Kempston Calling December 2018

DECEMBER 2018

PRICELESS

Wishing you all a Happy Christmas

INSIDE: OUT AND ABOUT n SPORT n AROUND YOUR CLUBS n LOCAL NEWS AND PHOTOGRAPHS

2 — KEMPSTON CALLING

DECEMBER 2018

TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com

KEMPSTON TOWN COUNCIL 104 Bedford Road, Kempston, Bedford, MK42 8BG Tel: 01234 851005 www.kempstontowncouncil.com Email: kempstoncouncil@btconnect.com Office hours: 10am to 3pm Monday to Friday

Staff and Councillors at Kempston Town Council wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

KNOW YOUR COUNCILLOR Kempston North Adrien Beardmore 52 Foster Road, Kempston MK42 8BU adybeard@ntlworld.com 853803 Sue Oliver 4 Loveridge Avenue, Kempston MK42 8SD sue.oliver@bedford.gov.uk 303029 Kempston South Carl Meader 39 Highfield Road, Kempston MK42 7JH carl.meader@bedford.gov.uk 857621 Peter Tansey-Dwyer 106 Hilton Close, Kempston, MK42 7FT petertanseydwyer@yahoo.co.uk 07597 717699 Kempston West Lindsay Fensome 7 Kingston Close, Kempston, MK42 8WA lfensome071@virginmedia.com 07857 005384 Will Hunt 5 Vyne Close, Kempston MK42 8RH willhunt@ntlworld.com 852072 / 07787 742887

Kempston Central and East Kay Burley 7 Westdale Walk, Kempston MK42 8NX gordoncolling@btinternet.com 843805 David Clarke 86A Bedford Road, Kempston MK42 8BB daleysclub@outlook.com 851143 Richard Hyde 14 The Links, Kempston, MK42 7LA Hydeaway14@googlemail.com 300848 / 07986 225389 Fiorentino Manocchio 32 Hartwell Drive, Kempston MK42 8UY fiore.manocchio@gmail.com 07818 426266 Mohammed Masud 46 Henderson Way, Kempston MK42 8NP cllrmasud@bedford.gov.uk 07974 276944 James Valentine 35 Waterloo Road Bedford MK40 3PQ cllrjames.valentine@gmail.com 330621

Community pay respects The weather was kind when Kempston’s community turned out in force on Remembrance Day. After a service at the Kempston East Methodist Church those of the congregation who could, marched to the War Memorial. Appropriate marching music was provided by the Boys’ Brigade. When everyone was assembled, prayers were said and the Last Post was played. Two minutes silence was then observed. Wreaths were laid by dignitaries, representatives of many organisations and services plus individuals.

Several youth organisations were represented at the event.

They all looked very smart in their various uniforms. Each a credit to their group, family, and themselves. A real asset for the Community too. Some of the youngsters appeared very, very young and they performed their duty and acted impeccably both in church and at the memorial. It was a well organised event, carried out with great respect by the community!

Be aware It is not only young people who sometimes act irresponsibly when cycling past pedestrians. Everyone needs to be aware that pedestrians with hearing or vision difficulties and those who are unable to move quickly are particularly vulnerable to silent cyclists both in daylight and darkness! Try not to cycle on pavements and use the cycle paths where possible. Please be thoughtful and help avoid an accident!

Orange refuse sacks are available at Kempston Town Council Offices during opening hours for those who require them.

MEETINGS IN DECEMBER/JANUARY

PLANNING COMMITTEE ....................6.30pm 11 December TOWN COUNCIL .................................7.30pm 11 December KEMPSTON BURIALS JOINT COMMITTEE.............................7.30pm 13 December TOWN COUNCIL ......................................7.30pm 8 January PLANNING COMMITTEE .........................6.30pm 8 January COMMUNITY SAFETY FORUM ..............6.30pm 21 January

COUNCILLORS’ HELP AND ADVICE SURGERY Every Saturday 10.30am–12 noon in Sainsbury’s at the Saxon Centre.

O EW S TI N A A L TM R AL RIS ECO CH & D S HT

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6 — KEMPSTON CALLING

DECEMBER 2018

TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com

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Dog’s charity night held at Hammers brings in the money A huGE thank you to ‘Fynnius Fogg’ who performed to a packed audience at AFC Kempston on Saturday, November 10, 2018 to raise monies for my nominated registered charity Dogs For Good.

I had been looking for a new band for some time, since ‘Beer Jelly’ unfortunately disbanded for personal reasons. Beer Jelly had done us proud helping the charity raise over £5000. having seen Fynnius Fogg play

at the band stand in Bedford earlier in the year, I just had to get them. They too, are Bedfordians. They formed in the 1970s and were signed to Pye Records with much early success.

They broke up in 1978 to pursue their own business interests. however reformed in 1991 when they decided to perform their music for charity gigs only. I was so lucky to get the band this year as they were only taking bookings for 2019!

As well as my regular lot, the band had their own followers who fitted in really well with our venue.

Lead man, Bernard did an excellent job of promoting the charity and had everyone dancing from the start of the night. Everyone had a fabulous time and I have had fantastic feedback.

The majority of those attending had a lovely fish and chip meal provided by Graham’s fish and chip company.

Again we had some excellent prizes for our raffle donated by friends and local businesses. Thank you letters will be sent to Dominos Pizza’s in Kempston, Milton Ernest Garden Centre, Diya Royal Indian and Gurkha Restaurant, Bedford Golf Club and Wyevale Garden Centre at Poddington.

With the band and venue, who always make us feel welcome, provided to us free of charge, we raised a fantastic total of £826.28p for the charity. Once again thank you to all who supported the event. We have already secured them for another gig next year - so please keep Saturday 21st September 2019 free!

Kathy Stone Bedfordshire Fund Raisers

DECEMBER 2018 KEMPSTON CALLING —

Stalwart of Kempston and Bedford bands succumbs to illness after long battle

The death has been announced of Terry hext, aged 80, who passed away peacefully on September 15, 2018, following a long battle with pulmonary sarcoidosis. he is survived by Marion, his wife of 58 years, and sons, Michael and David.

Born in south Wales in 1937, he learnt to play the trombone through his local brass band and soon progressed to the Oakdale Colliery Band. he also enjoyed playing jazz by listening and playing along to Chris Barber records. he later joined the Loyal North Lancashire regiment and was sent to the Royal Military School of Music, where he met his wife Marion. he trained further at the Royal College of Music before finishing his military career in the Coldstream Guards. Following this period he joined the Luton Band and went on to win the title of Trombone Solo Champion of Great Britain two years running, before

moving to play with the GUS Band. he also became a member of the Virtuosi Band of Great Britain.Terry became head of Brass Teaching in Bedfordshire and eventually left GUS Band to become Musical Director of Bedford Town Band, who he led from the Fourth Section to Championship status.

In addition, he conducted the County Youth Brass Band and Concert Band, and also formed the Kempston Concert Band. In 1988, he and Marion formed Bedford Brass, which still thrives to this day. his reputation as a teacher was legendary — helping inspire countless youngsters and adults to enjoy music making.

Terry also opened Tema Music in Kempston which he managed with his wife and an able group of workers. Some years ago he happily retired from his music and the shop, played some golf, then bowls, and loved to follow his passion for rugby.

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8 — KEMPSTON CALLING

DECEMBER 2018

TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com

Kempston Rural Primary remember On Friday 9th November, children from Kempston Rural Primary School marked the 100th anniversary of Remembrance with their own Poppy route into school. The staff were met with great excitement when the children arrived at school that morning to find the poppies placed along the route and enjoyed spotting the poppy that they had made. In class, the children learnt of the importance of Armistice Day and how it marks the day World War One ended, at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month, in 1918. After laying wreaths at 11.00am a two-minute silence was held to remember the people who were injured or lost their lives in battle to ensure a better future for us all; and why we mark this occasion with poppies.

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DECEMBER 2018 KEMPSTON CALLING —

Op Arora: tackling youth violence BEDFORDShIRE Police have expanded Op Arora, and introduced a brand new, dedicated, Op Arora team, to tackle serious youth violence in north Bedfordshire.

The operation was set up in response to concerns raised by residents in Kempston, and has since expanded to include Bedford and other areas of the north of the county.

The team is made up of six officers, who provide a proactive response to reports of serious youth violence. They receive daily intelligence and information about incidents linked to the top four gangs in Bedford borough, and their activity. They then patrol hotspot areas, and over the past two weeks have had a number of successes including: l 11 arrests – five of which were Op Arora nominals l Three school engagements with local high

schools l 51 Intelligence submissions - 32 of which linked to Op Arora l 20 Stop and Searches - 14 were intelligence lead and were Op Arora l Six criminal behaviour orders are being reviewed for Op Arora nominals, and one has been approved and is awaiting sentencing next month l Two full community protection notices issued The team work closely with Community Crime and SCIT, and their support is incredibly valuable in maintaining the operational effectiveness of the team, allowing them to be out and visible within the community instead of abstracted to make enquires and deal with detainees.

The team’s activities have been extended until mid-December, and will continue to have a signifi-

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cant impact until then.

They remain committed to working with partners, and a joined up approach to tackling serious youth violence is vital. Like knife crime, tackling serious youth violence will require a long-term approach and they will only be able to do this with support from local authorities, schools and the community. To that end, the team work closely to safeguard the most vulnerable individuals linked to gangs and youth violence, focusing on education, diversionary tactics and engagement to fully understand the issues and work together to break the cycle. having a dedicated team helps the police respond to concerns about this activity more robustly, showing offenders that they’re taking this seriously and therefore reassuring the community that this is a priority.

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10 — KEMPSTON CALLING

DECEMBER 2018

TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com

Freeze claim challenged! Children come and TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 ADS: advertising@rosettapublishing.com IT IS alleged that despite claims the Borough Council has been freezing car parking charges, there have been a staggering 158 increases since 2010.

These increases are in the multistorey car parks in the town but also on-street parking. Councillors are saying this is damaging Bedford Town Centre, as many other towns and shopping centres, such as Rushden Lakes, offer free parking.

Conservative Councillor Robert Rigby said: “Despite Mayor hodgson’s supposed parking ‘freeze’, there have been 158 increases in parking charges since

2010, including the standard two hour charge by 26% to £1.90. This is eye-wateringly high compared with the offerings in surrounding towns, including the free parking offered every day in Northampton and Rushden Lakes. This is a Mayor who has milked motorists to the detriment of retail in Bedford town centre.

“A Conservative administration would back Bedford’s businesses by offering more free parking and make it a priority to reduce the number of empty shops in the town.”

Bedford Borough Council were asked to comment but no reply has been received prior to press.

Sailing away with top award

The team at eagle Travel, based on Goldington Road, Bedford, were celebrating this weekend as one of their team scooped a top national industry award on Friday. Liz Sullivan, Marketing executive at eagle Travel won the accolade of ‘Travel Agent Marketing Star’ at this years Cruise Stars Awards, held in London last Friday, and was up against some tough competition from much larger agencies.

The judges deliberations showed that Liz: “demonstrated creativity and ambition to go above and beyond to grow the business through marketing activity.”

DECEMBER 2018 KEMPSTON CALLING —

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12 — KEMPSTON CALLING

DECEMBER 2018

TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com

Alzheimer’s Society – volunteering opportunities?

Based within Bedford Borough the opportunities include Awareness Raising for our new Advanced Care Planning service and Training Support, which will involve volunteering closely with our Dementia Support Worker when they deliver training sessions to carers and health professionals about Advanced Care Planning.

Both involve volunteering within Bedford Borough with an occasional visit to our office which is based at the Pilgrim Centre, Brickhill Drive. Advanced Care Planning is a new service we’ve launched in Bedford Borough as part of a funding project and the volunteering support would really enable us to ensure the project is a success and people affected by dementia are supported.

If you can help please contact: Joshua Pearce, Volunteering Officer for Cambridgeshire/Bedfordshire and Luton Email: Joshua.Pearce@alzheimers.org.uk Telephone: 07766 058767

Speedwatch on Borough’s streets

Bedford Borough Councils’ Community Speedwatch Vehicle is out and about on the Borough’s streets.

Speeding is a common concern for local communities. The Council has heard those concerns and has created the ‘Speedwatch vehicle’, in partnership with Bedfordshire Police.

This van will travel around the Borough, with trained staff tracking the speed of vehicles. If a driver is speeding they will receive a warning through the post. They may also be visited by the Police, particularly if they are a repeat offender or are travelling at excessive speeds.

Mayor Dave hodgson said: “Speeding is consistently one of the biggest concerns people raise with me, in communities across the Borough. We have already introduced average speed cameras in a number of hotspot locations in response to local concerns. The Speedwatch vehicle will give us an additional, mobile means of responding to people’s concerns and will enable us to cover a wide range of locations. We will be able to send the van out, be a presence on roads across the Borough and help make those roads safer for everyone.”

Inspector Paul Ayling from the North Bedfordshire Community Policing team said: “Speed is one of the ‘fatal four’ driving offences and we urge drivers to comply with the limit. It is vital we pay attention to the speed limit and conditions and drive responsibly. Our community policing teams work alongside the Speedwatch schemes, which enables volunteers to work within their community to raise awareness of the dangers of speeding and to help control the problem locally.

“We all lead busy lives and there are times when we may be in a hurry and there’s a temptation to put your foot down to make up a little bit of time. We want all motorists to be aware that the speed limit on a road is just that, a limit not a target, so to drive sensibly for the road conditions they face. The consequences of speeding can be deadly so drivers need to take care on the roads all year round.”

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DECEMBER 2018 KEMPSTON CALLING —

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Thousands turn out for Christmas Lights switch-on L

14 — KEMPSTON CALLING

DECEMBER 2018

TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com

IGHTING up Bedford for the start of Christmas was the bright idea of businesses who Love Bedford. With sparkles, a snow globe, Spiderman, stiltwalkers and Santa, the Love Bedford team made the town come to life on Thursday, November 22, to mark the start of late night shopping. Real reindeer were a popular attraction with families who came into town in the afternoon.

Fireworks followed in the evening along The Embankment, sponsored by Love Bedford.

“In addition Riverside Bedford has entered into the spirit with its new festive display.”

For updates about What’s on this Christmas, Late Night Shopping and all seasonal parking updates visit the No1 town centre showcase www.lovebedford.co.uk Daily updates of what’s on and when ONLY at lovebedford.co.uk FB: Love Bedford Instagram: LoveBedford1 Twitter: @LoveBedford

Bashing the Bedfordshire Boundary A GROuP of Bedfordshire fundraisers is calling on runners of all abilities to help fight Motor Neurone Disease by ‘Bashing the Bedfordshire Boundary’ in April 2019. Teams of runners are being challenged to run a 24-hour relay around the 150-mile Bedfordshire county border, starting at 10.00 a.m. on Good Friday (April 19th) and ending at around the same time the following morning. Teams can be of any size, for example three runners each running a total of 50 miles (I’m in such a team!) or a group of ten each running 15 miles or even one hardy individual running the lot!

The event will start and end at the picturesque Picts hill house Estate in Turvey, which will also host a mass participation five-mile run to coincide with the completion of the 150-mile circuit.

The run is being organised by The Rotary Club of Bedford Park, The

Daisy Chain Fightback Fund and The St George’s Day Charity Fund – with all the money raised being donated to The Motor Neurone Disease

Association. For more information, or to register a team or individuals, please contact Nick Kier, nick@hea.co.uk, Tel: 07831 103020.

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

DECEMBER 2018 KEMPSTON CALLING —

News Offers What’s-on

LOVE Bedford NOW is going live on Facebook bringing the best news and deals from the town centre to 100,000s across Bedfordshire and beyond.

Paid for by businesses in the Bedford Business Improvement District (BID) this new service gives the smallest independents access to social media (SM) navigated by

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expert Ross Testa of Yakety Yak. Ross can seen on his own SM with Lord Sugar and Sir Richard Branson, but is local to Bedford.

“We plan to add some rocket fuel into the social media of Love Bedford which will help the town and the businesses lift off to reach a wider and wider audience. I will do this by accessing the latest opportunities offered by FB which move so fast that day to day users can’t keep up,” said Ross, aged 21.

The Love Bedford platforms already include the widest read website which showcases the town centre www.lovebedford.co.uk, Love Bedford on Instagram - the choice of teenagers and twenties, and Twitter.

The new FB Live elements will include “presenters” who are already local celebrities: Nicola harris is a professional actress who has made her bridal shop George James Bridal in Bromham Road a destination venue and in the process won a shelf of prestigous awards. Most recently she has added hattie & Co, a tiny shop for tiny tots in the Edwardian Arcade off the high Street to her retail range, stocking designers worn by Royal Family children.

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Rowe said: “We are extremely lucky to have on our doorstep a young man who is really in the national premier league of social media management for businesses, coupled with the decades of local business expertise of his partner (and Dad) Roy Testa. The combination is too good a chance to miss to help us lift Love Bedford up and into the stratosphere of social media. This is such a fast-moving technology that most of our independents, and even some of the larger companies, can’t keep up.

“Only via the BID can businesses can pull together resources to access the very latest opportunities to push themselves on to people’s screens.

“BedfordBID will also continue to support printed material in magazines via outdoor advertising such as posters for those who are not online.”

16 — KEMPSTON CALLING

DECEMBER 2018

TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com

Ellie presented with prestigious Baden-Powell Challenge Award

ON Monday, November 5, 2018, Ellie Birchall from 1st Biddenham Guides was presented with her Baden-Powell Challenge Award at a ceremony held in Biddenham, Bedfordshire.

The Baden-Powell Challenge Award is the highest award a Guide can gain in the Guide Section. It is personally challenging and involves sustained effort over a period of time.

To complete the Baden-Powell Challenge Award Ellie also had to take part in a Baden-Powell Adventure.

To achieve her award Ellie became a young leader at a local Brownie unit, ran a number of events for her Guiding unit including fundraising events, created a Song Book and attended a ‘She Can Be’ Event in London as part of the Lord

Mayor of London’s Appeal strategy for 2018 – 2020 Ellie is one of the last people ever to be able to achieve the Award as it is changing with the new Girlguiding program.

Ellie said: “It is fantastic to have achieved this award. It took me a long time to do it but I learnt so much along the way and had such a great time doing it.”

Bedfordshire County Commissioner Ann Crome said: “We were delighted to present Ellie with her award. She has worked really hard and should be very proud of her achievements.”

Girlguiding Bedfordshire is a charity and is looking for volunteers, so if you feel you could Get Involved they would love to hear from you Please call 0800 169 5901 or visit www.bedsguiding.org.uk/

Pictured Bedfordshire County Commissioner Ann Crome, Ellie Birchall.

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DECEMBER 2018 KEMPSTON CALLING —

Top tips to stay safe this winter

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by Michelle Neal Managing Director, MJ Security

BuRGLARY is a nasty crime which violates privacy and can leave victims feeling extremely vulnerable.

In the winter months, as evenings get darker earlier, statistics show that burglaries increase.

According to ukcrimestats.co.uk, reporting on crime in Bedfordshire specifically, the months of November, December and January see the most reported break-ins.

In fact this has been a trend for several years. November 2016 saw 460 reported burglaries in Bedfordshire compared to an increase to 555 in November 2017 – that’s a jump of more than 20%.

These figures exceed that of reported car crime and are in third place behind anti-social behaviour and violent crime.

Christmas is said to bring out the best in people but it can equally bring out the worst.

At a time of year when houses are filled with gifts and goodies, it’s often too much temptation for burglars and opportunists. So what can be done?

Sadly we cannot change society – at least not quickly. What we can actively do is make it harder for these criminals to gain access to our homes and premises. here are some suggested measures you can take to stay safe this winter – our top 3 tips: 1. Turn the lights on Invest in security lighting to light up the outside of your home or business premises to make it harder for burglars to hide in the shadows.

If you know you are going out, or maybe you are away for the holidays, then set timers or ask a neighbour you trust to turn lights on and off in your absence 2. Set the alarm Regardless of your budget, there is an alarm system for you.

Invest in a professional system from a company that has audited your property and/or premises to ensure you buy the right solution for you. Many systems can now be monitored remotely, meaning you can see what’s going on at home even if you’re away, giving you peace of mind.

3. Stay off Facebook!

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BEDFORDShIRE Fire and Rescue Service provides prevention and protection advice as well as a wide range of emergency response from sites based around the county. We have Community Fire Stations in Luton and Stopsley and a Southern Area Office based in Luton at our Studley Road site.

We are continually looking for the very best people from across our county to join us in the many roles we t perform, in turn building an inclusive and diverse workforce we like to call #TeamBedsFire.

Some of our strongest teams are made up of a people from a wide variety of ethnicities, pursuing careers not just as firefighters but in community safety, fire inspection, accountancy, engineering, administration, human resources and many other roles.

The role of the firefighter itself has developed enormously over the past few decades and we offer opportunities for young men and women to develop their professional skills and abilities in a variety of ways. With a clear career structure you’ll have the ability, with a personal commitment and our support, to move from firefighter to senior management roles and potentially Chief Fire Officer!

Anyone has the potential to join us as a firefighter, there are no height or age restrictions. We are interested in what you can bring to us; teamwork and problem solving is key to overcoming challenges and is an important part of the role.

Being fit and wanting to maintain this is always an important element of the role and our occupational health will help your maintain physical and mental wellbeing.

Nowadays we carry out ‘Safe and Well’ visits to the most vulnerable members of our community and this calls on a different set of skills such as empathy and patience in addition to excellent communication skills. It is important for us to engage with all our communities, understanding the needs and risks that everyone faces where safety is concerned, in order to work together to reduce or eliminate them where possible.

We welcome applications from across our county in order to advise, protect and prevent risk related incidents. If you’d like more information about any of the career opportunities with Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service visit www.bedsfire.gov.uk/ Careers/Careers.aspx We are running an application process to recruit fulltime, or wholetime, firefighters in January 2019. If you’d like to register your interest in becoming a firefighter then visit www.bedsfire.gov.uk/joinus

Garden notes NOW, on the plot, I have dug everywhere I can get at, so that leaves harvesting of the winter vegetables remaining on the plot, planting some new raspberry canes and finishing my new fruit cage.

And of course there is always some maintenance to do. I have got to have an excuse to go over there.

(As if).

In the garden I have been busy pruning shrubs and tidying up herbaceous plants and thinning them wherever they have outgrown their allotted space. Some of the shrubs which have become too big I am moving to more suitable positions. Some had grown too tall because they were not getting sufficient light, some had grown far bigger than they were supposed to according to the label and some I decided would look better some-

DECEMBER 2018 KEMPSTON CALLING —

where else. As the trimming moving and tidying is finished I am emptying the compost bins and covering the beds and borders with a two or three inch thick mulch to hold back the weeds and to feed the ground. If we should have another summer anything like the summer just passed the mulch will also help to hold the moisture in the ground.

I have noticed as I go round the garden that the snowdrops are poking their noses through already, as are some of the daffodils in some of the more sheltered areas and also the dwarf iris in my bulb bed.

So that is it. The year is at an end. All that remains is to snuggle up to a nice warm radiator with a mug or glass of something that makes you more comfortable with

19

yourself and go through the seed catalogues to decide which of the overhyped descriptions will tempt you to decide what to grow next year. The catalogues never fail to amaze. If you have ten types of tomato on a page say, each and everyone is the absolute best there is. They are all the sweetest, the tastiest the most reliable and the heaviest croppers. The only difference is the size of fruits and possibly the colour. Still it gives us more to think about while we cannot get out much to do things.

Commercial break time. The trading hut on Newnham Avenue opens on January 5th when we should have seed potatoes, onion sets, shallots and most other things at the best possible prices.

Merry Christmas everyone.

Richard Callaghan.

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20 — KEMPSTON CALLING

DECEMBER 2018

TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com

BREXIT DEAL THAT In Focus with PLEASES NOBODY

Far from bringing much needed stability to the country, the Prime Minister’s Eu Withdrawal Agreement has meant the future of the uK has never been so uncertain in peacetime.

Theresa May has negotiated a half-baked and vague plan that pleases no one and bears no resemblance to the promises her Government made to the country before and since the referendum.

The Agreement will harm jobs and the economy, it will not deliver frictionless trade and provides no certainty over our future relationship, customs, immigration, security, defence, research and collaboration.

We were promised Brexit would be easy and have no downsides; that we would be taking back control, but this Agreement has considerable downsides and leaves us stuck in limbo with a loss of sovereignty and less

THERE’S EVERY REASON TO SHOP LOCALLY IN TOWN

December is here already, and the festive season is again packed with events and activities across Bedford Borough’s businesses, schools, parish councils and of course Churches.

Christmas is a time which brings people together, and an incredible number of people across the Borough work in countless ways, in most cases unpaid, to create opportunities for sharing and enjoying the festive season.

These range from the Bedford hospitals Charity Christmas Tree festival and other charity events, to the nativity plays which result from weeks of hard work, to the numerous carol concerts in our communities and much more besides.

The festive period is of course critical for

GIVING HOPE TO REBUILD LIVES

A special moment last month was the ‘Service of Remembrance and hope’ organised by the Road Victims Trust. It was a chance to remember those killed in traffic collisions and to give thanks for the vital work of this local charity.

Responding to the average of 85 people per year killed on the roads in Bedfordshire, hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire the charity offers support and counselling to all who are affected by these sudden deaths, which come unexpectedly.

At the heart of their work is the belief in the healing properties of hope. Their strap line is ‘Giving hope to rebuild lives’. Sadly, all too often, this is not what happens. Faced with tragedy in the lives of others all too many of us just struggle to engage. We avoid the issue. And even when we do reach out it is often clumsy attempts at explanation or interpretation. People

Yasin

MP for Bedford and Kempston control over our borders and laws.

I have always been clear that I will not vote for a Brexit that does not protect jobs, workers and environmental rights, the economy and living standards or a deal that does not work for all of the nations in the united Kingdom and I therefore cannot support the Agreement.

My party has fought for a deal which included a new comprehensive and permanent customs union, with a British say in future

In Focus with

Dave

by Dave Hodgson Mayor of Bedford our retailers, who face huge challenges amid a crisis for uK high streets. One of these is the fact that around one in every five pounds spent this Christmas on retail is likely to be spent online.

Bedford town centre has bucked the trend in recent years, with four straight years of footfall growth and a lower empty shop rate than other towns.

View from the Rt Revd

Richard Atkinson

The Bishop of Bedford

are trying to be helpful but they get it wrong.

Explanation – even were it possible – rarely hits the mark. It doesn’t answer that deep loss and emptiness that follows losing someone in tragic circumstances. Quite often it just irritates and annoys. It is not hope.

By interpretation I mean those bon mots like ‘Everything happens for a reason’, ‘At least it wasn’t ..’ or even worse ‘God must have had a purpose for her …’ which at the most basic just miss the spot, and at worst are a sick joke.

trade deals which would support businesses, our NhS, jobs and the manufacturing supply chains they depend on; a strong single market relationship that allows British business continued access to vital European markets for both goods and services and a guarantee that our country doesn’t fall behind the Eu in rights and protections.

The Prime Minister now knows that her Withdrawal agreement cannot win the approval of Parliament but she is carrying on regardless because she would rather forge ahead than level with the public and admit the Brexit she promised the country is undeliverable – and not possible without considerable damage to the uK economy.

Whilst the tide of Government resignations seems to be at bay for now, the Prime Minister’s job hangs in the balance as her party struggles for survival.

The Government has let down the nation and its time for the people to decide the future of our country.

And there are some more encouraging signs lately, with the former BhS store refurbished and reopening with new brands, major investment in upgrading the harpur Centre and more.

The footfall growth has coincided with our introduction of our Free Parking Deal.

We’ve continued to expand it, with free parking options available in Bedford town centre every day and night.

We’ve recently announced another freeze for all parking charges for 2019, including expanded free parking, as part of our ongoing support for shoppers and businesses.

With the free parking deals and the range of shops and services including our fantastic independents, there really is every reason to visit and enjoy your town centre this Christmas - and throughout the year!

Whatever your plans for the festive season, I hope you and your loved ones have a happy and peaceful Christmas.

They too are not hope.

What we need at times of tragic loss, or personal crisis, are rather those profounder expressions of love and compassion that come alongside people, acknowledge the pain and listen to where they are. It is maybe a hug, being silent or offering a listening ear.

St Paul writing to the early church in Rome, who themselves were experiencing trials and tribulations in an age of persecution, speaks of love and the hope that it brings. Drawing on his own experience he writes that however testing life might be, there is the hope of that love that persists whatever the loss, whatever the tragedy.

It is that mystery of the love of God that somehow is there, somehow comforts, somehow heals when so much else has been taken away. ‘Can anything separate us from the love of God?’ (Romans 8:35) asks St Paul to which he answers a resounding ‘No’! Nothing, not even death can do that!

When tragedy strikes it is hope that heals.

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sport

RUGBY – BEDFORD BLUES

DECEMBER 2018 KEMPSTON CALLING —

21

FOOTBALL – THE HATTERS

Blues bossed Hatters serve up game from start footballing feast ChAMPIONShIP CuP GROuP TWO

BeDFORD BLUeS ..43 (29) hARTPURY ...............14 (7) BEDFORD bossed proceedings from start to finish as they enjoyed their biggest win of the season with a 4314 win over hartpury at Goldington Road.

The Blues dazzled under the Friday Night Lights and try-scoring prop Alex Penny felt they proved a point after almost falling to the same opponents in the league last time out at home. he said: “We had a big point to prove to be honest from the last few weeks. We went out there and said alright, it’s tricky conditions, slippery, and took it to them up front. I felt they dealt us a big blow the other week.”

Bedford’s pack was particularly impressive as Penny continued: “It’s good to get a few set-piece tries and backs as well with tries so very happy.

“I’ve been losing my hair the last few weeks at the (close) results and it’s really nice to get a bonus point win so onwards and upwards to Irish next Sunday.”

Penny was delighted with his brace of tries, including his unusual first that came after hartpury were shoved off their own scrum on their own line.

“It’s been a few years since that (scoring twice) happened so it’s a big bonus - very happy,” Penny continued. “I remember seeing it (a similar try) last year I think on the telly and it was just in my mind that as soon as the ball was over the line there’s no offside line so I thought I would jump on it and see what happens.”

The Championship Cup represents Bedford’s best chance of silverware, an opportunity that they are taking very seriously. Penny added: “It’s a real good chance to freshen some boys up from the league and give everyone a shot. We do take it very seriously and we are looking to kick on from here. It was disappointing last week and we’re looking to kick on certainly.”

A promising early Bedford maul was let down by a knock-on, but

another powerful catch-and-drive move saw the Blues trundle to the line before being illegally felled as a penalty try was awarded and harry holland sent to the bin. however, the lead was short-lived as Luke Cozens gambled to take a great interception and raced towards the line, sliding over to score despite the best attempts of Rich Lane as the fly-half converted his own score.

Bedford were soon back ahead though as Lane’s brilliant scything run cut hartpury open and he fed Pat Tapley to score with Lewis Robling adding a great conversion.

Awesome work by Bedford’s pack then saw them shove hartpury off their own feed and somehow, amid a mass of bodies, Alex Penny was able to touch down, although the conversion was missed.

Bedford bagged the try-scoring bonus point six minutes before the break when another huge maul saw Penny driven over and Robling added the easy conversion.

More great work by the forwards saw them knock on when in touching distance of the line but Bedford capped a great half with a penalty from Robling.

Playing down the slope Bedford proceeded to boss the second half and stretched their lead when the ball was worked wide for harry Davies to score in the corner 10 minutes in with Robling converting.

Bedford’s sixth then arrived just two minutes later when more good work from the forwards enabled Justin Blanchet to force his way over from close range with Robling again on target.

Replacements continued to flow as Aquille Smith burst forward and kicked ahead for the visitors on a rare foray forwards, but it was too long and ran out.

With the points assured Bedford looked to play more expansive rugby, while only some great covering by Ed Coulson prevented Alex Forrester touching down Cozens’ clever grubber. however, it was hartpury who grabbed a consolation try with six minutes to go when Mat Gilbert forced his way over from close range and Cozens added the extras.

Attendance: 2,143.

LEAGuE ON

LUTON TOWN..................5 (4) PLYMOUTh ARGYLe ...1 (0)

SOLD out Kenilworth Road was treated to a footballing feast as terrific Town thumped sorry Plymouth 5-1 at Kenilworth Road on Saturday.

Striker James Collins led the way with an emphatic hat-trick while Elliot Lee and James Justin were also on target as on-song Luton threatened to run riot against beleaguered Argyle.

Luton were in charge throughout and a late consolation from the visitors counted for nothing as terrific Town closed in on the teams at the top of the division.

The hatters started brightly as Lee made room and saw his shot dip over the bar on four minutes. They went close again three minutes later when some glorious football saw Collins and Jack Stacey combine but harry Cornick’s cheeky near-post flick was deflected behind. Two corners followed and from the second Matty Pearson glanced a free header wide as Luton should have led. however, the hatters did deservedly take the lead on 12 minutes with another great move. Lee released Justin and, on his ‘weaker’ left foot, he picked out Collins to stroke confidently home in off a post.

Another delightful passing move saw the hatters double their lead on 23 minutes when Stacey released Cornick but his powerful drive from a narrow angle was parried right into the path of Lee to stab home from close range.

A wonderful third then arrived on 29 minutes when patient passing play eventually saw Lee release Cornick on the left and, as Plymouth stood still, he crossed for Justin to calmly prod home.

Stacey’s arcing through ball then sent Cornick clear and, although he beat ex-hatters keeper Matt Macey to it, his touch went too far as a covering defender was able to clear.

Town were playing as well as at any point in Nathan Jones’ reign and, although the pace slackened, Luton found a second wind before the break.

Lee tantalised and teased Plymouth’s defence as the ball fell for

Justin whose powerful strike was well parried by Macey before Lee again cast a spell only to see his lower curler flash inches wide.

A deserved fourth did come though on the stroke of half time.

Justin showed great endeavour to bulldoze his way through and despite a bad touch the ball fell to him again and he was fouled as he crossed for Collins, whose shot was blocked, as impressive referee Darren England pointed to the spot and Collins clouted the penalty into the top righthand corner as the hatters walked off to a standing ovation.

Plymouth finally had their first shot of the game four minutes into the second half when a low cross broke to Ryan Taylor and James Shea showed great reactions to parry his head-high effort away.

A definite penalty was then waved away when Pelly-Ruddock intercepted superbly and released Collins who, as he burst into the box, was bundled over only to mysteriously be denied.

With Luton easing off, Graham Carey fired a rare Plymouth effort over before ex-Argyle star Sonny Bradley’s powerful header from a corner was well tipped over the bar

by Macey.

Cornick made a hash of a clear run on goal from Lee’s phenomenal through ball before Taylor should have pulled a goal back when Bradley allowed a cross to run all the way through to him at the far post, only for Shea to pull off a fine stop.

Lee drifted an effort wide, Cornick stroked tamely at Macey before Collins completed his hat-trick with 13 minutes to go. Lee’s delightful chip found Collins in free in the box and he emphatically thumped home into the top left hand corner.

Buoyed by that Town rang the changes and continued to press. Rea saw a long range effort easily saved and Mpanzu thundered wide before seeing another good strike well saved. however, there was to be no clean sheet for the hatters as Joel Grant found space on the edge of the box and thundered an unstoppable shot into the top left-hand corner.

Attendance: 10,004 (Plymouth 871).

22 — KEMPSTON CALLING

DECEMBER 2018

TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com

gardening

Plants are good for you – so what better Christmas gift

by Maureen Catlin Milton Ernest Garden Centre

T LAST people are realising something Gardeners have always known that plants really are good for you. Visually they are very appealing with lovely bright colours and wonderful shapes. Many are fragrant and make the home happy by elevating people’s moods. Now they are thought to contribute to good health and wellbeing. So Plants make superb Christmas Gifts for all our friends and family.

But remember plants are not just for Christmas so to make sure they give the months of pleasure they should here are some tips to care for them.

Poinsettias probably most define Christmas with their red bracts, bright green leaves and golden flowers. Yes the golden bobbles in the middle of the bracts are the flowers.

They are tropical plants so are happy between 15c to 20c in a bright draft free place, so avoid a windowsill.

Only water when the surface of the compost is dry. Poinsettias are now available in an array of colours white, pale and deep pink, mahogany and many bi colours.

Christmas Cacti with the red or shocking pink flowers, scarlet Gerberas and African Violets like the same care. Christmas Cacti will drop the flower buds if over watered but require some humidity in the air so stand on a tray of pebbles and

A

keep these moist. Gerberas require slightly brighter light so put on a sunny windowsill in the day but bring into the room before drawing the curtains at night. African Violets are always delightful in jewel box colours. Again stand on sand or gravel and keep moist and away from direct sunlight.

Winter flowering plants that are more suited to cooler houses are Azaleas, Cyclamen, Solanums and Kalanchoe.

Azaleas need to be kept moist so again stand on a tray of pebbles and water from below. Occasionally plunge the pot into a bowl of water so that the level is above the rim.

Allow to soak for 30 minutes, remove and drain before replacing onto the tray of pebbles. Cyclamen should always be watered from below and the spent flowers and

stems removed at the base to avoid corm rot. Again plunge the pot occasionally. It is one of the best houseplants for cool places.

Solanums, the Winter Cherry is a very easy plant for temperatures between 10c to 15c. Only water when the soil feels dry on top. It is also good in autumn tubs on the patio but will not withstand hard frosts. Easiest of all is Kalanchoe, Flaming Katy. It likes a cool but sunny position and tolerates fairly dry conditions with the occasional plunge.

An Amaryllis bulb makes an interesting present. Amaryllis is easy to grow and should be planted with one third of the bulb above the soil level. Place in a bright light and water sparingly at first increasing as the foliage develops and await that gorgeous flower. hyacinths with

their heavenly fragrance also like cooler places and will perfume the whole house for weeks.

It is fun to grow Citrus Fruits especially if there is a heated conservatory. The hardier varieties like Lemon Trees and Kaffir Limes will tolerate lower temperatures down to 0c and can be grown outdoors. It is advisable to wrap the pot with hessian in late October and move against a protected wall or inside if severe weather is forecast.

Calamondin, Orange, Kumquats, Mandarins and Grapefruits need warmer conditions above 5c. All Citrus Plants need plenty of sunshine and careful watering too much and too little water can result in leaf drop. We recommend plunging the plant in water so the level is above the pot and leave for one hour. Remove and allow to drain and do not water again until the soil is completely dry.

For that very special present there are Phalaenopsis, The Moth Orchid. They are easy to grow tolerating the drier heat of central heating as well as being almost perpetually flowering. Water sparingly from the top but allow to drain well avoid over watering.

––––––––––––– MILTON eRNeST GARDeN CeNTRe WOULD LIKe TO WISh ALL OUR ReADeRS A VeRY hAPPY ChRISTMAS AND A PROSPeROUS NeW YeAR

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DECEMBER 2018 KEMPSTON CALLING —

out & about comedy p Laughing all the way to Christmas

Castle Comedy Bedford are holding three Christmas Comedy Specials on Thursday the 13th , Friday 14th and Thursday the 20th of December at The Gordon Arms ent Shed, Castle Road, Bedford.

With four fabulous comedians, mince pies, cake, party poppers and crackers, the shows will be the ultimate Christmas comedy night out! headlining the 13th and 14th shows is Ivo Graham. Apologetic Eton and Oxford alumnus, Ivo is a regular fixture in the clubs and theatres of the uK circuit, his gauche charm and crafty, self-aware wit has proved a hit with audiences of all ages, and led to appearances on multiple TV and radio shows including Live At The Apollo, Mock The Week, Comedy Central At The Comedy Store, Live From the BBC and Fighting Talk.

‘Beautifully-constructed comedy’ The SCOTSMAN headlining the show on the 20th is Patrick Monahan. he was the winner of ITV1’s Show me the Funny and widely regarded as the

nicest man in comedy! he is an audience favourite who blends a high-energy comedy style with hilarious and engaging topical and observational material. his TV appearances include the hit family entertainment series Splash! (ITV) and the new series of Celebrity Squares (ITV).

“Hilarious without being outrageous”HHHHH ThRee WeeKS Appearing an all the shows are Robin Boot and Jay handley.

Robin is a larger than life guitar wielding comedy rock star. he’s guaranteed to fill your belly with laughter. Jay is a former carpenter with long hair means he is the perfect comic for a Christmas show!

“Moments that can go toe to toe with the best stand up I’ve seen” FRINGe ReVIeW Paul Revill hosts the shows!

Doors Open at 7.30pm and the Shows Start at 8.15pm.

Tickets for the shows are £14 or you can have a pre-show Christmas meal, glass of wine and comedy ticket for £25.

Group bookings available. Call the ticket hotline on 07736 060541 or visit www.castlecomedy.co.uk

music a

BILK – Greasy Diablos – Banton Holy Molys Saturday December 15

BILK return to Esquires, one of their top picks of bands to look out for in 2019.

“The 18-year-old trio have put the lyrical poetry of Mike Skinner up against an driving indie rock’n’roll sounds from The Who or The Strokes” The Blue Walrus “Fantastic stuff. Really, really like that!”

John Kennedy, Radio X “A band I absolutely love and you’re gonna love too.”

Ollie Winiberg, BBC Radio 1 Essex based working class indie 3-piece Bilk release single ‘Spiked’

DekkerTones’ Annual Xmas Skank Bedford Esquires Ivo Graham.

Pat Monahan

exhibition Celebrating Polish Independence The Higgins Bedford Until 11th November 2019

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Polish Independence, established after the First World War, The higgins Bedford presents an exhibition celebrating and exploring the shared stories of Bedford’s Polish community. The exhibition is now on in the Great Bedfordians Gallery and is free to visit.

Following a SOLD OuT show at Esquires over Christmas 2017 The Dekkertones are coming back again.

The DekkerTones are a nine piece ska /reggae / rocksteady / 2tone covers band playing authentic ska and reggae from the late 60s Trojan and Bluebeat scene right through to

Friday December 28

23

following on from the success of their debut ‘Give up’ both produced

by Rich Turvey (Blossoms, The Coral) at Parr Street Studios, Liverpool.

The eighteen year olds social commentary made an impressive impact. ‘Give up’ was added to the Radio X’s evening playlist after massive support from John Kennedy.

They’ve also had several spot plays from Lauren Laverne (6Music), BBC Introducing on Radio 1 and outstanding write-ups on Fresh On The Net, The Blue Walrus & The Devil has The Best Tuna, plus many more.

Tickets are just £7 advance, available online from Seetickets, and in person from Slide Record Shop, Esquires and Mario’s hair Design This is a 14+ ages show, under 16s to be accompanied by an adult.

the 2tone era.

The DekkerTones were formed in 2013 and they include some members who have being involved in the ska scene for over 30 years.

They have played all over the South East of England with notable performances at the 100 Club, Gaz’s Rockin’ Blues, Skamouth, Skabour, O2 supporting The Dualers and The Neville Staple Band.

Tickets priced £10 in advance online from Seetickets and can be bought in person from Bedford Esquires Bar, Slide Record Shop and Mario’s hair Design.

To advertise to over 60,000 homes in Bedfordshire just call 07724 905406 or 07894 935952

24 — KEMPSTON CALLING

DECEMBER 2018

TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com

THE

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DECEMBER 2018 KEMPSTON CALLING —

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26 — KEMPSTON CALLING

DECEMBER 2018

TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com

To advertised to 60,000 homes in central and north Beds call 07724 905406 DECEMBER IN THE LIBRARY Kempston Library Opening hours: Monday 2-5pm, Tuesday 10am-5pm Wednesday 2-6pm, Thursday 10am-5pm Friday 2-5pm, Saturday 9:30-4pm Regular Weekly Events: Mondays 2:15pm Pre-School Story Time Mondays 2:00-5:00pm Lego Club Tuesdays 11am Rhyme Time Tuesdays 2pm Wiggles and Jiggles Baby Group Tuesdays 2p Games Galore (Fortnightly ask for details) Tuesdays 3:30pm Dice Warriors (Children’s Games Club) Wednesdays 2:30pm Family Colouring Club Thursdays 11am Wiggles and Jiggles Baby Group Thursdays 2pm: Knit and Natter Thursdays 3:30pm Dice Warriors (Children’s Games Club) Fridays 2:00-5:00pm Lego Club Saturdays 10:30am – 3:30pm Saturday Kids Club SPECiaL EvENTS iN DECEMBER: Monday 3rd December, 3:30pm adult Creative Writing Group Wednesday 5th and 12th December, 2:30pm adult Craft Club (£1 cost) Saturday 1st December 10am - 3:30pm Christmas Jumper Bunting Saturday 8th December 10am - 3:30pm Christmas Card Making Saturday 15th December 10am - 3:30pm Merry Christmas Bunting Monday 17th December 2:15pm Christmas Story Time Special Monday 17th December 2:00-5:00pm Christmas Lego Club Special

Tuesday 18th December 11am Christmas Rhyme Time Special Tuesday 18th December 3:30-5pm Dice Warriors Wednesday 19th December 2:00-5:00pm Colouring Club Christmas Special Thursday 20th December 10am - 4:30pm Christmas Mosaic Decorations Thursday 20th December 3:30-5pm Dice Warriors Friday 21st December 2:00-5:00pm Christmas Tree Craft Making Friday 21st December 2:00-5:00pm Christmas Lego Club Special Saturday 22nd December 10am - 3:30pm Christmas Tree Pictures Thursday 27th December 10am - 4:30pm 2019 Calendar Making Thursday 27th December 3:30-5pm Dice Warriors Friday 28th December 2:00-5:00pm Paper Plate Snow Globes Saturday 29th December 10am - 3:30pm Funky Party Glasses Monday 31st December TBC 2:00-5:00pm New Year Lego Club Special Wednesday 2nd January 2:00-5:00pm New Year Goals Cards Thursday 3rd January 3:30-5pm Dice Warriors Friday 4th January 2:00-5:00pm New Year Lego Club Special Saturday 5th January 10am - 3:30pm Polar Bears!

Local Councillor Sessions: Cllr Nawaz Drop in: Member for Kempston East. Please contact Mr Nawaz to book your session with him.

The Library is available to meet with him.

Sessions for basic computer help.

Need help with your tablet?

Book a one to one session now!

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quarry theatre p John Leeson: A Dog’s Life

DOCTOR WhO is the world’s longest running science fiction series and one of the most popular characters to have appeared alongside Tom Baker and David Tennant is K9, the Doctor’s robot dog… voiced by John!

John Leeson: A Dog’s Life retraces some of his steps across a freewheeling and multi-faceted career as an actor, let alone wearing ‘hats’ variously as a hospital porter, a (failed) encyclopedia salesman, a radio and television continuity ‘voice’, a question-setter for the BBC’s ‘Mastermind’, a wine educator and writer, a magistrate, a collaborating playwright, a local

Wednesday December 12

political candidate, a provider of onscreen food for ‘Poirot’ - and latterly finding himself best known as ‘the voice of K9’ after nearly 40 years in the Doctor Who dog house!

Now how did that happen? Is he now slowing down?

Come and find out as John invites you to enjoy some of his memories, including those of some of the big ‘names’ he has worked with across the years!

Home Alone It’s not Christmas until you’ve seen home Alone at least once! here’s your chance to see it on the big screen. Exciting Christmas gift with every child ticket purchased.

When bratty 8-year-old Kevin

DECEMBER 2018 KEMPSTON CALLING —

McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) awakens to an empty house, he assumes his wish to have no family has come true. But his excitement sours when he realizes that two con

27

men plan to rob the McCallister residence, and that he alone must protect the family home. “gloriously tinged with nostalgia..”HHHHThe TeLeGRAPh

Saturday December 22

Traditional Christmas Lunch £16.95 MENU Soup or Prawn Cocktail or Garlic Mushrooms

Roast Turkey with stuffing, gravy, Pigs in blankets, Cranberry sauce, Brussel Sprouts, Yorkshire Pudding, Roast potatoes, Parsnips and Carrots

Christmas Pudding with brandy sauce or 2 TUBS OF cheesecake and cream Chocolate 50 ONLYTea or Filter Coffee

www.miltonernestgardencentre.co.uk

Tel: 01234 823033

PER PERSON Booking advisable Please tell us of any food allergies you may have

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

28 — KEMPSTON CALLING

DECEMBER 2018

TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com

CHRISTM AS

F A Y & COFFE RE E MORNI NG Kemps St John’s ton Support Group Hospice, Moggerhafor nger Saturda

y 8t 10.00am h December –12.30p m All Saint s Chu Church E rch Hall, Kempstond, n

Admission £1.00 includes tea coffee or a soft drink

Stalls include: Homemade cakes, Bric-aBrac, Xmas Goodies, Gifts, Books, Raffle and a Tombola Further information Tel: 01234 856040

Christmas Services We would like to invite you to come and share the love, joy and peace of the season at our special Christmas services. Everyone is very welcome.

PARISH CHURCH OF ALL SAINTS KEMPSTON Off Cemetery Road – the church by the river

Christingle Service Sunday 16 December – 4.00 pm Joint service at Church of the Transfiguration Kempston

Nine Lessons and Carols Sunday 23 December – 4.00 pm

PARISH CHURCH OF THE TRANSFIGURATION KEMPSTON Bedford Road across from Addison Howard Park

Advent Carol Service Sunday 2 December – 7.00 pm A quiet, reflective start to the season

Christingle Service

Hear the story of Christ’s birth through Bible readings, and sing well-known Christmas Carols

Sunday 16 December - 4.00 pm

Christmas Eve – Nativity Service

Christmas Eve – Nativity with carols

Monday 24 December – 10.45 am A family service in which children take part in the nativity story

Christmas Eve – Midnight Mass Monday 24 December – 11.30 pm Begin your Christmas Day celebrations full of joy and fellowship

Christmas Day Tuesday 25 December – 10.00 am

Celebrate 50 years of Christingle

Monday 24 December – 4.00 pm All children can join in the nativity story

Christmas Eve – First Mass of Christmas Monday 24 December – 9.00 pm Celebrate the true meaning of Christmas

Christmas Day

FAMILY COMMUNION. Joint service at St James, Biddenham

Tuesday 25 December – 10.00 am

Contact: Rev’d Eric Lomax 01234 852241 www.allsaintskempston.com

Contact: Rev’d Simon Richardson 01234 854886

Family Communion Service with Carols

30 — KEMPSTON CALLING

DECEMBER 2018

TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com

––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––– BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLuB KEMPSTON AND DISTRICT MODEL COUNTRY AND FOLK RAILWAY SOCIETY DANCE CLUB Thursday evenings 8pm – 10pm

Putnoe heights Church, Bedford MK41 8eB Its good fun for only £2.50 including refreshments No partner required.

Ron Law 01234 825574 www.bedfordfolkdanceclub.com

Wednesdays from 7.30pm-10.00pm at Kempston east Methodist Church New members welcome

For further details contact Brian Woodcock on 07795251988 or brianwoodcock@btinternet.com

––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––– BRASS BELLS & TINSEL BEDFORD RSPB LOCAL GROuP It’s beginning to sound a lot like Christmas.

It’s jingle all the way at Trinity Methodist Church, Shortmead Street, Biggleswade on Sunday 9th December at 3pm when Bedford Brass will be giving a traditional Christmas Concert.

Committee Member Jenny Gellatly said: “If you enjoy the sound of Christmas, this concert will have you rocking around the Christmas trees.”

Doors open at 2.30pm Tickets Adult £5.00 Children free

Instead of chestnuts roasting on an open fire there will be mince pies at the interval.

––––––––––––––––––––––– GRIFFIN FOOTBALL CLUB REUNION A reunion for all ex players has

been arranged for 27th April 2019

Meet at ARA club, Manton Lane Bedford MK41 7PF. Thursday 20th December 7.30pm

Barrie Mason presents another of his wildlife adventures entitled

‘Birds & Mammals of the Brazilian Pantanal Suitable for Experts and Novices, RSPB membership not essential.

––––––––––––––––––––––– 60TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION

of the 1st Kempston Boys’ Brigade will take place on Saturday, February 9th 2019, 7pm at Kempston east Methodist hall.

There will also be a PARADe on Sunday February 10th at 10:30am

at Kempston Rovers Clubhouse

An open invitation is extended to ALL past members.

or email bobmitchell1945@yahoo.co.uk

For details or to attend, please contact Dave Simms on 07985643678 or kempstonbb.pma@gmail.com

If you are interested please contact Bob Mitchell on 01234 327631 Please spread the word

Please spread the word!

––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––– KEMPSTON MuSICAL SOCIETY

CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERT

Kempston Musical Society, Ouse Valley Singers and the Bedford hospital Choir, together with invited soloists, will be performing in aid of Bedford hospital 7.30pm Saturday 15th December at St. Peter’s Church, De Parys Avenue, Bedford.

Tickets £10 adults, £7 for students and £4 for the under 18s and over 60s and includes mince pie and hot or cold drink.

Tickets will not be available at the door, get yours by email at djfscott@yahoo.co.uk.

Tickets are selling fast, so be quick.

For more information about the choir please call 01234 781010

––––––––––––––––––––––– IRISH CEILI AND SET DANCING Wednesdays 8pm to 10 pm

£2 per session – first evening free

PRIORY METhODIST ChuRCh

AUTUMN/ CHRISTMAS FAIR Saturday 3rd November 10.00am – 2.00pm

Many stalls selling cakes and preserves, cards, gifts, paintings, crafts and others. Raffle, competitions, activities for children, refreshments and lunches. Entry is £1 (accompanied children free).

Priory Methodist Church, Newnham Avenue, Bedford.

All proceeds to the Church.

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BINGO

Kempston hammers Club (Cutler)

Fun, friendly bingo with Eyes Down at 8pm Open to all. 01234 853262

No partner required. Beginners welcome.

Wednesday November 28th

Ring Pat 01234 308224 for more details.

THE BIG XMAS BINGO

The Reading Room, 1, Barkers Lane, Bedford.

––––––––––––––––––––––– ST. PAuL’S ChuRCh, BEDFORD

FREE LUNCHTIME CONCERT

every Tuesday 1.10pm-1.50pm until November 27

Come and listen to talented musicians from the Royal Academy and the

Royal College in this beautiful church. The church cafe opens at midday..

Thursday December 13th.

Tickets available from Dec. 1st

KEMPSTON HAMMERS SSC New Years eve 2018

The VIPeas

Tickets available soon

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––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––– SOuThFIELDS COMMuNITY CENTRE’S 60TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION of the 1st Kempston Boys’ Brigade will take place on Saturday, February 9th 2019, 7pm at Kempston east Methodist hall.

There will also be a PARADe on Sunday February 10th at 10:30am An open invitation is extended to ALL past members.

Please spread the word!

For details or to attend, please contact Dave Simms on 07985643678 or kempstonbb.pma@gmail.com

AGM

6th December at 7pm

The Agenda will cover the Future of the Community Centre.

All welcome come and have your say.

ThIS IS AN IMPORTANT MeeTING.

––––––––––––––––––––––– CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL ––––––––––––––––––––––– We are a (non-profit making) Toddler Group who meet at Centenary hall, 104 Bedford Road, Kempston on Tuesday from 1.00 pm to 2.30 pm (term time only) We have a large range of toys and activities for the children to enjoy, where they can learn to share and socialise We provide refreshments for both child and carer.

Contact: Debbie on 07975 –772-058 or Suzanne on 01234-857467.

3T’S TODDLER GROUP

––––––––––––––––––––––– ALL SAINTS PARISh ChuRCh KEMPSTON

AFTERNOON TEA & A GUIDED TOUR

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

Contacts are Janet Fardell on 01234 855158 or Frances Leonard on 01234 852480

––––––––––––––––––––––– WORLD SHIP SOCIETY Kempston Constitution Club 196A Bedford Road, Kempston 3rd WEDNESDAY in the month

BEDFORD BRANCH

12 December 2018 Alan Pepper giving his presentation “Christmas Fare 2018” Please note this is the SECOND Wednesday of the month.

Telephone: 01234 352014

––––––––––––––––––––––– BLACK CRICKET KIDS CLUB

Great for aspiring animal keepers, entomologists and herpetologists.

First Wednesday of every month in Shortstown Village hall, Southcote, Shortstown, Bedford, MK42 0QL Fun, educational and entertaining sessions for children aged 5 - 13 who love animals, pets and wildlife. Children with SEND are warmly welcomed and sessions are differentiated to meet individual needs.

Sessions are £5 per child (siblings £3). www.blackcricket.co.uk/kids-club www.facebook.com/blackcricketkidsclub Email: kidsclub@blackcricket.co.uk

5th-9th December Theme:’Christmas Around the World’ St Paul’s church, St Paul’s Sq, Bedford, MK40 1SQ In aid of the church and Bedford hospitals Charity To book a tree now to decorate contact 01234 340163 DAILY COMMUNITY CONCeRTS AND COMPeTITIONS. Open Wed-Sat 10-5, Sunday 9th 12-4. £2.50. under 16 free.

Christingle Saturday 9th 4.30 pm Further details on https://bedfordhospitalcharity.org.uk/treefest

––––––––––––––––––––––– PHILHARMONIA CHAMBER PL AYERS’ CONCERT

Friday 7th December 7.30 pm Works by Brahms (String Sextet), Piazzola, Gershwin, Porter In the magnificent setting of the Christmas Tree Festival St Paul’s church, St Paul’s Sq, Bedford, MK40 1SQ Mulled wine & mince pies served.

Tickets £16 incl programme from 01234 340163/01234 783181 https://bedfordhospitalcharity.org.uk/treefest

––––––––––––––––––––––– ADDISON CENTRE KEMPSTON

CHRISTMAS TEA DANCE

ThURSDAY 13Th DeC 2018 2.00pm to 4.30pm £3.00 (INCL CuPPA) Tel: 01234 851877 or 01234 340997

––––––––––––––––––––––– TIDDLYWINKS TODDLER PLAYGROUP

Meeting at Kempston hammers Sports & Social Club every Thursday 9.30 till 11.00am school term time only All children welcome from new born to preschool age Large range of toys,activities and a craft table.

Refreshments supplied for both children and carers.

Non profit making playgroup If your require further information just come along or ring Ruth on 01234 854657

––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––– KEMPSTON SENIOR CITIZENS’ CLUB KEMPSTON GARDENS ASSOCIATION DANCING, WhIST, BINGO Meets Wednesday 10am-12noon Friday 10am-4.00pm

CENTENARY hALL, behind Kempston Town hall, Bedford Road For further information telephone:

01234 857011

If you are interested gardening why not come along to our meetings.

We meet the second Wednesday of most months of the year in All Saints Church hall, Cemetery Road Kempston. We have speakers and demonstrations covering every aspect of gardening For further information contact Trevor on 01234 856040 or Marian on 01234 855288

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32 — KEMPSTON CALLING

DECEMBER 2018

TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com

KEMPSTON CALLING is an independent monthly magazine with no affiliation to any other organisation. © 2018 Rosetta Publishing Ltd, 30 Radwell Road, Milton Ernest MK44 1Sh. Tel: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952. Printed by: Mortons Print Limited, Newspaper house, Morton Way, Boston Road, horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6JR