Bedford bulletin april 2017

BEDFORD

BOROUGH EDITION

APRIL 2017

Love music?

We’ve got tickets to win!

l See the fabulous Kaiser Chiefs l Enjoy a night at Proms in the Park Go to the ‘Out & About’ pages for details

Apprentices take to the streets to show off their talents SEE PAGE 5

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Successful fundraising

Science Week hit new heights at Hazeldene School

Children at hazeldene lower School were reaching for the stars during this year’s Science week.

Using 3d virtual technology headsets, the pupils took a trip to outer space and began their Astronaut training. They enjoyed a range of space related activities aimed at developing problem solving, teamwork and physical fitness. during the week rockets were designed and launched, Martian soils investigated, lunar craters explored and UV resistant space suits designed. Space Ambassadors were on hand to investigate Martian

soils and explain the existence of extra solar planets. Students also learned the importance of physical fitness by training for a space walk, completing an astro agility course and conducting hydration experiments.

Back to earth and pupils also studied the science of the animal kindom and were visited by a range of animals including large lizards and baby Meerkats.

Teacher Jeanette Pocock organised the week of activities. “We all had a wonderful time,” she said. “it is great to bring some many aspects of science to life in our classrooms.”

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AfTer a successful fundraising campaign, the friends of Bedford hospital Charity recently purchased two new state-of-the-art ventilators for Bedford hospital’s Accident and emergency department.

The addition of such ventilators promises to be hugely beneficial to patients, particularly amongst the elderly and those short of breath. having such easy access to them in the A&e department will also relieve pressure on staff and increase the efficiency on how patients are treated in the unit. felicity Scott, Chair of the friends of Bedford hospital said: “The charity feels privileged to have worked towards such a worthwhile goal – and to have done it just before the cold

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snap of weather arrived was especially great as these machines help combat the very breathing problems that the cold and the damp exacerbate.” dr Stuart lloyd, A&e Consultant at Bedford hospital said: “i’d like to thank the friends of Bedford hospital and all those who donated, for making it possible for us to buy these vital pieces of equipment which are now in use and making a great difference to the patients we treat”.

Commenting on the previous winter pressures of the hospital, dr lloyd added: “The new equipment could not have come at a better time, as we saw an increasing number of patients recently with breathing difficulties brought on by the previous cold weather.”

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The Bedford Bulletin is an independent magazine with no affiliation to any other organisation. Published by © 2017 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.

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Mayor Dave becomes honorary Cub Leader

On Tuesday 7th March, Bedford Mayor dave hodgson was made an honorary Cub leader for Putnoe Scout group.

Putnoe Scout group has over two hundred members a number of whom were invited to attend the Mayor’s Parlour for a visit.

The Mayor spent time with the Cub’s answering their questions on everything from what his favourite meal is to how many women Mayor’s there have been.

At the end of the session Cub leader, Chris Ashdown presented the Mayor with his own Putnoe Scouts necker and his official badges. The Mayor was then sworn into the Cub

Pack in a short ceremony, much to the enjoyment of the assembled children.

Chris said: “We were delighted that the Mayor accepted our invitation to become an honorary leader of the Putnoe Scout group and it was super to present him with his own necker.”

Chris added: “it was a great experience for the Cubs and we would like to thank the Mayor and his assistant Alec for their time and the warm welcome they gave us.”

Peter Pan Nursery School celebrated in regal style

A regAl style celebration took place in March at Peter Pan nursery School, in Bedford, as the staff, children and parents celebrated their ‘Outstanding’ award from Ofsted for the second time!

Mayor dave hodgson was there to join in the party and took it as an opportunity to congratulate the staff on this amazing achievement. isabel davis, executive head Teacher at Peter Pan nursery School, said: “it was a fantastic turnout of families to help us celebrate this wonderful achievement. To achieve an Outstanding award from Ofsted once was great, to retain the standards for a second time was exceptional.”

The inspector commented in her report that ‘Peter Pan is the Jewel in the Crown for early Years education in Bedford Borough’, so the theme for our celebration was jewels and crowns. it has been lovely to have the Mayor of Bedford Borough with us in his ‘jewels’ and robes and the children really enjoyed talking to him.”

Mayor dave hodgson said: “After such a glowing Ofsted report, everyone at Peter Pan nursery School thoroughly deserved to enjoy a party. Well done to all the staff, children and everyone involved at the nursery for their efforts in achieving such high standards, and for celebrating in style!” if you would like to arrange an appointment to look around, please email the nursery at admissions@ bedfordnurseryschools.com

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College’s new Apprenticeship Director

A neW director of Apprenticeships has been appointed to spearhead Bedford College’s campaign to add to its 1,000s of ‘earn while you learn’ opportunities.

Already the largest provider of apprenticeships in the SeMleP region and the only local college meeting the new government ‘standards’ for training, Bedford College is now revving up to consolidate its position as the no 1 fe college in the region. A merger with Tresham College in northamptonshire, will make Bedford College one of the biggest colleges in the UK. debbie houghton, from Milton Keynes, will be working alongside gina Bubbins and her business development team who deal on a daily basis with all training needs of employers from apprentices to bespoke training programmes and degree-level qualifications.

BEDFORD BULLETIN APRIL 2017 — 5

Apprentices take to the streets

The Bedford College apprenticeship team took to Bedford high Street to prove that ‘earning while learning’ is a piece of cake. giving away Bedford College branded cup cakes and promoting free facials at Brooks hair & Beauty Salon, was a squad of apprentices led by former Wootton Upper School pupil, Paige dearman, aged 22, herself a former apprentice.

After gaining four ‘A’ levels, Paige started off work as a sales apprentice at Bedford College, took time out to travel the world, then came back to win a job in marketing. during national Apprenticeship Week, Paige was proof positive that an apprenticeship can be a great start to a career. She is now enjoying extra training courses courtesy of the college and would even consider going back to be an apprentice to train as a manager in the future.

“An apprenticeship was a great opportunity for me, enabling me to earn while i was learning and

then be able to afford a travel year before getting a great job at the college,” said Paige.

The new look apprenticeships offered by the government means you are never too old to learn.

“We no longer live in a world when people have a job for life. What you want to do at 16 to 18 may be very different from what you want to do in your twenties and employers can now take advantage of the apprenticeship scheme to train people in the skills they want,” explained gina Bubbins head of the Bedford College Business development team which first took on Paige.

“We think Paige is a great example of how flexible an apprenticeship can be for a young person allowing them to get some work experience under their belt instead of being burdened with expense of going away to university. She is now is a job in marketing which might have required a degree to simply get through the paper sift.”

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BEDFORD BULLETIN APRIL 2017 — 7

Bedfordshire Freemasons donate £64,500 to good causes in just one night!

freeMASOnS from across Bedfordshire gathered in Kempston, last month (March) to donate £64,639.48 to 46 local and national charities/good causes. The Provincial grand Master of Bedfordshire, Anthony henderson told us: “At the heart of freemasonry is relief, which for a

freemasons means supporting charities and good causes – both financially and physically – which serve the communities we live in.

“We started these cheque presentation evenings to charities/ good causes some nine years ago, and if you include the £64,500.00 donated this evening, Bedford shire freemasons have given over £664,500 to national and local good causes in the last nine years. in 2017 english freemasonry is celebrating

its 300th Birthday, and as part of these celebrations we intend to provide additional support to local charities and good causes”.

Shirley Scotcher (head of fund raising at St John’s hospice, Moggerhanger), – one of the 46 charities/good causes which benefitted from the freemason’s generosity – told us: “i would publicly like to thank Bedfordshire freemasons for their continuing financial support of Sue ryder St John’s hospice and for

the sterling work they do for us every year, by overseeing the parking at our Summer fayre, which this year is taking place on Sunday 13th August”.

As a final act of generosity, at the end of the evening one of the freemasons – who is a volunteer at Bedford’s Shelter for the homeless – took the food left over from the buffet, and gave it to those in our community who spend their nights sleeping on the streets of Bedford.

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UK’s top teacher

JUdiTh larsen, Bedford College, won teacher of the year at the annual TeS fe Awards.

Judith larsen is a tutor at Bedford College and has been teaching for six years. Before this, she was an operations manager in the iT industry, and was inspired to change career while completing a foundation degree and discovering she had a passion for helping her fellow students. during her time at the college, she has overseen a 220 % increase in enrolments on the hnC/hnd computing systems development course, as well as an impres-

sive rise in the pass rate.

The judges felt Judith’s entry stood out in a strong field because of her ‘passion and dedication’. for example, she set up regional heats for WorldSkills in iT at Bedford College, and six of her students were selected to take part in a showcase event at the WorldSkills UK competition in 2015.

One student, Oliver davis, won gold and a chance to represent the UK at WorldSkills Abu dhabi in 2017. last year, Judith organised a progression event for learners, which involved more than 30 local employers, as well as apprenticeship and higher education providers.

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New project will be centre stage

PUPilS from a Bedford school will have the opportunity to tread the boards more often with their own inhouse theatre company.

Castle newnham School has formed the 4SiXTeen Theatre Company and for the first time will involve children from both the primary and secondary sites working together on productions. following the recent nomination of Best Youth Production in the region for The lion King (national Operatic and dramatic Association Awards 2016), the launch of the theatre company coincides with the announcement of the schools’ next production The railway Children, featuring children from Years 3 to 8. ruth Wilkes, Principal of Castle newnham is delighted by this new and exciting project: “Our new theatre group is a wonderful opportunity for our pupils to get involved in all aspects of theatre production. it will also work very well with the new music education hub that is planned on our school site that will allow both us and other local schools to develop excellence in the performing arts.”

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Castle’s herb garden open day

Saturday May 20 sees the annual return of Castle road’s community herb garden open day in Bedford.

There will be a big herb sale, a plant swap (bring your spare seedlings!) a cake sale, wildlife information stalls and at 12 noon a talk on foraging by Jane Perrone, gardening editor at The guardian.

Weather dependent, it will run from 10.00 until about 3.00 (ending sooner if we sell out of everything). All are welcome. Proceeds go to the maintenance and restocking of the garden which is for everyone’s use and enjoyment. The garden is found on the large Victorian roundabout where Castle road and rothsay road meet. for more information: 07914 606816 or see Abundance Bedford on facebook.

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BEDFORD BULLETIN APRIL 2017 — 9

Teacher’s time-travelling tale!

WhAT if you had a way to go back in time and fix the little things, like missing a train or breaking an ornament? That’s the premise behind an exciting new children’s book published on Amazon by a Kempston teacher.

Slipp in Time has been written under the pen name of Jonas lane, who has taught in primary schools across the county. Combining a life-love long of writing, humour, history and science fiction, lane has created a fun-filled tale aimed at engaging and delighting primary aged children, whilst being accessible to other ages and adults too. “initially i came up with the idea of Slipp for my young

son,” says lane, adding, “but having taught many reluctant readers, i decided to write the book to try and encourage a love of reading for all children.”

Published in an easy-to-read large soft cover format, and affordably priced for new young readers, Slipp in Time is the first misadventure of two young cousins and an eccentric inventor as they travel back into history.

Slipp in Time by Jonas lane is available in paperback and Kindle formats. for more information, or to order your copy, visit the author’s page at www.amazon.com/author/jonaslane

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Students get chance to work with the best All eyes turn on

The automation latest technology will be available to students at Bedford College courtesy of europe’s no 1 for engineering, Siemens.

A training package of industrial level Programmable logic Controllers (PlC) and associated software has been donated by the company, the CeO of which is a former Bedford College student.

Used in all forms of modern manufacturing these controllers automate production sequences, by linking sensors to motors, actuators and control diagnostics.

“Most modern factories use PlCs,” explained Siemens Product Specialist geoff Mather, during a day’s training delivered to college engineering staff. “it will give trainees the ability to operate the very latest industrial level equipment.”

The new PlCs will diversify the automation teaching delivered to students, including higher education courses at the new Advanced engineering Centre which is being built on the Cauldwell campus of Bedford College.

iT WAS a bake off with a difference last week at Westfield School. The school council arranged for teachers to compete against each other to produce some top bakes to raise money for MacMillan Cancer.

The cakes were sold to all teachers and pupils in just 15 minutes and £125 was raised for the charity. it’s Westfield’s aim to get £1000 for their adopted charity this year and after several fund raising events they are up to £987.51.

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YeAr 8 pupils at Castle newnham School had a clear vision recently when hayley hunt visited them from Specsavers in Bedford. hayley came to give a presentation on how the eye works and its different activities. This was fascinating and helped the pupils to see how what they are learning in science and technology can be applied in future careers.

The pupils also learned about the work of optometrists, the technology and machines that they use in the course of their working day and how subjects like maths, technology, engineering and the sciences are vital in her job.

Principal ruth Wilkes said: “We are always delighted to welcome people to our school who can demonstrate to our pupils different careers and how the subjects that they are studying now can be used to such purpose in later life and their chosen careers. To see learning in a far-reaching context shows the reason for working hard at school now.

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lAST month Bedford Modern School Year 8 student Katharine Marshall was announced as the ‘Yonkoma Manga’ category winner at the ‘Manga Jiman!’ awards ceremony, hosted at the embassy of Japan in london.

Manga are comics traditionally created in Japan or by creators in the Japanese language, conforming to a style developed in the late 19th century.

The competition’s ‘Yonkoma Manga’ category invited entrants aged between 11 and 13 to create a comic strip of four panels referring to the theme ‘Sights of Japan’ and representing the imagery of Japan.

Katharine’s winning piece named ‘The Travels of Sushi’ will now be displayed in a special exhibition at the embassy of Japan.

12 year old Katharine said: “i really enjoyed creating my winning Manga piece; i have been practising Manga for a couple of years now so it was nice to receive some acknowledgement for what i do.”

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BEDFORD BULLETIN APRIL 2017 — 11

‘Generation Rent (Forever)’

6,544 Bedford Tenants have no intention of ever buying a property to call home by Nigel Bywater Director of Sales/Finance Belvoir Bedford T: 01234 290685

The good old days of the 1970’s and 1980’s eh … with such highlights lowlights as 24% inflation, 17% interest rates, 3 day working week, 13% unemployment, power cuts ... those were the days (not)… but at least people could afford to buy their own home. So why aren’t the 20 and 30 something’s buying in the same numbers as they were 30 or 40 years ago?

Many people blame the credit crunch and global recession of 2008, which had an enormous impact on the Bedford (and UK) housing market.

Predominantly, the 20 something first-time buyers who, confronting a problematic mortgage market, the perceived need for big deposits, reduced job security and declining disposable income, discovered it challenging to assemble the monetary means to get on to the Bedford property ladder.

However, I would say there has been something else at play other than the issue of raising a deposit - having sufficient income and rising property prices in Bedford. Whilst these are important factors and barriers to homeownership, I also believe there has been a generational change in attitudes towards home ownership in Bedford (and in fact the rest of the Country).

Back in 2011, the Halifax did a survey of thousands of tenants and 19% of tenants said they had no plans to buy

a home for themselves. A recent, almost identical survey of tenants, carried out by The Deposit Protection Service revealed, in late 2016, that figure had risen to 38.4%, with many no-longer equating home ownership to success and believing renting to be better suited to their lifestyle.

You see, I believe renting is a fundamental part of the housing sector, and a meaningful proportion of the younger adult members of the Bedford population choose to be tenants as it better suits their plans and lifestyle. Local Government in Bedford (including the planners – especially the planners), land owners and landlords need an adaptable Bedford residential property sector that allows the diverse choices of these Bedford 20 and 30 year olds to be met.

This means, if we applied the same percentages to the current 17,041 Bedford tenants in their 7,202 private rental properties, 6,544 tenants have no plans to ever buy a property – good news for the landlords of those 2,766 properties. Interestingly, in the same report, just under two thirds (62%) of tenants said they didn’t

expect to buy within the next year. .. but does that mean the other third will be buying in Bedford in the next 12 months?

Some will, but most won’t … in fact, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) predicts that, by 2025, that the number of people renting will increase, not drop. Yes, many tenants might hope to buy but the reality is different for the reasons set out above. The RICS predicts the number of tenants looking to rent will increase by 1.8 million households by 2025, as rising house prices continue to make home ownership increasingly unaffordable for younger generations. So, if we applied this rise to Bedford, we will in fact need an additional 3,087 private rental properties over the next eight years (or 386 a year) … meaning the number of private rented properties in Bedford is projected to rise to an eye watering 10,289 households.

For more insight and thoughts like this on the Bedford Property Market – please visit the Bedford Property Blog at: www.bedfordpropertyblog.com

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Rotary Young Musician winners

The final of the local annual rotary Young Musician Competition organised by the rotary Club of Bedford Castle was held in february at Bedford Modern School.

Sponsored by the local nAdfAS group (national Association of decorative and fine Arts Societies) and other local businesses, 14 students from 11 local schools competed for the chance to advance to the regional and national finals.

The event was privileged to have leonie Adams, a cellist with the Philharmonia Orchestra, as adjudicator for the evening.

The senior competition was won by euphonium player Thomas Coen from redborne Upper School, the intermediate age group by cellist Seren Kapur and the juniors by violinist Chuhe ‘Brooklyn’ fu. Prizes were presented by Charles Whitbread, the high Sheriff of Bedford and hilary Birkett of nAdfAS. A wide range of musical disciplines showed the outstanding and diverse talent that Bedford has to offer and covered violin, cello, viola, piano, electric guitar, drums, oboe, euphonium and vocal entries.

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Celebrating Science Week with a bang! Famous children’s Three Year 12 students from Mark leadership of the event in order to gain author visits school

rutherford School planned and led a series of Science experiments for 30 Year 4 pupils from gt Barford and ravensden lower Schools as part of the national Science Week celebrations. leonardo Buttice, Marco guarino and Celina nielsen are Scholars on the Villiers Park educational Trust 2020 STeM Programme and undertook

a Villiers Park inVOlVe Award. A fAMOUS and prolific children’s Sessions included extracting dnA author visited Castle newnham school from a banana, fruit batteries and ph to celebrate World Book day with testing of various liquids. some signings of his latest novel.

The younger pupils were really Steve Cole was brought up in excited to be able to ‘do science in a north Bedfordshire, and attended the real science lab’ and their teachers local schools. he worked at BBC were impressed by the high standard of radio Bedfordshire – now 3 Counties, Apply – hoping with any other offer May not be delivery and *T&Cs are now to used comein conjunction after leaving school. back for a similar event later in the it was while there he first started year. writing children’s stories.

Tracy Jakins, Second in Science at Since then he has written 160 Mark rutherford said: “This was a first for us – we’ve never held an event like books, all for children and teenagers. this before where lower schools have his best-known children’s books are come Radwell Road (just off the A6)to us and the sixth form have Astrosaurs Academy, The Slime Squad been so active in taking the lead. it was and The Z trilogy.

Milton Ernest MK44 1SH Steve said: “Meeting Terrance brilliant.” dicks, a scriptwriter for dr Who, was an inspiration to me and i just hope that Bedpop Festival someone i meet on my book signings Mark rutherford Sixth form stu- or through my books gets inspired in dents worked with network rail on yet the same way i did.” another collaboration to bring engineering to life at the latest Bedpop festival, which took place at the higgins Museum last month.

The students helped children and parents build model bridges in a day of creativity and fun, bringing Science and Technology to life.

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Rotary event on Ouse to highlight wheelchair sports

A rOUnd Britain tour highlighting wheelchair sports will arrive in Bedford on Saturday April 22nd.

A colourful dragon boat carrying a special wheel chair will paddle up and down outside the Bedford Swan hotel stretch of the river. from 11am to 3pm there will be activities and games on the grounds in front of the Castle Mound. A picnic will be held on the Castle Mound grounds in the afternoon at which all will be welcome.

There will be the chance to enter a riverside walk competition and win love Bedford gift vouchers donated by local Bedford businesses.

The event is part of a nationwide rotary Club of great Britain & ireland and Wheelpower charity relay. The challenge is to find unusual ways to transport a sports wheelchair around the country. in Bedford that will be on the great river Ouse thanks to the

Cambridgeshire royals dragon Boat Club – surrounded by other river crafts from local clubs and organisations.

They will meet local wheelchair sports stars at the Bedford Swan hotel terrace from 11am.

An annual Wheelchair Challenge, the concept of which was dreamt up by howard darbon, President of Sport Bedford and organiser of the successful pre-london 2012 Training Camps, has raised more than £30,000 to date.

it inspired WheelPower and rotary international to organise the round Britain event, thus enabling more disabled people to fulfil their potential and ambitions in sport. howard is also driving forward a project to establish a Wheelchair racing Club in Bedford to cater for those who want to expand their involvement in sport, but cannot currently access it as the nearest clubs are many miles away.

New Trust appointment

ShirleY Jones has been appointed as the head of Midwifery at Bedford hospital nhS Trust. The new head of Midwifery has joined from West Suffolk nhS foundation Trust and has held a range of positions within nursing and women and children’s services spanning almost forty years.

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The majority of her clinical experience and management experience has been within community and hospital settings. Commenting on her new post, Shirley said: “i am excited to be taking up this fantastic opportunity in a successful service with great potential. i have been welcomed by such a lovely and friendly team and i very much look forward to working with everyone. i’m fully aware of the ever changing landscape of the nhS and i hope to guide the service on a steady path building on the firm foundations already set and the good reputation that i can see is already evident.”

Tracey Brigstock, Acting director of nursing and Patient Services at Bedford hospital said about the new appointment: “On behalf of the Trust Board, i would like to welcome Shirley to her new role. Shirley comes to us at a time when the hospital, including our maternity unit, is becoming increasingly busy with maternity services very high on the nhS Agenda. We are looking forward to working with Shirley and utilising her great experience and skills as we continue to develop our services for women and their babies”.

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Icon puts boots back on

The Will Writing Company

AnYOne who’s ever followed The Bedford eagles will know and cheer to hear the name norman Cooley, hero of the squad for many years.

he’s decided to brush off his boots and re- enter the arena of play for a charity cup match in his name.

norman and the Cooley football dynasty have arranged a charity match at the Bedford town ground, the Eeyrie from 1pm, Saturday 6th May. The afternoon will comprise of a walking football match between Tibbs dementia Walking football Team and the flitwick eagles {kick off at 1.30pm} before the main event the norman Cooley Challenge Cup between the Cooley family All Stars and Cople fC {kick off at 3.00pm}. for more details or to find ways to support the work of Tibbs dementia foundation email contact@tibbsdementia.co.uk call 07795 177 948 or our: www.t ibbsdementia.co.uk ––––––––––––––––

www.thewillwritingco.co.uk

Please see: www.bedfordfellow ship.com or contact Anna Bunney at bedfordfellows@gmail.com

Mayfair House 11 Lurke Street, Bedford MK40 3HZ Tel: 01234 761784

Free Will & Testament

The Will Writing Company is celebrating its 22nd 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 furtherinformation please call our offices on the above number between the hours of 9:00am-5:30pm Monday to Friday (£20 surcharge for after 5:30pm appointments on request)

Do you work in a Beds Borough School?

The Associate educational fellowship Programme (AefP) is a self-organising, self-managing group of educational professionals established in 2014 under the umbrella of the Bedford Borough learning exchange (BBle).

The AefP involves teachers, support staff and associates, across Bedford. They meet together twice a term at the UoB for supper, educational research debate and mutual support. in what we believe is one of the first of its kind, we have closed the gap from nursery to University in the spirit of fellowship, collaboration and dissemination.

Teachers rarely have access to adequate research material – included in your membership is access to the UoB library (worth £60). for a limited time can join the AefP for a special offer of £50 (normally £100 pa).

BEDFORD BULLETIN APRIL 2017 — 15

OFFER ENDS 30th April 2017

WE ALSO OFFER OTHER SERVICES:

l Lasting Power of Attorneys l Probate advice

l Protective Property Trust Wills l Inheritance Tax Planning

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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 30th April 2017

The Will Writing Company Mayfair House, 11 Lurke Street, Bedford, Beds, MK40 3HZ Tel 01234 761784 Email enquiries@thewillwritingco.co.uk Terms and Conditions. Office appointments only. This voucher can not be exchanged for cash.

The voucher must be produced at your appointment.

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16 — BEDFORD BULLETIN APRIL 2017

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Borough’s first Health & Racquets Club experiences high demand AfTer five years in the planning and a 12-month build, Bedford’s first health & racquets Club officially opened today, exactly on the planned schedule.

Towers health & racquets Club is a multi-million pound development offering premium facilities that include tennis, squash, gym, studios, swimming pool and spa.

By opening day the number of members was well past 1,000 and heading towards twice that number.

“We are gratified and humbled by the fantastic reception that our new Club has received” commented Managing director and owner Matthew Towers.

“Some people questioned the wisdom of building a high-end facility in the town, but the Bedford public have voted with their feet and demonstrated that they value the quality and family appeal that we have on offer here”.

The Club boasts the only purpose built, three-court indoor tennis hall in the county. in the winter a tennis bubble will cover the four outdoor courts, so providing seven covered courts in total, protected from the worst of the British weather. in addition the Club has four squash courts, which are the first built in Bedfordshire in recent memory.

Club Towers will run teams in the local Bedfordshire tennis and squash leagues and expects to have a vibrant social scene, with a café/restaurant and licensed bar.

The 75-station gym features the latest, high-end Technogym equipment, including an Omnia rig, Skill Mills, Watt Bikes, Climbers, Steppers, Varios

and top-of-the range Artis running machines. it also includes three purpose built studios, for high-energy, mind & body and group cycle classes respectively. “having three dedicated studios enables us to offer a wider range of classes at times convenient to our membership,” explained general Manager, Steve davies. “for example, we can run simultaneous Body Combat, Yoga and Spin classes catering for up to 100 members at a time. We are starting with a program of around 80 classes per week and plan to ramp this up as our membership grows. We are looking to provide first class service alongside our high-end facilities over the coming months and years” said davies.

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Developing a wider skill set

EMPLOYERS tell us that a good set of examination results are no longer enough to guarantee jobs. Today’s graduates need to demonstrate a wider range of skills, from problem solving to risktaking, to be ready to face the challenges and opportunities of the working world.

In addition to achieving outstanding academic results, Bedford Girls’ School is equally as committed to developing these wider skills, both throughout the delivery of the curriculum and our extensive sports, drama, music and sport co-curricular programmes.

Ranked third for sport in the UK amongst girls schools, we ensure that every pupil finds a sports she enjoys and is encouraged to perform to the best of her ability. We run teams from elite level to development squads, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to play on a team. Our sports ethos supports the girls as they excel across a wider-range of sport from lacrosse to rowing, helping them develop team working skills, determination and the ability to reflect.

With over 100 co-curricular clubs a week, there are plenty of opportunities to expand horizons. These independent learning opportunities help the students to inquire and explore new skills as well as forge new friendships across the School. A plethora of drama and music opportunities both inside and outside of the curriculum help the girls develop creatively, work independently and practise their communications and performance skills.

An extensive programme of community involvement including First Give, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme and Combined Cadet Force all provide a wealth of opportunities to strengthen independent thinking, perseverance and team building skills, all of which are key to success after school.

To find out more about all the opportunities available please call or email the Admissions team (01234 361918; Admissions@bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk) to arrange a visit to the School or attend our next Open Morning on 4th May, 2017. www.bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk.

BEDFORD BULLETIN APRIL 2017 — 17

18 — BEDFORD BULLETIN APRIL 2017

REJOICE AND AGAIN I SAY REJOICE

‘Call the Midwife’ has come and gone. nonnatus house survived for a time the more austere leadership of Sister Ursula. The midwives have been augmented by nurse Valerie dyer. Challenging issues such as female genital mutilation, the introduction of the pill, and the care of the mentally ill have been explored.

And to cap it all, nurse Barbara has had her dreams fulfilled as she marries the local curate and rides with him on a fairground gallopers. What will i do on a Sunday evening without it? in the final episode of this series nurse Barbara asks her clergyman father, Canon gilbert, about the secret of his long marriage to her mother. he replies, ‘finding joy in the simple things’.

ILLOGICAL, INDEFENSIBLE!

The way that Bedford hospital staff have defied the repeated threats of a downgrade to continue to provide good standards of care is a real success story of recent years.

They deserve huge credit for the manner in which they have refused to let repeated government and nhS efforts to cut or remove core services from the hospital to become a self-fulfilling prophecy of decline.

Thanks to their hard work and commitment, Bedford hospital is providing good standards of medical care and urgent care, for a large and growing population.

This makes the latest proposals for a major reduction of services in one or more of Bedford, luton or Milton Keynes

WATCH YOUR DOGS

We have always been a dog family. My mother used to breed Chihuahuas, but we had many others from griffin to doberman, and i grew up with many dogs in the house.

With a family of our own, a pet seemed natural and for many years our spaniel gave us much love and affection as our children grew up.

Taking the dog out for a long country walk was always a treat, especially for a boy from suburban Manchester, as was letting her off the lead for a serious runabout, which is what many dogs need to remain happy and healthy.

At a surgery, about this time last year,

TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952

View from the Rt Revd

Richard Atkinson

The Bishop of Bedford

i’ve been thinking about ‘joy’ this lent. it has been the focus of one of the weekly study sessions i have lead in both Bedford and luton. for ‘joy’ is a marvellous thing. Unlike happiness and pleasure, with which it is often contrasted, joy is not solely of the emotions – a pleasurable experience that comes and goes; but rather a deeper experience that can be present even when life is tough. it would be strange to say that one is ‘happy’ after a

In Focus with

Dave

by Dave Hodgson Mayor of Bedford

hospitals all the more unjust, illogical and frankly indefensible.

The proposals were published as ‘initial thinking’ in a discussion paper produced by the nhS-led review of local healthcare, the Bedfordshire and MK Sustainability and Transformation Plan.

They include reduced A&e services in at least one of the three hospitals ‘especially overnight’; removing consultant-led mater-

In Focus with

Alistair

by Rt Hon Alistair Burt MP

i had a visit from a farmer, who told me of his despair and annoyance at some dog owners who seem either not to understand the rules of the countryside, or deliberately flout them.

don’t anyone get miffed or on their high horse, for this is not having a go at all dog owners. it is those who do not notice sheep that may be lambing, or that a designated path may still be adjacent to unfenced pas-

email: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

funeral, but there are funerals that give ‘joy’.

A colleague was talking about his father’s funeral and spoke of it as a sad but joyful occasion, because there was thanksgiving for a life well lived and a deep sense of the presence of god. for Christians the source of joy is our confidence in god. The Jesuit theologian Pierre Teilhard de Chardin said, ‘Joy is the most infallible sign of the presence of god’.

C. S. lewis describing his conversion to Christin faith writes of being ‘Surprised by Joy’; a joy that once you have experienced it you will want it again.

St Paul in his letters urges us to rejoice – rejoice in the lord always, i will say it again, rejoice (Phil. 4:1) he is at one with Canon gilbert, for when we see joy in the simple things, when we rejoice in one another and the gifts of creation, then we too may well be surprised by Joy.

nity care in at least one of the hospitals; and reducing paediatric care at two of the hospitals, with care for the most unwell children concentrated at one of the sites.

The prospect of a huge increase in the time and distance between the growing local population and these vital urgent care services does not represent sustainability. in fact it’s nonsensical.

instead, real sustainability will be achieved by, for example, focusing on primary care out in the community, and by integration and investment in social care.

Only then will we reduce the numbers of people going into hospital, and also prevent people staying in hospital longer than they need to. in the meantime, this obsession with a crude, blunt downgrade of vital hospital services which will harm access to urgent care must be dropped immediately. ture where dogs should not run freely if that puts animals at risk, or those who don’t clean up after their dogs on fields of crops as they would on a pavement, because it must be ‘fertilising’ the fields - which it is not.

Please have a thought before your dogs run free. Are they easily controllable if a problem arises? Are there any pregnant animals about, or young animals whose mothers might feel they are being threatened? Are you willing to clean up in the countryside, where no one can see you, as you would down your own avenue?

i love the countryside i am lucky enough both to live close to and represent, and understand that it is not a free country park for people to take for granted, but a place which is often cared for by others who work in it, but share it with us. As dog owners, let’s do our bit to say thanks by our actions.

19 — BEDFORD BULLETIN APRIL 2017

TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952

PROTECTING THE YOUNG A PRIORITY

After criticism from the police watchdog hMiC, i want to let you know of the progress which has been made by Beds Police in protecting vulnerable young people who go missing, many of them from local authority care.

A recent report from her Majesty’s inspectorate of Constabulary (hMiC) was critical of the force’s handling of ‘missing’ young people, including those looked after by local authorities who abscond from care or foster homes.

Those who are not where they are supposed to be should be designated as ‘absent’ by police but those who have a history of previous risk factors, such as older individuals associated with them who may represent a threat of sexual exploitation or drug use, should be categorised as ‘missing’, resulting in an immediate police response.

Significant changes have already been made to protect vulnerable young people, but the real shame about the hMiC report is that it couldn’t include work which had just started, or is being

We wish to thank you for your help in promoting our local group, because with your help over the last 12 months we have increased our membership by 28 members which is about a 30% increase.

Although we have some way to go in securing the future of our group, this has put us on the right path.

Bedford RSPB local group

leTTer TO The ediTOr:

Update from the

Police & Crime Commissioner

by Kathryn Holloway

introduced, in its assessment.

A great example of that work is the introduction of a specialist Child Sexual exploitation and Missing investigation Team (CMiT) in Bedfordshire which takes responsibility for cases of ‘missing’ youngsters from the wider Community Policing Teams.

CMiT is working and producing real results; according to the latest data from february 2017, the time taken to find “missing” young people has dropped dramatically from 71 hours to 29 hours, and the repeat cases has fallen from 47% to 31%.

My own office is helping the force to improve protection of these vulnerable young people too.

Deborah

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My director of Policy, Anna Akerman, (the author of the College of Policing’s guidance on missing people), will help train both officers and partners, particularly stressing why return interviews are so vital and what should be included to try to make sure a young person is safe and to understand why they left without notice in the first place.

One particularly important thing to note is that many cases involve young people housed in our county who come from elsewhere, usually london, who often don’t want to be here. This shows what a challenge this issue is for the force at the same time as 999 calls in life-threatening emergencies. high risk cases of ‘missing’ young people are given urgent attention by 999 response officers and a crime team led by a senior investigator. i hold the Chief Constable and force to account. This type of work demonstrates what is being done pro-actively, around the clock, to protect these young people. it is a tragedy that this was not part of the recent report as it was such a blow to public confidence in Bedfordshire Police when the reality proves that this issue is an absolute priority.

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20 — BEDFORD BULLETIN APRIL 2017

TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952

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APRIL IN THE GARDEN – by Milton Ernest Garden Centre

e can save a lot of money trying to make our garden colourful this summer by growing flowering annuals from seed. The thrill of sowing seeds and watching them grow is very satisfying.

These plants are either hardy and frost resistant or tender and damaged in cold weather so ideal for long summer flowering. An annual is a plant that germinates easily and produces lots of colourful often perfumed flowers full of pollen because they need to be pollinated and produce their seed within one year.

This need for perpetuation attracts lots of bees, butterflies, hoverflies and other pollinating insects. Bees are particularly attracted to blue flowers, butterflies pastel shades and hoverflies to orange. These plants are very useful space fillers and for areas of naturalising because they set and spread their seed very readily so if left undisturbed will quickly spread in a couple of seasons. Choose the varieties depending on the place you want colour be it a sunny border, dry bank, hedgerow, shade or woodland. hardy annuals can be sown directly into weed free finely raked soil at the beginning of May when the soil is warm. if the surface is too rough cover it with good planting compost like John innes which will give a fine tilth into which fine seedlings will easily germinate. now water to moisten the soil, scatter the seeds thinly and just cover with fine compost. Water every couple of days during the germination period which is usually 10 to 14 days. Another way is to plant a pinch of seed into a planting cell tray with approximately 5cms square cells using seed compost. When the seedlings have two true

W

Plants for pennies

leaves thin to three seedlings per cell and grow on until the plants are easy to handle, about 5cms, and then plant into the border or container.

The same technique can be used for any tender annuals which can be started on a sunny windowsill and planted outside after the last frost in April or May. here are some suggestions of hardy annuals to grow.

Calendula or Pot Marigolds and nasturtiums are bright cheerful plants with lemon, yellow, orange and red flowers ideal to grow in the fruit garden to aid pollination. ipomea or Morning glory, Sweet Peas and

Convolvulus are all climbing annuals. grow at the back of the border or in a patio pot. Pick the sweet peas every couple of days to promote more flowers.

Mignonette, night Scented and Virginia Stock are very highly perfumed and fill the evening with their wonderful scent. Plant these in tubs on the patio to enjoy with your g&T. nigella, Poppies, larkspur, linaria, Canterbury Bells, Candytuft, Cornflower, godetia, Scabious and Clarkia are all traditional cottage garden plants to sow in patches in mixed sunny borders to keep the interest here all through the summer months. insects are particularly attracted to Agremone with huge saucer shaped flowers and Clary with upright Oxford blue spikey blooms. nemophila with powder blue forget me Knot, only larger, flowers and limonanthus the Poached egg plant has white flowers with yellow centre. Both low growing front of the border plants. for shady areas foxgloves and honesty thrive. Although strictly biennial they are treated as annuals. if you have a garden large enough for a wild area scatter wild flower seed mixes. You will love the result.

Sow, grow and enjoy without breaking the bank.

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BEDFORD BULLETIN APRIL 2017 — 21

out & about Five years of fun and laughter Gordon Arms Ent Shed Thursday April 13th

Castle Comedy Bedford is celebrating its fifth Birthday this month! Over the last five years it has brought star names and some of the best comics on the UK comedy circuit to Bedford. every show is a special show with an amazing atmosphere that has meant that Castle Comedy has a reputation as one of the best comedy clubs in the UK! So join the celebration this april 13th at the gordon Arms ent Shed. There will be star acts, balloons, party poppers, competitions and of course cake! headlining 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

Free Easter Egg Trail John Bunyan Museum Saturday 1st to Saturday April 22.

Bring your children to the Museum for some free and easy easter fun. hunt the coloured cardboard eggs among the displays, rearrange the letters on them to find the mystery word or phrase, and win a chocolate egg and sticker.

Quotes from children who have done the easter egg Trail in the past include: ‘i liked going into the pulpit to see if an egg was there’ and ‘it was fun and the museum wasn’t too big’.

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 has also appeared on ‘fake reaction’ (iTV), ‘Man Up’ (fox) and was the host of ‘Jongleurs live!’ (Sky).

“Hilarious without being outrageous” HHHH tHrEE WEEKS “Supremely engaging, adored by

The Museum’s free easter egg hunt runs from Saturday 1st to Saturday 22nd April.

The Museum is open from 11am to 4pm, Tuesday to Saturday (closed on good friday).

There are lots of other quizzes for children to do too. Just ask the friendly steward on duty.

The John Bunyan Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11am – 4pm until the end of October (closed on good friday).

Admission is free. for more details contact the Curator, nicola Sherhod, on 01234 270303 or e-mail curator@bunyanmeeting.co.uk. www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk/museum

audiences” tHE SCOtSMaN “This gifted livewire commands the stage with a mix of wit and force of personality” LONdON EVENING StaNdard Opening the show is Scottish comedian alan Francis who first came to the notice of comedy audiences when he won Channel 4’s So You Think You’re funny Award in 1991. Since then his reputation has grown as a writer, stand-up and actor. he is a consummate professional who has worked at best comedy clubs in the world, always delivering brilliant performances. he

has recently had his own radio 4 series ‘inside Alan francis’ where he explored the workings of his own mind in relation to his life, friends and long-suffering girlfriend Jane.

Plus he has made numerous TV appearances in classics such as Alistair Mcgowan’s Big impression and the Alan Partridge Christmas Special Knowing Me, Knowing Yule.

“The beautifully observed performances captures all the manic ambivalence of a Hello Magazine culture.” tHE tIMES “A delightfully sour hour, excellently executed” EVENING StaNdard Completing the bill will be Edd Hedges a hugely promising act who has been taking the circuit by storm at the tender age of 23!

“Edd Hedges is a joy to watch.” the Scotsman Show starts at 8.15pm.

To book call 07736 060541 email castlecomedy@hotmail.co.uk online at www.castlecomedy.co.uk

22 — BEDFORD BULLETIN APRIL 2017

TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952

email: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 email: advertising@rosettapublishing.com

BEDFORD BULLETIN APRIL 2017 — 23

DINING OUT AROUND BEDFORD

The Barn’s sharing platter – nothing to ‘crumble’ about!

by Martin Howard HE Barns Hotel on Cardington Road, Bedford might not readily come to mind when looking for a restaurant for a traditional Sunday lunch.

This charming hotel formerly a family home in the 1950s, is set just out of the built-up area of Bedford. The river Ouse flows gently passed a decked area adjacent to one of the hotel’s two bars at the rear. Apparently the John Bunyan Community Boat is a regular visitor and other boats moor up for afternoon teas.

With an eye on the expanding diningout market, the hotel has launched an unusual twist on the traditional Sunday lunch – sharing boards.

It has put clear air between itself and every other Sunday carvery in the area – the Barns sharing boards are set to become renowned locally.

Our party of four adults and two children were greeted by a smartly dressed member of the staff. It was a pleasant surprise to be greeted by one of the team who happened to be nearest at the time and not have to wait for a maître d’ to seat us.

Once we had settled, a drinks order was taken and the running order of the meal explained. With an extensive wine list – with over 40 on offer – the ladies were spoilt for choice, IPA for the men.

First off were the starters, which you help yourself to – buffet style. A good selection was available, all presented in a very tempting manner.

Some discipline is required here, as it

T

would be all to easy to fill up with this course; smoked salmon, prawn cocktail, pâté, a wide selection of cold meats, salads and breads.

Enough time was allowed for the first course to be digested before the main course arrived. The children had decided that the chicken was what they wanted and theirs arrived already plated. This didn’t stop them having some beef off the sharing board though! There was plenty.

The boards consist of a choice of two roast meats, along with roast potatoes and Yorkshire puddings. Complementing the very generous portions of meat were a selection of some beautifully cooked fresh vegetables.

Two large men couldn’t quite finish all of the meal, just a very little left – sorry!

The waiting staff busied themselves clearing our table in a most efficient way without interrupting the adults’ conversation.

The sweet table, again in buffet style, offered a tempting array of sweets. The only criticism I could level that there wasn’t any custard for the apple and berry crumble – I had to settle for cream!

The restaurant was very busy, yet calm and tranquil, the food was excellent and the staff were great. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that this was the best Sunday lunch I have had in many years.

24 — BEDFORD BULLETIN APRIL 2017

TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952

email: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

The Basement at Bunyan 11am-4pm Wednesday 5 to Monday April 10 (not Sunday)

Raising money for Bedford Hospital

hitchin Band return to the forest of Marston Vale forest Centre this easter to perform a set of swing classics and raise money for a new vein finder for Bedford hospital’s day Treatment Unit. in previous years, these concerts have raised well needed funds for ‘Cardiac rehab’ the ‘Primrose Unit’ and the ‘fourth floor Care of the elderly Complex’.

This year the aim is to raise money to enable the ‘day Treatment Unit’ on ‘gifford nash’ ward to purchase a ‘Vein finder’. This will go some way to ease the discomfort and fear some patients feel when undergoing blood tests. Profit made

by the forest Centre will go towards their target of planting five million more trees and keeping the forest growing and thriving. hitchin Band under their Musical director graham Chambers, are pleased and proud to present their seventh Spring Charity Concert in aid of Bedford hospital on Saturday 22nd April at 7.30pm at the ‘forest Centre’, Station road, Marston Moretaine, MK43 0PS. Tickets are £9.00 each and 2 lucky members of the audience will each receive a £100 John lewis voucher. A licensed bar will be open and snacks will be available.

Tickets can be purchased from The forest Centre reception, or by calling 07947 007764.

‘Mail art – redelivered’ Exhibition Artworks on postcards and envelopes are sent via the royal Mail from across the world to be shown in the exhibition. All artworks will be available to buy, and all money raised will go to the charity ChUMS (Mental health and emotional Wellbeing Service for Children and Young People). Coordinated by Anne-Marie Stijelja.

Wednesday 5 and Wednesday 12 april – 10am-4pm One-day Embroidery Workshops with Nodeen Salmon local artist, nodeen Salmon, takes her inspiration from nature to create her beautiful embroidery. Using the seasons as her starting point, nodeen explores the flowers and trees of spring, summer and autumn, and the bare branches and snowy landscapes of winter, to produce work of subtle colours that also reflect the structures, textures and shapes of her Caribbean childhood. following her talk about her life and embroidery ‘My life in Stitches’ last month, nodeen is offering two workshops at The Basement at Bunyan – the first, for machine embroidery, is on

Wednesday 5 april; and the second, using hand embroidery, is on Wednesday 12 april. Both workshops run from 10am-4pm.

tuesday 18 to Saturday 29 april – 11am-4.00pm (not Sunday) Josepa Munoz Exhibition her Catalan background, prior to moving to england in 1990, has been critically important to Josepa’s work. She experiments through the physicality of paint as a medium, and explores the theme of temporality. The representative elements are a record of things that fascinate her, scenes that have disappeared and she wishes to immortalize. The paint brings memory to life in the present day. for more information on these events and exhibitions please visit: The Basement at Bunyan via the John Bunyan Museum entrance in newnham road (opposite St Cuthbert’s Church).

events the place proms in the park twinwood festival the grove theatre

TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 email: advertising@rosettapublishing.com www.theplacebedford.org.uk/ 01234 354321

Daoiri Farrell

Monday’s Child

Tuesday 4 April 8pm (doors open at 7.30pm)

Monday’s Child tells a simple poetic story of the unique bond between an old woman and a little girl. Together in a dream-like garden, they sing and dance and dress up as they joyously explore a treasure trove of memories.

This sensitive, imaginative yet funny story explores how we make and store memories as we grow up and discover the world; how these shape who we are, and how they help us to meet the challenges of growing old.

Monday’s Child was developed with input from neuroscientists at the University of Sussex, and the Alzheimers Society. Writer Brendan Murray says, “it came from a director whose mother-in-law has Alzheimers and she was interested in the relationship between her mother and her children.”

A former electrician, who decided to change profession after seeing Christy Moore perform on irish TV, dublin-born traditional singer and bouzouki player daoiri (pronounced derry) farrell is being described by some of the biggest names in irish folk music as one of most important singers to come out of ireland in recent years.

Dizzy Boo

White Cobra Productions Presents the world premiere of dizzy Boo, a new comedy by Brian Wright.

Two houses, two gardens, three couples, six people... twelve relationships. One too many barbecues, one bewildered stranger, lots of laughs, a few home truths, end of story... Or is it? dizzy Boo has been specially written for White Cobra and is dedicated to Ursula Wright. While preparing her second production for the company in January 2016 she was suddenly taken ill and died four months later.

Saturday 8 April 7.30pm

Tuesday 11 April 2pm

Richard III Pushing the boundaries of Shakespearean Performance, Brite Theater have re-imagined richard iii as a bold and engaging one-

Friday 14 April 7.30pm

International Conference

Bedford’s religious Panacea Society’s legacy leads to international examination of apocalyptic threats: climate change, violence, artificial intelligence.

When Mabel Barltrop formed The Panacea Society in Albany road in Bedford in 1919 she had no idea that she was planting the seeds of a legacy that would help us understand the existential threats of the 21st century world, but that is exactly what has happened.

The last member of the reclusive community died in 2012 leaving property and assets which under the guidance of modern day trustees now houses a museum telling the fascinating Panacea story and venue for a newly created Centre for the Critical Study of Apocalyptic and Millenarian Movements (CenSAMM).

On april 6th and 7th the first of three 2017 international conferences will take place in what the Panacea Society believed was the original garden of eden in the middle of Bedford. The subject, ‘Violence and Millenarian Movements’ (‘millenarian’ is a belief in a coming supernatural transformation of society) will bring together experts in theology, anthropology, geography and social sciences to pick apart the reasons why such

diverse organizations like the Branch davidians (remember Waco Texas?) and iSiS are ended or motivated by violence.

Attendance to the April conference is free to the general public and will include presentations

by Stuart A. Wright, Professor of Sociology and expert on the Branch davidians from lamar University, Texas and rob gleave, Professor of Arabic Studies from the University of exeter.

Other conferences in 2017 will focus on climate (June) and the reformation (September).

To find out more about this and other CenSAMM conferences and to reserve free seats visit www.censamm.org

BEDFORD BULLETIN APRIL 2017 — 25

woman show. The fourth wall has been utterly obliterated, as you the audience take on the roles of all the other characters at richards party in this intimate and moving production.

Blues Night: Jack Blackman & Pistol Pete Wearn Wednesday 19 April 8pm (doors open at 7:30pm)

Two of the UKs best emerging blues guitarists, Jack Blackman and Pistol Pete Wearn come together for a night of great blues music.

Jack Blackman is fast developing into one the most accomplished and exciting young performers on the acoustic roots scene today. nearly Man is his 3rd full-length album.

Pistol Pete Wearn described by Maverick magazine ...a master slide guitar virtuoso.

BedSlam Ages 13+ (some adult content) The sizzle and zip of the poetry slam returns to Bedford. One Slam competitor will be crowned BedSlam champion 2017 (and

Thursday 20 April 7.30pm

receive a £50 prize!). guest performance by hollie Mcnish. With Benjamin Zephaniah stating, “i can’t take my ears off her”, Kate Tempest describing her poetry as, “welcoming, galvanizing and beautiful” and fans ranging from robin ince, Pink, Tim Minchin, Marian Keyes to most of the UK’s midwives, hollie Mcnish is a poet whose readings are not to be missed.

Pride and Prejudice Friday 21 and Saturday 22 April 7.30pm & 2:30pm Saturday matinee

it is a truth universally acknowledged that Jane Austens witty and romantic masterpiece is one of the best-loved stories of all time, dealing with the most important questions in life Will Mrs Bennet manage to offload her numerous daughters in record time?

Will lizzy and darcy actually get together? Will creepy Mr Collins just go away please?

The literary classic gets the full Pantaloons treatment in this beautifully hilarious adaptation.

26 — BEDFORD BULLETIN APRIL 2017

TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952

email: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

–––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––– BedfOrd MUSiC ClUB KEMPSTON AND KEMPSTON CAMERA CANTAMUS MUSIC ON CLUB DISTRICT MODEL Sing ‘Music for a Spring Evening’ THURSDAYS Welcomes new members – beginners 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 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– KeMPSTOn MUSiCAl SOCieTY

FAURE - REQUIEM AND KARL JENKINS - THE PEACEMAKERS Kempston Musical Society, together with invited soloists, will be performing a concert of faure’s requiem, and Karl Jenkins The Peacemakers, on Saturday 22nd april.

the event will take place at Kempston East Methodist Church and is in aid of the tibbs dementia charity. the evening will start at 7.30pm and is sure to be an enjoyable event. tickets cost £8.50 on the door and will include refreshments.

To find out more about all our forthcoming concerts or information about the choir please call 01234 781010 or email prestissimo@btinternet.com..

–––––––––––––––––––––––– FAREWELL SERVICE of revd lydia humphreys will take place at the Church of the transfiguration on Sunday 21st May at 10.45am.

She is to become the Vicar of St Botolphs, in Shepshed and St James, Oaks in Charnwood. revd lydia has conducted many Christenings, weddings and funerals for the community and would welcome people whom she has met to her farewell service. .

–––––––––––––––––––––––– VINTAGE AFTERNOON TEA, Friday 28th april from 2pm to 4pm Christ the King Church Hall, Harrowden road, Bedford, MK42 0SP entry £3 which includes tea, home made cake and some lovely music to dance to. for information call Sue on 01234 965497

Marian Consort, vocal group Ave Virgo Sanctissima fayrfax, lambe, Byrd C Mcdowall, frances-hoad, Weir, r Panufnik thursday 27 april, 1945 Bunyan Meeting Tickets £18, Students (18-25) £5, Under 18 £2 on the door or from 01234 261811 www.bedfordmusicclub.co.uk

to very good! www.kempstoncameraclub.co.uk for details of programme Want to gain studio photography experience?

There is a regular studio night with professional models

Sacred & Secular music for the evening St Owen’s Church, Bromham MK43 8LL Saturday 13th May at 7.30pm Adults £8, Child u16 free Tickets at the door: reservations by phone 01234 825454 or (evenings) 826551

–––––––––––––––––––––––– KEMPSTON SENIOR –––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––– CITIZENS’ CLUB BriTiSh red CrOSS

BedfOrdShire Sunday 23rd April, OPEN GardEN The King’s Arms, Ampthill, Beds., MK45 2PP 2 – 5pm, drinks & cakes, Parking. Tickets £3.00 pay on entry.

–––––––––– Tuesday 9th May FLOWEr arraNGING dEMONStratION aNd SHOPPING OPPOrtuNIty at Savin’s Wholesalers, Vinegar hill, hatch, Sandy, Bedfordshire, Sg19 1Pr 11am – 3pm, refreshments, soup & cakes, raffle & tombola. free Parking. Tickets £10.00 available from Sandra on 01582 589084. further details on website redcross.org.uk –––––––––– Sunday 21st May, OPEN GardENS The Manor house and The Old rectory, Milton ernest, Beds., MK44 1rf, 1 – 5pm, drinks & cakes, Plant stall, Parking.

Tickets £4.50 pay on entry.

–––––––––– Sunday 11th June OPEN GardENS dragon’s glen, Clophill, Beds, MK45 4BQ 1.30 – 5pm, drinks & cakes, Plant stall, Parking. Tickets £4.00 pay on entry.

–––––––––– Sunday 25th June, OPEN GardENS The Secret garden, Wymington, nn10 9lS, 1.30 – 5pm, drinks & cakes, Plant stall, Parking. Tickets £4.00 pay on entry.

–––––––––– friday 30th June OPEN GardENS West end, Cheddington, lU7 0rP 2 – 5pm, Plant stall, Parking. Tickets £3.50 pay on entry.

BedfOrd lOCAl grOUP Of The Wildlife TrUST Wednesday 12th april 2017 Meeting 7.30 pm

––––––––––––––––––––––––

‘’POLE TO POLE’ an illustrated talk

by Dr Pat Doody

this will follow a short aGM

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 2660579

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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

–––––––––––––––––––––––– KEMPSTON GARDENS ASSOCIATION

if you are interested gardening why not come along to our meetings. new members and visitors always welcome.

We meet the second Wednesday of most months of the year in All Saints Church hall, Cemetery road Kempston. We have speakers and demonstrations covering every aspect of gardening from Window Boxes to Allotments and outings are also arranged throughout the year. for further information contact Trevor on 01234 856040 or Marian on 01234 855288 AddiSOn CenTre KeMPSTOn

BiddenhAM gArdenerS ASSOCiATiOn tuesday 18th aPrIL at 7.30 Biddenham Village Hall

THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF SALVIAS

By Janet Buist Visitors very welcome Admission £5 per meeting – includes raffle & refreshment www.biddenhamgardenersassociation.org.uk

BedfOrd rSPB lOCAl grOUP Meet at ArA club Manton lane Bedford MK41 7Pf. thursday 20th april at 7.30 pm Jacquie Clark, head of the Demography team at the BTO presents

––––––––––––––––––––––––

‘RINGING FOR CONSERVATION’

entrance fee, group members £1 guest £2 annual group membership £5 reg. Charity no. 207076, more info www.rspb.org.uk/groups/bedford SUe rYder – ST JOhn’S hOSPiCe The hospice is situated in the village of Moggerhanger and provides incredible care for those living with incurable illness in our community. each year they need to raise £2.4 million to provide this care.

So please come along and support our

–––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––– FUND RAISING MONday 10th aPrIL 2017 2.00pm to 4.30pm £3.00 (inCl CUPPA) Tel: 01234 851877 or 01234 340997

TEA DANCE

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WORLD SHIP SOCIETY BEDFORD BRANCH Kempston Constitution Club 196A Bedford road, Kempston 3rd WedneSdAY in the month 19:30 for 20:00 start 19 april 2017 don McKeand giving a presentation on

AMPHIBIOUS WARFARE VESSELS

17 May 2017 WSS Show made by the late Captain e gregson

Telephone: 01234 352014 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

“TROPIC VOYAGE”

COFFEE MORNING

Saturday 22nd april 10.00 – 1.00pm Wilstead Village Hall (Cotton End road).

Please make a note of this event in your diary and come along and support this very worthwhile cause. if you would like to help with donations of cakes and raffle prizes, it would be very much appreciated.

Please contact ray on 07749876923.

All SAinTS PAriSh ChUrCh KeMPSTOn

–––––––––––––––––––––––– FULL AFTERNOON TEA & A GUIDED TOUR

of this historic church to visiting groups of 10 or above at a cost per head of £7.95.

Contacts are Janet fardell on 01234 855158 email:martinandjanet1@btinternet.com or frances leonard on 01234 852480 email: francesmleonard@gmail.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 email: advertising@rosettapublishing.com

BEDFORD BULLETIN APRIL 2017 — 27

Kempston Camera Club has regular monthly photographic competitions, the most recent winner was this portrait by a member. The club meets regularly at the Church of Transfiguration Church Hall, Bedford Road, Kempston. If you would like to get more from your camera or are interested in just finding out more go to: www.kempstoncameraclub.co.uk

28 — BEDFORD BULLETIN APRIL 2017

TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952

email: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band Bedford Esquires Doors 7.30pm Bank Holiday Sunday April 30

‘The Boss UK’ – Bruce Springsteen Tribute Band Bedford Corn Exchange Saturday May 27

“This band is awesome -– mighty, moving and unstoppable…” amanda Price, the times) Bruce Springsteen is touring the world – tickets for his stadium shows sold out in minutes – but don’t feel left out! The Boss UK brings all of Bruce’s best-loved hits in a sweat-drenched, ninety-minute show with all the passion, intensity and realism of true Boss.

Some say, not just the best tribute to Springsteen, but the best tribute band, full stop. from the blistering opening of

‘Born to run’ this production becomes one huge sing along so get ready to become part of the show!

Bruce has sold over 120 million albums worldwide and is ahead of Queen, Abba, Michael Jackson and david Bowie in an all time list of acts with UK no1 albums! 49 nominations and 20 grammys with Born to run, Thunder road, dancing in the dark, i’m on fire, Born in The USA, and the Oscar winning Streets of Philadelphia among with many stellar songs brought to the stage in The Boss UK’s show. lPh Concerts are delighted to bring the band to Bedford Corn exchange on Saturday May 27.

Tickets £20 are on sale now and can be purchased online from The Corn exchange, also in person from la Piazza, St Pauls Square, Bedford.

geno originates from evansville in indiana, USA and first came to england in the 1960s as part of the US Air force. his love of Blues and Soul music soon found him jamming with local bands in and around ipswich and eventually led him to london where he caused a sensation singing with top r&B acts georgie fame and the Blue flames and Zoot Money’s Big roll Band at the legendary flamingo Club in Soho. his live shows were immortalised in two of the biggest selling albums of the 60s – “hand Clappin’ foot Stompin’ funky Butt live” and “hipsters flipsters and finger Poppin’ daddies”. his status as the undisputed “King of Soul” was cemented forever by Kevin rowland and dexy’s Midnight runners in the 1980’s with the World-wide no.1 smash hit single “geno”, which paid homage to the great man himself.

Throughout the years geno and his band have continued to

tour extensively all over the World and have released several highly acclaimed albums and singles. his latest live double album simply entitled “it’s geno Time”, recorded at the legendary half Moon in Putney, is widely regarded as his best work to date. geno’s life long love of Blues and r&B has led to yet another chapter in his illustrious career with the long standing rhythm section of the ram Jam Band (geoff hemsley on drums, Steve Bingham on bass and Stuart dixon on guitar) a hardhitting, fast-moving show of classics.

Tickets from See tickets priced £15 advance and will be available in person from the usual outlets of esquires Bar, Planet Boutique in Bedford and Mario’s hair design in Kempston.

Gillian Flack at the Eagle Gallery

One woman show

“Landscape Journeys”

10am – 5.30pm Saturday May 6 – Saturday May 13 Meet the Artist between 10am-1pm FREE ENTRY 101 Castle Road, Bedford MK40 3QP Tel: 01234 346995 EAGLE GALLERY IS A NOT FOR PROFIT ARTISTS CO-OPERATIVE

TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 email: advertising@rosettapublishing.com

Kaiser Chiefs headline

Proms ‘Goes to the Movies’

Bedford Park Saturday August 5

Bedford Park Sunday August 6

Kaiser Chiefs are one of the century’s most popular indie-pop outfits.

The band formed in 2002 and have enjoyed enormous global success since. They consist of lead vocalist ricky Wilson, who has achieved added fame from his stint as a judge on the UK talent show The Voice, guitarist Andrew “Whitey” White, bassist Simon rix, keyboardist nick “Peanut” Baines and drummer Vijay Mistry, who replaced founding drummer nick hodgson in late 2012.

The band’s big break came along when they performed at the nMe Awards tour in 2005, as the opening act. This opportunity allowed the band to start making a name for themselves in the UK. Their first album debuted the same year, entitled ‘employment’, and reached the number two spot on the UK album chart and was subsequently certified five times platinum. The album was even shortlisted for a Mercury prize, but narrowly missed out on the prestigious award.

Since this encouraging start, the band has fast become one of the most successful UK indie rock bands today. Their most notable hits include ‘i Predict a riot’, ‘every day

i love you less and less’ (both from their debut album) and smash hit ‘ruby’ from their second album, amongst many others. Their second album, ‘Yours Truly, Angry Mob’ topped the success of their first, reaching the number one spot on the UK albums chart and the album’s lead single ‘ruby’ became their first ever UK number one single.

Just answer this question: Q: Name the song and fill in the blank – “I predict a .…” email the answer to: info@lphconcerts.co.uk with ‘KaISEr CHIEFS COMP’ in subject line.

WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS

BEDFORD BULLETIN APRIL 2017 — 29

looking for a great evening of entertainment the whole family can enjoy? Then Bedford Park Proms should be high on your list of things to go to this summer.

The concert will feature guest soloists Australian Tenor and West end Musical Star daniel Koek. daniel played the iconic role of Jean ValJean in les Miserables and wowed the Bedford Proms audience in 2015.

Joining daniel will be Soprano Joanna forest, whose debut album ‘Stars Are rising’ was released in March. Joanna is one of the most exciting new British sopranos in the UK right now.

The renowned london gala Orchestra and the Bedford Choral Society will be performing popular classics and film scores. local school choirs and a special musical

theatre drama group as well as some other special guests will be warming the crowd up before the concert.

Adults and children alike will love the film theme this year, as along with the favourite classical scores, there will be some exquisite renditions of popular film soundtracks. As always we guarantee an electric atmosphere, laser show as well as the spectacular firework finale. it’s a great opportunity to get the whole family together, you can bring your own picnics and drinks into this concert and set up chairs, picnic tables and gazebo’s if you wish or just lay out the picnic rug.

Buy your tickets now at www.bedfordparkconcerts.co.uk for further information please call louise harris on 07980 996318 or email louise@louiseharrispr.co.uk

Just answer this question: Q: The proms tenor this year is Daniel Koek – which iconic role did Daniel play in Les Miserables? email the answer to: info@lphconcerts.co.uk with ‘PrOM COMP’ in subject line.

WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS

30 — BEDFORD BULLETIN APRIL 2017

1,100 Years of Ashwell History

TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952

email: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

Community boat’s season launch

11am-5pm Sunday May 14 The John Bunyan is Bedford’s

The picturesque village of Ashwell welcomes visitors to its popular annual event ‘Ashwell at home’, where visitors can enjoy a wide range of things to see and do, with entertainment for all the family.

This year marks the 1,100th Anniversary of the founding of the village and there is something to see or do to mark each century of the village’s history.

Stunning gardens both large and small will be open for you to view the many horticultural treasures, including the pretty village cottage garden; you can visit the village lock-up (no longer in use!) and help dig an archaeological test pit to try and discover more Ashwell treasures!

Children can enjoy free workshops including storytelling, drama and crafts. They can take part in a treasure hunt, fish for treasure and pan for gold! Join in the fun at craft workshops in the school and make May day crowns, garlands and have their faces painted! There will be a ‘Pirates centre’ at the Village hall with lots of fun activities going on. And, new for 2016, there will be a May Procession at the end of the day, bringing everyone together. www.ashwellathome.org.uk

Community Boat run by volunteers, and provides cruises both public and private hire on Bedford’s river great Ouse. last year it carried over 7,000 passengers and in total has carried over 22,000 passengers since it was launched in July 2013.

This year’s public cruises launch on easter Saturday with an evening fish and Chip Supper Cruise, followed on Sunday afternoon by an Afternoon Tea Cruise, Bank holiday Monday also has a special Afternoon Cruise. Thereafter there are public cruises every Thursday and Sunday with fish & Chip Supper Cruises on various friday and Saturday evenings.

The boat which carries 50 passengers also has monthly lunch Cruises to The Anchor in great Barford and Afternoon Tea Cruises to The Barns hotel, plus a monthly Jazz Cruise featuring top national and regional jazz trios.

The boat is fully licensed for drinks, has a 5 Star food Certificate, and is available for private functions and parties of all descriptions including wedding cruises. due to being run by volunteers prices are very reasonable and cruises can be booked online at www.johnbunyanboat.org, or by phoning 01908 690301.

“Landscape Journeys” Eagle Gallery, Bedford Saturday May 6–13

Bedford’s eagle gallery the not for profit artist co-operative will host a one woman show by renowned landscape artist gillian flack. gillian is inspired by her surroundings in east Bedfordshire and beyond. She describes herself as an oil painting addict preferring to paint outdoors even when the weather is unkind. gillian has exhibited at The royal institute of oil painters, The Society of Women Artists, the

Launch of children’s Writing Competition

Announcing the launch of John Bunyan Museum’s annual competition for school-age children and young people, ‘Sincerely, elizabeth Bunyan.’

We are asking you to imagine you are elizabeth Bunyan: your husband John has just been imprisoned for his beliefs. You have been left to look after the children, and must be strong and fight for his freedom. As elizabeth, write a 500 word letter to the powerful Judge hale, to plead and argue for his pardon and release.

Curator nicola Sherhod says: “elizabeth Bunyan is a forgotten heroine: she was brave and courageous. She tried over and again

Summer exhibition at the royal Academy and numerous local and regional galleries. her frequent travels have taken her and her brushes across europe, to America, india, Cuba and Morocco where she has adjusted her pallet to the contrasting environment. gillian uses the full richness of the oil paints resonance to create superbly constructed works.

The exhibition runs Saturday 6 May to 13 May from 10am to 5.30pm and you can meet the artist daily from 10.am to 1pm. The entry is free at the eagle gallery in Castle road, Bedford and this is an exhibition not to be missed.

to be heard by the Judges, and threw a letter into the coach of one of them as he passed, as well as visiting the Swan hotel to plead in front of an intimidating group of Judges, Justices and gentry.”

There are four age groups: school years 1-3, 4-6, 7-9, and 1013, with a first, second, and third prize in each of the categories.

Closing date for the competition is 5th June 2017, the winners will be announced prior to a presentation evening on Tuesday 4th July 2017.

The John Bunyan Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11am – 4pm (closed on good friday). Admission is free. for more details contact the Curator, nicola Sherhod, on 01234 270303 or e-mail curator@bunyanmeeting.co.uk www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk/museum

TO ADVERTISE IN THE BULLETIN please call Patricia on 07724 905406 or email: advertising@rosettapublishing.com

TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 email: advertising@rosettapublishing.com

BEDFORD BULLETIN APRIL 2017 — 31

A Great Music Festival For Lovers of Everything Vintage nce...

Following last year’s amazing sell-out success, we are excited to annou

TWINWOOD FESTIVAL • BEDFORDSHIRE • 25, 26, 27, 28 AUGUST 2017

• OVER 100 LIVE PERFORMANCES OF MUSIC FROM THE 1920S TO THE 1960S • THIRTEEN GREAT VENUES • ACRES OF DANCE FLOORS • 150 VINTAGE TRADERS • HAIR & BEAUTY • COMEDY & CABARET • DANCE WORKSHOPS • INTERESTING MUSEUMS • CLASSIC CAR DISPLAYS • GREAT BARS & FOOD INCL. CARVERY • LARGE CAMPSITE W/ GENEROUS PITCHES • GLAMPING & LUXURY CAMPING AVAILABLE • LATE NIGHT CLUBS & DJ SESSIONS

2017

TICKETS

ON SALE NOW

THE MANFREDS • SI CRANSTOUN • ROY G HEMMIN

GS • THE GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA THE REVOLUTIONAIRES • THE CHICAGO STOMPERS • DOWN FOR THE COUNT • ZOOT SERIOUS • JIVE ACES • MIKE SANCHEZ ELECTRIC SWING CIRCUS • FLEUR DE PARIS • STICK Y

WICKET • BASIN STREET BRAWLERS • THREE BELL J J KING • THE ZOOTS • LAURA B • BENOIT ES & THE BEVIN BOYS VIELLEFON • THE DAISY CHAINS • CHAMPAGNE CHAR LIE • BAMB OOZLE • BO WALTON & THE BISCUIT BOYS •

THUNDERBRIDGE BLUEGRASS • KING PLEASURE

DUSTY LIMITS • GOOD ROCKIN’ TONIGHT •

MUDIBU

& THE

JEZEBEL SEXTET • LOLA LAMOUR • MOSCOW DRUG

MAT WALKLATE & PAOLO FUSCHI • THE BOBCA CLUB KIERAN TOWERS & CHARLOTTE CARRIVICK • THE TS • THE GOAT ROPER RODEO BAND • LOUNG KING CATS • GREGGI G • COUNTRY CATTIN’ • E CAT IDEALS JOHNNY & THE JAILBIRDS • COCO BOHÈME • STILL-M OVING DJS • SWING NOIR

...PLUS MANY MORE - STILL TO BE ANNOUNCED!

to kets this year, it is advised tic for nd ma de h hig to e Du d” price. advantage of our “Early Bir e tak to o als d an , rly ea ok bo

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THREE ANDAHALF DAYS OF ENTERTAINMENT STARTING FROM FRIDAY 25TH AUGUST