ISSUE 20: March 2013FREE

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

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

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

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by Charles Rose @prettyfabguy

ampthill road was for many years a main thoroughfare of the town linking Bedford with the industrial county of the south.

On Ampthill Road just up from the South End public house is a monumental example of 1960‘s architecture and evidence of a brief but now bygone business. Built to house the burgeoning and highly profitable market of hiring televisions to the public, for four decades the town was home to Robinson Rentals and subsequently the Granada group. However that is to ignore its role in the manufacture of crayons and writing chalk and prior to this, the site of a school primar-ily for children from the colonies as well as for the middle classes. The original grand building was built by a partner of Rhodes (of Rhodesia) with the great and the good of Bedford lending their support, including Higgins, Whitbread and the Duke of Bedford. The school itself went though a number of iterations, first as the Middle Class Public School which was then shortened to The County School. This was

welcomed by the Beds Times who even in 1875 commented that the word Class was an “odious” one. After the outbreak of war the school closed due to lack of pupils who were mainly drawn from the colonies. The build-ing was then reopened as a factory making writing chalk. This was a product in high demand (primarily in the munitions indus-try) and in short supply (due to an embargo on German chalk). As experts in the field, the American company Binney and Smith opened the Cosmic Crayon Company on Ampthill Road in 1916. The Sexton family ran this until the 1960s and the sale of the original building. The company remained manufacturing in Bedford until only recently. The School became the production plant and the headmaster’s house renamed Cos-mic Lodge as living quarters for the Sexton Family. The influence of the company can be seen around Ampthill Road with nearby roads named Cosmic Avenue, Sexton Avenue and a house named Vallamont, built for the future head of Cosmic. The grounds at the front are largely as they have been for many decades and have survived not

only the changes to the building but also leftover bombs dispatched by the Germans on their way home from Coventry during the Second World War. At the rear all of the original buildings have now been either demolished or replaced. EF Taylor, who at one stage made all the packaging for the crayons, have now closed, and buildings such as the bungalow near to the railway line at the end have been ploughed in. Whilst no beauty of a building, it stands today as a monument to the architecture of the1960s. Inside the continuous Paternos-ter lift system has been a talking point for many visitors over the years. The building’s uses may have changed, but from a seat of learning, to the manufacture of writing and drawing implements and onto technology, it has a certain symmetry to it, don’t you think?

March 2013THE BEDFORD CLANGER

2 If you fancy writing about events in Bedford, head to www.citizenbedford.com

UNIQUE BEDFORD

HOMETOWN TOURIST GRaNaDa ON aMpTHIll ROaD

SOcIaL MEDIa

WEBSITE laUNcHwww.citizenbedford.com

•••Would you like to sponsor this column?••• The Bedford clanger

is read by around 10,000 people.

If you’d like to promote your business to our readers then contact

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at the end of 2012, the portas pilot Town Team joined forces with Media Trust to develop a ‘citizen journalism’ project in Bedford.

#citizenbedford is a way for our town to tell its story. Our aim is to encourage people from all over Bedford to become citizen journalists to film, write, blog, tweet about and photograph our town and the website www.citizenbedford.com has now been launched to collate everything we create. #citizenbedord will also document Bed-ford Portas Pilot Town Team’s journey, with the help of citizen journalists. Absolutely anyone can become part of #citizenbedford. No experience is necessary, just an enthusi-asm to report on the events, stories, people and places that shape Bedford. And as the Portas Pilot projects take shape, the Town Team want as many people as possible to get invovled in documenting the experience. In addition, you are invited to tell your own stories. Maybe you want to tell every-one about your community orchard, or you might want to blog about town planning. You may have a passion for photography and want to share it with others. Or maybe you want to film interviews with shopkeep-ers, councillors, students – anyone.

Get in touch, tell us about your project and we can help you.

If you would like to submit something for the #citizenbedford project thenyou can either:•Upload your reports/photos/blogs/audio-boos etc.. to the Facebook page

•Use the hashtag on twitter

•Email thebedfordclanger@gmail.com.

Add the #citizenbedford hashtag to your work and we will collate everything on this website. With the support of Media Trust we have run film-making, journalism and photog-raphy workshops to encourage people to share their stories. Follow our Facebook page for news of when we’ll hold more and to see what other citizen journalists have uploaded. As part of our Portas Pilot town project, we hope that #citizenbedford will become an archive of the journey of our town through this unique experience. Something that can be shared with other towns now and in the future.

For 19 years Boutique planet has been the first stop for fashionistas in Bedford. Owner Nick Walker is passionate about fashion and has built up a loyal customer base thanks to his buying choices, customer service and excellent, knowledgable staff.

We chatted to Nick to find out what makes the perfect product mix and what next season has in store for us...

Q1: How long have you owned Bou-tique planet? 13 months, although I’ve been managing the store for a number of years now.

Q2: Tell us about the brands you stock. We pride ourselves on operating an intimate boutique where you will find unique and inspired items alongside well-known and trusted brands. You will recognise many of

the brands below but what sets us apart is that much of what we stock is a limited selection of bespoke styles from more unknown and up and coming brands. White Stuff White stuff is going from strength to strength for us. The collection is always very versatile with a shape that suits most women. Its well-priced and great quality. Superdry We can’t get it in-store quick enough. T-shirts, hoodies, raincoats and much more. 55DSL (Diesel)This is a new brand for us this season and we LOVE it. The quality is fantastic and bang on-trend with dipped hem dresses and cool festival tee’s. Vila Vila is a Scandinavian brand inspired by the catwalks and offers fashion forward looks at a great price. Fly London Made from quality Portuguese leather, with a cushioned sole, Fly London footwear ef-fortlessly combines style and comfort. Hunter These hugely popular wellies are available in lots of fantastic colours and styles. Great for the school run, walking the dog and a festival essential. Havaianas The ONLY flip-flop to have. Durable and comfy and available in many colours and prints. Vagabond Another great Scandinavian brand offering affordable and current styles.

This is just an overview of our extensive brand list. We also stock Vans, Ugg Austra-lia, Frye, Great Plains and many more. Q3: Do you have exclusivity on any brands?Yes! All this season’s styles are exclusive to us. Q4: With Spring around the corner, what are the key trends we should look out for this season? Transitional pieces. Multi-coloured woven and lightweight knits are on-trend this season. Q5: What’s the best thing about working in fashion? Encouraging my customers to try new things and step slightly out of their comfort zone. When they love the results, it gives them a boost and I get a lot out of that. Q6: How do you stay ahead of your competitors? customer service? product? Visual merchandising? (all of the above?!!)Most definitely customer service. I always try to listen to my customer’s needs and their suggestions and comments are what

help us to evolve. Of course the right stock is key but so too is the experience. Every customer is different and we are more than happy for you just to browse through our ever-changing collection or, if you’d prefer, select pieces for you and style you from head to toe - whatever makes shopping with us more enjoyable for you. If time permits I’ll gladly pop the kettle on.

Q7: Sum up Bedford in 3 words:...Diverse. Historic. Evolving.

LETTEr FrOM ThE EDITOr

It was with great pleasure and pride that we heard that The Devonshire Arms and The Burnaby Arms had both been honoured in CAMRA’s recent pub awards. The Devonshire Arms was named North Beds Pub of the Year with the Burnaby winning Most Improved Pub. The Devvy will now compete regionally, so we’re keeping our fingers crossed that their winning streak continues! If you’ve ever fancied yourself as a journalist, then now’s your chance. Bedford’s Portas Pilot Town Team has launched a citizen journalism project (#citizenbedford) that is open to anyone and everyone. Find out what existing citizen journalists have been reporting on at www.citizenbedford.com and why not join in? Your stories could even find their way into The Clanger and beyond. Go for it! Finally, did you all manage to see some of BCA’s Almanac Festival? Why not write about it? As long as you tag things on social media with #citizen-bedford then we’ll be sure to find it.

See you next month.E x

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Nick Walker: Dedicated Follower of Fashion

BOUTIQUE plaNET 18 The arcade, Bedford MK40 1NS01234 215336 www.boutiqueplanet.co.uk

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

3(*an occasional column extolling the virtues of Bedford’s beautiful surrounding villages.)

DESIGN

March 2013

anthropologie in London’s fashionable West end, has collaborated with Selvedge, the magazine devoted to fine textiles, to bring talented craftspeople to their King’s road store.The gallery at Anthropologie will be trans-formed into a traditional haberdashery with a twist, and filled with Selvedge dry goods; a range of special textile objects each with its own story. The pages of Selvedge will come to life with a weekly series of in store ‘Handmade & Haberdashery’ events which will offer visitors the chance to create their own pieces under the watchful eye of some of craft’s rising stars including Bedford’s very own Miss Lisa Tilley from uoldbag!. Selvedge at The Gallery at Anthro-pologie until 29 March, 139 King’s Road, London, SW3 5ST If you’d rather head north to see Lisa’s work, uoldbag! is currently on show in an exhibition at Bilston Craft Gallery in Wolverhampton. “This is a great space and

the gallery is dedicated to show-casing craft,” said Lisa. “The exhibition (Bags: The Art of the Carrying Companion) has been running since December and will run until the 9 March so there’s still time to go. It’s a really great exhibition with brilliantly quirky examples of our most popular accessory so is well worth the visit.”http://www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk/visit/bilston/

UOlDBaG! lisa’s bagged tWo great exhibitioNs…

Wolf people are a band of globe trotting psych wizards who have beenhoning theirdruidic craft for over half a decade. Though not exactly a ‘local’ band, three quarters of them grew up in Bedfordshire, and singer/guitarist Jack Sharp proudly calls Bedford his home. They have just completed the follow up to their acclaimed debut, and are about to hit the road again, starting with Bedford! To mark the occasion, The Clanger caught up with Jack to get a rundown of his five favourite places in Bedford . 1. Bala – Midland RoadThis unassuming little takeaway makes the BEST curries I’ve ever eaten. I usually stuff my face with samosas and paneer then go mad on Indian sweets! 2. The Wellington arms – Wellington Street A Bedford institution, The Wellie is a badger’s den of a pub stuffed to the rafters with beermats, hops, and drinky trinkets. If like me, you love beer and hate the modern world, this is your nirvana.

3. Mill Meadows I walk though this triangular Island between two tributaries of the Ouse twice a day, and it acts as my window on nature. I watch the leaves change, check the migrant birds coming and going, see the river clear in the spring and freeze in the winter. Wood-peckers, cormorants, common tern and sand martins, kingfishers and even mink! Always fascinating. 4. The civic Theatre (R.I.p) In my view the Civic could have provided the missing link for touring bands that had outgrown Esquires, but weren’t quite big enough for The Corn Exchange. It was the site of the first gig I ever went to (S*M*A*S*H in 1994) and the most enjoyable gigs I’ve ever attended (Vetiver in

2011, Deer Tick/Caitlin Rose in 2010). The sound was SO GOOD in there… AAR-RRGH. You’ll find me in the Council “One Stop Shop” weeping uncontrollably. 5. The Happy Brewer – Union Street In these times of austerity it’s wise to knock up your own hooch. Stock up on yeast, pipes and buckets from the very helpful couple in THB, and soon you’ll be inviting your friends over for yards of nut brown booze. WOLF PEOPLE Play BEDFORD ESQUIRES on the 28th of March supported by Christian Webb. Tickets are £7 in advance, available from www.wegottickets.com/event/200178 and Danny’s Bar.

PSYchEDELIc rOcK BaND WOlF pEOplE TO PLaY ‘hOMEcOMING’ GIG IN BEDFOrD

Wolf people “Peat Bog Superfuzz”

catch Wolf people on BBc6music live in session with Marc Riley on

Tuesday 2nd april from 7pm.

MUSIc

LISa TILLEY: bag lady?

by Lloyd Lugsden

Sharnbrook is a sprawling, vibrant village, off the a6 in north Bedfordshire, a place close to my heart.

As a teenager attending Sharnbrook Upper School, a friend and I would mooch off to Mrs Miggin’s pie shop, actually the cake shop, which is still operating as a lovely bakery, with a tea shop at the back. Cake and a coffee for £2.50 (massive slices ahoy!) and I can rec-ommend the veggie samosas too. Another great outlet is Matthews, a traditional grocer also on the High Street. There you can find local fruit and veg, organic produce and a fine selection of cheeses - result! - includ-ing Wodehill, a blue cheese from neighbouring Odell. If you want to do some sightseeing, St Peter’s Church is well worth a look around.

Up at the school is a public gym. If you want to counteract that afterwards then take a trip to one or both of the two public houses in the village. The Swan with Two Nicks and the Fordham Arms serve food and guest real ales. There’s also a Theatre at the Old Mill and two farms shops nearby, offering pick your own strawberries. So, plenty going on in the village of Sharnbrook.

get oUt of toWN!* SHaRNBROOK

Sharnbrook’s Icing On The cake

Mothers Daysunday 10th March

Mum Eats Free!terms & conditions apply

Call now to reserve your table www.indiansummerbedford.co.uk

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

4 Great stuff for theatre lovers this month

Is read by around 10,000 peopleIf you’d like to promote your business to our readers then contact

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email:bedfordclangerads@gmail.com @clangerads

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

arT FlaGS aRE FlYING FOR BEDFORD HIGH STREET

March 2013

By Paula Walker

If you’ve walked down Bedford high Street since 22 February, you will surely have noticed the flags hanging above the road. Hopefully, you will also have recognised the symbols on each flag, but perhaps have been wondering as to the background to this striking project. Before its installa-tion, I was fortunate enough to be able to speak with Cambridge-based artist, Bettina Furnée, about the development of this artwork and the concept behind it, as part of Bedford Creative Arts’ (BCA) Almanac Festival in February. Following its successful Arts Council bid at the end of 2012, the Bedford Portas Pilot Town Team, in conjunction with BCA, appointed Bettina to create public artwork inspired by the High Street. Bettina was born in The Netherlands, but has lived in the UK since the age of eighteen. She ini-tially completed an apprenticeship in stone letter carving and then went on to complete an MA in The Theory and Practice of Public Art at Chelsea College of Art and Design, before going on to achieve a first class honours degree in Art History. Her works in the public domain derive

from an interest in the identity, history and future of a given place, and the way in which language relates to a location. Her works are developed through research and in col-laboration with local communities. As part of her preparation for the Bedford commission, Bettina visited each of the seventy-two High Street shops, speaking to as many shopkeepers as possible, and also researched the history of the street itself. Having walked along the High Street, and being struck by the busy traffic, Bettina wanted to reclaim the lost space above it, thereby linking the two sides of the street. Eventually, the idea of a series of flags, hung across the street, was developed, with each one containing an emblem to represent each shop. As the fixings for the Christmas lights were already in place, they could be used as anchor points for the installation. It was initially envisaged that the flags would be in place for the three days of the Almanac Arts Festival, but it is now

planned that they will remain for much longer - possibly, even as long as six months, depend-ing, of course, on the effects of our variable weather! If you are at all interested in local his-tory, Bedford Library’s website provides a wealth of interesting information. It certainly kept me hooked for ages! See below the link to the High Street History pages – amaz-ing to think that in 1871 there were 17 drapers’ shops!

Find out more about the history of our High

Street shops at the following links:http://www.galaxy.bedfordshire.gov.uk/webingres/bedfordshire/vlib/0.digitised_re-sources/high_street_history_home.htm

Other examples of Bettina Furnée’s inspir-ing work can be seen at the following link:http://www.axisweb.org/seCVWK.aspx?ARTISTID=8193Or she can be contacted by email: bettinafurnee@gmail.com

The Bedfordshire Festival of Music, Speech and Drama takes place during the first week of March at the corn Exchange.

The event provides an opportunity for budding amateurs to compete for over 200 prizes and the Festival is one of the oldest, largest and most prestigious in the country. The Festival attracts over 1000 entrants from age five to over 80 from all over Bedfordshire, its neighbouring counties and even across the world. Classes range from full choirs to solo singing, orchestras to oboes, classical Asian percussion to electric guitar. There will be verse speaking, mime, bible reading, Shakespeare and much, much more. For a full schedule, pick up a programme for just £3. The 2013 Festival introduces some new Speech and Drama classes, including Verse Speaking to a Musical Background. In music we have a class celebrating the work

of Francis Poulenc who died 50 years ago. The Festival starts in style on Saturday, 2nd March at 9.30am with choirs and continues until 9.30pm everyday for the fol-lowing seven days culminating on Saturday 9th with the Gala Concert which starts at 6.30pm. The Gala Concert features the best of the Festival so if you can only get to one session all week, make sure it is this one. With admission prices at just £2 per session (£1 concessions) and under 5s going free, the Festival is great value. Programmes are available from The Tourist Information Centre and Tema Music in Kempston, so get your copy now and start planning your week’s entertainment.

The Festival is a Registered Charity run by a dedicated committee of volunteers and is affiliated to the British and International Federation of Festivals of which Her Maj-esty the Queen is Patron.

For more information contact Jo Barrow on 01234 213038Or Julia Smith on 07824 829097www.bedsfestival.org.uk

FESTIVaLBEDFORDSHIRE FESTIVal OF MUSIc, SpEEcH aND DRaMaat the corN exchaNge, bedford 2nd March – 9th March 2013

The Place Theatre on Bradgate road has got some great work programmed in for the first week of april. Here’s a taste of what’s on offer. Go to their website for more details(www.theplacebedford.org.uk).

John Hegley and his April FoolsMonday 1st April at 7:30pmJohn and friends head back to The Place for another evening of barely controlled madness. Featuring a cornucopia of poetry, music, spoken word and comedy it promises to be a fantastic evening, and a great chance to work off some of those Easter eggs with some good old-fashioned belly laughs.A night of April fooling, jesting, jolly and melancholy by turns: there will be many laughs, but not laughs, alone. Hegley will host this evening of verse with strumming and banging and tickets are £10.00.

Theatre Tours International present The Half by Richard DormerWednesday 3rd April at 7:30pmA 50 year old actor, down on his luck,

attempts to reverse his fortunes by doing a one man show. Nothing new there... except that he’s chosen Shakespeare’s Hamlet... uncut... four-and-a-half hours! He’s sold his car and his father’s gold watch to pay for it all and his wife has left him. Everything rides on it. It’s his opening night - 35 minutes before curtain up (“The Half” in theatre-speak) and he is starting to unravel... Will he make it to the stage or will he self-destruct?This is hysterical stuff by an extraordinary team: performed, directed and written by consecutive winners of the prestigious Stage Award for Best Actor at Edinburgh, Guy Masterson (2001), David Calvitto (2002), and Richard Dormer (2003).

Townsend Productions presentThe Ragged Trousered Philanthropists by Stephen Lowe(based on the book by Robert Tressell)Thursday 4th April at 7:30pmAn hilarious fast-paced show, The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists follows a group of painters and decorators struggling for survival in a stagnating Edwardian England.Brought to life by Finetime Fontayne and Neil Gore this enlightening, deeply mov-ing and gloriously funny tale has changed countless lives and remains as vivid and as relevant as when it was written almost a century ago.Don’t just take our word for it: Ken Loach and Libby Purves are both fans too. Tickets for this show are priced at £10.00, with a concession price of £8.50

Kean Productions presentIn Extremis by Neil BartlettFriday 5th April at 7:30pmWhy did one of the most celebrated men of the nineteenth century go to a complete

stranger for advice when his life was at a critical turning point?That’s the intriguing question posed about poet and playwright Oscar Wilde in the play In Extremis. We meet Wilde just before the start of his infamous libel case against the Marquess of Queensberry, the father of his lover, Lord Alfred Douglas... the court case that left Wilde bankrupt and eventu-ally led to his own imprisonment for gross indecency...On the 24th March 1895 he goes to meet a society palm reader, Mrs Robinson, in her London flat. Her opening question - “Mr Wilde, why are you here?” - is one that In Extremis attempts to answer....Written by the highly acclaimed Neil Bar-tlett, a former artistic director of the Lyric, Hammersmith, in the year 2000 for the centenary of Wilde’s death. Tickets for this show are priced at £10.00, with a conces-sion price of £8.50.

Guy Masterson and Theatre Tours Inter-national presentAnimal Farm by George OrwellSunday 7th April at 4:00pm17 years since its World premiere, Guy Masterson’s magnificent solo performance of Orwell’s classic satire is on its final UK tour.Using nothing but a bale of hay, some amazing sound effects and brilliant physical and vocal dexterity, Masterson ignites this famous yarn, bringing a modern sinister rel-evance to Orwell’s masterwork and leaving an indelible imprint in the consciousness. Now officially the most highly performed solo show in the world, this is a must-see performance for all ages. If you’ve never seen or read Animal Farm, this is the show for you! Even if you remember it from school... you won’t believe what you see! Tickets for this show are priced at £10.00.

ThEaTrE NoW bookiNg: THE placE THEaTRE

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The Friends of Bedford Hospital invite you to a Taste of India at The Bengal Brasserie (9, The Broadway, Bedford) on 14th March 2013 at 7:30pm. Tickets are £15 and the profits from the evening go to the friends of Bedford hospital. Contact Mrs Felicity Scott for tick-ets: 01234 359716

a TaSTE OF INDIaFUNDraISING

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

5

In association with

Bedford Borough council’s Premier Entertainment Venue

ThE l I S T I N GGetting Out and about in Bedford This March

Variety Night With: caSH, cc SMUGGlERS, caBaRET aND cOMEDY at the corN exchaNge

MUSIc

So what were you doing in 1996?

March 2013

On Friday 1st March The Pad Presents have lined up a unique gig that is not a gig. Instead of the usual three band line up, Gareth and Kev have curated a non-stop 3 and a half hour variety show. The night will feature live music from three bands interspersed with top drawer variety acts including stand up comedy, burlesque danc-ers, a touch of magic, and even ventriloquist Shaun Jacques. The show will be hosted by Tim Barron who will not only compere, but will also perform a set of live comedy skiffle with his band the much-loved Ouse Valley Singles Club - who are often de-scribed as George Formby meets the Clash! Live music is brought to you by rocka-billy trio The Broadway Twisters. The band are currently performing hi-octane versions of 50’s classics and a few ‘off the beaten track’ tunes as well their original material into their sets. Main support band for the evening are the lovable CC Smugglers. The band are a rag tag 6 piece from the wilds of mid Beds who formed in 2009, drawing on varied

elements of musical genres they don’t really understand! They have built a reputation for great live shows both locally and further from home and recently stormed The Big Bedford showcase at the Corn Exchange gig to a sold out crowd of almost 1000 people as well as last year’s River Festival both on dry land and on their float! Headlining the show is CASH. There are two types of people in this world: those who like John-ny Cash and those who don’t know a damn thing about music. CASH are dedicated to making sure as many people as possible get in the know by recreating the early years of Cash with a stunning authentic live show of all the early classics. The band look

and sound the real deal with a young Ben Welburn delivering a fantastic vocal. Expect all the classics including I Walk the Line, Folsom Prison Blues, Ring of Fire, Get Rhythm, Man in Black, One Piece at a Time, A Boy Named Sue, Hey Porter, Rock Island Line, 25 Min-

utes to Go, San Quentin and many, many more. If you love Johnny Cash, it goes without saying that you will love CASH. Doors open at 7.30pm and the non-stop show starts at 8pm prompt and will finish around 11pm. There will be unre-served tiered seating and standing in the auditorium. Tickets for this night are £12 in advance available from the Corn Exchange Box Office, Luscious Juice Bar and online at seetickets.com. When designing the poster for the event The Pad presents have taken

inspiration from a classic poster recently unearthed of an event that took place at the Bedford Granada Cinema on the 11th April 1967 a show that featured Jimi Hendrix, The Walker Brothers, Cat Stevens & Engel-bert Humperdinck. We love it!

THE BITTER SpRINGS +

FISHWIFE’S BROaDSIDE

8pm at holy Moly’s, Esquires on Saturday 2nd March 2013

Fishwife’s Broadside are from Bedford and have been steadily building up a follow-ing over the last couple of years playing

unplugged/plugged-in punk folk shows all over the country. Under their own promo-tional banner of Billy Stupid’s Circus they try to bring some of the groups they love, admire and respect to your doorstep because

they want you to hear them...for free! Roll Up! Roll Up! So, on March 2nd, Billy Stupid has been able to persuade the Bitter Springs to leave the London suburbs to come and do one of their unique shows in good ol’ Bedford Town. It’ll be a fantastic night and to you, ladies and gentleman, it’s absolutely free!!!! How does Billy do it?! The Bitter Springs new cd has just been awarded 8/10 by Uncut magazine.

www.bedfordesquires.com

Space are headliningEsquires on March 15th, and singer/guitarist Tommy Scott remembers the last time they played Bedford in February 1996. ‘I remember the last time we played there and we loved it, and it’s the same place as well that we’re playing. I thought it was cool. It reminded me of, like a town where something could happen. It had a good little vibe about it.’ Formed in 1993, it wasn’t until the release of single ‘Neighbourhood’ in ‘95 that the band received attention outside their hometown of Liverpool, and then the sec-ond single from their debut album ‘Spiders’ was massive. For a while ‘Female of the Species’ was inescapable. That song, aimed somewhere between Burt Bacharach and Frank Sinatra- played out on a xylophone- provided a firm foundation for a dizzying ten year career; at the end of which the band broke-up craving normality. But now, Space are back, and they have been back for a while. In 2009 the band were thrown together at the funeral of origi-nal drummer, Andy Parle, whose untimely death is still not fully explained, and this

paved the way for reconciliation. As time passed, Tommy started to play Space songs with his punky, ‘mid-life crisis band’, The Red Scare. ‘I just thought I never want to play [space songs] again, because they bring back too many memories and things like that, but then we started playing them, and I started feeling a bit guilty for the rest of the Space lads.’ So that became reunion when the two other original members were coupled with 3 members of The Red Scare because, in Tommy’s words ‘Basically, I’d written some songs good enough.’ Now well past the reunion stage and back to a five-piece following the departure of original guitarist Jamie Murphy in 2011, the band have a heap of new songs to choose from. A heap which is getting bigger and bigger as Tommy is still writing. The release date of the album keeps getting pushed back as the latest song is always the best, and another tune has to make way for it on the tracklist. ‘I’m a pain’ he says. ‘You always like the latest song you’ve written.’ ‘Attack of the mutant 50ft kebabs’ is now pencilled in for an Autumn release. The title is taken from an album track about small shops getting revenge on larger national chainstores, and is also a nod in the direction of the film ‘Attack of the 50ft

woman’, and classic sci-fi generally. ‘I just wanted to get all my influences and all my styles and throw them in and do a more edgier, cooler album. A return to form.’ While other indie bands of the ‘90’s aped the Beatles, Stones and Kinks, Space provided an alternative-to-the-alternative with a sound influenced by everything else. Exotic per-cussion, movie samples, funky breaks, sci-fi sound effects, ska and post-punk influences will all be marshalled onto the new album by producer Jeremy Wheatley who worked on the first two albums. Tommy believes the 3 newer band members from the Red Scare add a real edge to the Space sound, an edge which he says has been missing since the punky, pre-fame days of Space. They have certainly brought extra ska to proceedings, but the sound remains unmistakeably Space as long as Tommy and multi-instrumentalist Franny

are involved. Tommy says the band are also playing better than ever and are ‘made up to be touring again’. Last time they played in Liverpool the setlist ran to over 30 songs in an attempt to please everyone, which only served to remind Tommy how he used to get ‘fidgety’ if a band went on too long. The setlist is now down to 24 songs. Future plans are just to ‘get it out there and for people to realise that we’re a good band’, and Tommy wants to start making up for lost time. ‘I just wanna get out on tour. I want to do everything. I want to go to America, Europe again, everything. I’ve just got the buzz back’

SpacE arE hEaDLINING ESqUIrES ON March 15Th

Watch this space

VINTaGE MOVIE NIGhTS

aT GROUND FlOOR cOFFEE

Two classics for March and april and it’s free!!!

Ground Floor Coffee’s monthly vintage movie nights are a great way to see classic

films in a unique environment. If you haven’t been yet, why not go and check

out these belters? With comfy sofas set up

FILM

She’s been compared to a young rosanne cash and has worked with Emmylou harris’ bass player, so it’s no surprise that clanger fave, Danni Nicholls is on the cusp of country greatness.

This Bedford-based singer-songwriter is launching her new album in May. Crowd-funded by fans and recorded in Nashville, Danni’s album ‘Time’ features numerous legends of the Americana and Country scene including Al Perkins on Dobro (Bob Dylan, Gram Parsons, Dolly Parton, the Rolling Stones) and Steve Fishell on Pedal Steel (Albert Lee, Kris Kristopherson, Willie Nelson, Linda Ronstadt). While in Nashville, Danni had to opportunity to meet her idol, Miss Emmylou Harris. What a legend!You can catch Danni and the cream of the international American scene at her monthly Thursday residency at Andaluz on Castle Road. Americana at Andaluz kicks off on Thurs-day 7th March. Danni Nicholls will be joined by Luke Tuchscherer from 7.30pm. Happy hour is from 6.30 - 7.30pm and free entry with pass the tip sombrero!Americana at Andaluz Facebook page for more info on forthcoming events.www.danninicholls.co.uk

aMErIcaNa aT aNDalUz With

DaNNI NIcHOllS + FrIENDS

cinema style, fabulous coffee, delicious cakes and the traditional sweet and salty popcorn, this is a vintage film experience

like none other in Bedford. And it’s FREE!!!

FOrThcOMING FEaTUrES:casablancaFriday 8th March. 7.30pm for an 8.00pm start. Singin’ in the Rain starring Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor and Debbie Reynolds. Friday 5th April. 7.30pm for an 8.00pm start.

Kings House, 245 Ampthill Road, Bedford. Tel: 07561 340593 Email: events@groundfloorcoffee.co.ukwww.groundfloorcoffee.co.uk.

Danni & Emmylou

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

6

In association with

Bedford Borough council’s Premier Entertainment Venue

ThE l I S T I N G

Bedford corn Exchange Box office: 01234 269519 www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk cOMEDY cOMING SOON: JUlIaN claRY - pOSITION VacaNT: applY WITHIN 9Th MaY 2013

Friday 1st March •••••••••••••••••••••••••••Continental Market in BedfordProfessional continental market traders from France, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Holland, Poland and many more countries will be wearing traditional costumes and selling high quality products. 9am-5pm.www.traditionalmarket.co.uk•Bedford Art Society MeetingJohn Tookey demonstrates townscapes in pastel. Admis-sion is free to members and £5 for visitors. Starts 7.30pm at Putnoe Heights Church.Tel: 01234 307210 www.bedsartsociety.co.uk•What Are You Looking At? - Art Lecture by Will GompertzBBC Art correspondent Will Gompertz gives a lecture inspired by his new book. Free admission, 7.30pm start at Erskine May Hall, Bedford School.Tel: 01234 362200 www.bedfordschool.org.uk•CASH (A Tribute to Johnny Cash)If you love Johnny Cash, you’ll love CASH – looking and sounding like the real deal. Tim Barron compares this show and supports alongside the CC Smugglers with his comedy skiffle band The Ouse Valley Singles Club. Starts at 8.15pm, tickets £12.00, Main Auditorium, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square Box Office: 01234 269519 cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk•The Jebs/Youth/The Gingerbread Men/Tristan NelsonLive music on the Mainstage at Esquire’s from 7.30pm. Bromham Road, Bedford.Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com •Vintage StuffLive music for the Sunday afternoon session from 4.30pm in the bar at Esquire’s, Bromham Road, Bedford.Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Be My Baby The Swan Theatre Company presents Amanda Whit-tington’s touching play. Set in a Mothers and Baby home, St Saviours, in 1964, Be My Baby follows the life of Mary, unmarried and pregnant. Played to a soundtrack of the period. Starts 7.30pm at The Place Theatre, Bradgate Road, Bedford. Tel: 01234 354321 www.theplacebedford.org.uk•Karaoke with Diamond Fire8pm, The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•Exec Club Karaoke9pm, The Exec Club, Lurke Street, BedfordTel: 01234 401500

Saturday 2nd March ••••••••••••••••••••••Continental Market in BedfordSee 1st March. www.traditionalmarket.co.uk•How to Prepare for Long Term FundingA free lunchtime talk. Learn how to prepare for long term funding from expert speaker Rachel Efetha.11am-12 noon at Marston Vale Forest Centre.Tel Sam Hayden: 01234 767037 www.marstonvale.org•Priory Wildlife Watch Group - Spring Wildlife WalkAn afternoon of fun with the Priory Wildlife Watch Group. Take a walk on the wild side and look out for signs of Spring. Entry £2, 2-4pm at Priory Country Park Visitors Centre. rachel.mortimer@wildlifebcn.org•West End Wendies Theatre WorkshopsTake part in a weekly theatre workshop programme led by current professional West End performers. 9am-4pm. Cost upon application. Held at the Southbank Arts Centre, Bedford www.westendwendies.com•Bedford Crafts, Produce & CuppaBrowse the fabulous Bedfordian handmade items and locally produced foods whilst enjoying a cuppa (your first is free!) and a piece of cake at Church Lane Community Centre (opposite Aldi) every first Saturday of the month, 9am-2pm. This month there will be a free prize raffle and Easter egg hunt.contact@loveofcupcakes.co.uk www.bedford.gov.uk/community_and_living/community_centres•Bedfordshire Festival of Music, Speech & DramaShowcasing talent from all over Bedfordshire and neigh-bouring counties, this nationally renowned festival attracts entrants of all ages, performing music, speech and drama classes, culminating in the Gala Concert on the 9th. 9am-9pm, tickets from £2, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square Box Office: 01234 269519 cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk•Neuron Spoiler & The Bitter Springs + Fishwife’s BroadsideLive music on the Mainstage and in the bar at Esquire’s from 8pm. Bromham Road, Bedford.Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com

•Be My Baby See 1st March. www.theplacebedford.org.uk•Fat Lads’ DiscoHosted by Intobeats radio DJ, Ian Congdon-Lee. 10pm at The Exec Club, Lurke Street, Bedford Tel: 01234 401500•Loaded Clubnight @ The PadIndie/rock n roll/old skool hip hop/beats & bass. 10pm-3-am, free entry before midnight.07860 454530 http://www.facebook.com/#!/thepadnight-club

Sunday 3rd March •••••••••••••••••••••••••Continental Market in BedfordSee 1st March. www.traditionalmarket.co.uk•Bedfordshire Festival of Music, Speech & DramaSee 2nd March, Bedford Corn Exchange •The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party Members of Swan Theatre Company present poetry and prose by, about, or simply inspired by Lewis Carroll’s surreal tea party with a difference. Presented at 7.30pm at the Eagle Gallery, Castle Road, Bedford.Tel: 01234 346995 www.eaglegalleryartists.co.uk www.theplacebedford.org.uk•Bedford Music School Spring 2013 ProgrammeA superb series of concerts performed in the Recital Hall of Bedford’s Music School. A chance to enjoy a diverse se-lection of works in beautiful surroundings. Free admission. Bedford School, De Parys Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 362200 www.bedfordschool.org.uk•The Cruise & Luxury Travel Show 2013Meet and talk to a wide variety of cruise line and tour operator partners, check out exclusive offers and informa-tive talks and presentations throughout the day. Free tickets available, limited places available for the presentations. 9.30am-3.30pm at The Amalfi Suite, Sharnbrook Hotel, Off the A6, Bedfordshire. Tel Shelley: 01234 326758sales@cruiseselect.co.uk www.cruiseselect.co.uk/cruiseshow•Lazy Sunday Jazz Live music at The Bedford Arms, 2-4pm, Bromham Rd, Bedford. Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•MojoLive music for the Sunday afternoon session from 4.30pm in the bar at Esquire’s, Bromham Road, Bedford.Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Jon’s Music QuizUp to £300 prize money! The King’s Arms, St Mary’s Street Tel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk•Danni Nichols Live music at The Bedford Arms from 8pm, Bromham Rd, Bedford. Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•White Horse Quiz NightTeams of up to 6, 8.30pm, £1pp entry. Free bingo game for Sunday quizzers!The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk

Monday 4th March •••••••••••••••••••••••Bedfordshire Festival of Music, Speech & DramaSee 2nd March, Bedford Corn Exchange •KAAC presents an evening with Bob Church & Mike GreenIn aid of Sue Ryder - St John’s Hospice. Tickets £12.50 (in advance only). Doors 6.30pm for 7.30pm start at The Holiday Inn, Garden Court, Sandy. Tel: 01767 683149•The Detweiler Competition 2013This is an annual event supported by Dr Alan Detweiler, a Canadian composer who awards prizes for written and artistic creativity. This year the theme is Portrait. From 7pm in the Main Foyer Gallery, Bedford School, De Pary’s Avenue, Bedford.Tel: 01234 362200 www.bedfordschool.org.uk/detweiler-2013/•Jazz Evening With a featured artist and band from 8.30pm at The Bed-ford Arms, Bromham Rd, BedfordTel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Tony’s General Knowledge QuizThe King’s Arms, St Mary’s StreetTel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk•Open Mic NightHosted by local singer/songwriter Matt Roberts, 8.30pm til close. Just listen or join in!The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk

Tuesday 5th March ••••••••••••••••••••••••Bedfordshire Festival of Music, Speech & DramaSee 2nd March, Bedford Corn Exchange •Weekly Morning Walks at the RSPBTuesday weekly walks around the reserve. Come and admire the wildlife and enjoy the site. Everyone welcome. 9.30am-11.30am. Free for RSPB members, otherwise £3.RSPB, The Lodge, SandyTel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge•The Ash Girl St Andrew’s and Rushmoor Schools join forces to bring Timberlake Wertenbaker’s magical tale to life, meeting an array of animals including a mouse who aspires to be a dragon. Take care, for there be monsters! From 7.30pm at The Place Theatre, Bradgate Road.Tel: 01234 354321 www.theplacebedford.org.uk•Kelly’s Poker NightTexas Hold ‘em Poker with prize money at The Bedford Arms from 8pm, Bromham Rd, Bedford.Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Karaoke & CocktailsDanny’s Bar, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, BedfordTel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•The Old Geezer BandAffectionately known as The Fiddly-diddlies! Every Tuesday from 8.30pm at The Wellington ArmsWellington Street, Bedford Tel: 01234 308033•St Piran’s DayCelebrating the patron saint of Cornwall at The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford Tel: 01234 409306

www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•White Horse Quiz NightTeams of up to 6, 8.30pm, £1pp entry.The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk

Wednesday 6th March ••••••••••••••••••••Bedfordshire Festival of Music, Speech & DramaSee 2nd March, Bedford Corn Exchange •The Ash Girl See 5th March. The Place Theatre, Bradgate Road. Tel: 01234 354321 www.theplacebedford.org.uk•Talk: Policing Victorian BedfordshireEnjoy an informative and illustrated talk by Bob Ricketts on Bedfordshire’s police force during Victoria’s reign. From 7.30pm at Putnoe Heights Church.www.baalhs.org.uk•Spoon Carving WorkshopLearn how to free your very own spoon from an unlikely looking piece of sycamore wood. The workshop covers safe tool use and guides you through the techniques most appropriate to spoon making. All ages welcome, under 18s must be accompanied by an adult, £30 per person, tea and coffee available. 2-4pm at World of Bushcraft, Priory Marina, Barkers Lane.www.woodland-ways.co.uk•Bedford Rock ChoirThe UK’s largest, amateur contemporary choir. No scary auditions and no need to read music or have any experi-ence. Try a session for free. Tickets £100 per term, 8pm start at The Harpur Suite, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square. Tel: 01252 714276 www.rockchoir.com cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk•Fundraising Quiz NightRaising money for Scot’s Society in aid of Parkinson’s Disease. £5pp including ploughman’s supper.The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•Beer Tasting ClubTasting a range of bottled ales and discussing their merits. Please register your interest with Bev.From 8pm, The Bedford Arms, Bromham Rd, Bedford Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•The Biggest Jam Night in TownHuge open mic night in Danny’s Bar, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, BedfordTel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.comThursday 7th March ••••••••••••••••••••••Bedfordshire Festival of Music, Speech & DramaSee 2nd March, Bedford Corn Exchange •Concert at The Bunyan Meeting Free ChurchNicholas Mulroy, a rising star of the early music world, is joined by one of the UK’s foremost lutenists Elizabeth Kenny to celebrate this influential union of voice, verse and melody. Tickets £18 adults, £16 concessions, £5 students (18-25), £2 children. Starts 7.45pm at Bunyan Meeting Free Church Tel: 01234 261811 www.bedfordmusicclub.co.uk•Bird Watching at the RSPBAn expert will also be on hand to demonstrate the latest binoculars and telescopes. Free admission, 10am-4pm, RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy. Tel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge•Talk: ‘The Art of Spoon Carving’A free lunchtime talk, learn from our expert speaker, Mar-tin Hazell - a long term friend of the forest. 11am-12 noon at Marston Vale Forest Centre. Tel Sam Hayden: 01234 767037 www.marstonvale.org•Chapel Choir MasterclassNeil Chippington, Headmaster of St Paul’s Cathedral School in London, will be giving a Chapel Choir Master-class. This will be followed by both a singing competition and an Organ competition, adjudicated by Neil Chipping-ton at 5.45pm. Free admission, 4pm start at The Chapel at Bedford School, De Pary’s Avenue, Bedford.Tel: 01234 362200 www.bedfordschool.org.uk•Books, Maps & Ephemera AuctionIn addition to the monthly auctions of antiques and collec-tors’ items. Today’s items include sports books, travel & topography, aviation & military, maps & prints, children’s books, modern first editions and historical documents. From 3pm at Bedford Auction Centre, Newnham Street, Bedford.Tel: 01234 266366 www.peacockauction.co.uk•Boris & Sergey’s Vaudevillian AdventureFollowing their sell out smash at the Edinburgh Fringe, puppetry’s Balkan bad boys present a vaudevillian, impro-vised crossover cabaret for discerningly twisted audiences. Age restrictions apply, tickets £8-£10, starts at 8pm at Bed-ford Theatre, Bedford School, De Parys Avenue, BedfordBox Office: 01234 269519 www.bedfordtheatre.co.uk •Creative Bedfordshire Network MeetingMeet other creative professionals from the area. Each meeting has a Spotlight on a different area of the creative industries, plus dedicated time for members to present their own activities to the group. 7-9pm, free entry, venue tbc. Check www.bedfordcreativearts.org.uk/index.php/events/info@bedfordcreativearts.org.uk•Traditional Music SessionJoin in this monthly folk jam, 8.30pm at The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham RdTel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Jam Night with Mat RobertsLive music from 9pm at The Flower Pot, Tavistock St Tel: 01234 296732

Friday 8th March •••••••••••••••••••••••••Bedfordshire Festival of Music, Speech & DramaSee 2nd March, Bedford Corn Exchange •Living with Lady Macbeth This Act One Theatre School Intermediates performance is set in a school, holding auditions for the annual play. Who will play Lady Macbeth, and will things ever be the same again? Written by by Rob John. Starts 7.30pm at The Place Theatre, Bradgate Road. Tel: 01234 354321 www.theplacebedford.org.uk•Dead Sons/Reporters/Rusty G’s plus A Team En-semble/Atopia/AR/Avenge Me/Anti-Hero StateLive music on the Mainstage and in the bar from 7.30pm

at Esquire’s, Bromham Road, Bedford. Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Vinyl Revival NightDust off those LPs & singles and come to play them at The Bedford Arms, Bromham Rd from 8pm.Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•LovegunLive band from 8.30pm at The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•Exec Club Karaoke9pm, The Exec Club, Lurke Street, BedfordTel: 01234 401500Saturday 9th March •••••••••••••••••••••••West End Wendies Theatre WorkshopsTake part in a weekly theatre workshop programme led by current professional West End performers. 9am-4pm. Cost upon application. Held at the Southbank Arts Centre, Bedford www.westendwendies.com•Rock, Pop, Film & TV Memorabilia AuctionFrom the 50s to the 90s, these sales attract an avid follow-ing from music and film collectors around the globe. The auction includes records, autographs, flyers, concert pro-grammes, film posters and other memorabilia. From 10am at Bedford Auction Centre, Newnham Street, Bedford.Tel: 01234 266366 www.peacockauction.co.uk•Cavaleri Quartet at St Andrew’s ChurchThe quartet are noted for their fine performances of con-temporary works and recent projects including performing the chamber music of Mark Anthony Turnage for the BBC. Tickets £8, concessions £7, students £3 (ages 16-21). From 7.30pm at St Andrew’s Church, Kimbolton Road, Bedford.Tel: 01234 216881 www.standrewsbedford.org•Bedfordshire Festival Gala ConcertEmbracing the best of Bedfordshire Festival of Music, Speech & Drama at Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square.Box Office: 01234 269519 cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk•King HammondLive music on the Mainstage from 8pm at Esquire’s, Bromham Road, Bedford.Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Living with Lady Macbeth See 8th March. The Place Theatre, Bradgate Road.Tel: 01234 354321 www.theplacebedford.org.uk•Vintage StuffLive band from 8.30pm at The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•Fat Lads’ DiscoHosted by Intobeats radio DJ, Ian Congdon-Lee. 10pm at The Exec Club, Lurke Street, Bedford Tel: 01234 401500•Loaded Clubnight @ The PadIndie/rock n roll/old skool hip hop/beats & bass. 10pm-3-am, free entry before midnight.07860 454530 http://www.facebook.com/#!/thepadnight-club

Sunday 10th March ••••••••••••••••••••••••Lazy Sunday Jazz Live music at The Bedford Arms, 2-4pm, Bromham Rd, Bedford. Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Romanticism from Europe - East & WestBedfordshire Symphony Orchestra presents the energetic Roman Carnival Overture by Berlioz then Dvorak’s great Cello Concerto – highly esteemed by Brahms, followed by Franck’s Symphony in D minor. Starts at 7.30pm, tickets £3.00-£13.00 at the Main Auditorium, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square. Box Office: 01234 269519 cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk•Full CircleLive music for the Sunday afternoon session from 4.30pm in the bar at Esquire’s, Bromham Road, Bedford.Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Jon’s Music QuizUp to £300 prize money! The King’s Arms, St Mary’s Street Tel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk•Mat RobertsLive music at The Bedford Arms from 8pm, Bromham Rd, Bedford.Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Mothers’ Day MealServing a special menu at The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•White Horse Quiz NightTeams of up to 6, 8.30pm, £1pp entry. Free bingo game for Sunday quizzers!The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk

Monday 11th March ••••••••••••••••••••••Jazz Evening With a featured artist and band from 8.30pm at The Bed-ford Arms, Bromham Rd, Bedford Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Tony’s General Knowledge QuizThe King’s Arms, St Mary’s StreetTel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk•Open Mic NightHosted by local singer/songwriter Matt Roberts, 8.30pm til close. Just listen or join in!The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk

Tuesday 12th March •••••••••••••••••••••Weekly Morning Walks at the RSPBTuesday weekly walks around the reserve. Come and admire the wildlife and enjoy the site. Everyone welcome. 9.30am-11.30am. Free for RSPB members, otherwise £3.RSPB, The Lodge, SandyTel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge•Rock, Pop, Film & TV Memorabilia AuctionFrom the 50s to the 90s, these sales attract an avid fol-lowing from music and film collectors around the globe. The auction includes records, autographs, flyers, concert programmes, film posters and other memorabilia. From 10.30am at Bedford Auction Centre, Newnham Street, Bedford.Tel: 01234 266366 www.peacockauction.co.uk•Upper 6th Recital Concert at Bedford SchoolFree admission, concert starts at 7pm at the Music School Recital Hall, Bedford School, De Parys Avenue, Bedford.Tel: 01234 362200 www.bedfordschool.org.uk

•Karaoke & CocktailsDanny’s Bar, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, Bedford Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•The Old Geezer BandAffectionately known as The Fiddly-diddlies! Every Tuesday from 8.30pm at The Wellington ArmsWellington Street, Bedford Tel: 01234 308033•White Horse Quiz NightTeams of up to 6, 8.30pm, £1pp entry.The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk

Wednesday 13th March•••••••••••••••••••Carving a Swedish Kuksa WorkshopThese fantastic noggin-type drinking vessels are surpris-ingly easy to make once you know how, using easy-to-carve Sycamore wood. All ages welcome, under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. Tea and coffee available. £30 per person, 2-4pm at World of Bushcraft, Priory Marina, Barkers Lane. www.woodland-ways.co.uk•Protecting Bedfordshire’s Landscape – an Illustrated TalkBy Gerry Sanson from CPRE. A voluntary contribution of £2 is suggested. 7.30pm start at Priory Park Visitor Centre, Barkers lane, Bedford. Tel Chris Wedge: 01234 266057 www.wildlifebcn.org•Stitch ‘n BitchBring any crafty project to The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham Rd, 7.30pm beverlyjoburridge@gmail.com Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Tea DanceA pleasant afternoon in elegant surroundings. Ballroom, Latin American, Sequence Dances, Party Dances & Old Time. Price includes refreshments. Tickets £3.50 (advance), £4.00 (on the day), starts 2.00pm. Main Audi-torium & Harpur Suite, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square Box Office: 01234 269519 cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk•Fundraising Quiz NightRaising money for Macmillan. £5pp including plough-man’s supper.The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•The Biggest Jam Night in TownHuge open mic night in Danny’s Bar, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, BedfordTel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com

Thursday 14th March •••••••••••••••••••••Apprenticeships: You’re Hired!This special event celebrates Apprenticeship Week, featur-ing Lord Sugar’s very own The Apprentice finalist Ruth Badger. This free event will highlight what Apprentice-ships are and how to get started and includes talks from Ruth and employers. 4-8pm at Shuttleworth College, Old Warden Park, Biggleswade.Tel Bedford College: 01234 291921www.bedford.ac.uk/register www.bedford.ac.uk/events•Bedford Creative Arts Open StudiosView the studios and meet the artists. Find out more about Bedford Creative Arts’ upcoming programme. Free admission, 12-5pm at Bedford Creative Arts, 104 Midland Road, Bedford.Tel: (01234) 818670 garethb@bedfordcreativearts.org.uk www.bedfordcreativearts.org.uk•Brass CompetitionAdjudicated by John Heritage with both junior and senior prizes. Free admission, 4.30pm start at the Music School Recital Hall, Bedford School.Tel: 01234 362200 www.bedfordschool.org.uk•Bedford Rock ChoirThe UK’s largest, amateur contemporary choir. No scary auditions and no need to read music or have any experi-ence. Try a session for free. Tickets £100 per term, 8pm start at The Harpur Suite, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square.Tel: 01252 714276 www.rockchoir.com cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk•Bedford Music School Spring 2013 ProgrammeSee 3rd March. www.bedfordschool.org.uk•The Protoneers/The Metatrons/Instant Social Conver-sation/The Left TenantsLive music from 8pm at Esquire’s, Bromham Road, Bedford.Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Acousticake Presenting an assiette of local songwriting talent.Free entry, with voluntary donations. 8-11pmThe Burnaby Arms, 66 Stanley Street, Bedford, MK41 7RU www.facebook.com/acousticake•The Bedford Arms Book ClubA monthly, open-to-all group, starts 8pm. The Bedford Arms, Bromham Road.Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Jam Night with Mat RobertsLive music from 9pm at The Flower Pot, Tavistock StTel: 01234 296732

Friday 15th March •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Space + SupportFamous 90s band, live at Esquire’s from 8pm on the Mainstage, Bromham Road, Bedford.Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Karaoke with Diamond Fire8pm, The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•Exec Club Karaoke9pm, The Exec Club, Lurke Street, BedfordTel: 01234 401500

Saturday 16th March ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••West End Wendies Theatre WorkshopsTake part in a weekly theatre workshop programme led by current professional West End performers. 9am-4pm. Cost upon application. Held at the Southbank Arts Centre, Bedford www.westendwendies.com•Bedford College Open DayBedford College, Cauldwell Street, 9.30am–1pm. For more information visit www.bedford.ac.uk/eventsTel: 01234 291000•Shuttleworth College Open DayShuttleworth College, Old Warden Park, Biggleswade, 9.30am–1pm. For more information visit www.shuttleworth.ac.uk/eventsTel: 01767 626222•Nearly New Sale - Bump to 6 yearsItems for sale will include baby equipment, children’s clothes from birth, pre school toys and books. Sellers keep

March 2013

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

7Bedford corn Exchange Box office: 01234 269519 www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk cOMEDY cOMING SOON: JUlIaN claRY - pOSITION VacaNT: applY WITHIN 9Th MaY 2013

money from their sales with profit from entrance/table fees going to the Bedford Children’s Ward Appeal. £1 entry, £8.50 for sellers (pre-booked). 2-4pm at Bedford Interna-tional Athletic Stadium, Barkers Lane, Bedford.Tel Melanie: 07552 906157 new2u2@hotmail.co.uk•Taste & Try Fair Trade EventSample fairtrade chocolate, try baking cookies, visit the wine stall, oriflame stall, participate in the children’s quiz, hand massage, box making and clothes and accessories to try and buy. Entry £1 (includes refreshments), 7pm at St Andrews Church Centre, KimBolton Road, Bedford.•Star Gazing Night at the RSPBThe RSPB teams up with the Bedford Astronomical Society to search for the planets and stars of the night sky. There will be a chance to use your own equipment to take photos, with advice and assistance. Short talks will kick off the event and if the night is overcast, a talk by the Bedford Astronomical Society will be given instead of the search for the stars. Tickets £5 adults, £3 children. From 5pm until late, RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy.Tel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge•Poor Old Dogs St Patrick’s Warm-upLive music at Esquire’s from 8pm, Bromham Road, Bedford.Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Pianos & Choirs with BeethovenPianist Tim Grant-Jones performs Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No 3 with the Choral Society, raising the roof in Beethoven’s celebrated Mass in C. Starting at 7.30pm, tickets £5.00-£15.00 at the Main Auditorium, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square.Box Office: 01234 269519 cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk•Charity Live Music NightIn aid of Medical Detection Dogs at The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•Fat Lads’ DiscoHosted by Intobeats radio DJ, Ian Congdon-Lee. 10pm at The Exec Club, Lurke Street, BedfordTel: 01234 401500•Loaded Clubnight @ The PadIndie/rock n roll/old skool hip hop/beats & bass. 10pm-3-am, free entry before midnight.07860 454530 http://www.facebook.com/#!/thepadnight-club

Sunday 17th March •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Lazy Sunday Jazz Live music at The Bedford Arms, 2-4pm, Bromham Rd, Bedford.Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•The Fast ShowThe season-opening show for all performance and modi-fied car enthusiasts with RWYB, Show n Shine, stunt shows, traders, car clubs and heated nightclub on Saturday night. Tickets from £17, gates open from 8am, Santa Pod Raceway, Airfield Road, Podington, Wellingborough.Tel: 01234 782828 www.thefastshow.com www.santapod.com•Live Band At The Bedford Arms from 8pm, Bromham Rd, Bedford.Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Friends of Bedford Cemetery AGM AGM starts at 2.15pm, followed by an Illustrated Talk on Victorian Mourning Etiquette by Kevin Varty at 3pm. Admission free. There will be refreshments after the AGM and before the talk. Foster Hill Road Cemetery ChapelMo@mikecarpenter33.plus.com www.bedfordcemeteryfriends.org.uk•Choral Society ConcertVarious choirs return to Bedford once again for the Bedford School Choral Society Concert. Tickets £8, concessions £4. 7.30pm start at The Great Hall at Bedford School.Tel: 01234 362254 rielden@bedfordschool.org.uk www.bedfordschool.org.uk•Russell Kane - Posturing DeliveryThis BBC Three star brings his new stand-up show to Bedford. ‘What if I’m one of the guys who never has a baby? Why is this not a ‘male subject’? Starts at 8.00pm, tickets £17.50, Main Auditorium, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square.Box Office: 01234 269519 cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk•Bedford Music School Spring 2013 ProgrammeSee 3rd March. www.bedfordschool.org.uk•Jon’s Music QuizUp to £300 prize money! The King’s Arms, St Mary’s StreetTel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk•White Horse Quiz NightTeams of up to 6, 8.30pm, £1pp entry. Free bingo game for Sunday quizzers!The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk

Monday 18th March •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Jazz Evening With a featured artist and band from 8.30pm at The Bed-ford Arms, Bromham Rd, BedfordTel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Tony’s General Knowledge QuizThe King’s Arms, St Mary’s StreetTel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk•Open Mic NightHosted by local singer/songwriter Matt Roberts, 8.30pm til close. Just listen or join in!The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk

Tuesday 19th March ••••••••••••••••••••••••••Weekly Morning Walks at the RSPBTuesday weekly walks around the reserve. Come and admire the wildlife and enjoy the site. Everyone welcome. 9.30am-11.30am. Free for RSPB members, otherwise £3.RSPB, The Lodge, SandyTel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge•Pargetting by Bill SargeantBill Sargent’s work can be seen in Suffolk, Essex, Kent and Norfolk and covers most areas of conservation plas-terwork and pargetting, including conservation plastering for listed buildings, lime washing, lime plastering, arches, lime floors and brick stone and slate work. Tickets £2-£3, 7.30pm start at the Addison Centre, Addison Howard Park, Kempston.www.bedfordnt.org.uk•Rough Crossing Bedford Dramatic Club presents Tom Stoppard’s sparkling and witty play. Successful musical play writers, Turai

and Gal, are heading for New York along with their new composer Adam, but they have to knock their new work into shape before its Broadway premiere. Starts 7.30pm at The Place Theatre, Bradgate Road.Tel: 01234 354321 www.theplacebedford.org.uk•The CrucibleSet against the backdrop of the mad witch hunts of the Salem witch trials in the late 17th century. Bedford School students perform this play exposing the threat of ‘witch-hunts’ in all ages. Suitable for ages 12+, tickets £4, conces-sions £3, starts at 7.30pm at at Bedford Theatre, Bedford School, De Parys Avenue, BedfordBox Office: 01234 269519 www.bedfordtheatre.co.uk •Karaoke & CocktailsDanny’s Bar, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, BedfordTel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•The Old Geezer BandAffectionately known as The Fiddly-diddlies! Every Tuesday from 8.30pm at The Wellington ArmsWellington Street, BedfordTel: 01234 308033•White Horse Quiz NightTeams of up to 6, 8.30pm, £1pp entry.The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk

Wednesday 20th March ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••The Bedford Sixth Form Open DayThe Bedford Sixth Form, Bromham Road, Bedford, 5-8pm. For more information visit www.bedfordsixthform.ac.uk/events Tel: 01234 291291•Rough Crossing See 19th March. www.theplacebedford.org.uk•The CruciblePerformance today starts at 5pm. See Tue 19th. www.bedfordtheatre.co.uk •Arrow Making WorkshopWorld of Bushcraft runs a session for anybody interested in making their own target arrows from scratch. You will learn about shaping the arrow, fixing the point and the fas-cinating craft of hand fletching. All ages welcome, under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. £30 per person, 2-4pm at World of Bushcraft, Priory Marina, Barkers Lane.www.woodland-ways.co.uk•Bedford Rock ChoirThe UK’s largest, amateur contemporary choir. No scary auditions and no need to read music or have any experi-ence. Try a session for free. Tickets £100 per term, 8pm start at The Harpur Suite, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square.Tel: 01252 714276 www.rockchoir.com cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk•Rich HallTV and radio star, comic genius from Montana, Rich Hall is a master of absurdist irony and king of rapid-fire wit. Strong language and adult content will be used, age restrictions apply. Starts at 8.00pm, tickets £15.00, Main Auditorium, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square.Box Office: 01234 269519 cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk•Fundraising Quiz NightRaising money for Goldington Rangers. £5pp including ploughman’s supper.The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•Beer Tasting ClubTasting a range of bottled ales and discussing their merits. Please register your interest with Bev.From 8pm, The Bedford Arms, Bromham Rd, BedfordTel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•The Biggest Jam Night in TownHuge open mic night in Danny’s Bar, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, BedfordTel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com

Thursday 21st March •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Poetry & Spoken Word Open Mic - Ouse MuseOpen mic night from 8pm in the cellar bar at Harpurs, Tavistock St, Bedford, Always slots for performers, sign up on the door or contact ian.mcewen@ntlworld.com, £2 for readers, £3 for just listening.•Rough Crossing See 19th March. www.theplacebedford.org.uk•Bedford Music School Spring 2013 ProgrammeSee 3rd March. www.bedfordschool.org.uk•The CruciblePerformance today starts at 7.30pm. See Tue 19th. www.bedfordtheatre.co.uk •Acoustic Showcase: The Summer Academy/Adiescar/Charles Mellor & Guests/Hadleigh Spicer/SeasonsLive music from 8pm at Esquire’s, Bromham Road, Bed-ford. Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Skeptics in the PubDr Andy Russell talks about Climate Change: the evidence and the sceptics. From natural cycles to global conspira-cies, many arguments are used to challenge the scientific consensus on climate change. Free admission, from 7pm at The White Horse, Newnham Ave, Bedford.Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•AspectA live duo who we recognise from Uke’d, the ukulele band. At The Bedford Arms from 8pm, Bromham Rd, Bedford.Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Inheritance Tax PlanningLearn from our expert speaker, Rachel Efetha at this free lunchtime talk, taking you through how to plan for the inevitable without leaving problems for your family. 11am-12 noon at Marston Vale Forest Centre.Tel Sam Hayden: 01234 767037 www.marstonvale.org•Jam Night with Mat RobertsLive music from 9pm at The Flower Pot, Tavistock StTel: 01234 296732

Friday 22nd March •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Rough Crossing See 19th March. www.theplacebedford.org.uk•Birds 4 Beginners Walk at the RSPBDiscover how to identify the birds you see when out and in your garden and how to get the best out of your optics. Limited spaces, booking recommended. Adults £5, RSPB members £4, children £3 and RSPB Wildlife Explorers £2. 10am-12 noon, RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy.Tel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge•Italian & British LawAn event brought to us by Bedford Italian Society. Starts at 8pm at The Chapter House, St Peter de Merton Church, De Parys Avenue

•Bedford Comedy ClubFeaturing three stand up comedians who are regulars on the London and national comedy circuit. Starts at 9.00pm, tickets £9 in advance or £10 on the door at the Harpur Suite, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square.Box Office: 01234 269519 cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk•The Ex-CertsLive music from 8.30pm at Esquire’s, Bromham Road, Bedford.Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Ceroc Modern Jive NightFreestyle Ceroc fun. Come alone or with a partner for a party atmosphere and a top DJ. Dancing until 12.15am. Tickets £9 on the door, starts 7.45pm. Main Auditorium, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s SquareBox Office: 01234 269519 cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk www.ceroccentral.com•Exec Club Karaoke9pm, The Exec Club, Lurke Street, BedfordTel: 01234 401500

Saturday 23rd March ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••West End Wendies Theatre WorkshopsTake part in a weekly theatre workshop programme led by current professional West End performers. 9am-4pm. Cost upon application. Held at the Southbank Arts Centre, Bedford www.westendwendies.com•Rough Crossing See 19th March. www.theplacebedford.org.uk•Foxy Belles Vintage Revival Night Including live music with The Broadway Twisters from 8pm, then DJs playing records from the 40s, 50s & 60s. Cool frocks and hairdos a must! The Bedford Arms, Bromham Rd, Bedford.Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Philharmonia OrchestraThe UK’s best-loved, most highly-respected cellist Steven Isserlis comes to Bedford with Zsolt-Tihamér Visontay on violin for this rare performance, directing from the soloist’s platform. Starts at 7.30pm, tickets £12-£33, at the Main Auditorium, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square.Box Office: 01234 269519 cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk•Fat Lads’ DiscoHosted by Intobeats radio DJ, Ian Congdon-Lee. 10pm at The Exec Club, Lurke Street, BedfordTel: 01234 401500•Loaded Clubnight @ The PadIndie/rock n roll/old skool hip hop/beats & bass. 10pm-3-am, free entry before midnight.07860 454530 http://www.facebook.com/#!/thepadnight-club

Sunday 24th March •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Easter BazaarLots of stalls, children’s activities and refreshments in aid of Bedford Biggleswade Cats Protection at Cardington Vil-lage Hall (opp Kings Arms PH). Doors open 1pm, admis-sion 50p adults, free entry for accompanied children.•Bedford Auction Centre Valuation Day The Bedford Auction Centre’s team of valuers can advise on all antique or collectable items. For larger items, the team will happily visit you at home. 10am-4pm at the Bedford Auction Centre.Tel: 01234 266366 www.peacockauction.co.uk•Randall’s Farm Wildlife Watch Group – ‘Wakey, Wakey!’This session is all about the first signs of Spring and animals coming out of hibernation. £2 per child, 2-4pm at Randall’s Farm Education Centre, Stewartby.randalls.farm.watchgroup@gmail.com•Family Easter Egg HuntA fun-filled Easter afternoon supporting St John’s Hospice, including an egg hunt, stalls, games and lots of activities to get involved with. £3 per child including a chocolate Easter egg. 2-5pm at St John’s Hospice, Moggerhanger.katrina.brooks@sueryder.org www.sueryder.org/events•American Rumble Wrestling SpectacularGet ready to rumble as the gladiators of the grappling ring get to grips in the battle for the 2013 BedfordRumblemania Trophy. Tickets from £9 each, family tickets from £36. Book early for specially reduced prices. Starts at 3pm at The Main Auditorium, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square.Box Office: 01234 269519 cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk•Lazy Sunday Jazz Live music at The Bedford Arms, 2-4pm, Bromham Rd, Bedford.Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Lost 4 WordsLive music for the Sunday afternoon session from 4.30pm in the bar at Esquire’s, Bromham Road, Bedford.Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Kerry Jo Hodgkin & CarlosLive music at The Bedford Arms from 8pm, Bromham Rd, Bedford.Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Jon’s Music QuizUp to £300 prize money! The King’s Arms, St Mary’s StreetTel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk•White Horse Quiz NightTeams of up to 6, 8.30pm, £1pp entry. Free bingo game for Sunday quizzers!The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk

Monday 25th March •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Jazz Evening With a featured artist and band from 8.30pm at The Bed-ford Arms, Bromham Rd, BedfordTel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Tony’s General Knowledge QuizThe King’s Arms, St Mary’s StreetTel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk•Big Band Xtra Jam NiteHosted by local singer/songwriter Mat Roberts, 7.30pm til late. Just listen or join in!The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk

The Listings continue on Page 8

PORTUGUESE RESTAURANT. 4 Newnham Street, Bedford MK40 3JR Tel: 01234 364400

www.baiadecascais.co.uk

March 2013

SPEND SOME TIME WITH YOUR MUM ON MOTHER’S DAY

Why not bring your Mum to THE KILN on Mothering Sunday to paint her own

pottery......and make the day extra special by

treating her to Afternoon Tea

To book either come into the studio or call us on 01234 216799

BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL

Wondering what to do with the kids this Easter?

Come down to John Bunyan Museum and Bunyan Meeting and join in with the fun and activities. John Bunyan Museum is running a free Easter Egg Quiz for children throughout the holidays. Search the museum for the brightly coloured eggs, find the hidden let-ters and re-arrange them to find the mystery word and win a chocolate egg prize! Easter Holiday Club at Bunyan Meeting is ‘A Knight’s Tale’. Find out what it means to know the King of Marks gospel through

drama, small group discussions, songs and short talks. Come with us on an adventure with horse racing, jousting, jester jokes, quizzes, and crafts. And why not come as a princess or knight?! Bunyan Meeting’s Easter holiday club will run 9-11th April, 10am-12.15pm, for primary age children. Cost £2 per day or £5 for all three. Please contact Samantha for more details: 07874229709 or youthbu-nyan@gmail.com The Museum’s free Easter Egg Quiz runs from Saturday 30th March to Saturday 13th April, 11.00am to 4.00pm, Tuesday to Saturday (Closed Good Friday). The John Bunyan Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday 11.00am – 4.00pm and admission is free. For more details contact the Curator Nicola Sherhod on 01234 270303 or email curator@bunyan-meeting.co.uk

Tuesday 26th March ••••••••••••••••••••••••••Weekly Morning Walks at the RSPBTuesday weekly walks around the reserve. Come and admire the wildlife and enjoy the site. Everyone welcome. 9.30am-11.30am. Free for RSPB members, otherwise £3.RSPB, The Lodge, SandyTel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge•Drink & DrawJoin the Circus of Illustration for a doodling session at the pub. 6:30pm onwards. Venue tbc. Find them on facebook www.facebook.com/circusofillustration for the latest news.•Kidnapped! Dumbstruck Productions brings Ivan Wilkinson’s adapta-tion of Robert Louis Stephenson’s classic swashbuckling tale. Starts 7.30pm at The Place Theatre, Bradgate Road.Tel: 01234 354321 www.theplacebedford.org.uk•Karaoke & CocktailsDanny’s Bar, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, BedfordTel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•The Old Geezer BandAffectionately known as The Fiddly-diddlies! Every Tuesday from 8.30pm at The Wellington ArmsWellington Street, Bedford Tel: 01234 308033•White Horse Quiz NightTeams of up to 6, 8.30pm, £1pp entry.The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.ukWednesday 27th March ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Bedford Organ & Keyboard Club: Ian GriffinProudly presenting talented organist Ian Griffin at this fundraising event for the Addison centre. Tea and coffee available, bar open in the interval, and a raffle. Members £4, non-members £5. 8-4pm at The Addison Centre, Ad-dison Howard Park, Kempston.Tel Brian: 01234 344423 bedsokc@gmail.com www.organfax/clubs/bedford•World of Bushcraft Friction Fire Lighting Workshop Demonstrations of technique, choice of materials and tinder selection to light a fire by friction using the bow drill method. All materials provided. £30 person, tea and coffee included. 2-4pm at World of Bushcraft, Priory Marina, Barkers Lane.www.woodland-ways.co.uk

•Coffee Morning at All Saint’s Church HallRaising funds for Sue Ryder Care - St John’s Hospice. Tea, coffee, cakes, hot cross buns, books, gifts and Easter goodies for sale. Free admission, 10am-1pm at All Saint’s Church Hall, Kempston Church End, Kempston.Tel Mr Mervyn Lewis: 01234 851366•Stitch ‘n BitchBring any crafty project to The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham Rd, 7.30pmbeverlyjoburridge@gmail.com Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Kidnapped! See 26th March. The Place Theatre, Bradgate Road.Tel: 01234 354321 www.theplacebedford.org.uk•Bedford Rock ChoirThe UK’s largest, amateur contemporary choir. No scary auditions and no need to read music or have any experi-ence. Try a session for free. Tickets £100 per term, 8pm start at The Harpur Suite, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square.Tel: 01252 714276 www.rockchoir.com cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk•Fundraising Quiz NightRaising money for Red Nose Day. £5pp including plough-man’s supper.The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•The Biggest Jam Night in TownHuge open mic night in Danny’s Bar, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, BedfordTel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com

Thursday 28th March ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Wolf People + GuestsStewart Lee loves them and so should you! Live music for psyche-lovin’ wizards and druids, 8pm at Esquire’s, Bromham Road, BedfordTel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Kidnapped! See 26th March. The Place Theatre, Bradgate Road.Tel: 01234 354321 www.theplacebedford.org.uk•The Last Chance Ragtime BandLive music from 8pm at The Bedford Arms, Bromham Rd, Bedford

Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Jam Night with Mat RobertsLive music from 9pm at The Flower Pot, Tavistock StTel: 01234 296732

Friday 29th March ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Easter Hunt TrailFollow the Easter trail and spot all of the pictures hidden in the woodland with a creme egg to collect when you finish. Trail sheet £2, admission fee £4 per vehicle to non-RSPB members. Running until 1st April, 10am-3pm, RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy.Tel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge•Festival of PowerFamily entertainment including Top Fuel Dragster and Funny Car shoot out, National Drag Racing, Jet Cars, monster trucks and stunts. Tickets from £19. Kids under 16 go free, max 3 per adult. 8am-6pm at Santa Pod Raceway, Airfield Road, Podington, Wellingborough, Northants,Tel: 01234 782828 www.santapod.com•Kidnapped! See 26th March. The Place Theatre, Bradgate Road.Tel: 01234 354321 www.theplacebedford.org.uk•Exec Club Karaoke9pm, The Exec Club, Lurke Street, BedfordTel: 01234 401500Saturday 30th March •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Easter Hunt TrailSee 29th March. www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge•Festival of PowerSee 29th March. www.santapod.com•West End Wendies Theatre WorkshopsTake part in a weekly theatre workshop programme led by current professional West End performers. 9am-4pm. Cost upon application. Held at the Southbank Arts Centre, Bedford www.westendwendies.com•Kidnapped! See 26th March. The Place Theatre, Bradgate Road.Tel: 01234 354321 www.theplacebedford.org.uk•Karakoke with Crazy Horse8pm, The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•Fat Lads’ Disco

Hosted by Intobeats radio DJ, Ian Congdon-Lee. 10pm at The Exec Club, Lurke Street, Bedford Tel: 01234 401500•Loaded Clubnight @ The PadIndie/rock n roll/old skool hip hop/beats & bass. 10pm-3-am, free entry before midnight.07860 454530 http://www.facebook.com/#!/thepadnight-club

Sunday 31st March •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Easter Hunt TrailSee 29th March. www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge•Easter Trail at the Forest CentreEaster in the great outdoors with a fun quiz trail. Every entrant gets a prize. Lunch and snacks available at the Lakeside Café. £2 per child, 11am-4pm at Marston Vale Forest Centre www.marstonvale.org•Festival of PowerSee 29th March. www.santapod.com•Lazy Sunday Jazz

Live music at The Bedford Arms, 2-4pm, Bromham Rd, Bedford.Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Book ClubMonthly club hosted at The Wellington Arms, Wellington Street, Bedford Tel: 01234 308033•Jon’s Music QuizUp to £300 prize money! The King’s Arms, St Mary’s StreetTel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk•Nick & The Sun MachineLive music at The Bedford Arms from 8pm, Bromham Rd, Bedford.Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•White Horse Quiz NightTeams of up to 6, 8.30pm, £1pp entry. Free bingo game for Sunday quizzers!The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

8 Make sure you catch the next bonkers issue of Phaff & Potter

EaSTEr FUN aT BUNYaNEaSTErThEaTrE

ROcK, pOp & FIlM MEMORaBIlIa SalEaUcTION

MISS SaIGON cOMES TO BEDFOrD MODErN SchOOL

cHaRITY MaSQUERaDE Ball

March 2013

bookiNg NoW at bedford ThEaTrE:

BORIS & SERGEY’S VaUDEVIllIaN

aDVENTURE If you were lucky enough to see Bedford Theatre’s sell out showing of The Table last year, then you definitely won’t want to miss this. If you didn’t see The Table then this is your opportunity to experience sheer puppetry brilliance. Following their sell out smash at the Edinburgh Fringe and hoping to capitalise on their multiple five star reviews, puppetry’s Balkan bad boys Boris & Sergey come to Bedford. The great-est vaudevillian double act ever conceived for the small stage present for your viewing

pleasure a plethora of pleasing plays and skits. Expect riotous exploits, malarkey, mo-lestation and mirth of a magnitude hitherto unseen in Bedford! It will be an evening of improvised crossover cabaret featuring Bunraku Puppetry and character comedy

for discerningly twisted audiences

Boris & Sergey’s Vaudevillian Adventure on Thursday 7th March at 8pmTickets: £10 (£8 concessions) www.bedfordtheatre.co.uk

adventure time!

Personal Trainer, camille Stephens explains why she’s organising a charity ball:As some of you know, two years ago I set up a Fitness Camp in Bedford with the idea to get ordinary people extraordinary results with their fitness and fat loss. Well I’m re-ally proud to say so far so good and within 11 months we won an award from Bedford-shire Business Women and are now known as Self Employed/Limited Company of the Year 2012! Our ethos is about helping indi-viduals to reintroduce exercise and a hunger to stay active back into their lifestyles. The way we do this is to train them up, get their bodies conditioned, lose weight, drop lots of stubborn fat and then when ready enter them into as many crazy, tough

and challenging fitness events as possible. We have entered the 5km Race for Life each year, the London to Brighton Bike Rides, Mucky races and obstacle courses and now this year I am taking a team of 9 down to run the London Virgin Marathon. Over the last 2 years we have raised over £5000 for Bedford Hospital and this year we are taking on £14,000 target for PSPA (Progressive Nuclear Palsy Association). The disease affects over 10,000 people in the UK but has no cure. So, as well as running 26 miles and dragging 8 other peeps from Bedford to do it with me I am organising Bedford’s Masquerade Ball on March 22nd in the Rugby Club Marquee. A fantastic, fun night out to help us raise awareness and funds for the PSPA. For further information or to book your table contact: camillepersonaltrainer@gmail.com

a classic love story is brought up-to-date in one of the most stunning theatrical spectacles of all time.

In Miss Saigon, Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg (the creators of Les Miserables), bring Puccini’s Madame Butterfly to the modern world in a moving testament to the human spirit and a scathing indictment of the tragedies of war.In the turmoil of the Vietnam War, an

American soldier and a Vietnamese girl fall in love, only to be separated during the fall of Saigon. Their struggles to find each other over the ensuing years ends in tragedy for her and a fighting chance for the child he never knew he had. Miss Saigon will be performed at Bed-ford Modern School on Monday 11 March, Tuesday 12 March and between Thurs-day 14 March and Saturday 16 March at 7.30pm in the Howard Hall. Tickets are priced at £6 adults and £4 concessions and will be available from the School Box Office on 01234 332664 after 21 January 2013.

On Saturday 9th March W&H Peacock, on Newnham Ave, will be hosting a Rock, Pop & Film memorabilia auction. The auction will include over 500 as-sorted lots from the Beatles to Bowie, from Presley to Pink Floyd; over 400 assorted original film posters from James Bond to the Carry Ons & over 3,000 assorted singles & LP’s from the 1950’s onwards. It is not surprising that these sales have in the past attracted an avid following from music and film collectors from around the globe. For music fans the highlights include: A set of Beatles autographs - obtained circa 1964/65 by a photographer from New Musi-cal Express; David Bowie, as Davie Jones & The King Bees, 1964 single Liza Jane/

Louie Louie Go Home - very rare!; Robbie Williams hand written lyrics for ‘Strong’ and an autographed copy of the Pink Floyd LP The Wall, to name but a few! Movie fans will also not be disappointed. Example lots are: a very rare Bond 6ft card-board promotional standee of James Bond in A View To A Kill (1985); The Evil of Frankenstein (1964) starring Peter Cushing - scarce Hammer Horror UK Quad Cinema poster as well as a collection of original film props including: a Roberto Cavalli top as worn by Renee Perry (played by Vanessa Williams) in Desperate Housewives (TV 2004-2012); a prop playing card used in the casino sequences of the film James Bond - Casino Royale (2006) and items from

Titantic, Shutter Island, Blade II, Termina-tor II and Batman. There is some Sporting Memorabilia up for grabs too, such as Arsenal v Chelsea Saturday 10th December 1932 football pro-gramme together with souvenir programme for the opening of the West Stand Highbury and a World Cup 1966 original 1st issue official poster. With so many lots being hotly contested this is a sale not to miss. If you can’t get along to the Auction House to witness it first hand, then online bidding is also avail-able. Further details are on the website. Go to: www.peacockauction.co.uk, click on Specialist Auctions.

pHaFF & pOTTERThis month, phaff and potter visited superfan howie Elderflower and spoke to him about the magic which keeps him wanting. Forget Beatle-mania, he has Shania Twainia.

P: How did you first hear about Shania ?H: It started with line dancing. I’d hear her every week and get high, tapping, toeing and thumbing my belt. Gee Wilikers, she makes we want to through my hat in the air and make no attempt whatsoever to catch it’P: Do you have a lot of merchandise ?H: Yes. As you can see it’s all over my house. I have filled every crevice with a little reminder of Shania.P: Where are we now ?H: This is the Shania annex. I had to put my father in a home to make space for all the Ms Twain merchandise.P: What is your most treasured posses-sion ?H: That would be the Shania spitoon.P: It’s a polystyrene cup with some sputum in.

H: Yes.P: Are you not worried this is just a pass-ing fad ?H: ‘No. My appreciation of Ms Twain is forever, and to prove it I have many tattoos as a permanent reminder. The lyrics to ‘Man, I Feel Like a Woman’ are between my toes.P: How long did that take ?H: 3 weeksP: Sounds expensiveH: I did it with a compass. I also have a Shania Twain restraining order, and some shot from a gun. The gun may or may not have been held or seen by Shania but, as the Lord is my witness, I will never sell these pellets. They were removed from my but-tocks by paramedics right outside the gates of Ms. Twain’s home’P: Start the car!

Issue 5, ‘Pub Special’ out for March/April Follow the Phaff on twitter @phaffandpot-ter or check our Facebook page...

faN-boy!

FUNDraISING

The Listings continued from Page 7

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

9I think the Bedford Network gals need a new piccie now!

at BEDFORD NETWORK we share with you our best experiences of bedford… from cafes to art galleries and theatres to books. anything and everything – but only the best.

Hectic lifestyles mean you don’t always take time for a bit of much needed pampering. But we talked ourselves into it and think you should too!We recently treated ourselves to a Jessica Deluxe Manicure at 5th Avenue Spa and it was fabulous!

Here are 5 reasons why you should book one:1. A bit of ‘you time’… Everyone needs a bit of time to escape the usual routine of life and have a bit of pampering – from the minute you walk in the door at 5th Av-enue you relax due to their superb customer service and brilliant atmosphere - it really is top class!

2. The hot mitten treatment (included in the Jessica Deluxe manicure) is lush! Take my word for it.3. Sort out those cuticles! We all ignore cuticles, but fear not 5th Avenue will sort yours out and what a differ-ence it makes!

4. Enjoy a wonderful hand massage to make your hands look in super hy-drated condition

and make you feel blissful…

5. Brighten up those nails! Choose from a huge range of Jessica nail varnishes and varying top coats (I went for a bling glitter top-coat)… Let’s face it, everyone feels better with brighter, more beautiful nails!Jessica Deluxe ManicureTime: 1 hour – Price: £29.00Full analysis and care of the hands, nails and cuticles includ-ing warm mitten treatment, hand and arm massage and nail paint. Including cuticle work, cutting and filing before painting.Award winning 5th Avenue Hair & Beauty Spa is at 9 Howard Street, Bedford, MK40 3HS. The team of hair and beauty specialists offers friendly advice on everything to keep you looking and feeling your best. www.5thavenuespa.co.uk

Stay tuned to Bedford Network in March when we will be celebrat-ing the people, places and perks that make Bedford so super-duper… www.bedfordnetwork.co.uk Twitter: @BedfordNetwork Facebook: www.facebook.com/BedfordNetwork

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GREaT BEDFORDIaNS CeCil NormaN ColburNe HiggiNs (1856 – 1941) BEDFORD BOROUGH lEaDS THE WaY

ON FlYING THE FlaG

March 2013

a cloudy February day in Bedfordshire was brightened by flashes of colour adorning a number of shops in castle quay, University of Bedfordshire sites and Bedford Borough council who all flew the rainbow in recognition of LGBT history month.

On this particular rainy, windy day a salute was given to a hidden history, an acceptance by business, education and the public sector of how LGBT people have contributed over time. BeLGBT and Rock City Art hosted an event marking the start of the month-long awareness campaign. Among the guests there was endorsement, encouragement and support from a conservative MP, a liberal mayor and a labour police commissioner. Bedford Library hosted its own exhibi-tion with a display of books celebrating diversity and history. The Bedford Race and Equality Commission also contrib-

uted to this fantastic display showing how organisations can work together to achieve community cohesion. It was with great excitement and joy to many that the equal marriage bill was given majority backing in the House of Com-mons. Richard Fuller MP decided to abstain citing structured and organised opposition to the bill despite personal feelings. Nadine Dorries sadly chose to vote against the bill. However, Alistair Burt voted in favour in the bill and rightfully so. Although the bill is passed it is still important for people to write to your MP as public comments can still be taken into account. It’s important to thank those who have made this history month perhaps more significant for Bedfordshire than any other. The amount of support from everyone has been both heart-warming and humbling. The next projects are underway and focus is already on next year’s big event. It would be impossible to express our gratitude to all those who helped make it this year due to simple lack of word space however, special thanks go to Kayte Judge, Erica Roffe and Mick Hutson.

Bedford college hND Graphic Design student Elise robinson is featured on ampthill-based lockheed Martin’s website for her design of a T-shirt celebrating the centenary of the international organisation.Elise Robinson, of Pulloxhill, came up with a blueprint image which reflects the innovative design and manufacturing processes of Lockheed Martin. Her “F-35 Lightning II” T-shirt idea was selected by Lockheed Martin fans on Facebook and is now on sale in the Lockheed Martin Cen-tennial Store in the US. Her boyfriend Leon

Denton is a former Bedford College apprentice who is now a proto-type designer at Lockheed Martin’s centre in Ampthill. Multi-talented Elise also won an in-house competition to design the logo for the new-look 5th floor res-taurant “25” at Bedford College. The restaurant was officially launched on January 31st 2012 and will be reviewed in next month’s issue of The Bedford Clanger.

BEDFOrD’S SUpERSONIc DESIGN STUDENT

Elise and her fine print

DESIGN

cecil higgins was born in 1856 at castle close, Bedford, the youngest of four children and son of George higgins and caroline colburn. Cecil was from a family of brewers. His grandfather, Charles Higgins, moved to Bedford in 1823 and ran the Swan Inn. The business did well and in 1837 Charles bought the leasehold for the land behind Castle Mound to build a brewery and a new house, which was completed in 1846. His son George Higgins took over the running of the brewery and moved into the house with his wife and young family. Cecil’s eldest brother, George Jnr, did not enter into the family business. Instead he joined the Royal Navy as a cadet and later commanded HMS Foam and HMS Seaflower. Cecil’s other siblings, Lawrence and Edith, remained at the family home, with Lawrence running the family business for many years. Meanwhile, Cecil travelled in Europe after finishing school and moved to London in 1890. He had several London addresses but settled at a fine Georgian House in Queen Anne Street. During these years Ce-cil used the family fortune to live the high life. He filled his houses with fine Georgian and Regency furniture, took a box at the opera and played the part of ‘a rather bored man about town.’ In 1907 it was agreed that Lawrence would retire and Cecil took on a more active role in running the family business. He did not return to Bedford but visited regularly and swapped his Mercedes for a

chauffeur-driven driven Rolls Royce, which was apparently custom-made to allow him to ride whilst wearing his top hat. He continued to move in fashionable society and to indulge his passion for collect-ing beautiful things (although at this point he collected purely for pleasure, and had not yet settled upon the idea of founding a museum) It is possible that Cecil’s passion for 18th Century furniture and decorative arts came from his mother Caroline Colburn. Caroline was from an Irish family of some wealth and social stand-ing. Descriptions of the family home at Castle Close give a picture of a house full of antique furniture and pictures rather than nouveau-riche Victorian prod-ucts that were on offer at the time. In 1927 Cecil, then aged 71, and Lawrence sold the family business to Wells & Winch. By 1930 Cecil was the sole heir to the family fortune, which gave him the means to collect as he wished and he settled on the idea of leaving a collection to Bedford for the formation of a museum. He was, by then, very knowledgeable in the field of decorative arts but he also sought the expert advice of James Kiddell from So-theby’s. His collecting at this time became

prodigious, purchasing over 1,000 ceramic items and 300 glass items of very high qual-ity over a ten year period. In 1937 Cecil had the honour of being visited at his house by Queen Mary who looked at his collection of decorative arts. This was very significant for Cecil as it gave a royal stamp of approval for his inten-tions to found a museum in his home town. But it was also important on a personal level, as it represented the acceptance into society that Cecil had always sought, and it marked quite a journey from his origins as the son of a brewer.

Mr. higgins

a NEW THEaTRE IN BEDFORDBedford School has been given the go-ahead to convert St Luke’s chapel on St Peter’s Street into a public-facing theatre that will undoubtedly become an asset to the community as well as boosting the town’s cultural offering.

The develop-ment will retain the integrity of the existing Grade 2 listed building and the school has appointed Foster Wilson Architects who specialise in theatre design - specifically within listing properties. At present, Bedford Theatre (in the grounds of Bedford School) combines a programme of professional touring theatre with student and amateur productions. This

ethos will continue when the theatre relo-cates to St Lukes - with the added benefit of the general public being able to access the theatre from St Peter’s Street.

St. Luke’s

ThEaTrE

SOcIETY

By Jane Perrone

The horsemeat scandal may have shocked you into switching to buying your meat from the local farm shop or butcher, but have you thought about where your fruit is coming from, and whether you could start growing perhaps even a small portion of it yourself?A new community orchard taking root in Queen’s Park this month is designed to be not only a source of fruit for the locals, but also a place to meet, to learn about how to prune and take care of fruit trees and to find out about our town’s unique history of apple breeding. A team of residents and volunteers from Queen’s Park organisations and busi-nesses, from Queen’s Park Academy to the local Gurdwara, All Saints Church and the town’s Mosques are gathering at the Slipe in Queen’s Park on March 2 to plant 20 young trees, including apples, pears, plums and cherries. Among the trees are varieties bred right here in Bedford by the once famous but long-gone nursery run by the Laxton Brothers, part of Bedford’s hidden yet hugely important history. For Marie Ange Comerford-Raillon,

chair of Queen’s Park Community Orchard and Bedford officer for Faith Woodland Communities, the orchard is not just about harvesting a few apples, it’s about reclaim-ing an underused part of the town for everyone’s benefit. It was Faith Woodland Communities - an organisation that aims to encourage people to explore both nature and spiritual ideas - that spearheaded the project. Part of the planning process was canvassing local people about how the project should be shaped, as well as gaining the backing of mayor Dave Hodgson and the area’s council-lors. Marie Ange said the orchard is supported not only by the area’s faith organisations and schools, but by local businesses in Ford End Road and beyond, including Keyline, Charles Wells, Tesco, Mega Mobiles, Curryland and Bismillah Signs. “They are getting involved with the orchard because they want to find out how to grow apple trees in their own gardens,” she told me. There won’t be fruit to harvest for an-

other couple of years, but in the meantime there are events planned for the orchard in 2013, including guided tours of the area at Easter by local historians using the orchard as a starting point, a community picnic in the summer, activities for children and demonstrations on how to prune and care for fruit trees. If you’d like to join in, simply turn up at 11am on March 2, and bring along a picnic, and any digging tools,

wheelbarrows and full water contain-ers you have to help with the planting. Beyond that, Marie Ange is also hoping to add to her army of volunteers who will visit regularly to care for the trees, keep them watered and the orchard clear from litter. For more infor-mation about the orchard email Marie Ange at fwc.bed-ford@gmail.com, or find out more about the Faith Woodlands Communities by vis-

iting their website faithwoodlands.org.uk.

Jane PerroneGarden writer, editor and bloggerhttp://perrone.blogs.com/horticulturalhttp://guardian.co.uk/gardening-blog@janeperrone

By Alice Smith

If you fancy having a quiet cup of tea and a slice of home-made cake whilst taking in a great view of the inside of one of the best buildings in Bedford, you should find time to call in at the Church Foyer Cof-fee Shop. Based at the Bunyan Meeting church on Mill Street, it is run entirely by volunteers as part of the church outreach project. The coffee shop is open Tues-Fri from 10.15 - 3.30 pm, and from 10.15-1pm on Saturdays. The ladies who staff the shop know good cake when they see it, buying much of their stock from the W.I cake stall in town – and what the W.I crowd don’t know about cake-making is probably not worth knowing. The atmosphere is friendly, welcoming and chatty, and when I went in the staff were talking excitedly about the upcoming opening of the Higgins Museum, which will hopefully bring even more visi-tors to this part of town. There is a box of toys for children to rummage through, and plenty of room for them to play, or to bring

pushchairs in. In the interests of investigative cake-journalism, I sampled two of the offerings; first up was a home-made eccles cake, which was beautifully flakey and stuffed full of sticky raisins, and just the right size to accompany the nice cup of coffee that I had, which was a nice, freshly-ground one chosen at length from a large selection of hot drinks. They also offer lots of different sorts of tea, all just for 70p a cup! The second treat was a beautiful slice of Welsh bread known as Barra Barth – really fruity and delicious with butter. Margaret, who runs the coffee shop, told me that it wasn’t a regular option, but was there because the church had had some Welsh visitors stay for the weekend, who had donated the loaf to the cafe – so you may not find it there again. But the selection included regulars such as Victoria Sponge and nice-looking home-made biscuits. As well as the home-made goodies, they offer snacks like sandwiches, Kit Kats and Rich Tea biscuits, not to mention mini Cheddars, which might

be useful to know if you are trying to bribe a small child around town. Also for sale in the church foyer were Traidcraft products and hand-made cards, which are sold to raise money for Keech Hospice. Sitting and looking through the glass doors into the beautiful church, and just next door to the Bunyan Museum; this is the perfect spot to enjoy tea, cake and some of Bedford’s finest heritage. This is tea-and-cake-based multi-tasking. I’m sold!

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

Whizz Middleton is such a cool name!10

rEcIPEcaFE VIRTUOSO DOES SUNDaY BrUNch

QUEEN’S paRK cOMMUNITY ORcHaRDGarDENING

cOFFEE & caKE

March 2013

By Gemma Rogers

As a food lover and keen cook, being diagnosed with Coeliac Disease* in my late 30’s has been a steep learning curve. The obvious things I can’t eat are bread, pasta and cakes made with wheat flour. But gluten hides in a lot of unlikely places, one of them being sausages. As an avid fan of buying local it pained me to no longer pop to my favorite butchers – Lingers - for a pound of Bedford Bangers. So imagine my delight when I received a tweet from Lingers wishing to trial some gluten free sausages as they had had several other requests too. The first batch was billed as ‘Pure as the Driven Snow’ – just pork, sage, onion & black pepper and nothing else. They had a fresh, clean taste but were perhaps a little bland. Not to be defeated the awesome team at Lingers got back on the case and offered

up batch two free of charge. They were deli-cious – still just four ingredients - pork, on-ion, sage & black pepper, but the quantities had been tweaked. They even passed the taste test with my non-Coeliac pork-based-product-loving Husband, which is no mean feat. Unfortunately my gluten free Yorkshire pudding left a lot to be desired, but I have since perfected the recipe for these too so one of our family favorite meals in now back on the table! And it gets better – Lingers have also just got in a selection of gluten free sauces made by a company called Cottage Delight Speciality Foods. The Hickory Smoked Barbecue Sauce is divine and also means sticky ribs are back on the menu too, which can never be a bad thing.

*Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease. Gluten, which is found in wheat, barley and rye triggers an immune reac-tion which damages the lining of the small intestine.

SaUSaGESlINGERS’ GlUTEN FREE SaUSaGESthe Verdict!

Bun-Yum at Bunyan

The new, trendy vegetarian cafe in the heart of Bedford has recently opened it’s doors to invite you into it’s relaxed, vibrant and ambient setting.As from Sunday, 24th February, we will be opening our doors to provide Bedford with Sunday Brunch offering deli-cious pancakes which can be served with a variety of sweet or savoury toppings.The pancakes can also cater for Vegans as well as those who prefer the Gluten Free option without losing any of the taste.Please come along and let us know what you think……. Milk Free, Egg Free pancakes(can be gluten free)1 cup plain flour2 tbsp brown sugar2 tsp baking powder1/4 tsp sea/pink salt2 1/2 tbsp dairy free margarine or 4tbsp sunflower oil3/4 cup water

DIREcTIONS:1. Sift flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt together into medium mixing bowl.2. Melt 2 1/2 Tbsp margarine in frying pan until melted.3. Be sure to tip the pan side-to-side to coat/grease all over.4. Pour melted margarine in a small bowl, add water and mix well.5. Stir liquid mixture into the dry ingredi-ents until it is thoroughly moistened.6. Cook the pancakes over medium-high heat7. Cook pancakes until the tops are bubbly and the bottoms browned.8. Turn the pancakes over to cook other side (approximately four minutes per side).9. Serve hot with butter, honey, brown sugar or maple syrup, berries (our favourite was blueberries and agave syrup) or your favourite savoury toppings. (We will be trying mushroom )

SPONSOrED BY: cafe Virtuoso7 harpur Street, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK40 1La website: www.cafevirtuoso.co.uk

MRS MIDDlETON’S OIl: MaDE IN BEDFOrD(ShIrE)Whizz Middleton is evangelical about cold-pressed rapeseed oil, and she’s not the only one. Bottles of the eponymously named oil are gracing the kitchens of some of the county’s finest dining establishments and are now stocked in Castle Road’s Cheese Kitchen. “Rapeseed oil contains half the satu-rated fat of olive oil and is high in natural vitamins and omega oils,” explains Whizz from Barton Hill Farm, where they grow the rapeseed. “It also has a high smoke point, so you can cook with it at really high temperatures. It makes cracking roast potatoes!” Oh, and the bottle looks fabulous too.

With the rise in popularity of locally sourced products, it is no wonder that demand for Mrs Middleton’s Oil in on the rise. With Michelin starred restaurant Paris House, Biddenham’s Three Tuns and Luton Hoo among their exist-ing customers it is surely only a matter of time before we’re all rapeseed oil converts. Whizz’s passion for her product and for farming in general is evident. And she is so keen to share this passion that Barton Hill Farm opens to the pub-lic for environ-

mental farm walks throughout the summer. “We found that lots of people didn’t really understand where their food came from; didn’t understand farming,” said Whizz. “So we started educational farm walks and they’re great fun.” To sample Mrs Middleton’s Oil for yourself, head to The Cheese Kitchen, Castle Road. If you would like to take part in one of their farm walks, go to www.mrsmiddleton.co.uk

You can follow Whizz on twitter too @MrsMiddle-tonOil

FOOD

Lingers: Going against the grain

lOcal HEROThis month’s Local hero nomination is from rachael rice. rachel has nominated Emma Garrett and here’s why:We were particularly delighted to receive this month’s nomination for our Local Hero column, although we know the recipient will be somewhat embarrassed when she reads this piece. Emma Garrett has been nominated by local resident Rachael Rice and is, we feel, a very fitting recipient for this award. We hope she finds a few minutes in her busy day to share afternoon tea with Rachael at The Kiosk! On top of her commitment to her husband, 5 children and their schools, extended family and friends, Emma is committed to providing and coordinating a wonderful service to the community in the shape of The Kiosk in Russell Park. The kiosk reflects her heart for family and community as she seeks to provide a beautiful oasis in a busy world for all who use it – be they workers picking

up a morning coffee, children listening to stories at story time, walkers, tennis players and park users to name but a few. The thought that Emma and her team put in to creating a vibrant, current and ever evolving hub for the community reflect her energy, selfless heart for others and zest for life.

By Sharon Grenham-Toze

here we are in March, and the start of the year already seems like ages ago. Easter’s just around the corner and I’m al-ready looking forward to the chocolate!That got me wondering how everyone’s New Year resolutions are going. Have they blended into ‘giving up’ for Lent, or just given up the ghost? It wasn’t really a resolution, but I promised myself I’d have a few adventures this year. As if life with young children and working with prisoners weren’t adventure enough! Still, I have a plan to climb Snow-don in the summer, and I’m also learning to sail. I’ve really been bitten by the sailing bug, and I’ve noticed a really strange thing happening. Everywhere I go now, I notice stretches of water in a way I never used to! I’ll spot masts from a mile off, I find myself looking at waterproof clothes and reading about clouds. It really does feel like ‘water,

water everywhere!’ What’s happened is my focus has changed and my eyes have been opened to a whole new world. So often we see only the things we want to see, or the things we expect to see. So if we go through life thinking the world’s against us, or maybe that we just can’t do something, then that can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. In the same way, if we think that a certain group of people will always behave a particular way, then we’ll probably see only those things that reinforce our point of view. I know one of the things former prisoners tell me is how hard it was to convince people that they’d learned their lesson and could be a produc-tive member of society; everyone assumes ‘once a criminal always a criminal’ and we only pay attention to tales of the so-called ‘failures.’ Sadly, all too often it’s a similar story for those who have experienced mental ill-health. The stigma lingers long after the illness has either disappeared or been successfully controlled. And, be hon-est, how often does one look at someone

and make a judgement about them based entirely on what they look like? We see what we want or expect to see. But if we’re prepared to change our focus, then suddenly we can start seeing the world through very dif-ferent eyes indeed. Maybe it’s through a dramatic turn of events in our own lives, or possibly a conscious decision to see the other side. That’s why ‘back to the

floor’ days at work can be so helpful. I’ve done it a few times and it’s certainly opened my eyes to someone else’s daily life. In lots of ways that’s what the best resolutions achieve, and it’s what Lent’s about too – changing our mindset, and noticing what we’ve never noticed before. Well, one of the things I’ve already learned through sailing is that it’s really important to keep your line of sight clear, and your eyes alert and focussed for what-ever might come your way. Who knows what’s just over the horizon, but as the year rolls on, I’m looking forward to riding the waves….

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

11Have a Happy Easter!

BEHIND THE ScENES aT THE MUSEUM

BEHIND THE WallS WITH a pRISON cHaplaIN: plaiN sailiNg toWards easter

rELIGION

Over the last few days, new exhibits arebeing prepared at The Higgins, Bedford, with many familiar objects being returned to the house.

The new displays introduce Eigh-teenth, and early Nineteenth, century furniture and decorative arts in the setting he originally intended. Cllr Doug McMurdo, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture at Bedford Borough Council, said: “These are exciting times as we eagerly await The Hig-gins, Bedford’s opening. We believe the site will create both national and international interest.” The house was built in 1846 by Cecil Higgins’ grandfather, local brewer Charles Higgins, and re-mained within the family for several decades. Cecil Higgins became sole heir of the Higgins estate and used his inheritance to build a collection of decorative arts which, in his own words, he could leave ‘for the benefit, interest and education of the inhabitants of, and visitors to Bedford’. He left the house to the Borough of Bedford, to display his collection. The collections are used to reflect the historic uses of different rooms. The dining room, which will display star items from Cecil’s collec-tion of 18th Century tableware, will explore dining rituals and compare Georgian and Victorian etiquette. The Morning Room, which would have been used by the female members of the Higgins family for taking tea with close friends, practising crafts and writing letters, will include an elaborate array of tea pots and porcelain figures. The

Drawing Room will house key pieces of furniture including an intricate marquetry cabinet. Although the original furniture from the house didn’t survive, an inven-tory of its contents suggests that, like householders today, the Higgins’s furnished their house with a mixture of modern and antique, an idea which is reflected in the displays.

Upstairs, the bedroom, which is referred to on the inventory as the ‘pink room’, and the dressing room will explore the lives of women like those of the Higgins’ family, and offer visitors the chance to dress up. More pieces from the Higgins’s furniture collection will be displayed alongside costume and jewellery. During the redevelopment, the house has been redecorated throughout - although no trace of the original decoration in the house

SPONSOrS OF: lOcal HEROES

March 2013

aNNE GODWIN Give her Your Flipping

MoneyThe Bedford Clanger owes its success to a great many people. One of our distribu-tors is the one & only Anne Godwin. 2012 saw her being an Olympic torch bearer and this year she’s set herself an even bigger challenge… To ‘celebrate’ 10 years since being of-ficially diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and in a moment of madness Anne has entered the London to Brighton Chal-lenge2013 – a mere ‘stroll’ of 100KM (that’s 62.5 miles in old money)

“Training is proving tough as I’m still recovering from an operation in late No-vember and, more than once, the thought that this just might be one walk too far has dared to cross my mind,” says Anne. “So PLEASE will you consider encouraging me by sponsoring me? I’m raising money for the Beds & Northants MS Therapy Centre- which has played a pivotal role in keeping me upright and walking despite the difficulties MS throws at me.” Go Anne!

You can find out more & sponsor Anne on-line at http://www.justgiving.com/Annegodwin1

Talented Bedfordshire pupils have come up with winning designs to rebrand aspect leisure park.Laura Dwyer of Lincroft Middle School was the overall winner with her concept combining the River Great Ouse with en-tertainment in the form of a cine reel. She also suggested the change of name: “Cygnet Leisure Park”. Her win netted her school £250 towards art funds, courtesy of Aspects Leisure Park. Laura has also been invited to work with the designers as they develop her idea into a commercial design for the rebrand of Aspects Leisure Park. Mayor Dave Hodg-son, who was on the judging panel, said: “the competition has given pupils the opportunity to express themselves and at the same time, apply their creative skills to an

exciting, real-life project.” Plans for the Leisure Park include the extension and refurbishment of the exist-ing cinema to a state of the art venue with more screens, including 3D, a high quality environment and better seating; a wider choice of restaurants and cafes along with improvements to its appearance and better links to the riverside. Lincroft Head Teacher, Mark Duke, commented “We are very proud of our pupils and this competition has given us the opportunity to extend their creative talent as well as to showcase their work”.

aSpEcTS lEISURE paRK

Mayor Dave & pupils at Lincroft Middle School

NEW DISplaYS BREaTHE lIFE BacK INTO THE HIGGINS

refurbishments are taking place

was found when the walls were stripped back, the art gallery and museum team have chosen fabric, wallpaper and paint colours to suggest the age and status of the house Last week some of the larger items were installed in the house including a 2m high mirror in the dressing room, bookcases and cabinets in the drawing room, and an unusual chair bed in the bedroom. In the

morning room a specialist mountmaker has been working with the display cases that will feature teapots and figurines. His team have been busy making over 120 bespoke mounts for each object, ready for them to go on display. While there is still a lot more to do, the spaces in the house are slowly being brought back to life.

Phot

ogra

phy:

Kris

tian

Purc

ell @

The

Hig

gins

cOMPETITION

Emma Garrett of The Kiosk

Monster Yarns and the Scone Roses WI are determined that we should all get knitting. To this end they are holding a ‘Teach Yourself to Knit’ workshop on the 9th March between 10.30am and 12.30pm. The session is open to men, women and children of all ages. You will receive tuition, a ball of wool, needles and a pattern to take away with you. The session costs £10 and you will also get tea and cake! If you are interested in booking a place contact sconeroseswi@yahoo.co.uk. From the 5 March and then the first Tuesday of every month afterwards, Mon-ster Yarns and the Scone Roses WI will host a knitting group from 7pm to 8.30pm at Pensieri, 34 Castle Lane, Bedford.

All levels of knitters and crocheters welcome. Bring your current projects, pat-terns and meet like-minded people for a creative and entertaining evening with a chance to try-and-buy new yarns.Free first lesson forbeginnersFor more information call 07917 841 599

The Bedford Jelly is, for the want of a better description, a one day co-working flash mob;

Bringing together freelancers, home-work-ers and anyone else who normally works in some degree of isola-tion, into one shared space for a day. The idea is to bring about an exchange of skills and experience and to provide a little bit of inspiration which might not occur in a normal day. Bedford Jelly takes place at Frescoes Coffee Shop, Mill Street on the first Thursday of every month. The concept was invented in 2006 by two IT freelancers in New York who were chatting one day about the drawbacks of working from home – mainly getting sick of the same old four walls and missing the company of other people. “Wouldn’t it be a great idea,” they mused, “to get a group of home workers together in one place where they could have free wi-fi access for work, access to refreshments and plenty of cre-

ative people to share gossip, knowledge and experience with”. So that’s what they did, and they called it Jelly because they were eating jelly beans when they were struck by inspiration. “I originally started the Bedford Jelly as I had seen how successful the informal collaborations that the i-lab & i-kan centres

had produced were,” explained Keith Purdie of i-kan. “I wanted to try and give non-office based businesses the same opportunities to meet and share ideas. Leigh Frost and myself got involved because we ourselves are inspired and motivated by attending these

groups, and we both want to see a tighter, more productive community of small busi-nesses in the town grow from these events. Jellys are always free to attend, and we are grateful to Kevin Kavanagh at Frescoes for providing a room and some Wifi for us. The Bedford Jellys take place on the first Thursday of the month and there’s a bit more info (and a booking page) at www.bedfordjelly.co.uk. We also have a Face-book and LinkedIn profile for the sessions.”

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

12

ThaNK YOUSThe Bedford Clanger is a labour of love for a lot of people. No one’s making a fortune, we just want to encourage people to embrace and love our town. As ever, this issue would not have been possible without the immense talents of the following people:

Designer Extraordinaire: Marisa Straccia (madamebogg.blogspot.co.uk)Advertising Director: Gemma Rogers (@clangerads)Listings Supremo: Bev Burridge (@... well, we just love her)Front cover phtography: Darren Marsh (www.darrenleemarsh.com) Front cover design: Marisa StracciaAdditonal editorial: Charles Rose (@prettyfabguy), Jack Sharp, Lloyd Lugsden, Paula Walker, Richard Smith, Gemma Rogers

Gardening: Jane PerroneSnappy Snappers: Donnie Canning, Ailish CanningProof Reader: Inga Wharton

Knitters have balls

BEDFORD cRaFTS, pRODUcE & a cUppa: LOcaL ThINGS FOr LOcaL PEOPLE

BEDFORD JEllY

KNITTING claSSES

March 2013

Bedford crafts, Produce and a cuppa is a brand new venture taking place at church lane community centre on 2nd March and every first Saturday of the month thereafter.

It’s all about community and support-ing local businesses and trying to educate people to buy local produce and give them somewhere to get together on a monthly basis. The organisers also want to support local small businesses who may not be able to have a shop in the town centre yet. Said Zoe & Su: “There will be a lovely rest area to enjoy a cuppa (your first cup’s free) and a piece of cake, then you can browse at your own leisure amongst all the fabulous Bedfordian businesses and their handmade items or locally produced foods.”

Bedford Crafts is putting sociability, shopping and supporting local businesses at the heart of their community and we at The Clanger wish them every success. You will also be able to get a copy of The Clanger while you’re there!

Want to sell your stuff at Bedford Crafts? Or maybe you want to help out? You can email Zoe & Su at: contact@loveofcup-cakes.co.uk

The former Saracen’s head pub on St Paul’s Square has been given a new lease of life.

Having been vacant for a number of years, the building will open as Number 13, a licensed cafe and ‘front of house’ for its neighbour, The Corn Exchange. Number 13 will serve drinks and food, with the empha-sis on pre-dinner dining. Information and tickets for Corn Exchange events will be available and the two buildings have been linked so that ticket holders can go straight from the bar into the auditorium. At the front of the bar will be a big

screen showing live performances from the Corn Exchange; the perfect way to enjoy the Philharmonia, Bedfringe or other sell-out events if you are unable to get a ticket. Number 13 is very much a community space and aims to encourage book groups, poetry recitals, open mic and craft groups to make as much use of it as possible. “Its identity is its attachment to the theatre,” said Andy Pidgeon, Events Manager at Bedford Borough Council. “We hope Number 13 becomes a hub for the art and culture scene in Bedford.”

Number 13 will be officially opened on 17th March by comedian Russell Kane who will be performing at the Corn Ex-change that evening.

NUMBER 13 - LUcKY FOr BEDFOrD

russell Kane

School of craft and Monster Yarns will join forces for a special fabric and yarn sale in Bedford. There will be lots of beautiful fabrics from Japanese and American designers, fat quarters and remnants. Monster Yarns will bring a huge range of deliciously tempting yarns - merino, alpaca, silk, chenille, mohair, bamboo needles and lots more. If you want to add to your stash of crafty supplies head to The Lane on Saturday 16th March between 10 am to 12pm.

FaBRIc & YaRN SalEWorkiNg together

craFT cOrNEr

NeW pUb NeWs

knit happens!

Illus

tratio

n: M

aris

a St

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This fabric is sew darn cute