing demands of the industry. “It is a privilege to be in a position where here in Bedford we are central to guiding training in the construction industry,” said Dave, “We link with the Department of Education, Ofqual and the Institute for Apprenticeships to help shape national policy and with OFSTED to ensure member colleges are at the forefront of excellent Learning, Teaching and Assessment. Most crucially we work closely with employers, CITB and Industry federations to ensure that the latest technology within the industry is embedded in the curriculum. BACH benefits the whole of the UK of course, but closer to home it means our staff and students are in the front seat seeing fast-moving strategies come into force. Our students are right up to date with training and progres-
A group of current Year 10 Students who are studying history with teacher Emily Griffin.
SEVA Trust UK raised £1000 for Flood Victims in Punjab, India
sions opportunities and staff are kept up to date through Continuing Professional Development.” Like most of the tutors in the The Bedford College Group, Dave comes from a successful career in the industry where he now leads on training for. He started work as an apprentice carpenter scoring the highest in the country in the Institute of Carpenters Membership Award at the end of his apprenticeship. He worked as a site carpenter at a Bedfordshire firm before becoming a lecturer in 2002. Now The Bedford College Group engages at the highest level with major construction companies. More recently it has been pioneering an employability project with global giants ISG
(See full story News www.bedford.ac.uk ) Locally the Group has opened the Advanced Engineering and Construction Centre which uses the latest technology to help those starting on site to progress through HNC and HND courses to degree level qualifications. “People may no longer have a job for life, but they have access to lifelong learning which means if they start ‘on the tools’ they can progress up the promotion ladder by keeping in touch with their local college,” added Dave. Bedford College has top quality bricklayer apprentices including two who reached the national finals of the Guild of Bricklayers Awards. (See full story News www.bedford.ac.uk )
SOCIAL Education Voluntary Association (SEVA) Trust UK, based based charity organised a meeting at Guru Gobind Singh Gurdwara (Sikh Temple), Kempston on Sunday, September 1. It was attended by the SEVA Trustees, Temple Management committee members and Bharpur Gill, Aid Coordinator for Khalsa Aid International who gave up update on the continuing rescue and recovery operations being led by the UK based international charity Khalsa Aid in Punjab, India. A cheque of £1000 was presented to Bharpur Gill by SEVA Trust. Thanking the attendees, Bharpur
said: “The whole region has been left devastated by the recent severe floods, with over 300 villages being directly affected and are now in need of emergency aid. Khalsa Aid International has established a team of rescue specialists in the region to provide emergency aid and assistance to the victims of the disaster. “It’s a great effort by Bedford communities to support Khalsa Aid who have been instrumental in leading humanitarian efforts globally with huge support by all communities.”
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Newly-weds move into brand new retirement home
L-R Village Manager Louise Cottingham, Resident David Hope, Mayor Dave Hodgson, ExtraCare CEO Mick Laverty.
80-year-old David Hope and his wife June, 83, are among those already feeling the benefits of a 230-home retirement village near Bedford, which was officially opened on Tuesday, September 10, 2019. The couple, who met in November last year and married in April, were both keen to ensure their health ‘did not become a burden’ to their families, so moved into a rental apartment in July. Developed by retirement charity The ExtraCare Charitable Trust, the village has homes for over 300 local residents and features an on-site shop, library, café bar, village hall, hairdressing and beauty salon, craft room, fitness suite and games room amongst 18 health and leisure facilities. Care is available for those who need support to remain independent in later life. David and June will join Bedford Borough’s Mayor, Dave Hodgson, to cut the
opening ribbon; David will speak about his and June’s recent move to the village. “We came to the village and after being shown around I fell in love with the place immediately,” said David, who has fibrosis on his lungs, an incurable illness which means he will gradually lose his breath over time. “Having care and well-being services available to us at the village is absolutely vital. If my wife’s health deteriorates it’s essential for us to know that there will be care on offer, as this will take a lot of pressure off our children as my fibrosis gets progressively worse.” Since moving to the village, David has set up a bingo club, which got a successful uptake of 39 players. “We also both join in with the quiz nights, and I enjoy playing a game of snooker, which I think is a fantastic facility that we have here,” added David. A recent study, with Aston University and
Lancaster University, found that residents living in ExtraCare’s retirement villages showed a reduction in their dependence on GP and hospital services, which means a 38% reduction in NHS costs per year. Exercise in residents increased by 75%, with anxiety levels dropping by 23% and 86.5% were never or hardly ever lonely. ExtraCare Charitable Trust Chief Executive, Mick Laverty, said: “Our charity’s mission is creating sustainable communities that provide homes older people want, lifestyles they can enjoy and care if it’s needed. This means our residents can enjoy opportunities on their door step, whether it’s socialising in the bistro, volunteering in the village shop, taking part in a fitness session or singing in a choir. Facilities at this village will also be open to the wider community, enabling the village to become social hub for families, friends and volunteers representing all age groups.”
Connolly Foundation expands supporting the county’s young A PROJECT in Luton that supports and helps disaffected young people from all backgrounds and faiths in Luton has just expanded to cover more of the county thanks to a donation from the Connolly Foundation. Connolly has donated £100,000 to fund the charity’s work with young people both in Luton and across Bedfordshire. Youthscape is based in Bute Mills, a former flour mill, in the centre of Luton and supports and helps young people dealing with social and emotional challenges like self-harm, loneliness and difficulties fitting into school. Founded in 1993 it is now a growing national youth work organisation providing training right across the UK. CEO, Chris Curtis, said: “We have been offering training to Luton schools for many years. One of the challenges that the Connolly Foundation gave us a year ago was to extend this to schools across Bedfordshire and we have worked hard to do this. “Over the last twelve months we have trained 230 teachers in
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Bedfordshire schools (not including Luton) in the following topics like anxiety and depression, young people and sexting and emotional wellbeing and resilience.” The organisation now has 27 paid staff and more than 80 volunteers. Chris Curtis added: “The Connolly Foundation helped us
achieve the largest step forward in our twenty-three year history with the purchase of Bute Mills – our national training centre and base for our expanding work with Bedfordshire teenagers. Not only were they one our most substantial funders – their support and belief in the work we are doing with young people encouraged others to get behind the project.”
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Bedford dad takes on ‘gladiator’ challenge in honour of local girl and much-missed colleague
GLADIATORS ready! Lucky and his gym friends are taking on a Rough Runner challenge A Bedford dad is gearing up for a gladiator-style challenge in honour of a little girl and a muchmissed colleague. Revenue Control Officer Lucky Ladher, 39, who works for Govia Thameslink railway, is raising money with his gym buddies for ‘Lulu’s Fight’ and Macmillan Cancer Support. Lulu is a six-year-old Bedford girl who was diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma at the age of four. She immediately had
chemotherapy and has also had immunotherapy. Thanks to donations, she is taking part in a clinical trial in New York, which will hopefully reduce the chances of her cancer returning. Lucky said: “I have three girls – twins that are eight and an older one who is 10. I want to help as much as I can. In the area, everyone is doing something for Lulu. It could have happened to anyone’s daughter.” Lulu’s dad Rob de Vries, 51, said: “We are, as a family, astounded with the way the people of Bedford have reacted to
Lulu and her story. So many people have set up events to support us in raising what seemed like a huge amount of money. The community have been simply amazing. People like Lucky are investing their time and energy in Lulu and that’s very touching.” Lucky and his friends are also raising money in memory of Lucky’s former colleague, a dis-
patcher at King’s Cross, who sadly died from bowel cancer last year. Lucky said: “He had been there for a number of years. We used to sit down and have a laugh and a joke. “If you have been working with someone for so long, you class them as your family. He also had two young kids – two young boys.”
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WorldSkills stage in November
THE Bedford College Group will be centre stage at the WorldSkills UK Live event at the NEC Birmingham in November. Featured will be apprentice turned college IT support department staff member Phillippe Beall who will competing in the Network Systems Administrator competition, having achieved the highest score across the county in the regional heats (photos). In addition the computing education team with 25 students (including those photographed with Phill) will be running two stands at the event - encouraging young people to sign up for courses at FE colleges. “This is great showcase for us,” said Head of Computing
World Mental Health Day
WORLD Mental Health Day takes place on Thursday 10 October every year and is an opportunity to raise awareness of mental health issues, tackle the stigma surrounding mental health and promote open and positive conversations. A free healthy mind and healthy body hub featuring a host of interactive activities is being held in Bedford’s Harpur Square to mark World Mental Health Day. Visitors will be able to try table tennis, ride a smoothie bike, learn about the wide range of exercise opportunities in Bedford and talk to health professionals about how to maintain their personal mental health and wellbeing. The event is organised by Bedford Borough Council’s Sports Development Team in partnership with East London NHS Foundation Trust, which provides mental health services across Bedfordshire. Many other fantastic local organisations will be also be present to offer mental health support and advice and promote positive conversations around mental health, including our See The Signs Public Health campaign. Cllr Doug McMurdo, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture said “This free event is a great opportunity to raise awareness of mental health, to come along to find out more and try out one of our taster sessions.” Cllr Louise Jackson, Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing said “This annual event on World Mental Health Day is a brilliant way to raise awareness and encourage positive conversations about mental health. Come down and see what we have to offer in Bedford Borough.” All visitors are welcome at the free event between 11am-3pm on Thursday 10 October 2018 in Harpur Square. To find out more about our Sports Development and all our other activities visit www.bedford.gov.uk/sport
Paula Hobday, “To have one of our own taking part in the finals at the event acknowledges the national standards which our students can achieve. To have our team and students running stands show that we are a beacon of encouragement for school children to take STEM subjects which can lead to a huge range of careers. “The first stand is an Interpretation Space focused on hardware where students will work with visitors demonstrating how to upgrade a PC, and helping them to understand the components on the inside of a PC and the different parts that make a computer and a network work. “The second stand is a Have A Go stand, with a number of different activities available such as 3D printing and robotics. The students will work with members of the public while they ‘have a go’ at the activities.” Such is the high standard of equipment available to students at Bedford College, that it each year hosts regional WorldSkills competitions leading to the UK Live event in Birmingham. This year the categories were: IT Support Technician Network Infrastructure Technician Network Systems Administrator – BC students came first (Phill) and second IT Software Solutions for Business – BC students came first and second Cyber Security – BC students came second and third Bedford College has competed in various areas across WorldSkills competitions for a decade. It is consistently among the best in its field with students each year competing in the national finals, and several award winners, including a gold medal winner who qualified for the international WorldSkills finals. Students work closely with major companies in the field of IT and are welcomed eagerly by employers seeking staff who have a “real work” understanding of the industry. In fact, Mark Downing (photographed on with Phill) who is Training Co-ordinator for computing is looking for young people who want to embark on apprenticeships. They will have the backing of the world-class IT training at the college and access to some exciting job prospects. Want to know more about fulltime or apprenticeships in IT and Computing then go to www.bedford.ac.uk
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MAYOR Dave Hodgson’s Cabinet is backing a further fiveyear term for the Bedford Business Improvement District (BID), in another demonstration of its commitment to the town centre.
The BID is funded by businesses themselves, and delivers projects or services to improve the trading environment. Each BID term lasts for five years, and with the current term expiring in March 2020 a ballot of BID Levy payers is taking place this autumn to determine whether it will continue. The Council has 27 votes in the ballot on the basis of its eligible non-domestic properties in the town centre BID area, and at its meeting on Wednesday night the Council’s Executive resolved to cast those votes in favour of the proposal for a 2020 – 2025 BID. Should the proposal be approved by a majority in the ballot, the Council will contribute £48,071 annually via its BID levy for activities to boost trade in the town centre. Commenting, Bedford Borough Council Executive Member for Town Centres Cllr Henry Vann said: “Our town centre is backed by traders, independent businesses and larger shops and businesses with creativity and passion as their bedrock. It is only right that we should back them by maintaining the BID which will in turn mean continued investment in measures to make the town more enjoyable and prosperous for all.”
“Town centres across the country are facing a crisis, and in Bedford we need to continue to stay ahead of the huge challenges for all UK high streets. That means working together to generate an even more attractive offer is presented to current and potential town centre visitors. “I’m particularly encouraged by the commitment to collaboration with partners and to fostering community spirit in support of the town. Bedford is lucky to have a huge number of people and groups who care about their town and want to see it succeed, and we need to work together in that cause.” The proposal for BID 4 sets out a wide range of improvements and initiatives, including: n physical measures and cultural initiatives under the High Street Heritage Action Zone project n the extension of BID schemes to adjoining areas such as Midland Road, n education and training for businesses The new BID period would also see more smaller businesses exempt from the BID Levy, with the threshold at which firms are liable to pay rising by nearly 50%, from a rateable value of at least £8,100 to £12,000. A postal ballot of business ratepayers within the defined area of the BID is underway, with the votes required to be received by 5pm on 17 October 2019. In order for the renewal to be agreed the majority of the votes received must be in favour of the proposal and the sum or the rateable values for the properties in respect of which a vote in favour is received must exceed the sum of those properties for which a vote against is received. If the renewal is agreed, all eligible properties will be required to pay 2% of their rateable value, equating to c. £425,000 pa
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gardening You can plant a rainbow by Maureen Catlin Milton Ernest Garden Centre
ED and Yellow and Pink and Green Orange and Purple and Blue these are the colours of a Rainbow which can also be found in your garden in the autumn. As the days get shorter and the light levels and temperatures drop deciduous plants will stop producing chlorophyll which consumes a lot of energy and is their source of nutrition. Chlorophyll produces the green leaves we see in spring and summer when plants are actively growing. In autumn the chlorophyll breaks down and the leaves loose the green pigment and reveal other colours in the foliage. Carotenoids are the yellow and orange pigments and absorb the energy needed to produce Chlorophyll while Anthocyanins are red pink and purple and protect the leaves from sun scorch. The colours of the leaves of some species can be absolutely stunning. That’s the science so as the lyrics of the song depict let’s look at plants that will give as an Autumn Garden Rainbow. Japanese Acer Osakazuki is a medium sized shrub grown for its stunning leaf display. It thrives in acidic soil so plant in ericaceous compost somewhere sheltered
R
from cold winds which could damage the young foliage in the early spring. It is a wonderful plant to grow in a container. The leaves are a delicate pale green in spring turning bright green in summer and vibrant red in autumn before leaf fall. Cercis Canadensis, The Judas Tree, is a large shrub/small tree which grows easily in peaty soils. Its bare branches in spring are covered with bright magenta pink pea flowers followed by large heart shaped purple green leaves which turn gleaming yellow in October before dropping to form a golden carpet beneath. Sorbus Aucuparia Eastern Promise is a variety of Mountain Ash that has is a small tree with an upright habit. It has white flowers in spring followed by green pinnate leaves which turn red yellow orange and purple in autumn. The deep rose pink berries appear in late august and are a spectacular contrast to the autumn leaf colours. The berries hold on the tree until taken by the birds in early winter. The native Ilex, Holly Bush, must be the most iconic green autumn and winter shrub. It is evergreen and so does not shred its leaves in autumn. It can be grown as a large shrub or clipped as a small standard tree to grow in a container. The foliage is shiny at all times with white flowers in
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spring and, if you choose the right variety, red berries in winter which we bring into the house for good luck at Christmas. A good berry producing variety is Ilex Aquifolium J C Van Tol. Euonymus Alatus Compactus is a small shrub with curiously flattened corky stems. The green flowers in spring become red purple berries in autumn which split to reveal a bright orange seed that the birds love. The green foliage is magnificent in autumn when it turns brilliant scarlet giving the plant the common name of The Burning Bush. Pyracantha Orange Glow is an evergreen wall shrub that has scented white flowers in spring which are an abundant source of early nectar for bees followed by bright orange berries in autumn. An excellent winter feed for wild birds. The plant is also very dense and provides great nesting and winter shelter for birds and squirrels. Callicarpa Bodinieri Profusion Giraldi is a small shrub that is easy to grow in most soils. It has purple bronze young leaves in spring followed by dark green foliage in summer and purple and yellow autumn leaf colour. The flowers are small and pink in
summer followed by brilliant shiny purple bead like berries in autumn. Prunus Spinosa Blackthorn or Sloe is a prickly shrub which is widely found in the deciduous hedgerows in our countryside. It is covered in white flowers in early spring before the leaves appear. In autumn it produces berries that look like blue berries but have a tart flavour and should be cooked before eating. It is also used to make the scrummy liqueur Sloe Gin. The wood is used to make walking sticks and in Ireland the Shillelagh. The Rainbow in the sky and song is transitory but if we plant one in our garden it’s there every Autumn. Pyracantha Orange Glow is an evergreen wall shrub that has scented white flowers in spring which are abundant source of early nectar for bees followed by bright orange berries in autumn. An excellent winter feed for wild birds. The plant is also very dense and provides great nesting and winter shelter for birds and squirrels. Some evergreens can also change leaf colour as the light intensity reduces.
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OCTOBER 2019 KEMPSTON CALLING —
13
out & about
We Love Little Mix
Bedford Corn Exchange Tuesday October 22 show at 6pm If you love Little Mix, you are going to just L.O.V.E this show! Featuring four fantastic singers and dancers who really capture the look, the sound, and all the dance moves of one of the UK’s best loved Girl-Bands. Little Mix came to fame after winning x Factor back in 2011 and have gone on to release five albums and many hit singles,
including four number-ones. We Love Little Mix features all-live vocals, breath-taking costumes and an impressive light and video show. This non-stop, highenergy show is packed with all your favourite Little Mix songs including DNA, Wings, Salute, Black Magic, Love Me Like You, Secret Love Song, Shout to my Ex, No More Sad songs, and many more. The perfect half term treat for all the family! Tickets available from www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk and from the box office in Bedford Harpur Suite 01234 718044.
Castle Comedy Biggleswade
Castle Comedy Biggleswade celebrates its 5th Birthday on Monday October 7. The show will be a Birthday celebration and feature typically brilliant comedians.
Headlining the show is Dominc Holland. He has countless television and radio credits, including multiple appearances on Have I Got News For You And The Royal Variety Performance, as well as The News Quiz.
A Perrier Best Newcomer Award winner, Dominic has performed seven solo shows at the Edinburgh Festival, most recently in 2018 and he continues to tour the UK and beyond with his unique take on life. Despite Dominic’s best efforts and his considerable achievements in show business, the cruel reality is that he has been severely out-starred by his eldest son, Tom Holland… that’s right Dom is Spider-Man’s dad! “The UK’s master of observational comedy” The Sunday Times
Opening the show is Ian Smith. He has developed a reputation as an exciting, creative comic. Mixing conversational, energetic storytelling and observations with unique set pieces and an exceptional skill for improvisation – Ian is a regular at the biggest comedy clubs in the UK. Ian has appeared on BBC Three at the Fringe, BBC3 panel show Sweat the Small Stuff and the BBC Two sitcom Popatron. “Catch him now before his inevitable jump to the big time” The Telegraph The middle act is Adam Vin-
cent. He is an Australian who has made Bedfordshire his home! His career in the UK has gone from strength to strength and he is part of the writing team for the hugely successful Last Leg on Channel 4. “Makes me laugh louder and more inappropriately than most people I know” Adam Hills Plus Biggleswade favourite Paul Revill will host the show. The shows sell out quickly, so be sure to book early to avoid disappointment! Doors open 6.30pm, Shows start at 8.00pm and tickets are £8. Tickets: castlecomedy.co.uk
SANTA POD RACEWAY
BOnFirE, FirEWorKs, StUNtS AnD DrAG raCInG exTrAVagANza!
BEDFORD ORGAN & KEYBOARD CLUB
THE ADDISON CENTRE –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
CONCERT BY
INCLUDING: JETS, LIVE ACTION ARENA, DRAG DEMOS, KIDS ENTERTAINMENT + RIDES, HELICOPTER PLEASURE FLIGHTS, FUN FAIR, LIVE MUSIC**, SHOW CAR + TRUCK DISPLAY, DRIFT RIDES + MUCH MORE!
WEDNESDAY 30th OCTOBER 7.30 – 10.00pm
TEA, COFFEE/BAR/RAFFLE –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Members £5 PAY AT Non-Members £6 DOOR ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Contact: 01234 344423 www/Organfax/clubs/Bedford
BOOK AT AT:
SUNDAY 10am-2pm 20th OCTOBER Sellers set up from 9am £5 per car £7 per van
MILTON ERNEST GARDEN CENTRE
Radwell Road, Milton Ernest MK44 1SH Teas, Coffee, Breakfast, Snacks in Café For pitch enquiries contact 01234 823033
VIP PACKAGES AVAILABLE! From £119 +VAT per person
FAMILY
TICKETS
ONLY £50*
TICKETS Saturday Weekend
Advance* Standard Gates Open £25 £35 8am £35 £40 Friday 2pm
*Booking Fees apply & advance prices available until 5pm Friday 18th October, standard price thereafter. Grandstand seats £4 in advance or £7 on the day. **As par t of your spor ting event ticket only. No pets, Glass bottles or unlicensed vehicles on site. Camping is included with weekend tickets. FREE parking with all tickets. See website for full T&C’s. Santa Pod Raceway, Air field Road, Podington, Wellingborough, Nor thants, NN29 7XA. Signposted from J14/15, M1.
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14 — KEMPSTON CALLING
OCTOBER 2019
FOR ALL ENQUIRIES TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
––––––––––––––––––––––– BEDFORD NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION. November meeting Tuesday 19th November 2019 Addison Centre, Kempston, MK42 8PN 2.30 start Everyone welcome. No need to book - just come. Small admission charge Speaker: Richard Galley on
‘BEDFORD HIGHL ANDERS’
Richard has been researching the story of the Highland Division’s friendly ‘invasion’ of Bedford during the first nine months of WW1. For further information contact Betty Thomas on 01480 860 421
––––––––––––––––––––––– WORLD SHIP SOCIETY Kempston Constitution Club 196A Bedford Road, Kempston
BEDFORD BRANCH
SPECTACULAR FIREWORKS DISPLAY MASSIVE BONFIRE FAMIL AMILY FUN MONSTER TRUCK RIDES JET CAR FUN FAIR PLUS LIVE STUNTS AND THE PODZILLA MONSTER TRUCK
3rd THURSDAY in the month Telephone: 01234 352014
call 01234 782828 or book online at:
––––––––––––––––––––––– BEDFORD EARLY DANCE AND MUSIC Come and enjoy country dances, quadrilles and reels from the Regency Period and the world of Jane Austen.Highly Experienced Tuition! Suitable for all enthusiastic dancers. Newcomers welcome! Brickhill Community Centre, Upper Hall, Avon Drive, Bedford MK41 7AF Oct 23rd, Nov 1st. Feb 7th March 2-6pm.
––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––– BEDFORD HARRIERS HALF MARATHON Sunday 1st December 2019 from Wootton Upper School. Entries can be made via Bedford Harriers website.
Friday 4th October 2019 BEDFORD ART SOCIETY Meeting, 7.15 for 7.30 start, at Putnoe Heights Church Bedford, MK418EB Following a short
–––––––––––––––––––––––
AGM
–––––––––––––––––––––––
there will be a demonstration and a chance
SONGS FROM THE MUSICALS
Entry is free for members, £5 for visitors. Contact Jean Paterson 01234 307210 or www.bedsartsociety.co.uk for information.
KEMPSTON MUSICAL SOCIETY present
Transfiguration Church Hall Bedford Road, Kempston Saturday 26th October 2019 at 7.30pm Tickets will cost £7.50 to include light refreshments
COFFEE MORNING
Sunday 13th October 10am-12 noon Elisabeth Curtis Centre- Riding for the Disabled Chestnut Ave, Bromham MK43 8HP. Come and meet our horses. Raffle, Refreshments and More.....
––––––––––––––––––––––– MID BEDS FLOWER CLUB Thursday 10th October at 7.45pm Flitwick Village Hall Jane Ellis is demonstrating her title is
“AUTUMN GLORY”
Visitors welcome £6.00 more details contact Marion Tucker Tel: 01234 742396
––––––––––––––––––––––– KEMPSTON AND DISTRICT MODEL RAILWAY SOCIETY
Wednesdays from 7.30pm-10.00pm at Kempston East Methodist Church New members welcome For further details contact Brian Woodcock on 07795251988 or brianwoodcock@btinternet.com
––––––––––––––––––––––– BELLS AND WHISTLES A JOINT CONCERT BY Biddenham Handbell Ringers and Peregrine Recorder Orchestra Saturday 9th November at 7:30pm Putnoe Heights Church Bedford MK41 8EB Tickets £7.50 accompanied children free INCLUDES light refreshments In aid of ‘Traidcraft’
––––––––––––––––––––––– CHRIST THE KING PARISH HALL Harrowden Road, Bedford MK42 0SP 9am to noon Saturday 12th October
TABLE TOP SALE
Entry 50p Refreshments available, Tables £5 - must be prebooked. For information call on 01234 965497 2-4pm Friday 25th October
AFTERNOON VINTAGE TEA
Admission £4 - Tea, home-made cake and friendship For Information call 01234 326291
–––––––––––––––––––––––
to try Brusho, a powder with interesting artistic uses
––––––––––––––––––––––– BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB
COUNTRY AND FOLK DANCE CLUB
Thursday evenings 8pm – 10pm CHURCH BARN, CHURCH END BIDDENHAM MK40 4RS Its good fun for only £2.50 including refreshments No partner required. Ron Law 01234 825574 www.bedfordfolkdanceclub.com
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BEDFORD TREFOIL GUILD
We offers members (women and men 18+) personal and social opportunities, both daytime and evenings, whilst supporting Guiding and Scouting. For more details contact secretary kategroves67@gmail.com or 01234 301575
GUIDING FOR ADULTS
––––––––––––––––––––––– STEWARTBY AMATEUR OPERATIC AND DRAMATIC SOCIETY
Meet Thursdays 7.30 at Stewartby United Church Hall, Park Crescent. If you are interested in performing (singing acting or dancing),or helping back stage, come along and give us a try. All newcomers welcome! For further information,visit our website: www.saods.org.uk.
––––––––––––––––––––––– WHIST DRIVE 2nd and 4th Thursday in the month BIDDENHAM VILLAGE HALL 7.30pm
–––––––––––––––––––––––
PRE-BOOKED TICKETS ONLY *Booking fees apply, advance prices available until 5pm Friday 25th October. Standard price of £30 thereaf ter. Tickets subject to availability. See website for T&C’s. No pets, glass bottles or unlicensed vehicles on site. FREE parking with admission. Santa Pod Raceway, Air field Road, Podington, Wellingborough, Nor thants, NN29 7XA. Signposted from J14/15 M1
––––––––––––––––––––––– WILSTEAD PLAYERS PRESENT
THE L ADY VANISHES
Based on the classic 1938 Alfred Hitchcock film which itself was based on the book ‘The Wheel Spins’ by Ethel Lina White, this stage adaptation by Derek Webb captures the feel of the original 1930s novel. Wilstead Village Hall at 7.30pm on Friday the 18th and Saturday 19th of October. Tickets priced at £10 will be available from the Box Office from 9th October on Bedford 740782. Further information available from Colin West. Colinjohnwest4@gmail.com
––––––––––––––––––––––– BEDFORD FLORAL ART SOCIETY Tuesday October 1st at the Addison Centre, Kempston at 7.30pm
Floral demonstration by Yvonne Tan entitled
‘HOLIDAY IN THE SUN’
Visitors welcome £7 www.bedfordfloralartsociety.co.uk
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––––––––––––––––––––––– KEMPSTON SENIOR CITIZENS’ CLUB DANCING, WHIST, BINGO
Meets Wednesday 10am-12noon Friday 10am-4.00pm CENTENARY HALL, behind Kempston Town Hall, Bedford Road For further information telephone: 01234 347306 ADDISON CENTRE KEMPSTON FUND RAISING
––––––––––––––––––––––– MONDAY 14th OCTOBER 2019 2.00-4.30pm £3.00 (INCL CUPPA) Tel: 01234 851877 or 01234 340997
TEA DANCE
––––––––––––––––––––––– BLACK CRICKET KIDS CLUB Great for aspiring animal keepers, entomologists and herpetologists. First Wednesday of every month in Shortstown Village Hall, Southcote, Shortstown, Bedford, MK42 0QL. Fun, educational and entertaining sessions for children aged 5 - 13 who love animals, pets and wildlife. Children with SEND are warmly welcomed and sessions are differentiated to meet individual needs. Sessions are £5 per child (siblings £3). Registration is required. www.blackcricket.co.uk/kids-club www.facebook.com/blackcricketkidsclub Email: kidsclub@blackcricket.co.uk
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STEADY ACOUSTIC
––––––––––––––––––––––– 7.30 Last Tuesday of the month at The Burnaby Arms, Stanley Street, BEDFORD MK41 7RU. All abilities Beginners very welcome. Info from Mike 01234 308449 Facebook: Burnaby steady session see also Bedfordshire beginners melodeon playgroup
FOLK SESSION
––––––––––––––––––––––– KEMPSTON GARDENS ASSOCIATION
If you are interested gardening why not come along to our meetings. We meet the second Wednesday of most months of the year in All Saints Church Hall, Cemetery Road Kempston. We have speakers and demonstrations covering every aspect of gardening For further information contact Trevor on
01234 856040 or Marian on 01234 855288
––––––––––––––––––––––– IRISH CEILI AND SET DANCING Wednesdays 8pm to 10 pm £2 per session – first evening free No partner required. Beginners welcome. The Reading Room, 1, Barkers Lane, Bedford. Ring Tim 01234 317847 for more details
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16 — KEMPSTON CALLING
OCTOBER 2019
FOR ALL ENQUIRIES TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
back
the
Kempston Hammers pull in more success KEMPSTON Hammers Sports & Social Club is home to the Bedford Ladies tug of war club who this year are celebrating their 30th anniversary and have enjoyed their most successful year to date. Not only did they win all 4 ladies’ weight classes at the National Championships which we reported on earlier this year they have gone
on to even more success. From the 5th to 9th of September the 2019 European Tug of War Championships were held in Castlebar, Co. Mayo, Ireland and our Bedford Ladies competed in both the Open Club competition and in the Closed National competition where they represented England. On the Thursday they
competed in the Open 520kg weight coming through to win bronze against a team from the Basque Country. The following day it was the Open 560kg weight where they went in under weight and despite the obvious disadvantage, they pulled well going through to the cross-over after being in the top two of the group
stage. Once again, they achieved the bronze medal beating a Swiss team after losing in the semi-final to a very strong invitation team from Chinese Taipei. No celebrations yet as the next day they needed to be on top form as they were representing England in the Ladies 520kg (81.8 stone total for all 8 pullers or 11
stone/70kg per person). In a long day of competition England (Bedford Ladies) made it into the semifinals coming up against the Swiss who went on to win gold. In the bronze medal pull off the ladies were up against a strong Dutch side who, along with the Swiss, have been at the top of the sport for many years. England won the 1st end, the Dutch then won the 2nd end meaning a deciding 3rd end was required which we are happy to report England won in convincing style which is the first time England have won a medal in the
Ladies 520kg. Queue celebrations! The ladies have returned to Kempston triumphant and will now have a well-earned winter break after making good the training ground and maintaining the equipment. If you would like to know more about the ladies or indeed come and try it for yourself then please get in touch with them via their Facebook page – Bedford Ladies Tug of War – or on Instagram. Alternatively, you can contact the main club office on 01234 853262
Established 1901
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To advertise to over 58,000 homes in Bedfordshire just call 07894 935952
2019 Beds Bulletin Ad.indd 1
15/08/2019 11:49
Kempston Calling is an independent publication, part of Rosetta Publishing Ltd. Published by ©2019 Rosetta Publishing Limited, 30 Radwell Road, Milton Ernest Bedford MK44 1SH. Tel: 07894 935952 Editorial: editorial@rosettapublishing.com Advertising: martin@rosettapublishing.com Printed by: Reach Printing Services, Kimpton Road, Luton, Bedfordshire LU2 0Sx.