Bedford borough bulletin january 2017

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BULLETIN

Great Denham – New Group 5th January Great Denham Golf Club, Carnoustie Drive, MK40 4FF Thursday Evenings 7:30pm from the 5th January Liz 07969 030689

MONDAYS (Inc. Bank Holidays) Kempston

Kempston East Church Hall, Foster Road, MK42 8DA Monday mornings 9.30am & 11:30am Gerry 07592 314291 Centenary Hall, Bedford Road (Behind Council) MK42 8BG Monday Afternoon/ Evenings 3.30pm, 5:30 pm & 7:30 pm Gerry 07592 314291

Bedford

Goldington Day Centre, Barkers Lane, MK41 9SJ Monday Evenings 5:30pm & 7:30pm Rayner 07951 418090

TUESDAYS Brickhill

Morning, Afternoon & Evenings Sessions St Marks Church Centre, Calder Rise, off Avon Drive, MK41 7UY Tuesday Mornings 9.30am & 11.30am Tuesday Afternoon/ Evenings 3.30pm, 5.30pm & 7.30pm Lorrie 01234 340473

TUESDAYS (continued) Bromham

Bromham Lower School, Grange Lane, MK43 8NR Tuesday Evenings 5.30pm & 7.30pm Susan 07717 870513

Wixams

Lakeview Village Hall, Brooklands Avenue, MK42 6AB Tuesday Evenings 5.30pm & 7.30pm Danielle 07462 444645

Cranfield

Cranfield Village Hall, Court Road, MK43 0DR Tuesday Evenings 5:30pm & 7:30pm Linda 07912 484615

WEDNESDAYS Bedford

Scott Hall Community Centre, Barford Avenue, off London Road, MK42 0DS Wednesday Evenings 5:30pm & 7:30pm Holly 07968 719951

JANUARY 2017

Great Denham – New Group 6th January

Great Denham Golf Club, Carnoustie Drive, MK40 4FF Friday Mornings 9:30am from the 6th January Glynis 07565 504395

THURSDAYS Bedford

Scott Hall Community Centre, Barford Avenue, off London Road, MK42 0DS Thursday Mornings 9:30am Holly 07968 719951

Castle Lower School, Goldington Road, MK40 3EP Thursday Evenings 5.30pm & 7.30pm Danielle 07462 444645

Putnoe

Bedford Athletic Rugby Club, Wentworth Drive, MK41 8QA Thursday Evenings 5.30pm & 7.30pm Michelle 01234 347807

Elstow

Christian Fellowship Church, High Street, MK42 9XP Thursday Evenings 5:30pm & 7:30pm Glynis 07565 504395

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

(Self-employed) for members past and present.

For more information contact Susan on 07717 870513

slimmingworld.co.uk 0344 897 8000

THURSDAYS (continued) Oakley The Old School Hall, Lovell Road, MK43 7RX Thursday Evenings 7:30pm Karen 07841 075100

Wootton

Wootton Memorial Hall, Bedford Road, MK43 9JB Thursday Evenings 5:30pm & 7:30pm Linda 07912 484615

FRIDAYS Putnoe

Bedford Athletic Rugby Club, Wentworth Drive, MK41 8QA Friday Mornings 9:30am Michelle 01234 347807

SATURDAYS Bedford

The Bedford Sixth Form, Bromham Road, MK40 2BS Saturday Mornings/ Midday 8.30am, 10.30am & 12:30pm Karen 07841 075100

2 — BEDFORD BULLETIN JANUARY 2017

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50 years at the crease Court takes action

A vILLAGE cricketer celebrated 50 years at the crease on his 65th birthday and vowed to carry on until he could no longer run between the wickets.

Winston Jermy, from Harris close in Kempston, started playing for thurleigh aged 15 in 1966 and he’s turned out for someone every week of the season since then. For the past 23 years it’s been for riseley. But before that he represented Britannia Works in Bedford, roxton and clapham.

He’s been captain of the riseley midweek side for the past ten years and is well known throughout the sport as the local gardener who took over the sponsorship of the league when its original backer pulled out.

When he started off Winston was a fast bowler but even though he’s now a slow one he still turns his arm against much younger batsmen. His best return was 8-22 against oakley more than 20 years ago. “I love the game, the team spirit and the sense of community,” he said. “I’ll carry on until I can’t get to the crease anymore.”

He’s taken eight wickets several times, a hat trick three times and more than 1,000 wickets in his 50 year career; his one regret is not that he never made a century but that he never even got to 50 with the bat, 46 not out being his best score. the event for 100 guests at the vesuvio Hotel in Sharnbrook raised more than £750 for the Sue ryder Hospice at Moggerhanger.

on cashpoint gang

A court has ordered the confiscation of more than £28,000 from a gang member who was jailed last year for his part in a series of cash point raids across the Eastern region. the order was made against Joseph upton, 45, who was jailed for five years in May last year after admitting conspiracy to burgle and conspiracy to steal motor vehicles in 2012.

He and three other gang members jailed for the same offences also had a series of strict conditions placed on them during the Serious crime Prevention order Hearing at cambridge crown court on Friday (2 December). the orders will start when they are released and mean they will have to keep police updated on things like the phones and cars they use.

serving a sentence of four years and nine months and Alfred Stanley Smith, 38, who is serving four years, will all be subject to the order. the case was brought by the Eastern region Special operations unit (ErSou) which investigated the men’s nine month smash and grab and burglary spree.

After the case Detective Inspector Geoff Knight said: “this hearing sends out a message that we will utilise all available legislation to ensure offenders feel the full weight of the law and that we will hamper all efforts to commit further crime.”

No order was made against a John Leonard Smith, 41 and fifth man, whose part in the Albert Smith, 40, who are each offences was less significant.

SENDING A MESSAGE

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BEDFORD BULLETIN JANUARY 2017 — 3

Great news for Bedford Hospital Dealer with £20k of drugs gets jail

A MAN has been sentenced to almost five years in prison for drugs offences.

Majid Achtar, 29, from Bedford, was sentenced at Luton crown court after pleading guilty to possession with intent to supply a class A drug.

Achtar was arrested on 21 January after police received intelligence about a property in Bedford. When officers arrived at the flat, a bag containing more than £20,000 worth of cocaine was thrown from the window.

He will now spend the next four years and eight months behind bars.

Detective constable Paul Breed said: “We will not tolerate drugs in Bedfordshire and are committed to clamping down on individuals such as Achtar who wreak havoc on the lives of others by pedalling their dangerous and illicit substances.

“I’m pleased with the sentence handed out today which will see this reckless individual locked away for the foreseeable future, and I hope that this acts as a warning to anyone who thinks that they are above the law.” three other people were arrested at the same time as Achtar and were also sentenced today.

Hassan Nazir, 18, and Jessica cocquet, 21, from Bedford, were both given a 21 month suspended sentence for possession with intent to supply in relation to the same incident.

A fourth person, Lisa Fragpane, 27, also from Bedford, was found guilty of obstructing the police in relation to the same incident. She was given a six week suspended sentence.

CLAMP DOWN

Editor’s comment: What do you think about the level of sentencing? Here on our newsdesk we feel it is too lenient – let us know your thoughts.

BEDForD Hospital has been announced as one of the Lead Partners to deliver the Health Education England (HEE) second wave of training for the new nursing associate role.

Some 24 sites across the country have been selected in this new tranche to deliver the training over two years joining 11 sites announced in october. the training will start in 2017.

Nursing Associates will work alongside existing nursing care support workers and fully-qualified registered nurses to deliver hands-on care for patients. the role will bridge the gap between health and care support workers, who have a care certificate and graduate registered nurses. It has been developed to enable nurses to focus on the more advanced elements of their jobs and to offer improved career pathway opportunities to emerging talent. the sites bring together a wide range of organisations including educational institutions, care homes, acute, community and mental health trusts and hospices, representing the variety of places where Nursing Associates will provide care for patients. tracey Brigstock, Acting Director of Nursing and Patient Services for Bedford Hospital said: “We are delighted to have been selected as one of the lead partners to deliver this training. this is great news not only for the hospital in helping to tackle some of the recruitment challenges we currently face but for all those

wishing to find a route into nursing. our dedicated nurses will definitely appreciate the extra support this new role will bring.”

Professor Lisa Bayliss Pratt, Director of Nursing and Deputy

Director of Education and Quality, HEE, said: “the high level of interest in delivering training for this important role means that we have been able to select even more sites to take forward the training.

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Apple recognises school

BEDForD Girls’ School has been recognised as an Apple Distinguished School for its extensive use of Apple technology in the curriculum. the Apple Distinguished School designation is reserved for schools that meet criteria for innovation, leadership, educational excellence, and demonstrate a clear vision of exemplary learning environments.

In line with the School’s ethos of preparing girls for the future, BGS unveiled its strategy to integrate technology into teaching and learning in 2014, with the roll out of one-on-one iPad minis to all students across the whole school.

Miss Jo MacKenzie, Headmistress of BGS, said: “Enhancing traditional teaching and learning methods with iPads offers the girls and teachers the flexibility they need in a fast-paced learning environment.

“Instead of using a plethora of text-

books and folders, girls can now research, edit and submit work, in a more efficient way – providing a greater interactive, inquiry and collaborative experience.

“From an early age girls make decisions about which learning tools, whether that is iPads or more traditional tools which are the most appropriate for the tasks in hand. “the Apple Distinguished School title acknowledges the depth of integration of technology throughout the school, and our commitment to preparing girls for the future in a globalised world.”

In addition, another key factor in BGS being awarded Apple Distinguished School status is its production of iBooks. A regular stream of free iBooks, covering a variety of subjects and topics, are available for the girls to use for their curriculum and project work, with some published on itunes.

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tHE Great ouse orchestra is being reunited on January 21st for the Prebend charity concert at St Andrew’s church, Bedford. christopher ridley, timpanist at the royal opera House and peripatetic music teacher at Bedford School, is coordinating the event and conducting the orchestra for a fabulous night of classical music.

“It is a real privilege to be working with so many of Bedford’s finest musicians in support of the local Prebend centre.” ryan Flecknell, Prebend cEo: “We are

BEDFORD BULLETIN JANUARY 2017 — 5

Prebend Charity Concert

honoured to have been chosen as their charity for this event and we are really excited about the concert. chris, Lisa and team have put a lot of thought and planning into providing a wonderful night to remember.

“Homelessness and rough sleeping have been one of many unfortunate consequences of

years of government austerity. Nationally the crisis is becoming more visible in every town and city. Locally we have seen an increase of 104% in rough sleeping in 2015 compared to 2014 and 2016 continues to see this upward trend. our roots and strength have been in the support we receive from the local community; it is through their compassion and concern that we have been able to continue opening our doors 365 days of the year.” tickets £10 online at Eventbrite ‘Prebend charity concert’ or call 07970 751270.

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Sailing off the chart Pavilion celebrates second

voLuNtEErS have been pushing the boat out to promote Bedford to 2017 vistitors at a national event held at the NEc Birmingham.

Graham Mabbutt, Pat Mathias (photographed) and Ian Morse gave out 100s of In & Around Bedford booklets and John Bunyan Boat cruise leaflets and postcards and recorded 60 plus expressions of interest from coach/tour operators/organisers.

“A very worthwhile if somewhat tiring day! We even met with some who had already been on the boat on our public cruises and they all expressed their satisfaction with their trip. Even if it results in just a handful of bookings in 2017 we will get a return on the investment made by, among others, BedfordBID which gave £750 to fund our stand at the show to support tourism promotion,” said Graham, volunteer commercial Director of the John Bunyan Boat.

BedfordBID was one of the original funding supporters of the John Bunyan Boat and has continued to support the tourist crowd-puller which has to date taken 22,000 on river cruises. In addition BedfordBID which represents 500 levy-paying businesses in the town

birthday with award

centre, has promoted Heritage Bedford which includes attractions like the boat and local museums.

“Bringing in visitors from far and wide to the town centre is part of the brief of the BID and although the council has responsibility for the tourist Information centre, currently at the bus station, businesses want to see a proactive approach to pulling in people from outside of Bedfordshire,” said BedfordBID Director christina rowe, “the volunteers attached to the boat do a fantastic job and we are delighted to be able to support them.”

PAvILIoN at the Park, the café situated in Bedford Park in the beautiful victorian pavilion building, has just celebrated its second birthday and received a very welcome gift, being named Bedfordshire’s Small Business of the Year. the Small Business of the Year award, announced at a recent ceremony featuring the great and good of Bedfordshire, recognises exceptional businesses operating at a turnover of less than £5m. this award comes hot on the heels of further recent success for Pavilion at the Park, which was included in the 2017 Good Food Guide, and is the only restaurant in Bedford to be featured in the Guide.

Pavilion at the Park opened its doors in November 2014, following a bidding process to transform the dilapidated building, which was won

by Bedfordshire entrepreneur Emma Garrett, who also owns Kiosk at the Park in russell Park. current Head chef Marcus Webber joined Pavilion at the Park on its first birthday.

In just two years, the Pavilion has become firmly established as not just a café serving delicious food and

drink, but also as a hub for the community welcoming various local groups who use the café for regular meet-ups.

Emma Garrett said: “our second birthday has come around really quickly and I feel as though we’ve achieved so much in this short time, which is testament to our fantastic team and the amazing support we’ve had from customers, associates and local businesses.

“For us, Pavilion at the Park is all about community and people, good food and wine, health and wellbeing and pulling it all together in a relaxed, friendly environment where standards are high and customer service is key. We encourage people to get out in the fresh air for all sorts of activities and events as well as offering delicious home cooked food, ethically sourced coffee and mouthwatering cake.

After winning Small Business of the Year she said: "I am extremely chuffed, very excited. It was a really tough category. In the original nominations that were published there were 26 other businesses so I didn’t think for a moment that we’d get through to the last three.”

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BEDFORD BULLETIN JANUARY 2017 — 7

Window Art Trail returned to ‘Black Tom’

plays. the window trail is definitely on its way to becoming a festive tradition!”

And what’s more, the displays were so impressive, a limited edition calendar featuring many of the window displays has been produced and is available for £10 including local delivery, with profits of the sale going to the Bedford Foodbank and Dine with us on the Streets-cherries Legacy; two charities who produced window displays for the trail. calendars are available from: blacktompeeps@gmail.com ––––––––––––––––

DESPItE the very heavy rainfall, residents of Bedford and beyond turned out to wander round the displays of the Black tom Festive Window Art trail the festive fun started at 5.30pm at Park road Methodist church, where volunteers there helped people take shelter from the rain and keep cosy with mince pies and hot drinks. the red cuthberts Morris dancers also performed their christmas Mummers traditional play and the now-legendary guided tours with Emily Finney kept everyone in high spirits with christmas carols. the calibre was as high as last year with beautiful and imaginative window displays from moving peeing eyes to projected snowflakes. the Burnaby Arms decided the weather wasn’t to their liking, and brought a magical snow flurry to the pub instead. the event was free to attend and organised by Black tom local Katrina Allen who also organises the areas popular Jumble trail. She says: “I was amazed and delighted by how many people came out in the bad weather to splosh around the streets and enjoy the window dis-

PoLIcE are investigating reports of an armed robbery at the co-op in Sharnbrook High Street last month. three people entered the store and threatened the staff with a knife before smashing the till, taking money and cigarettes, before making off in the direction of Park Lane. the offenders were described as wearing scarves and hoods, one wearing a white jacket with the other two wearing dark coloured coats. Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or alternatively contact crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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Bedford College No 1 for New Year

tHE ANNuAL Bedford college Achievements ceremony was a glittering occasion inside the Bedford corn Exchange. the college’s track record now means it is No 1 not just in the county but in the economic region with the latest Government data proving is has more 16-18 year olds, more apprentices, more university-level and part-time students than anywhere else.

Principal and cEo Ian Pryce cBE catalogued the list of world-beating achievements and awards achieved by college staff and students for the audience of civic dignitaries, vIPs and proud parents.

“Success is about an orgnanisation’s environment and ours comprises our community, our employers, our governors, our staff, our students and their supporters and I want to thank each in turn,” said Mr Pryce, “We are lucky to have MPs on our patch who take a keen interest in our work, particularly richard Fuller. Similarly our local authorities are supportive and Mayor Dave Hodgson is actively championing growth in apprenticeships.”

“Governors are now planning ahead to 2021 further securing the college’s position as one of the most stable and successful in the FE sector,” he added.

Guests speaker for the evening was young entrepreneur Zak resinato. After training at Bedford college, Zak has gone on to national success with deals with Sainsbury’s and retail parks opening 13 Jagged Edge barber pods and shops. His combination of creative talent and business vision has been supported by Bedford college which has entered into a unique academy arrangement for training 50 Jagged Edge staff. “congratulations to everyone here at Bedford college and my message is to invest energy in enjoying what you do, whatever your career choice,” said Zak. He joined Ian Pryce in presenting certificates to the three finalists in the Student of the Year Award. the winner was Emma Lemon a BtEc Higher National Diploma student in Art & Design, and runners-up were oskar Kutyla BtEc Level 3 Diploma in Engineering and Mia tomlinson Foundation Degree in child & Family Studies.

A wide range of businesses and organisations sponsored many of the prizes awarded to students.

NATIONAL SUCCESS

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BEDFORD BULLETIN JANUARY 2017 — 9

Wedding winners

FLEurEttE Florists have won a national bouquet for their wedding flowers. the long-established business in Harpur Street won the English Wedding Eastern region award at an event held in Manchester.

Peter vincent and claire Polhill accepted the award on behalf of their top team who prepare not just beautiful bridal bouquets, but stylish decorations for wedding venues.

Said claire: “this was a new awards especially for the wedding

industry and as we think our team produce work which is quite outstanding we decided to give it a go. Weddings are an important part of any florist business and so we were delighted to bring back the certificate to Bedford.”

As well as weddings, Fleurettes, which has parking at the back of the shop for easy collections, organises bouquet deliveries evenings and weekends, decoration of venues for all occasions, office and organisational planting and funeral flowers.

Huge thanks MACMILLAN Cancer Support wish to express their immense gratitude for the last 40 years of service Bedford Committee have given in support of the charity.

They wish to thank all members past and present for all the fundraising and other activities the committee have carried out over the years.

Since its creation in the 70s, the committee has raised over £2m, a fantastic achievement!

These funds have made a tangible difference to the lives of people in Bedfordshire affected by cancer as it has, for instance, funded nurse posts and helped to raise money to build the Primrose Unit.

Jessica Wilson Regional Fundraising Manager: “We cannot thank the Bedford Committee enough for their hard work and dedication to fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support. Their support has allowed us to be there for people affected by cancer in the local community.”

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Harpur Centre rolls out free Wi-Fi

Michael R Peters raises £1500 for Bedford Hospital charity WHILE celebrating their 50th Anniversary Michael R Peters teamed up with the Friends of Bedford Hospital throughout 2016 to raise funds for this deserving charity by offering an LG LED 50” television and ten DAB radios as prizes in a raffle which was drawn recently.

Ticket sales raised over £1500 was raised during the period and the winner of the top prize was John Hulance seen pictured here with Felicity Scott chairperson of the Friends and Paul Mead MD of Michael R Peters.

tHIS year is the 40th birthday of Bedford’s Harpur centre.

As an early birthday present, for all customers, shoppers can now have free Wi-Fi at the centre.

All you need to do is log into HarpurFreeWi-Fi. James Burchell, on behalf of the Harpur centre, said: “It will be a brilliant anniversary year at the Harpur centre and we are delighted to already have installed free Wi-Fi for shoppers in the run up to christmas to offer an even better customer experience.” the centre is also delighted to announce that the Wishing tree Appeal in conjunction with Heart radio received a great response this year and would like to thank shoppers for their generosity. thousands of gifts collected have been distributed by organisations that support underprivileged children and families in Bedfordshire and have been delivered in time for christmas Day. Samantha Laycock from the Harpur centre, said: “We would like to thank everyone for support-

ing our Harpur centre Wishing tree appeal this year. Due to a fantastic response by our shoppers and local businesses, we are proud to announce that thousands of gifts for underprivileged children and families in Bedfordshire will be delivered in time for christmas.”

––––––––––––––– BEDFORD Borough Council has been announced as National Champion for sustainability at the Public Sector Energy & Sustainability Awards 2016. The award recognises major investment in green energy production including, solar energy, hydro power and biomass.

Mayor of Bedford Borough Dave Hodgson said: “Through targeted investment and a commitment to sustainability we have slashed our carbon emissions and have turned the council into a flagship for green energy and environmental good practice. I would like to congratulate everybody across the council who has helped contribute to this national success.”

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BEDFORD BULLETIN JANUARY 2017 — 11

Well, hasn’t 2016 been eventful? by Nigel Bywater Director of Sales/Finance Belvoir Bedford T: 01234 290685 The ups and downs of Brexit, the Queen’s 90th, Andy Murray winning Wimbledon, Trump, Bake Off to Channel 4 and something close to the hearts of every buy to let landlord and homeowner in Bedford... the Bedford property market.

So, let’s look at the headlines for the Bedford property market...

In the last month, Bedford property values rose by 1.81%, leaving them, year on year 16.2% higher, whilst interestingly, Bedford asking prices are down 2% month on month.

All three statistics go to show the Bedford property market has recovered well after the summer lull, which was worsened by the uncertainty surrounding the EU vote back in June. Irrespective of all the issues, the average value of a

Bedford home now stands at £325,200.

Generally, Bedford asking prices continue to hold up well, as asking prices are 5.8% higher year on year.

At this time of year, asking prices tend to drop on the run up to Christmas and locally, they have dropped by 2% this month (November 2016), although this compares well with last year’s drop in Bedford asking prices, as we saw asking prices drop by 0.3% in November 2015.

Now it’s true to say, after chatting with fellow property professionals in Bedford, all of us have seen the number of property sales fall slightly, suggesting a slowing market, but it is very early days and it could be the time of year.

Also, the numbers are limited, so it’s interesting to take note from a recent survey by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, stating new buyer enquiries and new instructions are falling at the same rate, suggesting that there will not be a downward pressure on property values.

Looking at the figures for the UK (as we can’t just look at Bedford in

isolation), property values are generally rising slower than a few years ago, but on a positive note, there’s still growth across the UK. You see, slowing property value growth isn’t solely Brexit related, but after a number years of double digit rises in property values, affordability has weakened and cooling price growth is widely seen to be a natural correction of the market.

On the other hand, interest rates being at a record low of 0.25% are helping the property market.

The cut in interest rates in the late summer was the medicine for the post-Brexit worry and will, as a consequence, ensure that the UK economy continues to be underpinned by buoyant property prices.

So, what will happen in 2017 in the Bedford property market?

Some say until we know what type of exit the UK will make from the EU it is hard to evaluate the outcome.

Although, I believe, the whole Brexit issue is a sideshow to the main issue in the UK (and Bedford) housing market as a whole.

As I have mentioned time and time again over the last few months, the biggest issue is demand outstripping supply when it comes to the number of households required to house us all.

Bedford has an ever-growing population: with immigration (we still have at least two years of free movement from EU members into the UK), people living longer and the fact we need thousands of additional households as the country has nearly 115,000 divorces a year (where one household becomes two households).

These are interesting times ahead!

12 — BEDFORD BULLETIN JANUARY 2017

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Volunteers needed, winter opening, and more!

JoHN Bunyan Museum & Library is gearing up for another brilliant year in 2017. continuing its special winter opening times, doing major work to improve the collections store, and updating the museum lighting, and disabled access. We are also creating brand new children’s trails to help families explore, and enjoy the museum.

If you are interested in being part of the fantastic volunteer team who make this all possible; the museum is holding a recruitment event at 10.30am on Saturday 21st January, for anyone interested in volunteering at the museum. this independent (not funded by council or government) museum, part of Bunyan Meeting in the heart of Bedford’s cultural Quarter, is run by a team of dedicated volunteers of all ages. the museum needs volunteers to help welcome the visitor, and keep the museum open. We are also looking for volunteers with skills and experience in working with schools, leading group tours, marketing, admin, or who have an interest in working with the collections.

For the first time we are also looking for volunteers to support Bunyan Meeting’s new arts initiative- the Basement @ Bunyan, as gallery stewards, and to support the various projects and activities that take place there. volunteer, Diana Palmer said: “What I love about being a volunteer is the wide variety of people I’ve met – visitors from around the world and the other diverse volunteers. I enjoy the chances to get involved with other activities which help keep the museum vibrant: helping to produce children’s trails, craft activities,” the session on the 21st January starts at 10.30am in the Foyer Windows coffee Shop at Bunyan Meeting, uPVC Doors, Composite (entrance off of Mill Street) and Doors includes a tour of the site.

The museum will be open French Doors, Patio Doors, 10am-3pm Saturday 14th, 21st, Bifold Doors 28th January, and 4th and 11th Conservatories February.

Deposit Indemnity children’s workshops “Potions, Posies and Poems” in partnership 10 year insurance-backed with Bedford chronicles start at Guarantee 10.30 and 1.30 (each last 1hr 30 Certass Registration mins) on thursday 16th February, – Building Regulations £3 per child, booking is advisable as numbers are limited.

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BEDFORD BULLETIN JANUARY 2017 — 13

Old pub gets a second life

oNE of the most famous pubs in Bedford is going to become a haven of support for people with learning disabilities.

Planners have given the thumbs up to a scheme that will give new life to the Anglers rest on the old clapham road.

It means that over 300 adults, teenagers and their families will be given opportunities in life that were previously unavailable to them.

Parents and carers have described it as ‘inspirational’. catherine Smith, a parent of two disabled sons said “as a parent you always worry about the future for your children. It gives us peace of mind to know there will be modern facilities that will support both of our sons, where they can learn life skills, have social opportunities and engage in regular exercise which would otherwise not available to them, all under the guidance of proactive and dedicated staff.”

OPPORTUNITIES Beds Garden carers (BGc), the charity that provides education, work experience and social opportunities to people with a learning disability, autism and challenging behaviour, will create a new opportunities centre linked to the pub. the site was purchased in 2012 by BGc who opened a café in the pub. After the opportunities centre is built the pub will be refurbished to update the café and include and emergency respite centre on the first floor.

BGc currently provide opportunities to over 130 people each week. they run a wide range of workshops, including independent living skills, arts, crafts, and computing skills and provide much needed work experience through their, café, furniture

store and gardening program.

When the new centre is completed service provision for people with a learning disability within Bedfordshire will be dramatically improved.

Supporting over 300 adults, teenagers and parents/carers each week, the new centre will enhance current services and provide a wide range of missing and essential desperately needed services that are currently not available to the community.

Sharon Hart, chief Executive of BGc said: “We are delighted that planning permission has been granted for our new opportunities building, as it brings us a step closer to the centre becoming a reality. creating an environment that is easily accessible for people with a physical disability, perfect for learning and an uplifting place to be is incredibly important and our modern design will allow us to do just that.” “the new centre will break the mould for service provision, with a multidisciplinary team working together to tackle the full spectrum of challenges faced by people with a learning disability; not just education, but work experience, independent living skills, social opportunities, health issues, community integration and transition.”

BGc need to raise £3 million to complete the building. the Bedfordshire opportunities for Learning Disabilities (BoLD) Appeal represents the most exciting opportunity in a generation to make the next leap forward in services that will transform lives for people with a learning disability, autism and challenging behaviour in Bedfordshire.

For further more or to get involved in fundraising contact Paul Sutherland on: paulsutherland@beds gardencarers.org.uk or 01234 352899.

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14 — BEDFORD BULLETIN JANUARY 2017

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Pensioner loses money in company take-overs

A rEtIrED building society worker wonders if he is just the tip of the iceberg as his former employers have ‘lost’ his pension.

A pensioner form Bedford, aged 66, who does not wish to be named at the moment, started his working life with Bedfordshire Building Society back in 1965 and paid a pension into Bedfordshire, which then became Gateway.

Like all building societies, Bedfordshire underwent a series of takeovers, becoming the Gateway, then the Woolwich, before ending up with Barclays.

All this time he was paying into a pension. However the part that was the Bedfordshire/ Gateway Building Society pension cannot be found by the current owners, Barclays Bank.

He said: “I joined the Bedfordshire pension scheme at aged 20, and when it became the Gateway, 2 per cent of my salary was deducted towards the pension.

GONE MISSING

I would like to hear from other people who worked there, to see if their experience is the same.”

He has also contacted his MP, richard Fuller. A spokesman for Willis towers Watson, who act for Barclays, said: “our tAS team provides pensions administration services for companies, including member payments and communications. “unfortunately we have not been able to track down any record of the pension this gentleman refers to from the 1960s from the data we hold on behalf of our clients.

“Where we cannot find any records, next steps are to try to find out if he has any paperwork or further information that could prove helpful.”

Did you work for Bedfordshire Building Society and has your pension been lost?

Please contact us if you have had a similar experience.

email: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

Celebrating 150 years of singing

by Roger Barnard

I SING with Bedford choral Society.

Next year, Bedford choral Society celebrates its 150th Anniversary, and is reckoned to be the seventh oldest choral society in the country. on Sunday 30 April 2017, we will give a celebratory concert in the Bedford corn Exchange, our regular venue, and perform, among other things, Mendelssohn’s Lauda Sion. this work (no, I don’t know it either), was performed at the very first concert on 30 April 1867. tastes, of course, have changed, and Bedford choral Society does reflect such change in its concert programmes. Now, we have widened the repertoire to do everything from Monteverdi to Karl Jenkins, and last year tackled living Estonian composer Arvo Part - really challenging! our concert programme is planned some years ahead and we’ve just settled on Haydn’s the Seasons for November 2020!

Bedford choral Society also commissions new works. For instance, in the 150th Anniversary concert, we are singing Psalm 150, as set to music by our accompanist and assistant choir master tim GrantJones. In fact, the theme of ‘150’ will be current the whole year. We are aiming to grow the choir from 125 members singing in the recent Mozart programme, to reach 150 by the time of the summer 2017 concert.

In particular, we are looking to recruit younger singers, both to enrich the quality of singing, to swell the sound we make, and to sustain the choir for the next number of years. to achieve this, we plan to take a small representative sample of our singers into Bedford school sixth forms, Bedford college and the university of Bedfordshire, early next year, aiming to enthuse young people enough to join us in rehearsals and sing with us in the summer.

In that summer concert, Ian Smith, the choir’s long-standing Musical Director, will conduct us in Michael Hurd’s Shepherd’s calendar, a beautiful setting of some of John clare’s poetry. the first performance was given by Southampton choral Society in 1975 – I know, ‘cos I was there! May I encourage you to look up Michael Hurd, read John clare and join us in the audience on 17 June 2017 for the concert, when both will be celebrated.

Finally, if you’re something of a historian, you might like to read Michael Benson’s masterly account of the Bedford choral Society, from its beginnings in 1867, though to 1991, and with an afterword by Ian Smith, taking us up to today. Mike’s book is entitled ‘Bedford’s Musical Society – A History of Bedford choral Society’, under the auspices of Bedfordshire Historical record Society, and published by the Boydell Press at £25.

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Children have a ‘Raursome’ time The new and the old came together in Great Denham recently. Children at Great Denham Primary School have been learning about dinosaurs and particularly answer the question how did they make their mark? Year 1 and 2 children learned about when dinosaurs lived, studied dinosaur fossils and, in sum, became dinosaur experts. The children were then asked to think how they could leave their dinosaur mark on the community. At that very moment the school received a letter from the Chairman of the Parish Council and school governor, Jim Weir (pictured), asking if the school could help him decorate Great Denham’s brand new community hall. So the children worked with a local artist and created some clay tiles with different fossils on and each child’s fingerprint. Mrs Denise Burgess, headteacher, said: “Our children were the first children to use the community hall. Once there they watched some celebratory videos of the learning journey, which can be seen on our website. It was a great experience for them all. And when the children arrived back at school they had a dinosaur party, which was completely Raursome!”

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BEDFORD BULLETIN JANUARY 2017 — 15

Mountain high business Fire and light shines in The Castle Quarter

FORMER Dame Alice school girl Fay Manners is carving out a combined business of high tech and snowboarding skills on the slopes of Chamonix.

The 29-year-old who studied at Loughborough before joining Unilever and Datasift and working in advanced analysis of online social media, now runs her

business from France combined with being a trained snowboard instructor.

Fay, formerly of Blunham, and her skiing parter Fred Dibblee have been blogging about the challenges facing Brits abroad post-Brexit – combined with advice on the best places to take a skiing trip in Europe.

SuNDAY December 4, saw the return of christmas In the Quarter and once again castle road was home to music, food and fun for all the family. the Ent Shed was full of all manner of fun things to make and do and the sunken garden home to christmas games. there was live music outside the Gordon Arms, three rivers church hosted a wonderful live carol concert in the street filling it with festive cheer. this year the theme was Fire and Light and organisers welcomed an amazing live Fire and Light Show which included Fire Hula Hooping and Fire Poi plus there was LED Hooping and Poi, much to the delight of the watching crowd. co-organiser Karen Fryc from Get Into Bed.org said: “It was a fantastic day with so much going on, it’s just great that the Festival has reached its third year and is becoming a real fixture in the calendar.”

Peter Element chairman of the castle residents Association said: “It was a wonderfully atmospheric day, thank you to all who came and helped make it so special.”

16 — BEDFORD BULLETIN JANUARY 2017

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BGS student in ground-breaking research effort

A BEDForD Girls’ School Sixth Form student has played a leading part in ground-breaking research looking at the effect of cultivating methods on soil health, and the role this has in global warming.

As part of the Nuffield research Placement scheme, which provides over 1,000 students each year with the opportunity to work alongside professional scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians, 18year-old Nilufa Yasmin worked under the supervision of cranfield university PhD student Michail Giannitsopoulos, who was leading the project. they spent four weeks (a total of 70 hours) testing five cultivating methods on two different types of soil: clay and snagsborough.

With previous research showing that reduced tillage methods, as opposed to deep ploughing, had been adopted to conserve soil health, Michail and Nilufa wanted to prove this theory worked. “there is a high demand on sustainable food and this has led to a growing pressure on soil resources, so it’s vital research is done on the best agricultural methods, in order to produce enough healthy soil. “our research proved that the use

of reduced tillage methods leads to a marked increase in crop growth, which is hugely significant when considering the agricultural demand, but also issues with global warming.

“It could be suggested that

results such as these indicate the use of minimum tillage treatments could have a positive effect on carbon sequestration as more co2 could be stored as carbon within the soil. It has been shown that

improved soil aggregation has reduced the effect of co2 increase, and so also global warming.”

Nilufa’s involvement in the project also led to her achieving the British Science Association crESt Gold award, a national accolade designed to encourage 16-19-yearolds to take part in StEM activities, and a feat that stands out on a ucAS application. Nilufa hopes to study Biochemistry at university.

She added: “the placement gave me a great opportunity to have a small taste of what it would be like to work in research in a university environment. It made me realise what I really wanted to do in the future and set me on my career path in Science.”

Dr Helen Gates, Nilufa’s tutor and Head of chemistry at Bedford Girls’ School, added: “this experience will really set Nilufa apart from other Science students, as she conducted and wrote up a piece of real research so early in her career.

“Nilufa has shown she is a true scientist, to have the opportunity to demonstrate these skills whilst still at school is fantastic and will give her the confidence to follow her ambitions.”

Dexter meets police commissioner Pc Mark West is a happy man. “I’m in the job I always wanted to do and I’ve got the best partner in Dexter”, says the constable who works in the Dogs’ unit for Bedfordshire Police, which attends incidents across the triforce area of Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and cambridgeshire tracking criminals or missing people.

Mark prepared for his role by acting as a “puppy walker” before joining the unit full-time which

meant raising young police dogs from pups until they join the training programme. “It means helping to socialise them and get them used to all sorts of environments,” said Mark. “We can hatch release our dogs who jump from the back and out over our laps for a pursuit and it’s no good if they stop still as they don’t recognise a shiny floor or an escalator.” Dogs are gradually introduced to demanding situations even

Fabulous performance Children from Great Denham sang their hearts for their school carol service. The youngsters, all students of Great Denham Primary School, gave a fabulous festive performance for parents, grandparents and members of the community.

It was held in the newly opened Community Hall.

when trained, “If it was a public order problem with a noisy crowd I’d try to take Dexter in with another, more experienced dog because it’s incredible how they teach one another and bring them on,” said Mark.

While working for the police, the dogs have their own Dog Welfare volunteers to check their living and transport conditions, such as air conditioning. they work until around 79 years old. “the larger dogs tend to retire early but Dexter is only small so he’ll go on for a long time. He has ‘small man syndrome’ though and gets angry really quickly which can be useful in this role.”

the dog handlers keep their dogs at home but house them in outdoor kennels and are not allowed to let them mix with children. “I know Dexter would never hurt my kids but he comes in when they’ve gone to bed and spends some time with me and my wife,” he said. When German Shepherds like Dexter retire they are offered first to their handlers and, if they cannot be housed this way, owners are sought who are used to working dogs who live outside, such as gamekeepers and farmers and the Force maintains a waiting-list of suitable future owners

18 — BEDFORD BULLETIN JANUARY 2017

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Clive’s wants talking statues in Bedford

by Steve Lowe

cLIvE travis is a paranoid schizophrenic.

He also has a PhD and BSc in physics, is a published author, an award winner for his work as a freelance expert and teacher on mental illness and recovery…oh yes and wants Bedford’s statues to talk to us! clive attended Bedford Modern School and graduated from university college London with a degree in physics in 1983. In 1989 he obtained a PhD, after which he worked on MoD contracts.

He worked on battlefield simulation projects, the last one concerning the Apache helicopter. then in 1994 his life changed. clive started to feel different, not ill, just different.

He said: “It was a mysterious, magical feeling, almost an epiphany. Just looking at things in a different way.”

But there were other ‘symptoms’. He began writing letters, lots of letters and also became litigious.

At this time he was made redundant from the MoD contractor he was working for, and against whom he claimed unfair dismissal.

At the same time he also became interested in the Anglo Irish peace process, an issue he is still involved in today. then he had a massive panic attack, at the moment the radio 1 roadshow was in Bedford.

He was taken to Weller Wing and then the

problems started. clive, who lives in Bedford, was diagnosed a paranoid schizophrenic but was allowed home.

He said: “It is like an imagination disorder, complete with delusions and hallucinations. I have to reign in what I think.” then began 10 years of hell. clive was admitted to various mental health wards or hospitals: Weller Wing, Bedford, Fairmile Hospital, Berkshire, Queen Mary’s roehampton, Fairfield Hospital, Arlesey, then orchard unit, Luton.

the problem was not the illness but the cure. the side effects of the drugs were frightening, with depression, deliriousness and suicidal tendencies.

Suicide was quite common among patients. once out clive would not take any medication, which led to him being taken back into one of the centres. He used to write letters by the score, and, as a newspaper editor at the time, I used to receive some of them by the day. clive said: “It was intolerable, like being a victim of torture. I was constantly suicidal.

And I have seen people commit suicide.”

He absconded in 1999 and made his way to Scotland but was arrested and taken back. this miserable cycle continued until 2004 when a more sympathetic nurse agreed not to inject him against his will and a doctor suggest-

THE CURE IS THE PROBLEM

ed a new drug, which had no side effects.

He is still on that drug and in the last 12 years has helped numerous other people through mentoring and teaching, as well as and to help understand what it feels like to be an oppressed person. clive is still involved with the Anglo-Irish Peace process and is also a local member of the conservative party. clive added: “I am particularly interested in reducing the stigma of mental illness and education about side effects of psychiatric medication and these goals are a major part of my work.” clive has won two awards for his work in supporting those involved in and suffering from mental health, one from the Deputy Prime Minister at the time, Nick clegg.

And he has written a book on his experiences, called Looking for Prince charles Dog. All money raised from the book goes to charities.

And finally those statues? Some of you may have heard of the talking statues in Paddington Station, London, where such as Isambard Kingdom Brunel chats to rail passengers.

Well clive thinks Bedford should do the same with the statues of John Bunyan and John Howard.

“It would be great to hear what John Howard has to say about the state of our prisons and Bunyan on freedom of expression in social media.“ over to you Bedford Borough council.

Major High Street success story

tHErE was a celebratory event recently to mark the completion of the ‘townscape Heritage Initiative’ (tHI) Project. the project launched in September 2011 with an aim to offer grants to improve traditional properties that were either derelict, in poor repair and/or vacant. the project has made vast improvements to 16 properties in total within the High Street and St Paul’s Square area and this, along with town centre events, has helped to further increased footfall figures; with this year’s october numbers being the highest for six years.

the project, led by Bedford Borough council, delivered £5m of investment into heritage buildings and initiatives in the High Street area, helping transform its future. using funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Bedford Borough council and BedfordBID, the project levered £3m of private sector investment from property owners and tenants to refurbish 16 properties; creating new shopfronts, 36 new homes and bringing 33,000 sq. ft. of vacant space back into use, bringing a new vibrancy to the area. the Mayor of Bedford Borough,

Dave Hodgson, said: “the ‘before and after’ photos tell the story of what a dramatic difference this project has made to Bedford High Street. the funding from the partners involved has in turn levered in millions of pounds of external investment in the High Street, transforming a long list of properties for the better. Every project has enhanced and in some cases revealed the rich heritage of the High Street, while also helping to bring new life back to some previously long-derelict properties. the project has really

improved the look and feel of the High Street, while the works have made another major contribution to our vision of a town centre which is attractive in its own right, for retail and also much more.”

A new public square will open next year with opportunity for more events and activities as a key hub within our major riverside North regeneration scheme that will include a new 100 bedroom Premier Inn hotel, a new vue cinema, new riverside restaurants and around 50 apartments.

20 — BEDFORD BULLETIN JANUARY 2017

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Long service awards

StAFF at Bedford Hospital have been recognised at a special ceremony for collectively dedicating over 1300 years of continuous service at the trust.

Audit trail to top prize

tHE Bedfordshire-based office of accountancy firm MHA MacIntyre Hudson has won a prestigious professional award for audit work. the audit team of uK top 20 accountancy firm, led by partners Andrew Moyser and Martin Herron, claimed the top 50 Audit team of the Year Award at the British Accountancy awards, warding off stiff competition from three strong rival teams.

MHA MacIntyre Hudson was also one of six firms nominated for the top 50 tax team of the Year. commenting on winning the award, Andrew Moyser, said: “this is a fantastic accolade for the audit team which was up against some strong competition. “the award reflects our team’s consistent hard work and excellence in providing an essential service to a growing roster of clients.”

Martin Herron added: “Audit is a lynchpin service for the firm and we pride ourselves on delivering a very high quality, rigorous and consistent approach across all of our offices.

over recent years the firm has focused on sector specialisms for audit partners and this has allowed us to gain a deep understanding of the environment that our clients operate in to further enhance our audit delivery and maintain our strong client relationships.” rakesh Shaunak, Managing Partner and Group chairman, added:" I am delighted that we have won Audit Firm of the Year at the British Accountancy Awards. congratulations to everybody, it’s a major achievement for the firm.”

MHA MacIntyre Hudson in Bedford achieved national fame by staging a successful pre-referendum debate at the Bedford rugby club in June. the event went to the top of the twitter ratings on the day and led to representatives being asked to be in the audience of Itv debates with the then Prime Minister David cameron and uKIP founder Nigel Farage. the organisation has continued to help companies prepare for the implications of Brexit with a series of seminars.

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the Long Service Awards were presented by chief Executive, Stephen conroy and chair, Gordon Johns who shone the spotlight on staff who have reached a key milestone of 25 years of service at the Hospital. over 50 members of staff and their guests were invited to the ceremony held in the the Swannery restaurant in the hospital where they were presented with a certificate, commemorative 25 year badge and shopping voucher.

Stephen conroy said: “As an organisation we are passionate about recognising staff who show commitment and dedication to the trust and

Long Service Awards recipient Vivien Kilgour with Stephen Conroy and Gordon Johns.

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Four senior Doctors at the Trust who are all Long Service Award recipients

the work they do. this is why we celebrate the wealth of experience and expertise of our 53 staff members who have devoted the majority of their working lives to the hospital. the ceremony is an opportunity to celebrate this great achievement together and thank these members of staff for their continuous service.”

Gordon Johns also commented: “It’s a very proud moment to be able to recognise the long-standing support and dedication of so many of our staff, who have worked tirelessly in delivering excellent patient care. this dedication is crucial in helping the hospital progress health care services and increase patient benefits. All of the recipients of the Long Service Awards 2016 are thoroughly deserving of this recognition.” one of the Long Service Awards recipients, vivien Kilgour said: “Since joining Bedford Hospital some 25 years ago I have seen the trust grow in many ways - from the number of staff working here to the number of patients we treat. I have and will continue to enjoy working with such a brilliant team of staff who continue to go from strength to strength.”

––––––––––––––––

Cubs see the pandas

A GrouP of cub Scouts were lucky enough to see policing behind the scenes thanks to a visit organised by control room Inspector rachael Glendenning.

In December the group from 1st Haynes and Wilstead Scout Group attended Bedfordshire Police Headquarters to find out all the ways in which police officers work to keep people safe.

As well as seeing the control room in action, the children also got to hear from Insp Glendenning about the importance of using 999 and 101 appropriately, and saw how the front Enquiry office helps members of the public.

In addition the cubs were given a demonstration from firearms officer Pc Luke Glendenning, showing them how hard it can be to tell a real firearm from a fake one, before dog handler Pc Neil Lambert and dogs PD Duke and PD Kai showed off their special skills including searching for cash.

Finally the visit was topped off by seeing the inside of police cars or ‘pandas’, with a sneak peek at the blue flashing lights and sirens.

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BEDFORD BULLETIN JANUARY 2017 — 21

22 — BEDFORD BULLETIN JANUARY 2017

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We are a very friendly group of golfers of all standards, we play a mixed selection of golfing formats including Stableford, matchplay and stroke play. We always have a weekend trip away which is thoroughly enjoyed by all, this year it was at the McDonald Portal complex in chester, next year we are hoping to travel to Blackpool to play some of the old links courses. our golfing programme is booked a year in advance so you can plan when you would like to attend. our venues for 2017 include Brampton Heath, Biscester Spa and country club, cherwell Edge and some more local. We welcome anyone who would like to join or even attend as a guest to see how each event is run. there are prizes at each event and at the end of the year we have a presentation evening for all the main prizes.

the Society also collect money for charity throughout the year which is presented to a worthy charity voted on by our members. this year we have collected well over £500 for a young girl who is in desperate need of life changing operation.

If you are a seasoned golfer or have just taken the game up and wish to play amongst other like minded, friendly golfers on a regular basis please do not hesitate to contact us for more information.

When you become a member you will be get a Wootton Golf Society shirt as well as have access to our member’s website where you can sign up for events. If you require any further information about us – visit www.woottongolfsociety.com

CHARITY WORK

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In Focus with

View from

Dave

Bishop Richard

by Dave Hodgson

by Rt Revd Richard Atkinson Bishop of Bedford

Mayor of Bedford

DEVELOPMENT WILL BRING MORE FOOTFALL

EvErY January we are bombarded with predictions for the year ahead. this tends to be a mug’s game, as many wealthy bookies could tell you, but one thing is for sure: online shopping will continue to grow in the uK, increasing the challenge for the country’s high streets.

Latest official national figures show that online shopping has grown by a massive 25% in one year. online christmas shopping records were on course to be broken, too.

In this context, we need to focus on a clear vision for Bedford, of a town centre attractive as a destination in its own right, for retail but also for leisure, culture and food and drink.

Somewhere that offers something for people of all ages to enjoy, and is alive with activity during the day and the evening.

Another prediction for 2017 which we can make confidently is that Bedford will make big strides towards fulfilling this vision this year, for one key reason: riverside North. this major development, opening this summer, features the return of town centre cinema, new public space by the river, restaurants such as Wagamama and Zizzi and much more.

A long list of quality commercial operators have delivered a huge vote of confidence in Bedford and in this development by signing up to long term deals of twenty years and more. the development will bring new footfall to the town, benefitting our existing traders, while it also creates 200 new jobs.

Bedford is already bucking the trend in a big way, with footfall figures and shop vacancy rates going in the right direction. there’s more to be done to achieve that crucial vision of the town centre as an attractive destination for years to come, however. thanks to riverside North, 2017 will represent an exciting step towards it, and an even more enjoyable town centre for all.

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LET US PRAY

EArLIEr in December I dedicated the new Prayer Garden at Holywell School in cranfield; one of the church of England schools in the Diocese. Laid out around paths in the shape of the school badge (crossed keys and a sword), when the planting develops, it will provide an inspiring space for pupils and staff. one of the possible developments for the garden is the display of a ‘prayer for the month’. Each month a much loved prayer would be chosen to offer a focus. It got me thinking. Which prayers would I choose?

An obvious contender must be the prayer that Jesus taught us – the Lord’s Prayer; that supreme guide to both our worship of God and our daily living. It is a prayer that many rightly use daily to anchor their lives. I might also choose the prayer of St Francis with its invitation to be agents of love: Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; – A reminder of the call to be peacemakers in our violent world.

For simple common sense and sheer practicality, I like the socalled Serenity Prayer of reinhold Niebuhr: God, give us grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed, courage to change the things which should be changed, and the Wisdom to distinguish the one from the other. And for openness to the call of God there is the prayer of charles de Foucauld with its demanding sentiments: Father, I abandon myself into your hands; do with me what you will. Whatever you may do, I thank you: I am ready for all, I accept all. Words that were prayed daily by a colleague dying of cancer expressing his commitment to walk with Jesus whatever might come.

Above all I would go for the Prayer of St richard which has been a favourite ever since I discovered the excitement of sharing the name of a Saint.

Thanks be to thee, my Lord Jesus Christ, for all the benefits thou hast given me, for all the pains and insults thou hast borne for me.

O most merciful redeemer, friend and brother, may I know thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, and follow thee more nearly, day by day. – Amen.

24 — BEDFORD BULLETIN JANUARY 2017

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In Focus with

Fuller Richard Fuller MP for Bedford & Kempston

WANT TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS?

tHE community Business School being held over five thursday evenings in January and February, free and open to all, will provide advice, tips and insight to anyone in our town with an interest in business, or who runs a business, or who is developing a business idea.

I am passionate about small business. Small and family businesses are right at the heart of our town and Bedford and Kempston should be known as the best place for anyone to start a business.

Part of that is developing a positive culture that encourages people to take a risk, that helps bring together teams of people who share a passion for the independence and purpose that running your own business can bring.

the Bedford community Business School will give tips on “How to Sell”, “How to Present Effectively”, “Getting Funded” and “Developing talent” amongst other topics.

Andy Street, who ran the John Lewis Partnership until 2016, will start us off and later sessions will include Dido Harding, cEo of talktalk and Margot James, the business minister and an entrepreneur herself.

So, if you care about the future of our town and want to make a difference why not spend two hours on five winter thursday evenings at the Kings House on Ampthill road and immerse yourself in a warm, welcome and positive programme that should leave you better informed and more motivated for the New Year ahead.

to register for your place at the FrEE, open to All, Bedford community Business School, go to http://bit.ly/2hkIsPg. I look forward to seeing you there.

Could you do with a little extra cash ?

Monthly update from the Police and Crime Commissioner

by Kathryn Holloway

BEDS TO GET MORE PCs

FINALLY Bedfordshire Police received the first report from the police watchdog, Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of constabulary, to give it a “good” rating since I came into the role as Police and crime commissioner on May 5. this report was a vital one as it related to “legitimacy” – in other words the way the Force treats the public and its officers and staff.

I was delighted that the Inspection team specifically mentioned the work I have been doing, alongside the Force, to announce the brand new community Policing Hubs of officers dedicated to more visible policing in towns across the county. these have been launched by me alongside the Deputy chief constable and other key members of the Bedfordshire Policing team in each area to also explain the less visible detective work going on to protect the public locally, and also involve the manager of the Force control room detailing the challenges for call-handlers who have to assess the threat and risk to each caller, when balanced against all the other demands coming in for an immediate 999 response. opportunities are also available at each meeting to hear about the help which the public can offer their communities through becoming a Special constable or joining the invaluable “Watch” schemes, such as Streetwatch and Speedwatch, as a volunteer.

Hubs have been launched in the county including Bigglewade. community Policing is the destination for 96 more police constables recruited during my administration as Pcc. In addition, the Police and community Support officers, who have proved so popular in building relationships with Parish councils, are also being increased. the Force now has 45 and 10 come into operation on January 19 2017. two more sets of recruits – 16 in each intake – will be trained in May and July.

HMIc also recognised the valuable work being done by Bedfordshire Police to make sure that it looks and sounds like the population it serves with some 36% diversity in a recent intake of trainee Pcs. I promised the public better policing of their communities and to be a commissioner for All and I sincerely hope residents can see that I am doing everything possible to deliver on that promise.

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BEDFORD BULLETIN JANUARY 2017 — 25

In Focus with

Alistair

by Rt Hon Alistair Burt MP

IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT US

HAvING looked very locally last month, and celebrated the joys of an MPs year in the constituency, far away from what ails the world, I am afraid we must come back to earth this month to a fascinating year nationally and internationally. there will be ultimately no escape from some of its events, so we might as well be prepared.

If you were tired of the referendum campaign, you will get no respite from Brexit. I sit on the Select committee of the commons, elected by colleagues to oversee the Department for Exiting the European union, and scrutinise its policies.

We are currently working on our first report, what the uK should be prioritising in its objectives for Brexit, and have met a number of times to interview representative bodies of business, trade unions and different sectors of the economy affected by the decision of June 23rd.

We will visit a number of places in the uK and beyond before presenting a report to Parliament, and I will keep you informed from time to time of progress, both here and on my Facebook/website. We are looking to assist Parliament in finding the best proposals for the nation as a whole in leaving the Eu, however some of us voted. the new administration of President trump will begin to shape the uS. We have to see if his campaign rhetoric, unpleasant and offensive as it was to many outside the uS, was simply rhetoric or is followed through.

How the uS fares really matters to the world, and impacts on our finances and security. I cannot claim to have warmed to the man, but I wish him and his country well, for all our sakes. the French and Germans go to the polls, so that will stop Brexit for a bit. there can be no agreement of our negotiations without them and there will be reluctance to conclude anything before governments are formed. It’s not all about us, we have to remember.

And there will be more, but I think fewer predictions from the so called smart people who got so much wrong in 2016. I say no more!

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26 — BEDFORD BULLETIN JANUARY 2017

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JANUARY IN THE GARDEN – by Milton Ernest Garden Centre

HE often gloomy days in midwinter make any colour in our gardens very welcome. the main source in January is found amongst the evergreens some of which are also flowering and perfumed. the larger evergreens like viburnum tinus variegata has cream and green variegated leaves and white pink scented flowers while viburnum Eve Price and Gwenillian have green foliage covered by white pink perfumed flowers.

Mahonia charity and Bealei are also large backdrop shrubs with long yellow sweetly scented flowers. viburnum Bodnantense Dawn produces bright pink flowers along their bare stems. Jasmine Nudiflorum, can be grown against a wall or fence and has bright yellow flowers also on bare stems throughout winter. Another wall plant flowering in January is clematis cirrhosa Freckles with pale yellow and maroon bell flowers. Smaller evergreens like Nandina Domestica has bronzy orange red leaves which darken as the weather gets colder, Loropetalum Firedance needs a sheltered place but produces an amazing rainbow of purple, red and bronze leaves.

T

Skimmia rubella carries its red buds above bright green leaves all winter before the flowers open in March. Hebe Heartbreaker has cream pink and green leaves all year but becomes vivid pink in winter while Hebe Purple Shamrock leaves become deep purple.

Sarcocca Humilis and Digyna are the most delightful small evergreen plants. If planted next to the front door you can enjoy the scent of the white flowers whenever you go home.

Another recommendation is Daphne Aureomarginata with variegated cream and green leaves and the most gorgeously perfumed pink flowers. under plant this choice shrub with cyclamen coum whose marbled blue green foliage and bright pink

The colours of January in the garden

flowers are a lovely contrast. these small evergreens are all quite suitable to grow in tubs.

Winter flowering heathers planted in groups of five or more give large splashes of colour during the overcast months. It is worth preparing the soil well by digging in lots of peat or compost and sharp sand before planting. trim each plant after flowering in the spring. Heathers are low growing excellent ground cover especially around dwarf conifers but can also be successfully grown in tubs. the flowers vary in colour from red, white, purple to pink and some varieties have bright yellow foliage as well. they are a welcome source of pollen for any flying insects. Some good varieties are ruby Glow, red, White Perfection, white, Nathalie, purple and Golden Starlet pink with golden leaves.

My most favourite plants for winter colour are the Hellebores. So much work has been done by the nurserymen to produce some really stunning varieties. By micro propagation and continual reselection of

hundreds of thousands of seedlings we are enjoying some amazing varieties. Helleborus Nigra and orientalis are now producing strong healthy plants with lovely foliage and a paint box of colours in the flowers. the foliage is dense so great ground cover and the flower heads are held high above a feature which is absent in many of the traditional types. Hellebores are easy to grow, love shade, grow well in pots using JI compost No 2 and only need feeding with Fish Blood and Bone in September. I recommend you look out for the following varieties.

Helleborus Winter Moonbeam pure glistening white turning pink and red, Angel Glow with pink buds opening to frothy pink flowers with blue green leaves and cinnamon Snow with pink buds opening to creamy flowers with hints of rose and cinnamon, Spring Promise Lily a semi double flower with creamy pink and darker pink veining and Walbertons rosemary with lots of rosy pink blooms.

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BEDFORD BULLETIN JANUARY 2017 — 27

out & about comedy p Red heads rule

Ent Shed, Castle Road, Bedford Thursday January 12

castle comedy starts 2017 with a very special show as Hollywood comes to Bedfordshire! Diane Spencer one of the uK’s best ginger comedians will be filming her brand new hour long stand-up comedy show LIvE at castle comedy and you can be a member of the audience! the Ent Shed at the Gordon Arms, castle road, Bedford will be looking it’s finest on thursday January 12th ready for the laughs to flow and the cameras to roll!

A favourite of the uK comedy circuit, Diane has performed worldwide delighting crowds with her witty, storytelling comedy. Her brand new show “Seamless” follows her confessional style of true-life stories mixed with acerbic wit, crafted jokes and charming onstage persona. viking funerals, suicidal penguins, russian diets, Katie Price, bad sewing and adorable screaming children are all topics covered by this comedy veteran.

“She is a flame-haired, filth-

firing force of nature, tossing the audience from open-mouthed incredulity to tear-filled guffaws.”

Sunday Express ★★★★★ “Her wacky and irreverent storytelling will charm, shock and uplift you. Not for the fainthearted, but also not to be missed.”

ThreeWeeks ★★★★★ Diane’s stand-up comedy specials have amassed over a quarter of a million views on Youtube and her audience is steadily growing.

“Seamless” will be her seventh stand-up comedy special, and will be available to watch on Youtube in early February 2017.

Put on your glad rags, bring your biggest smile and get ready to laugh! the show will feature a support slot from a top uK comic and castle comedy regular, Paul revill. the shows sell out quickly so book early to avoid disappointment!

Doors open 7.30pm. Show starts at 8.15pm and tickets are £8 (£6 NuS) or £16 which includes a pre show meal and glass of wine at the Gordon Arms. to book: www.castlecomedy. co.uk or call 07736 060541 castle comedy – Bringing comedy royalty to Bedfordshire.

the place p Folk Nights: Vin Garbutt

vin’s career has spanned over 40 years of constant worldwide touring which must make him some kind of elder statesman of folk. His songs were inspired by the folk tradition at the beginning of his career, they still are but have transformed into gritty social comment and life observations. "vin cuts through the bull, grasping those he meets firmly by the hand and shaking them up with a dose of laughter and tears. It’s a true gift to be able to make us laugh and squirm at the same time. He should be prescribed on the National Health." English Folk Dance & Song Society.

Saturday 14 January 8pm

Arabian Nights Act One Theatre School Wednesday 18 to Friday 20 January 7.30pm

It is wedding night in the palace of King Shahrayar. By morning the new Queen Shahrazad is to be put to death like all the young brides before her. But she has one gift that could save her – the gift of storytelling. to save her own life and the lives of subsequent brides of the King, the young Queen spins her dazzling

www.theplacebedford.org.uk/ 01234 354321

array of tales and characters. But will her bewitching stories be enough to enchant her husband and save her life? come and watch Act one theatre bring these stories to life in a production that is suitable for nearly all the family - perhaps not the youngest family members as these ancient stories do have their dark side!

Film: La Langue de las Mariposas Butterfly’s Tongue For Moncho, it’s an idyllic year: he starts school, he has a wonderful teacher, he makes a friend in roque, he begins to figure out some of the mysteries of Eros, and, with his older brother, a budding saxophone player, he makes a trip with the band from their town in Galicia.

But it’s also the year that the Spanish republic comes under fire from Fascist rebels. Moncho’s father is a republican as is the aging teacher, Don Gregorio.

As sides are drawn and power falls clearly to one side, the forces of fear, violence, and betrayal alter profoundly what should be the pleasure of coming of age.In Spanish with English subtitles.

Spanish on 25th January.

Thurs 26 January 7.30pm

Continued on page 29

28 — BEDFORD BULLETIN JANUARY 2017

TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952

email: editorial@rosettapublishing.com BEDForD LocAL GrouP oF tHE WILDLIFE truSt

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Wednesday 11th January 2017 Meeting 7-30 pm

Children’s workshops “Potions, Posies and Poems” in partnership with Bedford Chronicles

Thursday 16th February 10.30am and 1.30pm (each lasts 1hour 30mins) £3 per child, booking is advisable as numbers are limited.

The Museum will fully reopen on Tuesday 14th February 2017, and continue to open Tuesday to Saturday 11.00am- 4.00pm until October (Closed Good Friday) – ADMISSION IS FREE

BEDForD MuSIc cLuB

Thursday 19 Jan 2017 - Bunyan Meeting SEXTET FROM LONDON MOZART PLAYERS

the London Mozart Players was founded in 1949 as the uK’s first chamber orchestra and has achieved international renown for its outstanding live performances and recordings. We welcome six members of the orchestra to perform a delightful programme of string sextet music, a rare and thrilling treat. Mozart’s 1772 Divertimento is a masterpiece of brilliant inventiveness and virtuosity. Alongside it we hear Arnold Schoenberg’s monumental late-romantic work verklärte Nacht and tchaikovsky’s brilliant sextet Souvenir de Florence.

Thursday 16 Feb 2017 - Bedford Girls’ School PHOENIX PIANO TRIO

Formed in 2010, and with a growing reputation for excellence in chamber music, the Phoenix Piano trio is made up of violinist Jonathan Stone, cellist christian Elliott and pianist Sholto Kynoch, who is also the founder and Artistic Director of the oxford Lieder Festival. their programme includes one of Haydn’s most popular chamber works and Brahms’s first, highly emotive piano trio. We also hear a sumptuous work by the underrated but superb English composer John Ireland.

Thursday 30 Mar 2017 - Bedford Girls’ School KITTY WHATELY (MEZZO-SOPRANO) AND WILLIAM VANN (PIANO)

Kitty Whately and William vann (also Bedford Music club’s Artistic Director) both come from Bedfordshire. An award-winning mezzosoprano, Kitty Whately is a BBc radio 3 New Generation Artist, an HSBc Laureate for the Aix-en-Provence Festival and was the winner of the Kathleen Ferrier Award in 2011; William vann is a multiple prize-winning pianist of international renown. they give an engaging recital of music by an eclectic mix of composers throughout the ages, from the Englishmen Henry Purcell and Jonathan Dove through Mahler and Schubert to the Americans Samuel Barber and Steven Sondheim. We also hear Joseph Horowitz’s stunning Lady Macbeth.

Thursday 27 Apr 2017 - Bunyan Meeting THE MARIAN CONSORT, VOCAL ENSEMBLE, DIRECTED BY RORY MCCLEERY

taking its name from the Blessed virgin Mary, a focus of religious devotion in the sacred music of all ages, the Marian consort is a young, dynamic and internationally-renowned early music vocal ensemble. this ‘astounding’ (the Herald) ensemble has given concerts throughout the uK and Europe, features regularly on BBc radio 3, and is a former ‘Young Artist’ of the Brighton Early Music Festival. tonight’s programme, Ave virgo Sanctissima, features settings by English renaissance composers thomas Fayrfax, Walter Lambe and William Byrd juxtaposed with contemporary Marian works by cecilia McDowall, Bedford-based cheryl Frances-Hoad, Judith Weir, roxanna Panufnik, Matthew Martin, Hilary campbell.

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE MOTHS OF BEDFORDSHIRE an illustrated talk by Andy and Melissa Banthorpe

Priory Methodist Church Hall, Newnham Avenue, Bedford MK41 9QJ.

Plenty parking available, All welcome, no charge but voluntary contributions are appreciated.

Further details available under Events on www.wildlifebcn.org or at 01234 266057

BEDForD SINFoNIA

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CONCERT

the Bedford Sinfonia presents music inspired by literature, with conductor Michael rose and soloist Alison Langer (soprano) Bedford Corn Exchange, Saturday 28 January 2017, at 7.30pm Walton - Suite ‘As You Like It’, ravel - ‘Ma Mere l’Oye’, Mahler - Symphony no. 4

tickets: Adults £15/£12, concessions £13/£10, children/Students £5. Please call 01234 718044 www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk For further details visit www.bedfordsymphony.com

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KEMPSTON SENIOR CITIZENS’ CLUB DANcING, WHISt, BINGo

Meets Wednesday 10am-12noon Friday 10am-4.00pm

at the cENtENArY HALL, behind Kempston town Hall, Bedford road For further information telephone:

01234 857011

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BEDFORD BULLETIN JANUARY 2017 — 29 magician known as “the vanishing Man”; he created the perfect trick and then disappeared forever, but his story lives on.

Simon Evans (award-winning magician and magical consultant to the National theatre) and David Aula team up to create a timehopping, misdirection-abusing, mind-bending examination of what really happens when a man, in full sight of his audience, simply ceases to be.

Photography: The Other Richard

Sandman

Mill Race Folk: Stick in the Wheel with support from ‘Marisa Jack & Davy “We play the music of our people.

Saturday 28 January 8pm

by Adie Muller and Mike Carter Sat 4 February 7.30pm

“We sing in our own accents.

“We record in our kitchens and living rooms. “this is our culture, our tradition.”

2015 BBc radio 2 Folk Awards Nomination Best Group and 2016 BBc radio 2 Folk Awards Nomination Best traditional track for Seven Gypsies.

The Vanishing Man

by Simon Evans and Davis Aula Thurs 2 February 7.30pm

“I’ve been able to work out, deconstruct and rebuild every trick I’ve ever seen. Except this one.”

Hugo cedar was an Edwardian

A compelling and visceral reimagining of E.t.A. Hoffman’s gothic story the Sandman.

When Nathaniel, a student, is visited by a mysterious dread figure from the past and falls in love with a woman, who isn’t all she seems, nobody can prevent his life from spiralling out of control. Haunted by terrifying childhood memories, Nathaniel is convinced that the Sandman is back to take his eyes and destroy his life this intense and immersive performance fuses high-energy storytelling, expressive physicality and puppetry to take you into a thrilling nightmare world.

30 — BEDFORD BULLETIN JANUARY 2017

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BEDForDSHIrE FAMILY HIStorY SocIEtY 7.15pm Friday 6th January Interested in Family History? come along to our next monthly talk on

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BEGUILED BY BETJEMAN A Concert with Sir John Betjeman’s Poetry mostly in musical settings by

John Gould, Donald Swann and Paul Edwards FEATURING

Four singers, narrator and accompanist

Saturday 7th January at 3pm St Owen’s Church, Bromham Entry via Bromham Park at MK43 8LL Adults £8 – u16 £3 Tickets from 01234 825454 (mornings) or 01234 826551 (evenings)

Shakespeare and the Globe An illustrated talk by Patrick Spottiswoode Director of Education at the Globe Theatre, London

7.30pm Tuesday 10 January 2017 Bedford School Library, de Parys Ave, Burnaby Rd gate

Patrick is a brilliant speaker who has been with the Globe for over 30 years.

He will cover not only the huge range of work performed at the theatre but also how its educational work reaches out to schools, higher education colleges and communities far and wide to bring Shakespeare alive.

Free to HA members (Historical Association-Bedford). others welcome with a donation.

Details 07989 837819/01234 266839



Image: The US president, Barack Obama, is given a tour of the Globe Theatre in London by Patrick Spottiswoode, director of education for the venue, to mark the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death, 2016-

‘A NAZI IN THE FAMILY’

given by Derek Neimann held in the Drama Hall of Mark rutherford School, Wentworth Drive, Bedford MK41 8PX Members free, visitors £1. www.bfhs.org.uk

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TABLE TOP SALE Sat 21st Jan and Sat 18th Feb christ the King church, Harrowden road, Bedford Mk42 0SP from 9am to noon Entry 50p. children free refreshments available

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QUIZ NIGHT Fri 27th January christ the King church, Harrowden road, Bedford Mk42 0SP tickets £6.50 includes fish & chip supper tickets available from 01234 965497 Bar, raffle. 7.30pm start

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KEMPSTON AND DISTRICT MODEL RAILWAY SOCIETY

Every Monday 7.30 to 10.00 At the church of the transfiguration rear church hall New members welcome For further details contact Brian Woodcock on 07795251988 or brianwoodcock@btinternet.com –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ALL SAINtS PArISH cHurcH KEMPStoN

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WORLD SHIP SOCIETY BEDFORD BRANCH Meetings held Kempston constitution club 196A Bedford road, Kempston 3rd WEDNESDAY in the month 19:30 for 20:00 start

18 January WSS Show. Aliaga ( turkey) Shipbreaking by Selim San 15 February Bill Mayes (WSS treasurer) making a welcome return to give a presentation “Liner Evening” Branch Secretary, Dave Menzies telephone: 01234 352014 e-mail: dave.menzies@tiscali.co.uk

BEDForD NAtIoNAL truSt ASSocIAtIoN The next meeting will be on Tuesday, 17th January, 2017, at 2.30 in the afternoon. the speaker will be Michael Brown, the Historic Gardener His topic is

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“DEATH IN THE GARDEN”

poisonous plants, myths, magic and murder.

Be warned, many of these plants may be growing in Your garden. the meeting is in the Addison centre in Kempston. tea and biscuits will be served.

It costs £2.50 to attend and a little more if you are a guest.

If you decide to come you will have a warm welcome.

For more information contact Betty thomas on 01480 860 421.

BEDForD rSPB LocAL GrouP meet at ArA club Manton Lane Bedford MK41 7PF. Thursday 19th January 7.30 Martin Davies presents:

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‘WILDLIFE OF TURKEY’

The richness of birds, mammals, dragonflies & flowers clearly shows the diversity of the wildlife FULL AFTERNOON TEA of Turkey. & A GUIDED TOUR Suitable for Experts and Novices, rSPB membership not of this historic church to visiting essential. groups of 10 or above at a cost per head of £7.95.

Entrance fee, group members £1 contacts are Janet Fardell Guest £2 annual group on 01234 855158 membership £5 email:martinandjanet1@btinternet.com www.rspb.org.uk/groups/ or Frances Leonard on 01234 852480 email: francesmleonard@gmail.com bedford

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BEDFORD BULLETIN JANUARY 2017 — 31

LOOK

Wednesday 5 course meal

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LONDON MOZART PL AYERS STRING SEXTET Mozart, Schoenberg, Tchaikovsky

7.45pm thursday 19 January BuNYAN MEEtING

tickets £18, Students (18-25) £5, under 18 £2 on the door or from 01234 261811 www.bedfordmusicclub.co.uk

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CONCERTS AT ST. ANDREW’S present vocal sensation and internationally renowned

THE SWINGLES (formerly The Swingle Singers)

Saturday 4th February 7.30pm (doors open 7.00pm) Tickets £10, concessions £8 students 16-21 in full-time education £4 Apply to Church Centre Office or telephone 01234 216881 concerts@standrewsbedford.org

BEDFORD ORGAN & KEYBOARD CLUB THE ADDISON CENTRE –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

PRESENT TALENTED ORGANIST

MARK THOMPSON IN CONCERT WEDNESDAY 25 JANUARY 7.30 – 10.00pm –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Members £5 PAY AT Non-Members £6 DOOR –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Contact: 01234 344423 www/Organfax/clubs/Bedford

Menus on-line: www.bengalbrasseriebedford.co.uk

Music on Thursdays

ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH Kimbolton Road, Bedford MK40 2PF

Brasserie

BEDForD MuSIc cLuB

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LC Driveway Solutions Ltd Long Lake Meadow, High Road, Seddington, Sandy SG19 1NU the Bedford Bulletin is an independent magazine with no affiliation to any other organisation. Published by © 2016 rosetta Publishing Ltd. 30 radwell road, Milton Ernest, Bedford MK44 1SH. tel: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 Email all departments:pat@rosettapublishing.com. Printed by: Mortons Print Limited, Newspaper House, Morton Way, Boston road, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6Jr.