Beds Bulletin County edition April 2023

See page 19

Vandalism caused by ‘abominable people’

“Installing a camera with night vision would be about £1,000 capital and other options include improved signage ”

VANDALS branded “abominable people” have caused “appalling” damage to a Biggleswade play area, which is being redeveloped.

The latest of three recent incidents at Franklin recreation ground, off Mill Lane, resulted in damage to wooden play equipment and to foundations

The town council’s head of governance and strategic partnerships Karim Hosseini said each of the incidents has been reported to Bedfordshire Police

There was minor damage to fencing initially, and then a group needed moving on after being seen by the public realm manager, he told a town centre management committee meeting

“The worst occasion was last weekend with considerable damage to the play equipment and the works beneath,” he explained

“The contractor has temporarily halted installation works, as the vandalism has caused about three weeks of delays

“Multiple holes will need to be dug again and trenches have been filled in The surfaces under the play equipment need redoing

“The contractor wants on-site security introduced He can no longer guarantee the March 31st delivery date ”

Officers are preparing a report for a town council meeting on Tuesday (Feb 28th) setting out options to address the vandalism, with the cost expected to be public works loan board funded, according to Mr Hosseimi

“These solutions range from procuring a patrolled vehicle for nights and weekends costing about £1,000 a week, up to a security officer presence at the same times of around £2,000 a week,” he added

WEDDING STATIONERY

Water pressure should improve when new valves are installed

WATER pressure should improve for “a significant number of households” in Biggleswade with fewer leaks, once Anglian Water installs a suitable valve, a meeting heard

Just over ten per cent of Biggleswade’s residential and business population should benefit from this work, according to a report to the town council

The local authority owns a piece of land named The Spinney on Dells Lane, with an electrical substation on it, said the report

Town councillor Duncan Strachan asked for the local authority’s mobile CCTV camera to be deployed there, “as a matter of urgency”, saying: “This is absolutely appalling

“The renovation is for the benefit of the children of this town The children, their parents and childminders are really excited by the project

“These abominable people are beneath contempt They should be locked up for some time Bedfordshire Police have to go down there and take action ”

He urged residents witnessing such behaviour “to report it to the police and town council ”

Town councillor Mark Knight, who chairs the committee, said: “We would need considerable signage in the short-term, so everyone knows the CCTV is there

“Do parents in the town know where their children are? They won’t want to see images of them on social media ”

Deputy mayor Madeline Russell wondered how the council can protect £100,000 of new equipment once the work is finished

“I don’t want the CCTV down there all the time,” she explained “But do we need extra CCTV or lighting? Is the night camera talked about the best solution?

“We need to be looking short-term to get the equipment properly installed to support the contractor We need to think longer-term how we look after that area ”

She added afterwards: “The project was carefully planned, so that a fabulous new play area would be available for children as the weather improves

“There’ll be a greater cost to council taxpayers because of the need for further site security ”

“This open space is currently used by residents for recreation and dog walking Fauna, flora and wildlife are present at The Spinney, including an endangered plant species the Milk Vetch

“Research by officers concluded there are no signs of the Milk Vetch on that area ”

Anglian Water’s subcontractors informed the council they require this parcel of land to install a pressure reducing valve, explained the report

The subcontractors initially requested permission “to drive vehicles on to the site to begin ground penetrating radar surveys to establish if it’s suitable”

They advised this work “will improve water pressure to a significant number” of local homes, while suggesting “a goodwill remuneration of about £200 for landscaping”

The council’s deputy administration and HR manager Sian van der Merwe said: “Anglian Water also wrote to say there would be a road closure to Dell Lane by the Spinney, with a three-way traffic light system in place ”

Town councillor David Albone said: “This should improve water pressure for quite a few houses in the town It seems the last site available which is workable We shouldn’t oppose it

“The contractor has suggested a goodwill payment of £200 for landscaping That won’t go very far, although there’s no obligation to give anything It would be nice to see a larger sum than that ”

Deputy mayor Madeline Russell asked: “Could we add that we’re disappointed it’s going to take 15 working days to do this work on a busy road?”

Ms van de Merwe replied: “Those aren’t consecutive days, but split up The trial excavation is five working days and the valve installation ten days, separated by a design and procurement period of six to eight weeks ”

CBC Conservative Biggleswade North councillor Ian Bond said: “Anglian Water have amazing powers, but it still has to pay compensation and reinstate “It’s not unreasonable to expect landscaping and

Continued on page 5

b y Euan Duncan

£6.6m overspend spells crisis in SEND provision

b y Euan Duncan

SCHOOLS are “in deep crisis” with “a level of desperation” over special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision in Central Bedfordshire, a meeting heard Church of England diocese representative Caron Earp told Central Bedfordshire Council’s schools forum something needed saying about the severity of the situation

A report highlighted how the costs are being driven by increasing numbers of children and young people requiring an education,

health and care plan (EHCP)

“There’s currently a forecast overspend of almost £6 6m against the budget of nearly £42m,” said the report

CBC’s assistant director SEND Helen Phelan explained: “We’re seeing a further increase of the January forecast compared with the previous estimate

“A substantial amount is our pre-16 out of county placements and other local authority top up payments

“This is our position in Central Bedfordshire while we develop further specialist provision We’ve

quite a reliance on out of county placements, as we wait for more things to come on stream

“The forecast for 2023/24 indicates ongoing pressures on the high needs block, with the current rates of demand anticipated to increase before we start to steady

“The delivering better value programme provides us with an effective tool and a robust implementation plan which we all signed up to, so we’ve got a clear focus on the areas of work necessary ”

Sandy Secondary School principal Karen Hayward, who chairs the forum, asked: “How assured can we be that these children are getting the right packages?

“Some of our secondary school colleagues say they can’t meet

their needs, parents are asking for specialist provision and yet the pupils are still coming back to mainstream schools

“I’m concerned when they ask the SEND team why these plans are progressing they’re told it’s to meet the legal time frames, when it really should be about the best interests of those children ”

Ms Phelan replied: “That’s a wider piece of work having more connection with our secondary headteachers to consider what the offer is and what can be expected from a mainstream secondary school

“Also it’s what support we can put into those schools, such as outreach help from special schools, and what training is available ”

Pigeon numbers on the increase

THE number of pigeons in Biggleswade town centre is on the increase to around 50, as they continue to cause a nuisance, a meeting heard

A flock of “feral pigeons” has prompted local businesses to take action to protect buildings and for public safety reasons

The town council considered a cull of the birds a year ago by having them captured and humanely shot

Updated full plans from Barclays Bank UK PLC for bird deterrent spikes and a steel mesh access gate at its 45 High Street branch were reviewed at a town

council meeting

“The branch has been subject to an infestation of feral pigeons, roosting on window ledges and guttering within an alleyway,” according to a letter from Stride Treglown Limited town planning on behalf of the applicant

“There’s a build–up of fouling on the building fabric, window ledges and hard landscaping as a result,” explained the letter ”

The town council agreed not to object to the scheme, on which Central Bedfordshire Council will make a final decision in due course

Great start to the year for Flitwick Scout Group

AS the new year started, as did a huge range of activities for young people at Flitwick Scout group

One young person at the group, Kaleb Baldwin, achieved all of the Cub activity badges shortly before moving up to Scouts; something quite rare with the range available to work towards Kaleb said “I was excited when I got the last badges My favourite one was the chef badge”

A little over one year after opening the youngest section at the group, Squirrel Scouts (boys and girls aged 4 and 5) started the year playing games and learning about Lunar New Year For National Storytelling Week, they dressed up as a character from their favourite story and then made up their own story together

Visiting the fire station was in store for Beaver Scouts (boys and girls aged 6 and 7) where they learnt about how to stay safe

Some are looking forward to a sleepover later this term, the first overnight stay for many Cub Scouts (boys and girls aged 8 to 10 ½) have been performing a range of science experiments, and have started learning about money for a recently released “Money Skills” badge They also have plans to visit a local fire station later this term

To be prepared for events planned later this term, Scouts (boys and girls aged 10 ½ to 14) have been brushing up on their navigation and emergency aid knowledge, both important skills

for life They have also been bowling and had a Lego Masters building competition

Jonathan Smith, lead trustee for the group, said “all the young people at Flitwick Scout Group have fantastic activities put on every week, all thanks to the hard work and dedication of our volunteer leaders” In addition to regular meetings, the group were fundraising in the community recently serving drinks and cakes during the weekly market at Flitwick village hall

To find out more about Flitwick Scout Group, visit their website at: www flitwick scoutgroup org uk/

Plans for telecoms mast past by council

PLANS for a 70 feet telecommunications mast on a popular play area in Biggleswade secured the backing of town councillors, as the location is the furthest away from nearby properties.

Applicant Cornerstone Telecommunications Infrastructure Limited has submitted proposals for the structure on open land next to Furzenhall Road

“This triangle of land used to be looked after by the town council many years ago before it was handed back to Central Bedfordshire Council,” according to Conservative Biggleswade North and town Cllr Ian Bond

“It was subject to a request by Hallam Management Limited to buy it from CBC,” he told a town council meeting “You’ll realise it’s difficult to fight these, but you need to influence the way it goes

“The applicant has chosen the best location furthest away from the houses A mast we all know is needed, as 5G has limited range

“A comment from CBC highway officers suggests we should consider what effect this will have on the (nearby) Hallam Land Management application

“I don’t want us to be encouraged to allow the applicant to move this mast closer to people’s houses to satisfy highways This is only

b

y Euan Duncan – L ocal Democracy Reporter

because of servicing the mast

“How many times a year do you think someone will turn up to service the mast once it’s built?” he asked

“You can probably count that on one hand

“Putting the mast at this location is more likely to preserve the rest of the land because it becomes less attractive to developers Once it’s built, you might want to consider how we can improve the amenity space in that area ”

The scheme also includes six antennas, two satellite dishes and four equipment cabinets

Town Cllr Kevin Brown said:

“I’m totally against the mast being placed there This isn’t the most affluent area of Biggleswade

“I see children playing on that land in the summer, with little remote controlled cars and kites being flown It’s the only green space there All our policies are focused on trying to preserve those green areas in the town

“Local residents aren’t happy about it We should think seriously

Work begins on Sandy school transformation

WORK has begun to provide additional places at Sandy Secondary School and more facilities for pupils, as part of the New School Places Programme

about opposing this Can they buy land to the north because this mast is needed?”

Town councillor Mark Knight suggested: “That site has a troubled past with unauthorised travellers Quite regularly there are encampments and then the land isn’t usable by anyone for a while

“I wonder if the mast may deter travellers form using that land I would prefer it to be invisible, but we haven’t developed that technology yet It’s the best location and a way of protecting that site ”

Town Cllr Duncan Strachan added: “There’s a substantial area of land there and hopefully the mast will only take up a small part The amenity area could otherwise be lost to housing or roads in the future ”

Councillors voted to support the application as it provides the signal improvements required locally and is reasonably far away from properties

CBC’s development management committee will have the final say on the project in due course

Amended plans for rail bridge agreed

A FOOTBRIDGE over the East Coast Main Line is to be scaled down under a revised scheme to replace a notorious level crossing in Biggleswade

Applicant Network Rail Infrastructure Limited’s plans to replace Lindsells crossing with the new bridleway were approved in July 2021

But the company submitted a minor amendment to its £4 5m project with a 13 6m reduction in the length of the bridge to 100 8m, according to a report to Central Bedfordshire Council’s development management committee

“It would provide a safe means of passage over the railway track accessible to all users and will become a public right of way,” said the report

“The footbridge will be screened by an appropriate amount of landscaping and planting, secured by condition ”

Biggleswade deputy mayor councillor Madeline Russell explained: “The town council doesn’t object to the shorter ramps or changes to rights of way, but it does strongly oppose the landscaping proposal

“The bridle bridge is intrusive and not in keeping with the surrounding rural scenery, Biggleswade Common, the River Ivel and the bridleway across to The Sand Hills and the RSPB reserve

“The landscaping plan approved in 2021 shows a tree belt more than 30 feet wide with 110 trees encircling the bridge

“In August 2022, Network Rail asked for condition three to be discharged based on a subsequent plan featuring only a third of the original trees and with the irrigation removed

“A further change in October

contained only three more trees leaving the structure in full view

The town council has repeated its consistent objection to a watered down plan, which is even more to the detriment of Biggleswade

“Lindsells crossng is one of the most dangerous in the country and its closure is paramount ”

Senior planning officer Tom Mead told the committee: “The application seeks to vary condition eight of the original planning permission to produce a smaller scale project

“The landscaping aims to soften and reduce the visual impact of the structure,” he explained “It’s never going to fully screen the bridge, so it won’t be invisible

MORE PLANTING

“This features more planting and landscaping There’s a net increase in smaller species and in trees planted We approved 48 and now there are 51

“There’s the fallback of that previous approval for the larger bridge, which can still be implemented ”

Jody Smith, from Network Rail, described it as “a third-party funded project, driven by extensive housing development” in the town

“CBC is providing the majority of the finance with money from the housing infrastructure fund (HIF),” she said

“The level crossing risk would increase because of proposed housing expansion near the railway, which Network Rail must act to mitigate

“We feel passionately about the scheme not only from the rail safety perspective, but also to deliver a project which enables future plans for Biggleswade ”

Network Rail project manager

With a current capacity of 1,175 pupils, the construction of a new teaching block and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) block will ensure the school can accommodate up to 1,440 pupils when the work is completed in the winter of 2024

A new floodlit 3G all-weather sports pitch will also be built while the existing school building will be refurbished

A ground-breaking ceremony was held at Sandy Secondary’s Engayne Avenue site on February 28, to officially mark the start of the construction stage with invited guests joining staff, pupils and representatives from the Council, Ashe Construction, and Concertus Design & Property Consultants

Central Bedfordshire Council’s Executive Member for Families, Education and Children,

Councillor Sue Clark, said: “We are delighted that work has begun on this exciting transformation project for Sandy Secondary School, which is aimed at helping improve the education of young people in the area by offering more facilities for the pupils, whilst increasing specialist learning spaces to meet the changing demands of the curriculum ”

Sandy Secondary School Executive Principal, Karen Hayward, said: “Increasing student numbers and our transformation to a full secondary school in 2019 has meant that we have outgrown our current buildings

“The school site has had little investment over the past decades and the accommodation and infrastructure has presented significant challenges to our aim to deliver first-class education.

“We are very much looking forward to being equipped with high-quality state-of-the-art facilities to match the aspirations and ambition that we hold for each and every person within our community.”

Phil Daniel said: “The benefits of the short ramp design include the reduced visual impact, shortening the route across the structure and allowing landscaping north of it

“We’re working towards that March 2024 opening date?”

Councillors unanimously agreed to vary the planning condition

Cattle stampede on common

TWO dog walkers were “badly mauled” by a cattle stampede on Biggleswade Common, according to a letter to the town council

They were walking on a footpath towards the RSPB site at Sandy, said the lette

“The dogs were leashed The herd was initially more than 150m away, but started moving towards them led by two horned cows

“They could see the cattle were heading straight for them and decided to take refuge in a nearby clump of trees The herd followed at pace

“The walkers had nowhere to go, and were badly mauled and trampled on by the cows They were badly bruised and one had to go to hospital for stitches

“One of the walkers has lived in the area all his life and used the route hundreds of times before without any problems ”

The incident happened on

February 20 and was discussed by town councillors at their meeting eight days later, after being raised during members’ questions by David Albone

The letter also referred to a further incident in the same week when another dog walker was about to enter a right of way on the common, “but was approached by cows and thought better of it”

Action was taken to “temporarily close these routes because of the serious nature of the first incident”, explained the correspondence included in a town council agenda of March 14, 2023

As this area is common land, Central Bedfordshire Council is unable to prevent people from walking there

“I’ve liaised with the Fen Reeves, which manages the land, and it’s contacted the farmer and confirmed these cattle have been on the common for many years,” added the letter

BULLS

“No new cows have been introduced, no bulls are in the herd and there are no cows with calves Why the herd behaved in that way we don’t have an answer to

“Fen Reeves is considering extra site notices, although it’s limited in what it can say because of liability issues should future incidents occur and also what its insurers will allow

“I’d like to see as a minimum signage urging dogs to be kept on a lead, as well as offering advice to owners they should let go of their dog’s lead if approached by cattle, which is accepted guidance in such instances

“Fen Reeves will consider ‘any other measures we can take within the constraints of needing cattle on the common and the fact it’s common land ”

“Common land status does limit options, as we can’t install fencing along the right of way because people have a legal right to stray off the paths

“It’s my intention to leave the closure notices in place until Fen Reeves confirm what actions it plans to take and when I think many people appear to be ignoring the signs, but that’s their risk ”

New water valves

Continued from page 1

for everything to be restored to our satisfaction Normally there would be photographs taken before the project starts and after it’s completed ”

Town councillor Mark Knight suggested officers take photos of the area before any work begins

“If the land is depreciated by the works, you’re entitled to compensation,” he explained “If you can’t agree that amount, you have to go to a land tribunal

“Given that we’ll have a loss of utility with an area of land concreted over effectively, it should be substantially higher than £200 We’ve the right to get it independently valued and Anglian Water will pay for that ” Councillors approved the project, but want more landscaping and details of how long Dells Lane will be subject to temporary traffic lights

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Leisur e contractor branded ‘dr eadful’ by Tor y leader

by John Guinn – L ocal Democracy Reporter

FUSION Lifestyle is a “dreadful organisation” who has managed Bedford Borough Council’s leisure provision “extremely poorly”, a councillor has said.

Cllr Graeme Coombes was reacting to a report on the council’s review to recommission its leisure services in 2024, which was presented to the Environment and Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Thursday, March 2

“We as a committee have spent a long time holding Fusion’s feet to the fire,” the Conservative ward councillor for Wilshamstead said

“They are a dreadful organisation, they have managed our leisure provision extremely poorly

“There was a national exposé in the Daily Telegraph about 12 months ago saying how poor they were

“What I would like to see as a member of the Scrutiny Committee is to have the performance data to show how Fusion has performed over time, so that we can scrutinise that

“If I could give one word of advice, that we don’t use Fusion next time around

“I really feel we are being let down by not having Fusion here in person to answer for their performance

“Because many of the things that we have criticised over the years haven’t gone away

“You still hear the same criticisms from users, about unclean facilities not managed properly, and it really is only right that we scrutinise Fusion on that

LET OFF THE HOOK!

“Why are Fusion not here in person? Why have they been let off the hook?” he asked

The report was presented by the portfolio holder for leisure and culture, Cllr Doug McMurdo (Independent, Sharnbrook) said the report was an update on the procedures needed to put the new contract out to tender

Paul Pace, head of environment at the council added: “If we were asked to bring a performance [report] to the committee we would have done that

“The reason Fusion hasn’t come to this one is obviously we wanted to give you an insight into what we’re doing, and procurement wise that does impact on Fusion

“So we obviously didn’t want to

have been in a situation where we’re talking about procurement where we could be challenged by another provider, [who could say] why were Fusion allowed to be involved with that process?” he said

Responding to councillors Coombes suggestion of not using Fusion next time, Cllr McMurdo said: “In terms of who will win the bid and who will bid is not something I’m going to predict

“If Fusion wants to bid they will be perfectly entitled to bid, as will any other operator, organisation, etc,

“I would be failing this council, and it would be open to legal challenge, if we obviously wrote people in

“But if we wrote people out at this relatively early stage that would not be good

“And I’m not advising that, and I would caution any member of this authority at this point in time to be writing people out

“We can take comments about performance, and that I think should be a very separate discussion,” he said

A spokesperson for Fusion Lifestyle said the company has no comment to make at this time

Star t the day the Livingstone way! So many choices after A Levels

EXCITING employers and universities joined a line-up at The Bedford Sixth Form in Bromham Road for a careers event which include lectures and informal chats at stands

Bedfordshire Police, ASHE Construction, Pell Frischerman, the House of Commons, Bedford & District Cerebral Palsy Society, the Foreign Commonwealth Development Organisation, Social Work Academy, Swissport, A Star Future, Ladies be Architects (Systems Architects), National Citizen Service, Bedford Volunteer Centre, Healthwatch Bedford, Simply Education and Woburn Estates were among the speakers and exhibitors together with:

Keele University

University of Northampton University of Lincoln

Anglia Ruskin University

Michael Worthington, student Services Coordinator: “At The Bedford Sixth Form we aim to help each student make an informed choice about their future career plans, as well as to help them to progress into university, apprenticeships or employment Events like The Bedford Sixth Form Careers and Wellbeing Fair are a key part of this

“On 16th and 17th of March Sixth Formers had the opportunity to listen to talks from leading employers and top universities, attend a careers fair and complete interactive activities (as part of The Bedford College Group Virtual Careers Fair)

“Students also had the chance to find out more about the student services available at TBSF, includ-

ing the learning resources centre and our new mental health wellbeing service

“The employers attended ranged from engineering firms, such as Lockheed Martin and MBDA, through to key public service providers such as Bedfordshire Police, NHS England and even Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Services

We were also joined by universities ranging from Lincoln through to Keele, and important agencies from the voluntary sector (such as the Samaritans and Headway)

“We are thrilled that so many top quality organisations have agreed to help support this event This is sure to inspire our students to work hard in order to achieve their goals and enrich their learning experience ”

University’s new Chancellor announced

OVER more than two years and with the support of the National Schools Breakfast programme, the whole school breakfast initiative at Livingstone Primary has gone from strength to strength

As well as offering a variety of cereal, almost 800 bagels are prepared each week.

Headteacher Peter Thornes

said: “We now have a dedicated team, known as Team Bagel, which includes students from Years 5 and 6, who arrive early every morning to ensure bagels are prepared and ready to be distributed to every class for the start of each school day.

“With breakfast now part of Livingstone’s morning routine, the feedback from pupils and

members of staff is overwhelmingly positive, reporting that pupils are ready to learn and tend to remain focused for longer ”

As the National Schools Breakfast programme is extending provision well into 2024, it looks like Whole School Breakfast at Livingstone Primary is here to stay ”

THE University of Bedfordshire have announced that Sarfraz Manzoor – author, broadcaster and screenwriter – will be the University’s new Chancellor Manzoor who was born in Pakistan and grew up in Luton, has seen critical acclaim for his writing which has often reflected on identity, belonging and the challenges and opportunities of multiculturalism

He gained international recog-

nition when his memoir ‘Greetings from Bury Park’ (2007), which described his childhood growing up in Luton in a British Pakistani family, was adapted into the 2019 feature film ‘Blinded by the Light’

Professor Rebecca Bunting, Vice Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire, said: “We are proud to have Sarfraz join the University as Chancellor His

ethos, and the passion shown throughout his career and life experiences, embody all that we strive to instil in our students and staff during their time at Bedfordshire

“We believe his values and desire to positively showcase diversity in Britain as well as his affection for the local area makes him stand out as a truly inspirational person to hold the position of Chancellor ” Manzoor started his career as a broadcaster and journalist, before scripting and presenting documentaries for BBC television and radio

In his most recent book ‘They’, Manzoor aims to understand and bridge the antipathy and mistrust between Muslims and nonMuslims, telling us ‘we must leave

our silos of certainty and get to know people who are different’

Ahead of his inauguration, Manzoor commented: “I am thrilled to be joining the University of Bedfordshire as Chancellor I grew up in this town, went to school and college here, spent many teenage days in the central library and the Arndale Centre trying to imagine a life and world larger than the world into which I had been born

Monday-Friday 8am-5pm Saturday 8am-1pm Call

Brothers jailed af ter £10,000 drugs and £20,000 cash seized

TWO drug dealing brothers have been jailed for almost nine years after drugs and cash worth £30,000 were seized in Bedford

Shabaz Miah, 29, alongside Shazad Miah, 28, were arrested by Bedfordshire Police during a warrant at Shabaz’s home address in January

Police had received reports both brothers were involved in a organised crime group dealing both cocaine and heroin

Further information suggested they used children as drug runners to sell their products and would threaten these same children with violence if they failed to do so

During the search officers found bundles of cash throughout the property amounting to £20,0000, which was seized

Large amounts of cocaine, heroin, and cannabis later valued at up to £10,000 were also found in a shed, as well as other items associated with drug dealing

Several burner style phones were also located in bedrooms which belonged to the dealers

Text message exchanges from one of the phones retrieved shows Shazad text a buyer the following:

“3pm g im live”

A drugs expert interpreted the message and explained the term live is used when the user of the phone is ready to supply drugs, further implicating Shazad

Miah and Miah, both of Oldfield Road, Bedford, pleaded guilty to six drug dealing offences covering the supply of cocaine, heroin and cannabis, as well as possession of criminal property

The pair were handed four-year jail terms for drug offences at Luton Crown Court on Friday, March 17, 2923

Shazad was given an additional nine-month sentence in connection to an unrelated affray in

Peterborough

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It’s lovely, and it looks onto the garden, which is great I was surprised by how much storage there is I’ve got room to spare I’ve got the best of both worlds because I’ve also got all the communal areas to enjoy ”

Fellow Adlington homeowners Michael and Pat had been living in their four bedroomed detached house for 41 years before moving Michael said: “The thing we liked most about our apartment was the space and the fact that it opens out onto

the garden. We can walk straight out and sit in the sunshine or walk around the paths in the communal gardens and go to see the vegetable gardens ”

Fewer chores and more fun

Maintaining a home can start to feel like a full-time job and for many of our homeowners the appeal of leaving all of that behind, was one of the reasons they decided to move

Alexandra Johnson, Sales and Marketing Director said: “One of the main benefits of a retirement living community 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 the lawn ”

Adlington homeowner Margaret adds: “We’d lived in our house for 47 years and had spent a lot of money on it We’d had three or four kitchens and bathrooms and I’d reached the point where I thought ‘I’m not prepared to spend any more money on this house’ because we wouldn’t get it back It was 62 years old, so it was going to need

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“It’s amazing how much more time and energy you have when you don’t have to worry about the never-ending ‘to-do list’ around the house.”

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Mayfair House 11 Lurke Street, Bedford MK40 3HZ Tel: 01234 964911

Free Will & Testament

The Will Writing Company is celebrating its 26th Year in business and is offering a free Will & Testament (joint or single) to all readers. If you have been meaning to make a Will, now is your chance to take advantage of this exclusive offer and give you and your loved ones peace of mind. By making a Will, you decide who takes care of your children and who inherits your estate. Storage facility optional.

To take advantage of this offer and book an appointment or for further information please call our offices on the above number between the hours of 9:00am-5:30pm Monday to Friday.

OFFER ENDS 30th April

THE final member of a Bedford drugs gang involved in the “torture and humiliation” of vulnerable adults has been jailed

Four men behind the ‘Ginge’ county drugs line are now facing almost 26 years in prison for what a judge said was the exploitation of vulnerable people by the gang, including “extreme violence with weapons”

Detectives have now called on communities across Bedfordshire to be wary of the practice known as cuckooing in order to keep vulnerable people safe from this kind of exploitation by organised crime

Events in March 2020 saw two gang members mete out “significant violence and derogation” to three residents at a flat their gang was cuckooing in Bedford when around £300 of cocaine was alleged to have gone missing

Gang members Shamadul Islam and Mohammed Ali at various stages forced an antique shotgun into one of the victim’s mouths, hit another around the head with a machete, as well as forcing some to strip naked in order to find where the drugs had gone

One of the victims was then marched to a cash point and forced to pay the gang over £200

“This was a small flat, there was a gang of six, the gang acted aggressively and violently to the occupiers in their home – you instilled such terror and fear they were prepared to do what they didn’t want to do,” said Judge Steven Evans

“The victims were vulnerable and terrified This is a very serious example of false imprisonment and were you older and but for the principle of totality, double figures would be appropriate for this terrifying ordeal ”

The day after this, the same drugs gang was captured on CCTV armed with weapons attempting to break into another flat in Bedford in order to retrieve their drugs

Islam was the head of the drugs line, supported by Ali, Amirul Hussain and Naimour Ahmed

Two other younger drug runners were also involved in the gang and their activities.

The court heard the group were a “frightening sight” which would sit in the cuckooed flat and brandish weapons

“The residents were frightened – and with good reason,” said Judge Stevens

One of the occupants of the flat was able to escape and sought refuge at a homeless shelter, whose staff notified police about what had happened

Bedfordshire Police executed a warrant at the cuckooed location that day and initially arrested five members of the gang, recovering weapons including a BB gun, machete, axe and a mallet

They were able to link these weapons to the gang using CCTV of the second incident where the group attempted to break into another flat

The same CCTV was also used to match the clothing of the different suspects to identify them

Islam, 23, of Ampthill Road, Bedford, the suspected head of the county line, had almost £6,000 in cash seized from his bedroom

On Wednesday, March 15, 2023, he was sentenced to eight years eight months in prison, having been found guilty of two counts of false imprisonment, blackmail, possession of an imitation firearm, two counts of assault and criminal damage

GUILTY

He had pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply both cocaine and heroin

Last month Ali, 22, of Cavendish Street, Bedford, was sentenced to a total of nine years in prison, with a further three years on licence, after being found guilty of two counts of false imprisonment, conspiring to supply cocaine and heroin, two counts of assault, criminal damage and having a bladed article

During a hearing in May last year, four others were handed sentences for their involvement:

Hussain, 24, of Elstow Road, Bedford, was sentenced to four

years for conspiring to supply cocaine and heroin, being concerned in the supply of cannabis, criminal damage and possession of an offensive weapon

Ahmed, 23, of Faraday Square, Bedford, was sentenced to four years for conspiring to supply cocaine and heroin

The youngest two men involved pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply cocaine and heroin as well as criminal damage They were each handed a two-year youth community order Detective Constable Lindsey Cook, from Bedfordshire Police’s Boson guns and gangs team, led the investigation and was commended by the judge for her work

She said: “The ordeal that this gang put these people through was justifiably described in court as torture and humiliation

“This is the brutal reality of the illegal drugs trade We have a relentless focus on tackling the organised criminal gangs behind drug dealing because they pose huge risks in terms of carrying out extreme violence or inhumane exploitation, both of which we have seen on full display in this truly shocking case

“We all have a responsibility to stop this People can be vulnerable for many reasons, including alcohol or drug addiction, poor mental health or not having English as their first language Many times, they may not see themselves as victims

“But we must all look out for our neighbours and vulnerable people in our communities to protect them from this kind of exploitation ”

Member of Parliament for North East Bedfordshire

ADVICE SURGERIES

Richard holds regular surgeries across North East Bedfordshire. If you would like to book an appointment, please call 01767 313385

View from the pulpit L

Rt Revd Richard Atkinson – Bishop of Bedford

Rejoicing in what we have!

Over a three-year period I have committed to visiting each of our Parochial Church Councils (PCCs); the committees that have local trustee responsibilities for our parishes, their churches and local mission

There are about one hundred and forty PCCs in our county I have so far met twentyseven of them!

Each conversation with a PCC starts with prayer and then time to reflect on St Mathew’s account of the feeding of the five thousand (Matthew 14:13-21) It is a rich time with many themes emerging that connect with the life of the church

There is Jesus’ compassion for the hungry; the transformation of the loaves and fishes through the blessing of God; the baskets left over that speak of the abundance of God’s

love and grace

There is one theme that particularly excites me. When asked to feed the people the disciples reply that they only have five loaves and two fishes What is that amongst so many? They only see what they haven’t got – an individual picnic box for each person or maybe Judea’s best outside catering Jesus in contrast encourages them to rejoice in what they have, rather than bemoan what they don’t have

All too often – and churches and community groups are no exception – we spend excessive time focusing on what we haven’t got It can be that nostalgia that looks back (often through rose-tinted glasses) to some past time – if only it was like then But it isn’t and it probably won’t be again Focusing on the past all too often becomes an excuse for avoiding

the present; rejoicing in what we have now

Alternatively, the emphasis turns to the what ifs. What if we had a million pounds in the bank or we had a team of youth workers –for most settings idle dreams that won’t come about A different way of bemoaning what we don’t have, rather then rejoicing in what we do Whether we are involved in the world of work, or the life of the community, or in a faith group or church, the priority is to rejoice in what we have – rejoice in the people we work and partner with; rejoice in the gifts and resources that we do have; rejoice in what can be Jesus takes and blesses those loaves and fishes What is, becomes food for all Rejoice in what we have for then we realise its possibility and potential

It suddenly occurs to me that I often start these columns with reference to the weather and although it is absolutely the case, that we get what we are given, the fact that I refer to it so regularly does reveal its total lack of predictability Following the driest February since 1993 which was also rather mild, to get snow in March followed by consecutive days of rain is to the gardener at least, a tad challenging But so be it!

For many domestic gardeners, the horticultural calendar begins at Easter time; warmer weather (perhaps?), increased light levels and with the Easter holiday resulting in more free time to really get cracking

The first job many of you will undertake is to weed Whether it be by hand or by hoe, I strongly recommend the use of the latter if you have never tried it Simply slice through the culprit, then collect the herbage and dispose of Many horticulturists believe that home compost heaps are simply not big enough to generate the requisite heat to kill off weed seeds so incinerate the debris or take to the tip

Edge the lawn, either with an edging iron or as they are also known, a half moon and a plank laid flat to give you a straight edge, or long handled shears, and mow the lawn (not as short as its final cut last year) if conditions permit and your garden will fairly rapidly look transformed

Young Far

mers raise thousands for charity in memor y of dedicated club member

BEDFORD Young Farmers raise thousands for charity in memory of dedicated club member

A group of young farmers from Bedford have handed over nearly £17,000 to their local Sue Ryder hospice following a year-long charity drive

The Bedford and District Young Farmers Club were raising money for Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in Moggerhanger in memory of Jane Helliwell, who was strongly involved with Bedford Young Farmers Club and

was also the Bedfordshire Young Farmers’ County Organiser for thirteen years

The team of young farmers hosted several fundraising events including their annual tractor run, which saw 109 tractors of all shapes and sizes convoy through local villages, a Christmas carol singing event, a harvest supper and a huge auction of promises

Club member Charlie Howe, 27, also took on the challenge, completing the 80-mile Greensand Ridge Walk across Bedfordshire

and parts of the surrounding counties to help raise vital funds for families needing the hospice’s care

In total, the young farmers aged between 10 and 28 raised an incredible £16,988 64 for their local Sue Ryder hospice where Jane was cared for in her final days

Rosie Billington, one of the Bedford and District Young Farmers who recently met with the team at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice to hand over the money,

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said: “When I first spoke to the fundraising team at Sue Ryder about raising money for the charity, I said that we would be happy to reach £5,000, but we smashed that target with our first event, our annual tractor run

“We couldn’t have achieved this without the support of the club and the local farming community

A special thanks goes to the Helliwell family too for all their generous support Jane Helliwell was a much-loved member of our community, and we are delighted to have raised so much money in tribute to her ”

Charlotte Griggs, Community Fundraiser at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice, said: “A huge thank you to everyone involved with helping to raise such an incredible amount of money for our hospice All money raised will help us continue to provide expert and compassionate palliative care and bereavement support when it matters ”

If you’re inspired to fundraise for Sue Ryder, visit sueryder org/fundraise for ideas and tips, or email the Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice fundraising team at stjohnsfundraising@sueryder org or on 01767 642424

Find out more about Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice at sueryder org/stjohns

To find more about Bedford Young Farmers, visit http://bedsyfc co uk/ or email bedfordyoungfarmersclub@gmail com

Last month’s just for fun question asked, which one of these is the common name of a plant: Stink Horn, Stinking Bishop, Stinking Iris And what, if anything, are the remaining two? It was a bit of a trick question but Stink Horn is a mushroom that takes its common name from the fact that it emits a pungent odour very similar to that of carrion, dead flesh, in order to attract flies so that they can spread its spores so that it may grow elsewhere Its botanical name is perhaps of even more interest: Phallus Impudicus which even if you do not read Latin is pretty self explanatory as to why! Still unsure?, look at a picture! Stinking Bishop as some of you gastronomes might know is the name of a cheese BUT it takes its name from a variety of pear which when made into a perry is used to ‘wash’ the cheese with to help create its distinctive flavour And Stinking Iris is the common name of the ubiquitous and in my experience, largely unloved plant with rather unsightly strappy leaves, many of which are often brown and dead looking and festooned with redy, orange berries Its botanical name is Iris foetdissima As to which one is a plant, well I will leave that up to you?!

If you have any interest in the natural world, I would encourage you to take an in depth squiz at fungus as it is a truly fascinating subject as is the folk lore around it The nomenclature in itself, as intimated above, is often amusing and very regularly, completely enchanting Toadstools, Earthstars or Devil’s Fingers are such three examples

This month’s just for fun question is: true or false, an area of stinging nettles in your garden shows you that the soil is very fertile as otherwise they would not grow there?

As always, should you have any questions or any other correspondence please email me via lawndocgardens@aol com or telephone 01767 627 581 And please contact me with any gardening queries or tasks you may have

Fifty years of Milton Ernest Garden Centre

Milton Ernest Garden Centre opened in the kitchen garden of Milton Ernest Hall at Easter 1973.

Milton Ernest Hall was the home of a Milton Ernest family called Starey It was built between 1854 to 1858 and designed by the famous gothic church architect William Butterfield for his sister who married Benjamin Starey It is the only country house he built

During the Second World War the US Army Air Force were billeted at the Hall along with Glenn Miller He played a concert from there before his last flight from Twin Woods Airfield opposite when his plane was lost

The house and grounds were then left derelict until 1972 when the estate was bought by a London based Advertising Company Maureen Catlin purchased a lease to open a Garden Centre in the old kitchen garden and started work in the winter of 1972 clearing the overgrowth and restoring the original Victorian Green Houses The Outdoor Plant display beds were constructed to emulate a “Herbal Knot Garden” radiating out from the central Pear Tree originally planted in 1902

Milton Ernest Hall Gardens opened at Easter 1973 with a happy little staff of five and traded from there until 1993

In 1992 when Milton Ernest Hall now a Nursing Home would not renew the lease Milton Ernest Garden Centre was charged with finding a new home

Clifton Ibbett OBE a successful Farmer, Developer, and a Benefactor to many local causes, offered another site in the village and Milton Ernest Garden Centre moved home

by Maureen Catlin

The Garden Centre which at the time was “State-of-the-Art” in design opened its doors in September 1993 It now included a pet and aquatic centre, a coffee shop, an art and craft shop and a variety of local small entrepreneurs with niche markets Our numbers rose to a total of 48 staff

MEGC quickly became integral with the village opening the first Post Office within a Garden Centre in the country at the request from a petition instigated by the Vicar “Our post office is still greatly supported by local people from the surrounding villages for its many other banking and postal services The easy parking, a friendly face and the promise of a coffee afterwards provides a weekly outing for many people living alone

“Milton Ernest Garden Centre was again ahead of the multinational stores”

“Along with the new Garden Store came New Technology

We were a first to introduce customer Loyalty Cards A popular scheme still in use today with customers taking great advantage of the “Save as you Spend” slogan Savings and special offers are regularly emailed directly to customers “to help save money”

A Village Grocery Shop, a Dog Grooming Parlour, a Car Valeting Service and Shed and Greenhouse Concession increased the range of product and services available all under one roof Our annual fun days like The Horticultural Show, The Dog Show, Vintage Car Day, Wildlife Day, Monthly Car Boot Sale and Book Launches are always very well supported and raise money for local charities

Over the years we have seen Santa arriving in his cart with the Shire Horses accompanied by elves and magicians and the staff in fancy dress Now our wonderful festive fayres contribute to make a fun Christmas Family Outing for all

“Chris and Stewart love getting stuck into our popular Kids Gardening and Craft Clubs Held during school holidays children can “learn by doing” and take away their masterpieces Stewart will also tempt you back into the garden with his “something for the weekend” posts on Facebook and Instagram All our events and special offers can be found on our website and social media channels ”

At Milton Ernest Garden Centre we are open every day of the year except Christmas Day Boxing Day and Easter Sunday We hope you can find time to pay us a visit and enjoy a pleasant, relaxed shopping experience with us

music

T he Ar tful Dodger at the Corn Exchange

the most commercially successful UK Garage act to have ever emerged from the scene to date

The Ar tful Dodger is comprised of producers David Low and MC Alistair, the name Ar tful Dodger is already established world-wide as the most commercially successful name to ever grace the UK garage scene

They have a total of 15 years experience between them both playing garage music throughout a wide array of European cities and have also been credited for many international tours

by Tony Hendrix

The biggest Club event to look for ward to over the Easter period is an event I covered a few months ago where I urged you to grab some early tickets to see The Ar tful Dodger

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

Ready, Steady, Go – the Searchers are

in town

con club

Join us for a mixed night of swing, soul & Reggae with the smooth LEE FOXALL

Saturday 8th April

Yep we did it you asked we provide its only karaoke night with the host with the most SHAUNY H

THE CONCLUB’S BIG CHARITY EVENT – THIS YEAR’S CHARITIES ARE:

Now you have the chance to enjoy their sweet Old Skool Garage at The Corn Exchange Here s a few of their biggest char t buster , 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 there are not many lef t this will be an awesome event, don’t, get lef t outside in the cold!

There s a new underground enter tainment venue located on Bedford High Street that has been trading now for pretty much three months The venue is called The Cellar Bar

The Victorian aged space has been transformed from a basement into a unique, underground venue, ready for live bands, comedy and events, whilst keeping traditional features The venue is open from Thursday to Sunday weekly the Cellar Bar offers specially selected craf t beers, including IPAs and guest ales, along with speciality cocktails created by skilled mixologists There’s a wide range of live enter tainment on offer ranging from quiz nights, open Mic nights and karaoke to top end live music enter tainment

Dress code is smar t if your not dressed right you will not be allowed entr y!

The Cellar Bar is located at 75A, High Street, Bedford, I will be covering this quaint venue again soon

WHEN John McNally formed the searchers in 1957, aged just 16, he could never have imagined the phenomenal success that his band would enjoy: 50 million record sales, thir teen UK char t hitsincluding three No 1’s - and a sound that inspired some of the greatest ar tists of all time including The Byrds, Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen

This is a chance to experience a truly legendar y band, possibly for the last time Original members John McNally (guitar, vocals) and Frank Allen (bass, vocals) are joined by Spencer James (guitar, vocals – Spencer has been par t of the line-up for 37 years) and the newly recruited, highly rated Richie Burns (drums)

Frank said: “It’s been four years since our last tour We all needed a break but now we are ready to come back and do what we do and love best Mind you I do sometimes shudder at what we’ve taken on – 43 dates in 3 months –that’s quite a schedule for a band of a cer tain age! But I’m really up for it as are the rest of the guys ”

John said “I set this band up in 1957 and so far things have worked to plan I thought we would probably do a 43-date UK tour 66 years later I’m joking of course! Who would have imagined that we are still able to do this – touring the best towns and cities in the UK and still playing to thousands of fantastic fans I can’t wait ”

The band has chosen to call

this the ‘Thank You Tour ’ as a mark of respect and appreciation for the legions of fans who have suppor ted them over the years Fans will be treated to a full set of The Searchers best-loved songs, including: ‘When You Walk In The Room’, ‘Goodbye My Love’, ‘Sugar & Spice What Have They Done To The Rain’ as well as their three UK No 1 hits ‘Sweets for my Sweet’ (1963) ‘Needles and Pins’ (1964) and ‘Don’t Throw Your Love Away’ (1964)

Also included will be material from the 70s and 80s, when the Searchers were signed to Sire Records, becoming label-mates with some of the hippest acts around including Talking Heads, The Cure, Madonna and The Ramones – who covered ‘Needles and Pins This was one of the band’s favorite creative periods and saw them recording at Rockfield Studios in Wales (famous for Queen’s recording of Bohemian Rhapsody) Keep an ear out for gems including ‘Hear ts in Her Eyes’, ‘Love’s Melody’, ‘Infatuation’ and ‘It’s Too Late’

The Searchers are the longest running band in pop histor y They have been in constant demand for 66 years Not even The Rolling Stones can match that: they’ve only been going for 61 years!

The Searchers Thank You Tour runs playing at Bedford Corn Exchange, Friday, April 28 Tickets: www the-searchers co uk

EASTER SUNDAY IS PARTY DAY we start with the kids’ Easter party with prizes for best decorated egg and bonnets + games, prizes and disco and of course conclubs got talent so get those eggs, bonnets and cheeky jokes or songs ready

Then into the evening we have our fantastic WATERLOO ABBA duo and yes let's dress up – you have to when it's Abba

Saturday 15th April it’s soul and Motown and Regae with the fantastic CEE CEE EFF

Saturday 22nd April

The beautiful BIANCA L'EGO

Saturday 29th April have we got a special night for you – join us for the amazing CLAYTON STEVENS who has sung with the Drifters a night not to be missed

ST JOHN'S MOGGERHANGER BEDFORD DIALYSIS UNIT REACH OUT FOR CHILDREN WITH UPPER LIMB DISABILITY PLEASE COME AND SUPPORT US THIS YEAR FOR AN AMAZING CHARITY DAY WITH SINGERS NICKI POVEY BIANCA I'EGO

CEE CEE EFF STEPTH + BRIAN JAMIE CALLIS

WE ALSO HAVE RAFFLES AND AUCTION THAT HAS A VILLA FOR 4 IN SPAIN AVALIABLE WE START AT 12PM WITH FANCY DRESS IT’S A KNOCKOUT SCHOOL DAYS AT ADDISON PARK THEN ON TO THE CONCLUB FROM 2PM FOR A GREAT DAY OF FUN AND MUSIC AND FOOD – ALL WELCOME AND PLEASE IF YOU CAN DONATE A RAFFLE PRIZE OR AUCTION PRIZE PLEASE CALL IN DIARY DATES

KING’S CORONATION

WEEKEND

Sunday 7th May

We have a QUIZ NIGHT at 5 30pm only £2 a player 6 per team – then into the evening with a fantastic night of ska with one of the best skankers around with the lead singer of Bubounce

LORD BAKER

Saturday 20th May

Our fantastic Freddie Mercury tribute night with JOEY LINDON

Sunday 28th May FUNK ODDESSY

Having recently relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, multi award nominated singer/songwriter and Bedford native Danni Nicholls returns for a hometown show at Esquires suppor ted by a full band Opening the show will be fellow Bedfordian, Luke Tuchscherer –acclaimed ar tist formerly of Alt Countr y band The Whybirds

Danni will be per forming numbers spanning the American Roots Music spectrum from countr y to soul, there are songs to make you move, weep and smile With comparisons to ar tists such as Linda Ronstadt Norah Jones, Brandi Carlile and Roseanne Cash, Danni’s vibrant, captivating per formances are all but guaranteed to melt your hear t into the soles of your boots

Her passionate deliver y, captivating voice, mesmerising guitar skills and charmingly engaging between-song banter compel you to fall under her spell

Smokey soul, folk-pop and heart-wrenching alt-country,

Sharnbrook Men’s Group:

Oakley Rural Day Centre

Holy

Biggleswade Sandy

Facebook page

Contact Karen 07943940021

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

Tudor Reeds Folk Dance Club:

Barn dance group meets every other Wednesday 8-10pm, St Mark’s Church Hall, Brickhill £3 inc refreshments Contact: Jenny 01234 217621t

Sandy Women’s Institute:

Meets on the third Tuesday of every month

(except

Kempston & District

Model Railway Society:

Contact: 01234 340163 | admin@stpaulschurchbed

Biddenham Gardeners

Association: Tuesday 18th April at 7 30 Biddenham Village Hall Diluted By Darren Derrigo Visitors very welcome

Admission £5 per meeting for non members –includes Raffle & Refreshments

Contact: www biddenhamgardenersassociation org uk

Bedford RSPB Local Group:

Meet at the ARA club Manton Lane Bedford MK41 7PF 7 30pm Thursday 20th April Steve Lovell Lincolnshire s birds and reserves As a Fully

Qualified self-employed Garden Designer and Landscaper, Steve has a passion for creating wildlife friendly gardens A Lincolnshire resident with a life long love of all natural history his knowledge of its birds and reserves is considered second to none Entrance fee, group members £1 Guest £2 annual group membership £5 under 18s enter free

Contact: www rspb org uk/groups/bedford or call 07905 199769

we are like then please contact The band rehearses Thursdays 8-10pm at Kempston East Methodist Church Contact: info@bedfordbrass.com

Tuesday Art Group Kempston:

Small self-help art group that meets every Tuesday in school term time from 10 00 to 12 00 at Kempston East Methodist Church Participants are free to do their own thing in any medium of their choice and the group participants can chip in with help, encouragement and advice New members welcome

Contact Matthew on 01234 295433.

Bedford Probus Club: Join our semi-retired or retired group from all walks of life to include business and professional men & ladies Meet on the first Monday of the Month at Bedfordshire Golf Club, Stagsden MK43 8SR Starting at 12 30 with a two course lunch followed by an interesting speaker Contact: Dawn Rice Tel 01234 750651 or email rdawn615@gmail com

Grand Jumble Sale: March 25, Biggleswade Sandy Lions Club – Clifton Community Centre Doors open 1:30 Entry

£1 Contact: Karen 07943940021

Yoga: Monday 10:30 am Higgins Museum & 2pm Priory Methodist Church, Bedford

Tuesday in Hitchin: 11am at Sun Hotel,

Clapham School for Seniors:

Bedford Floral Art Society: 7 30pm Tuesday, April 4th at the Addison Centre, Kempston when Louisa Rigden will be giving a flower arrangement demonstration entitled “Spring Delights”

Visitors welcome £7

Contact: www bedfordfloralartsociety co uk

Sandy Historical Society:

A G M followed by The History of the RSPB by Peter Bradley 7 30pm Friday 28th April Stonecroft Hall St Swithins Way Sandy SG1 1BB Membership £12 - Visitors £3 Includes refreshments Members & Students free Contact: 01767 680171

Bedfordshire Family History Society: Friday 21st April, our talk will be’ In the Name of God’ Amen: Wills for Family Historians By David Annal

To be held in the Drama Hall at Mark Rutherford School, Wentworth Drive, Bedford MK41 8PX The doors open at 7 00 pm and the talk begins at 7 30 p m Members free, visitors £1 Contact: secretary@bfhs.org.uk

Bedford Folk & Acoustic Club: Acoustic and folk music round-theroom, 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

Kempston Probus Club:

Are you retired or semi-retired and at a loose

Hardy Plant Society:

Meeting and talk Around the world in 80 plants by the head gardener of Bressingham Hall, at 2pm Saturday, April 1, Weatherley Centre, Biggleswade SG18 8JH £3 entrance, includes tea and biscuits For more information

Contact: 07756 478760

Biggleswade Sandy Lions

Club: 5th April Meets every 1st and 3rd

Wednesday of the month at 8pm at Biggleswade Sea Cadets Hall, Station Road

Visitors welcome Contact: Karen

07943940021 for more details

Biggleswade Sandy Lions

Club: 19th April Meets every 1st and 3rd

Wednesday of the month at 8pm at Biggleswade Sea Cadets Hall Station Road

Visitors welcome Guest speaker: EVAN with Tales of the Auction Room Contact: Karen 07943940021 for more details

North Beds Ramblers:

We walk every Saturday afternoon approx 68 miles plus extra walks 2nd and 4th Saturday of month walks approx 12 miles Please be sure you are fit to walk and wearing the appropriate footwear and clothing

April Walks

1st 1 30pm Great Denham, Park and Ride

8th 10am Woburn Church

8th 1 30pm Cranfield Church

15th 1 30pm Emmaus Centre, Carlton

22nd 8 10am train London

22nd 1 30pm Sharnbrook

29th 1 30pm Radwell

Contact: Margaret Sawyer 07780 933 729 for more details www ramblers org uk/north-bedfordshire

St Paul’s church music:

St Paul’s church, Bedford MK40 1SQ

Spring Recitals on Tuesday lunch times in term time and a monthly organ recital on second Saturdays Musicians, professional and amateur, come from a wide area and many countries; they include outstanding students from London colleges

Tuesdays lunch time recitals: 1 00 pm FREE with retiring collection in aid of church funds Suggest min £5

Monthly Saturday organ recitals 12 noon also FREE with retiring collection in aid of church funds

APRIL

Tuesday 18th 1pm Qianyi Ma (piano)

Tuesday 25th 1pm Yoko Sakakura (piano)

MAY

Tuesday 2rd 1pm Antonio Morabito (piano)

Tuesday 9th 1pm Hannah Hopmann (Cello)

Saturday 13th May 12 noon Thomas Oliver, Freiburg (organ)

Tuesday 16th 1pm Xiaoxuan Guo (Violin)

Tuesday 23rd 1pm Anna Cranford (Cello)

No Lunchtime Concert 30th May

For more information

Contact:01234 340163 www stpaulschurchbedford org uk

Massage: Experienced masseuse available I have been practicing as a masseuse for more than 30 years and now have clients in North Bedfordshire on Fridays The timing is such that I can take on a few more clients and so if you want someone to help you with a massage and treatment then I would be happy to take you on In the first instance, please

Contact: Robert on 01234 823402

Kempston Senior Citizens

Club: DANCING WHIST BINGO Meets

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

Car Boot Sales: Milton Ernest Garden Centre Sundays April 2, May 7, June 4, July 2, August 6, September 3, October 1 Pitches: Cars £5, Vans £10

Sellers: From 9am Buyers: 10am - 2pm To book your pitch Contact: Call 01234 823033

Bedford Art Society: Spring Art Exhibition April 25-29 Exhibition and Sale of Paintings/Artwork The Basement at Bunyan, Bunyan Meeting, Mill Street, Bedford MK40 3EU Open 11am to 4pm Free admission For further information

Contact: www bedsartsociety co uk

Man Cave: Unemployed home worker retired widowed or just need to talk to someone 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

Craft Fair: Riding for the Disabled Bromham 23 April 11am-3pm at Elisabeth Curtis Centre, Chestnut Avenue, Bromham, MK43 8HP Free entry, Refreshments For more information Contact: www elisabethcurtiscentre co uk

11th bir thday bash for Castle Comedy

Castle Comedy celebrates its 11th Bir thday in style! There will be star names, rising talent, bir thday cake

for all and a Jazz DJ in the bar

Thursday April 13, The Quarry Theatre, Bedford

PAUL ZERDIN is the UK’s number one comedy ventriloquist and winner of Series ten of America’s Got Talent!

Zerdin and his sidekicks have since gone viral of YouTube, receiving millions of views from around the world

He has appeared on countless TV shows including ‘Comedy Rocks with Jason Manford’ (ITV1), ‘Michael McIntyre’s Big Christmas Show’ (BBC1) and three appearances at ‘The Royal Variety Per formance’!

Super funny, super talented and super professional there is nobody that wouldn’t enjoy your per formances” David Walliams

JOSH PUGH an English Comedian of the Year winner and star of ‘Live at the Apollo’(BBC2) ‘Comedy Central Live’ and Dave’s ‘Hypothetical’ Josh has amassed over three million views on his Twitter videos and regularly headlines the biggest clubs in the countr y

The show features full suppor t and Castle Comedy favourite Paul Revill will host the show

Doors 7, shows star t 8pm Show finishes 10 45pm Tickets www castlecomedy co uk

A warm welcome awaits you

BIGGLESWADE

TOWN

FC Teams’ injury list getting shorter

by Mike Draxler

Saturday February 25

BIGGLESWADE TOWN .........2

WALTHAM ABBEY .................0

With a slow trickle of players back to fitness, the Waders looked more like Waders Timmy Smith back in goal, Harry Draper, Lewis Thorpe and Charlie O’Keefe all returning for this first visit to the Yvette Brewer Stadium for Waltham Abbey

With the sun shining on a crisp afternoon Biggleswade set about the job with some speed Abbey were no slouches and had obviously come to play football The Waders it was who took the lead on five as Charlie Smith was upended in the box giving the man in black an easy decision

Jon Clements despatched the ball to the keeper’s right with the keeper guessing left Abbey had their moments and with a keener eye for goal could have levelled or surpassed the Waders lead Both teams tried, no further breakthrough and at the turn around 1-0 for the home side Abbey seemed to disappear in the second period as Biggleswade dominated the play and just a question of when rather than if Irrepressible Jake Bunyan who had been up and down the pitch all afternoon fired in a shot from the edge of the box on 75 to rap the game up It was a comfortable win in comparison to recent games, Biggleswade taking the valuable points Premier Plus Man of the Match Jake Bunyan

Saturday, February 28

BIGGLESWADE

HADLEY

TOWN .........3

....................................3

Making twelve in both matches between these two clubs This time each walked away with a point a piece, a tense match on a cold evening at the Yvette Brewer Stadium

Hadley a fast attacking team had the ball in the net inside 5 as Lawrence Ajong picked up a loose ball in the area to put the visitors infront Biggleswade still adjusting to missing personel were no way in command as Moise Ndandani scored a second on 20 from a corner

The Waders started to play and looked threatening after the early strikes from Hadley Man of the match Harry Draper scored his first on 34 with a powerful header following a corner The tails were up and the home crowd expectant of a second before half time were not disappointed as Draper dived full length to head the ball home at

By Guillem Balague Chairman Biggleswade United

HERE at Biggleswade United we have always believed that the main aim of our youth section is not to produce great footballers but rather to try to help youngsters become the best people they can be

the far post in time added on At the break 2-2

Biggleswade came out a different side and attacked persistantly hiiting the bar and post before Lanwre Ladipo scored on 50 with an accurate shot through a crowd of players Back and forwards as both sides desparate for another score Hadley it was who got the final goal on 65 as home keeper Timmy Smith punched the ball away only for the ball to strike Peter Rosemin full in the face and rebound into the net Despite a bloodied nose Rosemin was able to continue after treatment A thrilling final 20 but neither side could muster the winner Premier plus Man of the Match

Harry Draper

Saturday, March 18

BIGGLESWADE TOWN .........3

THAME UNITED .....................2

Many of the Waders past matches have been games of two halves, where Biggleswade have excelled for 45, but dropped off for the pace for the other, the trick being, which half?

So again, with the Waders racing into a two-goal lead inside seven minutes, Harry Draper the star with both strikes, taken brilliantly The spectators imagining a landslide, but Thame settled and on occasions looked dangerous The Waders seemed to ease off the gas, the purpose and desire lost by the early strikes At the break 2-0

The second period saw a different Wader attitude as Dan Brathwaite forced home a corner on 48 to put real daylight between the teams

Thame settled again and began to play some attractive football Dividends were paid as Jefferson Louis got his head to a ball to shorten the deficit on 54 Twenty in to the half and an “over enthusiastic tackle” by Harry Draper left him seeing red and not being part of the remainder of the game

Certainly, the boy’s in green became nervous the outlet of Draper closed with only lone striker Clements to keep the ball up field

Thame put the pressure on with chances being thwarted by home keeper Timmy Smith with two excellent saves Thame secured another goal on 90+6 as Daniel West stole in behind the defence Biggleswade had their own chances as Thame pushed forward but at the end a 3-2 win for the home side and another three points Premier plus Man of the Match

Dan Brathwaite

We always welcome young people of all ages, genders and ethnicity and have always said that we will only ever make promises that we can keep but more importantly keep all those promises that we make

Those youngsters, parents and coaches who believe that joining the youth section of a football club is a pathway to fame, glory and soccer riches should know that it isn’t and those clubs that claim that it is – very often raising hopes in exchange for large amounts of money – are peddling a falsehood, a cruel fantasy

And they do so by trying to build the idea that winning is everything, losing is nothing They are wrong

In the words of Wilma Rudolph, the triple Olympic gold winning American sprinter of the early 1960s,”Winning is great, sure, but if you are really going to do something in life, the secret is learning how to lose

Along the way to building better people at our club we need – no demand – commitment from all those involved in the process be they the coaches, parent and the players themselves

We expect our coaches to lead by example, be structured, prepared and consistent in training, show respect to the players, supporters, referees and opposition they come into regular contact with and to build a safe and positive learning environment

Similarly we expect in return similar respect to be shown by parents to all players, opponents, referees and also to the coaches themselves, because respect must always be a two way street

Parents and supporters must always allow coaches to coach and encourage, support, encourage and, if possible, help with things like preparing pitches, running the lines and ensuring players arrive at both matches and training on time

And they also need to realise and appreciate that they are as important and visible as representatives of the club as are the players, coaches and directors of the club

To all the youngsters that join us I would say arrive on time, be prepared and be respectful to all those around you and always represent the club proudly and positively in all situations

And above all, win or lose, enjoy yourself, play the game with a smile

If there are problems or grievances we have in place we have in place a Child Welfare Officer: Tracey James (tracey james58@btinternet com) and also for football related matters the door of our head of youth is Dan Watkins (danwatkins2509@mail com) is always open

COME AND JOIN US

Meanwhile on the pitch this month our men’s first team face no fewer than seven games in three weeks away to Dunstable Town on April 1 (ko 3pm) and Potton United on April 4 (ko 7 45pm), home to

Stofold (April 8 ko 3pm), away to Risborough Rangers (April 10 ko 3pm), home to Leighton Town (April 13 ko 7 45pm) and Arlesey Town (April 15 ko 3pm), away to Crawley Green (April 18 ko 7 45pm) and finally home to Aylesbury Vale April 22 ko 3pm)

Our women’s Red tteam face home matches against St Ives Town (April 16), AFC Dunstable (April 18), Haverill Rovers (April

23) and an away game at Haverhill Rovers (April 30) All games kick off at 2 00pm

Our men’s reserves face eight games in April, home to AFC Oakley First (April 1 ko 3pm) and Riseley Sports First (April 5 ko 7 45pm), away to Stotfold Development (April 8 ko 2 30pm), home to Sharnbrook First (April 10 ko 3pm), away to Queens Park Crescents First (April 15 ko 2 30pm) and

Marston Shelton Rovers First (April 22 ko 2 30pm), home to Crawley Green Reserves (April 26 ko 7 45pm) and Marston Shelton Rovers First (April 29 ko 3pm)

Our women’s Blue side meanwhile welcome Wormley Rovers Ladies (April 16) before travelling to Hartham United FC Women (April 23) and Harpenden Town Women (April 30) All games kick off at 2pm

Jaiden Irish receives the man of the match award from former MP Alistair Burt along with the current MP Richard Fuller Jaiden also received an award to commemorate 200 games with the club before kick off

FC

FC come up short in Cup Final against a strong Luton team

by Antony Molinari

Tuesday, February 28

BEDS SENIOR CUP

SEMI FINAL

Biggleswade FC booked their place in the Bedfordshire FA Senior Cup

Final for the first time in their short history with an emphatic 4-0 semifinal victory at Kempston Rovers

The scoreline doesn’t really tell the whole story of what was a wellcontested cup tie for long periods, but goals at key times from Alex Marsh, Jack Dreyer, Adam Hunt and Mekhi Angol firmly laid to rest the heartache of defeat at the same stage to Leighton Town this time last season

With the prize of a trip to Luton Town’s Kenilworth Road for the

county’s premier cup showpiece

once again at stake, managers Dave Northfield and Mark Inskip started with arguably their strongest XI for this encounter with fellow Southern League Division One Central opposition

Both teams traded opportunities in a frenetic opening, as they looked to gain an early advantage, this fell to FC as they were awarded a penalty after a clumsy challenge on Jack Dreyer in the box Alex Marsh took responsibility and slotted the ball down the middle to give his side an early foothold

Then on 29 minutes, the dangerous James Hatch – a scorer in the league meeting at The Eyrielost his marker from a corner to power a header goalwards, but the visitors twice managed to get a

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Sessions take place in Sandy, Saturday mornings at Sunderland Road Recreation Ground

body in the way before hooking off the goal line

FC doubled their lead in the 37th minute when they intercepted a throw out from the Rovers keeper, Lawrie Marsh, Charlie Hayford, Alex Marsh combined really well to send the Adam Hunt away down the right wing He brilliantly dug out a cross right on the byline and Jack Dreyer arrived towering above his marker to head home his seventh goal of the season

After the break, Kempston continued to force set-pieces and ask questions of the FC backline, but with the visitors now two goals up, they were able to soak up pressure

The next goal was always going to be key and thankfully for FC it came their way just after the hour mark Just as Kempston were beginning to build a head of steam, the visitors scored with a devastating break

George Bailey fed Alex Marsh on the half way line and he turned superbly before sending Adam Hunt charging down the flank Hunt is having a brilliant season in front of goal and once again he showed his prowess, breezing past a Rovers defender before lashing home from a tight angle

Credit to Kempston who continued to probe right to the end, but it was FC who added further gloss to their fine away performance with the last act of the match and again it was from a counter attack Substitutes Daniel Bond and Mekhi Angol combined with the latter scoring via a deflection

The scoreline was a little harsh on the hosts, who made FC work hard throughout, but the visitors were more clinical on the night and thoroughly-deserve their place in a first-ever Beds Senior Cup Final

League – Saturday, March 4 BIGGLESWADE FC ...............8 FC ROMANIA ..........................0

Biggleswade FC rounded off a great week with a stunning 8-0 win against relegation battlers FC Romania at the Eyrie, Alex Marsh helping himself to a 4 goal haul

After reaching the Bedfordshire Senior Cup Final last Tuesday, FC continued their impressive run with a fine performance which leaves them firmly in 2nd place and with only 8 games to go, a play off place is now well within their grasp

Despite the scoreline nothing in the opening half suggested what was to come as the home side struggled to get going, in fact, it wasn’t until the 42nd minute that Biggleswade made the breakthough, it came from a Charlie Hayford corner, he picked out Marsh who beat his marker and rattled in the first of his four off the under-side of the bar

Two minutes later, Marsh got his and FC’s second when he volleyed home an Adam Hunt cross off the post

The second half proved to be a torrid 45 for the visitors as the home side ran riot, in the 47th minute Club Captain Tom Coles tapped home the 3rd after another assist from Adam Hunt

Marsh grabbed his hat-trick on 57th minutes with a great turn and finish

Jack Dryer made it 5 on the 66th minute with a tidy finish, after a bit of a scramble in the box

It was 6 – 0 just a minute later as centre back Daniel Akubuine got his first for the club

Alex Marsh scored his 4th and FC’s 7th on the 71st minute after yet another Adam Hunt assist

And finally Daniel Bond round-

ed off a remarkable afternoon to make it eight, the assist coming from, well, yes, that man again Adam Hunt!

Wednesday, March 15

BIGGLESWADE FC ................2

HADLEY FC .............................3

Biggleswade’s play off push suffered a setback on Wednesday night, as they suffered their first home league defeat since the beginning of November

From the whistle the home side never really looked at their best as the visitors dominated the opening stages They duly got their rewards on the 25th minute as Peter Roseman fired in past Dan Green

The goal sparked some life into FC as they tried to get into the game

They were level on 38 minutes as Daniel Akubuine drove home a rebound from an Alex Marsh shot However, as it looked like Biggleswade were going into the break level, some poor defending gifted the visitors the lead once more when Caoilan Mcgettingan scrambled the ball home

The second half was much the same, but despite the home side being second best, Alex Marsh got his second of the night on the 58th minute to square the game once again, this time turning home a superb volley from a Charlie Hayford free kick

However, the home side were once again undone by poor defending, failing to clear the ball after a number of opportunities leaving Luke Alfano the grateful recipient to fire the Bricks back in front

It stayed like this to the end, Hadley deserved the win and for FC, they’ll hope its just a blip as the season reaches its final few games

BEDS SENIOR CUP FINAL

Tuesday, March 21

LUTON TOWN 6

BIGGLESWADE FC 2

Biggleswade FC lost their first ever Beds Senior Cup Final 6-2 to an extremely good Luton side

Luton Town first team are high flying in the Championship but if Biggleswade thought that this may mean the Hatters’ focus would be elsewhere they were mistaken as they fielded a very strong side, a couple with first team experience

The gulf in class was evident from kick off, as Biggleswade just couldn’t get out their own half Dan Green in goal for FC was forced to make three or four fine saves in the opening five minutes

There was absolutely nothing he could do with the first goal, when Conor Lawless hit a stunning 30 yarder into the top corner

The second was just as good as Jake Burger hit another long range curling shot beyond Green Biggleswade managed to get into the game after the goal and fashioned their first chance as Alex Marsh forced a fine save from the Hatters Keeper

Any hopes of some sort of FC comeback were dashed in the 56th minute when Luton gabbed their third for the evening A penalty on the 74th minute made it 4-0 Biggleswade did give their fans something to cheer when Alex Marsh pulled one back after a poor back pass gave him an empty net

Luton went straight down the other end a minute later to make it 5-1 and then just five minutes later in the 90th minute they made it six There was still time for FC to grab another when Club Captain Tom Coles free kick took a deflection to make the final score 6-2

much more