The Bedford Clanger December 2015

7/24/2019 The Bedford Clanger December 2015

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DECEMBER 2015CLANGERTHE BEDFORD

Illustration by Tabitha Mary tabithamary.co.uk


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THE BEDFORDCLANGER DECEMBER 20

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THIS MONTHS BEDFORCLANGER WAS BROUGHTO YOU BY:Editor:Erica Roffe @bedfordclanger

[email protected]

Graphics:Adam Boreham www.reactionvm.co.uk

[email protected]

Advertising:Julia Crofts @ClangerAds

[email protected]

Cover illustration:Tabitha Mary

tabithamary.co.uk

Photography:Nick Hall

nickhallphotographic.co.uk

Great Bedfordian contributor:David Fowler

Theatre:Paula Walker @pauliwauli2

Musos:Lloyd Lugsden @lloydlug

Film Buff:Paul Hutchinson @Hutch_PR

Gardening guru:Jane Perrone

@janeperrone perrone.blogs.com

Columnists:Neil Frankel @riversidebeds

riversidetennisbedford.co.uk. Kristine Wilkinson-Hughe

Contributors:Priya Gill @priyangill

The Last Word:Reverend Sharon Grenham-Thompson

@glamvicar

Disco Draws:Ed J Brown

LETTER FROMTHE EDITOR

COVER STAR

CHRISTMAS CASTLE COMEDYCastle Comedy Bedford will be hosting two Christmas

Party Specials on Thursday 17th and Friday 18th

December at their spiritual home, The Gordon Arms Ent

Shed. There will be cake, party poppers, Chocolate Yule

log, mince pies, crackers and prizes... all wrapped up with

some cracking comedians!

Castle Comedy favourite

and French comedy genius,

Marcel Lucont (left)

headlines both shows. This

time last year he appeared

on The John Bishop Show

Christmas Special on BBC1

and he has toured the world

winning numerous awards

including the 2012 Amused Moose Award for the Best Comedy

Show of the Edinburgh Fringe and the 2013 Fringe World

Award for Best Comedy at the Perth Comedy Festival.

Opening the shows is UK comedy circuit legend, Nick

Page. Since he was famously red from his presenting job on

Escape to the Country he has gone on to be one of the best

storytelling acts on the circuit... and he has some stories to tell

They include being convicted of a 248,000 fraud, outrageous

behaviour in hotels, his broken marriages, and numerous faile

engagements. He turns all this into comedy gold.

Finally we have local comedy talent, Erica Benning. She is

sassy, saucy and will bring just the right amount of naughty to th

Christmas comedy party. She is a regular presenter on MKFM for

Comedy Cow radio and is hilarious in everything she does! The

show will be compered by Castle Comedy legend, Paul Revill.

Doors Open at 7.30pm and the Shows Start at 8.15pm.

Tickets for the shows are 12 or you can have a pre-show

Christmas meal, glass of wine and comedy ticket for 22. I

you are organizing a large group of friends or work event

there are party packages available. Call the ticket hotline

on 07736 060541 or visit www.castlecomedy.co.uk

THE

CLANGER

NEWSINBRIEF

CASTLE COMEDY... HO HO

The Higgins, Bedford brings world-class art and unique cultural opportunities to the town, but they

cant do it without the support of Friends and Patrons.

The Higgins team have recently launched their new Patrons Scheme and although its pretty pricey

at 250 it does come with a fabulous array of benets including a free welcome tour, free entry to all

charging exhibitions, exclusive patrons events plus discounts in the shop and at the Higgins Pantry. In

addition, the Higgins has commissioned a beautiful limited edition print by artist Alice Pattullo that each

Patron will receive in their rst year of membership. We caught up with Alice to nd out how she chose

which pieces to feature. It was quite hard but I (quite self-indulgently) just chose things that jumped out to

me - like the Staffordshire pottery, and toys and jewellery for example. I did particularly like the weird and

wonky china animals...

But whats her absolute favourite? My favourite is the Edward Bawden collection - it was quite hard to

think of a way of incorporating this into the print - as I didnt want to draw his drawings so I used a colour

palette that I think will be recognisable to any Bawden fan as a reference to his limited and bold palettes.

To nd out more about the Patrons Scheme at the Higgins, please email gemma.hutton@bedford.

gov.uk. Higginsbedford.co.uk

We are so thrilled with the wonderful Christmas

Clanger cover. Over the last few months, Tabitha

Wainwrights work has gained more and morewell-deserved exposure and this month, Mayor Dave

has chosen her suspension bridge image to appear on

his ofcial Christmas card. You go, girl!

You can catch Tabitha Mary at a number of fairs

in the run-up to Christmas and she will be selling

and exhibiting at the Pavilion in the Park from 17th

November 2015 - 5th Jan 2016 and at Pensieri on

Castle Lane from 24th November 2015 - 5th Jan 2016.

Said Tabitha: I would really like to thank the many

people and businesses that Ive worked with over the

past year and who have supported me: Emma Garrett,

Creative Bedfordshire, Wenta, Myincubator, panoui,

Rogans Books, Katie Gregory, The Bedford Clanger,

Addison Accounts, Dave Hodgson, Handmade in

Bedford Market and everyone whos bought one of

my prints.

HIGGINS PATRONS SCHEME

Weve reached the end of the year, and what

a year its been. It hardly feels like yesterday

that we re-launched the monthly Clanger

and wed like to sincerely thank everyone

who has supported us over the last twelve

months. Advertisers, designers, contributors,

photographers, illustrators and readers we

couldnt do it without you.

This month were launching the rst in a series of

guides to help you seek out the very best of Bedford.

First up is our A-Z of Indie Retailers just in time for

#SmallBizSaturday and the run-up to Christmas. Its

a handy map of Bedfords best off-the-beaten track

places and you can nd out more about it on pages 4

& 5 of this issue. We hope it will give residents and

visitors even more reason to #shoplocal. All that remains is for us to wish all our readers a Very

Bedford Christmas and we look forward to seeing you in February.

Erica, Julia & Team Clanger


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HE BEDFORDCLANGER DECEMBER 2015

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A CHRISTMAS CAROL

quarrytheatre.org.uk

tuesday 8 december

7.30PM

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

Ticket price

12

(10 concessions)

Age suitability

6+

Running time

90 mins + interval

Bickering brothers Derek, Dick and

Ernie want to do their own version

of A Christmas Carol, but things

just wont go to plan. Der ek makes

a suitably grumpy Scrooge, but

the Ghost of Christmas Past cant

control his roller skates, Dicks been

hit by a tea tray and Ernie keeps

getting covered in talcum powder.

90 minutes of songs, silliness

and interactive fun from

CBBCs Three Half Pints!

Box office

01234 362337

ROGANS BOOKS

CASTLE RD, BEDFORD MK40 3PLOGANSBOOKS.CO.UKuild it and they will come says Rachael Rogan

d been running Booktastic (a kids reading club) for a number

years and the Childrens Book Festival for the last two years,

I was adamant that I did not want to open a shop. Id always

amed of opening a bookshop round the corner from my house

I never expected it to become a reality. So when the lease

me up on the shop two doors down from my house I told

ryone I absolutely was not going to do it. But the trouble

s, everyone kept asking me to do it! After about a week the

a gained more traction. People were offering their help and

ice and I realised that if I didnt do it now I never would.

From the minute we got the keys, it was a two week team effort

get the shop ready for the opening date. Designer, planner,

lder, project manager and general genius, Marc Simpson and

wife Abi basically moved into the empty shop for a fortnight

made my hair-brained schemes and dreams a reality. My

her-in-law was here continuously for a week, building and

structing shelves and frames. We were offered amazing (and

y, very helpful) legal and PR advice. The whole shop is here

because of the amazing generosity of the people of Bedford who

pulled out all the stops to make it happen.

We had barely put the last lick of paint on the wall when

we threw open the doors on Saturday 24 October for the grandopening. Childrens laureate Chris Riddell and Young Bond

author Steve Cole rubbed shoulders with local superstars David

Litcheld, Katy Dynes and Katharine James. Wed sold out of

Davids book, the Bear and the Piano by lunchtime it was crazy!

Since then, weve managed to catch our breath and the shop

has settled into a lovely rhythm of customers and classes. Crafting

with Creative Days, plus movement and mediation classes and

kids yoga.

While at its heart, Rogans Books is a childrens bookshop, I

know that the space will organically become what people want

it to become. It is a creative space, a hub for positivity and while

Im proud of what weve already achieved I cannot wait to see

what Rogans Books becomes.

The Booktastic Childrens Book Festival is back at the

University of Bedfordshires Polhill Campus in 2016. Find out

about classes and activities at Rogans Books by following their

Facebook page or checking out their website.

ET YOURE SKATES ON!

THECLANGER

UNIQUEBEDFORD

hotography: taragillenphotography.com

BEDFORDS ROLLER SKATING RINKSDavid Fowler, Bedford Tour Guides bedfordtourguides.org

ate Victorian times roller skating rinks were the club of the day, where those with enough energy could visit for fun and celebration.

dford had one of the rst in 1879 at Rink Island [love it! Ed] on the River Great Ouse, near what is now Bedford Rowing Club,

h the nearby Rink pub on Duckmill Lane. It was open air but with covered shelters, adjacent lawn tennis and even dancing to a string

nd! With roller skating becoming even more popular, the outdoor Rink was superseded by the indoor Castle Rink holding 3000,

igned by local architect E.H.C Inskip, across the River in front of Castle Mound opening in 1909. This became an entertainment

nue as well, with Dame Nellie Melba singing, politicians such as Lloyd George giving speeches and competitions in which my

ndfather won the Hicks gold medal for weight lifting against allcomers in 1914. By 1920 it had become the Caf Dansant, The nest

lroom in the Midlands, with dancing sessions every afternoon and evening. In 1929 it was turned into the Plaza, a 1,100 seat cinema,

ich become a night club in 1969, the Century and then the Nite Spot, nally closing in 1980. Over the years there were also smaller

ks in Eastcotts Road, St Cuthberts and St Peters. Roller skating continues today on weekends at the Pilgrim Centre, Brickhill

ive and the Bunyan Leisure Centre, Mile Road. For more details visit: rollbackskating.com

A FAMILY RUN TRADITIONAL FISHMONGERSOFFERING A WIDE RANGE OF FISH & SHELLFISHINCLUDING YOUR CHRISTMAS FAVOURITES:

LOBSTERS CRABS EELS BACCALA (SALT COD) CARP FRESH AND SMOKED SALMON

PLACE YOUR ORDERS IN STORE NOW!

2 NEWNHAM STREET, BEDFORDGCHFISHMONGERS.CO.UK

10%

DISCOUNTON

ORDERSOVER30

Always wanted to try Race for Life but think youre not a runner?SheRuns Couch to 5K Ladies 12 week running programme.

The perfect way to start running from scratch or after a long break and train withlike-minded ladies in a friendly, relaxed & fun atmosphere. Training as a group youwill build up gently, starting with short walk/jogs and develop your distance as you

progress at your own pace each week towards a 5k race.

The programme is aimed at complete beginnersor ladies returning to running after a long break.

Starting 19th January, Tuesdays 6pm & Saturdays at 8am.2 weekly sessions plus support for you to run once a week on your own.

100 for full 12 week programme in advance or 5 per session pay as you go.

I will be there every step of the way to support you.

07800 899858 [email protected]

TransistionCoachingBedford.co.ukFB: @TransitionCoachingBedford


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THIS CHRISTMAS 2015*, WERE ONCE AGAINENCOURAGING EVERYONE TO #SHOPLOCAL ANDSUPPORT BEDFORDS MANY INDEPENDENT SHOPS.

THIS IS GOING TO MAKE XMAS SHOPPING EA

THECLANGERSHOPLOCAL

To help out, weve put together an A-Z of Indie Retailers which you can

download from our website (thebedfordclanger.com) or pick up from shops,

cafes, pubs and cultural venues in the town centre. The guide includes a

map of the town, plus (for those coming from a bit further aeld) info on

how to get here, where to park and other great stuff to do while youre here.

Many of the shops are off-the-beaten-track, so what a great excuse to

take a walk around the town and seek out unique and inspiring gifts that

will support Bedfords small businesses. It will be the exact antithesis of

a trip to a shopping mall, so you may get rained on, you may get lost, you

may nd something else along the way, youll probably need to stop for

a coffee or something to eat, but we hope that youll discover something

different and perfect and want to tell all your friends about it.

In an economic climate that has seen many chain stores cease trading, it

is heartening that Bedfords indie retailers are thriving and that new shops

and businesses are opening on our doorstep. There are more independent

shops in Bedford than there are in Cambridge and that is something that we

should celebrate. Hurrah!Need some Xmas gift ideas? Heres Priya Gillsround up of what to get

for those special people in your life:

*Dont forget #shoplocal is for life, not just for Christmas

FOR ITALOPHILES:FOODS OF ITALYThis deli offers treats aplenty for Italian food lovers, from a selection of

fresh breads, pasta, cheese, meats and antipasti, to hot and tasty foods

word is the lasagne is to die for. Dont forget the sweet treats including

cakes, chocolates and coffee, pannetone and biscotti.

75 Bower St, Bedford MK40 3RB, 01234 213500 foodsotalybedford.co.uk

FOR CAKE LOVERS:SEVENTH HEAVENChampagne AND cake, yousay? Then look no further

than Seventh Heaven where

you can enjoy a glass

of bubbly along with a

scrumptious range of cakes

in sumptuous surroundings.

Opened earlier this year,

Seventh Heaven offers gift

vouchers too.

17 The Arcade, Bedford,

Bedfordshire,

01234 589013

seventhheavencakes.co.uk

FOR BUDDING BIKERS:FLAMME ROUGE CYLCESFlamme Rouge Cycles opened

at the end of November and

has a great range of mens,

womens and kids bikes and

accessories. The staff are

super knowledgeable and very

friendly, and they also have a

repairs workshop, bike tting

services and a coffee shop.

Check it out!

62 64 Bromham Road,

Bedford facebook.com/

ammerouge.cc

FOR VINYL JUNKIES:VINYL BARN AT BEDFORDMARKET & AT THRIFTEEEach Friday, Darren Harte of Vinyl Barn has a stall at Bedford Market

selling records. He also has a permanent selection available to purchase

from Thriftee on the Broadway.

vinylbarn.co.uk and Thriftee, 44A The Broadway, Bedford MK40

2TH 07826 828480 thriftee.co.uk

FOR PAMPERING:5TH AVENUE HAIR & BEAUTYKnow someone in need

of some serious R&R?

This long established

pampering parlour offers

a wide range of treatments

including aromatherapy,

massage, facials and

perfectly polished hands

and feet using beauty brands

including Decleor, ESPA

and Jessica.

9 Howard St, Bedford

MK40 9HS, 01234 341377

5thavenuespa.co.uk

FOR ART LOVERS:THE ART CENTRE & GALLER

A one-stop shop for all your arty needs; selling an array of artwork plu

and craft materials, from stationery, cards and paper to paints and pictu

framing.

7 Howard Street, Bedford, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom,

01234 344784 artcentre.biz

FOR A SWEET TREAT:ARCADIA

For over 100 years the Arcadia sweetshop has been selling traditional w

to its customers. They will happily make up jars with your own choic

sweets, so you can tailor-make a bespoke gift for your loved one (and

a few for yourself).

11 The Arcade, Bedford MK40 1NS 01234 352322 arcadiasweetshop

MAKE THIS YEAR A VERY

BEDFORD CHRISTMASDownload from

thebedfordclanger.com or

pick up from shops, cafes,

pubs and cultural venues

in the town centre.


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5ND MAYBE ILL PICK UP A FEW THINGS FOR MYSELF!

OR PESCETARIANS:GCH FISHMONGERS

, it might not be completely sensible to wrap up a lobster under the tree,

if youre looking for an alternative to a turkey, or want some smoked

mon for your Christmas lunch then look no further. The last date for

istmas orders is Saturday 19 December.

ewnham St, Bedford MK40 3JR, 01234 301472 gchshmongers.co.uk

FOR BEER CONNOISSEURS:THE HAPPY BREWERSince 1985 the Happy Brewer has been

rading from its shop on Union Street. While

he shop is full of anything and everything

or the home brewer, it is the knowledge

of Stephen and Dawn that makes this such

great place to visit. Theyve even got a

Homebrew Helpline!

5 Union Street, Bedford, MK40 2SF

01234 353856 thehappybrewer.com

OR BEAUTIFUL GIFTS:PANOUI

noui opened for business at the end of October and should feature on

r radar if you like beautiful and unique things or need to buy a present

someone who likes beautiful and unique things. Owner Hannah sells her

n hand-crafted jewellery alongside homewares and gifts that are super-

ish and wont break the bank.

Mill Street, Bedford 07740 339105 epanoui.co.uk/

FOR JUNIOR BIBLIOPHILES:ROGANS BOOKS

You can read all about Rogans Books on page 3 in our Unique Bedford

feature. Sufce to say, if you have a mini bookworm to buy for, this is

the place to go. Knowledgeable staff, beautiful surroundings and

books aplenty.

27 Castle Road, Bedford rogansbooks.co.uk

FOR CRAFTY KIDS:THE KILN

Pottery painting gift vouchers are a great gift for kids who have a creative

air. The painting studio also has a tea shop, so if you need to accompany

your budding Grayson Perry then youll be rewarded by great coffee and

very, very nice cake.

87 High St, Bedford MK40 1NE, 01234 216799

bedfordkiln.co.uk

FOR BAKE OFF FANS:KITCHENALIAOpen since 1994, Kitchenalia stocks an array of crockery, cute tea and

coffee mugs, tea towels, cake-making essentials, alongside must-have

accessories and gadgets. The team are always on hand for friendly advice

and if they havent got what youre after theyll do their best to get hold of

it for you.

7-9 The Arcade, Bedford, 01234 262440 kitchenalia.co.uk

FOR GADGET GEEKS:MICHAEL R PETERSIn need of the latest gadgets and gizmos? Then head to Michael R

Peters, who offer an array of electricals including, TVs, sound

systems, laptops, washing machines and kitchen gadgets. They also

offer a delivery and installation service.

19, The Broadway, Bedford, MK40 2TL, 01234 352107 / 35632

michaelrpeters.co.uk

FOR STYLE FANS:THE HIGGINS SHOP

Tucked inside the foyer of the Higgins, Bedford is the museum gift shop.

Among the postcards and pencils (everyone needs a souvenir museum

pencil!) are some of the most interesting and unique products weve seen

anywhere in Bedford. Beautiful colouring books inspired by the collection,

cocktail recipe books illustrated by Edward Bawden, tea towels featuring

illustrations of the R101 among homewares and sewing kits. We always nd

something here (and would like to nd something from here under our tree)

Castle Lane, Bedford, MK40 3XD thehigginsbedford.org.uk

FOR EVERYTHING ELSE:GOLDINGSFrom Airx models to

kitchenware, dolls house

accessories to gadgets,

Goldings has something

for everyone!

107 High St, Bedford MK40

1NE, 01234 352321

home.btconnect.com/

goldings.bedford


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theplacebedford.org.uk/tickets 01234 354321

ARTRESBANDESTHEATRE COMPANY

LOCUS

AMOENUSTUESDAY 26 JANUARY

A TRIO OFTERRIFYINGLY

GIFTEDPERFORMERS.

Total Theatre

t. :

CHRISTMASCRAFT FAIRThe All Nations Church on Brickhill Drive

will host a Christmas Craft Fair on Saturday 5th

December. As well as the traditional stalls there will be

a gift wrapping station, delicious mulled wine and there

will be craft activities for children.

12 3pm All Nations Church, Brickhill Drive,

MK41 7QF

SWISS GARDENIN LIGHTSThe Swiss Garden is amazing enough in broad daylight,

so were excited to see just how fabulous it will look in

this entirely new light! Attractions include an Aviary light

installation and movement-activated bridge illuminations.

Key garden features along the route will be highlighted

by the creative skills of the e-Luminate team as this event

offers a contemporary twist on Lord Ongleys lamp-lit

gardens and the bird enclosure (now just a ruin) that he

included in his Regency landscape to impress his friends.

This modern-day event is aimed at bringing history

alive while offering a fantastic evening out and is open

every evening from Saturday 5 December until Thursday

10 December, 4.30pm 8.30pm

For further information and to book tickets visit:

www.shuttleworth.org/gardeninlights

IM OFF TO GET ALL MY PRESENTS FROM THE BEDPOP SH

AN AUDIENCE WITHFATHER CHRISTMAS*WeekendsSat 5 Sun 20 December

* An additional 3 per child applies.

Booking essential, call 0370 333 1183 to purchase tickets.

NUTCRACKER ATTHE PAVILIONWriter and broadcaster Gavin Plumley will be

at the Pavilion in Bedford Park on Monday 7th

December to introduce The Nutcracker, one of the

greatest Christmas stories of all time. Visitors of

all ages will discover the story of Claras adventure

to the Kingdom of Sweets, accompanied by

Tchaikovskys sparkling score. This teatime treat

is perfect preparation for The Royal Ballets live

broadcast of The Nutcracker at Cineworld Bedford

on 16 December (www.roh.org.uk/showings/

the-nutcracker-live-2015).

Sweet Treats including Christmas cake, mince

pies, Nutcracker gingerbreads, hot chocolate, pots of

tea & spiced gingerbread lattes will all be on offer.

To reserve a place call: 01234 351104

THE BEDPOP CHRISTMASSHOP IS BACK BYPOPULAR DEMANDBy popular demand from customers and vendors, the BedPop Christmas Shop

will be back this December and will once again be curating a one-stop-shop o

beautiful and unique gifts and homewares.

On Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th December, some of Bedfords best arti

designers, illustrators, makers and crafters will be selling their wares at the

Higgins Bedford under the BedPop banner.

Were delighted to be back, and thrilled to be at the Higgins, said BedPo

founder, Erica Roffe. We were going to give ourselves a year off, but knew th

shoppers and sellers alike would miss their annual BedPop Xmas x, so were

happy to oblige!

The Higgins is a great space for us as were surrounded by such beautiful

inspiring objects and in the heart of the Cultural Quarter. The BedPop Christm

Shop will bring some extra festive sparkle to Castle Lane.

Not only will customers be able to buy from such talented sellers as Tabith

Mary, Lost Marbles, Elly Hudson, UOldBag! and the artists from the Circus

of Illustration, but there will also be festive refreshments from The Pantry,

entertainment from local singers and choirs and the DJs from Roll Your Own

Records will be spinning some seasonal tunes.

Cllr Sarah-Jayne Holland, Leisure and Culture Portfolio Holder at Bedford

Borough Council added:

Were really pleased to welcome the Bedpop Christmas Shop to the Higg

Bedford this year. Alongside the creative and unique items available at the sho

our free exhibition displaying 10 works by Turner provides a great destination

for shoppers this Christmas.

BedPop Christmas Shop @ The Higgins, Castle Lane, Bedford

thehigginsbedford.org.uk

SHERUNS: COUCH TO 5KA new SheRuns programme starts on Tuesday 19th January and aims to encourag

non-runners to aim for a 5k. We spoke to Larissa Clarke about the training:

Always wanted to try Race for Life but think youre not a runner? Hated PE

school but seeing other women out running think maybe I could do that? Then th

is the perfect way to start running from scratch or after a long break and I will be

there every step of the way to support you! Youll train with like-minded ladies

friendly, relaxed & fun atmosphere and you will build up gently, starting with sh

walk/jogs and develop your distance as you progress at your own pace each wee

towards a 5k race.

The SheRuns programme is aimed at complete beginners or ladies returning t

running after a long break. It includes 2 training sessions per week plus support f

you to complete 1 additional weekly run in your own time.

One of my real passions is to help ladies unleash their potential, achieve thin

they never thought possible, said Larissa. Theyll then feel the knock on bene

of this for their overall wellbeing and condence. This Couch to 5 K programme

fantastic way to do this. Its fun, effective and affordable.

Sessions take place on Tuesdays 6pm & Saturdays at 8am. 100 for full 12

week programme paid in advance or 5 per session pay as you go.

Still thinking about it? Contact Larissa on 07800 899858 or

[email protected] for further details.

THE

CLANGER

PICK OF THEMONTH


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PHOTO A DAY CALENDAR 2016are soooooo excited!! Since 2013, the Bedford Clanger has sponsored the

gely popular A Photo A Day and A Photo A Month projects. Over three years

ve received hundreds of contributions and the photographs portray a unique

w of Bedford that sums up how we feel about our town. The culmination

hese projects is a collaboration with Bedford Borough Council to kick off

ebrations of the 850th anniversary of Bedfords charter status. Twelve images

e been selected from the A Photo A Day, A Photo A Month and the We Are

dford facebook groups to represent the Borough throughout the seasons. The

endar will be available to purchase from The Higgins, Bedford, the Tourist

ormation Centre at the Bus Station and also at the BedPop Christmas Shop.

proceeds will be donated to the Mayors Charities.

ase join the facebook group if you would like to take part in the A Photo

Month Bedford Borough challenge in 2016.

WREST PARK ATCHRISTMASWere so lucky to have English Heritages Wrest

Park on our doorstep. Not only is it a beautiful

house, but the grounds are stunning at any time

of year and it is home to Britains oldest living

Christmas tree, dating back to 1856! There are lots

of Christmas-themed activities going on this year,

so heres our pick of the crop:

An Audience with Father Christmas takes

place each weekend throughout December.

Young visitors can join in with festive fun and

crafts before meeting the main man who will be

recounting some magical tales of Christmas past,

as well as handing out some festive treats!

Green ngered visitors can get into the festive

spirit with Christmas wreath making workshops on

December 8th and 9th. Gaining inspiration from

a tour of the house there will then be a range ofmaterials sourced from the gardens from which to

create a seasonal masterpiece that will be the envy

of visiting friends and relatives.

By popular demand, two carol concerts will take

place on Wednesday 9th December, with carols

sung by Christs College Cambridge choir, in the

sumptuous surroundings of Wrest Parks Library.

Visitors can also book in for Christmas dinner in

the glorious surroundings of the Dining Room

before the concert what a unique experience!

For more details, how to book and prices,

visit english-heritage.org.uk/wrestpark or call

01525 860000.

ndow Wanderland is coming to the homes of Black Tom on 5th

cember and all residents are invited to make displays in their

ndows or gardens that will form a magical trail which can be

lored by the whole community.

Window Wanderland was created in Bristol by Lucy Reeves

o invited her neighbourhood to create a Wanderland in February

5. The response was a huge success with thousands of people

loring the streets and enjoying their community.

The Window Wanderland is another fabulous way for the

whole area to take part in something creative, said Kat. There

is already a great community spirit in Black Tom and we look

forward to welcoming people from all over Bedford to our seasonal

Window Wanderland.

Visitors can nd warmth and refreshments in the Burnaby Arms

on Stanley Street where they will be serving up mulled wine before

and after the event.

Come along to the Black Tom/Primeministers area between

5.30pm and 8.30pm to take part in the trail.

EAD ON DOWN TO THE WINDOW WANDERLAND!

Beautiful,non-intrusivewedding photography

Book before January to receive 2015 prices

Call: 0770 684 8554 /www.catlaneweddings.com

t . :

WINDOW WANDERLAND LIGHTS UP BLACK TOM

AGLE ADVENT CALENDARouve walked past the Eagle Bookshop

Castle Road this month youll almost

tainly have spotted their advent calendar

pired window display. I suppose I

s struck by how similar were the action,

asure and sense of expectation of opening

window of an advent calendar and

ning the cover of a book, said owner,

er Budek. I decided to explore the idea

constructing a giant calendar with 24 favourite books mounted on it, and

n add to the excitement by introducing the competition element - can others

ss what we have chosen? The books are all favourites, suitable as Christmas

sents, and the covers give hints (weak or strong) regarding the title, including

date of rst publication. Although the competition will close on December

when the rst book is opened, there will be daily excitement throughout

cember when the respective titles are revealed.

gle Bookshop, 103 Castle Road, Bedford tel: 01234 269295

lebookshop.co.uk


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8

NEW INTERNATIONALENCOUNTER PRESENTAROUND THE WORLD IN

80 DAYS22 December 2 January. Tickets from: 11. Age guidance: 6+

One policeman, two comrades, three cab rides, four continents, ve

trains, six ships and just 80 days to get back home in the most celeb

literary journey of all time!

This Christmas, join Phileas Fogg and his faithful servant Passep

at The Stables in Milton Keynes on their ambitious journey around

globe with only a bag full of money, a pocket watch and a wager to

Combining clowning, live music, storytelling and an internation

ensemble, Around the World in 80 Days takes audiences on a high-

madcap, transcontinental race against the clock. The show is produc

and performed by the renowned theatre company New Internationa

Encounter.

Tickets priced 11-20, are now on sale from The Stables box of

tel: 01908 280800 and via The Stables website at stables.org

A CHRISTMAS CAROL TO GET ME IN THE MOOD I TH

t01234 351104

w www.attheparkbedford.co.uk

PavilionatthePark

@BedfordPavilion

Looking for somewhereto hold your festive gathering?

Look no further!

Email us today on [email protected],we promise you a magical night to remember.

B E D F O R D P A R K

pavilion

the puddin clubPuddings Cakes Breakfast Cheeseboard

Great Coffee Prosecco Wine Beer

Cider Ice Cream Milkshakes

Christmas Parties & Gatherings...Why not Puddings and Prosecco!Or beer, wine, cider or also softdrinks and coffee?!

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

07773 943586

www.thepuddinclub.co.uk

120a Castle Road, Bedford, MK40 3RG

get your just desserts

THE

CLANGER

THETHEATR

E

QUARRY AT ST LUKES

THE STABLES MK

THE PLACE THEATRE

BEDFORDS THEATRES HAVE NEVER BEEN SO FULL OF CHRISTMACHEER! PAULA WALKER WRAPS UP THE VERY BEST FOR OURLOVELY READERS

THREE HALFPINTS PRESENT:A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Tuesday 8 December 7.30pm. Tickets: 12 (Concessions 10). A

guidance: 6+

Get your familys Christmas off to a fabulously funny festive sta

joining the laughter in the slapstick world of the Three Half Pints.

Bickering brothers, Derek, Dick and Ernie, want to do their own

version of A Christmas Carol, but things just wont go to plan. Dere

makes a suitably grumpy Scrooge, but the Ghost of Christmas Past

control his roller skates, Dicks been hit by a tea tray and Ernie keep

getting covered in talcum powder.

Comedy Club 4 Kids veterans, and soon-to-be stars of their very

CBeebies series, the Three Half Pints promise 90 minutes of songs,

ness and interactive fun thats perfect for everyone 6 and over.

Tickets available at quarrytheatre.org.uk or on 01234 362337

MOON ON A STICKPRESENT: THE LITTLEMATCH GIRLMonday 7 to Wednesday 9 December 10.30am, 1.30pm, 4.30pm

Tickets: 10 (Concessions 8)

Age Guidance: 3+

A joyful retelling of a winter classic, this is a magical and mischievous

twist on this well-known tale, complete with puppetry, Christmas carols

and audience interaction.

It is Christmas Eve, snow litters the ground and the little match girl

is alone. She is desperate to get warm so she lights the matches that

she has been selling. With each match, she is transported by its warmth

into the scenes behind the glass. She becomes a part of the festivities,

meeting Father Christmas, playing in the snow and eating the most

delicious feast, but with the light of each match the images fade and are

just beyond reach.

CHRISTIAN LEE INHAPPY AND ELFIE10 and 11 December 11am, 1.30pm and 6pm

Tickets: 10 (concessions 8). Age Guidance: 3+Follow the adventures of a Christmas Elf who, on Christmas Eve, has

been so busy having fun he has forgotten to prepare for Christmas and

has only 45 minutes to get all the toys ready in time for Santas arrival.

Will he make it in time? Perhaps, with a little magic and lots of help from

the audience, he might just do it!

Join us at this fun-lled show for children and families, with enough

magical delight to keep the young and the young-at-heart enthralled.

Performed by award-winning comedy magician Christian Lee, winner of

CBBCs The Slammer.

Tickets available at theplacebedford.org or call 01234 354321,

NOVUS THEATREPRESENT:JAMES ANDTHE GIANT PEACH19 and 20 December 2pm and 6.30pm. Tickets: 8 (Concessions 7)

Age Guidance: 7+Yay! Novus Theatre is back with an exciting new take on the Roald Dahl

classic James And The Giant Peach. Join James Henry Trotter on his

incredible journey across the Atlantic with some very unusual friends, as

he escapes the clutches of his wicked aunts.

Tickets available at www.theplacebedford.org or call 01234 354321,

THE EAGLE GALLERY:POETRY AT THE EAGLE:MEMORIES6 December 7pm. Tickets: 5. Age Guidance: all

Join the Swan Company poetry readers for an uplifting evening of poems

exploring the nature of memory.

Tickets available at www.theplacebedford.org or call 01234 354321


9/12


9ONT FORGET TO TAKE ALONG YOUR FOOD DONATIONS.

Experience the sights, sounds and smells of atraditional Christmas with stalls throughout the

heart of the Town Centre selling an array ofseasonal gifts, foods and treats... Its the ideal place

to pick up those extra special gifts for Christmas!

For more information:

Phone: 01234 718044 Email: [email protected] Web: www.bedford.gov.uk Web: www.christmasinbedford.co.uk

WHOLL LOTTA LOVE...

Is it a silent in w Wholls?

Its pronounced The Wolz so that makes it a

silent H!

Where did the name come from?

Its our take on an old Italian slang word for the

full package thats as close as I can get to a pre

watershed answer Im afraid Lloyd!!!

Ill Google that later... How would you

describe your sound?

Big, healthy, glorious and full of vitamins.

Fave other local acts?

Ronnie Barker, best act Bedford ever produced.

Musical inuences?

Between us, the lot. Between guitars and records

theres no room to swing a Fraggle at mine.

Best place to eat in town?

Ive gotta say my personal choice is The Elephant

in Kempston. Wasabi prawns every time but ask for

them extra wasabi-ee hothothot!

Any goals for the band in 2016?

Well weve just had our rst Radio 1 play (thanks

Huw Stephens) and our debut single X21 is released

on 20th November so thats this year sorted. I guess

Id love to score a winner at Wembley in the FA cup.

Not bothered who for really. That and Glastonbury.

Stone Roses or Guns n Roses?

Joe - Stone Roses.

Tordy and Sonny - Guns n Roses.

Danny - A selection box of Cadburys Roses.

Whats your ringtone?

Bikini Girls With Machine Guns by The Cramps.

Many Thanks guys,

No. Thank you :) x

The Wholls single launch is at Esquires on

Saturday 5th December

THE

CLANGER

MUSIC...OHY

EAH! THE BEDFORD SONG BOOK

30 choir members, nine song writers, nine illustrators and one Lone Morris will unite to launch

The Bedford Song Book, a celebration of exceptional local talent at the Harpur Suite on Sunday

29th November.

Brought to you by Bedford Creative Arts, just 100 copies of the book have been produced and are

available to buy at the launch. If you are reading this after 29th November, you can also buy a copy

from the shop at the Higgins, Bedford.

The launch will take place at Bedfords Harpur Suite on Sunday 29th of November, so hurry to get

tickets! The books songwriters will be performing unique versions of each others songs with the

Bedford Arts Choir singing choral versions arranged by Roger Illingworth.

Illustration of the Bedford Song Book by The Circus of Illustration, including David Litchfield,

Assim Heetun and Scarlett Tierney.

Tickets and further info: bedfordcreativearts.org.uk. Tickets are 12 per person, 9 concession.

The hugely popular bi-monthly folk night will return

on the 5th of December at Bromham Mill caf

and Gallery and plays host to yet another unique

and mesmerising folk performer. Described by

the Guardian as a rare talent and refreshingly

original, Mary Hampton is a singer/songwriter

from Brighton who performs original and tradition

material, accompanying herself on dobro or tenor

guitar. Support on the night comes from Marisa,

Jack and Davy singing traditional folk songs.

The Bedford Clanger caught up with Mary to nd

out more about her music and inuences

How would you describe your music to those who

have never heard you before?

Its mostly songs, either story-telling songs, or songs

that investigate particular situations or states of

mind. Im very inuenced by traditional folk music,

so some of that musical language comes through.

Can you tell us a bit about what inuences

your songwriting?

Music-wise Id have to say Bob Dylan, Anne Briggs,

Bach, rebetika (Greek blues songs from the early

20th century), Norwegian hardinger ddle music.

They are the big hitters for me, although the music

made by those around me in Brighton and on the

touring circuit is always hugely inspiring too,

especially that of Diane Cluck, Alasdair Roberts and

Tom Brosseau who Ive had the pleasure of support-

ing a number of times.

What has been your most memorable

performance?

I once played a show at a pub in Bristol, and was

approached by a lady afterwards who said that one

of the more impressionist songs, called Island,

had really reminded her of the town she grew up in,

which is in southwest Ireland, a place called Sneem.

I had written the song a few months before, when I

was in Sneem.

Whats next for Mary Hampton? Any recordings

or exciting gigs planned?

Ive been asked to play at Leigh On Sea Festival

next year, which Ive heard is wonderful, and Im

planning a new EP of songs before that.

Mary Hampton is playing Mill Race Folk at

Bromham Mill on the 5th of December. Doors

at 7.30pm. Tickets are 8 and are available from

the caf at the mill or online via facebook.com/

millracefolk

FOODSTOCKFoodstock 2015 is a charity music event in aid of Bedford Food Bank. Its

aking place in Dannys Bar at Esquires on Saturday 5th December and features

acts including; Ouse Valley Singles Club, Tequila Mockingbird, Spring Park,

All Tied Up and Aghast. Admission is 5 plus a donation to the Food Bank.

The event has been organised by 14 year old Willow Mayes.

BEDFORD INDIE-ROCK BAND THE WHOLLS ARE HITTING BEDFORDESQUIRES IN DECEMBER TO SHOWCASE THEIR NEW SINGLE X21 (ASHEARD ON RADIO 1) PRIOR TO OPENING FOR MISS WORLD 2015 INCHINA (THE FIRST NEW ACT TO OPEN, PREVIOUS ACTS INCLUDEROBERT PLANT & BRYAN FERRY), WITH A POTENTIAL 1 BILLIONWORLDWIDE TV VIEWING FIGURES ! GREAT EXPOSURE...FOR THE

BAND OF COURSE. LLOYD LUGSDEN SPOKE TO THE LADS BEFORETHEIR ADVENTURES....

MILL RACE FOLK RETURNS FOR ITS THIRD INSTALMENT, THISTIME WITH ACCLAIMED SINGER/SONGWRITER MARY HAMPTON


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10

ONE DOOR CLOSESWe were so sad when Caf Virtuoso closed its doors at the end of October. A haven for vegetarians and vegans, the caf was a gr

asset to the town centre and will be sorely missed. However, all is not lost! Owner Guilda has not completely hung up her apron

for good. She is still creating tasty and healthy food and catering to speciality diets, all from her website virtuosofoods.co.uk.

Check it out!

MMMM... COCKTAILS.... NOTHING LIKE GETTING IN THE XMAS SPI

CLANGERSCHRISTMASCOCKTAILLOST + FOUND MIGHT BE CLOSED ONCHRISTMAS DAY BUT YOU CAN STILLCREATE A COCKTAIL BAR VIBE INTHE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOMETHANKS TO BARMAN TOMS RECIPEFOR THE BLIZZARD. PERFECT TO SHAREWITH FRIENDS, BUT PLEASE DRINKRESPONSIBLY. CHEERS!

The Blizzard - A twist on the classic Irish Coffee, as bourb

whiskey, sugar syrup and fresh espresso are shaken together,

poured over ice and topped with a cloud of heavy whipping c

Ingredients:

50ml bourbon whiskey (wild turkey, Jim beam white label,

buffalo trace) 50ml fresh espresso

25ml sugar syrup

50ml heavy whipping cream

Directions:

Put some ice into a cocktail shaker and add your whiskey,

sugar syrup and fresh espresso. Give a good shake to ensure

espresso creates a froth, and pour into your favourite pre-iced

tumbler. Slowly pour the heavy whipping cream on top of th

drink, and enjoy!

Lost + Found, Lime Street, Bedford tel: 07471 681318

INTRODUCINGTHE NEW CHEF

AT THE PAVILION:MARCUS WEBBERITS ONLY A YEAR SINCE THE PAVILION OPENEDITS DOORS IN BEDFORD PARK, BUT IT FEELS AS IFTHE CAF HAS ALWAYS BEEN THERE. FROM HEARTYBREAKFASTS TO LIGHT LUNCHES, TAKEAWAY FLATWHITES TO A CUP OF TEA, ITS HARD TO REMEMBERWHAT WE DID WITHOUT IT.

This month a year to the day since the Pavilion opened new chef Marcus

Webber will take up the reins in the kitchen. Hes been chefng for the best part

of a decade and trained as an apprentice in the RAF. Since I was 13 Ive always

cooked. I joined the military at 21 and received my chef training there. Marcus

cooking is inuenced by Italian avours and hes passionate about getting the best

out of seasonal ingredients. My favourite thing to cook at home at the moment

is Japanese, he said. I love trying out new techniques and avour combinations.

Id love to offer a Japanese themed Supper Club in the new year

The joy of the Supper Clubs is that its completely exible and we can try out

more experimental menus, said Emma Garrett of the Pavilion . We also cater for

private bookings and can adapt to any dietary requirements. We love a challenge!

The Pavilions Christmas menu has been created by Marcus and features turkey

with cont goose leg. For veggies theres a butternut squash and wild mushroom

wellington.

For more information and to view the menu go to:

pavilion.attheparkbedford.co.uk

EAT,DRINK& DRAWDo you like drawing and eating, often both at the

same time? If so, this is the event for you! The Circus

of Illustration will be hosting an Eat Drink and Draw

Supper Club at the Pavilion in the Park on Wednesday 27

January 2016. The evening will feature the food of new

chef Marcus Webber (see our interview below) and some

imaginative illustrative fun from the members of the Circus.

You dont have to be an artist in order to attend. The aim ofthe Drink and Draw events is to encourage as many people

as possible to give drawing a go. Booking is essential.

14.95/person for main course and dessert. pavilion.

attheparkbedford.co.uk/supper-club

WHY I LIKE ANENGLISH CHRISTMASBY KRISTINE WILKINSON-HUGHES @EUPHONIOUSHONEY

An American Christmas is a great holiday. Get up, open presents, get dressed, go to Grandmas house for a massive meal, play a gam

of pool downstairs, go home. As an American kid, it was about the stuff and the family and the cousins. What I have experienced inEngland is, sure, its about stuff, and sure, its about family, but its done in a completely let your hair down kinda way. Everyone g

into it and everyone chills out. (Maybe the grownups were doing this all along when I was a kid??) The chocolates and drink (if you

that way inclined) are out early. The food is prepared in a casual fashion. You may or may not see anyone that day, perhaps waiting

Boxing Day. There is a real sense of I NEED to relax today. I have been WAITING for today. When you look at it like this, who re

needs the gifts? Youve already got everything you really want: time with loved ones and a day to really enjoy yourself. The days are

dark and dreary. This day seems to be the light everyone has been waiting for. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone!


11/12


11

PANACEA ALLOTMENTSY JANE PERRONE @JANEPERRONE

ERRONE.BLOGS.COMost allotment sites are tucked behind railway lines, high hedges

d playing elds. Not so the Panacea allotments, situated in Castle

ad close to the town centre: only a chain link fence separating the

ts from passersby.

But these are no ordinary allotments: they are the site of the Garden of

en, after all.

Confused? Let me explain. The Panacea Society - a unique Bedford-

ed religious community - became the Panacea Charitable Trust in

12 after the death of its nal member. The patch of land at the corner

Castle Road and Albany Road had been used as a growing space by

Society since its inception, but the genesis (excuse the pun) of the

otments was a decade ago when Wally, the Societys gardener passed

ay. Local residents Tom and Sarah Barwood came to the rescue. I met

m on the Panacea allotments to nd out more.

Tom takes up the story: We were living in a Panacea Society house.

e problem was they had no one to give the produce to, as they were

only two people left in the Society. When Wally died very suddenly,

got called in for a meeting at the Trust.

Given its prime location, the land could of course have been sold off

development - but the Trust told the Barwoods they had decided

tead to open the plots up to local people who wanted space to grow: a

uable community resource that was perfectly timed to coincide with a

der resurgence of interest in allotments.

And why the Garden of Eden reference? The Societys followers believed

t the gardens which surround their chapel and houses around Albany

ad, just off Castle Road, stand on the site of the Biblical garden of Eden;

teral heaven on earth. Anyone who has put their hand into the soil of the

otments or seen the bountiful crops grown there will know this is truer

n youd think. The soil, continuously improved for more than 100 years,

t by the Panacea gardeners and more recently by the allotmenteers, is in

y good heart. When I visited recently, there were huge chard plants with

thick ruby-red stems, magenta dahlias still in full bloom, and cabbages and

cavolo nero bulking up nicely for winter harvests.

The soil is river silt and immensely productive. We once got a parsnip

out of here that was the length of my arm! says Tom. The Barwoods

have a good partnership on the plot - Sarah is the grower, while Tom

describes himself as the human rotavator; between them, they keep

their family supplied with homegrown vegetables for all four seasons of

the year.

A total of 23 plot holders work on the land alongside the Barwoods.

Mary Rich has had a plot at Panacea for four years, is one of the stalwarts

of the site. I used to cycle past and see all the lovely rhubarb and think

whats all that about? Then I found out! For Mary, 76, the smaller plot

sizes are a bonus. Ive had an allotment all my life when I was younger,

but now I dont want a huge allotm ent like the council offers.

But what about theft and vandalism on a site bordering a busy road?

Both Tom and Mary say its not a big issue. Occasionally stuff does

get stolen, but its a rarity. I think someone got a pumpkin stolen before

October 31 last year, which was most unfortunate, but Ive not had a

problem, Mary explains.

There are tools to share and an impressive communal composting

setup; and most unusually of all, theres no annual rent to pay as plots are

provided free by the Panacea Charitable Trust. Theres always someone

to meet there and chat with, nd out how theyre doing and ask them to

water yours if youre away. Its a really nice community, a great crowd,

she adds.

So its not surprising theres a considerable waiting list for plots:

although Tom stresses that anyone who takes on a plot is expected to

keep it well cultivated: theres a tenancy agreement to sign, drawn up by

Sarah, who just happens to be a lawyer by trade.

For more information about the Panacea allotments, visit their

Facebook page, (just search for the Garden of Eden Allotment

Society) or email [email protected]. For more information

on the Panacea Charitable Trust, visit panaceatrust.org.

BEDFORDFILM FESTIVALSUPPORTS CULTSFOR CATS

Everyone loves furries and keen filmfestival fans will have seen us joiningwith The Pad Nightclub to support Cultsfor Cats, a series of film screeningsorganised by Chloe Tilford, in aid ofCats Protection.

Weve loved working with Chloe over the past few months,

working with The Pad Nightclub to help her screen The Big

Lebowksi and Scream, with Chloe making each lm have that

added extra, be it Wii bowling with The Dude or Halloween

inspired pick and mix and wall neon art for the horror features,

provided by The Pads Gareth Barber.

Christmas will be no different with Cults for Cats Christmas

screenings of Die Hard and Elf. Two very different lms but both

classic Christmas cults perfect for this charity series.

Both lms will naturally feature some of the extra special

elements that Chloe brings to each lm. For Die Hard on the

12 December, John Maclane fans can dress to imvest and

come as cinemas favourite cop. There will also be a Topple

Nokatomy Tower game with prizes for those who save the

hostages! Meanwhile with Elf, 19 December, Christmas Jumpers

are encouraged with prizes for the best and some egg nog to enjoy

during the lm.

Chloe Tilford says the Cults for Cats screenings continue to

be a lot of fun: We have loved working alongside Bedford FilmFestival and The Pad Nightclub to screen these lm favourites, I

cant wait for the Christmas events to help Bedfords lm fans get

into the festive spirit. Cats Protection is such a worthwhile cause

and knowing that these lms are helping raise cash for charity is

the icing on the cake.

Both screenings will serve some Christmas themed treats

and there will also be a chance to win one of Chloes handmade

gingerbread houses for delivery (in Bedford) the week before

Christmas.

All prots from each Cults for Cats screening goes to Cats

Protection.To book tickets visit: bedfordlmfestival.org

HAT ALLOT OF FUN!

Ethi call y So urc ed C off ee, Orga nic Tea, Hom emad e Ca kes & S nack s, S aNdw ich es & Pani ni

DiD you know we're open9AM-4PM7 Days a week

aLL through the winterand dont forget our annual Christmas Eve Carols

- 4pm Thursday 24th December -with p lenty of Mull ed Win e, Minc e Pies & Hot Chocolate too!

Te l: O1234 27 1877www .ki osk .at the par kbe dfo rd. co. uk

ww w. fa ce bo ok .c om/ ki os kat the par k

@k ioskatthepark

ww w. yo ut ub e. co m/k io sk att he par k

pi nte re st .c om /at the par k

facebook.com/reactionvm [email protected]

WHERE COMMUNICATION IS KEY

Branding/Advertising/Direct mail/Packaging

Digital/Point-of-sale/PR/Strategy

THE

CLANGER

FILM&GARDE

NING

Photography by Ni ck Hall ww w.nickhallphotogra phic.co.uk


12/12


12

MESSING ABOUT ONTHE RIVER (GREAT OUSE)

Celebrity upcycler and neo Womble*, Max McMurdo was the star of the show on George

Clarkes Amazing Spaces last month. Max, who often co-presents the show with the towering

Geordie, was tasked with becoming mortgage-free by building a boathouse out of a shipping

container. Recently, through what I have achieved with George and Amazing Spaces I just

thought it was time to make my dream come to life, Max told us. So we started talking

about it and George said dont be stupid thats nuts and so I said alright Ill do it. And he

said if I was going to do it they were denitely going to lm it. And were so glad they did!

Maxs fabulous oating home is moored at Bedfords Priory Marina and features a host of

space-saving wizardry including an under-the-oor bath and a wardrobe cunningly disguised

as a bed. (*not our words, the words of The Observer magazines Lucy Siegle)

BY NEIL FRANKEL,DIRECTOR OF TENNIS ATRIVERSIDE TENNIS CLUBIf youre looking to achieve that warm glow over Christmas

you can hit the mulled wine or maybe think about volunteering

in your community. As one of the biggest sports clubs in

Bedford there is a huge support network of people involved

in the smooth running of Riverside. In fact, without all our

volunteers, we couldnt exist. In the digital age of apps for

everything and constant bombardment from social media, we

believe strongly in the sense of belonging that is created from

sport and at Riverside were lucky to have an army of people

who give up their time to make it all happen. Whatever you

do this Christmas, think about how you could contribute to

making Bedford great. We recommend it!

Its been a fantastic year at Riverside and alongside

the day to day tennis at the club, we kicked off 2015 with

the launch of our Riverside Tennis Foundation which has

impacted on over 3,000 children in the town. Our disability

tennis programme has gone from strength to strength and

we had a visit from the world #1 doubles player Jordanne

Whiley weve just secured funding to continue improving

the Disability Tennis Network in 2016. Weve just hit the

magic number of 500 members so come and see us to see wh

everyone is talking about.

Wed like to thank the following movers and shakers that

have all played a massive part in helping our club evolve.

Doug Cummings, Bryan Wetherilt, Jeremy Coates, Anna

Jacobs, Julia Wetherilt, Hazel Woodward, Tony Barcock,

Steve Birchall Norman Gunn, Cath Brimmell, Paul Athow, J

Athow, Tony Woolf, Mat Dunkley, Jocelyn Lisle, Margaret

Pitcher & Mukesh Patel, Pat Maher, Simon Feaver, Will

Feaver, Rob Salvesson, Jonny Woolf, Alison Illman, Rob

Stean, Nimer El Saleh, Nabeel Mardi, Robbie Woolf, Richar

Ball, Louise ODonnell, Gary Richardson and Tom Rees.

Come and see what everyone is talking about.

[email protected]

A VERYBEDFORD

XMAS

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

One of the most precious

Christmas gifts I ever received

was 10 years ago, from my eldest

daughter, when she was nearly 15.

Lacking money, but overowing

with creativity, she put together a

portfolio of hand-made pictures,

poems, collages and trinkets,

which made, as she described it,

a cornucopia of Christmas. The

time, effort and love which went

into this beautifully personal present had me in tears, as

you might imagine.

The greatest gift we can give one another is a little piece of

our true selves - our creativity, our vulnerability, our heart.

Instead we tend to give away big chunks of our lives without

thinking - to work, to grudges, to habit, to yearning - but nd

were lonelier than ever, more stressed, unsure of what we

want or how to get it. It seems highlighted at Christmas when,

according to the ads, if were not sitting round a twelve foot

table laden with perfectly prepared goodies while the whole

extended family chatters happily, then its not a real Christmas.

But the real Christmas was one where all the greatest things

this world can offer were put in the shade by a t iny baby. Glory

and power and wealth and inuence were, and are, nothing

compared to the gentle, personal touch of vulnerable love

little piece of the Divine self, come to live among us - give

to a world overwhelmed then, as now, by inequality, con

suffering and confusion.

On the global stage its been a year of contrasts - powe

men in sport, uncovered for corruption; a tiny boy washe

ashore; economic bailouts; threats to welfare payouts. Wi

terrorists and politics, rhetoric and refugees, how badly th

world needs peace and goodwill. That baby in the stable

reminds us of the quiet gift that can change everything -

I dont mean the schmaltzy kind, nor even the Beatles kin

mean the kind of love thats given unconditionally, out of

spotlight, one person helping another, irrespective of colo

creed, lifestyle or nationality. Giving our creativity, our

vulnerability, our heart, not just to those whom we love, b

also to the stranger, the bewildered, the face in the crowd

black sheep.

There are many in Bedford who are brilliant at this -

people of different faiths and none, who understand that

personal connection is the basis of our human life. The qu

givers, the organisers, the welcomers, those who stand up

others. Following their example, and remembering Mary

boy child, I hope we can all find a way to give of our tru

selves this season. Heres wishing you a very peaceful an

love-filled Christmas.

ART SCHOOL DISCO DRAWS...Each month we challenge members of art collective Art School Disco to interpret our monthlytheme. This month its Xmas Pudding by Ed J Brown @ArtSchoolDisco @edjulianbrown

J.M.W TURNER

Free Entry

Saturday 10th October 2015

to Sunday 10th April 2016J.M.W Turner (1775 - 1851) The Great Falls of the Reichenbach, 1804, courtesy of the Trustees of Cecil Higgins Art Gallery

A unique opportunity to see all ten ofBedfords Turners together for the rst time.

The Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane, Bedford MK40 3XD

Call us on01234 718618

or [email protected]

join inwww.thehigginsbedford.org.uk/join_in/friends

website www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk

THECLANGERANDFINALLY...

The Bedford Clanger December 2015

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Transcript of The Bedford Clanger December 2015