Kempston Calling June 2023

l Bedford Tories buck national trend

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leads

‘The best is yet to come’

businesses and jobs coming to the area for themselves and their children Our task as a Conser vative administration is to big up Bedford, Kempston and the rural areas and empower the talented people we have here to make it as wonder ful as it could be - a place of real opportunity.”

Tom has lived in the Borough all his life and has been a councillor since 2002. His victory as the Conservative party candidate in the directly-elected Mayor election over LibDem Dave Hodgson went against the national trend and was an insight into how our residents really do want to see a change

This position includes appointing the Cabinet members who will lead various elements of the council which ser ves the people of the Borough and Tom is very proud of his multi-talented new team.

“We are here to listen and to allow people to see what we are doing No more behind closed doors decision-making, we want people to be able to see what’s going on and what’s to come Like the East West Rail saga, there will be transparency in what we do now,” said Tom from his new office in Borough Hall (the old county hall) in Cauldwell Street, Bedford.

“ There are so many oppor tunities we can take for ward now to help our town be seen as the prestigious county town that it should be. People move from miles to live in our Borough, we want them to see quality

Inside we have an exclusive Question Time inter view with Tom covering many of the topics which have been regularly fed back to us as those which matter to ordinary people, regardless of their par ty political persuasion, across the Borough.

Continued on page 4

Carl leads Labour group on council

Morrisons open in the Springfield Centr e

AFTER serving nearly 14 years as Deputy Leader, popular Kempston South Councillor and former Mayor of Kempston Carl Meader has taken on the leadership of the Labour Councillors at Bedford Borough Council

Former Group Leader Sue Oliver advised the Labour Group a year ago that she intended to stand

down from the position at the 2023 elections She has stepped back to the role of Deputy Group Leader Councillor Carl Meader said: “I couldn’t have had a better role model as Group Leader, following Sue Oliver is a lot to live up to She has been an exemplary Group Leader, and has led a united, disciplined and effective Labour Group

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I hope to do the same, and know I will appreciate her advice as Deputy Leader over the coming months ”

“We have a larger group with five new councillors who will bring fresh ideas and energy to the Group, and nine re-elected councillors with the knowledge of how to tackle the demanding role f the elected representative and erience of serving on council mmittees

Labour Councillors are all tely aware this is a difficult e for many residents throughout Borough and we will strive to ke sure the decisions the council kes have their best interests at rt

“We’ll hold the Tory adminision to account, ask questions demand answers

“We want the Council to rk productively, and Labour uncillors will work hard for resnts throughout the Borough ”

Last month Morrisons opened up a store in the former McColls shop in the Springfield Centre. Reports from the manager Aimee Tilbury (second left above) indicate this has been well received by local residents and business is good.

Also in the picture is town councillor Shaun Bowman (left) along with Steve

Tilbury and Carl Meader.

Bedford Borough Ward Councill for Kempston South, Carl Meader visited the newly opened shop and commented that this opening is great news not just for Kempston South but for the whole of the town and urges people to use this and other local businesses.

KEMPSTON TOWN COUNCIL

All new Kempston Town Council

Well, not all new since some of the councillors are returning

In the elections on May 4, 2023, all Labour candidates for the Town Council were unopposed, so it will be a Labour administration

Councillors pictured right with Mohammad

Yasin MP: L-R Caroline White, Mohammed Masud, Mohammed Nawaz, Mohammad

Yasin, Shaun Bowman, Sue Oliver, Steve Conway, Carl Meader, Thomas McEwan, Hamayun Shahid, Ross Purves, Terri Conway, and Ali Akbor

However, it is important to emphasise that however you voted, your ward councillors are there for you Councillor’s contact details are adjacent:

NAME TELEPHONE EMAIL

Kempston South

Carl Meader 07557 800156 Carl Meader@bedford gov uk

Shaun Bowman 07905 780603 shaun-bowman@virginmedia com

Kempston Central and East

Mohammed Nawaz 07786 160607 mn bedford2023@gmail com

Caroline White 07907 440658 Caroline white@bedford gov uk

Ali Akbor 07803 244415 aakbor@hotmail com

Mohammed Masud 07974 276944 Mohammed Masud@bedford gov uk

Ross Pur ves 07732 969871 rmpkempston@gmail com

Kempston North

Sue Oliver 01234 303029 Sue Oliver@bedford gov uk

Thomas McEwan 07852 180916 Thomas mcewan@ntlworld com

Hamayun Shahid 07939 112714 Hamayun104@outlook com

Kempston West Terri Conway 01234 856503 cllr terriconway@gmail com

Steve Conway 01234 856503 steve@steveconway net

Annual Parish Meeting

Kempston Town Council held its Annual Parish Meeting on Thursday, May 11, 2023 After completing the formal part of the evening, the retiring Kempston Town Mayor, Sam Blacklaws, thanked those present for attending and handed over a cheque in the sum of £1,400 to the Chair of The Kempston Charities, Peter Foster

The Mayor supported The Kempston Charities during his term of office

The Kempston Charities distributes grants to residents, schools, and organisations within Kempston for those with social needs i e , for the poor and needy The Trustees meet three times a year and letters of grant application should be sent to the Clerk

Kempston Town Council welcomes a new Mayor Kempston Town Mayors hold office for one year and Sam Blacklaws our retiring Mayor handed over the mayoral chain to the new Mayor, Terri Conway, at the first meeting of the all-new Kempston Town Council on Tuesday, May 16, 2023

Kempston Town Mayor Sam Blacklaws handing over the cheque to The Kempston Charities Chair Peter Foster

Friends help in bringing cutting edge technology to Bedford Hospital

As a gastroenterologist he is very keen to offer his patients a less invasive option of surgery and a quicker recovery together with a better outcome in terms of their quality of life This initial discussion triggered BHC&F to consider whether they could help bring the very latest technology to Bedford Hospital

With the support of the local community, BHC&F has enabled Bedford Hospital to acquire the very latest in Robotic Assisted Surgery with the arrival of a new da Vinci Xi robot last month This will bring considerable benefits for both patients and staff not only for patients who need abdominal surgery but across a wide range of conditions

Chairman of Bedford Hospital Charity & Friends, Deborah Inskip, stated that: “Due to the extreme generosity of the local community the charity was delighted to be in a strong position to support the purchase of this robot The charity added £900,000 to the £1 1M of the Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to facilitate purchase of this top of the range da Vinci Xi robot It will be used across a range of different specialties, treating patients with conditions ranging from bowel and renal cancer to endometriosis, euro-gynaecology, bariatric and biliary surgery, and complex head and neck conditions ”

Mrs Katharine Bevan, Colorectal Consultant Surgeon and Clinical Lead for Bedfordshire Hospital’s NHS Foundation Trust, was the first surgeon to carry out a robotic assisted procedure at Bedford Hospital She said “This is the beginning of a new era of surgery at Bedfordshire Hospitals and we are tremendously excited to have introduced this new technology and improve the care of our patients The significant benefits for patients include reduced post-operative

pain, a faster recovery leading to a shorter stay in hospital, and improved quality of life after surgery ”

David Carter, Chief Executive of Bedfordshire Hospitals, added: “This is fantastic news for our patients, and will future proof our surgical services - the commitment to innovation, and the training, education and research it brings, will help us retain and attract high calibre staff ”

He added: “We are incredibly grateful to Bedford Hospital Charity and Friends for their energy, enthusiasm and support with spearheading this project at Bedford Hospital, having contributed £900,000 to the cost of the robot which is phenomenal ”

“Clearly, robotic surgery is the way forward and is rapidly becoming the new norm This is yet another example of the Bedford community supporting their local hospital to deliver the best for the community ”

For more information please contact Deborah Inskip via 07768-357030 or DInskip@aol com

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TALKING POINTS WITH TOM

EWR – and the rail route around town – a hot topic in some key areas in the recent election:

The secrecy and duplicity around this by the last administration has lef t people affected suspicious and angry Too much Tony Blair style sofa Government with cosy deals behind closed doors

“ We are going to open up the discussions and debates, make sure meetings are advertised and minutes are shared Transparency is going to be a key to all council activity, we need to engage with all of the Borough as much as we can on our journey for ward Leisure facilities – lack of – and the contract with Fusion:

“ The problem has been here is not Fusion as such but the contract signed by the last administration and then not managed The Pyramid pool has been an example of what has gone wrong It s been management by press release, a photocall about new deal and then facility allowed to slip into decay with no one taking responsibility

“We have some talented officers and staff here at the council who need to be able to exercise their skills and use their experience to do a job about which they can feel proud They love Bedford and want to feel they are being allowed to make a positive contribution I want to empower them ”

Potholes – where do you start: We re now operating on a budget set by the last administration which I cannot change until February but we will and then we can set in some long term solutions instead of short term hole-filling It is interesting to note how road repairs have been made more efficiently and effectively in some party politically motivated areas compared to others We think everyone needs to be treated fairly ”

How can we revive pride in Bedford’s status and reputation:

“Bedford is a southern county town, with a beautiful river, good housing choices and school options, a useful train line to London, as well as routes opening up to Oxford and Cambridge which are aspirational cities across the globe We should be making more of that

“

We want quality science and technology businesses here, we ought to have them with our links on the Oxford-Cambridge arc Yes we have distribution companies coming here and they are welcome, but we need more Science Parks and entrepreneurship of the sort we see at Cambridge – for which we are are in reach as a “commuter ” or “ working from home” town

“In terms of history and heritage, tourism and travel we have so much to offer Don’t let’s forget the English language spread across the world from people reading Pilgrim’s Progress, the second best selling book in history – give or take Harry Potter An

POWERFUL ROLE MAKES BEDFORD DIFFERENT

Bedford’s unusual status of having a directly elected Mayor, the local equivalent of London or Manchester, goes back to the late Frank Branston who first held the position

The former newspaper owner, who established the feared/loved Beds on Sunday, campaigned to have the position created for the Borough to enable positive changes to overcome divisive par ty politics

Much authority rests in the hands of the Mayor and his chosen cabinet who can make a genuine difference if they are willing and able

So here goes with new Mayor Tom Wootton, who is a familiar face in farming and county circles and who has been a Borough councillor since 2002

Mayor Tom said: “Frank and I disagreed on many things, but we did share a mutual love of Bedford He had some great ideas for making this a county town of which we could all be proud I hope to pick up the dropped threads of that legacy and move it for ward ”

animated film version was launched in Bedford thanks to a group of local supporters and shown in local cinemas More of that and young talent showcasing our town through the power of SM and online-media ”

What about the “demise” of the town centre:

“

The place needs a clean up for as start it s been allowed to look dirty and for instance trees that have been planted, neglected and allowed to wilt That s all about the last administration – photo of tree planting and then forget to water it The same applies to the use of millions made available to council from Government Painting a Goldings sign over an empty shop

is not the answer You need to grow a town centre from the people upwards

“Frank Branston called Bedford a town of markets and some of that idea lives on in projects like the Flea market on Sundays – a sunny day and 100s are in the town making it look vibrant and real That real footfall will water the businesses

“Parking – again budgets set for this year by the last administration but we are urgently looking at how we can make at least one of the multi-storey car parks free for four hours That way people can come and get their eyes tested and have time to shop or take coffee or have lunch – making most of a day of it

“ Toilets, we need more of them and they need to be clean and accessible Its been ridiculous the way they have been closed or neglected

“ This does not help local independent businesses, of which we have so many good ones who are aimed at young families with small children, or older visitors People will judge a town by its toilets

“ There is the early evening/ night time economy which does well in places like Riverside where restaurants are busy on evenings towards the weekend

“More of that is needed ”

Policing in general and fly tipping:

“Police – More of them, more visible and more of Bedford’s share of contribution to police budget coming to Bedford, not Luton I know our front line offers do a difficult job under increasingly challenging circumstances so we need to support them and their numbers

“Fly Tipping, we found when talking to people in all areas of the Borough that fly tipping was a problem The response from the last administration was to start putting out press releases about how members of the public were being prosecuted for leaving bagged-up rubbish next to over flowing bins and bottle banks

Not the answer For a start the Tidy Tip should be more accessible, more of ten Restrictions imposed were counter productive Community – how is Bedford changing?

Bedford was always described as the most cosmopolitan town outside of London with 100 plus nationalities many of them studying at our fantastic Bedford College, now The Bedford College Group

“ We want to embrace all our communities The recent Polish Festival was fantastic, there are more to come and of course these events add interest and activity in the town centre

“ We are now staging Citizenship events at Borough Hall – part of opening up the building for community use

We have rooms to rent here car parking aplenty and already sub-let to the NHS and Police, so recovering some of the costs of running the building

“ There are so many opportunities and so much on which to build

“

How you voted –or didn’t!

LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS

The new Bedford Mayor is Tom Wootton (Conservative Party)

There are:13 Conservative councillors, 3 Green councillors, 2 Independent councillors, 14 Labour councillors, 13 LibDem councillors

The councillors are:

Biddenham – Jon Gambold (Conservative Party)

Brickhill – Wendy Rider MBE and Charles Royden (both Liberal Democrat)

Bromham – Robert Rigby and Dylan Simmons (both Conservative Party)

Castle and Newnham – Lucy Bywater and Paul Edmonds (both Green Party)

Cauldwell – Fouzia Atiq, Aby Sultan and Harish Thapar (all Labour Party)

Clapham and Oakley – Jonathan Abbott (Liberal Democrat) and Jane Walker (Conservative Party)

De Parys – Henry Vann and David Sawyer (both Liberal Democrat)

Goldington – Christine McHugh and Timothy Caswell (both Liberal Democrat)

Great Barford – Phillipa MartinMoran-Bryant (Conservative Party)

Great Denham – Jim Weir (Conservative Party)

Greyfriars – Ben Foley (Green Party)

Harpur – Colleen Atkins and Zara Layne (both Labour Party)

Harrold Ward – Alison Foster (Conservative Party)

Kempston Central and East –Mohammed Nawaz and Caroline White (both Labour Party)

Kempston North – Sue Oliver (Labour Party)

Kempston South – Carl Meader (Labour Party)

Kempston West – James Valentine (Labour Party)

Kingsbrook – Dean Crofts (Liberal Democrat) and Ralley Rahman (Labour Party)

Putnoe – Michael Headley and Max Royden (both Liberal Democrats)

Queen’s Park – Nesreen Akhtar, Mohammed Masud and Mahboob Din (all Labour Party)

Renhold and Ravensden – Nicola Gribble (Independent)

Riseley – Martin Towler (Conservative Party)

Riverfield – Billy Thompson (Liberal Democrat)

Sharnbrook – Doug McMurdo (Independent)

Shortstown – Leigh Coombes (Liberal Democrats) and Sarah-Jayne Gallagher (Conservative Party)

Wixams and Wilstead – Graeme Coombes, Marc Frost and Andrea Spice (all Conservative Party)

Wootton and Kempston Rural –Susan Abood (Liberal Democrat) and John Wheeler (Conservative Party)

Wyboston – a by election is now required as Tom Wootton was elected mayor Laura Church, Bedford borough’s returning officer, said the voter turnout for both the mayoral and ward councillor elections was 35%.

The voter turnout for the 2019 mayoral election was two percentage points higher – 37 %.

We need to remember The Best is Yet to Come.”

Launching their new logo and celebrating 10 years

BEDFORD-BASED charity FACES (which stands for Family and Children’s Early-Help Services) celebrated its 10th anniversary on Saturday, April 29, 2023, with a black tie ball and the unveiling of a new logo

The celebration, at The Mercure Hotel in Bedford, raised £8396 for the charity and marked ten years of FACES providing local families with practical and emotional support

The new logo heralds the next era for FACES, which assisted more families than ever during the pandemic and continues to see enormous demand for its services during the cost of living crisis

FACES was established in 2013, to support local families under stress so that they can provide a safer, happier and healthier home in which children can thrive and reach their full potential

It does this through a range of quality-tested services, including one-to-one home visiting and support groups, often led by the team of dedicated volunteers Families may be facing mental or physical health problems, domestic abuse, poverty, child exploitation or behavioural issues

FACES CEO Michaela Martindale said: “It was a fantastic evening to celebrate this milestone anniversary We are grateful to all of the staff, volunteers, individuals and businesses who enable us to do our much-needed work

“We are always looking at ways to assist with the emerging needs of families in the community and welcome anyone who would like to support us to get in touch ”

If you would like to support FACES please visit facesbedford org

The charity welcomes enquiries from families who may need access to its services

Paddles at the r eady help make a splash for charity

NATIONAL healthcare charity, Sue Ryder, is calling on local businesses and community groups to ‘paddle up’ this June for its firstever Bedford Dragon Boat Festival

Teams of up to 15 people are being invited to take to the water on Sunday, June 25, and battle it out to raise vital funds for Sue Ryder, which provides expert palliative care and bereavement support to local families from its Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in Moggerhanger

In brightly coloured boats, complete with carved dragon’s head and traditional drum, competitors will paddle their way along the 200-metre course to reach the golden finish line at Bedford Suspension Bridge, cheered along by a stream of spectators

There will be coveted trophies for the overall winner, the bestplaced mixed crew, the best dressed and for the top fundraisers, with medals going to first, second and first place overall

The ‘oar-some’ dragon boat race will run alongside Bedford Borough Council’s annual Kite and Moring Festival, a free community event which also includes a wide range of entertainment, food stalls and activities for all the family Managing Director, Ali McDougall, part of the Bedfordbased team from Green Light Consultancy Group Limited who

have signed up for this year ’s festival, said: “We started supporting Sue Ryder at the start of the year and the dragon boat race was an event that I straight away thought we should get involved in

“It’s a great way to bring the team together to have a bit of fun outside of the office, while helping to raise vital funds for such an incredible cause We are really looking forward to the race - a first for many of our crew – and would really encourage other businesses to get on board!”

Nick Burr, Senior Community Fundraiser at Sue Ryder St John’s

Hospice added: “We are so excited to be hosting our first charity dragon boat festival in Bedford The festival is a great opportunity to bring your colleagues or fellow community group members together for a fun team building activity

“You don’t need to have any experience to take part, just plenty of team spirit! We can’t wait to see you on the water and look forward to cheering you on to the finish line!”

Find out more about the Bedford Dragon Boat Festival and sign up online at sueryder org/ dragonboatfestival

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Investing in the future of Bedford

NOW visible from the riverside in Bedford is a modern new-look building that represents a commitment to investment in the future of the Borough

While work is ongoing, the development of Bedford College’s Cauldwell Street campus has reached a major milestone The scaffolding, which was decorated in a tremendous “We <3 Bedford” sign that could be seen from around the town, is being removed

Bedford College’s 1959 Tower Block is being transformed into a state-of-the-art, energy-efficient science and technology facility at the heart of Bedford Borough

The £12 6m project to deliver a Health, Science and Digital Skills Centre at the riverside campus is one of seven major Bedford Town Deal projects, with the development benefitting from a £3m boost from the government-funded scheme

The investment will help to remodel the building and upgrade a number of its spaces, including labs and IT suites The improvements will open up the St Mary’s Gardens area and allow easy access to Riverside Bedford and the rest of Bedford town centre

Under the plans, the project is set to generate an additional 250 fulltime education students a year as well as enhancing facilities for the 4,000 learners currently at the Bedford campus

As an exciting skills and education development, the investment will support Bedford College’s curriculum in its extension to higher education and advanced levels, so that existing students can progress further and achieve higher levels of skill in areas where employers say there is a need

Samantha Laycock, Chair of the

Bedford Town Deal Board and Manager for the Harpur Centre said:

“The College, its staff and students are a vital part of life in the town centre and this investment will secure future footfall and contribute to creating a lively feeling in the town through the working week This project is bringing a modern, 21st century facility to our town, which the people of Bedford deserve

Not only will the project help people to develop their own skills, it’s also a key part of bringing growth and investment to Bedford Borough Grouped with our six other Town Deal projects, this is a key part of our plan to enhance skills, opportunities and a range of possibilities to Bedford ”

Cllr Andrea Spice, Bedford Borough Council’s new portfolio holder for Town Centres and Planning, said: “We are committed to generating investment opportunities that will attract new employers to Bedford Borough and equipping people with the correct skills is an essential part of our team s vision It has been immensely encouraging to see this vision align with that of the Town Deal Board

“This funding from the government is helping people to level-up their prospects and strive for the opportunities they deserve Bedford’s best days are yet to come and this uplift in learning and earning for our borough will help our friends families and children to take the right first steps on an important path ”

Pat Jones, Deputy Chief Executive at The Bedford College Group, said: “The regeneration of this building will enable the college to continue to support the community to flourish through the provision of education and skills ”

Rare species and home-grown talent

THE Zoological Education Centre (ZEC) at Shuttleworth College is saving rare species by breeding them in captivity

The latest additions are two tiny Indian star tortoises (Geochelone Elegans) which were hatched at the world-class centre near Biggleswade, Bedfordshire

The purpose-built animal welfare centre includes a tropical biome with alligators and more, outdoor areas for creatures like emus (one of the closest relatives of dinosaurs) and in total, a representative of every family of animal on the planet

ZEC curator (and Bedfordshire’s answer to David Attenborough) Carl Groombridge is an enthusiast and educator who has inspired a generation of young people to take up careers in conservation

On his team now is former student turned staff member Chloe Hancock, herself born and

bred in Biggleswade She spotted the first tiny tortoise helping itself to food in the adult enclosure

“To say we are over the moon is an understatement as these tortoises are an International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) threatened species So this is exactly the sort of work we want to be doing here and showing our students,” said Carl They also have two new baby TenrecsMadagascan “hedgehogs” who need names

“We are always looking to welcome local schools and groups like scouts and guides to visit us to they can see this world class facility right here in Bedfordshire,” added Carl, “So anyone who can come up with names for the newbies we would be grateful ”

Pictured left: Jody and Chloe Elphick with the tortoises. Right: Emily Culling with the Tenrecs.

Dementia Specialist Teepa Snow coming to town

THE flagship event of Tibbs Dementia Foundation’s 10th Anniversary year will be a one-day Living Better with Dementia conference with internationally acclaimed dementia specialist, Teepa Snow.

Taking place at the Bedford Heights Conference Centre on June 30 the morning has been designed as a professional development opportunity for dementia care practitioners and medical professionals

Teepa Snow, the Carolina-based specialist, who is currently supporting Bruce Willis and his family, will share the latest thinking on a range of topics including dementia brain changes and the impact on every-day function

She will also examine challenging situations in dementia care and consider how different approaches and methods of communication can help

Tickets for the morning session are just £30 and it is already clear that practitioners from across Bedfordshire and neighbouring counties are keen to attend

To avoid disappointment, if you are interested and would like to be

there please contact: conference@tibbsdementia co uk

Tibbs Dementia Foundation is dedicated to supporting families from across the county, so the afternoon session is a Family Forum specifically designed for family carers

It will be an opportunity for carers to come together, in an informal setting, to deepen their understanding of the different stages of dementia and learn how to build coping strategies

There will be no charge for this session

There will also be a facilitated activity room available at the conference venue, for loved ones with dementia or cognitive impairment, so that family carers can listen to Teepa and ask any question they may have

If you would like more information about the Family Forum or to book your place please contact: contact@tibbsdementia co uk

Tibbs marks Dementia Action Week in Style

MEMBERS of the Tibbs Dementia Foundation marked Dementia Action Week recetly, with a starring role in the Hear and Now: Roots concert, alongside the amazing Philharmonia Orchestra and the talented multiFaith Fusion Youth Singing group

After several months of rehearsals, the brain-child of Artistic Director, Tim Steiner, culminated in a wonderful celebratory concert for family and friends at University of Bedford Theatre It was such a powerful and stirring example of what people living with dementia can achieve with the right encouragement and support

Tim’s vision for the Hear and Now: Rooted concert focused on the grounding nature of music and how in an uncertain world, it has the ability to bring all sections of society together

From Loesser and Carmichael’s Heart and Soul to Dvorak’s New World Symphony, familiar to many as Going Home, the evocative soundtrack to Hovis adverts The was also an eclectic range of traditional music from around the world, inspired by nature, which ended with a wonderful song of celebration and joy, Bella Ciao

‘Good’ news for Livingstone Primar y School

There is surely no better way of raising awareness during Dementia Action Week than showing people living with dementia having fun and creating new memories

If you or someone you know has dementia and you would like further information about living better with dementia through Tibbs work; or to donate to or support Tibbs Dementia Foundation, please visit tibbsdementia co uk, call 01234 210993 or email the Tibbs Team at contact@tibbsdementia co uk

LIVINGSTONE Primary School has been recognised as a ‘good’ school following a recent inspection by Ofsted The school was especially praised for its outstanding and well-developed programme of personal development of pupils

The report also said that the pupils always do their best to demonstrate the school’s motto of ‘Work Hard, Be Kind!’ saying that they follow the example set by staff who model the positive behaviours and attitudes expected from them Teachers were also commended for making the curriculum accessible to all pupils

Head Teacher Peter Thornes said, “We are pleased with the outcomes of our recent Ofsted inspection We’re proud of the achievements the school, pupils, staff and community have made that have enabled such a positive judgement We are particularly delighted to be recognised as outstanding in the personal development of pupils, which recognises the school’s biggest strength ”

For more information visit www livingstoneprima ry co uk/about-us/ofsted

More juice for trains

WORK is set to begin on upgrading the overhead wires on the railway line south of Bedford These upgrades (designated OLE125) will allow an increase in line speeds for electric trains which currently are limited to 100mph whereas East Midlands diesels can run up to speeds of 125mph

In separate but related work, the power supply to line will be upgraded to handle the increased number of trains that are coming down the track in the form of the new fleet of Aurora trains which will increase the power demands when they are introduced

Rightsize your way to happiness at the Newells

WE’RE firm believers in rightsizing, not downsizing. When it comes to moving, we all want to feel excited about the possibilities of our new home. We certainly don’t want to feel that we ’ re settling for less Instead, we want to know that the outcome will be uplifting, liberating and life-enhancing

Adlington Retirement Living’s latest community ‘The Newells’ in Kempston, is a place where you can enjoy more of all the important things in life More time for the things you love, more space to enjoy as an extension of your home, plus more support from the on-site team who are available 24/7, 365 days a year

Spacious apartments and first-class facilities

When you move from a family home to a retirement community, you ’ re gaining access to the outstanding on-site facilities and gardens, which are an extension of your own home. Alongside the range of 60 brand-new one, two and three-bedroom retirement apartments, The Newells will have an on-site restaurant serving freshly cooked meals daily, a

homeowners’ lounge, hair salon, coffee lounge, therapy suite, activities studio and beautiful landscaped gardens.

Adlington homeowner Bess said: “My new apartment is the perfect size for me. 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 fulltime 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 a new roof and pointing We were already paying for a gardener I just didn’t want the hassle of it all It was a burden for me, worrying about it

“We really enjoy having a beautiful garden to sit in that’s been maintained by somebody else. This year we had a lovely hot summer and we regularly ate outside It was like being on holiday Out came the Sangria and it was lovely We had a garden party too in the summer and that was really nice, with a jazz band

and a BBQ and drinks ”

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

A very busy month for vegetables

by Maureen Catlin

JUNE is usually the month of long sunny days, barbeques and sitting back and enjoying all the colours of the garden with a cold glass of your favourite tipple The garden however doesn’t stop growing so it is important to keep a good ‘job schedule’ going just leave them until the cooler mornings and evenings

Now is a good time to fill up bare patches in your

flower borders and add more colour with some new flowering shrubs and perennial garden plants Just make sure to prepare the soil with lots of moisture retaining compost or soil improver and water your new purchases regularly for the first summer There are many beautiful summer flowering plants to choose from such as Agapanthus, Correopsis, Campanula, Gaura and Penstemon

Lots of growth should be happening in the greenhouse this month Cucumbers can be planted now that it’s warmed up Sow a later batch to extend the crop-

ping season until late August Grow Cucumber ‘Hanah’ and ‘Socraties’ for reliably heavy crops

Pinch off the flowers until the plants have grown 9 sets of leaves along the stem and then allow them to crop This encourages strong healthy stems to carry large crops of fruit

Chilles and Peppers are best grown in pots Try a bull horns Italian Sweet Pepper variety called Rossii These can be grown outside a sheltered sunny place

Start feeding your tomatoes ter the first truss of fruit has set Feed weekly with organic comfrey feed or Westlands Tomato Food hich is high in potash

In the soft fruit beds strawberries will need feeding hilst keeping an eye on gooseberries for Sawfly tacks The larva will devour most of the leaves in a atter of days so spray with a pesticide

Blackcurrants will be growing fast too Keep them well watered all summer and feed with Blood, Fish and Bone or Bonemeal fertilizer Also watch out for unsightly blotches on the leaves caused by the Blister Aphid and if it occurs spray with SB Invigorator This is safe to use on edibles while still killing aphids, red spider mite, mealy bugs and scale insects

After your strawberries have fruited cut back all the growth to 2 5cm from the ground and remove all the leaves before composting or burning them

Keep newly planted fruit trees watered at this time of year and to further prevent water loss mulch with a soil improver or your own homemade compost

Plums, Peaches, Apricots, and Apples often set too much fruit During this month a natural ‘June Drop’ of some of the young fruits will occur but you may still need to hand thin out some more after this

Don’t be afraid to trim back mint, marjoram and other quick

growing herbs while growing new ones They will reward you with neat cushions of fresh shoots in no time Thyme, Chives, Marjoram and many other herbs are attractive to bees so leave one or two stems to flower and trim back later

It’s a very busy month for vegetable growing There’s still time to sow the seeds of French Beans, Runner Beans, Carrots, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Turnips and Swedes while tropical veg such as Tomatoes, Courgettes, French Beans and Runner Beans can now be planted outside At the same time fill your greenhouses with Water and Honeydew Melons, Tomatoes, Chillies and Aubergines

Onions and other previously planted crops will need regular weeding now and should be fed with a high nitrogen feed or chicken manure pellets to increase their leaf growth

When all these jobs are done enjoy a sunny and happy June in the garden!

Rt Revd Richard Atkinson – Bishop of Bedford Which book of the Bible would you choose?

This time of year is an exciting one for the church

At the end of the month women and men will be ordained as Deacons and Priests A diverse group of people will celebrate with family and friends their calling from God A real sign of hope both for the church but also for the world as they are sent out to serve.

To get to this point their vocation will have been tested and affirmed They will have been trained either residentially or part-time on a course They will have been equipped for leading worship, pastoring those in need, preaching and

proclaiming good news, and so much more

Part of that journey will have been a conversation with their Bishop In Bedfordshire most of those conversations will have been with me A time to explore their calling and also their readiness to go forward for ordained ministry

I will ask a number of questions. Among them, I often pose a hypothetical scenario I ask them to imagine that they are ship-wrecked and alone on a desert island In escaping a sinking ship, they have only been able to save one book of the Bible Which one, I ask, will it be? I am interested to hear

their choice and, in particular, the reasons for it

Recently someone chose the book of Psalms. For them, that ancient collection of hymns spoke to the range of human experience There are psalms of joy, of lament, of celebration, hope and anguish They would want that book to sustain them on that island. Someone else, I recall, chose the Book of Job That lengthy exploration of suffering and the nature of God through a focus on the sufferings of a man called Job who despite everything remains faithful

Most, however, select one of the Gospels

Tom Wootton – Elected Mayor of Bedford

Whether Matthew, Mark, Luke or John, they want one those accounts of the life of Jesus. They want the teaching of Jesus to guide them; the life of Jesus to inspire them

I understand that I think if I was posing the same question to myself, I would chose the Gospel of Luke. Partly because St Luke has a particular concern for those who are in need Partly because in Luke we find some of the great parables including the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son Which book would you choose? What would sustain you?

I’m confident Bedford’s best days are ahead

It’s the start of my third week as Mayor of Bedford Borough and it has been a tremendously busy start, with our team working tirelessly to deliver our vision for Bedford Borough

Great progress has already been made on a number of our manifesto promises

Conversations are proceeding around free fourhour town centre parking to help breathe new life into Bedford. We ve also held a number of meetings about East-West Rail and sought legal advice over temporarily postponing the Local Plan 2040,

so that we can ensure it works for local people

Our team came off the back of the election feeling enthused, energised and above all, excited at the prospect of change that was palpable in the air froThe election was close, in fact it came down to 145 votes

On the night, we stood by and witnessed a full and partial recount of the mayoral ballots to verify the outcome.

Despite knowing at the time that the votes seemed to have fallen in my favour, tensions were

incredibly high and all I could do is wait for the result to be announced

I sincerely want to thank those who supported the election campaign and voted for me, I will work tirelessly to uphold the principles and beliefs that I was elected on

I hope that over the next four years, I can demonstrate to all residents why I am the right person for the job.

I’ve spent the last 21 years as an elected representative of the people who I am so proud to

serve I’ve spent the last 25 years as a father, who recognises the gravity of providing opportunities for families, children and young people But most importantly, I ve spent all my life as a Bedford Borough resident, so have seen and understand the issues that people in our community face Bedford’s best days are ahead and it’s important to me that I put the “local” back into Local Leader by placing our Borough, and the people in it, at the heart of every decision Bedford Borough Council make

Mohammad Yasin – MP Kempston and Bedford Grass-roots football must benefit from sustainable funding

I was recently invited to a parliamentary reception to find out more about the Pitching In programme which sponsors the Trident Leagues, including local clubs Bedford Town FC, Biggleswade FC and Kempston Rovers FC.

Launched in 2020, when football clubs were facing the unprecedented impact on their finances due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Pitching In is Entain’s multi-million-pound investment programme designed to support grassroots sports. Football clubs are at the heart of communities Our national sport is a major source of identity and pride in our towns, but

football governance needs reforming

Too often, decisions affecting our clubs have been made without reference to the fans, without whom football would be nothing Historic clubs have collapsed because of the reckless actions of owners, and the perverse incentives created by pyramid finances The longer we wait for change, the more clubs are at risk

The excellent fan-led review, led by the Conservative MP Tracey Crouch was published in November 2021 When the Government responded last year, they said they would back all 10 strategic recommendations as Labour does

The promise to legislate was watered down to the publication of a White Paper

In April the Government finally confirmed that it supported some of the main recommendations of the review - the creation of an independent regulator for English football, strengthened owners and director’s tests, greater fan involvement in the running of their clubs, and a review of women ’ s football

The Premier League is now in discussions with the EFL on funding for the football pyramid The funding should cover the whole pyramid, not just EFL clubs

We should have a fair distribution that ensures the sustainability of all clubs throughout the pyramid and prevents the cliff the cliff edge of parachute payments, which create unfair competition.

Fans are desperate for a proper say about ownership and sustainability of these global and local assets, and hopefully these assurances can be made with an independent regulator We must protect our cultural heritage, so I hope the Government takes more responsibility for clubs that go bankrupt, that spiral into decline or that are bought by unsuitable new owners

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Saturday June 3rd

Castle Comedy serving up a treat

astle Comedy is ready to get you ughing this June with two mixed bills of TV names and rising stars!

finally after a years wait we finally welcome back the band, who brilliant covers from power pop to new wave & post funk Saturday 10th June

Saturday 17th June we welcome

L E A N O R M AT T L E Y for a night of soul motown and classic disco

Saturday 24th June

is a fantastic singer who is wonderful whatever song she sings

And finally to your big tribute night join us on

1st July

Saturday June 3, The Weatherley Centre, Biggleswade BOB MILLS is a bona fide comedy legend with over 30 years at the top of the UK circuit You will recognise him from his cult classic 90’s TV show ‘In Bed with Me Dinner ’ and his presenting of ‘Win,Lose or Draw’ on ITV He is one of the current stars of TalkRadio where he has his own show ‘Tragedy Plus Time’ where he

talks comedy to the biggest stars in the countr y Perhaps his biggest achievement in radio was being crowned BBC 5Live’s ‘Fighting Talk’ champion of champions in 2010 CALLY BEATON (right) She is a natural stor yteller full of intelligent, distinctive, and punchline-rich material and one of the UK’s most sought-af ter acts Cally’s TV appearances include being a regular panellist on BBC’s QI and starring in the Live at the Apollo Christmas Special in 2022 She has also appeared on The Apprentice You’re Fired, Celebrity Pointless and Richard Osman’s House of Games

“Exciting and hilarious talent she s got it - Time Out

Thursday June 8, The Quarry Theatre, Bedford ABANDOMAN a.k.a Rob Broderick fuses comedy, improvisation and hip hop to take an audience on a magical journey! He transforms their likes, loathes and daydreams into hit songs and captivating tales

LAURA SMYTH was the winner of The Funny Women Awards 2019

The beautiful D O L LY B

Y this lady’s strong powerful voice will guarantee a fantastic night

L

those who have seen Gareth before know this guy is second to none with amazing music and costume changes to match this really is a night not to miss

He has per formed in the house band for Alan Carr ’s Happy Hour on Channel 4 alongside Craig David, appeared in 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and stole the show on ITV1’s Christmas Comedy Club with Lost Voice Guy He has also suppor ted and toured with pop behemoth Ed Sheeran!

She is a native East Londoner, a mother of three and a comedy superstar in the making She has appeared on Live at the Apollo, Jonathan Ross’ Comedy Club, As Yet Untitled and Frankie Boyle’s New World Order

“A naturally funny woman,”JO BRAND

PAUL REVILL will host the shows

Doors 7 30pm show star ts 8 15pm Show finishes 10 45pm

Tickets £14+ booking fee

THE LIST

An unstoppable force of nature”

Tickets www castlecomedy co uk

Before we look at any scheduled events in Bedford, let’s briefly talk abonut the King’s Coronation concer t at Windsor Castle last month (May)

I was actually quite embarrassed with what I saw, what on ear th were the organisers of this concer t thinking, they opened the concer t with Pete Tong

and ‘Feel The Love’ which was clearly a pretty remote dance anthem!

Take that and Lionel Ritchie both good choices but poor old hie’s vocals could have h some fine tuning! to understand how the ew King and Queen both in their seventies were nter tained by someone a re appropriate for the on like Sir Elton John who a doubt would have en the highlight of the oncer t However rumours did ndicate that Sir Elton could not reschedule dates for his current world our to attend the event, which I found a bit bizarre why would he have preferred to stay loyal to a few thousand people in a stadium in Germany rather than be loyal and enter tain the king and Queen back in his home countr y! There was clearly not enough thought put into his concer t that was reened world-wide, I just ope they will have learnt

from their mistakes when staging another such event for the royal family

Anyway enough of my moans and groans let’s have a look at what events are happening in Bedford

Well the biggest for this month happens to be at Bedford Park, all scheduled events are going ahead with June being a bit of a bumper packed month

Friday, June 23, sees three amazing legendar y acts in The Park, The Jacksons, Sister Sledge The Real Thing and DJ Spoony, joining forces to bring what can only be described as the ultimate 80s concer t of the year which will never be matched and cer tainly never repeated

This concer t will be headlined off course by The Jackson Brothers previously known as The Jackson Five

by Tony Hendrix

The Jackson brothers are Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Tito who now tour together as The Jacksons The group were responsible for hits including ‘ABC’,

‘Dancing Machine’

and ‘Blame It On The Boogie’

The Jacksons’ unique brand of soulful pop-funk, their lengthy catalogue of hits, and their impeccable live per formances have made them one of the most beloved musical acts of all time

The Jacksons will be joined by the legendar y Sister Sledge who are undoubtedly one of the most iconic female bands of all time and responsible for some of the biggest dance anthems around such as Lost in Music, He’s the Greatest Dancer and Thinking of You Music on the night will be provided by none other than our ver y own Bedford DJ supreme ‘Spoony’ who I’m sure needs no introduction and explanation regarding his abilities behind the decks Tickets are available from www bedfordparkconcer ts co uk

Sharnbrook Men’s Group:

Unemployed home worker 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 Beds who come along and have coffee and toast from 10am-1pm every Friday Contact:

Steve Marvell on 07904 176698

Oakley Rural Day Centre for the elderly:

The Old School Lovell Road Oakley Beds MK43 7RX We provide a fun-filled day of activities games and good old conversation

The day includes refreshments and a two course lunch Contact: Lynne, Tuesday to Thursday on 01234 824935 or Mobile: 07733 227374 www oakleyruraldaycentre weebly com Email: oakleyruralday centre@yahoo.com

Biggleswade Sandy

Lions Club: Meets every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month at 8pm in the Biggleswade Sea Cadets Hall, Station Road, Biggleswade Visitors welcome www bslions org uk or 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 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 & District

Model Railway Society:

Meet Wednesday evening from 7 30-10pm in Kempston East Methodist Church Our members have a wide range of experiences, backgrounds and ages Drop in one Wednesday evening and get to know more over tea and biscuits Contact: Bedford Brass:

Bedford Brass are a friendly non-contesting band We play a varied repertoire of a high standard approximately second/third section level If you would like to come along and see what we are like then please contact The band rehearses Thursdays 8-10pm at Kempston East Methodist Church

Contact: info@bedfordbrass.com

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

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

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

Tuesday in Hitchin: 11am at Sun Hotel and 6:30pm Haynes village hall

Thursday in Cotton End, village hall 6:15pm

Contact: junehannigan@outlook.com

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 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

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-1pm every Friday Contact: Bernard Brown on 07711 664451 or Steve Marvell on 07904 176698

Bedfordshire Prostate Cancer Support Group:

Meets 7pm second Monday of the month at Bedford Borough Bowling Club Goldington Road, Bedford MK40 3NF Contact: Steve Pearce teve@sp vp co uk 01234 960414 or 07717 531715

Competition time

Car Boot Sales: Milton Ernest

Garden Centre Sundays 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

North Beds Ramblers: We walk every Saturday afternoon approx 6-8 miles starting at 1 30pm plus extra walks on 2nd and 4th Saturday each months we have a full day walks approx 12 miles starting at 10 00am Please be sure you are fit to walk and wearing the appropriate footwear and clothing Bring snacks and drinks as we always have a break June 03–1 30pm

Colmworth Golf Club : June 10 –10 00am

Bedford Park Concer ts is back this Summer with five spectacular shows (the George Ezra show is all but sold out), over two weekends with concer ts to appeal to all musical tastes! The Bulletin has five pairs of tickets to give away for each of the shows below.

Just answer the questions and send your answers by email to: editorial@bedsbulletin.com

Please put the name of the show you want to attend in the subject line eg: Sting

Jumble/Garage Sale

Trail: Bedford South Saturday 3rd June and Sunday 13th August (11am to 3pm) Sellers £5 a House – Mile Road, London Road, Harrowden Road Elstow Rd Meadowsweet Drive, Abbeyfields and all roads off the above

Seller’s fee goes to a Local Charity/Group

For more information or to book please

Contact: https//www facebook com/groups/28740 02549 582161

The Arts Society North Bedfordshire: Connect with likeminded people and make new friends through a shared curiosity for the arts Open to all, lectures on a variety of art topics at the Addison Centre in Kempston

Next date: Tuesday 27 June - 10 45 for 11 00 Guests welcome to attend at a cost of £10 per lecture per person For more information, please Contact: the Secretary: hbedsdfas@gmail.com https://northbedsartssociety 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 end once a month? Kempston Probus Club is a gentlemen’s lunch club meeting at the Mercure Hotel in Bedford on the second Tuesday of each month We have a twocourse meal plus coffee or tea for £18 00 followed by a guest speaker or entertainment

Ladies are invited to the lunches three times each year We are keen to recruit new members so if you would be interested in coming along to a lunch as a guest to see what we are about then please Contact: the Secretary, Fred Pearce on 01234 273776 or email: fred328@btinternet com We look forward to hearing from you

Sue Ryder Country Fayre and Music Festival: Saturday 5 August, 12 noon to 9pm at St John’s Hospice, Moggerhanger For details of stalls, volunteering on the day etc Contact: sjhs2023@outlook com

Bedford NT Association:

AGM Tuesday June 20th 2023 At 2 30pm

NOTE TIME, Addison Centre, Kempston MK42 8PN

Refreshments will be served and the speaker will talk after the AGM business Speaker is Andrew Bamford Curator of Kimbolton Castle, on “The Great Rebuilding of Kimbolton Castle 1690 - 1715” Everyone welcome No need to book No entry fee for the AGM Plenty of parking available For further information Contact: Betty Thomas on 01480 860 421

Summer Fayre & Music Festival: St John’s Hospice, Moggerhanger 5 August Noon to 9pm All proceeds to St John’s Hospice Contact: Rae McPherson, 07768 721368

Massage: Experienced masseuse available I have been practicing as a masseuse for more than 30

Kempston

Hexton : June 10 –1 30pm – Olney Market

Place : June 17- 1 30pm Lidlington Railway

Station : June 24 (Bunyan Trails Phase 3)9 30am – Westoning to Streatley: June 24

1 30pm – Biggleswade: Contact: Margaret Sawyer 07780 933 729

See FB page and North Beds Ramblers walking programme on www.ramblers.org.uk/north-bedfordshire

Sandy Night Owls Women’s

Institute: We meet on the first Wednesday evening of the month (except August) at 7 30pm, Sandy Conservative Club Visitors and new members always welcome For more information about our programme contact: Sandynightowlswiatgmail com

Bedfordshire Family

History Society: Friday 9th June 2023 our talk will be 19th Century Crime in Bedfordshire by Pamela Birch County Archivist following our AGM 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 donation

Contact:

Summer Fete: Saturday 15th July

1-4 30pm Church of the Transfiguration, 132 Bedford Road Kempston MK42 8BQ

Plenty of fun to be had: Children’s area, Bouncy Castle (weather permitting), Face paints & tattoos Raffle Tombola BBQ Tea Room, Ice Creams, Entertainment arena

Lots of outside stall holders to include wax melts bath bombs clothing personalised gifts

Contact:

St Paul’s Church Bedford - Music:

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

Suggest min £5 00

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

funds

Sat 10th June 12 noon Organ, Ian Runnells (Director of Music, St Paul s, Bedford)

Tues 6th, 1 00 pm, Vanessa Hristova, (Viola)

Tues 13th, Elizaveta Saul (violin) and Ana Manastireanu (Piano)

Tues 20th , Bedford CHoral Society Chamber

Choir

Tues 4th July Phoenix Choir

Tues 11th July Ellie Astridge (Soprano) and Tim Weed (Trumpet)

Tuesday recitals restart in September

Contact:01234 340163 www stpaulschurchbedford org uk

St Paul’s Church Bedford:

Flower arranging: Wednesday 28 June

6 30pm Sustainable Church Flowers

Demonstration Learn to create a beautiful seasonal pedestal and window display using sustainable techniques and Bedford grown flowers from Howbury Farm Flowers Tickets £5 and to book a place Contact: Lucy Copeman@pagesestate com or call 07870 517803

Proceeds to The Friends of St Paul’s church, Bedford

ByrdSong: St Mary’s Church, Carlton, Sunday 11th June, 3 00pm

Cantamus Chamber Choir celebrate 400th anniversary of the deaths of William Byrd and Thomas Weelkes with a selection of period music and lighter songs from across the ages with a bird theme

Tickets £10 (£8 concessions) at the door

Proceeds to St Mary s Church Contact: Ann Collett-White Tel: +44 (0)1234 266839 Mobile: +44 (0)7989 837819

To advertise your club, group or society in these columns please email your copy to: advertising@ bedsbulletin.com

Please include a contact telephone number These columns are for nonprofit making organisations

The first concer t kicks off on Friday 23rd June with Soul pop icons The Jacksons, ultimate disco divas Sister Sledge and British soul pioneers The Real Thing who are all ready for the ultimate par ty night in Bedford Park 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 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

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 groundbreaking 1977 song, Children of the Ghetto

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

Q: What year was ‘Can you feel the force’ released?

Q: What US city do Sister Sledge come from?

Sting is bringing his ‘My Songs’ World Tour to Bedford Park on Saturday 24th June 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 Following a sold out six-night residency at the London Palladium, My Songs was hailed “a masterclass” by The Times who said “Sting remains an undeniably skilled per former with a gold-plated back catalogue ” A musical journey taking in hits like Fields of Gold, Shape of my Hear t, Roxanne and Demolition

On Sunday 25th June is West End Proms – A breathtaking evening of live music from the past seven decades of popular musical theatre, delivered by some of the biggest West End Stars of the moment These include Danny Mac (Pretty Woman & Wicked) on stage are confirmed as John Owen-Jones (Phantom of the Opera & Les Misérables), Faye Tozer (Steps & Ever ybody’s Talking About Jamie), Zoe Birkett (The Bodyguard & Moulin Rouge), Trevor Dion

Nicholas (Aladdin & Hamilton)

Louise Dearman (Wicked & Evita) and Georgi Mottram (International & West End Classical Singer)

The show features spectacular lasers and ends with a magnificent firework display Bedford Rock Choir will be suppor ting with a lively and uplif ting set, guaranteed to get the audience warmed up

Q: What show has Louise Dearman been in?

Q: What song concludes the West End Proms show?

On Thursday 29th June with the ‘biggest rave ever ’ with the announcement of one of the world’s biggest techno acts ‘Scooter ’ flying in to make sure Bedford Park is ready to par ty!

The German techno group will be armed with a high energy set including tracks such as The Logical Song, Nessaja as well as their latest releases God Save the Rave and Waste Your Youth The

Saturday 1st July will see an incredible live music spectacle as Ministr y of Sound Classical hits the park 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

Ministr y of Sound Classical sees your favourite dance tracks re-orchestrated, re-imagined and re-lived by a breath-taking 30-piece orchestra, top DJs, stunning

Man, the concer t was described as “a rare treat” by The Telegraph and saw Sting praised as “near peerless” by The Guardian with “sublime pop alchemy” Fans can also expect to hear Englishman In New York, Ever y Breath You Take, Roxanne, Message In A Bottle and many more Suppor ting Sting will be Dagny who is one of Nor way s most exciting and in-demand pop ar tists and completing the line-up is English singer songwriter Joe Sumner

Q: What occupation did Sting have before forming the Police?

Q: What is Sting’s wife’s name?

Hamburg trio have had a hugely successful music career, having sold an impressive 30 million+ in single and album sales, with an enormous 100 gold and platinum records globally The band are considered the most successful German single-record act with 23 top ten hits

Q: What countr y is Scooter from?

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vocalists and a sound and light experience like no other

The unmissable show features Roger Sanchez, Judge Jules, K-Klass and Ellie Sax among the stars and classics such as Hey Boy Hey Girl (The Chemical Brothers), Sunchyme (Dario G), Insomnia (Faithless), Right Here, Right Now (Fat Boy Slim) and more

Q: What date this year will the Ministr y of Sound play the Albert Hall?

Q: How many performers are in the orchestra?

Eagles looking to nurture local talent this coming season

TWELVE months ago, Bedford Town were celebrating winning promotion to the Southern League Premier Central as they easily finished top of the table. This year it became a reality that the visit to step three football would be a short one, as they finished bottom of the table.

T h e m a n a g e m e n t b o a r d h a v e s h o w n t h e y a r e determined to not make the mistakes of last season and have quickly appointed who is considered a top-notch nonl e a g u e m a n a g e r – L e e Bircham

He comes to the Eyrie, fresh from a promotion winning season with Leighton Town, who will be league rivals this season

As well as winning the league last term, Leighton also claimed the League Cup, a n d i n 2 0 2 2 d e f e a t e d t h e Eagles in the final of the Beds Senior Cup at Luton Town.

He boasts a record of 74 wins from his 128 games in charge at levels five, four and two

Bircham brings with him former Bedford Town player and Kempston Rovers manager Tony Joyce as his assistant, with Callum Donnelly taking a player/coach role Other players available from last season include contracted players Connor Tomlinson, Elliot Duffy and Josh page

Duffy and Page are two examples of local talent nurtured at the Eyrie and the club hope to spot the next local, future Eagle, by running sessions for Lee Bircham and his management team, giving them the chance to see the talent the town has to offer These trials are for our senior first team side, in addition to those being run by Bedford Town Youth Development You should be over 16 to attend the sessions

The first session will take place on Tuesday 20th June, with successful individuals called back for further sessions on Thursday 22nd and Saturday 24th June.

Any player wishing to attend the trials must apply for a place This can be done by emailing james smiles@bedfordeagles net –stating your background in football and providing a football CV (if you have one) In return, candidates will then be given further information with regards the time and location of each session

FRENDLIES

Plans are already underway for next seasons friendlies, with matches against Uxbridge and Chalfont St Peters in the diary so far. Both teams will visit the Eyrie, with Uxbridge visiting on

by Michael Jarman-Webb

Saturday 5th August, and Chalfont on Tuesday 11th July.

For the very latest information visit www bedfordeagles net

KEMPSTON Rovers are looking to climb up the table in 2023/24, as planning now commences from the committee and management team to put the foundations in place to build

With the AstroTurf pitch being re-laid and expected to be done in early July, the facilities are available for all teams to progress throughout the season.

The senior teams, Ladies, Academy and Colts & Girls are on the lookout for additions, with a clear pathway

for players to progress their football careers both within Kempston and externally

As with any club, sponsorship goes a long way in helping with the success of a club. There are a range of sponsorship packages available for b u s i n e s s e s , w h i c h i n c l u d e match sponsorship, ground sponsorship and player sponsorship

O v e r a l l o n a l l s o c i a l m e d i a , t h e c l u b h a s o v e r 7,000 followers which businesses can use to grow their following

The club would like to place their thanks to all the companies who contributed in the 2022/23 season, especially to Kempston Calling, Just 4 Keepers, JB Plastering and the Supporters Club, the Walnutteers Representatives from these companies attended a Sponsors Day last month, w h e r e t h e y r e c e i v e d f r e e admission, a programme and a hot lunch

This is something the club wishes to continue next year, a n d i f y o u a r e i n t e r e s t e d p l e a s e h e a d t o k e m p s t o nrovers org