Beds Bulletin Borough edition February 2023

BEDFORD BOROUGH EDITION

HE ALTH BOSSES CAN’T AFFORD TO TRAIN DOCTORS

But there isn’t enough funding to provide all the workspaces needed for primary care, a meeting heard.

Felicity Cox, integrated care board (ICB) chief executive, told the Primary Care Commissioning & Assurance Committee Extraordinary meeting held on January 11, that primary care is “absolutely of crucial importance”

But the focus has been on the acute hospitals without understanding the impact of not having sufficient space for primary care practitioners

“I’ll just give you one small example, but there are others, we had eight GP trainees that we would have liked to have brought into Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes who we couldn’t because of the lack of clinical space to be able to train them appropriately,” she said

by John Guinn – L ocal Democracy Reporter

“That is a tragedy for our population and the residents that we serve

“We are well aware that we haven’t, within our nationally allocated funding, sufficient monies to do everything that we would like to do in relation to primary care,” she said

Dean Westcof f, chief finance of ficer, said:

“We do have an ICB budget of cir ca £1.7 billion, it’s quite a significant sum of money.

“But going into next year, in terms of the financial settlement we receive, we as a system have a £90 million savings target

“There are no easy choices here, if we put money into one area we have to take it from somewhere else

“We have a total budget of £1 6 million for all of the primary care estates, that’s not a lot of money at all

“Our aim has been, and always will be, to continue to be transparent in our decision making against what I think everybody will appreciate is a tight public sector financial settlement,” he said

Nicky Poulain, chief primary care officer, said that there was already a commitment of £1 54 million per annum to fund four schemes

HIGH RISK CARE

“Three [additional] schemes were identified as particularly high risk to patient care if they didn’t proceed, so the panel was of the view that these schemes should be the highest priority for any additional available revenue funding,” she said

“In 2021/2022 we took the very pragmatic decision to fund four primary care network estates schemes non-recurrently to address the most pressing operational pressures to enable the primary care networks to recruit staff

“We recognise that risk, but with the hope that national policy

Getting ar ound town by bus gets cheaper in 2023

BEDFORD Borough Council has welcomed a government scheme to provide affordable bus travel to residents with a £2 bus fare cap in the new year.

The Department for Transport (DfT) led scheme, which encourages people to ‘get around for £2’, will run until March 31, 2023 and will see all adult single fares capped at £2 and all return fares capped at £4 on bus services operated by participating companies.

In Bedford Borough, Stagecoach and Uno have signed up for the scheme:

Councillor Charles Royden, Portfolio Holder for Environment, said: “We know the cost of living pressures are affecting many people and hopefully these discounted fares will help Bedford Borough

residents to cut costs as they use buses to get to school, to work and to visit our town and city centres.

“Swapping car journeys for bus trips also helps to reduce the number of cars in our town and city centres, reducing congestion, cutting emissions and improving the environment

“With these discounted fares, I would encourage residents of Bedford Borough to give it a go and get around for £2 this winter.”

More information about the government bus fare cap scheme is available on the government website (www gov uk/government/news/millionsencouraged-to-get-around-for-2-by-bus) or by visiting the bus providers’ websites.

BEDFORDSHIRE, Luton and Milton Keynes health bosses had to turn down the opportunity to train eight GPs due to a lack of space.

This young man is a great advert for apprenticeships

APPRENTICESHIPS are very much seen as the route to a great career in construction Proving the point is one young man at The Bedford College Group.

Highly commended in the Institute of Carpentry Awards was apprentice Joe Purslow, aged 21 of Silsoe, Beds Joe works for Bloor Homes and is now producing some fantastically crafted work including dormer windows, a spiral staircase and bandstand roof

In being presented with a variety of prizes from sponsors, Joe told younger trainees at the college what they could achieve with their sought-after skills

Vice Principal at Bedford College Dave Wilkins said: “Joe managed to calibrate his work at the college with his employer and exhibited an eagerness to learn resulting in this recognition from a national body. He is a great example of the future of the construction industry ”

Photograph show Joe with some of his work and at the presentation at the groundbreaking modern methods of construction centre at the Cauldwell Street campus

Interested in a career in construction www bedford collegegroup.co.uk

Prince’s Trust back for business

THE

for the workplace or further education

In Bedford the Prince’s Trust Teams is run out of The Bedford College Group, based in its High Street Learning Centre

New Team Leader is mother of two, Alix Waddington (pictured), who took her degree in Education and Psychology after a career working with people with mental health issues

One of six siblings in her family, Alix will be well equipped to manage the expected team of 15 who will start a 12-week course on February 6, 2023

This will include a residential trip to the Peak District, and then, closer to home, fund-raising and a community project, all helping to build up the confidence of the young people, develop their skills

The Bedford College Group has a winning track record with running Prince’s Trust Teams courses, so much so it was featured on a recent TV report Newcomer Alix knows she is joining a supportive team

“We are starting again following the lockdowns and this means re-establishing links with local businesses who may be kind enough to offer sponsorship or to support us by offering a week of work experience to some of our team,” said Alix,

“We know that businesses have undergone major changes, but we hope that will create some opportunities for those looking to show young people the ropes when it comes to employment ”

Contact Alix if you think you can help the Prince’s Trust Team awaddington@bedford ac uk

Coffee ‘drive-thru’ for Bedford bypass?

A PLANNING application for a new coffee ‘drive-thru’ outlet in Kempston has been submitted to Bedford Borough Council

The application site is located to the south of The Branston Way and forms part of the Bedford Link Logistics Park, a collection of five warehousing units

The application said there will be 18 car parking spaces for the coffee outlet – believed to be Starbucks – as well as two disabled spaces

A further eight dedicated electric vehicle charging bays are also part of the application

According to the application, a “significant proportion” of the trips to the site will be formed by ‘passby’ trips This is where drivers call in whilst on route to another destination, so “very few” trips to the site would be new trips on the network

The applicants said it is antici-

pated that there will be a maximum of 53 vehicles trips during the peak of the drive-thru facility, “equating to less than one vehicle per minute on average”

During traditional morning and evening peak hours vehicle trip generation “would be lower at 44 and 26 vehicle trips respectively”

The applicants also state that a noise impact assessment has demonstrated that there will be no “adverse impact” from noise or disturbance upon existing operations within the employment park or of the residential development on the opposite side of The Branston Way

The name of the coffee shop operator is not mentioned in the various supporting statements However, the layout plan for the site refers to Starbucks

The Local Democracy Reporting Service contacted the planning agents to confirm the name of the operator, but it did not respond at the time of publication

Prince’s Trust, established by the now King Charles, continues to thrive as a launch pad for the lives of young people.

by John Guinn – L ocal Democracy Reporter

Council release their vision of Midland Road improvements

WORK is expected to start imminently on the gateway Midland Road scheme, one part of the £22.6m Bedford Town Deal secured in June 2021.

One of the “Town Investment Plan” schemes proposed by the Town Deal Board is the regeneration of Midland Road, from Greyfriars to Ashburnham Road and the train station As part of the scheme, shopfronts and buildings will be enhanced in this important entrance to the town

Modelled on the successful High Street schemes run by the Borough Council, more than £1 4m of funding will be utilised to provide a grant to cover 80% of the cost of works to premises on Midland Road, incentivising owners to invest in their businesses and buildings

The project will be a once in a generation opportunity to invest in Midland Road and help create a vibrant corridor connecting the Train Station and Town Centre

Samantha Laycock, Chair of the Bedford Town Deal Board, said, “The plans for Midland Road are really exciting and represent positive progress in bringing our Town Investment plan to life.

“Midland Road is the primary gateway from Bedford Train Station into the town centre and this investment will help regenerate a key area of our great town

“The funding we’ve secured to help breathe new life into this area will not only help improve the physical condition of the corridor, it is also providing new shopfronts to businesses in the that are such an essential part of the local community

“We’re looking forward to seeing the visible

difference this will bring to Midland Road ”

Dave Hodgson, Elected Mayor of Bedford Borough, said, “This is an important part of our plan to continue to grow Bedford Borough as a great place to live, work and stay

“The project will help restore Midland Road as a key entry point to the town and town centre and as well as improving the overall look and feel of the town, will help make the premises in the area become more secure and energy efficient, helping to reduce energy costs as well

“The shopfront improvement project is just one

part of the Midland Road scheme, with additional project to invest in the public realm – the environment we walk, cycle and drive through – also planned for this same stretch of Midland Road ”

The Council’s Town Deal Manager and expert teams are currently speaking with Midland Road property owners to engage them in the scheme and expect works to begin in 2023

If you own a property on Midland Road, between Greyfriars to Ashburnham Road, you can contact the Town Deal Manager by emailing Patrick Lyons@bedford gov uk to find out more

Six men charged following Operation Costello investigation

Part of the Police’s Operation Costello, more than 100 officers deployed on search warrants at nine addresses across Bedford

Nine men were arrested and six have subsequently been charged

Hari Pal, 57, of Avon Drive; Jerome Burnell, 54, of Goldington Green; Sunil Mal, 35, of Pentland Rise, and Giuseppe Graziano, 34, from Brickhill, were charged with encouraging the commission of an offence believing it will be committed and proceeds of crime offences

Mal and Pal were also charged with possession with intent to supply cannabis

Ylli Bezati, 46, of Meadway, was charged with cannabis production and possession with intent to supply a Class B drug

Erjon Bezati, 33, of Stancliffe Road, was charged with fraud and offences linked to false identity documents

All six men appeared at Luton Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, January12, 2023, and remanded into custody They are due to appear at Luton Crown Court next month

Three other men arrested on the Tuesday, January 10, enforcement have been released under investigation

Health bosses can’t afford to train doctors

would address this issue, so these schemes have been extended non recurrently this year and are operating well,” she said

Ms Poulain said these 11 schemes total £1 87 million per year, and the recommendation to the committee is that these are supported

She added that a further 12 schemes were included in the list for prioritisation as they don’t have a material impact on revenue as they sometimes recycling void costs or are as a result of Section 106 funding

“The panel is recommending 23 schemes that should be supported at the stage,” she said

“We recognise that this unfortunately does leave 30 schemes which cannot be supported from the primary care delegated budget at this stage ”

Ms Poulain added if any additional funding became available it would be allocated to these schemes based on their priority

The committee approved the indicative budget, the list of schemes, and to apply any additional funding on a prioritised basis

BEDFORDSHIRE Police carried out raids on known addresses connected to the drugs trade in Bedford on January 10.

Six track option cuts no ice with

L abour councillors

LABOUR councillors have again voiced their objections to the six track option put forward by the East West Rail Company

Bedford Borough Council’s Executive heard on Wednesday, January 4, that the council’s proposed Local Plan 2040 will take advantage of the “opportunities for sustainable growth” around the new stations on the East West Rail route

Bedford mayor, Dave Hodgson, said: “We are allocating two new settlements, one at Kempston Hardwick, south of Bedford, and another at Little Barford to the east of the A1 ”

by John Guinn – L ocal Democracy Reporter

the Local Plan it doesn’t mean that I will be supporting the six track option that is suggested by East West Rail ”

“I cannot support demolitions in the Poets Area, which is the current proposal by East West Rail

“Hopefully, they will change their minds and change it to a four track

“I need to make it clear that this plan will not change my view on that [six track option] ”

Fellow ward councillor, Louise Jackson (Labour) said: “The plan is a sound plan in my view, it’s very well put together and it’s very clear

“But obviously we as an Executive are not in favour of a six track scheme

Bedford (Bedford)

Mr Abdul QAZI

Imam and Founder, Jamia Islamia Ghousia Trust – For services to the Community in Luton (Luton)

Mrs Patricia WRIGHT

Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

Dr Ramesh MEHTA

President, British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin – For services to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (Bedford)

Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

Ms Claire BELL

Flood and Coastal Risk Manager, Environment Agency – For services to Gender Equality in the Workplace (Central Bedfordshire)

Mr Christopher CURTIS

For services to the Youth in Luton, Bedfordshire (Luton)

Ms Jane GURNEY

Founder, Tilly Your Trailer Campaign – For services to the Agricultural Community (Central Bedfordshire)

Mrs Betsey LAU-ROBINSON

Head of Adult Safeguarding and the Mental Health Capacity Act, University College, London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust –For services to Patient Safeguarding (Bedford)

Mr Christopher LONG

Founder and Director of Earthdive and Chair of Putteridge Swimming Club – For services to Marine Conservation, to Charity and to Sport (Central Bedfordshire)

Mr James PHARAOH

Founder and Director, Bedford Fringe Festival – For services to the Arts and to the Community in

Lately Director of Access and Inclusion, Haringey Learning Partnership, London Borough of Haringey – For services to Education (Bedford)

Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)

Mrs Karen EASTON

Community Volunteer, Shefford Greenspace Conservation Group For services to the Community in Shefford, Bedfordshire (Central Bedfordshire)

Mr Kevin STARK

Chief Executive, Bedford Training Group – For services to Young People, to Martial Arts and to the Community in Bedfordshire (Bedford)

Mr Brian Woodward Councillor, Maulden Parish Council, Bedfordshire – For services to Local Government and to the Community in Bedfordshire (Central Bedfordshire)

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Susan Lousada said: “I am proud and delighted that so many people living in Bedfordshire have been recognised by His Majesty The King These medals are only awarded to those who have achieved something outstanding in public life, or who have selflessly improved the lives of others within their local community or nationally I would like to congratulate them all on receiving their awards ”

The plan states that the last stage of the rail line from Bedford to Cambridge is the most challenging stage of the project as it will involve the construction of a new stretch of track

A consultation has taken place but a detailed route between Bedford and St Neots has yet to be chosen

However, the East West Rail Company’s preferred route involves six tracks north of Bedford Midland Station

Councillor Colleen Atkins (Labour, Harpur, pictured) said: “Although I will be supporting

“And certainly councillor Atkins and I are very much opposed to any scheme from East West Rail that would result in the demolition of homes

“We’ve made very strong objections to that and will continue to do so but nonetheless the plan is certainly robust,” she said

Bedford Mayor, Dave Hodgson, said: “I can assure you that myself and councillor Headley at every opportunity have lobbied the Department for Transport, East West Rail, National Rail, and anybody else that has anything to do with railways about the lack of need to argue for a six track route ”

The executive agreed to recommend to Full Council that the plan should be submitted to the Secretary of State for public examination

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Author misses the point!

TO THE EDITOR: In the last edition of Bedsbulletin there were two contiguous items referring to car parking and issues relating to the current state of Bedford town centre An article entitled: “Is the Mayor driving away customers?” tells the reader that there has been a significant drop in visitors and shoppers of nearly 50% over a five year period It goes on to compare the recovery of Bedford town centre against places such as Milton Keynes and Rushden after the COVID-19 closures

The article infers that it is the Mayor ’s parking policies that are largely to blame for the parlous state of the town centre

I am no flagbearer for the Mayor, but this article and the adjacent advertisement by the mayoral candidate Tom Wootton are misleading

There is no evidence that charging car parks causes a drop in visitors – there have been dozens of measured studies over the past thirty years across the UK to undermine that simplistic idea

That is not to say that the Mayor bears no responsibility for the town centres woes, but he is not the

author of most of the public policies that are at the root cause of the decline in town centres across the country Ironically, this piece in comparing Bedford with either Milton Keynes or Rushden is missing some significant points arising from the decades old debate on the ‘high street’

The town centre first policy for retail developments has been ignored too often to allow ever more out of town and edge of town retail developments

Retailing since the mid-1960s has come to be allowed to dominate and over-influence the development of a wide range of public policy and this fact has come to help generate the erroneous ideas that town centres are firstly retail spaces, and that retailing is a far more important economic activity than it really is

I write as a retailer, as a student and researcher of town centres and as a passionate believer that we collectively need to raise our game to make good once again our town centres, and this most especially in the historically significant town of Bedford

John Orchard – Bromham

Mayor

Council’s Local Plan 2040 is about how the council can best meet the government’s growth targets – but Government debates could see the housing target change

Bedford mayor, Dave Hodgson told the council’s Executive on Wednesday, January 4, that the plan contains the development strategy to complement the council’s Local Plan 2030

He added that in 2020 the council was tasked to carry out a review of its existing local plan policies and to prepare a new plan

“It was disappointing that we had to prepare a new plan so soon

after we had finished the last one,” he said

“Especially as the two issues that gave rise to the immediate review policy have since fallen away,” he said

The first was not needing to take into account any of the requirements contained in the Oxford to Cambridge Arc Spatial Framework, which the mayor said has not been a government priority for the last three years

With many parish councils putting neighbourhood plans together the council has not needed to step in to allocate sites in villages

“Nevertheless the consequences of failing to submit a new plan by the fixed deadline of January

2023 are unacceptable,” he said

The mayor added that the covid pandemic meant it was a challenge to meet deadlines, but there were still three opportunities for communities to give their views

“At every stage the responses have helped to shape the plan that is before us this evening, we have listened and acted accordingly,” he said

“Our development strategy prioritises urban sites including brownfield sites and redevelopment opportunities, particularly where these supported the regeneration of the town centre

“ We h a v e t a k e n a d v a n t a g e of opportunities for sustainable g r o w t h a r o u n d n e w s t a t i o n s

on the East West Rail route

“We are allocating two new settlements, one at Kempston Hardwick, south of Bedford, and another at Little Barford to the east of the A1,” he said

The mayor added that developments south of Bedford will have “good access” to new and existing rail stations to “maximise” the opportunity for sustainable travel

“The plans will work together to provide the much needed new homes, including affordable homes, as well as good quality jobs and new infrastructure to support growing communities,” the mayor said

The executive was told that the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill

Spor ts equipment charity boost for Grange Academy

GRANGE Academy has been chosen by UK Plumbing Supplies Bedford branch, Plumb City to receive a generous share of over £4,000 raised across their central region for much needed school equipment

Working in partnership with Valient Group both companies generously donated £10 for every Glow Worm boiler sold last summer to build their charity pot

Grange pupils were delighted to receive a range of sports equipment including footballs, basketballs, team bibs, pumps and scooters with safety gear from Glow Worm’s Niall and Plumb City’s Zara this week

Sports co-ordinator Paul Kilcoyne commented “Sports activities and exercise of all types are so important for our pupils who have a wide range of additional learning needs This great new equipment and kit will help every pupil engage with sports that are both new and familiar to them We are incredibly grateful to Glow Worm and Plumb City for choosing our school ”

(which is currently being debated in parliament) may mean changes to the housing target

“As a result the council’s future housing numbers may go down or indeed up,” the mayor said

“It is therefore not appropriate to delay the latest submission of this plan until the implications of those changes are fully understood

“This could be many years away, and we will not take the risk with our five-year land supply

“We will consider the implications to the Local Plan 2040 during every step they take in that process

“In the meantime the Local Plan 2040 has been prepared in accordance with the regulations and is ready for submission,” he said

Bedford Borough to consider 2023/24 Council Ta x increase

BEDFORD Borough Council’s Executive are to consider a core Council Tax increase of 0.9 percent as well as a two percent for the government’s Adult Social Care precept, totalling a 2 90 percent increase for 2023/24 The increase would mean an average Band D Council Tax of £1,737.92.

This increase is below the rate of national inflation as the Council looks to keep costs down for residents while delivering quality front line services and without having to consider the closure of libraries and children’s centres Bedford Borough Council continues to support the most vulnerable residents in their time of need with significant increased funding in Social Care for adults and children, including supporting children and young people in need of fostering or residential placements, and supporting adults in care and nursing homes, as well as in their own homes

The Council has faced inflationary pressures of £17m in the budget which had left a funding gap of £6 3m This has been offset by savings which are focussed on more efficient working of the coun-

cil, including leasing out more of Borough Hall and generating more energy from the Elstow solar farm

Cllr Michael Headley, portfolio holder for Finance said, “This has been an incredibly challenging budget Like other councils across the country we have seen unprecedented increases in costs and are continuing to be rigorous in our approach to council spending to ensure we are protecting services and keeping council tax down

“We know the impact the cost of living crises is having on residents and are committed to keeping this proposed council tax increase way below the current rate of inflation, which is over 10 percent, and this combines with our freezing of fees for residents, such as parking charges, for this year ”

The Executive are due to consider the budget on 25 January

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Opportunities for adults with additional needs

LOCAL multi academy trust BILTT has been able to offer training and employment oppor tunities within their Facilities Team to a young man with additional needs Former Ivel Valley community special school pupil James, 28 had not been in employment since leaving school but is now training in an Assistant Site Agent role

Working closely with Site Manager Paul Rowley James repor ted that he was “ner vous at first but, I am really enjoying learning and keeping busy ” He is also appreciative of the suppor t and guidance his mentor Paul is providing

A 2017 study* has revealed that just 6% of adults with a learning disability who are able to work are currently in employment BILTT schools include St John’s Special School and Grange Academy whose pupils all have additional needs

BILTT HR Manager Bernice Russell commented: “James is an amazing young man who has grown in confidence over the time he’s been with us I would urge any employers who are reticent about employing someone with learning difficulties to give it a go At BILTT, our Vision and Values Statement promotes dynamic par tnerships which celebrates the success and positive outcomes, recognising strengths and qualities in all

James provides a positive role model for our pupils at all the Trust’s schools as he works around our sites, and demonstrates that with the right suppor t, people with learning disability can achieve long term, useful employment, with progression oppor tunities, enabling them to become more independent and live fulfilling and happy lives

You

photo ID to vote in person at elections in May

FOR the first time, electors voting in person at polling stations will need to show photographic ID to vote at this year ’s local elections, including electors in Bedford Borough Residents are being urged to make sure they are ready to vote in May by not only checking they are registered to vote but also checking they have an accepted form of ID

Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK, EEA or Commonwealth drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card

Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo

Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID will be able to apply for free ID online at www voter-authority-certificate service gov uk/ or by completing a paper form

Laura Church, Returning Officer at Bedford Borough Council, said: “With elections taking place in Bedford Borough on 4 May 2023, it is important that residents across the Borough can vote – but you

must make sure you have an accepted form of ID It may seem early but checking now means you will be ready to vote in May

“Residents who do not have one of the accepted forms of ID can apply for free ID either online via Gov uk or by completing a paper application form and sending this to Bedford Borough Council’s electoral services team

If you need any help with applying for the free ID or want to request an application form, contact the electoral services team by phoning 01234 718078 or by emailing elections@bedford gov uk ”

Anyone who wants to have their say in the elections this May must also be registered to vote It only takes minutes to register online at https://www g o v u k / a p p l y - f o r - p h o t o - i d - v o t e r - a u t h o r i t ycertificate

Voters wishing to apply to their council for free ID should first make sure they are registered to vote

The requirement to show photo ID at the polling station, is a new requirement, introduced by the UK Government’s Elections Act which was passed last year and comes into effect for the first time this May

Two charged following drugs raid and £70,000 cannabis seizure

TWO men from Bedford have been charged with drug dealing offences following separate warrants led by local community officers

In the early hours of Tuesday, January 17, 2023, Bedfordshire Police officers seized cannabis worth up to £70,000 from an address in Kempston

Arber Ruci, 20, of Chantry Road, Kempston, has subsequently been charged with the production of cannabis.

Officers are also seeking a full closure order on the property as part of their investigation

During another warrant on Friday, January13, large quantities of class A and class B drugs were uncovered

Jason Speed, 51, of Dearne Walk, Bedford, has since been

Tur vey site for new homes

TWENTY-FIVE new homes, including eight affordable homes, could be built in Turvey if a planning application is successful

Bedford Borough Council has received an outline planning application for 25 residential dwellings on land off Carlton Road, Turvey Outline planning applications are used to discover if a development is acceptable, and can also help ensure if it is viable

National Appr enticeship Week – insight for par ents

PARENTS who are anxious about the future employment prospects of their teenage and twenty-something children can join a special event at The Bedford College Group

During National Apprenticeship Week 2023, on Thursday 9th February, at Bedford College in Cauldwell Stree,t a seminar is being held from 5pm-8pm

Local and national employers, and agencies involved in apprenticeships will be there to showcase many opportunities, and there will be advice and guidance on how exactly today’s apprenticeship schemes work These can range from 16 -year-olds going straight from school into work, or Advanced Apprenticeships for those who are older and may have completed further or higher education

Vacancies advertised recently by The Bedford College Group include jobs in technology, engineering, vision and robots, landscaping, customer service, payroll and compliance Gina Bubbins, Director of Business Development says: “We know what employers are looking for and the best way to find a good fit for young people offering

access to some great companies and career opportunities Come along and find out what the options are instead of just opting for university without hearing about ‘earn while you learn’ options ”

Sign up to find out more: https://bedfordcollegegroup.ac.u k/about/events/national-apprenticeship-week-parents-information-event-bedford-thursday-9february-2023/

Meanwhile, in the lead up to National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) on February 6 - 12, The Bedford College Group is celebrating being short-listed for an award in the FE Week and AELP Awards

The team are finalists in the Apprenticeship Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Provider

Recognition Award and will be joining a celebratory reception at the Houses of Parliament on Monday February 6 to coincide with NAW

There will be a National Awards Gala dinner at the ICC in Birmingham on March 14, alongside the Annual Apprenticeship Conference at the same venue on March 13 and 14

Executive Director of Apprenticeships and Business Development, Debbie Houghton (pictured) said: “The Bedford College Group is the premier provider of the widest range of apprenticeships across Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire This award celebrates the success of the college in championing diversity and inclusion for apprentices and employers We work closely with employers large and small, and major local organisations to increase the opportunities for young people ” hashtag #AACAwards https://feweek co uk/finalists-foraac-apprenticeship-awards-2023revealed/

charged with possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and cannabis.

Police Sergeant John Killick, from the Bedford community

team, said: “We are determined to do all we can to target and disrupt the use and supply of drugs and the criminality that brings into our communities

Inspired retirement living coming soon to Kempston

WITH so much uncertainty in the world, it’s easy to feel weighed-down by day-to-day worries. But in times like these, living in a thriving community, and being surrounded by good friends and a helpful team, can make a world of difference

Adlington Retirement Living’s latest community ‘The Newells’ coming soon to Kempston, is a place where you can cast off your worries and enjoy a way of life that brings people together to enjoy good company and good times

The new community on Manor Drive will offer 60 stylish one, two and threebedroom retirement apartments for the over 55’s, each designed to make everyday life easier, safer and more comfortable

Alexandra Johnson, Sales and Marketing Director for Adlington Retirement Living, said: “Our award-winning approach to independent living, ensures homeowners don’t have to compromise on their lifestyle, their social life or their independence We aim to provide a community spirit, whilst promoting independence and individual respect. It’s a chance to become part of a thriving community of like-minded people, with a shared outlook ”

Four of Adlington’s retirement communities have won Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards for the Best Retirement Development at the WhatHouse? Awards, the UK housebuilding’s most prestigious event. Adlington Retirement Living was also crowned Seniors Housing Developer of the Year at the HealthInvestor Seniors Housing Awards 2022

Practical support 24/7

Your well-being is at the heart of everything we do Our management team are like a good neighbour and are on-site and available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year whenever you need them They’re the first port of call if you have any problems, large or small, and if you opt in for a daily wellbeing check, a member of our

team will call you every day to ask how you ’ re doing and whether you need anything

One of the aspects that appeals to many homeowners is the fact that optional personal care packages can be put in place to suit individuals’ needs Be it short-term support after an operation, or more regular, long-term tailored personal care, the team work closely with their local care partner to ensure a flexible solution to suit each individual

Alexandra Johnson explains: “More of our homeowners are choosing to move to retirement communities whilst they’re fit

and healthy, to future-proof their retirement We offer a personal approach to care to ensure that each individual receives just the right amount to maintain their independence, allowing them to enjoy their retirement to the full

“Even though many of our homeowners do not need specialist care, the Adlington on-site support team is always there in the background giving them and their families comfort that in the event of an unexpected fall help is immediately to hand ”

Everything under one roof

In addition to all the support you can enjoy from the on-site team at The Newells, you also have the benefit of our outstanding facilities, which are an extension of your own home

Homeowners will be able to enjoy the privacy of their own peaceful and spacious apartment, spend time in the leafy gardens (maintained by an expert team of gardeners), relax in the hair salon, therapy suite or homeowners’ lounge and enjoy freshly cooked dishes daily in the restaurant

Bess, an Adlington home-

owner said: “I’ve got the best of both worlds with my apartment because I’ve also got all the communal areas to enjoy like the homeowners’ lounge, the coffee bar and the restaurant We also have the therapy suite and of course the hair salon

“I’ve had reflexology and I had my nails done last week, which was super. This Friday I’m having a facial from a really good, well-trained lady who does a lot of treatments here ”

Alexandra Johnson adds: “One of the main benefits of retirement living is not having to worry about maintaining a house and garden anymore. It’s lovely to hear many of our homeowners at our other communities comment on the free time and energy they have to enjoy life They often remark how much more ‘ me time’ they discover not having to worry about repairs, DIY or mowing ”

Register your interest

Our Marketing Suite will be opening shortly, where a selection of apartments will be available to reserve off-plan.

Call 01234 988200 to register your interest and find out more about the lifestyle you can enjoy at The Newells in Kempston, or visit adlington co uk/BB

Great career links for Shuttleworth students

THE first major employer event for Land & Environment was staged at Shuttleworth College to enable young people to hear about careers in agricultural industries

Companies specialising in fisheries to farming, seed development to John Deere equipment maintenance, tree growing to arboriculture management, introduced young people to worthwhile jobs

Head of Land and Environment studies Shane Durham, and Work Experience Co-ordinator John Sirett

initiated the project which will be followed by others in 2023 Said Shane: “We’re very grateful to all these employers for taking the time to come and talk to our students about opportunities within their organisations

“There is a huge range of employment opportunities under the banner of agriculture and they are open to people who do not come from traditional farming backgrounds ”

John, who completed his degree in Agricultural Science at Shuttleworth

College as a mature student this summer, added: “Covid has broken some of the more informal routes into employment in the land-based sector These companies are looking for committed young people to join them ” John’s previous experience in a range of rural-related businesses means he is ideally placed to understand what employers are looking for in potential recruits

A good example at the event was former Shuttleworth College student Jenson May (pictured bottom right)

who now works for KWS, a Germanfounded global company specialising in creating new varieties of cereal through seed breeding Established in the 1800s, the company now employs the latest science to generate diseasefree plants which give farmers improved yields

Farmer Andrew Phillips (right) of Haynes was looking for help at harvest with a view to offering more permanent employment to the right candidate

FARM MACHINERY

Tuckwells, at Maulden, amongst other places, are the largest supplies of John Deere equipment for miles This covers not just traditional farming tractors, but grass cutting equipment for golf courses and more John Deere are going down the “electrical” route with technology now being used in Formula 1 cars

John O’Conner has grown from a one-man businesses to a major outfit of arborists based at Barton Meanwhile Deepdale Trees near Potton is a company that grows trees which are sold to estates and major developers

Embryo is famous in the field of fishing The company dug and now stocks fish nurseries on the Shuttleworth College site These are managed by students to help preserve older breeds of fish which are disappearing in the wild

Huntingdonshire District Council discussed countryside management in country parks with students, while Agrii gave presentations focused on agronomy and crop development

Agricultural biosecurity services were represented by Livetec Systems, a local company consulting to farmers and animal managers with the aim of minimising infection risks

Bungalow for sale

Situated in the quiet north Bedfordshire village of Milton Ernest

• Easy access to A1 and M1 (via A421) • Sharnbrook school catchment area • Local public house with restaurant • Riverside walks close by • Chidren’s playground • Doctors’ surgery in Sharnbrook village (7 miles) • Garden centre with post office, pet store and groomers, fishmongers • Medieval church of England

• Two miles to village of Clapham with more shops and takeaways • Four miles to Bedford town centre and railway station

• 12 miles to Rushden Lakes shopping centre • Property features two bedrooms • Fitted kitchen • Lounge diner • Gas central heating • Fitted carpets throughout • Garage and parking space for four cars • Loft conversion possibility subject planning consent

• NO UPWARD CHAIN

£295,000

Nine mor e houses for Wixams planned

A PLANNING application has been submitted to demolish a single-storey dwelling in Wixhams and replace it with nine new homes

If approved by Bedford Borough Council nine two-storey houses will replace a singlestorey home (and outhouses) at 175 Bedford Road

The applicants said the plans have been amended following pre-application advice from the council, including reducing the number of new homes to nine instead of ten.

In 2020, planning permission was granted to demolish the mid1900s bungalow with a replacement single-storey dwelling

This, the applicants said, established the principle of redevelopment on the land

They added that the intention is to obtain outline planning consent with all matters reserved and then to sell the land on.

Therefore the new owner would be responsible for taking the development forward

Life is online – FREE help is at hand

IN the new normal, post lockdowns, almost everything in life is online: shopping, banking, booking tickets, job applications and more People who are without IT skills may also need urgent help in accessing council services and charitable support

The Bedford College Group Learning Centres offer FREE courses called Essential Digital Skills which start at beginner Entry level, for those who have never used a computer, with further free short courses to help people improve their computer skills up to Level 1 and Level 2 These courses are Government funded and are free to UK residents

Pete Burton who oversees the Group’s Learning Centres in Bedford, Corby and Kettering said: “These courses run at our friendly and welcoming centres are

incredibly valuable for people who have never used computers and have consequently found themselves cut off from life We urge people to come forward and ask how we can help them, and please tell your friends and family who won’t see stories or adverts online ”

After completing Level 1, which includes banking, shopping and word processing, people can go on to Access, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher Level 2 courses which are vital in today’s modern workplace

Visit the lovely team (photo) at Bedford Learning Centre at 88 High Street Monday, Thursday, Friday 10am - 4pm or Tuesday and Wednesday until 8 pm, and Saturday mornings

Just pop in and say hello or call on the following number: 01234 291832

ANNE and Paul Nicholas who live in Broom, have raised an incredible £10,571 97 – their highest ever fundraising total – for Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in Moggerhanger with their fourth Christmas lights display at their home in Broom

The couple once again created their own grotto in their garden featuring half a million LED lights, falling snow on arrival and a circular Christmas light lit trail which led to a handmade log cabin where, booked in advance, children could visit Father Christmas

In addition to the spectacular display, the couple raised additional funds for the hospice by holding a raffle Generous local businesses donated wonderful gifts, including a meal voucher for two up to the value of £70 00 from The White Horse at Southill, a beauty voucher and a £50 voucher for the Hare & Hounds Pub in Old Warden

Paul Nicholas, aka Father Christmas, said: “Anne

and I are delighted that this year, with the support of our wonderful community, we have topped last year’s total raising the most we ever have for Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice with our Christmas lights

“It was wonderful to have so many children come and visit Father Christmas and to see the festive spirit that the grotto brought with it!”

Nick Burr, Senior Fundraising Officer at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice, said: “We are so grateful to Anne and Paul for opening their garden once again for their festive fundraiser It is incredible that they were able to raise £10,571 97 for our hospice, where it will make such a difference

“We receive the majority of our funding from fundraisers like Anne and Paul’s, and without people like them we wouldn’t be able to continue our work ”

To find out more about fundraising for Sue Ryder contact the fundraising team on 01767 642 410 or email stjohnsfundraising@sueryder org

Firearm confiscated in early morning raid

TWO men appeared before a crown court judge Tuesday, Janaury 3, 2023, accused of 17 offences following a major police operation at a block of flats in Bedford.

Paul Burton, 44, and Nathan Turner, 36, were arrested after a stand-off at Bury Court, Church Lane on Sunday, November 27, 2022

The police were called to the flats at around 6am and evacuated some residents Both men were arrested by that evening

The defendants, who lived in the flats, were charged with pos-

session of imitation firearms and robbery

Paul Burton was also charged with with attempted murder, making threats to kill and criminal damage

Nathan Turner has additionally been charged with four offences of criminal damage.

Both men appeared at Luton crown court via a video link from Bedford prison

Judge Michael Simon remanded them in custody for a further hearing in January A provisional trial date was set for May 22, 2023

50th Anniversary Celebration

On Saturday, Februar y 25, Michael Rose will conduct the Bedfordshire Symphony Orchestra in a concer t to celebrate a ver y special event – his 50th year as conductor of the orchestra

Michael studied at The Royal Academy of Music with violin and piano as his instrumental studies He star ted his career as a schoolmaster became a Music Advisor, before becoming Assistantin-Charge of the BBC Training Orchestra in Bristol during which time he trained and conducted the orchestra and broadcast frequently – twice in the 1970 Proms

In 1972 he moved to Bedfordshire as County Music Inspector and, ever since, has conducted the Symphony Orchestra, per forming a diverse reper toire over the years and welcoming such high-profile soloists as Tasmin Little and John Lill

In 1990 Michael was awarded the OBE for his ser vices to music

The anniversar y concer t will feature works by Rossini, Schumann and Brahms For full details of the programme and to book tickets, go to: www bedfordcornexchange co uk

with £100m endowment

As you may have heard, the Church Commissioners, a trust that holds the historic assets of the Church of England, have recently announced that they are to set aside £100 million as an endowment

Its purpose is to ‘make a difference for the better in countries and communities where the legacy of slavery is still very present

They are doing this following research that shows that a significant part of their resources which come from the 1704 Queen Anne’s Bounty (set up to augment the stipends of poor clergy) was linked to investment in the slave trade through the South Sea Company

It is an attempt to make amends for this involvement in what was a shameful episode in human history

It is a decision that has not pleased every-

one Some see it as signs of a politically correct church that has been over influenced by ‘critical race theory’

Some argue that the needs of churches are pressing – not least to pay the costs of clergy and building repairs – and that this should be the priority Some worry about the implications If we make amends for slavery what else will be on the list?

In contrast, for others, the amount is inadequate; only a modest proportion of the funds earnt It is potentially too easy, they suggest. A mere salving of conscience.

Whilst I hear these arguments, especially the former, there is injustice here that needs to be healed For the impact of slavery is not just something in the past, but a living legacy that continues to impact present generations.

Just think of the discrimination against black people in the States and this country that persisted for generations (and still lingers on) after the abolition of the slave trade

For those of us who are white we need to understand both a history of privilege and the reality of inherited disadvantage for others We are all influenced by the past, for good or ill

A fund to address the legacy of slavery, including the reality of modern day slavery, is just one modest step of re-calibrating our world A recognition that the funds which we have benefitted from came literally from the exploitation, suffering and death of our fellow brothers and sisters ‘Loving our Neighbour’ is not just about the present As Archbishop Justin has put it, ‘By acting rightly we open ourselves to the blessing of God’.

Dave Hodgson – Mayor of Bedford Bedford Borough missing out on recruiting GPs

In January the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board admitted that area has missed out on eight trainee GPs because there is not sufficient space within its GP estate

In addition some of the proposed expansions to GP provisions in Wootton, Wixams, Shortstown, Harrold and Queen’s Park will now not be funded because of government infrastructure policy that is failing Bedford Borough residents

I am calling for a fair deal for Bedford Borough from the government

The government must prioritise making sure GPs have enough space to meet local residents’ health needs

New GP surgeries should be legally prioritised and approved with the NHS, before house building commences on new estates

As we have all seen and experienced, there is a big need for GPs across the Borough

There has been growth in population and, at best, a stagnation of our health service facilities

Local GPs have told me that we are losing good doctors because they haven t got the space to provide services to relieve pressure on the overall health system

The facts are that we need more GPs, and here was an opportunity to get more,

but they’ve not got anywhere for them to work – that cannot be right

In a 2019 joint Bedford Borough Council and NHS study it was found that the Borough was 40% underprovided for in terms of GP space

Since then there have been a number of schemes for new facilities planned to be finished, many are yet to see any progress at all

You can sign my petition calling for a fair deal for Bedford Borough with an increase in the number of GPs in our area to provide improved access for those in need at https://bedfordlibdems org uk/GPShortage

Mohammad Yasin – MP Kempston and Bedford

MP calls for ban on forced installation of prepayment meters

Research by Citizens Advice has found that 3 2 million people across Great Britain ran out of credit on their prepayment meter (PPM) last year because they couldn’t afford to top up That’s one person every 10 seconds cut off from their energy supply

Whilst protections are supposed to be in place to stop vulnerable customers being forced onto prepayments meters, not enough is being done by energy companies to identify customers in these circumstances before installing a meter. Far from helping people, these meters are even more expensive and leading to a rise in voluntary self-disconnections

Nearly one in five households who ran out of credit last year went on to spend two days or more without energy supply

and tragically this is impacting disabled people and those living with long-term health conditions Under existing industry rules, this shouldn’t be happening Suppliers are not allowed to force people in vulnerable circumstances onto a prepayment meter if they don’t want one

In October, the energy regulator, Ofgem warned suppliers that not enough was being done to identify customers in vulnerable circumstances before installing a PPM, describing variations in the quality of service as a case of “potluck”. However, in December, more than a third of PPM households including a disabled person, or someone with a long-term health-condition, were cut off from their energy supply at least once That’s more than 470,000 struggling households left in the dark

This week Labour has called for the Government to take immediate action to ban the forced installation of prepayment meters which has left millions of people without power

This ban must include legacy prepayment meters and remote switches for smart meters.

An immediate moratorium at least for the duration of the winter is necessary while an urgent review takes place of how customers on pre-payment meters can be properly protected.

If you are experiencing problems with your PPM or at risk of your energy supply being cut off, especially if you are vulnerable, please contact my office: office@mohammadyasin org 01234 346525

February is often the coldest month of the year and it may seem that winter is not over yet but look closely as you walk around your garden or local park and you will find a plethora of early flowers buds and new shoots beginning to burst into life

In shaded areas Cyclamen Coum, Narcissus February Gold and the classic Wild Primroses are providing their pretty flowers for all to spot beside hellebores still in full flower Move onto the shrub border and Daphne Sarcococca and Hamamelis are all in bloom These flowers may be delicate but their scents are rich and strong Look up and you might just spot the earliest of the flowering trees the delicate pink flowering cherry Prunus subhirtella Autumnalis

Rosea

As far as gardening jobs go it may still be too muddy to mow the lawn and too cold to sow seeds on the veg patch but it’s a perfect time for pruning ground covering herbaceous perennials and to shape

Cornus or Dogwood has strikingly coloured bare stems in winter like the rich red of C Sibirica If left to grow will be too tall with less intense colour next year so cut it back to 20 cm from the ground every year and the new growths will be fresh and bright again The Butterfly Bush Buddleija also thrives by being cut hard back now to 2 pairs of buds higher than last year’s regrowth By doing this your bush will be more compact and will produce larger flowers

Hydrangea Paniculata is best pruned before the new season’s growth starts, so prune last year’s branches back to two buds H Annabelle should be pruned harder to 25 cm from the ground as it produces its strongest growth from low down you will achieve a more pleasing shape by hard pruning and larger flowers up to 30cm wide Leave the old flowers of mophead or lacecap hydrangeas for now as they protect the new flowering buds below until the risk of frost has gone in late March

Evergreen shrubs that have finished flowering or flower late in the year can also be pruned to shape in late February This includes Euonymus, Photinia, Eleagnus and some Viburnums

Roses are best pruned in March after the cold weather has gone but make sure you tie any untrained branches of climbing roses to the trellis or wire supports now to stop them being blown around and causing wind rock to their roots

Wisteria requires pruning in February to encourage it to flower well in the Spring The new

sideshoots should have been shortened to 30cm last summer and cut back to two pairs of buds now These buds will often look much fatter than other buds on the plant a sign that they have flowers growing within them

The late Summer and Autumn flowering clematis Viticella Orientalis and Texensis should be cutback to 30cm from the ground in their first year and 100cm in subsequent seasons because they flower on this seasons growth

Leave the old stems of Herbaceous Perennials Ferns and Grasses intact overwinter as many insects will overwinter in the old foliage and stems This old growth can be removed at the end of February back to 10 cm above ground level to tidy up before the

GBS

fruit trees for bumper crops next summer

by Maureen Catlin

diary comedy

Sharnbrook Men’s Group:

Unemployed, working from home, retired, widowed or just need to talk to someone The Man Cave in Sharnbrook Scout Hut could be for you We have men from all over north Bedfordshire who come along and have coffee and toast from 10am1 30pm every Friday Contact: Steve Marvell on 07904 176698

Oakley Rural Day Centre for the elderly:

The Old School, Lovell Road Oakley Beds MK43 7RX We provide a fun-filled day of activities, games and good old conversation The day includes refreshments and a two course lunch Contact: Lynne, Tuesday to Thursday on 01234 824935 or Mobile: 07733 227374 www oakleyruraldaycentre weebly com Email: oakleyruralday centre@yahoo com

Man Cave: If you are looking for some male company then look no further that the Man Cave in Sharnbrook Scout Hut Coffee and toast from 10am-1 30pm every Friday Contact: Bernard Brown on 07711 664451 or Steve Marvell on 07904 176698

Bedford Folk Dance Club:

Friendly Country and Folk Dance Club Thursdays 8:15pm to 10:15pm St Mary’s Church Hall Church Lane Goldington Bedford MK41 0HL No partner required Good fun for only £3 Contact: Ron Law 01234 825574

Bedford Music Club:

Contact: www bedfordmusicclub co uk

Tudor Reeds Folk Dance

Club: Barn dance group meets every other Wednesday 8-10pm, St Mark’s Church Hall Brickhill £2 inc refreshments Contact: Jenny 01234 217621t

Sandy Women’s Institute:

Meets on the third Tuesday of every month (except August) at Sandy Conservative Club Bedford Road Sandy New members are always very welcome Visitors are charged a small fee of £4 For further information contact: Ann Patterson 01767 680644

Kempston Senior Citizens

Club: DANCING, WHIST, BINGO

Meets Wednesday 10am-12noon Friday 10am-4 00pm, Centenary Hall, behind Kempston Town Hall contact: Sheila Cobban, on 01234 347306

Bedford Folk & Acoustic

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

Walking Football: Sessions every Tuesday at Upper Caldecote 1 30pm to 2,30pm taking place at Harvey Close Upper Caldecote SG18 9BQ Contact: Colin Harries on 01767 317099

Sandy Historical Research

Group: Beeston Methodist Church Hall, The Baulk, Beeston, Sandy SG19 1NR New members always welcome Contact: Sally Carlow 07722 121691t:

Kempston & District

Model Railway Society:

Meets every Wednesday evening, from 7 30pm to 10 00pm in Kempston East Methodist Church entrance from the Car Park Our members have a wide range of experiences, backgrounds and ages Anyone interested is welcome to drop in one Wednesday evening and get to know more

Bedford Local Group of The Wildlife Trust:

Wednesday 8th February 2023 Meeting 7 15pm for 7 30pm Priory Methodist Church Hall, Newnham Avenue, Bedford MK41 9QJ Lichens: A Symbiotic Fungi for two An Introduction An illustrated talk by Brian Simms All welcome, no charge but voluntary contributions are appreciated Contact: available under Events on www wildlifebcn org or 01234 266057

Sandy Historical Society:

Bedford at War - the BBC & Glen Miller by David Fowler 7 30pm Friday 24th February Stonecroft Hall St Swithins Way, Sandy SG19 1BB Admission £3 00 including refreshments Members & Students Free Contact: 01767 680171

Bedford Art Society: Friday 3rd February, 2023 7:15 for 7:30 start Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford MK41 8EB Anneka Slatter (Annie) A demonstration of Calligraphy Annie is a calligrapher and letter artist and will be sharing her knowledge and love for this beautiful craft

Entry free for members £5 for visitors Contact Jean Paterson on 01234 307210 or www bedsartsociety co uk for further information.

Cowper & Newton

Museum: February – Tuesday 21st February, The Cowper & Newton Museum re-opens for the new season We’re looking forward to welcoming you back to see our new displaysSaturday 25th February - Free Weaving and Craft Making Visit our Dressing Up and Activity Room at the top of the museum, to test your craft making skills and have a go at weaving a spider s web This activity is taking place in conjunction with the “Sierra-ously Surprising” exhibition that is currently on display in The Three-Hares Gallery This is a free drop-in session suitable for children up to the age of 10 (Usual adult admission fee applies) Contact: www cowperandnewtonmuseum org uk

Biddenham Gardeners

Association: Tuesday 21st February 2023 at 7 30 Biddenham Village Hall “Portrait of a Victorian Garden” By Russell Bowes Visitors very welcome Admission £5 per meeting for non members – includes Raffle & Refreshments Contact: www biddenham gardenersassociation org uk

Yoga: Monday 10:30 am Higgins Museum & 2pm Priory Methodist Church, Bedford Tuesday in Hitchin: 11am at Sun Hotel, and 6:30pm Haynes village hall Thursday in Cotton End, village hall 6:15pm Contact: junehannigan@outlook com

Valentine’s night treat at the Quar ry

Thursday, February 9, at the The Quarry Theatre, Bedford Castle Comedy is back at The Quarr y Theatre for an early Valentine’s treat The show will feature star names, Roses (chocolates) for ever yone and loads of laughs!

Headlining the show is SUZI RUFFELL She is a suited and booted comedy dynamo Her show Dance Like Ever yone’s Watching’ was nominated for Best Stand Up Show in the National Comedy Awards 2021 Suzi has most recently appeared on Live at the Apollo, Hypothetical, The last Leg and The Jonathon Ross Show “instinctively exquisitely funny”– The Evening Standard

JONNY AWSUM is a comedic whirlwind, he has a special feel-good brand of musical comedy He is the gag slinging guitar hero sure to get you singing along He was a semi-finalist on Britain’s Got Talent and recently suppor ted Jason Manford at stadiums around the UK

He s awesome – Time Out

DON BISWAS is one of the gems of the circuit A politically charged gag merchant who likes to cover a wide range of subjects including his Asian upbringing, his neurodiversity as someone with dyspraxia, ADHD, and ASD and even the most impor tant of topics conspiracy theories! In 2022 he starred in his own Radio 4 special Neurotopical Paul Revill will host the show Doors 7 00pm, Shows Star t 8 00pm, shows finish 10 45pm To Book Visit www castlecomedy co uk

out & about

T

Ar tful Dodger are coming to town

live music

Sister Sledge are one of the most iconic female bands and are responsible for some of the biggest dance anthems of all time such as Lost in Music He s the Greatest Dancer, Thinking of You and more The Real Thing are universally known for their timeless hits: You To Me Are Ever ything, Can’t Get By Without You and Can You Feel the Force, as well as their groundbreaking 1977 song, Children of the Ghetto

Original members Chris Amoo and Dave Smith are now celebrating 50 incredible years in the music industr y, and they are still going strong, playing hundreds of gigs across the world

Simply too much to digest!

St Valentine’s 2023 is now in full blossom, there are a few local venues who have decided to celebrate this event but on a ver y low key

The Valentine’s theme within both bars and clubs now appears to be pretty much non existent unlike a few years ago, however Valentine’s still has a pretty power ful presence within restaurants Anyway putting Valentine’s aside for now I have chosen two awesome events coming up soon to talk about The first event I want to look at is still quite a few months off but I know this event is going to be a total sell out!

The legendar y char t topping Garage Guru ‘The Ar tful Dodger ’ is scheduled to per form live at the Bedford Corn Exchange on Friday

April 4, 2023

The Ar tful Dodger is cer tainly the most commercially successful UK Garage act to have ever emerged from the scene to date

The Ar tful Dodger is comprised of producers Mark Hill, Pete Devereux, David Low and MC Alistair, the name Ar tful Dodger is already established world-wide as the most commercially successful name in UK garage Together they are responsible for producing an astonishing string of char t-topping hits, remixes and a platinum selling album

When Pete and Mark lef t The Ar tful Dodger to pursue different musical paths, MC Alistair decided to continue bringing the char ttopping brand to the clubs and festivals around the world by linking up with David Low, the co-owner of

the label Public Demand Records who was also responsible for signing and breaking the Ar tful Dodger brand

The par tnership was an instant success on the dance floors due to their versatile ability to play for any crowd in front of them

They have a total of 15 years experience between them playing garage music at almost ever y corner of the world, here’s a few of their biggest char t busters, ReRewind Moving too fast Think about me, Twenty four seven, Woman Trouble the list is endless!

If you are a devoted old skool garage fan you need to grab a ticket NOW!

The second event I want to look at once again another event a few months away but destined to be a total sell out oul pop icons The Jacksons, ate disco divas Sister Sledge British soul pioneers The Real g are ready for the ultimate night in Bedford Park ll three legendar y groups will orces for an incredible show on y June 23 It will be another ational night in the magnificent nds of Bedford Park, which is r its biggest ever summer of

I will be following up on these once in a life time Bedford events monthly,

sport

Gone after string of bad results

by Michael Jarman-Webb

LAST month, I reported how Bedford Town were looking for a new manager after the management board had parted company with promotion winning manager Gary Setchell after a poor run of results had left the Eagles hovering over relegation places in the Pitching In Southern League Premier Central division

At the time First team coach Greame Tomlinson had stepped up as interim manager to steady the

ship, assisted by senior players including Callum Donnelly, Craig Mackail-Smith and George Thorne

Tomlinson’s three matches in charge saw two wins and a draw, including a storming 6-1 Boxing Day win against local rivals AFC Rushen & Diamonds, and a point at table topping Tamworth

On December 27, Bedford Town announced the appointment of their new manager, Paul Davis Davies came with experience off management at step three, including Oxford City, Banbury and Redditch This season he had been working with step two Hemel Hempstead, helping to take them to second place in the National League South

Davis first game in charge for the Eagles was an away trip to Royston, the 3-2 loss being his best Bedford result Next came the visit to the Eyrie of the divisions then bottom team Hednesford Town They left the Eyrie with only their third league win of the season, putting three past the home side in the first half, before Charley Sanders pulled one back in the last minute of the game

In his post-match interview Davis said the result was “not acceptable” and that it would “not happen again”, he also said he took

some responsibility for picking the wrong team Davis’s third, and final game in charge came two days later as the Eagles travelled to Redditch

The result was the worst of his tenure with another three goals conceded this time without return

On January 11, Bedford Town announced that Paul Davis had resigned as manager for personal reasons and that once again Graeme Tomlinson would be stepping into the breach, assisted by Callum Donnelly and other senior players Tomlinson’s first match in

charge for his second spell would be the away trip to mid table Bromsgrove Sporting Things didn’t start well with the Eagles conceding in the third minute, but Bedford fought back with Connor Tomlinson equalising in the first half, before Edward Gyamfi took the lead early in the second The win wasn’t to be though as Bromsgrove equalised in the second half, but Tomlinson’s undefeated run as manager continued

Tougher tests would follow, not least the next home tie against

second placed Nuneaton, but Tomlinson has the players and fans behind him and will have hoped to take something from this game

During January Bedford striker Craig Mackail-Smith announced his retirement from football He joined the Eagles after he finished his professional career, most notably at Peterborough United, but also Brighton and Luton Town amongst others Whilst he is hanging up his boots, the former Scottish international looks to be remaing at the Eyrie, assisting in other roles within the club

by Rowland White

ALTHOUGH Real Bedford’s preChristmas game against Amersham was postponed due to a frozen pitch, the post-Christmas derby against Ampthill was on, with the high-flying Bedford side strolling out 3-1 winners.

The two Bedfordshire teams battled it out in on December 27th in front of over 400 fans –making it the highest attended game of the season across Spartan South Midlands League Division 1

Bedford captain Luke Knight had the pirates in the lead within 10 minutes following a superb long range strike Opportunities for Jordan Brown and Jim Burnside followed as Bedford dominated the first half but it wasn’t until the second half the substitute Kevin Owusu came on and doubled Bedford’s lead, following a pinpoint cross from Claston Gordon

Ampthill found themselves back in the game on the 80th minute as Mark Bunker slotted home a goal for the home side but just minutes

later Jim Burnside smashed a through ball into the back of the net, ending the game 3-1 to Real Bedford

The New Year, however, got off to a slow start for Real Bedford as they suffered only their second defeat of the season after 16th placed Langford shocked the home side, with a 3-1 win on January 2nd A crowd of nearly 300 attended McMullen Park to watch the match in what should have been an easy game for league leaders Bedford but three first half goals from the visitors was enough to shatter Bedford’s hopes of a first win of 2023

The visitors came out guns blazing, with former Real Bedford player and Langford Captain Michael Pickard leading his team to a deserved victory A very slow start from Real Bedford allowed Langford’s Perry Heritage to score either side of Frankie Adio’s brace, leaving Bedford with a mountain to climb in the second half A well drilled Langford side didn’t allow any room for Real Bedford to get back into the game and a consolation goal from captain Luke Knight was not enough to end Real Bedford 10 game winning run

The following week Real Bedford were back at home against promotion chasing Northampton O N Chenecks Following the previous week’s shock loss, Real Bedford were looking for a response and they found one Battling through heavy winds and rain, Jordan Brown put Bedford ahead in the 13th minute thanks to some smart play by new signing Curtis Hartley A goal either side of half time for youngster Eddie Corbit made it 3-0 and Bedford’s tails were up A consolation goal for Chenecks by the striker Reece Wilson ended the game as 3-1 to Bedford

Manager Rob Sinclair has now won 20 out of 22 league matches played this season and is not resting on his laurels – or the 12 point lead in the league He is continuing to strengthen the side, with defender Hartley coming in from Step 4 club Corby and Stu Sinclair who has played with Bristol Rovers in League 1

Amersham’s rescheduled Christmas game was postponed again on January 14th due to water on the pitch and Real Bedford face another test against Wellingborough Whitworth at home on January 28