The Bedford Clanger February 2013

ISSUE 19: February 2013
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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
by Charles Rose (you can follow Charles
on Twitter @prettyfabguy)
Childhood memories
of queuing outside the
Granada cinema in the
passageway that today
joins the Lidl car park
with St Peters Street are
a cornerstone for many
bedfordians of a certain
age.
What more recent residents
may not know is that alongside
frst run flms (as opposed
to second run a few weeks
later shown at The Empire
in Midland Road) is that
many of the top music acts
played The Granada dur-
ing the 60s.
Including The Rolling Stones,
The Yardbirds and even Jimi
Hendrix - albeit second on the
bill to Englebert Humperdinck.
However the greatest of all
these was The Beatles. When you
consider that they stopped touring
in 1966, the fact that they played in
Bedford three times was remarkable in
itself. The frst was in December 1962
when for the only time in Bedford they
topped the bill at the Corn Exchange when
Joe Brown had to cancel due to illness.
The second was on 6th of February 1963
when they toured with Helen Shapiro and
others. They came back again on 12th of
March and played as a three piece due to
John Lennon falling ill.
This was one of the seminal times in
the bands history. Please Please Me was
recorded on January 11th and whilst not
having the immediacy of todays music,
took its time to climb the charts where it
fnally went
to Number 1
on February
22nd. At this
time they were
recording the
eponymous
LP at Abbey
Road (ask
your parents or
grandparents!)
and songs such
as I Saw Her
Standing There
as well as Twist
and Shout were
also on the
recordings.
The band
did not have the trappings
of todays rock giants.
They famously turned up
in an old blue dormobile
with the most basic of kit,
which was assembled on
the modest stage at The
Granada
The actual set lists
are not verifable but
would on the frst
occasion have in-
cluded songs such
as Chains, Keep your
hands off my baby, Taste of
Honey as well as their chart topper.
The list on the second date would have
included more of the album that they had
just recorded.
The shows also attracted the BBC to re-
cord some of it for their 625 Show which
was the forerunner for Top of the Pops.
Whilst too young to go myself, I remem-
ber the buzz about the fact that the band
were playing the Granada. Anyone who
ever went will never forget the splendour of
that great old cinema and theatre now lost to
the current generation of Bedfordians.
Welcome to the
February issue of
The Bedford Clanger.
After our January break it is a pleasure
to be back, brining you all the best that
Bedford has to offer. And what a month
weve got for you. As youll see from our
cover story, the end of February will see a
furry of artistic activity in the town centre
and beyond with the Almanac Festival
curated by Bedford Creative Arts. There
will be something for everyone and we
thoroughly recommend getting involved.
This month is the 50th anniversary of
the Beatles performance in Bedford, so
this months Hometown Tourist celebrates
this momentous event. To bring things up
to date, weve asked todays music movers
and shakers what their most memorable
gigs and events have been. Bedford has
played host some of the most infuential
musical acts of the last 50 years. We have
a truly thriving live music scene thanks to
the dedication of a few for the entertain-
ment of many. Promoters, club owners,
DJs - we salute you!

While weve had our Christmas break I
have begun to learn the art of Bedforshire
lace. I have received the warmest wel-
come from Marylin and all at the Aragon
Lacemakers and it really isnt as compli-
cated as it looks (famous last words...).
Ill keep you posted on my progress but if
youd like to fnd out more you can email
Marylin (MTWO5@aol.com). Finally,
a massive thank you to Sarah Dunn of
Sarahs Doo Wop Dos, Graham Watson
for the photo and Rose Tinted Vintage for
hosting the shoot.
Graham is not only a great photogra-
pher, but (quick plug) he has just launched
a new creative agency that we just love.
You can contact him here: Graham@
WeCanCreative.com.
Have a wonderful February
x
February 2013
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
2
No need to fret about broken guitar strings.
By Emily Finney
Were celebrating live
music this month, so
where better to get
started on the ladder to
rock & roll stardom than
The Music Centre on
Tavistock Street?
Bruce Murray opened the shop over a
quarter of a century ago. Emily Finney
popped in for a chat:
Why did you open a music shop?
Because I was mad? In hindsight why
would anyone go into retail? But we
opened in December 1986 and its 26 years
now so we must have done something right!
What do you sell?
Mostly guitars, but also, drums and percus-
sion, sheet music, keyboards, digital pianos,
accessories and we have a service depart-
ment that repairs pretty much anything!
A rehearsal space which has been used by
infamous and famous people alike - the
guys from Don Broco, The QuireBoys, Bon
Jovi, Fishbone, Stereophonics, Jamiroquai,
Hanoi Rocks, Andrew WK, Jason Bonham,
Peter Green, Evan Dando have all rehearsed
there We are almost a one stop music
shop.
What do you like about Tavistock Street?
I like it being based on Tavistock street
because well.we are near the Flowerpot
and its a wonderful pub! And Noble Rot
is across the road- Tavistock is a unique
street, so much going on.
What do you like about Bedford?
Bedford has got the best river and the
best people and the best music scene and
the best music shop and its got me!
What about you Bruce, you have been
in a few bands over the years?
Ive been in a few bands. You want to
know from the beginning? Ok When
I was in school I used to play in a band
called The Hectics with a young guy
called Farrokh Bulsara.
Otherwise known as?
Well, Freddie Mercury...
And how did that pan out for you?
Well he did a little bit better than I
did.
What do you think of the music scene
in Bedford?
I think its phenomenal, I think its a shame
that people dont appreciate what they have
got in Bedford because if you go down
Esquires on a Sunday afternoon you will
see the best bands you are ever going to
seethey should be being paid money to
be there and its all done for free. We have
the most unique musicians than any other
towns.Ive lived in other townsI know
and I know that we have people like Max
Milligan, Denny Mcaffrey, Mick New-
man you know he was in a famous band
once called Tobruk.
There are other pubs that do live music
but really Esquires is the one.
You had quite a hand in getting Esquires
started didnt you?
Well in 1989, Kuldip (owner of Esquires)
asked me to go and put some live music on
and the frst band we ever put on was called
The Thunderbirds or something. I said to
Keith, look get some booze get some staff
its going to be great, of course he didnt
take any notice and we got 300 people up
there so after that we did the live music,
Sid Worth and myself . We started the disco
and the frst night we had to beg people to
come ina month later we got Kev Bailey
& Neil and Pete Burridge & Charlie, and
they came and put on some nights and a
month later you couldnt even get into the
place, and those guys went on to put on
some of the best gigs Bedford has seen.
What was your best live gig recently?
Quireboys (Bruce manages the Quire-
boys ... I think he is biased)
The best gig I ever put on was in Esquires,
there was a band called Hot Kniveswho
were a Ska band, and this skinhead came
up to me one night and said Bruce I want to
put this Ska band on and I said nah I dont
think so. he said itll be fne! Ill handle it
all you gotta do is take the ticket money.
well.it was packed! From the moment
this band went on there was dancing and
that I think is the best gig Ive seen.
What is the future of live music in
Bedford?
I think there will always be good bands
coming out of Bedford because of the older
people that are around to show them how
and I think with likes of Don Broco and the
Wholls you can tell Bedford knows how to
ThE MUSIC CENTRE 35-37 TaviSToCk ST,
bedFord Mk40 2rb
Tel: 01234 346206 www.musiccentre.co.uk
UNIQUE BEDFORD
hOMETOWN TOURIST
IT WAS 50 YEARS AGO TODAY...
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victoria Goldsmith, area
volunteer Manager at
Cancer Research UK tells
us how you can get involved
in their vital work:
Cancer Research UK is the worlds leading
cancer charity dedicated to saving lives
through research. Our groundbreaking work
into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment
of cancer has seen survival rates double in
the last 40 years. Our scientists and doctors
have contributed to most of the worlds top
cancer drugs and we have pioneered the use
of radiotherapy to treat cancer.
We dont just do research. Every year we
help millions of people get the information
they need to understand the disease. And,
together with our supporters, we campaign
on key cancer issues including access to
cancer drugs, screening and reducing the
use of tobacco.
More than one in three of us will get
cancer at some point in our lives. Our
research to beat cancer is entirely funded by
the public. And thanks to their generosity
our scientists, doctors and nurses are lead-
ing the world in discovering new ways to
fght cancer.
Last year we raised 432million. For
every 1 you donate we guarantee that 80p
will be spent directly on research.
Thanks to our supporters, we spent
more than 42 million last year on leading
scientifc and clinical research in East
Anglia. We fund groundbreaking research
throughout the region, from clinical trials
running at nearby hospitals, to our Cancer
Research UK Centre in Cambridge. Our
Centres bring together experts in the lo-
cal medical and scientifc community to
translate research into benefts for patients
as quickly as possible.
If you would like to fnd out more
about volunteering or fundraising for
Cancer research UK please contact me at
victoria.goldsmith@cancer.org.uk or
07909 967718.
FuNdraiSiNG
CANCER RESEARCh
UK
The ol Granada
bruce Murray: Guitar Hero
Would you like to sponsor this column?
The Bedford Clanger
is read by around 10,000 people.
if youd like to promote your business to our
readers then contact
Gemma Rogers on 07799067052
email:bedfordclangerads@gmail.com
produce talent.
I see some of the young guys that come
in the shop and they are like 12 years old I
think how the hell can they play like that?
At that age? They can play the piano and
guitar! There is no way you can learn that
stuff at 12but they doso theres your
future.
Live music thrives in
bedford due to the hard
work and dedication of
the club-owners,
promoters, musicians and
the great gig-going
public.
From open mic nights and intimate gigs to
the latest must-see bands and revival acts,
Bedfordians are spoilt for choice. We asked
some of our towns movers and shakers for
their live music memories.
First up, Kev Bailey of The Pad
Presents remembers some of the
long-gone music venues and the
bands that played there.
Kev is a mine of musical information, so for
the full meander down memory lane, head
over to our blog http://thebedfordclanger.
wordpress.com/. In
the meantime, U2 in
Queens Park anyone?!
The Horse & Groom,
Queens Park: The
classic backroom of a
pub, this was used in
the early 80s by local
and touring bands
on the circuit, gigs
worthy of a mention
include U2 and Maril-
lion, this pub has since
been demolished.
Bedford Boys Club,
Bradgate Road (now
The Place) : This was
the venue for my frst
ever local gig aged 14
when I saw Sheffeld
electronic industrial-
ists Cabaret Voltaire.
Other notable gigs at
this venue include The
Fall, New Order, The
Cocteau Twins, Test
Dept, Virgin Prunes in the ear-
lier part of 80s; then a wave of
bands visited around 1987 1988
with some highlights including
Spacemen 3, The Godfathers,
Dr and the Medics, Balaam &
The Angel and the Chiefs of
Relief, an early rock / dance rap
crossover band that never
really made it but they
were way ahead of the
game. The band featured
the let Matthew Ashman
from Bow Wow Wow and
Paul Cook from the Sex
Pistols. Its the only time
a Pistol has ever played in
Bedford as far as I know.
I will try and bring P.I.L to
town one day though.
Bunyan centre: Unusually this venue
hosted a lot of post and 2nd wave of punk
in the early 80s. Gigs there included The
Exploited and Theatre Of Hate to name but
a few. However a lot of regular crowd over-
excitement brought a swift end to this sort
of show at this council-run property.
Winkles (now the Pad): Still the same size
building then as it is now nothing has really
changed over the years in that respect.
However there was the odd gig that took
place at this venue both pre my time and
later days. Gigs included the Galaxie 500,
Silverfsh (later Ruby), The Cloud (later
Teenage Fanclub) the Membranes (ft John
Robb / Goldblade) and there was an early
visit from a band called the Wake which
featured Bobby Gillespie from Primal
Scream on bass.
Bowen West theatre Lansdowne Road
(now derelict ): Part of the university this
was used for a couple gigs in the late 80s,
one stand out gig included the US band
Ultra Vivid Scene. The stage was
very low and the building had
tiered seats resulting in a small
dance foor in front of the stage. A lively
crowd at the Ultra Vivid Scene show saw
the crowd spill onto the stage with the
singer getting punched in the mouth by
accident. I think this was the last gig at the
venue!
Esquires 1990 onwards: Esquires grew
out of the ashes of the G.I.C and opened up
for business around March 1990 reverting
to the gig venue being upstairs and the orig-
inal gig hall turned into a night club (now
Holy Molys). The opening of the venue
coincided with the Madchester scene in full
swing and the venue had visits from Teen-
age Fanclub, Spiritualized and Stereolab. I
promoted my frst gigs that year bringing
Ocean Colour Scene and Chapterhouse to
town and I have never really been able to
leave it alone since! John Peel also showed
up a Babes In Toyland show that year as
well, his frst and last visit to the venue.
The history of Esquires from that point
in is quite well
documented
through various
websites however
a personal fave gig
of mine Carbon
Silicon which fea-
tured Mick Jones
from the Clash:
putting on a band
with a member of
the Clash dont
really get much
better for me!
The Angel MK
1 Elstow Road:
Famed on the Jazz
circuit as well as
Rhythm and Blues
etc the venue also
hosted the odd gig
in the late 80s of
interest with wor-
thy visits by Urge
Overkill, Thrilled
Skinny and the venue was
later home to the Thirst
Club at the very beginnings
of the Brit Pop explo-
sion. Some great bands
came through at this time
including Elastica, Sleeper
and Compulsion and the
infamous and only visit to
Bedford by Oasis.
The Angel mk2,
The Broadway
(Now Klub Kristal):
Owned and run the
same person as the
original venue I
started promoting
there along with local
indie legend Milky
(qv) as the Roar Club
around 2006 / 2007. Although it didnt last
long, some of the stuff we managed to bring
to town was quite impressive including
a sweaty show with ska legend Neville
Staple, The Young Knives, Bromheads
Jacket and a low key warm-up date with
Razorlight which sold out in 2 minutes on-
line. We also put on early shows from Jamie
T with Laura Marling supporting whom we
paid just 12.50! The club lasted about 18
months then it went as quick as it arrived.
Corn Exchange St Pauls Square: The
Pad Presents initial trial for a show at the
Corn Exchange was to host a Ska Festival
for St Georges Day. Pleasingly we found
that the staff at the venue were as enthusi-
astic as ourselves and got right behind us
to make the gigs work. We aim to bring
some great acts to Bedford this year and
have already booked Stiff Little Fingers,
Buzzcocks and US Punk legends The
Misfts. Bands that have already played for
us are frequently asking to return. Looking
into the future the list of a few bands I
would love to snare include some mid 90s
indie action from Inspiral Carpets, Happy
Mondays, Shed 7 or similar. And looking
further back I would love to get Echo &
the Bunnymen, Public Image Ltd and Peter
Hook and even Soul II Soul playing in
town, as long as people keep on showing
up we will try and deliver the goods. Watch
this space!
We asked renowned music promoter
Milky for his best bedford gigs. it
was a tough call
Ive been to quite a few since 1986
and put on nearly 100 gigs myself - which
makes it very hard to pick.
Some of the classic Bedford gigs I
considered: The Primitives, Baby Bird,
Razorlight, Coldplay, Kasabian, Elastica,
Franz Ferdinand, Muse, The Libertines,
Evan Dando, Super Furry Animals, Man-
sun, Idlewild, Teenage Fanclub, Spiritual-
ized, The Boo Radleys, Gene, Dinosaur Jr
and The View - memorable nights all.
But after due consideration, here are my six
faves...
1. ART BRUT @ Esquires on 7th Nov
2006 - best frontman performance Ive
witnessed in Bedford, the indie Pied Piper
(Eddie Argos) owned the audience.
2. COMPULSION / SHED 7 @ The Angel
(Elstow Road) on 5th March 1994 - energy,
energy, energy.
3. SWERVEDRIVER / ORANGE DE-
LUXE @ Esquires on 29th July 1993 - Two
of my favourite bands playing to a rammed
Esquires.
4. SUPERGRASS / THE BLUETONES
@ Esquires on 4th Feb 1995 Freeze this
moment in time because Bedford was the
centre of the music universe right there.
5. A / GLITTERBOX / MANBREAK @
Esquires on 8th Nov 1997 - The venue was
jumping from the moment Manbreak hit the
frst chorus.
6. ELBOW / MULL HISTORICAL SO-
CIETY @ Esquires 14th May 2001 - Guy
Garvey hade an enraptured audience eating
out of his plam.
Clanger reader, Stuart kingston
contacted us with his most memorable
gigs. Were you at any of these?
Says Stuart: I am lucky to have lived
in Bedford most of life and have enjoyed
many gigs over the years. I totally miss
Lazy Sunday although the River Festival
makes up for it every other year with the
choice of stages. Heres a few of my
favourite gigs :
The Godfathers - Bradgate Boys Club +
Greyfriars : Ghost Dance - Bedford Col-
lege: Dinosaur Jr - Bedford College : The
Mission Esquires : Glasvegas Esquires
: The Chapman Family - Esquires (all 3
times) : Razorlight - The Angel (new loca-
tion) : Batfsh Boys : Chas n Dave - Corn
Exchange : Mumm-Ra Esquires : Neville
Staple -Corn Exchange : Vintage Trouble -
Esquires + Corn Exchange
Gareth Barber of Pad Presents gives
us some behind-the-scenes secrets
from some of the gigs the boys have
put on:
What is one of the most memorable live
gigs youve been to in Bedford?
Vintage Trouble. Wed booked them the
week after seeing them on Jools Holland,
Esquires was packed and they played for
nearly 3 hours non-stop. Im not sure if the
main memories from that one are from the
band being incredible, the week of leg pains
afterwards or fnding a certain someone
passed out supporting his bodyweight on his
forehead in the Esquires cloakroom.
What is the best gig youve ever put on?
For atmosphere I would probably say Does
it Offend You, Yeah? We had booked them
a couple of weeks after they were on the
front cover of NME, but also accidently
booked them when Esquires was already
booked upstairs. We had to put them on in
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
3 Check The Listings pages for gigs this month.
February 2013
MuSiC
LIVE MUSIC MEMORIES
Book now for
ticketed Almanac
Festival events.
Brought to you by
Bedford Creative
Arts
Book online at www.bedfordcreativearts.org.uk or call 01234 818670.
Sat 23 FeB Almanac Film Night: Made in Bedford:the Pad, Lurke Street Films starts 7.30pm tickets 5
Sun 24 FeB Vocal Migrations.St Cuthberts Hall, newnham Street 2pm 4pm Free, but booking essential
Sun 24 FeB Concerto Magnifcent: An Anthology of All Things St Cuthberts Hall, newnham Street
Doors: 7.30pm tickets 8, 5 concs

4 Clair Court, Lime St,
Bedford, Mk40 1nH.
open mon-sat
10am - 5pm.
www.rose-tintedvintage.co.uk
the club downstairs and hired in a ridiculous
12K PA that made your teeth tremble. Kids
were going nuts and myself and fellow pro-
moter Chris ended up holding 200 of them
back behind makeshift crowd barriers with
the band playing right in our faces. Some
guy broke his collarbone, thats when you
know its been a good gig!
Why do you love what you do?
I got the bug from the frst ever show I put
on, speaking to a man with the biggest grin
on his face ever, telling me how happy he
was that wed put his favourite DJ on. Its
a weird, almost addictive buzz that hap-
pens from the moment you book someone
after spending hours of your time chasing
them, all the way through to the pressure
of fronting loads of money not knowing if
itll work, only having your gut to go on
and then it all coming off (or not) in the
end. You get to meet loads of weird and
wonderful people and I like the pressure to
make sure its a good show, which in the
end is the most important thing. The only
reason I started is because I didnt like what
was getting put on, which at the time wasnt
alot, so I did it myself. The added bonus is
that it adds to the cultural side of the town I
live in and in turn hope that it promotes the
town in a positive way too.
St. CuthbertS hall
Under New Ownership
Available to hire:
Recently refurbished Conference Room
Large Hall with Bar & Catering Facilities
All functions catered for, large or small!
Contact Angelo: 07951 604586
stcuthbertshall@hotmail.com
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
4
Have you checked out the new games at www.schoolofcraft.co.uk ?
Is read by around 10,000 people
if youd like to promote your business to our readers then contact
Gemma Rogers on 07799067052
email:bedfordclangerads@gmail.com @clangerads
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
arT FeSTivaL
MuSiC
PLedGe your SuPPorT To reCord CONCERTO MAGNICIFENT
JEWISH, LIVE IN OR
NEAR BEDFORD?
Bedfordshire Progressive Synagogue
invites you to a service of dedication
for our new ark and chavarah (lunch)
on 2nd March 2013.
All welcome.
For more details call: 0845 8697105
email: info@bedsps.org.uk
www.bedfordshire-ps.org.uk
Find us on
Facebook:BedfordshirePS
A Professional family business who aim to provide you with support and
service when you need it.
Arrangements can be made at your home
Private viewing chapel
Floral tributes arranged
Full range of memorials
Customer parking to rear
37 St Cuthberts Street, Bedford MK40 3JG
Tel: 01234 363191 (24 hours) www.molyneuxjones.co.uk
Molyneux Jones
Family Funeral Directors
www.goodfuneralguide.co.uk
Bedford Creative Arts, the
charity who last year were
responsible for the
beautiful installation in St
Pauls Square, Lace in Place,
and the spectacular new
choral work Concerto
Magnificent: An Anthology
of All Things, is presenting a
weekend of art made in
bedford.
Almanac Festival will take
place in Bedford on 22nd to
24th February 2013, and all of it
has been fuelled by unique con-
tributions from those who have
taken part in Bedford Creative
Arts projects; you, your friends
and your neighbours.
Speaking about the festival, Bedford
Creative Arts Director Dawn Giles gave a
taste of what to expect:
Experience magical night time light
projections, take part in animated discus-
sions, and visit our pop up cinema to see
flms made in Bedford. Become a walking
musical instrument in our new interactive
sound installation, or drink tea, take a walk
with us and fnd out more about how after-
noon tea started in Bedfordshire. Come and
hear the Concerto Magnifcent, a concert
of new music with words written by you,
the people of Bedford. Look up for our new
High Street installation and look out for our
Town Crier!
The full festival programme can be found in
the Clanger Listing (pages 5 8). However,
heres The Clangers pick of our Almanac
Festival favourites:
Festival Hub will be located in Bedfords
market. Open all weekend, the hub is your
main point of information about the festival.
Pick up event times, book onto ticketed
events, or just have a chat with us about
your festival experiences.
Friday 22nd February
Lace in Place
Piazza kiosk & 1 St Pauls Square
6.30 - 8pm Free
Wrap up warm and join BCA as they light
up the night. To celebrate the end of artist
Arabel Rosillo de Blas amazing Lace in
Place, Arabel and audio-visual artist Kathy
Hinde will lace the building with light and
sound, while the Piazza Kiosk will provide
warming drinks and great company.
Saturday 23rd February
Caf Almanac Artists talks
The Studio Club, 32 alexandra
road
1 2.30pm Free
Get behind the scenes, join the de-
bate and ask us questions. Weve
invited Bedfordshire artists Aaron
Head, Andy Holden and Dominic
from Luton to present art and ideas
relating to their home towns. Join us at the
Studio Club for what promises to be a lively
and thought provoking afternoon.
Tea and a walk in a (small) field
Ground Floor Coffee, kings House,
ampthill road 3 5pm Free
See one of the biggest cakes ever and then
eat it! As one of our mini commissions,
local artist Kezia Hall is asking you to help
us to create the towns largest cake, inspired
by your own local stories, and the Duchess
of Bedford, creator of Afternoon Tea.
Almanac Film Night; Made in
Bedford
The Pad, Lurke Street Films start at
7.30pm. Tickets 5 from
www.bedfordcreativearts.org.uk or
the festival hub
Made in Bedford, these flms arent avail-
able anywhere else! A window into how we
have worked with you to make art happen.
Come along for a unique cinematic experi-
ence, then party late with us at the Pad
nightclub.
Sunday 24th February
Vocal Migrations
upstairs at St Cuthberts Hall, Newn-
ham Street 2pm 4pm
Free, but please book a slot at
the festival hub
Experience being a bat! Use echo location
to see your surroundings in the dark, and
create unusual sounds using just your voice
and a specially created electronic voice box.
Audio visual artist Kathy Hinde presents
her experimental artwork for voices. This is
an interactive afternoon where you can sing,
play and shout.
Concerto Magnificent: An
Anthology of All Things. St Cuth-
berts Hall, Newnham Street. doors
open 7.30pm
Tickets 8, 5 concs from
the festival hub
To close the festival Bedfords Community
Choir led by composer Johnny Parry pres-
ents a spectacular yet intimate staging of the
Concerto Magnifcent. Made in Bedford by
Bedford, this is your chance to experience
a rare live performance of this amazing
achievement of collaborative music-making,
whether you saw its premiere performance
last September or are experiencing it here
for the frst time.
Art Installations
Along the high Street - Free
Funded by the Arts Council, artist Bettina
Furnee has been working with the Portas
Pilot Town Team and the shopkeepers and
users of Bedfords High Street to create
a new piece of public art. Look up to see
the High Street in a new way. This fun and
playful new work will provide clues to the
people and history of one of Bedfords main
shopping areas.
Infinite29 Town Centre
10.30am 5.30pm, Saturday & Sunday
Free
A new pop-up art installation for the town
Centre. Flickering and atmospheric, this is a
contemporary take on Bedfords lacemaking
heritage. Bedford Creative Arts creativity
and wellbeing group Infnite29 present their
own installation inspired by lace makers
lanterns.
Find us online and join in the conversation
on social media:
Follow #almanacfest on Twitter or fnd the
Bedford Creative Arts Facebook page.
Events listings and latest updates at
www.bedfordcreativearts.org.uk
BEDFORD CREATIVE ARTS iS deLiGHTed To PreSeNT
ALMANAC FESTIVAL 22nd to 24th February 2013
Johnny Parry, his orchestra
and bedford Community Choir
are extremely excited to unveil
the latest phase of the
Concerto Magnificent.
Hundreds of people were involved in cre-
ating and performing this work but through
PledgeMusic they hope to make a recording
of this spectacular new work.
Concerto Magnifcent was originally
commissioned by Bedford Creative Arts
(BCA) last summer and the BCA choir
was established to perform it at the Corn
Exchange in September 2012. The choir
has outlived the BCAs involvement and is
now thriving as the Bedford Community
Choir. They are now, once again, ready to
join forces with the Johnny Parry Chamber
Orchestra to record the work. And this is
where your help is needed.
PledgeMusic is a way for you to fund a
project in advance of its creation. Depend-
ing on your pledge,
you will receive an
exclusive gift - be it
a copy of the CD or
surrounding artwork,
signed scores and
much more) and you
will be directly in-
volved in realising the
work. EVERYONE
who pledges will be
credited on the inlay
and have access to a
rare insight into the
making of the album
with updates of the
whole process.
It will be an epic undertaking and a
great challenge. 5% of all pledges go to the
Bedford Creative Arts, the charity that made
this project happen in the frst place.
It seems perfect to use PledgeMusic in
order to make this happen. Concerto Mag-
nifcent is all about getting people involved
and what that can achieve.

Visit http://www.pledgemusic.com/proj-
ects/concertomagnifcent to watch a flm
about the project and make your pledge.
P
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o
t
o
:

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r
a
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a
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Heres Johnny
February 2013
Miles Hunt talks to The Clangers Richard
Smith ahead of his gig at Esquires
Miles hunt, lead singer
of the Wonderstuff, will be
playing esquires on
Thursday 7th February,
with fellow Wonderstuff
member erica Nockalls.
I was fortunate enough to ask him a few
questions on behalf of the mighty Clanger.
Responsible for a spike in sales of Breton
tops and men sporting long bobs during the
latter half of the eighties and early nineties,
the Wonderstuff went quiet in 1994 follow-
ing a headline appearance at the Phoenix
festival. Solo projects followed until 2000
when peace was restored and the band
reformed.
13 years after getting back together,
with the band in their umpteenth incarnation
and about to release their 7th album, Oh
no its the Wonderstuff, its been busy in
Wonderland this winter. As a full band, the
Wonderstuff played shows with Jesus Jones
and PWEI just before Christmas.
We had a blast, said Miles. Wonder-
ful to be in the company of our old friends
Jesus Jones and PWEI, and of course the
remarkable audiences that the three bands
attract. It was also our frst tour with new
guitarist, Stevie Wyatt. He played on the
new album, but the December dates were
the frst live shows hes played with us
and he did an admirable job
The gigs were so well-received that
the bands will repeat the show next year.
Following the gigs as a 5-piece, Miles
is playing a handful of dates with Erica
as a duo, and these promise to be more
relaxed with lots of banter between
songs; as much about the story behind
the songs as the songs themselves.
Miles explained, Erica and I have
just returned to playing acoustic shows
again; its particularly enjoyable at this
point cos weve got so much new mate-
rial to add to our set, what with there be-
ing a new Wonderstuff album. We play
a mix of all of it, it would be childish of
us to only want to play new stuff, we can
do that at home. The point of inviting an
audience along to a gig is to give them what
they want too.
Along with the Wonderstuff songs, Miles
and Erica have released two albums in their
own right and, last year released a cover
of Blackberry Way by The Move, backed
with Save it for Later by The Beat. This
was their frst single in three years and
recorded as part of a series called From the
Midlands with Love.. Released on April
21st, to coincide with Record Store Day
it was the frst of 3 double-A side singles
celebrating music from the Midlands.
They had to be songs that had been
with me a good few years by Midlands
artists. Youll notice there are no covers of
bands like Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath or
Judas Priest, three of the most famous musi-
cal exports from The Midlands, simply cos
I was never touched by Metal.
Miles also believes playing and record-
ing the covers has infuenced the way he
approached the new album.
I got something of a masterclass in
songwriting by recording From The Mid-
lands With Love project. Recording songs
by The Move, Slade, The Beat, Dexys Mid-
night Runners etc. really taught me a thing
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
5
in association with
bedford borough Councils Premier
entertainment venue
THe L I S T I N G
Getting out and about in bedford This February
MILES hUNT: ThE WONDERSTUFF
MuSiC
Lifes a stage
Let your hair down & head to esquires
By Clare Sullivan
2012 was a year of big
events. The London
olympics. The uS
Presidential election.
and the oxjam bedford
Takeover.
Whilst the Oxjam team cant stake a
claim in Team GBs golds, or Obamas
re-election, they did pull off Bedfords frst
multi-venue charity music festival, raising
almost 8,500 for Oxfam!
In case you missed it, the Oxjam Bed-
ford Takeover hit town on 27th October at
Esquires, The Pad, The Bear, The Bedford
Arms and Badlands. Over 50 live bands,
performers and DJs appeared, raising
money for Oxfams life-saving work. One
bargainous 10 wristband got you access to
all the Takeover venues, thanks to generous
sponsorship from Concept Event Solutions,
Blue Ginger, Equinet Media, Marshall
Amplifcation and A1 Cars.
Esquires featured a fab folky line-up in
Holy Molys, including Rebecca De Winter
and a brilliantly rocking headline set from
Guitars Have Ghosts. Meanwhile upstairs,
All Star Zero kicked off proceedings with
their polished rock covers, and other high-
lights included a Halloween themed set
from Filthy Visuals and a down and dirty
rock spectacular from K_A_I_N. Esquires
Manager, Pete Burridge said, We really
enjoyed the day and the great atmosphere at
Esquires. Were looking forward to being
part of the Takeover again this October.
Meanwhile at The Pad, the joint was
jumping with the venue reaching capac-
ity by 9pm. Top of the Pad pops were
Fishwifes Broadside with their energetic
punk folk pop and Ouse Valley Singles Club
with their laugh-out-loud tales of single
life, with a skiffe twist. The CC Smugglers
closed proceedings for an adoring crowd,
with a triumphant set of their unique brand
of gyspy jazz, folk and roots.
At Badlands, Karl Phillips & The Mid-
night Ramblers hip-hop/indie fusion con-
verted indie scenesters and hip-hop hipsters
alike. The Bedford Arms saw a rapturous
reception for Danni Nicholls, Luke and
Dave Whybird and The Paul Hegley Band,
a near show-stealing performance from
Genna Marabese and a suitably headline-
grabbing set from The A Band. In The
Bear, Bowfngers mod-infuenced anthems
went down a storm and at the end of their
set the crowd pressed 10 notes into the
hands of the Oxjam team shouting, Make
them do one more!
Fundraising started long before Oc-
tober, with the team holding events from
New Groove Formation at Bedford Corn
Exchange, to footy skills at The Rose, not
forgetting the Oxjam Bedford raffe featur-
ing a top prize of a week in an Italian villa.
Were delighted to announce that the jewel
in the Oxjam crown, Oxjam At The Kiosk
in Russell Park, will be back again this year,
with another fantastic blend of family fun
and great live music. Watch this Clanger-
space for more announcements, as well as
news of this years raffe!
If youre interested in getting involved
with Oxjam Bedford 2013, as a venue,
volunteer, sponsor, raffe prize donor,
performer or punter, please get in touch at
oxjam.bedfordtakeover@gmail.com. We
cant wait to get Bedford Oxjamming!
oXJaM
February 2013
LIFEBOx ThEATRE
COMPANY
By Paula Walker
how would you like to have
a say in whats on at your
local theatre?
Local business, the Lifebox Theatre Com-
pany, founded by Phil and Harri Mardlin is
planning to give you just that opportunity.
I met with Harri to fnd out about this un-
usual, innovative and dynamic company.
PW: What is the Lifebox Theatre Com-
pany?
HM: Phil and I are passionate about theatre
and formed the company to support writ-
ers from the local area in promoting new,
creative writing for the theatre. Bedford
and Bedfordshire are rich in artistic talent,
which we want to encourage. We also work
with businesses and schools, using theatre
to develop skills and understanding.
PW: What sort of work are you doing
with schools?
HM:There are two strands. Firstly, we sup-
port teachers, by using theatre to explore
areas of the PHSCE curriculum, such as
sex education and confict resolution. In
this, we use forum theatre, so that the
action can be stopped at any point in order
to explore any issues arising. Secondly,
we aim to support the drama curriculum
through the exploration of set texts, by
means of theatre workshops, which can be
tailor-made to fulfl particular needs. As
a former specialist drama teacher, I have
a wealth of experience in working in
schools.
PW:How do you support businesses
through your workshops?
HM:In the frst instance, we help
develop team building through a series
of light-hearted activities. Then we use
suggested scenarios to explore poten-
tially diffcult workplace situations.
This type of workshop is a great way to
examine areas, such as confict resolu-
tion, management issues and customer
service training. Most recently, we
have facilitated a two-day workshop
with a number of NHS managers, looking
at issues around the national agenda in
safeguarding adults.
PW: Could you explain the concept
behind Stage Write, your new writing
showcase?
HM:Stage Write is the result of a col-
laboration with another local company,
No Loss Productions, presenting a series
of performances of brand new plays by
emerging writers from the area. This will
be at the Place Theatre in Bedford, from
20 23 February. There will be two plays
each evening and after each performance
there will be a question and answer ses-
sion, through which the audience will
become part of the creative process. One of
the plays, Fractured, has been written by
Phil himself. Synopses of all the plays can
be found on the Place website.
Tickets for Stage Write can be purchased
from The Place Theatre at a cost of 5 per
evening. http://www.theplacebedford.org.
uk
If you would like to fnd out more about
the Lifebox Theatre Company, you can fnd
their website at http://www.lifeboxtheatre.
com/ Alternatively, contact them directly
by email: phil@lifeboxtheatre.com or fol-
low them on Twitter: @LifeBoxTheatre
beat the drum for oxjam
or two about structure.
Another aim was that the new album,
sat comfortably alongside our earlier al-
bums, and the earlier Wonderstuff albums
were another infuence, particularly the
frst three which have all been re-visited
recently both live and in the studio.
I learned a few things from doing
the 20th anniversary gigs for The Eight
Legged Groove Machine, HUP and
Never Loved Elvis in recent years,
something about what it is that The Won-
derstuffs audience wants from us. Rather
than record the frst ideas that came into
my head, I wrote the new songs with the
audience in mind. It was a great way to do
it, I really enjoyed the process.
So, back to roots Wonderstuff, with
extra stuff and some nice chat sounds like
a good night out, and Miles Hunt appears
to have mellowed. He used to have a bit
of a reputation for shredding journalists
and wanting to hurt Rick Astley, so I asked
him if he fnds the work/life balance easier
to maintain these days and, again, a back to
basics approach seems to be working out.
Every bit of my life is in some way con-
nected to making a noise, or simply being
creative, he told me. Its what my younger
self wanted for himself all those years ago; I
do my best to keep him happy.
Hes also decided not to waste any more
energy plotting the downfall of popstars,
and has avoided X-factor angst by getting
rid of his telly a few years ago.
I would advise anyone to do the same,
he said. It aint nothing but anesthetic.
Finally, I asked Miles to describe the
new album in 3 words. Out f*cking stand-
ing was his reply, so best get down to
Esquires and decide for yourself.
Miles Hunt & Erica Nockalls will be
playing Esquires on Thursday 7th
February. www.bedfordesquires.com
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
6
in association with
bedford borough Councils 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: MARCUS BRIGSTOCKE - ThE BRIG SOCIETY 19TH aPriL 2013
Friday 1st February
Solo Art Exhibition Show
Athree-week display by Zoe Lee-Skelton at South Bank
Arts Centre, Bedford College
Tel Sharon Warren: 01234 291415
www.bedford.ac.uk swarren@bedford.ac.uk
Missing Andy
AJuicebox gig at 8pm on the Main Stage at Esquires,
Bromham Road, Bedford.
Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com
Wildlife in Acrylics
Ademonstration by David Hyde for Bedford Art Society.
Free to members, 5 for visitors, starts 7.30pm at Putnoe
Heights Church.
Tel Jean Paterson: 01234 307210 www.bedsartsociety.
co.uk
Exec Club Karaoke
9pm, The Exec Club, Lurke Street, Bedford
Tel: 01234 401500
Karaoke with Diamond Fire
8pm, The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford
Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk
Saturday 2nd February
West End Wendies Theatre Workshops
Take part in a weekly theatre workshop programme led by
current professional West End performers. 9am-4pm. Cost
upon application.
Southbank Arts Centre, Bedford
www.westendwendies.com
Winter Bird Walk
Take a walk around the reserve, searching for birds and
wildlife that spend the winter here with the hope to spot
redpolls, siskins, feldfares, redwings, treecreeper, nuthatch
and woodpeckers.
Adults 4, RSPB members 3, children 3 and RSPB
Wildlife Explorers 2. 10am-12 noon at The RSPB Lodge,
Sandy. Tel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge
Tribes
AJuicebox gig at 8pm on the Main Stage at Esquires,
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 Pad
Indie/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 February
Lazy Sunday Jazz
Live music at The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham Rd. 2-4pm
and 8pm.
Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk
The Big Sky
Live music for the Sunday afternoon session from 4.30pm
in Dannys Bar at Esquires, Bromham Road, Bedford.
Joint Evensong with St Pauls Church Choir
Free admission, starts 4pm at St Pauls Church, Bedford.
Tel: 01234 362200
www.bedfordschool.org.uk
The Day the Music Died - An evening of Poetry
To commemorate the tragic death of Buddy Holly and a
number of his contemporary musical stars on this day in
1959, members of Swan Theatre Company will present
an evening of poetry of the Beat Era, excerpts from some
of the major novels of the 1950s, scenes from some of
the groundbreaking plays of the time and of course lyrics
of some of the hits of the decade. Presented at the Eagle
Gallery, Castle Road, Bedford, at 7:30pm.
Tel The Place Theatre: 01234 354321
www.theplacebedford.org.uk
Jons Music Quiz
Up to 300 prize money! The Kings Arms, St Marys
Street Tel: 01234 354494
www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk
Thr3e
Live band at The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham Rd, 8pm.
White Horse Quiz Night
Teams of up to 6, 8.30pm, 1pp entry. Free bingo game for
Sunday quizzers!
The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford
24 hour Jam & Superbowl Night
Raising money for Help4Heroes, look out for hotdogs and
doughnuts and 24hrs of live music, starting 11.30pm at
Monday 4th February
Jazz Evening
With a featured artist and band from 8.30pm at The Bed-
ford Arms, Bromham Rd, Bedford
Tonys General Knowledge Quiz
The Kings Arms, St Marys Street
Tel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk
Open Mic Night
Hosted by local singer/songwriter Matt Roberts, 8.30pm til
close. Just listen or join in!
Tuesday 5th February
Guided Meditation Evenings
Come along to weekly guided meditation evenings with
Elizabeth Drake, using unique healing meditations to take
you on a journey to inner peace. Take some time out, relax
and meet like minded people. Refreshments included.
All levels welcome. 6.30pm-8.30pm, 5 per person (frst
session free).
Friends Meeting House, Lansdowne Road, Bedford
Elizabeth Drake: 07816 236659 elizabethdrake@live.
co.uk www.elizabethlilydrake.co.uk
Poker Night
The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham Rd. 7.30pm.
Weekly Morning Walks at the RSPB
Tuesday 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, Sandy
Tel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge
Rock-A- Oke
Weekly karaoke Esquires style in Dannys Bar, Esquires
with DJ Nitro from 8pm until midnight
The Old Geezer Band
Affectionately known as The Fiddly-diddlies! Every
Tuesday from 8.30pm at The Wellington Arms
Wellington Street, Bedford Tel: 01234 308033
Teams of up to 6, 8.30pm, 1pp entry.
Wednesday 6th February
Art Book Club
Discuss art and explore new ideas with a lively group of
creative people and critical thinkers. The group meets
bi-monthly, selecting a new book or essay about contem-
porary arts practice and theory. 6-8pm at 104 Midland
Road, Bedford.
Beethoven Recitals at Bedford School
Aseries of recitals of the Ten Sonatas for violin and piano,
given by Martin Hughes and Phillip Jenkins. Tickets avail-
able on the door or from the Music School Box Offce: 5,
students free, starts 7.30pm at the Recital Hall, Bedford
School
Tel Music School Box Offce: 01234 362254 rielden@
bedfordschool.org.uk www.bedfordschool.org.uk
Talk: Bedford Roman Villa
An illustrated talk by Steven Cockings and Elizabeth Sayer
on the recently discovered Roman Villa at Bedford. Starts
7.30pm at Putnoe Heights Church, Putnoe Lane
www.baalhs.org.uk
Jimeoin - What?
World-class stand-up from internationally acclaimed star.
No gimmicks, just great craic! Over 14s only, tickets
14.50 (12.50 concessions), starts 8.00pm in the Main
Auditorium, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Pauls Square.
Box Offce: 01234 269519 cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk
Bedford Rock Choir
If you love singing youll love Rock Choir, the UKs
largest, amateur contemporary choir with over 16,000
members nationwide. There are no scary auditions and you
dont need to read music or have any previous
singing experience. Try a session for free. Tickets 100
per term, 8pm start at The Harpur Suite, Bedford Corn
Exchange, St Pauls Square.
Tel: 01252 714276 www.rockchoir.com cornexchange@
bedford.gov.uk
Beer Tasting Club
Tasting a range of bottled ales and discussing their merits.
Please register your interest with Bev.
From 8pm, The Bedford Arms, Bromham Rd, Bedford
The Biggest Jam Night in Town
Weekly open mic session hosted by Mat Roberts in
Dannys Bar, Esquires. From 8pm until midnight
Hills Lower School Fundraising Quiz Night
5pp including ploughmans supper.
Thursday 7th February
Creative Bedfordshire Networking Event
Held on the frst Thursday of every month. Venue tbc.
Tel: 01234 818670 #almanacfest
Timothy Hyman Gilbert Lloyd Art Lecture
Timothy Hyman is a painter, writer and teacher at the
Princes Drawing School, London. Max Beckmanns work
refects an era of radical changes in both art and history,
from its beginnings in the fn de siecle up to its completion
after the Second World War. Free entry, starts at 7.30pm at
Erskine May Hall, Bedford School
Tel: 01234 362200 www.bedfordschool.org.uk
Siet Gritos en el Mar (Confessions)
This play tells the story of seven passengers, who are look-
ing forward to celebrating Christmas on board a luxury
liner in frst class. However, when the captain informs
them that an enemy submarine is poised to sink them, they
have just a few hours left in which to confess all. This is a
Spanish language production. Tickets 4, 3 concessions.
Starts 7.30pm, runs tonight and tomorrow at Bedford
Theatre, Bedford School, De Parys Avenue.
Tel: 01234 362200 Box Offce: 01234 269519 www.
bedfordtheatre.co.uk
Piano Competition
Adjudicated by Michael Freyhan, with junior and senior
prizes. Free admission, 4.30pm start, at Bedford School
Music School Recital Hall.
Harpsichord Concert
Iranian-born Mahan Esfahani is one of the worlds
most exciting harpsichordists and will perform a varied
programme including works by JS Bach, CPE Bach and
DAnglebert, among others. Tickets: adults 18, conces-
sions 16, students (18-25) 5 and children 2. 7.45pm
start at Bunyan Meeting Free Church.
Tel: 01234 261811 www.bedfordmusicclub.co.uk
Bedford Auction Centre Books, Maps & Ephemera
Auction
This specialist book auction provides a more specifc
marketplace for vendors and buyers. The auction includes
sports books, travel and topography, aviation and military,
maps and prints, childrens books, modern frst editions,
historical documents and more. Free admission. Entry
from 3pm at Bedford Auction Centre
Tel: 01234 266366 www.peacockauction.co.uk
Miles Hunt & Erica Nockalls (The Wonder Stuff)
An evening of live music upstairs at Esquires, including
support acts Harriet Langley and Jonny Mudd. Advance
tickets 8.50 from Wegottickets.com & Dannys Bar. 8pm
on the Main Stage, Esquires, Bromham Road, Bedford.
Jam Night with Mat Roberts
Live music from 9pm at The Flower Pot, Tavistock St
Tel: 01234 296732
Traditional Music Session
Join in this monthly folk jam, 8.30pm at The Bedford
Arms, 2 Bromham Rd
Friday 8th February
Charity Dinner
With guest speakers Angela Baker and Tricia Stewart, two
of the original calendar girls. Tickets 30, available from
Bedford Tourist Information Centre. Smart dress required,
7pm for 7.45pm start at The Park Inn Hotel, Bedford.
Tel: 01234 718112 or 870370 www.visitbedford.co.uk
Vintage Movie Night - Grease
Watch some of the fnest flm classics at this monthly vin-
tage movie night on comfy sofas set up cinema style with
coffee, cakes and popcorn. 7.30pm for 8pm start.
Ground Floor Coffee Shop, Kings House, 245 Ampthill
Road, Bedford.
Tel: 07561 340593 events@groundfoorcoffee.co.uk
www.groundfoorcoffee.co.uk
ABBAForever
The unique ABBAsound is replicated with incredible
attention to detail, using a six-piece band. Dynamic, and
captivating two-hour show. Tickets 18, starts 8pm in
the Main Auditorium, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Pauls
Square.
The PVE & Guests
Live music from 8.30pm in Dannys Bar at Esquires,
Vinyl Revival Night
Dust off those LPs & singles and come to play them at The
Bedford Arms, Bromham Rd from 8pm.
Exec Club Karaoke
Tel: 01234 401500
Saturday 9th February
upon application.
Valentines Dance for the Addison Centre
DJs David and Viv play all the well known Ballroom,
Latin, and Sequence dances. There is a licensed bar and tea
& coffee but feel free to bring your own snacks. Reserva-
tions are recommended for larger groups. Tickets 5 per
person, available on the door. Doors open 7.17pm for
8pm start, 11.30pm fnish. Entrance off Hillgrounds Road.
Ample free parking on site. The Addison Centre, Bedford
Road, Kempston
Tel: 01234 300179 www.MelodyMagic.co.uk
Giant Browse & Book Sale
Browse and purchase this huge selection of nearly new
books. Tea & coffee, cakes, biscuits and homemade soup
will be on sale along with handmade cards, fair-trade stall
and a raffe in aid of Blunham Church Fabric Fund. Free
admission, opens 10am until 3pm at St Edmund or St
James Parish Church, Blunham.
Lee Hurst
In this show Too Scared to Leave the House, Lee casts
his comedy eyes over the many end-of-the-world scare
stories from acid rain and global warming to bird fu and
mad cow disease and many other apocalyptic disaster
predictions that never were. Ultimately Lee believes that
you choose your own fate. You can stay indoors hoarding
cans of beans, clutching a Ray Mears book or you can
go out and laugh in the face of doom. Tickets 15, starts
8.00pm at the Main Auditorium, Bedford Corn Exchange,
St Pauls Square.
The Beautiful Sleazy + Dirty Parl
Live music from 8pm on the Main Stage at Esquires,
Breeze
Live band from 8.30pm at The White Horse, Newnham
Avenue, Bedford
Fat Lads Disco
Tel: 01234 401500
club
Love Nature Walk
Warm up ahead of Valentines Day with a pleasant stroll
around The Lodge reserve. No promise Lovebirds but
there should be plenty of other birds to see! Adults 4,
RSPB members 3, children 3, RSPB Wildlife Explorers
2, plus a car park charge of 1. 2-3.30pm at The RSPB,
The Lodge, Sandy.
Lazy Sunday Jazz
and 8pm.
Maxwell, Hammer & Smith
Jons Music Quiz
Street
Sidewinder
Sunday quizzers!
Monday 11th February
Jazz Evening
Open Mic Night
Pancake Day
Celebrate and eat your heart out at the Pancake Bar where
3 will buy you pancakes and a trip to our toppings bar to
create your very own treats! 8am-4pm.
Road, Bedford.
session free).
Charity Concert
Acharity concert of fne music organised by George White
in aid of Autism Bedfordshire. Tickets 5, starts 7.30pm at
The Music School Recital Hall, Bedford School.
Tel: 01234 362254 rielden@bedfordschool.org.uk
www.bedfordschool.org.uk
Rock-A- Oke
The Old Geezer Band
The Brilliant Kingfsher & Friends
An illustrated talk by Barrie Mason. Free to attend but a
voluntary contribution of 2 is suggested, starts 7.30pm at
Priory Park Visitor Centre, Barkers Lane, Bedford.
Tel: 01234 266057 www.wildlifebcn.org
Tea Dance
Apleasant afternoon in the elegant surroundings of the
Bedford Corn Exchange complex. Music for Ballroom,
Latin American, Sequence Dances, Party Dances & Old
Time. Price includes refreshments.
Tickets: 3.50 (advance), 4.00 (on the day), starts 2.00pm
at the Main Auditorium & Harpur Suite, Bedford Corn
Exchange, St Pauls Square
House Drama 2013
Featuring original work performed by students represent-
ing each of the six day houses at Bedford School. Each
show is reviewed at the end of the evening by an invited
special guest. In the past these have included Al Murray,
Joel Becket, Simon Munnery, Christopher Richardson and
comedian/world record breaker, Tim Fitzhigham. Free
entry, starts 6.30pm at Bedford Theatre, Bedford School,
De Parys Avenue.
Tel: 01234 362269 Box Offce: 01234 269519
www.bedfordtheatre.co.uk
Bedford Rock Choir
Tel: 01252 714276 www.rockchoir.com
cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk
Stitch n Bitch
Bring any crafty project to The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham
Rd, 7.30pm
beverlyjoburridge@gmail.com Tel: 01234 214656
www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk
Samaritans Fundraising Quiz Night
Tel: 01234 296732
Ground Floor Coffee Shop Valentines Special
Celebrate love, friendship and family with our Valentines
Day 2for1 offer. Buy any regular sized drink and get the
second one free all throughout the day!, 8am-4pm.
Road, Bedford.
The Lock In
Act One Theatre Seniors present two one-act plays both
of which focus on being imprisoned and to what extent
this may provide sanctuary but in two very different ways.
Lock In is a short inoffensive phrase that usually means
an extra hour or so of alcoholic revelry but suppose the
surroundings werent so congenial and it was for longer,
much longer. Runs until Saturday, starts 7.30pm at The
Place Theatre, Bradgate Road, Bedford.
Tel: 01234 354321 www.theplacebedford.org.uk
White Horse Valentines Night
Two course special meal and lovers cocktail plus live
music serenade. 15pp, from 7pm.
Friday 15th February
Prep School House Singing Competition
Free admission, starts 3pm at The Great Hall, Bedford
School.
Karaoke with Diamond Fire
Gli Anni di Piombo
At The Italian Society of Bedford from 8pm
The Chapter House, St Peter de Merton Church, De Parys
Avenue
Gig Night with Olivier Sarkis & Jonny Mudd
Live music and coffee! Tickets 4 on the door from 8pm.
Road, Bedford.
Skreamer
Live band at Esquires, Bromham Road, Bedford.
Friday Night Mutiny
Club Night with DJs Phil & Ben in Holy Molys at
Esquires, Bromham Road, Bedford.
Philharmonia Orchestra
Tchaikovskys Fourth Symphony remains one of the most
electrifying works for an orchestra to play, with a torrent of
notes played at lightning speed. It brings British conductor
Edward Gardner to Bedford for the frst time. Tickets
12.00 - 33.00, starts 7.30pm at the Main Auditorium,
Bedford Corn Exchange, St Pauls Square.
Exec Club Karaoke
Tel: 01234 401500
Saturday 16th February
upon application.
Make a Nestbox
As part of National Nestbox week, make a nestbox to put
up in your garden. Information about nesting and feeding
birds will be available and you can also follow the Homes
for Wildlife trail. Booking essential . 7 per nestbox and
1 car parking. 11am-12.30pm and 1-2.30pm at The
RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy.
Gold Skies Ahead
Live music from 7.30pm on the Main Stage at Esquires,
Fat Lads Disco
Tel: 01234 401500
club
Lazy Sunday Jazz
and 8pm.
Cherry Lee Mewis & Her Blues Gems
February 2013
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
7
bedford Corn exchange box office: 01234 269519 www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk CoMedy CoMiNG SooN: MARCUS BRIGSTOCKE - ThE BRIG SOCIETY 19TH aPriL 2013
Wedding Showcase
AWedding Fair in the in the elegant surroundings of the
Harpur Suite. Visiting brides-to-be and their
families will fnd a range of exhibition stands from bridal
shops to event photographers. Free admission, opens
11.00am in the Harpur Suite, Bedford Corn Exchange, St
Pauls Square.
Jons Music Quiz
Street
Spoonful
Sunday quizzers!
Childrens Woodpecker Hunt
Pick up a trail sheet and head out to search for the wood-
pecker pictures hidden around the reserve. Look out for the
real woodpeckers as well and listen out for their drumming
as you walk around. Self-led walk , 1 per sheet. Daily
event until 24 February, 10am-4pm at The RSPB, The
Lodge, Sandy.
Jazz Evening
Open Mic Night
ATale to Tell.
The Higgins brings Aesops Fables to life with art, crafts
and story time 11am 3pm Free family drop-in
Kempston Library, Halsey Road, Kempston MK42 8AU
Wrest Park: The Renovations by Lisa Owens
Speaker from English Heritage Lisa Owens describes the
recent restoration of the magnifcent gardens and the new
visitor centre. Tickets 2 members, 2.50 National Trust
members, 3 others. 2.30pm start at The Addison Centre,
Addison Howard Park, Kempston.
www.bedfordnt.org.uk
Sketching in Sugar
Artist Kezia Ruth and expert local baker Miss Momo
introduce the wonderful process of drawing on edible
surfaces. This workshop uses royal icing for paper and pip-
ing bags for pens, no previous experience necessary. Could
be messy - please wear appropriate clothes. Cost 2 per
person to cover materials, 14yrs+ (unless accompanied by
an adult), 10.30-12noon at The Ground Floor Coffee Shop,
245 Ampthill Road, Bedford.www.keziaruth.com
session free).
Rock-A- Oke
The Old Geezer Band
Wellington Street, BedfordTel: 01234 308033
Bedford Rock Choir
Beer Tasting Club
Tasting a range of bottled ales and discussing their merits.
Please register your interest with Bev.
From 8pm, The Bedford Arms, Bromham Rd, Bedford
Stage Write
Four evenings of exciting New Writing. This is an op-
portunity to be involved in the writing process and offer
feedback to emerging writers. Stage Write is a collabora-
tion between LifeBox Theatre and No Loss Productions,
presenting a series of rehearsed-reading-style performanc-
es of brand new plays by emerging writers from the area.
Each night sees two different plays and the audience will
have the opportunity to ask questions and offer comments.
Tickets 5, runs until Saturday, starts 7.30pm at The Place
Theatre, Bradgate Road, Bedford.
Unison Hearing Dogs Fundraising Quiz Night
Thursday 21st February
International Womens Day
Speaker Jo Fairley will provide you with an insight and
hints and tips about how to run a successful business. Jo is
a serial entrepreneur and now a highly-acclaimed speaker.
She is co-founder of Green & Blacks, the pioneering
organic chocolate company and also runs Judges Bakery,
an award-winning bakery and one-stop organic shop in her
home town of Hastings. Stands are available to purchase
for this event.
10.00am2.30pm at Shuttleworth College, Old Warden
Park, Biggleswade. www.beds-businesswomen.org
The Bedford Arms Book Club
An open to all monthly club, this time discussing Awake
in the Dark by Shira Nayman. Starts at 8.30pm at The Bed-
ford Arms, 2 Bromham Road, Bedford.
Skeptics in the Pub
Featuring a talk by Dr Stephen Law, who is Senior
Lecturer in Philosophy at Heythrop College, University
of London, Believing Bullshit: How Not To Get Sucked
Into An Intellectual Black Hole. How and why do sane,
intelligent, educated people become the willing slaves of
wacky belief systems?
Free admission, 7pm start at The White Horse, Newnham
Avenue, Bedford.
www.bedford.skepticsinthepub.org @SITPBedford
Stage Write
New Writing Showcase by Lifebox Theatre & No Loss
Productions at The Place Theatre. See 20th February
listing.
Live music from 9pm at The Flower Pot, Tavistock St Tel:
01234 296732
Ouse Muse
Bedfords premier poetry and spoken word open mic.
Sign up on the door to perform or just come along to
listen. Audience 3, performers 2. 8pm, Harpurs, 46-48
Tavistock St, Bedford.
Tel: 01234 347877 www.harpurs.net
Friday 22nd February
Almanac Festival
Join in for a fantastic celebration of everything created
this year. Almanac is a micro-festival of art, ideas and col-
laboration, brought to you by Bedford Creative Arts and all
the people theyve been working with. The Festival Hub is
in Bedfords market and is open all weekend as the main
point of information about the festival.
Lace in Place
The Almanac Festival opening event starts by celebrating
the end of the Lace in Place sculpture by artist Arabel Ros-
illo de Blas created for St Pauls Square by Bedfordians.
Arabel and audio-visual artist Kathy Hinde will lace the
building with light and sound while the Piazza Kiosk will
provide warming drinks. Open 6.30-8pm, free entry at the
Piazza Kiosk & 1 St Pauls Square, Bedford.
Tel: 01234 818670 #almanacfest www.bedfordcre-
ativearts.org.uk www.rosillodeblas.com
Without Reason + Filthy Visuals + The Beverly
Hellbillies
Live music with special guests from 8pm on the Main
Stage at Esquires, Bromham Road, Bedford.
Bedford Comedy Club
Featuring stand up comedians who are regulars on the
London and national comedy circuit. Tickets 9.00 in
advance, 10.00 on the door. Opens 9.00pm in the Harpur
Suite, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Pauls Square.
Stage Write
listing.
Ceroc Modern Jive Night (Jive/Salsa)
Freestyle 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. www.ceroccentral.
com
Main Auditorium, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Pauls
Square
Exec Club Karaoke
Tel: 01234 401500
Saturday 23rd February
Weekend Art Installations
Artist Bettina Furnee has been working with the shopkeep-
ers and users of Bedfords High Street to create a new
piece of public art. Look up to see the high street in a new
way. This fun and playful new work will provide clues to
the people and history of one of Bedfords main shopping
areas.
#almanacfest www.bedfordcreativearts.org.uk
Infnite29 Art Installation
Anew pop-up art installation for the town Centre.
Flickering and atmospheric, this is a contemporary take
on Bedfords lacemaking heritage. Bedford Creative Arts
creativity and wellbeing group Infnite29 present their own
installation inspired by lace makers lanterns. Saturday &
Sunday in Bedford town centre, free entry, 10.30am5
.30pm.
upon application.
Caf Almanac Artists Talks
Get behind the scenes, join the debate and ask questions.
Bedfordshire artists Aaron Head, Andy Holden and
Dominic from Luton will present art and ideas relating to
their home towns, making a lively and thought provoking
afternoon. Free entry, 12.30pm at The Studio Club, 32
Alexandra Road, Bedford.
Almanac Film Night - Made in Bedford
Made in Bedford, these flms arent available anywhere
else. Awindow into how we have worked with you to
make art happen. Come along for a unique cinematic
experience, then party late at the Pad nightclub. Films start
at 7.30pm, tickets 5 from www.bedfordcreativearts.org.uk
or the festival hub in Bedford market.
The Pad, Lurke Street: www.facebook.com/#!/thepadnight-
club www.bedfordcreativearts.org.uk
Stage Write
listing.
Stunt Fest at Santa Pod
Featuring an afternoon of stunts, displays and freworks,
with some of the top UK stunt drivers and riders. Adults
from 9, kids under 13 go free (max of 3 per adult), 12
noon-6pm at Santa Pod Raceway, Airfeld Road, Poding-
ton, Wellingborough.
Tel: 01234 782828 www.stuntfest.co.uk
www.santapod.com
Tea and a Walk in a (small) Field
Part of the Almanac Festival, Bedford-based artist Kezia
Merrick is seeking help to create Bedfords largest cake,
the centre piece of Tea and a Walk in a (small) Field, an
event inspired by the inventor of afternoon tea, the Duch-
ess of Bedford. 3-5pm.
Road, Bedford.
Pure Love
An evening of live music upstairs at Esquires including
support acts Turbogeist and The Vestals. Advance tickets
10 from Wegottickets.com & Dannys Bar. 8pm on the
Main Stage, Esquires, Bromham Road, Bedford.
Fat Lads Disco
Tel: 01234 401500
club
Karakoke with Crazy Horse
Vocal Migrations
This is an interactive afternoon of singing, playing and
shouting, creating the experience of being a bat! Audio
visual artist Kathy Hinde presents her experimental
artwork for voices, showcasing the use of echo location to
see surroundings in the dark and creating unusual sounds
by voice and a specially created electronic voice box. The
event is free but please book a slot online or at the festival
hub. 2-4pm, upstairs at St Cuthberts Hall, Newnham
Street, Bedford.
Concerto Magnifcent: An Anthology of All Things
Marking the close of the Almanac Festival, composer
Jonny Parry leads Bedfords Community Choir present-
ing a spectacular yet intimate staging of the Concerto
Magnifcent. Made in Bedford by Bedford, this is your
chance to experience a rare live performance of this amaz-
ing achievement of collaborative music making, whether
you saw its premiere performance last September or are
experiencing it here for the frst time. Tickets 8, (5
concessions) from the festival hub or online. Doors open at
7.30pm at St Cuthberts Hall, Newnham Street.
Lazy Sunday Jazz
and 8pm.
Juicy Lucy
in Dannys Bar at Esquires, Bromham Road, Bedford. Tel:
01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com
Bedford Auction Centre Valuation Day
The Bedford Auction Centres team of valuers can advise
on all antique or collectable items. For larger items, the
team will happily visit you at home. Entries are currently
being invited for the specialist sales of Antiques, Jewellery,
20th Century Design, Rock and Pop and Memories of
Childhood. 10am-4pm at the Bedford Auction Centre.
Tel: 01234 266366 www.peacockauction.co.uk
Jons Music Quiz
Street
Lost 4 Words
Sunday quizzers!
Jazz Evening
Big Band Xtra Jam Nite
Hosted by local singer/songwriter Mat Roberts, 7.30pm til
late. Just listen or join in!
RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy Tel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.
org.uk/thelodge
One Law for All - Atalk by Anne Marie Waters
Organised by the Bedfordshire Humanists, Anne Marie
The Listings Continue on Page 8
GYM
MEMBERSHIP
PRICES HELD
FOR 2013
F|| Le.e| o| Suor|
Persor||seJ Prorrre
Co| Se|||r
Fr|erJ|y S|||
Re|eJ & Fr|erJ|y Er.|rorrer|
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Images Fitness Suites are available at:
Kempston Pool, Hillgrounds Road,
Kempston, Bedford MK42 8SZ
Phone: 01234 843777
Bedford Oasis Beach Pool, Cardington Road
Bedford MK42 0BZ
Phone: 01234 272100
Robinson Pool, Bedford Park
Bedford MK40 2JZ
Phone: 01234 357157
SAVE 27.50
on production of this voucher
Please enter your postcode: _____________________
Expires 28/02/13
AS165_12 design@bedford.gov.uk
NO JOINING FEE
|or 1rury & Fe|rury 203
Fitness Suite
PORTUGUESE RESTAURANT.
4 Newnham Street, Bedford MK40 3JR Tel: 01234 364400
www.baiadecascais.co.uk
SarahS
Doo-Wop DoS
Bedford based hair stylist
specialising in vintage hair, classic
up-dos & wedding hair.
Tel: 07532444394
Website: doowopdos.co.uk
: sarahsdoowopdos@gmail.com
Waters represents the One Law for All campaign and
will give this talk about Sharia Law. Entry 2, 7pm start
at The Retirement Education Centre, 6 Rothsay Gardens,
Bedford. www.bedshumanists.org.uk
Piano & Violin Recital
Performed by Michael Dzitko and Alex Collins. Free entry,
7pm start at the Recital Hall, Bedford School.
session free).
February 2013
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
8
Exactly. Never believe everything you read in the papers!
CaSTLe CoMedy
PreSeNTS:
LUCY PORTER
BELGBT :
A CELEBRATION
OF hISTORY
BeLGBT is a Bedfordshire group which
aims to promote mutual respect, trust and
understanding of the lesbian, gay, bisexual
and transgender community. Members are
from all aspects of society and share a com-
mon goal to make this county great. In
order to achieve this, BeLGBT are asking
that on 1 February business, public sector
and schools fy or display a rainbow fag to
celebrate the start of LGBT History Month.
Bedfordshire has its own heroes, businesses,
people and history. It is one of the smallest
on the map yet punches above its weight in
industry, agriculture and technology. BeL-
GBT aim to ensure that these three aspects
are joined by social progression, inclusion
and equality and aim to show the rest of
Britain that once again Bedfordshire is a
shining example of what could be.
Stonewall indicate that when people
are open about their sexuality at work
productivity can increase by as much as
thirty percent. That is nearly a third more
energy going into labour, output and quality.
Imagine additional revenue just by showing
appreciation and support of LGBT employ-
ees and customers for just one day. Now
combine this with a decrease in sick days
due to depression as a result of homophobic
or transphobic bullying. Imagine the loyalty
and trust you, as an owner or manager will
inspire in your LGBT employees by giving
them much needed safety and security. Fi-
nally imagine your business or organisation
being seen as a champion of people and as
something all others should aspire to.
To stand up for employees and show
your support visit www.BeLGBT.info for
further information.
Lucy Porter is one of the most
loveable and likable comics in
the country which makes her
perfect company for
valentines day.
She has made numerous appearances on
the most popular television shows includ-
ing Have I Got News For You and Never
Mind the Buzzcocks, although arguably her
greatest television achievement was win-
ning Celebrity Mastermind (her specialist
subject was Steve Martin). She also works
extensively for radio, both writing and
performing on shows for BBC radio 2 and
4. As a live performer she has been wowing
audiences up and down the country with her
distinctive, bouncy, feel-good comedy. It is
always intelligent, personal and downright
hilarious! So it is a delight that she is com-
ing to Bedford and Castle Comedy.
Dont just take our word for it. Heres
what some people who know what theyre
talking about think:
.You emerge from this elegantly con-
structed show feeling appropriately and
entirely in love with life - DAILY TELE-
GRAPH
Porter is one of the most talented comics
on the circuitbrilliantly crafted jokes. This
is get happy comedy at its very best - TIME
OUT *****
The show also features three other fabu-
lous acts. Adam Vincent is an Australian
who now lives here in Bedford. He is an
act with an international reputation who
has been a hit everywhere hes been. His
straight talking and confessional style mean
that he has some of the most poignant and
funny stories on the circuit. Mark Cram
who Castle Comedy has invited back after
he had an incredible gig last year completes
the bill. Your Mc for the evening is Castle
Comedy regular Paul Revill (hes great!
Ed).
This show is sure to be a sellout and
the perfect night out on Valentines Day
whether you are madly in love, looking for
love or resolutely single!
Show starts at 8pm and tickets are 8
(5 NUS) or 15 which includes a pre show
meal and glass of wine at the Gordon Arms.
To book call 07736 060541, email castle-
comedy@hotmail.co.uk online at www.
castlecomedy.co.uk
Castle Comedy Bringing Comedy
Royalty to Bedford.
CoMedy
Set in a Mother and baby
Home in 1964, the Swan
Theatre Companys
production of Be My Baby
follows the fortunes of Mary
adams, aged 19, unmarried
and seven months pregnant.
With her family determined to keep up
appearances, and under the watchful eye of
a no-nonsense matron, Mary and the other
girls have to struggle with the shame and
the idea that they might have to give up
their babies for adoption, whether they want
to or not.
Incorporating a Swinging Sixties sound-
track of girl-groups of the period, the play,
by Amanda Whittington, combines both
humour and touching drama as the girls
help each other come to terms with their
situation and understand their real choices
or lack of them - in life.
Be My Baby will be performed from
Tuesday February 26th until Saturday
March 2nd 2013 at The Place Theatre
in Bradgate Road, Bedford. Tickets cost
8.50/7 concessions and are available
from The Place website at
www.theplacebedford.org.uk or from
Bedford Central Box Offce on
01234 269519.
BE MY BABY AT ThE PLACE ThEATRE
THeaTre
The Listings Continued from Page 7
Cicero buck bring you a night
of story and song...
There is a great live music night going on
in Bedford, right under your nose! Nash-
ville Nights, a night of story and song is a
unique approach to listening to live acoustic
music. Like the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville
(one of the most famous small venues in
Nashville) local acoustic duo, Cicero Buck,
host the monthly event. Kris, of Cicero
Buck, chooses two other musical guests to
round out the evening. Together, all three
acts take turns (an in-the-round) chatting
about their careers and their inspiration
making it feel more like your living room
than a pub. This intimacy makes it different
to any other night out and the audience is
encouraged to join in if they like, buy a
cd, or come up and chat afterward. Lucie
Fuller, at the Burnaby Arms (Stanley St) has
been a live music advocate from day one
and will soon be featuring a new in-house
sound system after winning a contest by
PRS. The reputation of Nashville Nights
is steadily growing and regulars get there
early. 8pm to 10pm keeps it civilised (it IS
Tuesday, afterall!). A suggested donation of
2 makes it a steal and some lovely talent
has been featured thus far - Luke Dolan
from Watford, Zo Phillips from Hertford,
Emma Stevens from Guildford. Locals like
Penny and Joe Harvey or Stephen Pagano of
the Last Chance Ragtime Band. Whatever is
on, you are sure to hear something you like.
Wander down, bring a friend, your book
club, a date and make it a regular night
out. The next one is February 5, featuring
singer/songwriter Emma Stevens, blues
guitarist, Luke Dolan and hosts, Cicero
Buck. We hope to see you there! (The frst
Tuesday of most months, check with the
Burnaby Tel: 01234 330056)
NIGhTS AT ThE BURNABY ARMS
MuSiC
an exciting new monthly arts
event is aiming to share the joy
of the spoken word.
Members of the Swan Theatre Company,
in conjunction with the Eagle Bookshop
and Gallery, Bedford, present a new series
of poetry evenings. The frst, on Sunday,
February 3rd, is entitled The Day The
Music Died.
To commemorate the tragic death
of Buddy Holly, and a number of his
contemporary musical stars on this day in
1959, the evening will feature poetry of the
Beat Era, excerpts from some of the major
novels of the 1950s, scenes from some of
the groundbreaking plays of the time and,
of course, lyrics of some of the hits of the
decade. Come and cast your mind back to a
time when youth culture frst started to raise
its black-beret-clad head.
Peter Budek, owner of the Eagle Book-
shop and Gallery, said: I am delighted that
The Eagle Gallery will be working with
together The Place in bringing the arts to a
wider audience in Bedford.
The series will continue on March 3rd
with an evening on the theme of The Mad
Hatters Tea Party. The poetry evenings
start at 7.30pm
at the Eagle
Gallery, 101
Castle Road,
Bedford. Re-
freshments will
be available.
Tickets cost 5
and can either
be
purchased
online at
www.thep-
lacebedford.
org.uk/tickets
or at the door
on the night.
POETRY EVENING AT ThE EAGLE BOOK
ShOP & GALLERY: oN THe beaT
PoeTry Elizabeth Drake: 07816 236659 elizabethdrake@live.
Rock-A- Oke
Be My Baby
The Swan Theatre Company presents Amanda Whitting-
tons intensely touching play, Be My Baby. Set in a Moth-
ers 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 - The Ronettes, The Dixie
Cups, The Shangri-Las and others - the play deals with
a diffcult and emotional issue in a tender and humorous
manner. Runs until Saturday, starts 7.30pm at The Place
Theatre, Bradgate Road, Bedford.
The Old Geezer Band
Organ Concert
With well known Organist Andrew Nix. Tickets on the
door 4 members, non-members 5, 8-10.30pm at the
Addison Centre, Kempston.
Tel: 01234 344423 www.organfax/clubs/bedford/html
Bedford Rock Choir
Stitch n Bitch
Bring any crafty project to The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham
Rd, 7.30pm
beverlyjoburridge@gmail.com Tel: 01234 214656
www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk
Friends of Bedford Hospital Fundraising Quiz Night
Piano Recital
Featuring concerto soloist Carole Presland whose reper-
toire ranges from Mozart to Frank Martin. Free entry, 7pm
start at the Recital Hall, Bedford School.
New Blood Showcase: Inanimus Theory, Ape Cham-
ber, Apex Race & Cosmic Blaze
Live music from 8pm at Esquires, Bromham Road,
Bedford.
Tel: 01234 296732
The Last Chance Ragtime Band
Live music from 8pm at The Bedford Arms, Bromham
Rd, Bedford
The Mayors Charities Fundraising Quiz Night
beatniks on the (Castle) road
The burnaby arms
by Bethan Michael
on 17 January i attended
my second Skeptics in
the Pub (SiTP) event in
bedford.
In December Id enjoyed a healthy debate
on the purpose of universities so was eager
to pop along for a New Year dose of Skepti-
cism and to hear Kevin McConway break
down Statistics in the Media. Well over
forty eager Skeptics turned out to the White
Horse and we were soon settled down in
the warmth of the pub ready to hear from
Kevin, a statistician working at the Open
University. He quickly proved an animated
and engaging speaker, eliciting a small coo
from the audience when he revealed he
works with the Radio 4 show More or Less
(he even did a John Humphreys joke later
on very risqu). Kevins practical analysis
of a days worth of media statistics made
for a fresh and relevant discussion. My
mind didnt even drift during phrases like
regression to the mean or mismatched
framing. In fact, I now truly grasp the dif-
ference between correlation and causation
and have some top tops on getting behind
the headlines and understanding what I am
being asked to believe. Ive considered how
social media are making research more
directly available to the public and why we
might worry that, although we have lots of
information at our fngertips, we might not
have the analytical skills to really interpret
it. You have to ask yourself, what am I
not being told here? My favourite part of
the SITP events is the open and friendly
discussion and debate that take place. Ive
made new friends, learned new things and
had a chance to exercise my intellectual
discussion skills with some formidable
foes! Im even reading the statistics in the
T&C and Beds on Sunday with a more
critical eye Join us for the next meeting
of Skeptics in the Pub, which takes place on
21 February at the White Horse and is titled
Believing Bullshit: How not to get sucked
into an intellectual Black Hole by Stephen
Law. Arrive at 7.00 and grab a drink for
a 7.30 start. For more information check
www.skepticsinthepub.org and follow @
SITPBedford Follow Kevin at @kjm2
SKEPTICS IN ThE PUB
February 2013
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
9
Cute mammoth. It must be love.
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.
Here we
share the books
that made us
think a bit
more, laugh a
bit more and
sometimes cry
a bit more, in
2012:
The Song of
Achilles by
Madeline
Miller
If you like
magnifcent legends of gods and heroes,
the intrigue of love and politics and the
heartache of war this novel is for you. It
retells Homers epic The Iliad and breathes
life into a superhero as a son, father,
husband and lover. You are taken on an
extraordinary journey that tugs at your
emotions every step of the way.
The Strangers Child by Alan
hollinghurst
A fascinating tale of clandestine love,
seduction and poetry, where truth changes
through the haze of years and mythol-
ogy. The charismatic fgure of poet Cecil
Valance visits his friend and lover George
Sawle at his home in 1913 and there begins
a story interweaving wars, friendships,
lovers, families, sons and daughters up to
2008.
The Daylight Gate by Jeanette
Winterson
A sophisticated and gripping novel, set in
1612, about women accused in the Pendle
Witch trials during the feverishly paranoid
reign of James I. Popery witchery, witch-
ery popery, Thomas Potts, recording clerk
for the prosecution and the crown, chants.
A bubbling cauldron of history, poetic
dialogue, magic, suspense and the abiding
endurance of love. Jeanette Winterson at
her stunning best.
Stanleys Stick
by John
hegley
A regular per-
former at Bed-
fringe, John
Hegley has
created a book
for children
that delights
toddlers and
those reading
to them.
Award win-
ning illustrator
Neal Layton adds his magic touch to the
story that takes Stanley, with stick in hand,
on an adventure as he fies to the moon,
writes in the sand, goes fshing, plays a
whistle and rides a dinosaur.
World Book Night
Sharing books is a joy. World Book Night
does exactly that on 23 April, Shake-
speares birthday. Books are handed out
by book lovers from a list of 20 books.
More about this at Bedford Network www.
bedfordnetwork.co.uk
Books in Bedford
Find second-hand treasures at Eagle Book
Shop, Castle Road, and charity shops.
Bedford Library is bursting with books and
has a wonderful childrens section. Happy
reading!
Stay tuned to Bedford Network. We blog,
tweet and Facebook:
www.bedfordnetwork.co.uk
Twitter: @BedfordNetwork
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Bedford-
Network
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by Liz Pieksma, Keeper of Archaeology at
The Higgins, Bedford.
My Great Bedfordian, James Wyatt
(1816-1878) was a man of many talents. As
well as founding and running a success-
ful local newspaper, initiating sanitation
and social reforms for many Bedfordians,
he was instrumental in discovering the
evidence which helped to establish the
antiquity of the human race! Oh and he
seems to have been a much loved husband
and father. All in all a remarkable array of
personal achievements.
In the mid-nineteenth century society
was under going a great deal of change
and many of the old accepted values were
being challenged by a wave of scientifc
gentleman scholars who founded institutes
and societies where they could discuss their
theories and fndings.
Geologists, fossil hunters and antiquar-
ians were beginning to realise that the world
could be far older than people had thought
and that as a consequence mankind and all
other living things could be far more ancient
too. Fossilised bones of extinct mammals
were being dug up by workmen in quarries
not only in England but across the whole
of Europe. Quarries were also rich hunting
grounds for man made tools made from
struck fint known as hand axes.
We do not know how Wyatt became
interested in archaeology and geology. It is
possible he attended a talk at The Geologi-
cal Society and was so taken by the latest
discoveries being revealed by studying the
ground beneath our feet that he became
hooked. I wonder also if the buzz of aca-
demic ideas fowing between the scholars
of the day and the feeling of being able to
contribute to new and exciting discoveries
appealed to him.
Fortunately, what we do know about his
antiquarian work comes directly from the
man himself, from his published papers
and from his meticulous, handwritten diary
where he recorded his observations. His
journalistic experience would have been
invaluable in this sort of work.
In his diary he records his many walks
along the banks of the River Great Ouse and
visits to the gravel quarries around Bedford
hunting for fossilised bones of animals that
had become extinct in Europe. Animals
such as mammoths, woolly rhinoceros,
bison, reindeer and bears, which lived here
during the Ice Ages and animals such as
elephants, and hippopotamus which lived
during the warmer periods between the
Ice Ages. Wyatt was also keen to collect
the man made fint tools which were often
found within these gravel deposits.
Wyatt like many other antiquarians of
the time kept and catalogued his fnds and
created his own personal collections or
museum. His geological and archaeological
specimens would often form the basis of
talks and papers he gave to other scholars
and various social gatherings. He regularly
corresponded and met with the leading
geologists and archaeologists of the time.
All of this hard work, the diligent col-
lecting and record keeping in all kinds of
weather and the
networking with
scholars both at
home and abroad
was the perfect
preparation for
what must have
been one of the
biggest moments
in his life. On 8th
April 1861 whilst
visiting a gravel
pit at Bromham
he found two
fint hand axes
and a fragment
of mammoth leg
bone in the same
layer of sand
directly overlying
the limestone
on the pit foor
The fnding of
the fint tools
along side the
mammoth bone
was undeniable
evidence that
Early Humans had lived at the same time as,
now extinct Ice Age Mammals.
Wyatt realised the importance of his
discovery and invited leading scholars in
the feld, Sir Charles Lyell, Dr. Prestwich
and Dr. John Evans, down to the gravel pit
to see and also to authenticate the remark-
able discovery. The three scholars were
clearly impressed and as Wyatt writes in his
diary in the customary Victorian way, they
expressed their great admiration and offered
me their congratulations on the discovery.
In my head I can
visualise four,
well turned out
august gentle-
men formally
shaking hands
whilst standing
in a wet and
muddy gravel
pit as bemused
workmen looked
on.
This single
discovery added
weight to the
theory that was
beginning to be
formed by some
radical thinking
scholars, that
Early Humans
and ancient,
extinct mam-
mals coexisted
many thousands
of years ago.
Present day
estimates are that
the last Ice Age ended about 10,000 years
ago and the specimens that Wyatt found
date from the Lower Palaeolithic period, an
astounding 300,000years ago. It is sad that
Wyatt and all the other scholars of the time
would not have realised this though.
Wyatt continued to search the gravel
drifts and he presented a range of papers on
the archaeology of the Bedford area to local
and national societies. His interests were
not just limited to this country; he made
several journeys to Germany, Switzerland
and France to meet colleagues and to see
their collections and visit their sites. It was
on one of these visits to France that he met
the famous antiquarian Monsieur Boucher
de Perthes of Abbeville. He too had discov-
ered fossilised bones from extinct animals
together with man made fint tools in the
sands and gravels that made up the banks
of the Somme River. The two men got on
together well and before Wyatt left to return
home the Frenchman gave him several hand
axes as a gift.
In 1878 Wyatt died after a short illness
and it is evident from his obituaries he was
well liked as a friend, respected as a scholar
and loved by his family.
If Wyatts astounding discovery had
been made in the modern day it would be
have been hot news around the world within
minutes, images and interviews would have
followed and then chat shows and maybe
even some celebrity dancing. Instead
Wyatts discovery and further important
work on the ancient deposits in the numer-
ous gravel pits around Bedford is almost
unknown.
The majority of his collection of fint
hand axes is to be found at The British Mu-
seum, other fint tools including the mam-
moth bone found with the fint tools form
part of the Wyatt collection at The Higgins.
Some of these items will be on display
when The Higgins re-opens later this year.
I am grateful to Dr. J Dyer for freely
discussing James Wyatt, the Antiquarian
Collector with me. I should also like to
acknowledge the assistance of Bedfordshire
and Luton Archives and Record Service.
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GREAT BEDFORDIANS
JAMES WYATT ParT 2: THe aNTiquariaN.
BEDFORD FRESCO GOES GLOBAL
Frescoes Coffee House and Bedford
achieved global fame as news of its new
fresco gathered media momentum in
January. The Jonathan Ross Show even
picked up on the story. Saturday
night viewing at its best!
Kevin Kavanagh, owner
of Frescoes Coffee House,
and artist Iain Carstairs
appeared on BBC Look
East TV and gave inter-
views to national media.
The fresco, a life-sized
replica of Michaelangelos
Libyan Sibyl from the
ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in
Rome, can be viewed on the side wall
of Frescoes Coffee House in Mill Street,.
The fresco art technique dates back to
1500 BC and Bedfords is thought to be the
frst of its kind in this country.
To fnd out more pop into
Frescoes Coffee House and speak
to Kevin Kavanagh , follow Frescoes
Coffee House on facebook www.facebook.
com/FrescoesBedford or see
www.bedfordnetwork
St Cuthberts Hall has been at
the heart of the Castle road
community for decades.
Once a traditional
church hall, it is
fondly remembered
by the many local
residents who have
used it over the
years. Last year,
following fears that
the hall might be
sold for commercial
use, local residents
raised money to keep
the hall as a community amenity. While
generous sponsors and tireless volunteers
improved the hall and maintained its place
at the heart of the community, its facilities
were dated and a more secure future needed
to be found.
Step in Angelo Bartiromo local
businessman and restauranteur who saw
the enormous potential of St Cuthberts
Hall and has taken on the four year lease.
Angelo current owner of Angelos caf
in Castle Quay became the leaseholder
on 25th December and has already started
improvements.
We are really looking forward to the
year ahead, said Angelo. We will be
maintaining the Hall as a community space,
but will be able to offer a wider variety
of services. By installing a bar and full
industrial kitchen we will be able to offered
catered packages
to those wishing to
hire the hall. From
weddings and themed
banquets to childrens
parties, conferences
to performance space,
we will create a versa-
tile hall at the heart of
the community.
From 2nd January,
Angelo will be kick-
ing off his tenure with ftness boot camps
called Simply Circuits. Four personal train-
ers will be on hand to whip post-Christmas
bodies into shape and a registered child-
minder will run a stay and play session
upstairs.
Alongside the wedding and party pack-
ages, the hall will be available for hire by
community groups such as choirs, am-dram
groups and playgroups and will also hold
exhibitions and conferences.
If you would like to book the hall or
talk to Angelo about a function, please
contact: tel 07951604586
email- stcuthbertshall@hotmail.com
web- www.stcuthbertshall.com
ST CUThBERTS hALL GeTS a NeW LeaSe oF LiFe
raiSeS THe CHariTy STakeS
Last year the White Horse pub
on Newnham avenue raised
42,431.76 for a variety of
local and national charities.
This takes their on-going fundraising total
to date - 144,837.03
In 2012 the pubs regular Wednesday
night charity quizzes raised money for over
50 charities. These are mostly local chari-
ties such as Family Groups, Home Start,
St. Johns Hospice, Prebend Day Centre,
Elizabeth Curtis Riding for Disabled Centre
(Bromham), Autism Bedfordshire, Bedford
Hospitals well as national charities includ-
ing Macmillan, Help 4 Heroes, Red Cross
and the Samaritans.
We set aside every Wednesday night
for charity quizzes and are already full for
2013 so we have started another way of
fundraising with our Charity music nights,
explained landlady Sue Anstead.
We also invite charities to run stalls at
our beer Festival early in May and at our
Charity Christmas Fayr.
Peter Wells, Managing Director of
Charles Wells Pub Compnay was full of
praise for the pub, Sue & Nigel and all of
the fundraisers: For one pub to raise over
42,000 for charity in a year is a stag-
gering achievement and Nigel and Sue
Anstead have done a terrifc job in leading
this charge at The White Horse. They run
the defnitive community pub and have a
clear understanding of what their customer
base wants from their local. Youre always
ThE WhITE hORSE
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assured of a great night out at The White
Horse and were thrilled for Nigel and Sue
that all their hard work has been so well re-
warded in raising a total of almost 145,000
for good causes.
If anyone is interested in taking part in
the White Horses fundraising efforts they
should get in touch with Sue & Nigel by
phone: 01234 409306, email: sue_north-
cott@hotmail.com or check out the website
to see the monthly diary.
www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk

The White Horse hosts non-charity quizzes
every Sunday and Tuesday, an Open Mic
night every Monday, Karaokes 3 x a month,
a local live Band once a month. All the
details on the website
Sue & Nigel of The White Horse
February 2013
bedFordS SECRET
ChOCOLATIER
By Paul Hutchinson
One of the best things about Bedford
is that there is always something new to
discover. Of course we all know about the
towns brewery, museum, coffee shops and
restaurants but did you know Bedford is
also home to an international chocolatier?
Per Norrgren, from Sweden, came to
Bedford about a year ago with his partner
Marion who used to live here. They both
loved walking along the river and, thank-
fully for us, when it came time to settle they
chose Bedford.
Working in IT during the day, Per also
has a passion that is more chocolate chip
than microchip. About 15 years ago I
used to go on small courses to learn new
skills as a way of relaxing. says Per one
of these was chocolate making and I loved
it, I found something that came naturally
to me.
Per talks about chocolate with a pas-
sion that is infectious. Trying one of his
chocolates you are immersed in a decadent,
velvety taste that doesnt just come from be-
ing able to mix a few ingredients together.
But whats his secret? I feel that many big
chocolatiers put on too much of a show,
Per explains. They dress their chocolates
up for the eye but I wanted to create some-
thing for me, something I love, something
that is orgasmic when I eat it.
Orgasmic is a good word to use. Just
before Christmas Per hosted a chocolate
making demonstration at Andaluz on
Castle Road. Mixing tastes of Spain into
his chocolates, guests were treated to cava
infused truffes and candied Seville orange
peel dipped in 80% dark chocolate. Every-
one left with a smile on their face.
Bedfords secret chocolatier is as dark
as the chocolate he serves too. During our
conversation Per casually mentions that
he also had a chocolate shop in Brazil. I
tried to open one in Sydney, Australia, but
it didnt work out, so I went to Rio in Brazil
instead and its still open today. I joke that
some might suggest going from Brazil to
Bedford is the wrong way round. Per laughs
but disagrees. We love Bedford, he says.
Weve created a chocolate business, Bella
Cacao, and Im speaking with a few local
shops who are interested in stocking our
chocolates, we may also start the worlds
frst almost instant chocolate home delivery.
Instead of calling for a pizza, you can call
for chocolates.
My jaw hits the foor, chocolates deliv-
ered in minutes? I look forward to seeing
my wifes reaction to that news.
You can see Bella Cacaos range of
chocolates at www.bellacacao.co.uk.
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
Whats shakin, bacon?
10
Food LA PIAZZA - ST. PauLS Square
By David Gallagher
its hard to believe that despite
living in bedford for the last 26
years i had, up until my
inaugural Bacon Butty
Review visit this week, never
been to La Piazza in St.
Pauls Square.
Not even once. So I was looking forward
to my trip as you cant start a working week
off much better on a Monday morning than
being asked to go and have a cuppa and a
bacon butty. Kids duly dropped off at Castle
Lower, Clanger Coffee & Cake correspon-
dent in tow to show me the ropes, we set
off. On the bitterly cold morning with the
winters frst snow to review one of the few
places in Bedford that only has outdoor
seating. Oh well, cant win em all.
Despite the sub-zero temperatures we
were far from being the only ones enjoy-
ing La Piazzas hospitality that morning.
Surely a good sign, I thought. Bacon
sandwiches ordered Alice went for the
classic bacon, no sauce and an Earl Grey, I
pinned my colours frmly to the mast that
states red is the sauce that must accompany
bacon, and choose a regular coffee we
chatted to a few of the regulars whilst
Libby got to work on the grill.
Freshly made to order, I noticed that
Libby trimmed the thick cut back bacon
slices whilst cooking and then a gener-
ously flled Panini was popped into the
machine to be toasted up. By this time I
knew that what was coming was not going
to disappoint. The Panini, lightly toasted
gave a satisfying crunch and the bacon was
perfectly cooked, moist and favoursome.
The sandwich was evenly flled throughout
which meant there was bacon in every
mouthful right down to the last bite, and the
ketchup was as it should be an accompa-
niment to the main draw that enhanced the
favour of the meat rather than drowning
it out.
A bacon sandwich can despite being
simple so easily go wrong when you dont
take those extra steps. Stringy pieces of fat
that sometimes mean you end up pulling
out most of the bacon when you bite into it
leaving you with a bread sandwich; bland,
sliced white bread; cheap cuts of meat that
shrivel up to nothing as soon as they touch
a hotplate. However, the bacon sandwich
at La Piazza is nothing short of perfect.
And an absolute steal at 2.00. Bedford, the
benchmark has been set well and truly high.
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by Stephen
Bywater
Photographs of the
bangkok skyline at night,
a Thai chef and waitress
with the grace and
buddha-like focus on
their role in the kitchen
and restaurant;
Rice, the new Thai restaurant on St Cuth-
berts street, lifts the diner
from the snowy pavement
outside and effortlessly lands
them in the modern exotic.
Its already popular and the
bustle of a busy restaurant
adds to vibrant mix of Thai
simplicity and post-colonial
opulence.
The menu is almost as
daunting to the novice as the
main drag in Pattaya would
be to a galley boy stepping
ashore for the frst time. But
at least in Bedford we have
Tim on hand to help. Tim lived in Bangkok
for ten years and has owned Thai restau-
rants there and in Brighton. Between him
and his chef-partner, their understanding of
Thai cuisine is truly comprehensive.
We begin with a simple starter: spiced
prawn crackers with a chilli dip. Its a good
and inexpensive start and the truly authen-
tic claim seems valid. The beers add to the
genuine experience: a Singha, frst brewed
in Thailand in 1933, and what youd expect
to be drinking if youre sitting at a beach
bar, and Chang beer, two elephants on the
label and with a wonderful malty taste un-
like anything else Ive ever tried.
For the main Ive gone for Drunken
Noodles, wok fried fat rice noodles with
crushed chillies, basil, garlic and mixed
vegetables. There are seven ingredients
to choose from to add to the above,
from chicken to tofu, and the dish is
hot enough to leave the lips singing
and the thought of another Chang
justifying the dishs moniker. We also
have two yellow curries and a sweet
and sour stir fry, again choosing and
adding tiger prawns or vegetables
or duck. Each dish is fragrant with
a delicacy and exoticism only Thai
dishes now seem able to balance
perfectly.
After two Thai beers the mission
falls into abeyance and we order the
only concession to the West: sticky
toffee pudding and ice cream, which,
in our daughters humble opinion, is
as delicious and as authentic as every
dish on the menu.
RICE - 41 St Cuthberts Street, Bedford.
Tel. 01234 272053 - Tuesday - Saturday
5.30pm - 10.30 pm
RICE - ST. CuTHberTS STreeT
revieW
Held in high esteem
ThE KILN
By Alice Smith
Calling all bedford cake
fans (of whom there must
be many)
There is a new candidate for Best Lemon
Drizzle in town and that can be found at
The Kiln, right in the middle of the High
Street. The Kiln is a studio where you can
go to paint and decorate pottery, which you
can choose from their lovely selection, but
they also have a tea room at the front of
the shop. This is perfect for sitting in cosy
style and looking out at people milling by
on the High Street. *Cakes are provided by
the cake queen Saffron, the brains behind
Fancy, on Roff Avenue. So The Kiln clearly
know their stuff when it comes to buying
cakes. * The lemon drizzle was so spectacu-
lar that it even distracted my mini-tasting
companion from her chocolate cup cake
this is a rare thing in itself. It had a proper
lemony kick to it, and a divine crunch to the
topping. This is the kind of cake that people
should be hunting down, and eating imme-
diately. It was so lemony it probably counts
as one of your fve-a-day. The cappuccino
was beautifully made with exactly the right
kind of froth, but The Kiln also offer a bril-
liant tea menu, with lots of the more exotic
fruit teas, as well as the usual kinds of tea,
and lots of different coffees. The other cakes
on offer also looked amazing chocolate
brownies, chocolate, fg and almond cake
and The Kiln also offer an Afternoon Tea
option to share, with a selection of cakes,
sandwiches and coffee and tea. There are
always gluten-free cake options too. One of
the nicest things about having a cup of tea
there was to have a good look at what is on
offer to paint. There are so many options,
from fairies to paperweights to crockery,
and some great looking robots! Often when
you go out for a coffee and cake treat, it is
the little things that make a big difference.
The staff were friendly and helpful, and
found the time to have a lovely chat with
Tilly about what they were painting that
afternoon; and everywhere was really clean
and comfortable. Oh, and the coffee came in
a hand-painted, tiger-print mug. That has to
go down as the best mug ever.
Have your cake & eat it
CoFFee & Cake
CHoCCie
an idea that
purr-ka-lated for years,
has finally surfaced
in bedford.
Kris Hughes (an Ameri-
can from Louisiana with
time spent in Mississippi
and Tennessee) felt there
was room for a creative
approach to offering good
food; food you dont fnd
here. It would be called
Ruby Falls (named both for
a Tennessee landmark and her
daughter) and the menu would be simple,
offering brunch items you might fnd in the
American Deep South, or a good US diner.
With the recipes and know-how from work-
ing as a waitress and chef in Jackson, MS
and Nashville, TN, and growing up eating
delicious food home-cooked by both grand-
mothers Kris felt she could offer a scaled
down version to her neighbourhood. But
how? Not quite ready to commit to a lease
she approached Lucie Fuller, at the Burnaby
Arms and the frst Ruby Falls Brunch Club
took place on November 24. I know what
youre thinking: I missed it! How can I get
in on the next one? Tell me! How can I GET
ON THE LIST?? Easy! Call the Burnaby
Arms and save your plate for February
9, 2013. The occasion? Mardi Gras
Brunch, yall. Wear purple, yel-
low and green. Kris might even
have some Mardi Gras beads
for ya! Lets get behind this
unique pop-up brunch
club. Food is a great way to
bring a neighbourhood AND
businesses together. Ruby
Falls features local Bedford
veg, meat and eggs by David Jon
Butchers and Sweet Treats by Mimi,
both based in the Black Tom area. The logo
design is by Martyn, of MediaFixOnline.
And of course, a fne host in the Burnaby
Arms, offering drink specials on the day.
Something tells me Ill be seeing you there!
(Reservations: 01234 330 056, The Burnaby
Arms, menu available two weeks before.
Hint: French toast, American style crispy
bacon and eggs!). Live music by the Last
Chance Ragtime Band and drink specials
on the day. 1 of every box sold goes to the
Theodora Childrens Trust (www.theodora.
org.uk).
RUBY FALLS - PoP uP aMeriCaN diNer
February 2013
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The Swedish chef
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
11
Hubba hubba! Its Valentines Day this month.
BEhIND ThE SCENES AT ThE MUSEUM
By Reverend Sharon Grenham-Toze, Man-
aging Chaplain at Bedford Prison
every year around
this time, thousands of
couples will have the
conversation.
Are we doing it this year then? Oh
lets not worry about all that sentimental
rubbish. Fair enough. The fateful day
dawns and (usually) one half is hurt and the
others embarrassed, feeling in the wrong
and confused. Whether its red roses, cuddly
toys or a diamond, Valentines Day is an
absolute minefeld. I remember once, a long
time ago, being asked to choose my own
fowers!!!
Theres not much historical evidence
about St Valentine. In one story hes a 3rd
century bishop, in another hes a priest who
married Christian couples in secret during
the Roman persecutions. Theres also a
theory that the whole lovers connection
was invented by Geoffrey Chaucer (author
of the Canterbury Tales) in the 14th century.
Who knows? Whatever the origins,
were stuck with a day of pressure to be ro-
mantic, in a couple and eating heart-shaped
biscuits..
And actually, that
kind of pressure is there
all year round. We seem
to expect the committed
relationship, fring on all
cylinders (so to speak),
full of mini-breaks and
laughing, walks along
the beach in matching
jumpers. The single, the
separated and the strug-
gling are the also-rans in
the steeplechase of lurve.
I think the mistake we
can make is to see romantic (or sexual)
love as the only type worth having. Ancient
philosophers and scholars used to put the
idea of love into three categories. Theres
eros (from which we get the word erotic)
which does mean the heart-futtering, sweet
nothings stuff. Then theres philia, which
means brotherly (or sisterly) ie non-sexual,
love. Think about the affection you feel
for your best mate, or the deep pull on
your heart that your kids have. Finally, and
hardest of all to achieve, is what they called
agape (pronounced ag-a-pay). C. S. Lewis
described it as a selfess love, passionately
committed to the well-being of the other,
even if they werent being
particularly loveable at the
time.
All of these defnitions
of love were explored in the
flm version of Les Misera-
bles, which I saw recently
(and yes, I cried!) Arguably,
it was the ex-convict Jean
Valjean who experienced
and demonstrated that deep-
est, agape, love - and found
redemption through it.
Its an idea thats at the
very heart of the Christian
faith, and in some small way, its what I try
to put into practice when Im walking the
landings in the prison putting someone
elses needs above my own, including my
instinct to judge. I think its something
we can aim for in all our relationships
intimate or otherwise. If we can commit
ourselves to the well-being of our partner (if
we have one), our kids (if we have them),
our colleagues, and, in fact, to the total
stranger, then Im sure the satisfaction we
discover will mean well care a whole lot
less about hearts and roses.
Although, if anyone wishes to send them
to me I wouldnt turn em down!!!
BEhIND ThE WALLS WITh A PRISON ChAPLAIN:
aLL you Need iS Love?
reLiGioN
SPorT
reTaiL
BEACON TENNIS PROJECT RETURNS FOR 2013
2013 heralds the third
year of the beacon
Tennis Project in
conjunction with bedford
borough Council, british
Tennis and riverside
Tennis Club.
Beacon Tennis runs specifc time sessions
for both children & adults so its a great
way for the
whole family
to get a sport-
ing start the
weekend. With
the support of
the Borough
Council,
players can
access their
frst term at
50% discount
[12 weeks for
25]. Said
Neil Frankel,
Director of
Tennis: Were
looking to
build the tennis community in 2013 and
are inviting new players to join us now.
Were confdent we can create a real tennis
hub based in Bedford Park and there are
some exciting opportunities to link in with
other local players through www.lta.org.uk/
allplaytennis/
All the sessions at the Bedford Park
site will be headed up by Riverside Tennis
Clubs Qualifed and CRB checked LTA
coaches.
More info on www.beacontennis.co.uk/
Business in the Community (BITC) is a
business-led charity focused on promot-
ing responsible business practice.
BITC works with employers to
transform communities by tack-
ling key social issues and, in do-
ing so, helping them transform
themselves. In Bedfordshire,
BITC are working with partners
in order to make community
organisations more sustainable. Said Chris
Williams of BITC, Our particular focus
is on business engagement for the mutual
beneft of both local employers and com-
munity organisations concerned. Business
engagement aims to strengthen the way that
local employers work with the voluntary
and community sectors on a number of lev-
els maybe as trustees, mentors,
volunteers or through offering
professional advice. Or how
about offering up a meeting room,
donating unwanted equipment,
or spaces on an in-house training
course?
If your business would like to
get involved or if you can think of some-
thing else that you could offer, please con-
tact Chris Williams at chris.williams@
bitc.org.uk or call 07734 990561.
buSiNeSS
BUSINESS IN ThE COMMUNITY
CASh
MOB
THe Love
ediTioN
12 noon on
9th February
2013
Last November,
Kayte Judge organised a Cash Mob. The
idea was simple: we meet, we bring 5, we
all spend it in the same shop, and we give
some friendly feedback to the shop keeper
while we are at it.
The aim is to give independent shop
keepers in our town a little boost (monetary
and otherwise), to discover and rediscover
our independent shops, and to let them
know what we love about their shop, and
what would make us spend more of our
money there. Anyone is welcome to join
the Cash Mob revolution. You just need
5, an open mind and a positive attitude.
Whether its fve people, or 50, we can still
make a difference.
The lucky shop is randomly chosen by
pulling a name out of a proverbial hat on
the day. Shop selection criteria are: Bedford
town centre location, needs a boost, inde-
pendently owned and run with a variety of
goods under 5. Places that have already
been cash mobbed are Rose Tinted Vintage
and Arcadia Sweet Shop.
If you need another incentive to join in,
other businesses sometimes give special
offers so you might get a treat too Cash
Mobbers have had free cake, half price
Mexican food, cinema tickets and more
so far. Who knows whatll be on offer this
month?
SO, WHOS IN? If you want to join Kayte
& and the Cash Mobbers then make sure
youre at the Silver Faces on Silver Street at
midday on Saturday 9th February.
1 1 ' )
N
U
1 1 ' )
' N
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. , d O l l s 1 0 0 , ( u ! , ( a u O W a J O W p u a d s a w a > l 0 w p ! n o H l . l O l / M
. . . . . , . _ . . . . . J " : : ;
" ' d O I / S 1 0 0 ) ( , n o q o a A O ! I I O l / M
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~ ; . a . = _ _ ~ . . . L .
" ' d O l / S 1 0 0 ) ( , n o q o a A o l I I O I / M
; . . . . . : : = . ' 7
-
Neil Frankel: Court is in session
P
h
o
t
o
:

S
h
a
u
n
A
r
m
s
t
r
o
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SING UP WITh OPUS 18
opus 18 is a community choir
set up by local piano teacher
and vocal animataeur, Evelyn
Sutherland in September
2011.
The choir is always looking for new
members and welcomes singers of all abili-
ties. There are no auditions and there is no
requirement to read music. The choir sings
in a wide range of styles including classic
pop, sacred, folksongs, musicals, African
chants and harmonies and many more
sounds like theres something for everyone!
The social, physical and emotional
benefts of singing in a group are tremen-
dous and we encourage you to come along
and have a good sing, even if you think you
cant said Evelyn. We do like to have lots
of laughs too so please bring your sense of
humour! We have a short coffee and chat
break during the rehearsal and we like to
meet up socially every term.
The choir meets on Monday evenings in
term time, at St Marks Church Commu-
nity Centre (Wren Room), Calder Road,
Brickhill, Bedford. Opus 18 is particularly
keen to attract more male voices. At the
moment we have four male members and it
would be lovely to welcome a few more!
said Evelyn. We re a very friendly bunch
and wont bite!

For further information check out the
website www.opus18communitychoir.
org.uk or email evsutherlandmusic@
hotmail.co.uk
By Gemma Hutton
your Paintings is a joint
initiative between the
bbC and the Public
Catalogue Foundation
that aims to increase
access to the many oil
paintings held in public
collections in the uk.
So far the public catalogue founda-
tion has photographed 212,000 oil
paintings and the BBC has presented all of
these paintings on the Your Paintings
website.
This February there will be events
across the UK celebrating the launch of
the website. The Higgins Art Gallery
& Museum is celebrating too. There
are 128 of Bedfords oil paintings, held
at The Higgins, featured on the site.
Weve printed six of them, showing
historic views of Bedford, on postcards
that you can pick up at independent
shops and restaurants, the tourist
information centre or Bedford Central
Library. We thought it would be fun if
you matched one of these views with
YOUR PAINTINGS & ThE hIGGINS
Bedfords Suspension Bridge, 1895 George Alfred Gearey (1868 - 1952)
the current view by taking a photo that
includes the postcard view as well the con-
temporary equivalent. Send photos to us on
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheHig-
ginsBedford
Twitter: @higginsbedford
Email: thehiggins@bedford.gov.uk
No prizes..its just for fun!
Explore more of the collection at Your
Paintings
www.bbc.co.uk/arts/yourpaintings/
Februarys Hero of the
Month is Jeni Melia. Jeni
runs Music 4 Memory and
has been nominated by
Theresa Cornes.
Jeni has been the musical director of Music
4 Memory since it started in 2008. From
the start her enthusiasm, skill, talent and
professionalism together with her empathy,
understanding and deep compassion has
shaped this special, warm, inclusive creative
community.
Jeni has the wonderful
ability of nurturing and
encouraging talent, being
able to communicate on
many levels and to make
everyone feel special and
valued.
Her tireless enthusi-
asm, passion and com-
mitment is inspirational
and her vision and belief
that M4M can achieve
anything is infectious.
Jeni helped to make the
idea of a comic opera -the
Commissar of Moscow a
reality, has established the
now annual Christmas
extravaganza as a true community event
and has helped to direct the enormously
successful Hear and Now project with
members of Fusion - a local youth choir and
the world famous Philharmonia Orchestra.
She is a skilled and professional musi-
cian herself as well as
a qualifed music thera-
pist with an extensive
experience of working
with younger and older
musicians. But, with
a grounded modest
and the ability to ac-
cept and understand
people as they are, Jeni
constantly gets the best
of all those she works
with, in a very relaxed
and informal manner.
Each week up to
60 carers and people
with dementia attend
Music 4 memory and
each week they leave
feeling happier, fulflled, valued, validated,
listened to and that they they have achieved
and been part of something amazingly
important and wonderfully powerful, all of
this because of Jeni.
SPoNSorS oF:
LOCAL hEROES
February 2013
Jeni from M4M
By Janet Lehain
The other day i got an email
from Great Ormond Street
hospital, thanking me for
the donation of 453 to their
charity.
The money was raised by the online sales
of Wonky Wilma patterns and a big
THANK YOU needs to go out to many
readers of The Clanger who bought the pat-
tern and took part in the challenge to make a
toy elephant in the run-up to Christmas.
Okay, so Wilma didnt go viral as I might
have hoped. Funnily enough, she did not
compete with the big boys of must-have
toys.
But, the money Wilma raised is now in
the hands of an organisation that provides
world class care for children whose remark-
able bravery touches
everyone. It will go
towards good stuff
like providing more
specialist equipment,
providing accom-
modation for parents
to stay with their
children while they
are in hospital, and
continuing with the
important job of re-
search into childhood
diseases something
we all beneft from.
For me, the
most fun part of the
challenge was getting pictures of fnished
Wilma elephants from all over the world.
That said, Wilma had a defnite liking for
Bedford. And the people of her home town
showed themselves
to be a creative and
resourceful bunch.
Some could sew, and
others could not sew
for toffee friends
got together and then
really surprised them-
selves by producing
a gorgeously quirky
looking elephant.
If you have yet to
make a Wilma, and
fancy a go now that
life is calmer than
the busy build up to
Christmas, then you
can still buy a pattern and support GOSH.
Go to Kitchentablesewing.blogspot.com to
fnd out more & view other peoples Wonky
Wilmas for inspiration.
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
12
THaNk youS
The Bedford Clanger is a labour of love for a lot of people. No ones
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 design: BCA, Graham Watson, Marisa Straccia
Great Bedfordian Illustration: Marisa Straccia
Snappy snappers: Graham Watson, Jez Brown, Shaun Armstrong
Coffe & Cake Correspondents: Alice & Tilly Smith
Tea & Bacon Butty Correspondent: David Gallagher
Foodie: Stephen Bywater Muso: Richard Smith
Hair & Make-up: Sarah Dunn at Sarahs Doo Wop Dos
Aditional Editorial: Charles Rose, Victoria Goldsmith, Emily Finney,
Kev Bailey, Gareth Barber, Stuart Kingston, Milky, Paula Walker,
Clare Sullivan, Bethan Michael, Janet Lehain, Liz Pieksma,
Gemma Hutton
Im glad Wilma found a Fred.
KIDS CRAFT WORKShOP: GeTTiNG CraFTy
WiTH 9-15 year oLdS iN bedFord
book LauNCH
hOT UNDER ThE COLLAR
MOLYNEUx JONES NaMed iN Good FuNeraL Guide
at the Clanger we love kids
and we craft.
So when the two are combined it
can only be a Good Thing. Friends
Ali Boston and Tara Dolby share our
thoughts, so have come up with Kids
Craft Workshop to allow 9 15 year
olds to develop their skills with print-
ing, ceramics, textiles and collage.
Ali and Tara have many years of art
and crafting experience between them,
with Ali the head of art at a Bedford-
shire middle school.
Ali says, We want to give children
the opportunity to explore their creativ-
ity out of school, using lots of exciting
techniques and materials.
The series of Saturday morning
workshops will take place at Newnham
Middle School on Polhill Avenue and
begin in March. To fnd out more or
register, check out their website:
www.kidscraftworkshop.co.uk.
Hot under The Collar is an
account of true events set
against the hostile and
dangerous background of
the Troubles in Northern
ireland and written by
Andrew Rowley, a teacher
at bedford Modern School.
The publication offers an insight into a
unique experience and tells the story of
people and the rich vagaries of life; some of
it will make you laugh, some of it will make
you cry and some of it will bemuse and
bewilder you.
Andrew Rowley joined BMS in 2001
and is Head of Philosophy and also a Senior
Sixth Form Tutor. He started his working
life in fnance and administration working at
Independent Television News in London be-
fore reading Theology and training for Min-
istry at Oxford as a mature student. After
spending fve years as minister of a church
in Northern Ireland during the Troubles,
and fve years as a minister in Lancashire,
Andrew
decided to pur-
sue a career in
teaching.
Strangely
enough, it
was actually
Bedford Mod-
ern School
students who
inspired me
to write this
book, said
Andrew.
Students have often asked me to
recount my experiences and suggested that
I should write a book about my time in
Northern Ireland. Writing the book took
about two years and was a hugely cathartic
experience for me during what was not
an easy period in my life and sadly the
Troubles are still topical today.
It was my intention to balance the
subject and I have tried to inject some hu-
morous stories into the narrative aside from
the Troubles, he said.
bedford funeral director
Molyneux Jones
Family Funeral Directors
has been named one of the
uks best funeral directors
following an assessment
visit by the Good Funeral
Guide, an independent
funeral consumer advocacy
organisation.
In the Good Funeral Guides opinion,
The sense of really personal care shines
through.
The Good Funeral Guide assesses select
funeral homes according to strict
criteria which focus on the qual-
ity of the experience they offer
to bereaved people. Molyneux
Jones Family Funeral Direc-
tors has been inspected to en-
sure that clients are treated with
courtesy, listened to with empathy,
offered a full range of choice, charged fairly
and empowered to play whatever part they
want in creating a send-off for the person
they have lost which accords with their
values and wishes.
The accreditation process also involved
spending time behind the scenes in order to
ascertain that those who have died are cared
for with the utmost tenderness and respect.
Charles Cowling, author of
the Good Funeral Guide says:
Choosing a funeral director
can be very diffcult because
they all look much the same.
But theyre not. Some, a pre-
cious few, are truly outstanding,
and Molyneux Jones is one of
them.
The team at Molyneux Jones are
unsung heroes doing a magnifcent job, and
the people of Bedford deserve to know this.
Bereaved people need to do their very best
for their loved one. They deserve the very
best funeral director.
THe CoNTiNuiNG adveNTureS oF WONKY WILMA
NEW PARENT?
Then Mums of bedford is the
network for you.
Founder Rhiannon Cooper explains why
she set it up:
Mums of Bedford is a Facebook group
set up for parents of babies and toddlers
to network locally. Its there for mums to
share information and recommend groups
that they attend, buggy friendly places to
eat, local events that are coming up for
the family to enjoy or simply ask for some
advice. If you run a baby/toddler group you
can also join and promote it, as can local
businesses that provide parent and child
related services.
I set up the page when I had my little one
because I met a lot of mums whom didnt
know what was available to them. There
are other websites to fnd this information,
but most people have a Facebook account,
so I thought it would be much easier for
people than to trawl through Google.
The page is for everyone from mothers-
to-be to new mums to mums of toddlers;
there is so much out there that people dont
know about. Some groups are having to
stop running because not enough people are
going and we need this to change.
This year, I will be expanding Mums
of Bedford dos and running a charity
event to raise money for Bedford Hospital
Childrens Ward and Cygnet Wing. We are
in the early stages, but will need all the
support we can get from mums of the town,
local businesses and anyone who wants to
be involved.
Find Mums of Bedford group on
Facebook
BE PART OF ThE 2013
BEDFRINGE
FESTIVAL!
Bedfringe 2013 is on its way and here
is your chance to be part of it. Bedfringe
is Bedfords premier music, comedy and
theatre festival and will take place this sum-
mer. If you fancy yourself as a comedian,
performer or musician and want to take part
in Bedfringe then now is the time to apply.
Now in its 7th year it has begun to gain
national attention and is recognized as one
of the best alternative Fringe Festivals in
the country. Bedfringe hosts some of the
best touring comedy and theatre shows just
before they hit the world-famous Edinburgh
Festival Fringe, providing you with the op-
portunity to see the new shows frst, in your
hometown.
Bedfringe provides an opportunity
for local talent to be listed alongside well
known names in the theatre and comedy
world, such as Jack Whitehall and Lee
Nelson, explains Bedfringe Director James
Pharaoh. It is a great opportunity to test
new material on a friendly audience. It is
a perfect opportunity for local performers,
either as individuals or theatre and dance
groups, to come forward and give it a go
alongside some nationally known perform-
ers
If you would like to apply simply visit
www.bedfringe.com for an application
form and return it to James before the
4th March.
February 2013

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ISSUE 19: February 2013

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