The Higgins Bedford welcomes new exhibition – Camera In The Community
Popcorn at the ready
Diaries at the ready
Date nights, mate nights & family fun!
Stay up to date with the latest of What’s On in Bedford Borough by visiting our website bedfordindependent.co.uk
Introduction
Lace up your running shoes or walking boots, as it’s the Bedford Running Festival (page 4) and the Autumn Festival of Walks (page 14) this month, and we’ve got all the info you need.
Don’t miss your chance to see the Bedford Camera Club exhibition at the Higgins, which runs until 28 September. You can find out more on page 5
Our what’s on pages (6 & 7) are jampacked with ideas for things to do this
MEET THE TEAM
month, including Queer Prom, bungee jumping, Bedford Skeptics, Drink and Draw and reminiscence sessions at the Higgins. There really is something for everyone in Bedford this September.
Have a wonderful month and we’ll see you in October!
Team Clanger
Even more events are included in our weekly What’s On Guide, published every Wednesday on our website at bedfordindependent.co.uk
Commercial Director: Julia Course / julia@bedfordindependent.co.uk
Design: Ben Graham / ben@twenty-sixstudios.co.uk
Games: Paul Hutchinson
Theatre: Paula Walker
Website: bedfordindependent.co.uk
The Bedford Clanger is published by Progress Publishing
Take a stroll off the beaten track...
Daniel Churchill
Erica Roffe, Julia Course & Paul Hutchinson (Image: Two-D Photography)
BEDFORD RUNNING FESTIVAL
The Bedford Running Festival Returns –Fitness, fun and festival vibes
Saturday, 6 and Sunday, 7 September @ Russell Park
For two days this September, the Bedford Running Festival is back and it’s bigger, better and more exciting than ever.
Not just for runners, the event brings together families, friends and the wider Bedford community in the heart of Russell Park on Saturday, 6 and Sunday, 7 September for a weekend of fitness, fun and festival vibes.
From first-timers to seasoned runners, there are five distances to choose from, so there’s something for everyone at this year’s festival. On Saturday, runners can take part in the Mini Miles Fun Run, 5K and Twilight 10K , while Sunday is host to the Half Marathon and 20-Miler
The 20-miler will start at 9:30am Sunday, so you can run the first part of the route with your buddies taking part in the half marathon. And if you really want to show off, anyone completing two races over the weekend will bag themselves some official Bedford Running Festival merch.
Runners are not just doing it for the PBs and the adulation from the crowds; plenty of participants are raising money for local charities, including Embrace, Link to Change, Road Victims Trust, Kings Arms Project, Living It Up and Access Bedford, among others.
More than just running
With the main festival celebrations taking place on Saturday, Russell Park will be transformed into a vibrant hub of live music, children’s entertainment, sports activities, and wellness zones. From a lively funfair and kids’ activities to yoga, warm-ups, and interactive experiences, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy.
You’ll also find mouth-watering street food, a buzzing festival bar, and plenty of space to relax and soak up the atmosphere, whether you’re running or not.
We’re so excited to bring the festival back to Bedford. Every year we welcome thousands of people, not just runners, to celebrate everything we love about sport, music, food and our incredible local community. The festival is all about inclusion, fun and creating amazing memories.
James Shipley, MD of ATW Events
So, whether you’re lacing up your trainers, bringing the little ones for an afternoon of fun, or just fancy a chilled day out in the park with live music and great food, the Bedford Running Festival is for you.
Why did Adele cross the road? To say hello from the other side.
Image: bedfordrunfest.co.uk
CAMERA IN THE COMMUNITY
New summer exhibition ‘Camera in the Community’ opens at
The Higgins Bedford
A new exhibition is running at The Higgins Bedford, showcasing the work of Bedford Camera Club. Since 1906, the club has nurtured photography enthusiasts from across the borough, providing a welcoming space to develop skills and share creative visions.
Until 5 October, Camera in the Community celebrates the rich tapestry of local life through the lens of community photographers. The exhibition highlights five diverse projects capturing Bedfordshire’s vibrant social scene - from bustling street scenes and energetic rock concerts in Ampthill to intimate portraits in local pubs, dancers from the Indian community, and traditional rush-harvesting.
We are delighted to have put together for The Higgins Bedford this exhibition of the work of club members showing the diversity and richness of those living and working in our community. We hope people will find the exhibition enjoyable and that it will stimulate an interest in photography. We welcome new members.
Jim Boud, President of Bedford Camera Club
Visitors can explore the exhibition at The Higgins Bedford, located on Castle Lane, just behind the Castle Mound from The Embankment.
Admission is free, making it an accessible cultural experience for all ages.
bedfordcameraclub.co.uk
Ampthill Rock / Image: Bedford Camera Club
WHAT’S ON
Bedfordshire Steam & Country Fayre
Friday, 12 - Sunday, 14 September @ 9am - 5pm Shuttleworth, SG18 9DT / Tickets: from £15
The Bedfordshire Steam & Country Fayre is held in the picturesque setting of Old Warden Park, home of the worldfamous Shuttleworth Collection housed in its own museum. The much-photographed Victorian Country House, built by the Shuttleworth family in the late 1870’s, provides a magnificent backdrop for the event.
Rainbow Bedfordshire is thrilled to invite you to Queer Prom 2025, taking place at the iconic Bedford Esquires. Get ready to immerse yourself in a night of joy, inclusion, and vibrant celebrations as we come together to honour the LGBTQ+ community.
Whether you’re reliving your prom experience or creating new memories, Queer Prom is a unique opportunity to dress to impress, dance the night away, and connect with friends old and new. An unforgettable evening filled with laughter, Drag, music, and the joy of community. Hosted by Ginger Snaps, there will be pizza, performers, a ‘best-dressed’ award, a photographer, dancefloor fillers, quiet space, both gender neutral and wheelchair accessible toilets, and a space to get changed into your outfit if it would be unsafe to wear it while travelling to and from the event.
Cream Teas in the Panacea Gardens
Saturday, 6 and Sunday, 7 September @ 11.30am / 1.30pm / 3pm
A pot of tea, a scone, cream and jam, all served on vintage and antique china in the beautiful surroundings of the Garden of Eden at the Panacea Museum. Pre-booking recommended. Reserve your spot and pay on the day by card or cash.
Wellbeing art session
Saturday, 13 September @ 11am - 3pm
Panacea Museum, 11 Newnham Rd, MK40 3NX / Free
Join local artist Anne-Marie Abbate in the calm surroundings of the museum gardens for various craft and art activities. The perfect way to enjoy the peaceful ‘Garden of Eden’.
Bungee Jumping Experience (UK Bungee Club)
Saturday, 13 and Sunday, 14 September @ 10am
Box End Park / £80 - £100/per person
Dive into an exhilarating bungee jump experience at Box End Park in Bedford. With a thrilling 160ft crane bungee jump, Box End is the perfect setting for adrenaline enthusiasts. Nestled in 100 acres of landscaped parkland, the site features purpose-built lakes for waterskiing and wakeboarding, so you’ll have some spectacular views to enjoy - if you can keep your eyes open! To book, visit ukbungee.co.uk/locations/bedford-box-end-park.
Drink and Draw: Found-collage poetry
Tuesday, 30 September @ 7.30pm
The Park Pub, Kimbolton Road / Free but £2 donation welcome
Join Bedford’s creative community in a fun and supportive environment. Suitable for all adults, friendly and chilled atmosphere. Activity and materials provided.
Bedford Flea
Sunday, 14 September @ 10am
Harpur Square
Your one-stop shop for all things flea, art and local produce. Bedford Flea prides itself on being the purveyors of quality with the emphasis on locally made, grown and sourced products, from some of the area’s most skilled small businesses and hobbyists. Currently to be found on Harpur Square while its spiritual home, St Paul’s, gets a little TLC.
To the guy who invented zero, thanks for nothing.
Image: The Panacea Museum
Image: Bedford Flea
Image: Box End Park
Bedford Skeptics: A Little History of Maths with
Snezana Lawrence
Thursday, 18 September 2025 – 7:30pm North End Club, Roff Avenue
Mathematics is fundamental to our daily lives. Science, computing, economics - all aspects of modern life rely on some kind of maths. But how did our ancestors think about numbers? How did they use mathematics to explain and understand the world around them? Where do numbers even come from?
Lawrence, a senior lecturer at Middlesex University, goes beyond the familiar names of Newton and Pascal, exploring the prominent role women have played in the history of maths, including Emmy Noether and Maryam Mirzakhani. You can find her on social media as @snezanalawrence.bsky.social @ snezanalawrence @mathshistory
Art and culture: Colour & Light Study Day
Saturday, 13 September 2025 @ 11am - 4pm
The Higgins Bedford / Tickets £20 booking essential
Head to the Higgins for a day exploring the themes of Colour & Light with the exhibition’s curators and artist/producer Dr Alison Goodyear. This relaxed and informal study day is perfect for anyone wanting to learn more about the exhibition and some of the artists included.
Family fun: Puggle Club
Friday, 5 September @ 10.30am - midday and 1pm - 2.30pm
The Higgins Bedford / Free entry
A chance for toddlers and their carers to get creative, have fun, and socialise. It’s a free drop-in activity, so no need to book. Please be aware that some activities might not be suitable for children under 36 months. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Bedford Vegan Streetfest
Saturday, 16 September @ 10.30am - 4pm
Harpur Square / Free to attend
The Bedford Vegan Streetfest returns, featuring live music, a vegan bar, vegan street food, artisan bakers, craft brewers, ethical jewellers, sustainable chandlers, local artists, zerowaste champions, environmental charities and more.
Italian Heritage Events at The Higgins Bedford
Growing up Italian in Bedford
Saturay, 23 September @ 11am - 1pm
Join the reminiscence session on 23 September to share memories and stories of growing up as an Italian in Bedford. booking required.
Children’s craft workshop
Saturday, 30 September @ 11.55am and 1.45pm
Join in one of two sessions at the Higgins this September for children aged between six and 12. Drawing and collage exploring Italy–Bedford connections. Free booking for both events required at higginsbedford.org.uk
THEATRE
NT Live screening: Inter Alia
Thursday, 4 September
The Quarry Theatre, St Peter’s Street @ 7pm / Tickets: £10/£15.50
Stevington Cinema Club Stevington Village Hall, MK43 7QT@ 6.45pm / Tickets: £16
A live broadcast of Inter Alia, the new play by Suzie Miller (Prima Facie), starring Oscar-nominated Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl, Saltburn). Jessica Parks is a smart Crown Court Judge at the top of her career. Behind the robe, she is a karaoke fiend, a loving wife and a supportive parent. When an event threatens to throw her life completely off balance, can she hold her family upright?
Comedy: Dom Joly - Trigger Happy TV Live (work in progress)
Friday, 12 September
The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: £20
It’s been twenty-five years since Trigger Happy TV burst onto our screens, transforming the hidden camera format with its surreal universe of characters and unforgettable pranks. Now, to celebrate a quarter-century of chaos, Dom Joly is bringing his most iconic characters and sketches to The Quarry Theatre in this Trigger Happy TV Live: 25th Anniversary - Work In Progress show.
Comedy: British Comedian of The Year: Bedford Heat
Thursday, 18 September
The Quarry Theatre @ 8pm / Tickets: £14
Castle Comedy & the Quarry theatre host the British Comedian of the Year: Bedford Heat, with the biggest comedy prize in the UK, a whopping £10,001. The quality will be sky high. Judging at each heat will be by you, the audience!
Magic: Pete Firman: Tricks & Giggles
Friday, 19 September
The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: £20
With over 4.5 million social media followers and countless TV appearances under his belt, Pete Firman is the UK’s top comic magician. Join him for an evening of ‘Tricks & Giggles’, as Pete brings his trademark blend of magic and comedy from the small screen to stages around the UK with this brand-new show. Expect impossible feats, sleight of hand and big laughs from one of magic’s most exciting performers!
Comedy: Tom Houghton - Deep
Friday, 26 September
The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: £20/£17
Having left the Western world behind, Tom found himself in Indonesia, where he plunged into a journey of self-discovery. He submerged himself as far down in the ocean as possible, while asking the most profound questions of what truly makes someone who they are. And now he’s bringing his discoveries to you. It’s time to go “Deep”. As seen on Netflix, Comedy Central and host of Very British Problems.
The Pantaloons present: Hamlet
Friday, 5 and Saturday, 6 September
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: £18/£16
When he discovers that his uncle has murdered his father, married his mother and traitorously taken the crown of Denmark, there’s only one course of action for Hamlet: feign madness, frequently monologue and take swift revenge. But outrageous fortune has other plans for the poor Prince of Denmark… With live music, audience interaction, brevityboosting abridgements, comic turns and tragic twists there’s only one question: To be there, or to be square?
rocks, but Geography is where it’s at!
Sense and Sensibility
Sunday, 7 September
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: £18/£16
The Dashwood sisters have a very different approach to their love lives. Elinor has much more Sense, but Marianne has a great deal of Sensibility. Whilst uninterested in the affections of a middle-aged man, Marianne just can’t help herself when a dashing young hero appears on the scene. Heroes, heartbreak and debonair villains, all topped off with a dashing duel, will remind you why Jane Austen was a master of her craft.
American Candy
Saturday, 13 September
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: £18/£16
Zaynab and Connor work in an American Candy store. It’s closing time and a customer still hasn’t left. 10 minutes later,
they’re hiding her unconscious body in a basement. A thrilling dark comedy about capitalism, corruption and the distrust it generates. And how these anxieties have been projected onto minorities. We ask how we can ultimately band together, create community and challenge these issues together, head on!
Musical: “Caught You In A Lie” - A one-woman musical drama by Yvonne Michele
Saturday, 20 September
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm / £21
Written, directed, and produced by Yvonne Michele, Caught You In A Lie is more than a performance; it’s edutainment with impact. A bold, emotional, and unflinchingly honest look at what it means to break free from abuse, silence, and shame and rise into healing and hope. Blending spoken word, Lovers Rock, Gospel, and Soul into an unforgettable journey of pain, power, and purpose - come for the music. Leave forever changed.
Blood Brothers
Tuesday, 23 - Saturday, 27 September
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: £16/£14/£12
Written by Willy Russell, this play edition of Blood Brothers tells the story of twin brothers, Mickey and Edward, who are separated at birth. Raised only streets apart in the heart of Liverpool, the boys’ lives take two very different paths. However, following a chance meeting, the pair form an unlikely friendship.
Bedford Film Society is back next month for its 76th season of top-class cinema. Looking ahead to the October launch, BFS’s Thom McKiernan told the Bedford Clanger: “Our members suggested 100 films and we’ve whittled them down to a full season of 20. Stay tuned to our website and socials [and the Bedford Clanger - Ed] for the full lineup to be revealed soon.
After celebrating our 75th anniversary last season we’re looking forward to welcoming new members and casual guests to see our showcase of award-winning world cinema.
Film fans can look forward to screenings including ‘All We Imagine As Light’, ‘The Ballad of Wallace Island’, ‘How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies’ and ‘All of Us Strangers’ plus the Academy Award-winning ‘Conclave’ and evergreen favourite ‘When Harry Met Sally’.
bedfordfilmsociety.org.uk
The Salt Path 11 September
Stevington Cinema Club Stevington Village Hall, MK43 7QT @ 6.45pm / Tickets: £6
“The Salt Path” is a film adaptation of Raynor Winn’s bestselling (and now somewhat problematic) ‘memoir’, which tells the true-ish story of her and her husband, Moth, as they walk the 630-mile South West Coast Path after losing their home and Moth’s health deteriorates. The film stars Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs as Raynor and Moth, and is a story of resilience, the healing power of nature, and the rediscovery of home in unexpected ways.
stevingtoncinemaclub.uk/tickets
GAMES
Date nights, mate nights and family fun
Whether you’re looking for something to do with the kids, planning a big birthday bash, or a date night with a difference, you don’t have to leave Bedford to have a great time. From nextlevel mini golf to interactive darts and street food feasts, here’s the Clanger’s pick of the best Bedford places for fun, food, and a little friendly competition…
Putt Putt Noodle
The entertainment village beneath your feet
If you’ve ever walked through the Harpur Centre and wondered what’s going on underground, it’s time to head below street level and find out. At Putt Putt Noodle, it’s always game on.
Families, friends, date nights and work parties will all find something to love here: Japanese-themed mini golf, bowling, karaoke, interactive darts, shuffleboard, shooting games and pool, all under one roof. Not up for a game? That’s ok, just dive into their Asian street food menu and savour premium beers, spirits, or beautifully crafted cocktails.
Unit 3 The Harpur Shopping Centre, Bedford MK40 1TJ (also accessible via Midland Road near Boots)
St James is a sleek, stylish spot that serves up competitive fun and great vibes in a family-friendly venue. Play interactive darts, challenge your mates to pool, or go big with their cutting-edge golf simulators that’ll have you swinging like a pro in no time.
38–40 High Street, Bedford MK40 1SP
Open daily: 10am–Midnight thestjames.club
GIVEAWAY
Visiting any of these venues means you can enter our #BoughtInBedford giveaway. Post a photo of you taking part in one of the games at one of these venues on Instagram with the hashtag #BoughtInBedford, and you could win £50 to spend in your favourite Bedford independent business. For more ways to enter and terms and conditions, head to BedfordIndependent.co.uk and search #BoughtInBedford
Brewpoint
Interactive darts and shuffleboard with beer, bites and bragging rights
The Brewpoing team are always levelling up the fun. Interactive darts blends the classic pub game with a digital twist, while Shuffleboard brings the competition to the table (literally). Add great food, brilliant beer, and a buzzing vibe, and you’ve got the recipe for a perfect evening.
For some fresh air and friendly rivalry, head to Landmark Mini Golf in Russell Park. This 12-hole course is perfect for kids and grown-ups alike, with each hole showcasing a different Bedford landmark, from the John Bunyan statue to Stevington windmill.
Russell Park, The Embankment, Bedford Open daily from 10am (check closing times at the website) kioskinthepark.com/landmark-golf
Tokyo Drift & Bowling / Image: The Bedford Clanger
St James Club Darts / Image: St James Club
Landmark Mini Golf / Image: Bedford Borough Council
Brewpoint Shuffle / Image: Brewpoint
LIVE MUSIC
The Meffs + Split Dog
Friday, 5 September
Bedford Esquries @ 7.30pm / Tickets: £15
Since exploding onto the UK scene in 2019, The Meffs have built up a reputation as purveyors of frantic punk rock and an absolute must-see live sensation. The band challenges the norm with important messages about equality and society, over a barrage of hard-hitting riffs that get stuck in your head for days. Britpunk. The Meffs created it. Remember the name!
Live music: The Krakens
Friday, 12 September
The Cellar Bar at 8.30pm / Free entry
This four-piece band covers a variety of rock songs through the ages, including hits from Elton John, Queen, Nirvana, Goo Goo Dolls, Green Day and many more.
The Bug Club + Adwaith
Friday, 12 September
Bedford Esquires @ 7:30pm / Tickets: £16
Esquires faves, the Bug Club, are back in Bedford as part of the venue’s 35th anniversary celebrations. The Bug Club have been tearing through audiences up and down the country, telling tales of the everyday that we often take for granted, shot through with humour and riffs-a-plenty.
Live music: Bad Hombre
Saturday, 13 September
The Cellar Bar at 8.30pm / Free entry
Performing Surf, Pop, Rock, Mod, Indie, Punk and New Wave covers, Bad Hombre play tunes from The Jam, Stereophonics, The Kinks, The Fratellis & Kaiser Chiefs amongst many others. Dancing shoes and drinking hats are recommended!
Philharmonia Concert: Beethoven and Mozart with Steven Osborne Sunday, 14 September
Rory Macdonald – conductor / Steven Osborne – piano
Beethoven’s mighty ‘Eroica’ Symphony opens the Philharmonia’s 30th season in Bedford. Marking a turning point in Beethoven’s career, his Third Symphony heralded the Romantic period. This is a musical triumph that was voted the greatest symphony of all time in 2016. Steven Osborne is the
soloist in Mozart’s final piano concerto and opening the concert is Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture, an ode to Scotland and the birthplace of tonight’s conductor and soloist.
Long fairy tales have a tendency to dragon.
Walk 5k or 10k under the stars with family or friends and raise vital funds for Sue Ryder.
Saturday 11 October 2025
Everard Meadow, Bedford
Ticket price includes t-shirt and medal
Sign up today search: Sue Ryder Starlight Hike
Teams of five or more get 20% off with the code TEAM20
HOMETOWN TOURIST
Bedfordshire Festival of Autumn Walks
Sunday, 6 - Sunday, 14 September
The Bedfordshire Festival of Autumn Walks is back again this September, and promises to be even bigger and better than before.
The event programme currently has over 40 walks, from exploring town centres to bird watching, a meditative silent walk to celebrate World Mindfulness Day (12 September) and also an introduction to map reading.
For those who fancy a challenge, festival-goers can tackle the 40-mile Greensand Walk over two days. The 64km long route starts near the Bedfordshire boundary with Buckinghamshire at Leighton Buzzard, passes through Woburn, Ampthill and Sandy, before finishing at Gamlingay on the Cambridgeshire border.
Bedford Borough’s MPs, Mohammad Yasin and Richard Fuller have lent their support to his year’s event, as have the Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire and the Borough’s deputy mayor, who will be joining at least one of the walks in the programme.
You can find out more at the festival website at bedswalkfest.co.uk, but here are a selection of our highlights…
Early Autumn Migrants Bird Walk - 3 miles
Saturday, 6 September @ 8am Forest Centre car park
This is a chance to say a last farewell to our summer migrant bird species as they make their way back to their winter destinations, including swallows, martins and warbler species, as well as our resident birds such as the song thrush, blackbird and red kite.
A Topsy-Turvy Walk - 6.7 miles
Sunday, 7 September @ 10am
Park in layby at west end of Turvey village, MK43 8EW
This circular walk explores the countryside and woodland to the south of Turvey.
Life and Times of John Bunyan - 1.5 miles
Sunday, 7 September @ 11am
Meet at the What’s On Hub in Silver Square
Discover the life and times of Bedford’s most famous son, the author of The Pilgrim’s Progress in walk of approx two hours with one of Bedford’s Tour Guides.
Each walk costs £4 per adult or £2 for children over 8. All walks must be pre-booked at thehigginsbedford.org.uk
Did You Know This about Bedford? - 3 miles
Wednesday, 10 September @ 2pm
Meet at the cemetery chapel, Foster Hill Road, Bedford, MK41 7TD
A leisurely guided stroll in Bedford’s Victorian cemetery, seeing and hearing about Bedford’s Great, Good, Bad, Inspirational and downright strange residents since 1855. Even if you are Bedford born and bred, there will be tales new to you. The length of the walk depends on the number of questions asked!
I hate how funerals are always at 9 a.m. I’m not really a mourning person.
Image: bedswalkfest.co.uk
GREAT BEDFORDIAN
This month’s Great Bedfordian is co-founder of the Bedford Repair Cafe and general good egg, Daniel Churchill
Daniel and his wife, artist Katie Allen, have lived in Bedford for the last 10 years, initially attracted to the town by its creative community. “Best decision we’ve made,” he confirms. Since then, he has been at the heart of several projects, including the Bedford Repair Cafe which is run by volunteer fixers and aims to deflect unnecessary waste from landfill by helping Befordians learn how to ‘make do and mend’.
In his day job he’s a radio engineer and is just about to leave Bedford for a secondment to the European Space Agency in Noordwijk, The Netherlands. Hurry back, Daniel!
Name: Daniel Churchill
Occupation: Radio Engineer
Born here or blow in? I’m a Croydon boy, but have loved calling Bedford my home for the last ten years. We were drawn in by the wonderful community, and after coming back again and again for various events, we figured we should take the plunge and move in. Best decision we’ve made.
Best breakfast in Bedford? Wendover Cafe for a classic fry up (extra tasty after a big night out). Lots of treats on the deli counter too.
Best boozer? Devy! [The Devonshire Arms, Dudley Street]. Why mess with a winning formula? Great beers, roaring fire in the winter, sunny garden in the summer, and the TV gets tucked away when there’s not a game on.
Best coffee or cuppa? So many fantastic cafes in town, it’s hard to choose, but Vanilla Tree stands above the rest. What a great setting and wonderful team - and if you’re still hungry, Charlie is a magician with eggs and bagels.
Best takeaway? Santaniello’s pizza to eat in but Lee’s Kitchen on Duck Mill Lane on order. The ‘duck’ pancakes and crispy chilli ‘beef’, *chef’s kiss*
Best gig you’ve seen in Bedford? The Mill Race Folk nights were fantastic, my favourite was seeing Marisa Jack & Davy supporting Cinder Well in the chapel at Foster Hill cemetery.
Such a moody evening, it holds a special place in my heart. I think a lot of my best Bedford performances featured Marisa, Jack & Davy (at Apple Day, on the John Bunyan Boat, etc).
Ever read John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress? Mate, I’ve not even managed to get to the Pilgrims Progress pub for a drink yet.
Ever eaten a Bedfordshire Clanger? Yes, and I tell all my visitors about it! Rare commodity these days, I wish we could still get them in town.
An off-the-beaten-track gem that everyone should know about? After a lovely little walk in the sticks, past the pigs and the cows, you crest a hill overlooking the town, and find The Polhill Arms in Renhold.
You’ll be greeted with a well-earned pint and a warm welcome from Steve and Lucie. Bedfordians will know them from previous haunts at Burnaby and White Horse; they have a special talent for making a place feel homely.
Best Bedfordian? At the risk of being accused of nepotism, I have to say Katie Allen. We all know and love her, she is puts so much time into elevating people and the town. Even if you’ve not had a chance to work with her personally, you’ll recognise her influence in the joy and colour she adds to Bedford’s schools, museums and businesses.
Three words that best sum up Bedford? Up and coming.
Daniel at work / Image: Daniel Churchill
Daniel even rollerblades! / Image: Daniel Churchill
