Something BIGG is coming to town this summer

THE transformation of the old Town Hall in Biggleswade into The Bigg Theatre has begun.

The former pizza restaurant at 36 High Street, Biggleswade, is being transformed into a dynamic new arts destination called ‘The Bigg Theatre’ This exciting venue will be a community arts hub complete with a multiformat performance space. It will also house a contemporary café/bar foyer space that will also serve as a gallery for local artists.

Positioned in the centre of town, The Bigg Theatre will be the premier provider of live entertainment which will include

Theatre, Cinema, Live Music, Live Comedy and Dance.

As well as providing quality entertainment, the venue will be available to the entire community for all their artistic and creative pursuits including dance and fitness classes, group events, creative workshops, birthday parties, rehearsal space and youth clubs.

With inclusivity and accessibility at the heart of the thinking, the venue will be fully accessible to wheelchair users and it will strive to create a compassionate, inclusive environment where everyone can feel valued, safe and free to express themselves.

18/04/1971-23/4/2023

Amanda Cawthorn, a committed community and ovarian cancer research and awareness supporter, sadly lost her courageous 9 Year Battle with a rare form of ovarian cancer – ‘clear cell’ on Sunday, April 23, 2023

During her illness she avidly supported many local groups, including Biggleswade Community Safety Group, liaising with Fire and Police Departments and alerting the general public of any incidents

Whilst she spent many hours reporting on her computer, she would often be seen out actively supporting Police Patrols, or Marshalling at the Biggleswade Carnival, or even litter picking

Amanda was also a Member of the Biggleswade Ladies Group, The Biggleswade Speed Watch and Saxon Estate Neighbourhood Watch Mark Butcher, one of her immediate neighbours and dear friend, said: “I couldn’t have had a better neighbour, who would alert me if my windows were left open, or any water was running from the gutter, or any strange noises coming from my boiler, as well as letting me know if anyone had left any donations at my doorstep for Angela’s Research Fund

Amanda, her husband Alex and her whole family have been very supportive of this Fund since I moved next door in 2015, having lost my sister to another rare ovarian cancer –‘small cell’ ”

Amanda was a Patient

Representative of Target Ovarian Cancer and campaigned in Parliament for better outcomes and reviewed funding bids She often attended the Eve Appeal’s Annual Launch of March Ovarian Cancer Awareness month at The House of Commons

Many ladies diagnosed with ovarian cancer have benefited from her advice and personal talks to groups that she gave Her dedication to awareness and research of ovarian cancer was avidly shared on social media as well as her sharing of local community issues She was always looking out for other people

Amanda was always optimistic and cheerful whilst undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy which left her with many side effects and latterly she accepted every new trial that she was offered

Whilst she managed to remain in remission for five years after her initial diagnosis, sadly shortly afterwards her cancer returned and her battle started again Throughout the duration her dedication to the community and charities remained constant and not only has ovarian cancer awareness and research benefited so much from her life, so has the Biggleswade community too, as well as so many people she offered support to when they needed it

Amanda will be sadly missed by so many people!