The Bedford Clanger March 2016

7/24/2019 The Bedford Clanger March 2016

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MARCH 2016

CLANGER

THE BEDFORD


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THE BEDFORDCLANGER MARCH 20

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THIS CLANGER WASBROUGHT TO YOU BY:Editor:Erica Roffe @bedfordclanger

[email protected]

Graphics:Adam Boreham www.reactionvm.co.uk

[email protected]

Advertising:Julia Crofts @ClangerAds

[email protected]

Great Bedfordian contributor:David Fowler

bedfordtourguides.org

Photography:Cat Lane cat-lane.co.uk

Musos:Lloyd Lugsden @lloydlug,

Richard Smith @thefabness

Foodie:Stephen Bywater @authorbywater

Film Buff:Paul Hutchinson

@Hutch_PR bedfordlmfestival.org

Gardening guru:Jane Perrone

@janeperrone perrone.blogs.com

Columnists:Neil Frankel @riversidebeds

riversidetennisbedford.co.uk,

Kris Wilkinson-Hughes @euphonioushoney

The Last Word:Reverend Sharon Grenham-Thompson

@glamvicar

Challenge Chris:Chris Demott

chrisdemottphotography.com

LETTER FROM

THE EDITORBLANKET BOY BEDFORDSFOLK HERO!Sam Ashworth is a 21 year old former Mark Rutherford pupil pursuing a career

in engineering. Nothing too unusual about that, except Sam is also known as

Blanket Boy his superhero alterego (hell hate that! Ed), determined to help

and humanise Bedfords homeless. In August 2015 I walked past a homeless

guy outside Lurke Street car park. I was about to walk on when I glanced down

and noticed he was reading my favourite book, The Great Gatsby, said Sam. I

went off, bought the guy a cup of tea and sat down with him to chat about the

book. That moment made me realise that there is an element of dehumanisation of

homelessness in Bedford. Ive realised that peoples opinions are quite hardended

they believe t hat these peopl e deserve to be ho meless, that t hey are all addict s,

or that they are commercial beggars. I want to change those opinions and

encourage Bedfordians to see the human beings who are suffering on the streets.

Sam began by giving out blankets to rough sleepers and now puts together

and distributes Help Kits which include essentials including blankets, water,

face wipes and food. The future of Bedfords homeless is very bleak, said

Sam. There is limited social housing, so they have less chance of getting off the

streets. Many that I see are malnourished and have stomach ailments.

If you would like to help Sam help Bedfords homeless, then please go

to his Go Fund Me page and contribute to Outside Help: gofundme.com/

z3wqhvx4. You can also keep up with the work they are doing on the streets

of Bedford by following their Facebook page: facebook.com/OutsideHelp.

BOOK YOUR PLACE ON THE NEXT SHEWALK TOD

It is with a heavy heart that we

bid farewell this month to one

of our favourite contributors,

the Reverend Sharon Grenham-

Thompson. Sharon (you can

follow her on twitter as @

glamvicar) has been contributing

to the Clanger since 2014 and

never fails to deliver a concise,

spiritual and though-provoking

column written from the

perspective of her role as Prison Chaplain at HMP Bedford. Time

spent with Reverend Sharon is always entertaining and engaging

and we hope that her new parishioners in Milton Keynes give her

the warm welcome that she deserves. Sharon spent part of 2015

penning her memoirs, so we look forward to reading all about

her life behind bars, which we know will be written with her

trademark compassion and empathy. *sniff*

As ever, Bedford is abuzz with things to do this month. From

the BedPop Science Lab to the Bedford Jazz Festival theres also

great theatre, lm and live music. Weve got interviews with

Esquires new owner, Gareth Barber and Skeptics in t he Pubs

March contributor, Iszi Lawrence plus we chatted to Bedfords

very own Blanket Boy (see right).

Have a great month, Bedford and see you in the Spring!

Erica, Julia & Team Clanger

FIND OUT ABOUT SHEWALKSFITNESS WALKINGWere always keen to nd new ways t o exercise.

Fitness Walking is a total body workout that

engages 90% of your skeletal muscles by

incorporating the upper body into the walking

motion, burning up to 40% more calories than

regular walking.

The rst SheWalks programme launched in

January with taster sessions from The Kiosk in

Russell Park. The 10 week programme progresses

through from learning the fundamentals of walking

for tness to becoming a condent tness walker.There are a maximum number of ladies on each

course to allow for individual attention.

There are many health benets, said Larissa

Clarke. From improving your tness to better

quality sleep, the brisk pace will get your heart

pumping but youll feel energized and buzzing

rather than uncomfortable and sweaty!

Larissa will take you through a series of stages

to enable you to reach your tness goals with the

option of working towards a team challenge. We

are now taking bookings for the next beginner

groups which will kick off in April, so book your

place now!

For more info or to book your place on the next

programme call Theresa on 07758 205455 or

email [email protected]

Ive realised that peoples

opinions are quite

hardended they believe

that these people deserve to

be homeless, that they are

all addicts, or that they are

commercial beggars.

THE

CLANGER

NEWSINBRIEF

Photo: Ca

Lunch Special MenuMonday-Friday 12noon 3pm

Business Lunch 4.95 A combination of four

Chefs special dishes served with rice and bread

Executive Lunch 7.95 Choice of meat or vegetable

starter served with the Business Lunch. Or choose a

wine or beer instead of a starter

Opening TimesThursday to Sunday: 12noon to 3pm and 6pm to 11pm

Monday & Wednesday: 6pm to 11pm

Closed Tuesday

Vegetarian, Vegan & GlutenFree Options Available

Free Home DeliveryWithin a 5 mile radius

15% Discount on collection

76 Tavistock Street, Bedford MK40 2RP

01234 364038/01234 [email protected]

www.thecochinbedford.com

The CochinAt The Cochin we specialise in South Indian cuisine from Kerala and our food is unique,full of tradition, avour and spices. Come and try for yourself one evening or lunchtime

Keraliteslove their food

and for them cookingand sharing a mealwith a guest is theultimate sign of

hospitality.


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HE BEDFORDCLANGER MARCH 2016

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KITCHENALIA HIGH STREET, BEDFORD MK40

NN AND IN HATTERS, BEDFORDEL: 01234 262440ITCHENALIAONLINE.COMKITCHENALIA

enty two years ago, Kitchenalia rst opened its doors in

dford town centre. From its humble beginnings on Lime

eet (the building is now Lost & Found) to a unit double the

in the Arcade, Kitchenalia has remained the go-to place

the bakers of Bedford. Recently they opened a branch at

ters on Goldington Road and last month the shop moved

m the Arcade to the High Street.

All retail businesses have to evolve to adapt to whats

pening in the outside world, said owner Suzy Allen.

ver the years weve expanded and our oorspace at Hatters

the High Street is now the equivalent our shop in the

ade but we now have a town-centre and out-of-town

sence. I really didnt want to leave the town centre, so we

to adapt the business. Were developing our website, so

now offer customers the choice of two locations plus a

k and collect service.

ts not just the great products that make Kitchenalia such

opular shop. Its staff is one of the stores greatest assets.

l the girls have worked here for such a long time, said

y. They really know the products, we all care about eacher and we all care about the business. Suzy is optimistic

ut the future and believes that its Bedfords independent

ilers that give the town the edge over Milton Keynes. Our

ependent shops are our USP. All of us are trying our best to

ke Bedford a great destination for shoppers.

E ALL LOVE OUR HOMETOWN AND THE BUTTERFLY BRIDGE.

THECLANGER

UNIQUEBEDFORDHOMETOWN TOURIST:

THE BUTTERFLY BRIDGEBy David Fowler, Bedford Tour Guides

bedfordtourguides.org

The Suspension Bridge has always presented a

problem to the disabled and to pushchairs, so it was

no surprise when a public consultation carried out

in 1990 emphasised the situation, together with adesire to draw more visitors into Russell Park and

improve access for the River Festival. The Borough

Council decided to spend over 1 million on

Embankment Renaissance 1995 rejuvenating the

whole embankment area, our Jewel in the Crown,

part of that sum was to be spent on a new footbridge

over the River.

A RIBA sponsored design competition was set up to reinterpret John Websters 1888

Suspension Bridge, with a new river crossing which would similarly mark the end of the

20th and beginning of the 21st century. The competition amazingly drew 79 national and

international entries, all were exhibited anonymously and the judges unanimous verdict

was that the joint design by the London Architects Wilkinson Eyre and Jan Bobrowski,

Engineers, was the winner. This top rated architectural practice has since won many awards,

including that for the Blinking Eye footbridge over the River Tyne and is currently

working on the refurbishment of Battersea Power Station.

The design was for 30m span parabolic tube arches set at 90 in a buttery position,

supporting the timber deck with diagonal steel tension rods. There were many excellent

design details, oodlights were recessed into the concrete abutments and there was bre

optic lighting provided to t he deck. Discussions were held with the Environment Agencyto reduce the head room from a standard 3m to a more tting 2.4m, but the south side

ramp could not turn immediately to follow the footpath, it had to follow the ood ows

towards Longholme Lake. Compensatory excavation had to be carried out to replace

the ramp footprint that would be lost in a ood! The bridge was built in Sussex by The

Littlehampton Welding Co who arrived on site to erect the bridge using two mobile cranes

in September 1997. It was quite difcult to determine the position of the foundations bolts

to the bottom ange of the bow tube which was quite exible, but the arches were landed

after a couple of goes. It was opened by Mayor Frank Garrick in November 1997 and a

competition was run to nd a name Buttery Bridge being the winner.

On 18th of June 1998 the Prince of Wales accompanied by Mayor Tony Rufn ofcially

opened the Buttery Bridge.

MONDAY NIGHT IS QUIZ NIGHT AT

Only 2 per person. Starts 8pm.Will you win the cash or the wooden spoon?!

TO FIND OUT MORE

66 Stanley Street | Bedford | Beds | MK41 7RU | 01234 330056

Real ales pies & toasties bar games music courtyard garden

Alternating between Steves Brain Taxer or

The all new, exciting Smartphone quiz!

Check out Facebook for full details

Facebook.com/theburnabyarmsbedford

GRAB

SOME FRIENDSAND GET

A TEAMTOGETHER!

STONES IN HIS POCKETS

quarrytheatre.org.uk

15 - 16 March

7.30pm

The Quarry Theatre at St Lukes is part of Bedford School, which is part of The Harpur Trust

Ticket price15(12.50 concessions)

Age suitability

12 yrs +

Running time110mins (+ 15min interval)

A quiet Irish village community is

turned upside down with the arrival

of a Hollywood film crew, looking

for the real Ireland for their latest

schmaltzy blockbuster. A pair of

extras, Charlie and Jake, watch

with amazement, envy and delight

as cultures clash, divas strop,

and everyone fights over the last

portion of lemon meringue pie.

Box office

01234 362337

Photos: Cat Lane


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BEDFORD CREATIVEARTS & YOU

INSPIRING AND NURTURING CREATIVE SPIRIT FOR 30 YEA

Join Bedford Creative Arts on Saturday 12 March 2016

from 10am-4pm to help us create our new look. We are

popping up at the Lane on Castle Lane and need your

help! For 30 years Bedford Creative Arts (BCA) has

been fundamental in making art happen collaboratively

with the Bedford community and weve done some

brilliant and impactful work together over the years.

As an arts charity our work is about inspiring and

nurturing creative spirit so each year we commission

a new work that sets out to enliven and invigorate

communities. Here are some of our favourites:

1) THE BEDFORD PROJECT:Where artist Andre Stitt (andrestitt.com) led a delegation from the local

Italian community on a pilgrimage from Stewartby brickworks to the

Italian Vice-Consulate in the town centre as part of The Italian Job.

The survey and consultation will be open until Monday 4th April 2016.

2) ONLY A STRANGER CAN BRING GOOD

LUCK, ONLY A KNOWN MAN CAN HANG:With artist Faye Claridge (fayeclaridge.co.uk) who worked with a group of

Morris dancers from Bedfordshire learning about their relationships to the

past and gaining an insight into their motivations for dancing.

3) A PORTRAIT OF BEDFORD:By photographer Darren Marsh (darrenleemarsh.net), a portfolio of o

300 images featuring people of all ages who live in Bedford focusing

the lives and history of local Bedfordians.

4) CONCERTO MAGNIFICENT:

AN ANTHOLOGY OF ALL THING:Where together with composer Johnny Parry (johnnyparry.com), we

brought together a big-hearted army of local people to develop a cycl

songs, written and performed in collaboration with the public. A sold

audience of 400 experienced grand gestures of love and death expres

through an all-consuming spectacle.

5) LACE IN PLACE:By Arabel Rosillo de Blas rosillodeblas.com) was an impressive feat ofcollaboration, creativity and craft. Nearly 200 people were involved in

making the work and it brought an increased awareness of Bedfords lo

lace heritage, increased peoples condence in art making and creative

activities and increased peoples sense of pride in their local area.

From the 12 March 2016 were growing up & out & we want to give ar

& communities a local voice with real national impact. Its time to grow

evolve. Time to take the great creative work from the Bedford commun

out into the surrounding counties and beyond.

Now we want you to get involved and help take BCA into its 30s

and beyond - with an exciting new logo and launch event that give

everyone a chance to be part of our new look for the future. Our new

logo, like our organisation and our work, wouldnt exist without the

involvement of the public. As an organisation we are brought to life

the people, artists and communities that get involved in the work w

& this will continue to be at the heart of our ethos. It will also be at

centre of our new visual identity.

Were really proud to have worked with so many exciting local artis

and members of the public to create some wonderful pi eces of work. W

always be locally focused and we will continue to work closely with th

local community who have made us what we are today. Moving forwar

were building on our local roots and spreading our branches wider. It

brand new and very exciting chapter in our story.

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THECLANGERCREATIVEARTS

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THERE ARE SOME EXCITING CHANGES TAKING PLACE AT

BEDFORD CREATIVE ARTS. WE ASKED BCAS MARKETING &COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, EMILY FINNEY TO TELL US MORE

Come along on Saturday 12 March 2016 from 10am-4pm to our

pop up space and help us create our new look. Bring yourself, your

creative spirit & we will provide the pen & paper! There will be art

to help and some motivating music & cake! To nd out where BCA

will be popping up, follow on twitter @wearebca or check out their

Facebook page /Bedford.Creative.Arts. All will soon be revealed!


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THE BEDPOP SCIENCE LABON SATURDAY 12TH MARCH

E ALL LOVE SOME MAD SCIENCE FUN.

Saturday 12th March, the BedPop Science Lab will take over

dford Central Library and the Higgins, bringing dozens of free

EM* workshops, activities, demonstrations and challenges to

heart of Bedford as part of British Science Week.

From circuit building to Lego Robot Wars, engineering

allenges to 3D design, there will be loads of activities to

courage visitors of all ages to discover their inner scientist.

Following the success of the BedPop Fun Palaces, we

nted to bring a pure science event to the town centre, said

dPop founder Erica Roffe. We have been very fortunate

one of only 50 recipients of a British Science Week

ant which along with the support of our other generous

nsors including UTC Colworth and You Can Book Me

as a llowed u s to off er every s ingle ev ent for free. From

cuit building to drone ying, rocket launching to brewing,

really have got something scientic for everyone!

EDPOP SCIENCE LABS

BEDFORD CENTRAL LIBRARYBedford Libra ry, join the str uctura l engin eering challen ge.

w tal l can yo u buil d a free-s tanding structure using just 2 0

ets of A4 paper and one metre of tape? Or take part in the 3D

wing workshop with the Circus of Illustration. The Science

b has been awarde d a gra nt as part o f the H arpur Trus ts 450th

niversary celebrations to purchase six 3D doodle pens and the

strators cannot wait to get their hands on them!

BEDPOP SCIENCE LABS

@ THE HIGGINS, BEDFORDWhy not head to the Higgins to watch science experiments in

action thanks to Bedford Modern School - or take part in

a drone programming and flying workshop? Charles Wells

brewers will be on hand to explain the chemical processes they

use to make beer, and the Royal Society of Chemistry will be

have lots of hands-on experiments to take part in.

The BedPop Science Lab takes place during Access Week

and will be offering as many events as possible that will be

accessible to all. Composer Roger Illingworth and the Bedford

Alchemists Choir have received Arts Council funding to create

a piece of music based on the periodic table of elements. By

working closely with Access Bedford, the choir will incorporate

specially developed sign language into their performance.

Everyone has worked really hard to develop not only a dynamic

and exciting piece of music, but also a useful learning tool for

the hearing and deaf community. Hearing Dogs for Deaf People

will be on hand to demonstrate their super powers and their

human companions will be running sign language activities for

deaf and hearing visitors too.

You can nd out more about the events and

download a full programme at bedpop.co.uk

Pop up space at The Lane, Castle Lane, Bedford, MK40 3NT

facebook.com/reactionvm [email protected]

WHERE COMMUNICATION IS KEY

Branding/Advertising/Direct mail/Packaging

Digital/Point-of-sale/PR/Strategy

Backstage in Biscuit Land was a big hit at last years Edinburgh Festival so

its with great anticipation that we welcome Jess Thom and her biscuit-based

world to Bedford. You can catch the show at the Quarry Theatre on 22nd

March and we were thrilled to have the chance to email the star of the show

with some burning biscuit-y based questions:

Bedford Clanger: What did you want to be when you grew up? As someone

with Tourettes did you feel that your options were limited or did those around you

help you feel the world was your oyster?

Jess Thom: Ive wanted to be an artist ever since going on a school trip to the Tate

Gallery when I was about seven and meeting an actual artist. I thought about a

number of other professions too including: nurse, farmer and sweet shop owner.

When I was growing up my tics were milder than they are now. I did I nd

learning difcult though, and sometimes comments from adults around me would

impact on my expectations. There are very few jobs I couldnt do because ofTourettes but I might need to do some of them differently.

BC: What are your experiences of peoples reaction to your condition?

JT: Anything Ive ever known can become a vocal tic and what I say doesnt

usually relate to what Im thinking. I say biscuit about 16,000 a day, but I dont

think about them nearly as much as I talk about them. In addition to making

involuntary noises I have many motor tics (involuntary movements) and these

have quite a big impact on my life.

Peoples reactions to tics can be quite unpredictable; most people respond with

understanding, but some respond more negatively.

I would always encourage someone to ask me about my tics rather than

make assumptions.

BC: You are denitely the poster-girl for Tourettes! Do you feel a responsibility

to others with the condition to raise awareness and emphasise the positive aspects?

JT: Talking about Tourettes doesnt always feel like a choice; I see it as a tool

for living. Being open about my experiences is a crucial way of improving other

peoples understanding, and this makes a big difference to my day-to-day life (and

I hope to others too).

BC: What is the most popular misconception that you have to deal with?

JT: That Tourettes is the swearing disease. In fact, only 10% of people with

Tourettes have swearing tics.

BC: We cant wait to see the show in Bedford. Can you tell us about the reason

behind the title of the show?

JT: Biscuit is my most frequent vocal tic and Biscuit Land is the surreal world

my tics create around me. Our show Backstage in Biscuit Land shares my journey

with Tourettes. Expect laughter, surreal tics and lots biscuits.

Tickets are 12 (10 concessions) and are available from quarrytheatre.org.uk

You can nd out more about Jess and follow her on social media

touretteshero.com / @touretteshero / facebook.com/touretteshero

THEATRE:

SCIENCE * TECHNOLOGY * ENGINEERING * MATHEMATICS


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GROUND-BREAKING EVENTAT PROJECT 229

This month Project 229 in Kempston is hosting its

second ever Earthquake Conference run by staff

and students from Camestone Lower School. The

conference is a celebration of the achievements

of all the students who have taken part in projects

throughout the term.

On March 16th, Camestone pupils will take over

Project 229 to teach their parents and local people

about Earthquakes and Volcanoes including tectonic

plates, the cross section of a volcano and science

vibrations. Groups will present Design Technology

projects including homemade seismographs, clay

cross sections of volcanoes and many other exciting

and interactive displays.

Project 229 and Chiff-Chaff Caf are open

from Monday to Saturday. For an up-to-date

programme of activities, telephone: 01234 840880,

email Whats On to [email protected]

or visit facebook.com/project229

theplacebedford.org.uk/tickets 01234 354321

STAGE WRITE 2016

FESTIVAL

OF NEWWRITINGWEDNESDAY 9TH

SATURDAY 12TH MARCH

I t. :

HARE ONE MINUTE,GONE THE NEXTLocal artist and printmaker, Charlotte Tenneson, is

exhibiting in Bedford, this time at the Puddin Club, 120a

Castle Road. Her linocut prints range from quirky upbeat

messages, shy River Great Ouse prints to this hopping

harvest hare. A linocut print is similar to the traditional

woodcut; hand tools are used to cut and chisel a linoleum

block to create a relief surface. Charlotte hand prints herbeautiful artwork using water-based inks that are free

from nasty additives and chemicals in her home studio

based in North Bedfordshire. The work will be available

to buy until the end of March.

The Puddin Club, 120a Castle Road, Bedford, MK40

3RG tel: 07773 943586 thepuddinclub.co.uk

WHAT A GREAT BUNCH OF KNITTING NANN

HURRY TO THE HIGGINSIf you havent yet made it to the Higgins to see Edward Bawdens nostalgicand whimsical depictions of Britains seaside towns, then what are you waitin

for? From bathing beauties in Bexhill-on-Sea to childrens sand castles on

Clacton Beach, Bawdens love of the seaside is demonstrated in his prints and

advertising material. Probably the most famous and much loved work inspired

by the seaside is Bawdens large linocut Brighton Pier from 1958. Nearly a

metre and half in width, it is undoubtedly one of Bawdens most impressive

works. The exhibition will feature the preparatory designs for Brighton Pier, t

nished print as well as the rarely seen original blocks, allowing a unique look

Bawdens working methods.

The Higgins, Bedford, Castle Lane, Bedford, MK40 3XD

thehigginsbedford.org.uk @higginsbedford

THE

CLANGER

PICK OF THEMONTH

STORY WEAVERSThis March, Bedfordshire Archives will be launching Weaving Narratives - a

project which will encourage people across Bedfordshire to visit the archives ainspiration to create textile works celebrating the history of our countys borou

and towns in this landmark year.

Anyone interested can take part. Participants will be offered an introduction

the archives service, and the chance to take part in three workshops. Assisted b

archive professionals, they will be given special access to original archive mat

representing hundreds of years of Bedfordshires history. They will be encoura

to use these to follow threads of research linking themes of community, identit

and growth. The form and nature of each textile work will be entirely up to the

participants, and works can be created by groups of participants if desired.

The project will culminate in the autumn with a series of exhibitions of the t

works produced, to be held at venues in Bedford, Luton and Central Bedfordsh

The themes of community, identity and growth will also be reected in three s

exhibitions at the Archives during 2016: Luton Borough, 140 Years from 14th A

Royal Towns of Central Bedfordshire from 7th July; and Bedford Borough, 85

Years from 5th October. Each of these will be accompanied by a free talk from

of Bedfordshire Archives expert staff.

The Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, said: Textiles themselves

played their own important role in Bedfordshires economic and social history,

is tting that this project will use all that the archives service has to offer, in or

produce unique works.

The workshops will be held at the Bedfordshire Archives, Riverside

Building, Borough Hall, Bedford on Saturdays 5th March, 2nd April and

June, from 10am - 12pm. Anyone wishing to take part should book a place

either by emailing [email protected] or telephoning01234 228833.

Places are limited and will be rst come, rst served. No charge will

made for the workshops, but participants will need to provide their ow

craft materials.


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eptic, comedian and

ce of the Skeptics Guide

The Universe, Iszi

wrence is bringing her

w show The Z List Dead

t to Bedford this month.

The Z List Dead List

comedy show about

cure people from

tory. As a skeptic, Iszi

found a few people

m the past that will peak

ur interest. Expect woo,

lence, sex and death.

d a competition . We

ailed Iszi some quick

estions to nd out whats

store:

dford Clanger: What does a dead celebrity have to do

make the Z List Dead List? Do they have to satisfy a

ticular criteria?

i Lawrence: Basically they rstly have to be dead - bit of a

gh one if you yourself are planning to get on the list. Also

y have to be obscure... so the majority of people havent

ard of them. For example, weve all heard of Sigmund

ud but few of us have heard of his pal (and later enemy)

lhelm Fliess ... and you really should have. He thought all

ual energy came from one particular body part... the nose.

hich leads nicely to... they thirdly and most importantly

ve to be interesting.

: What can Bedford Skeptics expect when they come to

your show?

Bedford Skeptics can be prepared to have their minds

panded to the amazing quackery of the past. Never mind

dern day snake oil salesmen, homeopaths and ghost

nters... what about the woman who convinced Europe that

could give birth to Rabbits?

: The Z List Dead List has been described as Like

rrible Histories for adults. Is that accurate?Yes. Z List Dead List is indeed a lot of fun, and has very

ult content with a fair amount of sex and swearing to boot.

: Whos your favourite dead Z lister?

My favourite so far is probably a woman called Julie

Aubigny a deadly word ghting bisexual nun who stole

Princes girlfriend and was a star of the Paris Opera. She

s also the same height as me (6ft). To nd out about her, I

gest listening to the podcast. She has an entire episode to

self here: http://www.zlistdeadlist.co m/post/2015 /10/28/

garde-attack-of-the-killer-nun

eptics in the Pub, North End Social Club,

Roff Avenue, Bedford MK41 7TW

dford.skepticsinthepub.org @SITPBedford

EE DEAD PEOPLE... OK, I DONT REALLY.

KEPTICS AT THE PUB:LIST DEAD LISTHURSDAY, MARCH7 2016 AT 7:30PM

Beautiful,

non-intrusiveweddingphotography

catlaneweddings.com

0770 684 8554

t - - - - . :

ESQUIRES: UNDERNEW MANAGEMENTExciting times in Bedford as the towns

premier live music venue, Esquires is

under new ownership. Gareth Barber

(who also runs the Pad Nightclub and

Lost & Found on Lime Street) has a

long history with Esquires and we cant

wait to nd out what the future holds forthe venue. Heres our Q&A with Gareth

to get the lowdown on his plans

Bedford Clanger:Thanks for

buying Esquires. It feels like youve done a great service to the

community! Why do you think its so important to Bedford to

have a credible live music venue?

Gareth Barber:Im just glad the place has accepted me!

Esquires has always had a history of being a venue that attracts

bands on the touring circuit. You look at other big towns around

us, and we always seem to get the cream of the crop when it

comes to upcoming artists. Its down to the customers whether the

venue can sustain being a credible one - Support new bands that

come through town and well keep putting them on. The aim is to

always try and be credible, its important to me, but you always

have to do the odd banker type events to prop up some of the

risky fresh stuff!

BC: How long have you been putting bands on at Esquires?

GB: Ive been promoting at Esquires since 2007, so around 9

years altogether. Before that I ran mainly DJ based events at both

The Pad and The Angel.

BC: What was the rst band you put on there?

GB: The rst band I ever put on here were called The Whip

(Great band, check em out!), with my good friend Chris Smith

under the moniker of Hungry Bears Promotions. At the time

nobody was really putting on the bands we liked, or the ones we

were playing out at The Pad when we Djd. At the time it was part

of that whole Nu-Rave explosion, we managed a good run, with

bands like Metronomy, Crystal Castles, Les Savy Fav all coming

through, among others.

BC: How do you ensure you get a good cross section of

bands/events?

GB: I guess alot of the time its down to loving music as a whole,

and keeping your nger on the pulse. Myself and Kev, who Ive

run The Pad Presents with for a long time, both have a wide

range of tastes. The slight age difference helps, he picks up on

stuff I would never think of, and vice versa. At home Ill listen to

alot of lefteld stuff, along with new bands and old Hip Hop, so

I dont just have a singular taste, which hopefully comes across

when we book artists. We have some great stuff coming up thatisnt straight down the line guitar stuff, like Hackney Colliery

Band and The Mouse Outt.

BC: What is your long-term aim for Esquires?

GB: The only thing I want for the place is to make it better. Its

going to take some time to really put my stamp on it as I still have

The Pad and Lost & Found to look after, but Im getting there. I

have a few things in the pipeline that Im not able to announce

yet, and some more aesthetic type stuff getting put in place over

the coming months. I really feel this venue is an important part of

the towns history, its been going 25 years now, and Im hoping

to take it up a few notches going into the next decade or so. Come

down and watch a show, and keep an eye on the gig pages at

either thepadpresents.com or the Esquires Facebook page. You

might just come and see your favourite new band.

New Training Opportunitieswith Bedford Training and Assessment Centre (BTAC)

See our website www.bedford.gov.uk/careersinchildcare

for our drop-in dates or give us a ring on 01234 228847

Working in Bedford Borough with Children and Young People

FREELearn more about

Childcare

Working with childrenor in social care?Ready for a Level 2!

Try a Level 1!Intro to

Working with Children

Not sure?Come and

have a chat!

ACT

ONET H E A T R E S C H O O L

g

gggg

g ggg 11

All levels ofexperienceand abilitycatered for.

ACT ONETHEATRE SCHOOLEaster Holiday Course 4th to 8th April

Minimum age 7 years. 10am to 4pm each day.

A show for family and friends at 3pm on Friday.

The Course Leader for the week will be

Richard Mann, a professional actor and director.

Cost 150 for the week with a 30 discount for siblings.

at The Place Theatre in Bradgate Road.

Please contact Sally Hammelev 07988 762170

[email protected]


8/12


8

SHARNBROOK MILL

THEATRE PRESENTS:ROMEO AND JULIETMonday 14th to Saturday 19th March at 7.30 pm

Tickets: 9

To help commemorate the 400th anniversary of William

Shakespeares death, a rather special production of the classi

Romeo and Juliet is coming to the award-winning Sharnbroo

Mill Theatre. Set in Verona-on-Sea, this tragic tale of star-

crossed lovers will transport you straight back to the 1960s

where its the Mods versus the Rockers. Taking inspiration fr

real events in the South of England in 1964, Shakespeares

classic words will transport you to the sights and sounds of

that iconic time. Youll be able to hear the music from the era

see authentic costumes, a real Lambretta and a 1964 Norton

motorbike on stage, as well as movement that depicts a time

of violence and changing attitudes. Think Quadrophenia

meets West Side Story. You wont want to miss thi s moving

memorable and modern theatrical experience.Tickets available on line from:

www.sharnbrookmilltheatre.co.uk or phone 01234 718044

DO YOU BITE YOUR THUMB AT US,

Now serving Sunday Roast every Sunday 12-3pm

2 courses, Adults 15 Children 7.50Vegetarian option available

Book us for your ofce party, birthday,engagement, baby shower, wedding anniversary,

christening, or posh afternoon tea!

Open 9am-4pm every dayfor Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch and Tea

and at other times for your private function.

B E D F O R D P A R K

pavilion

t01234 351104

e [email protected]

w www.attheparkbedford.co.uk

PavilionatthePark

@BedfordPavilion

The Pavilion, Bedford Park Bedford MK41 7SS

Book

you

rparty

today

the puddin clubPuddings Cakes Breakfast Cheeseboard

Great Coffee Prosecco Wine Beer

Cider Ice Cream Milkshakes

Dont let the weekend nish too early -

now open Sundays until 6pm!Serving Coffee, Cocktails, Cake and more!Last orders for puddings and alcohol is 5pm

You can either have private hire in the evening(not Fridays) or for smaller gatherings we canreserve you a table. If you need it to be in alunchtime then pre-order?

07773 943586

www.thepuddinclub.co.uk

120a Castle Road, Bedford, MK40 3RG

get your just desserts

THE

CLANGER

THETHEATR

E

QUARRY AT ST LUKES

THE PLACE THEATRE

THERES A LOT OF GREAT THEATRE TOLOOK FORWARD TO THIS MONTH. CHECKOUT PAULA WALKERS PICK OF THE CROPAND DONT FORGET TO CHECK OUT EACHTHEATRES WEBSITE FOR DETAILS OF ALLTHEIR OTHER SHOWS.

CK PRODUCTIONSPRESENT: THE NOISE

NEXT DOOR: NOISEIN THE HOODFriday 4 March at 7.30pm

The unstoppable comedy juggernaut that is The Noise Next Door is

turning up the volume for their third national tour! Get ready for a n

of mind-blowing songs, jaw-dropping characters and sidesplitting p

lines from the undisputed masters of off-the-cuff comedy. After a hu

year, with their eighth consecutive sell-out run at the Edinburgh Frin

Festival and appearances on BBC One, ITV2, BBC Three and BBC

Radio One, this show is set to be their biggest and best yet. They ha

been performing their own distinctive brand of off-the-cuff comedy

they met at university, so thats 8 years + 8000 miles travelled toget

= amazing comic chemistry! With absolutely no script, they have an

uncanny knack of transforming audience suggestions into fantastica

funny scenes and songs in the blink of an eye, with a perfect blend o

ludicrous characters, witty one-liners, epic stories, and explosive ph

cality, underpinned by their infectious, feel-good brand of humour.

Tickets available from www.quarrytheatre.org.uk or 01234 362

TOURETTESHEROPRESENTS: BACKSTAGEIN BISCUITLANDTuesday 22 March at 7.30pm, Tickets: 12 (concessions 10)

Age guidance: 14+

Jess Thom has Tourettes, a condition that makes her say biscuit 16

times a day. Her unusual neurology gives her a unique perspective o

life; one shes about to unleash on the world. This two-woman show

weaves comedy, puppetry, singing and incredible tics to explore spo

neity, creativity, disability and things you never knew would make y

laugh. Geranium-bashing may or may not feature no two shows c

ever be the same. Jess is neurologically incapable of staying on scri

and thats when the fun begins.

Tickets available from www.quarrytheatre.org.uk or 01234 362

THE BEDFORD PLAYERSTRUST PRESENTS:A FILM SCREENING:THE SECRET OF KELLSSunday 20 March at 3pm, Tickets: 6.50 (concessions (5)

Age guidance: 7+

A young Irish boy, in a remote medieval outpost under siege from

barbarian raids, is beckoned to adventure when a celebrated master

illuminator arrives with an ancient book, brimming with secret

wisdom and powers. In contrast to big-budget Hollywood CGI

features, The Secret of Kells is a welcome reminder of how warm,

personal and compelling traditional-drawn animation can be. The lm

lasts 75 minutes and is certicate PG, containing some scary scenes.

Tickets available at www.theplacebedford.org.uk

or 01234 354321

LIFEBOX THEATRE ANDNO LOSS PRODUCTIONSPRESENT: STAGEWRITE 2016Wednesday 9 to Saturday 12 March 7.30pm

Tickets: 7 (6 concessions) 20 Festival Pass

Age guidance: 15+

Bedfords most

popular new writing

event has seen writers

from Bedford and

further aeld compete

to see their play

performed at the

festival. From over

50 plays submittedthis year, StageWrite

will produce four evenings of new writing, including comedy and

drama on a range of themes. Plays are rehearsed and performed

by professional actors, script-in-hand. Audiences quickly forget

that they are not seeing a fully staged production and have the

opportunity to inuence the development of the work though an

informal discussion following each performance. Playwrights who

have had work presented at previous festivals have gone on to win

off-West End awards and local playwright, Chris Loft, was recently

shortlisted for the British Theatre Challenge for a piece he presented

with StageWrite in 2014.

For full details of this years programme,

visit www.stagewrite.org.uk. Tickets available at

www.theplacebedford.org.uk or 01234 354321

ADERLEY DOGSDAILY WALKS

Are you looking for a reliabledog walker in the Bedford area.

We offer group walk slots daily from 10.

Great for socialising & exercise.

01234 305 956www.aderleydogs.co.uk

THE PASSION PLAY

RETURNS TO BEDFORDEaster Saturday 26 March 2016It has been three decades since a full-scale, open-air produc-

tion of The Passion Play has been performed on the streets of

Bedford Town Centre, however this year, that is set to change.

On Saturday 26th March, the Play will start at 10.30am in

Church Square then proceed through the town centre to nish

in the Castle Quarter at approx 12.30. This amazing live theatre

performance, directed by Cally Lawrence, recreates The Passion

Play or Easter pageant. A new script has been written which will

retell the story of Jesus trials, crucixion and resurrection in a

fresh and direct way. Dont miss the opportunity to watch this

unique Easter story unfold!

Find out more at bedfordpassionplay.com

Facebook : Bedford Passion Play

Twitter: @bedspassionplay


9/12


9

FREE e-books,e-audio,e-magazines,& e-music...

Grab a cuppa, put your feet up, join the librarySearch Bedford Virtual Library to join & start downloading

ZZ HANDS ARE GO!

Friday 18th March, doors at 8pm Bedford Esquires

A night of amazing music awaits as three brilliant bands take

to the Esquires Main Stage on 18th March. Headlining are

the Dub Pistols who have collaborated with everyone from

Terry Hall to Ashley Slater of Freak Power. The Dubs have

played in Bedford many times and always bring the partyvibe with them. Support comes from the brilliant Kuenta I

Tambu who played at Esquires back in November 2105, and

nearly blew the roof off the venue with their traditional Afro

Caribbean music from Curacao and European dance. Also on

the bill are the excellent Easydread, an 8 piece Conscious-

Rock-Reggae band from Luton. Easydreads inuences

are from punk to rap, soul to ska, as they seamlessly blend

powerful political imagery with sweet harmonies and heavy

grooves.Easydread will get you thinking as well as skanking.

Tickets 13 in advance from:seetickets.com/event/

dub-pistols-guests/bedford-esquires/928065 and also from

Esquires Bar, Boutique Planet and Marios Hair Design,

Kempston. Doors: 8pm 14+, under 16s to be accompanied

by an adult.

Great news, jazz fans! The Bedford Jazz Festival

2016 is coming to town on the 19th and 20th March.

Over the weekender and in four different venues

more than 20 acts will take to the stage.

The Main Stage will be at The Quarry Theatre,

with four acts between midday and 4.45pm on

Saturday and Sunday. As well as being able to buy

tickets for each individual event, there are also

Main Stage Passes available for each day. These

allow you to go to all four events on the Main

Stage on that given day with one ticket; at 29 for

adults and 21 for students.

Saturdays headliner is New York-based

trumpeter and Blue Note artist Ambrose

Akinmusire and his quartet featuring Sam Harris,

Harish Raghavan and Rodney Green. To close the

festival on the Sunday, husband-and-wife duo, of

British jazz diva Jacqui Dankworth and American

vocalist/pianist Charlie Wood with their band will

be performing their Just You, Just Me project

in the main auditorium at The Corn Exchange.

This project celebrates some of the great musical

partnerships of the 20th century, including Ray

Charles & Betty Carter, Ella Fitzgerald & Louis

Armstrong and George & Ira Gershwin.

There are also a couple of fringe events, includ-

ing the lm High Society, in partnership with

Bedford Film Festival (see page 11), and a Jazz at

the Park event at the Pavilion in Bedford Park.

For more information regarding which acts are

performing, ticket prices and more, please go to

www.conscia.org.

turday 5th March, doors at 8pm

rrah! CC SMUGGLERS are returning to Bedford

quires on Saturday 5th March as part of their upcom-

g UK tour and we cannot wait! If you havent seen

local lads live before, then make sure you catch

m this month. They never fail to get the crowd

ing, and often mingle with the crowd to perform their

ally acoustic encore.

The last 18 months has been an incredible one for

Shefford lads, seeing them play nearly every major

K festival, from Glastonbury in June, to Bestival in

ptember then back recording new material, and count-

s sell out tours of the UK and Europe.

Very special guests are The Dreaming Spires, the

Oxford-based band formed from the ashes of the much

loved band GOLDRUSH. Opening the evening is

Charlotte Carpenter. Charlotte has previously self-

released four EPs and recently toured with Marika

Hackman and has also played alongside George Ezra

and Ethan Johns. Charlotte has also seen early support

from Lauren Laverne on BBC Radio 6Music and Huw

Stephens on BBC Radio 1, one to watch in 2016.

Tickets are 8 in advance from:

seetickets.com and also from Esquires Bar, Boutique

Planet and Marios Hair Design, Kempston.

Doors: 8pm

DUB PISTOLS +KUENAI TAMBU +EASYDREAD

THE

CLANGER

MUSIC...OHY

EAH!

CONSCIA JAZZ PRESENTS: THEBEDFORD JAZZ FESTIVAL 2016

CC SMUGGLERS +THE DREAMING SPIRES

+CHARLOTTE AT BEDFORD ESQUIRES

Jacqui

Dankworth

T.REXTASY RIDE A WHITE SWAN TO THE STABLES MK

T.Rextasy the hugely respected T.Rex tribute band - have now been gigging

around the world for over two decades, a career that ironically out lives the original

band. The newest member of the line-up is bassit Rob Butterworth, former owner

of Esquires and Bedford local. T.Rextasy are heading to the Stables MK this month

to play homage to Bolans biggest hits, such as Ride a White Swan, Jeepster,

Telegram Sam, New York City, Debora, Teenage Dream, Hot Love,

Telegram Sam, Metal Guru, The Groover, 20th Century Boy, Truck On Tyke

Children of the Revolution, Get it On, and of course I Love to Boogie. If you

want to know exactly what a Marc Bolan rocknroll concert felt like in the 1970s, this gig is for you!

T.Rextasy at the Stables MK on Saturday 26 March at 8pm and tickets cost 22.50

Tel 01980 280800 stables.org facebook.com/t.rextasy


10/12


10 THE DOT HITS THE SP

A DIFFERENTBREW106 Clapham Road, Bedford MK41 7PJ 01234 352899

A Different Brew is a marvellous caf with a unique difference.

Inside the dcor is pleasant and light, having almost changed

beyond recognition from The Anglers Rest. The portions

are ample and some of the dishes, such as the tomato soup,

couldnt be bettered in the nest of restaurants. Its a place

everyone should visit at least once, and not only for the beef

burgers or toasties or fruit teas, but to experience a service that

overwhelms you with their desire to get it right.

THE BLUEDOT BISTRO127 CASTLE ROAD, BEDFORD MK40 3RF,

ENGLAND, 01234 910606

BY STEPHEN BYWATER @AUTHORBYWATER

The Blue Dot on the Castle Road has already gained a reputation for

being one of the best restaurants in Bedford. So it was with high

expectations that Lucy and I visited the establishment one cold

Thursday night in February.

Its a small, intimate restaurant with a skinny kitchen where Micha

the young chef and proprietor, creates dishes which ll a gap on the

gastronomic map. The dcor is simple and unobtrusive: low lights, til

oor, a Welsh dresser and a Cat Stevens album cover on the wall. Ser

from the ever-smiling Sophie is attentive and efcient. We order a gla

of Merlot and a bottle of Brewdogs Dead Pony Club, a hipster craft b

with a light, oral taste. On the menu there are four starters, four mai

and four puddings, a stirring list thats both broad and focused. We op

Smoked mackerel pt and a celeriac soup. Both arrive within a dece

amount of time and both are, needless to say, delicious. The pt is co

creamy with a delicate cucumber granita on top, a subtly sweet liquor

sauce drizzled round the plate. The soup, with a cont egg yolk and a

malt and thyme crumb, is rich and has a velvety texture. For mains th

sea bream and pigs cheek, but we opt for the beef short rib with mas

potato and roasted beetroot and the red onion and cauliower tart. Th

beef is braised for ve hours and is tender and moist and comes with

beetroot meringue, the like of which I have never seen before. The ta

a work of art, a ower on a plate; orchid-like and almost too beautifu

touch. Eating it feels like an act of vandalism, but to destroy is to cre

and the pleasure of eating gives recompense for the beauty lost.

We end with the custard apple, which comes with a wedge of wh

chocolate and almond fudge and a blackberry puree. The whole thing

as pretty as a picture and the custard apple is, like the beetroot merin

an amazing creation. Michael is a chef who likes to experiment, likes

keep it fresh, but clearly knows the difference between inspirational a

outlandish. His dishes work beautifully and, with Sophie and Craig, T

Blue Dot functions ever so smoothly.

RINGING THE CHANGES

AT THE BURNABYIts all change at Black Toms Burnaby Arms as the pub has undergone a major

facelift. The surroundings may have changed (gone is the massive bar in the back

room replaced with lots more seating) but the popular quizzes, live music, toasted

sandwiches and great booze remain.

The Burnaby Arms, 66 Stanley Street, Bedford, MK41 7RU

DESIGNS ONBROMHAM MILL

THE

CLANGER

FOODANDDRI

NK

Former Clanger designer/Circus of Illustration collaborator/

musician/artist and all round renaissance woman, Marisa

Straccia has designed a wonderful new logo for the Caf at

Bromham Mill. Make sure you check out the events on at

the Mill, including Mill Race Folk at which Marisa will be

performing. See more on page 9


11/12


11

Y JANE PERRONE @JANEPERRONE

ERRONE.BLOGS.COMgardening a science, or an art? For most of us, its a mix of both, but

res a lot of old myths that we stick to, despite the fact that theyve

en disproved by science. Here are three myths we can debunk right

e, right now:

ROCKS IN POTS HELP DRAINAGE.hen youre planting up a new pot, its probably your habit to put some

rds of terracotta in the bottom to improve the drainage. Stop it.

ght now. This practice does nothing more useful than provide a place

you to put those bits of pot that shattered in the frost: and make your

even heavier.

Research by Which? Gardening found that crocks dont make a

ference to drainage, and may encourage water to pool in the bottom of

pot. Why? Because when compost is not soaking wet, water will not

w freely from compost - which is ne-grained - to the much coarser

terial of the crocks: it only does so when the compost is saturated. If

u want to nd another way of saving on compost by putting something

he bottom of the pot, you could use broken polystyrene, but I dont

e doing this because the pieces get mixed in with the compost. Instead

st put a scrap of cardboard in the bottom of a pot to stop the soil

ing out. And what do you do with your crocks? You could use them as

mulch on the top of the pot instead, to save water and suppress weeds.

make a wildlife rock pile in your garden, which makes the perfect

thole for our local specialty, the midwife toad.

ATERING IN SUNSHINE BURNS LEAVES.as a child youve ever done an experiment with a magnifying glass

nessing the sun to burn a hole in a leaf, you may assume theres some

ic to the idea that plants shouldnt be watered in full sunshine because

plets of water left on the leaves can concentrate the sunlight and burn

leaves. WRONG! For a start, if this were the case, wed be able to

burn marks on plants when a rainstorm clears away and is followed

bright sunshine. Hungarian scientist Gbor Horvth tested this out

h drops of water on acer and gingko leaves and found that they didnt

n. But its worth pointing out that there is another good reasons not to

ter in the heat of the day: namely soil evaporation is greater, meaning

all of your water will go where it is intended. But, if needs must and

ur plants are wilting, the one thing you dont have to worry about is

rch marks.

DDING SAND OR GRIT TO CLAYOIL IMPROVES DRAINAGE.ell, yes, maybe, but the amount youd have to add would be so

redibly large (at least 250kg per square metre) that youd kill

urself adding it, it would cost a fortune and it still probably wouldnt

rk. Clay particles are smaller than sand or grit particles, so they

ve a larger surface area: in other words, you need to add an awful

of sand or grit to make a difference to the clay. If you just add a

in a limited area, the sand will suck in a load of water and create

terlogging rather than solving it.

So what can you do instead? If youre desperate to add something to

the soil, organic matter such as homemade compost, composted manureor composted bark will do some good, absorbing moisture and making

the clay more workable. Digging clay soil is back-breaking and doesnt

help improve soil structure, so a no-dig approach is ideal: mulching with

chipped bark or homemade compost will allow worms to work their

magic, drawing humus into the soil without any work on your part.

JOBS FOR MARCHIf you have a few clumps of snowdrops in your garden but want to

spread them wider, now is the time to lift and divide. Snowdrops perform

much better planted in the green than as bulbs, so if you have a friend

with a garden full of them, offer to help lift and divide congested clumps

and you can take care of the excess.

FILMBy Paul Hutchinson, Co-founder and

Director of Bedford Film Festival

Just a short phone call can lead to some exciting partnerships as

we discovered when we screened Disneys The Jungle Book and

wanted to add some live music.

After a call out on Facebook for someone who likes a bit of Jazzwe were put in touch with Tom Syson of Conscia Jazz. Tom came

along and during the lm played a trumpet solo along to King Louies

I wanna be like you. It went down a treat and a great friendship

between Conscia Jazz and Bedford Film Festival was born.

Back then it was clear that wed work together again and when

Tom told us about his forthcoming Bedford Jazz Festival, we knew

the timing was right to do something.

We looked through a long list of lms featuring Jazz music,

documentaries about Jazz musicians and lms that had a great Jazz

score and settled on High Society (1956).

High Society is a classic of the silver screen and a Jazz lm

through and through. With a score by Cole Porter, musical elements

also see Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra doing what they do best

with solo numbers. Duets also get the foot tapping too with Sinatra

and Crosbys Well Did You Ever, Crosby and Louis Armstrongs

Jazz/Swing number and even Grace Kelly plays a part when she

joins Crosby on True Love.

The lm follows Tracy Lord (Grace Kelly) a spoiled heiress who

is about to marry George Kittredge (John Lund). Her ex-husband

C.K. Dex Dexter-Haven (Bing Crosby), to whom she wasmarried for a relatively short time, is a musician who lives next

door. Things get even more complicated when Spy magazine

assigns one of its reporters, Mike Connors (Frank Sinatra), to cover

the wedding. Soon, he too nds himself falling in love with Tracy.

With three men now wanting her, Tracy nds herself having to

decide what she really wants in life.

Whether youre long-standing fan of Jazz or would like an

introduction to Jazz in lm, High Society is a must for all music

and lm fans.

High Society Quarry Theatre at St Lukes,

St Peters Street, Bedford on 20th March at 5.30pm

Tickets on sale at quarrytheatre.org.uk/shows/high-society

ME TO GET OUT IN THE GARDEN.

Ethi cally Sour ced Coff ee, Organ ic T ea, Home made Cake s & Snack s, S aNdwi ches & Pa nini

www .fa ceb ook .c om/ ki osk att hep ark

@kioskatthepark

www .yo utu be. com /ki osk att hep ark

pin ter est .c om/ att hep ark

Tel: O123 4 27 1877www. kios k.att hepa rkbe dfor d.co .uk

run our fam ily fri endl y 3 .5k m f un r unin costume and turn russell parkinto a scene from wheres wally !!

www. rog ansb ook s.co .uk

Kids 3 Adults 12 Family tickets 24www. kios k. atthe parkbedford.c o. uk

Where s Wally

Fun runrusse ll Park 1o :3Osunda y 2Ot h march 2O1 6

THE

CLANGER

FILM&GARDE

NING

GARDENING:SCIENCE, OR ART?

Snowdrops


12/12


12

CHALLENGE CHRIS

Each month we challenge photographer Chris Demott to capture a unique image of Bedford.

Chris explains the background to this months picture:

It was suggested on the We Are Bedford Facebook page that I take a photo of the performers of

Bedford Fire and Flow Arts. It turned out to be one of the hardest things I have had to photograph!

They practice with re at night so its dark and there is a lot of movement which makes keeping the

performer in focus really tough, especially as you have to have a slow shutter speed to record theinteresting shapes of the re. I went down to two of their meetings and nally got something I was

happy with, the trick is to use ash to freeze the action of the performer.

Bedford Fire and Flow are a local group and are available for both performances and

tuition, you can contact Zeb Ediah for information, you can nd the group on Facebook and

website is www.kundaliniretribe.co.uk

Would you like to Challenge Chris? Send your suggestion to:

[email protected] or comment on the

Bedford Clanger Facebook page. chrisdemottphotography.com

BY NEIL FRANKEL,DIRECTOR OF TENNIS AT

RIVERSIDE TENNIS CLUBHey Clanger fans you may remember way back in early2015 we launched our Riverside Tennis Foundation. The

Foundation massively changed the way that people accessed

tennis in the town. We saw over 2,500 children in 2015 and

delivered over 50 hours of free coaching in the town. Were

gearing up for 2016 and have made some tweaks to the plan

for this year, selecting 10 local schools to receive ve hours

of taster sessions with our team. Well be getting in touch with

our selected schools soon but please contact us if youd like

to nd out more about how you can get involved through our

Tennis Foundation. Alongside our work with schools, well be

running a block of coaching sessions for Adults in the summer

so keep your eyes peeled for more info on this.

On top of our work with the Foundation which aims to get

more children accessing the game our Talent ID roadshow

will also be visiting more schools in the town and will be

selecting young players for our Golden Envelope Sessions

based on Athleticism, Co-ordination, Enthusiasm, Reactions

and Speed of Learning. There has been an important shift

in recent years away the notion of pure talent and our

philosophy at Riverside is to maintain an environment where

we reward effort and challenge our players to learn quickly.

If there is a science in producing a champion, we are

also conscious of the value of sport can have in everyday

life and that some of us are just want to have fun taking

part. To reduce the effect of the biggest/oldest kids always

having the advantage throughout the early years of sporting

competition, the governing body for t ennis recently

introduced a 2 tier system which allows players to compete

against others within a 6 month age gap. This is going some

way to address the difculties that some children face in

getting off to a positive start in competitive sport and weve

also added a series of StartUP tournaments to our regular

events at Riverside which encourage rst timers to play

without the worry of coming up against a superstar in their

formative competitions.

Were determined that our Tennis Foundation activities

alongside our Golden Envelope sessions will allow the game

to ourish in our town for many years to come. Who knows,

the next Andy Murray or Joanna Konta could well be out ther

waiting to be introduced to the game !

Riverside Tennis Club,

Goldington Rd, Bedford, MK40 3EA

Tel: 01234 352726

riversidetennisbedford.co.uk @riverside

SCIENCE VS DEDICATION

THE LAST WORDBY REVEREND SHARON GRENHAM-THOMPSON,PRISON CHAPLAIN, HMP BEDFORD

When I was a youngster

at school, my headmistress

was keen on John Bunyan,

and would read chunks of the

Pilgrims Progress to us gels

in assembly. Our school song

was the famous hymn To be

a Pilgrim which also drew on

Revd Bunyans writing. How

ironic that all these years later

I should nd myself not only in

Bedford, but also the chaplain

of Bedford Prison (although

not the original jail where JB was incarcerated in the 1660s).

Probably a sign that God has a sense of humour!

Well, pilgrims make their journeys, and now, so do I. After 14

years living in the Bedford area, and 12 years since I rst served

Queen and country in prison, (nearly 5 of those at HMP Bedford)

its time to move on. Im being released to Milton Keynes, and

will be a proper vicar with a church, and maybe even cucumber

sandwiches! But like the men who walk out of those enormous

prison gates, Ill never forget my time inside.

Ill never forget because during these years Ive seen the be

and worst of human beings. Ive seen courage and cowardice

despair and determination, and I hope Ive brought a touch of

hope and humanity. Ive written a book about my time inside

out in July 2016, called Jail Bird. I hope youll give it a whi

because in that book I tell a few stories, but also demonstrate

sometimes lives can be turned around.

Despite his early, self-confessed days as a bit of a scallyw

and despite his run-ins with ecclesiastical authority, John Bun

went on to be an inspirational preacher, a passionate writer an

bold advocate for redemption. Centuries later, another Bedfo

Archbishop Trevor Huddleston, stood for similar values of

freedom, restoration and peace in South Africa. Today, my ow

faith tells me that the worst we do does not have to dene us,

there is a better road ahead, if we can only choose t o take it: t

the Easter message, overowing with the offer of new life.

I hope, as I set off down my own new pathway, that I leave

behind enough signposts to a better life for others just emergi

from behind those forbidding prison walls. And I pray that yo

my friends and readers, will be able to help them on the way.

Visit the website atwww.thehigginsbedford.org.uk or call us on01234 718618

The Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane, Bedford MK40 3XD

BAWDENBYTHESEA13thFebruary201629

thJanuary2017

THECLANGERANDFINALLY...

SEEDS IN SPACE!Pupils at Bedford Girls School are

preparing to become space biologists by

growing seeds that have been into space

with British astronaut Tim Peake.

In September, 2kg of rocket seedswere own to the International Space

Station (ISS) on Soyuz 44S where they are

spending several months in microgravity.

The seeds have been sent as part of Rocket

Science, an educational project launched by

the RHS Campaign for School Gardening and the UK Space Agency.

Bedford Girls School will be one of up to 10,000 schools to receive a packet of 100

seeds from space, which they will grow alongside seeds that havent been to space and

measure the differences over seven weeks. The nationwide science experiment will

enable the girls to think more about how we could preserve human life on another planet

in the future, what astronauts need in order to survive long-term missions in space and the

difculties in growing fresh food in challenging climates.

Follow the project on Twitter via @RHSSchools and #RocketScience.

Documents

The Bedford Clanger March 2016