Bedford bulletin june 2016

YOUR FREE COPY BEDFORD BOROUGH EDITION

BULLETIN

JUNE 2016

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BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2016 — 3

Cross-party team to boost frontline policing

Bedfordshire’s new PCC Kathryn holloway signed her oath of impartiality on Monday May 16 as she brought in a start-up team to help her boost frontline police from across politics in the county.

“I WILL ACT WITH INTEGRITY AND DILIGENCE IN MY ROLE”

At the Force’s Kempston HQ, accompanied by Assistant Chief Constable Mike Colbourne, Kathryn pledged to “serve all the people of Bedfordshire in the office of Police and Crime Commissioner,” and to “act with integrity and diligence in my role.”

Afterwards she said: “Being a Commissioner for all and demonstrating impartiality from the very outset is hugely important to me.

All that matters is getting the best people, with the necessary skills, to help me support the Chief Constable to provide the best possible policing in Bedfordshire. I hope it reassures the public that I am bringing in a team which promises to deliver precisely this irrespective of their past political allegiances.”

Kathryn’s first project as Commissioner, as promised in her election manifesto, is Project Boost the Frontline. The project aims to release as many of Bedfordshire’s existing police as possible from desk duties and provide support back into full service

for those on restricted duties, together with provision to help boost the morale of frontline officers.

Delivering the project, will be two short-term interim specialists on 100-day maximum contracts – John Guthrie, a highly experienced HR and Recruitment advisor who once stood as Mayor of Bedford for the Conservatives, and Simon Bullock, a former Deputy Chief of Staff within the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner under the former Labour PCC, who has spent the interim assessing Police and Crime Commissioners and best practice among the 43 police forces of England and Wales for the organisation CoPacc which Kathryn Holloway with her cross party team to boost the Bedfordshire compares PCCs. frontline of Simon Bullock (left) and John Guthrie (right).

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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.

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Layla is crowned by Bedford beauty queen

Crowds gathered outside Gallone’s ice-cream parlour in Bedford’s Arcade to watch the crowning of the very first Bedford May Princess competition.

This event, organised and supported by the businesses in the shopping arcade, was won by Layla, who was crowned by Miss england hopeful and current Miss Buckinghamshire, Giorgia davies from Bedford. in July, Giorgia will be heading to southport for the Miss england finals. if she wins, she will then head off to China to take part in the Miss world Competition.

The May Princess competition will be a yearly event and next year, it will be sponsored by bespoke cake company seventh heaven, who also operate from Layla is pictured here receiving her The Arcade.

Zulika wightman of Golden sash and crown from Miss Buckinghamshire Giorgia Davies.

Poppy events helped the businesses organise the May Princess competition, said: “This was just the first of a number of planned events to raise the profile of The Arcade and increase the number of shoppers it attracts. A bridal fair is one of the events which they are hoping to host in the near future.”

Layla was joined by her fellow finalists; rosie, Maria, Lacey, Tayla-Nicole, Ava, Chloe, Keira, star and Kimberley for an ice-cream party upstairs in Gallone’s with cakes supplied by seventh heaven.

CORRECTION: In last month’s report on the lighting of the Beacon on Bedford’s Castle Mound we gave the date as May and no the Mayor isn’t a ‘Time Lord’, it should of course been April, our apologies if you thought you lost a month!

BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2016 — 5

Take life or work in a new direction

Discover a fascinating hobby or interest, develop skills to move on at work, or start training for a whole new career – however you’re looking to spend your spare time, turn it into time well spent with part-time study at Bedford College.

Our new Part-time Course Guide is out now! Download your copy at www.bedford.ac.uk/parttime to find out about all our upcoming part-time courses

August 2016 – July 2017

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Study now, pay later with an Advanced Learner Loan If you’re aged 19 or over on the start date of your chosen course you can apply for a loan to cover the tuition fees for some of our courses. And with nothing to pay back until you’re earning over £21,000 per year, it’s a fantastic way to make part-time study more affordable. To find out more visit www.bedford.ac.uk/loans

Visit www.bedford.ac.uk/parttime or call 01234 291000 to find out more. *A Direct Debit instalments option is available for courses over £100. Please note a £20 charge applies if you choose to pay by instalments.

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BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2016 — 7

FROM LATVIA TO LONDON

Housing group picks up award

ALDWyCK Housing Group’s development, 1-4 St Paul’s Square, was voted the ‘Best Social or Affordable New Housing Development’ at the LABC central awards on April 22 at DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton, in Milton Keynes.

The buildings had gone unused for almost 40 years but have now been converted into ten affordable new homes, nine flats and one house, for local people in the centre of Bedford. The development was completed in June 2015 and tenants now occupy the restored properties and enjoy their new homes.

1-4 St Paul’s Square was awarded the best affordable new housing

development category which recognises developments of any scale.

Mayor for Bedford, Dave Hodgson was also present on the night and added: “These historic buildings sat lifeless in the heart of Bedford town centre for decades, and have been both preserved and revitalised.”

Simone Marsberg, Business Development Manager at Aldwyck Housing Group, said: ‘It’s brilliant that we’ve been recognised for 1-4 St Paul’s Square. Everybody’s hard work on bringing back to life a piece of Bedford’s history has truly paid off and we are all extremely proud of our efforts.”

Model and dancer Anastasija Kanina is off to the top London Studio Centre after training at Bedford College for two years.

Having completed Dance at Level 3, including working with Laban-trained choreographer Matthew-Jay Pratt, founder of the Yorkshire Academy of Creative Arts & Dance, Ana, aged 23, will now be taking up her place on a professional dance course in London.

Ana, who lives in Luton, hopes to complete her technical training and eventually become a dance teacher.

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8 — BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2016

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Lions roar

Tony Pyner President of Bedford Lions Club presented a cheque for £1000 to ron forster Chair of Bedford Guild house. The money was raised at our recent Grand National race night, held at Kempston indoor Bowls Club. several members of the two clubs are shown in the photograph.

Mum reaches finals of Blog Awards

A MuM-OF-TWO from Bedford is celebrating after reaching the finals of not one, but two national blog awards for parent bloggers.

Katie Gregory, who writes the blog There We Go, is one of just six finalists in the Best New Blog category of the MAD (Mum and Dad) Blog Awards, which are the uK’s biggest parenting blog awards.

She’s also made it into a shortlist of ten blogs in the Fresh Voice category of the BiB (Brilliance in Blogging) awards, which is organized by BritMums – the uK’s largest and most influential collective of lifestyle bloggers and social influencers.

The blog, There We Go, beat thousands of others and covers everything from uK and overseas travel, to irreverent parenting posts and tongue-in-cheek poems about family life. Posts have been shared by the likes of CBeebies and Mumsnet, and regularly appear on the Huffington Post.

Since she started posting regularly in January 2016, Katie’s blog has had an average of 22,000 readers a month. Her most popular post, 8 Home Truths I’d Go Back And Tell Myself As A New Mum, has been read just short of 100,000.

The award winners will be revealed at gala awards ceremonies in June and September 2016.

Sally Whittle, founder of the MAD Blog Awards, said: “Parent blogs are the new bible for modern parents – more than ten million of us turn to blogs for tips, entertainment and support every single month, and our finalists represent the very best of those blogs. It’s such a diverse community, with inspiring posts, pictures and videos on every topic you can imagine. Whether you’re looking for crafts, your next holiday or insightful creative writing.”

MONDAYS (All groups are open Bank Holidays) Kempston East Methodist Church Hall – KEMPSTON Foster Road (Behind NatWest) MK42 8DA Monday mornings 9.30am & 11.30am Susan 07717 870513 Centenary Hall – KEMPSTON Bedford Road (Behind Council) MK42 8BG Mondays 3.30pm, 5.30pm & 7.30pm Gerry 07592 314291

TUESDAYS St Marks Church Centre – BRICKHILL Calder Rise, Avon Drive MK41 7UY Tuesday mornings 9.30am & 11.30am Lorrie 01234 340473 St Marks Church Centre – BRICKHILL Calder Rise, Avon Drive MK41 7UY Tuesdays 3.30pm, 5.30pm & 7.30pm Lorrie 01234 340473 Bromham Lower School – BROMHAM Grange Lane Entrance, Bromham MK43 8NR Tuesdays 5.30pm & 7.30pm Susan 07717 870513 Lakeview Village Hall – WIXAMS Brooklands Avenue, Wixams MK42 6AB Tuesdays 5.30pm & 7.30pm Danielle 07462 444645

THURSDAYS HHHRe-Launching on the 16th JuneHHH Scott Hall Community Centre – BEDFORD Barford Avenue (Off London Road) MK42 0DS Thursday mornings 9.30am Holly 07968 719951 Wootton Village Memorial Hall – WOOTTON Bedford Road, Wootton MK43 9JB Thursdays 5.30pm & 7.30pm Linda 07912 484615 Castle Lower School – BEDFORD Goldington Road, Bedford MK40 3EP Thursdays 5.30pm & 7.30pm Danielle 07462 444645 Bedford Athletic Rugby Club – PUTNOE Wentworth Drive, Putnoe, Bedford, MK41 8QA Thursdays 5.30pm & 7.30pm Michelle 01234 347807 The Old School Hall – OAKLEY Lovell Road, Oakley MK43 7RX Thursdays 7.30pm Karen 07841 075100

FRIDAYS Bedford Athletic Rugby Club – PUTNOE Wentworth Drive, Putnoe, Bedford MK41 8QA Fridays 9.30am Michelle 01234 347807

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Scott Hall Community Centre – BEDFORD Barford Avenue (Off London Road) MK42 0DS Wednesdays 5.30pm & 7.30pm Holly 07968 719951

The Bedford Sixth Form – BEDFORD Bromham Road, Bedford MK40 2BS Saturday mornings 8.30am, 10.30am & 12.30pm Karen 07841 075100

10 — BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2016

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Rags to richness of talent

uPCyCLING raw talent into polished professionals is the mission of Bedford College. In Hair and Beauty, the evidence of this is presented every year at a fantastic show at the Bedford Corn Exchange.

Full and part-time students and apprentices demonstrate their creative skills and on May 12th the theme was: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

From bin bag dresses, to old newspaper headdresses, birds and bees accessories to garden crowns, the range of talent showed students to be men and women for ALL seasons.

Alongside the glamour was the Jagged Edge ‘crew collection’ of barbering cuts and stylish male make-overs.

Ian Pryce CBE Principal and CEO of Bedford College told the audience of 100s: “Reports this week have shown our college is the biggest and best, tonight we have proven we are also the most beautiful.”

The show was supported by a wide range of employers from across Bedfordshire including the BedfordBID which donated Love Bedford shopping vouchers as prizes.

To learn more about arts and creative courses as an alternative to school sixth form go to bedford.ac.uk

Adrienne Jessop U. Bristol Alison Brokenshire U. Bristol Uma Madhav U. Cardiff Hema Mistry U. London

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12 — BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2016

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Embankment’s history

DID you know what happened to Old Waterloo in Bedford? Or, that a Russian Crimea gun was once on show in the town? These and many other interesting facts are now displayed on an interpretation board on Bedford’s Embankment area.

It will help residents and visitors discover the fascinating history behind the town’s ‘Jewel in the Crown’.

Bedford tour guide and local historian David Fowler has delved deep into the Embankment’s past to highlight the rich and diverse heritage that has helped shape the picturesque area today.

The board, designed by Drawing Attention, covers topics such as the story behind the building of the Embankment Gardens, the Suspension Bridge, Longholme Boating Lake and the Bandstand.

David was awarded funding by Bedford Borough Council to produce the board, and he was supported in his research by the Bedfordshire Archives and Records Service. It is one of a number of history information boards David has been involved with around the town.

Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, said: “On behalf of the council I’d like to thank David Fowler and all those who con-

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Putting Earth Day in the picture

STuDENTS had an insight into careers in the Arts at Mark Rutherford recently; strains of a jazz saxophone were heard in the usually studious Space 4 Learning; alongside workshops on redesigning the school logo with local graphic artist Bally Meeda and listening to inspiring talks from local musicians, artists, editors and arts organisers, amongst others. Ex students and staff were also persuaded to return to share their successes and achievements.

“The whole place was buzzing with students jostling to talk to the musicians and artists” Careers Coordinator, Kath unwin.

“I enjoyed having the range of musicians there to talk about getting yourself out there and actually getting known in the industry” Music student

“Thank you for the business meeting this morning, I met lots of really interesting people in parts of the industry I didn’t realise were so crucial. I’ve made strong connections that will help encourage hobbies of mine to a possible career path and I’m feeling so positive about the morning and my future in the creative arts.” Performing Arts student “I’ve got to say I’m so impressed with it all, such an amazing opportunity for the students and something that is very needed in teaching in the arts so congratulations to you. Great speakers, good interaction and well organised.” Michael Naylor, Professional Dancer This is just one of the many events run by Mark Rutherford’s award winning Business Partnership team.

Large boards were painted with globes and green tops were used on the land areas and blue tops to cover the oceans. The backgrounds were black with white bottle tops stuck on as stars and a variety of other tops made a colourful outer border.

Ruth Wilkes the head teacher at Castle Newnham was delighted to work with Hazeldene to contribute to this important international event, she said: “The children at our schools are very aware of the ecological issues facing the planet. This was a great opportunity for the schools in the Castle Newnham federation to work together to raise awareness of environmental protection on this special day.”

“Our children thoroughly enjoyed making the collage,” said Hazeldene Lower head teacher Helen Ward. Every child in the school stuck a bottle top on the collage and they felt as if the were making a real contribution to Earth Day.” Earth Day is an annual event, celebrated on April 22, on which day events worldwide are held to demonstrate support for environmental protection. It was first celebrated in 1970, and is now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network, and celebrated in more than 192 countries each year.

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TONI the owner of Whiskers & Tails in Bedford, launched her pet sitting and dog walking business nearly three years ago, and says that more and more people in the area are requiring the services of quality dog walkers and pet sitters.

She now has over 200 clients in the Bedford area who she and her team members help when they’re either at work, or on holiday, and need their pets looking after.

“It’s an absolute joy and a pleasure to be around the animals all day.

The customers love it too because it takes the guilt away from them,

worrying that their pet isn’t getting enough attention.

“All the dogs get walked on a 1:1 basis and the cats are given tons of fuss. Now that we’re getting into the summer, things really heat up in terms of bookings, as most people are jetting off for their holidays,” says Toni. She caters for cat visits, dog walking, reptile sitting, small pet boarding and even a pet taxi service which transports pets to and from the vets/groomers etc.

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tributed to the project. We are really pleased with the interpretation board and we hope it will be enjoyed for many years to come. It’s a great addition to the Embankment and provides a fascinating insight into the area’s rich history.”

THE importance of recycling was highlighted by pupils from Castle Newnham and Hazeldene school on Earth Day, in April.

Both schools busily collected plastic bottle tops that they then used to create recycled bottle top collages in both schools.

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BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2016 — 13

Marking Autism week

Primary children of Castle Newnham have made 1,000 paper cranes to raise money for their own special sensory room, as part of Autism Awareness Week.

According to an ancient Japanese legend the Gods will grant anyone who folds a thousand origami cranes a wish. The crane, a large heron-like bird, is one of the mystical or holy creatures of Japan (others include the dragon and the tortoise) and is said to live for a thousand years.

That is why 1,000 cranes are made, one for each year.

The children are selling the cranes every day during this week after school in the playground for donations towards the sensory room, which will benefit children in the school who have Autistic spectrum condition but also the younger children who learn through their senses.

The room will offer a calm area for the children to explore touch, light, textures and sounds.

During the week the school is holding a range of other fundraising activities including a ‘sponsored bounce’ and a ‘dare to be different’ mufti day.

Castle Newnham head teacher Ruth Wilkes said: ‘” I am really proud of the fact that we have been able to play our part in raising

awareness of autism as well as some funds for this really good cause.

“It is really important to me that we make our contribution as a federation to ensuring that our children grow up in a world where autism is better understood and people with autism better supported, valued, included and appreciated. Well done to the children, staff and parents on the Castle site for all of their efforts and enthusiasm.”

Castle Newnham is a school that offers a straight through education for children from nursery to 16 years old. For more information about the school follow them on twitter @CastleNewnham or call 01234 303403.

L-R - Mikel Berrebi, Regional Managing Director Bouygues UK; Mayor of Bedford Borough Dave Hodgson; Axel Boutrolle, Regional Director Bouygues Development.

Construction milestone reached BOuyGuES Development, the property development company, its joint venture partner Coplan Estates and main contractor Bouygues uK today held an event to mark construction progress at Riverside North, their £36 million (GDV) mixed-use leisure led town centre regeneration project in central Bedford.

The event, which celebrated the development reaching its full struc-

tural height, was attended by Mayor of Bedford Dave Hodgson, as well as Philip Simpkins, Chief Executive of Bedford Borough Council, and senior representatives of Bouygues Development, Coplan Estates and Bouygues uK. Riverside North is situated on the North bank of the River Great Ouse, directly south of Bedford’s commercial centre and to the west of the historic St Paul’s Square.

14 — BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2016

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Shortstown Primary put their best foot forward Remembering

THE children of Shortstown Primary School and Sustrans are celebrating the start of Walk to School Week with the Smoothie Bike and some healthy treats handed out by Cllr Charles Royden.

Sustrans are working with Shortstown Primary to promote walking, cycling and scooting to school in a project funded by The Harpur Trust, Bedford Borough Council and Wixamtree Trust.

Shortstown Primary has been working really hard to encourage their pupils and parents to leave the car at home and actively travel to school. In a recent competition the school recorded that 33% of their pupils cycled or scooted to school.

Cllr Charles Royden, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Transport at Bedford Borough Council, said: “It is really important that our children live healthy lives. To achieve this, walking or cycling to school is a step in the right direction. Not only is it great for keeping children active, it’s also good for the environment.”

One in three primary school children leave school either overweight or obese. Walk to School Week aims to raise awareness of the positive effects of walking for

those that died at the Battle of the Somme

THE Royal British Legion is to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme with an ‘honour walk’ in Bedford on Saturday July 9.

The Legion is commemorating the centenary of the Battle of the Somme, one of the principal battles of the First World War which took place in France from 1 July until 18 November 1916.

The Battle of the Somme was fought at such terrible cost that it has children’s physical and mental health. Children and come to symbolise the tragic futility parents walking to school also reduces congestion on the of the First World War. Its first day roads as one in five cars in the morning rush hour are on of conflict remains the bloodiest day the school run. in the history of the British Army and it was felt deeply at home, in particular in those towns and villages which had raised Pals battalions and suffered horrible losses.

The 100th anniversary of the Somme provides an opportunity to commemorate the service and sacrifice of those who lost their lives in the battle, to reflect upon the human cost of conflict and to have hope for a more peaceful world.

The walk will take place at Priory Country Park, Bedford, on July 9, beginning at 10.30am.

Those wishing to participate are asked to meet at the Visitor Centre.

People can choose between a 2km or 10km walk.

There is disabled access, parking, refreshments and toilets on site, accompanied dogs are welcome.

Local vice-chairman of the Royal Engineers Association, Terry Darlow, said: “Join us in Priory Country Park Bedford, home of our special Bedford Honour Walk.

Come along and you will be helping ■ Windows o n raise much needed funds for our for a y ■ uPVC Doors, Composite a d wounded, injured and sick Armed t o t a l h l Doors Ca nc Forces personnel and their families o i t a past and present. With two great oblig ■ French Doors, Patio Doors, walk lengths to choose from. There’s Bifold Doors a whole lot of fun to discover along ■ Conservatories the way.”

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BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2016 — 15

16 — BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2016

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Moves to secure hospital

BEDFORD Borough Council is leading the fight to save vital services at Bedford Hospital.

The Council has commissioned specialist work to help secure a sustainable future for the hospital, retaining the key services on which so many Borough residents depend. The Council is working with Bedford Hospital and Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group and intends to show decisionmakers that the hospital can retain key services.

The latest Healthcare Review of Bedford and Milton Keynes Hospitals could result in Bedford Hospital losing vital services such as A&E, maternity and paediatrics despite the Borough’s growing and ageing population. This has been causing worry and uncertainty amongst hospital staff and patients.

The Council’s support for the hospital is set down in a joint statement by the Mayor and Council Group Leaders which explains: “This is a united decision from all political parties at Bedford Borough Council, with the Elected Mayor and all Group Leaders in agreement that this is necessary to protect our Hospital and its services.

Following consultation with Bedford Hospital, Bedford Borough Council is working with PricewaterhouseCoopers to help develop a plan for a better and more secure future for the hospital.

EU Facts from Fuller

GOVERNMENT & Politics is a key subject among the 30+ A Levels taught by experts at The Bedford Sixth Form. No one is more expert in the subject than MP Richard Fuller, Conservative MP and currently part of the ‘Brexit’ camp in the Eu debate.

At the personal invitation of a group of students, Richard visited The Bedford Sixth Form on Monday April 25th to talk those who will be first time voters at the Eu Referendum on June 23rd.

Assistant Head Pauline Kendall said: “Having actual politicians in the classroom bring studies to life.

We have had representatives from all parties here for debates and discussions at different times, which our students really enjoy.”

Subjects on offer at A Level at the 16+ only Sixth Form include many not available at smaller school sixth forms. These include Computer Science, Drama, Films Studies, Government & Politics, German, Spanish and Textiles The Bedford Sixth Form was the highest performing ‘state sixth form’ in Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire for students achieving three or more A-Levels. Details on how to apply on bedfordsixth form.ac.uk It was also only one of two providers out of nine to add ‘academic value’ at A-Levels in Bedford Borough.

Said Richard Fuller MP, a member of the House of Commons Business Innovation and Skills Committee: “It is a pleasure to be challenged in debate by the bright minds of tomorrow’s university students.”

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BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2016 — 17

18 — BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2016

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Taste of England cuisine THE culinary tables were turned recently when a group of visiting French students were given a chance to cook some English cuisine.

During a visit to Bedford, students from the College Jean Marie Pelt in northeast France were welcomed by pupils at Castle Newnham to try their hand at baking some traditional English food such as scones for a classic cream tea.

They also enjoyed working together on a number of other activities during the day including sport and lessons on the language of Shakespeare.

Everyone enjoyed the visit and the schools are hoping to further

develop their links and arrange an exchange visit in the future.

Head Teacher Ruth Wilkes said: “We really value our international links at Castle Newnham. It was wonderful to see pupils from France working alongside our own pupils in a range of activities and helping each other to overcome linguistic barriers.

“If any parents would like to talk to us about our exciting plans for languages and international links as we develop our all-through provision to 16 please do get in touch.”

For more information about Castle Newnham follow them on twitter @CastleNewnham.

SuNDAy 24th April saw hundreds of Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers from across Bedford join in a parade to mark St George’s Day. Starting at Harpur Square there was a short ceremony presided over

by Mayor Dave Hodgson then the Putnoe Scouts, along with all the representatives from across the Bedford Scouting movement, paraded along the Embankment to the Bandstand.

Here, for the first time in Bedford’s history, there was a ‘Scouting Bandstand TakeOver’ with loads of games, events, and fun activities to take part in. Not only that but this marked the start of

Putnoe Scouts on parade

the annual Bridge Walk, a very important date in the Scouting Calendar, which raises hundreds of pounds for the charity.

Group Scout Leader Michelle Davis said: “We were very proud of all our boys and girls today. There was an amazing turnout, the largest we have ever had.” Michelle added: “Not only were we honoured to mark St George’s Day, but it was fantastic to see so many people take part in the Bridge Walk and then enjoy all the fun activities at our Bandstand ‘Take-Over.”

Putnoe Scouts are looking for more volunteers email: enquiries @putnoescouts.org

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BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2016 — 19

Skills Minister applauds Bedford innovation

BEDFORD is combatting the digital skills shortage with forward-thinking companies and advanced education providers.

MP Richard Fuller invited Minister of State for Skills and Equalities Nick Boles MP to join a platform alongside MatsSoft, a local technology business which has recently established an innovation centre in Bedford with international civil engineers Mott MacDonald.

Also on the panel were Ian Pryce CBE Principal and CEO of Bedford College and Toby Thompson, Director of Networked Learning at Cranfield university.

Richard Fuller MP, is a member of the House of Commons Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) Committee who said: “The digital revolution means the whole way we work will be completely changed - we are lucky to be supported here in Bedford by two institutions: Bedford College and Cranfield university.

The Minister outlined four initiatives which will act as cornerstones of a forward thinking skills plan. These include government changes in the approach to funding apprenticeships via a new levy and the introduction of an independent Institute for Apprenticeships that would allow businesses to control how apprenticeships are delivered.

Ian Pryce talked about the need for ‘digital literacy’ across all age groups to support businesses and how the college was responding to that with 2,000 people going through computer courses at its High Street centre. Meanwhile World Class IT training with Higher or degreelevel learning was delivered at the Cauldwell Street campus. Apprenticeships were the way to combine advanced level IT training with the real

100 boats already for River Festival

The 19th bi-annual Bedford River Festival will take place on Saturday 16th – Sunday 17th July.

The 2014 festival saw visitor’s numbers reach an amazing 250,000. This year’s River Festival promises to be even more popular with 100 boats already signed up to attend, twenty three of which have not been seen at the event previously.

Events on the river include competitions for the best decorated narrow boats and cruisers; an illuminated boat parade; kayak slalom; the ever popular Dragonboat races on Saturday, and raft racing on Sunday.

In addition, 2016 marks 850 years since the signing of the Royal Charter by King Henry II. The charter granted new rights and powers to the people of Bedford and the River Festival will host a twelfth century village on honour of this special anniversary.

Program details are yet to be finalised and Bedford Borough Council’s events team are still accepting applications for participation in the Dragonboat races, raft races, and the Carnival Parade.

life experience young people needed to become valuable employees or entrepreneurs.

MatsSoft has won global recognition for its Low-code technology which enables business to achieve digital transformation without needing coding skills.

“This was a great opportunity to introduce people to the Low-code business-tailored technology we are now offering companies in partnership with an international innovator. We have a local MP who is helping to put Bedford on the national skills stage which is win, win for business,” said Martin Scovell, CEO of MatsSoft, “Businesses that want to build new customerfacing apps fast face a huge barrier: the digital skills drought. It is estimated that from 20152017, demand for mobile app development serv-

ices will grow at least five times faster than internal IT teams’ capacity to deliver them. In the uK, digital developer talent is so scarce it’s been added to the government’s Shortage Occupation Lists.

“With so few skilled developers available, businesses need a new approach – and with Low‑code, they get it. MATS Low‑code emphasises visual configuration, making it easy to use for people with few or no formal technical skills.

“Business users with knowledge of Excel, MS Access or process mapping can very quickly start using MATS Low‑code to design and develop working apps – rapidly expanding the internal developer pool without needing to find or hire digital talent.”

20 — BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2016

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View from

Bishop Richard

by Rt Revd Richard Atkinson Bishop of Bedford

RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES

FROM my home I look out onto Howard House, the former residence of John Howard the eighteenth century High Sheriff of Bedfordshire and prison reformer; a man, who through insights from his extensive visits to prisons, brought reform to the penal system. It is a vision of a more humane prison system that has inspired people down the ages, not least the work of the eponymous Howard League for Penal Reform. yet despite this campaigning work, and the conscientious efforts of many, prisons continue to struggle to address the problems with which many arrive in prison, including addiction to drugs and alcohol, low educational attainment, and limited skills. In recent years the reoffending rate has stayed pretty constant. It is disturbing to read in the 2015 Bromley Briefing (which marshalls prison statistics) that ‘levels of purposeful activity were judged unacceptable in three-quarters of prisons inspected’. In contrast where there is quality training and links with employers, such as Timpsons or the National Grid, the impact is noticeable and re-offending drops sharply.

Today, as I write this, the Queen’s Speech announced a Prison and Reform Bill which promises new ‘Reform’ prisons with an emphasis on ‘training, rehabilitation and education’, as well as greater transparency on statistics of reoffending and post-release employment. This is a welcome vision, but there will need to be the resources to enable its delivery.

In the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 4, Jesus reads in his local synagogue from the prophet Isaiah: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour. Sometimes called the ‘Jesus manifesto, they are words of liberation. Among those listed are ‘captives’ and whilst this is not a call to mass escape from our prisons, it is a summons to ensure that our justice system is not just about punishment, but also rehabilitation and restoration. It is that ‘release’ that enables the offender to resume their place in society with hope and possibility. The very vision that my historic neighbour championed all those years ago!

email: pat@rosettapublishing.com

In Focus with

Alistair

by Rt Hon Alistair Burt MP

IT’S THE RIGHT THING

IT WILL not be long before you cast your vote in the Referendum.

Forgive me for writing about it, when you may already have heard enough, but this is important for you, your family and friends, and for the future.

As the MP for NE Bedfordshire, my vote counts the same as yours, no more or less. But I do think you have a right to know my view. I will vote to remain in the Eu. This is not half hearted, or after much agony. I believe absolutely that it is the right thing for the uK and its people.

We are better off, stronger and safer through remaining. I look to the voices of those who represent business, big and small, to the trade unions who represent workers, to the Bank of England with its awesome responsibilities for our financial stability, to the NFu for our farmers – all of them believe that your best interests are served by staying in.

I believe passionately that the reason I and others born from 1945 onwards have not had to be in uniform to fight in France, Italy, or Germany like so many of our forebears whose names are etched in war memorials across Bedfordshire, is because those whose lands were destroyed in the second world war, and were occupied, built something in the Eu to prevent it happening again. But if you aren’t sure of that, and quite rightly thank NATO for its fantastic work, do realise that NATO leaders want us to stay in the Eu too.

World leaders, from President Obama to Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull, want us to stay.

Our national security experts, former MI6 heads, believe we are safer remaining in. we have a European Arrest Warrant that ensured a terrorist suspect was returned quickly to the uK and faced justice. We control our own borders, because we are not part of the continental Schengen system, so can scrutinise the passports of Eu citizens, and refuse entry to those we believe could be a risk.

By contrast, a vote to leave is a leap in the dark, with so many uncertainties. you have a vital choice to make. I wish you well in your decision.

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BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2016 — 21

In Focus with

In Focus with

Fuller

Dave

Richard Fuller MP for Bedford & Kempston

LET’S SEND THE ZOMBIE REVIEW TO ITS GRAVE

ASIDE from referring to the undead, a Zombie can also be defined as “a person who has no energy, seems to act without thinking, and does not notice what is happening.” In this sense, the NHS imposed Bedford-Milton Keynes Hospital Healthcare Review is a “Zombie Review”.

It is not that the individuals involved in the multi-year, multimillion pound fiasco are not caring, thoughtful people.

In the main, each of them is both caring and thoughtful. The zombie is this healthcare review process itself.

Despite overwhelming evidence that trying to merge Bedford and Milton Keynes hospitals will fail to save money, fail to raise healthcare quality and fail to gain the support of local people, the Zombie Review ploughs on and on, regurgitating mantras that are bereft of logic and meaning.

The relentlessness of the process now appears designed to grind down opposition to its abject failings, to exhaust opposition, and then to impose by diktat its own flawed “solutions”.

For over two years now, all local parties, local doctors and local hospital specialists and managers have united in opposition to the review’s failings and cooperated to identify alternative solutions.

Bedford Hospital has done well in its recent Care Quality review and, unlike Milton Keynes Hospital, has reduced rather than increased its deficit.

Bedford Hospital is amongst the top in the country for A&E performance. yet the Zombie Review keeps rising again.

There is still hope that, belatedly, the Zombie Healthcare Review will be sent to its grave permanently – finally vanquished by its own incoherence.

If not, let the members of the review be under no illusion – the people will not accept such a blatantly unjust imposition of a ”solution” we neither want nor believe in.

by Dave Hodgson Mayor of Bedford

RIVERSIDE NORTH GOOD FOR TOWN CENTRE

THE uK High Street is in crisis. Last year, net closures of shops reached 500, continuing a trend seen year after year nationally. Causes include the rise of online and out-of-town shopping, both of which are here to stay as major features of the retail sector.

If town centres don’t change in response to this new landscape, they will wither and in some cases die. I’m pleased to say that’s certainly not what is happening in Bedford. We are pursuing a clear vision of a town which is an attractive destination its own right, for shopping but also for leisure, culture, events and food and drink. A town centre should also be a place to live, and not somewhere that hollows out after shopping hours.

Progress towards fulfilling this vision has already been achieved in a number of ways, including the redevelopment of the Higgins Bedford and the ongoing heritage-based High Street scheme which is restoring historic features.

Meanwhile, one major project will contribute to all parts of the vision, namely Riverside North. This will see land which was previously the site of council office towers and parking transformed to host a seven-screen cinema, riverside restaurants, two public squares, apartments and a hotel.

This £36 million development will create 250 jobs and boost footfall by hundreds of thousands, benefitting the wider town centre. It has been a real commercial success so far. Big names such as Vue Cinemas, Wagamama, Zizzi, Premier Inn and many more have made long-term commitments, delivering a major vote of confidence in Bedford.

Construction is well underway, and the topping out ceremony to mark reaching the full height took place last month.

Riverside North has risen rapidly from the ground, and is also helping Bedford rise to the challenge of a changing landscape for town centres.

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22 — BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2016

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The future’s brighter six stone lighter

WITH summer only a few weeks away, we begin to get excited about longer nights, bbqs and holidays! But if donning your beach wear fills you with dread you are not alone. This was Holly three years ago.

“We were on a family holiday, but instead of feeling relaxed and carefree I was constantly worried about how I looked in my bikini. I felt so uncomfortable and upset that I knew I had to do something about it.”

She decided to join a slimming group and has never looked back. Holly, from Bedford, went on to lose over six stone with Slimming World and is so pleased with her success that she is opening her own class to help others.

Holly joined the slimming group in January 2013 after her weight spiralled out of control.

“I have been overweight since I was a child but it was whilst at university it really piled on. I went on holiday abroad but felt so unhappy about how I looked I knew something had to change. A week later I joined a local group and my journey began and there’s been no looking back!”

Holly admits to being nervous when she initially joined. “I was scared about stepping on the scales for the first

time but everyone in my class was so welcoming and inspiring I couldn’t wait to go back the next week.”

Holly explains: “the thing I love about the plan is it’s not restrictive like all the diets I’ve ever tried. It’s great that at meal times we can still all tuck into the same meals we have always enjoyed. A few changes & most recipes can be made healthier.

We especially love the Lasagne, shepherd’s pie and fish and chips! Even my 18 month old son clears his plate and my husband loves the food too. It’s great to know I will never go hungry. I can eat until I’m full (and I do!) and still have a little bit of a treat when my son goes to bed.”

Not only has Holly lost over six stones she’s also lost four dresses sizes too! “I know a lot of people worry about joining a slimming club because, like me, they don’t know what to expect but, we are all in this together and I will be here for you every step of the way. I understand the challenges of combining work & family life, and finding time to cook fresh wholesome meals but I’m living proof that it can be done!”

Holly explains how life has changed for her and her family. “I’m so full of energy now! I have found a new

love for running; I enjoy playing football with my son and dancing around our living room. I could never do that before because I always felt too tired, out of breath or just too self-conscious to try.”

Four months after getting to her target weight Holly went away on holiday again with her family. “It felt like a dream come true wearing a size 10 bikini, I couldn’t have done it without the support of my group.

Holly is thrilled to have relaunched the Slimming World group at Scott Hall off Barford Avenue, which meets every Thursday morning at 9:30. “I want to give people the opportunity I was given

by Slimming World, and if you have ever thought about losing weight! Trust me, this is the place to be, I’d love to see you there!”

If you would like more information about this class call Holly directly on 07968719951.

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BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2016 — 23

Balancing Taking part in national event the books in EU debate

TALENTED HNC/D 3D Design students from Bedford College are taking part for the first time in an international event.

BEDFORD-BASED MHA The superstar seven are seeking MacIntyre Hudson chartered sponsorship for their stand where accountants have led the debate on their work will be alongside that of the impact on businesses of the Eu the most famous design universities In-Out vote on June 23rd. in the uK. Known locally as an FE At an event at Bedford Rugby college for post-16 students, Club on May 27th, MacIntyre Bedford College has in fact a Hudson invited Bedford & national reputation for the arts and Kempston MP Richard Fuller and advanced technology.

East of England MEP Richard They will be taking part in Howitt to discuss the pros and cons www.newdesigners.com in London of the issue. in July 6th - 9th.

Many leading local Bedfordshire Ian Pryce CBE Principal and companies attended and the debate CEO of Bedford College says: “Our was to be chaired by Professor Joe South Bank Arts Centre is a showNellis of Cranfield university. case of the sort of talent which peoSaid MacIntyre Hudson ple expect to see in London, which is Bedford-based Partner Andrew turn leads the world with innovative Moyser, whose specialisms include arts and technology.” international business: “The Corporate sponsors can contact Referendum result will impact us all the team member Peter Cowdy on and it’s important that we make an petercowdy@gmail.com and indiinformed decision. Our proactive viduals can donate via https://crowdapproach means that we look f u n d i n g . j u s t g i v i n g . c o m / beyond compliance to address mar- BedfordND16 ket and global affairs that affect The students taking part are: organisations and individuals.”

Greg hinds of Bedford An A seminar will be held at ‘endeavouring’ product and furniMacintyre hudson offices in ture designer who was shortlisted Grove Place, Bedford on Tuesday from 100s to the last 40 of a Design september 13th at 5pm.

Factory competition for his window boxes. In the New Designers event he will be showing his hexagonal dividing wardrobe.

Jack hughes of sandy An aspiring Product Designer. One of my recent projects set by the Design LAST summer on Father’s Day, Museum is focused on sustainability

Leyla singing of Fathers’ Day

Kiosk at the Park bustled with life and song. Local musician Leyla Burrows put together a set list that spanned years and genres!

Children sang Let it Go with gusto, everyone sang harmonies and clapped rhythms to Happy and we remembered years gone by with We’ll meet again. We were accompanied by local musicians and spoilt with Pimms, strawberries and cream by Emma Garrett, Charlie Fay and the Kiosk team.

This summer, we will be spoilt again! Come to the Kiosk on June 18th at 2pm to indulge in an hour of summer singing. Team Kiosk will be hosting and Leyla will be helping you sing like you’ve never sang before!

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where I have tackled the issue of small scale living in the uK. Casey freed-dowling of Bedford With a background in Fine Art I chose the 3D Design HNC to explore multiple creative avenues.

The expertise and enthusiasm of the tutors and technicians was a deciding factor in my relocating from Scotland to study at Bedford College.

Peter Cowdy of Leighton Buzzard My road to study 3D Design has been the culmination of personal, creative exploration which more recently took huge inspiration from fantasy model-making and led me to focus on sculpting character models and sets. william saunders of flitton I have always been inspired by my surroundings, taking from this and

using it with my design projects.

Continuing on and progressing with my passion for design, I am inspired to join university to study product design – unlocking new potential and skills.

Nicki dickens of Bedford During my time at college I have experimented with various pathways including jewellery, furniture and lighting. Through these disciplines I have developed experience with a multitude of materials which in turn has enhanced my creativity. fatima Manji of Bedford I keep myself updated with the creative world as much as the scientific one. My previous study in psychology has given me an insight of the complexity of human beings, which I find inspiring.

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24 — BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2016

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Engineering career prospects

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ADVANCES in modern engineering are mirrored at Bedford College and demonstrated by successful apprenticeship partnerships with leading companies. young people are being prepared for the new world of work with a combination of quality employment experiences and college class and practical studies.

At recent event, parents from across Bedfordshire were able to witness the care taken by Bedford College to help young people into satisfying jobs with great prospects.

Among the companies looking for apprentices were: wady’s electrical, who have been trading in Bedford for more than 50 years Airlander hybrid Vehicles who have been in the national news and have featured Bedford College apprentices on their company film. edmundson electrical in

Hudson Road are one of a nationwide organisation offering a wide range of careers.

Bourns of Bedford Heights has been a leading global supplier of high quality electronic components.

Axis electronics, also of Bedford Heights, works with aerospace, oil and gas, defence and other industries.

Lockheed Martin is an international organisation with a base at Ampthill and apprentices who study at Bedford College.

Acuigen an innovative market research company at the Innovation Centre at Cranfield, university Way. Vauxhall of Luton works closely with Bedford College with apprentices across many disciplines.

Anyone interested in careers with the biggest and best employers in Bedfordshire should visit www.bedford.ac.uk

Dominic publishes sci-fi novel

LAST month Bedford Modern School student Dominic Hodgson (year 13) published his first novel Gift of the Mancynn, an impressive science fiction tale about a teenager who receives visits from mysterious figures. The novel which is published by Ravenswood Publishing is now available on Amazon as an eBook and paperback.

18-year-old Dominic, who is actively involved in Performance Arts at Bedford Modern School both as an actor and director, decided to be an author at the age of five. He said: “I’m really excited that Gift of the Mancynn has been accepted by Ravenswood Publishing.

“I’ve already finished writing my second novel Archk of Angels which is currently being edited and my third novel is underway!”

Stephen Bywater, Head of English at BMS, and himself a published author, said: “Dominic has been working on his tetralogy since year 8 and it is wonderful that he has now achieved, with true grit and dedication, his burning ambition.

His love of sci-fi and fantasy is embedded in every page and I, for one, have never read anything quite like it. It takes you to places and other dimensions, shakes foundations and nimbly overturns reality.

I’m certainly looking forward to the day when Dominic’s Dr Who scripts are turned into full-blown episodes.

“Steven Moffat and Neil Gaiman had better watch out, there’s a new kid on the block!”

Dominic’s tutor Rachel Gleeson added: “Dominic is a hardworking, conscientious young-man who will be going to the university of

Birmingham in September; he has received an unconditional offer to read English and Creative Writing where he is keen to hone his skills.

“His studies in Maths, Physics, English and Theatre Studies have all contributed to his writing. Dominic is passionate about writing and has written scripts for his Theatre Studies A-level as well as his novel, he would love to further his repertoire with screenwriting (which he has completed an EPQ on).

“We wish Dominic all the best with his forthcoming exams, with university and his writing career.”

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BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2016 — 25

Field to Bedford’s UK No1 Thai Fighter fork

ONE of London’s most acclaimed new chefs has been cooking for a select few in a Bedfordshire village.

Bruno Loubet, from the Grain Store restaurant in London, held a ‘pop-up restaurant’ at a farm shop in Broom near Biggleswade on Saturday 14th May. This intimate event gave a ‘field to fork’ experience, highlighting the home produced rare breed pork and Dexter beef, of local livestock farmer and Farm Shop owner Philip Jellis.

Bruno lives in Bedfordshire and is an admirer of the farming methods of Philip, who not only rears his own livestock but butchers them himself and sells the meat directly at his farm shop.

One of the guests included Pierre Koffmann from the Berkeley hotel in London who met some of the animals on the farm before enjoying a four course seasonal feast cooked by Bruno.

The aim of the event was to highlight the importance of food provenance, sustainability and shopping locally.

Philip Jellis, owner of Parkside farm and farm shop, said: “Meat is all about taste, which means how they are cared for and how the meat is butchered, which I do myself. It is also all about provenance.

We own and rear our own cattle, of which we have 15, and pigs and sheep. They are all either on this site or in fields in the area and nothing is taken away or added. It is first class meat, reared and butchered locally.

This means our meat tastes as it should.”

Bruno, who is known for innovative ways of cooking vegetables at the Grain Store, said: “It is important that food is properly sourced and I am looking forward to cooking this meal for Philip’s guests!”

BEDFORD can boast its own champion in the brutal sport of Thai boxing.

Dan McGowan at just 20 is the uK number one Bantam weight Muay Thai fighter.

Muay Thai is known as the ‘art of eight limbs’ as it uses eight points of contact which mimic weapons of war. It uses punches, kicks, elbows and knee strikes.

Dan, who lives in Goldington, Bedford, started the sport as a ten-year-old boy, as much for the training as the fighting. It was soon obvious he was very good at Muay Thai. He became junior world champion, up to the age of 16, three times.

Since becoming a senior, he has fought all over the world, in the uSA, Japan, and, of course Thailand, where it is the national sport.

As well as the fighting, which can be brutal, with severe cuts to the head often how a fight is stopped, there are many rituals that have to be followed, as the sport has its own customs which go back hundreds of years.

There are usually five rounds of three minutes and the scoring is complex.

As a senior Dan has had 27 fights, with 22 wins, four losses and one draw, a remarkable record in such a competitive sport.

Dan said: “It can be brutal, with a lot of cuts caused by kicks to the head and you can be knocked out.

“Legs take the most damage and it can take between a week to a month to recover from a fight. It is a young man’s sport – or young woman’s, as women fight as well.

“My goal is to beat one of the top boxers from Thailand, because that can make you a legend. Not many have done that.”

Let’s hope Dan can achieve his goal.

His next chance is at the O2 Arena in London on June 11.

Go and support him and give another reason for Thailand to love this part of the world!

Museum volunteers nominated for award

THE John Bunyan Museum & Library, Mill street has exciting news to report this month, as a number of our volunteers have been nominated for various awards; in the second annual ‘SHARE Volunteer Awards for Museums in the East’.

Janet Lindsay, our has been nominated in the category of ‘Education Volunteer.’ Naomi Sherman and Josie Page have been nominated for their much needed admin help ‘Behind the Scenes.’ The Museum’s team of dedicated, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic volunteer Stewards have been nominated for the ‘Front of House Volunteers’ award.

The museum wanted to highlight the outstanding effort and time our volunteers have contributed during 2015. Last year our Curator was highly commended in the ‘Volunteer Managers’ category.

The SHARE Volunteer Awards received an impressive 69 nominations from 46 different museums around the Eastern region.

Nominations were received from museums all sizes as the awards scheme seeks to recognise the valuable contribution that volunteers make to museums and their communities.

Of the regional scheme, Simon Floyd of SHARE Museums East

said, ‘These Awards are an ideal chance to celebrate the importance of volunteers to museums, showcase the range of roles that volunteers undertake, and demonstrate the diversity of the people who offer their time as volunteers. In addition, through these awards, SHARE can highlight best practice in both volunteering and volunteer management.’

The judging panel is sitting in the middle of May and the winners will be announced at a celebration and awards evening with drinks and canapes on 9 June at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge. A group of representatives from our museum will be present – so please keep your fingers crossed!

Further information and a full list

of those nominated can be found at: http://sharemuseumseast.org.uk/vol unteer-awards/ The SHARE Volunteer Awards for Museums in the East is a collaboration between SHARE Museums East at Norfolk Museums Service and the university of Cambridge Museums. The Awards are funded

by Arts Council England through their Museum Development programme, managed in the region by SHARE Museums East.

The John Bunyan Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday 11.00am – 4.00pm and admission is free.

For more details on volunteering contact the Curator Nicola Sherhod on 01234 270303 or email curator@bunyanmeeting.co.uk

26 — BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2016

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JUNE IN THE GARDEN – by Milton Ernest Garden Centre

This month I want to introduce you to some special perennial and bedding plants that are great additions to any garden. If your patio is in full sun for most of the day Agryanthemum Everest, a pure white Marguerite Daisy with a bright yellow centre, is any easy plant to grow. The foliage is silvery and so the plant does not lose water at the same rate as plants with green foliage. Therefore less watering is required. Begonia Glowing Embers with bright orange flowers and Dark Elegance with deep red flowers are also plants resistant to certain dry conditions so useful if you are only able to water at irregular intervals.

Dahlia Goldalia Scarlet, a zany colorette dahlia, has bright scarlet petals with a striking buttercup yellow inner ring while Dahlia Amazone is pale pink with a deep maroon centre. Both will flower in pots or a border until the autumn frosts providing the flowers are removed as they fade. Zinnia Profusion Fire are also tolerant to drought with bright orange petals and a dark centre and look fabulous when planted near Zinnia Profusion Apricot in any sunny border.

A more discreet colour range is found in Antirrhinum Peachy, yellow Maroon and Peachy Bronze.

T

Easy growers for you

They produce neat growing compact plants excellent in tubs with flowers the colour of faded old lace. Choice varieties of Petunia are Fanfare Crème de Casis, pink with a deep maroon centre, Crazytunia Mandeville, cerise and white striped, Happy Copper, a very unusual soft shade of bronzy salmon pink and Crazytunia Black Mamba, the deepest velvety purple black I have seen in flowers.

Paeonies make great border plants. Consider carefully where you are planting them as they quickly grow to fairly large plants which do not like being disturbed. They will reward you with many years of fantastic flowers early each summer.

Paeonia Itoh Bartzella has large semi double lemon yellow blooms with a red centre and is fragrant. Paeonia Julia Rose has huge single coral pink flowers with a cream centre and a light fragrance. Plant with plenty of rich peaty compost using Rootgrow for quick establishment.

Hollyhocks are traditional cottage garden plants. The new introduction called the Halo Series has a paint box range of soft colours. Halo Cerise is bright pink with a dark maroon centre, Halo Cream is cream with a carmine red centre, Halo Blush is palest pink with deep pink markings.

Delphiniums and Lupins are must plants for all summer flowering

herbaceous borders. The upright stately flower spikes give the border structure and form and are very bee friendly. Delphinium Excalibur Series are one metre tall with sturdy strong stems and a colour range of white, pink, pale blue and dark blue.

Delphinium Magic Fountains are a more compact species with strong colours, dark blue with a black centre, pale blue with a white centre, deep rose with a white centre and pure white.

The Gallery Series of Lupin are recommended. They are compact and sturdy in a colour range of white, pink, red, blue and yellow. use a good rich peaty compost when planting Delphiniums and Lupins who will respond with many gorgeous blooms. Remove the faded flowers and feed with chicken manure and keep well watered for a second flowering in autumn.

When planting hanging baskets, chimney pots or tubs on pedestals it is difficult to find trailing plants with yellow flowers of foliage.

Helichrysum Golden Sunset has lovely soft pale yellow felty foliage and spills nicely over the side of any container. Bidens Golden Eye is a neat compact wandering plant that does not smother everything else in the same pot and has lemon yellow fresh daisy flowers all summer.

Thunbergia Lemon Star is a useful summer climbing plant to train over an obelisk in a tub. It grows too quickly to be a trailing plant so give some support and it will reward you with pale lemon five petal flowers with a dark chocolate centres all summer.

exoTiC ANiMAL dAy saturday 11th June Petzotic will be here with their collection of Reptiles, Simon has his Special Spiders and All Saints Face Painters will give you a Creepy Crawley Make Over. Get Expert Advice from Zak & Simon fAMiLy doG show sunday 17th July In aid of Canine Partners. A fun day for all the family and your very special friend. Sponsored by Milton Ernest Garden Centre, Scotts Veterinary Clinic and Waterways Pet and Aquatics HOT OFF THE PRESS The schedule for the Milton ernest Garden Centre’s Annual horticultural show on Monday 29th August can be collected from Customer service.

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BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2016 — 27

Junior Blues sweep to victory at Mobbs Final

THuRSDAy, April 21st saw both the Bedford Junior Blues u11’s and u12’s win at the East Midlands Mobbs Championship hosted at Northampton Saints Rugby Club.

The Mobbs Memorial Match is one of the longest-standing representative fixtures in English rugby.

From its inauguration in 1921, the match has changed, however, it is still played to honour the legacy of Edgar Mobbs, a Rugby player and

Soldier after whom the tournament is named.

The match now sees the British Army taking on the Saints and Bedford Blues on a biennial basis.

The Mini Mobbs is played before this match begins.

The u11’s defeated a strong Northampton Old Scouts side in a very tense and close final, winning 21 at the final whistle.

This victory secured them the

enviable place of being not only Mobbs winners but also County Cup winners, having remained unbeaten this season.

The Bedford Junior Blues u12’s were not to be outdone and they too stormed to victory beating local rivals Olney RFC in a very tense final. In doing so they too achieved the double of winning the County Cup and the Mobbs Trophy. u11’s Coach Andy Radnor said:

“The players deserve this success, they have worked hard all season and this game showed the spirit and determination of the whole squad.” u12’s Coach Llewellyn John added: “At the Junior Blues we encourage teamwork and sportsmanship and this ethos has shone through this season. We are so proud of our players who have proved that the Bedford Junior Blues are truly a Winning Team.”

Bowls is flourishing in the Borough

The finalists in the Wilkinson Cup, that is sponsored by Eagle Travel, Bedford Borough and the winners Meltis ‘96, both local teams welcomed by our president Paul Wilkinson.

BOWLS, made famous by Sir Francis Drake, flourishes to this day with Bedford currently having over 30 clubs of varying standards. It’s a game for all ages and abilities, but just as important is its social side. Like Bedford Borough and Kempston; who not only have indoor rinks for the winter months, they have a bar and restaurant where members can make friends and socialise when whist and quiz nights are arranged, and for the less abled, Wilstead even arrange a short mat version of the game.

Bedford Borough currently hold the Pairs National championship with Mark Curtis and

The Eagle Travel League was won by Sharnbrook, although a Bedfordshire team. This photograph has our President Paul Wilkinson and Eagle Travel manager Don Gillet.

Graham White, and during the winter months, more than 18 outdoor clubs throughout Bedfordshire come on a Saturday morning to play in a league sponsored by local Travel Agent Eagle Travel; the prize being the Eagle Travel Plate for the winner of the first division.

Sharnbrook were victorious this year with Henlow the runners up, but in the KO Cup donated by current President Paul Wilkinson but sponsored by Eagle Travel, another local club; Meltis ‘96 overcame last year’s double winners Bedford Borough, ‘96 indicating the year they laid their all- weather green, an idea copied by The Boro’

two years ago.

All the contestants now move back to their outdoor clubs for the summer but no doubt we will all meet each other as clubs contest county games and friendlies throughout what we hope will be a brilliant summer of golden sunny days.

If you are interested in playing the game, and we also have a visual disability league, contact John McConnell on 340737. We provide free coaching for beginners and you will be directed into the appropriate league to suit your standard. you can also check out the web site on www.boroughbowling.org.uk

28 — BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2016

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Planting seeds is rocket science

Bestselling author visits Bedford Modern School

ON Tuesday May 17 Bedford Modern Junior School students were in for a treat when Cressida Cowell, bestselling author of the children’s novel and film How to Train your Dragon, visited the school to talk about her new novel How to Fight a Dragon’s Fury.

The general public will have to wait until September for the latest

paperback instalment in the series, How to Fight a Dragon’s Fury, however Bedford Modern Junior School students were lucky enough to get their hands on pre-release copies and had the opportunity to have their books personally signed by Cressida herself!

Following the book signing, Cressida spoke to the whole of the

Junior School about her love of writing and the creation of her fantastic fictional world of dragons and Vikings.

Cressida commented on the day saying: “I was delighted to visit Bedford Modern School today; the children had some great questions and are already thinking like writers!”

PuPILS at Hazeldene Lower School become space biologists, embarking on a voyage of discovery by growing seeds that have been into space.

In September, rocket seeds were flown to the International Space Station (ISS) on Soyuz 44S where they spent several months in microgravity before returning to Earth.

Hazeldene Lower School is proud to be one of a number of schools in the country to receive a packet of 100 seeds from space.

They are being grown alongside seeds that haven’t been to space the differences are being measured over seven weeks. The children won’t know which seed packet contains which seeds until all results have been collected by the RHS Campaign for School Gardening and analysed by professional biostatisticians.

The seeds have been sent as part of Rocket Science, an educational project launched by the RHS Campaign for School Gardening and the uK Space Agency.

The out-of-this-world, nationwide science experiment will enable the pupils to think more about how we could preserve human life on another planet in the future.

Golden Years Menu Exclusive to over 60s on Thursdays & Fridays

Breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea menus available prices TEA ROOM FARM SHOP from £5.25 Providing home-reared and local produce Serving traditional home-reared to include ● On farm Butchery and locally produced breakfast, ● Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Light Lunches, and free tea and ● Delicatessen Home Made Cakes, ● Jams, Pickles and Preserves coffee using our own Eggs. ● Local Beer and Ales We are open Thursday and Friday 9.30am-5pm. Saturday and Sunday 10am-4pm

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– Passionate for food and farming – Tel: 01234 772688 Email: info@scaldendfarm.com www.scaldendfarm.com

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BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2016 — 29

New high class wedding venue

The latest wedding ceremony centre to be licensed in Bedford is The Grand hall in the former high school in Bromham road.

Now part of The Bedford sixth form, the wood-panelled hall with ornate vaulted ceilings is a going to be a wonderful venue for weddings and civil partnership ceremonies for up to 160 guests.

The hall dates back to 1882 and is steeped in history as part of the harpur Trust estate.

Benefiting from distinctive Victorian décor, The Grand hall has impressive wooden doors that provide a stately entrance for a special wedding march.

The Grand hall boasts an exquisite original John Broadwood and sons piano dating back to the 19th century and has a stunning showpiece organ located on the overhead balcony. it was built for the harpur Trust as a school hall in ‘free Tudor’ style and from the beginning has been considered to be a notable landmark in the town, featuring in guidebooks and on postcards.

The Grand hall is also an ideal venue for wedding receptions and special functions and is available to hire at weekends

and during the school holidays. for those planning a small, intimate celebration for less than 20 people, the beautiful sixth form Boardroom is also licensed for weddings and civil partnership ceremonies.

Andrew Keen, Managing director of Bedford College services Ltd said: “i am so pleased that we are opening our doors on our newest venture and are offering weddings and civil partnerships in such a splendid part of the College.”

BCs Ltd will be celebrating the launch of The Grand hall with a dedicated wedding showcase on sunday 10th July between 11am and 4pm. The event will open the venue to prospective brides and grooms and will give them an opportunity to meet trusted local suppliers.

These will range from fabulous florists to luxury dressmakers and from expert photographers to classic car chauffeurs. for a full list of attending suppliers please visit our website www.grandhallweddings.co.uk for more information on hiring the Grand hall please email: weddings@thegrandhall.co.uk or call our events Coordinator dani Bish on 01234 291192.

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30 — BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2016

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Rock’n’Roll in Britain 1960-63

by Ken Broughton

LITTLE Richard, Sam Cooke and Gene Vincent (yes him again) were at the Granada on October 17, 1962. It was the first British tour for Little Richard and Sam Cooke who were both at the top of their game especially Little Richard who closed the show. He tore into a performance lasting 40 minutes, with his renditions of ‘Long Tall Sally’, ‘Lucille’ and ‘Tutti Frutti’. At one point he stood stock still on top of his piano and then fell face forward onto the stage floor.

There was a gasp from the audience who thought he had fainted, when suddenly after several seconds he leaped onto his feet and belted out ‘Good Golly Miss Molly’, before running off stage into the audience where several girls became hysterical. It was an astounding performance and accompanying him was a 16-year-old keyboard wizard and future top recording star Billy Preston, who several years later played on some of the Beatles recordings.

Sam Cooke’s set lasted 25 minutes and he gave a very polished performance singing his hits which included ‘you Send Me’, ‘Cupid’, and ‘Chain Gang’, before finishing with ‘Twisting the Night Away’.

Gene Vincent whose work permit had expired, banning him from singing on a British stage again until March 1963, was not too bothered by what he considered to be petty regulations and appeared from the audience to perform in front of the stage to sing ‘Be Bop a Lula’. This was in my opinion the best ever Rock’n’Roll show I ever witnessed at Bedford’s Granada; the Beatles, Rolling Stones and Roy Orbison shows were all very good but this one just about topped the lot.

On October 31 B’Bumble and the The Stingers came

to the Corn Exchange. Their one big hit was ‘Nut Rocker ’ which is based on Tchaikovsky’s march from the ‘The Nutcracker Suite’ but their follow-up record ‘Apple Rocker’ based on ‘The William Tell Overture’, by Rossini failed to hit the charts and little was heard of them after but they were very good instrumentally. The following month November 17, it was the turn of Bobby Vee and The Crickets who were the backing group for the late, great Buddy Holly. Booby Vee had several top ten hits both in his own country and over here in the early to mid 60s, starting with ‘Rubber Ball’, covered by Marty Wilde, ‘More Than I Can Say’ and ‘Run to Him’.

1963 was a wonderful time for live Rock’n’Roll music in the uK as more American acts crossed the Atlantic for tours both here and in Europe. Johnny and the Hurricanes a top American instrumental group came to the Granada on January 21 and that very nice man, Jimmy Saville was the compere and on February 27, 19-years-old Brian Hyland and Little Eva, who was just 17 representing a new generation of American performers came here. Hyland’s hits included ‘Ginny Come Lately’, which I sometimes sing at Karaokes and ‘Sealed with a Kiss’ both of which went down well. He ended with a rocking version of the Ray Charles’ song ‘What’d I Say’. Little Eva who closed the first half was lacking confidence to begin with but recovered enough to end with a torrid version of her hit record ‘Locomotion’.

On March 12. it was the turn of Chris Montez and Tommy Roe but when they just arrived in the uK they could have had no idea they walking right into the eye of a storm that was about to confront them.

I am of course referring to The Beatles who were riding high in the British charts with their second hit ‘Please Please Me’ and the early signs of Beatlemania soon became apparent. Both Montez and Rod, although competent performers has a very difficult time on stage to cope with the hysteria surrounding the ‘Fab Four’ and with this wave of support, found it all too much for them. With the Beatles closing the first half of the show the running order was soon changed with the Beatles on last and the rest, as we know, is history.

As the year progressed the onslaught of Beatlemania swept the nation and Liverpool, the home of John, Paul, George and Ringo was where is was at, with the Mersey Sound as it was known. America has to wait another year to catch up and we all know the result. On May 13, I went with a girl I was friendly with (we were at school together) the lovely Cynthia Brooks to see Del Shannon at the Granada. Other acts

Part 4 continued from last month

featured were The Springfields with lead singer Dusty who later became a world-wide superstar, Kenny Lynch and Shane Fenton and The Fentones. Shane Fenton later changed his name, thereby reinventing himself as Alvin Stardust.

He then had several hit records in the 70s, the main ones being his No. 1 hits ‘(Be my) Coo Ca Choo’ and ‘Jealous Minds’. I remember saying to a girl in the Spectrum nightclub in Bedford around this time “would you like to be my Coo Ca Choo?” I like to think she said yes, but really can’t remember One of my mates said: His Coo Ca Choo was upset because as he put it “I don’t want you to be my Coo Ca Choo anymore.” His Coo Ca Choo was in tears.

Roy Orbison, Freddie and The Dreamers, Brian Poole and The Tremeloes and The Searchers along with American Country singer Bob Luman who mum met when visiting Nashville uSA in the late 1970s with her sister and husband, who lived Toronto, Canada, came here on October 3.

Orbison’s stage act lacked the charisma of many of his contemporaries and aura of sadness seemed to hang over him which was reflected in many of his self penned songs such as ‘Only the Lonely’ and ‘Crying’, which had an emotional effect on his audience but for all of that there was a high quality to his singing which never left him.

To be continued next month.

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BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2016 — 31

HISTORICALLY SPEAKING – by David Fowler, Bedford Tour Guide

Illustrious career in British aircraft design

S we celebrate the 75th anniversary in May of the first flight of Sir Frank Whittle’s jet engine, we should remember Bedford’s George Carter who designed its airframe.

(Wilfered) George Carter was born in 1889 at Howbury Street, the son of a journeyman carpenter/builder. Twelve years later the young George together with his parents and younger sister Gladys were living at 101 Tavistock Street, with his cabinet maker grandfather. He was probably educated at Harpur Central School, becoming an apprentice at W H Allen, Sons & Co, Queens Park in 1906 at age seventeen and was at the works when the generators were manufactured for the Titanic (also for the Olympic & Brittanic).

Aged twenty-three in 1912, he changed jobs to work on the design of internal combustion engines and transmission units for the Saunderson Tractor and Implement Co, Elstow Works, Ampthill Road. George married Hilda Back from Tennyson Road in 1916 and also started his career in the aircraft industry by becoming chief draughtsman at

A

George Carter’s face dramatically forms the clouds overlooking a flight of a Gloster Meteor Mk T7 on the 1997 43p stamp.

Sopwith Aviation, Kingston-on-Thames, designing the Sopwith Schneider. This was a racing seaplane for the first post-war Schneider Trophy, to be held at Bournemouth in 1919; it was the fastest entry, but the race was called off because of fog. The Sopwith Company struggled after the War and was wound up in September 1920.

Carter came back to Bedford to WHA Robertson Ltd on Ampthill Road for three years, but returned to aircraft, as chief designer at Hawker Engineering in 1923, getting the Woodcock fighter into production, the first British fighter after the War, also working on the Horsley bomber. Resigning in 1925, he returned again to Robertsons for six months, then joined the de Havilland Company for the design of the DH77 interceptor, another high performance monoplane with a new engine.

Carter moved to Gloster Aircraft Company in 1927 taking over as their chief designer in 1937.

On a visit in April 1939, he was unimpressed by Frank Whittle’s Power Jets W H Allen’s Queens Works 1907.

The Gloster Javelin was the first twin-engine delta-wing fighter to enter service with any air force world-wide.

Company, formed in 1936, but in September the Air Ministry issued Gloster with the order for the world’s first jet powered prototype, carrying Whittle’s engine. The resulting E.28/39 designed by Carter, flew for the first time on 15 May 1941 for 17 Minutes at Cranwell. He went on to design its successor the famed twin engine Gloster Meteor, the first jet aircraft in operational service. Based at RAF Manston, they had some success in 1944 countering the V1 flying bomb, the pilotless pulsejet powered cruise missile (the Doodlebug). For a short while after the war the Meteor was the best-performing aircraft in the world and was an export success, being ordered by air forces across the globe.

A total of 3875 Meteors were built, in over 34 versions, for 14 different nations changing the course of military aviation across the world.

George Carter was awarded the CBE in 1947 for his work on jet aircraft and also received the Royal Aeronautical Society’s silver medal. He was appointed Technical Director of Gloster Aircraft in 1948 remaining on the board of directors until 1954. He went on to supervise the design of the Gloster GA-5 delta-wing fighter (later the Gloster Javelin which first flew in 1951) powered by Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire engines. He died in 1969 aged 79 at Crickley Hill, Gloucestershire.

The Gloster E28/39.

32 — BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2016

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out & about comedy p

Georges Hall Bar & Grill, Biggleswade Monday June 6th Gordon Arms, Bedford Thursday June 9th

Castle Comedy has two exciting shows this June. Whether you choose to visit Bedford or Biggleswade, you are guaranteed a night full of laughs!

On Monday June 6th at Georges hall Bar & Grill, Biggleswade the headline act is Greg Burns. Greg hosts London’s No.1 Drivetime show for Capital FM Radio! As a comedian he is a very smooth operator with over 10 years experience bringing his clever and infectious humour to the top clubs in the country! He has appeared on The Comedy Store for Comedy Central, The 11 O’ Clock Show (CH4) as well as appearing in

The Office Christmas special in a part written specifically for him by Ricky Gervais!

“As loveable a comedian as you’re likely to find. Confident, funny and clever.” The Sunday Times “He’s a slick, sharp operator with plenty of well-crafted observational material.” Chortle On Thursday June 9th The Gordon Arms, Bedford welcomes comedy legend Mike Gunn! Mike

Programme Includes: Les Miserables What a Wonderful World Phantom of the Opera Music by Bach, Holst and Abba

Tickets cost £10 on the door Children £5 Family tickets £20³includes 2 children

www.ear.hrgb.org.uk Tel: 01234 823811 for further information

HRGB is a Registered Charity 298945 (England) ; SCO38918 (Scotland)

is firmly established as one of the most sought-after and accomplished comedians working on the uK and international circuit. He is a truly original talent, distinguished by his trademark laconic and lugubrious dark humour, killer punch lines and masterful delivery. On TV, he’s performed on BBC One’s Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, The World Stands-up and The Comedy Store for Comedy Central.

“One of the top ten stand-ups in the country” The independent “Mike Gunn will make you die laughing” The Guardian Opening the show is Tony Cowards.

Tony is a rapidfire gag merchant with an arsenal full of one-liners, for or laughs-per-minute he’s a tough act to beat! He is a regular feature in lists for ‘Best Jokes’ at festivals or Christmas and his twitter account @TonyCowards is well followed.

All the shows feature full support from top comedians. The shows sell out quickly, with the Dinner & Show tickets being particularly popular, so be sure to book early to avoid disappointment! Doors open 6.30pm, Shows start at 8.00pm and tickets are £8 (£6 NuS) or if you fancy a treat, you can buy £16/£18 tickets, which include a pre, show meal and glass of wine from the Gordon Arms or George’s Hall Bar & Grill. www.castlecomedy.co.uk

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theatre c

It’s Shakespeare, but not as you know it!

The Pavilion, Bedford Park Friday, 3rd June (Much Ado About Nothing) Saturday, 4th June (Macbeth)

Firm favourites Oddsocks Productions are back in town with a double-bill of Shakespeare’s classics. Much Ado About Nothing and Macbeth.

Oddsocks Productions was set up 26 years ago by Andy Barrow and Elli Mackenzie and is a critically acclaimed nationally touring theatre company who take classic texts and create bold, challenging, innovative and interactive theatre to be enjoyed by everyone! Whether it’s a live onstage car chase (Romeo and Juliet, 2009) or the fairy-king as an avatar superhero (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 2014) Oddsocks have no boundaries when it comes to creating memorable and unique

comedy productions of the classics.

This year, Much Ado About Nothing is returning after its success touring the country during Summer 2015. Acclaimed as ‘hugely funny’ and receiving 4 stars from The Stage, Oddsocks are bringing an Italian summer closer to home.

Retelling the story of Beatrice and Benedick and their trials and tribulations in love to a soundtrack of foot-tapping and well-loved anthems.

If you’re curious to see how Oddsocks can combine Radiohead and Shakespeare, then Oddsocks are not to be missed.

New for 2016 is a rock n’ roll production of Macbeth which promises to be nothing short of Oddsocks’ usual mayhem and anarchy. Shakespeare’s story of ambition turned bad is brought hilariously to life alongside a soundtrack of classic songs.

Oddsocks are passionate about performing Shakespeare with energy and silliness and Macbeth will be no exception.

Forget what you know about Shakespeare’s tragedy and expect the unexpected!

BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2016 — 33

34 — BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2016

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the quarry e Creative Arts Festival

CREATIVE ARTS FESTIVAL Wednesday 15 June - Friday 1 July Including Bluebeard The Musical Labels The Odyssey Punk Rock Treasure Island Bouncers

15-16 June 17 June 20-21 June 23-24 June 24 June 25 June 27 June 28 June 1 July

Box office 01234 362337 www.quarrytheatre.org.uk The Quarry Theatre at St. Luke’s is part of Bedford School, which is part of The Harpur Trust

7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 8pm 6pm 3pm & 7pm 8pm 7.30pm 7.30pm

The Quarry Theatre is set for a very busy June as they play host to performances and workshops as part of The Bedford School Creative Arts Festival. The festival opens with Bluebeard the Musical (15-16 June, 7.30pm), performed by Bedford Prep School pupils and featuring original music. Join us as we journey with Bluebeard, the fearsome pirate on the search for a new wife, and find answers to some crucial questions – most importantly, just why is his beard so blue?

Taking advantage of the beautiful Quarry Theatre surroundings, both The odyssey and Treasure island will be performed on a bespoke set in the Quarry Theatre Gardens.

Performed by Bedford School pupils, David Farr’s The odyssey (20-21 June, 7.30pm) delivers a fresh look at Homer’s epic. Taking place during uK Refugee Week, this production shines a light on the displacement of people by war, the current refugee crisis and the universal drive to provide a better future for ourselves and our families.

In keeping with the themes of identity and immigration, The Quarry Theatre is excited to bring you worklight Theatre’s Labels (17 June 7.30pm), the multiple fivestar winning Edinburgh Fringe Festival smash hit. Writer and performer Joe Sellman-Leava draws on his experiences of mixed heritage

to explore issues of racism, immigration and displacement in a ‘robust, enlightening and touching work that should be shown in schools and theatres all over the country’ Broadway Baby. T Treasure island (24-25 June, times vary), performed by Bedford Prep School pupils, will use a talented young cast, puppetry, and live music to tell the thrilling story of Jim Hawkins and the voyage that will change the course of his life forever. Look out for a very special fancy-dress matinee performance on Saturday 25 June, prizes to be won for the best dressed pirates!

Funny, pertinent and provocatively honest, Punk Rock (23-24 June, 8PM) will be performed in the Main Auditorium, designed and directed by the students themselves. A play about the difficulties of growing up and the repercussions of bullying and judgement, Punk Rock is an insight into the lives of Sixth Formers, told by those living it now.

Finishing off the festival will be Bouncers (27, 28 June & 1 July, times vary), John Godber’s classic story of one night at a yorkshire disco, from the little-told perspective of the original ‘Men in Black’. Grab a drink at the bar before the show and head in to a theatre transformed into our very own nightclub for the night.

More details on all these performances, and a number of extra workshops, can be found online at www.quarrytheatre.org.uk

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BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2016 — 35

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36 — BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2016

Join The NEW Chronicles Club

The Chronicles Club is based on the recently published book ‘The Bedford Chronicles’ - which brings the story of Bedford to life.

Now the authors have launched a new, FREE to join, club which is open to everyone. Become a member of the club and you will receive your very own special Chronicles Club membership card.

Then look out for a regular Chronicles Club e-news which will arrive in your inbox packed full of fun stuff, news and more. Take

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advantage of exclusive member offers on history and heritage events and workshops across Bedford.

As a member, you will be entitled to some cool promotions by local history, heritage and cultural providers including The Panacea Museum, John Bunyan Museum, Quarry Theatre, The John Bunyan Boat and more and if that wasn’t enough there will be special events which will be open to members only but remember you will need to show your card before you can get in!

It’s easy to join just go to www.bedfordchronicles.co.uk or call 0795 586 6738.

16 reasons to Love Bedford In the lead up to the first LoveBedford Day July 24th

1 Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) are seen as the future for town centres. There are now 200 in the uK. Bedford was one of the first 12.

2 BedfordBID is now in its third term – one of the few to have worked well by putting business interests high on the agenda of public service providers.

3 The biggest businesses support the smallest via the BID. The smallest outlets do not pay the levy but still

email: pat@rosettapublishing.com benefit from the activities and can take part in promotions.

4 The council is only the collection agency for the levy, the money is passed directly to the BID. The independent BID board decides how the money is spent against the Business Plan.

5 Board members are volunteers from levy-paying businesses who are paid no extra money to give up their time to support the activity of the BID. One of the representatives is from the local authority. The BID has full-time Director of Operations, two office staff and four Bluecaps.

6 BedfordBID is an experienced team who know the town centre inside-out.

The Bluecaps are an example copied by other BIDs who aspire to have hands-on helpers linking visitors to businesses.

7 The award winning BedfordBID Town Centre Retail RadioLink & Exclusion Scheme unites the BID, Bluecaps, businesses and CCTV which means up to the minute information can be shared about incidents and activities.

In addition the BID pays for the Taxi Marshalls who make sure visitors head home safely after a night out. Best Bar None sponsorship is another way of encouraging professional in customer care and service among pubs and clubs.

BedfordBID also subsidises training for bar staff in the BIIAB Level 1 Award in responsible Alcohol Retailing.

8 BID Business Breakfasts are a forum for businesses to speak directly to those who can influence trading environments including the local MP, the Mayor, and The Police Crime Commissioner.

9 BedfordBID supports and sponsors projects which benefit levy-paying businesses in the town centre. It is not a substitute fund where public sector cuts have been made. However IF a project is proven to boost footfall to levypayers, then the Board may decide to make funds available.

10 The John Bunyan Boat has been a great example of a BID-supported project which has raised the profile of the town to potential visitors and has taken more than 10,000 trippers.

11 Arts activities have been sponsored by the BID over the years - but support one year does not guarantee year after year funding.

12 Education and training is not the remit of the BID - but is does have close ties with major levy-payers the worldrenowned educational establishments The Harpur Trust and Bedford College which both recognise the value of a thriving heart of Bedford 13 Love Bedford Vouchers put money straight back into local tills. Ask for BedfordBid Love Bedford vouchers from Bedford Swan Hotel reception or Travel & Tourism Office.

14 lovebedford.co.uk is THE biggest website promoting Bedford to visitors near and far. It is the biggest hitter in terms of visitors who are really interested in knowing what’s on and when in town.

15 lovebedford@twitter has more than 6,000 followers and the Love Bedford FB shares information from businesses about their events and activities.

16 The first Love Bedford Day is being staged in 2016 on Sunday July 24th.

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

BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2016 — 37

THE

con club

KEMPSTON 01234

851120

ENTERTAINMENT EVERY WEEK Friday 3rd June Live here at the Conclub we have

VIBE RADIO Created and written by Gerard Alessandrini

SHARNBROOK MILL THEATRE 7.30pm Monday 6 – Saturday 11 June An amateur production presented by Sharnbrook Mill Theatre Trust by arrangement with TRW.

Monday June 6th is CHARITY NIGHT with The Rotary Club of Rushden!

Tickets at £15.00 include Drinks Reception at 6.30pm available from John Garley on (01933) 312668 Graham West on (01933) 222271 Email at john.garley09@my.northampton.ac.uk or visit www.sharnbrookmilltheatre.co.uk Registered Charity No 242164

Saturday 25th June AMAZING BAND

FASCINATION

with a mix of DJs and guest DJs every era covered Saturday 4th June BAND NIGHT with the fantastic

Saturday 2nd July Rock out with the

HARKBACK

DIARY DATES

Saturday 11th June the one and only

Saturday 6th August ELVIS TRIBUTE

GOODIES

DR PHIL SOUL MAN LEIGH CASLING Saturday 18th June THE BEAUTIFUL

Saturday 17th September

CHLOE

SOPHIA SOUL

CHECK FOR DETAILS www.facebook.com/conclub.kempston

38 — BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2016

TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952

email: pat@rosettapublishing.com

theatre c

A new arts festival for children and their families in Bedford. Bedford’s June Arts Jam runs from the 3rd – 20th of the month and offers a selection of shows and workshops in many exciting locations across the town.

Full House are children’s theatre specialists, and they have travelled the country to hand pick the most outstanding work for young people to bring it back to Bedford, for this wonderful celebration of the town’s cultural spaces. As trailblazers of arts provision for children Full House promises a festival that will surprise, delight and educate audiences - whatever their age.

June Arts Jam Programmer Ben Miles said: “Attending similar events to this when I was a child is what inspired me to work in the creative industries. I feel incredibly proud to now be in a position to select the best work that’s out there for children and bring it back to where I live.”

Full House Theatre Director Harriet Hardie said: “Our children and families in Bedford deserve the very best. My company always strives to create outstanding theatre but we’re not the only ones in Bedford doing great stuff.”

We’re jammin’

‘The Elves and the Shoemaker’ this well known and well loved tale has been re-heeled by Theatre of Widdershins in their own inimitable style. Beautifully crafted set and puppets, sublime music, a kaleidoscope of miniature shoes and a comic mouse all make this show a magical must-see.

The Place Theatre will host one of the festival highlights, ‘A Mano’ (by hand) which is performed by El Patio Teatro a company brought over to the uK from Spain especially for June Arts Jam. Told with beautifully

What and where?

crafted clay characters and remarkable artistry, By Hand is a touching and life affirming story about love.

Also on offer this June is the chance to see ‘A Boy and a Bear in a Boat’ a show from Spark Arts Festival. Adapted from the awardwinning novel by Dave Shelton and featuring live music and movement.

‘Ear Trumpet’ is a playful activity all about the sound under the ground. you and your family will be guided by four curious characters and become a team of investigators.

As part of the fun you will get to choose a unique Ear Trumpet created from converted euphoniums and brass instruments.

The elves and the shoemaker, friday 3rd June, 2pm, Queens Park Community Centre, Free!

Please book your free ticket in advance. Recommended for ages 3 - 9 (55 mins). ear Trumpet, saturday 11th June, 11am & 2pm, The Castle Mound – in the grounds of the higgins, Bedford, Free, drop in activity, just turn up! Suitable for all ages.

A Mano, Thursday 16th June, 6.30pm, £7 The Place Theatre, Bedford, recommended for ages 5 - 12 (50mins). Book via The Place Bedford website.

A Boy and a Bear in a Boat, saturday 18th June, 11.30am & 2.30pm Central Library, Bedford, Free, please book your free ticket in advance. Recommended for ages 5 9 (60mins).

A Boy and a Bear in a Boat, sunday 19th June, 11.30am & 2pm, John Bunyan Museum, Bedford, Free, please book your free ticket in advance.

Recommended for ages 5 - 9 (60mins).

Event Listings

40 — BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2016

TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952

St John’s Starlight Walk 24 September 2016

Join our Starlight Walk around the grounds and local countryside for a night of remembrance and entertainment.

Gates open 8pm Start 10pm

Adults £20 Children £10 Family ticket (2 adults 2 children) £55

k 10k & 5s route

www.sueryder.org/stjohns/starlightwalk

Sue Ryder is a charity registered in England and Wales (1052076) and in Scotland (SC039578). Ref. No. 05020 © Sue Ryder. April 2016

Street Parties to celebrate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th Birthday ––––––––––––

5pm Saturday June 11 Queen’s Park Community Orchard Ford End Road ––––––––––––

12 noon onwards Sunday June 12 The Wellington Arms, Princes Street Morris Dancers, Food, Real Ale, Live Music and more

email: pat@rosettapublishing.com

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

exhibition m Fibre-East Over 100 shows Redborne Upper School, Flitwick Road, Ampthill, 30th/31st July 2016

Fibre-East, a celebration of British wool, is now in its sixth year and for the fourth year running, will be based at Redborne upper School.

The aim of Fibre-East is to promote and support the crafts of knitting, crochet, felting, dyeing, spinning, weaving and other hand crafts using all manner of materials, both natural and handmade.

There will be a huge number of vendors selling yarn, fibre, equipment and accessories – anything and everything you would need for these crafts plus more!

With the popularity of crafting on the increase, a visit to Fibre-East is guaranteed to leave you inspired!

Many of the stallholders not only demonstrate throughout the weekend, but also are also more than happy to answer any questions.

It’s a fun and friendly event that the whole family can enjoy.

Local spinning and weaving guilds will be in attendance at FibreEast again this year. Experienced crafters will be more than happy to demonstrate their skills and let you try out a new craft.

The Bedfordshire Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers and the Guild of Long Draw Spinners will be demonstrating how many spinners it takes to ‘feed’ a weaver. you may be invited to help them prepare fibre ready for spinning.

Alongside our popular and informative sheep shearing demonstrations, this year we are very lucky to have demonstrations of medieval crafts from the Society of Creative Anachronism – Insulae Draconis and their volunteers will also be in period costume.

Not only will they be demonstrating various crafts, they would welcome the opportunity to let visitors try a whole variety of traditional crafts. you will find their website here: www.insulaedraconis.org.

There is wheelchair friendly access and plenty of free parking.

Professional caterers in a large marquee will be delivering on-site catering and the Devon Cream Tea is fabulous!

Hot and cold food will be served throughout the weekend. It really is a wonderful weekend, whatever the weather!

Please visit our website www.fibre-east.co.uk for further information or email info@fibreeast.co.uk

From Thursday 21st to saturday 30th July Bedford will host the 10th Anniversary International Festival Fringe bringing to Bedford a carefully selected programme of comedy, theatre, live music, film, dance and physical theatre to your doorstep. All these events will be held exclusively at The Quarry Theatre.

It does exactly what it says on the tin…

Bedfringe started back in 2007 making 2016 the tenth Bedfringe.

That’s where the tin banding comes from (in case you were wondering).

Bedfringe is moving into The

all in one tin!

BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2016 — 41

Quarry Theatre for 10 days bringing to the main auditorium and studio theatre a dynamic range of acts ranging from stand-up comedy, theatre, music, dance to hi-tech shows like WiFi Wars where you play games against other audience members on a huge projected screen using your smart phone!

Look out for some highlights including the 4th instalment of Joe Bone’s stunning Bane series, Tom Binns… the only comedian to get a five-star review in The Scotsman at last year’s Edinburgh fringe brings his brand new show and the fabulous Paul Foot will be bringing his new show Tis a Pity She’s a Piglet!

There’s plenty do to for the kids

as well… and thanks to Bedfordshire Inflatables, lots of garden games will be out for the little uns’ to play with including swing cars, space hoppers, connect 4, snakes and ladders and limbo!

So why not just come down and enjoy the wonderful bar and garden areas of The Quarry Theatre! Kids show highlights for us are Morgan & West’s utterly Spiffing Spectacular Magic Show, Three Half Pints (stars of CBeebies Spot Bots) bring their new show Bad Guys and a special touring show (in a van!) The Last Post.

So what are you waiting for?

Visit www.bedfringe.com to start your Bedfringe experience!

42 — BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2016

music a

Dizzee Rascal confirmed Bedford Park Friday 5th August

Bedford Park Concerts are proud to announce that MC, producer and rapper Dizzee Rascal has been confirmed as the headline act for their Friday night concert, which will take place on the 5th August in Bedford Park.

Dizzee Rascal has thrived within the uK garage scene since the early 2000’s, spanning genres from hip-hop and grime to dance and bassline. Having collaborated with the likes of Calvin Harris, Arctic Monkeys and Florence & the Machine, Dizzee has evolved from his grime and garage roots into the mainstream scene, which has found him featured on the bill for festivals like Glastonbury and Radio 1 Big Weekend numerous times.

His huge hits include ‘I Luv u’ and Fix up Look Sharp, which went straight into the uK top 20 single charts. As well as his number 1 hit ‘Dance Wiv Me’ featuring Calvin Harris. Dizzee Rascal really developed and amerced himself deeper into the mainstream

TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952

dance scene with this collaboration.

Other hits include further number one hits ‘Holiday’ and ‘Dirtee Disco’ and ‘Bonkers’, which he sang at the opening ceremony for the 2012 Olympics to an estimated worldwide audience of nine hundred million!

Supporting Dizzee will be West London’s finest pirate radio station Kurupt FM. Starting out on youtube with their own DIy webisodes, which got the attention of Roughcut, the producers of The Office. Shortly after a pilot was picked by BBC3, this received a massive response and Kurupt FM had instantly gained a cult following.

Having sold out Village underground in London with their “Champagne Steam Rooms” night in May and playing the likes of Bestival, Creamfields, Outlook, NASS, Boomtown, Kendal Calling and MADE festival over the summer. With their second series of People Just Do Nothing just launching on BBC3 and promotion on BBC1 and BBC2, the Kurupt FM takeover continues and no one is safe!

To add to this exciting line up will be English grime MC and rapper Wiley, who is often referred to as the ‘Godfather of Grime’. Wiley is

email: pat@rosettapublishing.com

considered a pioneer in the English underground music scene with a prolific work rate and a versatile music artist with many crossover hits.

Wiley has continued to make grime music while also releasing mainstream singles, such as the top 10 hits ‘Wearing My Rolex’, ‘Never’ Be your Woman and his uK number one ‘Heatwave’.

Next on the bill is Jaguar Skills. The rise of Jaguar Skills has been well documented. Honing his craft and love of music for the last 20 years Jag has remained true to his school and kept a mysterious edge to his character; with details of his real name, age and home town etc left largely unconfirmed…

Completing the line up is rapper, songwriter, recording artist, producer Ms Dynamite, who is the recipient of the Mercury prize, winner of two Brit awards and three Mobos.

Tickets at £35 can be purchased from www. bedfordparkconcerts. co.uk

Rock’n’Roll Day for Paul Neon

Weatherly Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade SG18 8JH

4pm-10pm, Sunday June 26 Come dressed for the occasion – Drapes and Crepes or just as you are Children welcome Games/raffle and prize for best dressed couple

FEATURING FIVE BANDS Rocking Revival • Billy Gee and the Heartbeats • Spree • Members of Get Back • Past and present members of The Saints • Steve Matthews Compered by Steve Line BBC Radio Cambridge • Crazy Cavan Disco Tickets £5 on the door or call 01480 or 07831 335635 All proceeds to help local R’N’R legend Paul Neon and his young family

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

music a

Proms in the Park celebrates 20 years

Bedford Park Concerts are returning this year with their much loved event – The Bedford Park Proms. It will be made even more special this year as the Proms will celebrate its 20th anniversary, the audience will be treated to a spectacular night of music, fireworks and the famous laser show. The concert features the renowned London Gala Orchestra and as in previous years. This year Classical Brit Award winning Blake will be the headline act. The classical super group have sold over one

Saturday August 6

million albums; they mix eclectic classical and pop songs with rich harmony vocals.

Blake will be joined by Rebecca Newman, affectionately named ‘The People’s Soprano’ by fans, colleagues and the media. She stormed to number one in the Official uK Classical Albums Chart with her debut album release.

The night will conclude with a spectacular firework finale, which for many was the biggest highlight of last year’s Proms. The Bedford Park Proms is one of the only shows in the country where the fireworks are truly choreographed to the music.

Tickets are now on sale at www.bedfordparkconcerts.co.uk

BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2016 — 43

Tom Jones confirms his date with special guests The Shires Bedford Park Sunday August 7

With a career that has spanned more than half a century Toms Jones is an international performer with more than 100 million record sales generated by hits such as ‘It’s Not unusual’,’ Kiss’, ‘Delilah’ and ‘What’s New Pussycat’, Tom Jones along with his band are set to entertain Bedford with a repertoire that spans five decades.

Tom Jones has won many accolades including a BRIT Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music and a Silver Clef Award for Lifetime Achievement. Knighted in 2006, the global star has amassed 36 top 40 uK hits. His irresistible show traverses musical eras and genres, appeals to young and old, male and female, mainstream and cutting edge. Warming the crowd up and returning to their

home county will be very special guests The Shires. The duo of Ben Earle and Crissie Rhodes are one of the hottest country influenced acts right now. Hailing from Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, The Shires are set to warm up the Bedford crowd and open the show for what will be an electric night of fantastic music from not only one of the greatest entertainers in the world but some home grown talent too!

Tickets are now on sale at www.bedfordparkconcerts.co.uk

44 — BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2016

TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952

email: pat@rosettapublishing.com

the place Spot Spot is a friendly and endearing stage light who loves to tell stories.

Spot can be the yellow sun, the blue sea or red fire; a balloon, a hoop or nothing at all. But most of all Spot loves to have fun. International theatre company La Baracca

Fri 3 June, 11am & 2pm

explores children’s fascination with light, for children aged 1-4.

Hayfever Noel Coward’s famous ‘comedy of manners’ is set in the 1920s. It takes place in the country home of Judith Bliss, a celebrated retired actress,

Saturday 4 June, 7.30pm

and her unconventional family. Each of the four of them have invited a guest to spend the weekend. The bewildered guests are drawn in to what seems at times a crazy!

A Mano

A Mano (by hand) is performed by El Patio Teatro, a company brought

Thursday 16 June, 6.30pm

over to the uK from Spain especially for June Arts Jam.

Canterbury Tales A cast of just five actors present every single one of Geoffrey Chaucer’s timeless tales in under two hours! Join the pilgrims for puppetry and poetry, music and magic, talking chickens and burnt bottoms. Fast-paced, physical and funny, this show is pure medieval mayhem.

Sunday 19 June, 7pm

Grow Your Own This British film comedy stars Eddie Marsan, Olivia Coleman and Philip Jackson and takes us through one year of growing, pruning and harvesting in the Little Eden that is Blacktree Road Allotments.

Some people keep allotments because they like the taste of fresh vegetables. Some go for company.

Some go for love. Some go there to escape from their marriages.

Monday 20 June 7pm

FORfest – Poetry, Story and Song To mark Refugee Week, local poets, actors and musicians come together for an evening to reflect upon the journeys and experiences of refugees. A collection will be made on behalf of Friends of Refugees Bedford. All proceeeds go directly to Friends of Refugees to support those who are fleeing their homes. www.friendsofrefugees.org.uk

Tuesday 21 June 7.30pm

Waiting for Godot Sixty years ago, the audience at the Arts Theatre in London was baffled by a new play called Waiting for Godot. It was directed by the 24 year old Peter Hall who declared that he had no idea what it meant. Since then Beckett’s play may have become more familiar to us, but its mystery remains.

7.30pm Thurs-Sat Jun 23-25

Jonathan Byrd with My Girl The River Following a visit to Bedford last October, “This North Carolinian may be the most buzzed-about new songwriter in folkdom. He displays John Prine’s gift for stark little songs that tell big, complex stories, Guy Clark’s lean melodicism, Lyle Lovett’s wry mischief, and Bill Morrissey’s knack for the revealing

Thursday 30 June

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

music a

Summer concert Woburn Parish Church 7.30pm Sunday 26 June

It will be ‘hats off to Haydn’ at the Danesborough Chorus Summer Concert, with Haydn’s St Cecilia Mass, and his Symphony No. 47.

Danesborough Chorus will be conducted by Ian Smith, accompanied by the Milton Keynes City Orchestra, and joined by soloists Bethany Seymour (soprano), Joel Williams (tenor) and Callum Thorpe (bass).

“St Cecilia is the patron saint of music, and Haydn’s St Cecilia Mass is one of his grandest Mass settings, as well as one of his most beautiful,” says Ian Smith. “With the sunny exuberance that was Haydn’s hallmark, it is wonderfully tuneful with jubilant choruses complemented by expressive solo arias. It demonstrates his unique gift for taking a small musical motif and expanding it into a flood of fresh ideas.”

Born in humble circumstances in Austria in 1732, Franz Joseph Haydn spent much of his working life at the Court of the wealthy Esterhazy family. A devout Catholic,

his St Cecilia Mass was written in 1766 and dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. He became one of the most prolific and versatile of the Classical composers, and is often known as the ‘father of the symphony’. His Symphony No 47 is musical invention at its finest, and has the nickname ‘Palindrome’ because in both the Minuet and the Trio sections, the second half of each is the same as the first, but in reverse. That the music is equally beautiful whether played forwards or backwards Ian Smith says: “We look forward to welcoming you, your friends and your family to our 41st summer concert, our first on a Sunday, and remember to bring your own strawberries and champagne for the traditional extended interval on the lawns around Woburn Church!”

Tickets for the concert are now available: £22 and £17 (reserved); £10 (unreserved) including a free programme. Concession tickets of £5 in all three price bands are available for under-18s. For tickets and more information, contact Danesborough Chorus Box Office tel: 01908 583460, or visit website: www.danesborough.org.uk

BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2016 — 45

46 — BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2016

TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952

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HANDBELL CONCERT

EAST ANGLIAN REGIONAL HANDBELL TEAM are celebrating their tenth Anniversary Season with a concert at the Bedford Academy, Mile road, on saturday 4th June at 3:30pm Come and listen to over 165 handbells ranging from the lightest bell weighing around 200 grams (7oz) to the heaviest bell at about 8kg (17lbs 10 oz) and also handchimes in a popular programme that will include Les Miserables, What a Wonderful World, Phantom of the Opera and music by Bach Holst and Abba.

The concert will also feature the Nritham dance Academy Tickets £10 on the door. Children £5 Family Tickets £20 – includes 2 children Further Information www.ear.hrgb.org.uk or tel. 01234 823811 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BEDFORDSHIRE FAMILy HISTORy SOCIETy welcomes new members to its talks.

Library and bookstall are available at meetings. Doors open at19.15.

Illustrated talk is

The Role of Bedfordshire Parish Registers in the Study of Population History friday 1 July 2016 at Mark rutherford school drama hall Bedford MK42 9rx www.bfhs.org.uk .

Next meeting will be Friday 9 September 2016

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JAZZ ON THE GREAT OUSE

Following the success of last year’s Jazz on the Great Ouse Cruises the John Bunyan Boat Team are pleased to announce the programme for 2016.

The cruises which are run in association with Olney Jazz Club, Consica Jazz and The Barns Hotel feature top national and local jazz musicians.

The programme is: Thursday June 23rd RICHARD ExALL (sax/clarinet) with ALAN HAuGHTON (piano) BOBBy ORR (drums) Thursday July 21st RACHEL AND FRIENDS featuring RACHEL HICKEy (vocals) BILL MEREDITH (piano) NIGEL EMERTON (double bass) Thursday August 18th GARRy WOOD SWING BAND featuring GARy WOOD (vocals and trumpet) RONNIE FERN (Drums) ALAN HAuGHTON (piano) Thursday september 22nd TOM SySON TRIO, featuring TOM SySON (trumpet) ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

email: pat@rosettapublishing.com ST PAuL’S CHuRCH ST PAuL’S SQuARE, BEDFORD MK40 1SQ 7pm saturday 4 June 2016

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and presentations on indian sub-continent charities supported by st Paul’s church Delicious home cooked food. £8.00 from 01234 340163.

Proceeds to St Paul’s church Outward Giving. Further details ––––––––––––

CURRY EVENING

QUESTION TIME DEBATE ON THE EUROPEAN REFERENDUM

Thursday 16 June 2016 Hosted by St Paul’s church for the benefit of all the people of Bedford and Bedfordshire.

Chaired by the Bishop of Bedford this will be an opportunity to hear from politicians and other experts and for people of all faiths and none to ask questions. Please put the date in your diaries now.

Further details 01234 340163 and www.stpaulschurchbedford.org.uk BEDFORD ART SOCIETy David Fletcher, (Auctioneer) His talk is entitled

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BEHIND THE SCENES IN THE SALESROOM

7.15 for 7.30 start friday 3rd June 2016 Putnoe heights Church, Bedford, MK41 8eB Entry is free for members, £5 for visitors. Contact Jean Paterson 01234 307210 or www.bedsartsociety.co.uk

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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 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ALL SAINTS CHuRCH Great Barford Proudly presents

SHANNON EXPRESS

saturday 18th June 2016 from 7.00pm – 9.30pm £10.00 per ticket (to include refreshments and free glass of wine.)

Please contact: Maureen Munnelly on 01234 870633 or Ann Lovesey on 01234 870693

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

OUT OF OFFICE CHALLENGE

24 June 2016 Get together with your work colleagues and join us for a day of volunteering, team building and networking. Teams will compete for points throughout the day, with exciting prizes for the winning team.

17 July – 1.00pm – 5.00pm A summer memorial event to be held in the grounds with the opportunity to purchase sunflower plaques with you loved ones name.

ART EXHIBITION

13 August – 3.00pm -10.00pm Come and experience 20 Acts performing across 3 stages in this one day music festival. This summer event is guaranteed to be a great day out for all. To book your tickets go to www.sueryder.org/busktilldusk

COUNTRY FAYRE

14 August – 11.00am – 4.30pm Come along to St John’s Hospice country fayre and enjoy a day of best attractions including vintage cars, birds of prey, archery, craft stalls, dog show, food court and much more. www.suryder.org/countryfayre

STARLIGHT WALK

7.30 – 10.00pm WEDNESDAY 29 JUNE –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

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

Contact: 01234 344423 www/Organfax/clubs/Bedford BIDDENHAM GARDENERS’ ASSOCIATION

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Tuesday 21st June at 7:45 for 8pm Biddenham Village hall

Andrew Mikolajski will talk about

‘THE GARDENS AT YORK GATE LEEDS’ Visitors very welcome

Admission £4 per meeting (non Members) - includes Raffle & Refreshments

Website: biddenhamgardenersassociation.org.uk ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

st Mary’s Church, Church road, stevington MK43 7sw £7.50 from Community Shop or on the door.

Proceeds to church funds.

Programme of songs from Scotland, Shakespeare and others, with summer themes, to be sung in this beautiful ancient north Bedfordshire church CHuRCH OF THE TRANSFIGuRATION (Bedford Road, opposite the Addison Howard Park)

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SUMMER FAIR

saturday 4th June at 12noon Entrance 50p (children free) Come along and enjoy a performance of ‘batton twirling’ by the:

shefford MAJoreTTes

There will also be many other attractions such as: cake stall, tombola, jewellery, baby clothes, bric-a-brac, toys, games, books & plants, Grand Draw, Mu stall & bouncy castle and a ‘bargain basement’ There will also be tea coffee and cakes.

Please come along to support the church and also to enjoy a friendly family atmosphere.

BRITISH RED CROSS BEDFORDSHIRE

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OPEN GARDENS

sunday 5 June, 1.30-5pm oakley Gardens, westfield road, MK43 7sU. sunday 12 June, 1.30-5pm, howbury hall, Bedford, MK41 0JB.

sATUrdAy 2 JULy 2016

£6.00 pre-book for house & garden by 12th June, telephone Natasha on 01582589083. Garden only on the day £4.00

st Mary’s Church, Luton LU1 3Jf 7.30pm

The event is in support of the choir’s 2016 chosen charity, Macmillan Cancer Support (Bedfordshire)

Tickets £8 (under 12’s free) are available via the choir’s website www.caritasharmony.co.uk click GET TICKETS

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Teas, toilets, plants, parking.

–––––––––––––––––––––––– ADDISON CEBBC YOUNG MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR FINALIST (2016) 16 YEAR OLD PIANIST Julian Trevelyan in concert on 7.30pm Thursday 9th June The Quarry Theatre, Bedford school, st. Peter’s street.

Tickets £10 (school students £5) Box Office 01234-362337.

FREE PARKING in De Parys Avenue or Kimbolton Road car park

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Wednesday

A wonderful evening of music and song planned by award winning choir Caritas Harmony (Luton Ladies’ Voices)

sunday 26 June, 1pm to 5pm Turvey house and Garden, Bedford MK43 8eL

25%

CARITAS HARMONY GAL A CONCERT

OFF

12 November – 7pm – 1.00am Our yearly ball will be taking place at The Park Inn Hotel Bedford. Get your glam rags ready and register your interest. for further info call 01767 642412 email: stjohnsfundraising@sueryder.org ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Refreshments/Raffle

7.30 pm saturday 2 July

5 course meal £9.95

CHARITY BALL

JAMES GOFF

CANTAMuS CHAMBER CHOIR, conductor Gary Mudd

ON TAKE AWAY COLLECTIONS ON ORDERS OVER £12

24 september - 8.00pm walk starts at 10.00pm A 10k and 5k walk around the hospice grounds and local area. A wonderful night full of fun, and memories. Sign up now to take advantage of our early bird offer.

Email stjohnsfundraising@sueryder.org for more.

SOCIAL/DANCE with dancing and music by

9 The Broadway, Bedford MK40 2TJ 01234 340888/341444

BUSK TILL DUSK

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SONGS ON A SUMMER EVENING

Finest Bangladeshi & Indian Cuisine

20 -21 July To be held at St John’s Hospice.

Visit www.sueryder.org/stjohns for more.

THE ADDISON CENTRE

Brasserie

GARDEN OF MEMORIES

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BEDFORD ORGAN & KEYBOARD CLUB

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

ST JOHN’S HOSPICE forthcoming events

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BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2016 — 47

Free LOVE BEDFORD DAY SUNDAY 24th July

, celebrating A day of fun for all the family lture in Bedford.

History, Heritage, and Cu From 11am – 5pm Harpur Square will be packed with activities, shows, street entertainment and more – there's just so much to get involved in.

tre Watch the new theas of ing production, The Vik in stage.

Bedford, on the ma

Design a of Arms new Coat our, BIG for Bedford in History D raw.

Meet some of our History, Heritage and Cultural providers.

Listen to the nd.

Scottish Pipe Ba

Learn circu how to juggs skills or FREE work le in our shops.

...and lots more.

FREE all day parking in all Council owned car parks and Harpur Centre on Sundays.

And best of all, entr y is FREE!

www.lovebedford.co.uk | www.lovebedfordoffers.co.uk | 01234 404500 Artists impression of event.