Bedford Borough Bulletin February 2022

YOUR FREE COPY

ISSN 2634-453X

We won!

STATION REMAINS ON TRACK TO OPEN IN 2024 BEDFORD BOROUGH EDITION

A preferred design for the much anticipated railway station in Wixams has been selected, allowing the project to progress further ahead of the planned opening in 2024.

This design had the best support from the railway stakeholders and will provide a great passenger experience for local residents. This keeps us on track to deliver a station in Wixams in 2024.”

The delivery of Wixams station supports the Council’s sustainability strategy to improve rail infrastructure and interconnectivity across the Borough.

A railway station with regular services has the potential to reduce vehicle trips on the A6 which in itself has the potential to reduce local congestion, improve air pollution and provide opportunities for active travel.

Compared to the other options this preferred design scored well in construction safety risk and programme delay risk, as well as passenger management and experience.

This means that this layout of the station is likely to be safer and quicker to construct and will offer a safer and higher quality service to passengers when operational.

Mayor Dave Hodgson said: “This is fantastic news for residents in Wixams and across the Borough.

We stepped in to spearhead the

development of this station when previous plans for this long promised station had fallen through.

The new station will improve the rail infrastructure so that commuters don’t have to travel into Bedford or Flitwick, easing the congestion on our roads. Investing in rail is a huge part of our sustainable transport strategy and I am very excited for the opening of the new station in 2024.”

Cllr. Graeme Coombes, Wilshamstead Ward said: "I'm delighted that progress continues to be made with regard to Wixams Station. The journey to date has

been long and tortuous, with seemingly endless delays. Residents moving into Wixams as long ago as 2009 were promised a station by 2013 and here we are at the start of 2022 still waiting.

As Councillor for Wixams I have continually pushed for the station's development since first being elected back in 2011 and, despite many setbacks, I have never given up hope that the station would be built. I am now keen to see a planning application submitted in the near future, and am looking forward to buying my train ticket from Wixams Station in 2024!"

ESTATE AGENT IN BEDFORD

FEBRUARY 2022

Bulletin’s front page November 2019

Commenting on the selection of the design, Portfolio Holder for Rail Cllr Michael Headley said “I’m very pleased that we have been able to progress to this next stage.

2021

Talk to us...

A wage that meets every day needs

BEDFORD Citizens Housing Association (BCHA) is now be paying all 130 of its staff real living wage rates.

Set out by the Living Wage Foundation it is the only UK wage rate that is voluntarily paid by almost 9,000 UK businesses who believe their staff deserve a wage which meets every day needs.

BCHA provides high quality care, support and housing in Bedford. They have wide range of stock including a registered care home, extra care housing, sheltered housing and general needs housing.

Marie Taylor, Chief Executive of BCHA explained: “Since joining BCHA I have been passionate about increasing staff pay. The health and social care sector is often one where the level of reward does not reflect the level skill and dedicated required of staff. In the last 21 months there has been huge reliance on this sector to protect and care for some of the most vulnerable in society.

Time and time again our staff rise to this challenge to deliver high quality care support and housing.

We understand our achievements would not be possible without the people delivering these services and I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks for all they have done.

Becoming a real living wage employer shows BCHA’s commitment to providing competitive rates of pay, excellent benefits and outstanding opportunities to develop your career in a hugely fulfilling sector.”

BCHA offers a great working environment in new purpose-built buildings, a friendly team and the ability to make a significant positive contribution to the lives of our residents.

BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN

2

— FEBRUARY 2022

TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

Grant Palmer invests in two brand new buses

GRANT Palmer Limited, Bedfordshire’s independently owned bus company have invested over £250,000 in two brand new buses.

Operating 35 buses across the county and in to Luton, Hertfordshire, Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire.

The company has been operating in Bedfordshire since 1999.

The new British built Alexander Dennis vehicles support

engineering jobs in Scarborough as well as the supporting the automotive supply chain across Britain.

Featuring Euro6 engines, the low emission buses will operate across the county – reducing emissions and improving the experience for customers.

High backed seats with belts will provide a comfortable journey for customers who can benefit from at seat USB charging points.

The new buses follow on from recent investments in contactless payment ticket machines and will be ready fitted with tap on tap off card readers too.

Thomas Manship, Executive Assistant for Grant Palmer adds “We’re pleased to add two further low emission buses to our fleet, helping to improve local air quality and provide even better journeys for customers.”

Care awards successes

TWO Bedford College care apprentices have been recognised in the Great British Care Awards for their work with the homeless charity NOAH. Kylie Rawlins (pictured) has won ‘The Frontline Leader Award – East of England’ at the regional section of the awards.

Kylie, who is a current Level 5 Leadership apprentice, will now go through to the national finals, to be held in March 2022.

A report in the NOAH News said: “Since moving into the Outreach Team Leader role, Kylie has led by example; compassionately, sensitively and expertly supporting vulnerable people off the streets.

“She is a vital cog in the wheel of support for homeless people in Luton and every multi-agency partner continually taps into her knowledge and skill, in order to support others.

Meanwhile Ella Czubakowska, who completed at Level 3 Care apprenticeship, was Highly Commended in the Housing and Care Category.

Ella is leading a job project supporting migrants who have been sleeping rough in Luton.

Paul Prosser, Head of Welfare Services at NOAH said: “NOAH have enjoyed an excellent relationship with the team at Bedford College especially Carole Hobbs who has been instrumental in coaching many of our support workers in their journey to obtain L3 and L5 Health and Social Care Diplomas.”

Carole Hobbs, Training Coordinator/IQA in the Care & Education Team at The Bedford College Group said: “It is lovely to see our apprentices doing so well in industry and the workplace.”

A career that makes a

difference

Lisa worked in retail over Christmas, she once had a role as a barista and spent some time as a nanny. All of that experience has led her to a rewarding role she feels comfortable with and thoroughly enjoys.

Join our team

Member of Parliament for North East Bedfordshire

Call 01234 868820 or visit

ADVICE SURGERIES

www.homeinstead.co.uk/bedford

Richard holds regular surgeries across North East Bedfordshire.

If you would like to book an appointment, please call 01767 313385

Each Home Instead franchise is independently owned and operated. Copyright © Home Instead® 2021.

Impressions, views, clicks – are you impressed?

Print is THE tried and tested means of reaching your local audience – call 07894 935952

EARLY BIRD OFFER SAVE 10% WITH THIS VOUCHER Includes cushions

HIGH QUALITY, ALL WEATHER CORNER PATIO SETS

Tel: 01234 823033

Includes cushions

MILTON ERNEST GARDEN CENTRE Radwell Road (just off the A6) Milton Ernest MK44 1SH

Regulated by IMPRESS: The Independent Monitor for the Press CIC IMPRESS. 16-18 New Bridge Street, London, EC4V 6AG T 020 3325 4288 E complaints@impress.org.uk w impress.press To view our complaints policy, please visit our website www.rosettapublishing.com

BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN

www.miltonernestgardencentre.co.uk Offer ends 28/2/2022

The Beds Bulletin and Kempston Calling are independent publications part of Rosetta Publishing Ltd. Published by ©2022 Rosetta Publishing Limited 30 Radwell Road, Milton Ernest, Bedford MK44 1SH Tel: 07894 935952 Editorial: editorial@rosettapublishing.com Advertising: advertising@rosettapublishing.com Printed by: Iliffe Print Cambridge Ltd. Winship Road, Milton, Cambridge CB24 6PP

TEL: 07894 935952 ADS: advertising@rosettapublishing.com

FEBRUARY 2022 —

BEDFORD BOROUGH EDITION

3

Survey finds many businesses remain resilient despite economic challenges Business performance remains challenging, clearly impacted by the pandemic, but there is optimism about the future

ON January 10, 2022, the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP) published the results of the 2021 Business Survey, identifying the economic challenges and opportunities facing businesses in Milton Keynes, Northamptonshire, and Bedfordshire.

The biennial survey, conducted over October and November 2021, engaged with over 1,800 local businesses to identify economic issues and opportunities to support the growth of local businesses and the local economy. The key trends identified include: Business Location: The South East Midlands continues to be rated increasingly highly as a place to do businesses, with various aspects presenting positive opportunities to attract inward investment. l 75% of businesses rated the South East Midlands region as a ‘good’ or ‘very good’ place to do business (69% in 2019). l 26% of businesses said performance had improved over the past 12 months (40% in 2019) while 34% said it had deteriorated (20% in 2019)

l Over the coming year, businesses are more likely to expect improvements than further deterioration (40% vs. 15%).

Vacancies, skills shortages and skills gaps: Skills are a key issue for local businesses and a lack of skilled labour remains one of the top constraints on growth, although skills gaps have reduced with an investment in existing staff. l 28% of businesses had vacancies in the last 12 months (39% in 2019) l 17% had hard-to-fill vacancies (18% in 2019) l 16% reported skills gaps amongst current staff (25% in 2019) l 7% have an apprentice (12% in 2019) Innovation, the green agenda and inclusive recruitment are all issues that have significant scope for future development

l 21% of businesses innovated in the last 12 months (26% in 2019) l 46% of businesses have the intention of being more sustainable, but only 11% have a specific target or aim to achieve net-zero l 27% of businesses are actively adopting inclusive recruitment practices The findings of the survey will now be used to help inform and shape economic strategies and development activities over the coming year.

Hilary Chipping, Chief Executive of SEMLEP, (left) commented: “Whilst it can come as no surprise that the business environment remains challenging, many businesses are dealing with multiple, long-term obstacles, it’s pleasing to see strong economic resilience and a

positive outlook coming through.

“As we head into 2022, we’re optimistic about what’s to come for the local business community. By delivering a wide range of business support, grants and skills programmes, we continue in our efforts to create and grow the environment for greater economic opportunity.”

Claire Ackroyd, Senior Economic Analyst at SEMLEP adds, “The SEMLEP Business Survey is an important tool in helping us to gather business information needed to inform support and investment needs.

“The findings of this survey particularly will help us to map the response of businesses to economic shocks, providing us and our local authority partners with important data to shape future strategies. Thank you to every business that has participated.”

The full SEMLEP 2021 Business Survey is available to view online at www.semlep.com.

The previous survey was in 2019 and this was the sixth business survey conducted by SEMLEP since 2013.

BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN

4

— FEBRUARY 2022

TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

Upgrades to the Embankment Care sector is announced by Borough Council struggling to recruit staff AS part of the Budget announcement that has already set aside funding for climate change projects, green space investment and improvements to the road network, Mayor Dave Hodgson has also announced a project to enhance the Embankment area.

Commenting on the proposals Mayor Dave said: “The Embankment is a beautiful space that

people across the Borough enjoy. During the day residents can enjoy walking along the river, past the many trees and flower displays that line the area.

“In the evening, the lighting that stretches the length of the Embankment makes it a unique place to visit. Over the last two years I’m sure we have all appreciated the importance of out-

w

Will the benches be replaced?

door spaces, so I am very pleased we are investing in this area.”

The £1.5 million enhancement project of the Embankment and Riverside area will include pavement renewal, the planting of more trees and plants, and improved accessibility and connectivity with Bedford Town Centre. The announcement forms part of the Budget that has seen other major investments in green spaces, including footways and pavements, protective measures for parks and a major play area improvement scheme.

Portfolio Holder for Town Centres and Planning, Colr Henry Vann also extended his support for the proposals. Councillor Vann said “We all know how beautiful The Embankment is and how important it is - the centrepiece of our town and Borough, drawing people in from across the country and there for every resident.

“Our town centre consultation highlighted just how important our River Great Ouse is and it is brilliant that we are able to continue to invest in and enhance the area, so that residents and visitors can continue to enjoy it for many years to come.”

Labour Group Leader Cllr Sue Oliver said, “Whether we live in Bedford, Kempston, a village or the rural area, most residents regard the Embankment as the heart of the Borough.

Labour Councillors were therefore pleased to support an investment which will keep this area in prime condition so that we can all continue to be proud of it.”

RECRUITING care staff is “a struggle” admitted a council chief – but the council is working on ways to attract and retain more people to the sector.

The Adult Services Overview & Scrutiny Committee was told at an informal meeting on Tuesday, January 18, that recruitment and staff retention in the care sector is an ongoing concern.

Kate Walker, director of adult services said: “We do have a fragile care market already where nationally and locally there is a struggle to recruit.

“We are working on campaigns to do all we can to attract more people to the sector.”

The committee was told that Adult Services met with a range of providers to discuss how to attract new carers, work to the national policy, and look at career progression.

“There are some pointers with the workforce grant, which is also ring-fenced for this purpose to support the sector to recruit and retain the existing pool of staff,” Ms Walker added.

GREAT HARVEST FROM A FEW SEEDS SAVE £5 WITH THIS VOUCHER WHEN YOU SPEND £25 ON VEG OR FLOWER SEEDS

Tel: 01234 823033

MILTON ERNEST GARDEN CENTRE Radwell Road (just off the A6) Milton Ernest MK44 1SH

Cllr Dean Crofts (LibDems, Kingsbrook Ward) (above) wanted more information on the workforce grant.

“Does that money have to be spent by the end of March, does it continue next year, or is it yearly funding that’s guaranteed,” he asked “Because I’ve read somewhere that you can use it for staff pay rises, but if we’re not going to get it every year, we can’t use it for staff pay rises “If we’re not going to get it in

by John Guinn

BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN

the next financial year, we can’t reduce people’s pay. It’s harder to reduce people’s pay than it is to increase it. So how does that workforce grant help us recruit and retain new care workers?”

Ms Walker replied: “The workforce grant came in two tranches and we’re working towards the second tranche now.

“The main focus of the workforce grant has been, and trance one definitely, around retention of existing staff, to contain the staff that we have across the sector.

“But there are areas that can be considered with the provider market about what will help to set up systems to help with recruitment beyond March, but the money that’s allocated has to be spent by March and it’s non-recurring.

Councillor Crofts said: “It doesn’t help us sustain salary increases beyond the first of April this year to retain staff after that.”

Ms Walker said: “If you think about the very difficult Christmas we’ve just had in terms of the golden handshakes that were being given by Amazon and the retail market, we really have to do something to support the workforce to keep them.”

“So, have we been able to give, for example, bonuses to our existing staff because of that Amazon thing that happened in the private sector,” councillor Croft asked.

Ms Walker said: “We’ve paid one amount already of £50 per employee, but we are negotiating and discussing with the care sector the second tranche.

“This is in line with every local authority, because it’s passported funding and for retention purposes.

“It does include private care homes and services such as domiciliary care,” she added.

John Wright, chair of Healthwatch Bedford Borough said: “Bearing in mind in residential care, a large portion of costs are in employee costs. “This call to increase pay for employees, of course, everybody would like to see people paid really well, but nonetheless, that will increase the costs of private providers as it will your provision as well.

“Therefore people who are not publicly funded in residential care will have to pay even more for their care, does that concern you as the director of social services that maybe some people are going to be priced out of residential care?”

Ms Walker said: “This is something that’s separate from the workforce grant, this is part of a longer piece of work called market sustainability and fair cost of care.

“This is a national piece of work that every local authority will be engaging in and that’s for exactly the reasons you mentioned.

“This is a piece of work that we have to move on by September as part of a three-year plan. So there’s a big piece of work that will be required by every local authority to consider some of those points and that will be nationally driven.”

Mr Wright added: “It’s clearly a tricky issue for private providers.”

FEBRUARY 2022 —

TEL: 07894 935952 ADS: advertising@rosettapublishing.com

5

NEW BOMBAY Book now Tel: 01234 218218 Valenfotinre’s BEDFORD’S MOST ESTABLISHED INDIAN RESTAURANT

www.newbombay.co.uk Day 53B Harpur Street, Bedford

Inspirational student racks up ten million subscribers on YouTube A refugee, who was helped to start a new life by The Bedford College Group after escaping war torn Syria is now featured in a major music video by Anne Marie.

Called Beautiful, the video has been watched by millions and stars Dema Aktaa, who lost her leg in a bombing at her village in 2012.

Dema arrived in the UK in 2017 and began walking and running with a new prosthetic limb. Her training sessions are featured on the film. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_voF0suj0Oo Dema helped to raise thousands of pounds for the Help Refugees campaign in a sponsored event and as a result in March 2020 was welcomed into the Lionhearts squad linked to the England football team. https://www.thefa.com/news/2020/sep/28/demaaktaa-announced-in-lionhearts-squad-280920 Now aged 27 and living in Flitwick, Bedfordshire, Dema and her sister Nour both joined English for

Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes at Bedford College in 2018 and went on to successfully achieve qualifications.

Martin Tobutt, Lecturer at the ESOL department said he and colleagues had been watching Dema’s “inspirational” progress with interest: “The traumas of Syria’s civil war, both mentally and physically could have left these two as introverted and melancholy people, yet the opposite was true.

“They could fill a room with radiant smiles and so much positivity that anyone else had to wonder whether we have any right to complain about our lives.”

The Bedford College Group is a gateway to post-16 education for everyone. From Level One or entry lessons to full degrees in a range of subjects in arts BAs and science, technology and engineering BScs. Find your new pathway via www.bedfordcollegegroup.co.uk

DAVID J FRAS PLUMBING & HEATING LTD for extra wide or swollen feet STYLES FOR

MEN & WOMEN

FRIENDLY, RELIABLE SERVICE EVERY TIME — NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL l l l l

Boiler services and repairs Boiler replacements Heating system upgrades Radiators and towel radiators

l l l l

Powerflushing Underfloor heating Wireless controls Cylinder replacements

l Bathroom & wetroom installations l Taps, showers, ball valves l All general plumbing & heating

maintenance

Mob: 07866 926433 567084

YOUR LOCAL COSYFEET STOCKIST IS

ODELL’S SHOES 8 St Cuthberts St, Bedford MK40 3JB

01234 358979

SALES & TRADITIONAL REPAIR SERVICE

Featured Brands:

+ LOADS MORE BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN

18 ST MARTINS WAY, BEDFORD, MK42 0LF

01234 216720

TUE - FRI: 9 - 5 / SAT: 10 - 4 • WWW.QPINTERIORS.CO.UK

— FEBRUARY 2022

TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

Bedford Hospital Charity receives £800,000 in memory of Clifton Ibbett

1 Mill Yard, Mill Street, Bedford MK40 3HD

Enquiries: 01234 273115 themillyardcoffeelounge@hotmail.com www.themillyardcoffeelounge.co.uk

Dame Alice Street

Old Arcade

High Street

Homemade Cakes and Scones • Illy Coffee Locally Sourced Products • New Breakfast and Lunch Menu Favourite Specials • Private Dinner with 3-course Meal Afternoon Tea • Alcohol Licensed Come in and Enjoy an Award Winning Coffee and Great Food

St Peter’s Street Multi Storey parking

MILL YARD Silver St

Mill Street Harpur Centre

High St

6

BEDFORD Hospital Charity & Friends (BHC&F) have announced that the Bedfordshire Charitable Trust (BCT) have pledged a donation to the charity of an amazing £800,000.

The donation is to celebrate the life of Clifton Ibbett OBE who sadly passed away in May, 2021.

BCT, formerly known as The Ibbett Trust, was founded by Clifton Ibbett and his parents Claude and Gladys Ibbett in 1964.

Clifton was a great advocate of the BCT’s aims which include actively supporting ‘the advancement of health or saving of lives’ and ‘education and training’.

Shortly after Clifton had died, Deborah Inskip (Chairman of BHC&F), was invited to meet the trustees of the Bedfordshire Charitable Trust to discuss their desire to support the CT scanner part of the charity’s ‘£1m for Bedford A&E’ appeal as a permanent recognition of his life.

Over the last few months, the two charities have been in close discussion and together, towards the end of 2021, were hosted by the A&E specialists and senior executive of the Bedfordshire Hospitals Trust,

on a visit to view the extended and re-developed A&E department.

During this visit, the trustees of BCT spotted additional areas, in the evolving A&E department, to which they felt they could also add their support to make improvements and give facilities, particularly for education and training, over and above those already planned. This is hugely appreciated.

Margaret Ibbett, Clifton’s widow, said: “This donation recognises the genuine love Clifton had for Bedfordshire and its people. His deep and personal interest, underpinned by Christian faith, in improving people’s lives was clear to all who knew and met him.”

The installation of the new CT scanner and completion of developments for the A&E department are, very happily, likely to come to fruition this Autumn.

David Carter, CEO of the Bedfordshire Hospitals Trust, commented: “We are so grateful to the Bedfordshire Charitable Trust in giving this wonderful donation in Clifton Ibbett’s memory and we are so pleased to acknowledge this incredible generosity by naming the new CT facility ‘The Clifton Ibbett Suite’.”

BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN

THE ART OF SELLING THE ART OF SELLING UNIQUE HOMES UNIQUE HOMES

Perfectly Perfectlyconnecting connecting people people and and property. property.

IfIfyou youare arethinking thinking of of selling selling aa unique unique home, home, contact contactus usfor foraa free free market market appraisal appraisal and and valuation. valuation.

01234 889987 889987 01234 www.artistryproperty.co.uk www.artistryproperty.co.uk

BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN

Renhold - Sold with Artistry

Artistry ArtistryProperty PropertyAgents Agents

||

36 36 St St Peter’s Street

|

Bedford Bedford

||

MK40 2NN 2NN MK40

10

— FEBRUARY 2022

TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

Maternity department scores 97% in satisfaction survey On Monday, January 17, Emma Hardwick, director of midwifery at Bedfordshire Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, gave an update on the patient experience at the Bedford Hospital maternity department to an informal meeting of the Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee.

“Clearly the feedback we get from our patients and their families is a barometer for our services and how we’re doing,” she said.

“We are working really hard to increase the amount of feedback we can gain from our friends and family responses over recent months,” she added.

A table presented to the committee showed from May 2021 to December 2021, 97 per cent of responses scored very good or good, and three per cent were a

by John Guinn – Local Democracy Reporter poor or very poor response.

“Yes, we do have some poor and very poor responses, but these are very small,” Ms Hardwick said.

“They’re important to us and we listen to what families and women are saying to us.”

The hospital has also appointed a midwife who is dedicated to the patient experience.

“This role will provide a really exciting and dedicated link, and somebody who can really support us and our partners with engagement with our patients,” Ms Hardwick said.

Councillor Dean Crofts (LibDems, Kingsbrook Ward) said: “I’ve noticed you’ve surveyed 89 people in six months between May

to November, and then you surveyed 63 people in just one month in December.

“Do you set yourself a target every month of how many patient experience surveys you want completing, or have you just ramped that up because you’re at a stage now where you can do that,” he asked.

The Trust’s chief nurse, Liz Lees, said the department used to use a paper system to record the responses.

“Now we’ve got a digital solution for that, so we use iPads and it’s taken a little while for teams to get used to the new technology,” she said.

“So over the last couple of

months, and this isn’t just in maternity it’s across the board, we’ve been using them in all of our clinical areas to make sure we get timely feedback.

“There’s no point in just having ten for a month, it needs to be proportional to the women that are experiencing the services, and not just one area.

“This has been a deliberate focus on making sure we get a range of areas covered with a response rate that’s proportional to Emma Hardwick.

AT YOUR SERVICE TO BOOK YOUR AD CALL 07894 935952

Your local LED lighting specialist

Tel: 01234 857800 2a Howard Street, Kempston MK42 8EA elliottelectricalsuppliesltd@hotmail.co.uk

Visit our website or find us on Facebook

Rent a desk only £75pm all inclusive

01234 216662

www.elliottelectricalsupplies.co.uk

BEDFORD’S PREMIER BUSINESS HUB https://provident.house 44 Harpur Street, Bedford, MK40 2QT

56 College Street Kempston MK42 8LU MON-FRI 8am-5.30pm SAT 8am-1pm

ROOFING SERVICES • Flat roofs • Roof repairs • Leaky roofs •Gutter repairs • Repointing • UPVC Fascias • Soffits • Guttering

oarding Ken B e s i n r Sun4 Great North Road, Chawston, els Bedford MK44 3BD

No job too big or small

BOARDING KENNELS

Best prices in town Free Estimates

The Kennels are situated in a rural environment, yet with easy access from A1 (Black Cat Roundabout). Fully insulated and heated kennels with spacious outer run.

Dogs walked three times a day, inspection welcome.

All types of work undertaken

www.roofingservices.pro

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

Trade & Public Welcome

Using Technology that YOU can depend on!

01234 817757 • 07407 354715

the community setting for women to complete and women have the option of doing that as well.”

Ms Hardwick added that support staff usually hand out the surveys, explain how to complete it on the iPad, but they don’t stand there while it is being completed.

“I am really pleased that we are beginning to get more responses, it’s lovely to hear nice things that people say, it’s really really important to the staff, it gives us a test and an endorsement of what we’re doing right.

“But equally, it’s important to hear things when they’re not going well and to hear if somebody’s experience hasn’t been good to understand why that is so,” she said.

Ms Hardwick added that part of the midwifery advocate role provides the department with a trained professional who can help it to really understand from a patient’s point of view how it can do things differently.

Call or visit for all your electrical supplies

Bedford Vehicle Servicing & Tyres • Batteries • Brakes • Clutches • Cooling Systems • Diagnostics Tuning • Exhausts • Oil Change • Rotating Electrics • Steering & Suspension

our service users.

“It’s not the only method of feedback but it’s a really helpful indicator on where we are,” she added.

Committee chair, councillor Graeme Coombes (Conservative, Wilshamstead Ward) asked if the survey was carried out while people were still at the unit while a member of staff was standing there.

“If I was being asked to fill in a survey while the person who gave it to me was standing right next to me, that might sort of affect my response rates,” he said.

Emma Hardwick replied: “I think you make a very valid point, previously, up until relatively recently, women would fill in their response via a card, and the cards would be handed out at different points in their journey for them to complete and return anonymously.

“We have moved that over to an iPad way of completing it, but we still do use cards, for example in

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King's Lynn

THE feedback from patients and their families is an important barometer to indicate how well Bedford Hospital’s maternity department is providing its services, a council meeting heard.

3/22

Contact:

01480 215900

Same Day Service & FREE Estimates

Local Run Family Business

FIXED PRICE BOILER SERVICE FOR £60

PLUMBING & HEATING WE’RE THE ONLY CALL YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE

Tel: 01234 855007 Mob: 07795 821595

Visit: www.sunriseboardingkennels.com

Server, Printer, Apple, Setup, Repairs, Data recovery, Internet, Wireless, Network, Virus infection, Home/Office computer problems. Services from £40.

Your local IT support, 7 days services, WE VISIT YOU No Fix - No Fee Qualified, Experienced PClaprepairs@gmail.com

01525 306316 – 07925 338435

ROOFING • Tiles • Slates • Guttering • Facias (uPVC) • Lead work

J Swaine ESTABLISHED 40 YEARS

Office (9-5): 07508 639951 Evenings: 07963 556946

• Combi Specialists • Boiler Breakdown Services • Landlord Gas Safety Checks • Bathroom Refurbishments • Basic small leaks to Complete System Power flushes 221794 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN/KEMPSTON CALLING

LAPTOP & COMPUTER

Odell & Son

FEBRUARY 2022 —

TEL: 07894 935952 ADS: advertising@rosettapublishing.com

11

Ink or toner low? Think...

10% Discount Voucher Use this discount voucher to receive 10% off anything in-store, or use voucher code ‘NEWS5’ to get 10% off online.

Offer expires on 30th June 2022. Only one voucher to be used per customer & per transaction. This Voucher cannot be used in conjunctionwith any other offer or with a Cartridge Depot Discount Card. ©2020 Cartridge Depot.

All rights reserved. Terms & conditions apply.

Inspectors praise Bedford primary school for ‘extra steps’ during pandemic INSPECTORS have praised a Bedford primary school for the “extra steps” it has taken during the pandemic to ensure pupils make progress and are safe and confident.

Ofsted inspectors have given Cauldwell Primary School in South Bedford a glowing report, commending its “sense of family”, its “high ambitions for pupils” and its “well-designed curriculum”.

The school, which is part of HEART Academies Trust, was also praised for the way it teaches reading and gives children responsibility.

Inspectors said pupils clearly enjoyed ‘Spooky Story Days’ and “delighted in learning new vocabulary”. They said that initiatives, such as the ‘weekly special person’ award and the prefect and buddy system meant that “visitors cannot fail to notice [the school’s] sense of family”.

“Staff play their full part so that pupils are safe, confident and make progress in their learning,” the inspectors said. “Adults took, and continue to take, extra steps to do so

Closure of long established stationer shocks high street’s retailers

BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN

RETAILERS in Bedford High Street are shocked to hear that one of the longest established shops has closed.

Colemans has been everpresent in Bedford for over 30 years.

Director of the business Joanna Paterson-Gordon in a notice displayed in the shop window cited: “The decline of the town centre, developments at retail sites of the edge of town, the rise of the internet and Covid” as reasons for the closure.

She went on to say that all of these factors had paid a part in the reduction of footfall in Bedford town centre, making the business unviable.

Colemans eight other branches have not been impacted by the closure.

during the national pandemic.”

“Pupils sum up best what it is like to attend Cauldwell by saying ‘I feel special’ and ‘my voice is heard’. Pupils know that they are valued and like the fact that adults give them plenty of encouragement to achieve their best.”

The praise comes only weeks after two other HEART Academies Trust schools, Shortstown Primary School in Cardington, Bedford, and Shackleton Primary, off Elstow Road in central Bedford, were also given glowing Ofsted reports.

Inspectors have given all three schools an overall rating of “good”.

Judith Apps, Headteacher of Cauldwell, said: “At Cauldwell, we strongly believe that there are no insurmountable barriers to our pupils’ success.”

David Morris, Chief Executive Officer of HEART Academies Trust, said: “I am immensely proud of what Cauldwell has achieved. As a Trust, we support our schools so that they can give children in Bedford an excellent education and a safe and happy time at school.”

One of Bedfords largest stockists of printer FREE cartridges including DELIVERY original, compatible AVAILABLE Please ask! & remanufactured ink & toner cartridges.

Cartridge Depot 30 St. Loyes Street, Bedford MK40 1EP E-Mail: info@cartridge-depot.co.uk Tel: 01234 910908 www.cartridge-depot.co.uk

Live well, way,

your

with care at home Your home is where you feel the most comfortable and the happiest. It is the place you know the best. If you want to stay living comfortably at home, Home Instead ® can help make that possible.

Call 01234 868820 or visit

www.homeinstead.co.uk/bedford Each Home Instead franchise is independently owned and operated. Copyright © Home Instead® 2021.

Proud sponsors of

12

— FEBRUARY 2022

TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

Green councillors split on Bedford Borough set to amendment to their raise their council tax anti-fossil fuels motion AT Bedford Council’s meeting on Wednesday, January 12, the council overwhelmingly passed a motion originally proposed by Green Party’s Ben Foley (Cllr Castle Ward) but amended by the other parties, to “support divestment from fossil fuels” and to ask for the Bedfordshire Pension Fund and the Border to Coast Pension Partnership to remove all funds from fossil fuels.

The wide-ranging motion also called for further carbon literacy training for council staff, and to accelerate work on circular economy initiatives, sustainable food strategies, waste reduction, and natural carbon capture.

Cllr Graeme Coombes commented: “The three main parties all tried to find a compromise resolution, as the Green motion was considered a little bit extreme or utopian by the others.

“The other three parties worked together and offered an amended resolution in order to make it an all party affair and avoid a long argumentative debate.

“The Greens were offered this amendment in advance of the meeting, but refused to be part of and their reasoning was linked this with some obscure

points on the cycling network, which actually bore no relation to the fossil fuel divestment issue at the heart of the discussion.

“On the night, the Greens moved their motion, but it was amended by the other three parties, replacing the original Green motion.

“The amended motion was then passed – not the Green motion.

“On both votes on the amendment and the final resolution, the two Green Councillors were split and both voted differently.

“It was quite a travesty and they had the option to unite the Council around this issue, but instead divided everyone, including their own two Councillors.

“Ultimately, their own motion was not passed.”

Drug dealers get lengthy prison terms TWO Bedford drug dealers who supplied illegal class A substances in Bedford have been jailed, after £300,000 worth of heroin and cocaine was seized from them.

The ‘Asian K’ deal line, led by Imran Khan Ali, 42, of Oldfield Road, and Mohammed Salim Malik, 32, of Iddesleigh Road, supplied vast quantities of heroin and crack and powder cocaine around Bedford.

It is thought to have earned the pair more than £80,000 a year.

A Bedfordshire Police investigation established that the pair worked closely together to run their drug dealing operation.

In particular, the number thought to be the deal line had featured in ‘mail shot’ messages seen by officers, often linked to a dealer named ‘Rocky’.

Using information from phone masts triggered by their numbers and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) data, detectives were able to establish Malik as the person behind the Rocky synonym.

The pair were arrested together in Malik’s vehicle in April 2021. Search teams later located three kilogrammes of heroin hidden within a backpack inside a wardrobe in Malik’s bedroom, and the deal line phone was found in his kitchen.

A search of Ali’s address found heroin, cocaine, cutting agents and other dealing paraphernalia.

The total worth of the illegal substances is thought to be around £300,000.

Imran Khan Ali was sentenced to 11-and-a-half years in prison. Mohammed Salim Malik was jailed for six years.

The Will Writing Company

www.thewillwritingco.co.uk

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

Free Will & Testament

The Will Writing Company is celebrating its 25th Year in business and is offering a free Will & Testament (joint or single) to all readers. If you have been meaning to make a Will, now is your chance to take advantage of this exclusive offer and give you and your loved ones peace of mind. By making a Will, you decide who takes care of your children and who inherits your estate. Storage facility optional.

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

OFFER ENDS 28th FEBRUARY 2022

FREE WILL VOUCHER

This voucher entitles you to a FREE Mirror Will (normal cost £125) or a FREE Single Will (normal cost £85) Valid until 28th February 2022

Terms and Conditions. Office appointments only. This voucher can not be exchanged for cash.

The voucher must be produced at your appointment.

BEDFORD Borough council- by John Guinn – Local Democracy Reporter lors will consider a council tax increase of 3.99% next month.

Bedford Borough Council’s Constitution requires that Full Council considers the budget proposals from the Executive for the forthcoming financial year by no later than February 8.

As part of that process, the portfolio for finance, Cllr Michael Headley, (LibDems, Putnoe Ward), presented the General Fund Budget for 2022/2023 report ton Wednesday, January 19, at the council’s Executive meeting.

Among the recommendations for the Executive to consider was an increase in council tax of 3.99 per cent. The report said this will give an average Band D Council Tax of £1,688.94.

The proposed increase is made up of a core increase of 1.99 per cent, and a Adult Social Care Precept increase of 2 per cent.

This rise does not include any increases from fire service, police and town/parish council precepts.

Councillor Headley said: “We have to consider the increased costs that we are facing. That includes the soaring inflation, as we’ve seen in the news today, and increasing needs of local residents, particularly for social care for both adults and children.

“We see that the government’s approach is very clear, it is to push these extra cost onto council tax payers and that’s a matter of choice, that is a decision that they are taking, they are making that decision to push those costs onto council tax payers.

“We held back last year on pushing all that [adult

social care] cost onto residents and again this year we’re not passing on the maximum expected by the government,” he said.

“Having spoken about the costs for the council, I want to make it clear that we are very concerned about the cost of living crisis being faced by residents.

While explaining the Local Government Finance Settlement 2022/23, councillor Headley said £6.5 million in grants that the council received last year that have not been repeated for this year.

“We did receive in the new budget £1.4 million of extra grant for social care cost, but at the same time we lost an equivalent amount in New Homes Bonus. So that really takes us back to square one on that.

“Overall we see an extra £4 million of government support through the core spending power, you’ll see that obviously in government announcements, and in our report. “£4 million of extra government support this year, but as I mentioned that’s outweighed by the removal of the two grants we had last year, that were worth £6.5 million.

“So this year’s budget makes £4.5 million worth of savings to balance the budget. These savings able us to protect key frontline services and provide the investment needed in key areas of need, such as adult social care, where government funding is inadequate,” he said.

The Executive agreed to the recommendations.

EXTRA GRANT FOR SOCIAL CARE

Winning money for school A STUDENT at Castle Newnham School, has donated the prize money for winning a local photography competition to the art department at the school.

Bethany,14, entered a Young Photography competition that challenged young people in Bedford to share different perspectives of the town’s well-known and not-so-wellknown landmarks.

The competition, run by local independent estate agent Hollands Smith sought to share photos that showcase the community and culture of our town, the landmarks, the hidden treasures – with the brief being, “the more quirky or unusual the better!”

Bethany’s winning photo captured the recently refurbished Kings Bridge over the Great River Ouse – one she walked over many times during lockdown walks with her family. She said, “The photo was part of my GCSE Art coursework on reflections. It also reminded me of how lucky we are to have such lovely river walks near to us.”

At her request her £50 prize was donated to the art department to help buy supplies for all students at the school. Emily Robinson, Art Subject Leader at Castle Newnham said: “Not only am I proud of Bethany for winning this competition, but donating the prize money to the art department shows her love of the subject and her wish to share this win with her peers.

“Thank you so much Bethany and the team at Hollands Smith!”

The winner of the younger age group also attends the primary school at Castle Newnham. James captured the Victorian architecture of school roof to win his prize, donating £50 to Castle Newnham’s PTA.

BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN

The Will Writing Company Mayfair House, 11 Lurke Street, Bedford, Beds, MK40 3HZ Tel 01234 964911 Email enquiries@thewillwritingco.co.uk

by nearly 4% next year

FEBRUARY 2022 —

TEL: 07894 935952 ADS: advertising@rosettapublishing.com

In Focus with

View from the Rt Revd

Yasin

Richard Atkinson

MP for Bedford and Kempston

The Bishop of Bedford

EXISTING RULES ARE OK

With a birthday a few days before Christmas I have had a lifetime of getting a concentration of presents. I have always been clear that these are two separate events. Woe betides anyone who tried to elide these two present-receiving opportunities into one.

Nowadays, this tends to mean a small mountain of books to keep me going for much of the year. This was no less true this year.

Amongst a broad collection is the autobiography of the entrepreneur James Dyson. His ‘Invention: A Life’ is a fascinating tale of the invention of his revolutionary hoover and so much more.

Despite being one of the most successful inventors in the world today, at the heart of his life-story is a distinctive theme. He knows the experience of, and the importance of, failure. Sir James Dyson memorably opens his book with the line: ‘In 1983, after four years of building and testing 5,127 hand-made prototypes of my cyclonic vacuum, I finally cracked it.’

Success only came after the readiness to try and try again after failure and learning from that failure.

As human beings we all fail at times. It is part of our human fallibility. Despite our best intentions things don’t work out as we hope.

It can be the myriad of ways that we fall short of our aspirations and desires. It can be those larger failures of relationships, hopes and dreams. James Dyson, however, illustrates how failure far from being destructive can be the source of learning and discovery. All those prototypes were disappointing but together they opened up something brilliantly new. In persevering not only did the product develop but he grew as a human being.

It is no different for the way we live our lives. Do we get crushed by failure (and of course at times it can be devastating) or do find the courage to learn and try again.

The Prodigal Son who asks for his inheritance early and then wastes it on dissolute living with the result that he ends up in the gutter (Luke 15:11-32) finally reflects on his position and returns to his father who welcomes him warmly. His failure could have destroyed him, but it became the gateway to new life.

This month look differently at the times you fail. Put to one side the embarrassment or dismay, and ask yourself instead, how do I learn from this?

A monumental power grab, in the name of the Elections Bill, was rammed through the House of Commons in January.

Huge changes to our constitution were rushed through in what can only be described as a blatant attempt to rig the next General Election in favour of the Tories, including forcing voters to produce IDs before getting a ballot paper in a polling station.

The Electoral Reform Society has argued that the government’s elections bill would drive a “bulldozer through our democracy” and could disenfranchise more than two million people across the country.

Voting is safe and secure in Britain. Ministers should be promoting confidence in our elections instead of spreading baseless scare stories which threaten our democracy.

In 2019, there was only one conviction and one caution relating to in-person fraud. And in 2017, there was a single allegation of impersonation that led to a conviction.

Make no mistake, this is about disenfranchisement of voters traditionally less likely to support the Conservative party.

It doesn't matter how the government tries to dress it up, these cynical plans will have a discriminatory impact on certain groups who are less likely to hold any form of authorised photo ID, including people with disabilities, older and Black, Asian and ethnic minority people, unemployed people and low wage workers who may not have a need or are able to afford documents such as a passport or driver’s licence.

The Bill also threatens the integrity of our democracy by allowing foreign political donations to flood our system.

This is all about changing the rules to benefit the Conservative Party with overseas donors able to legally donate to bankroll their campaigns from their offshore tax havens or luxury second homes.

The legislation also removes the Electoral Commission’s powers to bring prosecutions against those who break electoral law relating to parties and campaigners.

There is no evidence to justify this heavy-handed, authoritarian plan, when we know the real threats to political integrity are foreign interference, unregulated lobbying and dodgy donations.

LEARNING FROM FAILURE

13

In Focus with

Dave

by Dave Hodgson Mayor of Bedford

URGENT NEED FOR MORE GENERAL PRACTIONERS!

Our area is one of the worst hit areas in the country by the growing shortage of GPs. The figures show there is was just one GP per 2,462 people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes in June 2021, compared to the national average of one GP per 2,038 people and is up 18% from the one GP per 2,092 people five years ago.

The number of GPs employed in the area has also fallen by 12% to just 390 in the same period.

The alarming figures, based on analysis by the House of Commons Library, revealed the stark “postcode lottery” facing patients.

Further analysis by the British Medical Association (BMA) shows a dismal picture for the country as a whole, with there being the equivalent of over 1,900 fewer fully qualified, full-time GPs now than there were in 2015.

The Government are badly letting down both GPs and patients in Bedford Borough, our residents deserve a fair deal.

Instead of fixing the GP shortage crisis, the Government are making it worse by failing to train the new doctors we desperately need.

Our hard-working GPs are overstretched and people have been left waiting too long for treatment or even an appointment.

The Government must invest more in our GP practices and train up more doctors, to ensure patients get the fair deal they deserve.

Families rely on being able to see a GP when they or their children fall sick to get advice, access treatment and get well again.

I’m concerned with the diagnoses that will inevitably be missed.

To show your support for the campaign to call for a fair deal for Bedford Borough with an increase in the number of GPs in our area, please sign my petition at https://bedfordlibdems.org.uk/en/ petition/gp-shortage.

BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN

14

— FEBRUARY 2022

TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

gardening

with Milton Ernest Garden Centre

Plants for shady places M

by Maureen Catlin

ANY gardens have a shady spot somewhere according to the aspect they face. Shade can be created by nature, for example where light filters through the branches of a tall tree, while other patches may be from the shadows of a building or wall.

Shady areas can be a welcome spot to sit on a hot day but need some consideration when planting by choosing plants that will thrive in these situations. The natural habitat of a plant tells you where it will grow successfully in your garden.

It is pointless battling to grow plants that naturally grow in sunny places in shady areas, they will always struggle. There are so many plants that prefer to grow in shade producing gorgeous flowers and lush growth.

There are of course degrees of shade.

Partial or semi shade is a spot that enjoys three to six hours of sun at midsummer. Areas like this benefit from some sunlight for some of the day.

Some good shrubs for this situation are Pieris Little Heath, a pretty compact little evergreen shrub with pink red new shoots and white pink flowers that smell like Lily of the Valley.

It is an excellent plant to grow in a pot on a

shady patio. Choisya Aztec Pearl is another taller evergreen with aromatic leaves and white orange scented flowers in spring. It will also grow well in a tub. Spirea Firelight has amazing orange red young shoots in March that mature to yellow green leaves in summer.

Before leaf fall in autumn they turn rich golden and red. Solomans Seal, Symphytum and Bleeding Heart are good perennial space fillers that give the lush growth effect.

Dappled shade areas are created where sunlight filters through from the branches of trees above. It is the best shade for gardening because the soil remains moist. Japanese Acers with the gorgeous coloured foliage that changes colour throughout the growing season thrive in such places.

They associate well with the beautifully perfumed evergreen Daphne bholua. Hostas, Heucheras and Tiarellas give excellent ground cover with the distinctly coloured leaves and purple, pink and beige flowers in summer.

Campanula Pyramidalis and Foxgloves are upright perennials flowering in early summer providing height to these areas.

Dry shade can be more challenging for plants especially where large trees suck the moisture from the soil. Sarcococca a little evergreen shrub that has white sweetly scented flowers in December, Aucuba japonica

Variegata and Euonymus fortunei Emerald Gaiety with striking bright cream and grey green variegated leaves are fantastic choices.

Skimmia reevesiana with amazing bright red

diary February 24, a recital of songs by Vaughan Williams, Rachmaninov, Brahms and Schubert by the Russian-British baritone Theodore Platt who joins us from his day job at the Bavarian State Opera.

March 24, a programme of trios by Haydn and Beethoven, together with a recent work they commissioned from local composer Cherlyl Frances-Hoad.

The Season concludes on April 28 with a brilliant young quintet, Connaught Brass, who took first prize in the inaugural Philip Jones International Brass Competition in 2019. Contact: www.bedfordmusicclub.co.uk

Bedford Music Club:

Friday February 4, 7.15 for 7.30 start, Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford MK41 8EB. We welcome back local artist Michael Croker will demonstrate landscape painting in oils. An entertaining evening is promised. Entry is free for members, £6 for visitors.

Contact: Jean Paterson 01234 307210 or ww.bedsartsociety.co.uk for information.

Bedford Art Society:

berries in autumn are also naturally found in forests and woods and need dry shady conditions to thrive. Fatsia japonica with its architectural leaves is another shrub that copes with little direct sunlight. Add Hellebores and early flowering bulbs like Snowdrops and Cyclamen for the carpet of colour in spring.

Deep shade is the area in permanent shadow from a building or a dense tree canopy above. This is where perennial plants like Pachysndra, Dryopteris Ferns, Symphytum, Liriope muscari and Euphorbia amygdalis with its lime green flowers from March to June really flourish. Holly J C Van Tol with its bright red winter berries loved by the birds and Mahonia japonica are hardy evergreen shrubby plants that will give form and structure.

There are some climbing and wall plants that will grow in shade. Sweetly scented Honeysuckle Rhubarb and Custard and Hydrangea paniculata with its gorgeous white summer flowers and Clematis Nellie Moser all grow well if planted with plenty of moisture retaining compost.

Garrya elliptica is an evergreen with amazing long silvery catkins from December to March, Chaenomeles Geisha Girl with lovely salmon pink flowers in spring followed by perfumed Quince fruits and Fuchsia Lady Boothby with purple and pink flowers from June to November.

Success in the shade, as in any area of the garden, depends on selecting the plants that grow happily in those conditions. Hopefully you can find some plants here to make your shady areas interesting.

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.

Sandy Historical Society: Humphry Repton at

Waresley Park by Eleanor Jack Friday 25th February, 7.30pm Stonecroft Hall, St Swithins Way, Sandy, SG191BB Admission £2.50 including refreshments Members & Students Fre.e For further details contact 01767 680171

Bedford Folk & Acoustic Club: Acoustic and folk music round-the-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.

Bedford National Trust Association: 2.15, Tuesday,

15th February, Addison Centre, Kempston. Beds MK42 8PN. The speaker will be Fran Saltmarsh.

We recently enjoyed a very good talk by her daughter. Fran specialises in Fashion, and her subject on this occasion will be "Corsets, Crinolines and Camisoles". There will be a small admission fee. Everyone welcome. No need to book, Plenty of parking space. For further information contact Garry Telling on 014980 819625.

Lunchtime recitals February, Tuesdays 1pm.

1st Phoenix Choir 8th Emanuel Bach, Violin 15th Yiming Guo, piano 22nd Maxime Morise and Chris Cohen, Violin The recitals are free with a retiring collection (suggested £5) in aid of church funds. Come and enjoy this varied selection. Contact St Paul's Tel 01234 340163, Postcode MK40 1SQ

St Paul's Bedford:

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

Kempston Senior Citizens Club:

DANCING, WHIST, BINGO. Meets Wednesday 10am-12noon Friday 10am-4.00pm, CENTENARY HALL, behind Kempston Town Hall, for further information contact: Sheila Cobban, on 01234 347306.

w

PRIMROSES FOR PATIO POTS ANY TWO PACKS OF SIX £12

www.miltonernestgardencentre.co.uk

WHILST STOCKS LAST

MILT ON ERNEST GARDEN CENTRE Radwell Road (just off the A6) Tel: 01234 823033 Milton Ernest MK44 1SH

recognised frequently through awards such as this one is testament to the dedication, skill and enthusiasm of our brilliant team of teachers and support staff.”

Luke Skeel, Federation Head of Performing Arts says, ‘we are overwhelmed to be nominated for this award. We have really missed our productions and we are very proud of our last production which was performed just before the first lockdown. We are very proud of Hunter for winning his award to - a great achievement’.

4SIXTEEN Theatre Company have an exciting year ahead in 2022 with their recently formed partners board, at the helm of a new full time resident director, the company are producing three productions: Legally Blonde, Cinderella and Matilda.

Ticket information can be found at www.castlenewnham.school

BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN

PACK OF SIX MIXED COLOURS PRIMROSES £7

Awards success for Castle Newnham musical

Castle Newnham School have announced that 4SIXTEEN Theatre Company’s production of The Addams Family, which was performed in March 2020 just before the first lockdown, has been nominated for BEST YOUTH PRODUCTION at the National Operatic and Dramatic Association Awards 2020/2021.

Castle Newnham are also very proud of pupil Hunter who has won the award of BEST YOUTH PERFORMANCE for his portrayal of Gomez in the production.

Ruth Wilkes, Principal of the Castle Newnham Foundation says, “Our performing arts’ opportunities are such a strength of our school and allow pupils with wide-ranging interests to be part of a team, to be creative and to gain confidence in so many ways. The fact that the highquality of our productions is

FEBRUARY 2022 —

TEL: 07894 935952 ADS: advertising@rosettapublishing.com

15

music

comedy Two cracking Castle Comedy nights this month Castle Comedy is back bringing the laughter to Bedfordshire with two brilliant shows in February.

Saturday February 5, at The Weatherley Centre, Biggleswade The Big February Show at the Weatherley Centre will feature three headline quality acts and be the ultimate comedy night out!

Headlining the show is PAUL SINHA is best known for his starring role in ITV1's ‘The Chase’ & ‘Beat The Chasers’ where he regularly chases down opponents in his guise as 'The Sinnerman'.

He has also starred in series 8 of Taskmaster on Dave and ITV1’s Tonight At The London Palladium.

He is a sensational stand up; he was nominated for a Perrier Award at the 2006 Edinburgh Festival and won Chortle's Best Club Comic in 2014.

He is a regular on the Radio 4 favourites News Quiz and The Now Show. ★★★★★Edinburgh Evening News ★★★★The Guardian ★★★★The Independent

with her tweets about a fictional romance with Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp! She went on to write her first book, Klopp Actually: (Imaginary) Life with Football’s Most Sensible Heartthrob.

Opening the show is PATRICK MONAHAN, an audience favourite who blends a high-energy comedy style with hilarious and engaging topical and observational material.

Known for working a room, Patrick is adored by his audiences with whom he makes an effortless connection… he quite simply is the nicest man in comedy!

His TV appearances include the hit family entertainment series ‘Splash!’ (ITV) and the new series of ‘Celebrity Squares’ (ITV).

He was the winner of ITV1’s Show me the Funny and was the host of ‘Jongleurs Live’ (Sky).

“Supremely engaging, adored by audiences” THE SCOTSMAN Monday February 14, at The Quarry Theatre, Bedford. Castle Comedy is back at The Quarry Theatre on the most romantic day of the year. The show will feature star names, Roses (chocolates) for everyone and loads of laughs!

Headlining the show is LAURA LEXX. She is an award-winning comedian and writer. In 2019 she won the coveted Best Performer Award from the British Comedy Guide and became a viral sensation

THE

QUEENS HEAD M I LT O N E R N E S T

Food served: Mon-Sat 12-2, 6-9 Sunday 12-4 See our Facebook page for upcoming events

HOTEL NOW OPEN Queens Head, Rushden Road, Milton Ernest MK44 1RU

Tel: 01234 822412

See our menu on Facebook

Mon-Sat Noon-11pm Sunday Noon-10.30pm

As a natural storyteller she can tease a grin from pretty much anyone! She has appeared on Live At The Apollo, Mock The Week, Hypothetical & Comedy Central's Roast Battle. "rib-tickling...a tour-de-force” ★★★★THE TELEGRAPH Opening the show is SCOTT BENNETT. He is the star of the latest series of Live At The Apollo In 2020 Scott was voted “Best Act” in the Comics Comic Awards, a prestigious award decided by comedians and promoters in the industry.

He has supported Michael McIntyre and Rob Brydon on their UK tours. Catch him here before he is selling out theatres and arenas on his own!

“Clearly has a big future, flashes of Peter Kay, Jason Manford and John Bishop” BRUCE DESSAU, EVENING STANDARD All shows feature full support from top UK comedians and Paul Revill will host the shows!

Doors 7pm,Shows Start 8pm.

Shows finish 10.45pm To book: www.castlecomedy.co.uk

Special(s) date for Ska in Bedford It almost feels as if a degree of normality is settling back into the UKs entertainment sector, which has been left crippled now for the last two years, as the pandemic swept through the country forcing closures to many of our much loved live music venues, clubs bars and clubs.

I somehow also sense that the government as a follow up to their Downing Street raves appear to be resigning to the fact that they now have no choice but to lift restrictions and allow this mild Omicron variant to settle, perhaps they also fear that any attempts to increase restorations which would inevitable close down the hospitality sectors again could well cause civil unrest and rebellions throughout the country.

Bedford Parks Concerts have wasted no time whatsoever following the easing of restrictions they have announced an astonishing line up for 2022, which includes their recent announcement the pioneers of UK Ska, The Specials' will be the headline act in the Park on Friday June 3.

Those of you old enough may well remember many of the specials hits which were nightclub monsters back in the late 80s and still popular in today's musical climate.

“Sweet as a nut”

by Tony Hendrix The group were founded in 1977, the Specials were at the forefront of the 2 Tone movement, changing the face of UK music in the 1980s with seven successive top 10 singles between 1979 and 1981 including number one hits like ‘Too Much Too Young’ and ‘Ghost Town’.

The band reformed in 1993 and have wowed fans across the world on the live circuit ever since.

In 2019, the band released Encore, their first studio album in 18 years to widespread critical acclaim, giving the band their first ever number one album.

Tickets are £45.00 from www.bedfordparkconcerts.co.uk St Valentines night used to be a night celebrated throughout many pubs and clubs throughout the

country, this now seems like a trend of the pass, some people look upon this historical event as being old fashioned and out of date and just another expensive commercial event for the retailers and restaurants to cash in on. Putting all that aside its nice to see that one of our local venues has decided to keep some of that good old fashioned romance alive this St Valentines night with Speed dating at 3 St Peters, taking place on Thursday, February 10, from 7.30pm-11pm, this particularly event is unfortunately only catering for age groups 45 to 60.

This is the first of a series of meet-up events. Different groups will be catered for ion the future.

The event is organised by experienced dating coach, Leah, who has previously run successful dating events! She'll welcome you on arrival and you'll receive a complimentary sparkling pink rose.

Good luck let's hope you find a match.

Finally Esquires is proud to announce Club Momacoca featuring Bedford’s now very own local superstar DJ Spoony and Mark Russell on Saturday, February 26. This will be a Club classics night I can just imagine the quality of music that these two legends will be letting loose, tickets are on sale now but selling fast £23.

NEW LOOK – NO MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED

Daley’s FUNCTION ROOM FOR HIRE

BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN

ENTERTAINMENT 9pm-midnight Except Sixty Something in April – see right

GENERATION 5PAN Saturday February 12

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

DR PHIL

Saturday February 19

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

FREE

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

SATURDAY NIGHTS

Saturday February 5th

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

BUCCANEER

Saturday February 26

THE 88S

Saturday March 5

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Bedford Road, Kempston 01234 851143 ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

JENNY THE ROCK CHIC Coming in April

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

SIXTY SOMETHING

in the function room – £5 entrance fee with your FIRST DRINK FREE

★★★★★★★★ ★★★★★★★★ ★★★★★

SUITABLE FOR ALL OCCASIONS

NEWLY REFURBISH ED Holds up to 120

FLEXIBLE SEATIN G ARRANGEMENT S CALL FOR MORE DETAILS

★★★★★★★★ ★★★★★★★★ ★★★★★

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ www.facebook.com/daleysclub Email: daleysclub@outlook.com SNOOKER £3 PER HOUR POOL TABLES FROM 50p A GAME ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Mon, Tues, Weds, Thurs 2pm–Midnight – Fri-Sat Noon-1am – Sunday Noon-Midnight

16

— FEBRUARY 2022

TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

Halfway and it’s looking good

sport

by Michael Jarman-Webb

OVER halfway through the season and the Eagles have continued with their winning ways, with the critical six pointer against second placed Berkhamsted taking place at the end of January, the result of which probably decided who is top of the table as you read this.

Action from Eagles’ 3-0 win over Hereford. Above Danny Setchell, below Connor Tomlinson.

If the form table is anything to go by, it’s likely to be Bedford. They are currently scoring for fun, with Rene Howe at well over 20 goals and Connor Tomlinson into double figures. Berkhamsted on the other hand have slipped up lately, dropping points against near bottom Kidlington for example.

Bedford’s most impressive win in January came at Ware, where their never give up attitude saw them coming away with three points Hugh Alban-Jones had put the team ahead in the first half, before Ware pulled two back, and looked certain of the win in the second as the clock ticked past ninety minutes. But four minutes into added time Bedford were awarded a penalty for a handball infringement, that was coolly slotted away by Howe, sending the sizeable group of travelling fans wild.

But the show wasn’t over, and the rescued point wasn’t enough as Alban-Jones popped up for a second in the ninety-ninth minute, resulting in amazing celebrations from the travelling players and fans alike.

Other league wins in January included a New Years Day win against St Neots and a three-nil victory on the 4G pitch at Hertford.

The Beds Senior Cup also kicked off in January, with the Eagles through to the next round courtesy of a lone Dan Walker goal.

Bedford will meet Biggleswade Town in the next round in another home Tuesday night fixture.

Bedford’s midfield got a boost with the addition of Joe Butterworth to the squad, originally signing on a temporary basis from Stamford, the stay was extended after his success including a brace of goals on his debut.

February will see fixtures against teams that on paper would appear good for three points, but these matches can always throw a spanner in the works as Berkhamsted found out at the hands of Kidlington.

One thing for sure is that the team will give their all to get the promotion they deserve this

season, and that the support of the crowd can have a massive influence on that. Home crowds have been steadily increasing this season, with new faces finding the Eyrie the place they want to be on a Saturday afternoon.

Remember there is football at the Eyrie most Saturdays as most weekends when Bedford have an away match, our groundshare partners Biggleswade FC will be at home.

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

THE trip to the ASM Stadium hasn’t been a happy one for Eagles fans in recent years, with Thame emerging as 3-0 winners on the last two occasions, but this time with Bedford at the top of the table, the sizeable travelling contingent were hopeful that the Town’s winning run would continue.

Thame United however had other ideas as they denied the visitors advances before hitting the target themselves in the last minute of the first half, with David Pearce hitting the target.

Manager Gary Setchell’s team talk at half time didn’t have the desired effect as two minutes into the second half The Red Kites lead was doubled as Ryan Blake, got their second.

Thoughts of another loss were diminished slightly when Bedford’s centre back Rory McAuley headed home from a Hugh Alban-Jones cross, just three minutes later.

The visitors were now on the attack, but Thame did a good job of shutting up shop – until the 63rd minute when Conner Tomlinson scored his twentieth Eagles goal, courtesy of Dan Walker.

His shot was accidently blocked by Tomlinson, before he turned and fired home from 15 yards out.

Bedford were now dominating the game, but despite multiple corners free kicks and shots the home defence held Rory McAuley scores Eagle’s first goal in two all draw with Thame on firm, with scores level at the end of play.

Saturday January 22.

PROBLEM DRIVEWAY? SPRING We’ve got SALE % it covered 20OFF

Call: 01767 360076 FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION

QUOTE BULLETIN

Tel: 01767 360076 or 0800 781 6343 Mob: 07428 511932

LC Driveway Solutions Ltd Long Lake Meadow, High Road, Seddington, Sandy SG19 1NU

www.lcdrivewaysolutions.co.uk

BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN

• Resin Bonded • Block paving • Patio slabs • Tarmacadam • Fencing • Turfing • Brickwork • Graveling • Landscaping and much more