We can’t wait to see you...

ISSUE 22: JUNE 2013FREE

The Bedford Clanger Group Page

email: thebedfordclanger@gmail.com blog:thebedfordclanger.wordpress.com @bedfordclanger

For: music-lovers, culture-vultures, crafters, artists, makers, gardeners, traders, foodies, fashionistas

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

St Cuthbert’s Street is the off-the-beaten-track home to some of Bedford’s hidden gems. Between Lingers at one end and Roosters at the other you’ve got Rice Thai restaurant, The Blue Glass and of course, Lords & Ladies.

Established in 2005 by sisters Helen and Amy Lord, Lords & Ladies is tucked away from the main road and offers beauty treatments in a calm and tranquil setting. Here’s what the girls had to say about what makes Lords & Ladies so special:

Bedford Clanger: When did you launch Lords & Ladies?

Lords & Ladies: We launched Lords & Ladies in 2005. We started with 2 treatment rooms in a gym. Then we moved to our property on St Cuthbert’s Street 2 years ago.

BC: What made you want to open a beauty & treatment salon?

L&L: We have always been interested in Beauty and have been doing treatments on ourselves since a young age so we wanted to be able to share our interest and enthusiasm with other people. There are

lots of Beauty salons around but we really wanted to have a salon that was that little bit special.

BC: What sets you apart from others? Describe the atmosphere at Lords & Ladies.

L&L: We have a long-standing team of experienced, professional and enthusiastic staff and we genuinely love what we do. We have six Beauty Therapists and two Receptionists. We pride ourselves on our warm welcome and our friendly and profes-sional atmosphere.

BC: If I were to just have one beauty treatment what should I choose?

L&L: Ooh, that’s a hard question! We would say: our Dermalogica facial, as skin health is so important. The treatment is a great combination of pure relaxation and skincare, and you will get results with just one treatment. Both men and women love this treatment.

BC: What are this season’s nail colour trends?

L&L: The bright colours are proving really popular especially as the sun has decided to make an appear-ance! Glitter has continued to be popular right through from Christmas. What’s great right now is that anything goes - from neutrals to darks. Try our gel manicure or pedicure, as the colour is instantly dry and lasts for weeks!

BC: The courtyard entrance to Lords & Ladies is very tranquil. Is it an advantage too, especially to be slightly off the beaten track?

L&L: We have lots of comments on our courtyard entrance and that we are located within a Georgian house. We specifically wanted a property that had a more private feel to it and less like a salon or shop front.

BC: What are the must-have treatments at Lords & Ladies? What’s new?

L&L: We have just introduced

Brazilian waxing to the salon and a great new massage treatment ‘Hot Lava Shell Massage’. This is definitely a must-have treatment! We use hot tiger clam shells to massage the muscles of the body. It is extremely relaxing both physically and mentally!

We must say that our individual eye lash extensions are also a must have. You can have the lashes you’ve always dreamed of without any make up!

BC: And finally, sum up Bedford in three words…

L&L: Diverse, evolving, historical

It hardly seems possible that we are celebrating our second birthday this month.

The last 24 months have been a combination of extremely hard work, dedication, elation, fun and a little bit of frustra-tion. In two years we’ve doubled our circulation, increased our distribution, taken on more staff and have begun working with more and more contribu-tors. Be they writers, photographers, illustrators, advertisers or deliverers (is that even a word??), we really couldn’t do it without them.

So, what’s life like behind the scenes at The Clanger? We don’t have an office, so most of our work is done at kitchen tables, in coffee shops, or on the phone. We don’t work 9am – 5pm (although I do sometimes work from 9pm – 2am) as we’ve all got

other jobs, commitments and in some cases, small people who take up quite a lot of our time. We don’t make shed loads of money

and we don’t have expense accounts.

It is probably because of this that we are an organic group of extremely talented and dedicated people who all share the same aims and ambitions. We are all passionate about our town and want others to share the joy. So feel free to join in!

The current economic climate has made it tough for many businesses.

Nobody pays us to write about them. We write about stuff we like and we accept advertising & sponsorship from businesses that we believe in. Not just because they’ll pay us. But back in the real world, every-thing has a cost. We are always looking for sponsors, advertisers and supporters who are able to help us continue to bring you the very best of Bedford. If your business has a stake in Bedford, then we’d love you to

support us so that we can spread the word to our 10,000 readers and 1,000 online viewers per month.

So, Happy Birthday us, thank you for your support and here’s to the year ahead!

JUNE 2013THE BEDFORD CLANGER

2 Uh-oh! Terrible two!

UNIQUE BEDFORD

BEhIND thE ScENES at thE claNgER NOw wE aRE twO, wE’RE NEaRly NEw (aS a a MIlNE SORt OF SaID).

•••Would you like to sponsor this column?•••

the Bedford clanger

is read by around 10,000 people.

If you’d like to promote your business to our readers

then contact

Gemma Rogers on 07799067052

email:bedfordclangerads@gmail.com

Bedford’s Retirement Education Centre on Rothsay Gardens is once again running its popular RECless Writers’ short story competition.

This year they are opening it up to non-members, so what are you waiting for? The criteria are as follows:

•The stories may be on any theme.•Max. length 3,000 words.•Entry fee per story: REC members £3,

Non-REC £5•No limit to the number of stories you can

submit.•1st Prize: £50, 2nd Prize: £30, 3rd Prize:

£20•Closing date for entries, Monday 1st

July 2013

For further information about the Retirement Education Centre and for details of how to submit your entries online visit the website: www. REClessbeds.co.uk

The Retirement Education Centre is at: 6 Rothsay Gardens Bedford MK40 3QB

01234 302203

ShORt StORy cOMpEtItION

SUMMER FEtE at St MaRy’S

On Saturday 29th June, St Mary The Virgin Church will be holding their annual Summer Fete in the Church Hall. From 11.30am to 3pm there will be stalls, entertainment, refreshments as well as a tombola and raffle. St Mary The Virgin Church, Church Lane, Goldington, MK41 0AP

thE FlOwER pOt The Flower Pot was once described as “a lot of pub in a little space”. Well, that’s all about to change as Melissa and Debbie unveil the pub’s fabulous new extension.

Music fans can now relax in the front bar for a drink or to listen to the FP’s regular line-up of live acts, while in the back bar there will be traditional pub games and access to the courtyard garden. Another great pub in Bedford just got even better. Cheers!

lORDS & laDIES, 13 ST CuThBERT’S ST BEDFoRD MK40 3JBTEL: 01234 210081 WWW.LoRDSanDLaDIESBEDFoRD.Co.uK

our town is worth celebrating

You may remember that last July we ran the a photo a Day photography project. It turned into a really wonderful celebration of our town and this July we’ve decided to do it again.

This year, not only will you have the opportunity to submit your photos for the enjoyment of the “A Photo A Day” community, but you’ll also have the chance to win one of three Fuji cameras and to have your work displayed at The Picture Gallery during September. We’ve received additional support from “We Are Bedford” and Bedford Borough Council’s Economic Development department and we’ve even got a Twitter feed!

A panel of judges, including photographers and sponsors, will choose their favourite three pictures per day to form the basis of a month-long exhibition at The Picture Gallery on the High Street. The top three photographs from the entire month will be mounted and framed by The Picture Gallery. The winning three photographers

will receive their framed picture, plus a camera, kindly donated by Fuji – and the priceless adulation of Bedfordians one and all! We’ve got some other more ambitious plans in the pipeline, but we’ll tell you about them nearer the time…

So, here’s the all-important list of the daily categories. The criteria are the same as last year: photos must be taken in Bedford on the day, and you can interpret the daily word however you want. Literal or metaphorical, obvious or obscure, quick camera-phone snap or professionally posed – we just want as many people as possible

to take part.So, join the Facebook group (A Photo

A Day Bedford), follow us on Twitter (@APhotoADay2013) and join in the fun.

1. SMILE!2. InSIDE3. ouT4. InDEPEnDEnT5. PRIDE6. JoY7. MIRRoR8. MuSIC9. STYLE

10. RIvERSIDE11. QuEnCh12. EnTERTaInMEnT13. CuLTuRE14. GIG15. PuB(S)16. SPaCE17. SMILE18. BIG19. naTuRaL20. GIG21. SPoRT22. LITERaTuRE23. In BLooM24. WaLK25. PEoPLE26. unIQuE

27. hIGh STREET28. FESTIvaL29. BaDGE30. FRIEnDShIP31. BEDFoRD

THE BEDFORD CLANGERPhoToGRaPhY

JUNE 2013

BedPop’s going to show there’s more than meets the eye to this town. and we’d love your help…

We’re going to pop up at the Tourist Information Centre on 27 & 28

July as part of the High Street Festival and Bedfringe

and we’re looking for cool & quirky products inspired by Bedford that will appeal to visitors & Bedfordians alike.

If you would like to sell something at

BedPop @ the TIC then here’s the criteria:

•It has to be designed and/or made

in Bedford•It has to reflect an aspect of Bedford•It has to be unique•And of course it has to be fabulous…Product categories include: tshirts,

badges, postcards, posters, prints, tea towels, tote bags, greetings cards, stuff for kids & music.

We also need volunteers to help co-ordinate the event and to man the shop over the weekend. Please email bedpop-shop@gmail.com for an information pack. Deadline for submissions is 7 June 2013.

pOp Up ShOp OF BEDFORD lOVElINESS… PoP-uP

a phOtO a Day – It’S Back FOR 2013

Exposure is an exhibition curated by Bedford College students Poppy Randall, Roger Fowler, Robert Boud and harriet nixon.

The show will take place from 15th – 20th June at Foster Hill Church, Foster Hill Road and forms part of the students’ photography HND course.

Each of the photogra-phers will be showcas-ing the work they’ve produced throughout the year, demonstrating their individual and original styles.

“Everyone is welcome to come to the exhibi-tion,” said Roger. “As we have such a large variety of photography showing, it’ll interest everyone!”

Exposure, Foster Hill Church, Foster Hill Road, Bedford

15th – 20th June 2013.

EXpOSURE

3

SpONSORED By

Bedpop is going to be fantastic!

Photo a Day 2012 was a lot of fun!

Student development

as part of The higgins’ launch celebrations, Design Twenty (just round the corner from the museum on Ram Yard) will be open from 5pm till 9pm on the 21st June.

Owner Andy Nicholls will be offering drinks and nibbles to celebrate the reopen-ing of the museum and Castle Quay becom-ing the cultural hub of the town.

As befits a shop that is just yards from The Higgins, Design Twenty features the largest collection of Eric Ravilious ceramics and prints for sale in the UK as well as a

rare collection or Edward Bawden ceramics. Also currently available are original pieces by such 20th Century design luminaries as Hans Wegner, Charles Eames, Le Corbusier, Eero Saarinen, Arne Jacobsen and Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe.

If you love Scandinavian design then Andy has a good selection of Danish rosewood items and the collection also features pieces from one of post-war Britain’s foremost designers, Robert Heritage.

Said Andy, “Please drop by to say hello on the 21st. It would be lovely to see people from 5pm onwards.” In the meantime you can view the current collec-tion at: www.designtwenty.com

DESIgN twENty FROM DawN tIll DUSk

DESIGn

Staff from The higgins Bedford talk about the artefacts they are most looking forward to seeing again, and their favourite objects in the collection.

Susannah – Fish head Spout

This cast bronze spout in the form of a fish’s head was discovered in 1942, during gravel extraction near Felmersham Bridge, during World War 2.

“Part of a wine/beer strainer the spout would have been attached to a thin-walled ‘bowl’.” Jim Inglis 2005

I love this object because it’s unique and it’s beautifully made. The relief is so sharp and so finely executed that, to me, it almost resembles a piece of early twentieth century art rather than one two thousand years old. The Fish Head Spout used to be on display in the Archaeology Gallery of Bedford Museum and was the thing that caught my attention when I first visited, fifteen years

ago. I wanted to understand how it could have been made and the degree of crafts-manship involved. So I set about making a replica, so now we have a bronze version of the unique Bedfordshire Fish Head Spout that people can handle. It’s not at all as well made as the original – I never did figure out how to get the surface as smooth as the original.

Debbie (volunteer) – aesop’s Fables: The hare and the Tortoise, sketch, 1970 © Edward Bawden Estate

I enjoy how this sketch shows Bawden’s thought processes. It’s great to see the way he has constructed the story, fitting the whole story into one image. I often enjoy sketches and preparatory works that show the way a finished work has been constructed, more than the finished work itself.

Peter - 17th Century glass

I’m impressed by the craftsman-ship in the glass and how such

fragile things have survived for so long.

victoria – William Burges knives and forks

I love the quirky animal carvings on the handles of this cutlery. The figures are apparently representative of vegetables. Some are quite easy to work out (the onion has an onion head) but others are more difficult. There is an element of mystery about them, as well as fun.

Lydia – The howard Plough

I’m delighted that the Howard Plough will now have a permanent home, on public display. The plough was made by John and Frederick Howard at Britannia Ironworks. The Howard’s were extremely innovative

and became leaders in agricultural engineering. In many ways the plough tells the story of Bedford’s development from agricultural to engineering centre. It will be displayed alongside other agricul-tural artefacts, telling the story of Bedford’s agricultural revolution.

4 Get ready for the return of The Higgins!

ThE hIGGInS

a FEw OF OUR FaVOURItE thINgS...

not a moment of daylight will be wasted on the longest day of the year when

The higgins re-opens its doors for the first time.

The culmination of the £5.8m project will take place on Friday 21st June and highlights of the opening day include:

Tours:Special pre-booked highlight tours intro-

ducing collections from the art gallery and museum will start from sunrise at 4.40am, and then take place at 30 minutes past the hour until nightfall at 9.30pm. Free refresh-ments will be offered to those booked on a tour. The tours are free but places are limited.

The tours will take in highlights from across the building which has brought together previously separate venues and redeveloped them over the past 2 years. New displays breathe life back into The Higgins Bedford, which holds world-class collections including works by Turner, Picasso and Warhol.

official opening:At 11am the official opening will take

place in the entrance courtyard (Exciting! – Ed)

Mayor Dave Hodgson will officially open Sense of Place, an exhibition of work by ten local community groups. There will also be an official opening for Fatal Attractions, an exhibition curated by students from Beauchamp Middle School.

Exhibitors will join staff and volunteers from The Higgins Bedford during the afternoon to talk to visitors about the new displays and exhibitions.

Partay!As dusk approaches, the party atmosphere

will gather momentum. Fairy lights will illuminate the courtyard as local acous-tic bands play into the night. A bar and restaurant will be available throughout the evening. What a great way to round off a momentous day for Bedford!

Visitors on the day are being asked to

help celebrate the opening. The Higgins Bedford is encouraging visitors to share pictures of the day on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook to record the atmosphere and events from every perspective.

Mayor, Dave Hodgson, said: “The Higgins Bedford belongs to us all, and that’s the message that we want to send

out right from day one. That’s why we’re marking its opening by throwing open the doors for 17 hours on the longest day of the year, to give everyone the chance to enjoy the launch of this major cultural attraction in the heart of Bedford. Entry is free, as are the pre-booked tours, and I look forward to seeing who will be joining me on the first tour at 4.40am!”

The excitement is set to continue throughout the year with a programme of exciting exhibitions scheduled. The first exhibition, in the Wixamtree gallery, will be Victorian Visions: Pre-Raphaelite Watercolours and Drawings from The Higgins Bedford’s renowned collection of works on paper. The works on paper are not on permanent display, but shown in rotation as part of the temporary exhibition programme.

The house was built in 1846 by Cecil Higgins’ grandfather, local brewer, Charles Higgins and remained within the family for several decades. Cecil Higgins became sole heir of the Higgins estate and used his inheritance to build a collection of decora-tive arts which, in his own words, he could leave “for the benefit, interest and educa-tion of the inhabitants of, and visitors to Bedford”. He left the house to the Borough of Bedford, to display his collection.

DawN tIll DUSk cElEBRatIONS aS thE hIggINS OpENS ItS DOORS

by Paula Walker

With all the excitement at the reopen-ing of the Higgins Museum on 21 June, I’ve been finding out about the important supporting role of the volunteers in curato-rial research and the delivery of the educa-tion programme, as well as exciting plans for the expansion of their responsibilities in the future.

I spoke to Jo Roberts, Learning and Access Coordinator, about her vision of the way that volunteers can enhance the experiences of museum visitors. There will be a variety of backroom roles, provid-ing help to full time staff in areas such as marketing, website support, stocktak-ing, education programmes, cataloguing, researching and reorganising collections.

A new departure will be the role of Gallery Interpreter. These volunteers will support the visitor services team by being a physical presence in the galleries, acting as an initial point of contact for visitors needing help or guidance and providing information about collections. They will also encourage participation in the interac-tive areas in each gallery, as part of the Museum’s aim to be as family friendly as possible.

All volunteers will be invited to attend an induction day, which will include an introduction to the site, health and safety training and role-specific training. Gallery interpreters will also need to become famil-iar with the collections.

Why would someone want to volunteer? It seems there are a multiplicity of reasons! Some may have a personal interest in the subject matter or may view it as part of a lifelong learning process. For others, it provides social contact and a way of giving back to the community. The Museum is keen to give people a range of experiences

across the workplace, to enable them to develop their confidence and skills and, for some, this could be the first step back into the world of work.

For younger people, volunteering can give them preparation for the work place and help in making future career choices. Louise, an enthusiastic volunteer, told me how being at the Higgins had helped her in just this way. After A-Levels, she was unsure of what to study at university, but has now decided to study History after working at the museum since October and seeing first-hand the different job opportunities that could be available. She has been involved in cataloguing collec-tions, labelling and logging artefacts on a spreadsheet, as well as participating in an outreach session at Wixams, based on Aesop’s Fables.

I also met a more longstanding volun-teer who has been at the museum for eighteen years! Cathy has mostly been involved with education programmes and art-based activities for children. Over the years she has helped run courses on puppet making, stained glass windows, lino cutting and screen-printing, among others. The children are encouraged to think and design for themselves, with the adults acting as facilitators. She is looking forward to using the new, spacious, well-equipped classrooms, which form part of the redevelopment and has been delighted that many of the volunteers’ ideas have been taken on board.

Well, it looks as though volunteers will continue to form an integral part of the Higgins experience. Roll on 21 June – I, for one, can’t wait!

For more information, have a look at the website:

www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk

lEND a haND at thE hIggINS

THE BEDFORD CLANGER JunE 2013

We can’t wait to see you...

Liz – The Saxon Window urn

This is a fantastic object. It is a very fine example of a window urn and it just raises so many questions about the lives of the

Saxons who made it. Who was it made for? Where was it made? Why? Why did they put glass in the bottom? Who made it?

It is a decora-tive and beautiful object, as well as an unusual one.

The urn was found by workmen

in Kempston in the mid 19th Century. At the time, it was thought to be unique, though a few more examples of window urns have since been discovered in England and Europe.

Jo – Tiffany vaseThe vase has a beautiful, elegant shape

that reminds me of a tulip. It was previ-ously displayed in a case that I passed several times a day en route to the office.

It was always a pleasure to walk by. I look forward to seeing it out on display again.

Tom – Ferruginous Sandstone

My favourite object changes almost every day, but today’s favourite are

these remarkable stones. Admittedly, this is partly because of the colour, but it’s also because these stones were formed by the decay of organic materials such as marine reptiles and fish when Bedford was beneath a warm sea. They were once mined and used as slow release fertilizers.

reproduced with perm

ission from B

edford & Luton A

rchives and Records Service.

Edward B

awden (1903 – 1989) A

esop’s Fables: The Hare and the Tortoise, 1970, sketch ©

Edward B

awden Estate

Just a little reminder that The Levellers are returning to Bedford this month after selling out at the Corn Exchange a full 6 weeks in advance the last time they played here back in February 2011.

Renowned for their energetic live show, longevity has not diminished the Levellers’ ability to put in a performance and get everyone in a room, or field, dancing.

The Brighton folk-rockers have long been, and still are, one of the best live bands around. It is a little-known fact that The Levellers sold more platinum, gold, and silver albums in the 1990s than any other act. Five of their six Top 40 albums (which

spawned 14 Top 40 singles), including the number 1 Zeitgeist, were recently re-released.

Their platinum-selling 1991 album Levelling The Land is widely regarded as an absolute classic and in 2011 the band celebrated the 20th anniversary of the release of the album, which features hits including “One Way”, “Riverflow”, “The Game”, “Far From Home”, and “Liberty Song”.

Tickets are on sale right now from www.bedford-cornexchange.co.uk or by calling the box office on 01234 718 112 and will be on sale from Luscious Juice Bar very soon.

http://www.seetickets.com/Event/LEVELLERS/Bedford-Corn-Exchange/679794

Tickets are £21.50 advance and we strongly advise buying them in advance as last time they sold out well in advance.

Doors open 7.30pm

hot off the back of his triumphant performance at the nME awards tour, Miles kane takes his blistering live act back on the road for what is set to be an unmissable gig. With his fiercely dynamic four-piece band, Miles is set to continue his assault on the uK.

Kicking things off on 4th May, and tearing his way around intimate venues up and down the country, Miles will be previewing songs from his eagerly anticipated new LP Don’t Forget Who You Are out June 3rd, including the title track and new single released the same day. An

anthemic blast of modern pop, the new single “Don’t Forget Who You Are” will undoubtedly establish itself in Miles’ live set as another sing-along-a-classic.

Support will come from FINDLAY, an absolutely incredible new artist who is playing every main festival this year and being touted as ‘One to Watch’.

Tickets available from:http://www.seetickets.com/event/miles-

kane/bedford-corn-exchange/703477Wegottickets.co.ukwww.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk - 01234

718112Luscious Juice Bar, 4 Lime St, Bedford,

MK401NH (No Booking fee)David’s Music, Letchworth

Vinyl Revelations, Luton

This is a 14+ Ages show - 14 & 15 year olds have to be accompanied by someone over 18

Doors open 7.30pm & FREE AFTERSHOW (18+) at The Pad Nightclub, Lurke St, Bedford

5

ThE PaD PRESEnTS…. MIlES kaNE + SpEcIal gUEStS TuESDaY 11Th JunE - BEDFoRD CoRn ExChanGE

MuSIC

*The Libertines’ debut single, but you knew that, didn’t you?

Those boys at The Pad Presents are mega pleased to announce that they’re bringing Mercury prize nominee ghOStpOEt back to Bedford Esquires, nearly two years after he last played here to a near sell-out crowd on a balmy Thursday in october 2011.

Ghostpoet’s debut album Peanut Butter Blues & Melancholy Jam marked him out as one of the most distinct, uncategorisable and forward-thinking voices to emerge in British music this decade, and he was rewarded with a surprise Mercury Prize nomination in 2011.

Since then the man formally known as Obaro Ejimiwe has been gaining fans and touring the globe, and, most recently, put the finishing touches to his highly anticipated second LP Some Say I So I Say Light, launched just a month before this gig.

Support on the night is still to be confirmed, but trust us when we say you should probably get down there early - last time he brought Alt J!

Tickets are £13 in advance, available from

Seetickets.comWegotticketsLuscious Juice Bar, 4 Lime St, Bedford Danny’s Bar, Esquires

Doors open 8pmThis is a 14+ ages show, all under 16s to

be accompanied by an adultFREE AFTERSHOW at The Pad

Nightclub, 2 Lurke St, Bedford

ThE PaD PRESEnTS…..ghOStpOEt + gUEStS FRIDay 4th JUNE @ BEDFORD ESQUIRES

ThuRSDaY 13Th JunE 2013 - BEDFoRD CoRn ExChanGE ThE PaD PRESEnTS... lEVEllERS + SpEcIal gUEStS

The Pad Presents always have their finger on the musical pulse, and this month they’re bringing hot new band, Wolf alice to Bedford.

Don’t just take our word for how zeitgeisty they are. They’re all over the music press, including a huge piece in NME last month.

!”Fluffy”, the band’s recent single, was received to rapturous acclaim, finding Wolf Alice touted as one of the finest acts around today. Founded on its gloriously twisted take on rock and backed by the touching “White Leather” on its flipside, the band found themselves topping the Hype Machine charts, in BBC Radio One sessions

with Huw Stephens and championed by magazines such as NME, The Fly and Clash as one of the ones to watch for 2013.

With the release of “Bros” around this new run of dates, soon the joyfully infec-tious nature of all things Wolf Alice will be impossible to ignore.

Tickets are £7 advance and on sale now from:

http://www.seetickets.com/event/wolf-alice/bedford-esquires/704589

Available from:Luscious Juice Bar, 4 Lime St, BedfordDanny’s Bar at Esquires

FREE AFTERSHOW PARTY AT THE PAD NIGHTCLUB (18+)

wOlF alIcE + SpEcIal gUEStS FRIDaY 7Th JunE ESQuIRES, BEDFoRD

In association with

Bedford Borough Council’s Premier

Entertainment venue

ThE l I S t I N gGetting out and about in Bedford This June

THE BEDFORD CLANGER JunE 2013

Beautiful Days with Levellers

Mile Kane: Indie rocker extraordinaire

Ghostpoet: he’s dead good live

Babyshambles’ frontman will be embarking on a one off intimate tour of the uK and The Pad Presents team have managed to get him to Bedford for one of only 6 uK dates.

Peter Doherty also fronted The Libertines and will be hitting the road this June to give fans a sneak-preview of new material along with some old classics for good measure.

These solo gigs are a one off and a great chance to see Peter in very intimate settings. With a long history of selling out large venues, tickets were like gold dust when they went on sale on May 20th, with the gig completely sold out just 36 hours later. Knowing that this was a one off gig The Pad put nearly all of the tickets on sale to people from Bedford, only 50 were available online and the rest were sold at Luscious Juice Bar and Esquires. Wherever you’re coming

from for this gig, it’s sure to go down as one of the most exciting gigs to hit Esquires in quite some time.

ThE PaD PRESEnTS.. pEtER DOhERty + aLan WaSS + ThE SCRuFF SaTuRDaY 22nD JunE aT BEDFoRD ESQuIRES

What a Waster*

An event by Woodland Ways and the Forest of Marston Vale offering a unique look at the culture and traditions of Masai culture. Traditional and modern Maasai jewellery on sale. Opens 2pm. Money raised will be directed into both the Oloip Maasai Dance Troop and their community, providing school books and other essentials. The Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine. Tel: 01234 767037 www.marstonvale.org•Sunday Afternoon Jazz Live music at The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham Rd. 2-4pm. Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Lost 4 WordsLive music from 4pm in the bar at Esquire’s, Bromham Road, Bedford. Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Bangers & Nash at Eagle GalleryAn evening of humour, wit and wordplay, featuring a lot of very silly poems, epithets, puns and word-play from the one and only Ogden Nash. Tickets £5, limited places so please book in advance. BBQ weather permitting. 7:30pm start at The Eagle Gallery, Castle Road, Bedford. www.theplacebedford.org.uk•Rock/Metal KaraokeKaraoke shenanigans from 7.30pm at The Bear, High St, Bedford. Tel: 01234 401020•Indy FordeLive music from 8pm at The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham Rd. Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Jon’s Music QuizUp to £300 prize money! The King’s Arms, St Mary’s Street. Tel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk•White Horse Quiz NightTeams of up to 6, 8.30pm, £1pp entry. Free bingo game for Sunday quizzers! The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford. Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.ukMonday 3rd June ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••ChatterbooksFor children aged 8-13 at Kempston Library, 4.30-5.30pm. Tel: 01234 276453•Jazz Evening With a featured artist and band from 8.30pm at The Bedford Arms, Bromham Rd, Bedford. Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Tony’s General Knowledge QuizThe King’s Arms, St Mary’s Street. Tel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk•Open Mic NightHosted by local singer/songwriter Matt Roberts, 8.30pm til close. Just listen or join in!The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford. Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.ukTuesday 4Th June •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Weekly Morning Walks at the RSPBTuesday weekly walks around the reserve. Come and admire the wildlife and enjoy the site. Everyone welcome. 9.30am-11.30am. Free for RSPB members, otherwise £3.RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy. Tel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge•‘Informal Tuesdays Afternoons’ at Kathy Brown’s GardensEvery Tuesday through June, July, August and September from 1- 5pm. Ideal for individuals and small groups of friends to come and enjoy the garden at a leisurely pace. Tours at 1.45pm. The Manor House Garden, Church Road, Stevington, Nr Bedford MK43 7QB01234 822064 www.kathybrownsgarden.homestead.com info@kathybrownsgarden.com •Natural History WalkA walk lead by Park Ranger Jon Bishop to see what inter-esting plants, trees, insects and birds live on this beautiful site. The walk starts outside the Foster Hill Road Cemetery chapel at 2pm. Refreshments will be available afterwards. Tel Margaret: 01234 360003 www.bedfordcemeteryfriends.org.uk•Karaoke & CocktailsEsquire’s, Bromham Road, Bedford. Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•The Facts about FluoridationBedford Allergy Support Group presents a talk by Professor Paul Connett about about water fluoridation, what fluoride is and how it effects the human body. Tickets £3, starts at 7pm in the Main Auditorium, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square. Box Office: 01234 269519 cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk•The Old Geezer BandEvery Tuesday from 8.30pm at The Wellington Arms, Wellington Street, Bedford. Tel: 01234 308033•White Horse Quiz NightTeams of up to 6, 8.30pm, £1pp entry. The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford. Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk Wednesday 5Th June ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Health Walks Free, no need to book. Most walks start at Reception from 10.30am but some elsewhere. The Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine. Tel: 01234 767037 www.marstonvale.org•Ageing Well Exhibition 2013An opportunity for local residents aged 50+ to get informa-tion and advice about the services and activities available through the Council, Health Service and other community groups, encouraging people to get the most out of later life. Free entry, starts at 10am in the Main Auditorium, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square. Box Office: 01234 269519 cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk•Wine TastingAre you a wine lover and always wondered what the terms ‘heady’ or ‘prickle’ mean? Come along and take part in this fun and informal wine tasting. Sponsored and presented by Parkland Wine at 2.30pm, Bedford Central Library. Tel: 01234 718178•Bedford Rock ChoirThe UK’s largest, amateur contemporary choir. No scary auditions and no need to read music or have any experi-ence. Try a session for free. Tickets £100 per term, 8pm start at The Harpur Suite, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square. Tel: 01252 714276 www.rockchoir.com cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk•Stitch ‘n Bitch

Bring any crafty project to The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham Rd, 7.30pm. beverlyjobur-ridge@gmail.com Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedford-armsbedford.co.uk•The Biggest Jam Night in TownHuge open mic night at Esquire’s, Bromham Road, Bedford. Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•East Anglian Air Ambulance Fundraising Quiz Night£5pp including ploughman’s supper. The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford. Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.ukThursday 6Th June •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Lower Schools’ Celebration ConcertIn collaboration with lower schools, Music for Bedford Borough presents an evening of song to mark the comple-tion of this year’s vocal programme, Sing On. Tickets £3-£5, starts at 6pm in the Main Auditorium, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square. Box Office: 01234 269519 cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk•Birdwatching at the RSPBEnjoy the birds on view and try out the latest binoculars and telescopes. An expert will also be on hand to help. RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy. Tel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge•Creative Bedfordshire Network MeetingMeet other creative professionals from the area. Each meeting has a Spotlight on a different area of the creative industries, plus dedicated time for members to present their own activities to the group. 7-9pm, free entry, venue tbc. Check www.bedfordcreativearts.org.uk/index.php/events/ info@bedfordcreativearts.org.uk for further information•Americano Night with Sax & HoneyPlaying classic songs made famous by Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Dean Martin, Michael Buble, Jamie Cullum, Van Morrison, and many others. Spaghetti John’s, 15 Castle Ln Bedford MK40 3NTTel: 01234 327323•Americana @ AndaluzThree songwriters, one stage. Nashville style ‘in the round’ performance with Danni Nicholls, Pete Gow (Case Hardin) & Paul Mc Clure. Doors 6pm, music starts 8pm. Andaluz Café on Castle Road. Tel 07913 342654•Jam Night with Mat RobertsLive music from 9pm at The Flower Pot, Tavistock St. Tel: 01234 296732•Traditional Music SessionJoin in this monthly folk jam, 8.30pm at The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham Rd. Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebed-fordarmsbedford.co.ukFriday 7Th June ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Make a Noise in LibrariesMeet celebrated narrator Gordon Griffin and discover how great audio books are made. 11am at Bedford Central Library. Tel: 01234 718178•Antique Furniture & Collectors’ Items AuctionA specialist auction at the Bedford Auction Centre. A range of antique furniture, pictures, ceramics and glass, silver, metal ware, boxes and caddies, militaria and other collector’s items are offered for sale. The auction starts at 11am, free admission. Bedford Auction Centre. Tel: 01234 266366 www.peacockauction.co.uk•Books, Maps & Ephemera AuctionA specialist book auction including sports books, travel and topography, aviation and military, maps and prints, children’s books, modern first editions and historical documents. The auction starts at 3pm. Bedford Auction Centre Tel: 01234 266366 www.peacockauction.co.uk•Jewellery & Watches Auction Items include antique and modern watches, rings, sover-eigns, bracelets, brooches, pendants and necklaces. The auction starts at 5pm. Bedford Auction Centre. Tel: 01234 266366 www.peacockauction.co.uk•Flying Colours: A Graham Jones exhibitionEnjoy a private view of Flying Colours, an exhibition in the main foyer gallery of Bedford School. Admission is free. The exhibition continues until 3rd July. Mon-Fri, 9.30am-4pm, Sat 9am-12.15pm. Tel: 01234 362200 www.bedfordschool.org.uk/graham-jones-2013•Bedford Art Society MeetingNorman Rossiter will demonstrate his love of the country-side and natural history - the subject of his paintings. Starts at 7.30pm. Free for members, £5 for visitors. Putnoe Heights Church, Putnoe Heights, Tel Jean Paterson: 01234 307210 www.bedsartsociety.co.uk•Henning Wehn - Henning Knows BestestThis German Comedy Ambassador is a fountain of knowl-edge. There’s no shortcut to success, hard workwill eventually pay off and there is no shame in paying tax. But what he knows bestest is that his comedy shows are a guaranteed success. Tickets £14, starts at 7.30pm in the Main Auditorium, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square. Box Office: 01234 269519 cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk•Wolf Alice + The Jebs + LUPOLive music courtesy of Pad Presents on the main stage from 8pm at Esquire’s, Bromham Road, Bedford. Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Tequila MockingbirdLive music from 8pm at The Bear, High St, Bedford. Tel: 01234 401020•Karaoke with Diamond Fire8pm, The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford. Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•Exec Club Karaoke9pm, The Exec Club, Lurke Street, Bedford. Tel: 01234 401500saTurday 8Th June ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Wildlife WalkView the flora and fauna of the Millennium Country Park. Led by knowledgeable volunteers, these walks are for everyone. Wear suitable clothes and shoes. Some unmade paths and slopes. £1-£3, book in advance but pay the leader. 8-11am at The Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine. Tel: 01234 767037 www.marstonvale.org•West End Wendies Theatre WorkshopsTake part in a weekly theatre workshop programme led by current professional West End performers. 9am-4pm. Cost upon application. Southbank Arts Centre, Bedford. www.westendwendies.com•Decorate a Butterfly

Family fun at Putnoe Library, 10am-1pm Tel: 01234 276462•Nature Detectives - Face to Face with WildlifeA fun, family day out with The Wildlife Trust, exploring nature and getting up close to local wildlife. Navigate your way through the nature trail and uncover

clues to find out who lives at Randalls Farm Nature Reserve. Suggested donation £2.50 per person, £6 per family. 10am-2.30pm. Booking essential. Randalls Farm Nature Reserve and Environmental Education Centre, Broadmead Road, Stewartby, Bedfordshire. Tel: 01234 768542 randallsfarm@wildlifebcn.org•The Chilli & Gourmet Food FiestaFeaturing scores of exhibits by the UK’s top chilli farms, producers, sauce makers and gourmet food specialists. Cooking demonstrations, chilli eating contest and live music. 10.30am-4pm, tickets £8.50 adults, £4.50 children & OAPs. Running until 9th June. The Mansion House at Old Warden Tel: 01767 627927 www.themansionhouse.org•Manga in the LibraryFor ages 12-15yrs at Bedford Central Library, 3.30-4.30pm. Tel: 01234 718178•Plant & Homegrown Produce Swap10am-1pm, Putnoe Library Tel: 01234 276462•Card Making DemonstrationWith tutor Gina Rose, 10am-4pm, free entry plus 10% off all card making materials on the day. Bedford Art Centre, Howard Street, Bedford. Tel:01234 344784 www.artcentre.biz info@artcentre.biz•Panacea Museum & Gardens Open DayFind out about the history of this unique religious society that existed until recently in Bedford. View The Members’ Chapel and clock tower, the Founder’s House, an exhibi-tion at Castleside and the Panacea gardens. Free admis-sion, pre-booking only. 10.30am-4.30pm. The Panacea Museum, 9 Newnham Road, Bedford. Tel: 01234 353178 museum@panacea-society.org•Slapdash GalaxyBunk Puppets and Scamp Theatre present the tale of Sam and Junior, two brothers who must flee their wartorn planet, and embark on an epic journey across the galaxy. A new shadow puppet epic about two brothers who battle the bad guys and find strength in each other ... at warp speed! Tickets £8-£10, shows at 2.30pm & 7.30pm at Bedford Theatre, Bedford School, De Parys Avenue, Bedford. Box Office: 01234 269519 www.bedfordtheatre.co.uk•Take That Tribute Night£39.50 including 3 course meal and half bottle of wine. Other packages include overnight stay and fireworks. Wyboston Lakes, Great North Road, Wyboston, Beds. Tel: 0333 7007 667 (option 4) quoting POS celebrations@wybostonlakes.co.uk www.wybostonlakes.co.uk/social-events•Fat Lads’ DiscoHosted by Intobeats radio DJ, Ian Congdon-Lee. 10pm at The Exec Club, Lurke Street, Bedford. Tel: 01234 401500•Loaded Clubnight @ The PadIndie/rock n roll/old skool hip hop/beats & bass. 10pm-3am, free entry before midnight. 07860 454530 http://www.facebook.com/#!/thepadnightclubsunday 9Th June •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Castle Quarter Street FestStreet festival in the Castle Quarter area.•Kathy Brown’s Garden Open DayRoses, wild flower meadow, cottage garden, Rothko Rooms. Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic. 1-5pm. £4.50 entry. The Manor House, Church Road, Stevington. Tel. 01234 822064 www.kathybrownsgarden.homestead.com info@kathybrownsgarden.com•Natural history walkA walk lead by Park Ranger Jon Bishop, to see what interesting plants, trees, insects and birds live on this beautiful site. The walk starts outside the chapel at 2pm. Refreshments will be available afterwards. Foster Hill Road Cemetery, Tel: Margaret at (01234) 360003 www.bedfordcemeteryfriends.org.uk•Herbalist Walk at the RSPBDiscover the many medicinal, edible and historical uses of plants with Julie Dore. 2-4pm, tickets £5 adults, £4 RSPB members, £3 children, £2 Wildlife Explorers. RSPB The Lodge, Sandy. Tel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge•Pavenham Open GardensA wide range of gardens open to the public. Running until 10th June. Teas, plant sales, train rides and a vintage car display. 2-6pm. £4 for a roving ticket, £3 concessions. Free parking and shuttle bus. All in aid of Cancer Research UK. debby_horsman@hotmail.com•Sunday Afternoon Jazz Live music at The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham Rd. 2-4pm. Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Choral EvensongAt Bedford School Chapel, from 7pm, to which members of the public are most welcome.www.bedfordschool.org.uk/choral-summer-2013/•Bedford Tour Guided Walk - The Jewel in Bedford’s CrownA walk along Bedford’s treasured Embankment, hosted by Bedford Tour Guides. This entertaining and informative circular walk along the riverbank, described as one of the finest riverside settings in England, takes in the Victorian Embankment, its bridges and ornamental gardens. Walks start outside the Tourist Information Centre in St Paul’s Square, Bedford at 11am. Adults £3, Children over 8 £1.50, pre-booking essential. Tel: 01234 718112 touristinfo@bedford.gov.uk•The X-CertsLive music from 4pm in the bar at Esquire’s, Bromham Road, Bedford. Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Danni NichollsLive music from 8pm at The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham Rd. Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Jon’s Music QuizUp to £300 prize money! The King’s Arms, St Mary’s Street. Tel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk•White Horse Quiz NightTeams of up to 6, 8.30pm, £1pp entry. Free bingo game for Sunday quizzers! The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford. Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.ukMonday 10Th June ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Jazz Evening With a featured artist and band from 8.30pm at The

Bedford Arms, Bromham Rd, Bedford. Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Tony’s General Knowledge QuizThe King’s Arms, St Mary’s Street. Tel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk•Open Mic NightHosted by local singer/songwriter Matt Roberts, 8.30pm til close. Just listen or join in!The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford. Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.ukTuesday 11Th June ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Weekly Morning Walks at the RSPBTuesday weekly walks around the reserve. Come and admire the wildlife and enjoy the site. Everyone welcome. 9.30am-11.30am. Free for RSPB members, otherwise £3.RSPB, The Lodge, SandyTel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge•‘Informal Tuesdays Afternoons’ at Kathy Brown’s GardensEvery Tuesday through June, July, August and September from 1- 5pm. Ideal for individuals and small groups of friends to come and enjoy the garden at a leisurely pace. Tours at 1.45pm. The Manor House Garden, Church Road, Stevington, Nr Bedford MK43 7QB01234 822064 www.kathybrownsgarden.homestead.com info@kathybrownsgarden.com•Manga in the LibraryFor ages 16-19yrs at Bedford Central Library, 4.30-5.30pm. Tel: 01234 718178•Karaoke & CocktailsEsquire’s, Bromham Road, Bedford. Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•The Old Geezer BandEvery Tuesday from 8.30pm at The Wellington Arms, Wellington Street, Bedford. Tel: 01234 308033•White Horse Quiz NightTeams of up to 6, 8.30pm, £1pp entry. The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford. Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk Wednesday 12Th June •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Health Walks Free, no need to book. Most walks start at Reception from 10.30am but some elsewhere. The Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine. Tel: 01234 767037 www.marstonvale.org•ChatterbooksFor children aged 8-13 at Wootton Library, 4.30-5.30pm. Tel: 01234 766061•Bedford Rock ChoirThe UK’s largest, amateur contemporary choir. No scary auditions and no need to read music or have any experi-ence. Try a session for free. Tickets £100 per term, 8pm start at The Harpur Suite, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square. Tel: 01252 714276 www.rockchoir.com cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk•Tea DanceA pleasant afternoon in elegant surroundings. Ballroom, Latin American, Sequence Dances, Party Dances & Old Time. Price includes refreshments. Tickets £3.50 (advance), £4.00 (on the day), starts 2.00pm. Main Auditorium & Harpur Suite, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square. Box Office: 01234 269519 cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk•Beer Tasting ClubTasting a range of bottled ales and discussing their merits. Please register your interest with Bev.From 8pm, The Bedford Arms, Bromham Rd, Bedford. Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•The Biggest Jam Night in TownHuge open mic night at Esquire’s, Bromham Road, Bedford. Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Rainbow Pre School Fundraising Quiz Night£5pp including ploughman’s supper. The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford. Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.ukThursday 13Th June ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Goldington Road Secondary Modern ReunionFrom 12noon at The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford. Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•The Death of King Arthur: A performance by Bedford SchoolsSet in a world where demons lurk, epic battles are fought and the fragile bond of trust and honour that exists between all men is tested to the limit. An adaptation of the Arthurian legend features Year 6, 7 and 8 pupils from Bedford Prep School and Bedford Girl’s School. Blankets and picnics recommended! Starts at 7pm, tickets £6, £5 concessions. Running until the 15th June. St Luke’s Quiet Garden Tel: 01234 362274 prepinfo@bedfordschool.org.uk www.bedfordschool.org.uk/king-arthur-2013•LevellersThese Brighton folk-rockers sold more platinum, gold, and silver albums in the 90s than any other act. Live music in the Main Auditorium from 7.30pm. Tickets £21.50. Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square. Box Office: 01234 269519 cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk•The Bedford Arms Book ClubFrom 8pm at The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham Road. Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Spanish Meet Up GroupEvent from 8pm at The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford. Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•Jam Night with Mat RobertsLive music from 9pm at The Flower Pot, Tavistock St. Tel: 01234 296732Friday 14Th June •••••••••••••••••••••••Ska & Scooter Fest at Santa PodThree days of fun plus night time entertainment; the main stage and DJ tents will feature famous names from the Mod and Ska music scene. Also show and shine, scooter racing, ride outs, dealers market, auto jumble, track action and fun fair rides. Running until the 16th June. Gates open 10am. Sunday tickets from £10, weekend tickets from £35. Kids under 13 go free. Santa Pod Raceway, Airfield Road, Podington, Wellingborough Tel: 01234 782828 www.santapod.com www.backwithmods.co.uk•The Death of King Arthur: A performance by Bedford SchoolsSee 13th June. www.bedfordschool.org.uk/king-arthur-2013•Roy ‘Chubby’ BrownReturning to Bedford with his bluest show yet. He’s still rude and crude and this time he’s turning headlines into punch lines. Chubby doesn’t hold back from sharing his outlandish views on news, women and gender,

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6 Bedford Corn Exchange Box office: 01234 269519 www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk CoMEDY CoMInG Soon: BEDFRINgE 7... lIVE 19Th JuLY 2013

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Bedford Borough Council’s Premier

Entertainment venue

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saTurday 1sT June•••••••••••••••••••••Readers’ Day 2013An opportunity to meet authors and explore the world of publishing at Flitwick Village Hall. 9.30am registration, event 10am-3.30pm. Tickets £8 including buffet lunch. Contact any Bedford Borough Library to book your place.•Bedford Crafts, Produce & CuppaBrowse the fabulous Bedfordian handmade items and locally produced foods whilst enjoying a cuppa (your first is free!) Church Lane Community Centre (opposite Aldi) every first Saturday of the month, 9am-2pm. contact@loveofcupcakes.co.uk www.bedford.gov.uk/community_and_living/community_centres•West End Wendies Theatre WorkshopsTake part in a weekly theatre workshop programme led by current professional West End performers. 9am-4pm. Cost upon application. Southbank Arts Centre, Bedford. www.westendwendies.com•International Children’s Day eventsThe Polish British Integration Centre presents this inter-national celebration day, an opportunity to find out more about Polish culture and the community. Activities, games and other fun stuff for all age groups, open from 12 noon. Tel: 01234 328100 info@pbic.co.uk •Opera Concert at St Andrew’s ChurchA performance by Soprano Dame Felicity Lott and Joseph Middleton. Pre-concert summer supper served at 6.30pm. Concert starts at 8pm. Tickets £8, £7 concessions, £3 students. £16 concert and dinner tickets. St Andrew’s Church, Kimbolton Road, Bedford. Tel: 01234 216881 or 718112 www.standrewsbedford.org•Vape MeetDiscover the world of electronic cigarettes. If you already ‘vape’ or would like to learn more about making the switch to smoking vapour, join this one-off event at The Bedford Arms, Bromham Road, Bedford. Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Shaolin Warriors - “Return of the Master”The internationally acclaimed Shaolin Warriors are return-ing from China with their brand new show that features 22 professionally trained Kung Fu Masters with over 20 kinds of dangerous traditional weapons.Tickets: £18 adult, £16 concessions, £64 family. 7.30pm, Main Auditorium, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square. Box Office: 01234 269519 cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk•Hair of the DogLive music from 8.30pm at The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford. Tel: 01234 409306 www.white-horsebedford.co.uk•UK SUBS + Henry & The Bleeders / Soul Classics in the ClubLive music from 8pm on the Mainstage at Esquire’s, plus Soul Classics in Holy Moly’s with Hammy & Geoff & special guests. Bromham Road, Bedford. Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Fat Lads’ DiscoHosted by Intobeats radio DJ, Ian Congdon-Lee. 10pm at The Exec Club, Lurke Street, Bedford. Tel: 01234 401500•Loaded Clubnight @ The PadIndie/rock n roll/old skool hip hop/beats & bass. 10pm-3am, free entry before midnight. 07860 454530 http://www.facebook.com/#!/thepadnightclubsunday 2nd June ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Sunday Stroll A Gentle Sunday Walk in the Country Park at 10.30am. Hear how the Park was set up and a little about the surrounding area. Keeping to hard surfaced tracks which are mostly level but have short sections of gradient up to 1:9. £1 payable on the day, no need to book, meet at Reception, walks last 2 hrs approx. The Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine. Tel: 01234 767037 www.marstonvale.org•Bedford guided walks: WWII Bedford Discover Bedford’s wartime secrets, how the town became a centre for the nation’s entertainment and played its part in the secret war and as a liberty town. The walk starts at 11am from outside the Tourist Information Centre. Tickets £3 adults, £1.50 children. Pre-booking essential. Tourist Information Centre, St Pauls Square, Bedford. Tel: 01234 718112 touristinfo@bedford.gov.uk•Kathy Brown’s Garden Open DayRoses, wild flower meadow, cottage garden, Rothko Rooms. Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic. 1-5pm. £4.50 entry. The Manor House, Church Road, Stevington. Tel. 01234 822064 www.kathybrownsgarden.homestead.com info@kathybrownsgarden.com•The Oloip Maasai Dance Troop from Kenya

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7Bedford Corn Exchange Box office: 01234 269519 www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk CoMEDY CoMInG Soon: BEDFRINgE 7... lIVE 19Th JuLY 2013

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sailing so close to the mark, even the most seasoned of fans will be left gob-smacked. Tickets £19.50, starts at 7.30pm in the Main Auditorium, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square. Box Office: 01234 269519 cornex-change@bedford.gov.uk•Vinyl Revival NightDust off those LPs & singles and come to play them at The Bedford Arms, Bromham Rd from 8pm.Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Ghostpoet + Typesun & GuestsLive music courtesy of Pad Presents on the main stage from 8pm at Esquire’s, Bromham Road, Bedford. Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Exec Club Karaoke9pm, The Exec Club, Lurke Street, Bedford. Tel: 01234 401500saTurday 15Th June ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••West End Wendies Theatre WorkshopsTake part in a weekly theatre workshop programme led by current professional West End performers. 9am-4pm. Cost upon application. Southbank Arts Centre, Bedford. www.westendwendies.com•Cats - Stories & CraftsBromham Library, 11-11.45am. Tel: 01234 824391•Help for Heroes DayLive music all day and night at The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford. Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•Daler Rowney Oil Colour DemonstrationWith tutor Marilyn Griggs, free event, 10am-4pm. Bedford Art Centre, Howard Street, Bedford. Tel:01234 344784 www.artcentre.biz info@artcentre.biz•Rose Queen FêteJohn Donne Lower School and St Edmunds and St James’ Churches celebrate the annual Rose Queen Fête. The procession will start from Park Lane in Blunham at 2pm, followed by the crowning of the Rose Queen, a dancing display by local school children and the opening of the Fête. Traditional stalls, attractions and competitions. Tel: 01767 640346•The Death of King Arthur: A performance by Bedford SchoolsSee 13th June. www.bedfordschool.org.uk/king-arthur-2013•Handbell Concert at St Pauls ChurchThe popular East Anglian Regional Handbell Team play a number of well known pieces including arrangements of You Raise Me Up, Blessed Assurance, Let’s Tango and The Lion King, with 165 bells and 147 hand chimes. From 7pm, tickets £10 adults, £8 senior citizens, £8 under 18’s, £3 children. St. Paul’s Church, St. Paul’s Square, Bedford. Tel: 01234 340163•To the Glory of GodThree centuries separate these two works, but the senti-ment is the same. Vivaldi’s Gloria has become by far the most popular of his choral works. Members also enjoy Karl Jenkins’ music which has grown in popularity. The Requiem was first performed in 2005, and these two works will complement each other beautifully in this concert. Tickets £6-£15, starts at 7.30pm in the Main Auditorium, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square. Box Office: 01234 269519 cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk•Fat Lads’ DiscoHosted by Intobeats radio DJ, Ian Congdon-Lee. 10pm at The Exec Club, Lurke Street, Bedford. Tel: 01234 401500•Loaded Clubnight @ The PadIndie/rock n roll/old skool hip hop/beats & bass. 10pm-3am, free entry before midnight. 07860 454530 http://www.facebook.com/#!/thepadnightclubsunday 16Th June •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Elstow Brownies’ Table Top SaleCome and support your local Brownie Pack and grab lots of bargains. Homemade cakes, raffle, tombola, books, bric-a-brac, etc. 10am-1pm, free admission at Elstow Bunyan Christian Fellowship Church. Tel Kirsty: 07974 742551•Conservation TaskJoin our Volunteers to do something for the environment, get some exercise and have fun. Wear old clothes and bring lunch if you want to stay all day. Tea and biscuits provided. 10am-4.15pm. Limited places. For further details contact stephen.gascoyne@marstonvale.org or 01234 762614. The Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine. Tel: 01234 767037 www.marstonvale.org•Red Cross Open Garden: Shortmead HouseVisit this newly restored and developing garden, with woodland, water and informal and formal planting collaged together within a network of paths and arches. Teas will be served from the house. No dogs allowed. 1.30-5pm, admission £4 per person, children go free. All proceeds to local and national Red Cross services. Shortmead House, Biggleswade. Tel: 01582 589083 samexheta@redcross.org.uk www.redcross.org.uk/opengardens•Kathy Brown’s Garden Open DayRoses, wild flower meadow, cottage garden, Rothko Rooms. Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic. 1-5pm. £4.50 entry. The Manor House, Church Road, Stevington. Tel. 01234 822064 www.kathybrownsgarden.homestead.com info@kathybrownsgarden.com•Meppershall Open GardensRaising funds for St Marys Church in Meppershall. A number of gardens will be open from 3pm until early evening. Teas will be available in the village hall. Meppershall Village, Bedfordshire. meppershallgarden-club@hotmail.co.uk•Sunday Afternoon Jazz Live music at The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham Rd. 2-4pm. Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Race for Life BBQIncluding fruit punch for runners! The Bear, High St, Bedford. Tel: 01234 401020•The King BeesLive music from 4pm in the bar at Esquire’s, Bromham Road, Bedford. Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Philharmonia OrchestraAt its premiere in 1910, Elgar’s Violin Concerto received a quarter-hour standing ovation with one reviewer proclaiming it ‘a triumph not only for himself, but also for England’. Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony captures the inspiration Beethoven gleaned from his walks in the countryside. Tickets £12-£33, starts at 7.30pm in the Main Auditorium, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square. Box Office: 01234 269519 cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk•Lost 4 WordsLive music from 8pm at The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham Rd. Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk

•Bedford Tour Guided Walk - The Silent Faces of BedfordEvery statue and memorial tells a tale. Find out about the fascinating statues and memorials in the town and the outstanding sculptors who created them. The walk starts from the War Memorial on the Embankment, opposite Rothsay Road, Bedford at 11am. Adults £3, Children over 8 £1.50, pre-booking essential. Tel: 01234 718112 touristinfo@bedford.gov.uk•Morning PrayerAt Bedford School Chapel, from 10am, to which members of the public are most welcome.www.bedfordschool.org.uk/choral-summer-2013/•Jon’s Music QuizUp to £300 prize money! The King’s Arms, St Mary’s Street. Tel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk•White Horse Quiz NightTeams of up to 6, 8.30pm, £1pp entry. Free bingo game for Sunday quizzers! The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford. Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.ukMonday 17Th June ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Knit & NatterBring your works in progress, knitting, crochet or embroi-dery. Everyone welcome. Bromham Library, 2.30-3.30pm. Tel: 01234 824391•Teen Reading GroupKempston Library, 4.30-5.30pm. Tel: 01234 276453•Agnes Grunwald-Spier – The Other SchindlersA refugee week event at Bedford Central Library, 7pm. Tel: 01234 718178•Jazz Evening With a featured artist and band from 8.30pm at The Bedford Arms, Bromham Rd, Bedford. Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Tony’s General Knowledge QuizThe King’s Arms, St Mary’s Street. Tel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk•Open Mic NightHosted by local singer/songwriter Matt Roberts, 8.30pm til close. Just listen or join in!The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford. Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.ukTuesday 18Th June ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Weekly Morning Walks at the RSPBTuesday weekly walks around the reserve. Come and admire the wildlife and enjoy the site. Everyone welcome. 9.30am-11.30am. Free for RSPB members, otherwise £3.RSPB, The Lodge, SandyTel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge•‘Informal Tuesdays Afternoons’ at Kathy Brown’s GardensEvery Tuesday through June, July, August and September from 1- 5pm. Ideal for individuals and small groups of friends to come and enjoy the garden at a leisurely pace. Tours at 1.45pm. The Manor House Garden, Church Road, Stevington, Nr Bedford MK43 7QB01234 822064 www.kathybrownsgarden.homestead.com info@kathybrownsgarden.com•Catch Up & CrochetCrochet workshop aimed at intermediate and confident beginner level. Make a rosie posy granny square, incor-porating a few different stitches. Classes at Fancy, Roffe Avenue, Bedford. betsymakes@gmail.com•The Birthday Party by Harold PinterSee back page for details. Presented as part of The Place Theatre’s 10th Birthday. Starts at 7.30pm, running until 20th June. The Place Theatre, Bradgate Road, Bedford. Tel: 01234 718112 www.theplacebedford.org.uk•Karaoke & CocktailsEsquire’s, Bromham Road, Bedford. Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•The Old Geezer BandEvery Tuesday from 8.30pm at The Wellington Arms, Wellington Street, Bedford. Tel: 01234 308033•White Horse Quiz NightTeams of up to 6, 8.30pm, £1pp entry. The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford. Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk Wednesday 19Th June •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Health Walks Free, no need to book. Most walks start at Reception from 10.30am but some elsewhere. The Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine. Tel: 01234 767037 www.marstonvale.org•Ben & Holly’s Little KingdomPacked full of games, songs and laughter, this is an enchanting and magical visit to the Little Kingdom, live on stage for the very first time. This beautiful story of elves, princesses and childhood innocence will delight all the family. Tickets £13.50 adults, £11.50 child, £45 family, 1pm & 4pm shows in the Main Auditorium, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square. Box Office: 01234 269519 cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk•Stitch ‘n BitchBring any crafty project to The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham Rd, 7.30pm. beverlyjoburridge@gmail.com Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Bedford Rock ChoirThe UK’s largest, amateur contemporary choir. No scary auditions and no need to read music or have any experi-ence. Try a session for free. Tickets £100 per term, 8pm start at The Harpur Suite, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square. Tel: 01252 714276 www.rockchoir.com cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk•The Biggest Jam Night in TownHuge open mic night at Esquire’s, Bromham Road, Bedford. Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Neighbourhood Watch Fundraising Quiz Night£5pp including ploughman’s supper. The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford. Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.ukThursday 20Th June ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Ben & Holly’s Little KingdomSee 19th June, 1pm & 4.30pm shows in the Main Auditorium, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square. Box Office: 01234 269519 cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk•Hurtigruten Cruises presentationA presentation on authentic Norway by cruise specialists, 7-9pm, free admission but limited spaces. Please call for more information. Marston Vale Forest Centre. Tel: 01234 326758 www.cruiseselect.co.uk•Bedford Skeptics in the Pub - Global Corruption: Money, Power & Ethics in the Modern WorldA talk by author Laurence Cockcroft, discussing his book of the same name. 7pm for 7.30pm start, free admission at The White Horse, Newnham Avenue. www.bedford.

skepticsinthepub.org•Summer Evening Walk Near MeppershallMeet at Polehanger Farmhouse for a guided summer evening walk around the farm’s award-winning permis-sive paths. The route, across open farmland and through riverside woodland near Meppershall, is easy walking with some inclines on stone and grass tracks. Meet at 6.15pm for 6.30pm start. Walk ends at 8.30pm. Non members £2.50. Tel Polehanger Farm: 01234 535331 info@cprebeds.org.uk www.cprebeds.org.uk•Poetry & Spoken Word Open Mic: Ouse Muse8pm in the cellar bar at Harpurs, 46-48 Tavistock St, Bedford. Last Ouse Muse before the Summer break but we will be back in September! Sign up on the door to perform or contact ian.mcewen@ntlworld.com, £2 for readers, £3 for ‘just listening’. •Reading Group at The BearEveryone welcome, discussing Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep by Philip K Dick. 8pm at The Bear, High St, Bedford. Tel: 01234 401020•The Kokopellies + Ego Trip + The Somefinks + London LightsLive music on the main stage from 8pm at Esquire’s, Bromham Road, Bedford. Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Blood Brothers - The Play by Willy RussellPresented by Sharnbrook Mill Theatre Youth Group, Sharnbrook Mill Theatre, nightly at 7.30pm.Tickets £6-£8, available from Sharnbrook Post Office, Central Box Office Bedford 01234 718 112www.sharnbrookmilltheatre.co.uk•Jam Night with Mat RobertsLive music from 9pm at The Flower Pot, Tavistock St. Tel: 01234 296732Friday 21sT June •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Knit & NatterBring your works in progress, knitting, crochet or embroi-dery. Everyone welcome. Wootton Library, 2-3pm. Tel: 01234 766061•Greek Night In with Anne ZouroudiTaking you to a Greek island for the evening with Anne Zouroudi, author of The Mysteries of the Greek Detective, at Bedford Central Library, 7pm. Tel: 01234 718178•Italian Society of Bedford AGMA 30 Year Celebration from 8pm at The Chapter House, St Peter de Merton Church, De Parys Avenue. njohnson@pwhmllp.com•Birthday WishesJoin us to celebrate the past ten years in an evening of laid back entertainment for all including songs, extracts from past shows, comic interludes and other, as yet undecided mayhem. The bar will be open all night and the drinks will be cheap. 7.30pm start, free entry, donations to the Theatre welcomed. The Place Theatre, Bradgate Road, Bedford. Tel: 01234 718112 www.theplacebedford.org.uk•Karaoke with Diamond Fire8pm, The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford. Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•Blood Brothers - The Play by Willy RussellSee 20th June. www.sharnbrookmilltheatre.co.uk•The Primitives with The Metatrons & BowfingerLive music on the main stage at Esquire’s, Bromham Road, Bedford. Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com £12 advance tickets from Dannys Bar, Luscious Juice Bar or www.wegottickets.com•Exec Club Karaoke9pm, The Exec Club, Lurke Street, Bedford. Tel: 01234 401500saTurday 22nd June ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Summer National Drag Racing Championship at Santa PodIncluding MSA 200mph pro mods, drag bikes, jet cars and nostalgia classes. Gates open at 8am. Tickets from £14, running until 23rd June. Santa Pod Raceway, Airfield Road, Podington, Wellingborough. Tel: 01234 782828 www.santapod.com•Coach trip to NorwichDeparting from Bedford to Norwich, where a Blue Badge Guide will act as a tour guide of the city. Including optional visit to the early cemetery at The Rosary. Coach leaves Bedford at 9am. Tickets £25 adults, £5 children. Tel Margaret Carpenter: 01234 360003 www.bedfordcem-eteryfriends.org.uk•West End Wendies Theatre WorkshopsTake part in a weekly theatre workshop programme led by current professional West End performers. 9am-4pm. Cost upon application. Southbank Arts Centre, Bedford. www.westendwendies.com•ChatterbooksFor children aged 8-13 at Bedford Central Library, 2.30-3.30pm. Tel: 01234 718178•Blood Brothers - The Play by Willy RussellSee 20th June. www.sharnbrookmilltheatre.co.uk•Fat Lads’ DiscoHosted by Intobeats radio DJ, Ian Congdon-Lee. 10pm at The Exec Club, Lurke Street, Bedford. Tel: 01234 401500•Loaded Clubnight @ The PadIndie/rock n roll/old skool hip hop/beats & bass. 10pm-3am, free entry before midnight. 07860 454530 http://www.facebook.com/#!/thepadnightclubsunday 23rd June •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Kathy Brown’s Garden Open DayRoses, wild flower meadow, cottage garden, Rothko Rooms. Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic. 1-5pm. £4.50 entry. The Manor House, Church Road, Stevington. Tel. 01234 822064 www.kathybrownsgarden.homestead.com info@kathybrownsgarden.com•Sunday Afternoon Jazz Live music at The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham Rd. 2-4pm. Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•The Rolling Stones 50th Birthday PartyLocal artists cover some classic Stones tunes in celebration of their 50th birthday from 4pm in the bar at Esquire’s, Bromham Road, Bedford. Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Evening PrayerAt Bedford School Chapel, from 7pm, to which members of the public are most welcome.www.bedfordschool.org.uk/choral-summer-2013/•Open Church SundaySt Mary’s Church, Goldington, Bedford will be open between noon and 6pm.•Bedford Tour Guided Walk - I Never Knew ThatBedford has a story waiting to be told around every corner. This walk will give you answers to all those questions you may have about the town, but did not know who to ask. Walks start outside the Tourist Information Centre in

St Paul’s Square, Bedford at 11am. Adults £3, Children over 8 £1.50, pre-booking essential. Tel: 01234 718112 touristinfo@bedford.gov.uk•Los The Plot - plus Pub Bike TourTour around the local area on bicycles, taking in a few pubs then return for tea, then live music from 8pm at The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham Rd. Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Jon’s Music QuizUp to £300 prize money! The King’s Arms, St Mary’s Street. Tel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk•White Horse Quiz NightTeams of up to 6, 8.30pm, £1pp entry. Free bingo game for Sunday quizzers! The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford. Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.ukMonday 24Th June ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Jazz Evening With a featured artist and band from 8.30pm at The Bedford Arms, Bromham Rd, Bedford. Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Tony’s General Knowledge QuizThe King’s Arms, St Mary’s Street. Tel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk•Big Band Xtra Jam NiteHosted by local singer/songwriter Mat Roberts, 7.30pm til late. Just listen or join in! The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford. Tel: 01234 409306 www.white-horsebedford.co.ukTuesday 25Th June ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Weekly Morning Walks at the RSPBTuesday weekly walks around the reserve. Come and admire the wildlife and enjoy the site. Everyone welcome. 9.30am-11.30am. Free for RSPB members, otherwise £3.RSPB, The Lodge, SandyTel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge•‘Informal Tuesdays Afternoons’ at Kathy Brown’s GardensEvery Tuesday through June, July, August and September from 1- 5pm. Ideal for individuals and small groups of friends to come and enjoy the garden at a leisurely pace. Tours at 1.45pm. The Manor House Garden, Church Road, Stevington, Nr Bedford MK43 7QB01234 822064 www.kathybrownsgarden.homestead.com info@kathybrownsgarden.com•Knit & NatterBring your works in progress, knitting, crochet or embroi-dery. Everyone welcome. Putnoe Library, 10-11am. Tel: 01234 276462•Karaoke & CocktailsEsquire’s, Bromham Road, Bedford. Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•The Old Geezer BandEvery Tuesday from 8.30pm at The Wellington Arms, Wellington Street, Bedford. Tel: 01234 308033•White Horse Quiz NightTeams of up to 6, 8.30pm, £1pp entry. The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford. Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk Wednesday 26Th June •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Health Walks Free, no need to book. Most walks start at Reception from 10.30am but some elsewhere. The Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine. Tel: 01234 767037 www.marstonvale.org•Knit & NatterBring your works in progress, knitting, crochet or embroidery. Everyone welcome. Bedford Central Library, 2.30-3.30pm. Tel: 01234 718178•ChatterbooksFor children aged 8-13 at Bromham Library, 4.30-5.30pm. Tel: 01234 824391•Bedford Rock ChoirThe UK’s largest, amateur contemporary choir. No scary auditions and no need to read music or have any experi-ence. Try a session for free. Tickets £100 per term, 8pm start at The Harpur Suite, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square. Tel: 01252 714276 www.rockchoir.com cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk•Second Orchestra ConcertJunior Prize Winners and Junior Ensembles at 7.30pm in The Great Hall, Bedford School, De Parys Avenue, Bedford. Tel: 01234 362200 www.bedfordschool.org.uk•Beer Tasting ClubTasting a range of bottled ales and discussing their merits. Please register your interest with Bev.From 8pm, The Bedford Arms, Bromham Rd, Bedford. Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Bedford Organ & Keyboard Club Social/DancePresenting popular entertainer James Goff, 8-10.30pm. Members £2.50, non-members £5, pay at door. Addison Centre, Kempston, Bedford. Tel: 01234 344423 www.organfax.co.uk/clubs/Bedford•The Biggest Jam Night in TownHuge open mic night at Esquire’s, Bromham Road, Bedford. Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Hope Foundation Fundraising Quiz Night£5pp including ploughman’s supper. The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford. Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.ukThursday 27Th June ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Knit & NatterBring your works in progress, knitting, crochet or embroi-dery. Everyone welcome. Kempston Library, 2-3pm. Tel: 01234 276453•Bedford Prep School Summer Concert From 7pm in The Erskine May Hall, Bedford School, De Parys Avenue, Bedford. Tel: 01234 362200 www.bedfordschool.org.uk•Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor DreamcoatPresenting Joseph as the inaugural Youth Production for ShowCo Bedford. The Biblical saga of Joseph and his coat of many colours comes to vibrant life in this delightful musical parable. Suitable for all! Tickets £12, showing Thu-Sat 7.30pm plus Sat 2.30pm. The Place Theatre, Bradgate Road, Bedford. Tel: 01234 718112 www.theplacebedford.org.uk•Free State RevolutionLive music from 8pm at The Bear, High St, Bedford. Tel: 01234 401020•The Last Chance Ragtime BandLive music from 8pm at The Bedford Arms, Bromham Rd, Bedford. Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Jam Night with Mat RobertsLive music from 9pm at The Flower Pot, Tavistock St. Tel:

01234 296732Friday 28Th June ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Down Memory Lane – Poetry PleaseShare your memories over a cup of tea and slice of cake at Bedford Central Library, 11am-12noon. Tel: 01234 718178•Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor DreamcoatSee 27th June . www.theplacebedford.org.uk•Ceroc Modern Jive NightFreestyle Ceroc fun. Come alone or with a partner for a party atmosphere and a top DJ. Dancing until 12.15am. Tickets £9 on the door, starts 7.45pm. Main Auditorium, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s SquareBox Office: 01234 269519 cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk www.ceroccentral.com•Solo Prize Winners ConcertA recital by Senior Music Prize Winners at 7.45pm in the Music School Recital Hall, Bedford School, De Parys Avenue, Bedford. Tel: 01234 362200 www.bedfordschool.org.uk•Yellowknife BayLive music from 8pm at The Bear, High St, Bedford. Tel: 01234 401020•Grease Tribute Night£39.50 including 3 course meal and half bottle of wine. Other packages include overnight stay and fireworks. Wyboston Lakes, Great North Road, Wyboston, Beds. Tel: 0333 7007 667 (option 4) quoting POS celebrations@wybostonlakes.co.uk www.wybostonlakes.co.uk/social-events•Much Ado about NothingA William Shakespeare play performed by No Loss Productions at Hinwick House. 7pm, tickets £10-£12 from the website. Gates open an hour before curtain up, bring a picnic, low-back chair or rug and dress for whatever the weather! www.nolossproductions.co.uk•Exec Club Karaoke9pm, The Exec Club, Lurke Street, Bedford. Tel: 01234 401500saTurday 29Th June ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••West End Wendies Theatre WorkshopsTake part in a weekly theatre workshop programme led by current professional West End performers. 9am-4pm. Cost upon application. Southbank Arts Centre, Bedford. www.westendwendies.com•Summer Fête St Mary’ Church, Goldington, Bedford, 11.30am-3pm. Many stalls and refreshments.•Hazeldene Lower School Summer FayreA family afternoon out, with over 50 stalls, games and tombola. Inflatable obstacle course, penalty shoot-out, Splat the Rat. Everybody welcome, 1.30-4pm. Children go free, adults 50p. Hazeldene Lower School, Stancliffe Road, Bedford. www.hazeldeneschool.co.uk•Meppershall Village FayreA great local event for all the family, with activities, rides, stalls, a tea tent and lifestyle marquee. Starts at 2pm, free entry at Fosters Field behind the Village Hall. kim@randall-tyler.org.uk•Wimpy KidFamily fun at Wootton Library, 2-3pm. Tel: 01234 766061•Fairytale TwistsFamily fun at Kempston Library, 4.30-5.30pm. Tel: 01234 276453•Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor DreamcoatSee 27th June. www.theplacebedford.org.uk•The Amici Singers 35th Anniversary ConcertGuests include The Orpheus Singers from Essex, the 7 octave handbell choir from Pennsylvania, USA and the New English Concert Orchestra which is also the orchestra of the famed Battle Proms. On stage will be nearly 200 performers conducted by Douglas Coombes, founder of the Amici Singers. Tickets £10-£12, starts 7.30pm in the Main Auditorium, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square. Box Office: 01234 269519 cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk www.amicisingers.net lindsaymusic@talktalkbusiness.net•Almost Abba Tribute Act and Disco Evening Hosted by Bedford, Biggleswade Cats Protection at North End Club Roff Avenue Bedford, 7.30pm till late. Tickets £15, including cold buffet. Come as you are or dress to impress in your best 70s disco gear. Tickets available from the Venue, our Cats Protection Charity Shop Springfield Centre Kempston or 01234 302598.•Belcanto Female Voice Choir Summer ConcertA special concert conducted by Barry Clark. Starts at 7.30pm, tickets £10 including strawberries and cream. St Owen’s Church, Bromham. Tel: 01234 825454 or 01234 826551•Elephant BBQ at Woburn Safari ParkAn extraordinary chance to see elephants enjoying the natural habitat of the park as they would in the wild followed by a gourmet barbeque at the Safari Lodge plus talks and demonstrations at the Birds in Action amphithe-atre arena. Tickets available online at £99 per adult, £79 per child. 5-9pm, Woburn Safari Park. Further information: www.woburn.co.uk/safari•Much Ado about NothingSee 28th June. www.nolossproductions.co.uk•Foxy Belles Vintage Revival NightCelebrating all things vintage from 8pm. Expect posh frocks, victory rolls, tons of the best records from the 40s and 50s, plus rockabilly band The Broadway Twisters at The Bedford Arms, Bromham Road, Bedford. Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Fat Lads’ DiscoHosted by Intobeats radio DJ, Ian Congdon-Lee. 10pm at The Exec Club, Lurke Street, Bedford. Tel: 01234 401500•Loaded Clubnight @ The PadIndie/rock n roll/old skool hip hop/beats & bass. 10pm-3am, free entry before midnight. 07860 454530 http://www.facebook.com/#!/thepadnightclub•Karakoke with Crazy Horse8pm, The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford. Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uksunday 30Th June ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Japanese Car Show at Santa Pod The first major event for Japanese car fans with RWYB competition, HKS Drag Series, club displays, drifting, drag demos plus show ‘n’ shine. Gates open at 8am. Tickets from £12. Santa Pod Raceway, Airfield Road, Podington, Wellingborough. Tel: 01234 782828www.santapod.com•Red Cross Open Garden: Turvey House A private tour of Turvey House, open for the first time and is featured in the June edition of House & Garden magazine. Built in the 1790s by John Higgins of Weston

From Friday 13th of July to Saturday 3rd of august Bedford will host its seventh international fringe festival BEDFRInGE 2013, bringing Bedford some of the best comedy, music, theatre, poetry, storytelling and much more from across the uK and beyond.

A full programme of over 140 fantastic acts from as far afield as Washington DC, Columbia and South Africa are set to perform across 18 venues in a festival that has quickly made a name for itself on the fringe world map hosting some of the best touring comedy and theatre before it hits the Edinburgh Festival Fringe so you get to see it first!

The Future Legend produced show Bedfringe Seven... Live! Line up is complete and is the most exciting to date with a special night of top-notch comedy and music with award winning a cappella vocal group The African Entsha, guitar double act ShowHawk Duo, vocal percussionist BeatFox, writer for ‘8 Out Of 10 Cats’ and ‘Mock The Week’ Nat Luurtsema and the “stunningly good” THE SCOTSMAN, Yianni. The show will be hosted once again by the multi award-winning Perrier nominated comedian, author, explorer and occasional film star Tim FitzHigham!

The laughs continue with the world famous Faulty Towers Dining Experience (Fringe sell out show 2008 - 2012) and Edinburgh favourite Joel Dommett (MTV News, BBC3’s Russell Howard’s Good News) with his new show for 2013. In fact, expect to see a whole host of up-and-coming comedians performing brand new material including (Edinburgh previews),

Vikki Stone, Matt Green, Luke Toulson, Nat Luurtsema, James Acaster, Tony Law, Rhys Mathewson, David Morgan, Josh Widdicombe, Benny Davis (Axis Of Awesome), Pete Firman, Morgan & West... the Card Ninja, Javier Jarquin, sketch comedy from the brilliant Dog Eared Collective and Cambridge Footlights members’ new show ‘Fans Of Comedy’ plus the usual suspects, John Hegley, Simon Munnery and Patrick Monahan. And there’s more…!

The international line-up includes music from The African Entsha (South Africa), Usifu Jalloh (South Africa), theatre from Heather Bagnall performing her new show Single Married Girl (USA) and performance artist Jesus Quintero performing Hour of the Wolf (Columbia).

There’s something for the kids too as Big Wooden Horse stroll into town with their five star show Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive

The Bus or perhaps you fancy Noisy Oysters Three Billy Pigs?

Any film buffs will be pleased to hear that we are running film screen-ings throughout the festival of local and high profile movies including

an outdoor cinema in Harpur Square!

Talking about Harpur Square... expect to see a busy outdoor stage hosting theatre, comedy and live music on 25/26/27th July.

Bond fans out there might want to catch Gavin Company Robertson’s new show ‘I Bond: Licensed to LOL...’ or puppetry fans may be looking forward to seeing Attack Of The 50 Foot Woman: The Puppet Show! We certainly are! Oh and the Bedfringe favourites The Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre Company will be back once again with their brand new show Socks In Space.

Finally, we are organising lots of free street entertainment and installation work.

With loads more to follow this BEDFRINGE 2013 will to be the biggest and best yet. Don’t miss out on this award winning entertainment on your doorstep. Tickets are on sale now, so book yours at: Central Box Office 01234 718112 or visit www.bedfringe.com

Saturday 8th June Tickets: £9 (suitable for age 7 +)Bedford Theatre has brought a number of puppet-based performances to Bedford, and this month is no exception.

Slapdash Galaxy is the tale of two broth-ers who must flee their war-torn planet to embark on an epic journey across the

galaxy. Using the contents of your clean-ing closet, award-winning performer Jeff Achtem creates a shadow puppet universe that is, quite literally, rubbish.

“Buckle up and tear open your imagina-tion” says the blurb. “Yes please!” says The Clanger.

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

8 Get ready for next month’s Bedfringe special!

BUNk pUppEtS & ScaMp thEatRE pRESENt: SLaPDaSh GaLaxY

BEDFRINgE 2013

Forces Festival Fun Day & Community Games

www.bedford.gov.uk/forcesfestival

£1 Adults, 50p Children, £3 Family Ticket

Show your support for our nations Armed Forces at Bedford International Athletic Stadium

ThEaTRE

JunE 2013

attack of the 50ft Woman

The african Entsha

Josh Widdicombe

Socks In Space!

out of this world!

Underwood, the house was re-modelled in the 1830s in the Italian neo-classical style. Walled gardens, an ancient mulberry tree and sweeping lawns. Pre-book by the 14th June, tickets £6 house and gardens, £4 garden only, open 1-5pm. Teas served at the house. Turvey House Northampton Road. Tel: 01582 589083. samexheta@redcross.org.uk www.redcross.org.uk/opengardens•Kathy Brown’s Garden Open DayRoses, wild flower meadow, cottage garden, Rothko Rooms. Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic. 1-5pm. £4.50 entry. The Manor House, Church Road, Stevington. Tel. 01234 822064 www.kathybrownsgarden.homestead.com info@kathybrownsgarden.com•Sunday Afternoon Jazz Live music at The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham Rd. 2-4pm.

Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Music on the LawnA concert for local residents and neighbours on the Music School Lawn at 4.30pm. Bedford School. Tel: 01234 362200 www.bedfordschool.org.uk•Welly Book GroupAt The Wellington Arms from 5pm, Wellington Street, Bedford. Tel: 01234 308033•Holy CommunionAt Bedford School Chapel, from 10am, to which members of the public are most welcome.www.bedfordschool.org.uk/choral-summer-2013/•Bedford Tour Guided Walk - Who Lived in a House Like This?Ever walked past an interesting house in the town centre and wondered about its past? Hear more about some of our oldest houses and the fascinating characters who

designed and lived in them. Walks start outside the Tourist Information Centre in St Paul’s Square, Bedford at 11am. Adults £3, Children over 8 £1.50, pre-booking essential. Tel: 01234 718112 touristinfo@bedford.gov.uk •SidewinderLive music from 8pm at The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham Rd. Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Jon’s Music QuizUp to £300 prize money! The King’s Arms, St Mary’s Street. Tel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk•White Horse Quiz NightTeams of up to 6, 8.30pm, £1pp entry. Free bingo game for Sunday quizzers! The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford. Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk

Listings from page 7

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THE BEDFORD CLANGER

9Bedford is so cool, we now have our own film festival.

OpEN aIR ShakESpEaRE SUMMER SEaSON 2013 28 June – 25 July 2013

This year’s open air Shakespeare season from no Loss Productions features Much ado about nothing and includes a cheeky Bedfringe performance in harpur Square on the last day of the run.

Much Ado revolves around two couples. Hero and Claudio are young, in love, and looking forward to their wedding day. Beatrice and Benedick are not so young, not so in love, and they look forward to sparring and scoring verbal points at each other’s expense! Throw in a dastardly villain, some covert match making and a host of colourful comedy characters and you have everything you need for Shakespeare in the Garden, by the lake or even on a Bedfringe stage!! Audiences are encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy the Bard in the great outdoors this summer.

Director Elizabeth Thomas told us “we are so looking forward to this season, we have some fantastic new venues on

board, some of which are not often open to the public, so we hope Bedfordshire audiences will be tempted to come along and see for themselves why we have chosen them.” The majority of the cast are based in Bedfordshire including Cally Lawrence who takes on the role of feisty Beatrice. Said Cally, “Beatrice is one of those roles that has always been on my wish list to play, so it’s brilliant that I get to do it in my home county with fantastic local actors.” Cally was last seen on our screens with

David Mitchell and Robert Webb on Peep Show, but she has also been a blind date to Ricky Gervais in The Office and a cell mate to Tracey Barlow in Coronation St.

The production can be seen at the follow-ing venues. Doors will open one hour

before curtain up and audiences are advised to bring low back chairs or rugs to sit on, and to be prepared for all weathers!

Hinwick House: an elegant country home set in the idyllic and picturesque North Bedfordshire countryside. 28th & 29 June 7pm

Tofte Manor: Set in the Bedfordshire village of Sharnbrook 6th July 2pm & 7pm

Castle Mound Bedford. In the heart of Bedford Town 13th July 2pm & 7pm

Stanwick Lakes: Beautiful lakeside setting with a grass amphitheatre just over the border in Northants 21st July 2pm & 7pm

Harpur Square: In partnership with Bedford Corn Exchange we will be performing on the outdoor stage as part of Bedfringe 2013 25th July 7.30pm

Tickets are on sale now at £12 & £10 from www.nolossproductions.co.uk . Please note that 25th July Bedfringe at Harpur Square has a separate box office www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk

Bedfringe tickets for the Harpur Square performance are available in person from Number 13, 13 St Pauls Square, Bedford by phone on 01234 718044 or online at www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk

FILM

The Clanger can ExCLuSIvELY reveal that Bedford Film Festival will be giving film fans a taste of things to come with screenings of films, never before shown publicly in Bedford, as part of Bedfringe 2013.

The films, being shown on 20 July 2013, at Ground Floor Coffee Shop, include the incredible tale of musician Sixto Rodriguez in the Oscar winning documen-tary ‘Searching for Sugar Man’ and the UK Premier of ‘Between Heaven and Earth’ a short film following two brothers from a township in the Ivory Coast, who try and escape an uncertain and terrible future by stowing away in the landing gear of a plane.

Bedford Film Festival organiser Paul Hutchinson says: “We’re very excited to be bringing these films to Bedford as part of Bedfringe. Bedford’s very own film festival will be here in early 2014 but this

taster, as part of an already well-established and respected performing arts festival, is fantastic.

“Bedford Film Festival was created to help people in Bedford see films that might not be shown publically elsewhere in the town. We’re sure these screenings will give people a taste of the variety that Bedford Film Festival will bring.”

James Pharaoh director of Bedfringe, which runs between 12 July and 3 August 2013, said: “As a film maker myself I am very pleased to be working with Bedford Film Festival this year.

“The growth of Bedfringe is dependent on other event organisers and venue manag-ers seeing the vision and joining in, so this partnership comes as a great benefit to the town and the festival”

Further details will be released soon, however the screenings will take place at Ground Floor Coffee Shop in King’s House on Ampthill Road. A venue already synony-mous with film screenings as part of their popular monthly vintage film nights.

Isabel Turner from GFC says: “It’s always fun to watch a movie on a comfort-able sofa with friends, and with delicious coffee, cakes and popcorn thrown into the mix it’s even better! We’re really excited to be hosting Bedford Film Festival in our unique, vintage space and look forward to welcoming you.”

More information can be found on Twitter www.twitter.com/BedfordFilmFest or on Facebook www.facebook.com/BedfordFilmFestival

BEDFoRD FILM FESTIvaL BRInGS FILM vaRIETY To ToWn WITh ExCLuSIvE SCREEnInGS at BEDFRINgE

The Swan Theatre Company with the Eagle Gallery present an evening of poetry entitled Bangers & nash on Sunday 2nd June at 7.30pm.

Hosted by the Eagle Gallery on Castle

Road, this promises to be an evening of humour, wit and wordplay from the master of “a few words can say a lot”, the one and only Ogden Nash.

This light-hearted evening of giddy poetry will take place in the courtyard of the Eagle Gallery and will also involve a barbeque (weather permitting!).

Tickets for this show are priced at £5.00.

pOEtRy at thE EaglE gallERy

Irvine Welsh’s cult classic,Trainspotting brought the lives of Renton, Begbie, Sick Boy and Spud to the world… and now they’re coming to Bedford.

Novus Theatre presents this tale of cameraderie among Scottish skag heads, with some unforgettable scenes and indus-trial language. Choose life, choose to buy

a ticket to this show at The Place Theatre (as long as you’re over 16).

Performances are from 2nd – 6th July at 7.30pm and tickets are available from

www.theplacebedford.org.uk.The Place Theatre, Bradgate Road,

Bedford.

tRaINSpOttINg

JunE 2013

Between Heaven and Earth

A Story about Family, Freedom and the Dream of a better Future.

3York-Fabian Raabe

Filmproduktion

www.viewyork.de

Young people in Bedford now have the chance to take part in a school devoted entirely to musical theatre.

Stage Smiths Musical Theatre School will enable young people from 14 to 21 to learn the skills they will need to take part in musical shows. The school will take place at The Place Theatre in Bedford.

Lorna Wood, Director at Stage Smiths said, “The School will offer top-class train-ing to the many young people in this area who are interested in musical theatre. The combination of weekly rehearsal sessions

and an intensive three-day summer school in August leading to three performances in September will give our students a great opportunity to experience all the stages of a musical production.”

Director Lorna is an experienced drama teacher with expertise in many forms of theatre and she is joined by Leigh Smith, a professional musician and musical director with a wide experience of musical theatre.

The Stage Smiths Musical Theatre School takes place at The Place Theatre, Bradgate Road, Bedford every Friday from 5pm until 7pm. To find out more, call Lorna on: 07837585931.

MUSIcal thEatRE SchOOl OpENS IN BEDFORD

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Film: Between heaven & Earth

There’s loads going on at Riverside Tennis Club this month, so why not pop in and see what they’ve got that would suit you?

On 23rd June they’re hosting an Open Day with taster sessions and the oppor-tunity to chat to the coaches – the perfect opportunity to rediscover tennis, or for beginners to get into the sport.

Riverside have just launched a Cardio Tennis programme and each session aims

to melt 600 calories. According to Neil Frankel, Director of Tennis: “It’s tough but

great fun. No tennis skills needed - just a brilliant work out chasing balls!” Contact the club for details of when sessions are running.

Finally, in conjunction with The Kiosk At the Park, they’ll be launching a programme of tennis for all at the public courts in Russell Park. Follow @riversidebeds or @KioskAtThePark for updates.

Riverside Tennis Club, Goldington Road, Bedford, MK40 3EA

01234 352726 www.riversidetennisbedford.co.uk

Rally-INg cRy FROM thE RIVERSIDE tENNIS clUBSPoRT

Smashing stuff.

The Bedford Clanger and Frogs Chorus are sponsoring a Pram Parade in Black Tom to coincide with the Litter Pick taking place on Saturday 15th June.

Prizes will be awarded for the most unusual item found and the best-decorated pram or scooter. After the litter pick there will be a Pram Parade around Bedford

Park, a picnic and a grand finale of a Frogs’ Chorus music session.

Anyone wanting to take part in the Litter Pick should meet outside the Burnaby Arms on Stanley Street at 10am and litter pick equipment will be provided. The Pram Parade will commence from the Burnaby at noon. Buggy and scooter decoration is optional, but could earn you the coveted ‘best-dressed’ prize. Please bring a blanket and picnic too.

pRaM paRaDE!

has anyone else noticed how the Prime Ministers area is fast becoming the Cake Quarter (Cake slice?) of Bedford?

By Alice Smith

Not only do you have Fancy – Bedford’s stylish home-made cake cafe, but also Pasticceria Amalfi, which must constitute Bedford’s best-kept cake secret, is just up the road is just up the road on Park Road West. It is not a cafe as such – they do have a table and chairs outside the shop -but the emphasis is on calling in for a quick espresso and to choose a selection of their amazing Italian pastries to take home, or to order a wedding or celebration cake.

Having heard whispers of its greatness, but never having quite made it there, I took my newly-retired Dad along to assist in the sampling.

First and foremost, Pasticceria Amalfi is a very, VERY friendly place, run by a very effervescent and welcoming team of chefs. (All head chefs are trained in Italy, others are trained in the delicate art of patisserie at Bedford College.) Francesco was only to happy to recommend which mini pastries to try, and made us up the nicest espresso I have ever had - “You English like your espresso just a bit longer than the Italians,” he told me confidently. I had been unaware of this cultural difference, but I can assure you that an English ‘long espresso’ made by an Italian barrista is an incredible treat.

Creamy, intense and not at all bitter. You can purchase an espresso and a mini pastry for a mere £1, so it is a very purse-friendly way to enjoy good coffee.(And a hit of finest pastry.)

And clearly, it is all about the pastries. The selection is vast; the tiny, perfectly formed hand-made Italian pastries (the small ones are called Mignons,) freshly made on the premises, by the army of chefs who were working away behind the scenes on our visit. Amongst the most eye catching are the macaroons, vivid pink raspberry, green pistachio, or chocolate. These were melt-in-the-mouth beautiful, with creamy filling and small enough to devour without feeling stuffed. My other favourite was the Italian version of a cheesecake. Sweet ricotta cheese was wrapped in a cinnamon pastry – very light and with a lovely burst of cinnamon spiciness to balance the sweetness of the cheese. We also loved the immacu-late filo pastry shell of the Sfogliatella, and

the puff pastry of the ‘Lobster Tail’, (real name Cannoli Sicliliani) which is filled with champagne cream. Champagne cream – yes, really! You can purchase individual pastries, or a tray of them, priced by weight. Perfect for parties!

Francesco told us how they open early on a Sunday morning to honour the Italian tradition of popping out on a Sunday morning for an espresso and to choose some pastries for later. I have already decided that I should adopt this tradition. All in the name of muliti-cultural living, of course. After all, they do their bit for cross-cultural relations by producing a version of what is apparently a Bedford delicacy -chocolate toothpaste. “In Luton, in Birmingham, they have no idea what you mean by this chocolate toothpaste! But in Bedford, it is famous!” laughed Francesco. Really, learn-ing the delights of Italian Patisserie is the least we can do in return..

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

10

CoFFEE & CaKE

What was the last film you watched at Cineworld, Bedford?

patISSERIE aMalFI

JunE 2013

Patisserie amalfi: La dolce vita!

at Bedford network we share with you our best experiences of Bedford… from cafes to art galleries, theatres to books, fitness to fashion. anything and everything – but only the best.

Bedford is fit – we all know that! Rachel Benton Associates is inspiring many of you to get fit and others will have heard the buzz around town from group classes and personal training to pilates and bootcamp.

We talked to Rachel Benton about her fitness company, the benefits of fitness and those who have inspired her along the way.

Fitness has a part in everyone’s lives Fitness means something different to

everyone - the one size fits all of joining a gym and hoping for the best doesn’t always work. Finding something you enjoy and want to go back to again and again is the key to exercising consistently and for good. It could be exercise classes, running club, sporting club, dance class, rock climbing...the list goes on, be open minded!

Benefits of fitnessIn every client consultation the client

and trainer set out and agree goals and timeframes to achieve them in. We can measure goals and progress with scales, tape measures, Body Fat calipers and fitness tests but eventually a client will start saying things like “I feel so much better”, “I am looking good” or “I have so much more energy and I feel alive again”! So apart from the obvious health benefits of regular exercise and fitness…looking good and feeling great has got to be a good way to live your life.

Bootcamp lowdownIf you are not a morning person forget

it! A 6am start and outdoors with the great British weather and Embankment geese

could be a bit too much for you! If on the other hand you love the great outdoors, hate being in a sweaty gym, love working your body in a varied, clever fat-burning way (which is sometimes hard but mostly fun) then you`ll love Bootcamp. The content constantly changes but always focuses on training drills that work the whole body. You`ll find plenty of ever popular HIIT drills (High Intensity Interval Training) that help deliver the golden increase in metabolic rate after your work out, a truly great crowd of friendly and supportive people and nothing to be afraid of.

Inspiration along the wayThe original and best London based

celebrity Personal Trainer Mat Roberts, cool and professional, progressive in approach, not sold on fad or hype, knows his and a lot of other onions, interested in the individual and a nice guy. More locally I am ever inspired by Bedford Harrier Iva Barr, Olympic torch bearer, marathon runner, triathlete and still going strong in her eight-ies - no excuses!

Bedford is buzzingBedford has so much to offer in the way

of sports, health and fitness for adults and children. I’m not from Bedford but it is clear local folk are proud of their town and are keen to push forward with great initia-tives that benefit and build a community. It is great to be a part of that and offer something unique to a buzzing town.

To find out more www.rachelbenton.co.uk

Stay tuned to Bedford Network in June when we will be celebrating the people, places and perks that make Bedford unique.

www.bedfordnetwork.co.uk Facebook: Facebook.com/ BedfordNetworkTwitter: @BedfordNetwork

BEDFoRD nETWoRK

lIghtS, caMERa tIckEt SalES: Who ChooSES ThE FILMS aT BEDFoRD’S CInEWoRLD?

FILM

By Paul Hutchinson

ask anyone in Bedford and they’re likely to have an opinion on our local cinema and it’s not always positive.

Cineworld, at Aspects Leisure Park, gets its more than fair share of criticism for a number of reasons. I myself have been part of that, criticising a lack of genre variety, but are we being fair? As the old saying goes ‘you can’t please everyone all of the time’ and in the business of providing entertainment, where individual tastes vary greatly, Cineworld has a tough job on their hands.

Recently Cineworld proved they do want to work with local people by showing French/Belgian film Rust and Bone. The film, which was added to the screening diary at the last minute, pulled in quite a respectable crowd after a successful social media campaign. It certainly showed that Bedfordians do want film variety. However, ticket sales are not always strong enough to support the screening of non-mainstream films.

I have been speaking to Operations Manager at Cineworld Bedford, Ben Smith, who says that staff there do feel just as

passionate about screening different genres but that the decision isn’t always up to them: “Film choice is down to Chiswick Central Office” says Ben, “If local people want to influence what gets shown at their cinema then they need to come and watch a wider variety of films.” Ben admits that this is a ‘chicken and egg’ situation but says that when non-mainstream films are shown, ticket sales will influence future program-ming and even they are surprised out how popular some non-mainstream films can be. A case in point is the recent screening, at the request of a local temple, of a Punjabi film, which sold out – twice!

Sadly, Cineworld itself is limited by space, which doesn’t help the battle for variety. Rumours as to when or how the six-screen cinema will expand are varied, and even Ben says that the local team aren’t sure what the options are. “The financial crisis did prevent the original expansion to 10 screens but I have heard of revised plans to nine screens. This decisions though, is

in the hands of the (Aspects) landlords, not us.”

Hopefully it won’t be too long until more screens are added. Controversial plans to build a new cinema in the centre of town aside,

cinemas are increasingly showing more than just film. Bedford has been showing both live and pre-recorded alternative content since January of this year. This has included theatre, opera, ballet and some more mainstream productions such as Jeff Wayne’s musical version of the War of the Worlds. More is on the way too with the Stone Roses documentary Made of Stone and a season of Shakespeare.

It all sounds like exciting stuff but Cineworld is a business and the program-ming of films is down to ticket sales, that being said, Ben says they’re happy to work with local people to arrange varied screen-ings. “The staff at Bedford want to see good film variety at their local cinema too. We will work with local people to show the films they want and we’re looking forward to hopefully working with Bedford Film Festival in 2014, but we do need film fans to meet us halfway: if people want more of a particular type of film then they must come and see it”.

32 Dudley street, Bedford MK40 3TBCAMRA North Beds

Pub of the Year 2013

Come along to our Fabulous Fabric and Yarn Sale in June and July.Sat 8 June & 6 July at The Lane Bar, Castle Lane, Bedford 10am - 12pm

American and Japanese printed cottons and linens. Fat quarters. Yarn from Monster Yarns.For more info :- jo@schoolofcraft.co.uk

By Rev Sharon Grenham Toze. Prison chaplain and BBC radio broadcaster. And glam.

There are some amazing images lining the walls of the main staircase in the prison. Photos of officers from decades ago, proud in their uniforms, brass buttons gleam-ing. Newspaper clippings from the days of James Hanratty (hanged in Bedford prison in 1962 for the ‘A6 murders’). Faded line drawings of Victorian unfortunates spending countless hours a day on the treadmill. Even a catering supplies list from the early part of last century.

Every day as I climb the stairs to my office on the top floor (closest to heaven, I tell myself, and a free workout…) I’m surrounded by a sense of history. There’s been a jail in Bedford since at least the start of the 1600s, and even today the team that works there has a strong sense of continuity with all that’s gone before.

And of course, Bedford itself is a town with quite a back story – from being a Viking settlement through to the days of John Bunyan (himself a one-time resident of Bedford gaol); from John Howard (the great prison reformer) to the majestic sheds at Cardington. All of that marvellous

history gives Bedford its unique character, something to be celebrated and maybe re-emphasized for a new generation.

Whatever the story, the past provides the building blocks of the present and the future, and the same is true in people’s lives as much as in the development of a town. We hear a lot about how the experiences our children have will determine what kind of adults they become; and who hasn’t looked at old family photos and marvelled at the way not only looks, but also talents and even careers seem to get handed down through the generations.

Sadly, many of the prisoners I encounter have a history of chaotic lives, traumatic events, and unresolved losses – and, because these haven’t been dealt with, they’ve almost inevitably made wrong choices. The consequences have then caused damage not only to their victims but also to themselves, and to their own families. Much of my work in the jail is helping the men to reflect on what they’ve built (or rather, cobbled together) thus far, and what needs a major re-think. The past might be the building blocks, but sometimes the odd brick or two needs replacing with something a bit better.

What about us? We’ll all have things in our past that mean we make dodgy choices sometimes too. Every now and then it’s worth thinking about what lines the corridors and staircases of our hearts and minds. Are the images that come to mind ones we’re proud of, things to celebrate? Are we constructing a strong building out of our lives, or are we cobbling together bits of rubble?

The great thing is that history doesn’t have to hold us back, and it’s never too late for a bit of restoration. We don’t have to repeat mistakes others made; we don’t have to listen to the childhood voices saying we’re useless, or ugly or whatever. We can say sorry, or make amends in other ways; we can dust ourselves off and start again. The past is there to be learned from, the future is there to be lived!

Follow Sharon Grenham-Toze on Twitter@glamvicar

lOcal hERONominated by Jo Midgley

I would like to nominate the very lovely curtis, part time assistant at one Stop on Castle Road.

He goes over and above ordinary shop assistant tasks. He always opens the door for anyone with a pushchair, wheelchair, kids on bikes, scooters, the elderly. He is ALWAYS smiling and takes the time to chat.

I am sure he really makes some people’s day, particularly if he is the only person they see that day! He fetches things if you can’t reach them and interacts with the children, which they love! My son actively seeks him out and wants to go in on the days he’s there to chat ‘Match Attax’!!!

Apparently last month, an elderly lady had done all her shopping, she was at the till and didn’t have enough money to pay for it.

Curtis, put his hand in his own pocket and paid for her shopping, subtly, so as not to embarrass her, but what an act of kindness!

Well done Curtis.

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

11

BEhIND thE wallS wIth a pRISON chaplaIN: LEaRnInG FRoM hISToRY

RELIGIon SpONSORS OF: lOcal hEROES

J Moore Restoration is holding an open weekend in its wonderful showroom, located in Chawston, just past the Black Cat roundabout on the A1. On Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 June customers can meet the team as well as two other local traders (Ralph Moss Antiques and Copperplate Maps) who specialise in silver and antique

maps & prints respectively.There will be plenty to see at the

showroom: Antique furniture, glass-ware, pottery, Antique maps & prints and silver & collectables. There is also a selection of handmade greetings cards.

Entry to the open weekend is free and there is plenty of parking on the roadside or on the field behind (if the weather is good). There is a tea room which will sell tea, coffee and homemade cakes to hungry shoppers. If you bring this article with you, you will receive a free hot drink!

The Showrrom Open Weekend is on Saturday 22nd June 10-5pm and Sunday 23rd June 10-4pm at College

Farmhouse Workshops, Chawston Lane, Chawston,Bedford MK44 3BH

(If you can’t make the Open Days, then pop into the showroom which is open daily from Monday to Friday)

www.jmooreantiques.co.ukinfo@jmooreantiques.co.uk

J MOORE REStORatIONanTIQuE FuRnITuRE RESToRERS ShoWRooM oPEn WEEKEnD

Who is your local hero?

JunE 2013

J Moore Restoration Antiques Fair

Saturday 22nd June 10-5pm & Sunday 23rd June 10-4pm

Chawston Lane, Chawston, Bedford MK44 3BH www.jmooreantiques.co.uk

Our showroom will be open along with two other local antique traders selling Antique furniture, glassware, pottery, Antique maps & prints and silver & collectables.

The pop up Tea room will be open for teas, coffee and homemade cakes Free drink with this advert

Bedford International athletic Stadium is to host a very special event in support of armed Forces Charity SSaFa on Saturday 22nd June.

The stadium, famous for world record-breaking achievements, will provide the backdrop for a spectacular celebration, honouring our armed forces with a range of sporting activities, music and games – and everyone’s invited.

Starting at 11am, with an official flag raising ceremony, everyone is invited to hit the ground running, jumping, wheeling and buggy pushing in a community fun run. Of course help is also needed to cheer on the plucky participants, so make sure you bring your supporters! The run will be held over a distance of 1964 metres (the date the Royal Anglian regiment was formed) and all those who complete the distance will be given a special souvenir certificate.

If you still have any energy left after the run armed forces staff will be holding Military Fitness Tests, so you can challenge friends, family and the forces themselves.

Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, said: “This fantastic event builds on the promises we made signing last year’s Armed Forces Covenant supporting the military and ex-military personnel in our community. We really have got something for everyone, from sporting challenges and children’s activities, to rousing music. Not only does it provide an opportunity to have a great day out, but you’ll also be helping to make a difference to the lives of members of the armed forces and their families.”

From 11am, supporters can come and try sports and activity sessions around the stadium. Sessions taking place will include:

• Walking Football • Wheelchair Basketball • Gymnastics • Judo • Golf

• Tennis • Bowls • Athletics • Table Tennis • Pilates • Team and individual challengesThe packed programme continues with

further family activities including a climb-ing wall, bouncy castle for children and the return of the 100m sprint challenge which proved popular at last year’s Live Site event.

Around the stadium, stalls will also provide a range of refreshments, face paint-ing, fairground entertainment and details of local sporting opportunities. Information will also be available about the important work that SSAFA carries out and the differ-ence the support from those attending will make.

Music will also feature, with classics played by the Bedford Town Band.

The event will finish at 5pm with a tradi-tional ‘beating the retreat’ closure.

You can come along any time during the day and supporters are invited to bring along a picnic and enjoy the day whether as a spectator or participant.

FORcES FEStIVal & cOMMUNIty gaMES

SPoRT

Curtis in action!

TONY STRACCIA & SONDOMESTiC GAS SERviCES

BOILERS, FIRES, WATER HEATERS & COOKERS INSTALLATION/

SERVICING.GAS SAfE REG NO. 2874964

10 Robin Hill, BedfordHome: 01234 401584Mobile: 07770861444

E-mail: straccia67@yahoo.co.uk

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

12

thaNk yOUS

The Bedford Clanger is a labour of love for a lot of people. No one’s making a fortune, we just want to encourage people to embrace and love

our town. As ever, this issue would not have been possible without the immense talents of the following people:

Designer: Marisa Straccia (madamebogg.blogspot.co.uk)Advertising Director: Gemma Rogers (@clangerads)Listings Supremo: Bev Burridge (@... well, we just love her)

Front cover: Gemma HuttonAdditoinal editorial: Sue Gough, Caroline Wise, Paula Walker, Paul

Hutchinson, Sharon Grenham-Toze, Gemma HuttonProof Reader: Inga Wharton

Remember to check out Bedpop!

ThEaTRE

It’s the Place Theatre’s 10th birthday this year, so hearty congratulations from all at The Clanger.

As part of the celebrations they are putting on The Birthday Party by Harold Pinter (do you see what they did there?)

It’s showing from 18th to 20th June and the performance starts at 7:30pm

Harold Pinter was a director, actor and one of the most influential modern British dramatists, winning the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2005. His celebrated,

ultimately indefinable, classic The Birthday Party derives its power from Pinter’s brilliantly mysterious yet comic riff on the absurd terrors of the everyday.

From 27th – 29th June, ShowCo Bedford present Tim Rice & Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic Biblical musical, Joseph & His Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. Performances start at 7:30pm with an additional matinee on Saturday at 2:30pm

This is the inaugural Youth Production from ShowCo Bedford, and tells the story of Joseph and his eponymous jacket.

Tickets for this show are priced at £12.00.

thE placE thEatRE WhaT’S on In JunE

JunE 2013

arts and crafts have always played a large part in providing education and recreation for adults in Bedford.

Raleigh House in Ampthill Road is the main centre for this provision and is being relaunched from September to maintain, improve and expand the service.

Raleigh House will be holding a public exhibition of current students’ work on the weekend of 29th and 30th June (11am – 4pm) to showcase the range of classes available and the achievements of the students. If you are inspired, details of the courses – which start in September – will be available.

Work on show will include book-binding, ceramics, flower arranging and floristry, jewellery, lace-making, pattern making, sewing and textiles, painting and portraiture, stained glass (traditional and modern), upholstery, wood carving, and 2D and 3D word made in the Touch and See

class for the visually impaired.Entry to the exhibition is free and

refreshments will be on sale.For further information 07523 035213 or

email frances.darlow@bedfordcraftcentre.co.uk

Bedford Arts and Crafts Centre, Raleigh House, Ampthill Road, Bedford MK42

BEDFORD aRtS & cRaFtS cENtRE RElaUNchES

The community boat commissioned by the Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust (B&MK) is nearing completion and has been named after one of Bedford’s most famous sons – John Bunyan.

A competition to name the boat was held and John Bunyan was the winning suggestion because of his links to the area and the widespread, international recogni-tion of his name as author of the Pilgrim’s

Progress, and as an historical free thinker. The winning entry was submitted by Basil Hubbard, of Eccles-on-Sea, Norfolk, a

former Bedford resident. The boat will be available for hire to

schools and colleges, community groups, businesses, and individuals for social events. The John Bunyan will ply the Great Ouse from Bedford to Kempston and eastwards to Great Barford. The launch takes place at Priory Marina and the boat will be available for trips at the end of June.

For further information contact Don Allison, Community Boat Organiser:

donallison@btinternet.com or 01908 610564www.bedford-mkwaterway.co.uk

‘JOhN BUNyaN’ BOat MakES gREat pROgRESS

Tucked away in north Bedfordshire, two long time friends have got back together (for one last job) to create a range of hand-printed t-shirts.

The designs reference music, film and pop culture. It’s a simple creative process: themes are bandied about, then go through the ‘mind mincer’ where they’re subverted, juxtaposed or honoured. From paper to pixel, then finally through the silk screen, the journey ends with a fine cotton t-shirt.

There are currently two brands: ‘Rotten Droid’ (pop culture themed) and ‘Hubbub’ (inspired by nature). As well as being designed in-house, Stuff agogo also screen print the t-shirts themselves. The lads have also found out that playing loud music during the process is beneficial.

Shirts will be available through the stuffagogo.co.uk website which will feature a rogues gallery entitled ‘Where do you

Stuff agogo?’ in which you can submit photos in your ‘Stuff’’ t-shirts, wherever you are, the moon, the pub, etc. There will also be customer interaction, with design competitions agogo. This summer the ‘Gogos will be popping up at local festivals (including Daxtonbury

in Poddington), in shops and maybe even allotment sheds to meet the punters!

You can follow Stuff agogo on twitter, check out their Facebook page or sign

StUFF agOgO laUNchESSkills at the wheel

Bedford girls have done the double to become cup winners and league champions after two hard-fought battles against their Milton Keynes rivals.

The 11-strong squad of U-13s from Bedford Ladies and Girls F. C. went down to the wire with a nail-biting penalty shoot-out to win last Saturday’s Cup Final 3-2 thanks to a timely save by talented keeper Alex Shore. And this week, they were crowned winners of the Bucks Girls Football League when they once again

faced the same team, MK City Gems. Successful penalty takers Greta Varkalyte, Graziella Vagliviello and Saskia Powell powered through Gems’ defence along with midfielder Jasmine Ajayi who snatched the first and last goals to ensure a 4-3 win with just twelve minutes to go.

The double victory comes after four

seasons in which the Year 7 and 8 girls from schools in and around Bedford have played together as a team. New-comers this year have also helped strengthen the squad, pushing it to greater heights in the scramble for well-deserved success following a fantastic season. Lauren Cotterell, Julia Bengala and Maddie O’Neill kept up an excellent

defence, whilst Paige Abraham, Claudia Attenbourgh and Laura Bobel worked determinedly to ensure the team’s victory. For information about the club which trains girls from 8 upwards, email info@BedfordLadies-GirlsFC.org or call Annette 07970 650573.

yOU gO gIRlS!SPoRT

up for the mail list on the website for offers and updates or e mail: infoagogo@

stuffagogo.co.uk.And the name? It’s just stuff...

Girl Power!