ISSUE 14: AUGUST 2012FREE

The Bedford Clanger Group Page email: thebedfordclanger@gmail.com blog:thebedfordclanger.wordpress.com @bedfordclanger

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

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

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We’ve embraced the concept of recycling and reusing in this issue, and one of Bedford’s most established purveyors of pre-loved possessions is The Eagle Bookshop on Castle Road.

The shop is a treasure-trove for bibio-philes and an oasis of calm. The Clanger chatted to owner, Peter Budek, about Bedford’s best bookshop...

Bedford Clanger: When did you establish The Eagle Bookshop and what was your aim?Peter Budek: I am afraid that I’ve had this book disease for as long as I can remember – I blame my mother. We used to shuffle into second-hand bookshops at every op-portunity, no matter what the rest of the family were doing, nor how inappropriate the occasion. The shop came about in 1991 when, visiting my parents during the Easter holiday, I discovered that the organic food shop in Castle Road was up for sale. All I could see in its place was a bookshop, and to the astonishment and concern of my teaching colleagues, I handed in my notice. In September that year, The Eagle Bookshop was born.

BC: Do you specialise in particular types of books?PB: We sometimes claim that we specialise in everything - we have rooms devoted to literature, the arts, travel and history and we also have a very large mathematical and scientific section. If any book is old, inter-esting, rare, important, beautiful, collectable or just quirky, I am likely to want to buy it. And to stay in business, that also means that I have to try to sell it.

BC: Which is more popular - fiction or non-fiction?PB: Non-fiction. In most cases, if people want to read a novel, they will opt for a pa-perback, or even an e-reader download. But with non-fiction, it is more likely that they will want a hardback book to pore over and enjoy, to keep and even to show off.

BC: What is the most unusual item you’ve sold?PB: Ahhh. Where do I start? A thirteenth century document transferring ownership of one of the earliest windmills in Bedford-shire, a pamphlet by the Wright brothers de-scribing their aeronautical experiments, the first English edition of Euclid’s geometry, printed in1570, with movable diagrams, the first edition of a poem by Shelley personally inscribed to his friend, Leigh Hunt, the first ever computer manual, from 1946 and com-piled by the woman who invented the term ‘debugging’ when she removed an insect that had flown into one of its components, a pamphlet by William Cobbett printed on

paper he made from corn grown in his own garden....where do I stop? That’s the sheer joy of the shop.

BC: Do collectors contact you with specific books in mind? Are you able to source books for customers?PB: We do get requests for specific books or authors, but this is one area where the inter-net has really helped – the hunt for a book is much easier now that so many dealers have their stock online. For the sheer joy of browsing, however, and for being surprised and delighted by books the existence of which you were previously unaware, the traditional bookshop is unbeatable.

BC: Has the advent of e-readers im-pacted on your business?PB: I welcome them. Perhaps they threaten paperback sales, but I cannot deny that they can do some things that a conventional book can’t do. I also know that there are many things that a fine old book can offer that a Kindle can’t.

BC: What is your favourite book?PB: If I’ve chosen well, whatever I’m read-ing at the time. (Spoilsport! - Ed)

BC: Sum up Bedford in three words....PB: River sparkled community.

Letter from the Editor

With the Twinwoods festival taking place this month on our (metaphorical) doorstep, it seemedapposite to celebrate all things vintage, retro, recycled and re-loved in this issue.So, we’ve chatted to Peter at the Eagle Bookshop about the joy of second-hand books, Rose Tinted Vintage about up-cycled accessories, we find out more about Freegling and reader Stewart Bai-ley lets us behind the scenes of a Waste Transfer Plant to explain what happens to everything that doesn’t go to landfill. Of course, we’ve also got over two whole pages of listings, so you’re never at a loss for something to do in and around Bedford over the summer - vin-tage or not!

See you all in September for our A Photo A Day special issue.

Erica

AUGUST 2012THE BEDFORD CLANGER

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on 1st July, The Bedford Clanger launched a unique photography project in our town.

For the duration of the month, members of the public were invited to submit photo-graphs to the A Photo A Day Facebook group and on twitter with the hashtag #aphotoaday that reflected a specific daily word. Some of the 31 words had particular resonance to Bedford while others were fairly ambiguous. Some of the participants knew each other, some were strangers; all were made welcome. It was fab! One of the successes of the project has been seeing Bedford through others’ eyes. From the allotments of Queens Park to the Robinson Pool car park, Ewoks to Noodle the dog, the photographs have encouraged discussion, praise and a greater understanding of the differing perceptions of Bedford. We’ll have a full round-up of the submissions in the September issue, but in the meantime, here are a few of our faves to whet your appetite. Enjoy!

Photo A Day is sponsored by White Hart Press

Photo Credits: Darren Lee Marsh (Festival), Emma Mundell (Heritage), Melissa Banthorpe (Transport), Caryl Jones (Transport), Adam Knowles (Animals), Adam Boreham (Together), Tracey Wright (Transport), Erica Roffe (Culture), Jon West (Street), Tara Gillen (Torch), James Pharaoh (Park), Esther Snelson (Festival)

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

3Look out for Chris drumming in Pearl Handled Revolver

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At Bedford network we share with you our best experiences of Bedford. As the holiday season gets into full swing here are our top tips on things to do in and around Bedford to while away the summer days and nights. Wimbledon, the Tour de France and the Olympics have given us the inspiration to try new sports and activities. We’re aiming for tennis, running, football and fitness sessions. Try out your tennis skills at the courts at Russell and Bedford Parks. And before you splash out on that new racket, pop into Sports Traider in the centre of town - here you can pick up end of lines and excellent second hand sportswear and equipment. How about athletics, football, badmin-ton, short tennis, basketball, netball, and volleyball? Bedford Athletics Stadium has it all and more! Rachel Benton’s bootcamp is becoming legendary for fitness buffs in Bedford and her pilates class is a winner for us too. If that’s not enough Rachel has also started a running club for beginners and improvers in Bedford, check out her Facebook page for all the info.

And after all that exercise, we think it’s time to treat yourself to a beauty treat-ment! 5th Avenue Hair and Beauty are currently offer-ing Gold, Sil-ver and Bronze ‘winning treats’, we like the look of the Gold option which includes a 30min facial, 30min mas-sage and a deluxe manicure for £55 (saving £22) – Yes please! Sometimes you just have to spread your wings and our favourite days out are at Wimpole Hall, Brighton and London. We’ll be taking our little prince to see the animals at Wimpole, dipping our toes in the sea at Brighton and visiting Shakespeare’s Globe in London. Not all in one day! Top tip – train tickets Bedford-Brighton (off peak) from Tourist Information. Adults £17, children 5-15 years £2 and children

under 5 free. Have fun in August – we hear the sun may just break through!

Stay tuned to Bedford Network. We blog, tweet and Facebook… www.bedfordnetwork.co.uk Twitter: @BedfordNetwork Facebook: www.facebook.com/Bedford-Network

BEDFORD NETWORK

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AUGUST 2012

david litchfield interviews this month’s cover illustrator, Chris Thatcher. David: Hello Chris. Tell us a bit about yourself.Chris: I’ve always drawn a lot, mainly when I should have been doing something else. I like clutter, drink too much coffee and try to avoid sleeping too much.

David: Your work is mental. What/who inspires you?Chris: Ha!!! Sleep deprivation (see above). A lot of people have said that they like my work but that it scares them, which I *think* is a compli-ment. My earliest inspirations were comics like 2000AD, Spiderman, Commando and Asterix and I learnt to draw from them really. I still enjoy comics and graphic novels and Ashley Wood is one artist who I love (he did a series called Hellspawn that was amazing). I was equally terrified and fascinated by the Jeff Lynne ‘War of the Worlds’ album when I was little and used to spend hours poring over the paintings of the Martians wrecking havoc. I guess I’ve always been attracted to the grotesque so later on Francis Bacon and the Expressionist artists re-ally resonated with me. Humour is also really important to me and Jim Flora, who did a lot of mad album covers in the 40s and 50s, is a favourite. I tend to have either comedy or horror DVDs on in the background when I’m working so I think that must have an impact. Basically, if it makes me laugh or scares me then I’ll probably like it. When it comes to posters and artwork for bands I like to listen to their music and lyrics and see what tangents that takes me off on, I recently did a poster for Amanda Shires and it was her album title ‘Carrying Lightning’ that set my cogs whirring. I like to dabble in a bit of Typography and that stems from a love of Art Nouveau designs and posters by people like Mucha and Toulouse-Lautrec.

David: You have worked with a lot of bands (The Whybirds/Pearl Handled Revolver etc) on the designing of promo material and album covers. How did this come about? Chris: I used to do all the art and gig

posters for my former band (Sulfer) and based on that Pete Burridge at Esquires and Jez Brown from Bedford Live! asked me to produce event posters for them. It’s a nice challenge doing posters and artwork for different bands because I always want to be sympathetic to the style of music. I think album covers and gig posters are an art form in their own right and are integral to the music because you’re creating a unique identity, labels like Factory Records were brilliant at that. In this age of downloading and digital distribution, where people are buying fewer albums, it’s an opportunity to make the ones that they do buy more imaginatively packaged and designed. Music’s a huge part of my life and I drum for Pearl Handled Revolver… which has enabled me to inflict my artwork on the band.

David: What materials do you use to cre-ate your work?Chris: Everything from pencils to photocopiers. I’ve been experimenting with acrylic ink recently, which I’m really enjoying as it enables me to do some really detailed stuff. Don’t tell anyone but I still use Microsoft Paint for some of my post-ers because its limitations force you to be more imaginative.

David: What would be your dream il-lustration job?Chris: A graphic novel about David Bowie? I’d love to do a Batman story in the style of Arkham Asylum, or something for Alan Moore. Actually, there’s a bril-liant album by Jean-Claude Vannier called L’Enfant Assassin des mouches (The Child Fly-Killer) which is about a boy who hunts down and kills the King of The Flys and then meets a horrible end and I reckon that would be a brilliant but short graphic novel.

David: What’s so great about living in Bedford?Chris: There’s a lot of history poking out all over the place. There are evocative Vic-torian alleyways, gardens, plenty of ghost

stories and according to the Panacea Society it’s going to be the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth, which I’m surprised that the local estate agents haven’t capitalised on. Atmosphere aside, we’re spoiled for artistic, musical and creative talent but more than it feels like the town has embraced and made the most of social networking and there’s a genuine spirit of co-operation in the name of creativity, which is marvellous!

David: Where can we find out more about your work?Chris: Well, examples of my stuff can be found on my ‘Dark Room Art’ page on Facebook (www.facebook.com/Chrisdark-roomart) and I also have a blog on Tumblr, full of pictures, thoughts and ramblings (http://christhatcher.tumblr.com/).

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THE BEDFORD CLANGER

Saturday 11th August TWO FREE DEMONSTRATIONS 10am-4pm

Create Your Own Stunning Cards - Tips and techniques using the latest products. Tutor: Jenny Stewart

Spray Painting - Learn the versatility and techniques using Montana Spray Paints. Tutor: Jonny BartonIllus

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THE EAGLE BOOKSHOP 103 CASTLE ROAD, BEDFORD

• A rich mix of 40,000 books displayed in six different rooms

• We buy and sell all sorts of books: old, rare, collectable, beautiful, curious, out-of-print, iconic, specialised, scholarly...the list goes on. We have hundreds of books on Bedford and Bedfordshire, rooms full of poetry and novels, the sciences

and the arts; shelves and shelves of travel, history, sport, natural history, philosophy and numerous other subjects.

• Why not come along and have a browse? Prices from £1 upwards.

Bedford is also very open to charities joining and requesting items or offering their unusable stock. A lady from the MS Centre in Barkers Lane has requested items on the group and an animal charity member requested used stamps and animal items for their shelter.

BC:What does the future hold for Freegle in Bedford?JL: I hope the group will continue to go from strength to strength and keeps gaining members. In an ideal world I’d love for the council to provide banners to put up at recycling centres telling members about the alternates to landfill and recycling for their items and advertising the Bedford Freegle group and telling them how to join! We should promote reuse before recycling, and landfill should be the absolute final option.

(Great idea. Mayor Dave? – Ed)

BC:Please let us know more information about the award that Freegle was recently nominated for....JL: Freegle were recently nominated for a prize at the The National Recycling Awards in the waste minimisation category. http://www.nationalrecyclingawards.com/388059 FreegleUK did not win unfortunately, but were Highly Commended along with Fare ShareUK http://www.fareshare.org.uk/. The winner was North Hertfordshire District Council. Freegle volunteers were shortlisted in the inaugural People and Environment Achieve-ment awards in the community award category, Freegle UK was also a finalist in the Climate Week Awards 2012 in the best community initiative category.

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

4 Don’t be trashy... Recycle.

AUGUST 2012

TWINWOODS FeSTiVAl FeVeR on oUR dooRSTePBy Emily Finney

i know for a lot of you ‘Vintage’ seems to have only seen a revival recently but actually the love of the past is ever-present and is regularly celebrated.

The Glenn Miller Festival at Clapham near Bedford started in 2002 at Twinwood when the Control Tower museum was first opened to the public. Twinwood is the last place that the famous band leader Glenn Miller was seen alive and it was from here that he made his last fateful flight. From small beginnings the annual August Bank Holiday festival has grown year on year to become the international ten-venue event that it is today. To reflect its now eclectic mix of music the festival became The Twinwood Festival whilst still retaining its roots with the Glenn Miller heritage. Now in its 11th year, the festival spans three days featuring non-stop live music, dancing, fashion, comedy, and variety with over one hundred vintage traders. Campers at the festival can enjoy five nights stay and this has become so popular with fans arriving from all over the world that another sixty acres of campsite have been added this year to the two hundred acre site. Among the 65 live acts this year are the world renowned Max Raabe and Palast

Orchestra from Berlin, John Miller and his Orchestra (Glenn’s nephew), and the top rock and rollers Si Cranstoun and his band, to name but a few. Also a fabulous new band which is destined to go to the top, The Lamours, makes its debut. One Day, two day, and three day tickets (as well as camping) are available at the moment but the festival always sells out well before the August Bank Holiday. A brochure of the event is available free and full details can be found on www.twin-woodfestival.com or phone 01923 282725 Now you may think that all that sounds very nice but you don’t want to go because you feel like you’d stick out and where on earth would you find 40’s clothing anyway? Well don’t worry Rose Tinted Vintage are on hand to help to look and feel the way you want! We did a quick 5 minute search around the shop for some 80’s gear we could turn into a 40’s look – as you can see with a minimal effort and a quick barrel roll fringe the Twinwoods feel is easy to get.

Prepare forTwinwood Festival 2012 with Rose-tinted Vintage:

• 9th August- Twinwood Festival ticket holder ex-clusive shopping evening, 5.30pm-7pm.Bring your Twinwoods ticket, booking ref or a photocopy and enjoy our exclusive shopping evening, with a slice of cake and ginger ale. Vintage experts on hand to help with hair,

makeup and outfit ideas. Pick up your free clothing “ration” book full of coupons for money off!

• 10th August- Victory roll workshop with Sarah’s Do-wop Do’s 6pm start. Learn this iconic 40’s hairstyle, just in time for Twinwood Festival. £25 per head inc light refreshments. To book call Sarah 07532 444394.

• 26th,27th and 28th August, open from 8am-10am for pre event hair and last minute finds. Clothing, accessories, snoods and hair flow-ers, at great prices that will leave you with plenty of spending money for the festival!

4 Clair Court, Lime Street, Bedford, MK40 1NH. 15 mins drive from Twin-wood Arena. Parking on Broadway, or Lurke Street.

in the mood?

GET FREELING!So, you recycle all your packaging, have a vast collection of ‘bags for life’ and wear vintage.

Hurrah! But what about when you need to get rid of the sort of stuff that’s too good to throw out, but which you no longer have use for and don’t want to send it to landfill. You get Freeling of course!Freegle is a free, hyperlocal exchange site that is a great source of anything and everything that the great people of Bedford wish to be rid of. From lever arch files to furniture, clothing to kids toys, there’s something for everyone. We chatted to Jac-qui Liveston, lead moderator at FreegleBed-ford to find out more and how we can get involved.

Bedford Clanger: We love the idea of Freegle, but for the uninitiated, please tell our readers what it’s all about.Jacqui Liveston: Simply put - Freegle is a way of enabling people to offer their still useful, unwanted items to other people in the local area via an online group. There are 354 local groups in the UK with around 1.3 million members. Freegling is a way of trying to ensure that items with a still useful life are not sent to landfill but are reused, recycled or even upcycled into something new! Freegle groups are also a way of improving com-munity relations - I’ve personally met some lovely people through Freegle who are now good friends.

BC:How did you get involved in the proj-ect? Is it run by volunteers?JL: I can’t remember how I heard about Freegle originally, but I joined the Bedford group in 2005 as a member. The group had

been set up by a lady recovering from an ankle injury who wanted something to keep her occupied. Oddly it turned out that the lady and I “knew” each other from another internet forum and Lynn quickly asked me to help out with moderat-ing the group. Lynn sadly left the group in 2008 but by that time we had trained up mods Dorothy, Heather and Yasmin. Our newest mod is Graham who’s learning the ropes at the moment. The Bedford group is run entirely by volunteers, as indeed is the whole Freegle network.

BC: Which items are most of-ten posted on Freegle? What’s the most unusual thing you’ve had offered?JL: It’s running joke with the moderators how often rabbit hutches seem to be offered and requested! There are all sorts offered and requested daily, but particularly popular items are children and baby items. There are lots of electrical and household items offered, office and computer equipment, foodstuffs, clothing, books, car boot and tombola items, bicycles, many pet items. You name it, it’s probably been offered or requested on the group.

My favourite offer to date is probably:Offered- circus skills equipment -comprising of:Unicycle- good condition except with puncture!Clubs for flaming clubs/fire breathing (not for children...)Juggling ballsFlat hoopsMulti-coloured clown trousers, un-worn (fit average build person average height(5’6”-5’10” I guess)

They never posted a taken message so I’ve no idea if they were rehomed - I do hope so!

BC:How can people get involved?JL: The local Bedford group can be found at http://freegle.in/bedford or on twitter @BedfordFreegle . If someone has an item they no longer need which is too good to

throw out and they don’t know what to do with it, they can find their local group via http://www.ilovefreegle.org/groups and apply to join. Once they are a member (which takes no time at all) they can offer the item to people who are members of the group. Hopefully one or more people will contact the person via email

offering to collect the item and then they can choose who they want to give it to. General etiquette is that the person being offered the item comes to collect it, but you can deliver it if you like and are in the area. The member then sends an ‘Item Taken’ message to the group to let everyone know that the item has found a new home. Members can request items too. Freegle groups are especially helpful when the item doesn’t have a fire safety label -often charities won’t take them and electrical items are often rejected by chari-ties too. Freegle groups will happily accept these items as it’s up to the member if they’re happy to rehome it or not.For more info: http://www.ilovefreegle.org/how-to-freegle/

BC:Does Freegle work with other com-munity initiatives?JL: Very much so. The Wellingborough Freegle group was closely involved with Mind in Wellingborough. They held infre-quent give and take days using the Mind premises. People came with one or more items to giveaway and took things they liked the look of.

4 Clair Court, Lime St, Bedford, MK40 1NH.

Open mon-sat 10am - 5pm.

www.rose-tintedvintage.co.uk

Prepare for Twinwood Festival with..ReCyCle

VinTAGe

Arne Jacobsen, Robin day, ercol and Charles eames are among the 20th century’s most iconic designers.Their furniture transcends trends and fashion fads and is in pleasing contrast to today’s throw-away consumer culture. Check out DesignTwenty in Castle Quay to get your hands on a design classic to bring a dash of elan to your home. If the price tag of the furniture is a bit beyond your budget, Andy Nicholls’ selection Eric Revilious prints might be more within reach! www.designtwenty.com mail@designtwenty.com

Of course, you might already have the sofa of your dreams, but if it’s going threadbare and is covered in spilt coffee and bits of your dinner, it could become the stuff of nightmares. Fear not, as help is at hand! Coolhaus on The Broadway not only sell a range of fabulous retro and vintage furniture and accessories, but they also offer an in-house re-upholstery service for sofas, chairs, dining chairs, chaise lounges (got one of them hanging around?) and footstools. With prices starting from as little as £10 + fabric for a dining room chair, you really have no excuse for saggy soft-furnishings.www.coolhausinteriors.uk coolhaus7@gmail.com

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by Stewart Bailey (@stewpot)

When a person orders a skip to fill full of whatever they no longer need, i would imagine most people think its contents go to a landfill site.Recycling, being green and reducing the carbon footprint is what we should be striving for as our planet hots up and space becomes a premium as greenery is quickly being replaced by cities. Most skip hire companies these days have a Waste Transfer Centre connected to them so when the skip is returned to site the contents are tipped up on the floor and a team of operatives go through the contents and put the various items into larger skips that are taken to specialised centres where scrap metal is weighed and melted down for re-use. Wood is taken to wood yards where it can be turned into sawdust or bark for floor cover-ings in gardens or at children’s play areas. All inert waste: soil, mud, clay and rocks are taken to quarries where they are crushed and turned into various stone coverings. All cardboard and plastic materials are bailed up on a separate basis and are all recycled to be used again in other forms. As you can see, very little if any materials are taken to landfill sites. From time to time a skip will come in that contains the fragments of a life lived. Usually a person has died and the family clear the house contents into a skip. The skip will be taken to the Waste Transfer Centre and tipped up in a separate area and I have the duty to carefully go through it and decide what is best for the contents. Usually most of it will go to a re-claim

area or an auction. When you see a person’s possessions on the floor in front of you I’ve been known to get a little bit emotional as you soon - in a way - get to know the person whose possessions you’re going through. It never ceases to amaze me just how a family can do such a thing but I guess in this throw away society even a person’s possessions aren’t as sentimental as I would like to think? While going through the possessions if I find photographs or possessions I think

shouldn’t be on the floor it is my duty to ring the customer up and usually that person will ask to have those possessions returned to them. When a loved one dies just remember if you throw it into a skip don’t just assume it’s going to be buried into the ground but someone like me has to perform a duty. As the old saying goes where there’s muck there’s brass and another person’s rubbish is another persons treasure, never a truer word said!

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

5Where there’s muck there’s brass!

VinTAGe STyle

TWINWOODS - A STyLE GUIDE

AUGUST 2012

When Sarah and I set up our clothing company, Sarah&Alice, 18 months ago, we knew that we wanted selling on second hand clothing to be a part of what we did.In 2009, it was estimated that just 16% of discarded clothing in the UK was be-ing recycled. Dubbed ‘The Primark effect’, because of the wide availability of cheap clothing from shops such as Primark, people were buying more, and disposing of more cloth-ing into landfill than ever before. I remember reading this and thinking how crazy these figures seemed, especially in relation to childrens’ clothing. Because young children grow so quickly, they tend to only wear clothing for a short amount of time. Sometimes, a dress would go into the ironing basket, and because of my erratic ironing habits, would have been grown out of in the few weeks it took to emerge. I already shopped for a lot of my childrens’ clothes in charity shops, which made sense on two levels; one it was a cheap way of buying clothing, and two, it was supporting the recycling of clothes as well as the charity. But charity shopping, although fun, is not always easy, especially if you haver limited time and buggys and toddlers to deal with. It takes time (and sometimes tactical planning) to

find decent clothing in charity shops or car boot sales. So we decided that we would make shopping for second hand stuff easier. We would find good-quality second-hand clothing and sell it on as part of our range. We began putting together outfits that we had found on our rummaging expeditions at

charity shops, car boot sales and school fairs. The items are all washed and ironed, so that you’re buying a clean and pleasant-smelling selection of clothing. We then give them a name and a label, and tie them neatly together, so that for at least half the price of a new outfit, you can buy a nearly-new outfit, without having to spend hours traipsing from one 2nd hand place to another. As an added bonus, because we buy a lot of our stuff in charity shops, we are

supporting a whole range of charities. The recycled clothing range has been a really successful part of our business, and it is great to be able to promote recy-cling alongside our original design clothing. The future of our recycled range is exciting too – we’re hoping to begin to ‘upcycle’ some items of clothing with printing and applique techniques, so that something old becomes something new and different. We think that re-using clothing always makes sense, but there is also something really lovely about seeing clothing being worn and loved all over again, by another child.

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Want to embrace the vintage vibe, but not sure that the head-to-toe retro look is something you could carry off on a day-to-day basis?

Then why not head to Rose Tint-ed Vintage in Clair Court and pick up some hand-crafted accessories that will vintage-up any outfit (or indeed your home) and give you just the right amont of retro cool to stand out from the crowd. Pictures 1,2 and 3: Rings & brooches by Jemma Denton at Buttons & Bows. They’re made with either tape mea-sures, a dice or a domino tile which

Jemma collects from old sets found in charity shops and carboots. A lot of her stock is made from bits and pieces no one wants from Christmas Crackers (Genius! - Ed). Picture 4: Candles in vintage glasses by Elizabeth Bowerman at Lillibets Unique Boutique. Elizabeth scavanges old mis-matched glassware from junk shops, cleans them up and turns them into candles. Once

the candle is used, the glass is reusable yet again, either as it was originally intended (after a good clean!) or Lillibet’s can fill them up again for a small charge with sus-tainable Soya wax (Geunis #2! - Ed). Picture 5: Mark Turner (no company name) has turned his surplus collection of vintage 1940’s and 1950’s magazines into colourful wall-art. He cuts the mounts to size himself and rummages around carboot

sales for frames to match them. These original magazine adverts can be found adourning the walls of the Devonshire Arms and the newly refurbished Burnaby Arms (Genius #3! - Ed).

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ReCyCleWHEN IT’S TOO GOOD FOR LANDFILL

80’s jumpsuit to 40’s siren suit/munitions worker overalls.

KEY POINTS:40’s siren suit designed to be slipped quickly over bed clothing to be worn to air raid shelters. Use an 80’s masculine looking jumpsuit in neutral, plain “utility” colours, thick sensible material.OrMale overalls worn by women working in munitions factories.Headscarf worn to keep hair clean and to protect hair from moving machinery.Hair pinned out of eyes.

ACCESSORIES:Sensible shoes/boots, headscarf/turban, enamel badge.

don’t know your Grace Kelly from your Matthew Kelly? Then let Emily and Rose Tinted Vintage guide you through simple ways to vintage-up your wardrobe for Twinwoods:

80’s power dressing to 40’s smart daywear.

KEY POINTS:Shoulder pads, cinched in waist, A-line or pencil skirt, falling to the knee or just below. Not too much fabric in the skirt due to rationing. Keep patterns classic, checks, tartans ad floral print nothing to modern. Flowers and feathers not rationed and used to accessories and adorn, hats often homemade. Cork heeled wedges worn for comfort and walking.

ACCESSORIES:Low heeled court shoes/cork soled wedges, smart boxy clutch bag, fascinator or hat adorned with feathers/flower/old buttons/ribbons, waist belt, seamed stockings.

80’s knits and pencil skirts to 40’s casual daywear.

KEY POINTS:Short sleeved knit, worn on its own or over a neat blouse. (Lots of knitted garments worn during the war as garments were un-wound again and again to make new items). Worn tucked into a pencil skirt, high-waisted and falling just below the knee, (or alternatively with men’s high- waist trousers for a more “women’s land army” look) Hair tucked up and kept out the way in a “snood” Classic roomy handbag, similar styles produced from the 40’s-80’s, generically termed as a “Kelly” bag.

ACCESSORIES:Hand crocheted “snood”/ headscarf worn with curls at the front, comfortable brogues, court shoes or cork wedges, “Kelly” style bag, short gloves, seamed stockings.

As part of the heritage regeneration scheme to revitalise Bedford high Street, ‘Passage 101’ linking the high Street to the lurke Street car park area, has a newappearance. Bedford Borough Council commis-sioned Bedford College HND Fine Art, and 3D Design students, to produce ideas for heritage inspired artwork, to be dis-played on its walls. The work forms part of the Bedford High Street’s Townscape Heritage Initiative project, designed to regenerate the High Street and its sur-rounding areas. ‘Passage 101’ has been re-vamped through repairs to the paving, lighting, brickwork, drainage, the installation of CCTV and a deep clean. And after much deliberation, the winning design by Mi-chelle Crowther was selected. Passage 101’s design taps into Bedford’s local newspaper printing history, featuring news print character blocks arranged on panels within the newly-white walls. The Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, said: “The passageway is a well-used link for the

Michelle Crowther, student with win-ning designs, said: “Passageways, like newspapers, are just fleeting diversions from our lives, and once used, they are often discarded. My design will make the public more aware of the space they are us-ing, while creating a permanent reminder of Bedford’s newspaper printing history.”

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

6 So fancy volunteering for Oxjam?

ARTSURVey

AUGUST 2012

OXJAM UPDATEMUSiC

if you’ve missed word of the oxjam Bedford Takeover coming to town on Saturday 27th october, well, where have you been?! The Oxjammers have been busy on social media and were popping up all over the place during the River Festival week-end. In this, the third update from Oxjam Bedford HQ, we hear from Alex Wrack, Oxjam Bedford Volunteering Coordina-tor, about what they’ve been up to and what they’ve got planned. “In keeping with this month’s Clanger theme, we wanted to bring you news of some retro-chic events or fabulous vintage fun that we’re planning for August. And we struggled. We’re not short of chic events or fabulous fun – it’s the vintage element we’re struggling with this month! July saw our first ever Oxfam Shop Pop-up Gig on the Saturday of the River Festival weekend. This was a unique way to combine up-cycled clothes with brand new music. We were delighted to see so many people drop by to check out fantastic performances from Andy Smith, Jonny Mudd and Rich Taylor. We loved bringing some gorgeous music to a unique space – songs while you shop, a new concept! You could say that our Oxjam Film Premiere was also rather retro fabulous.

With the red carpet rolled out and the velvet rope to keep out the proletariat, there was a definite hint of 1920’s movie star about the whole event. We saw star turns from Bedford’s vintage, but really rather wonder-ful, Ouse Valley Singles Club, as well as performances from new artists, Tucky Tulloch and Raya. This month though we’re looking to the future. We’ve got our Urban Music Show-case coming up at Badlands on Saturday 18th August. It doesn’t get much more modern than a mixture of dub-step DJs, reg-gae revellers and soul superstars. Look out for more information on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/oxjambedfordtake-over) including start times and the bargain price of tickets to this top night out. In August we’re also delighted to be launching the brand new Oxjam Bedford Takeover raffle. We already have a star prize lined up in the form of a week in a

beautiful Italian trullo – a traditional property, newly and thoughtfully reno-vated to sleep up to eight people. Don’t just take our word for how fabulous it is though – search for “Little Wood, Albero-bello” on Trip Advi-sor to see what recent guests had to say. This prize is worth over £1,000 and with further prizes to be announced, our raffle is another great example of brand

new, exciting opportunities for the people of Bedford. For more information, or to buy a ticket, head to our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/oxjambedfordtakeover) and follow the links for the raffle. Finally in keeping with our talk of all things new for August, we’d love to welcome some new team members to the Oxjam Bedford family. We’ve got loads more exciting events planned and would love to hear from anyone who’s keen to get involved. Drop us a line at volunteer-ing.oxjambedford@gmail.com for more information. If this has all been news to you, and you’re kicking yourself for missing out, then get in the Oxjam loop. Please like our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/oxjambedfordtakeover) or follow us on Twitter (@oxjambedford) for the very latest news and events.

yOUR OPINION MATTERS…..

Molyneux Jones Family Funeral directors in St Cuthbert’s Street has been asking Bedford residents to complete their online Funeral Survey.

All individuals who complete the survey will to be entered into a draw to win £100 in Bedford Town Centre vouchers – which can be spent in shops and restaurants locally.Malcolm Jones of Molyneux Jones said, “We are trying to gauge the local under-standing of funeral choice in Bedford, and would ask anybody who has three minutes to take the survey even if they have not arranged a funeral before. I am really glad that a large number of people have taken the time to share their thoughts about funerals with us via the survey so far. Funerals are still a very taboo subject, but the more peo-ple who know about the options available, the more freedom they will feel to choose a funeral service that fits their own families’ needs. The feedback and local perception are proving extremely useful for continual improvement. What I would like is for as many people as possible to complete the survey at www.molyneuxjones.co.uk before 31st August” Some of the results so far have proved extremely interesting, with 75% of those responding believing a small independent local funeral director such as Molyneux Jones can offer better customer service than the corporate firms, and the other 25% service levels would be the same. More information on survey findings will be available on the Molyneux Jones website when the response information has been collated in September.

A family business providing support and service when you need it.Open and honest pricing policy37 St Cuthberts Street, Bedford MK40 3JGTel: 01234 363191 (24 hours) www.molyneuxjones.co.uk

Molyneux JonesFamily Funeral Directors

ALLEyWAy ART SiGnPoSTS hiGh STReeT heRiTAGe

ReGeneRATion

KEMPSTON FUN DAy 2012

This August Bank holiday why not head to the annual Kempston family Fun day at the howard Addison Park on Saturday 25th August? The festivities will be officially launched at 12 noon by the Mayor of Kempston.The afternoon features a full arena of events and attractions for the whole family. And it’s free! This year’s entertainment includes re-enactments of the Wild West by the Lincoln County Regulators. Want to get involved? Then you can join in with line dancing, street dancing and martial arts demonstrations, while there will be performances from Kempston Choir and Kempston Band to keep the party going. And just when you think the excitement is all over, check the sky for a fly past by an aircraft from the RAF Memorial Flight. This is a dedicated community event.

All the proceeds from the Fun Day will be donated to Kempston Charities.

For further details of the event, visit www.bedfordlions.co.uk

BAnK holidAy

yeeee-haw!

Michelle Crowther ‘s design

Fun starts at high noon

A PAIR OF TICKETS TO SEE DODGY AT ESQUIRES!

One lucky reader has the chance to win a pair of tickets to see Dodgy play Bedford’s iconic Esquires. Just send an email to thebedfordclanger@gmail.com by Wednesday 8th August to be in with a chance. We will then use our very sophisticated ‘pulling a name out of the hat’ selection system to decide on a winner. Good luck!

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

7Is that Emily AGAIN?!

in association with

Bedford Borough Council’s Premier entertainment Venue

The L I S T I N GGetting out and About in Bedford This August

AUGUST 2012

DODGy ARE BACK And They’Re CoMinG To BedFoRdWith Bowfinger + Rebecca De Winter 8pm, Friday 10th August @ esquires, Bromham Road, Bedford

MUSiC

The definitive 90s Brit Pop line up of nigel Clark, Andy Mille and Mathew Priest is back!

In the seven years Dodgy were originally together they sold over a million records worldwide, released three albums and 12 top 40 singles, including three top 10s and the top five hit Good Enough (still a staple of the Radio 2 playlist); sold out the Brixton Academy for three nights in a row and were awarded an unprecedented 90-minute Saturday evening slot on the Pyramid stage at Glastonbury Festival in 1997 just before Radiohead. Not bad, considering that they also partied harder than an ewok. Besides the hits, such as Staying Out For The Summer, Good Enough, So Let Me Go Far, Making The Most Of, If You’re Thinkin Of Me, Melodies Haunt You, In A Room, and the epic Grassman, the guys have also recorded a new album that has put them firmly back on the musical map with rave reviews from Q, NME, The Independent, The Sun and even Heat magazine and since reforming in 2010 Dodgy have been selling out venues across the UK and come to us at Esquires as a little warm up show for the

V Festival. This is a show not to be missed! Support on the night comes from local legends Bowfinger, back together again and packing more punch than ever. To com-plete the line-up we have the beautiful Rebecca De Winter, with a sound that fuses the alternative pop soul of Ryan Adams with the pure piano balladry of BenFolds and Regina Spektor.

Tickets are on sale now from sale priced £13 from Danny’s bar at Esquires, Luscious Juice Bar in Lime St, and online at www.seetickets.com

FREE AFTERSHOW FOR ALL GIG GOERS:Entry to a FREE after-show party is included in the ticket price so get down to seminal 90s indie night THE TEA PARTY @ The Pad Nightclub to con-tinue enjoying legendary Brit Pop tunes and Madchester classics, doors open at 11pm until 3am, free admission with a Dodgy ticket stub or £3 before Midnight.. http://www.dodgyology.com/www.bedfordesquires.com

dodgy lookin’ Geezers

by Martin StapletonForget the economic gloom and doom and all the various depressing news stories, because here in Bedford we are still managing to have great nights out without totally emptying the bank account.

On Friday 6th July at Esquires, some of the town’s true music connoisseurs entered the intimate confines of Holy Moly’s to watch, listen and appreciate the musical talents of Mr Denny McCaffrey and his band. Martin Stapleton reviews: The audience soon builds up, seats are taken quickly. For the late arrivals, standing room only. Fortunately there is the consola-tion that the bar is close at hand. The veritable extravaganza of musician-ship arrives randomly on the stage and starts with an impromptu mini jam session. This continues until Denny and his two lady vo-calists arrive to some loud cheers. Instantly they all combine to bring us one of their most familiar songs, namely ‘Somebody Needs Somebody’, which is oh so catchy. This is instantly followed by ‘Better Than Walking Out’ which comes complete with some lovely shoop-shoop-doos. Most artists who come to play a gig here usually like to plug their album, however Denny, on the other hand can only profusely apologise to us as he has left his swag of CDs in his garage! A wry smile from him and us unites everyone. From said album is ‘Midnight Creeper’ and already the technical expertise is impressive. As the set develops, the band which includes (deep breath) bass, keyboards, sax, drums and even a multi-tasking percussionist, create a captivating style of musical compositions which both swing and groove at will. The wiry and charismatic Mr McCaffrey

leads his team that exude warmth, passion, virtuosity and yes, bundles and bundles of soul. There is certainly nothing synthetic or shallow. These, ladies and gentlemen have rhythm in abundance. Soundwise, it’s excellent. The clarity is perfect as the vivid lyrics are heard loud and clear. Amongst Denny’s own compositions, there is also a smattering of appropriate covers. Respect is offered to Ray Charles on his ‘I Don’t Need No Doctor’. With the natural heat of the crowd allied to the hot lights, Denny admits, “We’re melting in here.” Indeed when the band perform ‘Midnight At The Oasis’, a friend remarks, “More Like 9.30 in the sauna!” (Nice! – Ed) ‘The Pain Of Love’ and ‘Sweet Breath Of Heaven’ are beautiful, deep, melodic songs with the vocals relentlessly rich in texture. This is combined to the band’s diz-zying display of instrumental ecstasy. Kindly offered the half-time slot by Denny McCaffrey, one of the town’s most popular musical daughters, Miss Amy Leeder took to the stage. She played a short seven song set that featured her own fine compositions, both new and old. The crowd seemed to agree that it was as if she had never been away.

The Denny McCaffrey Band + Amy LeederBedford esquire’s – holy Moly’s Friday 6 July 2012

ReVieW

THE ROUGHCUT SESSIONSThe “noT JUST A MUSiC ShoW” ShoW.A group of Bedford-based artists, film makers and event organisers are inviting music, comedy and film lovers to take part in the filming of a new pilot internet TV podcast (oooh, how modern! – ed). Billed as a mix between “Later with Jools Holland” and “TFI Friday”, The Rough Cut Sessions aims to bring together bands, comedians and directors to create a decidedly different Friday night out and to put Bedford on the map. Holy Moly’s at Bedford Esquires will

play host to live musical performances, in-terviews and comedy and the audience will be invited to ask questions and chat with the hosts while enjoying the show, which will be available to view on the internet the following week.

The show’s director/producer, Tom B Wild, lectures in Media at Bedford College and has produced promotional videos for local music acts and for organisations including We Are Bedford and Bedford BID. He said, ‘We wanted to do something

MUSiC

completely different. We have loads going on in this town, and this is a great way to shout about it, not just to people who live here but also to people who don’t.’ Emily Finney, event organiser who brought the first Burlesque shows to Bed-ford and Jimmy Mann, also a media lecturer at Bedford College, best known for his off the cuff, spontaneous energy and bizarre hy-peractive humour (Brilliant! – Ed), will be hosting the show. ‘We’re both really excited by this project and hope that it is only the first of many to come,’ says Emily. The first show will include music by An Army of Lights, Rebecca De Winter and CC Smugglers, stand-up from Hatty Ashdown, and award winning short film ‘It’s Natural to be Afraid’, written by Neil Fox and directed by Justin Doherty. The team will also be inviting local hairstylist Sarah Dunn from Sarah’s Doo Wop Dos to create a

hairstyle on one of the audience members during the ‘Do that Do’ challenge. Topped off with a DJ set from Chloe T (Supersonic) this pilot show and subsequent podcast look to deliver what is sure to be a fantastic night out and must see home viewing. The live show will be filmed Friday 17th August at Holy Moly’s Bedford Esquires. Tickets are £2 and available from Danny’s Bar (Over 18’s only) Doors open at 8:00pm for a 8:30pm sharp start! The show will be available on Youtube the following week. You can find out more by visiting the Rough Cut Sessions Face-book Page or by following them on Twitter @roughcutsession or at https://twitter.com/Roughcutsession.

Exciting times, Bedford!

Rough & Ready

WIN!

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

8

Wednesday 1st August ••••••••••••••••••Artist of the Month – Martin IngleyExhibiting work from this exciting artist and illustrator throughout August at Bedford Art Centre & Gallery, Howard Street Tel: 01234 344784•Red Hot Chili Peppers Photography ExhibitionBrought to you by Tony Wooliscroft at Rock City Art Gal-lery. The show runs throughout August and entry is free. Castle Lane, BedfordTel. 01234 910448 info@rockcityart.com www.rockcit-yart.com•Paint Wind Chimes at FrostsWatch the children have fun painting wind chimes, ready to take home to decorate your garden. Children can choose their favourite animal and get creative, ideal for bringing a touch of colour and sound to your garden. 10am to 4pm, tickets £2.99.Frosts at Willington, Bedfordwww.frostsgardencentres.co.uk•Tea Dance Summer BallDance to the live music of Robert Peel (back by popular demand) in the atmospheric setting of the Bedford Corn Exchange. Enjoy cakes, mini sandwiches and other fine refreshments, as well as our free Gala Raffle.Starts 2.00pm, tickets £8.50 advance only. Main Auditorium, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s SquareBox Office: 01234 269519 cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk•Children’s Nature DiscoveryEnjoy a fun and informative walk, spotting birds, butter-flies and dragonflies. Get hands-on with some bark rubbing and other great activities. From 2pm - 4pm, children must be accompanied by an adult. Children £4, RSPB Wildlife Explorers £3. Adults go free.RSPB, The Lodge, SandyTel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge•Bedford Floral Art Society MeetingDemonstration by Jan Law: ‘Designed to Please’. Doors 7pm for 7.30pm. £5 for visitors.The Addison Centre www.bedfordfloralartsociety.co.uk•A Date with Nature - Dusk WatchExperience the sights and sounds of the reserve as dark-ness creeps over and secretive nocturnal creatures begin to emerge! Booking essential. 7.30pm until late. Please check start times when booking. RSPB members £4, non members £6 including car park and entry.RSPB, The Lodge, SandyTel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge•Stitch ‘n BitchBring any crafty project to The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham Rd, 7.30pmbeverlyjoburridge@gmail.com Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk

Thursday 2nd August ••••••••••••••••••••••Create Sunshine Collages at The Forest CentreJoin the sundial challenge - can we work out the time without a watch? Create a sunflower collage and make your own sun clock! Booking essential. All children to be accompanied by an adult. Sessions 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm. £2.50 per child. The Forest Centre and Millennium Country ParkTel: 01234767037 www.marstonvale.org/events•Birdwatching at the RSPBEnjoy the birds on view as well as trying out the latest binoculars and telescopes. An expert will be on hand to demonstrate. 10am until 4pm, free to attend.RSPB, The Lodge, SandyTel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge•Rhyme Time/Story TimeRhymes and stories at The Kiosk At The Park in Russell Park. 11.00-11.30am, weather permitting!•Traditional Music SessionJoin in this monthly folk jam, 8.30pm at The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham RdTel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Bedford Alternative Music Acoustic ShowcaseLive music in Holy Moly’s, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, Bedford Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com

Friday 3rd August ••••••••••••••••••••••••••Stained Glass FunHave a go at creating your own stained-glass windows to take home. 11.30am - 3.30pm, £2 per child, suitable for age 4+ (accompanied). John Bunyan Museum, Bunyan Meeting, Mill Street, Bedford

Tel: 01234 270303 curator@bunyanmeeting.co.uk www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk/museum•Ultimate Street Car EventCome along to the fastest, hottest, largest and loudest modified car festival in Europe with open RWYB, Show ‘n Shine, car clubs, live music, off track entertainment, trade village and more! Running until 5th August. Gates 9am, tickets £12 to £70.Santa Pod Raceway, Airfield Road, Poddington, Welling-boroughTel: 01234 782828 www.santapod.com www.ultimat-estreetcar.co.uk•Antique Furniture & Collectors Items AuctionA specialist auction of antiques and collectors’ items at the Bedford Auction Centre, where a range of furniture, pictures, ceramics and glass, silver, metalware, militaria and other effects are offered for sale. 11am, free to attend.Bedford Auction Centre, Newnham Street, Bedfordwww.peacockauction.co.uk•Minibeast SafariDiscover the bugs, beetles and beasties living in the undergrowth on the reserve. 2pm - 4pm, adults go free, children £4, RSPB Wildlife Explorers £3, booking essen-tial. Parking charges apply. Children must be accompanied by an adult.RSPB, The Lodge, SandyTel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge•Olympics Live Site BedfordBedford Athletic Stadium will become a fitting centre of Olympic action for the borough. Watch the Games live on a big screen from 3rd to 9th August. Throughout the week there will also be a chance to see how fast you can run 100m and try out a variety of sports. Free entry, food and drink available. The Olympic Live Site opens at 6.30pm with a Flash Mob Dance and will be open daily from 9am Saturday onwards. Bedford International Athletic StadiumTel: 01234 718616 www.bedfordevents.co.uk•Guided Meditations with Elizabeth DrakeHealer, reiki master and intuitive tarot reader Elizabeth Drake provides relaxation sessions in which she teaches relaxation techniques. First session free, refreshments provided. Every Friday 6.30-8.30pm at the Friends Meeting House, Landsdowne Road. Tel: 07816236659 elizabethdrake@live.co.uk•The Importance of Being ErnestBring your blankets, chairs, picnics and enjoy a fun, outdoor show. The Pantaloons have returned with perfor-mances on the lawn of The Lodge, 7pm - 10pm. Tickets £12.50 adults, £35 family ticket (2 adults 2 children). No dogs are allowed.RSPB, The Lodge, SandyTel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge•The Pantaloons perform The Brothers GrimmBring your blankets, chairs, picnics and enjoy a fun, outdoor show. The Pantaloons have returned with perfor-mances on the lawn of The Lodge, 7pm - 10pm. Tickets £12.50 adults, £35 family ticket (2 adults 2 children). No dogs are allowed. RSPB, The Lodge, SandyTel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge•Bedford Floral Art Society MeetingFeaturing a demonstration by Susie Barwick: ‘Wild at Heart’. Doors 7pm for 7.30pm, tickets £5.The Addison Centre, Kempstonwww.bedfordfloralartsociety.co.uk•Karaoke with Diamond Fire8pm, The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•Exec Club Karaoke9pm, The Exec Club, Lurke Street, BedfordTel: 01234 401500•The Vans + The Melophobics + Instant Social Conver-sionLive music on the Main Stage, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, Bedford tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Mad Mods & EnglishmenLive music in Danny’s Bar, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, BedfordTel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Club NightHoly Moly’s, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, BedfordTel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com

Saturday 4th August •••••••••••••••••••••••••West End Wendies Summer Theatre WorkshopsTake part in a summer theatre workshop programme led by current professional West End performers. Includes Legally Blonde, Shrek and Mamma Mia! 9am-4-pm. Cost upon application.South Bank Arts Centre, Bedford www.westendwendies.com•Kastaphor Play The Terrace SessionsAlfresco, acoustic music. Summer, unplugged. 7.30-10.30pm The Lane, Castle Lane, Bedford@TheLaneBedford #Terracesessions•The Pad Presents The WhollsThe Pad are bringing together four of Bedford’s brightest young things for a night of eclectic live music with head liners The Wholls being supported by CC Smugglers, The Scruff and The Tenbiits. Starts 8.00pm, tickets £8, 16+yrs only.Main Auditorium, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square Box Office: 01234 269519 cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk•Gwyn Ashton + Thr3eLive music on the Main Stage, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, BedfordTel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Single File9pm, The King’s Arms, St Mary’s StreetTel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk•Fat Lads’ DiscoHosted by Intobeats radio DJ, Ian Congdon-Lee. 10pm at The Exec Club, Lurke Street, BedfordTel: 01234 401500•Loaded Clubnight @ The PadIndie/rock n roll/old skool hip hop/beats & bass. 10pm-3-

am, free entry before midnight.07860 454530 http://www.facebook.com/#!/thepadnight-club

Sunday 5th August ••••••••••••••••••••••••••Bedford Guided Walk: ‘I Never Knew That’Bedford has a story waiting to be told around every cor-ner.. Adults £3, children over 8 years £1.50 (pre-booking only), 11am start.Tourist Information Centre, BedfordTel: 01234 718821 www.bedford.gov.uk/tourism•Summer Bandstand Concert – Hitchin BandFree performances every Sunday at Mill Meadow band-stand, 3-5pm.The Bandstand, Mill Meadows, BedfordTel: 01234 718617 events@bedford.gov.uk www.bedfordevents.co.uk•Full CircleLive music in Danny’s Bar from 5pm, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, BedfordTel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Sunday Evening Dance in the Officers’ MessDJ’s David and Viv will be on hand to play well known ballroom, latin, and sequence dances. Bring your own drinks, beverages, and snacks. Relax in the elegant Stuart Lounge. Dance in the lovely and historic Main Function Room. Enjoy an evening of wonderful dance music. 7pm until 10pm. Tickets on the door, £5 per person.The Keep, Corner of Bedford Road and Walcourt Road, KempstonTel: 01234 300 179 www.MelodyMagic.co.uk •Bedford Floral Art Society meetingFeaturing a Flotsam and Jetsam demonstration by Nick Grounds. Doors 7pm for 7.30pm, £5 for visitors. The Addison Centre, Kempstonwww.bedfordfloralartsociety.co.uk•Fishwife’s BroadsideLive music at The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham Rd. From 8pm.Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•White Horse Quiz NightTeams of up to 6, 8.30pm, £1pp entry. Free bingo game for Sunday quizzers!The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•Jon’s Music QuizUp to £300 prize money! The King’s Arms, St Mary’s Street Tel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk

Monday 6th August •••••••••••••••••••••••••A Story SafariCome and explore the park, solve riddles and hear stories of the animals that live here. Booking essential. £3.50 per child (accompanied), 10am, 11.30am, 1.30pm. The Forest Centre and Millennium Country ParkTel: 01234 767037 www.marstonvale.org/events•Minibeast SafariDiscover the bugs, beetles and beasties living in the undergrowth on the reserve. 2pm - 4pm, adults go free, children £4, RSPB Wildlife Explorers £3, booking essen-tial. Parking charges apply. Children must be accompanied by an adult.RSPB, The Lodge, SandyTel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge•Bedford Floral Art Society MeetingA Christmas demonstration by Lorena Dyer. Doors 7pm for 7.30pm. See website for costs. The Addison Centre, Kempstonwww.bedfordfloralartsociety.co.uk•Alpine Garden Society Group MeetingGuest speaker Graham Nicholls owns a nursery in Somer-set and has written a number of books on various plants. His talk will be about ‘North American Alpines - from the Rockies to Alaska’. A raffle and free refreshments will be available, and a professional nurseryman will be on hand. 7.30pm-9.30pm. £3 for visitors. Everyone welcome.Wilstead Village Hall, Cotton End Road, WilsteadMrs Elsie Willett: 01767 626 185 or email Mr Robert Amos: mail@bedfordshirealpines.comwww.bedfordshirealpines.com•Jazz Club – Allison Neale & Florence MooreIt’s the first time the girls have had a gig together, Allison on alto and Florence on double bass. Another favourite, guitarist Nick Page will provide chordal backing and solos.8.30pm at The Bedford Arms, Bromham Rd, BedfordTel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Open Mic NightHosted by local singer/songwriter Matt Roberts, 8.30pm til close. Just listen or join in!The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•Tony’s General Knowledge QuizThe King’s Arms, St Mary’s StreetTel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk

Tuesday 7th August •••••••••••••••••••••••••Tuesday Morning Walks at the RSPBWeekly walks around the reserve. Admire the wildlife and enjoy the site. Everyone welcome. 9.30am-11.30am, free for RSPB members, otherwise £3.RSPB, The Lodge, SandyTel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge•Books, Maps & Ephemera AuctionThe Bedford Auction Centre runs a monthly specialist book auction, providing a more specific market place for vendors and buyers. Auction includes sports books, travel and topography, aviation and military, maps and prints, children’s books, modern first editions and historical docu-ments. Starts at 3pm with advance viewing available.Bedford Auction CentreTel: 01234 266 366 www.peacockauction.co.uk•Olympics Activity TimeFree Olympics based activities and fun for kids, 11-12 noon. Bedford Library, Harpur StreetTel: 01234 718178•Kathy Brown’s Garden Open Day

in association with

Bedford Borough Council’s Premier entertainment Venue

The L I S T I N GGroup visits, lectures, books and garden design practice. 1-5pm, £4.50 per person, children free.“A garden of exuberant imagination, atmospheric and brimful of ideas, with a strong emphasis on garden art.” The Manor House, Church Road, Stevington. 01234 822064 www.kathybrownsgarden.homestead.com•Rhyme Time/Story TimeRhymes and stories at The Kiosk At The Park in Russell Park. 2.00-2.30pm, weather permitting!•Bedford Floral Art Society MeetingFeaturing a demonstration entitled Give Me Water, by Sue Woodward. Doors 7pm for 7.30pm, £5 for visitors. The Addison Centre, Kempstonwww.bedfordfloralartsociety.co.uk•White Horse Quiz NightTeams of up to 6, 8.30pm, £1pp entry.The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk

Wednesday 8th August •••••••••••••••••••Plant a Little Sunshine at FrostsBring the children and plant a little sunshine! Relax as they plant up a beautiful terracotta pot and decorate label. Ide-ally placed on a patio or in your garden, children will love nurturing their creation for months to come. 10am - 4pm, £2.99 per child. Frosts at Willington, Bedfordwww.frostsgardencentres.co.uk•Children’s Nature DiscoveryEnjoy a fun and informative walk, spotting birds, butter-flies and dragonflies. Get hands-on with some bark rubbing and other great activities. From 2pm - 4pm, children must be accompanied by an adult. Children £4, RSPB Wildlife Explorers £3. Adults go free.RSPB, The Lodge, SandyTel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge•Tea Dance This is a special one-off, international themed tea dance in honour of the Bedford Live Site, for complete beginners, through to more experienced dancers. Cakes, biscuits, tea and coffee will be on sale during the dance. All are wel-come to drop in, take part and find out more about regular fortnightly dances. 1-4pm. Bedford International Athletic StadiumTel: 01234 718821 www.bedford.gov.uk/sports•Beer Tasting ClubTasting a range of bottled ales and discussing their merits. Please register your interest with Bev.From 8pm, The Bedford Arms, Bromham Rd, BedfordTel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk

Thursday 9th August ••••••••••••••••••••••••Rhyme Time/Story TimeRhymes and stories at The Kiosk At The Park in Russell Park. 11.00-11.30am, weather permitting!•Game Preparation WorkshopLearn how to prepare both a pigeon and a rabbit and see a demonstration of how to cook the pigeon on site. 6pm, £20 per person. All ages welcome, under 18s must be ac-companied by an adult. Tea and coffee available.World of Bushcraft, Priory Marina, Barkers Lane, BedfordTel: 07843 164114 www.woodland-ways.co.uk•Book ClubDiscussing I Am Legend by Richard Matheson at The Bed-ford Arms, Bromham Rd, 8.00pmianstrgss@googlemail.com Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Bedford Alternative Music Acoustic ShowcaseLive music in Holy Moly’s, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, Bedford Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com

Friday 10th August ••••••••••••••••••••••••••Sporting Targets Junior Taster SessionAn opportunity for under 18s to experience archery, air rifles and clay pigeon shooting, this is a two hour event under the supervision of fully qualified instructors. Join a session with up to six other young people, or make a book-ing for six at a time to suit you. 10am-12noon, please call for availability, tickets £28.Sporting Targets, RiseleyTel: 01234 708893 www.sportingtargets.co.uk•Story Time & DrawingListen to John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress and draw your favourite bits. 11.30am and 1.30pm, £2 per child, suitable for age 4+ (accompanied).John Bunyan Museum, Bunyan Meeting, Mill Street, BedfordTel: 01234 270303 curator@bunyanmeeting.co.uk www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk/museum•Minibeast SafariDiscover the bugs, beetles and beasties living in the undergrowth on the reserve. 2pm - 4pm, adults go free, children £4, RSPB Wildlife Explorers £3, booking essen-tial. Parking charges apply. Children must be accompanied by an adult.RSPB, The Lodge, SandyTel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge•Guided Meditations with Elizabeth DrakeHealer, reiki master and intuitive tarot reader Elizabeth Drake provides relaxation sessions in which she teaches relaxation techniques. First session free, refreshments provided. Every Friday 6.30-8.30pm at the Friends Meeting House, Landsdowne Road. Tel: 07816236659 elizabethdrake@live.co.uk•Vinyl Revival NightDust off those LPs & singles and come to play them at The Bedford Arms, Bromham Rd from 8pm.Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Marcus Bonafante + Carl LinnettLive music in Holy Moly’s, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, BedfordTel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Dodgy + Bowfiger + Rebecca De WinterLive music on the Main Stage, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, BedfordTel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Exec Club Karaoke9pm, The Exec Club, Lurke Street, BedfordTel: 01234 401500

Saturday 11th August ••••••••••••••••••••••West End Wendies Summer Theatre WorkshopsTake part in a summer theatre workshop programme led by current professional West End performers. Includes Legally Blonde, Shrek and Mamma Mia! 9am-4-

pm. Cost upon application.South Bank Arts Centre, Bedford www.westendwendies.com•Create Your Own Stunning CardsJenny Stewart gives a free demonstration plus teaches the latest tips and techniques, 10% off all materials on the day. 10am – 4pm at The Art Centre (Underneath Lurke Street Car Park), Howard StreetTel: 01234 344784 www.artcentre.biz info@artcentre.biz•Lydia Maddix plays The Terrace SessionsAlfresco, acoustic music. Summer, unplugged. 7.30-10.30pmThe Lane, Castle Lane, Bedford@TheLaneBedford #Terracesessions•Bat Night at the RSPBJoin a popular night walk, searching for the bats that live and feed on the reserve. Bring a torch! 8.30-10.30pm. Adults £5, RSPB members £4, children £4, RSPB Wildlife Explorers £3.Please book and pay in advance.RSPB, The Lodge, SandyTel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge•The Pistonz9pm, The King’s Arms, St Mary’s StreetTel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk•The Riffs + The CaseLive music on the Main Stage, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, BedfordTel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Duty + Special GuestsLive music in Danny’s Bar, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, BedfordTel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Fat Lads’ DiscoHosted by Intobeats radio DJ, Ian Congdon-Lee. 10pm at The Exec Club, Lurke Street, BedfordTel: 01234 401500•Loaded Clubnight @ The PadIndie/rock n roll/old skool hip hop/beats & bass. 10pm-3-am, free entry before midnight.07860 454530 http://www.facebook.com/#!/thepadnight-club

Sunday 12th August •••••••••••••••••••••••••The Mansion House Car ShowShowcasing hundreds of cars including classic, sport, American, kit, custom and replica, in addition to club displays and stalls for autojumble and crafts. There will be a live action arena, funfair, go-karts, giant inflatables and a chill-out zone. Adults £8, children (5-15 years) £4. Open 10am to 5pm. The Mansion House, Shuttleworth Park, Old Warden, BedsTel: 01527 863770 info@greenwoodexhibitions.co.uk www.themansionhouse.org•Bedford WW2 Guided WalkDiscover Bedford’s wartime secrets. How the town became a centre for the nation’s entertainment, played its part in the secret war and as Liberty Town, played host to the ‘friendly invasion’! Starts at 11am, adults £3, children over 8 years £1.50. Bedford Tourist Information Centre, St Pauls Square, Bedford Tel: 01234 718112 or 221755 www.bedford.gov.uk/tourism•Knots & Ropes WorkshopThe team at World of Bushcraft will look in detail at the multitude of knots used when out in the woods. Learn how to tie each knot before putting it to use for real, by rigging a tarp and hammock, tensioning ropes, coiling ropes, climbing knots, quick release knots and tying in a fishing hook. 2pm start, £20 per person, all ages welcome. Under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult. Tea and coffee is available.World of Bushcraft, Priory Marina, Barkers LaneTel: 07843 164114 www.woodland-ways.co.uk•Summer Bandstand Concert – Bedford Town DecibelsFree performances every Sunday at Mill Meadow band-stand, 3-5pm.The Bandstand, Mill Meadows, BedfordTel: 01234 718617 events@bedford.gov.uk www.bedfordevents.co.uk•Tie One OnLive music in Danny’s Bar from 5pm, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, BedfordTel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Nick StephensonLive music at The Bedford Arms, Bromham Rd, from 8pm.Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•White Horse Quiz NightTeams of up to 6, 8.30pm, £1pp entry. Free bingo game for Sunday quizzers!The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•Jon’s Music QuizUp to £300 prize money! The King’s Arms, St Mary’s Street Tel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk

Monday 13th August ••••••••••••••••••••••••Original Art ExhibitionSee new work from over 45 Bedfordshire artists at the Eagle Gallery. Open from Monday-Saturday, 10am-5.30pm. Free to attend. Running until 6th September.Eagle Gallery, Castle RoadTel Sarah Buckingham: 07983 759294 www.eaglegal-leryartists.co.uk•Buzzing about! Children’s Activity WorkshopA selection of games, activities, quizzes and crafts - all themed on bees. Sessions 10am, 11am, 1pm and 2pm. £2.50 per child. Booking is essential. All children to be accompanied by an adult.The Forest Centre, Millennium Country ParkTel: 01234 767037 www.marstonvale.org/events•Jazz Club – Young Pianist Rachael JohnsonRachael’s influences include Bill Evans and the early work of Miles. A great line up of tenor, trumpet bass and drums will join her to perform some jazz classics.8.30pm at The Bedford Arms, Bromham Rd, BedfordTel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Open Mic NightHosted by local singer/songwriter Matt Roberts, 8.30pm til close. Just listen or join in!The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•Tony’s General Knowledge QuizThe King’s Arms, St Mary’s Street

Bedford Corn exchange Box office: 01234 269519 www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk

AUGUST 2012

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

9

Tel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk

Tuesday 14th August •••••••••••••••••••••••St John’s Hospice Summer FêteA fun afternoon out for all the family. This year the fête takes on a wartime theme, complete with living his-tory group ‘The Airborne Eagles’, military and civilian vehicles, a fun dog show, steam engine rides, swing boats, a coconut shy, paintball, birds of prey, a sheep dog display, live singers and over 40 trade stalls, including vintage clothes, a BBQ, hog roast, sandwiches and cream teas. Free parking in the field behind the hospice. 11am-4.30pm, adults £1.50, children under 14 free.St John’s Hospice, Moggerhanger•Tuesday Morning Walks at the RSPBWeekly walks around the reserve. Admire the wildlife and enjoy the site. Everyone welcome. 9.30am-11.30am, free for RSPB members, otherwise £3.RSPB, The Lodge, SandyTel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge•Kathy Brown’s Garden Open DayGroup visits, lectures, books and garden design practice. 1-5pm, £4.50 per person, children free.“A garden of exuberant imagination, atmospheric and brimful of ideas, with a strong emphasis on garden art.” The Manor House, Church Road, Stevington. 01234 822064 www.kathybrownsgarden.homestead.com•Rhyme Time/Story TimeRhymes and stories at The Kiosk At The Park in Russell Park. 2.00-2.30pm, weather permitting!•White Horse Quiz NightTeams of up to 6, 8.30pm, £1pp entry.The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk

Wednesday 15th August •••••••••••••••••••Make Your Own Pebble PetChildren can come along to Frosts to enjoy making a cute pebble pet - where their imagination can run wild. Ideal for adding that personal touch to the existing displays in your garden, rockery or hanging baskets. £2.99 per child, 10am-4pm. Materials provided.Frosts at Willington www.frostsgardencentres.co.uk•Willow Basketry WorkshopLearn the basic principles of working with willow and be guided through the process of making a small round willow basket to take home. The course will also cover other aspects of basketry including alternative weaving techniques. All tools and materials are provided, tea and coffee available. Tickets £30, 9.30am start, under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.World of Bushcraft, Priory Marina, Barkers LaneTel: 07843 164114 www.woodland-ways.co.uk•St. John’s Hospice fun dayA fun day for all the family, with steam engine rides, ar-chery demonstrations, a fun dog show, classic cars, swing boats, BBQ, hog roast and a variety of stalls and games. 12 noon- 4.30pm, £1.50 per adult, children under 14 free. Free parking in the field behind. St John’s Hospice, Moggerhangerlinda.mintern@suerydercare.org•Coil Basketry WorkshopLearn the basic principles of this age old craft and be guided through the process of making a coil basket to take home. The course will also cover other aspects of coil basketry including alternative stitching techniques. All tools and materials are provided, tea and coffee available. Tickets £30, 1.30pm start, under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.World of Bushcraft, Priory Marina, Barkers LaneTel: 07843 164114 www.woodland-ways.co.uk•Bedford International Games (BIG)The Bedford International Games have been held in Bedford for 15 years and have grown to become one of the major national events in the athletics calendar.Bedford International Athletic StadiumTel: 01234 351115 bias@bedford.gov.uk www.athleticsta-dium.bedford.gov.uk•UK Pick-Up & Van National ShowA show open to all special interest pick-ups, vans, woodies, estates and countryman type vehicles including Veteran, Classic, Custom, Americans, Hot Rods and Rep-licas, plus a separate display area for other special interest vehicles. Everyone welcome. Other attractions include an autojumble, trade stands, bar, music and entry to the Glenn Miller and WW2 museums. 10am-4.30pm, pick-ups, vans and special interest vehicles £6, general public £8.Twinwood Airfield, Clapham, Bedswww.claphamclassicevents.co.uk•Children’s Nature DiscoveryEnjoy a fun and informative walk, spotting birds, butter-flies and dragonflies. Get hands-on with some bark rubbing and other great activities. From 2pm - 4pm, children must be accompanied by an adult. Children £4, RSPB Wildlife Explorers £3. Adults go free.RSPB, The Lodge, SandyTel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge•Stitch ‘n BitchBring any crafty project to The Bedford Arms, Bromham Rd, Bedford, 7.30pmbeverlyjoburridge@gmail.com Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk

Thursday 16th August •••••••••••••••••••••Rhyme Time/Story TimeRhymes and stories at The Kiosk At The Park in Russell Park. 11.00-11.30am, weather permitting!•A History of the Art of DiningThis meeting is organised by the Bedford National Trust Association, with a talk by Michael Sutherland. £2 for members, £3 for non members, 2pm for 2.30pm.The Addison Centre, KempstonTel Garry Telling: 01480 860439•Esquire’s ShowcaseLive music in Danny’s Bar, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, Bedford Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com

Friday 17th August •••••••••••••••••••••••••God of the PodThis is the ultimate track day event at Santa Pod Raceway, no matter what car you drive. The event is all about finding the ‘God of The Pod’ by testing entrant’s performance on the dragstrip and the huge handling track. The competition is open to everyone and it doesn’t matter how fast or slow your car is! Gates open 8am, tickets £8-£30.

Santa Pod Raceway, Airfield Road, Poddington, Welling-boroughTel: 01234 782828 www.santapod.com•Clay SignsHave fun using clay to make your own name plaque or door sign, 11.30am – 3.30pm, £2 per child, suitable for age 4+ (accompanied).John Bunyan Museum, Bunyan Meeting, Mill Street, BedfordTel: 01234 270303 curator@bunyanmeeting.co.uk www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk/museum•Minibeast SafariDiscover the bugs, beetles and beasties living in the undergrowth on the reserve. 2pm - 4pm, adults go free, children £4, RSPB Wildlife Explorers £3, booking essen-tial. Parking charges apply. Children must be accompanied by an adult.RSPB, The Lodge, SandyTel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge•Guided Meditations with Elizabeth DrakeHealer, reiki master and intuitive tarot reader Elizabeth Drake provides relaxation sessions in which she teaches relaxation techniques. First session free, refreshments provided. Every Friday 6.30-8.30pm at the Friends Meeting House, Landsdowne Road. Tel: 07816236659 elizabethdrake@live.co.uk•Date with Nature - Dusk WatchExperience the sights and sounds of the reserve as dark-ness creeps over and secretive nocturnal creatures begin to emerge. Booking essential, 7.30pm–late. Members £4, non-members £6 including car park.RSPB, The Lodge, SandyTel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge•Karaoke with Diamond Fire8pm, The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•Live TV FilmingMore info to follow.. Holy Moly’s, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, BedfordTel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Deer Tick + SupportLive music on the Main Stage, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, BedfordTel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Exec Club Karaoke9pm, The Exec Club, Lurke Street, BedfordTel: 01234 401500

Saturday 18th August ••••••••••••••••••••••West End Wendies Summer Theatre WorkshopsTake part in a summer theatre workshop programme led by current professional West End performers. Includes Legally Blonde, Shrek and Mamma Mia! 9am-4-pm. Cost upon application.South Bank Arts Centre, Bedford www.westendwendies.com•Jess Morgan plays The Terrace SessionsAlfresco, acoustic music. Summer, unplugged. 7.30-10.30pmThe Lane, Castle Lane, Bedford@TheLaneBedford #Terracesessions•Soleweaver9pm, The King’s Arms, St Mary’s StreetTel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk•Anne-Marie Hurst plus Robed in Desire & Flesh Eating FoundationIt’s around 25 years since Anne-Marie last played in Bedford with Ghost Dance. In the band are 2 other ex-members of seminal goth band Skeletal Family. Its gonna be... dark. £8.50 advance tickets available at Esquire’s and www.wegottickets.com.Mainstage, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, BedfordTel: 01234 340120 www.befordesquires.com•Fat Lads’ DiscoHosted by Intobeats radio DJ, Ian Congdon-Lee. 10pm at The Exec Club, Lurke Street, BedfordTel: 01234 401500•Hellfyre Club NightHoly Moly’s, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, BedfordTel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Loaded Clubnight @ The PadIndie/rock n roll/old skool hip hop/beats & bass. 10pm-3-am, free entry before midnight.07860 454530 http://www.facebook.com/#!/thepadnight-club

Sunday 19th August ••••••••••••••••••••••••Monster Truck NationalsMonster Truck showdowns and freestyle action at Santa Pod. Gates 8am, tickets £9.60-£35.Santa Pod Raceway, Airfield Road, Poddington, Welling-borough Tel: 01234 782828 www.santapod.com•St John’s Hospice Country FêteA fun event for all the family held in the grounds and field behind the Hospice with steam engine rides, fairground rides, trade stalls, a dog show, animal displays, classic cars, pony rides, children’s entertainment, dance and music performances, BBQ, hog roast and cream teas. 11am-4.30pm, adults £1.50, children free. St John’s HospiceTel: 01767 642412 danielle.brandon@sueryder.org www.sueryder.org/events•Crafts, Cake & a CuppaCome along to a craft sale at Woburn Village Hall with a wide variety of high quality local handmade art and craft items, with over twenty different crafters attending. Hot and cold refreshments will be available all day, free parking in the large car park outside the hall. 10am-4pm, free entry.Woburn Village Hall, Woburnwww.ccc-craftfairs.co.uk•Bedford Guided Walk: ‘I Never Knew That’Bedford has a story waiting to be told around every cor-ner.. Adults £3, children over 8 years £1.50 (pre-booking only), 11am start.Tourist Information Centre, BedfordTel: 01234 718821 www.bedford.gov.uk/tourism•Summer Bandstand ConcertFree performances every Sunday at Mill Meadow band-stand, 3-5pm.The Bandstand, Mill Meadows, BedfordTel: 01234 718617 events@bedford.gov.uk www.bedfordevents.co.uk•AlchemyLive music in Danny’s Bar from 5pm.Esquire’s, Bromham Rd, Bedford

Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Simon & OliviaLive music at The Bedford Arms from 8pm, Bromham Rd, Bedford. Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•White Horse Quiz NightTeams of up to 6, 8.30pm, £1pp entry. Free bingo game for Sunday quizzers!The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•Jon’s Music QuizUp to £300 prize money! The King’s Arms, St Mary’s StreetTel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk

Monday 20th August ••••••••••••••••••••••••The Mansion House Rhythm FestivalAugust bank holiday just wouldn’t be the same without the Rhythm Festival and this year promises to be bigger and better than ever before. There will be three separate villages, centred around the folk festival stage, the rhythm and blues stage and the big rhythms stage. All three share children’s areas, camping and accommodation facilities as well as food stalls and indoor attractions like the tavern bar and comedy theatre. Weekend passes are available for either individual areas, or for all three combined. Open until 27th August, please see website for costs.The Mansion House, Old Warden Park, BiggleswadeTel: 01767 626262 www.rhythmfestival.co.uk•Minibeast SafariDiscover the bugs, beetles and beasties living in the under-growth on the reserve. 2-4pm, adults go free, children £4, RSPB Wildlife Explorers £3, booking essential. Parking charges apply. Children must be accompanied by an adult.RSPB, The Lodge, SandyTel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge•Jazz Club – Gilad AtzmonThe one and only! 8.30pm at The Bedford Arms, Bro-mham Rd, BedfordTel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Open Mic NightHosted by local singer/songwriter Matt Roberts, 8.30pm til close. Just listen or join in!The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•Tony’s General Knowledge QuizThe King’s Arms, St Mary’s StreetTel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk

Tuesday 21st August ••••••••••••••••••••••••England Athletics U17/U15 ChampionshipsWatch young athletes compete to gain qualifying status for other major and international events at the Bedford International Athletic StadiumTel: 01234 351115 bias@bedford.gov.uk www.athletic-stadium@bedford.gov.uk•Tuesday Morning Walks at the RSPBWeekly walks around the reserve. Admire the wildlife and enjoy the site. Everyone welcome. 9.30am-11.30am, free for RSPB members, otherwise £3.RSPB, The Lodge, SandyTel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge•Kathy Brown’s Garden Open DayGroup visits, lectures, books and garden design practice. 1-5pm, £4.50 per person, children free.“A garden of exuberant imagination, atmospheric and brimful of ideas, with a strong emphasis on garden art.” The Manor House, Church Road, Stevington. 01234 822064 www.kathybrownsgarden.homestead.com•Rhyme Time/Story TimeRhymes and stories at The Kiosk At The Park in Russell Park. 2.00-2.30pm, weather permitting!•White Horse Quiz NightTeams of up to 6, 8.30pm, £1pp entry.The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk

Wednesday 22nd August •••••••••••••••••Decorate Your Own Glider & MaskA workshop for children who will choose to decorate ei-ther a beautiful butterfly or beastly bug glider to fly around the garden. 10am-4pm, £2.99 per childFrosts at Willington, Bedfordwww.frostsgardencentres.co.uk•Compass WorkshopAn introduction to the fundamental skills of reading a map and using a compass, before being let loose on the orienteering course around Priory Country Park. All ages welcome, under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. 2pm start, tickets £20 per person. Tea and coffee available at the end of the workshop.World of Bushcraft, Priory Marina, Barkers LaneTel: 07843164114 www.woodland-ways.co.uk•Children’s Nature DiscoveryEnjoy a fun and informative walk, spotting birds, butter-flies and dragonflies. Get hands-on with some bark rubbing and other great activities. From 2pm - 4pm, children must be accompanied by an adult. Children £4, RSPB Wildlife Explorers £3. Adults go free.RSPB, The Lodge, SandyTel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge•Detecting Forged Antiquities by Andrew OddyThis talk is part of a programme from the Bedford National Trust Association. Coffee will be served before the meeting and the shop will be open. £3 for visitors, 7pm 7.30pm.The Addison Centre, KempstonTel Mrs Garry Telling: 01480 860439•Beer Tasting ClubTasting a range of bottled ales and discussing their merits, from 8pm. Please register your interest with Bev.The Bedford Arms, Bromham Rd, BedfordTel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Crohn’s Disease & Colitis Fundraising QuizAt The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford. 8pm start, £5pp including ploughman’s dinnerTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk

Thursday 23rd August ••••••••••••••••••••••Rhyme Time/Story TimeRhymes and stories at The Kiosk At The Park in Russell Park. 11.00-11.30am, weather permitting!•Esquire’s Showcase Ft. Evergreen + OutshinedLive music in Danny’s Bar from 8pm, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, Bedford

Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com

Friday 24th August •••••••••••••••••••••••••Bedford Auction Centre Valuation DayThe Bedford Auction Centre’s team of valuers will be happy to advise on all antique/collectable items. No ap-pointment necessary. Bring along items for complimentary valuation advice (no obligation), between 10am and 4pm. For larger items, they will happily visit you in your home – just call to make an appointment. Entries currently invited for specialist sales of antiques, jewellery, 20th century design, rock and pop and memories of childhood.The Bedford Auction CentreTel: 01234 266 366 www.peacockauction.co.uk•Twinwood FestivalTwinwood Festival incorporates the Glenn Miller Festival of swing, jazz, jive and rock ‘n’ roll. There will be air displays, hangar dances, fashion shows, comedy shows, trade stalls, dance lessons and workshops, food and bars, museums, living history, classic vehicles, camping and more. With nearly 80 performances over the festival, there is always plenty of choice to suit all musical tastes includ-ing Max Raabe & The Palast Orchestra and John Miller & his Orchestra.See website for ticket costs, open 10am-Midnight, running until 27th August.Twinwood Arena, Clapham, BedsTel: 01923 282725 www.twinwoodevents.com•Noah’s MobileHave fun making your own mobile of Noah’s Ark. 11.30am - 3.30pm, £2 per child, suitable for age 4+ (ac-companied).John Bunyan Museum, Bunyan Meeting, Mill Street, BedfordTel: 01234 270303 curator@bunyanmeeting.co.uk www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk/museum•Minibeast SafariDiscover the bugs, beetles and beasties living in the undergrowth on the reserve. 2pm - 4pm, adults go free, children £4, RSPB Wildlife Explorers £3, booking essen-tial. Parking charges apply. Children must be accompanied by an adult.RSPB, The Lodge, SandyTel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge•Guided Meditations with Elizabeth DrakeHealer, reiki master and intuitive tarot reader Elizabeth Drake provides relaxation sessions in which she teaches relaxation techniques. First session free, refreshments provided. Every Friday 6.30-8.30pm at the Friends Meeting House, Landsdowne Road. Tel: 07816236659 elizabethdrake@live.co.uk•The Love BandLive music in Danny’s Bar from 8pm, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, BedfordTel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Charity Live Music NightAt The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•Exec Club Karaoke9pm, The Exec Club, Lurke Street, BedfordTel: 01234 401500•Mutiny Club NightHoly Moly’s, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, BedfordTel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com

Saturday 25th August •••••••••••••••••••••••West End Wendies Summer Theatre WorkshopsTake part in a summer theatre workshop programme led by current professional West End performers. Includes Legally Blonde, Shrek and Mamma Mia! 9am-4-pm. Cost upon application.South Bank Arts Centre, Bedford www.westendwendies.com•The Hallelujah Trails play The Terrace SessionsAlfresco, acoustic music. Summer, unplugged. 7.30-10.30pm The Lane, Castle Lane, Bedford@TheLaneBedford #Terracesessions•Karakoke with Crazy Horse8pm, The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•Maxi PriestGrammy nominated Maxi Priest performs hits Wild World, Some Guys Have All The Luck, Should I, Close To You, and many more with a full band. Supported by Trevor Walters (Stuck on You & Love Me Tonight) plus special guests. Doors 8pm, tickets £17.50 (advance), over 18yrs only. Main Auditorium, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square Box Office: 01234 269519 cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk•Bootleg Zoo 9pm, The King’s Arms, St Mary’s StreetTel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk•Fat Lads’ DiscoHosted by Intobeatsradio DJ, Ian Congdon-Lee. 10pm at The Exec Club, Lurke Street, BedfordTel: 01234 401500•Soca Festa Club NightHoly Moly’s, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, BedfordTel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Loaded Clubnight @ The PadIndie/rock n roll/old skool hip hop/beats & bass. 10pm-3-am, free entry before midnight.07860 454530 http://www.facebook.com/#!/thepadnight-club

Sunday 26th August •••••••••••••••••••••••••Bedford Guided Walk: The rise and fall of Bedford CastleA Royal Charter, a not so ‘civil’ war and a castle removed stone by stone.. View the site where Bedford’s motte and bailey castle once stood and enjoy views over the River Great Ouse from the recently restored castle mound. Adults £3, children over 8 years £1.50, 11am start.Tourist Information Centre, St Paul’s Square, BedfordTel: 01234 718112 touristinfo@bedford.gov.uk www.bedford.gov.uk/tourism www.vistbedford.co.uk•Heritage Fashions & Fabrics DisplayWillington Local History Group and the Bedford National Trust Association present the Heritage Fashions and Fab-rics display. There will be Tudor fashions for children to try on, plus items from the National Trust collection. Close to Bedford River Valley Park incorporating riverside and woodland walks. 1-5pm. £1 donation towards the upkeep of these beautiful buildings appreciated, teas and toilet facilities in St. Lawrence Church nearby.

National Trust Dovecote and Stables, Church End, Wil-lington Tel: 01234 404879 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-willingtondovecote•Café in the TowerDrop in at All Saints Church 2.30-5.30pm and sample a delicious range of cakes and cookies to go with your favourite cuppa. Enjoy the beauty of this Grade 1 listed building and wander around the award-winning Churchyard. The Church Tower will also be open and the panoramic views from the top are well worth the climb. Tower trips £2.50 adults, £1 children aged 10+.All Saints Church, OdellEmail: jane@eshelby.co.uk•Summer Bandstand Concert – The Rhythm ExpressFree performances every Sunday at Mill Meadow band-stand, 3-5pm.The Bandstand, Mill Meadows, BedfordTel: 01234 718617 events@bedford.gov.uk www.bedfordevents.co.uk•Hair of the Dog4pm-6.30pm at The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•Thunderbird 54pm-7pm, The King’s Arms, St Mary’s StreetTel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk•The Workshop BoysLive music in Danny’s Bar from 5pm, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, BedfordTel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•The Broadway TwistersLive music at The Bedford Arms from 8pm, Bromham Rd, BedfordTel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•White Horse Quiz NightTeams of up to 6, 8.30pm, £1pp entry. Free bingo game for Sunday quizzers!The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•Jon’s Music QuizUp to £300 prize money! The King’s Arms, St Mary’s StreetTel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk

Monday 27th August ••••••••••••••••••••••••Big Band Xtra Jam NiteHosted by local singer/songwriter Matt Roberts, 7.30pm til late. Just listen or join in!The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•Jazz Club – Don AireyProbably known over the last decade as the keyboard master of Deep Purple. The writer, arranger and composer at the start of his career leant heavily on jazz. To underline the fact Don has just finished making a jazz trio Recording.8.30pm at The Bedford Arms, Bromham Rd, BedfordTel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Tony’s General Knowledge QuizThe King’s Arms, St Mary’s StreetTel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk

Tuesday 28th August ••••••••••••••••••••••Tuesday Morning Walks at the RSPBWeekly walks around the reserve. Admire the wildlife and enjoy the site. Everyone welcome. 9.30am-11.30am, free for RSPB members, otherwise £3.RSPB, The Lodge, SandyTel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge•Kathy Brown’s Garden Open DayGroup visits, lectures, books and garden design practice. 1-5pm, £4.50 per person, children free.“A garden of exuberant imagination, atmospheric and brimful of ideas, with a strong emphasis on garden art.” The Manor House, Church Road, Stevington. 01234 822064 www.kathybrownsgarden.homestead.com•Rhyme Time/Story TimeRhymes and stories at The Kiosk At The Park in Russell Park. 2.00-2.30pm, weather permitting!•White Horse Quiz NightTeams of up to 6, 8.30pm, £1pp entry. The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk

Wednesday 29th August •••••••••••••••••••Create Your Own Finger PuppetAn opportunity for children to have fun making their own animal finger puppet. 10am-4pm, £2.99 per child.Frosts at Willington, Bedfordwww.frostsgardencentres.co.uk •Children’s Nature DiscoveryEnjoy a fun and informative walk, spotting birds, butter-flies and dragonflies. Get hands-on with some bark rubbing and other great activities. From 2pm - 4pm, children must be accompanied by an adult. Children £4, RSPB Wildlife Explorers £3. Adults go free.RSPB, The Lodge, SandyTel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge•Stitch ‘n BitchBring any crafty project to The Bedford Arms, Bromham Rd, Bedford, 7.30pmbeverlyjoburridge@gmail.com Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Bedford Organ and Keyboard Club Social eveningAn evening of music and dancing by popular entertainer John Lee. Members £2.50, non-members £5 on the door, 8-10.30pm. The Addison Centre, KempstonTel Brian Noble: 01234 344423 bedsokc@gmail.com

Thursday 30th August ••••••••••••••••••••••Rhyme Time/Story TimeRhymes and stories at The Kiosk At The Park in Russell Park. 11.00-11.30am, weather permitting!•The Last Chance Ragtime BandLive music from 8pm at The Bedford Arms, Bromham Rd, BedfordTel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Bedford Alternative Music ShowcaseLive music in Danny’s Bar from 8pm, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, BedfordTel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com

The Listing Continues on Page 10

CoMedy CoMinG Soon: Al Murray- The Pub Landlord Wednesday 28th november

AUGUST 2012

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

10

BCA CHOIRMUSiC

I can’t wait for the BCA choir performance!

inTeRVieW WiTh: THE WHOLLSMUSiC

The Listing Continued from Page 9

AUGUST 2012

VoicesA woman in blue I’ve never met beforeis opening her mouthand I hear her singingin her own girl’s voice:a rare sound, clambering, all elbowsto the high notes.

Here I am, hesitant,lagging a beat behindbut I’m singing in the clear voiceI use to make my children sleep,I’m opening my mouthto the dream of an audience.

In all the parts and all the rowsare neighbours, strangers - that man next to that woman,that girl and the next,the woman in red flowers, the tall man and the others,singing, all of them in voicesmaybe the likes of which,the pure, sore graft of sound,you have never heard.

PoeTRy CoRneR

by Sarah Davies

Tuesday evening and, instead of watching holby City (i know), i’m standing in a Church hall; listening to children playing in the street, eating lockets and hoping my voice doesn’t catch in my throat.

I haven’t sung, outside of the shower or embarrassing my children with my rendition of ‘Moves Like Jagger’ for too many years to count; but I’d been thinking about joining a choir. When I saw that BCA were putting together a piece, I looked into it, looked at the music of composer Johnny Parry online and loved it, so knew I had to have a go and managed to get to my first rehearsal on Tuesday. What an interesting cross-section of people - some, like me, nervously trying to work out where our voices lie. I rate myself as a second soprano – I have a high

voice, but not angelically so - and sit down next to a stranger. In the next two hours, a kind of alchemy happens - strangers became neighbours and we get to hear our neighbours’ singing voices; a strangely intimate process if you think about it. Often, we rarely get to hear the real singing voices of even our best friends. There is something revealing about singing, about interacting with music. I can read music well; but the process of adjusting my voice to the score was difficult without my usual intermediary, the flute. My fingers actually ached to be able to play the melody on the flute, or even on the

piano. I knew I’d understand it better then. Standing next to some excellent singers re-ally helped and I followed their lead. The effect of our massed voices was surprisingly moving; I loved the harmonies and counterpoints and have to say how much I admire the people who can compose and arrange such complex pieces; I’d love to have that gift. I have been practising my songs at home; usually to the recorder ac-companiment of my children and am look-ing forward to next week. I had forgotten how much I missed being part of something musical, and thank BCA for giving me the opportunity.

Friday 31st August •••••••••••••••••••••••••Animal MasksMake your own 3D animal mask. 11.30am – 3.30pm, £2 per child, suitable for age 4+ (accompanied).John Bunyan Museum, Bunyan Meeting, Mill Street, BedfordTel: 01234 270303 curator@bunyanmeeting.co.uk www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk/museum•Minibeast SafariDiscover the bugs, beetles and beasties living in the under-growth on the reserve. 2-4pm, adults go free, children £4, RSPB Wildlife Explorers £3, booking essential. Parking charges apply. Children must be accompanied by an adult.RSPB, The Lodge, SandyTel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge•Charity Live Music Night8pm at The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•Guided Meditations with Elizabeth DrakeHealer, reiki master and intuitive tarot reader Elizabeth Drake provides relaxation sessions in which she teaches relaxation techniques. First session free, refreshments provided. Every Friday 6.30-8.30pm at the Friends Meeting House, Landsdowne Road. Tel: 07816236659 elizabethdrake@live.co.uk•Exec Club Karaoke9pm, The Exec Club, Lurke Street, BedfordTel: 01234 401500•Cherry Lee MewisLive music in Holy Moly’s, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, BedfordTel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Bedford Alternative Music – Best OfLive music on the main stage, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, Bedford Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com

By Gareth Barber

Hi guys, first off, great set the other day at the river festival - for anyone who doesnt know you, just tell me who’s who in the band, when you got together and what The Wholls are all about..What’s poppin Gareth?! We’re a unique four piece urban rock n roll band - Adam Brown is the songwriter/frontman, Arturo Cocchiarella on lead guitar, Joe Stevenson on bass and Danny De Feo the heartbeat on drums. We also work very closely with, in our opinion, one of the UK’s finest lyricists and MCs, Zedo. We’ve been play-ing together for a couple of years now and gigging since mid 2011. The Wholls are all about positivity, high energy and giving people something a little different...

The name ‘The Wholls’ is a bit odd ain’t it?! What’s it all about and where did it come from?...[deep breath] the name comes from the barracks in Afghanistan. A good friend of ours was posted out there and the nickname Walter Gearos sort of stuck around him. That evolved over time into Walter then Walt then Wal. A little change of spelling and the word was born. When he came back to the UK it became handy if we were all in town, say, to shout out ‘WHOLL!’, get everyones attention and do one!! So when the band formed out of that the name seemed to fit.

I’m still a bit confused, but that’s nothing new, maybe a pub trip and a few beers might make it clearer! It’s been an excit-ing year for you boys, playing rammed out local shows and taking the ‘Spar-tans’ and ‘Whollettes’ around the UK with you, what have been your personal highlights?The past 9 months or so have been like a whirlwind. We feel like we’ve managed to achieve a lot on our own especially con-sidering we were still jamming in Dannys mums shed just over a year ago! Personal highlights would be any time we can share our music to our fans and feel the buzz it creates. We could have achieved nothing without all their incredible support. Anyone who caught our set at the River Festival (which was another amazing highlight!) will have seen the vibe our fans can bring to a gig. Other highlights would include headlin-ing the legendary Camden Barfly, going full time last november and being interviewed by you. Obviously...!

Don’t give me that!! I’ve seen you guys a few times now, with the recent Crau-ford Arms show being my favourite, it’s impressive how far you guys have come since those early Ent Shed days. A little birdy tells me some very exciting paper-work has just been signed by you lot, can you say anything more about that?We are extremely happy to announce that we have very recently signed a 3 album record deal with London/LA based label ZY Records. These guys are an independent la-bel with major label links and ambitions and have BIG plans for getting our sound out there so we’re really excited about what the future holds. Richard West, who owns Level Recording Studio and is also signed to the label as a producer, tipped ZY off about us and they made the sensible decision of getting behind us. We’ve held out without a manager or label to wait for the right people to help take us forward and we feel like we’ve definitely bagged the right team.

That news is hot off the press! Have you seen anyone else recently from Bedford who you think could make it?Our man Zedo has everything we want to hear in an MC. Intelligent lyrics and his new beats produced with Richard West are massive - trust us when we say this boy will go on a journey. Dotz is smashing it and really making a big name for himself out of town. A master of his craft, he’s on the way to winning the UK’s Jump Off competition. Check him out online. Our boys the Scruff deserve every bit of success they achieve not least because they’re a top band but you won’t meet more genuine guys. Every band playing with us on the 4th August is there on merit. Overall we’re really excited about the amount of quality and diverse artists Bedford is producing right now. People can check out a lot of this talent at LimeLight TV on youtube. It’s only a matter of time before someone breaks to the next level.

Can you describe a Wholls show in five wordsNaughty, original, fresh, memorable and.... high-energy (is that one word?)

No it’s not, but we’ll let you off as you’re doing this interview for free! You are the first Bedford based band to headline a big show at The Corn Exchange in quite some time, what have you got up your sleeves for The Big Bedford Showcase on August 4th?

Really? Wow, that’s pretty cool. We think there’s some brilliant art-ists in Bedford right now so it won’t be long before another comes along and steps up. We’ve got loads of ideas for the 4th August so we’re stuck in the studio like mad scien-tists creating a monster!! We want to really give everyone a memorable night and with the line up so good we need to live up to our headline billing. This will be a one off show with a bag full of surprises older fans won’t have seen before. We’ve also managed to organise not one but two after parties in town in-cluded in the ticket price to keep the good times flowing. We’ve secured The Pad and upstairs at HiFi so if people wanna get on the party they’ll have to try and keep up with us...

What should people ex-pect if they are coming to see you?We get such an amazing crowd so expect a good time! From us you can expect a high energy, unique set with a few beers and a bit of banter chucked in. We spend a lot of time tailoring our sets to each specific gig to make sure the flow is right. We want people to feel like they’ve been on a musical journey, keeping the crowds attention is vital and the more we’ve gained in confidence on stage the easier it’s become to let our personalities come out.

Do you all like a similar type of music and who are your main influences?We like a huge range of music and that has really added to our overall sound. Generally

we all have similar tastes. The best thing is that we’re all open minded and we’re always sharing new tunes. Adam was a beat maker and producer back in the day and there has always been a strong garage and grime influence there which definitely

creates a unique vibe to our tracks, what with us having a ‘traditional’ band line up of guitars, bass and drums. I don’t think we’ve closed the door to any genre really, if you come in to our studio you might hear James Brown blasting out one day, Led Zepplin the next and some old skool UK Garage the day after that. That’s the Whollsy way.

Where are your favourite hang outs in town?The Pad puts on some great nights and we’re really pleased that has stayed open, there have been some legend-ary bands go through Esquires over the years and if you want something dancier there’s load of great DJ’s in this town that play all over the place. The view at The Ship is always nice, the Gordon Arms, good solid Spartan Army at the Foresters. But there’s nothing like a good sesh at our studio. We also like Tattoo parlours and KFC.

Guys, thanks a lot for taking the time out to chat today - we look forward to seeing you on August 4th at Bed-ford Corn Exchange, and I of course urge everyone else to do the same and support the brilliant Live scene we have in Bedford at the mo-ment. The Pad Presents.. The Big Bedford Showcase with The Wholls, CC Smugglers, The Scruff, The Tenbiits and The Jebs

Saturday August 4th at Bed-ford Corn Exchange - Doors open 7.30pmTickets - £7 in advance - more on the door. Available from Luscious Juice Bar, Corn Ex-change box office, seetickets.

com and from the bands themselves

Already two thirds of tickets have gone at time of printing, so be quick!

Pictures courtesy of Limelight Photography

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Practice Makes Perfect

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...love for The Wholls in this interview

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

11I love a bit of Vangelis

GREAT BEDFORDIANS HAROLD ABRAHAMS: RACING AHEAD

AUGUST 2012

by Lydia Saul

Athlete Harold Abrahams’ achievements as a former olympian were recognised during the olympic Torch Relay on the 8th July 2012, with the unveiling of a blue heritage plaque outside his home on Rutland Road, Bedford.He was born in Queens Park in 1899. He was the son of Isaac Abrahams, who had emigrated from Poland and settled as a financier in Bedford with his wife Ester from Wales. Harold followed in his elder brother’s footsteps, as Sidney was already an Olympic long jumper. Harold attended Bedford School and won the Sprint competition at the School Sports Day when he was just 12, showing his early promise as an athlete. After leaving school Harold studied at Cam-bridge, but continued his athletic training. He was selected to represent Britain in the 1920 Olympics in the 100m, 200m and 4 x 100m relay, as well as the long jump. The Olympic Games was held at Antwerp this year, but proved disastrous for Harold. Following this disappointment he rearranged his training programme and employed a new coach, Sam Mussabini, which proved critical to his later improve-ment and success. In 1924 Harold was again selected for the British Olympic team to go to Paris.

He was regarded as a rank outsider with little chance of success against the strong American competition. One month before the 1924 Games, he set the English record in the long jump 24 feet 21⁄2 inches (7.38 m), a record which stood for the next 32 years.[His coach, Mussabini, however, advised him to give up competing in the long jump in order to focus on the 100m sprinting events. This proved a rewarding decision. At 7pm on 7th July 1924 Harold competed in the 100m final and crossed the

finishing line first in 10.6 seconds. He and another com-petitor Arthur Porritt met up every year after that on the 7th July at 7pm to have dinner together and celebrate until Har-old’s death in 1978. Harold also won a silver medal at the 1924 Olympics for the 4 x 100m relay. Harold’s athletic career was devastat-ingly cut short when he broke his leg whilst practising the long jump just a year later in 1925. He turned to law as a second career, but continued his involvement with sport. For forty years he was a sports journalist and commentator for BBC radio, provid-ing commentary for the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Later in life he became the President of the Jewish Athletic Association, also chairman of the Amateur Athletic Association. Today Harold Abrahams is re-membered through the 1981 film “Chariots of Fire”, where the story of his competitive rivalry with sprinter Eric Liddell is

explored on screen. The story goes that Eric Liddell refused to compete in the 100m final on the 7th July because it was a Sunday on religious grounds. As with any film there are some inaccuracies and embellishments. For Harold Abrahams’ real story there is a new biography by Mark Ryan, “Running with Fire: The True Story of Chariots of Fire Hero Harold Abrahams”, published earlier this year for a fresh look and insight into his life.

HOME HERBSby Jane Perrone

The Rothsay herb garden is a great place to gather herbs, but there’s nothing like a pot or two on your back step to make harvesting a doddle.

Here are three recipes for herb content-ment: they all feature perennial herbs, so they should come back year after year, if you remember to water and feed them: a haircut and tidy-up in spring will help, too.

The cocktail lover’s herb potIf you’re a home mixologist, there’s noth-ing like some fresh leaves to add a punch to your cocktails. This pot can cope with part shade, but give it some shelter in winter.

First up is spearmint, a vital ingredi-ent for one of my favourite cocktails, the mojito. If you are a mint connoisseur, the spearmint variety Bowles mint is a tad furry but superior in flavour to the bog standard spearmint. Then salad burnet. You may never have heard of this one, but it’s on the ingredients

list of every trendy cocktail bar out there, trust me. Its little cucumbery leaves are a superior alternative to a slimy slice of cu-cumber in a glass of Pimms. Alternatively, if you are still seeking something to do with that bottle of Black Tower the in-laws brought over at Christmas, why not take your cue from the medieval era and make a salad burnet wine cup by muddling a hand-ful of young leaves with soda, crushed ice, sliced lemon and sherry - add some sugar to taste. And finally lemon verbena: a wonder-fully fragrant lemony leaf that is fantastic infused in vodka for a really classy VAT, or added to a martini. It’s a bit tender so place the pot somewhere sheltered in winter and wrap it in horticultural fleece (or an old net curtain) in really cold snaps.

The time for tea potIf you spend a lot of money on those trendy herbal tea bags, invest in a few plants and you’ll realise they are a pale imitation of a cup made with fresh herbs. This trio likes full sun and good drainage, so set the container on some pot feet or old bricks.

The king of herbal teas is surely mint, and the best mint of all for this purpose is Moroccan mint. Drink it how they do in North Africa - strong, sweet, and in a glass. Delicious. Ok, ok, we already included lemon ver-bena in our cocktail pot, but it really does make the most stunning herbal tea too, so I am including it here. If you are one of those stoic people who tries to convince yourself that chamomile tea doesn’t smell like cat pee, you can include Roman chamomile instead (just remember it’s the flowers, fresh or dried, not the leaves, that you infuse for your cuppa). Alys Fowler calls bergamot (aka monarda) ‘a sort of EarlGrey of the herbal tea world’: no wonder the native Americans loved it and ascribed all kinds of medicinal properties to it, including the treatment of sore throats and infections. The flowers are pretty bee magnets too.

The foodie’s potSo you’ve got a favourite table at the Fat Duck, you have a secret crush on AA Gill and can spot an ill-conceived amuse bouche at 30 paces? Then this threesome

is right up your street: give it full sun and let the neighbours come by to be impressed. For starters we have blackcurrant sage, which sports hot pink flowers and dark green leaves that have a delightful blackcurranty scent. Add the flowers to your scone mix, sprinkle them on your salads and add to jams and jellies: Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall recommends using the leaves to flavour bream, bass and gurnard. Next up is anise hyssop, or agastache. a plant that could have easily been included in the herbal teas pot as the leaves make a decent tisane. But we’ll list it here, for its aniseedy leaves, which are good picked young in a salad, and its purple flower spikes. It’s a member of the mint family, and you can use the leaves in the same ways you’d use mint or basil in any dish.

And finally, garlic chives. If you find the flavour of garlic too overpowering, think of this plant as garlic lite. It’s an easy-going perennial member of the onion family that you can snip off to add to a herby omelette, enliven a stir fry or top a pizza.

GARdeninG

Illustration: Alasdair Bright

A Bedford Borough Council Leisure Facility

Bedford International Athletic Stadium Barkers Lane, Bedford MK41 9SB

01234 351115 bias@bedford.gov.ukwww.bedford.gov.uk/stadium

Celebrate the Olympics at Bedford International Athletic

Stadium from Friday 3rd August to Thursday 9th August

Big screen showing live footage from the Games, plus sporting activities throughout the week, bar, catering,

entertainment & more! Free entry

at BIASOlympic Live Site

COMS029_12 design@bedford.gov.uk

OLyMPIC LIVE SITE BIG SCREEN ACTION OF ALL THE BIG EVENTS

The greatest show on earth (or The Olympics as it’s often called) will come to life on the big screen at Bedford International Athletics Stadium for a week from Friday 3rd August. Selected as one of the office Live Sites, the Athletics Stadium will not only show some of the major sporting events including the Men’s 100m Final on 5th August, but will also host themed activities, sports taster sessions and challenges to get us all into the Olympic spirit. The action all kicks off at 6pm on Friday 3rd August and entry to all events and activities is FREE! Bedford International Athletics Stadium, Barkers Lane, Bedford

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

12 Fancy a challenge?

New Menu, New LookLunchtime Salad Bar, Eat-In or Take-AwayFreshly prepared take-away ready meals –

Wine available too! Fully Licensed 20 Castle Lane, Bedford Tel: 01234 269961

@cafeangeloscafeangelos

bedfords blackrock grill ••Follow the cafeangelos duck on facebook••

Portuguese restaurant4 Newnham Street, Bedford MK40 3JR Tel: 01234 364400

www.baiadecascais.co.uk

robinsonandhall.co.uk

CONTACT US FOR A FREE MARKET APPRAISAL

Kellie Marsh 01234 362937

kam@robinsonandhall.co.uk

Hayley Broom 01234 362930

hlb@robinsonandhall.co.uk

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AUGUST 2012

The Royal British legion don’t just raise money in november by selling poppies.

All year round they are dedicated to rais-ing funds to assist service personnel both past and present. This month, the Bedfordshire “Twig” of The Royal British Legion Riders Branch (The Beds Clangers - great name!) have devised a cunning plan to get as many riders out in the sunshine on their bikes or trikes on 18th August to raise much needed funds for the Poppy Appeal. You may remember the event was due to take place earlier in the year, but was cancelled due to inclement (not to say apocalyptic) weather conditions! The Clanger Challenge is a simple ride out, (not a time trial), where the riders spell out “THE BEDS CLANGER” by visiting in order, places in Bedfordshire starting with each letter in turn. Entrants will be provided with an official

list of places that can be visited. There are three mandatory locations. “T” Todding-ton, the start/finish, “B” Befdord and “R” Ridgmont where given questions will have to be answered. The remaining locations are down to the navigational skills of the individual. Prizes will be awarded for shortest and longest routes (subject to scrutiny!) in two categories, solo machine and team riders (max three bikes/trikes per team) along with one for the most ingenious LEGAL way of proving any location visited! Entrants can pre-register (preferable) by contacting Al-lan Stephens on 07766461966 or bed-sreprblr@btinternet.com or they can just turn up from 9am. Cut off for riders to finish will be 8pm giving plenty of time for a nice ride out. Entrance costs £10 per machine with no surcharge for pillions.

The fee includes the mandatory goody bag which will be one per entry form. As many will already know, The Royal British Legion raises money 365 (366 this year) days a year to provide funding to as-sist service personnel both past and present along with their dependants. Qualification for assistance is based not on where or how long someone was “On active service” or whether they have been “in combat” or if they have lost limbs, but on whether they have served 7 days to the Crown. A truly great cause.

MOTORBIKE CHALLENGE IN AID OF BRITISH LEGION’S POPPy APPEAL

A local community pub in the Castle Road area of Bedford

6 Cask Ales. plus 3 Real Ciders.

32 Dudley Street, Bedford, MK40 3TB

Tel 01234 359329

Our Sister Pub ‘The Burnaby Arms’ now open in Stanley Street MK41 7RU

FUndRAiSinG

By Paula Walker

“yarl’s Wood Befrienders have given a lot of people confidence and hope for the future.Having someone visit you on a weekly basis while you are in a detention centre means the world. And for me personally, I knew someone cared. Now I have my for-mer Befriender as a good, close friend and I know we’ll remain friends for a very long time.” This was written by a young African woman, who fled from female genital mu-tilation (FGM). She was detained in Yarl’s Wood for three months from November 2011 and is currently on bail awaiting a decision on her case. There are approximately 350 women asylum seekers, from all over the world, being detained at Yarl’s Wood Immigra-tion Removal Centre situated just north of Bedford. They are held for indefinite periods of time, which can be months or even years, while their cases are being con-sidered. Some of these women are victims of trafficking, either into the sex industry or as domestic servants. Some have escaped from the threat of FGM or other forms of domestic violence in countries with little legal protection for women. Others may be

victims of torture and/or rape due to political reasons. Yarl’s Wood Be-frienders is an organisa-tion set up by a former Bishop of Bedford to visit detainees at the Centre. Its aim is to affirm human dignity and restore self-esteem by listening and offering befriending support to these vulner-able women. It is non-party political, being funded entirely by non-governmental grants and personal donations. Its patrons are the actors Juliet Stevenson and Harriet Walters. Although not a campaigning organisation, it uses its insight into the experiences of detainees to improve conditions, inform policy and challenge negative images of asylum seekers. There are currently about 50 volunteers. In the year up to March 2012, 298 detainees from over 50 different countries requested visits. • What does a Befriender do?A Befriender visits a detainee regularly to provide a friendly listening ear. While not involved on their legal case, a Befriender can help to reduce feelings of isolation and despair, and may well be the only visitor a detainee receives. “The visit from my Befriender was the highlight of my week. I felt less lonely, because someone cared,” as one detainee said.

• What sort of com-mitment does being a Befriender involve?Befrienders are asked to visit weekly for about

an hour. • What support is given to volunteers?Befrienders are given training and are fully supported by the charity’s coordinators. Initially, prospective volunteers visit with one of the coordinators, to see if befriending is for them. There are also regular mutual support meetings and talks from relevant organisations. • What makes a good Befriender?One of the most important qualities is being a good listener. Women may be held there for many months, not knowing what will happen to them, often displaying symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression. They may wish to talk about their experiences, which can be distressing for the Befriender. It is also important to be non-judgemental, treat-ing them with dignity and respect.• How can I find out more?You can visit the website: www.ywbefrienders.org or contact directly by telephone 01234 272090 or email: admin@ywbefrienders.org

yARL’S WOOD BEFRIENDERSSoCieTy

it is with joy in our hearts that we can announce that Lace in Place, the extraordinary public artwork in St Paul’s Square Bedford has been extended until February 2013.Lace in Place, the large artwork inspired by Bedfordshire lace that currently adorns the exterior of 1 St Paul’s Square in Bedford’s town centre, has been granted permission to remain in place depite being due to come down at the end of July. This extraordinary installation, was commissioned by Bedford Creative Arts and is the work of artist Arabel Rosillo de Blas and a dedicated team of local people.Bedford Creative Arts is grateful to all the people and organisations whose continued support has made the installation possible.

ART

LACE STAyS IN PLACE. hURRAh!

Photo: Emma Mundell

it’s not curtains for lace in Place.

BEDFORD MEMORy WALKSunday 16 September 2012

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

13Congrats to Anne!

AUGUST 2012

ANNE’S HOLDING A TORCH FoR BedFoRd MS CenTReolyMPiCS

When i received the email last december, confirming my nomination as an Olympic Torchbearer had been accepted to go to the final stage, i don’t think i expected it to actually happen.Having to submit uniform size require-ments didn’t convince me they were serious either. After all, there had been 40,000 nominations - so why me? It was only as I sat with a pair of very sharp scissors in my hand, hovering over a uniform that was far too long, only 4 days before Torch Day, that it hit me. I was an Olympic Torchbearer! The view greeting me when I opened the curtains at 5.45am on Sunday 8th July was the same as had greeted me so many morn-ings; grey skies and rain literally bouncing off the pavement. As someone who wears glasses this was BAD news but as I’d been checking the forecasts with obsessive regularity, I wasn’t that surprised! Shorten-ing the uniform, whitening my trainers and 1001 other things I managed to busy myself with left little time to get too worried. Until that morning. Stomach churning far more than can be healthy, my slice of toast stared back at me, daring me to place it near my lips. I surrendered and walked away. Hav-ing sensibly prepared the night before, at least getting ready was relatively stress-free. We left home at 7am only to find the road we’d chosen to travel to The Athletics Sta-dium already closed. Thankfully a council worker was nearby and, seeing my white uniform, he let us through. Safely delivered, I met the other Torch-bearers and Bryony, a friendly Coca-Cola representative who has been so helpful over the months. Time flew by and soon we were getting our ‘pep talk’ about what would happen, including that we were expected to carry the Torch at a ‘steady jog’. Please understand that I don’t jog/run unless in extreme danger! Thankfully they accepted my reasons for taking a slower ap-proach. Then it was time to board the coach to travel to the start point on Goldington Road. The rain was still coming down relentlessly so we were totally amazed to see the crowds who had already gathered

and who clearly had been there some time. I don’t think we can ever tell people how much it meant to us to see so many people that morning. I hope our waves indicated our appreciation in some small way. Before long, it was my turn to leave the coach, cheered on by the other remaining torchbearers. Miraculously the rain had stopped only a few minutes before this. My section started by The Swan Hotel, particularly poignant as it’s where I’ve

met with other Bedford ladies to train each Sunday morning for 6 months each year for the London Moonwalks. Friendly faces and voices started to call out straight away including friends from The Kings Arms Church who were Marshalls on Town Bridge, friends from the charity Walk The Walk who had travelled some distances to be there for My Moment To Shine and so many others. As the previous torchbearer, Barry, came round the corner, I felt the big-gest grin spread across my face and I think it’s possibly still there now.... I have to admit I probably walked a little slower than they were expecting! Even at a slow pace I know I didn’t see some people who came to share my day but emails and texts tell me that they saw me! The torch was heavier and harder to balance than I

expected but I tried to wave to the many people, both friends and strangers, who so enthusiastically cheered me on. What an amazing day! All too soon my Moment To Shine came to an end. Some people have made comments about the commercialism of the Olympics and not understanding the fuss about the Torch Relay. Others have said that knowing someone who was carrying the torch made the occasion more special. When I received my nomination, this is what Coca Cola wrote:“We think you have what it takes to be a London 2012 Olympic Torchbearer. We’ve been searching the UK for extraordinary people, those who have a burning passion and use it to spread happiness and inspire others. These are our Coca Cola Future Flames - and you are one of them.” I feel humbled and honoured to have been chosen and will always remember this day. Thank you to everyone who was there, helping to make it so special.

Anne’s Torchbearing adventure is far from over. She is now using her Torch to help fundraise for the Bedford MS Therapy Centre. If your community group, school, cubs, scouts, brownies, guides, youth group, seniors group, or business would like to have their photo taken with Anne’s Torch & help her raise much-needed funds for the MS Centre please get in touch. You can either call her on: 07749202213 or email her on: anne.291002@ntlworld.com

is this burning an eternal flame?

in its eleventh year, Memory Walk is Alzheimer’s Society’s biggest annual fundraiser. Bedford’s Memory Walk will take place on Sunday, 16 September 2012.This year’s Bedford Memory Walk takes place at Priory County Park starting at 10.30am and is open to people of all ages and abilities as there is a 1.5 mile route and an 8 mile route to choose from, and both routes are traffic-free. A variety of entertain-ment and refreshments will be available making it a day to remember for the whole family. According to a new YouGov poll

commissioned by Alzheimer’s Society and Saga Homecare, 44 per cent of people currently know or used to know someone with dementia. It is therefore likely that a number of people in reading The Bedford Clanger will know someone who has dementia. Entering the Bedford Memory Walk is a great way for those people to show their support and raise money to help understand this disease better and provide much-needed support for those with dementia and their families. There are over 4,500 people with de-mentia in Bedfordshire. The money raised from Memory Walk will help to fund vital services for them and their carers such as support groups, drop-in centres, home visits from support workers, allotment projects and music for memory sessions. “After a year off in 2011 I’m delighted that the Bedford Memory Walk is back

as it’s a fantastic way to spend a Sunday. Families, friends, colleagues and individu-als can walk together to raise money to help local people with dementia. A special thanks to Mayor Dave Hodgson and Richard Fuller MP for being amongst the first to sign up for the 8 mile route this year. I hope many more Bedfordians take up the challenge,” said Sarah Russell, Development Worker for the Alzheimer’s Society in Bedford Registration for the Bedford Memory Walk is free and can be completed online at memorywalk.org.uk There is no minimum sponsorship though the organisers hope that on average each walker is able to raise £50.00

For further information please email Liz Simmonds bedfordmemorywalk@hotmail.co.uk

Because i’m a qualified solicitor, when i wasordained several of my friends nodded sagely, and predicted i’d be a prison chaplain one day. “no way,” i retorted, “That’s not ‘me’ at all.”Ha blooming ha. Nearly 15 years on, here I am. Chaplain at HMP Bedford, with a couple of other jails already under my (chain-festooned) belt. It’s a strange job for a woman – but OK, I give in – I love it. Bedford Prison has the capacity to hold around 500 men. As you can probably tell from the outside, it’s an old Victorian build-ing, with a few more recent add-ons. By its very nature it isn’t exactly a jolly place, and in the recent relentless rain, it’s felt very grey indeed. Along with around 300 members of staff, both uniformed and civil-ian, it’s my job to try to bring something positive and constructive out of often very negative circumstances. Prison is, of course, a place of punish-ment, and rightly so. But it also has to be a place of reform. There are all kinds of po-litical views about that, and about whether we’re achieving it or not, but I’m not going to comment here. What I can say is my personal view: that if someone is walking the wrong way, they need re-direction as well as censure. I head up a multi-faith chaplaincy team of over 40 people – some employees of the Prison Service, but mostly volunteers. We lead religious services, of course, but our role is so much more than that. We see every new arrival for a pastoral interview within 24 hours – and as Bedford is a busy ‘local’ jail, with men coming and go-ing to and from the local courts, that can sometimes be 15 or more men a day. This is when we find out about their family circum-stances, calm the fears of the first-timers, help sort out what’s happening at home, check on their welfare and mental-health and make referrals to other departments as necessary. We help at the other end of the sentence too, putting guys in touch with local charities, religious groups, support services, counselling – whatever we think might help them to get things back together after their stint in jail. At other times we’ll find ourselves listening to the actively suicidal – giving them a safe space to express their despair and maybe, slowly, exploring a way to go

forward. There’ll be the requests for help with family matters, or writing a letter. Some will want to find out more about how faith can help them off drugs, or control their drinking. Others will be grieving the death or serious illness of a loved one, past or current, and need help to cope with their turbulent emotions. But contrary to popular opinion, the chaplain isn’t a ‘soft touch’, nor are we naïve. We know why men are in jail, and we know the damage that crime causes to the life of others. We’re not out to convert the world, but I guess we are there to model the possibility of a different way. And we do have successes! Besides working with the prisoners themselves, some of our time is spent sup-porting our colleagues – it’s a stressful job, working in a prison, and it’s a job that’s often ‘invisible’ to the wider world. I have to attend plenty of the dreaded meetings too! And unfortunately, budgets and auster-ity affect even the ‘God Squad’, so I always have to make sure we’re cutting our coat according to the cloth (excuse the pun…). It’s a far cry from the ‘Vicar of Dibley’ image – and sometimes I look at my col-leagues in parishes and envy them their facilities and their congregations. But then I baptize a young father who I know desperately wants to change his life, or calm an angry, belligerent man, or see someone discovering an inner strength they never knew they possessed. That’s when the grey turns to a flash of light, even just for a moment, with the promise of another future unlocked……

The Revd Sharon Grenham-Toze is the Co-ordinating Chaplain at HMP Bedford. She is an Anglican priest, and lives locally. She’s also a regular broadcaster for BBC Radio 2 and 4 – you may have heard her on BBC Radio 2’s Breakfast Show, with Chris Evans, giving us ‘Pause for Thought.’

50 SHAPES OF GREy? - Behind The WAllS WiTh A PRiSon ChAPlAin

ReliGion

“Please understand that i don’t jog or run unless

in extreme danger!”

FUndRAiSinG

BOOKWORM ALERT! Story Time at The KioskStory time will be taking place through-out the summer holidays at The Kiosk in Russell Park in place of the Central Bedford library term-time sessions. With a variety of exciting storytellers lined up for the summer, story time will take place at 2.00pm on Tuesdays and 11.00am

on Thursdays. It is a free session with milk & biscuits on offer for children as an added extra (£1). The sessions will last for half an hour and will include a bit of a sing song, some poetry, stories and colouring for the older children.

SToRy-TiMe

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

We have great cafe culture in Bedford14

AUGUST 2012

CoFFee & CAKeTHE MADHATTERS TEA PARTy if you are in the mood for a very different, but lovely nonetheless, coffee and (pan)cake experience, it is definitely worth taking a trip to the Madhatters Tea Party cafe on Castle Road..

For a start, it’s hard to dislike a place with tablecloths that look like grass, and that has old, leather-bound books hung higgledy-piggledy on the wall and a comfy-looking sofa complete with Queen of Hearts cushions. As well as the wonderland setting, the owner, Jo, is indulging her penchant for mis-matched, vin-tage and quirky crockery – no plain white plates or stainless steel teapots here – my Earl Grey was served in a rainbow-striped teapot with an incorporated cup (space-saving AND pretty!) Most of the china is recycled, and on the shelf I spotted delights such as a teapot in the shape as a house, as well as gorgeous vintage floral plates. The food itself was great – Jo has invested in a crepe-maker, and we were served freshly-made crepes, with a choice of classic lemon and sugar, chocolate spread, cherry pie and cream (!!) Savoury toppings were also available, which sounded delicious: cheese, or Mediterranean vegetable. But in the spirit of the coffee and cake correspondence, I went for the classic lemon and sugar option, and my young tasting-companion Tilly took it upon herself to sample the nutella version. And we were not disappointed. Fresh, home-made crepes are hard to beat on a rainy summer day; they were deliciously light and thin. Mine was oozing with lemon, and dusted with icing sugar, while Tilly’s had just the right amount of chocolate spread – enough to make it a gooey filling, but not so much that it all squished out of the pancake before you had a chance to eat it. Needless to say, Nutella crepes are now top of the ‘what I would like to eat for tea, please’ list at our house. But there is more to this place

than fabulous décor and Parisien-style crepes, and that is the excellent menu. Jo makes fresh soups every day – on the day we visited the special was aubergine soup – and she freezes some of each batch so there is always a good supply of homemade soups. There are also delectable-looking baguettes and homemade lasagne. The tea and coffee is well-made and tasty, and the cosy, friendly atmosphere make for a lovely place to escape for half an hour. Who knew that wonderland could be found halfway down Castle Road??

drink Me

eat Me

Ground Floor Coffee Shop on Ampthill Road officially opened its doors in July...

...Offering a welcome addition to the new conferencing and meeting room facilities in the old Crayola Factory. To date, the

redevelopment of the building has cost £2.5 million. £1.5 million was donated by mem-bers of the Kings Arms Church along with grants from WREN foundation of £45,000 and the Harpur Trust of £5,000. The vision of the building is to create a space in town that acts as a hub for the Ampthill Road community, businesses and charities; a place of networking, training and connection. A recent reviewer visited

and said that it looks like it could fit into Covent Garden (high praise indeed!) and he was surprised to find it just south of Bedford. As a social enterprise, Ground Floor Coffee Shop is part of the Kings Arms Trust (Bedford) All profits feed back into the trust, who, amongst other activities have been serving the homeless in Bedford for over 20 years.

FoodGROUND FLOOR COFFEE SHOP - iT’S oFFiCAlly oPen!

RECIPECHICKEN FAJITASWe love doing these at home as they’re quick, easy and delicious.

You can make your own guacamole and salsa but good quality, fresh ones from supermarket chillers are fine (go for the hot rather than cool salsa) - especially for a midweek supper! Don’t forget the sour cream and cheese though - the cooling ying to the chilli yang!

Serves 22 chicken breasts, 1 red pepper, 1 red onion, smoked paprika (1 tsp), ground cumin (1/2 tsp), juice of 1 lime, olive oil

To serve - 4 flour tortilla wraps, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, grated cheese

• Thinly slice the red onion and red pepper and put into a large bowl

• Slice the chicken breasts into finger sized strips and place in bowl with onion and pepper

• Dust over the mixture with the smoked paprika and ground cumin.

• Drizzle over some olive oil and squeeze over the juice of half a lime

• Leave to marinade for 20-30 mins

• Place a large griddle or non-stick frying pan over a high heat and pour in the chicken, pep-per and onion

• Leave to cook for 8 mins, turning oc-casionallyIn the mean time, prepare your sour cream, salsa and guacamole and grate your cheese. Warm your tortillas in the oven in foil

• When the chicken is cooked remove from the heat and squeeze over the juice from the remaining half of lime.

• Place a portion of the chicken, peppers and onions on a tortilla and add the salsa, guacamole, sour cream and grated cheese.

Fold over and enjoy!

RECIPE SPONSERED BY:

MODELLOModello used to be a night club, new york, new york (in honour of the Ampthill man who gave the city its name, i doubt it). The mirrored stairs give you a glimpse of its past and the restaurant’s decor has the relaxed feel of a 70s cocktail lounge, yet with all the vibrant charm of a Donna Sum-mer’s single – think a stylish mix of low-lit Pulp Fiction dining, but without the threat of homicide. As a restaurant it certainly has all the right ingredients to be a success: the menu gives plenty of choice, the service is slick and attentive, the large, landscaped garden

ReVieW at the back is a hidden gem. In some chain restaurants the food has a cooking-by-num-bers feel about it, but with Matt - one of the most enthusiastic and upbeat chefs I’ve ever met - there’s the care and attention which elevates every dish way above the level of merely satisfactory. We started with freshly baked flatbread served with mixed olives. It came on a wooden board with a small bowl of basil-infused oil and balsamic vinegar. It was a light, pleasant opening, the warmth of the soft flatbread contrasting perfectly with the sharpness of the olives and the oil. For the main course we went Al Forno – dishes baked in a paper and foil parcel. Myles went for the cod wrapped in salmon, I had the chicken breast with sweet peppers. Cod needs a little help, and the salmon, white wine, basil and parsley created a brief and inviting steam bath of flavours. Likewise the chicken had enough in its parcel to give it a lift. Myles, being a dentist, considered the health benefits, and thought both ideal

for those concerned about their figure or wellbeing. We finished, unhealthily, with chocolate fudge cake and fruit crumble, both served with ice cream. Modello’s isn’t the cheapest restaurant in town, but there are enough offers for the intelligent, impecunious punter to box clever; and the staff are ready to give advice if you’re looking to keep the bill small. The live music on a Thursday evening gives the place a Simon and Garfunkel twist, and you don’t have to eat there. There are certainly enough soft drinks, beers and cocktails to please everyone. And if you’re lucky enough to be served by Chloe, ask her about the University of Bedfordshire – it’s always nice to hear positive feedback about our very own university.

18-20, St Peters Street, Bedford, MK40 2NN • Email: Modello-Bedford@atmo-spherebars.co.uk. Telephone: 01234 343 455 twitter: @ModelloBedford

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

15I love The Higgins

SPonSoRS oF: LOCAL HEROES

AUGUST 2012

BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE MUSEUM A PeeK Behind The hoARdinGSBy Gemma HuttomThe Higgins Art Gallery & Museum, Bedford

if you’ve been walking past the hoardings that surround the art gallery and museum site wondering what is going on behind the scenes…wonder no more.

Reception

Temporary exhibition Space August 2011

Temporary exhibition Space July 2012

For those that visited the Cecil Higgins Art Gallery when it was open, this is the watercolour gallery on the ground floor. The temporary exhibition space is much bigger then previously because we now have only one foyer and shop area rather then two.

We’ve gained gallery space in other areas too. The staff offices used to be spread all around the buildings but they are now all together in the attic of the old brewery buildings. The plant rooms that contain boilers and air-conditioning units used to take up quite a lot of space, but now they are on the roof.

Reception desk- Still under wraps

Speaking of foyer and shop, we have a new reception desk…obviously, it still needs some work.

The new reception space is very light and airy, with its double height extension.

A Very important Staircase

This staircase may not look like much, but it is quite a sym-bolic staircase for The Higgins. It is the staircase that joins the museum side of the building to the art gallery side. For many years we have all had to walk around the outside of the building to get from one to the other, but no longer. Now that all of the new stairways and doors are complete the flow of the building is very different. It is much easier to get one from one space to another.

new cafe

This is the new café space, with double doors out onto the courtyard. It has double doors out onto the Castle Lane side too. I know what you’re thinking. With the building work almost finished, what’s happening between now and the reopening in spring 2013? Well, there is still a lot to do. The new display cases and interactives are being manufactured and installed. Once that’s done, we can start to move the objects back in. Then we’ll be ready to open the doors!See you in spring 2013.

We are delighted to have received numerous nominations for this new monthly award which provides an opportunity for us to give a mention to an unsung Bedfordian hero who the discerning Clanger readers feel deserves a special treat.The award this month is given to Linda Robinson who amongst other things is the Oxfam Shop Manager in the Bedford High Street branch. The nomination was made by Claire Sullivan, who sums Linda up beautifully: “Linda is, frankly, a Bedfordian dynamo. The Oxfam Shop on the High Street is a model for charity shops everywhere. It’s bright, beautifully kept, and its volunteers are friendly and enthusiastic. Her shop win-dows are a joy to behold and Linda works hard to plan exciting, and regularly chang-ing window displays which really enhance the High Street. Linda involves members of the local community, including arts students from Bedford College, in developing these beautiful displays, to give the students the chance to show their skills in a very high profile location.” In addition to the Oxfam Shop role, Linda has recently launched the Bedford Charity Shop Support Group which enables

Charity Shop Managers to meet and provide support to each other. This initiative also facilitates volunteer sharing, and other is-sues such as under-staffing in the charity re-tail sector can be sympathetically discussed. As well as her work with Oxfam, Linda has set up Linda’s Wish List providing much needed support to The Bedford Food Bank, The Children’s Ward at Bedford Hospital and The Salvation Army Head Office Bedford Branch. These charities can put specific items on their ‘wish list’ which are then sourced by the indefatigable Linda on their behalf. “Linda is an example of what dedica-tion, hard work, and a passion for a great cause can achieve. I believe she thoroughly deserves to be Bedford’s Local Hero,” said Claire. We look forward to hosting Linda at The Kiosk in Russell Park in August and hope you will nominate someone you think deserves to be a local hero for next month’s award.

5 things you might not know about Oxfam1. The Oxfam shop on Bedford High Street is open from 9am – 5pm Monday to Saturday2. You can volunteer to help out in the shop from the age of 14 upwards3. Oxfam has a 28 day refund and exchange policy like other high street retailers4. www.oxfam.org.uk is an online shopping experience like no other5. If you take an unwanted M&S item into the Oxfam shop, you will get a £5 M&S voucher in return.

To nominate your Local Hero, please email Emma Garrett at the Kiosk at the Park, Russell Park emmagarrett555@sky.com or tweet @kioskatthepark

linda: our local hero

Want to find tranquillity in the town centre? Then seek out the meditation sessions run by elizabeth drake.When Reiki Master, crystal, colour heal-ing and relaxation therapist from Bedford, Elizabeth Drake decided to write her own guided meditations she never imagined they would become so popular among the town’s office and shop workers. Since May 2012 when she first started running workshops in the town centre, numbers have grown to such an extent that she has now moved to the altogether more spacious and tranquil setting of Friends Meeting House in Landsdowne Road. Said Elizabeth,”Taking time out each week to relax and just be with yourself, can bring about many benefits, such as lowered blood pressure, a more efficient immune system and a greater ability to deal with

stress.” The structure of the sessions allows time for discussion of what people have seen in their meditation, followed by tea and bis-cuits and time for socialising afterwards. Lunchtime drop-in workshops are now in the pipeline. Elizabeth is also available to book group evening sessions in other areas

within a half hour radius of Bedford.

Friends Meeting House, 5 Lansdowne Road, Bedford, MK40 2BYEvery Friday from 6.30-8.30pm FREE taster, normal price £5

MediTATionIT’S FRIDAy. AND RELAX….neW FRidAy MediTATion eVeninGS WiTh elizABeTh dRAKe

Meditation is not what you think

Photos: The Higgins

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

16

Celebrating 30 years in Bedford as an independent family owned business.Sewing machines may of changed but our good old-fashioned service values haven’t

We now have a brand new selection of hundreds of fabrics for curtains and blinds from Simpson, Fibre Naturelle, York, Jones Interior and many more with

33% OFF SELECTED LINESWe now offer a NEW curtain and blind making service too so call in for a quote.

BEDFORD in Lurke Street 01234 350186 SingersBedford.com

BEDFORDMORE THAN JUST SEWING!

ThAnK yoUSThe Bedford Clanger is a labour of love for a lot of people. No one’s making a fortune, we just want to encourage people to embrace and love our town. As ever, this issue would not have been possible without the immense talents of the following people:Designer Extraordinaire: Marisa Straccia (@madamebogg)Advertising Director: Gemma Rogers (@clangerads)

Listings Supremo: Bev Burridge (@... well, we just love her)Front Cover: Chris ThatcherGreat Bedfordian illustration: Alasdair BrightSnappy Snappers: Graham Watson, Stuart Runham, Shaun Armstrong, Emma Mundell & a selection of the fabulous A Photo A DayersCoffee & Cake Correspondents: Alice & Tilly SmithFoodie: Stephen Bywater

Gardening Editor: Jane PerroneAdditional Editorial: Caroline Wise & Sue Gough (@BedfordNetwork), David Litchfield, Emily Finney, Alice Smith, Stewart Bailey, Martin Stapleton, Sarah Davies, Gareth Barber, Paula Walker, Anne Godwin, The Reverend Sharon Grenham-Toze, Gemma Hutton.Additional Illustration: Onorio D’Epiro

Hope you are enjoying the summer

love Bedford team takes us on a...

GIRAFFE SAFARI!

ART

AUGUST 2012

Grab your binoculars as there’s a Giraffe Safari taking place in Bedford this August.Colourful model giraffes designed by children from 12 local schools and the 12th Bedford Brownie Pack will be positioned in shops, restaurants and offices throughout the town and children are invited to go “on safari” to find them. Those who spot all 12 beautiful beasts will have their names put into a draw to win £50 of Love Bedford vouchers. You can also vote for your favou-rite giraffe. The idea began when the Art Centre on Howard Street, hosted a Decopatch decorating day last year. The activity was so popular that BedfordBID extended it to a town-wide promotion. Full details on www.lovebedford.co.uk or ask a town centre Bluecap.

The businesses housing a giraffe are:• British Heart Foundation, Church Arcade• Goldings, High Street• Cartridge Depot, St Loyes• Lingers Butchers, St Cuthberts• Spaghetti Johns, Castle Quay• Julian Graves, Harpur Centre• Art Centre, Howard Street• Hanworth Interior, The Arcade• John Medhurst, Mill Street• Michael R. Peters, Tavistock Street/The Broadway• Specsavers, Harpur Centre• Park Woodfine Heald Mellows LLP, Lurke Streetplus there will be one roaming giraffe in the Harpur CentreGiraffe Safari forms can be found in each of the participating businesses and at Bedford Central Library.

The participating schools are:Hills, Priory, Hazeldene, Castle, Ursula Taylor, Ravensden and Scott Lower, Newham and Robert Bruce Middle schools and Goldington Academy, Bedford School and Mark Rutherford Upper School

did you hear about the giraffe race...?

...it was neck and neck

Pinupzania’s Stuart Runham explains what it took to take this fang-tastic zombie shot in that there london:“In terms of production effort, it has been Pinupzania’s biggest to date. Pinupzania loves vintage and retro styled pin up, but also retro sci-fi and horror, particularly ‘B-movies’ so we decided to combine the two passions and as zombie culture is growing in popularity decided upon a 50’s B-movie style zombie shoot with Pin up elements. Once we’d decided on that as a theme, then we knew that we had to shoot on Westmin-ster Bridge, and in order to get the right ‘apocalyptic’ feel had to shoot with no-one else about. It took several months to get the required permissions and we set a date a couple of weeks before London’s Film & Comic Con where we knew the shots would go down well, this also coincided roughly with the mid-summer solstice so was an ideal time to shoot very early in the morn-ing. As is natural with a shoot of this nature there were a number of problems, ranging

from models dropping out at late notice to a bus strike but we had allowed for most things in our planning and got the shots we needed, even if everyone did suffer losing a nights sleep – who said photography was glamorous?” Pinupzania operates on-line, provid-ing vintage/retro photography, selling prints, posters, postcards and photographic merchandise, jewellery, accessories and clothing. They will be launching their own clothing line in December and are collabo-

rating with a number of vintage clothing designers such as Scarlett’s Vintage Attire. www.pinupzania.com

Photographer: Stuart Runham Make-up artists: Alice Bizarre, Robyn Skinner, Nancy Lopez and Zsuzsi KantorHair Stylist: Tiffani Caroline ScarlettModels: Ruby Secrets, Dolly ‘Divine’ Donnahue, Dakota Hunt, Jenna ‘Jazz’ Loveridge, Jackie Pritlove O’neill, Alice Bizarre, Blanche De Sade

PhoToGRAPhy PINUPZANIA SToPS TRAFFiC!drop dead Gorgeous

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by Hayley O’Keefe of the Times & Citizen

Stand-up comedy is hard, and the people who do it for a living are actual legends.

As I stood at the side of the stage, franti-cally flapping my hot face with my cue card I felt that I had bitten off much, much more than I could chew. I decided that trying stand-up was a good idea for a feature a couple of months ago, but immediately regretted it. But it was too late, my name was in the Bedfringe programme and I was going on. I was billed to perform as part of Bedfringe 6IX Live, an evening of comedy to open the brilliant arts festival which is running in town until July 28. Scarier still my whole shame was set to be broadcast live over the internet on Bedfringe’s own TV feed.

On the bill would be seasoned comics including Rob Deering, who has ap-peared on a host of comedy TV shows, James Sher-wood and Eamonn Fleming who you may recognise as the man with a beard of bees on the Magners cider advert. So how was I to prepare my performance? And what on earth was I going to talk about? Then in stepped Ea-monn, literally my knight in shining armour. Over a couple of meetings in the pub he made me realise that it would be ok, convinced me not to do a Power Point pre-sentation and helped me whip my act into shape. Eamonn said I should speak about what I know, so I decided my act was going to be about being a reporter in Bedford. But writing it was hard, and delivering it even harder. Telling a joke in the office this is not, and no matter how funny the joke is, if you

deliver it wrong you are snookered. So, absolutely terrified but heartened by the fact that Eamonn would also be per-forming, the night arrived on Monday. I know it sounds silly to get worried about five minutes in front of a crowd, but this experience was so far out of my comfort zone I couldn’t think straight. When I arrived at Bedford’s Howard Room, which was the venue for the evening I met Ian Pratt, a teacher at Goldington Academy, who was also treading the boards for the first time.

But then he went on, and was brilliant! He in-volved the crowd, seemed completely at ease and dropped some clever gags. And then it was my turn and dear reader I have never been more nervous in my life. Not least for the fact that Dave Hodgson, The Mayor of Bedford, who was the subject of one of my jokes was actually sitting in the audience! You can judge for

yourself how I got on by visiting www.bedfordtoday.co.uk but I’ll tell you for nothing, I now have an even greater respect for the men and women who put themselves through it night after night. And make us all laugh in the process. This article originally appeared in the Times & Citizen. Many thanks for their kind permission to reproduce it. Thanks also to James Pharaoh of Bedfringe and Eamonn Fleming of the bee beard for their co-operation.

CoMedy STANDING UP FOR BEDFRINGE - FOR ONE NIGHT ONLyhayley and her funny business!