THE BEDFORD

CLANGER

APRIL 2016

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THE BEDFORD CLANGER 

LETTER FROM
THE EDITOR

Were in a celebratory
mood this month as we
highlight the many and varied
anniversaries that are taking
place throughout 2016. From
the 850th anniversary of
Bedfords Royal Charter to
the Circus of Illustrations 5th
birthday via Charles Wells
140th and our very own five
year milestone, theres lots to
raise a glass to. Cheers!
We welcome two new columnists to our ranks this month,
with the addition of Reverend Sonya Wratten (who has
seamlessly taken over the Last Word duties from Reverend
Sharon Grenham-Thompson) and Lucy Bywater who debuts her
ethical living column. Lucys also written about launching a car
club below, so get in touch if youd like to be part of it.
Dont forget that we share lots more info on our website
thebedfordclanger.com and you can check out our comprehensive
whats on guide there too.
Happy April, happy anniversaries and see you next month.
Erica, Julia & Team Clanger

TH E
C L A NG E R

NEWS IN BRIE

SIGN UP
AND TAKE
PART IN THE
HARPUR RUN
& FUN DAY
The Harpur Trust is encouraging local people to get active this Spring with
the launch of its 450th anniversary 5k fun run on Sunday 22nd May at
Priory Country Park.
The run will be officially started by Olympic Gold Medallist Tim
Foster MBE and is part of an all-day sports day with an array of free
activities and tasters.
As well as a 5k fun run around the lake and surrounding countryside
there will be a 1k kids run plus climbing, orienteering, mini golf and an
inflatable assault course. Priory Sailing Club will be offering a variety
of water sports as part of their annual open weekend and students from
the University of Bedfordshire will be on hand to measure your fitness

APRIL 2016
F

Gold medalist Tim Foster (2nd from left) will be flying the flag for Bedford
levels. Local bike shop Flamme Rouge are offering free safety checks
to anyone who cycles to the event and stage demonstrations will include
line dancing, street dance and cultural dance as well as performances
from the Queens Park Fusion Choir.
There are just 300 places available, so if youre interested, make
sure you sign up asap via the online registration system which can be
found on the Run and Fun pages of the Harpur Trusts website at www.
harpurtrust.org.uk/450.
The Trust is also recruiting volunteers to help out on the day so if
you are aged over 18 and would like to be involved, please contact
Sarah on 01234 369519.

THIS CLANGER WAS

BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
Editor: Erica Roffe @bedfordclanger
thebedfordclanger@gmail.com
Graphics: Adam Boreham

reactionvisual.media / adam@reactionvm.co.uk

CASTLE CAR CLUB: COMING

SOONWITH YOUR SUPPORT!
BY LUCY BYWATER

I love living in Castle Road but I know parking is a common frustration for
many local people. These little streets were obviously never designed with
cars in mind. Inspired by the example of Norwich, I came to the conclusion
that community car clubs go a long way to helping to providing answers to
quite a few problems. Perhaps you would get rid of your own car (or second
car) if you could access a local car cheaply just when you needed one?
A car club is perfect for you if you: Own a car that is used just a few
times a week and you do a low mileage. Dont own a car, but would like
to be able to use one from time to time. Are a business that does not want
to run an expensive pool car. See it as one way to get from A to B but
prefer to walk, cycle, get the bus when possible!
There are well over 50 car clubs nationally, all based on the
premise that many households or businesses own a private vehicle that
they dont use every day but which is costing them money anyway
and which is also clogging up parking in urban streets.

One-off car club membership (about 25) offers the use of a clean, modern, low
emission vehicle in a dedicated parking bay nearby, which can be booked online
or by phone (weeks ahead or just with a few minutes notice) for exactly when
needed. The car is clean and ready to go and is accessed by swiping the smart
card provided. You set off and drive for as long as youve booked it for (anything
from an hour to a weekend or more) for an hourly rate from as little as about
3.50. When youve finished, you return your car to the same location. (The
bay is saved for the club cars). Payment is taken from your account. You get a
monthly breakdown by email or text message. No forms, no fuss, no other bills.
A committee is currently working to make a community car club a reality
in Castle and are in dialogue with social enterprise co-wheels.org.uk and
with the Borough Council who are supportive of the idea. In the meantime
the more people signing up, the sooner we can make this a reality. Its kind
of a numbers game to get the club up and running, so do join us!
If youre interested and would like to be kept informed, email
castlecarclub@gmail.com or see our Castle Car Club Facebook page. And
for more general information see carplus.org.uk or co-wheels.org.uk

Advertising: Julia Crofts @ClangerAds

bedfordclangerads@gmail.com

Hometown Tourist research: 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 bedfordfilmfestival.org
Gardening guru: Jane Perrone

@janeperrone perrone.blogs.com
Columnists: Neil Frankel @riversidebeds
riversidetennisbedford.co.uk,

Kris Wilkinson-Hughes @euphonioushoney

The Last Word: Reverend Sonya Wratten
Challenge Chris: Chris Demott
chrisdemottphotography.com

Shop & Studio

panoui jewellery
Carefully curated gifts
for you and your home
Tuesday - Saturday
9:30am - 5:30pm
www.epanoui.co.uk

GET YOUR TRAINERS OUT AND SIGN UP!

THE BEDFORD CLANGER 

APRIL 2016

TH E
C L A NG E R

UNIQUE BE

DFORD

HOMETOWN TOURIST:
THE EMBANKMENT GUNS
By David Fowler, Bedford Tour Guides bedfordtourguides.org

BROMHAM MILL & CAF

BRIDGE END, BROMHAM, BEDFORD MK43 8LP TEL: (01234) 824330
Described by one visitor as an oasis of culture, it is so exciting to see Bromham Mill finally reaching its potential as a community venue.
Best known as the home of annual celebrations such as Bromham Apple Day and the Mad Hatters Tea Party, Bromham Mill is now open
from 10am 4pm every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Since taking the helm in 2014, Rachel Atkinson has been committed to serving fresh, home-cooked food and developing a cultural
programme that entertains and stimulates the mind. Not easily done! The whole place is so unique from the setting to the menu to the
cultural offering. The mill is buzzing with energy now, said Rachel. I love it!
Regular readers will know that Mill Race Folk host acoustic nights in Bromham and they have attracted world-class artists to perform.
Last months guests, Laura Smyth and Ted Kemp described the Mill as the most beautiful venue theyve ever seen! There are also regular
philosophy lectures with Jeff Spirak and every Saturday and Sunday morning the Mill hosts free thai chi classes between 9 and 10am.
Come summer, the classes will take place outside. Were definitely going along! The last Saturday of every month sees Lift Off A Go Go
take up residence, with DJ Tom Crawford on the decks while Rachel serves bistro food from the caf.
In May, Simon Munnery will bring his acclaimed Fylm School show to the Mill. Hell be performing alongside John Hegley and well
have more info (and hopefully an interview) in next months issue.
Its not just the performing arts that have a home at Bromham Mill. Bedford Artists Network exhibit regularly and the aim is to
encourage other artists to share and sell their work there too.
Of course, its not all philosophy and acoustic folk music; there is also a brilliant playground, the Mill and meadows to explore plus
amazing handmade cake that will tick the boxes of anyone under (or over) 10.
Weve built up an identity for the Mill, said Rachel. The venue lends itself to artisanal cooking and as a space for performance and
visual arts. The cultural programme is organically growing and weve got so many plans for the future. Watch this space...

As you walk past this nondescript slab of stone, between the Butterfly Bridge and the White
Bridge, you little realise that for nearly one hundred years it carried a piece of history, the
Russian Crimea Gun.
Captured from the Russians during the Crimean War (1853-56), the Gun arrived at
Bedford in 1858 as a gift from the British Government. The Borough Council wanted to
put it on St. Peters Green, but the rector and parishioners objected so the gun was placed in
Harpur Street in front of the Blore Tower. In 1878 it was transferred to the Embankment on
the corner of Newnham Road, finally in the late 1890s it was taken to its last site along The
Embankment opposite Russell Park.
Just across the road at the entrance to Russell Park stood the Gaza gun, a 4.7inch naval
piece on field mountings, originally made by Armstrong Whitworth of Newcastle. It was
captured by the 1/5th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment from the Turks at the taking of Gaza
in 1917 and installed at Bedford in 1918.
Both guns were both removed in 1941 (together with railings from all around the Town)
as part of the WW2 effort to melt scrap down for steel, most of which was never used.

MONDAY NIGHT IS QUIZ NIGHT AT

Alternating between Steves Brain Taxer or

The all new, exciting Smartphone quiz!

Only 2 per person. Starts 8pm.

Will you win the cash or the wooden spoon?!
GRAB
SOME FRIENDS
AND GET
A TEAM
TOGETHER!

TO FIND OUT MORE

Check out Facebook for full details

Facebook.com/theburnabyarmsbedford

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

Real ales pies & toasties bar games music courtyard garden

SAFE
FRIDAY 15 APRIL
7.30pm
Ticket price
14
(12 concessions)

Age suitability
8yrs +
Running time
70 mins

ZoieLogic Dance Theatres production

SAFE is dance theatre at its most
thrilling. Set against the imagined
backdrop of New Yorks world famous,
iconic, Empire State Building, five
outstanding male performers inhabit
the world of the heroic construction
workers of the 1930s; the men
whose skills, dedication and sheer
bravery helped make this incredible
building a ground-breaking first.

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

GO HUNTING FOR THE GUN SLAB AND SEE IT FOR YOURSELF.

Box office
01234 362337
quarrytheatre.org.uk

THE BEDFORD CLANGER 

INTERVIEW: MARK STEEL

WHO DO I THINK I AM?

TH
CL A N E
GE R
INTER
VIEW
& NEW
S

APRIL 2016

&CO. REBRAND EVENT

This month, Mark Steel will play
to a sell-out crowd at the Stables
MK as he tours his autobiographical
show, Who Do I Think I Am?
Mark never knew his birth mother,
but after his own son was born, he
says, I realised its quite an event
to have a child, and she may well
remember giving birth to me, and
maybe even the adoption. So over
a 12 year period I tracked her down.
She didnt want to meet me, she told
the researcher who contacted her,
but she did say who my father was.
He was the world backgammon
champion of 1976. He was a multimillionaire trader on Wall Street,
had been the closest friend to Kerry
Packer, and an associate of the
Royal family.
Thats the first part of this story.
Then it gets more interesting
We suggest that its like something
out of a Jeffery Archer novel
Its totally insane as a story. Its
like something thats happened to
someone else, says Mark. But the
pair of them (his parents) have given
me a show, so thats something I can
say theyve handed down to me. And

the show is just a comedy show its

not a deep psychoanalysis of my
life. Im very content, but nowadays
youre not allowed to be funny or
content; its perceived to be masking
troubled deep inner feelings.
The show premiered at Edinburgh
last year and the tour, which started in
January concludes in June. When I
first did the show it was an hour and
ten minutes long, says Mark. Its
organic though, always evolving. Its
now over 2 hours. You know when the
fidgeting starts and the sweet wrappers
start rustling that the shows past its
best and you need to wrap it up!
Although tickets for the Stables
show have sold out, tickets are still
available for the Kettering date. Why
not have a day trip to Northants?
Further Info: marksteelinfo.com
offthekerb.co.uk
Twitter: @mrmarksteel
@OffTheKerb
Thur 14 Milton Keynes,
Stables 01908 280800 / stables.org
Sat 16 Kettering,
Arts Centre 07759765824 /
ketteringartscentre.com

As hinted at in last months issue, the re-brand of BCA is now complete and on Saturday
12th March, &Co. was unveiled. Throughout the day, &Co collaborators took up residence
in The Lane & asked their supporters to draw their own ampersand to be part of a new online
gallery at andco.org.uk/our-ampersand. The ampersand also forms a constantly changing live
logo on the new &Co. website www.andco.org.uk
&Co. has worked in Bedford and Bedfordshire for over 30 years, under several names
and identities. While the name and visual identity has changed to better represent how the
organisation works, their work and values of engage, include, and inspire remain a constant.
Chief Executive Dawn Giles said of the day Some fabulous local artists helped us make 12th
March a great day, with illustrator David Litchfield helping with the drawing and musicians
Lydia Maddix and The Last Chance Ragtime band providing the tunes. The day had a fantastic
atmosphere, really bringing our new name to life, it was great to see everyone making their
own versions of our logo. We ended with the Lone Morris and her Dance of Many Hundred
Pens which felt like a great way to celebrate creativity and end the day!
The ampersands will change wherever they are. Allowing people, artists & communities
to be a meaningful part of &Co.s new name and logo - helping &Co. to be more visible and
more collaborative in everything they do.

WITH A SPRING IN HER STEP

By Kris Wilkinson-Hughes @euphonioushoney

Its spring. Flowers line the side of the road, blossoms are on the trees and the birdsong is
back. Its a time for rebirth, growth and fresh starts. It might be a fresh start for you a new
school, a new town, neighbourhood, a new partner, job or new addition to the family. You
might be trying out a new career or hobby or volunteering or getting more involved in your
kids school or work events. You might be planning that trip abroad or that 10k and a new
personal best. We start to come out of our winter cave. Easter break is REALLY early by
the time you read this it will be well on its way with Easter Sunday over and the holidays in
full swing. I love the Easter break. Its long enough to go somewhere and still spend time
at home reacquainting yourself with the garden, the deckchairs, the outdoor dining set, the
patio lanterns and the raised garden beds. You spring clean with a bit of gusto with your
favourite album blasting out of the open window. I have been listening to my new album in
closed quarters since December. But spring is here and My Girl The River is ready to fly.
Get yourself out there and fly. We all have wings - we just dont always choose to use them.

DID YOU GET YOUR TICKET TO SEE MARK STEEL?

THE BEDFORD CLANGER 

APRIL 2016

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO
THE BEDFORD CLANGER

To kick off the celebrations, its happy 5th

birthday to us. With the help of designer
Marisa Straccia and photographer Shaun
Armstrong we launched 1,000 copies of
an eight page newspaper in May 2011 and
quickly embarked on a very steep learning
curve. Weve made a few changes since
then, but our ethos has always remained
the same: to showcase the very best that
Bedford has to offer. Weve always
wanted to make Bedfordians proud of where they live
and we hope weve achieved that. Heres to the next five years. Cheers!

CIRCUS OF ILLUSTRATION

Also in 2011, the Circus of Illustration was born. The group is

comprised of professional Bedfordshire illustrators who operate as
part of a creative collective bringing the joy of doodling to the masses.
Over the last five years theyve run galleries, taken part in pop up
shops, run illustration workshop and brought Drink & Draw to the pubs
of Bedford. We cant wait to see what
theyre up to next!
Follow them on twitter @
wearethecircus

BEDFORD BOROUGH

Well concede that in the grand

scheme of things, a fifth birthday looks
a bit small-fry in comparison to 850
years! Way back in 1166 King Henry
II signed a historic Royal Charter granting special rights and privileges
to the people of Bedford Borough in exchange for annual taxes paid to
the King. Listed as the second oldest in the country the charter marked
the importance of Bedford and went on to shape the modern Borough
creating the flourishing and vibrant market town and surrounding
villages we see today.
A lot has changed over the past 850 years and the range of events
taking place throughout the year to mark this anniversary is already
shaping up to be just as varied. Joining already established events like
Bedfringe and the Bedford Film Festival will be medieval markets, an
1166 village at the River Festival, special exhibitions, an 850th trail at
the Higgins Bedford and much more. For all the latest info on events
and celebrations go to: bedford850.co.uk

BEDFRINGE

Happy 10th birthday to the team that

brings the very best of theatre, comedy,
performance art, dance, spoken word
and more to Bedford each July. Now
firmly established on the world fringe
circuit, Bedfringe will once again take
up residence at the Quarry Theatre at
St Lukes. We cant wait to see what
this years programme has got lined
up. Bedfringe.com

HARPUR TRUST

2016 promises to be an action

packed and exciting year for
Bedfordians with a whole host
of events being organised by
The Harpur Trust to celebrate
its 450th anniversary, honouring
the remarkable legacy left to
the people of Bedford by Sir
William Harpur.
Schools art competition, a brilliant Run and Fun Day at Priory
Country Park, a writing competition in association with the John
Bunyan Museum and the launch of the Bedford Chronicles are just a
few of the highlights of 2016. As part of its anniversary celebrations,
the Trust has set aside an additional 45,000 to distribute in small
grants of up to 1,000 throughout the year.
All of the 450th events are open to the general public and are either
heavily subsidised or free. To find out more, contact Sarah Elam,
450@harpurtrust.org.uk tel: 01234 369519 or find us on Facebook
or Twitter #herefor450.

CHARLES WELLS
BREWERY

140 years ago a former

captain in the merchant navy
bought a brewery and 32
pubs in Bedford.
That man, Charles Wells,
started a brewing tradition
that today sees Bedford home
to the largest independent
and family run brewery in the
UK, exporting beer all over the world.
Charles Wells produces many own brews including: Bombardier,
Eagle and Charlie Wells Dry Hopped Lager. On top of that the brewery
imports Estrella Damm and German Wheat beer Erdinger into the UK
and also looks after the canning of many other products on behalf of
other breweries.
As part of their 140th birthday celebrations you can join a Taste
of the Brewery food and beer matching evening, hosted by Head
Brewer Karl Ottomar, on 21st April. Tickets are 25 and available
by emailing: communications@charleswells.co.uk.

WIN

TICKE

TS

BEDFORD
PARK PROMS

This year marks the 20th

Proms in the Park and the
event is firmly established
on Bedfords social calendar.
People love to come with their
family and friends, bring their
bubbly and lay out their picnic
area. Some come dressed up
in black tie and decorate their
tables in a spectacular way,
others come and appreciate
the unique laid back familyfriendly atmosphere. The
Bedford Park Proms takes
place on 6th August 2016 and
we have a pair of tickets to
give away. Just tell us what the combined age of The Bedford Clanger,
Bedfringe and Charles Wells. Email your name, contact details and
answer to: thebedfordclanger@gmail.com with Pick Me for the Proms
in your subject line.
For more info about Bedford Park Proms visit:
bedfordparkconcerts.co.uk

MARSTON VALE
RAILWAY LINE

As part of the 170th

birthday of the Marston
Vale line, a series of events
and activities will roll-out
in conjunction with the
Marston Vale Community
Rail Partnerships and its
supporters and partners
throughout the year. The
only working stretch of the
old varsity line between Bedford and Bletchley sees the installation of
a new interactive artwork designed by artist Sally Annett. In the build
up to the lines 170th anniversary in November, Annett is installing a
series of quiet visual and digital pieces which create a realworld and
virtual contemplative trail which travels directly through the landscape
of Bunyans Pilgrims Progress. Working with support from London
Midland, Network Rail, Arts Council England, Luton and Bedford
Community Foundation, Marston Vale Community Rail Partnership and
Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity, the project will launch on 24th
March, the first day of spring of 2016 and run as a pilot for one year.
marstonvalecommunityrail.org.uk

AND FINALLY, HAPPY 4TH

BIRTHDAY TO CASTLE COMEDY

Bringing the cream of the comedy circuit to Bedford since 2012.

For more information about this months line-up and to book tickets:
castlecomedy.co.uk

WHERE COMMUNICATION IS KEY

Branding / Advertising / Direct mail / Packaging
Digital / Point-of-sale / PR / Strategy

facebook.com/reactionvm info@reactionvm.co.uk

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU... HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

THE BEDFORD CLANGER 

SKEPTICS IN THE
PUB INTERVIEW:
HOMEOPATHY IN THE UK
BY MICHAEL MARSHALL

NEW YORK
TIMES
THE SCOTSMAN
THE GUARDIAN
THE TIMES
SUNDAY TIMES

More food for thought from the Skeptics in the Pub

this month with their guest speaker, Michael Marshall
of the Good Thinking Society. Using information and
personal experiences gathered during his last 6 years
of campaigning against homeopathy, Michael will
highlight how much money is spent on homeopathic
remedies, how this gives undeserved credibility to
homeopathy and how such remedies can lead to
genuine harm. Dilution and homeopathy goes against
every principle of physics, chemistry and medicine,
explained Michael. Every well-constructed study
shows that its a placebo. The danger arises when even
harmless ailments can become life-threatening if left
unchecked. People think that because homeopathy
uses natural products, it must be safe. Medicine is
always progressing and innovating. Homeopathy
hasnt changed for 200 years. As ever, were certain
this months topic will cause some robust discussions!
Join in at the North End Social Club on Thursday 21st
April at 7.30pm.
http://bedford.skepticsinthepub.org/

A HIT SHOW ABOUT

DANCING, LOVE AND
GIVING IT A GO.

SWING
FRIDAY 15 APRIL
7.30PM

theplacebedford.org.uk/tickets 01234 354321

TP Clanger 104x104mm SWING Advert.indd 1

11/03/2016 13:10

Friday 8 April - Sunday 10 April 2016

The Quarry Theatre brings you some of the very best new comedy talent
around, with eight side-splittingly funny shows in just three days!
HEADLINERS:

Comedians Cinema Club

Foil, Arms & Hog: Skiddlywup
Live at the Quarry with Ray Peacock
Live at the Quarry with Iain Stirling

Box office
01234 362337
www.quarrytheatre.org.uk
The Quarry Theatre at St. Lukes is part of Bedford School, which is part of The Harpur Trust

Lets sort it

Recycle your paper and card

www.bedford.gov.uk/recycling

THE
CLANGER
PICK OF THE MONTH

APRIL 2016

BEDPOP
RECORD SHOP
RETURNS TO
THE LANE
On Saturday 23rd April, why
not celebrate St Georges Day
by heading to the Lane to buy
records and listen to some great
music? The BedPop Record
Shop will once again be taking
up residence on Castle Lane
with their usual mix of vinyl
vendors, great live music and
DJs. Theyve teamed up with
My Generation Beer Co again,
so therell be liquid refreshment
on tap too.
BedPop Record Shop:
9am - 6pm on Saturday 23rd
April at The Lane, Castle
Lane, Bedford

WREST PARK ST
GEORGES DAY

Witness the ultimate showdown as gallant

St George takes on his arch nemesis in
Englands most legendary battle. Watch
fearsome fellows battle it out in the Clash
of Knights, and visit the Roman gladiators
arena for displays of courage and might.
Book tickets online before 3pm on 22
April and receive a 10% discount: englishheritage.org.uk. Wrest Park, Silsoe,
Bedfordshire, MK45 4HR

IN & AROUND
BEDFORD
March saw the launch of In & Around
Bedford, a guide to the town in association
with the Bedford Tour Guides. The first
edition celebrates the special anniversaries
achieved this year, in particular the Bedford
Borough 850 year Royal Charter and 450
years of The Harpur Trust.
The guide includes town walks, events,
visitor attractions, local festivals, theatre,
music and arts, food and drink and a useful
map of the Town centre.
Copies of In & Around Bedford are
available at many outlets across town
including the tourist information office,
libraries, museums, galleries and local
businesses and is also distributed further
afield to spread the Bedford love.
You can read the guide on Facebook
(In and Around Bedford) and follow
on twitter @InandAroundBedford

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CIRCUS

OF ILLUSTRATION!

This month it will have been five years since the Circus of Illustration was born. Plucked from
obscurity by the Clangerss very own editor in chief, Erica Roffe, and partner in crime Kayte
Pippett, a group of solitary illustrators left the safety of their homes and put on a drawing
workshop for the Castle Quay Weekender. Enthusiasm was high and the people of Bedford
proved that there was an appetite for more illustration in the town.
The founding fathers of the Circus, Marissa Straccia, Andrew Foster, Katy Dynes, David
Litchfield, Alastair Bright, Scarlett Tierney and Rachel Lovatt, realized they could encourage
each others creativity, as well as provide opportunities to grow and work together, spreading
the illustrative word (or doodle!) throughout the town.
After that came a string of workshops, pop-up events, exhibitions and community projects
that started to bring more artists into the fold; Monsters of Bedford, The Drawing Room,
Queens Park Mural, and Spotlight to name a few.
The Drink & Draw is the Circus monthly meet-up and is a chance for artists and art
lovers to get together and explore their creativity, said CoI member Kristina Bullen. With a
different activity every month we aim to keep things fresh, fun and interesting to keep people
coming back for more. In the last few years weve seen the Circus profile in Bedford go up
and up. With more people getting involved than ever before, we feel privileged and humbled
that people choose to spend their time doodling with us. Were not complacent though; weve
big plans afoot! So keep an eye out and heres to the next five years!
Follow on twitter @wearethecircus and on Facebook

THE VINYL JUNKIE IN ME IS ITCHING TO SHOP!

THE BEDFORD CLANGER 

APRIL 2016

THIS MONTH AT THE

HIGGINS, BEDFORD:

SUNDAY SOUL
SESSIONS AT
THE PAD

BEDFORDS WAR MACHINES

23rd April 2nd October 2016,

Connections Gallery Entry Free
2016 marks the centenary year of both the Battle of the Somme
and the year that Simplex petrol locomotives, which were
integral to the allied effort on the Western Front began to be
made in Bedford. The devastating losses at the Somme led the
British Forces to find a new solution to improve supply lines
to the front. This new exhibition at The Higgins Bedford takes
a close-up look at the Simplex engines and explores Bedfords
home-front contribution to the Great War.
823 Simplex Motor Rail petrol locomotives were exported
to the Front from Bedford. The engines were part of a new
infrastructure for getting troops, supplies and ammunition to
the front lines. Simplex petrol engines were safer than steam
engines, which could be targeted by the enemy and were too
heavy for the mud-ridden trenches. Other engineering firms
in Bedford, including W. H. Allens, were also involved in
manufacturing war machinery and ammunition for the Front.
In 1916, W. H. Allens expanded, building a new factory at
Biddenham, employing a predominantly female workforce
and producing Le Rhone Rotary aircraft engines. The men and
women making these machines in Bedford had an essential role
in the eventual allied victory in the First World War.
The exhibition, in partnership with Leighton Buzzard
Railway, includes a rare surviving Simplex locomotive and
wagon, which will be installed in The Higgins Bedford courtyard.
thehigginsbedford.org.uk

BEAUTIFUL BODIES

23rd April 2nd October 2016,

Wixamtree Gallery Entry Free
Lucien Freud, Henry Moore,
Barbara Hepworth, Stanley
Spencer and Dora Carrington are
all included in this exhibition:
a celebration of the differing
approaches to drawing the
human figure taken by British
artists. The exhibition is drawn
exclusively from Bedfords
internationally renowned
collection.
Dora Carrington 1893
The angular works of
1932 portrait of Noel
Wyndham Lewis and the
Carrington 1912
gritty realism of Lucien Freud
and Walter Sickert are in stark contrast to Dora Carringtons
tender drawings of her brothers. It is the first time Carringtons
drawings of Noel and Teddy have been on display at The
Higgins Bedford. The works, Noel Carrington c. 1912 and
Teddy Carrington c.1915 were acquired by the art gallery in
2012 from the artists family. Carrington would often persuade
her brothers to sit for her on visits home to Bedford from the
Slade School of Art and the two drawings are remarkable
examples of her talent for figure drawing.
Including many of the 20th centurys most influential artists,
this exhibition celebrates the inspiration these artists have
drawn from the human figure. thehigginsbedford.org.uk

Get on down to the Pad on Lurke

Street on Sunday 10 April for this
months Sunday Soul Session.
Stalwarts Geoff Ware and Hammy will
be spinning the Northern Soul tunes
with the help of David Halsall and
Mick Janes. Entry is 5. 3pm 8pm.

Bedford
River
Festival
th
th
16 & 17 July 2016

CASTLE COMEDY

Castle Comedy Bedford is always a

great night out but this April 14th at
the Gordon Arms Ent Shed will be
an extra special occasion. There will
be star acts, magic, balloons, party
poppers, competitions and of course
Castle Comedy cake to celebrate their
4th birthday.
A show to celebrate four years of
bringing great comedy to Bedford
needs a special line up of comics.
Headlining is Elis James. Hailing
from Wales he has worked extensively
with Rhod Gilbert, both supporting
him on tour and regularly appearing on BBC Radio Wales with him.
He recently starred in the hit BBC3 sitcom Josh alongside Josh
Widdicombe. He has also appeared on 8 out of 10 Cats, Russell
Howards Good News, Daves One Night Stand & The Rob
Brydon Show. For fans of radio he can be heard every Saturday
morning on XFM!
Opening the show is Castle Comedy favourite, Olaf Falafel and
completing the bill will be El Baldinho who will be bringing the
magic to the show! With his mind-bogglingly daft magic and his
likeable stage persona he will make the audience laugh and gasp in
equal measure. The show will also see the triumphant return from the
Australian comedy festivals of host, Paul Revill.
Show starts at 8.15pm and tickets are 10 or 18 with pre
show meal & glass of wine. To book call 07736 060541, email
castlecomedy@hotmail.co.ukonline at www.castlecomedy.co.uk

WINE TASTING AT THE PAVILION

Bedfordshire wine (and food!) lovers - join Sarah Abbott, Master

of Wine (and friend of the Clanger) on Wednesday 27th April for
the second Pavilion Wine Night, this time with a French flavour!
Enjoy an entertaining wine tasting followed by a delicious
2-course supper with specially matched wines & champagne. All
for just 39 which includes a donation to the MS Therapy Centre
Beds & Northants. pavilion.attheparkbedford.co.uk

PUTTING GREEN NOW OPEN!

From Good Friday onwards the Putting Green in Russell Park will
be open for the season. It will be open in the evening for the use of
community groups, so get in touch if your Brownies, Cubs, book club,
walking group, five-a-side team or charity group would like to make
use of it. Fore more info: kiosk.attheparkbedford.co.uk

Beautiful,
non-intrusive
wedding
photography

Below are some of the exciting ways you can participate

in the 2016 Bedford River Festival...
Community Festival Parade
Be it a decorated float, band or on foot, help launch the 2016 festival in style as well as
collecting for local charities.
Dragon boats
You provide a team of 16 to 20 paddlers, we provide the rest, for a fun packed day on the river.
Raft Races
Build your own raft, and enter your team to race down the river, supporting local charities.
Trading Space & Promotional Activity
Choose from a wide variety of options trading directly across the festival site.
Sponsorship
Enhance your business and services with our tailor made sponsorship packages.

Trade Packs, Sponsorship, Information

& Application Forms available NOW!
Call 01234 718044 or download from www.bedfordevents.co.uk

Train a puppy,
change a life
Were looking for dog lovers in Bedford to
train gorgeous puppies in their homes.
Do you have:
A house with a secure garden?
Plenty of time to spare?
A love of dogs?
If so, get in touch to find out how
you could help change lives,
improve your dog training skills,
and meet lots of friendly,
like-minded people along the way!

T 01844 348100
E volunteer@hearingdogs.org.uk
www.hearingdogs.org.uk/volunteering
catlaneweddings.com
0770 684 8554
WINE TASTING... DONT MIND
IF I DO!
catlanewedddings-clanger_ad-50x75mm-jan15-v3.indd
17/04/2015
1

Registered charity in England and Wales

no. 293358 and in Scotland no. SC040486

14:12

THE BEDFORD CLANGER 

WHATS MINE
IS YOURS
Relaxed
Remarkable
Refreshing
Open 9am-6pm every day for Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch and Tea.
Little Free Library, Magic Wand Cookies, Picnic Packs
(and more trees to climb than you could wish for!)

#notjustforgrownups
See our website for more information.

t 01234 351104
e bedfordpavilion@gmail.com
w www.attheparkbedford.co.uk
PavilionatthePark
@BedfordPavilion
The Pavilion, Bedford Park
Bedford MK41 7SS

pavilion
b e d f o r d

p a r k

ADERLEY DOGS
DAILY WALKS

Are you looking for a reliable

dog walker in the Bedford area.
We offer group walk slots daily from 10.
Great for socialising & exercise.

01234 305 956

www.aderleydogs.co.uk

the puddin club

Puddings Cakes Breakfast Cheeseboard
Great Coffee Prosecco Wine Beer
Cider Ice Cream Milkshakes

Great British Sharing Boards,

21st April. 10 per board.
Booking essential
You can either have private hire in the evening
(not Fridays) or for smaller gatherings we can
reserve you a table. If you need it to be in a
lunchtime then pre-order?

get your just desserts

07773 943586
www.thepuddinclub.co.uk
120a Castle Road, Bedford, MK40 3RG

TH E
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C A NG E

APRIL 2016

ING
E
B
L
L
E
W

By Lucy Bywater
When Ikea announced a couple of weeks ago that we now have more
than enough stuff, I breathed a sigh of relief. Well to be precise, its
head of sustainability, Steve Howard, said that the appetite of western
consumers for furniture and many familiar goods was at its limit. (I
liked his shorthand: peak curtains).
January saw the rise of a craze for decluttering, to an almost obsessive
degree amongst devotees of Marie Kondos book, The Life-Changing
Magic of Tidying Up. I imagine Ikeas impressive array of attractive
and ingenious storage solutions also did well as a result! But I like to
think that there is finally the beginnings of a general movement towards
demanding less stuff and a recognition that it doesnt necessarily make
us happy. Everything we buy also has an implication for the environment with manufacturing contributing significantly to greenhouse gases,
climate change and later to landfill too.
Apart from the uncomfortable and obvious fact that an awful lot
of people still dont yet have the most basic stuff for life, it seems to
me that often the rest of us seem to be on an endless treadmill to buy
a lot of other products that we dont really need or rarely use and it all
has to go somewhere too! One answer to this problem may well lie in
the growing trend for sharing where we can all access stuff that we
dont really need to own but can borrow just when actually useful.
The ultimate and perhaps oldest example of the sharing economy is
the lending library. Toy libraries too make great sense. More recent
examples of this sort of sharing and co-operation include car clubs,
Londons Boris Bikes, and the sharing of everything from sporting
equipment and wedding decorations and even pet share schemes.
(Borrow My Doggy anyone?). This type of sharing economy is
driven by trust rather than pure profit, is good for community, good
for our wallets and puts less pressure on global resources. Freecycle
seems to thrive in Bedford and has led to people using all sorts of
things that might have ended up in landfill. In a similar sort of way
could a community sharing shop work in Bedford, where you could
pay a reasonable membership fee to borrow anything from a video
game to a wetsuit or an angle grinder? Would you use it? I personally
think the time is ripe.

CROSSFIT AT CORE
PERFORMANCE

On Elms Farm Industrial Estate there is an exercise revolution

rapidly gaining popularity. Crossfit classes at Core Performance
are adaptable to all abilities and the atmosphere when we turned
up to the Open 6 event was uniquely encouraging. Crossfit
originated in the US with regular classes now taking place across
the globe. Throughout the year the Open events are a chance
for athletes to compete against each other in specific workout
routines and results are ranked globally online. As we watched,
a number of athletes of varying abilities were taking part in
scaled versions of each of the exercises to the encouraging
whoops and cheers of the other members. Everyone is cheered
on equally, explained Jo Midgely, Crossfit member and their
social media manager. From newbies to veterans, theres a real
family atmosphere here that is completely different to traditional
gyms. At the end of this evening well order pizza and socialise.
Kids are encouraged to feel part of the Crossfit community too
and on Monday, Wednesday and Friday we hold junior classes.
If youd like to find out more about Crossfit and we highly
recommend that you do - then check out coreperformance.co.uk

JUST TURN UP

By Kat Allen
When I turned 30 I decided that this would be the year I finally
found an exercise I could stick to. It wasnt about losing weight,
or achieving a fitness goal, but I did want to begin to build fitness
into my current lifestyle. And I hadnt a clue where to start.
Then Bedford Borough Council introduced #justturnup, a
series of exercise classes across Bedford. The sessions, running
throughout the week, are only 2 a go, and are led by experienced and friendly instructors. I began by heading over to the
Boxercise class at the Tavistock Community Centre (Mondays
7.15pm) and found, to my surprise, that I really enjoyed it. It
was hard work, especially as a beginner, but I was able to take
the class at my own pace. Once Id found my feet, I couldnt
have asked for more encouragement to push myself that little bit
further each week. I even found myself missing the class when
they broke for the half term!
If the gym looks like a scary or even an expensive prospect
for a beginner I would definitely recommend giving this a try.
Classes are running at various venues throughout Bedford, and
include Football, Basketball, Tough Fitness (Ladies class) and
water workouts. Details can be found on the Borough Council
website www.bedford.gov.uk/justturnup, or contact sarah.riaz@
bedford.gov.uk. Equipment is provided, so all you need to take
part is appropriate sportswear (t shirt, joggers and trainers would
be more than fine for most activities) and 2!

PARKINSONS
AWARENESS MONTH
HOW EXERCISE CAN
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Although most Parkinsons sufferers are over 50, it can strike
anyone at almost any age and some have not a tremor or a shake
to be seen. A lack of dopamine in the brain causes many frustrating symptoms such as stiffness, slowness and tiredness that make
ordinary things like dressing, writing and using a phone difficult.
The search for a cure continues.
BUT special exercises do help and, if you were a fly on the wall
at Clapham Village Hall on a Wednesday morning, you would see
a determined group of people who are not content just to sit at
home and let themselves deteriorate. In September last year the
maximum attendance was just six, but word spread and by this
February, numbers had rocketed to 20-plus.
In a happy and mutually supportive atmosphere, the classes
have evolved to suit varying needs. Friendships have been forged
and helpful tips swapped among people who may previously
have felt isolated and alone. An offshoot of the fitness class is a
Nordic walking group (proven to especially benefit people with
Parkinsons) which meets on Tuesdays at 9.45 am in Bedford Park.
One in 500 people in the UK has Parkinsons, with someone
newly diagnosed each hour. So if you know anyone locally who
could benefit, do encourage them to give us a try. They will be sure
of a warm welcome. To find out more, ring Jane on 07740 103227
or email janew02@live.co.uk
18-24 April is Parkinsons Awareness week, so keep your
eyes and ears open for information, fundraising events and
opportunities to get involved: parkinsons.org.uk

TIME TO GET FIT AFTER ALL THOSE CHOCOLATE EGGS.

THE BEDFORD CLANGER 

TH E R
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C L A NG

YEAH!
H
O
.
.
.
C
I
M US

THE SONGBOOK COLLECTIVE

Featuring the members of the Paul Weller Band. Sunday 24th April @ Bedford Esquires
Paul Wellers musical backbone is how the Songbook Collective have been described, and we would have to
agree. Five top drawer musicians that have travelled the world playing in front of hundreds of thousands of
people, performing on TV and numerous number 1 albums. These brothers in sound include Steve Cradock who
joined the Paul Weller Band 20 years ago and has played guitar on every album since Wildwood. Steve has also
recently joined The Specials as guitarist and has released three acclaimed solo albums over the last 7 years.
Andy Crofts is the singer / songwriter of The Moons. Andy joined the Paul Weller Band in 2008 and has
played on the last three Paul Weller albums.
Steve Pilgrim has played with The Stands and Cast and has been in the Paul Weller band for the past 7 years.
Andy Lewis is the bass player in the Paul Weller Band. His single Are you trying to be Lonely? from 2007
featured Paul Weller on vocals. Andy was one of the founding DJs at the legendary Brit Pop club night Blow
Up which was a massive night both in London and right here at Esquires in the mid 90s. Ben Gordelier joined
the Paul Weller band in 2012 and has appeared on the last two Paul Weller albums. He is also the drummer
with The Moons.
Tickets are on sale now priced 16 online from Seetickets and will be available from the regular
ticket outlets of Esquires Bar & Planet Boutique (Bedford) Marios Hairs Design (Kempston) & Vinyl
Revelations (Luton) in person from Thursday 25th February

APRIL 2016

EARLYBIRD PROMS TICKETS

Its official and cannot have escaped your notice that Bedford
Park Concerts will return this summer with a stellar line up. The
Bedford Park Proms will take place on the 6th August and earlybird tickets can be snapped up for 24.50 until the end of April.
The concert will feature the renowned London Gala Orchestra
and as in previous years The Bedford Choral Society will be
back performing popular classics and film scores. There will also
be some very special guest soloists and the spectacular choreographed fireworks as the grand finale.
Classical Brit Award winners, Blake will be the headline act at
this years Bedford Park Proms. They will be joined by Rebecca
Newman, affectionately named The Peoples Soprano by fans,
colleagues and the media.
In true Proms style, the audience is encouraged to bring
picnics, table and chairs or rugs and enjoy the amazing family
friendly atmosphere.
Tickets are now on sale at www.bedfordparkconcerts.co.uk and as in previous years an early bird offer
will apply for anyone purchasing tickets before the 30th April adults will be priced at 24.50, children 5 and
over 5.00 and under 5s are free. After the early bird offer expires from the 1st May 2016 ticket prices will
rise with adults priced at 31.00.
To keep up to date with announcements on acts, special offers and news please go to
www.bedfordparkconcerts.co.uk Facebook - /Bedfordparkconcerts Twitter @BedfordConcerts

THE BELLRAYS PUNKROCK

AND SOUL

At the end of April, Club Roar bring The

BellRays to Esquires for a live show not to
be missed. Hailing from the west coast of
America, their sound actually contains the
best components of Detroit music; (punk
rock) garage and soul. Its urgent, tight
AND messy, all fused together by singer
Lisa Kekaulas powerful vocals, reminiscent of Aretha Franklin - yep, that good!
If youre not familiar with The BellRays
music, you may recognise Lisas vocals

on the Basement Jaxx single Good Luck

(2003). Alan McGee brought the band to
our attention with a compilation released
on his Poptones label, which included the
brilliantly titled song They Glued your
Head on Upsidedown. So go and check
them out, this should be special...
29th April, Esquires, Bedford
Tickets 10 advance from Dannys Bar,
Marios Hair Design (Kempston) and
www.seetickets.com

MY GIRL THE RIVER WOODS BEHIND THE HOUSE

This is the first single from MGTRs debut album This Aint No
Fairytale by Bedfords own Americana duo, with Kris Wilkinson
Hughes on vocal duties. The song is musically and lyrically
atmospheric, looking back to places past - and to a fondly
remembered childhood. It has a rich production, echoing the
guitar of George Harrison, with the vocals in the same neck of
the woods, ahem, of Carly Simon. Recognise the artwork? Its
by James Marsh, who did the artwork for Talk Talk.
The single is out now, the album follows in May with some
local live gigs. More info at: www.supertinyrecords.com

THE CURFEW
CLUB
PRESENTS...
The Curfew Club brings interesting
music to interesting places and this
month sees Laterala playing a uniquely
stripped back acoustic set with support
from Ed Bowfinger. This months venue
is The Cavalier Club Barber Shop on the
corner of Lime Street and Harpur Street.
Entry is free but guests are encouraged
to put a contribution in the tip jars if
they like what they hear. Doors open at
7.30pm and there is a Bring Your Own
drinks policy.

DEATH AFTER ALL: THE DECLINE

OF THE PANACEA SOCIETY

The Panacea Museum, set in beautiful gardens within Bedfords Cultural Quarter, reopened to
visitors last month. The museum tells the story of the Panacea Society, a religious community
that came into existence in Bedford in 1919 and continued until 2012. The museum
concentrates on the prime of the community during the 1930s but many visitors have been
curious to discover what became of the Panaceans during the second half of the 20th century
and to learn more about the Societys wealth and legacy. In response, from Easter 2016, the
museum will present a special exhibition documenting the decline of the Society and its
transformation into the Panacea Charitable Trust. Using material from the Trusts extensive
archives, Death after All: the decline of the Panacea Society, will tell the story of the Society
from the Second World War to the present day.
The Panacea Museum can be found at 9 Newnham Road, Bedford, MK40 3NX, opposite
the Higgins Museum and Gallery, and near the Bunyan Museum. It is open from February
18th to October 29th on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10.00am to 4.00pm.
Admission is free.
Death after All: the decline of the Panacea Society opens on March 24th and continues
until October 29th. panaceatrust.org

WERE ALL OFF TO THE PROMS!

GET YOUR BUSINESS SEEN

ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT
ISSUE OF THE CLANGER
CONTACT: JULIA CROFTS
bedfordclangerads@gmail.com
07966 696784 / @ClangerAds

THE BEDFORD CLANGER 

APRIL 2016

TH E E R
G
CL A N

RE
T
A
E
TH

THE QUARRY
THEATRE COMEDY
FESTIVAL 8TH 10TH APRIL

Loads of great comedy is coming to the Quarry Theatre this month as part of their dedicated
comedy festival. Theres the Comedy Club 4 Kids, the Comedians Cinema Club (featuring an
improvised performance of Top Gun which sounds brilliant) and more including:

WILD AT HEART

COMEDY, DANCING, PETER RABBIT AND OSCAR WILDE ARE

ALL REPRESENTED IN APRILS THEATRE ROUND-UP. LET PAULA
WALKER GUIDE YOU THROUGH OUR PICK OF THE MONTH:

THE PLACE THEATRE

HOOKHITCH PRESENT MY FRIEND PETER
Monday 4th April 7pm. Tickets: 10 (concessions 8). Age guidance: 7+
My Friend Peter is a family friendly folk musical for all those who seek big adventures in little places.
Join Beatrix Potter as she makes her journey through the uncharted water of a life most unexpected; share in
the loves, losses, struggles and triumphs of one of the most celebrated authors in childrens literature. Her
imagination comes alive on-stage accompanied by rousing folk music, but the fantasy unravels when cruel
twists of fate uncover a bitter-sweet reality behind the magic.

THE PANTALOONS PRESENT:

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST

Friday 8 April 8pm. Tickets: 8 (6 concessions). Age guidance: 14 + (some strong language)
Described as the Mighty Boosh on acid [already sounds incredible Ed], devastatingly original,
up-and-coming female double act Risn and Chiara invite you to WILD AT HEART, a two-woman
tour de force told in uncanny synchronicity. Meet Celtic mystics, T4 presenters, singing psychoanalysts
and Lord of the Rings-loving Lords and Ladies as they collide and connect in a tapestry of irresistibly
well-observed and hilarious character vignettes.

COMPANY GAVIN ROBERTSON PRESENT:

ESCAPE FROM THE PLANET
OF THE DAY OF THE DINOSAURS

Friday 8 April 7pm. Tickets: 10.50

(concessions 8.50). Age guidance: 12+
Theyre back! Well Gavin Robertson is
(Crusoe and Bond- An Unauthorised
Parody) and so is Katharine Hurst
(Mata Hari-Female Spy). Together
onstage for the first time ever with
another bloke called Simon.
Theres a Professor with a rocket in the
cellar, his female ward who screams
quite often, and an impoverished lab
assistant (the lucky chap!) and together
they find themselves on a distant planet
before escaping to where exactly!?
Think a hotch-potch of silliness drawing
from The 39 Steps and Quatermass via Journey to the Centre of The Earth, and The Land that
Time Forgot apes, dinosaurs and whole pile of pluck along with an invisible dog and several sets of
jolly hockey sticks. This 3-hander is fast-paced, silly yet precise, a cartoon onstage yet underpinned
by theatricality, and economic yet imaginative
Tickets for all of the Quarry Theatres Comedy Festival are available from quarrytheatre.org.uk

Thursday 14th April, 7pm. Tickets: 12 (concessions 10)

Everybody loves Ernest. The only trouble is, he doesnt exist. Or does he? Oscar Wildes comic masterpiece gets
The Pantaloons treatment in an anarchic take on the classic comedy of manners. This energetic show features all the
usual Wildean wit, plus a few Pantaloony surprises including singing butlers, travel by means of musical montage
and a post-interval hollywood-style recap...

FISHAMBLE PRESENT: SWING

ZOIELOGIC DANCE THEATRE PRESENT: SAFE

Friday April 7.30pm. Tickets: 14 ( concessions 12). Age guidance: 8+

ZoieLogic Dance Theatres production SAFE is dance theatre at its most thrilling. Set against the
imagined backdrop of New Yorks world famous, iconic Empire State Building, five outstanding
male performers inhabit the world of the heroic construction workers of 1930; the men whose skills,
dedication and sheer bravery helped make this incredible building a ground-breaking first. The
emotionally charged performance, combined with a punchy choreographic language, pits masculinity
against fragility.
SAFE is staged within an industrial set constructed throughout the performance. Like the history of
the Empire State Building, SAFE is chock full of cinematic vignettes, hope, optimism, collective spirit
and the ultimate friendship that only determination and brotherhood can bring.
Tickets: quarrytheatre.org.uk

10

Friday 15th April 7:30pm. Tickets: 10 (concessions 8.50). Age guidance: 12+
Given four stars by the Guardian and The Times, among others, Swing is an international hit, fresh from New York,
Paris, Edinburgh and New Zealand. This is a comedy about dancing and music and love and not settling and feeling
like an eejit and being brave and having doubts and trying your best and trying new things and thinking outside the
box and seeing things clearly and living as well as you can and giving it a lash. With rock and roll music, itll make
you want to dance!

RRRRAAAAAA! I LOVE DINOSAURS.

THE BEDFORD CLANGER 

APRIL 2016

GARDENING:
PROJECT DIY
BY JANE PERRONE @JANEPERRONE
PERRONE.BLOGS.COM

I am the least handy person on earth. I am rubbish with a saw: I can

just about bang in a nail. My garden mission this year is to try to find
outdoor craft/DIY projects that even I, with my so-so-limited skills,
can manage. Heres a trio of ideas to try: theyre all totally suitable for
children to try, too.

ENING
D
R
A
G
&
F I LM

to care for: they just need a weekly dunking in a bucket of rainwater for
about half an hour: let them drain, then rehang. Once the risk of frost
is over you can hang them outside in a sheltered spot without direct
sunlight, but bring them inside come mid September for the winter.

PAINT YOUR OWN PLANT LABELS

I am not a fan of plastic plant labels: the writing fades, they blow away
in the wind and generally look miserable and cheap. Instead, harness
your artistic talents by making your own unique plant labels from stones.
Track down that bucket of flat, smooth stones you brought back from
your last trip to the beach, or find some in the garden.Use a permanent
Sharpie marker pen or some leftover paint to write the name of the plant,
along with any decorations you desire. Once dry, spray on some clear
polyurethane sealant to waterproof your stones against the elements. Even
I, with artistic talent of zero, managed to make a passably pretty label: kids
and adults alike can have a stab at this. (And yes, I did pick a blue and
white colour scheme in honour of my Luton Town-loving other half.)

MAKE AN INSECT HOTEL

I have a big expanse of brick wall that I want to decorate this year, while
providing a habitat for insects at the same time. Theres no soil below,
so I cant grow climbers up it. I could spend a fortune buying readymade
insect hotels to dot about the space, but inspiration struck at a recent
visit to the Garden Organic gardens at Ryton, near Coventry. Green
wire hanging baskets had been repurposed by stuffing them full of pine
cones, bamboo sticks and straw: the perfect habitat for any number of
invertebrates, including lacewings, ladybirds and mason bees. You can
buy one of these baskets for under a fiver: just remove the chains, stuff
the insides with whatever you can find: pine cones, bark, corrugated
cardboard, and sticks. Hold it all in by wiring some chicken wire or fruit
netting to the back, then hang it on a couple of nails or a hook on an east
or west facing wall or fence.

TH E
R
L
C A NG E

DIY insect hotel

SHORT(S)
& SWEET

By Paul Hutchinson, Co-founder and

Director of Bedford Film Festival
There are some incredible film makers in Bedford. Thats a fact. Since
we started Bedford Film Festival weve wanted to celebrate and inspire
the film makers on our doorstep and so weve always looked to help
provide a place to showcase their work on the big screen.
Since 2013 weve hosted a Shorts Session where local film makers
could enter their work to be screened during our main festival in
September. This has grown in popularity and in 2015 we opened up
entries across the world and received 1300 films.
It was a tough task for our six judges to view the films and pick their
favourites, but we did it and we screened five local and five national
and international films at a packed 2015 Shorts Session.
While its great that were helping promote Bedford to film makers
across the world, our commitment to home grown talent remains
strong. We always judge local films separately, aiming to choose an
equal amount of films from local film makers. That way they have a
better chance of being screened at their local film festival. So if you
are a local film maker, do not think that youre up against the rest
of the world, on the flip side however dont think that local means
low-quality. We have seen some excellent entries from the likes of
Hundy Gilbert Media, Future Legend Media and Daniel Davis. These
are the pinnacle of film making in and around Bedford and set the
bar very high, in fact these film makers are being accepted at festival
across the world, showing that their passion and professionalism is, in
itself, world class.
For 2016 well be looking to expand our Shorts Session even
further. We want to still attract entries from local, national, and
international film makers, but we also want to reward them for their
efforts in a way that goes beyond simply screening their films. So for
2016 we will be looking at prizes for Best film and perhaps even
other awards for other aspects of film making too.
Entries for the Bedford Film Festival 2016 Shorts Session open in
April. More information can be found at www.BedfordFilmFestival.
org or via Facebook, just search Bedford Film Festival.

HANG A STAGSHORN FERN

I am not much keen on the retro trend for stags heads - real or fake - on
walls. But give me a stagshorn fern (thats Platycerium bifurcatum, Latin
fans) and Ill bite your hand off. When you buy this plant (I got mine from
Frosts in Willington) it will probably come in a pot, but its an epiphyte
(aka tree dweller) so it doesnt need any depth of soil: these members of
the fern family will do well attached to a plaque of some kind. Back in
the 70s and 80s, youd see these plants hung from bits of cork, but mine is
hung on a tile that looks like slate but is actually made of recycled coffee
cups: a square of wood or a real slate would work just as well.
Take the fern out of its pot, shake away any excess soil until you are
left with the root ball attached to the plant. Wrap that in sphagnum moss
until the whole thing is covered, and use fishing wire or thin florists
wire to anchor the root ball to its backplate, wrapping around the root
ball several times to secure it in place. Hang it somewhere out of direct
sunlight, and mist regularly if the air is moist. These plants are dead easy

Stags head fern

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Tel: O1234 271877

www.kiosk.attheparkbedford.co.uk

Ethically Sourced Coffee, Organic Tea, Homemade Cakes & Snacks, SaNdwiches & Panini

WHAT BETTER THAN A COUPLE OF NIGHTS IN A INSECT HOTEL.

11

THE BEDFORD CLANGER 

APRIL 2016

CHALLENGE CHRIS

DAVIS CUP COMES TO

BEDFORD APRIL 2016

TH E
C L A NG
ER

A ND F

INALL
Y...

BY NEIL FRANKEL, DIRECTOR OF TENNIS

AT RIVERSIDE TENNIS CLUB

You may remember last year that Team GB won the Davis Cup (the equivalent of the World Cup of Tennis), which was an
absolutely massive achievement.
Bedford has been lucky enough to be included in a countrywide tour of the [actual] Davis Cup and it will be stationed by the
Butterfly Bridge from 10am-2pm on the 17th May 2016. The trophy is massive its one of the biggest in world sport and well
be inviting a ton of local schoolchildren down on the day to take a look and get involved in some pop up tennis sessions nearby.
Definitely one for the diaries.
As part of the Davis Cup Legacy programme, well be
running a series of free coaching sessions in the summer term
for players aged 5-8yrs old. Participants will be given a free
racket so they can carry on playing for years to come. Maybe
the next Andy Murray will be inspired by this exciting project.
Alongside the Davis Cup activities, were busy getting
ready for another cracking Summer Term at Riverside and
have just released info on our Summer Holiday Camps for
children aged from 3-18. Similarly to our Easter camps,
were running Mini Nippers, Mini ACERS and RAW
tennis sessions alongside Multi Sports sessions so there is
something for everyone. Get in touch with us if youd like
to find out more. Alongside our camps, were slotting in a
couple of tournaments which attract players from all over the
country to our town.
Come and see what everyone is talking about.
doc@riversidetennisbedford.co.uk

Each month we challenge photographer Chris Demott to capture a unique image of Bedford.
Chris explains the background to this months picture:
I was asked this month to go along to Bedford School. On the 3rd of March the school
remembered that on this date in 1979 the main building burned down. Josh Taylor, an art student
from the school marked this anniversary with a rather bold gesture. He decided that his 8ft painting
of the school which had previously hung proudly in the foyer was taken down, and set alight. This
act was recorded and the video of his artwork being consumed by flames was then projected onto
the school to acknowledge the devastating event.
Would you like to Challenge Chris? Send your suggestion to:
chrisdemottphotography@gmail.com or comment on the
Bedford Clanger Facebook page. chrisdemottphotography.com

THE FLOATING
TEA PICKER

We first encountered the Floating

Tea Picker at the BedPop
Christmas Shop at the Higgins
last December. Established by
Hannah Birch, The Floating Tea
Picker is a holistic tea company,
run from Hannahs very own
floating narrowboat home. How
idyllic does that sound?!
All my teas are hand blended, steamed, roasted and carefully prepared, said Hannah.
Theyre made with 100% natural ingredients sourced from high quality, UK-based small
suppliers. I use dried herbs, fruits and flowers, fresh ginger, citrus zest and freeze dried
fruits. I will be adding some home grown herbs, foraged nettles and more eventually.
Hannah will be selling a selection of her herbal, fruit and spiced teas at Bromham
Mill Farmers Market on the first Saturday of every month and has an etsy shop here:
Thefloatingteapicker.etsy.com
On the menu at the moment are Hannahs two best sellers, Spicy Face (cinnamon and
ginger, with orange and clove) and Fresh Face (peppermint and elderflower). To find
out more and get details on the events shell be attending, follow Hannahs blog here:
thefloatingteapickers.com

THE LAST WORD

BY REVEREND SONYA J WRATTEN,
PRIEST IN CHARGE, ALL SAINTS, QUEENS PARK
Many congratulations to all those
who celebrate anniversaries this
month whether it be birthdays,
weddings, civil partnerships or
corporate celebrations such as
those marked this year in Bedford.
As someone who has the privilege
of marking many different types
of anniversaries with individuals, families and communities,
something that has been drawn to
my attention through these experiences is the need for ritual. Ritual,
whether it be writing a card, sending some balloons into the sky
or even lighting a candle is an important part of what it is to mark
such milestones and rites of passage in our lives.
We might hold a party, buy a large cake or do any number of
different things that are culturally specific to us to mark these
joyful moments in our lives. In addition to marking these joy filled
stages we might also feel a need to mark our most difficult times
as well. These might include the loss of someone or something we

cared for deeply, the ending of a relationship or even a new beginning that we feel anxious about. Doing something visual can help
us release what is it we feel internally, as a way of expressing our
joy, sadness and grief too.
I believe that anniversaries can be times that speak to us in
spiritual ways as well as in our other modes of being. Lighting a
candle, gathering up some photos or sending up that balloon high
into the sky might be a good way to mark that important moment
in our lives, whatever it may be.
Background info:
*Priest in Charge at All Saints Church, Queens Park for two years.
*Ministry includes ministering to those in the parish who have
been bereaved, leading a new pastoral church group called All
Saints Befrienders, supporting Faith in Queens Park (FIQP) a
local interfaith based project and generally leading and managing
the good folk of All Saints and serving the parish of Queens Park.
*Interests include Currently learning to do metal sculpture at
a London college including learning the art of welding. Reading
lots of Kate Atkinson, going to the theatre and walking my very
friendly Labrador, Ruether!

EASTER HOLIDAY

FAMILY JOIN-IN ACTIVITIES

Tues 29th March - Eggcellent Breakfast Weds 30th March - Designer Bug Tues 5th April - Stitched Up Maps Weds 6th April - Spring in to Print

2.70 per participating child. Suitable for children aged 3+. All children must be accompanied by an adult. No booking required.
Visit the website at

12

www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk

Email

thehiggins@bedford.gov.uk

or call us on

01234 718618