Beds Bulletin County edition January 2023

COUNTY EDITION

JANUARY 2023

Councillors vehemently oppose planning change

A CONDITION imposed on a business park’s retail outlets to protect town centre trade in Biggleswade should remain valid and not be altered, a meeting heard.

LXB RP (Biggleswade) Limited has submitted a planning application to Central Bedfordshire Council asking for a variation of a previous condition regarding an empty unit at the A1 retail park in London Road

The change would be for the benefit of chain store Poundland at unit E on the site, but the planning condition from 2014 only permits unit B to be part used as a pharmacy

Town councillors are “strongly opposed” to the move because it could impact on other pharmacies in the town

The protection in that condition also covers the sale of food, hairdressing, the direction of funerals, its use as a post office, as a travel

agency or an internet cafe, and receiving goods to be washed, cleaned or repaired

“The variation is to increase the range of permitted goods that can be sold from the premises to facilitate reoccupation of the floorspace by incoming tenant, Poundland,” said a report to a Biggleswade Town Council meeting

HAPPY NEW YEAR THE PIGEONS HAVE COME HOME

Town councillor Mark Knight said: “This is a vacant unit at the moment and the condition should

FLOCKS of roosting pigeons in Biggleswade town centre are prompting a local business to take action against them.

The local branch of a High Street bank has been pestered by an infestation of feral pigeons, only months after the town council considered a cull of the birds by having them captured and humanely shot

Bird deterrent spikes and netting at the side and back of its premises are the subject of a planning application by Barclays Bank UK PLC to Central Bedfordshire Council

Pigeons have been roosting on window ledges and

g g y y g a planning and heritage statement submitted on behalf of the applicant by agent Stride Treglown

“The branch has been subject to roosting from feral pigeons, which are dropping foul deposits around the curtilage of the building,” said the statement

“There’s a build–up of this fouling on the building fabric, window ledges and hard landscaping on the site This presents a health and safety hazard, as well as a risk to the functionality of the branch

“The waste is unsightly, it damages the footway paving and presents a slip hazard to customers, staff, tradespeople and the general public as pedestrians ”

The full planning application includes the netting, the spikes and a steel mesh gate by the alleyway at the bank’s 45 High Street branch

“Where bird waste builds up, the parasites and bacteria that thrive on it can migrate into the building and pose a risk to human health,” explained the statement

“Bird waste is acidic, so continued exposure of the premises and pavement to the waste can cause corrosion and staining

“The branch has consulted a specialist vermin contractor, which advised the installation of 50mm netting across the affected area with access granted via the steel mesh gate

“The contractor also proposed installing stretches of spikes above the netting and some plant equipment located in this area to help deter roosting birds from depositing waste ”

Biggleswade town councillors agreed not to object to the plans at a full council meeting

A planned cull of nuisance pigeons in the town centre earlier this year was halted in response to local opposition, with an online petition attracting more than 1,200 signatures

The town council proposed using bait containers to remove the birds sensitively, and for them to be humanely shot later

b y Euan Duncan – L

ocal Democracy Reporter

Opposition from MP and Councillors to housing scheme for 416 homes

FEARS that parts of Biggleswade will grind to a halt if a housing scheme is approved are prompting “strong opposition” from the town council and the local MP to the proposed development.

Town councillors have objected consistently to applicant Hallam Land Management’s plans for up to 416 homes on a 43-acre site, north of Furzenhall Road

The project includes affordable housing, allotments, a community orchard, public open space, children’s play area, parking, cycleways and footpaths, and landscaping

But the applicant is predicting queues of 34 vehicles every weekday evening on the Shortmead Street and Sun Street roundabout, according to a social media post by Biggleswade mayor Grant Fage

“There are no measures provided to improve the junction,” he warned

Conservative North East Bedfordshire MP Richard Fuller has submitted a further objection over the proposals to the planning authority, Central Bedfordshire Council

“i remain concerned about pressure on local infrastructure, road and pedestrian safety, and the impact on nearby roads,” he said in a letter, adding the London Road and Drove Road junction would be operating over capacity

Deputy mayor Madeline Russell told a town council meeting last month: “We’ll be strongly objecting to this, as various issues still need to be addressed

“There’s Potton Road and the impact of the A4128 works in particular, which are going to be completed,” she said

“We need transport consultants to consider this again This application will be three-years-old on

Christmas Eve ”

The issue was discussed further in private, leading to an extraordinary council meeting last week

Councillor Fage said: “The transport consultants response, which they’ve been over in detail, has been shared with members ”

CBC Conservative Biggleswade North and town councillor ian Bond revealed the application is now due to be considered at a development management committee meeting in January

“That transport consultants report, as with the previous one, has real weight,” he explained

“Regardless how clever or amazingly talented we are in producing a report, the fact it comes from us rather than a professional transport consultant gives it almost no weight

“We’ve gone so far on this application and put in so many hours To lose it for a halfpenny’s worth of tar isn’t right it’s important we don’t slip up at the last

minute

“We should ask the consultant to look at the latest transport assessment from Hallam and produce a proper response we can consider as a council ”

Councillor Fage replied that the work prepared already was “that of the transport consultant, who’s comfortable with everything we’re saying here”

Several councillors considered it essential for it to be “a professional independent document”

Councillor Duncan Strachan said: “There isn’t much comment about the junction of Potton Road and Furzenhall Road, and the virtual crossroads there

“That’s quite important for the access The other is Drove Road and London Road, with Eagle Farm Road just as much part of that junction it’s mentioned, but not necessarily highlighted ”

Councillors agreed to the transport consultant’s report returning to their meeting on Tuesday, (Dec 13th) enabling any other concerns to be added

£1.8m fund for vunerable families

AROUND £1 8m funding to help vulnerable families is being committed by Central Bedfordshire Council to support free school meal provision, a meeting heard

An extra £60,000 funded from new homes bonus reserves will provide free meals for eligible children during the next two school holidays

And the value of food vouchers locally will be increased to £17 50, costing almost £1 1m for the next six months, on top of the £700,000 from the last household support fund round

A motion to a CBC meeting from independent Flitwick Cllr Gareth Mackey called for a budget uplift of ten per cent of the £6 6m school meals settlement for 2022/23

The Conservative run local authority was criticised by several independent opposition Cllrs, after referring this issue to its executive without debate because of the financial implications

Conservative Cranfield and Marston Moretaine Cllr Sue Clark told the committee: “CBC has services in place already to improve access to quality food for vulnerable young people

“That’s through the work of our children’s centres and public health healthy eating initiatives,” she explained “The way free school meals are funded and catering supplies are commissioned, extra funding is unlikely to have the desired effect

“This aim can be achieved through direct and indirect initiatives We’ve continued to provide vouchers through the school holidays, which support around 7,000 children

“There’s the holiday activities and food programme, which provides a free healthy lunch for families More than 3,000 children are registered already on the Christmas programme

“This winter, we’re introducing a

new crisis fund of £45,000 specifically for families in need of support and administered by our nine children’s centres

“They know and have worked with the most vulnerable children and families They also liaise with our health and education partners, which can refer families

“Any struggling family can visit the children’s centres and ask for help on a whole range of things Funding of advice centres and foodbanks provides indirect help,” added executive member for families, education and children Cllr Clark

“it’s proposed to increase the value of free school meal holiday vouchers from £15 to £17 50 per child, per week We’ll keep our initiatives under close review ”

Conservative Arlesey Cllr David Shelvey said: “Dedicated schools grant for meals isn’t ring-fenced specifically for food

“They’re only obliged to supply children eligible for free school meals with lunch every day CBC couldn’t ensure extra money would be spent on those meals

“it’s also not possible to target the food choice it would have to be for all pupils, so spending would be diluted across every child having a school meal

“Schools have catering contracts and would need to agree to amend those Under regulations, the food should be nutritious already and high quality

“The costs will be an extra £60,000 for the next two holidays, which will be funded from new homes bonus,” added Cllr Shelvey

“During the next six months, almost £1 1m will go in vouchers on top of the £700,000 from the last household support fund round, which ended in September ”

The pigeons have come home to roost

A final decision on the application is expected to be made eventually by CBC’s development management committee

But news of this process prompted outrage locally, with the scheme branded “inhumane” and “unnecessary”

The pigeons most commonly seen in towns today are descendants of the rock dove, originally domesticated by humans for food and for carrying messages, said the

RSPB in its Living with Pigeons document

“These feral pigeons have reverted to their wild state, yet still live closely among humans and exploit the inherent advantages of urban living ”

An artificial grass all weather pitch gets the go ahead for Biggleswade

b y Euan Duncan – L ocal Democracy Reporter

A LONG-AWAITED 3G football pitch for Biggleswade could be completed by next October, a meeting heard.

The £850,000 floodlit artificial grass playing surface at Stratton Upper School would include nine-a-side, seven-a-side and five-a-side options

A planning application has been submitted to Central Bedfordshire Council by a contractor and could reach committee stage as early as next month, Biggleswade Town Council was told

Director of Castele Consultancy Caroline Smith said: “We’ve been working for the last 18 months to reach this position

with a full-sized, fenced, floodlit 3G artificial pitch on the site

“it’ll be a facility suitable for both training and affiliated match play The pitch will be for school use until 5pm and available to the general community between 5pm and 10pm

“The site is at the back of the school sports hall, providing direct access to changing rooms There’s a shortfall of these pitches in the town

“The Central Bedfordshire playing pitch strategy is currently under review, which along with the local football facilities plan will identify the extent of the lack of these playing surfaces

“There’ll be other pitches established

in the town, as over the years different sites have been explored. But Stratton Upper School has been prioritised by the Bedfordshire County Football Association and the Football Foundation.

“We’ll be looking to open the site up further,” she added “Although there’s some community use already, we want that to grow and will consider an appropriate staffing structure

“There might be part-time or full-time employment roles to support the community aspect of the development ”

CLUBS IN PARTNERSHIP

A strong working relationship has been established with three “partnership clubs”, Biggleswade FC, Biggleswade United FC

and Biggleswade FC Youth, she explained

“There’ll be opportunities for other clubs to be involved, with a mix of formal and informal provision on the site

“it has to deliver the targets around the FA and the Football Federation, including equal access opportunities for women and girls, and for disabled players, as well as under-represented groups through health based programmes

“As some of the funding comes through the federation, it has to be affordable and accessible to the local community, so the pricing policy reflects its charitable aims

“We’re looking for other partnership finance towards this project We’re due to submit formally to the Football Foundation for funding in January

“This won’t be an income generation

for the school it’s about being the host of a community facility ”

The carpet surface would be replaced after about ten years, according to Ms Smith, who suggested the build would take about 14 weeks, with October half-term a realistic possibility for its opening

Mayor Grant Fage said: “i’m really excited to see this is progressing at pace now ” Deputy mayor Madeline Russell agreed, saying: “i’m delighted this is finally going ahead ”

Town councillor Duncan Strachan said: “My concern is to make sure the management structure is in place, so it operates easily and efficiently between the school and the community ”

Ms Smith replied: “There’ll be a community use agreement ”

Festive fundraiser raises thousands of pounds ‘fir’ charity

A BiG-HEARTED man from just outside Hitchin has hosted his first-ever Christmas tree fundraiser this December raising an incredible just over £3685 for Sue Ryder which runs St John’s Hospice in Bedfordshire – a charity close to his heart

David Thomas, who lives in the village of Pirton, started supporting palliative, neurological and bereavement support charity, Sue Ryder, after his mum was cared for at its Moggerhanger-based hospice in 2016, but this was the first time he has held a festive fundraiser to raise vital funds

47-year-old David said: “My mum, Kathy, passed away at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice and while i miss her massively and always will, i feel like her time at the hospice was a positive and happy experience

“This is all down to all of the staff there i can’t speak highly enough about how everything was dealt with and how lovely everyone was ” it was this experience that led David to raise money for Sue Ryder and ahead of his festive fundraiser he had already donated a total of £5,218 to the charity

“i used to own a small garden centre so i held a few fundraising weekends through my business, donating money from plant sales A year after mum died i also did an ultramarathon in the Lake District which was good fun,” David said

“When i closed my nursery business earlier this year, i knew i still wanted to support Sue Ryder, so using my existing contacts i set up a Christmas tree charity sale from a pop up at my local pub who kindly offered me their outside space to use

“if i do any fundraising it will always be for Sue Ryder i am delighted with how well it’s gone and can’t thank people enough for their support,” he added

The Christmas tree fundraiser, which also featured festive wreaths, tree stands and winter fuel on sale was held over two weekends this December at the Motte and Bailey pub in Pirton

Charlotte Griggs, Community Fundraiser at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice, said: “A huge thank you to David and everyone who supported him and his fantastic festive fundraiser it’s such an incredible amount raised with all money going towards helping the

charity to continue to be there when it matters ”

if you are still looking for the perfect Christmas tree to furnish your home this festive season, then there are still some of David’s real six and seven foot Nordmann Fir Trees on sale at the Sue Ryder shop on Ampthill Road in Bedford Sue Ryder, is also encouraging people to sign up for their green scheme collecting and recycling trees once the festivities are over to help raise vital funds for families needing their care

For a suggested donation, people who live in MK40, MK41, MK42, MK43, MK44, MK45, PE19, SG18 and SG19 postcodes can have their real trees collected direct from their front garden or driveway, between Saturday 7th and Tuesday 10th January 2023.

The cut-off date for registering for a collection is Tuesday 3rd January 2023

Find out more about Christmas Treecycling in your area and book a collection by Tuesday 3rd January 2023 at sueryder org/bedfordshiretrees

For more information on Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice visit www sueryder org/stjohns

Cricket pr esentation evening

Hearts

The evening opened with Mr Martin Darlow, Chairman of the charity welcoming everybody and being the first time we have been able to meet for two years

Mr Darlow then introduced Mr Charles Whitbread and Alistair Burt, who then presented cheques to the value of £500 to the following Charities (£200) for the Gateway Club St Neots

Gateway Club Biggleswade

Gateway Club St Neots

Macmillan Cancer Support

in Beds Cardiac Support

Ampthill Jigsaw Club

Headway Bedford

Amicus Trust

Sight Concern Bedfordshire

Kings Arms Project

Road Victims Trust

Serv Herts and Beds

Mr Turner from the Road Victims Trust thanked the East Beds Charity Shield for their gifts and explained that cheque would support two families for the next 12 Months:

Following the presentation of the cheques a light refreshments were served to the guests with the evening concluding at 9 pm

1500 new homes for Biggleswade project approved

A FLAGSHiP housing, commercial and leisure development east of Biggleswade for up to 1,500 homes has been approved, subject to signing off the legal agreement

The project stalled when applicant UK Regeneration Limited asked for a reduction in developer contributions, with receivers later appointed for the company and site owner West Sunderland Farm Company Limited

UK Regeneration’s outline proposals include the housing and commercial development, a primary school, other leisure and community facilities, as well as open space, allotments and a country park

A second application with alternative access arrangements for the 263-acre site was submitted to and approved by Central Bedfordshire Council

Planning officers had to establish who was in control of the revised scheme, while continuing to seek agreement over the Section 106 contributions

The local authority’s development management committee was told in August that officers had “made multiple attempts to engage with the applicant’s representatives, with no substantive response”

Both CBC’s Local Plan and the Biggleswade Neighbourhood Plan earmarked the area for this scale of development

“The applicant has agreed to enter into a Section 106 agreement considered materially the same as that in the March 2019 consent,” said a report to the committee

CBC’s head of planning delivery Jenny Selley referred to “an increase in some contributions”, anticipated because of recent cost increases through inflation and the time taken by the applicant “to engage”

independent Biggleswade South Cllr Hayley Whitaker said: “Some of the Section 106 costs to the developer have risen, but not all ”

She highlighted town council requests for spending on cemeteries and allotments, adding: “There’s no increase in health care Apparently the BLMK integrated Care Board (iCB) didn’t ask for more money

“it’s clear the iCB should be asking for extra funding now Overall it represents a 6 5 per cent rise in costs inflation is running at ten per cent

“Officers could take advantage of one more cycle and come back in January, providing the chance to secure slightly better terms We’re still looking for around £1 3m for a ten per cent increase ”

Director of Copperfield Land and Planning Limited Colin Danks explained: “The receiver has written to CBC to confirm the position in respect of West Sunderland Farm Company as the landowner and UK Regeneration as the applicant

“The Section 106 contributions remain materially the same and no changes have been made to the planning conditions

“Following a thorough assessment of all obligations, they collectively meet the mitigation identified as part of the environmental impact assessment process and the tests directly relating to the application

Ms Selley said: “Officers are satisfied CBC is entitled to enter into that legal agreement with the receivers who control the site now, not the former director

There were eight votes for approval, two against and two abstentions, after a deferral request was defeated with nine against, two in favour and one abstention

Investing in electric vehicles

ery

This investment forms part of the Town Council’s ambitions to make more environmentally friendly choices and the design and size of the vehicle will allow the Grounds Team vehicular access to more areas across the town

Mayor Martin Pettitt commented: “Sandy Town Council has finally taken delivery of its new

electric vehicle which was ordered in the spring This marks another important step in the Council’s commitment to improving the environment of Sandy and whenever possible considering environmentally friendly options in its decision making

“This compact, all electric vehicle with zero CO2 emissions will provide our outdoor team with greater flexibility in the way they work throughout the town, given

its compact design and off-road capabilities, most especially in the cemetery, recreation and amenity areas and the Pinnacle and Sand Hills

“The battery will have sufficient range for a full day’s work and can serve as a power source for additional rechargeable, portable equipment such as power saws and strimmers, thus reducing and in time eliminating our carbon footprint ”

SANDY Town Council took deliv-

of its new Etesia ET Lander electric vehicle in November

Pictured left to right: Richard Gilbert, Outdoor Team Leader, Scott Reynolds from RT Machinery Ltd, Sandy Mayor Cllr Martin Pettitt and Cllr Paul Sharman

WEDNESDAY, December 7, completed the season for the East Beds Shield Charity Cricket Competition when a presentation evening was held at Sandy village hall

Sue Ryder Moggerhanger

Leonard Cheshire Ampthill

b y Euan Duncan – L ocal

Democracy Reporter

Build a Little Birdhouse in your Soul

OCTOBER’S half-term break saw Flitwick Scouts and Flitwick Town Council joining forces to help local wildlife.

Over several weeks, and with lots of hard work and dedication, the Flitwick Scouts have managed to build over 40 bird houses for distribution around Flitwick, with Flitwick Town Council agreeing to install some of these in Manor Park as part of their Parkland Management Plan

Darren Bushby and Vincent Vass of the Public Realm Team met up with some of the Scouts and leaders to talk about their work within the park and to receive their bird boxes

Darren stated: “Incorporating the boxes into the park will increase the possibilities of further enhancing the nesting qualities of the park

While Group Scout Leader, Darren Reeve thanked the FTC and Public Realm Team for getting behind the Scouts’ efforts and showing them that their hard work will make a differ-

ence to local wildlife

Scout volunteer Sophie commented: “It is wonderful to see the Scouts hard work being supported by the council and to see the Scouts engaging with environmental issues in such a positive and practical way It is amazing what can be achieved when we work together to empower these young people ”

Flitwick Scout Group

currently runs 11 sections – two Squirrel Dreys, three Beaver Colonies at Flitwick plus a fourth colony at Barton, three Cub Packs and two Scout Troops – that’s well over 200 members Despite all of this, they still have over 100 young people on their waiting list to join so are activity looking for new volunteers for all sections, and for other background roles, so that they can expand and provide great experiences for more young people

To find out more please email volunteer@flitwickscoutgroup. org.uk or visit https://www.flitwickscoutgroup. org uk/Adults/

Councillors vehemently oppose planning change

Continued from page 1

stand it was included originally for a reason

“i’m particularly concerned about the suggestion of a pharmacy operating there because it could be detrimental to the pharmacies operating in the town centre ”

Deputy mayor Madeline Russell agreed, saying: “There was a very good reason for the condition We’re trying to protect the town centre as much as we can, so the condition should stand ”

Town councillor Duncan Strachan said: “i believe there are a limited number of pharmacy licences available for Biggleswade

“if there’s a pharmacy which could be operated outside the centre that would be an excuse to move one from the town centre out to a retail park, which isn’t going to be suitable for the community ”

Woodhead added: “i understand that’s why health and beauty retailer Boots doesn’t operate a full pharmacy at the A1 retail park for that reason, so it’s consistent if we’re opposing this ”

Conservative CBC Biggleswade North and town councillor ian Bond suggested if the planning authority “is minded to approve this”, it would be worth asking the ward councillors for Biggleswade South to call in the application

Mayor Grant Fage said that the issue “could be taken up with the two ward councillors” if necessary

Councillors unanimously approved “strongly objecting” to the variation of condition, as its original intention was to protect the town centre

CBC’s development management committee would have the final say on the application, if it was called in by ward councillors

Town councillor Jonathan

CELEBRATiONS are underway at the University of Bedfordshire after it was announced that the institution was awarded second place in the UK in the People & Planet 2022/23 University Green League, putting it in the top spot for England overall

The University has appeared in the League’s top ten since 2018 and this latest achievement of scoring 81 3% reinforces its commitment to sustainable education and influence Areas which the University scored highly in include carbon management, ethical careers and recruitment, energy sources, waste and recycling, and water reduction

People & Planet is the largest student network in the UK which campaigns for social and environmental justice Each year, the People & Planet University League measures a number of environmental areas including carbon and water reduction, use of alternative energy sources, sustainable food and recycling

FIRST PLACE

Professor Andrew Church, Pro Vice Chancellor and sustainability lead for the University, commented: “it’s very pleasing to be placed first out of 125 institutions in England as it really hones in on our student and staff willingness and commitment to

living and learning sustainably

Universities and other educational outlets play a key role in influencing change and community mind set around important issues such as the environment, climate change and sustainability ”

J Clarke, Co-Director of Climate Campaigns at People & Planet, added: “The University of Bedfordshire ranked top in England in the People & Planet University League and second in the whole of the UK This fantastic achievement clearly displays that bold climate leadership in universities must include breaking ties with the fossil fuel industries driving the climate crisis People & Planet hope many more universities will follow their shining example ”

As well as achieving Platinum EcoCampus status for the fourth year running earlier this year, some of the ways Bedfordshire has continued to successfully implement sustainability across its campuses include generating almost one million kwh’s of renewable energy, introducing bee hives to encourage biodiversity, harvesting rainwater to flush toilets, and the use of cross-campus electric vehicles Alongside this, the University has invested £5m in the last decade in retrofitting buildings to reduce annual emissions of carbon dioxide

Major works planned for Butter fly Bridge

elements and to clean the higher elements

The bridge, which carries pedestrians and cyclists over the River Great Ouse between The Embankment and Longholme island in Mill Meadows, will see major investment with a more skid resistant surface Works also include a maintenance paint of the lower

Dave Hodgson, Mayor of Bedford Borough, said: “These works mark further investment in The Embankment and Riverside and will be of huge benefit to residents and visitors alike

“We have been in specific correspondence with the Longholme café to keep them aware of these developments and will continue to talk to them throughout the works ”

There will need to be a full width river navigation closure during this period Bedford Borough Council have mitigated the affects through completing the works out of the main navigation season and are closely liaising with the Bedford River Users Group to avoid river events as far as possible Works will also include the grit blasting of the paint Consequently, Bedford Borough Council will be consulting with the most immediate residents and businesses

Prison sentence for paedophile

A BEDFORD paedophile who was caught with thousands of child sex abuse images was on Monday, November 28, 2022, jailed for 16 months.

Brian Gannon, 55, was arrested in December 2020 after the iP address at his home was linked to the downloading of images

Prosecutor Peter Shaw told Luton crown court his computers were seized in all there were 712 Category A images, the most serious level, 513 Category B and 4,049 Category C, the lowest level There was 30 extreme pornographic images involving animals

When the police asked Gannon, who lives alone, who was responsible he said: “Probably me ”

He told the officers that his wife had left him when she saw that he had been looking at child images

DISGUSTED

in a second interview in March this year he said he felt disgusted that he had downloaded the images He said he had deleted some and then re-downloaded them

Gannon of Greyfriars Chambers, Greyfriars, Bedford appeared for sentencing having pleaded guilty to three charges of downloading indecent images of children and one of possessing extreme pornography

Zayd Ahmed, defending, Gannon had been the victim of sex abuse as a teenager He said he was remorseful and ashamed

He asked the judge to pass a suspended sentence saying: “He does not want to live the life he has lived for the last 10 years

But Judge Rebecca Herbert jailed him saying: “You were in possession of extremely unpleasant, abusive material There is a huge quantity The 712 images in Category A are of children being raped and suffered appalling abuse

“These are extremely serious offences and are a complete blight on society

“These are real children being tortured and abused to satisfy the appetites of people like you ”

He must register as sex offender for 10 years and abide by the terms of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order

Name and shame

CAN you help name fly-tippers and put them out of business?

Bedford Borough Council is asking for your help in identifying people they would like to speak to regarding these environmental offences

Cllr Charles Royden, Portfolio Holder for Environment, said: “This is blatant criminality that blights communities and we’re determined to stamp it out.

“I’d like to thank the members of the public for their vigilance and having helped us catch the perpetrators in previous cases.

“But we need your help again to identify the latest fly-tippers Fly-tipping is illegal and seriously damages our environment which is why I would appeal to anyone

who sees fly-tipping to report it.”

“We want to warn people to dispose of their waste responsibly and within the law. Not only does fly-tipping incur a cost to the council to remove and dispose of waste, but it also uses resources which could be used to keep other essential services going through these unprecedented times.”

“We encourage all local residents to help identify individuals who have been caught fly-tipping at www bedford gov uk/caughtoncamera ”

If you see fly-tipping on the street or actually someone fly-tipping “Report It” to w w w b e d f o r d g o v u k / e n v i r o n m e n t a lissues/keeping-bedford-borough-clean/flytipping-dumped-rubbish.

View from the pulpit

Rt Revd Richard Atkinson – Bishop of Bedford Two questions…

As a Bishop I only do christenings (baptisms) occasionally Sometimes they are time-tabled for a service I am taking as I travel around Bedfordshire More rarely they are particular invitations as when I baptised Rollo just before Christmas. I had met Rollo a few hours after his birth when he was brought to church and thus it was a delight to be back for his christening Indeed, Rollo was so well behaved –even when I accidentally poured water into his eye – that it was tempting to repeat the whole thing!

It was a wonderful family occasion with family and friends gathered to celebrate Rollo and to ask God’s blessing on him

During my brief address I asked those present to reflect on two questions The first

was what does Rollo mean to you? For parents and close family especially, the answer was predictable – Rollo is special, precious, a unique human being For all it focused the gift of life And why this question? Because the more we remember the preciousness of life, the more we touch that mystery of God’s creation of all human existence

The other question was, ‘what is your role in Rollo’s life?’ For parents it is to nurture, protect and love. For God-parents there is that responsibility to be examples of love and truth reflecting the life of Jesus For all that duty to be encouragers and role models We all need good examples in our lives We all have a part to play It is that emphasis on example that is there in the baptism service

Now whether or not you are a Christian, those two questions, I believe, are important in relation to every child In a society where too many children are neglected or abused (the NSPCC estimate that one in ten children in the UK have been neglected) it is crucial that we hold firmly in view the value of young life and the preciousness of each child In a society where there is often a lack of positive role models, where social media so easily corrupts, and where young lives sadly often go astray it is vital that all are committed to giving strong, loving example to the young Christening draws us to these themes But whether or not our children are christened (just ask if you would like it) ask yourselves those two questions for they are so important

A Happy and Healthy New Year to you all

Thank you very much to everyone that has sent in entries to this year ’s Gardening Quiz There is still time to enter Mislaid December ’s magazine?

Contact me via the details below and i will send you the questions Remember though, answers have to be received by January 15, 2023

Following on from last year, here are some more of my favourite observations about all things horticultural!

This year ’s also feature some ‘jokes’ (term used in its loosest sense!)

“My neighbour asked if he could use my lawnmower and I told him of course he could, so long as he didn’t take it out of my garden ” Eric Morecambe

i’ve started growing herbs in my garden To help identify them i’m growing them in alphabetical order My neighbour asked me, “How you find the time?” i said, “Easy, it’s right here next to the sage ”

A cauliflower is a cabbage with a college education Mark Twain

our garden and the neighbours have our shovel

Little eight-year-old Becky was in the garden filling in a hole when her neighbour peered over the fence interested in what the youngster was doing, he asked, “What are you doing there, Becky?” “My goldfish died,” Becky sobbed “And i’ve just buried him ” The obnoxious neighbour laughed and said condescendingly, “That’s a really big hole for a little goldfish, don’t you think?” Becky patted down the last heap of earth with her shovel and replied, “That’s because he’s inside your cat ”

To an optimist every weed is a flower; to a pessimist every flower is a weed – Finnish proverb

My wife complained that i never buy her flowers i didn’t even know she sold flowers

An elderly couple had dinner at another couple’s house, and after eating, the wives left the table and went into the kitchen The two men were talking, and one said, “Last night we went out to a new restaurant and it was really great i would recommend it very highly ”

PLANS to help provide improved bus services in Central Bedfordshire have moved a step closer Central Bedfordshire Council has received confirmation of £ 3 7 million in funding, associated with the Council’s Bus Service improvement Plan, from the Department for Transport to improve bus services and infrastructure

The funding covers three financial years (2022/23 – 2024/25) and of the £3 7million, £2 18 million is for capital works with the rest, being revenue funding £130,000 of the revenue funding is for the enhancement of existing services for 2022/23 and £260,000 in the subsequent years

The Council has not yet been made aware of when they will receive the funding but has reviewed its Enhanced Partnership documentation, as required by the

Department for Transport it is hoped the funding will be released soon

Local authorities across England have been working to create their own Bus Service improvement Plans and Enhanced Partnerships with operators, part of a two-stage process in the government’s national bus strategy, Bus Back Better

The bus sector is facing many unprecedented challenges, with some services across Central Bedfordshire being withdrawn or reduced

Cllr ian Dalgarno, said: “We’re thrilled about the funding and are committed to doing all we can to protect local bus services, however, with operators facing rising operational costs, driver shortages, and patronage not yet back to precovid levels

i was terrified of gardening But i finally decided to grow a pear Sherlock Holmes was gardening when Watson came over and asked what he was planting “A lemon tree, my dear Watson

A gardener took his dog to the vet “He’s been acting real depressed ” explained the gardener “He just lays in the garden day after day, letting out these really sad sighs ”

“I see, ” replied the vet “What do you grow?”

“This season it’s cantaloupe, but I don’t see how that’s relevant

“The vet nodded knowingly and replied, Well, that explains it He s a Melon Collie ”

“Plant and your spouse plants with you; weed and you weed alone ” J-J Rousseau

The neighbour ’s dog pooped in our garden, so my wife told me to get a shovel and throw it over the fence i don’t see what that solved We’ve still got dog poo in

The other man said, “What is the name of the restaurant?

“The first man thought and thought and finally said, ‘’What is the name of that flower you give to someone you love?

You know The one that’s red and has thorns ”

“Do you mean a rose?”

“Yes, that’s the one,” replied the man He then turned towards the kitchen and yelled, “Rose, what’s the name of that restaurant we went to last night?”

if you have any similar words of wisdom, as always, please send them to me and i will include them in future articles

All correspondence can be emailed to lawndocgardens@aol com or posted to: Lawn Doctor Garden Services, 14 Sand Lane, Northill, SG18 9AD As usual, please contact me with any gardening queries or tasks you may have Best wishes all for a very Happy & Healthy New Year

BEDFORD Borough Council has announced the winners of this year ’s Bedford Borough Sport and Physical Activity Awards The awards ceremony returned to Bedford Corn Exchange on Monday, December 5, 2022 There were 280 attendees and Ellie Rattu was guest speaker The awards are presented by the Bedford Borough Council Sports Development Unit on behalf of Active Bedford The 15 awards are sponsored by many local companies and organisations

They recognise the achievements of individuals and groups performing in local sports As well as individual prowess they reward the loyal, selfless work that enables others to experience enjoyment and fulfilment in sports and physical activity Nominations were invited from local clubs, schools, county governing bodies and members of the public

The Winner of the 2022 Adults Personality of the Year is Ellie Rattu Ellie had a fantastic year in Netball, being selected full-time for the England Roses programme

Bedford Ladies Tug of War Team won the Sports Team of the Year They represented England in the World Championships in Holland

The Unsung Hero award was presented to Dave Parratt for his work with hockey

A fellow player said of him, “A quietly driven Club member who seeks no recognition other than seeing the fruit of his labours in

such a thriving Club ”

Cllr Doug McMurdo, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture said: “The Sports and Physical Activity Awards, supported by a range of local companies, recognise and celebrate the contribution of individuals, clubs and coaches locally i personally want to thank them all for their much valued contributions and participation – thank you!

“These Awards really do demonstrate the incredible provision of sport we have locally, along with the commitment and work of coaches, clubs, schools and volunteers to help our athletes be their best ”

The judges represent a range of local and County organisations associated with sport and physical activity together with the awards sponsors, partners and local coaches The merits of each individual or group application were judged according to the criteria listed under each category heading Prizes were awarded to each category winner

The winners:

Bedford Hockey Club is Club of the Year, sponsored by Be Active

Bedford Walking Football is Community Club / Group of the Year, sponsored by Bedford Sports Foundation

Great Denham Primary School is Primary School of the Year, sponsored by Times Tables Rock Starts

Goldington Academy is Secondary School of the Year, sponsored by the Bedford Borough Council’s Sports Development Unit

Gary Cox is Adult Disability Sports Personality of the Year, sponsored by Bedford Borough Council

Varun Bandi is Junior Disability Sports Personality of the Year, sponsored by Bedford Borough Council

Sean Chigumba received a Special Commendation for Junior Disability Sports Personality of the Year

Eloise Cole is Junior Personality of the Year, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Bedford Park

Stephen Ames received a Special Commendation for Young Volunteer of the Year

Kai Williams is Young Volunteer of the Year, sponsored by Bedford Borough Council

Bedford Ladies Tug of War Teams won Team of the Year sponsored, by University of Bedfordshire

Dave Parratt is Unsung Hero, sponsored by Bedford Borough Council

Steve Vinnicombe is Coach of the Year, sponsored by the Bedford College Group

Ellie Rattu is Adult Personality of the Year, sponsored by the Bedford Borough Council’s Sports Development Unit

Su Felce is the winner of Service to Sport, sponsored by Bedford Borough Council

ADVICE

with Milton Ernest Garden Centre

by

2022 was a difficult year for us gardeners We saw extreme temperatures that inhibited the growth of plants while the increased cost of living made us all the more conscious about being able to afford all the replacements we wanted Now that its 2023 let’s put behind us all the weather woes and, if we expect the

growing conditions to be closer to normal, we can save a lot of money by growing our own plants from seeds and bulbs and tubers in the new year

Let’s start with veg that can be sown or planted in January Growing this early, if carefully planned, will produce earlier crops and, with continual sowing, an extended harvest time

Potato sets (or tubers) should be bought from garden centres in early January before the varieties run

out They come in three main growing groups from First Earlies that crop in June to Second Earlies that crop in mid to late July and September to October respectively

Once you get them home, they need to be “chitted” which helps them grow as quickly as possible and thus lengthen the growing season for possible larger crops Each potato will have eyes which look like tiny nobly buds and they should be placed in empty seed trays or egg boxes so the eyes are uppermost on the tuber

Keep them in a cool but light place indoors so that the eyes produce strong and compact 1cm shoots; too warm and they will be long and weak

Great First Early potatoes to choose include:

• Cassablanca - long oval tubers

• Rocket - earliest of them all

• Swift - waxy flesh - delicate flavour

Second earlies:

• Kestrel - some blight resistance - good slug resistance

• Vivaldi - low calorie potato

• Jazzy - heavy cropper - waxy - good all-rounder

• Red Duke Of York - tasty - Red skin and yellow flesh - good all-rounder

Main Crop:

• Cara - good all-rounder - blight resistant

• Desiree - Good in hot summers - slug resistantgood all-rounder

• Carolus - the one i grow which produced a good crop of large, blight resistant tubers (albeit i did have to water weekly last year to keep them happy) They have a high-quality taste great for roasts, mashing, chips and even crisps i would recommend this one to anyone for easy growing i put in 90 potatoes and cropped 350lb That’s enough till spring, i think

if you have a propagator or heated propagator indoors January is also a good time to sow seeds of Onions and Leeks Sprinkle thinly in trays of compost on a windowsill at 15°c (room temperature) and put silver foil along the near side to stop the seedlings drawing towards the light

Cold crops are ones that can be sown or planted in a cold frame (mini greenhouse) outside or a conservatory/ greenhouse and include Garlic Garlic is planted by splitting a bulb into individual coves and then planting each into 9 -11cm pots of seed compost or a low nutrient/ garden compost mix so that their pointy tips just show above the surface Water them well, leave them to grow in the cold and then plant them out when the soil conditions allow (around the end of Feb for me)

Onion sets can be planted in the same way or into 8cm cell type trays and these will get a head start compared to a March planting Great varieties include Setton, Sturon and Karmer which is an exceptionally sweet and colourful Red Onion

Shallots are expensive in the shops but are very cheap and easy to grow One set (bulb) will produce

around 9 to 10 Shallots by the end of July and are perfect in a stir fry, Mediterranean dish or stew Broad Beans are one of my favourite early veg and can be frozen when they are still young i grow

Masterpiece Long Pod and put two seeds 1 inch apart in John innes No 1 or Seed Compost in a single cell of a 5cm x 5cm seed tray Water them and leave in a cold frame until the plants grow 10 - 12cm tall Plant out in March 23cm apart in double rows that are 30cm apart and with 80cm between each double row

Choosing a sunny spot will produce more flowers that will then each produce pods of around 6 to 8 white seeded, freezable beans

Veg seeds that require more heat include Sweet Peppers, Chillies, Aubergines and early Tomatoes

Early sowing is great for early crops and particularly of greenhouse grown varieties As these plants are tropical in origin, they require a high germinating heat of around 65 to 75°F above a radiator or with use of a heated propagator Transfer them to small pots when the first leaves are big enough to handle and then continue to grow in the warm and with as much light as you can

Sprouted seeds like Mustard and Cress are fun to grow and good to eat and they’re great for the kids too Microgreens of Rocket, Dark Opal Basil and Coriander all have the flavours of the larger plants but are produced in weeks rather than months Grow them on tissue paper in margarine tubs in a warm kitchen

And finally, don’t forget to grow a few flowers Begonia Semperflorens, hanging basket types including and non-Stops should be sown so that their tiny seed remain on the surface of moist compost in a heated propagator or a warmish room Later transfer the seedlings to seed trays 40 seedlings per tray or individually into 2-inch pots Geraniums (Zonal types) and impatiens (Buzy Lizzies) can be sown in the same way and all will appreciate a warm environment and plenty of natural light

Other seeds to sow now are Snapdragons, Sweet Peas (cold sow), Delphiniums, Dahlias (warm), Coleus (warm), Lavender Hidcote or Munstead (will flower in their first summer from an early sowing), Gazanias and Cacti and Succulents

So, remember, sow now and save on your harvests later!

Maureen Catlin

Welcome to 2023, I do hope you had a chance to endulge in some of the end of year festivities at some of your local venuess

In addition to the deep recession the UK is immersed in Januar y and Februar y has always been a ver y challenging couple of months for venues within the hospitality industr y, the trend is usually the same ever y year, ever yone has spent all their money and venues hope what little revenue they have made over the festive season will be enough to see them through the dreaded months of Januar y and Februar y

Some venues however quite rightly still tr y their best to get bodies through the doors in Januar y by way of offering Januar y sales promotions offering discounted admissions and reduced drink prices, some of these promotions work but I cer tainly have reser vations as to how successful they will be during the currently economic downturn

I have looked at a few events scheduled throughout Januar y and Februar y and have chosen to look at an event coming to town on Friday, Februar y 3, at MIST Vibe Dining, 66 High Street, Bedford MK40 1NT

Fusebox DnB is proud to proud to announce that the legendar y world famous DnB (Drum n Bass) DJ Fabio will be per forming a live set with Lush Liquid at ‘Mist’ located on Bedford High Street

Bedfordshire’s newest monthly Drum N Bass event located in the hear t of Bedford Town Centre Lush Liquid is a new promotion where both world famous DJs and ar tists are bought together to play alongside a selection of local suppor ting ar tists who are par t of the FuseBox & Lush Liquid family

Music policy on this night will be strictly DnB, all the hosts and Mc’s are ver y carefully selected to ensure only the best acts are allowed to bring that unique par ty atmosphere to the town

NEW HARMONY

This Lush Liquid St Valentines Launch Par ty sees the phenomenal DJ Fabio take Bedford DnB to a level it has never been before, joining Fabio on the night will be 7EVEN (FuseBox Crew),

MILO (Dose Radio), CHARLESTON (Release), REBEL AC (GoldDust Radio) Hosts on the night include MC Gold and SLINNA

Advanced tickets to this event are available from £10 on Skiddle com

by Tony Hendrix

Biddenham Gardeners

Association: Tuesday 17th January 2023 at 7 30 Biddenham Village Hall “My Garden” By 2 local speakers Visitors very welcome Admission £5 per meeting for non members – includes Raffle & Refreshments Contact: www biddenhamgardenersassociation org uk k

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

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 over tea and biscuitsContact: 000

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

Yoga: Priory Methodist Church, Newnham Avenue, Bedford MK41 9QJ 2pm Mondays Contact: June for details: juandhannigan@yahoo co uk:

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:

Tuesday Art Group

Kempston:

We are a 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 We are looking for new members who would like to come and join us initially we charge £3 per session however if you would like to become permanent members this would translate into a termly fee Contact Matthew on 01234 295433.

Bedford Probus Club:

We invite you to join our semi-retired- or retired group from all walks of life to include business and professional men & ladies We 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 Free Car Parking is available Do come and enjoy the company meeting new people & gaining knowledge Contact: Dawn Rice Tel 01234 750651 or e mail

rdawn615@gmail.com

Clapham School for Seniors:

Would you like to start a new hobby?

Meet on Wednesdays (term time only) at Clapham Methodist Church, Clapham High Street 9 15am-4pm £20 per term Enrolment day January 5 First meeting of the new year is January 11

Subjects include: Scrabble, Dominoes, lace making, reading, singing, arts and crafts, knitting, crochet, painting, card making and a card school Contact: Berta Bames 07704 850974 or Miriam Pulman 07790 267176

Christmas Craft Day:

The Sandy Guild is a group of local people offering friendship support and fundraising within Sandy and the local community Saturday 3rd December at the Baptist Church Hall in Sandy The day is split in to two sessions The first session is a Children s Craft morning 10 am to 12 noon Tickets cost £6 each The second session, make your own Christmas wreath takes place in the afternoon, 1-3 pm Tickets cost £45 each Tickets can be booked by emailing sandyguild2019@gmail com via our Facebook, page or by contacting 07500 907715 All profits will go to our chosen charity, which this year is St John’s Hospice, Moggerhanger

Bedfordshire Prostate Cancer Support Group:

Meets second Monday of the month at Bedford Borough Bowling Club Goldington Road, Bedford MK40 3NF Contact: Steve Pearce steve@sp vp co uk 01234 960414 or 07717 531715

Bedford RSPB Local Group:

Meet at the ARA club Manton Lane Bedford MK41 7PF On Thursday 15th December Meeting 7 30pm – David Wilding – head warden at RSPB Otmoor The RSPB have spent over 24 years turning Otmoor nature reserve back into an amazing natural wetland it’s a very special oasis that feeds, shelters and sustains threatened lapwings snipe and curlews David will explain much more about a reserve that many of us enjoy visiting Group members £1 Guest £2 annual group membership £5 under 18s enter free Contact: 07905199769

Bedford Floral Art Society: meeting on Tuesday December 6th at 7 30pm at the Addison Centre Kempston Floral demonstration by Alison Suffolk entitled ‘Christmas Sparkle Visitors welcome £7 Contact: www.bedfordfloralartsociety.co.uk

Sandy Historical Society:

Sandy Street Names by Richard Barlow (Sandy Historical Research Group) Friday 27th January @ 7 30pm Stonecroft Hall, St Swithins Way, Sandy SG191BB Admission £3 00 including refreshments Members & Students free Contact: 01767 68017

Bedford Local Group of

The Wildlife Trust: Wednesday 11th January 2023 Meeting 7-15pm for 7 30pm Priory Methodist Church Hall Newnham Avenue, Bedford MK41 9QJ Wildlife Trust Communities Work in Bedfordshire’ An illustrated talk by Ruth Sneath ‘Plenty of parking available, All welcome no charge but voluntary contributions are appreciated Further details available under Events on www wildlifebcn org or Contact: 01234 266057

Bedford RSPB Local Group:

invite you to join for our first Talk of 2023 At the ARA club, Manton Lane Bedford MK41 7PF Thursday !9th January Meeting 7 30pm aiming to finish by 9 30pm Chris Collins The return of one of our popular wildlife lecturers, travel company owner & world traveller “Unknown Antarctica: The Birds of the Ross Sea and New Zealand Sub Antarctic islands” ‘Suitable for Experts and Novices, RSPB membership not essential Entrance fee group members £1 Guest £2 annual group membership £5 under 18s enter free More info www rspb org uk/groups/bedford or Contact: 07905199769

Bedford National Trust Association: Next meeting 2 15pm Tuesday 17th January Speaker Chris Truran - Scenes of Crime Officer “ DABS and DNA This covers the development of fingerprints from the first burglar being arrested using fingerprints, to the development and use of DNA in 1984 i also cover James Hanratty, Lockerbie, the Tsunami, and the Brighton Bombing in the Addison Centre, Kempston, MK42 8PN

comedy

Looking forward to another spectacular year!

Castle Comedy had an incredible 2022, putting on 50 shows with over 100 top comedians per forming

Acts that appeared included Russell Kane, Rosie Jones, Tom Davis, Seann Walsh, Paul Sinha & Suzi Ruffell

They are taking a well-earned rest in Januar y, but the plan is for 2023 to be their biggest year yet! The next shows for your diar y are -

Thursday February 9, at The Quarry Theatre, Bedford Castle Comedy is back at The Quarr y Theatre for an early Valentine 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 feelgood 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 “He’s awesome” Time Out

Saturday February 11, at The Weatherley Centre, Biggleswade The Big Februar y Show at the Weatherley Centre will feature 3 headline quality acts and be the ultimate comedy night out!

Headlining the show is PAUL ZERDIN He is the UK’s number

one comedy ventriloquist and winner of Series 10 of America’s Got Talent!

He has appeared on countless TV shows including 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

Opening the show is FIONA ALLEN She is a twice Emmy

winning actor and comedian Fiona Allen has been a mainstay of our TV screens over the past two decades She has starred in various sketch shows, including Goodness Gracious Me and The All Star Comedy Show, but most famously Smack the Pony!

All shows feature full suppor t from top UK comedians and Paul Revill will host the shows!

Doors 7pm Shows star t 8 00pm Shows finish 10 45pm Visit www castlecomedy co uk

bedford park concerts

sport

West End Proms

Sheridan Smith and Danny Mac have been announced as the headline acts for the Proms Spectacular in Bedford Park on Sunday June 25 2023

The soloists will be accompanied by the The Novello Orchestra, who have quickly become renowned for their passionate, enigmatic per formances and a charisma that has injected an energy and innovative take on the whole orchestral concept Expect passionate playing and breathtaking orchestrations

The Bedford Park Concer t West End Proms will have one of the best laser shows in the countr y and a firework spectacular to finish the evening

The Proms will not only bring you some of the top West End Musical hits but will also be delivering all the much-loved pomp and patriotism, flag waving favourites from Jerusalem, Rule Britannia to Pomp and Circumstance No 1

BIGGLESWADE FC

And it’s two all

–

by Antony Molinari

Saturday November 26

again!

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

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

FC conceded a last minute equaliser to Thame United, despite going a goal down early in the second half, goals for twin brothers Alex and Lawrie Marsh looked to have taken all three points but with literally the last kick of the game, United stole a point

minute when they broke well with Reiss Oteng down the lefthand side, his low cross was met by Jack Dryer who crashed in a shot off the underside of the bar

Despite good chances for both sides it stayed 1-1 until the 92nd minute when it seemed Berko had broken FC hearts, Adam Hunt had a shot cleared off the line and the Comrades broke down the other end, Dan Green initially saving well but unable to keep out the follow up

All three legendar y groups will join forces for an incredible show on Friday June 23

It will be another sensational night in the magnificent grounds of Bedford Park, which is set for its biggest ever summer of live music

The Jacksons have sold more than 200 million records including the worldwide smash hits I Want You Back, ABC, The Love You Save and I ll Be There

Signing their first record deal in 1967, the family group, with the late Michael Jackson, made histor y in 1970 as the first recording act whose first four singles reached Number One on the US Billboard Hot 100 Building a reputation for their combination of music and brilliant choreography they went on to score 17

Top 40 singles on the Hot 100 – together with 22 UK Top 40 singles – including Never Can Say Goodbye, Show You The Way To Go, The Love You Save and Dancing Machine

Following the group’s massive success in the 1970s, they spent the 1980s and 90s concentrating on successful solo careers They reformed for a series of concer ts in 2001 and have packed theatres and arenas around the world ever since

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 and Thinking of You

Hailing from Philadelphia, sisters Debbie, Joni, Kathy and Kim became household names and a symbol of unity with their 1979 world-wide hit and iconic album We are Family

Over the years, the group has amassed a string of Gold and Platinum records, accumulating total sales of more than 20 million worldwide and a clutch of Grammy Award nominations

Following the death of Joni in 2017, Sister Sledge’s beautiful legacy is now evolving as their extraordinar y adult children take centre stage

Under the vocal direction of founding member Debbie Sledge they specialise in bringing the par ty as Debbie, Camille Sledge, Tanya Ti-et, Thaddeus Sledge and David Sledge make one funky family affair

Formed in 1972 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 ground-breaking 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

Ministry of Sound with top line-up

Get ready to par ty Sting bringing his World Tour to town

Bedford Park, will provide the per fect backdrop for an incredible live music spectacle as Ministr y of Sound Classical hits the park next summer on the July 1, 2023

Clubs do not come more iconic than Ministr y of Sound The legendar y London venue was at the hear t of the huge house scene of the 1990s and is one of the biggest global brands in dance music

The unmissable show heads to Bedford on Saturday, July 1 – with Roger Sanchez (pictured) Judge Jules, K-Klass and Ellie Sax among the stars to take to the decks on the night

So, get ready for an incredible show with such classics as Hey Boy Hey Girl (The Chemical Brothers), Sunchyme (Dario G), Insomnia (Faithless), Right Here, Right Now (Fat Boy Slim) plus many more, delivered like never before

The Jacksons, Sister Sledge and The Real Thing join George Ezra, Sting and West End Proms among the Bedford Park Concer ts headliners – with many more ar tists still to be announced Sting is bringing his My Songs World Tour to Bedford Park for a sensational outdoor show

Sting’s ‘My Songs’ concer ts are an exuberant and dynamic show featuring his most beloved songs, written throughout the 17-time Grammy Award winner s illustrious career both with The Police and as a solo ar tist

Sheridan Smith, has had an illustrious career to date, an awardwinning actress which includes a Baf ta, an NTA and BPG as well as two Emmy nominations

She has also released two albums one of which went to top 10 in the album char ts and has appeared in a whole number of West End Musicals from Little Shop of Horrors, Legally Blonde, Funny Girl, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat and who can forget her stunning por trayal of the late Cilla Black in Cilla the ITV series

Actor and singer Danny Mac has starred in countless musicals, from Les Misérables where he played Gavroche, to Legally Blonde, Wicked and more recently Pretty Woman

Many will recognise him from his role as Mark Savage in the hit TV drama Hollyoaks and his fan favourite appearance on Strictly Come Dancing, where he was the first highest-scoring male celebrity to ever appear on the show, at the time

A cagey first 45 saw Biggleswade have the better of the half, the best chance falling to George Bailey Good link up play from Jack Dryer, Adam Hunt and Alex Marsh saw Bailey put through, his low shot producing a good finger tip save

However, it was United that took the lead in the 51st minute when the hosts headed home from a corner

FC’s response was immediate though, just a minute later they made it 1-1, Alex Marsh tucking the ball away after a Tom Coles effort found its way into his path

His twin brother Lawire Marsh then looked to have won it for FC in the 78th minute when he guided home a cross from Adam Hunt after one of his trade mark runs

However, United grabbed a point at the end from another header at the far post from a free kick deep into injury time

it’ll feel like a defeat, but four points on the road in four days is a decent return and keeps FC 2nd

Saurday December 3

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

BERKHAMSTED ......................2

Biggleswade FC snatched a point in a grandstand finish against the league leaders and over-whelming favourites for the league title Berkhamsted

Before the season started not many people would’ve have predicted this fixture being a top of the table clash, but it shows the incredible job Mark inskip and Dave Northfield are doing this season for FC

The Comrades started well and their high press was rewarded straight away, in just the thhird minute Michael Simpson’s clearance was charged down and the ball fell nicely for the Berko striker to round Dan Green and place the ball into the empty net

However, just a minute later and with practically the last kick of the ball FC got a free kick deep into Berko territory, the cross was kept alive after the clearance and it fell to Alex Marsh in the six yard box who kept his cool to slot home a well deserved equaliser amid wild celebrations from the players, management and home fans

MOM George Bailey

Saturday December 10 WARE FC ...................................2

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

Biggleswade rescued yet another point in dramatic fashion, last time it was an injury time goal against top the table Berkhamsted, this time they travelled to Ware who sit one place below them in third and managed to come back from two down with two late goals

An entertaining first half saw both sides have decent chances but despite FC having more of the ball, it was Ware that were the more clinical going into the break two goals to the good

After the break Ware looked content to sit back and protect what they had, FC meanwhile went in search of a way back into the game

They looked to have found it in the 74th minute when Alex Marsh was brought down in the 18 yard box, however, his follow up penalty was well saved

Two more chances then fell in quick succession, first for Daniel Bond and then Alex Marsh, but both well saved by the Ware keeper who looked like he was never going to get beaten

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For the next 30 minutes or so it seemed like FC were in for a long afternoon as Berkhamsted dominated a lot of the play However, as half-time approached FC were slowly growing in confidence and had started to create chances themselves

They squared the tie in the 53rd

However, one thing this side has proven in recent weeks is they never give up and they never know when they are beaten in the 89th minute Daniel Bond popped up in the six yard box to poke home a quickly taken corner and then in the 96th minute Adam Hunt fired home inside the 18 yard box after a fantastic one two with Alex Marsh

You could see what this point means in terms of play off places as the players and travelling green army celebrated wildly in the corner

MOM Jack Dryer

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Positive set of recent results

and on the coach along with the players on the long journey home

FA Vase fixture against Coventry a huge challenge

By Guillem Balague Chairman Biggleswade United

Saturday January 14 will see us facing what is almost certainly the most important cup game in the history of Biggleswade United Football Club’s men’s first team

Victory in the fourth round of the FA Vase against Coventry Sphinx of the United Counties League will put us into the last 16 of the competition just three rounds from a Wembley final

We have never been here before i can’t wait We earned our place with a 3-1 penalty shoot out win after our hard fought third round match against Lakenheath FC finished 1-1 after normal time it was witnessed by a crowd of 214 which was around 50 more than saw us progress in the previous and we will need all of them and many more more besides to hopefully cheer us on into the fifth round

We are under no illusions that we are facing a major battle if we are to win through and know we start the game very much as underdogs

Our paths have crossed in the past when our enforced placing into the United Counties League last season pitted us against each other As a result of the move and the much increased travel commitments that came with it, we lost just about all of our first team squad, leaving us with no option than to field a side largely made up of youngsters that at that stage in their development were always going to struggle at that level

Back then Coventry Sphinx hit 18 goals past us over the two league game winning 10-0 at our ground and 8-1 at home

But our guests will know that this time with many of the old squad back and other new faces strengthening our line up they will be facing a totally different side to the one they dismantled last season They will underestimate us at their peril

Whatever the outcome we all know that while we may not be the most skilful or talented side left in the competition our performances in the Vase this campaign have clearly shown that there isn’t a team left in the draw that can match us for heart and spirit it would be wonderful to see a bumper crowd cheering the lads hopefully one step further down the road to Wembley

Kick off will be at the Keech Hospice Care stadium at 3pm on Saturday January 14 Bring a friend, in fact bring all your friends and your family See you there

Saturday November 26

BIGGLESWADE TOWN .........1

WALTHAMSTOW ...................1

The first meeting of the two sides during my time at the club, produced a very combative, tough encounter No quarter was given as the teams battled for supremacy it was certainly a rare old scrap as both sides tried to gain the midfield area

A series of ‘niggly’ fouls interrupted the play with both sides guilty trying to push forward On 17 with the home defence trying to pass the ball out, pushed it one too many times back to Timmy Smith in goal, his attempted clearance met the oncoming Callum Be full force and re-bounded back across the line to give the advantage to the visitors and Callum Be a bruised chest

There were not many opportunities from either side as the clock ticked down to the break

After the break the powder keg from the first half was about to explode when the referee took charge with a series of cautions and finally a red card which calmed the tense atmosphere on the pitch

Waders desperate to make amends did so on 57 as Harry Draper crept in front of his marker to head home, leveling the scores

Opportunities were scarce but both sides had the ball in the net, both to be ruled offside it was a difficult match as both sides cancelled each other out A bad-tempered affair best consigned to the history books

Saturday December 3

CIRENCESTER .......................0

BIGGLESWADE TOWN .........1

Jingle bells, Jingle bells, Jingle all the way Oh what fun it is to see Waders win away HEY The song the green army sang at the ground

The match was the first reverse fixture of our season, the original game the first of the season back in August under a sweltering +38 degrees ended 0-0 Both sides having re-built their squads were both “bedding” in

Under what felt just about a plus temperature the teams competed and battled every ball Cirencester the inform side after a fairly disastrous start to the season keeping pace with the Waders as they both climb the table

The goal came early in just sevenminutes as Harry Draper spun on a loose ball through a pack of players Both sides attacked, both had chances perhaps the home side the more and better but at the break the Waders lead held New signing, central defender Liam McDevitt was the pick of the bunch as his reading of the game and power headers repulsed Cirencester at every move

An exciting game to watch, especially near the end when the home side pressed forward, leaving gaps at the back for the boys in orange to exploit

But just the one goal, thankfully for the visitors and three points wending their way back to Bedfordshire to the music of the green army Premier Plus man of the match Liam McDevitt

Tuesday December 6 BIGGLESWADE TOWN 6 HARLOW ..................................2

On my way to the match the car pinged up a warning of +3 degrees, that at 17 30 a cold evening instore But, yes there is a but, we got a match to warm even the coldest of spectators

First visit to the Yvette Brewer Stadium for Harlow and they came out of the blocks at lightning speed

The Waders not showing their usual cohesion were put to the test as the Harlow midfield and forwards attacked at pace Dante Mcintosh on the score sheet on nine minutes with a opportunity close in

Ten on and Layne Eadie doubled the score at the back stick beating Timmy Smith low to his right The prodding and poking by Harlow woke up the slumbering Waders, Robbie Parker showing the way with tremendous forward energy

infectious it was as the Waders started to make inroads into the deficit Marcus Goldbourne with a magical run through the despairing Harlow players to power a shot that bulged the net on 26

Jon Clements levelled up the score on 37 after the visiting keeper Melvin Minter dropped the ball at his feet Not normally advised as Jon reacted to the opportunity

All square at the break and another 45 to come

All change at half time with Jake Bunyan and Max Granville being brought on to replace Goldbourne and Austin Oh, the magic started, it took a while to bring a score but Harlow had been tamed as the Waders went, service as usual, with the controlled play that brings dividends

That man Clements again on 61 followed by Dan Brathwaite on 67 Not to be out done Harry Draper with a fine individual score on 72, turning the defence inside out You can’t keep Clements quiet and he completed his hattrick on 74

A scare late on saw man of the match Robbie Parker take the keeper ’s jersey as Timmy Smith had a blow to the head, leaving the field of play Robbie can boast a clean sheet as Harlow failed to trouble him

Premier Plus Man of the Match Robbie Parker

by Mike Draxler