Bedford Clanger March 2012

FREE
ISSUE 9: MARCH 2012
THE BEDFORD CLANGER

Photo by: Shaun Armstrong
for: music-lovers, culture-vultures, crafters, artists, makers, gardeners, traders, foodies, fashionistas
@bedfordclanger the Bedford Clanger Group Page email: thebedfordclanger@gmail.com blog:thebedfordclanger.wordpress.com
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
MARCH 2012
UNIQUE BEDFORD
PensieRi, CAstle lAne, BedfoRd tel: 01234 363592 With our focus on Castle Quay this month, we thought that wed have a chat to Maria Bennett, owner of Pensieri, one of the first businesses to open in the Cultural Quarter. Pensieri is a unique mix of gift shop and
coffee shop and stocks greetings cards, exquistite jewellery, leather goods, giftware and bridal accessories as well as delicious cakes and the best hot chocolate in town! And with Mothers Day on Sunday 18th March, its the perfect place to pick up that special something for your mum....
Letter from the Editor
Were in a celebratory mood this month. The Clanger is going from strength to strength and weve increased the size of this issue to 12 whole pages of Bedford lovliness! Also, the last of the empty shops in Castle Quay has now been let and Baja - the newest epicurian addition to the Quay - has just opened. The whole area has a great vibrancy about it, fabulous food is on offer and in just over a year, The Cecil Higgins Art Gallery and Bedford Museum will re-open to put the Cultural Quarter of Bedford firmly on the map. The Museum may be closed for the time being, but Clanger readers can get an exclusive glimpse behind the hoardings in our Behind the Scenes at the Museum column. Music features heavily in this issue, with previews of an eclectic trio of great gigs at Esquires and an interview with Wolf People. Check them out! If theres anything that youd like The Clanger to cover, please get in touch either on Twitter @bedfordclanger or via email thebedfordclanger@gmail.com. Have a good March and well see you again in April. Roll on Spring!
Bedford Clanger: When did Pensieri open? Maria Bennett: I opened in November 2009. BC: What attracted you to the Castle Quay area? MB: The vision that Frank Branston had. I liked the idea of restaurants and niche shops mixed with culture, art and history. Bedford has so much to offer and yet everything was based around an outdated town centre. I believed that this was the start of better things to come and when the refurbishment of the Museum is complete, Castle Quay and the Castle Quarter will be the most vibrant area of Bedford. BC: Pensieri is unique in Bedford as the only gift & coffee shop. Do you think its important to offer something else for your customers? MB: Definitely! Customers love to see new things, they like to get something different and its important to listen to your
Photo by: Molly Baker
Maria Bennett of Pensieri sitting pretty in Castle Quay fantastic, in fact recently there was a week from one exhibition ending to the next one starting and everyone noticed the empty wall! BC. What is your best seller? MB: Jewellery....from everyday to statement pieces & wedding tiaras. BC: We already love Pensieri, but how can we convince everyone else what theyre missing? MB: Keep passing the word around! Independent businesses need the support of local people. Pensieri offers something different, a unique relaxing shopping experience. BC: Pensieri supports local crafters as well as artists. What kind of local talent do you stock? MB: At the moment Ive got Tom Barwoods books and greeting cards made by Design Hog. Im always on the look-out for locally sourced products, so please get in touch if you think youve got something my customers would like! BC: Finally, Ive got a book club. Can we meet at Pensieri? MB: No problem, as long as its not the 1st Monday in the month..as we already have one! So there you have it. Whether you want an indulgent coffee and cake away from the bustle of the High Street, are searching for a gift or the perfect wedding accessories or need a venue for your book club, check out Pensieri. Dont forget to tell Maria that The Clanger sent you...
customers or theyll go elsewhere. I like to get to know my customers, their likes and dislikes, so when its a special occasion for their friends and family they find it easier to choose something...most of the time they get it right & its gift wrapped too. BC: We love that Pensieri supports local artists. How did your art & photography exhibitions come about? MB: Being in the Cultural Quarter it was something that I always wanted to do so when Pensieri opened I had an exhibition of an artist that I know from Hitchin. I was then approached by Kristian Purcell (artist and curatorial assistant at the Cecil Higgins Art Gallery & Bedford Museum) and he had the next exhibition. Thanks to the support and of Kristian the exhibitions have continued, at the moment we are booked until early summer. The response has been
HOMETOWN TOURIST tHe siKH teMPle, QUeens PARK

Barnabas Wale is a member of the UpRising social Action Campaign, Brand for Bedford 2012. Brand for Bedford is dedicated to the celebration and promotion of the diversity of Bedford.
on April 18 2007. The exterior was hand crafted by over twenty specially imported stonemasons, working for a year and a half on granite and marble domes and arches. Amrik Singh Jamu, general secretary of the project, said: We are incredibly proud of this beautiful and unique Gurdwara the first built in England in the traditional Sikh style. A Wonder west of the town centre. Like many religious buildings, the architecture in itsself contains concepts and values reminiscent of the major Sikh temples in the Punjab and across India, where places of worship are designed to inspire harmony. As well as offering a nationwide centre for the teachings of Guru Nanak, the Temple can cater for over 600 worshipers, and is annually host to many the Bedford Gurdwara Bedfords UpRising Cohort (youth leadership initiative) recently took part in the interfaith tour. Its amazing to see such grass roots activity and community spirit said Ramon Chong, Bedford UpRiser. But its not all prayer and cohesion, the Gurdwara also has a range of youth programs aimed at raising aspirations. Mr Janu added, Classes are taught here and we give a place for youngsters to go and do something constructive with their time, whether it be to learn judo or play football said Mr. Jamu. The great news is that Bedfords hidden treasure is open to anyone, so whether yours is the tour, judo or just a cup of masala chai (sub continental spiced tea), the Bedford Gurdwara is a must see. 84 Ford End Road Bedford Bedfordshire MK40 4JX Telephone: 01234 266 531
On behalf of The Clanger, Barnabas looks

behind the scenes at the beautiful Gurdwara in Queens Park. It was the first to be built in England in the traditional Sikh style and certainly enhances the landscape as you approach Bedford from Bromham. Find out more about the other inspiring Uprising projects in this issue of The Clanger. From the Land of Five rivers and Princely states, Bedfords Gurdwara has geometrically transformed the towns old and industrial skyline since its completion
colourful weddings. The 4 million project was funded from donations, a loan, and 1.33m of lottery funding under its ethnic minority initiative, which has strengthened interfaith bonds in Queens Park. The temple is also part of a community based interfaith tour, where school children (and adults) can visit and experience British Sikhism followed by a tour of All Saints Anglican church, and Gulshan e Baghdad Mosque.
sikh and you shall find!
Have you seen the scarecrows at Pensieri?
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
MARCH 2012
CASTLE QUAY WEEKENDER: ONE YEAR ON

by Erica Roffe
tracted over 4,000 people to Castle Quay offering everything from live music to crafts, wine-tastings to comedy, guided tours to community art galleries. And the sun shone! When Kayte Judge and I conceived of the pop up arts festival idea in November 2010, we envisaged one event in one shop. However, with a grant from the RSA, the backing of the Borough Council and the
involvement of the private landlords, a far more ambitious event began to take shape. We Are Bedford was established as a not-for-profit community group to help us organise the event and we were amazed at the enthusiastic response from the people of the town to the project. Had we finally beaten the Bedford apathy? We were fortunate to enlist the help of design agency Bonfire CI who very kindly sponsored the branding of the event. By quickly establishing a visual identity, the Castle Quay Weekender really began to take shape and we engaged with other groups and businesses in the community to get involved too. The Bedford Swan Hotel, Esquires, Eagle Gallery, Infinite 29, Handmade Markets, BCA, The Creative Bedfordshire Network, Bedford Tour Guides, artist Jane Edden, Cecil Higgins Art Gallery & Bedford Museum, Pensieri, Castle Hill Garage, Lady Ks, Angelos cafe, The Riverside Grill, John Hegley, Bedazzled, Jane Perrone, Kathy Brown, Tom Barwood, The Blue Glass, Fancy!, UOldBag!, Reestore, Hemlock Morris Dancers and a host of buskers immediately grasped our concept and worked tirelessly to make it a reality. So, what has been the legacy of the event? Well, a year on and all of the empty units are now (or soon to be) occupied
The Castle Quay Weekender was a tremendous success and showcased exactly what can be done when people get together and work hard to improve their local community. Featuring music, art, comedy, workshops and much more it provided a superb outlet for local people and groups to showcase what they are all about to a wider audience. Of course, since the weekend took place a number of new businesses have moved into the once empty units at Castle Quay. These new additions to the town centre are helping to create a vibrant new district in Bedford Borough which we can all be proud of and enjoy. I have no doubt that the superb community spirit which the Castle Quay Weekender helped to achieve was a contributing factor to these new additions choosing to come to Bedford. I look forward to continuing to work with We Are Bedford and many other local groups to improve all areas of Bedford Borough and by working together we can help to make the borough a better place to live, work and visit for many years to come.
MAYOR OF BEDFORD BOROUgH, DAvE HODgSON:
cupied and a lot more positivity among the traders, said Maria. Shoppers love to step off the High Street to discover the hidden gem that is Castle Quay. With all the units now full were looking forward to the relaunch of the Museum and Art Gallery in 2013 to really put the Cultural Quarter on the map. It is testament to Marias personality that she has created a wonderful, successful business during such a difficult economic period. And it is testament to the people of Bedford who show such loyalty and support for the unique, independent businesses that make our town what it is.
it is hard to believe that 12 months have passed since the Castle Quay Weekender took place in the seven empty shops in and around the Cultural Quarter of Bedford. The weekend of 19 - 20 March 2011 at-
with an eclectic mix of retailers, eateries and a gallery. No longer a neglected cut through, Castle Lane is finally fulfilling its potential as the Cultural Quarter of the town. While we cant claim to have been solely responsible for this, the Castle Quay Weekender certainly contributed to raising perceptions and awareness of the area. Much of the organisation and promotion of the event was undertaken on the We Are Bedford Facebook and Twitter pages. All of it was done by volunteers. This on-line community has grown and now the Facebook group has nearly 400 members. As a forum for our town, We Are Bedford is an excellent source of information and collaboration, with many different groups and people networking together to improve and enhance Bedford. The We Are Bedford group has also spawned other projects and initiatives with similar aims. As for me, well, The Bedford Clanger would not exist if it werent for the Castle Quay Weekender. The people I met, the enthusiasm I encountered and the knowledge that arts and culture can and do thrive in our town made me determined to provide a platform to promote the stuff that makes Bedford great. And the Clanger was born. Its been hard in these tough economic times, but the feedback that I have received, and the connections that We Are Bedford continues to facilitate makes it worthwhile. So how have others seen the legacy of the Castle Quay Weekender? We asked some of Bedfords movers, shakers and Castle Quay traders what they think
raise interest in a new development on the riverside of town and that same network has continued to drive footfall in that direction, enhancing the reputation of the town centre. As an organisation representing businesses, we were delighted to see We Are Bedford and the Castle Quay Weekender blossom into motivational group for good in Bedford.
there were still traders in the area. Theres a real buzz now that all the units are oc-
for 10 is so popular, as is our all day breakfast. As evening falls, the cafe trans-
STEvE JUDgE diReCtoR of BonfiRe Ci (Corporate sponsors of the CQW):
What started out as a small scale pop-up empty shop initiative erupted into a weekend long arts festival due to the spirit in which it was embraced; by the many members of the public and the organisations that helped out, supported it and took part. As corporate sponsors providing design and marketing services, we were amazed how each week more acts and events were added to the weekends growing schedule. The Castle Quay Weekender (CQW) proved one big lesson to the community of Bedford and that is, with the right ideas, ethics, people, enthusiasm and perseverance you can make things happen. Over 4000 people turned up over the weekend to an otherwise little used part of the town, but these werent just people, they were Bedford and they came to what turned out to be a major local event - run by the people for the people. Since the CQW the local creative networks have expanded massively and long-term friendships have been forged, awareness of the local businesses in the area has been raised and it has encouraged other groups to embrace pop-up culture locally; and more importantly its raised awareness of Castle Quay, Bedfords cultural quarter, and helped fill those 7 empty shops!
ANgELOS - CAstle lAne
JACQUIE MANNERS (MAnneRs PR):
CHRISTINA ROWE, diReCtoR BedfoRdBid (Business improvement district)
Representing 564 town centre businesses who have voted to invest collectively in local improvements to enhance their trading environment said: We were so impressed with the work of We Are Bedford in reaching out to consumers and the young entrepreneurial arts audience that we nominated the founders for an award which we sponsored in conjunction with our local newspaper. The Castle Quay Weekender helped to bring attention and
We Are Bedford and the Castle Quay Weekender captured the hearts and minds of many, particularly younger people and brought them together under one community-led banner. We Are Bedford and the CQW gave people from all sectors of the community a rallying point at which they clearly felt they could become involved and make a difference in the town. Using social media as a way of capturing that enthusiasm, We Are Bedford showed how a fast-moving community-led project can succeed where other structure-bound organisations have failed to get Bedford moving. The legacy is an actively connected group who openly share ideas for future projects, and have encouraged others to follow their example by setting up social media-led groups for specific areas. I include myself here, on behalf of clients in Tavistock Street, who have set up TavToffs on Twitter and are working in partnership with local authorities and a local branch of the youth group, UpRising, to enliven this area. The first event occurred on February 16th. The parties were brought together by Erica Roffe of We Are Bedford.
Angelos cafe on Castle Lane opened just before the Castle Quay Weekender and what a baptism of fire that weekend proved to be! Serving over 1,500 customers and with over 600 cups of tea and coffee being sold, it was, says Angelo, a great welcome to the area! So what has the legacy of the CQW been to Angelo? To be honest, I never planned to be open by then, but Kayte Judge was very persuasive! As a result I got my finger out and we opened in a pretty basic way, explains Angelo. Weve had great customer retention from the Weekender and many people are still talking about the event a year on. Since opening, the cafe has evolved to become what Angelo originally envisaged 12 months ago. Now a licensed premises, Angelos is one of only a handful of places in Bedford offering a Black Rock Grill menu. The Black Rock is our best seller. Our lunch offer of two Black Rock steaks Angelo: He sells duff beer.
forms into a bistro serving a comprehensive dinner menu (ncluding Black Rock Grill favourites) to a growing number of loyal customers. There is a growing awareness of the Castle Quay area and were now succeeding in dragging people off the High Street! said Angelo. Our cafe is a community hub and we love being invovled with our customers. So much so, that Angelos has its own travelling duck (currently on tour in Australia and Thailand) that customers can follow on his Facebook page, and Twitter users can enter the daily competition to win a bacon butty. Angelos - Castle Lane twitter: @CafeAngelos
LADY KS
Since the Castle Quay weekender we have seen the area thrive from just three full units (Pensieri, Lady Ks and Ocal leather) into what is now a variety of shops and restaurants. This now bustling little quarter has become one of Bedfords hidden gems to shop, eat and relax. The very successful weekender raised much awareness to the area that is the gateway between the town centre and the Castle Quarter.
JO FLANNERY: sCHool of CRAft (and postmistress at the CQW Pop Up Post office)
The Castle Quay Weekender was such a fun weekend to be part of. I felt a real sense of belonging to a vibrant artistic local community. It made me look at Bedford differently - much more positively.
PENSIERI - CAstle lAne:
Maria Bennett at Pensieri gift and coffee shop has been trading on Castle Lane for just over two years and has experienced the highs and lows of Castle Quay. When Bedford Museum and the Cecil Higgins Art Gallery closed for refurbishment it stopped the majority of footfall through the area. However, the Castle Quay Weekender reminded shoppers that
Photo by: Richard Harrison
Castle Lane is Bedfords hidden gem.
THE BEDFORD CLANGER

THERES SOMETHINg FOR EvERYONE IN OUR TOWN!
The Pad was responsible for bringing some of the hottest new bands to Bedford last year and they're dedicated to doing the same in 2012.
fter last year's sold out shows from Mona, Ghostpoet and Vintage Trouble, check out what's on this month:
MARCH 2012
LIvE MUSIC IN MARCH: THREE gREAT gIgS, THREE DIFFERENT gENRES

WET NUNS + Polly Poison & Her Electric Antidote & Abrasions sunday 17 March @esquires
is fitting really as the Arctics have already declared them their new favourite band and remixed debut single I dont wanna see your face no more. This booking is in line with The Pads attempts to bring you the hottest new bands to Bedford after last years sold out shows with Mona, Ghostpoet and Vintage Trouble. Head over to www. wetnuns.com now for a free download of the amazing second single Heavens Below as well as the Arctics remix. Special guests Polly Poison & Her Electric Antidote are over from St Albans for the night and are already causing quite a stir, while Bedford Post-Rockers, Abrasions complete the line-up. Tickets are 6 adv Tickets at: Seetickets.com now. They will also be available from Dannys Bar @ Esquires and Luscious Juice Bar, Lime St, Bedford from Saturday 28th January Doors open at 8pm Free aftershow at The Pad with guest DJs more English than The Queen, the bands sound is best described as a mash up of a bit of Madness, a bit of Parklife-era Blur, The Specials, Chas and Dave & The Streets with their brand of piano bashing, double bass slapping, cockney ska / authentic rocknroll sound with ultimately catchy superb feel-good songs. Tickets for this night cost just 7 in advance form Rose Tinted Vintage, Dannys Bar and See tickets online. Doors open at 8pm and the non stop showtime kicks off at 8.30pm sharp, with doors opening at 8pm. At: Esquires, Bromham Road, Bedford 01234 340120 WE ALSO HAVE A COUPLE OF 5 MINUTE SLOTS AVAILABLE, IF YOU OR ANYONE YOU KNOW WANTS TO GET INVOLVED, GIVE US A SHOUT AND GET ON THE BILL!!!
WET NUNS are a two piece Blues Punk band straight from the deep south... Of Sheffield. NME ones to watch 2012 and already building up a reputation as one of the fiercest live bands around, theyve been described as what would happen if The Datsuns and QOTSA had done the dirty together in the early noughties, or maybe a much, much, MUCH cooler Black Keys with Arctic Monkeys sense of humour. This
Wet nUns: Holy smokes
THE POPES Wednesday 14 March @esquires
Pre-St Paddys Day party time when The Popes come to Bedford Esquires on a day off from their current tour with The Stranglers. When The Pogues disbanded, Shane MacGowan went out with long time backing band and collaborators The Popes. Shane MacGowan and the Popes released two studio and one live album in the 1990s. As well as serving as MacGowans backing band, The Popes recorded one studio and one live album without MacGowan, and now tour to sell out crowds without their mercurial former frontman. Support comes from CC Smugglers, a rag tag 5 piece from the wilds of Bedfordshire who draw on varied elements of musical genres they dont really understand, the band have recently completed their debut album, an infectious stew of gypsy jazz, blues, folk, country and roots and their Live shows have won them fans locally and on the national gig circuit.
BUSTER SHUFFLE & vARIETY NIgHT saturday 24th March @esquires
Photo by: Darren J Topliss
Buster shuffle: Pound a bowl!
Maddog of the Popes
Tickets are 9 Advance and available here: http://www.seetickets.com/Event/THEPOPES/Level-II-Esquires-Club/607277 Doors open at 8pm
When is a gig not a gig?! Throwing the concept of a regular gig on its head The Pad presents Bedford with its very first Variety night @ Esquires on Saturday 24th March. The night will feature live music from 3 bands, DJs, some stand up comedy, burlesque dancers, fire eaters, some fiiiine magic and a whole lot more. Expect the unexpected. The show is set up to be a non-stop three hours of pure entertainment held seamlessly together by the Tim Barron who will be compering the show and also turning in a full set of live comedy skiffle with his band The Ouse Valley Singles Club. Comedy comes in the stand up form of one very dangerous JT Taylor and an even more risqu Mark Cram. Some extra glitter and glamour and face paint is added to the event with some live burlesque with the
lovely Candy Rose & friends, with a touch of magic sprinkled on the night by The Dead Magicians. The Live music kicks off with a support band of the finest order in The Shabby Tinkerz, who will be applying their unusual Dickensian Oliver Twist style inspired Jazz Ska Hip Hop to the night and finally the show will be closed by the Buster Shuffle. Buster Shuffle are a brilliant 4 piece band from London town, quintessentially
MUSIC:WOLF PEOPLE
Wolf People are a rock/folk/blues combo made up of tom Watt, Joe Hoilick, daniel davies & Jack sharp. The Bedford Clanger caught up with Jack to find out more about their sound & what its like playing your hometown (thats Bedford dont you know!) Hey Jack Sharp of Wolf People! Your
Who are your musical influences? First and foremost is always Captain Beefheart and the Magic Band for me. Though you hear it less and less with our newer records, I still refer to their music when I get stuck. Were also influenced by all kinds of folk music but especially 60s revival acts like Nic Jones, Pentangle, Fairport Convention, Trees, ISB etc plus rock stuff like Hendrix and Sabbath down to less well known stuff like Mighty Baby, Dark, Groundhogs. We are a bit obsessive about old psychedelic rock records too: Tom (Watt, Drummer) has a particular fetish for Swedish and Finnish records from the 60s and 70s How long have you been together? In the current line up since 2007, but the first 7 single came out in 2006. Do you prefer writing & recording or touring? Personally I much prefer to be writing and recording. Touring is fun but it takes so much energy and I find it very difficult to do any writing or even practicing guitar and singing when were travelling. I like to be writing a little bit everyday when were not doing that. Where was your most memorable live performance? How can I not answer Bedford to this question?! I actually loved playing here with the band for the first time. What with everyone living all over the country and our gear usually in London its never been practical for us to play in Bedford, despite me living Wolf People: Bewhiskered Beer-loving Musos
debut album Tidings (originally released on vinyl only) is being re-issued on CD. Can you describe Wolf Peoples sound to the uninitiated? It is rock which leans heavily on traditional folk music and blues tunes. In the main it consists of big drums, fuzzy guitars, folk melodies and occasional flute (or lute according to The Gruaniad! Ed), but always in the grip of an obsession with weird old records from around the world. Though the music is heavily influenced by American forms I think it takes on a very English character in the singing and words.
here. Wed just started touring Steeple (our 2nd album) and it felt really good to play it to a room full of friends. Was also great to sleep in my own bed after the gig! Other memorable ones include QStock festival in Finland, Ino-Rock in Poland and both Llama festivals we went to in North Devon. The first one we played on the beach in blazing sunshine, the second was the same except we were all very sleepy after being kept awake all night by Keith
Allens party bus. Thinking back now I seem to remember more about what cheese or beers we were given than what the performances were like priorities! (most memorable cheese and beer was in Zichem, Belgium by the way. Where will Wolf People be in 5 years time? Agh! I dont like to think that far ahead. At this rate we will be just putting the finishing
touches to the 3rd album and planning an intergalactic space tour to promote it. www.wolfpeople.co.uk www.myspace.com/wolfpeople
Dont forget your earplugs.
Photos by: Simon Fernandez
THE BEDFORD CLANGER

BEDFORD NETWORK
(we recommend the winter berry bellini! Yum!) in the restaurant at the top of the gallery with the best views in London a panoramic skyline of city life. We hope to be visiting London again soon and here is our wish list David Hockney at the Royal Academy of Arts (on until 9 April) Menier Chocolate Factory for Abigails Party (on until 21 April) Lucian Freud at The National Portrait Gallery (on until 27 May) Pablo Picasso at Tate Britain (on until 15 July) Shakespeares Globe for their new season including Henry V, Richard III and Twelfth Night (June September) and our top tip is to go in as a groundling for only 5 a ticket and then you can touch the stage! And back here in Bedford well be soaking up the cultural scene at The Place Theatre, Bedford Theatre, The Eagle Gallery and stopping off for coffee at Fancy and Pensieri. Wherever you are.enjoy arts and theatre on your doorstep and just a hop, skip and jump away in London. www.bedfordnetwork.co.uk Twitter: @bedfordnetwork Facebook: www.facebook.com/BedfordNetwork
MARCH 2012
We love Bedford and the fact that it is so close to london! Just last week we went there for a day trip and in just over an hour from stepping onto the train in Bedford we were standing outside the National Portrait gallery. This is one of our favourite spots to
soak up a bit of culture (and do some great people watching). We caught the last weekend of the inspirational Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize, where over 2,500 amateur, student and experienced professional photographers had submitted works. Sixty were chosen for the exhibition and gave us viewers a unique glimpse into the intricacies of lives across the globe. We then enjoyed coffee and a cocktail
6,000 children are living in poverty in Bedford, youll realise that there are many families for whom buying the weekly shop is a huge struggle. Fortunately, Bedfordians have gone above and beyond the call of duty to help tackle the problem. The Clanger met the inspirational people behind Bedford Foodbank and urges all readers to get invovled too... For over 10 years, Brickhill Baptist Church has provided food parcels for people and families in crisis. As time went on and as other agencies came to the church requesting food parcels for their clients, Brickhill co-ordinators Andrea Badman and Sarah Broughton realised there was an increasing demand for their service and they needed more structure. We became part of Foodbank as it is a nationally recognised charity with 160 centres throughout the UK and Ireland, explained Andrea. At the end of October 2011 we opened our distribution centre in Norse Road. We now have a larger area to store the donated food and can now be sure that the people who need the food, get the food. Were about people in crisis, said Andrea. We wont turn anyone away and we treat our customers as people rather than problems. Its not just about providing food. We are able to signpost them towards other services and help them in other ways. Peoples stories put things into perspective, explains Jo. A single father of young kids came to us and we asked if there was any food that his children didnt
the rising cost of food is something that affects everyone, yet for most of us, hunger is rarely an issue. However, when you discover that
BEDFORD FOODBANK ITS gOOD TO gIvE
foodbank donations: they all add up
like. My children are hungry; theyll eat anything, he replied. Referrals can come for a variety of reasons. Loss of job, a change of circumstances, sickness of a child, delayed benefit payments. There is hope in most situations, says Sarah. People weve helped have gone on to find their feet and have then become donors or volunteers themselves! So how can you help Bedford Foodbank? Its so simple that we urge you to get involved! Basically, when you do your weekly or monthly shop, print off the Foodbank shopping list from their website and just add a few extra items to your list and donate them to BedfordFoodbank. Items include UHT milk, sugar, tinned towith 20 young people to help them fulfil their potentials. Each of the four groups are aiming to make a positive change in their communities through targeted Social Action Campaigns. For further information - perhaps youd like to volunteer as a mentor or trainer, or just want to see what its all about - go to: uprising.org.uk
matoes, pasta, baked beans, jam and biscuits. Nappies and feminine hygeine products are also gratefully received! You can either drop your donations off at Brickhill Baptist Church from Monday to Friday 9.30am - 4pm, or seek out their food collections at one of the big supermarkets. More info and the shopping list can be found here: http://bedford.foodbank.org. uk/ Follow them on twitter here: @bedfordfoodbank
UPRISINg ITS RADICAL!
We love it when theres a positive national news story about Bedford, so when we learned that the UpRising leadership programme (based in
london, Birmingham and Bedford) had been indentified by the observer newspaper & nestA as one of the 50 new Radical organisations in the UK we were thrilled.
pRising is a leadership programme developed by the Young Foundation to sup-
port and train a new generation of public leaders. A diverse group of 19 - 25 year olds are selected to receive mentoring and leadership skills while they develop Social Action Campaigns in their local areas. This issue of The Clanger features two of the projects - Hometown Tourist has been written by UpRiser Barnabas xxxx, while we also investigate the Tavision project in our over-view of the regeneration of Tavistock Street. UpRising launched in Bedford in September 2011 and by June will have worked
Thank you to the people who are kind and concerned for others.
THE BEDFORD CLANGER

LISTINgS THIS MARCH 2012
THURS 1st MARCH Our venue, your theatre Established 1979, bringing the best in touring theatre to the heart of Bedford.
Bedford School, De Parys Avenue, MK40 2TU Box Ofce: 01234 269519 Website: www.bedfordtheatre.co.uk Admin Tel: 01234 362269 Email: admin@bedfordtheatre.co.uk
Traditional Music Session Live music at the great Bedford Arms The Bedford Arms, Bromham Road www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk Mat Roberts Jam Night Come and join in or just be entertained by Bedfords talented musicians. The Flower Pot tel: 296732
MARCH 2012
WED 7th- 10th MARCH
Double Bill @ The Place Dumbstruck Productions present: Radio by Al Smith Drama set in 1950s middle America. The Place Theatre www.theplacebedford.org.uk Double Bill @ The Place Dumbstruck Productions present: Howl by Alan Ginsberg The Place Theatre www.theplacebedford.org.uk
TUES 13th MARCH
Diamond Bingo! Eyes down, people. Its bingo night at the Flower Pot The Flower Pot, Tavistock Street tel: 296732
WED 14th MARCH
THURS 1st- 4th APRIL

Scarecrows Photographic exhibition by Darren Marsh Pensieri, Castle Lane
THURS 8th MARCH
Vintage hair styling service specialising in styles from the 1940s, 50s, 60s but covering all eras! Based at the Rose-tinted Vintage shop in Bedford, Saturdays 10am - 5pm Email me at curiosityshop4@hotmail.co.uk for more details or for a booking.
FRI 2nd MARCH
Never Forget
Unique and Personal Just like you
Personalised gi s for home and family
Aprons, Baby Baskets, Workwear, Towels, Face Cloths and lots more on the website Minimum order of One. Free Consultation service. The only thing stopping you is your imagination! Ellie Boyde Never Forget www.neverforget.co.uk Tel: 01234-216535
Silent Diso Guitar vs bass The Pad www.thepadbedford.com Family History Talk on Propaganda Head over to Mark Rutherford School to find out more about this fascinating subject. Bookstall, library & refreshments available. 7.30pm Drama Hall at Mark Rutherford School, Wentworth Drive. Members & non-members welcome. www.bfhs.org.uk The Table Puppet innovators Blind Summit Theatre present an award-winning adult puppetry show. Join them on a visual journey that takes in a ballet of disembodied heads, a story told entirely by pictures emerging from a briefcase & a tiny Moses with a cardboard head full of lonely wisdom. Time Out recently voted it their top show in London, but you can see it in Bedford for just 8!!! Bedford Theatre, Bedford School www.bedfordtheatre.co.uk Friday Karaoke Open til 2am The Executive Club, Lurke Street tel: 401500 Karaoke at The White Horse Flex those vocal chords at this friendly community boozer The White Horse, Newnham Avenue www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk
JLadies Night at the White Horse Aromatherapy evening 8pp includes supper & raffle. See Sue Anstead for details. The White Horse, Newnham Avenue www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk Mat Roberts Jam Night Come and join in or just be entertained by Bedfords talented musicians. The Flower Pot tel: 296732
The Popes + CC Smugglers + Out of The Hat Celebrate St Patricks Day before the rush with Shane McGowans former band. Tickets 8 Esquires - Main stage www.bedfordesquires.com Tea Dance 2.00pm. Don your dancing shoes & join us for a pleasant afternoon in the elegant surroundings of the Bedford Corn Exchange. Music for ballroom, Latin American, sequence & party dances & Old Time. Bedford Corn Exchange www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk Stitch & Bitch at the Bedford Arms Pull up a chair, pour out the wine, get out your knitting and enjoy a great evening of craft & chat. The Bedford Arms, Bromham Road www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk
FRI 9th MARCH
SAT 3rd MARCH
Beauty Business Opportunity with established client base at busy hair salon in Tavistock Street.
Call Jane on (01234) 272575
MMG Hi-Jack Showcase night Esquires - Main stage www.bedfordesquires.com DJ Fat Lad @ The Exec DJ Fat Lad (aka Ian Congdon-Lee of In2Beats Radio & Grange Hill fame) spins the party tunes til 5am The Executive Club tel: 401500 Loaded Classic indie night! The Pad www.thepadbedford.com The Informers Live music at the KA The Kings Arms, St Marys Street www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk
Pirate Sessions I.A (Data & Loxy) Drum & bass night The Pad www.thepadbedford.com Sex Pistols Experience + Rebel Truce Punktastic! Esquires - Main stage www.bedfordesquires.com Vinyl Revival Got no truck with these new fangled CDs & MP3s? Then bring your fave vinyl down to the Bedford Arms & theyll dust off the record player to give them a spin. The Bedford Arms, Bromham Road www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk Violet Bones Live music Esquires- Dannys Bar www.bedfordesquires.com Mutiny club night Esquires - Holy Molys www.bedfordesquires.com Hair of the Dog Irish band The Flowerpot, Tavistock Street tel: 296732 Friday Karaoke Open til 2am The Executive Club, Lurke Street tel: 401500
THURS 15th MARCH
Mat Roberts Jam Night Come and join in or just be entertained by Bedfords talented musicians. The Flower Pot tel: 296732 The Three Degrees 7.30pm When you hear the name, The Three Degrees, you immediately think of their most famous song: When Will I See You Again and the vision of three beautiful ebony women, perfectly co-ordinated in both dance moves and vocal harmonies. Still looking & sounding great. Bedford Corn Exchange www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk Bedford Alternative Music - Acoustic Showcase Night Live acoustic music in Holy Molys Esquires - Holy Molys www.bedfordesquires.com
FRI 16th MARCH
SAT 10th MARCH
SUN 4th MARCH

Mat Roberts Live music The Bedford Arms, Bromham Road www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk Music Quiz @ The KA 21 years old and still going strong! The Kings Arms, St Marys Street tel:01234 354494
Boot Leg Zoo Live music at the KA The Kings Arms, St Marys Street www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk The A Band A bit of everything from the fabulous A Band The Flowerpot, Tavistock Street tel: 296732 DJ Fat Lad @ The Exec DJ Fat Lad (aka Ian Congdon-Lee of In2Beats Radio & Grange Hill fame) spins the party tunes til 5am The Executive Club tel: 401500 Loaded Classic indie night! The Pad www.thepadbedford.com
SUN 11th MARCH
OFFICIAL
F E S T I VA L
SPONSOR
way... Time is ticking a

...for you to participate in the 2012 Bedford River Festival! See below for some of the fun ways to get involved...
Do you have a product, service or business you want to promote? Would you like to reach a local, regional and national audience of over 350,000 people? Have you considered sponsorship, trade space or participation in the 2012 Bedford River Festival? Festival Parade: Be it a decorated vehicle, band or on foot help us launch the festival as well as collecting money for local charities! Raft Races: Build your own raft enter a team to race down the river and support local charities! Dragon Boats: You provide a team of 16 - 20 paddlers, we provide the rest for a fun packed day on the river! Trading Space: Choose from a wide variety of options for trading across the festival site. Sponsorship: Enhance you business with our tailor made sponsorship and partnership packages! Trade Packs, Sponsorship, Information & Application Forms available NOW! Call 01234 718617 or download from www.bedfordevents.co.uk
MON 5th MARCH-12th APRIL
Eagle Gallery Artists Present: At Eye Level An exhibition especially for children. Art & interaction from 45 artists, arranged especially for children to see and interact with. FREE The Eagle Gallery, 101 Castle Road www.eaglegalleryartists.co.uk
MON 5th MARCH
General Knowledge Quiz Stretch those brain muscles at this weekly quiz. The Kings Arms, St Marys Street tel:01234 354494
Hurricane Fly Live music The Bedford Arms, Bromham Road www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk Wrestling Spectacular 3.00pm Get ready to rumble as the gladiators of the grappling ring get to grips in the battle for the 2012 Bedford Rumblemania Trophy in which the wrestlers are eliminated by being thrown over the top rope & the last man standing is the winner. Who will be crowned King of the Ring? Book now! Bedford Corn Exchange www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk Mr Pink Live music Esquires- Dannys Bar www.bedfordesquires.com Music Quiz @ The KA 21 years old and still going strong! The Kings Arms, St Marys Street tel:01234 354494
TUES 6th MARCH
MON 12th MARCH
Closure House & techno night The Pad www.thepadbedford.com Friday Karaoke Open til 2am The Executive Club, Lurke Street tel: 401500 Team Perrys Marathon Charity Quiz Night at Bedford Rugby Club Support Team Perrys London Marathon fund-raising effort at this night of quiz fun, a drink or eight all in aid of their chosen charity, SANDS (www.uk-sands.org) Starts at 7.30pm at Bedford Rugby Club To register a team, please go to the Team Perry Quiz Night page on Facebook. Miles Hunt & Erica Nicholls + Freds House + Ollie Campbell Former Wonderstuff front-man visits Esquires for what promises to be a great show. Esquires - Main stage www.bedfordesquires.com King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys 8pm King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys are a professional full-time six piece band performing jazz, swing and blues. Their high-energy, all-action stage shows, combined with the indisputable excellence of the music, have earned them more than 60 TV and 40 radio performances. They have toured andperformed with B.B. King, Cab Calloway and his Orchestra and the original Blues Brothers Band from the movie, as well as recording with leading Americans including rhythm and blues legend Charles Brown, singer and trombonist from the movie Play Misty For Me Gene The MightyFlea Connors and former California Raisin, the gospel legend Howard McCrary. Bedford Corn Exchange www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk City Lights + support Live acoustic music in Holy Molys Esquires - Holy Molys www.bedfordesquires.com Tie One On Live music The Flowerpot, Tavistock Street tel: 296732 Karaoke at The White Horse Flex those vocal chords at this friendly community boozer The White Horse, Newnham Avenue www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk
Take a fresh look at Bedford. 01234 359599
01234 718617
EVENTS004_12 design@bedford.gov.uk
Email: events@bedford.gov.uk Web: www.bedfordevents.co.uk
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
MARCH 2012
SAT 17th MARCH

St Patricks Day!
Life of Riley Celebrate St Paddys Day with a pint of the black stuff and some great Irish live music. The Kings Arms, St Marys Street www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk The Workshop Boys (5pm) Kain (9pm) Double bill of live music Esquires- Dannys Bar www.bedfordesquires.com Overdrive club night Esquires - Holy Molys www.bedfordesquires.com Rik King live at the White Horse Special St Patricks Day menu & live music from Rik King. Book to avoid disappointment The White Horse, Newnham Avenue www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk DJ Fat Lad @ The Exec DJ Fat Lad (aka Ian Congdon-Lee of In2Beats Radio & Grange Hill fame) spins the party tunes til 5am The Executive Club tel: 401500 Loaded Classic indie night! The Pad www.thepadbedford.com Wet Nuns + Abrasions Sheffields latest musical maestros & NMEs tip for the the top. Tickets 6 adv Esquires - Main stage www.bedfordesquires.com
New Look at Bedfordshire First published in the 1950s, The Pevsner Architectural Guides give guide to the most significant buildings in every part of the country. With the Bedfordshire edition being revised, its compiler, architechtural historian Charles OBrien will talk about the buildings of Bedfordshire. 7.30pm Bedford High School Theatre. Tickets 10 advance booking essential Contact Timothy Saxon tel: 01582 431492
TUES 27th MARCH
WED 28th MARCH
FRI 23rd MARCH
Filthy Boy + Guitars Have Ghosts + TBC Esquires - Main stage www.bedfordesquires.com Reggae & Soul club night Oooh, sounds good! Esquires - Holy Molys www.bedfordesquires.com Friday Karaoke Open til 2am The Executive Club, Lurke Street tel: 401500
Stitch & Bitch at the Bedford Arms Knit one, purl one, drink one. The Bedford Arms, Bromham Road www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk Tea Dance 2.00pm Don your dancing shoes & join us for a pleasant afternoon in the elegant surroundings of the Bedford Corn Exchange. Music for ballroom, Latin American, sequence & party dances & Old Time. Bedford Corn Exchange www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk
Join us to celebrate Mothers Day on Sunday 18th March. Delicious, traditional Portugeuse food served and all mothers will receive a special gift! Call to book your table now. 4 Newnham Street, Bedford MK40 3JR Tel: 01234 364400 www.baiadecascais.co.uk Celebrating one year at Castle Quay
Thanks to all our existing customers & a warm welcome to new customers.
SAT 24th FEB
THURS 29th MARCH
SUN 18th MARCH

Mothers Day!
Mothers Day menu at the White Horse king & washing up and let the lovely people at the White Horse take care of you! Book now. The White Horse, Newnham Avenue www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk Music Quiz @ The KA 21 years old and still going strong! The Kings Arms, St Marys Street tel:01234 354494 Stray Live music Esquires- Dannys Bar www.bedfordesquires.com The A Band Bedfords fabulous A Band take to the stage at The Bedford Arms The Bedford Arms, Bromham Road www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk
MON 19th MARCH
TUES 20th- 24th MARCH
Bedford Dramatic Club presents: Audience With Murder Multi-layerd and witty, this amusing thriller moves inexorably from an innocuous first act to a final & terrifying climax. Described as a Russian doll of a play which has to be ssen to appreciate & understand how it unfolds. Tickets 8.50 The Place Theatre www.theplacebedford.org.uk
Varitey Night @ Esquires Buster Shuffle + Shabby Tinkerz + Ouse Valley Singles Club + JT Taylor + Mark Cram + Candy Rose and guests Tickets 7 adv Esquires - Main stage www.bedfordesquires.com DJ Fat Lad @ The Exec DJ Fat Lad (aka Ian Congdon-Lee of In2Beats Radio & Grange Hill fame) spins the party tunes til 5am The Executive Club tel: 401500 Loaded Classic indie night! The Pad www.thepadbedford.com Peppa Pig Ahoy there me hearties! Peppa Pig & her friends are going on a treasure hunt & need your help! Peppa, George & Danny Dog are up to fun & games on a day out on Grandad Dogs boat. Help them, with Pedro Pony, Polly Parrot & Zoe Zebra to follow the clues & find their treasure as they enjoy a day of adventure. A brand new show featuring true to life puppets, perfect singalong songs & a new story that will charm & delight her fans. Bedford Corn Exchange www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk Lost for Words Live music The Flowerpot, Tavistock Street tel: 296732 The Urban Folk Quartet 8.00pm The phenomenal Urban Folk Quartet is made up of Joe Broughton, Paloma Trigas, Frank Moon & Tom Chapman. Formed in 2009, the UFQs heady mix of world influences, infectious folk & blisterig beats has taken them all over Europe. The UFQ won Spains international folk competition on only their 4th gig together with a winning formula of sublime virtuosity & a lot of fun. The Quartets ethos is to send people away happier than when they arrive, so whether youre a fully fledged fan or just looking for a good night out - this is the band for you! Bedford Corn Exchange www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk Vintage Stuff Live music at the KA The Kings Arms, St Marys Street www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk
Last Chance Ragtime Band Inspired by New Orleans jazz, the LCRTB are determined to get jazz back on the dance floor. Help them achieve their aim! The Bedford Arms, Bromham Road www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk Five Star Swing 2.30pm From BBC TVs Children in Need, Dame Vera Lynns Charity Ball & Blackpool Tower Ballroom. Dont miss this afternoon one show special. The full impact of the Big Band sound with a unique feel good show featuring Glenn Miller, Sinatra, Ella, jazz & blues. Bedford Corn Exchange www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk Mat Roberts Jam Night Come and join in or just be entertained by Bedfords talented musicians. The Flower Pot tel: 296732
Come & enjoy our luncthtime special: 2 Black Rock steaks for just 10. 20 Castle Lane, Bedford www.cafeangelo.com
cafeangelos bedfords blackrock grill
@cafeangelos
Follow the cafeangelos duck on facebook
FRI 30th MARCH
TUES 20th MARCH
SUN 25th MARCH

Music Quiz @ The KA 21 years old and still going strong! The Kings Arms, St Marys Street tel:01234 354494 Showcase night Live music Esquires- Dannys Bar www.bedfordesquires.com Eddie Bowfinger Live music The Bedford Arms, Bromham Road www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk
Mark Morris (Bluetones) + Chris Corney + Lola Great chance to see the former Bluetone in Bedford Esquires - Main stage www.bedfordesquires.com. Bedford Comedy Club 9.00pm One of Bedfords most popular comedy nights featuring stand up comedians who are regulars on the London & national comedy circuit. These sell out events are jam packed with three comedians plus a compere. Food available & bar open throughout the evening. Bedford Corn Exchange www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk Sean Morris + Jess Morgan at 7pm Hellfyre club night 10.30pm Live music & DJs Esquires - Holy Molys www.bedfordesquires.com Thr3e Live music The Flowerpot, Tavistock Street tel: 296732 Friday Karaoke Open til 2am The Executive Club, Lurke Street tel: 401500
FABRIC SALE Saturday 31st March at The Lane, Castle Lane, Bedford 9.30am - 12pm Beautiful printed designer cottons perfect for crafting, quilting and dressmaking www.schoolofcraft.co.uk
Dept. of Food, Drink & Social Affairs

CASTLE BAILEY GARDENS, 17 CASTLE LANE, BEDFORD Tel: 01234 325460
THE LANE
SAT 31st MARCH
WED 21st MARCH

Stay in and rent a movie!
THURS 22nd MARCH
Bedford in Film A wonderful chance to see unique footage of Old Bedford in Film which is being presented by Peter Tipping for The Friends of the Bunyan Museum Bunyan Meeting Hall, Mill Street 7pm for 7.30pm. Tickets can be purchased on the door; 6 for Friends of the Museum, 8 for others. Bedford Alternative Music Showcase Acoustic music showcased in Holy Molys Esquires - Holy Molys www.bedfordesquires.com Mat Roberts Jam Night Come and join in or just be entertained by Bedfords talented musicians. The Flower Pot tel: 296732 Bedfordshire Art Fund Lecture: Revising Pevsner: A
MON 26th MARCH
Open Mic Big Band Xtra Jam Get up on stage to join in or just enjoy the talent from the comfort of your seat! The White Horse, Newnham Avenue www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk General Knowledge Quiz Stretch those brain muscles at this weekly quiz. The Kings Arms, St Marys Street tel:01234 354494
Missing Andy + The Wholls + TBC Live music Esquires - Main stage www.bedfordesquires.com Disciples of Gonzo EP launch Its like Gonzo from the Muppets & gonzo like Hunter S Thompson in music form. Esquires- Dannys Bar www.bedfordesquires.com Esquires Club Night Esquires - Holy Molys www.bedfordesquires.com Karaoke at The White Horse Flex those vocal chords at this friendly community boozer The White Horse, Newnham Avenue www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk Single File Live music at the KA The Kings Arms, St Marys Street www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk DJ Fat Lad @ The Exec DJ Fat Lad (aka Ian Congdon-Lee of In2Beats Radio & Grange Hill fame) spins the party tunes til 5am The Executive Club tel: 401500 Loaded Classic indie night! The Pad www.thepadbedford.com
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
YOU!
Want to reach 8,000 discerning Bedfordians? then contact Erica or Sarah to discuss advertising in future issues.
needs
The countys largest art store specialising in picture framing, original paintings & fine art prints, art & craft materials, cards & gifts. Our friendly team of experts are there to advise and assist you with your creative needs. Howard Street, Bedford MK40 3HS 01234 344784
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
MARCH 2012
PHOTOgRAgPHY: sliPKnot UnMAsKed At ROCK CITY ART gALLERY

following a hugely successful launch in december, Rock City Arts photography gallery on Castle lane is kicking of 2012 with the first of many solo exhibitions. The inaugural show begins
Welcome to our neighbourhood! phy and also not very easy to work with in the photo environment. Paul Harries has always been able to capture the band in its true form and has also been able to put up with all our bullshit that surrounds us night and day. Look at the Knot as seen through the eyes of a true photographer, artist and friend. Not our words, the words of Shawn Crahan aka Slipknots Clown. Entry to the exhibition is free. In addition, Paul Harries will be hosting a two hour seminar at the gallery on Saturday 10th March 2012 at 4pm. He will be sharing stories behind the photographs on display and discussing his photography
on 9th March and is a retrospective of photographer Paul Harries shots of Slipknot the first time the show has been seen outside of London. Paul Harries work with the masked metallers has taken him all over the world and over forty photographs will be on display. These will include behind-thescenes and previously unseen images, only possible due to the trust and respect Slipknot has for Paul, allowing him exclusive access. Slipknot is not always the easiest band to capture in the true essence of photogra-
with a Q&A session afterwards. A limited number of tickets for this exclusive and much-sought after event are available at 15 from Rock City Art on Castle Lane. Rock City Art on 01234 910448 or e-mail info@rockcityart.com www.paulharries.com www.Slipknot1. com www.rockcityart.com
Photo by Paul Harris
slipknot: Yikes!
QUeens PARK The latest exhibition is Scarecrows by Darren AllotMents As Marsh, an evocative set of 12 YoUVe neVeR seen black and white photographs. Readers may remember Darrens popular Portrait of tHeM BefoRe
By Kristian Purcell
PHOTOgRAPHY: DARREN MARSH
since last summer, ive been lending my exhibition hanging skills honed over eight years at the Cecil Higgins Art Gallery and have been arranging for some of Bedfords most talented artists to exhibit their work at Pensieri on Castle lane.
Bedford show at the CA gallery a few years ago, where he exhibited 500 images of Bedford residents. In this exhibition, the scarecrows seem to all have their own individual personalities. Darren describes how the idea first came to him: I live very close to Queens Park allotments and decided I wanted to rent one, not only to grow vegetables, but also to have permission to wander around the place and enjoy the fresh air and general atmosphere. A lot of the gardeners have put up scarecrows. Im not sure if they actually scare away any birds, but they do have a totemic presence and help guard the plots. I like the variety of different scarecrows you can see. This is almost an over-looked folk-art; a lot of imagination and creativity
Photos by Darren Marsh
has gone into making them and clearly a lot of fun too. I used an old Mamiya C220 camera which uses medium format film to take them. To me, some appear to be scarecrow
versions of film stills: one is a jaded club singer, another a footballer mid-jump. If youve ever wondered if a scarecrow can look heroic, tragic or full of time, then this is an exhibition worth seeing.
Scarecrows at Pensieri , Castle Lane is on until 4th April. www.darrenleemarsh.com
SLIpkNOT: A pHOTOGRApHIC ExHIBITION THE LAuNCH NIGHT: 9TH MARCH pLEASE RSvp TO RSvp@ROCkCITYART.COM if youd like to attend paul Harries hosts a seminar on March 10th at 4pm details can be found at www.ROCkCITYART.COM ROCk CITY ART 26 CASTLE LANE, BEDFORD TEL: 01234 910448
Official Bedford Clanger Photography Creating unique photo libraries to showcase your people, places, processes and projects. Take a peek at www.mubsta.com
Mothers Day is on 18th March. Just sayin.
Photo by Paul Harris
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
MARCH 2012
ART: BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE MUSEUM

By Laura Pottinger
gREAT BEDFORDIANS:
by Gemma Hutton
Illustration by David Litchfield
publication called Out There The Open Museum: Pushing the boundaries of museums potential. Written to mark 20 years of Glasgows Open Museum, it documents a user-led service that takes museum objects into the community and also works with local people to collect and present their own objects and stories. Support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, The Bedford Charity and Bedford Borough Council has given the Cecil Higgins Art Gallery and Bedford Museum a unique opportunity to do something similar. Through our four-year Audience Development Project we are working hard to reach people who either dont know about our collections or dont see them as having any
Image by David Rowan (c) Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery
A museum is about representing people, representing stories, representing communities and well representing you. I have been much inspired of late by a
broidery or to teenage boys about the links between sixties Pop Art and contemporary stencil graffiti. One case study in particular from Glasgow got me thinking about the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (or LGBT) communities of Bedford. A conversation with a colleague directed me to another interesting project by Birmingham Museums Service called Queering the Museum and an idea for a project in Bedford began to take shape. The artist involved in the Birmingham project, Matt Smith has agreed to come to Bedford and give a talk about his work on 7th March. This event, run in partnership with the University of Bedfordshire and its Students Union will be promoted as part of LGBT History Month and it will mark the launch of a project to involve local people in creating an exhibition to celebrate next years LGBT History Month.
Wilds finAl JoURneY to AntARCtiCA
relevance to their experience of the world. In practical terms this means that I spend my time talking to Bangladeshi women about how our historical lace collections might relate to their own traditions of em-
For details of the event, the LGBT project and for information on our audience development work in general email laura.pottinger@bedford.gov.uk
shackletons right hand man (and Bedfordshire resident), Antarctic explorer Frank Wild has recently been re-discovered and his memoirs, after years in obscurity, have finally been published by author Angie Butler in her book the Quest for frank Wild.
on 10th April 1873 and believed himself to be the secret great great grandson of Captain James Cook. From a young age Frank had wanted to join the Navy and at eight already had an interest in arctic adventure. When Frank was 11 his father took a headmastership at Eversholt School and the family moved to Bedfordshire. It was from here that Frank joined the Merchant Navy at 16 years old and then the Royal Navy in 1900, allowing him to apply for the National British Antarctic Expedition under Captain Scott. Clearly an outstanding individual, he was selected from over 3,000 applicants to join the crew of the Discovery and was proved wrong in thinking Scott would only choose big hefty men. Wilds memoirs, which he began in 1934 but never completed, provide an insight into life on polar expeditions. Franks knowledge and survival techniques are fascinating as one of only a few men who had first hand experience of the perils of Antarctica. Despite the tests of each expedition Frank writes Even now, after five Antarctic expeditions and one to the Arctic, that longing (for polar exploration) is not extinguished. He was held in high esteem by Captain Scott and his good friend Ernest Shackleton. Shackleton, who was quite critical of other expedition members, when interviewed simply said; There is nothing to say about Frank Wild, he is my other self. His most famous expedition was the Nimrod expedition with Shackleton, getting just 100 miles from the South Pole before being forced to turn home. It is the
A DRAWINg A DAY HEADS TO SHEFFIELD sPReAdinG tHe BedfoRd loVe!

by David Litchfield
Frank Wild was born in Skelton Yorkshire
generated by my Bedford show (which was made possible through the support of We Are Bedford) a number of other galleries became interested in exhibiting the project. So, in mid-Febuary, I took the 50 most
last August i exhibited all 365 individual drawings from my year long Drawing A Day project at an exhibition in one of the empty shops in the Castle Quay area of Bedford. Thanks to the buzz
Photos by David Litchfield
popular drawings from the project (as voted for by the followers of the project on Facebook) to Sheffield and hung them in a great little space called The White Gallery. The White Gallery is situated in the heart of Sheffields city centre, very close to Sheffield Hallam University, so we were ideally place to attract a large number of Sheffieldians who stopped by and had a chat about the drawings and the project. As an added attraction, we had fellow Bedfordian Rebecca De Winter busking outside the gallery! Sheffield is a great city with a burgeon-
ing illustration and street art scene. A number of the back roads and side alleys have fantastic wall murals covering them created by artists such as EMA and Phlegm. I was thrilled with the response my own work got in Sheffield and I look forward to returning there when the The Top 50 Drawings A Day exhibition closes on March 16th. Before 2012 is out I hope to show the project in venues in London, Essex, Brighton and maybe even another in dear old Bedford town. (We cant wait! - Ed).
EAgLE gALLERY
AT EYE LEvEL: AN ExHIBITION FOR CHILDREN
Monday 5 March thursday 12 April
Eagle gallery Artists are mounting an exhibition of paintings, ceramics and sculpture specially chosen and arranged for children to see.
he artists work will be hung lower down to give children a better chance of seeing it. As well as the work on display, there will be interactive opportunities and artwork safe to handle. From 200-430pm on Saturday 10 March, artists will be available to talk about the techniques and materials they use to make their art. Free refreshments will be available. The artists are inviting local schools to come and visit. If you are interested in taking a group to see the work, please contact Liz Silk on 01234 217575. Parties of up to fifteen at a time are welcome by arrangement. The Eagle Gallery is open Monday to
Saturday, 10.00am 5.30pm. Free entry. Disabled access available. Eagle Gallery, 101 Castle Road, Bedford MK40 3QP www.eaglegalleryartists.co.uk Facebook: eaglegallery@groups.facebook.com Twitter: @Eagle_Gallery
at eye level
an exhibition for children
Monday 5th March to Thursday 12th April
Imperial Trans-Atlantic expedition in 1914 though that shows Wild at his best in dire straits. Within weeks of setting sail in early 1915, the Endurance was trapped in ice and 10 months later it was crushed; It was a sickening sensation to feel the decks breaking up under ones feet, the great beams bending and snapping with a noise of heavy gun fire. Later, once the men had abandoned the ship and were camped on the ice, Shackleton shouted, Shes going boys! Running out, we were just in time to see the stern of the Endurance rise and then a quick dive and all was over I felt as if I had lost an old friend. Having retrieved a banjo, and smuggled out a bottle of whisky from their sinking ship, Frank organised evening concerts, complete with liquid refreshment, to try to keep up the crews spirits whilst they were forced to camp for many weeks exposed on the ice. When they finally travelled to Elephant Island, Frank was heroic in his leadership in building a secure dry shelter from two upturned lifeboats, some rocks and wood. Shackleton left in the third lifeboat to alert others and bring a rescue team. This took him over five months and four attempts, being prevented by the extreme weather from reaching them. Two weeks after Shackleton had left for a rescue party, Frank would roll up his sleeping bag remarking to the others, Get your things ready boys, the boss may come today. The men were kept alive by eating seal and penguin meat and seaweed and were very fortunate to survive the bitter cold of - 45C. Despite his wishes to be buried with the boss as he affectionately called Shackleton, Frank was cremated in South Africa on 19th August 1939. Angie Butler discovered his ashes whilst researching Frank Wild for her book and sought to return his remains to South Georgia to be re-united with Shackletons. You can listen to a recording about the journey that descendants from the Wild and Shackelton families took to attend Wilds final journey back to Antarctica on the BBC Radio 4 Crossing Continents Podcast. There will also be a BBC2 programme about Bedfordian Frank Wild, due to be aired in March 2012.
Follow the Circus of Illustration on twitter:@wearethecircus for news of upcoming illustration events in Bedford
THE BEDFORD CLANGER

DONT FORgET:
MARCH 2012
Mothers days on sunday 18th March
ART CENTRE & gALLERY HOWARD STREET, BEDFORD

if youve got a passion for art either creating or viewing - then theres really only one place for you to head in Bedford. Established in 1932, The Art Centre &
March: Artist of the Month - david Mackay April: Bedford Art society spring exhibition May: Joan Miro Photos by Graham Watson
Versatile artist best known for wood turning but will be showing his portraits and abstracts.for the first time
Members new work on display and for sale Exhibition of lathes & prints by one of the creative giants of the 20th Century.
lets face it. if you dont pull out all the stops and get a decent present for your mum on Mothers day, your life really wont be worth living. Stuck for inspiration? Fear not. The
Clanger has hand-picked some gift ideas that are certain to win you some serious brownie points and theyre all available right here in Bedford. In Black Tom, Saffron Dentons Fancy! cake shop on Roff Avenue sells fab cakes to takeaway. Shell be whipping up some extra special cupcakes in honour of Mothering Sunday, so pick some up on Saturday 17 March as a super-scrummy treat for your mum. Fletchers at 99 Tavistock Street (tel: 272575) is offering clients a half price voucher for cut & blow dry for mum, when clients themselves have a cut and blow dry. Vouchers can be purchased up until Saturday March 17th. (Highly recommended by our very own BedfordNetwork ladies!) No mum should have to cook on Mothers Day, and for Sunday lunch you cant get much better than the opulent surroundings of The Bedford Swan Hotel overlooking the River Great Ouse. Their four course Mothers Day menu is priced at 29.95 per person (to book tel: 346565 www.bedfordswanhotel.co.uk). The Lotus Spa at Bedford Swan Hotel is also offering a special Mothers Day treat. Book one full price facial and get the other half price. Your treatment is followed by tea or coffee and a slice of your favourite cake. Bliss! (to book tel: 369910 www.lotus-spa.co.uk). If you want a more relaxed dining experience, then try Baia de Cascais on Newnham Street. This cosy Portuguese bistro serves fantastic food, has a great atmosphere and on Mothers Day all mums eating there will receive a special gift. For a more vintage vibe, Lady Vs Mad Hatters Tea Party takes place each Sunday in March on Castle Road. From 3 5pm, the Mothers Day event on 18th March gives you the change to spend some quality time with your mum while making a tea-cup candle each, followed by high tea presented on beautiful vintage china. Price is 22.50 per person and bookings can be made by calling Jessie on 07907 995482 or go to www.facebook. com/LadyVtea.
Gallery is among Bedfords longest established independent retailers. Once simply an art supplies shop, The Art Centre & Gallery (on Howard Street since 1996) now comprises five departments and has fourteen members of staff - all with a passion for the business. Alongside the comprehensive range of art materials, the Art Centre sells cards and gifts, craft supplies, offers a professional framing service and has a dedicated gallery. They also offer monthly craft demonstrations from art to card-making to jewellery. Manageress Maureen Cerri clearly enjoys her work: Im obssessed! she jokes. All our staff have a love of art and have a practical understanding of the creative process. Were all able to offer knowledgeable advice to our customers something that you cant get with online shopping. A recent introduction to the Art Centre is Decopatch - a modern approach to decoupage. You may have seen the enormous, decorated giraffe in the window of the shop but smaller designs are available too! At the rear of the store is the gallery area, showing major exhibitions of internationally renowned artists including Picasso, Miro, Chagall and Kandinsky. The gallery allows us to reach different audiences, says Maureen. Each exhibition brings new customers into the shop. Alongside the artworks are ceramics, crafts and jewellery by local makers. The gallery show is refreshed on a monthly basis and gives wall space to local artists as well as the big names in the art world. If you want to plan your cultural year ahead, then the Art Centre gallery is a great place to start: The Art Centre: 7 Howard Street, Town Centre, Bedford, MK40 3HS tel: 01234 344784
June: eduardo Paolozzi
Scottish artist Paolozzi was commissioned by London Regional Transport to design mosaics to decorate Tottenham Court Road underground station. This exhibition of his urban art is a must see.
July: sale, sale, sale! August: Artist of the Month - Martin ingley
Original work by this exciting artist & illustrator.
September: Artist of the Month - John Piper October: Artist of the Month - dora Holzhandler
Anja Penger-onyett
Exhibition of work by one of the most versatile and multi-facetted British Artists of the 20th Century.
Enchantingly innocent art,illuminating human life with compassion,loving humour,and awe
November: Artist of the Month - steve Bowers December: Christmas show
This ever popular artist with a unique style exhibiting his latest work of vibrant colour.
date to be confirmed: Mark spain exhibition
lorna Jackson-Currie
The Art Centre & Gallery is delighted to have to opportunity to exhibit this internationally famous artists recent oil paintings. Keep an eye out for confirmation of the date of this exciting show.
IN! W
Brian dewbury
PEPPA PIg FAMILY TICKET gIvEAWAY

Peppa Pig and her friends are coming to the Corn Exchange on saturday 24th and sunday 25th March in an all new show!
Peppa Pigs Treasure Hunt
is a sing-a-long-a-fun-filled pirate adventure featuring everyones favourite pig and we have a FAMILY TICKET to give away to one lucky
reader. Simply email thebedfordclanger@gmail.com with the name of Peppa Pigs teacher by Monday 19th March. Good luck, oink oink!
Hurry up Spring!
10
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
MARCH 2012
gARDENINg: MARCH IN THE gARDEN

By Jane Perrone, gardening editor of The guardian
REvIEW: STEvE BARRINgER

its that chef from the tellybox little soft boiled egg wrapped in salmon with the consistency of a scotch egg, perfection! The salmon was complimented with beetroot jelly and horseradish. We were then treated to a delectable chicken dish, breast wrapped in parma ham and chicken liver cooked lightly in breadcrumbs with juicy petit pois. The main course was Monkfish tail and cheek, with a titillating thai twist which was really beautifully cooked and probably my favourite dish. The pre dessert was a moreish Peach Melba, not traditional but still truly scrumptious, followed by the masterpiece which was a velvety rich and light chocolate mousse, boozy morello cherries and cherry emulsion and pistachio tuile. The petit fours and coffee topped off the evening well. It was an inspired menu, glorious, divine, delectable, I could use lots superlatives but I wont go on, I think you get the idea! Definitely some of the best food I have ever eaten and the conversation around the restaurant reflected the same. At the end of the meal, Steve came out of the kitchen and went to each table, chatting to all the guests. He is an extremely personable, energetic and enthusiastic young man. Full of stories from Masterchef, meeting Michele Roux and jetting off to Spain, but one thing I have to say is that he has his feet placed firmly on the ground. He is an inspiration to all things food, he has plans of the future which he was happy to share and I absolutely believe with his passion and drive he will get there. He was a thoroughly nice chap who I might add is jolly good at cooking! Yummy Catering, 20 Manor Close, MK43 8JA Tel 01234 313122/07940 493589 emma.stevens@yummy-catering.co.uk
Now its March, the daffs are out and
youre ready to start thinking about growing stuff. If so, welcome on board! Those of us that have been out toiling in all temperatures feel no bitterness at all, apart from a persistent case of chilblains, which I am sure will pass. Trouble is, although you may be raring to go, chances are your soil is still too cold for a lot of veg seed sowing to go on. The old farmers test was to place their bare buttocks on the soil: if it was comfortable to sit down on, that meant seeds would germinate too (if you followed my advice of last month about covering the soil, this will have helped). This test is probably best left to those who live in the more secluded parts of town: otherwise, a simple soil thermometer will do. If you simply must get something sown, provided the soil temperature is at least 5C hardy crops such as cabbage, broad beans and swiss chard can be put in this month, but make sure you use wildlifefriendly slug pellets or other deterrents as our slimy friends are already out and about with an appetite for fresh green growth of new seedlings. For those with cold soil and/or impatient fingers, there are pea shoots. This is as simple as sowing dried peas into a couple of inches of moistened compost in any old plastic tray or a yoghurt pot with holes punched in the bottom, covering with a bit more compost and letting them grow on a sunny windowsill until they reach a few inches then snipping off the tops for a delicious, super-cheap, super-nutritious salad ingredient in as little as three weeks. If you leave one or two pairs of leaves behind the peas should regrow for a subsequent crop. I promised you rose pruning shortcuts this month. Well, the shortest cut of all is simply to take a pair of hedge trimmers to bush roses and reduce their height by half, then tidy up with a pair of secateurs, removing any jagged cuts or dead, damaged or diseased material that remains. Purists may be horrified, but if its a question of either doing the job quickly and simply or
the highest level of cut to avoid that Wayne Rooney-esque look. Use the clippings to kickstart your compost heap, too mix them half and half with shredded newspaper or cardboard and youll have a hot heap in no time. You can finish the tidying work by neatening the edges with a half moon lawn edger. And finally: dont forget to get along to the Bedford Seed Sharing Saturday on March 3 11am-2pm at Bunyan Church Hall in Mill Street to pick up free seeds, get growing advice and meet other growers: it doesnt even matter if you have no seed to share! Other jobs for this month: plant summer-flowering bulbs such as lilies, gladioli and eucomis; mulch bare soil to help save on watering and keep down weeds; plant dahlia tubers and cover them with plenty of compost; put cloches over strawberry plants to force an early crop of fruits; deadhead early spring bulbs such as daffodils once they have finished flowering (but dont tie up the leaves); and finally, lift, divide and replant summer-flowering herbaceous perennials such as ladys mantle, astrantia and hardy geraniums for a bigger, better display in future years.
if you werent lucky She and her husband had a fab night, so enough to get a table heres what she thought: Tuns couldnt Our evening at The Three come too quickly for us! A night of indulat The Three Tuns gence, Steve Barringer from Masterchef had been cooking up a storm at The Three in Biddenham for Tuns in Biddenham all week and now it Steve Barringers was our turn! We arrived just before 7.30 so were too pop up restaurant, late for the Champagne reception, but our then fear not. You can lovely waitress Jayne had popped a couple of glasses on the table and had pre-selected vicariously enjoy the us a lovely bottle of wine. Steve had signed our menus and we eagerly awaited mouth-watering the arrival of our food. The restaurant was full and the atmoMasterchef menu sphere was buzzing, John the owner of The Tuns and his staff couldnt do enough for thanks to Clanger everyone making sure their glasses were full and they had everything they needed. reader and catering The Amuse Bouche was a tongue tinmaestro, Emma gling soup, which was rich in flavour and just a little sample of the delights to come. Stevens of Yummy This was followed by Confit Salmon, with a smoked salmon scotch egg a delicious Catering.
RIvER FESTIvAL Go AlonG WitH tHe floW
Photo by Graham Watson
Put your hands up if this is the first time youve read my column because, well, who wants to be gardening when its freezing?
not doing it at all, you know which Id go for. If you have the time and inclination, use secateurs to reduce the length of stems to around 30cm, just above an outwardfacing bud: snip just above the bud, with the cut facing away from it. Assuming its not snowy or frosty, now is also the time to pimp your lawn: regular readers will know I am not a mower maniac, but its worth getting yours out of the shed for a quick spin to encourage growth of your grass: if you can, set it at
FESTIvAL PARADE
Be it a decorated vehicle or on foot, your organization (school, club, band, dance troupe etc) can take part in the parade, entertain the crowds and collect money for your chosen charity too!
RAFT RACES
TAvISTOCK STREET: ITS ALL gOINg ON!

Tavistock Street is home to some of the most diverse businesses in Bedford. A mecca for foodies, it also has great
Championing this vibrant part of town are two community initiatives determined to positively put Tavistock Street on the map. First up is @TavToffs, a twitter group set up by Flethchers hair studio and devoted to celebrating the great things going on in the area. Fletchers co-founder Jane Lewin said: Tavistock Street is one of the busiest business communities in Bedford. At night the many restaurants are full - but we want people to recognise there are some great
Bedfords River festival attracts 350,000 people to our town. the carnival atmosphere, fairground fun, and live music all taking place against the beautiful backdrop of the River Great ouse is
shops here which are open during the day. Unlike much of Bedford we have on-street parking here, and the Queen Street multistorey is nearby. Fletchers has just been celebrating its 30th anniversary but younger team members Esther and Mathew are keen to encourage the town to take a fresh look at Tavistock Street. Follow @TavToffs on Twitter to keep up to date on whats going on! In collaboration with TavToffs and local Harpur Ward Councillors Colleen Atkins and Louise King, UpRising group, Tavi-
one of the highlights of the summer. this years event takes place on the weekend of 21st and 22nd of July and there are loads of ways that you can get involved.
Get a team together, build your own raft and race down the River to support local charities.
DRAgON BOATS
You provide the team of 16 20 paddlers & everything else will be provided including a Dragon Boat! A sure-fire recipe for a fun-packed day on the River. If youd like to get involved, call 718617 or email events@bedford.gov.uk www.bedfordevents.co.uk an alternative to the other commercial districts in Bedford, explained Karan Garcha of Tavison. Improvements to the street aesthetics, with different public art projects and the creation of green spaces and plants, will provide a possible vision for the future of the area. Find out more, get involved or simply follow developments: @Tavison on Twitter and on Facebook.
pubs, bars, hairdressers, The Music Centre (celebrating its 26th year in business) and plenty more besides. Yummy!
sion, has developed a Social Action Campaign (SAC) to improve Tavistock Street by raising awareness of the problems that affect the area. Their aim is to redevelop this vital link in Bedford to allow Tavistock Street to receive sustainable improvements that will benefit those directly connected with the road as well as the wider Bedford community. We want to promote Tavistock Street as Bedfords local street, a community with a distinctive character and heritage, which serves the communitys needs and provides
11
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
MARCH 2012
ROLL UP, ROLL UP! PRePARe to Be AMAZed BY tHe neW CIRCUS OF ILLUSTRATION
By Marisa Straccia Creative Creatures Monsters at Work
Yep, theres a new circus in Bedford town. However, we are not your typical band of trained animals, and clowns*
DOUBLE UP ON AMERICANA At tHe PlACe tHeAtRe Bedford-based

dumbstruck! Productions return to the Place theatre this month with a double bill of one-man shows exploring the conflicting values, competing drives & remarkable achievements of 1950s America.
irst up is Radio, written by young British playwright Al Smith. An up-andcoming talent on the British theatre scene, Smith has worked as a writer in residence at the Soho Theatre and the Royal Court Theatre, as well as writing for the BBC on television and radio. Radio deals with a young American, Charlie Fairbanks who is born in the middle of America in the middle of the 20th Century. In this poignant, witty and beautifully crafted play Charlie looks back over his childhood; his loves, losses, family life, hopes and dreams. Smiths script also deals with the 1950s boom, the American Dream, capitalism and Charlies greatest dream: to be an Astronaut. Set during a time of great conflict, upheaval, growth, and development, Radio paints a clever portrait of a young man and his country struggling to come to terms with its new power, identity and position in a new world. Tickets for this show are priced at 6.00, with a concession price of 5.00. Second show of the double bill is a rehearsed reading of one of the most seminal pieces of American poetry and spoken word: Howl by Allen Ginsberg. Written in 1955 for performance in the West Coast bars, clubs and coffee shops, and initially banned for obscenity upon publication in 1957, Howl is an epic beat poem to the destruction and debasement of American society during the 20th Century. Ginsberg explores the unseen, unreported world of the American drifter; speaking out for the dispossessed and downtrodden of the American Dream who have fallen by the wayside in the great quest for power and money. Ginsberg deals directly with the developments in psychology and psychiatry that saw thousands of people locked away into mental institutions, subjected to electro-shock therapy and lobotomy during the post-war period. Howl can be seen as one of the great catalysts in American 20th Century art. Fusing poetry and jazz together to create a new form of expression, it helped to define the period from 1955-1969 as one of protest and free love, as well as developing a language and voice for the disposed. Please note this show contains some coarse and vulgar language and may therefore not suitable for anyone under the age of 16. Tickets for this show are priced at 4.00 7th-10th March Tickets & further info: www.theplacebedford.org.uk The Place Theatre, Bradgate Road, Bedford, MK40 3DE
collage, stitching, ink, crayon and pencil monsters! We recognized the enthusiasm for these events and we plan to do more this year to get even more people drawing!
e are a Circus of Illustrators dedicated to promoting illustration (and ourselves!) locally in Bedfordshire. This merry band is currently planning collaborative projects, local events and illustration exhibitions. We also want to encourage you to celebrate and engage with drawing in fun and creative ways too, whilst doing something unique for our town. You may remember our first drawing event for the Big Draw in October 2011: Monsters of Bedford, which was organized in conjunction with We Are Bedford. Together, we commandeered an empty shop unit with a huge pre-historic monsters gallery wall. Everyone was invited to pop in, draw a picture of their own monster and stick it up on this wall for all to see, admire and enjoy. The atmosphere of every one of all ages scribbling away together being creative and energized was heart warming. We had a truly remarkable creature collection at the end of our day. A menagerie of
The Circus is comprised of professional working illustrators who live locally: Katy Dynes - kittydinners.co.uk Alasdair Bright - brightcreative.co.uk Rachel Lovatt lovattcloud9.blogspot.com Marisa Straccia madamebogg.blogspot.com Andrew Foster andrewfosterdesign.com David Litchfield davidlitchfieldillustration.com Scarlett Tierney - scarlettrebecca.co.uk So, expect quirky performances and illustration workshops, a public scene of frenetic and noisy artistic activity. Us doodlers will be popping up in a series of different places around town with exhibitions, fun and games later in the year. Get the latest news from us on twitter @wearethecircus the Circus with Kayte Judge, co-founder of We Are Bedford
KAZZUM - loCAl dAnCeRs in liVe tV finAl

Regular readers will remember that Harrold-based dance group, Kazzum had progressed to the live semi-finals of sky 1s Got to dance. The Clanger is thrilled to report that on
Nathaniel, Daniel, Taylor, Callum, Corey, Adam, Alex and Josh (aka Kazzum) have beat off some amazing competition to reach the final and were sure that all our readers will join us in wishing them the best of luck. Kazzum are all members of the Dance Vybz dance academy and are aged between 11 and 12. Theyre hoping to continue to impress the judges Ashley Banjo, Kimberley Wyatt and Adam Garcia to scoop the trophy. You can lend your support to the boys by following them on Twitter @OfficialKazzum and of couse by tuning in and voting for them on the night. www.dancevybz.co.uk www.sky1.com/got-to-dance
gOT THE ITCH TO STITCH?

Cool crafters will be pleased to hear that School of Crafts next fabric sale will take place on saturday 31st March from 9.30am - 12pm. Hurrah!
Lane, the newest, most beautifullest cafe/ bar to open in Bedford. Its on Castle Lane and suffused with natural light with views across the river. The Lane staff will be on hand to serve you tea and coffee should all that fabric buying prove to be thirsty work! And once the suns over the yard arm, why fab fabric
Sunday 26th February the boys were voted through to the LIVE final which will take place at Londons Olympia on Sunday 4th March. The spectacluar finale to the series will be televised live on Sky 1 at 6pm. Kazzum: through to the final! not have a glass of fizz with your fabric? Its the perfect spot for a Saturday morning spent idly caressing fabric including spring ranges from Birch Organics, Michael Miller, Riley Blake and cotton/linens from Echino. www.shoolofcraft.co.uk
The venue will be The
A BiG BedfoRd tHAnK YoU
The Bedford Clanger would not have been possible without the quite exceptional talents of the following people:
Designer: Marisa Straccia Photography: Shaun Armstrong (www.mubsta.com) & Graham Watson (www.GrahamPhotographer.co.uk ) Bedford College HND Photography students Contributors:David Litchfield, Jane Perrone, Barnabas Wale, Gemma
Hutton, Laura Pottinger, Kristian Purcell, Marisa Straccia, Emma Stevens, Caroline Wise & Sue Gough. If you cant wait til the April edition, check out the blog: thebedfordclanger.wordpress.com
or search for the Bedford Clanger at scribd.com Wed love to hear from you, so why not get in touch? You can email thebedfordclanger@gmail.com
*Disclaimer: may contain some nuts
12

Bedford Clanger March 2012

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ISSUE 9: MARCH 2012

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

Letter from the Editor

Photo by: Molly Baker

HOMETOWN TOURIST tHe siKH teMPle, QUeens PARK

On behalf of The Clanger, Barnabas looks

sikh and you shall find!

Have you seen the scarecrows at Pensieri?

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

CASTLE QUAY WEEKENDER: ONE YEAR ON

MAYOR OF BEDFORD BOROUgH, DAvE HODgSON:

Photo by: Shaun Armstrong

STEvE JUDgE diReCtoR of BonfiRe Ci (Corporate sponsors of the CQW):

ANgELOS - CAstle lAne

Photo by: Shaun Armstrong

JACQUIE MANNERS (MAnneRs PR):

CHRISTINA ROWE, diReCtoR BedfoRdBid (Business improvement district)

PENSIERI - CAstle lAne:

Photo by: Richard Harrison

Castle Lane is Bedfords hidden gem.

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

LIvE MUSIC IN MARCH: THREE gREAT gIgS, THREE DIFFERENT gENRES

Wet nUns: Holy smokes

THE POPES Wednesday 14 March @esquires

BUSTER SHUFFLE & vARIETY NIgHT saturday 24th March @esquires

Photo by: Darren J Topliss

Buster shuffle: Pound a bowl!

Maddog of the Popes

Dont forget your earplugs.

Photos by: Simon Fernandez

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

BEDFORD FOODBANK ITS gOOD TO gIvE

foodbank donations: they all add up

UPRISINg ITS RADICAL!

Photo by: Shaun Armstrong

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

WED 7th- 10th MARCH

TUES 13th MARCH

WED 14th MARCH

THURS 1st- 4th APRIL

THURS 8th MARCH

FRI 2nd MARCH

Unique and Personal Just like you

Personalised gi s for home and family

FRI 9th MARCH

SAT 3rd MARCH

Call Jane on (01234) 272575

THURS 15th MARCH

FRI 16th MARCH

SAT 10th MARCH

SUN 4th MARCH

SUN 11th MARCH

way... Time is ticking a

MON 5th MARCH-12th APRIL

MON 5th MARCH

TUES 6th MARCH

MON 12th MARCH

Take a fresh look at Bedford. 01234 359599

Email: events@bedford.gov.uk Web: www.bedfordevents.co.uk

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

SAT 17th MARCH