THE BEDFORD

CLANGER

M AY 2 0 1 5

THE
RIVER
GREAT
OUSE

Photos: Darren Lee Marsh. Design: reactionvm.co.uk

BEDFORD

THE BEDFORD CLANGER 

MAY 2015

TH E
C L A NG E R

F
NEWS IN BRIE

LETTER
FROM
THE
EDITOR

DAVID LITCHFIELD
UNVEILS HIS NEW
BOOK PROJECT

I CAN HARDLY BELIEVE THAT WERE ALREADY NEARLY

HALFWAY THROUGH THE YEAR.
It only seems like yesterday that we were celebrating the re-launch of the Clanger back in
January. It goes without saying that we are sooooo grateful to our advertisers, sponsors,
supporters and readers for making The Bedford Clanger such an on-going success. Dont
forget, you can join our Facebook group, follow us on twitter, find hundreds of events in
Bedfordshire on our website (thebedfordclanger.com) and you can also read the Clanger
online (scribd.com/thebedfordclanger) if youd like to share it with any non-Bedford
resident friends.
This month our main focus is the River Great Ouse as we showcase the photography of
the brilliant Darren Lee Marsh. If you are as inspired by the photos on our front cover and
on page three as we are, then we highly recommend checking out Darrens exhibition at
Animal Gallery from Friday 29th May.
Have a great month and see you in June!

At the Bedford Clanger we are proud to work and

collaborate with the towns most talented individuals.
Therefore, it should come as no surprise that yet another of
our contributors has got a publishing deal!
Illustrator David Litchfields first childrens book will be
published at the beginning of September, but we thought wed
whet your appetite with this sneak peek at the cover and a
synopsis of the story of the Bear and the Piano:
One day, a young bear stumbles upon something he has
never seen before in the forest. As time passes, he teaches
himself how to play the strange instrument, and eventually
the beautiful sounds are heard by a father and son who are
picnicking in the woods. The bear goes with them on an
incredible journey to New York, where his piano playing
makes him a huge star. He has fame, fortune and all the music
in the world, but he misses the friends and family he has left
behind. A moving tale of exploration and belonging from an
exciting debut author-illustrator.

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

WAS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
Editor: Erica Roffe @bedfordclanger
thebedfordclanger@gmail.com

BRILLIANT
BEDFORD TV
DOCUMENTARY

Graphics: Adam Boreham www.reactionvm.co.uk

adam@reactionvm.co.uk
Advertising: Julia Crofts @ClangerAds
bedfordclangerads@gmail.com
Cover illustration: Adam Boreham

Last month we brought you highlights of Eammon Flemings

intrepid Clanger Culture Challenge in conjunction with the
Media Trusts Do Something Brilliant campaign and the
Bedford Culture Challenge. Eamonns efforts were filmed for
a documentary that airs on the Community Channel from
April 26th at 9pm. It will be repeated on April 27th at 7am,
May 1st at 5pm, May 2nd at 6am.
Get ready to find your inner DJ, upcycle that old plate,
and prepare to exercise your vocal chords with two very
different choirs as we celebrate the people and projects
changing communities across the country, explained
Adam Perry of Media Trust. The Higgins is the stunning
backdrop to this Brilliant England special, presented by
Priya Gill and Michael Haynes from the buzzing town of
Bedford, as Bedfordians tell us what inspires them about
their town and comedian and actor Eamonn Fleming takes
on the Do #Somethingbrilliant Clanger Culture Challenge
with @uoldbag @wearethecircus and @bedsartschoir.
Brilliant England is part of the Do #somethingbrilliant
campaign, find out more at www.dosomethingbrilliant.co.uk.

Great Bedfordian research: David Fowler

bedfordtourguides.org
Presenters Priya Gill and Michael Haynes

Theatre: Paula Walker @pauliwauli2

Photography: Shaun Armstrong mubsta.com
Alfie Gaishauser @AlfiieG
Musos: Lloyd Lugsden & Richard Smith @phaffandpotter
Film Buff: Paul Hutchinson
@Hutch_PR bedfordfilmfestival.org
Gardening guru: Jane Perrone
@janeperrone perrone.blogs.com
Columnists: Neil Frankel @riversidebeds
riversidetennisbedford.co.uk. Priya Gill @PriyaNGill
The Last Word: Reverend Sharon Grenham-Toze
@glamvicar
Disco Draws: Art School Disco @artschooldisco

WREST AT WAR
Sun 24 Mon 25 May 10am 6pm

Registered charity no. 1140351 (England).

Registered company no. 07447221 (England).

DO YOU KNOW THE PIANO IS ON MY FOOT? YOU HUM IT AND ILL PLAY ALONG.

2
NCG

MKTG

EAST

E245

ANDREA LEE

BANNER

268x75MM

CMYK

WREST PARK BANNER

THE BEDFORD CLANGER 

BEDFORD AND THE

RIVER GREAT OUSE

MAY 2015

THE
CLANGER

COVER FEATURE

A PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY BY DARREN LEE MARSH

For the last three years photographer Darren Lee Marsh has been
documenting every aspect of the River Great Ouse as it winds its
way through Bedford from the west in Queens Park to the eat at
Priory Marina.
This spectacular visual archive has been shot entirely in
panoramic black and white and a selection of the photos will form
an exhibition at Animal Gallery on Castle Lane at the end of May
with an accompanying book. We have long admired the making of
this project and are thrilled that now it is complete it will be made
available for everyone in Bedford to enjoy. Darrens photographs will
resonate with current residents and will no doubt be equally embraced
by those who were born here but have now moved away.
Whist essentially documentary in nature, this body of work as a
deeper, personal meaning to me, said Darren. I was not brought up
here, and during this photographic journey I have examined my own
feelings towards Bedford. These are feelings that many Bedfordians
whether born and bred here or not can relate to: love, antipathy,
exasperation and resignation. How does Bedford and the river form
part of our own identities?
Although once a commercial waterway, the Great Ouse is now used
almost exclusively for leisure and recreation, said Darren. The jewel
in the crown of the town, it is the first place that visitors are brought to.
Strolling along the riverbank can be a very pleasant aesthetic experience
yet I found that with the exception of some old photographs displayed
in pubs, there are very few photographic images that capture the river
today. The river is a shared space. Some of the images are of places that
would be instantly recognisable to anyone familiar with the town, while
others are more hidden away and surprising.
I have documented the many ways in which the landscape is used
and how it changes with the seasons and I wanted to produce a body
of work that included images that depict Bedford in an unashamedly
beautiful way. Being in this landscape can be an uplifting experience
and I wanted to capture that in some way.

Multi-award-winning new
musical based on the notorious
true events that led to the
crime of the 20th Century.
Time
7.30pm
Ticket price
12 (10 concessions)

As part of the exhibition, Animal will be hosting a poetry and

songwriters night on Saturday 6th June. Poets from the Ouse Muse
group and Bedford Songwriters Circle have contributed original work
and will perform it on the night.

MUSING ON THE OUSE BY IAN MCC

His arrival in town wasnt so much erratic as circuitous, in the way

of a drunk whose blind determination was more obvious than his
purpose, but when he flirted with the shadows under the Town Bridge
and paid his respects to the Spire of Wesley and Bunyan, hearing
maybe their voices, carried on an eddy, his attention was drawn past
the Caste Mound on the Embankment, where he was overpowered by
cox-less fours and eights with sixteen oars, which slowed him for a
while under willows drooping moustaches, but while the sun rose to
find him the east, when setting in the west, it backdropped still arriver,
a Prilgrim lacking progress.
Bedford and The River Great Ouse a photographic journey by
Darren Lee Marsh is at Animal Gallery, 24 Castle Lane, Bedford,
MK40 3US from Friday 29th May until Friday 26th June.
darrenleemarsh.net
animalstudios.tumblr.com

Beer is our thing as well as good wines, premium gins & a cocktail or two!
We also serve coffee & teas.
Feeling peckish? Tuck into a tasty toastie or delicious home cooked pie.

QUIZ NIGHTS PIE NIGHTS BAR GAMES POKER MUSIC

DARTS VINTAGE SALES MORRIS MEN REUNIONS
PARTIES CROCHET & MORE...
TO FIND OUT MORE
Facebook.com/theburnabyarmsbedford
Email: theburnabyarmsbedford@gmail.com
Tel: 01234 330056

66 Stanley Street | Bedford | Beds | MK41 7RU

WERE ALL ABOUT STRANGERS & FRIENDS & THE HAPPY BIT IN BETWEEN

THRILL
ME

There is no production
more intelligent,
atmospheric and
haunting than this

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

the Leopold
& Loeb Story

Running time
80 mins
Age suitability
14+

A PROPER PUB... A QUIRKY CORNER LOCAL YOU CAN CALL HOME.

Friday 15th May

Saturday 16th May

BEDFORD - OUSING WITH CHARM AND CHARACTER!

EVENING STANDARD

FRINGE REVIEW
QuarryTheatreAtStLukes
quarryatstlukes

whatsonstage

TICKETS: bedfordtheatre.co.uk
The Quarry Theatre at St Lukes is part of Bedford School
Part of The Harpur Trust

THE BEDFORD CLANGER 

TH E
C L A NG E R

THE PLACE THEATRE

CROSSCUT THEATRE
PRESENT

TH E TH E A

TRE

HALF A PERSON:
MY LIFE AS TOLD
BY THE SMITHS

MAY 2015

PULPITS AND
PRISON DOORS

7.30pm Thursday 11th

June. Tickets: 10
Concessions 8.50
A must for Smiths fans:
Meet William, a twentysomething Londoner who
drifts from coffee shop
to bar, falling in love,
self-obsessing and finding
solace in The Smiths. Torn
between conflicting loyalties
to the girl of his dreams and
his best friend, William has
the chance to become more
than half a person. This is an emotionally charged, coming-of-age story,
blending wry comedy with the music of a beloved cult band. According to
The Stage, Joe Presley, as William, delivers the songs with unimpeachable
clarity, waving his arms and wiggling his behind in exactly the right way to
please the Morrissey obsessives
Prior to a successful London season at The Kings Head Theatre, Half a
Person has been performed in various venues around the UK including a
sellout show at The Lowry in The Smiths hometown, Salford, as well as a
successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Book online at www.theplacebedford.org.uk or telephone
The Place on 01234 354321

ITS NEARLY
TIME FOR THE
9TH BEDFORD
FESTIVAL FRINGE!
Tickets are now on sale for the 2015 Bedfringe festival and we highly recommend you
nip over to bedfringe.com to check out this years performers.

From the 23rd July to 1st August Bedfringe will be running over 90 events from Bedford
Schools brand new town centre based theatre, The Quarry Theatre at St Lukes. As ever,
there will be a wide range of acts including comedy, live music, theatre, dance, spoken word,
film, workshops and poetry. Co-founder, James Pharaoh said: We have acts from as far as
China, USA and South Africa visiting our town as well as home-grown talent.

THE PLACE THEATRE

A SLAVES STORY
29th April 2nd May. Tickets: 10 Concessions 7

Nearly 300 years ago, a young bride to be was abducted along with others from her
village farm. Her people never saw her again. Today, her descendants walk amongst us.
Writer and Director Yaw Asiyama (Tour of Duty, Me Marley & I) brings this
powerful story to The Place Theatre, Bedford from Wednesday the 29th April to
Saturday 2nd May. Matinee performances for schools and the public will be performed
each day, from 1pm.
A Story of pain, tears and brutal punishment and yet, of wit, cunning survival and
triumph; told in song, dance, poetry and rhythm. Discover the real source of the blues!
The first was stolen, the second was resilient, the third was cunning, the fourth was
clever and so, the fifth was born free. The sixth was searching. We lost the seventh, but
the eighth was a survivor. The ninth stood her ground so that today we can triumph!
Local actress, Jo Hudson-Lett has starred in the show since its conception in 2006,
and has since performed the play at Milton Keynes Theatre and for the Rev. Jessie
Jackson (Wow! Go Jo! Ed). Its wonderful to be acting in my home town, and to be
able to bring a piece of powerful black theatre to Bedford, said Jo.
theplacebedford.org.uk

Photo: Shaun Armstrong mubsta.com

The John Bunyan Museum has just finished a
spectacular project in partnership with Full House
Theatre with the aim to encourage pride in Bedford,
realise the legacy of Bunyan and highlight the
significance of his writing over the years.
The Pulpits and Prison Doors project was an
interactive experience within the John Bunyan church,
large hall and museum that took place on six days
across two weeks in March and involved over 800
schoolchildren and their teachers, assistants and carers.
They participated in a dynamic and exciting theatre
experience learning about John Bunyan and The
Pilgrims Progress.
What a phenomenal first for the church and museum.
It was awesome (as in awe and wonder Ofsted
criteria!) for the children but also for those of us
privileged to work with them and the actors over those
six days, said John Bunyan Museum trustee, Cherry
Protheroe. To see and hear the childrens reactions
particularly in the museum scenes: in the kitchen,
Bunyan preaching from the pulpit and in the prison
cell; as well as during the finale in the church, was
quite moving and I think something they and we will
remember for some time to come.
Many of the children were also working on their
Discover Arts Award a nationally recognised award,
accredited by Trinity College London and took away
with them a beautifully produced booklet to which they
contributed throughout the session. As well as their
memories they will also have a tangible record of their
time with us.
Pulpits and Prison Doors was subsidised through Arts
Council England which, with additional grants from
The Friends of the John Bunyan Museum and the Mrs.
BL Robinson Charitable Trust, made it accessible and
affordable for the schools.
The John Bunyan Museum is open Tuesday to
Saturday 11.00am 4.00pm and admission is free.
bunyanmeeting.co.uk/museum

BOOK UP FOR BEDFRINGE, BEDFORD!

THE BEDFORD CLANGER 

MAY 2015

TH E R
E
C L A NG

H YEAH!
O
.
.
.
C
I
S
MU

CC SMUGGLERS

SUNDAY 3RD MAY 2015, BEDFORD ESQUIRES, DOORS AT 7.30PM

We are thrilled that local superstars, the CC Smugglers are returning to Bedford this month as part of their Spring
tour and theyll be joined by great support acts in the form of Danni Nicholls and the Ouse Valley Singles Club.
The last year has been incredible for the Shefford lads, seeing them play nearly every major UK festival,
from Glastonbury to Bestival via Buryfields plus jamming with Cerys Matthews on the One Show. The CC
Smugglers bring an unrivalled energy and enthusiasm to their live shows and we highly recommend seeing
them at any opportunity!
Tickets on sale priced 8 through We Got Tickets and Seetickets.com and in Bedford from Planet
Boutique in The Arcade and Dannys bar at Esquires and in Kempston from Marios Hair Design (no
booking fees at these venues).

PROMS IN THE PARK

Daniel Koek is a classically trained tenor who
has performed to 3 million (3 million!) people in
the last 3 years. He has performed in productions
worldwide from Les Miserables to West Side Story
to Jason & the Argonauts and will be appearing
on the stage at Proms in the Park this July with
Charlotte Jaconelli. Lloyd Lugsden chatted to him
about crazy Koreans and his dream role
Bedford Clanger: Been to Bedford before?
Daniel Koek: Yes, I used to live in Cardington, so I
know Bedford.
BC: Favourite role youve played to date?
DK: Jean Valjean in Les Miserables, which I played
for a year up to last June.
BC: Fancy going into film?
DK: Yeah, its something Im conscious about though
Im trained as a classical singer, which is my main
focus. Ive got an new LP out (on Sony Classical) and
the stage is my main area.
BC: Youve performed in many countries, which
has the liveliest audience?
DK: In Seoul, Korea, we were doing Saturday
Night Fever, the audience were like One Direction
fans, it was crazy!

ITS GIGS-A-GO-GO THIS MONTH!

BC: Are you interested in any other genres of music?

DK: Yes, I have quite an eclectic taste in music was
brought up on rock music - people like John Farnham
and thats reflected in the new album - its not just
classical.
BC: Any role youd like to still play?
DK: The Phantom of the Opera is the ultimate role
to do, so Id like to do that one day. Id been into
musicals since I was 9, when my mum took me.
BC: Anyone youd like to work with?
DK: Good questionIve worked with some great
directors. In the Lincoln Centre production of South
Pacific at the Barbican I was alongside Samantha
Womack (Janus - Ronnie in Eastenders), who Id like
to work with again - she used to live in Cardington, so
thats the connection with us there
BC: Hows Elaine Paige?
DK: Yeah, Charlotte Jaconelli and I were on her show
a couple of weeks ago, performing our new single All
I ask of You
Daniel Koek and Charlotte Jaconelli perform with
the London Gala Orchestra at Bedford Proms in
the Park on Saturday 1st August, tickets from 23
at www.lphconcerts.co.uk/bedford-proms/
Daniels new album High is out now.

CRAIG CHARLES
FUNK & SOUL
BEDFORD CORN EXCHANGE
FRIDAY 15 MAY 2015
Craig Charles is bringing his legendary trunk
of funk (and soul) to Bedford this month and
we can guarantee a night overflowing with
groove-ridden-beats, rare-disco-treats and souljam-shakers for all you dance-floor funkateers!
The legendary actor, host, poet and broadcaster known for his roles in Red Dwarf,
Robot Wars and Corrie is also one of the
UKs best loved Funk and Soul DJs with his
Saturday night BBC 6 Music radio show and
hell be hot-footing it to Bedford straight
after his show finishes to tear the Corn
Exchange roof off!
Support on the main stage comes from
Bedfords finest DJ Gian (Magic Bus) and
Mark Russell (Suburban Beats) as well a live
band Nicki Prince & the Soul Selecta! Further
more there are an additional 2 rooms of music
with Hammy & Geoff who will be spinning
Northern Soul in room 2, and in the Number
13 Pre-show Bar from 8pm onwards the
underground Too Fly team takeover with djs
Robbie Bryson, Rob Marin & Rob Gipson.

THE STRYPES + GUESTS

FRIDAY 8TH MAY, ESQUIRES, BEDFORD
The Pad Presents have secured a date with one of the
most exciting new bands around right now, with The
Strypes coming to town as part of their small venue tour.
The Irish four-piece formed in 2011 and smashed it
last year, supporting a string of huge bands, from The
Rolling Stones to Noel Gallagher and Elton John, with
their debut album Snapshot going top 10 in the process.
The Strypes set is a fast-paced, gritty, garage rock
speed blues, which mixes the powerful approach of
Dr. Feelgood with the intense rave-up format of The
Yardbirds.
Tickets are 12.50 advance, on sale now from:
seetickets.com. Also from Dannys Bar at Esquires,
Boutique Planet in the arcade and Marios Hair
Design in Kempston.

THE THURSTON MOORE BAND

ESQUIRES, BEDFORD, SATURDAY 9TH MAY
Thurston Moore moved to NYC at 18 in 1976 to play
punk and started Sonic Youth in 1980. Best known as
the bands founder, singer, songwriter and guitarist.
Thurston Moores latest album The Best Day
released last October is being hailed as one of the
best works of his career, and for his Bedford date,
hell be playing accompanied by his full bandfeaturing Debbie Googe [My Bloody Valentine], Steve
Shelley [Sonic Youth] and James Sewards [Nught].
Doors open at 8pm, Special guest support TBC
Tickets on sale priced 15 from the usual outlets.

THE BEDFORD CLANGER 

nha advert.pdf

17/04/2015

MAY 2015

13:12

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Management Accounts
Corporation Tax Returns
Year-end Account Preparation
Financial Statement Preparation
Individual Tax Returns (Self-Assessment)
VAT Returns New Business Start-ups Payroll
Construction Industry Scheme for Contractors
Construction Industry Scheme for Sub-contractors

CM

MY

CY

CMY

THERE ARE PLENTY MORE EVENTS TO BE

FOUND AT THEBEDFORDCLANGER.COM,
SO POP ON OVER AND HAVE A LOOK.

TH E
C L A NG E R
PICK OF T
HE MONTH

AT THE HIGGINS
THIS MONTH:

HERES OUR CULTURAL

PICK N MIX FOR MAY

ABSTRACT BRITAIN

From Hepworth to Hodgkin. 25th April to 27th September 2015

Drawn entirely from the Cecil Higgins Collection, this exhibition follows the rise
of British Abstraction from its early roots in the artist colony of St Ives, Cornwall
following WWII. Abstract Britian will feature sculpture and paintings by the groups
principal figures Barbara Hepworth, Ben Nicholson and Peter Lanyon.
Influential figures of Post War British Abstraction such as Victor Pasmore and
William Scott will also be represented as well as the lyrical abstraction of Gillian
Ayres. Sixties abstraction, devoid of natural influence is shown in the cool modernist
works of Robyn Denny and Op Art paintings of Bridget Riley that influenced the
sixties fashion for monochrome. To Howard Hodgkin whose work though abstract in
appearance uses colour and marks to describe his world.

HIGHLANDERS HEAD TO THE FRONT

Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th June 2015

Russell Park, Bedford

Kite demonstrations
& workshops
Kite stalls specialising in
kite equipment, clothes
and other accessories
Plus food & drink, music
entertainment and more!

For more information visit www.bedford.gov.uk or call 01234 718617

facebook.com/reactionvm

You still have time to catch the Highlanders, an exhibition at The Higgins Bedford,
which closes on May 31st 2015, a little more than 100 years after the Highland troops
billeted in Bedford left the town for the Western Front. Divisional Commander
Major-General Allason wrote to the Mayor of Bedford as the troops prepared to
leave. The Highland Division owes much to the Town for the manner they received
and have treated us during the nine months invasion of this peaceful place. This we
cannot adequately and I trust the good people of your town will understand we
wish them all good luck and fortune, and hope that they will to our faults be blind.
During their stay in Bedford some of the troops were affected by Scarlet Fever,
diphtheria and measles. Many of those that succumbed to illness are buried at Foster
Hill Road Cemetery. The Highlanders relatively short stay in Bedford made a lasting
impact. Bedford still takes time to remember the Highlanders and the sacrifices they
made. On the Sunday before Remembrance Sunday, Bedfords Scots Society of St
Andrew conducts a service of remembrance in Foster Hill Road cemetery in honour
of the men of the Highland Division who are buried there. The service is supported
by the Royal British Legion, local cadet forces, Bedford Pipe Band, Bedford Borough
Council and members of the general public.
The Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane, Bedford, MK40 3XD, 01234 718618,
thehigginsbedford.org.uk

TALKING HEADS
EXCHANGE + DRAW

Exchange + Draw - a collaborative drawing team - will use Animal

Gallery as their studio for their Talking Heads event. Previous
projects have seen drawings passed between each partner for
re-working where a protected time and space to respond to the
others drawing inclinations was honoured. The Animal Studios
event challenges this mode of working together by opening
up scope for simultaneous visual and verbal interaction and
exploration. The gallery will be open to the public during this
making week and the resulting weeks drawing displayed more
formally on the Saturday afternoon.
Exchange + Draw will explore drawing within the framework
theme of Talking Heads. This is a response to the experiences of
a surplus of unwanted telephone calls driven by a desire to speak
to an unknown Mr. Jones. Mr. Jones therefore provides an empty
vessel from which to embrace imagined characterisations and
unfold narrative confrontations.
Exchange + Draw are a collaborative drawing team a.k.a Richard
Lloyd & Alan Parsons.
Animal Gallery, 24 Castle Lane, Bedford, animalstudios.tumblr.com

UP, UP AND AWAY!

Lets pray to the wind gods as Bedford Borough prepares

for its 13th Annual Kite Festival on Saturday 6th and
Sunday 7th June in Russell Park.
Each year, approximately 40,000 people gather for the
occasion which sees Russell Park jam-packed with kites,
food stalls and entertainment.
Kites will be showcased from the four corners of the
globe including America, Canada, Japan, China, Germany,
France, Holland and Belgium as well as flyers from across
the UK. The programme throughout the weekend will
feature kites never seen before in the U.K and childrens
and adults workshops in the kite marquee.
For more information on the Kite Festival events visit
http://www.bedfordevents.co.uk

DONT MISS YOUR CHANCE TO SEE THE HIGGINS EXCELLENT HIGHANDERS EXHIBITION.

THE BEDFORD CLANGER 

WREST AT WAR

Sunday 24 - Monday 25 May is an action packed bank holiday

weekend that engages visitors into wartime Britain at Wrest Park in
Silsoe. You will be drawn into the theatre of war from all quarters,
from the Tommy in the trenches of WW1 to the Trooper of the WW2
D-Day landings. Take the opportunity to experience the life of the
brave nurses and doctors that patched up soldiers in the hospital,
before being blown away at the explosive arena show. During half
term, little ones then get the chance to get stuck in at Train the Troops
on Tuesday 26 - Friday 29 May to become a home-front hero and get
hands on discovering Wrest Parks secret wartime past.

MAY 2015

LOCAL ART SHOWCASE

The Art Centre and Gallery is hosting the Bedford Art
Society exhibition of paintings from 16th - 30th May
(excluding Sundays). All work is original and for sale and
to celebrate the opening on Saturday 16th May, wine and
light refreshments will be served from 11am.
The Art Centre, 7 Howard St, Bedford MK40 3HS.
bedsartsociety.co.uk

BEDFORD TOUR GUIDES

The sun is shining, spring is in the air so why not join one of the
brilliant and informative walks run by the Bedford Tour Guides.
The walks/talks take place every Sunday at 11am from outside the
Old Town Hall (by the gold postbox) on St Pauls Square, Bedford.
The cost is 3 for adults and 1.50 for children over 8 years.
Sunday 10 May - I Never Knew That - Things that you never
knew about Bedford
Sunday 17 May - The Silent Faces of Bedford - Every statue
and memorial tells a tale. (NB: Starts from War Memorial
opposite Rothsay Road)
Sunday 24 May - The Rise and Fall of Bedford Castle - Hear
why the Castle is no more!
Sunday 31 May - Who Lived in a House Like This? - The
family stories behind some of Bedfords grandest properties.
Sunday 7 June - WWII Bedford - Now revealed - the secrets of
Bedford in World War II.
Sunday 14 June - I Never Knew That - Things that you never
knew about Bedford
Sunday 21 June - The Jewel in the Crown - A walk along
Bedfords treasured Embankment.
Sunday 28 June -The Rise and Fall of Bedford Castle - Hear
why the Castle is no more!
Pre-booking required: Travel and Tourism Centre,
Thurlow Street, Bedford MK40 1LR. Phone: 01234 718112.
Email: travelandtourism@bedford.gov.uk. visitbedford.co.uk

PANACEA AT PLAY

An exciting family activity for Summer 2015

The Pattern Tracker encourages children to learn about
shapes and design by exploring each of Bedfords museums.
Visit the Higgins, John Bunyan or Panacea museums to join in.
www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk
www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk/museum
www.panaceatrust.org
UOB Gardeners 156x104.pdf

The Panacea Museum until 20th June 2015

Bedfords newest museum is holding its first temporary exhibition giving visitors further
insight into the activities of the unusual religious sect that existed in Bedford for most of
the last century. Panacea at Play is an exhibition of photographs, costumes and clothing
focussing on the social activities of the Panacea Society from 1927 - 1932.
Members of the Panacea Society believed that Bedford was the centre of the world and built
on the site of the Garden of Eden. In the first half of the 20th century people moving to Bedford
to join the Society purchased over twenty handsome Victorian and Edwardian houses close to
the town centre. Many of them became community homes where believers could live but the
largest and most central properties were set aside for the Societies activities. Their gardens were
combined to create a hidden paradise which included a private chapel and the home of the groups
unconventional leader, a middle aged widow, who claimed Victorian values and good manners,
along with the contents of a sealed box of 18th century prophecies, were the secret of eternal life.
Considering the believers unique perspective of Bedford its no wonder members of the
Society felt the parties and plays held in their community gardens were of great significance.
It is well worth spending an hour of two discovering more about the history of this
unusual group and particularly fascinating to find out what people did for entertainment
within the mysterious community.
From February October the Museum is open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday
from 10.00 am 4.00 p.m.
9 Newnham Road, Bedford MK40 3NX, United Kingdom, panaceatrust.org,
01234 353178

16/04/2015

16:46

University of Bedfordshire Arts & Culture

hosts a live recording of

BBC Radio 4 Gardeners

Question Time

CM

MY

CY

BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF
TEACHERS OF DANCING
QUALIFIED TEACHER

Beautiful,
non-intrusive
wedding
photography

CMY

BEDFORDS INDEPENDENT

For information and tickets call 01234

MUSIC VENUE

Welcome to Esquires, one of the UKs most

loved independent music venues. Whether
you want to catch the hottest new band on
the Main Stage, dance the night away in Holy
Molys or grab a drink in Dannys Bar,
youll find all the info you need here!

01234 340120
www.bedfordesquires.co.uk
60a Bromham Road,Bedford

Monday 6th July with Eric Robson in the

chair and the team being made up of
Anne Swithinbank and Bunny Guinnes

or email boxoffice@beds.ac.uk

FREE!

793197

TASTER SESSION

CLASSES IN BALLET, TAP &

MODERN DANCE
FOR ADULTS & CHILDREN
3 YEARS & OVER
www.zoestaffordschoolofdance.co.uk

07896 965594

THE PANACEANS TOOK PLAY VERY SERIOUSLY.

catlaneweddings.com
0770 684 8554

catlanewedddings-clanger_ad-50x75mm-jan15-v3.indd 17/04/2015
1
14:12

Arts &
Culture

www.beds.ac.uk/theatre
@UoBarts
facebook.com/uobtheatre

THE BEDFORD CLANGER 

THE Great British Breakfast

Come and sample one of
the UKs top breakfasts* at
The Pavilion in Bedford
Park and well reward you
with FREE hot drinks !
*Voted one of the Top 20
Breakfasts in the UK by
readers of Stylist magazine.

pavilion
b e d f o r d

p a r k

Bring this advert with you to qualify.

One advert per person valid May 2015, breakfast is served daily until 12pm

Open Fridays, Weekends & Bank Holiday

Mondays, from April to December

Bromham Mill & Caf

Bridge End, Bromham, Bedford MK43 8LP
Phone: 01234 718044 Email: cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk

the puddin club

Puddings Cakes Breakfast Cheeseboard
Great Coffee Prosecco Wine Beer Cider

Late night every Friday until 10.30pm

Bedtime Stories every month
Ideal venue for Baby Showers
Available for private hire Saturday evenings

Tasting Thursdays!

A brand new cake every Thursday only 2 a slice.

Check our Facebook (thepuddinclub) for events and offers.

get your just desserts

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

MAY 2015

I SCREAM, YOU SCREAM, WE

ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM!
It is with great excitement that we are anticipating the launch of the new
Gallones ice cream parlour in the Arcade this month. Gallones already have
hugely popular parlours in Northampton and Market Harborough and they are
expanding their empire (and our waistlines) with their latest opening.
The new restaurant will take over the former travel agents in the Arcade, a
unit that has been empty for some time. With the arrival of Coffee Republic in
the former Pizza Hut unit and the recent launch of Seventh Heaven, the Arcade
has reached full occupancy with a great mix of lifestyle, fashion and food to
tempt customers old and new.
So, what can Bedfordian ice-creamophiles expect? We have 50 flavours of
ice cream including 12 sorbets, said Martin Keys, Gallones franchise director.
Its not just your standard mint choc chip, weve got everything from olde
English toffee and salted caramel to Funky Monkey. The Gallone family know
a thing or two about the ice cream trade with the founders great, great grandson
Aldo still at the helm. Aldo has worked in and around the business since
he was six years old, said Martin. He is dedicated to creating top quality
products and is very much involved in new innovations and flavours.
With its retro style and vibrant atmosphere, Gallones is sure to attract everyone from grandparents reminiscing about their first date to families and teenagers making their own lasting memories. They will even have a fun factory for
kids parties! We will be open daily with late evening opening on Thursday,
Friday and Saturday, said Martin. Were looking at hosting acoustic music
nights and will gladly welcome Clandestine Cake Clubs, Knit and Natterers or
book groups. The team are already collaborating with the other businesses in
the Arcade including Seventh Heaven and Arcadia, so if youre looking for a
sweet treat, theres no better place to be!

CALLING ALL 80S

AND 90S BEAR
PATRONS...

After 29 years Paul Shilladay, the towns longest

standing landlord - by a mile or two - is retiring.
Since Paul took over The Bear Bedford, a few hundred
regulars - about three generations worth since 1985, Paul
reckons - will have used the pub as their local. And as of
this May, the man at its core and the ever-present face....
will be gone.
The carpets went years ago, and the furniture has had a
tweak along the way but the actual bar area has seen little
structural change since the early 80s...so if youve been
away for a while youll feel right at home!
If The Bear has had a theme running through it, its the
music. Headline bands playing the Granada in the 50s
and 60s had used the pub as the nearest alcohol stop and
it again became a meeting point before the club nights
and parties held by the then indie/alternative crowd at
Winkles in the early 80s. Always a pub for alternatives
and outsiders, when Paul and Sheila took over the Bear
and new club nights/bands/tribes appeared, it grew
even more as a music hub, and from the occasional live
band back then, it now hosts regular gigs every week.
And lest we forget, at weekends its still the only pub on
the High Street with no bouncers.
On May 9th we could most probably fill the Bear
with the bar staff Pauls had in his time but lets add
everyone else who ever partied there in what wed
selfishly like to think were some of the pubs coolest
years, said Dec Hickey. From mid afternoon Ill spin
some tunes and in the evening Fishwifes Broadside
will play live, which given their personnel, is totally
appropriate. But its Pauls day and night, so get along to
say hello/goodbye and wish him well.

TH E
R
L
C A NG E

D DRINK
FOOD AN

THE EMBANKMENT
DISHES UP
DONATIONS FOR
SPORTS TRAIDER

The Embankment in Bedford has announced that Sports Traider will

benefit from a new seasonal dish on its menu that raises money for
the cause.
For every Superfood Salad sold, The Embankment is making a
donation to Sports Traider, a local youth-focused organisation offering
kids the kit and support they need to get into sport, whatever their
background. Every time a guest orders the salad, the pub puts 25p into
a fund to be used either for specific projects or to help pay for a major
campaign this year.
Its great to work with Lance Haggith and all the Sports Traider
team again to help support the brilliant work they do, says The
Embankment manager Ben Paul. In the past, thanks to the generosity
of our guests, weve been able to help many talented youngsters
achieve their sporting dreams, and this year were going all-out to make
it our best year yet.
embankmentbedford.co.uk, peachfoundation.co.uk,
sportstraider.org.uk. The Embankment, Bedford,
MK40 3PD 01234 261332.

AND FINALLY
Farewell to Nigel and Sue
Anstead, the inspirational
and charismatic landlord
and landlady at the White
Horse on Newnham Avenue
who are retiring at the end
of the month. During their
years at the helm of the pub,
Nigel and Sue have helped
raise many thousands of
pounds for local and national
charities, have provided a
platform for local bands and
have hosted some of the
most popular quizzes in the
town! We wish Nigel and
Sue a long, happy and very
well-deserved retirement.

Photo: Shaun Armstrong mubsta.com

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS IN A FUNKY MONKEY ICE CREAM??

THE BEDFORD CLANGER 

MAY 2015

TH E
C L A NG E R

UNIQUE BE

DFORD

GREAT BEDFORDIAN
GEORGE WITT MD FRS
BY DAVID FOWLER, BEDFORD TOUR GUIDES

Photos: Alfie Gaishauser

THRIFTEE

Sonja Robinson started Thriftee from a small appointment-only unit in Northampton

with the aim of finding a home for the quality second-hand clothing she accumulated
through her recycling company. The clothing was too good to waste, so Thriftee offered
one hour appointments to anyone wanting to dress well for less. A shop in Northampton
town centre followed and last July Sonja opened the Bedford branch, bringing Thriftees
upcycling ethos to our town.
We offer three types of clothing, explains Sonja. We have quality, pre-loved
garments (some with the tags still on), we upcycle garments such as t-shirts and denim
and we also have some great vintage pieces. Our staff really know our stock, so are able
to offer great service to our customers.
The idea of Thriftee is to give something back to their customers and that something
is low priced, great quality clothing. With childrens pieces from just 1, theyre certainly
doing that!
Its totally different from any other High Street shop, said Hazel who works in the
Bedford store. Theres so much variety in our stock. With clothes from every fashion
era it means that every visit is completely unique.
Sonja is not content to rest on her recycled laurels. Weve got ambitious plans for the
future. Until then wed like to work with local young people and students to nurture and
encourage talent. We love being in Bedford; the people are so nice!
42-44 The Broadway, Bedford, MK40 2TH

WE LOVE A BIT OF UPCYCLING!

As you walk over the Town Bridge, spare a glance for this plaque
to commemorate George Witt MD FRS, arguably the most colourful of all of Bedfords Mayors. Having served for two years with
the East India Company, he qualified as a doctor using his experience from treating cholera on board his ship in Calcutta. He joined
Bedford General Infirmary in 1828 as a house surgeon, age 24,
and four years later Witt was appointed Physician and Secretary,
its senior medical post, giving 7.00am clinical lectures to staff &
public and becoming a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1834 for his
medical knowledge [Wow! Ed]. A collector throughout his life,
he organised an Infirmary Museum and established an anatomical reference collection; his own collection of natural history
and antiquities found their way into the Bedford Modern School
Museum and thence to The Higgins. He gained a seat on the
Common Council of Bedford Corporation in 1832 and was elected
Mayor for one year in 1834, the year that the Toll was removed.
With railway mania spreading across the country, he became a
director of the Bedford Railway Company which brought the
railway from Bletchley in 1846. Two years later Dr Witt proposed
the construction of a Fever Hospital, which opened within six
months, the building now being Rye Close (Moorfields Eye Clinic
and the Diabetes Clinic).
In 1849 Dr Witt resigned for personal reasons, probably his
wifes health, emigrating to Sydney with his wife and a servant.
There he set up as a doctor, but with the Gold Rush of 1851,
he became a Banker, amassing enough of a fortune to return to
London in 1854, to live at 22 Princes Terrace (now Ennismore
Gardens), Hyde Park, for the rest of his life. Here, using his
travelling and medical experience, he set up in his house the first
Turkish Baths in London [Double wow! Ed], where noble
Lords, members of the Church, physicians and engineers could be
found week after week!!

He was also collecting again, but this time Symbols of the

Early Worship of Mankind - across the centuries and continents
showing every representation of the phallus, convinced - as were
many of his contemporaries - that these were the icons of all
primitive religions. He was in the habit of lecturing on them on
Sundays to select audiences. When he became worried about his
health in 1865, he offered his collection to the British Museum
who accepted and locked it away in a cupboard, the Secretum, to
which only scholars had access. George Witt died in 1869. The
majority of that cupboard is now on public display amongst their
appropriate sections eg Indian, Egyptian etc.

ADERLEY DOGS
DAILY WALKS

For more news,

reviews and events,
visit our website
thebedfordclanger.com

We offer group walk slots daily from 10.

Great for socialising & exercise.

Fully searchable
listings and you can
also upload your
own events!

Are you looking for a reliable

dog walker in the Bedford area.

01234 305 956

www.aderleydogs.co.uk

THE BEDFORD CLANGER 

TH E
R
L
C A NG E

MAY 2015

DENING
R
A
G
&
M
FI L

FILM FESTIVAL PLANS IN

FULL SWING, BUT FIRST,
ITS BEDFRINGE
Its safe to say that the plans for this years film festival
are gaining momentum. Weve some exciting ideas that we
think youll love, plus weve secured another venue, and
have major plans for our workshop programme too, more
on them to come in the next few weeks.
In the meantime though it was also good to hear that the
pop-up outdoor cinema will be back this summer too. We cant
wait to see what they choose to screen.
However, before we get anywhere near those events, we must
tell you about the excellent plans we have for Bedfringe. Film
lovers everywhere have the chance to choose exactly which two
films well be screening at this years Bedfringe festival.
The films, which will be screened on 30th and 31st July
at the brand new Quarry Theatre at St Lukes have all been
nominated by well-known people in the town, and include a
variety of genres for a family film screening and a screening for
older audiences. The variety, and quality, put forward is exactly
what Bedford Film Festival and Bedfringe is all about.
The nominated films for an older audience are:
The Thing nominated by James Pharaoh,
Organiser, Bedfringe
Jaws nominated by Sarah Cox, Editor, Bedfordshire
on Sunday

Blazing Saddles nominated by Dave Hodgson,

Mayor of Bedford
The Big Chill nominated by Ian Pryce, Principal,
Bedford College
Ferris Buellers Day Off nominated by Jules Crossley,
Director, Quarry Theatre at St. Lukes
And family film lovers can choose from:
The Jungle Book nominated by Emma Garrett,
Co-Director Kiosk at the Park and Pavilion at the Park
Bugsy Malone nominated by Rachael Rogan,
Organiser, BookTastic
The Incredibles nominated by Kristine Hughes,
The Frogs Chorus/Cicero Buck
ParaNorman - nominated by Kristina Bullen, Chair,
The Circus of Illustration
Bill & Teds Excellent Adventure nominated by
Erica Roffe, Editor, The Bedford Clanger
Voting is open until midday 31st May 2015 at www.
BedfordFilmFestival.org. Tickets for the winning film
go on sale on 1st June 2015.

HERBS ARE VITAL TO ALL OUR LIVES

BY JANE PERRONE @JANEPERRONE PERRONE.
BLOGS.COM

Whether you eat them, drink them, rub them on your skin or use them to
cure your ailments, herbs are vital to all our lives. (If you want an insight
into which herbs are vital ingredients in many of your favourite tipples, for
instance, check out book The Drunken Botanist by Amy Stewart). But not
all of us have the space, time or expertise to look after herbs - and thats
where community herb gardens come in. There are two in Bedford I know
of (let me know if there are more). The first is in Bedford Park, and is run
by the parks staff and the volunteer gardening group there (contact Howard
Darbon at hdarbon@ntlworld.com if you want to get involved).
The second is on the roundabout at the junction of Rothsay Road and
Castle Road. This is the one I know best, passing by almost daily and
occasionally helping Lucy Bywater, Anne Doody and other dedicated
volunteers keep the garden looking good.
Everyone is welcome to harvest the herbs: all we ask if that you dont
dig plants up and leave enough behind for others to enjoy and harvest.
Every year the Rothsay herb garden holds an open day to raise money
for new plants and tools: this year its on Saturday May 16 from 10am
to 3.30pm. Come along to buy quality herbs for your own garden, bring
plants and seedlings of your own for our plant swap, learn about the
importance of pollinators from a beekeeper who will be bringing along
a demonstration hive, and buy yourself a treat from the cake stall. Red
Cuthbert Morris will be dancing at 11am and midday, and Ill be doing
a talk at 1pm called five herbs youve never heard of: extra plaudits to
anyone who can prove me wrong!
Then on Sunday 17 May, head over to Kathy Browns garden in
Stevington for a Chinese-themed open garden afternoon from 1-5pm, with
a lion dance on the lawn at 2.30pm to celebrate the gardens many Chinese
plants, including Chinese roses, tree peonies, white-stemmed birch, black
bamboos, viburnums. forsythias, lilacs, and more. Admission is 4.50;
children are free. Details at kathybrownsgarden.homestead.com.
Miraculous May If you have five minutes on a sunny day this month,
spend five minutes examining the new leaves of a beech hedge as they
uncrumple before your eyes, or searching out wild garlic, with its starry
white flowers and unmistakeable garlic pong. Both are useful as well
as beautiful. Use the young, tender beech leaves as a salad ingredient;
more adventurous foragers can turn them into a gin-based liqueur
called noyau, which Richard Mabey describes in his classic Food For
Free as mild and slightly oily to taste, like sake. (If you dont have a

10

copy of his book, youll easily find a recipe on the net.) And wild garlic
makes a rather fine pesto, or wilt it into soups just before serving. (If
you cant find any wild garlic, grow garlic chives instead in the garden
or in a pot: and Im planning to plant some garlic chives in the Rothsay
herb garden, too.)
Edible spear If you are lucky enough to have a patch of asparagus in
your garden, now is the time when youve got the most insufferably smug
look on your face as you enjoy your harvest: the British asparagus season
traditionally opens on May 1. Ive only just planted some crowns, so I
wont be enjoying a crop for another two years (gardening - the original
long game). In the meantime though you may be surprised to learn that
you may have a plant in your garden that can be used as a substitute for
asparagus. The emerging stems of hostas, Solomons seal (Polygonatum x
hybridum) can be cut when young and tender and cooked just as you would

asparagus. Disclaimer: Just make sure youre 100% sure youve got the
right plant - not *everything* in the garden is edible; indeed, some common
plants are deadly posionous.
Wash day Step out on slippery, algae-ridden patio or decking area and
youre likely to find yourself going base over apex. This months double
bank holiday means theres a golden opportunity to spruce up hard
landscaping. You can employ elbow grease and a stiff broom or a pressure
washer - either your own or a hired model. Not only is the whole process
enormous fun, youll finally find out the colour of your decking.
Perfect pesto If theres just one seed you sow this month, why not make it
basil? This herb is easy to grow at home, provided you remember the rule:
only water it in the morning, and be sparing: basil hates wet feet. Sow now
for a harvest within weeks: they do well in pots on a sunny windowsill. Red
basil (try Violetto from Seeds of Italy) makes a colourful pesto.

BOOM, BOOM, MR DEREK

THE BEDFORD CLANGER 

MAY 2015
TH E
C L A NG E R

NEWS IN BRIE

57 REASONS LIVING
IN BEDFORD RUINS
YOU FOR LIFE

BACK IN THE MISTS OF TIME (2014) BUZZFEED POSTED 57 REASONS WHY

LIVING IN LONDON RUINS YOUR LIFE. WERE NOT ONES TO JUMP ON
BANDWAGONS IMMEDIATELY, SO SIX MONTHS LATER HERE ARE OUR 57
REASONS LIVING IN BEDFORD RUINS YOU FOR LIFE:
1) 
Because the beautiful River Great Ouse runs right
through it.
2) 
Because the Victorians did such an amazing job
when they designed Bedford Park.
3) 
Because right next to the river is Russell Park.
4) 
Because internationally successful sportsmen and
women come from Bedford.
5) 
Because Just Giving announced that Bedford was
the most generous town in the UK.
6) 
Because the River Festival is the largest free UK
festival after Notting Hill Carnival.
7) 
Because Bedfringe brings internationally renowned
artists to Bedford theatres.
8) 
Because the Kite Festival attracts thousands of kite
fans each year.
9) 
Because John Bunyan wrote the Pilgrims Progress
here.
10) Because penal reformer John Howard was born
here.
11) Because we have some stunning public art including statues, sculptures and musical steps.
12) Because the Cardington hangers are seriously
massive.
13) Because our local delicacy, the Bedfordshire
Clanger, is truly unique.
14) Because the town supports an independent arts and
culture paper: Bedford Clanger.
15) Because Bedford Film Festival brings cinematic
variety to locations around the town.
16) Because some of the best bands in the world have
played at Esquires.
17) Because one of our nightclubs (The Pad) is in an
end of terrace house.
18) Because The Quarry Theatre will open soon.
19) Because we have the Place Theatre and UoB
Theatre in town too.
20) Because Bedfordians show compassion and
tolerance.
21) Because theres almost nowhere as diverse in the
whole country.
22) Because of all the curry houses on Tavistock Street.
23) Because weve got Charles Wells brewery.
24) Because there is so much creativity here.
25) Because we have a great market.
26) Because of our community spirit.
27) Because of the wealth of food, coffee and culture
the Italian community has brought to Bedford.
28) Because of the Gurdwara in Queens Park.

29) Because The Higgins is a great place to spend a

day with the family.
30) Because The Panacea Museum celebrates the
non-conformity of Bedfordians.
31) Because the John Bunyan Museum celebrates the
life of Bedfords most famous son.
32) Because the river can be enjoyed on the John
Bunyan Community Boat.
33) Because just minutes from the town centre is
Priory Country Park.
34) Because of volunteer-led events like Bedford
Park Run.
35) Because we have no Starbucks (in the town centre).
36) Because of all the pubs.
37) Because its great being twinned with Bamberg
which brews over 50 beers.
38) Because of Bedford Beer Festival
39) . and the Bamberg beer festival
40) Because The Welly doesnt serve lager.
41) Because we can get fabulous cocktails at Lost
& Found.
42) Because of indie shops like the Eagle Bookshop.
43) Because of creative collectives like the Eagle
Gallery.
44) Because the Bedford Blues are at the heart of
the town.
45) Because you can do indoor skydiving at Bodyflight.
46) Because St Pauls Church is a beautiful centrepiece
to the town.
47) Because Bromham Apple Day is the only place
youll see ferret racing.
48) Because we have so many indie retailers.
49) Because Goldings sells pretty much anything you
could want
50)  and if they dont have it, Harrison &
Simmonds probably will.
51) Because strolling down the Embankment on a
sunny day makes you feel glad to be alive.
52) Because Etienne Stott made sure we got a
golden post box.
53) Because
54) Because Bedfords talented musicians can be found
at jam nights almost every day of the week.
55) Because where else would you find a bar like
Noble Rot?
56) Because La Piazza is a great place to watch the
world go by.
57) Because of the people.

MY GIRL THE RIVER

BY KRISTINE HUGHES

Bayou, creek, stream, arroyo, waterway, tributary, canal, river. Call it what you like but a moving body
of water is something we love. We sit by it, boat in it, we fish in it, swim in it, kayak in it, comment on
it and admire it. Sometimes the banks are forced and we suddenly have great respect for it. We moved
to Bedford all those years ago after driving down the Embankment and commenting on how beautiful it
looked. Follow it all the way to Priory Marina or beyond to the Danish Camp more river. Take a ride
on the John Bunyan (ask the Happy Brewer about their cruises) and youll see Bedford from a different
perspective. Oakley has a lovely view. Bromham to Biddenham has a great walk alongside. Clapham
has a little put in that allows you to swim in the river. It gently carries you down to a place you can
stand. How cool is it that in a busy town you can connect with the nature of the river and lose yourself.
My next music project is called My Girl The River. Find your river and prepare to be inspired.

TENNIS
AT THE PARK
TO ADVERTISE IN
THE NEXT ISSUE OF
THE CLANGER
JULIA CROFTS
bedfordclangerads@gmail.com
07966 696784
@ClangerAds

RUSSELL PARK

The only park courts in BEdford you can book

www.parkstennis.co.uk Bedford

www.facebook.com/kioskatthepark
@kioskatthepark
www.youtube.com/kioskatthepark
pinterest.com/atthepark

Tel: O1234 271877

www.kiosk.attheparkbedford.co.uk

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

I GOT 57 PROBLEMS BUT BEDFORD AINT ONE!

11

THE BEDFORD CLANGER 

MAY 2015

THE BIRD TABLE

THE RIVER GREAT OUSE

For many small businesses, there arent enough hours in the day
to spend strategizing and planning how to build your business,
so any help to focus on business development is to be embraced.
Recently launched in Bedford, The Bird Table is a coaching group
that challenges its members to think better set goals and grow
their businesses. This women-only group, run by freelance coach,
Karen Chamberlain, has hit the ground running and the positive
and collaborative approach means members can share in each
others successes.
Karen said: The business development groups are confidential, friendly, challenging,
supportive, affordable and effective. The members of the first Bedford group have shown
amazing progress towards their business goals and also enjoyed the support and collaboration
offered by the group, and the much valued time to think and be listened to. Im excited
to watch these ladies evolve and grow their business, as we continue working together.
Members are pretty enthusiastic about the groups too: Im super excited for the future of the
bird table!!! Its sooooo good for me, share lots, take time out and then take action!!
I came out of there motivated for the first time in years!
If this sounds like the motivation you need to develop your business, then you can join a Bird
Table group for the Summer Term. The new term sessions will be held at The Park restaurant on
Kimbolton Road (theparkbedford.co.uk) from 9.30 11.30am on 13 May, 10 June and 8 July.
Each term costs 75 and the groups are limited to a maximum of eight members.
Karen.chamberlain@kcsunshine.co.uk 07764 942531 bird-table.co.uk

One of the most frequently asked

questions we hear at Riverside Tennis
Club (apart from can you help me with
my dodgy second serve?) is asking us
why we are called Riverside Tennis Club
when were not really that close to the
river. Well, the truth is that the club was
formed in 1895 and was sited down by
the river. We moved from our river-side
base in 1925 and have been situated at
Goldington Road ever since then. Were
proud to be neighbours of the Bedford
Blues Rugby Club and you can often
hear the roar of the crowd throughout the
winter which is always inspiring to play
along with.
The facilities at the club have moved
with the times and we now have three
indoor tennis courts in our tennis bubble
alongside the six all-weather floodlit
courts which the members and community
take full advantage of. Were proud of our
old school clubhouse which has served
us well and visitors are often surprised at
the immaculate grounds we are blessed
with (thanks to our amazing groundsman
Steve Birchall). Feel free to come and pay
us a visit or poke your head around the car

ART SCHOOL DISCO DRAWS...

Each month we challenge members of art collective, Art School Disco to interpret our monthly
theme. This months is by Ed J Brown and is entitled Gone Gongoozling. Said Ed, Ive
adapted river and gone with canal. Gongoozling is the act of enjoying a canal, what a great
word! We agree, Ed! edjbrown.comn @artschooldisco artschooldisco.tumblr.com

park to take a peek at a hidden gem

of our town.
Diary Date #5 Clanger fans: Were
hosting a Great British Tennis Open Day
at the club on Sunday 17th May 2015 from
2-5pm. All ages and abilities welcome.
Well be running Mini Tennis Sessions,
Cardio Tennis Tasters, Service Speed Gun,
Wheelchair Tennis Tasters and Open play.
The legendary BBQ will be stoked up and
the bar open all day. No need to book, just
come on down and well do the rest!

TH E
C L A NG
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THE LAST
WORD
BY REVEREND SHARON GRENHAM-TOZE,
PRISON CHAPLAIN, HMP BEDFORD
Im not into horoscopes (not really the done thing for a member
of the clergy!) but apparently Im a Cancerian. Im told that
one of the characteristics of this star sign is that the person likes
spending time by water. Well thats certainly true and now I
come to think about it, rivers have played quite a part in my life
from the beginning.
The Wey, from my early years in Guildford. Walking to work
along the Kennet in Reading, to my job as a solicitor; whilst
on summer weekends going the other way in the early sunlit
morning, along the Thames, finishing up at Sonning, amidst the
mist-cloaked fields. Crazy evenings as an 18 year old, with my
best friend, aboard a floating pub moored on the Central London
stretch of the Thames. Watching the construction of the second
Severn Crossing, high above the Avon, during my studies for the
ministry in Bristol. More recently, learning to sail with my partner
on the River Orwell in Suffolk. And, of course, as a Bedfordian for
13 years now, many memories of the Great Ouse.

e: thehiggins@bedford.gov.uk

w: www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk

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SATURDAY 25TH APRIL TO SUNDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER 2015

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From Hepworth
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Abstract
Britain

Its here Ive walked with my babies in their pram, then watched
them stumble along, pointing at the ducks as they became toddlers.
Ice-cream festooned faces, picnics in the summer, the marvels of the
River Festival. Romantic strolls with him indoors, jolly jaunts with
my (now rather elderly) Yorkshire terrier, Ralphi.
Its a river thats constant as well as ever changing. A permanent
feature in our town, but living and moving and never the same. Gentle
presence one moment, another time tumbling and roaring as the
waters swell after a storm. Home to our stories, our loves, our losses,
our journey from youth to age. Happy memories for many, symbol
of sadness and sorrow for some. Paradox, contradiction, spiritual
(whatever our religion): a human place, a thinking place, a loving,
laughing, living place.
Leonardo da Vinci said In rivers, the water that you touch is the last of
what has passed and the first of that which comes; so with present time.
As the river flows, so does life, nothing stays the same, but more is
still to come. So come on - lets dive in!

GET MOTIVATED AND FEED THE BIRDS!