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JANUARY 2019 THEBEDFORDCLANGER.COM
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2 The Bedford Clanger • January 2019
Letter from the EditorHappy new year!
Welcome to 2019 and to our first ever January edition. Team
Clanger normally breaks up for Christmas as soon as the December
issue hits the streets, but this year we’re bringing you a monthly
dose of the Bedford Independent too, for 12 months of the year.
Hurrah!
This January, join our New Year’s Revolution. It’s five years
since we first launched our manifesto (designed by Kristina
Bullen), so we thought it was about time we rolled it out again –
with a little bit of a refresh.
Shop LocaL
Yeah, we know we bang on about this all year, but now that
Christmas is over, our town centres need even more TLC. It’s not
just about indies; if we want to keep Debenhams, M&S, WH Smiths
and New Look in our town, we need to shop there. Use them or lose
them.
ViSit a MuSeuM
The Higgins, John Bunyan and Panacea museums are all right on
our doorstep in the Cultural Quarter. Spend a day and immerse
yourself in the history and heritage of Bedford. Lots of places to
stop for lunch nearby too!
LoVe your town
Be proud of our town. Support the Blues and the Eagles (other
sports teams are available), drink in your local pub, go to events,
walk along the Embankment, hire a boat on the River Great Ouse,
take loads of photos and make people who don’t live here jealous of
your Insta grid.
uSe the Library
With hundreds of free events throughout the year, plus books,
CDs and magazines to borrow, it’s time to love your local
library.
watch LiVe MuSic
Esquires is at the heart of live music in Bedford, having hosted
Elbow, Coldplay, George Ezra and Idles over the years. The
residency of the Philharmonia at the Corn Exchange brings top
quality classical music to Bedford and St Paul’s church hosts free
weekly recitals. Add to that, live music in pubs and bars most
nights of the week (rock, blues, jazz, soul, r&b – you name it)
and there’s something for every musical taste.
Keep bedford tidy
Nothing gets Bedfordians going more than a good Facebook rant
about rubbish. Be the difference, and bin litter if you see it. And
definitely don’t drop it.
Support your LocaL theatre
Performance, comedy, dance, film screenings, NT Live screenings,
children’s shows, magicians, puppetry, improv and more. There’s so
much to see at the Place, the Quarry, the Corn Exchange and
Sharnbrook Mill Theatre.
becoMe a hoMetown touriSt
Hire a boat at the Longholme, visit St Paul’s Church, walk to
Danish Camp, cycle to Sandy, learn about the Panaceans, browse the
Eagle Gallery, visit Marston Forest Centre, take a guided walk
around Foster Hill Cemetery, join the tour guides around the town
centre, go wakeboarding at Box End or sky-diving in Thurleigh.
Seriously, do you need to ever leave Bedford?
Got something to add to the manifesto? Join the revolution on
our Facebook page, Instagram and twitter #bedfordrevolution
Editor: Erica Roffe @bedfordclanger
[email protected]
Commercial Director: Julia Crofts @clangerads
[email protected]
Design: Curtis Reeve [email protected] instagram:
@cr.eativedesign
Music: Lloyd Lugsden @lloydlug
Theatre: Paula Walker @pauliwauli2
Website: Alec East @ Narrative Industries
Team Clanger
NEW YEAR REVOLUTION 2019 MANIFESTO
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The Bedford Clanger • January 2019 3
Deliveroo for ducks at the Longholme
As you may have read in the Bedford Independent, wildfowl on our
rivers and ponds benefit from being fed by the public, especially
during the winter months, when their
natural food sources are harder to find. The RSPB recommend
specialist food plus lettuce and potatoes, peas and grain as well
as traditional bread.
If you’re visiting the Longholme this winter, they now stock
duck pellets which won’t bloat the wildfowl or discourage their
natural foraging. “We posted about this online and one customer
suggested we offer the service via Deliveroo who we partner with
for our home deliveries,” said the Longholme’s Thomas Healey. “So
we contacted Deliveroo who took a while before they believed it was
a genuine request! Happily, they agreed it was a good idea and we
have now started to offer the ‘feed the ducks’ option online.
“When customers order they can add this service for just £1.30
and then the staff at the café will take the reserved pellets to
feed the ducks at the lake. If on the day the customer orders the
ducks can’t be found we will try again the next day until they get
their fair share. It’s really a novel approach at combining the
traditions and feel good feeling you get when feeding ducks now
available for those who can’t make it to the lake to do it
personally.”
thelongholme.com
Lots to celebrate at the Four Counties Wedding AwardsBedford
bridal businesses brought home the silverware at the recent Four
Counties Wedding Awards, with local winners in six of the 16
categories.
Gemma Lander of the White Emporium was the winner in the Venue
Stylist category, Alison Eldridge of Townhouse Bridal (Roxton) won
Bridal Retailer of the year and Cat Lane was crowned photographer
of the year. Vintage Suit Hire earned highly commended in the
menswear category, Rachel Hutcheson Bella Occasions took highly
commended in the newcomer category while Nikkita Palmer Designs
were ‘one to watch’ in the prop hire category.
Now in its fifth year, the Four Counties Wedding Awards (4CWA)
were founded by Bedford-based Tracy Butterfield. “I was looking for
a way to recognise and reward the hard work of wedding suppliers
locally,” said Tracy. “The awards cover Beds, Herts, Bucks and
Cambs and the standard of the competition is exceptional. The
awards have increased year on year with this year’s gala ceremony
attended by 220 guests who come to network, party and pick up their
awards.
4CWA reopens for their 2019 nominations on 4 May. Good luck,
Bedford!
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Five new blue plaques for bedford
4 The Bedford Clanger • January 2019
Sister Fanny Eagles 1836 – 1907 (9 Bromham Road)In 1869 she was
admitted as a Church of England Deaconess by the Bishop of Ely. She
used her home in St Loyes, Bedford, together with a stable loft in
Allhallows Lane, to begin her work
with the poor, which grew steadily. Following a gift of a house
at 9 Bromham Road by a benefactor, she set up St Etheldreda’s Home
for Orphans. Sister Fanny became the Lady Superior of what was
called the Ely Diocesan Home of Deaconesses in Bedford.
Amy Walmsley 1867 – 1928 (14 The Crescent) Was appointed
Principal of the private Froebel Kindergarten School & Training
College in November 1895 and began work in January 1896. She was to
stay as Principal for 32 years, during which time she developed and
enlarged the college by setting up halls of residence for all its
trainee teachers and built up its reputation for high standards in
teacher training for young children. Over 900 of her student
teachers, once qualified, taught not only in this country but
around the world.
(Wilfred) George Carter CBE 1889 – 1969 (101 Tavistock
Street)
Designed the Gloster E.28/39 aircraft for Frank Whittle’s jet
engine, the first jet aircraft. He went on to design the Gloster
Meteor, of which 3,947 were built, the Allies’ only jet aircraft of
WW2. Born in Howbury Street, he was educated at Harpur Central
School, apprenticed at W H Allen’s for six years, worked
at Saundersons Tractors, Elstow for three years and married
Hilda Black from Tennyson Road in 1916.
John Usher 1822 – 1904 (57 High Street - Subway)
Which he designed in 1871 for Henry Adkin, gunmaker. The
pinnacles at the top are surmounted by gun dogs and Henry’s
initials can be seen above the central second-floor window. John
Usher, born in Blunham, set up his first office in the High Street
in 1846, and was to become ‘the most original and prolific
architect of 19th century Bedford’. One of his best surviving
examples is the 1869 “Holly Lodge”, 43 Grove Place, built for the
lace merchant Thomas Lester and notable for the staggered three
light windows marking the staircase.
Joshua Hawkins 1845 – 1892 and Hester Hawkins 1846 – 1928 (18
Linden Road)
Five times Mayor of Bedford, Joshua was the driving force behind
several projects, the new Park on the north side of the town, the
new bridge over the River at Prebend Street and the Suspension
Bridge on the Embankment. His name is preserved on four plaques
around the Town – County Bridge,
Prebend Street, the Suspension Bridge, the old Fire Station,
Mill Street and the main building at Bedford School. His wife,
Hester Periam Lewis Hawkins, was also well known: a Methodist hymn
writer, a novelist, a lifelong supporter of
the Temperance Movement and writer of the well regarded “ABC
Guide to Astronomy”, becoming a fellow of the Royal Astronomical
Society in 1921.
This blue plaque project was devised by local historian David
Fowler, assisted by Stuart Antrobus, and funded, amongst others, by
The Harpur Trust and Bedford Architectural, Archaeological &
Local History Society.
We’re thrilled to report that throughout this year, five more
blue memorial wall plaques are being installed to honour these
Bedford residents who made an impact on Bedford and the wider
world. The Blue Plaques are part of a £4k scheme which also
includes two more information boards.
LIVE MUSIC FOR ALLExperience the thrill of the Philharmonia
Orchestra live at Bedford Corn Exchange
Tickets from £14*philharmonia.co.uk | 0800 652 6717
*Transaction fees apply: £1.50 online and over the phone
Tue 22 Jan 2019, 7.30pmSANTTU-MATIAS ROUVALI: SIBELIUS &
RAVEL
Tue 19 Feb 2019, 7.30pmHERREWEGHE CONDUCTS MOZART & BACH
Thu 28 Mar 2019, 7.30pmBEETHOVEN & BRAHMS
Mon 29 Apr 2019, 7.30pmASHKENAZY CONDUCTS ELGAR
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LIVE MUSIC FOR ALLExperience the thrill of the Philharmonia
Orchestra live at Bedford Corn Exchange
Tickets from £14*philharmonia.co.uk | 0800 652 6717
*Transaction fees apply: £1.50 online and over the phone
Tue 22 Jan 2019, 7.30pmSANTTU-MATIAS ROUVALI: SIBELIUS &
RAVEL
Tue 19 Feb 2019, 7.30pmHERREWEGHE CONDUCTS MOZART & BACH
Thu 28 Mar 2019, 7.30pmBEETHOVEN & BRAHMS
Mon 29 Apr 2019, 7.30pmASHKENAZY CONDUCTS ELGAR
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6 The Bedford Clanger • January 2019
Theatre By Paula Walker THE CLANGERTHEATRE
THE PLACE THEATRE
BeowulfFriday 11 January at 7.30pmTickets: £12 (Concessions
£10)Age Guidance: 14+ Seth Kriebel’s Beowulf is a performance-game
that invites audience members to explore the world of this
legendary story… without leaving their seats.
Harking back to Beowulf’s roots in the oral storytelling
tradition, the show is technically simple: Seth stands on a bare
stage and describes a frozen world of Vikings and monsters - the
world of Beowulf. The audience offers instructions like ‘follow the
path’ or ‘pick up the axe’ to move through the described, imagined
places… working together to overcome obstacles, fight foes and
navigate the narrative of the original English story of man versus
monster.
Accompanied by an evocative soundscape, the audience is immersed
in the world of the poem, a millennium after the Viking hero’s
adventures were first written down. Each show is unique, dependent
on the audience’s choices — bringing the world of the ancient epic
to life with a new immediacy.
Kick off the new year at the theatre. Here’s our January
round-up by Paula Walker.
NEW VOLUNTEER
OPEN MORNING
Sat 19th Jan 10.30 am
See website for further ticket details:
www.theplacebedford.org.uk/ticketsor call the box office on 01234
354321
Little Pixie Theatre Company
THE NIGHTINGALE OF SOUTHBANKSat 19 Jan 7.30pm £12/£10 A
fascinating story about early twentieth century opera singer
Florence Easton woven through famous arias from Madame Butterfly,
Gianni Schicchi, Aida, Tosca and many more.
Small Nose Theatre Company RACHEL Fri 25 Jan 7pm £12/£10/£9 Part
of Holocaust memorial weekend. A full mask performance that tells
Rachel Levy’s story of survival at Auschwitz Concentration
Camp.
LGBTQ HISTORY MONTHLaunch Event Sat 2 Feb 4-7 pm (Free)
Tomorrow’s Great Pageant - Reimagining an iconic Suffrage play
written in 1909 for an alternative 21st Century gender narrative. A
reading of the original script, followed by discussions with actors
and activists.
8pm (Free) Cabaret! Expect music, comedy and drag - local
performers and Zoo Co create a blend of entertainment, activism,
laughs and talent.
Stand By Theatre Company THE ROOM AT THE TOP OF THE HOUSE Thu 7
Feb, 7.30pm £12/£10A room of forgotten things becomes a place where
Josh can escape the fascinating but frightening outside world. Told
through movement and poetic text this honest and uplifting show is
about fear and the impact our decisions can have.
LGBTQ+
HISTORY MONTH
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The Bedford Clanger • January 2019 7
The Place Theatre, Bradgate Road, Bedford MK40 3DE
Tickets and further information available at
www.theplacetheatre.org.uk
The Quarry Theatre at St Luke’s, 26 St Peters St, Bedford MK40
2NN
Tickets and more information available at
quarrytheatre.org.uk or on 01234 362337
Soap Soup Theatre presentsThe Snow BabySunday 20 January 11am
and 2pm Tickets: £10 (Concessions £8.50)Age Guidance: 3+Deep in the
remote snowy forest, an icy wind blows and snowflakes fall from the
sky. Doris and her Bear Man live on the hill, alone but happy.
Wrapped up in a snowy smother, they are in love, but when the
snowstorm comes, Bear Man disappears! How will Doris survive by
herself in a forest plagued with bad weather and a cloud of hungry
crows?
The Snow Baby, magical children’s theatre with beautiful
puppetry, imaginative storytelling and music that will give you
goosebumps, this gentle show explores family, love and loss, with
music, confetti and fun for the whole family to enjoy!
Small Nose Productions presentRachel (a play in full mask)Friday
25 January at 7pm Tickets: £12 (Concessions £10)
Mrs Rachel Levy is a survivor of Bergen Belsen Concentration
Camp, the worst camp attributed to a time when the Nazis had
seemingly given up trying to hide the horrors of the Holocaust. All
hope was gone, but Rachel survived. ‘It was a miracle!’ she
said.
This play is for school groups, but Small Nose Productions
believe the lessons of the Holocaust are for us all.
National Theatre Live presentsThe Tragedy of King Richard
IITuesday 15 January at 7pmTickets: £14.50 (Concessions£12.50)Age
Guidance: 12+Simon Russell Beale plays William Shakespeare’s
Richard II, broadcast live from the stage of the Almeida Theatre in
London. This visceral new production about the limits of power, is
directed by Joe Hill-Gibbins, whose previous plays include Little
Revolution at the Almeida and Absolute Hell at the National
Theatre.
Richard II, King of England, is irresponsible, foolish and vain.
His weak leadership sends his kingdom into disarray and his court
into uproar. Seeing no other option but to seize power, the
ambitious Bolingbroke challenges the throne and the king’s divine
right to rule.
The Quarry Theatre at St Luke’s The Place Theatre resident
reviewersWhat a great start to the Resident Review writers
initiative started at The Place Theatre last season. Huge thanks to
Isabelle Brazier and Kezia-Rose Johnston for contributing such
great reviews of their experiences. Their writing added an extra
layer of connectivity to The Place’s work and gave young people
some local representation.
Three (yes THREE!) new reviewers will be chosen for the January
to April season from the age groups 9-12, 13-16, 17-25, and winners
will be announced on The Place’s social media platforms as well as
The Clanger’s blog to coincide with The Place’s season launch on
Thursday 10th January. All reviews will be published on The Clanger
blog and across The Place’s platforms, and the March and April
edition of The Clanger will feature some of the best reviews.
Excitingly, the Frank Branston Trust has agreed to fund this
initiative as it moves forward which will allow professional
journalists to visit The Place and give our young reviewers advice
about developing their writing and progressing in the industry.
Another set of reviewers will be recruited in May, so keep an eye
out for details! theplacebedford.org.uk
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8 The Bedford Clanger • January 2019
What’s on…JANUARY
The Place Theatre’s season launch Thursday 10 January at
7.30pmHead to the Place Theatre on Bradgate Road for a fun and
friendly start to their Spring season. A great opportunity to talk
to the team here about their forthcoming plans, catch up with the
rest of the audience and theatre community after the holiday break
and look forward to another great year of events and excitement at
The Place Bedford, ice creams from Spaghetti Johns, and wine
tasting from our partner at The Blue Glass, plus extracts from our
community shows currently in development.
Tea & Tales – The scandal of Frank Spooner and other stories
for grown-upsThe Chapel, Foster Hill Road CemeterySaturday 12
January at 2.30pm (£6.50 includes tea and cake)Frank Spooner was
Bedfordshire’s first Director of Education. Young, capable and
driven, but ultimately mired in scandal. Listen to this true
Edwardian story as it unfolds day by day hour by hour. Local
storyteller, Mark Steinhardt has been given access to the primary
documents so he is able to bring these events fully to live.
Spooner was a complicated man. How will the story end?
Fosterhillroadcemetery.co.uk
Skeptics in the Pub: The Traveller’s Guide to MarsNorth End
Social Club, 60 Roff Avenue, MK41 7TWThursday 17 January at
7.30pmAfter his very well received talk last year - 13 Journeys
Through Space and Time, Colin Stuart returns with a new
subject.
In The Traveller’s Guide to Mars, Colin Stuart will examine our
fascination with the Red Planet, our attempts to explore it and
send humans there in the not-to-distant future.
The Quarry Theatre Open Evening & Season LaunchFriday 18
January at 7.00pm
Celebrate the start of The Quarry’s wonderful Spring season at
this free event, open all.
The Quarry is opening its doors for backstage and behind the
scenes tours, giving you a glimpse of life in a working theatre.
You can sign up to the mailing list and the box office will be open
all night, offering discounts to shows in their Spring season.
Bedford Vegan Market at John Bunyan MuseumSaturday 26 January
from 10amA great opportunity to eat, shop and meet at the regular
vegan market in the heart of Bedford. This is definitely not just
for vegans and everyone’s welcome. Enjoy delicious vegan foods from
brunches to street foods (burgers, hot dogs, wraps plus much more),
ethnic cuisine, fresh juices, smoothies and hot drinks, vegan
cheeses and ethical goods, gifts & services. Entry is free.
virtuosofoods.co.uk
Panacea Museum – winter opening hoursFor the first time, the
Panacea Museum will remain open throughout the winter months. A
fascinating place to while away a winters afternoon, the museum and
gardens are open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11am –
4pm. Refreshments can be bought at the café from noon – 3pm. The
museum will reopen after the Christmas break on 5 January.
panaceamuseum.org
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The Bedford Clanger • January 2019 9
What’s on…JANUARY
Bedford Creative Arts present: Clubhouse film premiereWednesday
23 January at 5pmVue Cinema, 4 River Street, MK40 1AS
Created by artists Julie Myers and Maria Anastassiou and the
residents of Bedford’s Chester and Carlisle Roads, this short film
documents a year-long art project on the two streets in Queen’s
Park. Exploring ideas of place and neighbourhood, alongside tales
of sea monsters, animals and slime, Clubhouse combines
observational documents of everyday life; staged scenes of
performance to camera, sound recordings, special effects and
footage from the children’s own cameras.
Register now for Run Bedford 2019Sunday 2 June at Russell Park
Want to set yourself a fitness challenge this year? Then why not
register for the Run Bedford 10k - a course that will take you
along Bedford’s loveliest avenues! Starting on Bedford’s beautiful
Victorian embankment, you’ll breeze along the tree-lined Park
Avenue, DeParys Avenue – then with just a mile to go you’ll be
lifted by the crowds as you fly down the High Street and finish in
grand style alongside the River Great Ouse. You may never make the
Olympics but you’ll certainly feel the crowd behind you at Run
Bedford!
Whether you’re a world-beater, a fun-runner or a fund-raiser
this a great chance for a personal best. The course is flat and
very fast!
The 10k will start at 9.00am in 2019. Registration is £22 (£20
England Athletics Affiliated)
Register now at active.com
Saturday Stress Busting at the Higgins BedfordSaturday 26
January from 1 - 4pm
Head to the Higgins for a variety of sociable and relaxing
activities to help improve your feelings of wellbeing. Enjoy
meditative yoga, creative art activities and play traditional
table-top tennis games. This programme is being shaped
by you, so feel free to suggest any creative activities that you
want to try and the Higgins’ team will see what they can do.
Creative Art Session: Junk Journaling Drop-InCreate your own
junk journals to record and document your thoughts, memories, an
occasion or an event that has touched you.
Share craft ideas and tips and get creative. No artistic skills
or expertise needed. Materials provided or bring your own.
Tea Party Poetry 2.30-4.00pmA therapeutic session where you can
give a voice to your emotions and feelings through creating your
own poetry.
Saturday Stress Busting afternoons are open to all but the aim
is to create a relaxing and supportive atmosphere for people to
feel comfortable in. No unaccompanied or young children please.
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10 The Bedford Clanger • January 2019
SHEAFS + GuestsFriday 1st February, doors at 8pmTickets £7 in
advance
One of the most exciting new guitar bands in the country, SHEAFS
headlines Esquires’ main stage as part of IVW 2019. Sheffield’s
SHEAFS pack punches with blistering riffs and instantly addictive
hooks that hark back to the glory days of regional indie in their
4-minute whirlwinds of guitar-led goodness.
The Philharmonia Orchestra - Sibelius & RavelBedford Corn
ExchangeTuesday 22nd January, 7.30pmIn 2016, Bachtrack hailed
“Alice Sara Ott’s startling performance with the Philharmonia, a
barnstorming rendition which gripped from first note until last.”
She returns to perform Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G, composed after
a concert tour of the USA in 1928 and woven through with the sounds
of the jazz he encountered there. Sibelius’ Valse triste, a darkly
beautiful subversion of the dance, paves the way for his First
Symphony. Principal Guest Conductor Santtu-Matias Rouvali brings
his irresistible energy to this work full of sweeping melodies,
evocative of vast Nordic landscapes. Tickets at
bedfordcornexchange.co.uk
CLANGER INTERVIEW: TIM BURGESS & THE ANYTIME MINUTES PLUS
AVERAGE SEXThursday 31st January, doors at 7.30pmAs part of IVW18,
The Charlatans’ Tim Burgess returns to Esquires after a sell-out
show in 2013. Hear all about it from the mop-topped man himself, in
our EXCLUSIVE interview:
Bedford Clanger: We’re looking forward to seeing you at Esquires
in January. We saw you last time you played here. Can we expect a
similarly pared down set?Tim Burgess: Not sure about pared down.
There’s 4 others in the band so I’m saying it’s pared up! I’m so
glad we’re coming back to Esquires, it kicked off the tour last
time, and it was a real memorable show.
BC: Can you describe how the collaboration with Peter Gordon
came about?TB: I’d always loved Peter’s music and had admired his
albums from afar, hoping that one day we would work together. He
was working with somebody I knew so I took the chance to ask him -
He’s from a different musical background to me, so I wasn’t sure if
he’d come across anything I’d done. We got on well right from the
start and the idea of doing an album together came quite
quickly.
BC: You seem to love seeking out new collaborations and
projects. What is your favourite part of the creative process? TB:
The moment when you realise what’s possible - like anything,
there’s a time of just finding your feet at the start and then it
clicks into place. Ending up with a piece of work that is like a
Venn diagram of parts of everyone involved.
BC: Why do you think the Charlatans have enjoyed such an
enduring career?TB: It has to be about the songs. Without them a
band are just a gang of friends meeting up. We’ve tried to stay
relevant and we’ve never really looked back too much. We try to
keep things interesting - from The Different Day to North By
Northwich.
BC: Which era of your career have you enjoyed the most?TB: I’m
always about the now. I love having a body of work to look back on
but I’m more interested in what’s next.
BC: Which aspect of your career
(writing/performing/coffee-selling/festival curating/DJing) do you
enjoy the most?TB: A mix of all of them - if I had to choose one it
would be performing but if you add a DJ set in after, all at a
festival, where Tim Peaks is happening, that’s when I’m happiest. I
like being busy so all of those things at the same time would be
the best
BC: Where’s a better place to live: California or East
Anglia?TB: Those amazing beaches, the beautiful people - Norfolk
really has everything. California is a part of my past life - I
went back to a few of my favourite places when we were on tour in
America. Norfolk is home now, so it has a special place in my heart
as it’s where we spend time as a family. I’m happy pretty much
anywhere though, if the right people are around
BC: Is Sproston Green the best encore song ever?TB: That’s not
for me to say but I know a lot of people think so. It’s quite funny
that it’s such a big song but was never a single here. I get to
watch the second half of it as the band let loose.
Music
There’s plenty of live music to be had in Bedford in 2019,
beginning with Independent Venue Week at Esquires at the end of
this month. With a great schedule including the return of Tim
Burgess from The Charlatans, the celebrations run from Monday 28
January – Sunday 2 February.
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Save the date: Bedford Park ConcertsWe can now reveal the dates
of Bedford Park Concerts 2019 will be Friday 26, Saturday 27 and
Sunday 28 July. So, save the date and tell your friends and family.
The team are working hard behind the scenes to make 2019 the best
yet!
bedfordparkconcerts.co.uk
The Vryll Society + GuestsTuesday 29th January, doors at 7.30pm
Tickets £10 in advance One thing The Vryll Society aren’t short of
is admirers. Lauded at just about every turn by press and public
alike, the release of their debut LP for Deltasonic Records has
brought great critical acclaim loads more fans and has led to sold
out shows on their recent UK tour.
Discovered and nurtured by the late and much missed Deltasonic
founder Alan Wills, he instantly saw in them similar attributes
he’d previously found in the early days of The Coral. Drawing from
an eclectic palette of influence from deep funk to Krautrock,
electronica and prog, they’ve created a heady, intoxicating, pin
sharp, and tightly wound groove. It’s that eclecticism, that
kaleidoscopic swirl of influences which brings together hip hop
flavours, with the prog stylings of names such as Aphrodite’s Child
and The Verve – pre Urban Hymns – when the drugs were still
working.
ESTRONSSaturday 2nd February, doors at 8pmTickets £10 in
advance
Ever since singer Tali Källström and guitarist Rhodri Daniel met
as “two strangers with disparate tastes and influences,” the two
have been carving out a body of work that resembles an essence of
chaos and beauty; a feeling of estrangement, an expression of
morbid elegance, inspired by opposing sides. Beginning as an
experiment, Estrons quickly became significantly more important
than intended. They are simply a force that cannot be forced.
Tickets for all shows available online from seetickets, and in
person at Esquires, Slide Record Shop and Mario’s Hair Design.
Bedfordesquires.co.uk
Music
Mill Race Folk present: Cohen Braithwaite-KilcoyneSaturday 19
Janaury at 7.30pmMoot Hall, Elstow Tickets: £10
Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne has been a musician since the age of
6. He took to squeezeboxes in his teens and has since developed
into a fine player of both the melodeon and anglo concertina. His
solo performance includes traditional ballads, historical songs,
industrial songs, sea songs and shanties all firmly rooted in the
English tradition, with a fair amount of material linked to the
West Midlands where Cohen has lived for much of his life.
marisajackanddavy.com
11The Bedford Clanger • thebedfordclanger.com •
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The leader of Bedford Borough’s Conservative group, Cllr Stephen
Moon, has said the Mayor’s Local Plan, which sets out how our area
will deal with housing growth up to 2030, has postponed vital
strategic decisions on housing and employment growth that will
“adversely affect Bedford’s future prosperity”.
Bedford Borough Council’s Local Plan 2030 was approved by
Liberal Democrat and Labour councillors at a Council meeting on 5
December and is now being reviewed by the Planning Inspectorate
before it is formally adopted next year.
At the meeting, Cllr Moon called the Local Plan a ‘vision-free
short-term exercise’, which he believes does not take into account
the rural infrastructure needed to build a large number of new
homes around villages.
He also believes the plan is unbalanced, placing an unfair
amount of housing pressure on rural areas when there are brown
field sites, such as Stewartby, that could be more easily utilised
in the Local Plan before 2030.
Speaking after the full council meeting on 5 December, Cllr Moon
said: “The Mayor’s decision to dump 500 houses on green field sites
in each of Bromham, Clapham, Great Barford and Sharnbrook will
increase those villages in size by 50% or more.
“This will change their character forever and overwhelm road
networks. The Conservatives will continue to oppose these
allocations and to press for greater use of brownfield sites in the
urban area and appropriate housing allocations to meet the needs of
our villages.’
In response Dave Hodgson, Mayor of Bedford Borough, says that
the Local Plan is effectively rebalancing the share of housing
already in place, citing recent developments in Eastcotts,
Shortstown, Wootton, nearby Martson development on the Borough and
Central Bedfordshire border, and the forthcoming and ongoing
development in Stewartby.
However, while the Local Plan sets out the template for growth,
the Mayor says that each individual development will have to follow
the standard planning procedure. The public in the areas affected
will be able to raise objections should they wish in the usual
manner.
Read more on this and watch interviews with Cllr Moon and Mayor
Dave Hodgson at bedfordindependent.co.uk
“MAYOR’S LOCAL PLAN WILL ADVERSELY AFFECT BEDFORD’S
FUTURE PROSPERITY”
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2 Bedford Independent • January 2019
A fundraising page has been set up for Simon Mushonga, the
Bedford man murdered in Kettering on 8 December, asking for help in
sending his body back to Zimbabwe.
On the page, they write: “It has been such a difficult time for
our family and we continue to pray for strength and courage through
it all. We are now making arrangements to take Simon back home to
Zimbabwe to his final resting place.
“We had no idea how many lives Simon touched and we are so
overwhelmed by all the love and support we’ve received during this
difficult
time. We’ve set this page up for anyone who would like to help
in anyway.
“We are so thankful for the NHS staff that looked after Simon in
his final moments and we thank you all for your donations. God
bless you all.”
You can make donations to the page at:
www.facebook.com/donate/2211377399134655/
39-year-old Simon was found unconscious in Carrington Street,
Kettering in the early hours of Saturday, December 8. He had
serious head injuries and died the following day.
Two people have been charged in connection with his death.
Aaron Muggleton, 25, of Alexander Street, Kettering, has been
charged with murder and a 16-year-old girl, who cannot be named for
legal reasons, has been charged with manslaughter.
Muggleton and the 16-year-old girl have also been charged with
ABH in connection with an assault on another man during the same
incident. Muggleton has also been charged with possession of a
Class B drug.
Family of Simon Mushonga – Bedford man murdered in Kettering
– launch fundraising page
Bedfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Kathryn
Holloway, and Chief Constable, Jon Boutcher, say they’re
celebrating after the Government has said they’ll have an
additional £8million in their budget next year.
But that figure will only be achievable if Council Tax Payers
shoulder the burden according to Bedford and Kempston MP Mohammad
Yasin.
The extra funding would be made up from:• £1.3m in extra core
grant• £1.1m in a contribution for pensions• £5.6m from council tax
increase
While the core grant and pensions figures are from Central
Government, the PCC could decide to raise the remaining £5.6m by
increasing their council tax precept (share) to £24 per year (for a
Band D home). The maximum she is allowed to increase the rate by
without a referendum.
PCC Kathryn Holloway says the money would deliver more officers
to the frontline and plug a hole in the budget from a national
pensions shortfall and is not a long-term solution to the
funding issues facing police forces across the UK.But Mohammad
Yasin MP has said that the Government is simply
resting the funding gap on the shoulders of council tax
payers.Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said: “Ultimately this
increase
in funding will allow the organisation to grow. The ability to
raise council tax precepts is a matter for our Police & Crime
Commissioner Kathryn Holloway, but I’m sure she will want to
explore this option to increase the number of officers we have on
the front line in our communities.”
Police funding boost of £8million... if council tax goes up
Read the full story and more at BedfordIndependent.co.uk and
across our social media pages.
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Bedford Independent • January 2019 3
News in briefFor more on these stories and others head to
BedfordIndependent.co.uk
180 officers from Bedfordshire Police and Bedford Borough
Council have carried out a dawn raid of a traveller’s site near
Cardington after receiving reports of criminal activity.
The raid on 13 December at the Willow Drift traveller site on
Meadow Lane included support from the dog section, helicopter,
firearms support units and officers on off-road bikes.
Nine men and four women were arrested on suspicion of drugs
offences.
Vehicles that are untaxed for more than eight weeks can now be
seized by the police after the DVLA gave some its powers to the
Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Road Policing Unit
(BCH RPU).
The idea is that officers can maintain the safety of our roads
and reduce casualties by keeping untaxed vehicles off the road far
more easily.
Bedford Town FC manager, Jon Taylor, has agreed terms with new
centre back Joe Steele and goal scorer Alex Cathline.
Bedford local, 21-year-old Steele, was part of the Milton Keynes
Dons youth system before heading
to Arlesey Town, in the Southern League Premier Divison.
Cathline, 23, offers good experience of pro football to the
Eagles squad as the young striker completed a two-year scholarship
at Stevenage Town F.C.
Read more about Bedford Town FC and other sports in Bedford
Borough at BedfordIndependent.co.uk
Pupils at Bedford School have raised over £10,000 for the
Movember charity, ranking them the events top fundraising school
and 16th highest in the whole country.
A whole host of activities took place across Movember aimed at
raising awareness and breaking down the stigma of men’s health
issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s
suicide.
6th form ‘MoBros’ grew moustaches of varying success and
encouraged younger boys to organise their own events, such as the
Around the World in 80 Days Initiative that had people cycling,
riding and walking around the world.
Read more about what they got up to and watch their fundraising
parody music video at bedfordindependent.co.uk
Bedfordshire and Luton Clinical Commissioning Groups are urging
residents aged 65 and over, to take up their free NHS flu
vaccination before winter takes hold.
A new vaccine which has been especially developed for over 65
year olds is available for the first time this winter. Last year,
over 30,00 older people across Bedfordshire and Luton failed to
take up the offer of a free flue jab, leaving them vulnerable
during the winter months.
To find out if you’re eligible for the free flu vaccination,
visit www.nhs.uk/staywell or speak to your GP.
13 people arrested in Cardington for drug offences
New signings could give Bedford Town FC
end of season boost
Bedford College Group’s student stars celebrate a year of
success
Students and staff have celebrated a year of success for Bedford
College Group at their annual Bedfordshire Achievement Ceremony
where guest speaker author Ruth Hogan told the audience: “Education
is a gift but you are the magic ingredient.”
The Bedfordshire Achievement Ceremony, held at Bedford’s Corn
Exchange, was all about the students
and staff who have made a significant impact or achievement in
their studies or supported others.
The big award was for Student of the Year which went to Liam
Kilby. Read all about why Liam was given the accolade and the other
awards given out on the night at bedfordindependent.co.uk
Police can now seize your vehicle if you don’t get it taxed
Over 65s urged to have free flu vaccine
Bedford School’s ‘MoBros’ smash Movember fundraising target
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The Harpur Trust has been enriching the lives of people in
Bedford Borough for over 450 years.
Giving grants to local community projects.
Offering accommodation for older people.
Supporting, promoting and providing education.
Making social investments.
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5
There’s nothing better than surprising someone with a Happy
Birthday message or congratulating them on their wedding,
anniversary or just because. You can also commemorate the life of a
loved one by publishing their obituary.
The Bedford Independent gives you a chance to list your Births,
Deaths, Marriages and other announcements on our website, with a
dedicated link to share with your family and friends. You can also
choose to have your announcement in print too in the dedicated
Bedford Independent pages of The Bedford Clanger.
Head to: bedfordindependent.co.uk/post-an-announcement to upload
online - it’s simple and quick.
Our printed publication date is the last Friday of each month,
deadline for submissions is the Friday before.
The Amazing Tara Dolby!
Have a birthday that is as fantastic as you are! xx
Rory Dibden
Happy 7th Birthday!
All my love and kisses, Mummy xxx
Chelsey Southam
Happy Birthday Mummy!
Love Elsie xx
As a responsible news desk the Bedford Independent is regulated
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The Harpur Trust has been enriching the lives of people in
Bedford Borough for over 450 years.
Giving grants to local community projects.
Offering accommodation for older people.
Supporting, promoting and providing education.
Making social investments.
www.harpurtrust.org.uk
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Announcements
Bedford’s sporting champions including athletes, coaches and
clubs have been given a high five at this year’s Bedford Sports
Awards which celebrate their dedication, hard work and success over
the past year.
The Sports Personality of the Year Award went to Alex Edwards
for his achievements in Freestyle Kayak, representing Great Britain
at the highest level and achieving the title of World Cup Champion
2018. Read more about the other awards handed out on the night at
BedfordIndependent.co.uk
The Government has corrected a shortfall in the budget allocated
to Bedford Borough Schools after it was discovered it would leave
them £1.3million short.
A campaign, led by Mayor Dave Hodgson and supported by Mohammad
Yasin MP, Alistair Burt MP and Conservative Mayoral Candidate
Gianni Carafano, was started last month when it was found that the
new national
funding formula used by The Department of Education would have
seen £1,000 less per primary school class and £1,600 less per
secondary school class.
Now the Department for Education has said they will top up the
2019/20 budget by £1.3million, maintaining the per-pupil funding
rate for Bedford Borough’s Schools.
Read the full story at bedfordindependent.co.uk
High five to Bedford’s sporting champions at annual awards
£1.3million ‘top-up’ for Bedford schools after Government
corrects funding formula