Beds Bulletin County edition October 2022

The bus company has rescheduled and suspended services, two of these are the routes 70 and 73 These two service the north east Bedfordshire towns of Biggleswade, Potton and Sandy and the villages on the way to Bedford

Huge numbers of people will be affected by these changes, one group will be those students attending Stratton Upper School and Bedford College

Also many people will struggle to get to outpatient appointments at Bedford Hospital in and around Bedford a number of services have also had their timings altered to a lesser or greater extent, which will impact on the villages of Willington and Moggerhanger

A spokesperson for Central Beds Council said: “The 72 and 73 bus routes are currently run on a

commercial basis by Stagecoach and so do not receive any support from the council

Stagecoach recently advised us that these services have been running at a very significant loss and as such are no longer viable We have been in negotiation with them since they notified us of their intention to withdraw to try and avoid this situation and discuss with them possible options to keep the services oper ating, but we have been unable to reach agreement on this

We are aware students travelling to and from Bedford College and from Potton to Stratton Upper School in Biggleswade use the 72 and 73 services and have ensured these requirements are part of discussions about replacement services with other bus operators ”

Grant Fage, Mayor of Biggleswade commented: “The services Stagecoach is running are commercial therefore both coun cils are very limited in the options available

“i understand that Central Bedfordshire Council’s officers are doing their best to engage with the company

“The impact on Biggleswade is likely to be very serious for those reliant on the service, particularly for elderly people who don’t live in the town centre but want to come in to enjoy what it has to offer

“it’s not clear the extent to which this is a short to medium term challenge Stagecoach is fac ing, likely the result of high fuel costs, but their decision to reduce services is not unique to Biggleswade

“in the long term, Biggleswade has many of the fundamentals required for a bus company to run a profitable service a town centre that people want to visit, including those from over a dozen nearby

New business park could pr ovide mor e local jobs?

A NEW business park providing over 2,300 new jobs could be built in Wyboston if plans get the go ahead

An outline planning application for the development of a 23,400m2 business park at Wyboston lakes Complex has been submitted to Bedford Borough Council

The applicants are looking to build the business park on land south of the A428 with the floor space being shared by 2, 2 5 and 3 storey buildings They also want to construct new access junction onto the A428

The planning application said the proposed site has an “exten sive” history of planning applica

tions, including permission for an innovation and technology centre development (May 2012)

REGIONAL CENTRE

The applicant said this proposal will support and enhance the Wyboston lakes Complex as a regional centre for leisure, training and conferencing

The applicant said using the employment density information available on the government’s web site indicate that business park developments for the proposed uses can be expected to provide one full time employee per 10 m2 of floor area

On this basis, they said, the pro

posed development could poten tially provide around 2,340 new jobs

The application is for outline planning, with all matters reserved except for access

An outline planning application is used to determine if a develop ment is acceptable

While reserved matters are the specific details which will be con firmed at a later date

For example, reserved matters can include the layout of buildings, routes within the site, and also the appearance of the buildings

More information can be found on the council’s planning portal, reference 22/01774/MAO

SANDY TOWN COUNCIL

Stagecoach takes an axe to local bus ser vices

villages; a thriving retail park; a successful industrial estate with hundreds of employees; a railway station with over one thousand journeys per day, soon to be sup ported by a transport interchange The town and nearby villages are also likely to grow further which will mean many more potential customers

“Whilst Stagecoach’s decision is a set back, there are other bus service providers who i hope will spot the obvious benefits of invest ing in Biggleswade ”

Sandy Town Council were quick to condemn the manner in

which the announcements have been made, saying: “Sandy Town Council condemns in the strongest possible terms the decision taken by Stagecoach East that bus routes 72 and 73 which link Bedford with Sandy, Potton and Biggleswade and currently support wider con nectivity in northeast Bedfordshire are to be axed at the end of October

“The announcement by will be met with anger and dismay and appears to demonstrate a complete lack of understanding of the vital role these bus routes play in the day to day life of people living not only in the towns named above but in smaller outlying villages and hamlets where they are relied upon to enable residents, young and old, to go about their everyday lives

“it is inconceivable that Sandy will be left without a bus service and its residents, totalling around 14000, will be deprived the option of using public transport to reach their places of work or education, as well as health, recreation, banking and retail facilities in other towns

“The lack of a bus service will also restrict access to Sandy by those wishing to visit and use our retail and other facilities which will inevitably result in a further

strain on their viability

“in the meantime, and while it is to be welcomed that discussions are ongoing with other potential operators, which we naturally hope will reach a fruitful conclusion, it is to be regretted that Stagecoach East does not appear willing or able to continue the present ser vices to ensure all those potentially disadvantaged by the axing of these routes have some certainty in the short to medium term

“We look to Central Bedford shire Council Officers and Ward Members to vigorously pursue pre sent discussions with a view to ensuring an entirely satisfactory outcome for Sandy’s residents, and indeed those of neighbouring com munities, and would urge that all possible resources are made avail able to put replacement services in place, ever mindful of pledges made to maintain an increasingly green, sustainable and integrated public transport system

“Finally, Sandy Town Council will press our Member of Parliament, Richard Fuller MP to intervene ”

Ironically see page 3 story on Biggleswade’s transport hub!

The Passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Sandy Town Council was deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Council Members and the residents of Sandy and Beeston joined the nation in mourning the death of our Monarch who served us so faithfully for 70 years

The Mayor stated: “On behalf of the people of Sandy, I offer my sincere condolences to the Royal family The dedication to duty and steadfastness to the pledge Her Majesty gave on her 21st birthday was unwavering

She vowed to dedicate her life to the service of our country and let us be in no

doubt that it was a pledge fulfilled over 70 and more glorious years ”

As a mark of respect, the Union Flag was flown at half mast at the Fayne’s Corner flagpole and at the Council Offices during the period of national mourning

A Book of Condolence was available to sign at the offices of the Town Council throughout the period of national mourning Pages from the Book of Condolence were also available at St Swithun’s Church, where visitors could also leave their messages Many warm and heartfelt sentiments were written by members of the town The book’s pages will soon be bound, to be kept in the

Council’s archives

Members of the community also left floral tributes to Her Majesty in a dedi cated area of the Churchyard at St Swithun’s Church during the time of national mourning At the end of the mourning period there was a ceremonial removal of the flowers, which were taken away to be composted, and a memorial tree will soon be planted in the town

On Sunday 18th September, the eve of Her Majesty’s funeral, there was a service in St Swithun’s Church during which the congregation joined in reflection and prayer in memory of the late Queen Elizabeth II

The Proclamation of the Accession of King Charles III

On Sunday 11th September at 2pm, members of the community from around Sandy and Beeston gathered at St Swithun’s Churchyard to hear the Proclamation of the Accession of King Charles III

Standing next to the floral tributes to Her Majesty The Queen which had been laid at the Parish Church by residents, Reverend Huw Davies and the Mayor of Sandy, Cllr Martin Pettitt, welcomed the assembled residents and introduced the purpose of the Proclamation

The Mayor spoke of the shared sadness of people around the world at the pass ing of the late Sovereign He then explained the centuries old tradition of

Councillor Surgery

the Proclamation of the new monarch in communities around the nation

The ceremony formally announces to the people of the parish the accession which took place immediately upon the passing of the reigning monarch

In the modern age, the Proclamation is no longer the means by which people would first learn of their new monarch, however, it is now an occasion when the community can come together to reflect on this historic moment for our nation

The Mayor then read the Proclamation, which was followed by the singing of the national anthem, and three cheers for His Majesty The King Cllr Pettitt

Saturday 22nd October, 10.00am 12 00pm

Council Chamber, 10 Cambridge Road, Sandy, SG19 1JE

All members of the public are welcome to attend, to meet with a Councillor and raise any queries or concerns

thanked the members of St Swithun’s Church Choir, who had led the singing of ‘God Save The King’

In the churchyard, the union flag was raised to full height during the Proclamation ceremony, and then returned to half mast afterwards In accordance with national protocol, union flags elsewhere in the town which had flown at half mast since The Queen’s death, were raised to their full height on Saturday morning, to mark the start of His Majesty’s reign, and then returned to half mast on Sunday after noon, where they remained throughout the remainder of the period of national mourning

Council meetings

All meetings commence at 7 30pm except those speci fied below and Development Scrutiny Committee (Planning) which starts at 6 45pm, in the Council Chamber, 10 Cambridge Road, Sandy, SG19 1JE (unless otherwise stated on the Agenda)

Monday 3rd October Human Resources

Monday 10th October Town Council

Monday 17th October Development CScrutiny ommunity, Services & Environment

Monday 31st October Policy, Finance & Resources

See our website for details ALL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND PRESS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND

Running his first ever marathon for hospice

FORTY one year old Michael Fry says the care his grandad, John Cullinane, and the wider family received from Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice twenty years ago, is the key inspiration for his fundraising feat this October He hopes that taking part in the london Marathon will also bring some positivity to his family following the difficult time they experienced through the Covid pandemic

Michael said: “i approached Sue Ryder for a running place at the london Marathon because my grandad was so well cared for at the local hospice i was in my early twenties at the time he died and it’s not something you are necessarily used to dealing with at that age

“Twenty years on though and i still have memories of how well looked after he was there and equally of the support they offered, not only to my grandad, but to my nan, and my family The staff were fantastic and we could not thank them enough ”

This is the first time that Michael will have run a marathon for charity but he has always been keen to give it a go

“i’ve been to london to see the marathon in action a couple of times as my cousin, my aunty and best mate have all run it My brother in law is running this year too, to raise money for Bedford Hospital, and my wife, four year old daughter and family will be there so we are going to make a day of it,” he added

Michael who has been fitting in his training around being a husband, dad and running a busi ness, said: “i’ve got a goal, i know it’s leading up to something big and i am doing it for a cause close to my heart ”

Michael hopes to raise £3,000 for Sue Ryder and to help boost his fundraising total he held a charity quiz in June “My sister in law owns Bridges Espresso Bar at Riverside Square in Bedford so we are lucky to be able to use that as a venue for our fundraisers

ADVICE SURGERIES

Richard

Transport interchange will put Biggleswade on the fast track to jobs and growth

WORK has begun on the new £2.3million Biggleswade transport interchange that supports transformational growth in the town.

A traditional ‘breaking of the ground’ event marked the start of Central Bedfordshire Council’s scheme that will make it easier for people to use public trans port for their journeys importantly, the project also supports future growth and new development in Biggleswade

The new bus and rail interchange, on unused land owned by Network Rail next to Biggleswade Railway Station, will bring public transport connections together in one convenient place to promote sustainable travel

The scheme will include bus stops, a bus turning circle, and improved pedestrian access An attractive public space will also be created featuring plants, trees, and a rain garden alongside paved areas and seating

Cllr Kevin Collins, Executive Member for Planning and Regeneration at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “it’s fantastic to see work getting under way on this new transport interchange that will encourage more people to use public transport as we continue to promote sustainability and the climate change agenda

“The scheme contributes to our transformational

plans for Biggleswade and is one of the many major projects we are delivering to keep Central Bedfordshire moving onwards and upwards We are investing in our future ”

As part of the plans, the transport interchange will become the new Biggleswade bus terminal however, the town centre will continue to have bus stops at Hitchin Street

A Govia Thameslink project, supported by the council, has recently provided improved cycle parking and facilities at Biggleswade Railway Station This too contributes to greener, sustainable travel in and around Biggleswade

ACCESS FOR ALL

Additional plans at the station include a Department for Transport funded Access for All pro gramme This is delivered by Network Rail and will provide an obstacle free, accessible route to and between the railway station platforms

The council’s main contractor is Galliford Try and construction should be complete in spring 2023

The transport interchange is one of the Biggleswade projects benefiting from £70million of government funding through the Housing infrastructure Fund

More information on the Biggleswade Masterplan is available at: www centralbedfordshire gov uk/ biggleswade

Angela’s appeal reaches over £190k

ANGElA Butcher was diagnosed with the very rare and aggressive form of small cell ovarian cancer in September 2012 when no research had ever been carried out in the world for this and the prog nosis was extremely poor

She made it her mission in the last few weeks of her life to fundraise to get research off the ground to give hope to others

Whilst she sadly lost her life in January 2013, her legacy lives on as the Eve Appeal took up the huge challenge to use Angela’s Fund specifically for this in April 2016 a 15 month research project started Angela Did it!

EXTENDED

The Butcher family continued to fundraise and in August 2019 upon reaching £120,000 in Angela’s Small Cell Ovarian Cancer Research Fund at The Eve Appeal, this was extended to a full five year Research Programme in the UK Today this research is being developed worldwide with Canada now on board

An international patient research registry has been set up with the aim to make this the focal point for all small cell patients and to aid clinicians who are support ing them, leading to clinical trials linda, Mike and Mark Butcher held a ‘Thank You Garden Party’ for family and friends last month on reaching £190,000 in Angela’s Small Cell Ovarian Cancer Research Fund at The Eve Appeal, which is supporting pioneering

linda says: “throughout Covid, fundraising continued and we reached many £10,000 milestones somewhat quicker than usual in the last three years with some bizarre celebrations including a party of six (the maximum at the time), the Butchers and their three pets, followed by a lockdown celebra tion with the family chained up but still managing to raise a glass

We celebrated another £10,000 milestone thank you by giving vouchers which could be used towards Mark’s many sales of donated items as well as virtual celebrations in people’s own houses, all of which contributed to keeping the momentum going

When things opened up we were able to celebrate £180,000 in March this year with a house party and remember Angela on what would have been her 40th birthday and just over five months later we’re delighted to be able to cele brate again and thank people for their ongoing support to reach our £190,000 Milestone ”

HANDOVER

September is the annual handover month of 5p’s for Angela’s Fund, which many family and friends save at their home or work place and others hand in throughout the year Contactless payments have had an adverse effect on these collections from the dizzy heights of over £800 in 2019, down to over £200 for the last two

years if anyone has any to donate, these can be handed in at 238 london Road or 22 Poppy Field, Biggleswade before 30 September 2022 for this year’s handover

AWARENESS MONTH

As September is also Gynae Cancer Awareness Month, the family will as usual be actively fundraising for Small Cell Ovarian Cancer whilst Mark will also be raising awareness on facebook for all five gynae cancers

Athena lamnisos CEO of The Eve Appeal has confirmed “that due to the incredible support that Angela’s Fund has given to the Small Cell research, this has now moved on apace and they have set up a Rare Gynae Cancer Fund in the hope that this will attract suffi cient funds and interest to enable them to support research of other rare gynae cancers and give hope to more families ”

if you wish to support Angela’s Fund in any way to reach the next big milestone of £200,000 please contact linda on 07730 319209 or Mark James Butcher on facebook

research into small cell ovarian cancer

SEND provision is still too slow

by Euan Duncan Local Democracy Reporter

PROGRESS in three areas of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision in Central Bedfordshire remains too slow, accord ing to Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC)

But Central Bedfordshire Council and its health partners no longer have to monitor three other areas of weakness highlighted during their inspection in November 2019 These are the SEND Strategy, co production and CBC’s local offer

Ofsted and the CQC assessed the local area’s progress against the six areas of weakness identified in their inspection report letter of February 2020

The inspectors recognised progress

had been made in all six areas, after a revisit to the local authority this sum mer, said CBC director of children’s services Sarah Jane Smedmor in an email to councillors

“The inspectors noted the area has a well thought out SEND strategy, with well established multi agency struc tures to provide strategic oversight and ensure operational delivery of the strat egy

“They also noted a positive culture of joint working and openness across the partnership

“Collaborative working was high lighted as a strength with an increasing ly strong commitment to co production and increased opportunities for leaders to listen to families and respond to what they hear

“inspectors could see our local d ionals and is reflective of the aspiration and interests of our

children and young people

“Although these three areas don’t need to be externally monitored now, we’ll maintain our hard work to contin uously improve in each of them

“There were three areas where inspectors acknowledged some progress had been made, but changes were too recent to have an impact and be felt by parents yet

“These were ensuring the needs of children and young people are identified and met in their education, health and care plans (EHCPs), the quality of new EHCPs, and delivering good outcomes for children and young people with SEND

“We know how fundamentally important timely and quality EHCPs are to children and young people with complex needs getting the right sup port,” she added

“We wrote to you in May to acknowledge that this is unacceptable

and explain what we were doing to address this

“We accept our progress in this area has been too slow and our more recent actions to improve EHCPs haven’t had time to make a noticeable difference

“inspectors noted that some of the more recent annual reviews are of a very high quality We want every child, young people and their families to have this experience

“CBC and BlMK integrated care system (iCS) are required to produce a progress plan to the Department for Education (DfE) and NHS England

“The DfE and NHS will monitor our progress on the remaining three areas over the next 12 months

“This plan will be our commitment to making sure these three areas contin ue to improve sufficiently and everyone will feel the benefits This will be avail able on our website once it has been agreed ”

New school for Shefford

A “FANTASTiCAllY exciting” £14 1m new school in Shefford is set to replace nearby Campton Academy, which will relocate there

The proposals are part of Central Bedfordshire Council’s Schools for the Future programme, switch ing from a three tier to two tier education system

The school would expand to 60 pupils per year group to meet CBC’s statutory duty to provide suffi cient places, according to a report to its children’s ser vices overview and scrutiny committee

Campton Academy principal Sarah Fraher said: “Our current site has many challenges for us it impacts on what we can offer our pupils and our local community

“We’ve three mobile classrooms, which don’t enable us to offer the curriculum we want to provide our young people

“One of the constraints is we share a field and recreation ground if a member of the public is using it, then we can’t

“Many benefits will be gained by moving to a new site We’re supporting children with special educa tional needs and disabilities (SEND) who need quiet, calm space

“it would enable us to have designated rooms for SEND support The outside space will allow us to develop our PE activities ”

Prisoner returns home to Bedfordshire

FREED prisoner of war Shaun Pinner returned to his mother ’s home in Bedfordshire on Thursday, September 22, 2022, where he cele brated his release with steak and a glass of red wine

He was reunited with his mother Deborah Price, son, sister and step dad at Heathrow Airport at half past six in the morning

lyndon Price, his step dad, said: “He came back with the others on a British Airways flight

“The families all came to Heathrow and we met them individ ually Everyone had their own room As you can imagine, it was very emotional The flight came in about half six They had a debrief and came in to see us

“He wants a few days before he can talk He has been through quite a lot We are very, very happy that he is home it is fantastic news

“His son is here, my wife is here and so is his sister We are all together

“i have just given him a shave i took all his beard off for him He is well and looks fine He is so pleased to be home

“His wife (larysa) is still in Ukraine We are hoping to get her over ”

Speaking for the first time from his home near Potton in Bedford shire, Mr Price, a product services manager, said: “They travelled into Riyadh We believe there was an exchange They did not know they were going to be released it just happened

“it has been a difficult time for him He was defending Mariupol and lost some of his really close col leagues ”

Mr Price praised the work of his local MP Bedfordshire North East’s Richard Fuller who, along with the Bishop of Bedford, local people and his cricket club, who had supported the family

He said he was grateful to the Saudis, the government and foreign office staff who had worked behind the scenes

He went on: “My wife has been through so much stress We are grateful to the government agencies and hostage international “We are just pleased he is alive We have been living on the edge for months with the death penalty hang ing over him

“We had not been able to talk to him We went to the Russian ambas sador and asked if he could ring A week or so later he did ring home “We also met the Ukrainian fantastic

Speaking about his release, he said: “Shaun rang us on the coach from Riyadh to the British Consul The Foreign Office had notified us about 11 o’clock on Wednesday morning (September 21) My wife received a call to say ‘He is on his way Don’t say anything until he has landed ’

“They were all given iPhones by the Saudis so they could ring home ”

Mr Price said: “i am sure Shaun has got a lot to say about his experi ence What he has gone through is not for the faint hearted

“He is tired He has had a couple of beers He is going to have steak with a glass of red wine tonight and is looking forward to that He is liv ing on adrenalin

“At some stage i think he will want to go back He loves Ukraine it may be he wants to get involved in humanitarian work ”

He said he and Shaun, a wicket keeper batsman, aim to play a char ity cricket match for their village team, Waresley “He loves his crick et For him and me to play together will be fantastic ”

A Ukrainian flag still hangs from the front of the family’s home He said: “That flag will be there until such time as they get their country back ”

Scheme will ease congestion

CENTRAl Bedfordshire Council is thanking everyone who have contributed to the plans for the A6/A507 Clophill roundabout improvement scheme

The scheme is set to benefit from £6 8million of government levelling Up funding and will ease congestion at the busy junction and build capacity at the roundabout for the future by creating two lanes in and out on all four arms in response to community feedback, it also features new crossings, foot paths for pedestrians, and reduced speed limits

Consideration was given to the ‘do nothing’ option but as the junc tion is notoriously busy and traffic is expected to increase in the com ing years, plus there is a need to improve access for pedestrians and cyclists across all four arms of the roundabout, the decision was taken to grasp the opportunity to move forward with the much needed improvement scheme when gov ernment funding is available

The scheme will now be dis cussed at a Traffic Management Meeting in November 2022 with a highways scheme consultation tak ing place as part of this process Subject to approval, work could start in early 2023

Thanksgiving service for Lord Lieutenant

OvER 400 people from across Bedfordshire came together at St Paul’s Church, Bedford on Sunday 4 September 2022 to give thanks to HM lord lieutenant of Bedfordshire Helen Nellis CvO CStJ and to welcome lord lieutenant (designate) Susan lousada Dl to the role

Helen Nellis was officially appointed as HM The Queen’s representative in Bedfordshire in November 2011 and took up office in February 2012 Throughout this time, Helen has worked extremely hard to tell the positive story of Bedfordshire by seeking out those who work in so many ways to build communities where all can feel valued, thrive and have a sense of belonging Helen’s husband, Professor Joe Nellis, has been by her side during her time as lord lieutenant and has supported her every step of the way vice lord lieutenant, Chris Sharwood Smith MBE, Bishop of Bedford The Rt Rev Richard Atkinson OBE and St Paul’s Church The Rev Canon Kevin Goss welcomed guests from across the county and beyond to the service, including High Sheriff of Bedfordshire lady Jane Clifford and Sir Timothy Clifford, MPs from across Bedfordshire, Chief Fire Officer Andrew Hopkinson, Chief Constable Garry Forsyth, Chief Executive of Central Bedfordshire Council Marcel Coiffait, Mayor of Bedford, Mayor of luton, vice Chair of Central Bedfordshire Council, Town Mayors and representatives of countywide organisations and armed forces personnel

At the service, Mrs Susan lousada was welcomed as the new lord lieutenant of Bedfordshire Susan swore to honour her allegiance to Her Majesty the Queen and serve her as lord lieutenant diligently and faithfully She made a solemn promise to serve the people of Bedfordshire and strive to build a loving and inclusive community

Susan lousada officially became HM lord lieutenant of Bedfordshire on Wednesday, September 7, 2022

Speaking after the service the lord lieutenant, Helen Nellis said “During these past wonderful

years as HM lord lieutenant, i have been blessed to have met so many exceptional people in our county who have lit a fire in me and in others to work towards building stronger and kinder communities where everyone can feel valued and have a sense of belonging Thank you all for your warmth and compassion and for

believing that each one of us can act to make a difference My heart will be with you and with Sue lousada always as she leads us in this joint endeavour”

Susan lousada said: “i am deeply honoured to have been appointed by Her Majesty The Queen to become the next lord lieutenant of

Bedfordshire and i look forward to representing Her Majesty across the county it is important to me to support those who work to make this county prosper, ensuring opportunities are open to all Bedfordshire is a truly beautiful and great place to live, and i look forward to serving the people who live and make their lives within it ”

DURiNG the Second World War, the inter Service Special intelli gence School was initially based in Ardor House on Bedford’s Broadway

The leading tutor was retired Captain Oswald Tuck, a man who had learnt Japanese during the early years of the 20th century when he was based in the Far East and when the two countries were allies He was a natural teacher, able to instil his own enthusiasm for the Japanese language to his students

The first course started on February 2, 1942 Normally it would take an absolute minimum of two years to learn basic Japanese but Bletchley Park’s senior crypt analysts (codebreakers) wanted adequate linguists in six months

20 or so students, aged 18 or 19 years old, were on each course, many of them from university (par ticularly Oxbridge) Classics cours es, but also others who showed an expertise in crosswords, chess or music and were felt to be best suit ed to problem solving

The teaching and learning was intense but despite this Tuck fos tered an informal atmosphere while at the same time pushing them hard The course was narrowly

focussed on material drawn from Japanese military communiques before moving on to code breaking exercises After just five months, Bedford students were able to translate a captured Japanese air force code

Tuck was later assisted by other tutors and the school moved for the second course to 7 St Andrews Road, then 52 De Parys Avenue and 1 Albany Road, where the bulk of courses were held

Eventually some 225 students

passed through the eleven courses at Bedford, with a failure rate of only 4% About half of the school’s graduates were sent to Bletchley Park (where the Japanese section took over ‘F’ block); the rest were deployed to a variety of locations including the Admiralty’s Naval intelligence Department and to the Far East

Their codebreaking work was vital to the successful conduct of the war which led to victory in 1945

The

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

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

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

View from the pulpit

Rt Revd Richard Atkinson – Bishop of Bedford Transitions

In our nation we are going through a great transition As we continue to remember our late Queen, her remarkable life of service and duty, and her deeply moving funeral, we move to the era of our new King

The need to change the monogram on everything from post boxes to military uniforms just a small outward sign of a deeper inward transition

Like all good transition there was much planning and preparation

There has been ritual and ceremony to assist There has been sensitivity and aware ness on the part of King Charles. As always there is adventure and much uncertainty as the new phase emerges We pray for our King and for all that lies ahead

Transitions are a feature of the lives of us all Those milestones such as starting and leaving school, commencing employment,

reaching retirement and that ultimate transi tion that is death Also, those occasions when either we hand on to another or someone else hands on to us

The transitions at work where we pass on our responsibilities to another; or in the community when someone else takes forward what we have done for many years. Those family moments when one generation hands onto another

Not every transition goes well All too often there is a reluctance to go

The preparation can be inadequate Crucial information is not passed on.

As a vicar taking on a new parish, I didn’t always receive from my predecessor the details of congregation and parish that I needed All too often there is a failure of the next generation to adapt as circumstances change Political transitions as we know can

AROUND THE CLUBS

BIGGLESWADE IVEL

TOWNSWOMEN’S GUILD

Chairman Ann Taylor welcomed members to the guild’s harvest luncheon on Monday, September 12 A minute’s silence was held for HM Queen Elizabeth ii who passed away last week

Birthday greetings were given to liz Stirratt, Joy Cooper, Maria Myers & Gill Hibbert Alison Careless celebrated her diamond

wedding anniversary last month

Members have enjoyed two walks during the summer break, July saw the group walk around the Henlow area, and August was the embankment at Bedford

The guild anniversary luncheon will be held on November 24, the location is still being discussed

Members then enjoyed a ful some harvest lunch which included homecooked ham and fruit pies

be particularly tricky

Above all else there is a need to empower the person who comes next Too many busi nesses falter when no one has been prepared to take things forward, especially when the founder steps down

In contrast, it was noticeable over the last few years how our Queen enabled Charles to step up

Jesus’s ascension to heaven, after his resurrection, is a moment of divine transition

As Jesus returns to heaven he hands on his mission to his disciples He commissions them and he empowers them. The gift of the Holy Spirit is part of ensuring they are equipped for the task

Transitions are not easy, even for monarchs They are times for prayer Who do we need to empower so that when the time comes, they are ready?

The next meeting will be on Monday, October 11, when Peter Walker will give an illustrated talk on the gardens of the Cotswold The competition will be something beginning with the letter A The guild meets on the second Monday of the month 2pm at the Orchard Community Centre, Sullivan Court, Biggleswade new members and visitors are very welcome if you would like any further details, please email the chairman Ann Taylor: tayl321321@gmail com

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION BIGGLESWADE BRANCH

The Biggleswade Branch of the Royal British legion held a Branch Meeting on August 31, at the Church Rooms, St Andrews Church There were eight members present Apologies were received from four mamebers

The Chairman recited The Exhortation Reports were re ceived from The Chair, vice Chair, and Treasurer

The Chair thanked the Standard Bearers who paraded for the

Funeral of Mr Peter Burr, a Second World War veteran on August 12th

The Royal Artillery Association lunch in July, was enjoyed by those Members attending

Members also attended a talk at Northill Branch on the Falklands Conflict and were entertained with supper and a concert by Bedford Brass Band

The Branch organised a short service for the Falklands Conflict in June at Biggleswade War Memorial

The Branch, which was formed in 1928, are to purchase a 75th Anniversary Pennant for the Branch Standard

The Royal British legion is the UK’s leading Armed Forces chari ty Membership is open to every one We welcome men and women of all ages, whether they have served in the Armed Forces or not

The Biggleswade Branch usu ally meets every last Wednesday of the month at the Church Rooms, St Andrews Church, Shortmead Street, Biggleswade SG18 0AT

Please contact the Chair, Di Keogh on 07963464465 or E Mail: dikeogh2401@hotmail com

HAviNG finally had a small amount of rain, it would appear a large number of you have returned to your gardens prompting a bumper amount of correspondence from you this month so thank you very much for taking the time

One concern expressed by a couple of you has been regarding tree roots appearing to protrude more than they ever have indeed, i have also noticed this with an inspection chamber that appears in a lawn

For many years, i have driven a ride on mower over it to no ill effect but annoyingly, this past week the mower just slightly caught it it would appear the drought has caused the level of the ground to lower slightly

So if you regularly push a mower over similar ground based obstructions, to do so with caution indeed it might be worth lifting the mower’s height of cut or even strimming it

With the limited amount of growth in lawns this summer, it

SANDY TOWN BOWLS

Monday 22nd August East Beds Bowls League Div 1 Sandy Town B 52 Stotfold B 20

Kevin Hurry Dale Goodwin Mick Gaylor 22 S Worboys, R Neville, M Amos 12 Mark Howlett, lee Swain, Dom Mussino 30 S Morgan, T Regan, T Blyth 8

Saturday 3rd September Friendly Sandy Town 65 Gt Gransden 59

Clive Foskett, Nigel Matthews, Mark Howlett 16 Gt Gransden 18 Gill Blankley Phil Donohue Glenn Rodford 13 Gt Gransden 21

Pat Hawkins, Christine Foskett, James Sargeant 16 Gt Gransden 11 Margaret Nicholls Alan litchfield Keith Blankley 20 Gt Gransden 9

The Bim Chapman trophy was played on Sunday 21st August with 20 members of the club taking part in a two wood competition After three round robin games and quarter finals and the semi finals James Sargeant and John Beaumont contested the final The final was a very close encounter with James Sargeant winning after an extra end had to be played as the match finished all square after 9 ends

Sandy Town Bowls Club held their annual Dee Day competition on Monday 29th August

Sandy Town President Jim Seamer welcomed everyone before the start of play The 2 teams that made it to the final were Gill Blankley Christine Foskett and Tony Goss playing against Clive Foskett, Glenys Taverner and Glenn Rodford with Gill Christine and Tony ending up the victors

Thanks go to Dom Mussino and Tracey Matthews for the BBQ and Salad, Terry Blain for running the raffle and Jim Seamer for supplying the food and wine

Wednesday 14th September Friendly

Sandy Town 75 Potton 74 Mark Howlett, John Beaumont, Phil Donohue 18 Nicky Chinn Anthony Young, Gerry Gray 7

Chris Buckle, Tony Goss, Glenn Rodford 10 B Smith, C Pell Walpole, T McGill 27 Keith Redman, Alan lichfield, Keith Blankley 14 K Tilleard l Keen S Holdsworth 19

Pat Hawkins, ian Buckle, Ray Swinnerton 14 R Matthews G Currin B wood 12 Keith Goddard Gill Blankley Steve Darrington 19 W Munsley, G Allen, l Wilson 9

appears, a number of you have witnessed your first green wood pecker sighting; i had a lovely call from one charming lady who told me that moments after reading my piece in last month’s Bulletin, in which i mention the yaffle’s fond ness for eating ants, she saw one munching away on her lawn in short, if lawns are not cut regularly, the small ant hills grow and if you are very lucky, you may get this eye catching beauty in your garden

A large number of the queries received all ask the same question: following this year’s drought, is a particular plant dead? This is a very difficult question to answer simply by looking at a photograph but my advice is always the same: give it time

if you have plants that appear to be ailing badly, water and keep a close eye on them and sometimes one is very pleasantly surprised

Plants that are drooped, and generally looking moribund, can, after a decent downpour, really perk up so, be patient and cross your fingers!

Of course, there will be many casualties from this summer and i have already seen a number of trees drop their last leaf and many garden favourites will need eplac ing but as all gardeners know, the impact of rain on a garden is little more than magic

One of the strangest sights i have seen in the garden this past month has been a daffodil that has actually come into flower

This normal harbinger of spring has, it would appear, been bamboozled by the weather and flowered crazily early (or perhaps it is very late?); has anyone else noticed any plants behaving strangely? Please let me know if you have

The answer to last month’s ‘just for fun’ quiz question, why is The Passion Flower so called? One of the most complex and fascinating plant names, it came about in the 16th Century, when Christian Missionaries in South America named the flower (Passiflora spp) because they saw it as a symbol of the death of Jesus Christ

They believed that the five sepals and the five petals of the passion flower represented the ten disciples without Judas iscariot and Peter

Moreover, the double row of filaments (corona) on the flower represented the crown of thorns that Jesus was made to wear but it also resembled a halo The vine tendrils represented the whips that were used to scourge Jesus

This month’s just for fun ques tion then is, your lawn becomes covered with straw coloured growth which over time appears to die; what is the cause?

As always, many thanks to all of you for contributing to this column, keep them coming, and please contact me with any garden ing tasks or queries you may have, lawndocgardens@aol com or tel: 01767 627 581 or 07796 328 855

by Maureen Catlin

When the daylight hours have really shortened and there is thzat special light we are in Autumn The leaves are starting to change to more muted tones before they fall and there is a sense that everything in the garden is winding down for a good sleep For gardeners it’s a special time as we prepare for another year of plant delights

Planting in autumn allows more time for new roots to grow in warm soil so plants are less vulnerable to dry periods the following summer The colder soil during the winter encourages flowering as soon as the weather warms up Evergreens become particularly well established in autumn without the difficult fluc tuations of spring weather and need less water to establish

Autumn is also the time to plant all spring flowering bulbs like daffodils crocus and tulips and change the summer flowering bedding plants in our patio tubs to primroses winter pansies and violas

Towards the end of October is the best time to plant hedges and soft fruit which are usually available as bareroot plants, an economic way to buy them, when you are planting

larger quantities it is a good time to take stock of what is actually providing that last burst of colour and interest to our gardens before winter sets in Here are some additions you might like to include to increase the spectacle

Two new varieties of the Smoke Bush Cotinus are a must The pale orange new leaves of Cotinus Golden lady in spring turn a gorgeous pure yellow in summer and then brilliant orange in autumn before leaf fall it is a large shrub for the back of a border which is easy to grow bushy and drought tolerant it is a good foil for Cotinus lilla which is a compact form growing to 1m with rich purple leaves from spring to autumn when the foliage turns pink orange scarlet and red

Another new variety is Weigela florida Sunn Fantasy it has a very long flowering period from May to October with interesting colourful leaves variegated green cream and red that show good autumn colour before leaf fall it is very easy to grow, compact and performs well in patio tubs if garden space is limited it is drought resistant like many weigelas and loves sunny places

Physocarpus All Black is another dramatic deciduous shrub with very dark purple black foliage and stems in summer The leaves in autumn

turn red orange and yellow giving an entirely different contrast to any surrounding plants in the border it has pink flowers in May and June and will thrive in sun or part shade

New introductions for Buddleias are the Humdinger series They are compact semi evergreen shrubs more suitable for smaller gardens and patio tubs The flowers appear in early summer as 20 to 30 cm long panicles and last well into autumn All vari eties are very easy to grow in a sunny place and are loved by Butterflies Moths and Bees Buddleia little Angel has long white flowers and silvery foliage while B Candy little lila has beautiful pale lilac flowers

Another exciting semi evergreen shrub with especial autumn interest is Abelia Kaleidoscope in spring the leaves are yellow and green intensi fying in colour throughout summer and turning bright orange red and purple in autumn The flowers are pale pink and appear in summer last ing well into autumn it grows to about 1m and likes a sheltered sunny place and compost rich soil

All borders in the garden benefit from some evergreens which keep the colour going when other plants have lost their leaves Choisya Sundance is an absolute favourite with bright golden waxy leaves that when crushed have a herby scent it also has white flowers during summer which smell of orange blos som Another variety Choisya Goldfinger has the same golden foliage which is finely cut with white flowers in late spring a beautiful contrast when planted near Berberis Darts Red lady

Two Pittosporums are worth a mention for prolonging the evergreen theme Pittosporum Tom Thumb has purple leaves which darken as the weather gets colder in spring the new leaf growth is bright apple green with small dark honey scented flow ers it is small compact easy to grow and very drought tolerant a good contrast to lavender and other silver foliage evergreens Pittosporum Silver Queen is a larger variety with silver variegated decorative foliage

Bedford Sinfonia: Saturday 22

October 7 30pm St Andrew’s Church, Kimbolton Road, Bedford MK40 2PF

Conductor: Michael Rose

Piano Soloist: Paul Searle Barnes

Mozart: Symphony No 35 in D Major, K 385 (Haffner)

Shostakovich: Piano Concerto No 2 in F Major, Op 102 Haydn: Symphony No 99 in E flat Major

Contact:

Art Society: 7:15 for 7:30 start

Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford MK41 8EB

Anne Marie Abbate Talk/demonstration of Collage Anne Marie s practise focuses on a multidisciplinary approach through, sculpture, print, textiles, painting and collage Free for members £5 for visitors

Contact: Jean Paterson on 01234 307210 or www bedsartsociety co uk

Biddenham Gardeners

Association: Meets Biddenham village Hall

Tuesday 18th October at 7.30 365 Days of Colour” By Nick Bailey

Tuesday 22nd November at 7 30 The Autumn Flowers of the Peloponnese” By Joe Sharman

Tuesday 20th December at 7 30 “Christmas Party/Quiz” visitors very welcome

Admission £5 per meeting for non members includes Raffle & Refreshments

Contact: www biddenhamgardenersas sociation org uk

Car Boot Sale: Milton Ernest Garden Centre, Radwell Road, Milton Ernest MK44 1SH, Cars £5 vans £10 Sellers setup 9am

Buyers 10am 2pm October 2 Contact: (01234) 823033 or enquiries@miltonernestgarden centre co uk

Shanbrook Men’s Group: Unemployed, working from home, retired, widowed or just need to talk to someone

The Man Cave in Sharnbrook Scout Hut could be for you We have men from all over north Bedfordshire who come along and have coffee and toast from 10am 1 30pm every Friday Contact: Bernard Brown on 07711 664451 or Steve Marvell on 07904 176698

Kempston & District Model Railway Society:

Meets every Wednesday evening, from 7 30pm to 10 00pm in Kempston East Methodist Church entrance from the Car Park Our members have a wide range of experiences backgrounds and ages Anyone interested is welcome to drop in one Wednesday evening and get to know more over tea and biscuitsContact: 000

Oakley Rural Day Centre for the elderly: The Old School lovell Road Oakley Beds MK43 7RX We provide a fun filled day of activities, games and good old conversation The day includes refreshments and a two course lunch Contact: Lynne, Tuesday to Thursday on 01234 824935 or Mobile: 07733 227374. www.oakleyruraldaycen tre weebly com Email: oakleyruralday centre@yahoo com

Cotton End Village Hall: MK45 3AU 60/70s Night, October 8 £12 00 (includes refreshments) 7 30 start Jumble/Table Top sale October 15 11am Contact: Angela 01234 743858

Man Cave: if you are looking for some male company then look no further that the Man Cave in Sharnbrook Scout Hut Coffee and toast from 10am 1 30pm every Friday Contact: Bernard Brown on 07711 664451 or Steve Marvell on 07904 176698

Bedford Folk Dance Club:

Friendly Country and Folk Dance Club Thursdays 8:15pm to 10:15pm St Mary’s Church Hall Church lane Goldington Bedford MK41 0Hl No partner required Good fun for only £3 Contact: Ron Law 01234 825574

Bedford Music Club: Contact: www bedfordmusicclub co uk

Tudor Reeds Folk Dance Club: Barn dance group meets every other Wednesday 8 10pm St Mark s Church Hall, Brickhill £2 inc refresh ments Contact: Jenny 01234 217621t

Sandy Women’s Institute:

Meets on the third Tuesday of every month (except August) at Sandy Conservative Club Bedford Road Sandy New members are always very welcome visitors are charged a small fee of £4 For further information contact: Ann Patterson 01767 680644

Kempston Senior Citizens Club: DANCING, WHIST, BINGO

Meets Wednesday 10am 12noon Friday 10am 4 00pm, Centenary Hall, behind Kempston Town Hall contact: Sheila Cobban, on 01234 347306

Bedford Folk & Acoustic Club: Acoustic and folk music round the room, every Thursday evening from 8:30pm at the Bowls Pavilion of Kempston Hammers Club, MK42 7BN Musicians, singers and poets all welcome, at every level

Contact: us on facebook, or come and meet us at the Bowls Pavilion

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

Walking Football: Sessions every Tuesday at Upper Caldecote 1 30pm to 2,30pm taking place at Harvey Close Upper Caldecote SG18 9BQ Contact: Colin Harries on 01767 317099

Bedford Local Group of The Wildlife Trust: Wednesday 12th October, Meeting 7 15pm for 7 30pm Priory Methodist Church Hall, Newnham Avenue, Bedford MK41 9QJ

‘The Hidden World of the Cow Pat and more an illustrated talk by Nancy Reed Plenty of parking available, All welcome, no charge but voluntary contributions are appreciated Further details available under Events on www wildlifebcn org or Contact: 01234 266057

Tuesday Art Group

Kempston: We are a small self help art group that meets every Tuesday in school term time from 10 00 to 12 00 at Kempston East Methodist Church Participants are free to do their own thing in any medium of their choice and the group participants can chip in with help, encouragement and advice We are looking for new members who would like to come and join us initially we charge £3 per session however if you would like to become permanent members this would translate into a termly fee Contact Matthew on 01234 295433

What’s On at St Peter’s:

Friday 27th October 7 30pm Dr Sean Long of Ruskin University Raj and Reality; understanding British in India Chapter House St Peter s Church De Parys Avenue, Bedford, MK40 2TX

Annual talks for Bedford branch Historical Association resume livE (with others on zoom) None members welcome with a donation Further details Contact: James Collett White Tel 07989 837819

What’s on at St Paul’s Church October:

TUESDAYS lUNCH TiME RECiTAlS, 1 00 pm FREE with retiring collection in aid of church funds Suggest min £5 00

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

Sat 8th 12 noon Organ, Simon Headley, (loughborough)

Tues 4th 1 00 pm, Paul Edwards and friends, Piano & Organ

Tues 11th Osman Tack Piano Tues 18th Samuel Finch Flute

Tues 25th Solstice vocal Duo Contact: Ann Collett White Tel: +44 (0)1234 266839 Mobile: +44 (0)7989 837819

Sandy Historical Society: The History of Nation Service by Ken lewis 7 30 Friday 28th October

Stonecroft Hall, St Swithins Way, Sandy SG191BB

Admission £3 00 including refreshments Members & Students free Contact: 01767 680171

Bedford RSPB Local Group:

Meet at ARA club, Manton lane Bedford MK41 7PF 7 30pm Thursday October 20

Andy Harding Presents, “The Danube Delta Paradise for Birds”‘Suitable for Experts and Novices, RSPB membership not essential Entrance fee group members £1 07905 199769

Bedford Floral Art

Society: Tuesday, October 4th at 7.30pm at the Addison Centre, Kempston, MK42 8PN A special flower arranging demonstration by National Demonstrator, Coral Gardiner, entitled ‘Autumn Opulence’ visitors welcome £15 at the door or online Contact: tickets@bedfordfloralartsociety co uk

Sandy Historical Research

Group: Saturday 22nd October 2022

SHRG Photographic Exhibition at Sandy Town Council Chamber, 10 Cambridge Road, Sandy SG19 1JE 10am 2pm; non members £4 00, Refreshments £1 00 7 30pm Tuesday 8th November How much do you know about the town in which you live? Come along to the SHRG AGM and quiz night to find out at Beeston Methodist Church Hall, The Baulk, Beeston, Sandy SG19 1NR New members always welcome Contact: Sally Carlow07722 121691

Biggleswade & District Choral Society: The One Day Choir, UNiTED FOR UKRAiNE Presents THE PEACEMAKERS By Karl Jenkins St Andrew s Church Biggleswade SG18 0JB Saturday 22nd October at 7:30pm Entry by generous donation Proceeds to Ukrainian Humanitarian Fund

Musical Director : Karen Beer Accompanist: Anne Wright Contact:

Bringing

Castle Comedy is launching a new club in Sandy. They are teaming with up with the iconic Roundabout Club venue, which has just undergone a big refurbishment to its upstairs function room. So, the stage is set to welcome some brilliant comedians and bring the laughter to Sandy!

Friday October 14, Castle Comedy Sandy at The Roundabout Club.

BOB MILLS is a bona fide comedy legend with over 30 years at the top of the UK circuit. You will recognise him from his cult classic 90’s TV show ‘In Bed with MeDinner’ and his presenting of ‘Win,Lose or Draw’ on ITV. He is one of the current stars of TalkRadio where he has his own show ‘Tragedy Plus Time’ where he talks comedy to the biggest stars in the country. Perhaps his biggest achievement in radio was being crowned BBC 5Live’s ‘Fighting Talk’ champion of champions in 2010.

“He’s a master of irony, and wears his world-weariness well, teasing and wrong-footing the youngsters in the front row, and passing comment on the changing face of comedy, from someone who’s seen it all!” CHORTLE

FIONA ALLEN a twice Emmy winning actor and comedian she has been a mainstay of our TV

screens over the past two decades. She has starred in various sketch shows, including Goodness Gracious Me and The All Star Comedy Show, but most famously Smack the Pony.

PRESIDENT OBONJO an upcoming and increasingly successful stand-up comedian. As the larger-than-life, uber-confident, self-appointed, side-splitting dictator of ‘Lafta Republic’, President Obonjo has quietly been leading a comedy revolution to become the first President to take over the comedy industry by storm!

“It’s a great comic construct, with lots of seized opportunities for playing with the clichés” Chortle

Doors 7.30pm, show starts 8.15pm. Tickets £12+ booking fee from www.castlecomedy.co.uk

It’s Halloween ‘Reloaded’ at the Empire

by Tony Hendrix

The summer is drawing to a close and the nights are drawing in… which must mean that Halloween is just around the corner!

If you like a bit of Halloween fun there are a few Halloween events in Bedford this year that I'm sure will get many of you dressed up in those awesome creepy Halloween costumes to celebrate an event that sees the creeps come out to play in many towns and cities worldwide.

The first event that I want to cover is called ‘Reloaded’ to be held at the Empire Nightclub in Bedford.

Before I get into the details of this night I can guarantee that this will probably be the spookiest party in town. This notorious nightclub some 10 years ago when it was called Mission was actually built within a grave yard. I was fortunate enough to work at this stunning venue when it first opened up, I was completely blown away to see the head stones were still in place around the perimeter of the club.

This Halloween Special event will take place at The Empire on October 29, doors creek open at 10.30pm till 4am.

Special guest DJs on the night include Logan D, Majistrate, and Critical impact the Music Genres will be Drum’n’Bass and Jungle.

This event will bring together some of the big names in drum’n’bass to one of Bedford’s biggest nightclubs, don’t be left out side with the zombies as the event will be busy, tickets are available from Skiddle.com.

Great Barford Village Hall are proud to announce the Swingsters Halloween Party on Saturday, October 29, featuring Laura B. Laura B is the UK’s foremost authentic Rhythm & Blues vocalist and performer. Her powerhouse vocals are inspired by original legends such as Ruth Brown, Big Maybelle, Lavern Baker and Etta James. Laura B is backed by her fabulous all-star band.

This exciting seven-piece combo rocks you really need to be there to experience this amazing band, entrance is £18.

Tickets can be purchased in advance from: Swingsters spellbinding Venues/Events or via dance@swingsters.co.uk

Dress Code can be fancy dress

or formal, Vintage or Scary. Haunted House Doors Creak Open 8pm Broomsticks at 11.30pm which is when you fly home.

The venue is located A five minute drive from the Black Cat Roundabout.

Now the biggest Halloween Party on the calendar for this Halloween was to be held at

Meadows Bank, the organisers have issued a statement regarding the cancelation

It in is with huge disappointment that we regrettably inform you that Halloween Town Festival 2022 is cancelled.

We will be automatically

refunding any monies that have been paid for this event back to the

banking / credit card from which the tickets were originally purchased.

We look forward to seeing you all next year for Halloween Town Festival 2023.

More details will be coming so stay tuned to our social channels.

Best regards, The Halloween Town Festival Team.

Through to round

by Mike Draxler

Monday August 29 BIGGLESWADE TOWN KEMPSTON ROVERS

After the last away game at Didcot returning to the lush pitch at the Yvette Brewer Stadium was pure luxury and we were treated to game of quality and high drama

The drama was added to by the return of ex wader manager Chris Nunn and a handful of ex wader players one of which Ben Stevens hit the bar with spectators still tak ing their seats Touche, as Jon Clements went close the other end inside three minutes

The game settled and Biggles wade were able to play the style of football favoured and very suited to the pitch Passing quick and accurate becoming the trademark at lanford Road this season

Jake Bunyan and Charlie Smith prompting the ball through to the willing Clements and new signee Obi Onyeagwara

Bunyan it was who got the break through on 20 minutes, a crisp shot deflecting and into the net Kempston were content to sit back and let the Waders play with some exhilarating football which did not add to the score At the break 1 0

After the break Kempston sat even deeper giving acres of space to the Biggleswade back line and plenty of opportunity to release the ball for attempts at target On 50 Daniel Brathwaite got his head to ball rebounding off the bar to dou ble the lead

Still Kempston sat back letting the Waders come on On 72 a mix

up with a back pass let Rafal Wielblad in to round the keeper to make the game more tense Biggleswade defended well and kept the Kempston forwards at bay giving little opportunity

late on 90+ Kempston awarded a corner, high and long with Harry Draper adjudged to have fouled his man, a penalty awarded No de Ja vou from Saturday as Timmy Smith went the wrong way, Kyle lincoln made no mistake from the spot, to make a final score of 2 2

Saturday September 3

FA CUP

1ST QUAliFYiNG ROUND

DEREHAM TOWN .................0

BIGGLESWADE TOWN .........1

Dereham town, affectionately known to their fans as the Magpies, my mind wandered off to the nurs ery rhyme, hence the heading it was a combative game with a very strong Dereham side showing the way early

Two or three efforts in the first few minutes should have been but the shots were high, wide and cer tainly not handsome The pitch very green and watered before our

arrival was a very playable surface for the kind of game the Waders wanted to play in the midfield David Keenlyside and Jake Bunyan endeavoured, Jon Clements applied enthusiasm for the task and tricky new boy Obi Onlyegwara showed his paces wide

At the back Draper, Brathwaite, O’Keefe and Parker contained the home forwards with Max Granville breaking up and creating just in front of the back line Chances were few in the first period which on another day may have resulted in a score At the break and all to play for 0 0

After the break neither side wanting to give an inch it very much looked even at that stage a replay But it all changed on 61 as home fullback Aaron Powell was carded for a second time leaving space on the right flank

With Hay on for Onyegwara and Austin on for Jake Bunyan the game opened up with Austin always available as an outlet

Pressure on 70 brought a cor ner, one of the few Waders had gained, struck into the far post to find Harry Draper free to net through a melee of players

Some teams up their game when down to 10 men but Dereham seemed unable to cope with the imbalance Waders kept their cool and contained and prevented Dereham a clear opportunity Nerves were jangling as an extra five was added to the time Still playing the passing game Biggleswade ran down the clock to put the team in the hat on Monday

Strong second half but not enough to see FC through

by Antony Molinari

Saturday August 27 BIGGLESWADE FC ................2

HARLOW TOWN.....................2 FC’s 3rd league game of the season saw them come from behind to snatch a point in an exciting score draw at the Eyrie

in what is fast becoming a habit this season, the hosts once again fell behind early on Early warning signs saw luke Oswick robbed in possession by the corner flag, a good cross followed and Berchiche rattled the FC cross bar in an early let off it wasn’t long though until he got on the score sheet in the 20th minute a long throw wasn’t fully cleared, the follow up cross resulted in a smart near post header by the Harlow number 11

They then doubled their lead before the break, FC again gave the ball away cheaply, Berchiche this time turned provider as he slipped in a pass for Aleko Aliaj to round Dan Green in goal and cool ly make it 0 2 at the break

However, if Dave Northfield and Mark inskip’s men are proving anything this season, it’s that they’re resilient A much brighter start to the second half saw a num ber of chances fall to the home side but it wasn’t until the 72nd minute saw Adam Hunt, who recently made his 200th appearance for the club, charge up the right and drive home a cracking finish

Then in the 81st minute the ever impressive Charlie Hayford levelled the scores after the referee left FC frustrated by blowing up for a foul despite lawrie Marsh being through on goal However, it didn’t matter as Hayford stepped up with a special strike from the resulting free kick

All square then at the end and a great second half performance from FC

Monday, August 29

BARTON ROVERS ..................2 BIGGLSWADE FC LEAGUE .2

Biggleswade FC were twice pegged back as they were forced to settle for a 2 2 in their Bedfordshire derby with Barton Rovers on Bank Holiday Monday

After showing good resilience on Saturday to claim a share of the spoils with Harlow Town, this felt almost like a defeat as twice FC gave away sloppy goals to let their opponents back into the contest

There were still positives though After a scrappy opening, 18 year old Adam Wedd scored his first goal for the club in what was FC’s first in the opening 45 minutes of a game this season

A short corner saw Wedd quick est to react running off the shoulder of his marker to prod the ball home

However, Barton levelled with their first real opportunity of the match After giving away a corner, the ball was floated into the box and a flick on fell invitingly for Elliott Bailey, who finished expert ly at the far post with a first time finish past Tyler Josephs

FC restored their lead through Daniel Bond on 53 minutes A break down the right side saw the ball sent low into the box, Bond superbly got his body in the way of his marker before sending a great strike on the turn past the keeper

The visitors failure to kill the game off cost them when Connor Clarke exposed FC frailties in deal ing with balls into the box A ball which wasn’t fully dealt with fell to Elliott Bailey’s who’s effort was going wide until Clarke was able to divert it home

Biggleswade in the end having to settle for a point, but after dominat ing long periods of the game this felt like two points dropped rather than a point gained

Saturday September 3 FA CUP

1st Qualifying Round

EAST THURROCK UTD ........2

BIGGLESWADE FC ................1

FC were dumped out of the FA Cup despite a strong second half per formance after early defensive errors cost them again

it was an all too familiar feeling for FC whose bright start to the game came to nothing as United scored two first half goals which were the result of poor defensive play

The first from Amaree Robinson Jones on 18 minutes, a goal mouth scramble resulting from a low cross, left FC keeper Tyler Josephs unable to hang on to a weak shot it got worse for FC before half time when a poor clearance fell to Brian Moses making his debut for the Rocks, was allowed to turn in the box and fire home

After the break, FC dominated the possession with Untied sitting deep, trying to slow the game and protect their lead

Unable to break down the stub born Rocks defence, the FC man agement made a double substitution on 64 minutes

it proved to be an inspired change as Jack Dryer came on and immediately picked up the ball in midfield and hit a great dipping shot from 30 yards over the keeper, it was a goal of great quality and gave FC hope going into the last 20minutes

Unfortunately, despite throwing everything at the hosts in the last quarter that was as good as it got for the visitors and there was to be no last minute heroics unlike the previous round against Cambridge City

it finished 2 1 ending FC’s FA Cup hopes for another season