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ISSUE 13: JULY 2012

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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
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This Summer expect
something a little
different from your
favourite wine bar.
The Lane, which overlooks the Castle
Bailey Gardens and The River Great Ouse,
has invited musicians to join them for a
series of alfresco acoustic sets that they are
referring to as The Terrace Sessions.
Our customers are a delight to us, we
couldnt ask for a better crowd, explains
Jay Alom from The Lane. We understand
that people come here for the opportunity to
relax and chat in an attractive and unhurried
environment.
The Terrace Sessions are designed to
enhance that experience, and it is for that
reason that weve decided to go low key,
laid back and unplugged.
Bedford favourite Rebecca De Winter
begins the sessions on the 28th July, a
night that also sees a Drink and Draw
event from The Circus of Illustration and is
followed by Kastaphor on the 4th August,
Lydia Maddix on the 11th August,
Jess Morgan on the 18th August, The
Hallelujah Trails on the 25th August and
the princes of dirty-pop, Betaboy on the
1st September. For full information and
clips from all the artists fnd The Lane
on facebook or follow them on twitter @
TheLaneBedford #Terracesessions
We are in the heart of the Cultural
Quarter and believe that music and art have
a place here refects Jay.
Cheers to that!
Letter from the
Editor
Since starting the Bedford
Clanger last year, Ive come
to realise the wealth of
events that take place in our
town every month.
However, nothing in the past 12
months has come close to right now!
From the Olympic torch relay to the
River Festival, Bedfringe to the Olympic
games, theres something for everyone
be they a culture vulture or a sport billy.
As ever, theres also great live music,
fabulous club nights and many a public
house at which to enjoy the Great Bed-
ford Summer of 2012.
July is also the launch of Indepen-
dent Retailer Month, so why not pledge
to buy at least one thing from one of
our unique boutiques (or sweets shops,
ironmongers, gift shops, galleries, coffee
shops....) this month.
Finally, please make sure you encour-
age all your family, friends, neighbours,
colleagues and anyone else who knows
you to get involved in our A Photo A Day
project. This is a unique opportunity to
collaborate together to collate a visual
record of our town. Who knows what
well discover....
Enjoy the festival fun
Erica x
PS: If youre still stuck for something to
do, The Bedford Swan Hotel is showing
Wimbledon matches on the big screen
on their fab new terrace. Pimms oclock
anyone?
JULY 2012
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
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INSTALLING SUMMER 45% DONE. Installation failed. 404 error: Season not valid in UK
If youve bought a
pair of jeans in
Bedford within living
memory, chances are
youve frequented
Funky Junction.
Owner Pankaj Shah is celebrating 30
years of trading on Bedford High Street,
providing jeans and casualwear to over a
generation of Bedfordians.
We asked Pankaj about the changing face
of fashion and the three words that sum up
Bedford for him:
Bedford Clanger: Funky Junction is a
Bedford institution. When did you frst open
your doors to the jeans-buying public of the
town?
Pankaj Shah: Back in 1982 and just as
now we were in recession. I was fresh out
out of university and jobs were scarce; an
opportunity came along to buy the shop
with my uncle who already had a string
of three shops, so I grabbed my chance. I
suppose the recession inspired me to take
the opportunity.
BC: Have the brands you stock changed
much over the last 30 years?
PS: In the 80s we stocked all the big brands
then like Levi, Wrangler, Lee, Falmers,
Easy, Pepe, Lois, Gallini, Ruby, Ben Sher-
man and more. Lois jeans were massive
then especially their Jumbo cords in all sorts
of colours. We also introduced s-t-r-e-t-c-h
jeans to Bedford.
BC: Jeans are perenially popular. Which of
your orignal brands are you still stocking 30
years on?
PS: Of those brands we still stock the clas-
sic brands like Levi, Wrangler, Pepe and
Ben Sherman.
BC: I know 40 year olds who bought their
frst pair of jeans at Funky Junction and
are still shopping with you. Do you have
something for everyone?
PS: We are a specialist jeans shop so we
stock jeans for all age groups . We cater
from 10 yrs old to 70 year olds, and every
thing in between! We have the younger
fashion brands like Eto, Voi, New Era and
Gio Gio for the youngsters,
and then Levi, Teddy Smith,
Wrangler and Sonnetti for the
older guys.
BC: Whats your best seller?
PS: Best selling brands at the
moment for us are Voi and
Levi.
BC: And fnally, good luck for
the next 30 years! Please sum
up Bedford in just three words:
PS: EASY-GOING.....
FRIENDLY....
COSMOPOLITAN
FUNKY JUNCTION
105, HIGH STreeT, BedFord TeL: 401999
UNIQUE BEDFORD
Bedford brewer,
Wells and Youngs,
has teamed up with
eight Charles Wells
pubs in the town to
promote an eagleAle
Trail.
Wells Eagle is
commonly known as
the Beer of Bedford
and Ale Trail offers
consumers the chance
to savour a pint of
Eagle in eight different
pubs over a number of
weeks.
Wells Eagle is a
popular drink in and
around Bedford but
we wanted drinkers
enjoy a quality pint in
a number of different pubs, said Wells
and Youngs Commercial Director David
Revell. The pubs may be geographically
close, but all have very different personali-
ties. All are established cask beer pubs,
explains David. However, one is also a top
end food-led pub, another caters for sports
fans, a third is known for its charity fund-
raising and another has a great reputation
for entertainment, particularly comedy, that
it hosts. They show the variety and quality
of Bedfords pubs.
The trail entails visiting and collecting a
stamp at each of the specially selected pubs
when a pint of Wells Eagle is purchased.
Prizes include a beautifully presented com-
memorative glass and a t-shirt plus a chance
to win a tour of the Wells and Youngs
brewery.
Wells Eagle is a 3.6% ABV cask beer
withheaps of fresh green challenger hops
above toasted toffee malt with a real
quenching fnish. It is the offcial beer of
the Bedford Blues and other local events
such as the Bedford River Festival and the
Bedfringe Festival.
Pubs participating in the Eagle Ale Trail
are:
The Foresters Arms,
Union Street, Bedford
The Bedford Arms, Bromham Road,
Bedford
The Castle Inn, Newnham Street, Bedford
The Embankment Hotel,
The Embankment, Bedford
The Park, Kimbolton Road, Bedford
The Devonshire Arms, Dudley Street,
Bedford
The Gordon Arms, Castle Road, Bedford
The White Horse, Newnham Avenue
HOMETOWN TOURIST
BedFord PUBS HoST THe eAGLe ALe TrAIL
Born and Brewed
in Bedford
+6)%84-28+6)%849&7+6)%846->)7
Ask at the bar for details
a chance to visit the
Eagles nest and get some
great goodies on the way!
Commemorative glass T-shirt The Eagles Nest!
Sponsored By Stimpsons Eves Chartered Surveyors
The Face of Continuity in Bedford
Commercial Agency Disposal & Acquisition Rent Reviews
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LIVE AT THE LANE
THe TerrACe SeSSIoNS
MUSIC
Its all in the jeans
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THE BEDFORD CLANGER
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Focus on the positive!
JULY 2012
The time has come!
Its time to grab your camera and show
the rest of the town your unique view of
Bedford. Whether youre a professional
photographer, amateur snapper or have
never picked up a camera before in your life
this is for you!
This July, the Bedford Clanger is asking
its readers to show Bedford as its never
been seen before. A Photo A Day is your
opportunity to show what Bedford means to
you - in 31 ways over 31 days!
With the help of photographer Jez Brown,
weve identifed a word a day for the whole
of July. On each day, wed like you to take
a photograph that relates to that particular
word - and its totally up to you how you
interpret it. Anything goes!
Heres how to get
involved:
1.Get hold of a list of the words (handily
theres one just here)
2.Get hold of your camera/mobile phone
3.Take a fabulous photograph relating to the
relevant daily word
4.We want as many people to get involved
as possible, so whether you use Twitter, FB,
Flickr or Tumblr or Royal Mail, theres a
way to send us your photos:
a. Post in on the A Photo A Day Bedford
Facebook page
b. Post it on Twitter to @bedfordclanger
with the hashtag #aphotoadaybedford
c. Upload your picture to Flickr: http://
www.fickr.com/photos/aphotoadaybedford/
d. Upload your picture to Tumlr: http://
thebedfordclanger.tumblr.com/
e. Send your photographs to A Photo A Day
Bedford, The Bedford Clanger, 34 Claren-
don Street, Bedford, MK41 7SJ.
In the September issue we will publish the
31 photos that we think sum up July 2012
in Bedford. This is open to anyone and ev-
eryone and you can take part for the whole
month, or just choose one particular day or
word that youd like to concentrate on. We
look forward to seeing what Bedford means
to you.
1. Water
2. Style
3. Park
4. Independent
5. Holiday
6. Childhood
7. Bridge
PHoToGrAPHY
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A PHOTO A DAY
Earlier this year we interviewed Kade
Burgess after he came 2nd in the New York
Master Barber Competition. Well, Kades
just got back from another Stateside jaunt
and guess what? Hes only gone and won it!
He came 1st in the New York IHS Master
Barber competition in May and came 2nd in
the IBS Major League Super Barber Battle
2 in Las Vegas on the 10th June. I was up
against 22 other barbers; it was tough. said
Kade. Sounds like an understatement to us!
Massive congratulations to Kade. Here he is
with his massive trophies!
TALeNT!
MASTER BARBER
31 dAYS ANd 31 WAYS oF LookING AT
oUr ToWN
St Pauls Square celebrates the Summer Solstice in Style...
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8. Torch
9. Street
10. Music
11. Transport
12. (re)cycle
13. Culture
14. Wood
15. Together
16. Funny
17. Home
18. Time &
motion
19. Animals
20. Heritage
21. River
22. Festival
23. Play
24. Clanger
25. Tea
26. Texture
27. Sport
28. Night
29. Refection
30. Food
31. Made in Bedford
A Photo A Day is kindlly sponsored by
White Hart Press.
At Bedford Network we
share with you our best
experiences of Bedford.
As summer is here we thought wed do
a High 5 to July!, so here are our top 5
things to do in Bedford in July:
1.Book up your BedFringe tickets! The
Bedford Fringe Festival takes place in dif-
ferent venues across Bedford from 13-28
July covering theatre, dance, music and
comedy (www.bedfringe.com). Top of our
list are:

Isy Suite & Friends at the Ent Shed
GASP at the Place Theatre
Showstopper! The Improvised Musical at
the Corn Exchange
Bang Youre Dead at Bedford Theatre
and poetry from John Hegley at The Place
Theatre
2.Have a BBQ! Hopefully it might stop
raining for us to be able to dust off the BBQ
and get the sausages nicely burnt. We like
to get stocked up with meat from Harris &
Sons butchers on Castle Rd and also Burley
butchers in Turvey who do some fab spare
ribs! Bring on the meat sweats!
BEDFORD NETWORK
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High Five!
3.Visit Jaffa Orchard Caf on Pembroke St.
This is a community caf which is run by
and for the community. We love stopping
here for lunch or a cup of tea and cake.
They have tables and chairs outside, and the
food and drink is so cheap its quite unbe-
lievable! Top tip: check out their upstairs
craft shop.
4.Have a picnic! We like to get stocked up
on picnic goodies from Foods of Italy, The
Cheese Kitchen or Luscious Juice Bar.
5.Grab a bit of Spanish sunshine at the bril-
liant Andaluz on Castle Rd - fab during the
day or evening for a glass of delicious wine
and some yummy tapas.
We hope you have a fabulous July!
Stay tuned to Bedford Network in July for
more news and our competition to win a
delicious prize at Frescoes on Mill Street!
We blog, tweet and Facebook
www.bedfordnetwork.co.uk
Twitter: @BedfordNetwork
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Bedford-
Network
ESTABLISHED 1987
58a York Street, Bedford MK40 3RL
Supplying high quality Printing
to the Bedford Community
for 25 years
www.whitehartpress.co.uk
01234 270465
email: info@whitehartpress.co.uk
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
4
Welcome, Olympians... To Bedford! We hope you enjoy our town!
JULY 2012
8TH JULY
ITS FLAMING exCITING!
As part of its 8,000 mile
journey across Great
Britain, the olympic
Flame will travel the
length of breadth of Great
Britain and will pass
some of Bedfords most
iconic landmarks as part
of this journey.
The Bedford leg of the relay starts on
Goldington Road near Goldington Green.
This will provide a brilliant opportunity to
see the Flame and enjoy the open spaces
of the Green itself. From there, the Flame
travels down Barkers Lane and past the
Bedford International Athletics Stadium,
which will also be an offcial Olympic Live
Site during the Games. The Flame will then
travel along the Embankment, again giving
plenty of opportunities for local residents
to line the route and see the Flame. It then
crosses the Town Bridge and continues
along London Road and Harrowden Road.
Crowds are encouraged to line the route
and cheer on the Torch-bearers who will
carry the Flame through Bedford Borough.
The streets along the London 2012 Olympic
Torch Relay, which can be viewed in full at
www.london2012.com/olympictorchrelayor
www.bedford.gov.uk/london2012, gives
street-by-street details and proposed start
times for when the Olympic Flame will
travel through Bedford Borough. Residents
living in and around the borough can fnd
out when it will be travelling along their
nearest highstreet, through their town
square or past their local village shop.
Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave-
Hodgson, said: The arrival of the Olympic
Flame is always the kick start of Olympic
celebrations in the host nation and we are
looking forward towel coming the Flame
to Bedford Borough on July 8th. I am sure
many local residents will line the route to
cheer on the Torch-bearers and take advan-
tage ofthe biggest show on earth coming to
Bedford Borough.
oLYMPICS
Until late August, over
200 olympic and
Paralympic athletes will
be training in Bedford
prior to the start of their
respective Games.
Whilst the priority of the athletes will be
to prepare themselves as well as possible
for their events, they will need some time
to relax. Host an Athlete seeks to offer
cultural and social activities for the athletes
should they wish to participate.
The community of Bedford is invited
to suggest activities that they may be able
to offer. Details will then be posted at the
teams base at the University of Bedford-
shire. Athletes can then choose what they
would like to do; they will
be assisted in contacting
the Host and the fnal
arrangements made. The
athletes will need to be col-
lected from, and returned
to, the Campus. The
majority of the athletes
will be competing in the
Paralympic Games and
therefore have a disability. Some will be
wheelchair users and therefore adapted ve-
hicles may be necessary. If there is a group
of wheelchair users going to an activity
together then other transport arrangements
may be possible.
We would like as large a number and as
wide a range of activities as possible to be
offered so that the athletes
have a good choice. To
fnd out more about partici-
pating in Host an Athlete
please contact:
Katarina Darcy: bed-
ford2012games@hotmail.
co.uk
Tel: 07729446084
Or visit our Facebook page: Bedfords
Entertain An Athlete
Please note that we are not looking for
people to provide accommodation for our
visitors.
Bedford Borough will host
14 olympic and
Paralympic teams and
more than 250
sportspeople from
around the world in the
lead up to the olympic
and Paralympic Games
this summer.
And with the exception of Weymouth,
which will host most nations for the various
sailing competitions, Bedford Borough will
host more teams than any other town or
borough in the country. Go Bedford!
We will be host to: The Maldives Na-
tional Olympic Committee; Central African
Republic National Paralympic Committee;
Senegal National Paralympic Committee;
The Gambia National Paralympic Commit-
tee; Morocco National Paralympic Com-
mittee; Ivory Coast National Paralympic
Committee; Tunisia National Paralympic
Committee; Lesotho National Paralympic
Committee; Democratic Republic of Congo
National Paralympic Committee; Uganda
National Paralympic Committee; GhanaNa-
tional Paralympic Committee; Pakistan
National Paralympic Committee; Angola
National Paralympic Committee; Jamaica
National Paralympic Committee.
(Lets hope theyve all brought their
brollies - Ed).
Councillor Doug McMurdo, Portfolio
Holder for Leisure and Culture, said: A
lot of hard work has gone into making the
arrangements for 15 teams and more than
250 athletes and offcials to live in Bedford
Borough ahead of the Olympic and Para-
lympic Games this summer. However, when
many of them visited Bedford Borough they
were immediately struck by how welcoming
the people in the borough were as well as
the level offacilities available. I hope local
residents will look forward to welcoming
these teams from around the world.
ON YOUR MARKS, BEDFORD!
Bedford Borough Council
is delighted to confirm a
free festival of sport at the
Bedford International
Athletic stadium during
this years olympics.
This will include a big screen showing
all the action live, including the mens 100
metre fnal, and opportunities to have a go
on the top class facilities on offer at the
stadium,especially for young people.
The Athletic Stadium has been selected
as an Offcial Olympic Live Site during
the London 2012 games this summer.
Bedford now joins a select group of other
towns and cities across the UK which will
be an offcial part
of London 2012.
The big screen
erected at the
stadium will offer
Bedford Borough
residents the
opportunity to
experience a slice
of the London
2012 Olympic
Games completely
free, even if they
were not fortunate
enoughto land
some of the sought
after tickets to ex-
perience the Games
in person.
OLYMPIC LIVE SITE - Free BIG SCreeN ACTIoN
Businesses in St Marys
are gearing up to
welcome the olympic
Torch as it passes right
outside their front doors.
Often overlooked on the south side of the
Town Bridge, the organisations are going to
make the most of the national spotlight on
Sunday July 8th.
This is a great fag-waving event for
Bedford as a whole but a big boost to those
business in St Marys Street, said Love
Bedford and BIDBoard member Joanne
Spencer of the Kitchen Outlet store, We
have a new St Marys website www.
stmarysbedford.co.uk, we have a new look
post offce and some of the best parking in
town! Wed urge people to follow the Torch
south to St Marys on Bedfords Olympic
Sunday.
If you are heading over to St Marys, heres
a guide to where to park:
*Refurbished car park on corner of Duck-
mill Lane
*Free parking for two hours at adjoining
spaces
*2 all day on Saturday and Sundays at
Bedford College
If you want to grab a bite to eat while
youre there, choose from the Park Inn
Hotel, Lees Kitchen, Riobellos, Freds
Coffee Shop, Que Huong and the Kings
Arms pub.
The Kings Arms landlord, Sean ODonnell,
is planning a family fun day to coincide
with the Torch procession, so why not stroll
over to St Marys and see for yourselves.
OLYMPIC TORCH
SHINeS oN ST MArYS
Bedford College has
achieved an
educational gold medal
by winning the right to
use the prestigious
Olympic logo.
The carefully protected marque can only
be used by a select few other than the
multi-national sponsors who have paid 40
Million to be associated with the brand.
The Get Set 2012 Education Olympic
mark is given to Colleges and Schools that
have demonstrated and have shown a com-
mitment to the Olympic and Paralympic
values of Friendship, Courage, Respect,
Excellence, Determination, Inspiration and
Equality through their work within college
and the local com-
munity.
The Logo is
awarded by the
London Organising
Committee for the
Olympic Games
(LOCOG) of which
Lord Seb Coe is
Chair.
Chief Executive
Ian Pryce said :
We are a win-
ning team here at
Bedford College
and this acknowl-
edgement of the
contribution made
to the community by
our staff and students is well deserved.
THE OLYMPIC DREAM COMES TRUE FOR
BEDFORD COLLEgE
HOST AN ATHLETE
Ian Pyrce: Get Set... Go!
Flaming Nora... Its Ian again!
Its festival time again
as the Great Summer
in Bedford Borough
continues when the
River Festival rolls
into town on the 21st
and 22nd July.
This year the festival, which attracts more
than 300,000 over the weekend, promises
even more fun free activities along the
River Great Ouse in Bedford.
Over the next month expect to see hun-
dreds electricity generators, event control
buildings, hundreds of square metres of
marquees, more than 150 market stalls,
plenty of temporary toilets and three foat-
ing bridges all being set up as the events
team at Bedford Borough Council gears up
for the biggest River Festival ever.
The event will kick-off at 11.30am on
Saturday 21st July as the River Festival
Parade travels down the High Street and
back onto the Embankment for the frst time
since 2004 (Hurrah! Ed). Colourful foats
from groups around Bedford and across
the UK will be making plenty of noise as
they travel from De Parys Avenue, raising
money for local charities.
Once again you can expect the usual mix
of face painters, balloon sellers, workshops,
stalls, market traders selling a cornucopia of
wares, funfair rides, music and entertain-
ment, sporting opportunities and history.
And thats all on top of the activity taking
place on the water!
Water-based action takes place to the
beat of the
Dragon Boats on
Saturday while
on Sunday its
a battle to stay
afoat as home-
made rafts battle
the Great Ouse
(and each other)
in a race to the
fnish line.
Here are some
other treats that
the lovely River
Fest people have
got lined up for
us:
For the frst time ever, youll be able to
tune into the River Festival fnale freworks
music thanks to
Bedford Com-
munity radio
station In2beats on
106.5FM.
Coinciding with
the London 2012
Olympics, it could
only be the Ancient
Greeks taking over
the Heritage vil-
lage around Castle
mound. Find out
what it was like
to live around the
dawn of the Olym-
pics, see the Greek
puppet theatre,
an Ancient Greek
horse riding display
while children can
join in the drill session with the troops
Try your hand at everything from
martial arts to line dancing at the Sports Vil-
lage. This year we are also
joined by Arsenal Gunners
on the road tour providing
a penalty shoot-out and
tips for would be stars
while the Rugby Football
Union will also be on
hand to offer advice and
the chance to have a go at
the game.
Back on the water for
the frst time since 2006
there will be a river swim
as well as boat parades
and festival favourites, the
glow stick kayak paddle
and illuminated boat pa-
rade on Saturday evening.
This years festival will showcase more
music than ever before operating over six
stages and including Brigante and Albaney
Down - winners of the Battle of the Bands
contest that took place at Bedford Corn Ex-
change and the Jubilee stage at Russell Park
Festival Sponsors Fujiflm will also be
introducing a new Fujiflm zone providing a
photography arena, photo wall competition
and creative printing advice.
For those seeking a more relaxed
atmosphere the Community and Chill Out
Villages will be located on Mill Meadows
featuring a circus skills arena, community
marquee, traditional childrens rides and a
variety of stalls, arts and crafts and enter-
tainment
Secure cycle parking, extra bus and
train services and a late night park and ride
service from Elstow are all being provided
to make it easy for everyone to be part of
the regions biggest free event.
Town centre multi-storey car parks will also
be open longer and cost just 1 all day on
Sunday.
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
5
There is nothing--absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. - Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows,
JULY 2012
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Reaction Clanger Advert.pdf 1 08/06/2012 15:17
2012 BEDFORD RIVER
FESTIVAL
More WAYS THAN eVer To JoIN
THe FUN
FeSTIVAL
If you live in or near to
Cardington, why not
make your way to the
Kings Arms to watch the
historic olympic torch
relay pass through the
village?
As well as witnessing this once-in-a-life-
time event, the pub will be open from 9am
with bacon sandwiches at the ready!
Throughout the day they will have live
music, from Out of the Hat (noon 3pm)
and then local swing and jive band, The
Spider Club will
entertain the crowds
from 3pm 5pm.
Weather permitting,
The Kings Arms
Pub Olympics will
be taking place in
beer garden. To
round off the eve-
ning there will be a
music quiz from 8
til late.
All of the money
raised will be going
towards Bedford
Day Care Hospice.
FLAMe FeVer
HITS CARDINgTON
A family business providing support and
service when you need it.
Open and honest pricing policy
37 St Cuthberts Street, Bedford MK40 3JG
Tel: 01234 363191 (24 hours)
www.molyneuxjones.co.uk
Molyneux Jones
Family Funeral Directors
No rain on this parade
Water-based action!
oooooh!... Ahhh!
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
6
Stop faffng. Get on with it.
JULY 2012
The past 6 months
has seen a significant
development for art
group INFINITe29.
The group which primarily consists of
mental health service users took steps to
move beyond the art provision already on
offer within mental health services to form
its own Creativity for Wellbeing group back
in 2010.
After staging several of its own art
exhibitions including one in a disused retail
unit at the Castle Quay festival in 2011,
the group later teamed up with Bedford Cre-
ative Arts and its new project 123 CREATE
back in January this year. 123 CREATE is
a new creative space for the communities
of Bedford at 123 Midland Road, where
Bedford Creative Arts and their partners can
provide a place for people of all ages to take
part in creative projects and champion the
diverse cultures of the area.
Working with Bedford Creative Arts at
123 CREATE the group has held its own
weekly creativity sessions every Wednes-
day. From photography walks and lace
inspired tea parties in chilly February to
more recent sessions such as drawing, paint-
ing, textiles and Pyrography (a technique
creating designs through wood burning).
The group consists of talented painters, pho-
tographers, crafters and musicians, as well
as people who just love being creative and
are willing to have a go at whatever comes
their way. The sessions allow members to
take the reins, utilise their own skills and
pass on knowledge to others. The group also
recently staged some enjoyable afternoons
screen printing and pottery making with
Laura Pottinger from The Higgins Gallery
& Museum and learned some fascinating
history about the museum and the collec-
tions held there in the process.
Jacqueline Haddock is a founding
member of INFINITE29 art group and is
Bedford Creative Arts Creativity for Well-
being Activist. Jacqueline who facilitates
the weekly sessions says: The Wednesday
sessions are always relaxed and informal
and provide a great way for people to come
together to chat about creative ideas over a
cup of tea whilst learning a brand new skill
or developing an existing one. We want
to empower our members by giving them
opportunities to share their skills and talents
with others whilst also providing access to
engage with other artists and organisations
in the wider community in a non threatening
way. Having a creative outlet is essential to
the wellbeing of lots of people encountering
problems and diffculties in their lives and
art is a powerful medium for challenging
myths around mental health, helping to
expand creative thinking and remove the
stigma sometimes associated with mental
illness. We work with people who are ready
to make those vital steps to engage with
other creative individuals on their way to
recovery. INFINITE29 provides an environ-
ment in which people dont feel intimidated
to come forward to share their ideas and get
involved in art outside of the mental health
arena. Working together with organisa-
tions such as Bedford Creative Arts which
is committed to delivering quality arts
programmes to the people of Bedford is one
way of bridging the gap for those who may
suffer social anxiety or otherwise feel that
there is a barrier to them accessing art in a
wider social setting because of misunder-
standing and stigma. Because INFNIT29
is a group with a history, knowledge and un-
derstanding of the needs of its members and
of people suffering mental health diffculty,
it works!
Thirty one year old Ben Salmons who
joined the group several months ago after
suffering a long bout of depression says:
Having struggled with mental health
problems for quite some time and after los-
ing my confdence, it has been fantastic to
join INFINITE29, rediscover my enthusi-
asm for creativity, and be surrounded by a
group of caring people who support each
other and have encouraged me to get back
involved and engage with art again
Group member David Harpur Holloway
who developed Schizophrenia as a conse-
quence of brain damage during an accident
says Since becoming ill I have found it
hard to fnd proper employment, but the
group has opened up my horizons. I have
learned more about my poetry, and dis-
covered a talent for designing t-shirts, and
photography. I now see the world through a
different lens. Perhaps when we as people
fnd a group or community to which we feel
we belong, those grey areas in life merge
from one state into Technicolor. INFINITE
29 offers a unique opportunity for me to try
and develop a better understanding of those
AN ExCITINg 6 MONTHS FOR ART gROUP
INFINITe29
ArT
CeIebzate Independent RetaIIez Month and
shop IocaI In BedIozd Ioz the whoIe oI ]uIy!
Independent RetaiIer Month is a gIobaI "Shop LocaI" campaign that runs from
1-31 JuIy. The campaign highIights the important roIe smaIIer, IocaI,
independent businesses pIay in the communities they serve, the IocaI
economy they contribute to, and in the retaiI sector as a whoIe. Bedford Town
Centre has 270 independent businesses incIuding designer boutiques,
jeweIIers, retro furniture stores, cafes and restaurants, art gaIIeries and hair
and beauty saIons, so why not spend JuIy supporting them by shopping IocaI.
Visit www.Iovebedford.co.uk for more detaiIs and check out our business
directory for more information about Bedford's Independent businesses.
1-31 juIy 2012
Independence Month A4 POSTER NO GH _Layout 1 13/06/2012 12:30 Page 1
colours.
As a predominantly service user group,
INFINITE29 maintains good relations with
all local organisations, working in a re-
sponsible way that benefts everyone. Many
of INFINITE29s members are currently
service users or have used local branches
of SEPT or Mind in the past and have
found that Infnite29 has given them an
additional outlet and an extra string to the
support they already receive. Through the
groups vision and commitment and through
being involved with Bedford Creative Arts,
Infnite29 is bridging the gap between art-
ists, service users and the community. With
many exciting ideas to take forward the
group continues to work to expand both its
membership and its capacity for creativity.
The group has more recently engaged with
Kings Arms Project, a charity that works
with the homeless and has opened up its
doors to other organisations that have an
understanding of the need for creativity and
wellbeing.
Bedford Creative Arts Creativity and
Wellbeing strand has supported INFI-
NITE29 to get involved in some of its excit-
ing projects. Several INFINITE29 members
worked closely with artist Arabel Rosillo
de Blas on the making and constructing
of the large lace installation now on show
at 1, St Pauls Square in Bedford as part of
Bedford Creative Arts spring commission
Lace in Place, as well as taking part in
several workshops with artist Kathy Hinde
making musical scores from the patterns in
Bedfordshire lace.
More recently the group has been
involved in several lyrical workshops
with Bedford composer Johnny Parry in
Bedford Creative Arts summer commis-
sion Concerto Magnifcent: An Anthology
of all Things. The group have contributed
to the writing of songs that will be pieced
together and rehearsed and performed by a
community choir at the Corn Exchange in
September this year.
If you would like to know more about
the group or the exciting projects they
are involved in then please contact Jac-
queline Haddock who can be reached at
jhaddock@bedfordcreativearts.org.uk or
at Jackie@infnite29.com
Phaff&potter is a new
music fanzine for the
discerning music fan,
which will be covering all
thats happening under
and over the radar in
cutting edge music.
It will also
include
retrospec-
tives of cult
bands from
days gone
by, as well as
single, album
and live reviews. As well as music, theyll
be other articles ranging from the latest
regional ales, to the EYE on London a
feature bringing tomorrows trends today.
Co-writers Rod Palmer and Tristan
Percival try to explain further:
Tristan: well, the ideas been been brewing
for yonks and the time was right to start
now! (is it? -ed). Rod continues: Yeah, and
theres a twist, sort of were not against
modern technology but we liked the original
way that old school fanzines were put
together, so rather than comping it up on the
pc in quark or whatever, we dusted off our
Daro Erika typewriter and set to it. Bit of
sweat and pritt stick, and Bobs yer uncle!
Clanger: so where can we fnd the this
special publication?
T: well, were aiming to copy 100 to start
with, then ping em out to local pubs, music
venues and shops not disimilar to the
venues that the lovely Clanger can be found
in...! Plus in some other random cities...
Clanger: So, where did the name come
from?
R: Its what we do!
So look out for Phaff&potter, which aims
to hit the streets this summer...Its A5 and
its free!
MUSIC
OxJAM UPDATE
MUSIC
P
h
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S
a
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a
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Word of the oxjam
Bedford Takeover coming
to town on Saturday 27th
october is spreading....
We caught up with Oxjam Bedford Take-
over Manager, Clare Sullivan, to fnd out
whats been going on at the Oxjam Bedford
HQ.
June has been a really exciting month for us
here at Oxjam Bedford HQ with what feels
like an iron in every musical fre. Were
fnalising our Takeover venues many of
your readers will have seen that Esquires
and The Bear are already on board and we
look forward to announcing the fnal addi-
tions in the coming weeks.
Weve also been working hard on putting
together an exciting line-up of bands, artists
and DJs for Bedfords musical delectation.
We have around half our performers con-
frmed now and were confdent that weve
already got a very strong line-up, with
something for everyone, from hard rock
revellers, to dubstep divas and everyone
in between. We still have limited spaces
available at all of our venues, so if youre
in a band, are a solo performer or DJ and
would like to be part of the Takeover, please
get in touch at oxjam.bedfordtakeover@
gmail.com.
Youll get a hint as to our line-up if
youre coming down to the River Festival
on the weekend of 21st and 22nd July.
Well be taking part in the parade and weve
a very exciting addition to the Community
Stage at 2pm on Sunday 22nd. We look
forward to seeing you down the front, hope-
fully soaking up some sunshine!
In early July were turning our attention
to how were going to cover the costs of
the Takeover. As a reminder to Clanger
readers, the Takeover is a charity event,
raising money for Oxfam. As such we
have no budget to stage the event and so
were working hard to minimise what we
spend. However, its inevitable that to put
on a great event, were going to have some
unavoidable costs.
Wed love to hear from any local
businesses who might be interested in
sponsoring the Takeover through dona-
tions or services in kind. In return we
can promise some fantastic promotional
opportunities, as well as the chance to
be a part of an event that everyone in
Bedford will be talking about. If youre
interested in fnding out more about our
sponsorship packages, drop us a note at
oxjam.bedfordtakeover@gmail.com.
Thats it from Oxjam Bedford HQ
for this month, though actually, on that
subject..... At present there is no Oxjam
Bedford HQ! The Oxjam Bedford Team
are currently resorting to meetings in
various Bedford drinking establishments
or descending en masse to team members
homes. And much as were a sociable
crowd who enjoy a night down the pub,
wed really love a place to call home. So if
any of your readers have some offce space
available which theyd like to donate for our
use until November, wed love to hear from
them at oxjam.bedfordtakeover@gmail.com
We look forward to having lots more
exciting Oxjam news to report in the August
edition of The Bedford Clanger! Until then,
enjoy the sunshine (hopefully)!
Follow us on Twitter (@oxjambedford) or
to Like our Facebook page (www.facebook.
com/oxjambedfordtakeover). We can keep
you up-to-the-minute with all Oxjam Bed-
ford news and announcements
RED HOT CHILLI
PEPPERS
PICS AT roCk CITY
ArT
Music lovers have been
spoilt in the last month
with not one but two great
photography exhibitions
at Bedfords Rock City
Art gallery.
No sooner had the Stone Roses moved out
than the Red Hot Chili Peppers Exhibition
moved in. It opened on 22nd June, just
days before the band headlined Knebworth,
and if you havent already checked it out,
what are you waiting for?
Photographer Tony Woolliscroft has
been working with the band since 1990
when he was asked to shoot them for RAW
magazine. Tony worked closely with Chad
Smith the Chillies drummer to curate
the exhibition.
Tonys most memorable gig with the
band was at Londons Astoria: The night
at the Astoria will always be etched on my
mind as one of the best times Ive ever seen
the band and everybody who was fortunate
enough to be there agrees. I got to the venue
early in the afternoon and said my hellos
to everyone and I was shown the stage set
before the show started. The equipment
had been painted in UV paint and I was
tipped off the band were also going to
paint themselves in the UV paint too, so I
quickly went and bought the fastest slide
flm I could, enabling me to shoot the show
without fash.
Check out these, and many other iconic
images, at Rock City Art, Castle Lane,
Bedford until 19th July.
www.tonywoollister.co.uk
www.rockcityart.com
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
7
Its a Los Angeles music double!
JULY 2012
In association with
Bedford Borough Councils Premier
entertainment Venue
THe L I S T I N g
Getting out and About in Bedford This July
Vintage Trouble are
coming back to
Bedford and we
demand that you go
and see them!
The LA-based soul/blues/funksters inter-
rupted their tour with Lenny Kravitz (well
jel Ed) to have a chat to us prior to their
forthcoming gig at the Bedford Corn Ex-
change. If you havent already checked out
Vintage Trouble, then why not google their
performance on Laterwith Jools Holland,
or even better, ring the Corn Exchange and
book your tickets to see them live. Right
now.
Bedford Clanger: Welcome back to Bed-
ford! Were really looking forward to seeing
your show this month. What can newcomers
expect from a VT gig?
Rick Barrio Dill: Hopefully the newcomers
show up with an open willingness to sweat,
shake, sing and party like they havent done
in a long time. From there, they should
easily be able to also follow the lead of the
Bedford TroubleMakers who have been
to a VT show before who will surely help
us set the tone and make it a night to truly
remember for a long long time.
BC: I guess you dont necessarily need to
have the blues to sing the blues, but surely
youve gotta have soul to perform the way
you do.
RBD: Soul is something that comes from
within. Its something everyone has to
some extent, it just comes from the ability
to be free with oneself and fnd the shortest
route to that pure, raw energy and passion.
Fortunately for us, our collective chemistry
helps fuel us in ways that some nights I
dont think we even knew we could dig that
deep. Its something magical and we are
very fortunate to have found it in each other.
BC: How was the experience of performing
on Jools Holland?
RBD: Later with Jools was a true dream for
us. Coming from the states, unfortunately,
we dont have any kind of a show like Jools
that is strictly devoted to excellence in
music. We certainly dont have anything
where its celebrated and respected as much
either so for us, it was an honour at the
highest level. To then not even be out of
the BBC parking lot and know we were the
6th most trended topic worldwide on Twit-
ter after our performanceour lives were
changed at that very moment. We havent
stopped since. We came over for a few
weeks to do that show and I think you guys
kept us for the better part of a year haha!
We will gladly take it. It ushered in the
realization of all our childhood dreams and
we have the appreciation of Jools and the
audience to thank.

BC: Do you prefer recording or touring?
RBD: We record very fast. The entire
Bomb Shelter Sessions was done in 2.5
days, all live, in one room, where we were
barely a band of just under three months
at the time. Since then, we have almost
recorded enough music for our next two
records and again, we spent very little time
in the studio, recording essentially live and
in one room. We love trying to embrace
the natural mistakes that playing live in
the studio can bring where you try to not
over think it and where you fnd beauty
in the imperfections...as long as the vibe
is right. At the core though, we are a live
band that realizes we thrive best when we
collectively fnd those live moments
together whether in the studio or on a stage.
Capturing that magic in the studio can be
tough and its certainly the chase to some
extent but there is a whole new kind of
high that comes from getting a room full of
people to feel something together and to
be affected by music in such a way that it
cant be found anywhere else except from
being in a communal setting of a live show.
Thankfully, we get to play and tour a lot and
getting to a place where people are fnding
their inner sexiness (ooh er Ed), dancing
to the point of being drenched and fnding
that core of music that transcends every-
thing else is simply something that cannot
be beat. There is nothing like that circular
connection in a proper live VT show setting
to make us all fnd the way back to our
centre again.
BC: What are your musical infuences?
Anything wed be surprised by?!
RBD: We love the point in music where
the lines were blurred between rock & roll,
rhythm and blues and early soul. When
it wasnt in a box per se. We also love
going back and digging deeper and deeper
from these time periods too to fnd hidden
treasures and maybe things you had forgot-
ten about. Its always a place we fnd much
inspiration. At the same time, we are also
children of the 80s,90s and 2000s and cant
deny the infuence that has had on us as
well. If its good music and from the heart
& soulyou cant deny it.
BC: Your sound is so uplifting - I get
goosebumps when I listen to you guys. It
must be physically impos-
sible not to want to dance
when watching you live! Do
you always get the crowd
going?
RDB: Thats beautiful
to hear. Thank you. Its
certainly something we try
to do to ourselves frst. If
we are honest with how
it makes us feel, then it
just naturally comes out
collectively. From there,
hopefully the connection is
made to the listener or the
observer and we can get
to that soulful place where
again, its a circular connec-
tion in the room and people
lose their inhibitions and
let the music and the vibe
take us all to a higher plane.
Someone once told us that
if we had a superpower, it
would be the power to cause
dance. Haha! We are the
lucky ones then arent we?
BC: What are your ambitions
for the future?
RDB: To continue to learn and grow from
our audience and the experiences. We truly
want to be able to affect people and col-
lectively do things together that only grow
and get better over time. Like any great
relationship, if all sides get enriched from
the experience, it benefts the whole way
more than could ever be reached alone. We
want to cause trouble, dance, sexiness and
soulful feelings with you guys until we all
need walkers and wheelchairs from it. :-)
Amen to that! The Pad Presents: Vintage
Trouble at The Bedford Corn Exchange on
Thursday 12th July from 7.30pm. Tickets
are 12.50
www.bedfordcornexchange.com tel: 01234
269519
WANT TO WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS
TO SEE VT PLAY THIS MONTH?
Then simply email thebedfordclanger@
gmail.com by Tuesday 10th July with the
answer to the following question: Who have
Vintage Trouble just supported on their
European Tour?
VINTAgE TROUBLE: BACk IN BedFord MUSIC
A PhotgrAPhic Exhibition from thE
22nd JunE- 19th July 2012
rock city Art gallery, 26 castle lane,
bedford, beds, mK40 3uS
info@rockcityart.com
www,rockcityart.com
PHoToGrAPHY
Here comes trouble
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Hot stuff coming through
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
8
JULY 2012
Sunday 1st July
Santa Pod Retro Show
Amulti-marquee event for fans of retro vehicles! RWYB
with show n shine, car clubs and a 70s disco. Gates open
8am, tickets from 9.60.
Santa Pod Raceway, Airfeld Road, Poddington, Welling-
borough,
Tel: 01234 782828 www.santapod.com www.retroshow.
co.uk
Bedford Guided Walk: The Life and Times of John
Bunyan
Follow in the footsteps of the author of the famous
Pilgrims Progress, to various town sites connected with
his life and works. This includes the Bunyan Meeting Free
Church, one of the sites at which Bunyan preached. The
walk starts at 11am. Adults 3, Children over 8 yrs 1.50.
Meet outside the Tourist Information Centre, St Pauls
Square, Bedford
Tel: 01234 718112 or 221755 www.visitbedford.co.uk
touristinfo@bedford.gov.uk
Bedford Floral Art Society
Featuring a demonstration by Jan Law: Designed to
Please. Doors open at 7pm for 7.30pm. 5 for visitors.
The Addison Centre Kempston
www.bedfordforalartsociety.co.uk
Bedford School Summer Concert Series
Make the most of the summer evenings with a season of
concerts performed in Bedford Schools Great Hall or
Recital Hall. Everyone welcome. Free entry.
The concert by the Second Orchestra including junior prize
winners and ensembles also takes place from 3pm.
Tel: 01234 362200 www.bedfordschool.org.uk/summer-
concerts-2012/
Summer Bandstand Concert Series
The Summer Bandstand Concert Series returns to Mill
Meadows with a free performance every Sunday on the
bandstand (except Sunday 22nd July), 3pm -5pm. See the
Bedford events website for a full list of performing bands.
The Bandstand, Mill Meadows, Bedford
Tel: 01234 718617 events@bedford.gov.uk www.
bedfordevents.co.uk
Evening Dance in the Offcers Mess
Enjoy an evening of wonderful dance music with Ball-
room, Latin and Sequence dances. Relax in the elegant
Stuart Lounge and take part in the raffe. Bring your own
drinks, beverages, and snacks. 7pm-10pm. tickets 5 on
the door.
The Keep, Corner of Bedford Road and Walcourt Road,
Kempston
Tel: 01234 300179: www.MelodyMagic.co.uk
Mat Roberts & Guests
Live music in Dannys Bar from 5pm, Esquires, Bromham
Road, Bedford Tel: 01234 340120
www.bedfordesquires.com
Vintage Stuff
Live at The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham Rd from 8pm
Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk
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
Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk
Jons Music Quiz
Up to 300 prize money! The Kings Arms, St Marys
Street. Tel: 01234 354494
www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk
Monday 2nd July
Alpine Garden Society Bedfordshire Group Meeting
Ray Drew will be talking about the Gothenburg Botani-
cal Garden. Araffe and free refreshments will also be
available, as well as a professional nurseryman. Visitors
welcome. 7.30pm-9.30pm. 3 for visitors.
Wilstead Village Hall, Cotton End Road
Tel: Mrs Elsie Willett on 01767 626185
mail@bedfordshirealpines.com
www.bedfordshirealpines.com
Students End of Year Exhibition 2012
Join Bedford School in celebrating the achievements of A2
students and also view work from AS and GCSE students,
Year 10 sketchbook work and work from Year 9. This is
a traditional end of year show that offers a wonderful op-
portunity to visit the department and view works produced
in paint, printmaking and sculpture as well as experiencing
the Art School environment. Free admission between 6pm
to 9pm.
The Art School, Bedford School Tel: Laura Stephenson
on 01234 362247
www.bedfordschool.org.uk
The Golden Vanity / APair of Trainers
Two conficts from an action-packed adventure on the high
seas to a modern day Olympic dilemma, meet head-on in
this unique musical double-bill.
Bedford Theatre, Bedford School, De Parys Avenue,
7.30pm. Tickets 5 (3 concessions)
Box offce: 01234 269519 www.bedfringe.com www.
bedfordtheatre.co.uk
Jazz Club Simon Spillet
The fery Tenor man returns supported by a rhythm section
lead by the guitarist that burns, Nick Page.
8.30pm at The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham Rd
Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk
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!
The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford
Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk
Tuesday 3rd July
Tuesday Morning Walks at the RSPB
Weekly walks around the reserve. 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
Kathy Browns Garden Open Day
Group visits, lectures, books and garden design practice.
1-5pm, 4.50 per person, children free.
Agarden of exuberant imagination, atmospheric and
brimful of ideas, with a strong emphasis on garden art.
The Manor House, Church Road, Stevington. 01234
822064 www.kathybrownsgarden.homestead.com
Bedford Floral Art Society
Featuring a demonstration by Susie Barwick: Wild at
Heart. Doors open at 7pm for 7.30pm. 5 for visitors.
The Addison Centre, Kempston www.bedfordforalartso-
ciety.co.uk
The Golden Vanity / APair of Trainers
Two conficts from an action-packed adventure on the high
seas to a modern day Olympic dilemma, meet head-on in
this unique musical double-bill.
Bedford Theatre, Bedford School, De Parys Avenue,
7.30pm. Tickets 5 (3 concessions)
Box offce: 01234 269519 www.bedfringe.com
www.bedfordtheatre.co.uk
White Horse Quiz Night
Teams of up to 6, 8.30pm, 1pp entry.
The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford
Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk
Wednesday 4th July
UK Roadster Nationals
Open to both convertible and open top cars, including
Americans, Veteran and Classic, Custom and Hot Rods
manufactured before 1980, replica vehicles manufactured
in a pre-1980s style, plus a separate parking area for other
vehicles of special interest. Everyone welcome. Other at-
tractions include an autojumble, trade stands, food stalls, a
bar, music and entry to the Glenn Miller and World War II
Museums. 9am-5.30pm. Entry payable on the day.
Twinwood Airfeld, Twinwood Road, Clapham, Beds
www.claphamclassicevents.co.uk
World of Bushcraft Tool Use & Maintenance Work-
shop
In this two hour workshop, World of Bushcraft will discuss
the legal framework which surrounds the use of bushcraft
knives, axes and other tools and show how to develop
safe practice while using the tools, with a wide variety of
carving grips and techniques. All ages welcome. Under 18s
must be accompanied by an adult. 2pm, tickets 20. Tea
and coffee will be available.
World of Bushcraft, Priory Marina, Barkers Lane, Bedford
Tel: 07843 164114 www.woodland-ways.co.uk
Prebend Day Centre Fundraising Quiz
At The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford. 8pm
start, 5pp including ploughmans dinner
Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk
Jubilee Concert
Bedford School Band and Dance Band Silver Jubilee
Concert from 7.30pm
Tel: 01234 362200 www.bedfordschool.org.uk/summer-
concerts-2012/
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
Tea Dance
Put on your dancing shoes and join us for a pleasant
afternoon in the elegant surroundings of the Bedford Corn
Exchange complex. Music for Ballroom, Latin American,
Sequence Dances, Party Dances and Old Time.
Awarm welcome guaranteed! Price includes refreshments.
Corn Exchange Main Auditorium & Harpur Suite, tickets:
3.50 (advance) 4.00 (otd)
Box offce: 01234 269519 www.bedfordcornexchange.
co.uk
Thursday 5th July
Bird Watching and Optics Demonstration
Enjoy the birds on view using the latest binoculars and
telescopes. An expert will be on hand to demonstrate how
to use them. Free to attend. 10am-4pm.
RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy
Tel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge
World of Bushcraft Spoon Carving Workshop
Join World of Bushcraft on this two hour session to learn
how to free your very own spoon from an unlikely looking
piece of sycamore wood! The team will cover safe tool use
and guide you through the techniques most appropriate to
spoon making. The process covered is the same whether
you want to create a teaspoon or a serving ladle. All ages
are welcome. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
6pm, tickets 20. Tea and coffee will be available.
World of Bushcraft, Priory Marina, Barkers Lane, Bedford
Tel: 07843 164114 www.woodland-ways.co.uk
Bedford Floral Art Society Meeting
Featuring a demonstration by Nick Grounds: Flotsam and
Jetsam. Doors 7pm for 7.30pm. Visitors 5.
The Addison Centre, Kempston,
www.bedfordforalartsociety.co.uk
Traditional Music Session
Join in this monthly folk jam, 8.30pm at The Bedford
Arms, 2 Bromham Rd
Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk
Esquires Showcase
Live music in Dannys Bar, Esquires, Bromham Road,
Bedford Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com
Come and Play Mr and Mrs!
Fun and Fundraising for RSPCAat The White Horse,
Newnham Avenue, Bedford. Couples required, See Nigel
for details on how to enter.
Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk
Friday 6th July
Bedford Floral Art Society Meeting
AChristmas demonstration by Lorena Dyer: AChristmas
Wish Please see the website for costs. Doors 7pm for
7.30pm.
The Addison Centre, Kempston
www.bedfordforalartsociety.co.uk
ADate with Nature Dusk Watch
Experience the sights and sounds of the reserve as dark-
ness creeps over and secretive nocturnal creatures begin
to emerge! 8pm-10pm. RSPB members 4, non members
6 including the car park. Booking essential. Please note
that this event will not run in bad weather.
RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy Tel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.
org.uk/thelodge
Antique Furniture Collectors Items Auction
Aspecialist auction at the Bedford Auction Centre from
11am. Free to attend.
Bedford Auction Centre www.peacockauction.co.uk
Bedford Art Society Meeting
Jane Rhodes, well-known for her expressive pastel
paintings, will talk through her work from sketchbook to
completion. 7.30pm start. 5 for visitors.
Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford Tel: Jean Paterson 01234
307210 www.bedsartsociety.co.uk
Sculpture Exhibition at Eagle Gallery
Come and view this free exhibition by Chris Rowsell,
which is running for one week from the 7th July to the
14th July, 10am-5.30pm, Monday to Saturday.
Eagle Gallery, Castle Road, Bedford
Tel: Sarah Buckingham on 07983 759294 www.eaglegal-
leryartists.co.uk
Bedford Auction Centre Books, Maps and Ephemera
Auction
This specialist book auction provides a more specifc
marketplace for vendors and buyers, to include sports
books, travel and topography, aviation and military, maps
and prints, childrens books, modern frst editions, histori-
cal documents and more. The auction begins at 3pm. For
viewing dates and times see the website.
Tel: 01234 266366 www.peacockauction.co.uk
Bedford Floral Art Society Meeting
Featuring a demonstration by Sue Woodward: Give Me
Water. Doors 7pm for 7.30pm. 5 for visitors.
The Addison Centre, Kempston www.bedfordforalart-
society.co.uk
Guided Meditations with Elizabeth Drake
Healer, reiki master and intuitive tarot reader Elizabeth
Drake provides relaxation sessions in which she teaches
relaxation techniques. 6.30pm-8.30pm, 5 entry including
refreshments.
Froggys Gifts, 7 Lime St, Bedford Tel: 07583 275500
froggys_gifts@hotmail.co.uk www.froggysgifts.co.uk
First Orchestra Concert
Bedford School at 7.30pm
Tel: 01234 362200 www.bedfordschool.org.uk/summer-
concerts-2012/
Friday Karaoke
Open til 2am The Executive Club, Lurke Street
tel: 401500
Bedfordshire Family History Society Talk
Come along to fnd out more about Sulgrave Manor and
The Washington Family at 7.30pm in the Drama Hall at
Mark Rutherford School. Specialist Bookstall and library
also available www.bfhs.org.uk
The Vans + The Melophobics + Instant Social
Conversion
Live music on the main stage, Esquires, Bromham Road,
Bedford Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com
The Denny McCafferey Band
Live music in Holy Molys, Esquires, Bromham Road,
Bedford Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com
Michael & Beckys Pre Wedding Party
Celebrate with Nigel and Sue. Free BBQ and Karaoke
from 7pm at The White Horse, Newnham Avenue,
Bedford.
Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk
Karaoke with Diamond Fire
8pm, The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford
Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk
Saturday 7th July
Gourmet Food and Wine Fair
To help raise funding for the community vineyard project,
Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity is holding a
Gourmet Food and Wine Fair at Bromham Mill from
10.30am to 4.30pm. Admission is 3 for adults, 2 conces-
sions, children under 16 free
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
Bedfordshire Country Show
This show boasts a wealth of attractions and fantastic
entertainment for all the family including: show jumping,
animal shows, clay shooting, archery, falconry, a funfair,
air rifes, a dog show, crafts and 300 stalls selling local
products. The new food hall will also showcase the very
best in local, regional and national produce, with food
demonstrations and tastings on offer! Open 9.30am until
6pm 7th-8th July. Tickets adults 9, senior citizens 8,
In association with
Bedford Borough Councils Premier
entertainment Venue
THe L I S T I N g
children (5-16 years) 4.50.
The Mansion House, Shuttleworth Park, Old Warden,
Bedfordshire.
Tel: 07850 195622 www.bedfordshirecountyshow.co.uk
Basic Patchwork & Quilting
Workshop at Singers, Lurke Street. 1pm-5pm, 30
Tel: 01234 350186 singersewing@hotmail.com
www.singersbedford.com
Fundraising Auction for Goldington Academy
At The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford. 7pm
start in the marquee. 50+ lots. Bidders welcome. See Nigel
for details.
Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk
Rue Royale + Support
Live music in Holy Molys, Esquires, Bromham Road,
Bedford. Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com
Sunday 8th July
Bedford Guided Walk: Jewel in Bedfords Crown
During the Victorian and Edwardian periods the banks of
the River Great Ouse in Bedford were the place to spend
ones leisure time. This is an entertaining and informative
circular walk along the riverbank, described as being one
of the fnest riverside settings in England.
11am start, tickets adults 3, children over 8 1.50
Meet at Tourist Information Centre, St. Pauls Square
Tel: 01234 718112 or 221755 touristinfo@bedford.gov.uk
www.bedford.gov.uk/tourism
Bedford Guided Walk I never knew that
Bedford has a story waiting to be told around every
corner.. 11am start, tickets adults 3, children over 8 1.50.
Pre-book only at the Bedford Tourist Information Centre
Meet at the Tourist Information Centre, St. Pauls Square,
Bedford
Tel: 01234 718112 or 221755 touristinfo@bedford.gov.uk
www.bedford.gov.uk/tourism
Olympic Torch Relay
Come and witness Bedfords moment to shine! We are
proud that the Olympic fame is passing through the
Borough. Torchbearers will carry the Olympic Flame
through the streets of Bedford and Cotton End. Full details
and advice on how to watch the Relay can be found on the
website. www.bedfordevents.co.uk
Bedford Sprint Regatta
The 149th annual Sprint Regatta offers side-by-side
sprint racing over a course of 1200 metres, on the River
Great Ouse from County Bridge to the Suspension Bridge
throughout the day. Free to spectate.
River Great Ouse, Bedford
Tel: 01234 353183 events@bedfordrowing.co.uk
www.bedfordrowing.co.uk
10th Anniversary Celebrations
In conjunction with the East Anglian Air Ambulance,
come and enjoy some 10th Anniversary celebrations at
Thurleigh Airfeld and see vintage, military and civilian
vehicles, watch re-enactments and an aerial display, visit
trade and food stands, enjoy music by the Mainline Big
Band and see an Air Cadet Drill display and aviation art
display by Keith Hill. The celebrations will also include a
re-dedication of the 306th Memorial. 10am-5pm, tickets
5 advance or 7 on the gate.
306th Bomb Group Museum, Thurleigh Airfeld
Tel: Ralph Franklin 01234 708715 www.306bg.co.uk
Bedford Summer Concert Series
The Summer Bandstand Concert Series returns to Mill
Meadows with a free performance every Sunday on the
bandstand (except Sunday 22nd July), 3pm -5pm. See the
Bedford events website for a full list of performing bands.
The Bandstand, Mill Meadows, Bedford
Tel: 01234 718617 events@bedford.gov.uk
www.bedfordevents.co.uk
Olympic Charity Fun Day
Celebrating the Olympic Torch passing through Bedford,
The Kings Arms are hosting a Charity Fun Day, raising
money for Bedford Day Care Hospice.
The Kings Arms, St Marys Street
Tel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk
Motherlode
Live music in Dannys Bar from 5pm, Esquires, Bromham
Road, Bedford Tel: 01234 340120
www.bedfordesquires.com
Rob Muir
Live at The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham Rd from 8pm
Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk
Hooray for Earth + Support
Live music on the main stage, Esquires, Bromham Road,
Bedford Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com
Jons Music Quiz
Up to 300 prize money! The Kings Arms, St Marys
Street Tel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.
co.uk
Olympic Torch Celebration
The White Horse is showing support for regular customer,
Iva Barr who is carrying the Olympic torch through Bed-
ford this morning. Join in with their 5 Olympic Breakfast
from 10am to noon.
The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford.
Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk
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
Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk
Evening Dance in the Offcers Mess
See July 1st for details
The Keep, Corner of Bedford Road and Walcourt Road,
Kempston Tel: 01234 300179: www.MelodyMagic.co.uk
Monday 9th July
Open Mic Night
Hosted by local singer/songwriter Matt Roberts, 8.30pm til
close. Just listen or join in!
The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford
Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk
Jazz Club Dave Johnson
Atruly great piano player and vocalist, known affection-
ately to his musician friends as the Georgie Fame of Ket-
tering. 8.30pm at The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham Rd
Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk
General Knowledge Quiz
The Kings Arms, St Marys Street
Tel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk
Tuesday 10th July
Tuesday Morning Walks at the RSPB
Weekly walks around the reserve. 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
Kathy Browns Garden Open Day
Group visits, lectures, books and garden design practice.
1-5pm, 4.50 per person, children free.
Agarden of exuberant imagination, atmospheric and
brimful of ideas, with a strong emphasis on garden art.
The Manor House, Church Road, Stevington. 01234
822064 www.kathybrownsgarden.homestead.com
White Horse Quiz Night
Teams of up to 6, 8.30pm, 1pp entry.
The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford
Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk
Wednesday 11th July
St Marys Church ACelebration of our
Communities
Bring your own picnic and enjoy circle dancing, drum-
mers, parachute games, and the Education Trust Choir.
6pm-9pm. Outside St Marys Church, Goldington Road
bcof@bcof.org.uk www.bcof.org.uk/
World of Bushcraft Game Preparation Workshop
Learn how to prepare both a pigeon and a rabbit with
World of Bushcraft. Watch the team cook the pigeon on
site into a tasty stir fry and head off ready to cook the rab-
bit joints for your own meal! Experienced staff prepare and
use a variety of game on a weekly basis on their bushcraft
courses and will be happy to relate recipes and tips for
cooking game. All ages welcome. Under 18s must be
accompanied by an adult. 2pm start, tickets 20. Tea and
coffee will be available.
World of Bushcraft, Priory Marina, Barkers Lane, Bedford
Tel: 07843 164114 www.woodland-ways.co.uk
Beer Tasting Club
Tasting a range of bottled ales and discussing their merits.
Please register your interest with Bev.
The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham Rd
Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk
Thursday 12th July
Book Club
Discussing Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte by at The
Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham Rd, 8.00pm
ianstrgss@googlemail.com Tel: 01234 214656 www.
thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk
Tim OT + Liam Burke
Live music in Holy Molys, Esquires, Bromham Road,
Bedford Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com
Juicebox Showcase
Live music in Dannys Bar, Esquires, Bromham Road,
Bedford Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com
Friday 13th July
Oh Whistle And I Will Come To You Me Lad
Nunkie Theatre brings the more famous M.R. James ghost
story to The Place Theatre. Its flm adaptation was voted
the most chilling stories on screen. Expect to be chilled to
the bone in this candle lit performance.
The Place Theatre, 8pm. Tickets 10 (8 concessions)
Box offce: 01234 269519 www.bedfringe.com
www.bedfordtheatre.co.uk
The Complete World of Sports (abridged)
Reduced Shakespeare Companys bad boys of abridge-
ment are back in the UK following a sell-out US
tour. In this exclusive tour ahead of the shows West End
premiere, the entire history of athletic competition is revis-
ited in a marathon of madness that sees the worlds great
sporting events shrunk down to theatrical size.
Corn Exchange Main Auditorium, 8.00pm, tickets: 16.50
Box offce: 01234 269519
www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk
Guided Meditations with Elizabeth Drake
Healer, reiki master and intuitive tarot reader Elizabeth
Drake provides relaxation sessions in which she teaches
relaxation techniques. 6.30pm-8.30pm, 5 entry including
refreshments.
Froggys Gifts, 7 Lime St, Bedford Tel: 07583 275500
froggys_gifts@hotmail.co.uk www.froggysgifts.co.uk
Six Pounder
Live music in Dannys Bar, Esquires, Bromham Road,
Bedford Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com
Circus of Illustration Exhibition
Showcasing work from illustrators in Bedfordshire. On
throughout Bedfringe until 27th July.
The Place Theatre (foyer & bar area), Bradgate Road.
Bedford MK40 3DE.
www.bedfordshireillustrators.tumblr.com
Live Music with Rik King
At The White Horse from 8.30pm, Newnham Avenue,
Bedford. Tel: 01234 409306
www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk
Friday Karaoke
Open til 2am The Executive Club, Lurke Street
tel: 401500
Vinyl Revival Night
Dust off those LPs & singles and come to play them at The
Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham Rd from 8pm.
Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk
Mutiny Club Night
Holy Molys, Esquires, Bromham Road, Bedford
Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com
Saturday 14th July
Inspirational Card Crafting
Anita Brooks demonstrates the latest tips and techniques
at the Art Centre, 10am-4pm. 10% off all materials on the
day. The Art Centre, Howard Street (Underneath Lurke
Street Car Park), Bedford
Tel: 01234 344784 www.artcentre.biz info@artcentre.biz
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
Get to know your sewing machine
Workshop at Singers, Lurke Street. 9.30am-12.30pm,
22.50 Tel: 01234 350186 singersewing@hotmail.com
www.singersbedford.com
Get to know your overlocker
Workshop at Singers, Lurke Street. 1-4pm, 22.50
Tel: 01234 350186 singersewing@hotmail.com
www.singersbedford.com
Fibre-East Craft Celebration
Acelebration of British wool and natural fbres for hand
spinners, weavers, knitters, crocheters, dyers and felters
- in fact anyone working with natural fbres in their craft,
hobby or business! 10am-5pm, tickets 6 (5 advance),
concessions for OAPs.
Scald End Farm, Mill Road, Thurleigh, Bedford
www.fbre-east.co.uk
Bedford Corn exchange Box office: 01234 269519 www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk
Marcel Lucont
Gallic Symbol
Bedford Clanger: Have you per-
formed at Bedfringe before? If so,
welcome back!
Marcel Lucont: Yes, I have. It is a
real honour for you to have me back.
BC: What can Bedfordians expect
from your show at the 2012 festival?
ML:The usual exquisite mlange of
wry observations of an increasingly
unintelligent world, top class sex po-
etry, bawdy chansons and invaluable
love advice.
BC: How important is Bedfringe as
a stepping stone up to the Edinburgh
Festival (both geographically and
from a trying out new material point
of view?)
ML:I feel it is important to take my
genius to every corner of the world - the
Scottish cannot have me all the time.
BC: For those who dont know what a
Fringe festival is, can you sum it up in
5 words?
ML: It is what it is.
BC: We love Bedford, but what do you
think about our town?
ML: I have not passed an extended stay
in your town, but if any girls wish to be
my guide after the show, then I will at
least have some opinion on the beds of
Bedford.
BC: Apart from your show, what other
Bedfringe shows would your recom-
mend?
ML: I am mildly offended by this
question. Why go for the burger option
when you have been offered prime flet
mignon?
Marcel Lucont will be performing
alongside Mark Little at The Ent Shed
on Thursday 26th July at 8.30pm.
Tickets: 8
Luke Toulson
Luke Whos
Talking
Bedford Clanger: Have you per-
formed at Bedfringe before? If so,
welcome back!
Luke Toulson: Yes. This is my 3rd
time.
BC: What can Bedfordians expect
from your show at the 2012 festival?
LT: In the autumn of 1989, just 4
days before my 13th birthday, Tri-
Star Pictures released a movie which
would change not just my life, but
that of John Travoltas. Now, some
23 years later, LUKE WHOS TALK-
ING tackles un-planned pregnancy,
alcoholism and fghts with girlfriends,
in the same relentlessly up-beat manner.
BC: How important is Bedfringe as
a stepping stone up to the Edinburgh
Festival (both geographically and from
a trying out new material point of
view?)
LT: Bedfringe is absolutely vital as a
major platform to perform the show
right at the end of the development
process, just before going to Edinburgh,
so it is very helpfully/cleverly placed in
the calender. And James Pharaoh who
runs it, is massively supportive.
But I am performing at Camp Besti-
val in Dorset between Bedfringe and the
Edinburgh Fringe, so geographically it
is unhelpful.
BC: For those who dont know what a
Fringe festival is, can you sum it up in
5 words?
LT: Alcohol-fueled Performance Arts
Festival
BC: We love Bedford, but what do you
think about our town?
LT: The little Ive seen seems very
attractive. Nicely English, but not too
dickish (Good summary! Mind if we
quote you on that? - Ed).
BC: Apart from your show, what
other Bedfringe shows would your
recommend?
LT: My show is in a double-bill with
a very funny man called Geoff Nor-
cott, and Im really looking forward
to seeing his show Geoff Norcott
avoids a Double Dip.
Luke Whos Talking/Geoff Norcott
avoids a Double Dip: 7.30pm, Tues-
day 24 July at The Place Theatre,
Bradgate Road. Tickets: 8
The Bedford Clangers guide to whats on at
Bedfringe 2012
JULY 2012
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
Alexis dubus
Cars and Girls
Bedford Clanger: Have you performed
at Bedfringe before? If so, welcome back!
Alexis Dubus: I have - I had a lot of fun
performing my R*ddy Brief History Of
Swearing Show there a few years ago.
BC: What can Bedfordians expect from
your show at the 2012 festival?
AD: Well its certainly less sweary than
the last one. Its basically a selection of
travel tales from my pre-stand-up days,
mainly about stupid things Ive ended
up doing in places outside my comfort
zone, and some of the wonderful and
bizarre human beings I met on the way. I
probably come out of it looking a bit of a
tool, but isnt that what people want from
a stand-up?...
BC: How important is Bedfringe as
a stepping stone up to the Edinburgh
Festival (both geographically and from a
trying out new material point of view?)
AD: Its a great help performing a show
at Bedfringe frst, before suddenly being
thrown into a big noisy pit of 4,000 other
performers up in Edinburgh. If it doesnt
all work there, Ive got 2 weeks left to cut
out the slightly-not-as-good bits. Bedford
audience, please do let me know which
those are by not laughing at them. Ta.
BC: For those who dont know what a
Fringe festival is, can you sum it up in 5
words?
AD: Festival fun for frugal fnances.
BC: We love Bedford, but what do you
think about our town?
AD: Ive always found that Bedford is
the county town of Bedfordshire, in the
East of England. It is the administrative
centre for the wider Borough of Bedford.
According to the former Bedfordshire
County Councils estimates, the town had
a population of 80,000 in mid 2005, with
19,720 in the adjacent town of Kempston.
The Bedford Urban Area which includes
Kempston, Elstow and Biddenham forms
the 71st largest Urban Area in the UK
with a population of 101,928. The wider
borough, including a rural area, had a
population of 153,000. The name of the
town is thought to derive from the name
of a Saxon chief called Beda, and a ford
crossing the River Great Ouse. Bedford
was a market town for the surrounding
agricultural region from the early Middle
Ages [citation needed]
BC: Apart from your show, what other
Bedfringe shows would your recommend?
AD: I always love a bit of Pappys action
(who, conveniently, you can see before
my show on 18th July...). Also, I think
people should always go and support their
local cult genius, so try to catch Simon
Munnery, especially if youve never done
so before. Always a joy.
Alexis Dubus: Cars & Girls
9pm on 18th July at The Howard
Room. Tickets: 5
Tim Fitzhigham
The Gambler
Bedford Clanger: Have you performed at
Bedfringe before? If so, welcome back!
Tim Fitzhigham: Thank you - its a really
super festival and Im happy to be doing it
again and hosting the opening nights fun
as well as doing my solo show
BC: What can Bedfordians expect from
your show at the 2012 festival?
TF: The top ten greatest gambles in history
- I reconstructed them and these are the
results. Theres a few trailers on youtube -
if you type in ftzhigham
BC: How important is Bedfringe as a
stepping stone up to the Edinburgh Festival
(both geographically and from a trying out
new material point of view?)
TF: Im not using it as that - wouldnt
dare to short change the Bedford audience
that way - Ive used Edinburgh to polish
my show for Bedford...I think the others
have got it the wrong way around! (nicely
put! Ed)
BC: For those who dont know what a
Fringe festival is, can you sum it up in 5
words?
TF: Shows, laughing, wonderful eccentric
hinterland
BC: We love Bedford, but what do you
think about our town?
TF: I like it and just dont understand why
Ware (Hertfordshire) has the Great Bed
when Bedford is great!
BC: Apart from your show, what other
Bedfringe shows would you recommend?
TF: None on at the same time or near to
me but many of the others...rule of fringe
festivals (number 14) go and see three
shows and one
of them will
be absolutely
brilliant!
Tim Fit-
zhigham
presents The
Gambler
8pm on Tues-
day 17th July
at The Place
Theatre.
Tickets: 9
JULY 2012
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
BedFrINGe AT A GLANCe
Friday 13 July oh, Whistle and I Will Come To You The Place 8.00pm
Friday 13 July Isy Suttie & Friends ent Shed 8.30pm
Friday 13 July The World of Sports (Abridged) Corn exchange 8.00pm
Saturday 14 July kinetic Vibes The Place 12.00pm
Saturday 14 July Contractions The Place 2.30pm
Sat 14 & Sun 15 July Le Foulard The Place 4.30pm/6.00pm
Saturday 14 July Crazy Little Thing Called Love The Place 7.00pm
Saturday 14 July Pete Firman & Vikki Stone Bedford Theatre 8.00pm
Saturday 14 July The Beast Within Bedford Theatre 9.30pm
Sunday 15 July Spitfire Solo The Place 2.30pm
Sunday 15 July Bonnie & Clyde The Place 4.00pm
Sunday 15 July Mad For Madeline The Place 7.30pm

Monday 16 July Bedfringe 6ix Live! Howard room 8.00pm
Mon 16 & Tues 17 July The Gruffalo Corn exchange 1.30pm/10.30am
Tuesday 17 July The Gambler The Place 8.00pm
Tuesday 17 July Matthew Crosby Howard room 8.00pm

Wednesday 18 July Strangers on Another Train The Place 7.30pm
Wednesday 18 July Pappys Howard room 7.30pm
Wednesday 18 July Cars & Girls Howard room 9.00pm
Weds 18 & Thurs 26 July kiss of The red Menace The Place 9.00pm/6.00pm
Thursday 19 July david Copperfield The Place 2.30pm/7.30pm
Thursday 19 July Idiots of Ants: Model Citizens Bedford Theatre 8.00pm
Thursday 19 July Joel dommett: ridiculousness Howard room 8.00pm
Friday 20 July dandy In The Underworld The Place 6.00pm
Friday 20 July Toby Hadoke & Steve Shanyaski Howard room 7.30pm
Friday 20 July Monkey Poet double Bill The Place 7.30pm
Saturday 21 July Gasp The Place 12.30pm
Saturday 21 July The Golden Vanity/A Pair of Trainers The Place 2.30pm
Saturday 21 July Fracture The Place 4.00pm
Saturday 21 July The Iniquitous Class The Place 6.00pm
Saturday 21 July No direction The Place 7.30pm
Saturday 21 July Patrick Monahan: Shooting From The Lip ent Shed 8.00pm
Sunday 22 July Hereward of The Fens The Place 2.30pm
Sunday 22 July Poetry & other Words The Place 4.30pm
Sunday 22 July How (Not) To Make It In Britpop The Place 6.00pm
Sunday 22 July Juliet Lawson The Place 8.00pm
Monday 23 July Female Gothic The Place 7.30pm
Monday 23 July Marlon davis: enter the davism Howard room 8.00pm
Tuesday 24 July There Was An old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly The Place 2.30pm
Tuesday 24 July Luke Toulson & Geoff Nortcott The Place 7.30pm
Tues 24 Thurs 26 July The Bane Trilogy Bedford Theatre 8.00pm
Tuesday 24 July Showstopper! The Improvised Musical Corn exchange 8.00pm
Tuesday 24 July The Last Flight ent Shed 8.00pm
Wednesday 25 July Whistle The Place 7.30pm
Wednesday 25 July Bang Youre dead Bedford Theatre 9.00pm
Weds 25 & Thurs 26th July The kevin Cruise Show South Bank 7.30pm
Thursday 26 July The Hunchback of Notre dame The Place 8.00pm
Thursday 26 July Marcel Lucont & Mark Little ent Shed 8.30pm
Fri 27 & Sat 28 July Hospital Sofa The Place 2.30pm/4.30pm
Fri 27 & Sat 28 July Une Soire au Cabaret The Place 5.30pm/6.30pm
Friday 27 July Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre The Place 7.00pm
Friday 27 July Simon Munnery: Fylm Makker The Place 8.30pm
Friday 27 July The ouse Valley Singles Club Howard room 8.00pm
Friday 27 July kain South Bank 7.30pm
Saturday 28 July Fairytale Heart The Place 12.00pm
Saturday 28 July The elves & The Shoemaker The Place 2.00pm
Saturday 28 July John Hegley: Beyond our kennel The Place 8.00pm
Saturday 28 July The rolling Stones Now ent Shed 9.00pm
KEY
Cabaret
dance
Comedy
Theatre
Film
Childrens
Music
Free Fringe
Bedfringe Box office: 01234 269519
www.bedfringe.com
JULY 2012
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
Bedfringe character illustrations by Andrew Foster
Friday 13 July oh, Whistle and I Will Come To You The Place 8.00pm
Friday 13 July Isy Suttie & Friends ent Shed 8.30pm
Friday 13 July The World of Sports (Abridged) Corn exchange 8.00pm
Saturday 14 July kinetic Vibes The Place 12.00pm
Saturday 14 July Contractions The Place 2.30pm
Sat 14 & Sun 15 July Le Foulard The Place 4.30pm/6.00pm
Saturday 14 July Crazy Little Thing Called Love The Place 7.00pm
Saturday 14 July Pete Firman & Vikki Stone Bedford Theatre 8.00pm
Saturday 14 July The Beast Within Bedford Theatre 9.30pm
Sunday 15 July Spitfire Solo The Place 2.30pm
Sunday 15 July Bonnie & Clyde The Place 4.00pm
Sunday 15 July Mad For Madeline The Place 7.30pm

Monday 16 July Bedfringe 6ix Live! Howard room 8.00pm
Mon 16 & Tues 17 July The Gruffalo Corn exchange 1.30pm/10.30am
Tuesday 17 July The Gambler The Place 8.00pm
Tuesday 17 July Matthew Crosby Howard room 8.00pm

Wednesday 18 July Strangers on Another Train The Place 7.30pm
Wednesday 18 July Pappys Howard room 7.30pm
Wednesday 18 July Cars & Girls Howard room 9.00pm
Weds 18 & Thurs 26 July kiss of The red Menace The Place 9.00pm/6.00pm
Thursday 19 July david Copperfield The Place 2.30pm/7.30pm
Thursday 19 July Idiots of Ants: Model Citizens Bedford Theatre 8.00pm
Thursday 19 July Joel dommett: ridiculousness Howard room 8.00pm
Friday 20 July dandy In The Underworld The Place 6.00pm
Friday 20 July Toby Hadoke & Steve Shanyaski Howard room 7.30pm
Friday 20 July Monkey Poet double Bill The Place 7.30pm
Saturday 21 July Gasp The Place 12.30pm
Saturday 21 July The Golden Vanity/A Pair of Trainers The Place 2.30pm
Saturday 21 July Fracture The Place 4.00pm
Saturday 21 July The Iniquitous Class The Place 6.00pm
Saturday 21 July No direction The Place 7.30pm
Saturday 21 July Patrick Monahan: Shooting From The Lip ent Shed 8.00pm
Sunday 22 July Hereward of The Fens The Place 2.30pm
Sunday 22 July Poetry & other Words The Place 4.30pm
Sunday 22 July How (Not) To Make It In Britpop The Place 6.00pm
Sunday 22 July Juliet Lawson The Place 8.00pm
Monday 23 July Female Gothic The Place 7.30pm
Monday 23 July Marlon davis: enter the davism Howard room 8.00pm
Tuesday 24 July There Was An old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly The Place 2.30pm
Tuesday 24 July Luke Toulson & Geoff Nortcott The Place 7.30pm
Tues 24 Thurs 26 July The Bane Trilogy Bedford Theatre 8.00pm
Tuesday 24 July Showstopper! The Improvised Musical Corn exchange 8.00pm
Tuesday 24 July The Last Flight ent Shed 8.00pm
Wednesday 25 July Whistle The Place 7.30pm
Wednesday 25 July Bang Youre dead Bedford Theatre 9.00pm
Weds 25 & Thurs 26th July The kevin Cruise Show South Bank 7.30pm
Thursday 26 July The Hunchback of Notre dame The Place 8.00pm
Thursday 26 July Marcel Lucont & Mark Little ent Shed 8.30pm
Fri 27 & Sat 28 July Hospital Sofa The Place 2.30pm/4.30pm
Fri 27 & Sat 28 July Une Soire au Cabaret The Place 5.30pm/6.30pm
Friday 27 July Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre The Place 7.00pm
Friday 27 July Simon Munnery: Fylm Makker The Place 8.30pm
Friday 27 July The ouse Valley Singles Club Howard room 8.00pm
Friday 27 July kain South Bank 7.30pm
Saturday 28 July Fairytale Heart The Place 12.00pm
Saturday 28 July The elves & The Shoemaker The Place 2.00pm
Saturday 28 July John Hegley: Beyond our kennel The Place 8.00pm
Saturday 28 July The rolling Stones Now ent Shed 9.00pm
KEY
Cabaret
dance
Comedy
Theatre
Film
Childrens
Music
Free Fringe
JULY 2012
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
Hayley okeefe
So, Im going to do
stand-up.
Which all made perfect sense at the
time. As a local newspaper reporter it
seemed like a brilliant way to learn a new
skill and get a great feature, but now the
very thought of it flls me with dread.
This stand-up malarkey is hard. Its not
just telling a funny story and Ive discov-
ered that my funny stories are a little bit
rambling. Im used to people laughing at
me in the offce, but was it because of my
acerbic wit? Im not so sure.
Ive had help though, in the shape of the
absolutely marvellous Eamonn Fleming
who has given me some great advice. I
had thought a Dave Gorman-
style Power Point presenta-
tion was the way forward, but
Eamonn, who is a seasoned
stand-up, warned that if
something can go wrong it
will.
So Ive decided to stick to
what I know, and that is you
dear readers, the good folks
of Bedford.
As part of my job I get to
meet you in a unique way on
a daily basis and you do some
really funny things. Ive met you at your
most proud, most vulnerable and most
angry. Ive also cleaned up poop in the
cat hotel and been shown, very sternly,
how to make a string of sausages in the
name of a good feature.
And if I can fgure out how to make it
sound as funny as it is in my head, I think
it will be fne.
I will be appearing in the Howard Room
as part of Bedfringe on July 16. Come on
down to see if Ive bitten off more than
I can chew. There will be some actual
comedians there too
You can also follow my comedy journey
on twitter, Im @misshokTC
ToP PICkS
So, youve read our
interviews, looked
through the listings
and you still cant
decide what to see?
We asked Bedfringe Ceo
James Pharaoh for his Top
5 shows to see at Bedfringe
2012.
The Bane Trilogy
You could argue that this is three shows
but I am hoping to get away with calling it
one (after all, you can buy a single ticket
for all three!). This Edinburgh Fringe sell-
out show visits Bedford after Bane 3 sell-
ing out at last years Bedfringe. Its out-
standing with six awards currently under
its belt. Bane is heavily inspired by flm
and graphic novels. The performance uses
mime, gesture and live sound effects to
conjure the setting, with multiple character
switching to create a flmic tapestry on
stage that is funny, engaging and at times
moving. Joe Bone (Bane) has mastered the
art of the one-man-show. This show comes
with my highest recommendation.
The gambler
Tim FitzHigham has performed all his
multi-award winning shows here in Bed-
ford so I thought we should invite him to
bring this new instalment to the Bedfringe
stage. The format for Tims shows are
similar to those of Dave Gormans go
out and do something risky or left feld
and then come back and tell the story with
plenty of comedy. The difference between
the two is that Tim does it 1,000 times
better (sorry Dave). He has rowed a paper
boat 160miles down the Thames to Tower
Bridge and a roll top Thomas Crapper bath
from Calais to Westminster this time he
has made the 10 greatest bets in History
did he win? Richard Hammond hopes not.
Idiots Of Ants
You cant have a fringe festival without
this Edinburgh sell-out sketch group (we
do have Pappys also go see them as
well!). These guys won the 2012 Chortle
Ward for best sketch group in the UK
so we really are being treated here. Not
much to say but these guys are bloomin
hilarious. You will leave the theatre aching
from laughter.
The Hunchback Of Notre
Dame
Pip Utton is back in Bedford this year with
his take on Victor Hugos classic telling
of Beauty & the Beast. Pip is the don
of this kind of theatre. The piece is emo-
tional, beautifully crafted and absolutely
compelling.
Une Soire Au Cabaret
All the way from Philadelphia USA! If
you are into your dance & physical theatre
(or like a bit of leg!), dont miss this show.
Step back in time to 1900s France with
this collaboration in dance and digital
projection. Two shows only then they fy
back stateside!
Bedfringe character illustrations by Andrew Foster
Lee Martin
Steve Shanyaskis
Life-Survival Bible
Bedford Clanger: Have you performed
at Bedfringe before? If so, welcome
back!
Lee Martin: No, sadly, but this
year I said to myself, THIS MUST
CHANGE!
BC: What can Bedfordians expect from
your show at the 2012 festival?
LM: An exclusive chance to see the
preview of my show for this years Edin-
burgh Fringe.
BC: How important is Bed-
fringe as a stepping stone up to
the Edinburgh Festival (both
geographically and from a
trying out new material point
of view?)
LM: Its absolutely essential
to try ideas and bed mate-
rial in, and this is a unique
opportunity to do that - and
to see the unique delights of
Bedford from around 6pm
until midnight, when I will
probably drive home thorough-
ly exhilarated.
BC: For those who dont know
what a Fringe festival is, can
you sum it up in 5 words?
LM: Mental institution with
no walls
BC: We love Bedford, but
what do you think about our town?
LM: I love it too, whats not to love
about Doncaster? (dear agent, please
change town name for each different
towns press release)
BC: Apart from your show, what other
Bedfringe shows would you recommend?
LM: I suggest going on www.bedfringe.
co.uk and looking at the constantly
updated site for all the info, but if not that
- the show which is just before mine.
Lee Martin -Steve Shanyaskis Life-
Survival Bible (double bill with Toby
Hadoke My Stepson Stole My Sonic
Screwdriver) 7.30pm on Friday 20th
July at The Howard Room. Tickets: 8
Tim Barron
The ouse Valley
Singles Club
Bedford Clanger: How many times have
you performed at Bedfringe?
TB: This will be my third (so consider me
a veteran). Last year with the
Ouse Valley and back in 2007 with Up
the Gary.
BC: What can Bedfordians expect from
your show at the 2012 festival?
TB: Weve got some cracking new songs
including Lens Lament which is an
OAPs take on single life and we will be
playing some of our old
favourites. Got to keep the fans happy.
BC: How important is Bedfringe as a step-
ping stone up to the Edinburgh
Festival (both geographically and from a
trying out new material
point of view?)
TB: We wont be going to the Edinburgh
festival this year as were booked
up to play at Morgan and Karls wedding.
But I should imagine a lot of
the comedy acts try out all their old guff to
see if it still works.
BC: For those who dont know what a
Fringe festival is, can you sum it
up in 5 words?
TB: Alcohol, women, sold-out, reviews
and disappointment.
BC: What are your favourite things about
Bedfringe?
TB: A short walk home.
BC: Apart from your show, what other
Bedfringe shows would your recommend?
TB: My buddies at Blackout Theatre are
doing a couple of things, couldnt
tell you anything about them though. And
also look out for Kerry Jo Hodgkin, shes
got a cracking pair (of shows).
The Ouse Valley Singles Club
8pm on Friday 27th July at The
Howard Room. Tickets 6.50
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
13
Beneft Dance for the Addison Centre
Enjoy an evening of dance with Ballroom, Latin and Se-
quence dances, along with a raffe. Tickets 5 on the door,
bring your own snacks. Alicensed bar and tea and coffee
will be available. Reservations recommended for larger
groups. Doors 7.15pm for 8pm start.
The Addison Centre, Bedford Rd, Kempston
Tel: 01234 300179 www.MelodyMagic.co.uk
Dragstalgia
Aweekend event dedicated to race cars, bikes and hot rods
from a bygone era, keeping nostalgia drag racing alive and
kicking! With jet cars, RWYB, live evening entertainment,
a swap meet, show n shine and cars for sale. Gates open at
8am. Tickets from 11.20, advancing to 30, 14&15 July.
Santa Pod Raceway, Airfeld Road, Poddington, Welling-
borough
Tel: 01234 782828 www.santapod.com
Woburn Sands Folk Festival
Live music throughout the day with sets from some pre-
mier local bands plus lots of childrens activities including
a bouncy castle, face painting and story telling. Hot and
cold food and a beer tent on site. Just hop on the Marston
Vale Line (Bedford - Bletchley) to reach the Festival
and stroll to the site, or pick up the free shuttle bus from
Woburn Sands Station. 10.30am-8.30pm, free entry.
Edgewick Farm, Woburn Sands
clive.wsff@gmail.com
www.woburnsandsfolkfestival.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
Junior Taster Session
An opportunity for under 18s to experience archery, air
rifes and clay pigeon shooting, this is a two hour event,
under the supervision of fully qualifed instructors. Join a
session with up to six other young people, or make a book-
ing for six at a time to suit you. 10am-12noon, tickets 28.
Sporting Targets, Riseley, Beds
Tel: 01234 708893 www.sportingtargets.co.uk
Help4Heroes Day opening by Iva Barr and the
Olympic Torch
From Noon-Midnight, supported by The Sun with special
guest page-3 girl, Lacey
The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford.
Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk
MMG - Hijack Takeover - 3 stage event
From 6.30pm, Esquires, Bromham Road, Bedford
Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com
Pete Firman & Vikki Stone
For those who enjoyed the BBC1 series, The Magicians
early this year, Pete Firman is dropping in to perform his
brand new Edinburgh magic/comedy show alongside the
very funny Vikki Stone.
Bedford Theatre, Bedford School, De Parys Avenue, 8pm.
Tickets 12 (10 concessions)
Box offce: 01234 269519 www.bedfringe.com www.
bedfordtheatre.co.uk
Sunday 15th July
Bedford Summer Concert Series
The Summer Bandstand Concert Series returns to Mill
Meadows with a free performance every Sunday on the
bandstand (except Sunday 22nd July), 3pm -5pm. See the
Bedford events website for a full list of performing bands.
The Bandstand, Mill Meadows, Bedford
Tel: 01234 718617 events@bedford.gov.uk
www.bedfordevents.co.uk
Crafts, Cake & a Cuppa
Awide variety of high quality local handmade art and craft
items, with over twenty different crafters attending. 10am-
4pm, free admission.
Woburn Village Hall, Woburn
www.ccc-craftfairs.co.uk
Fibre-East Craft Celebration
Acelebration of British wool and natural fbres for hand
spinners, weavers, knitters, crocheters, dyers and felters
- in fact anyone working with natural fbres in their craft,
hobby or business! 10am-4.30pm, tickets 6 (5 advance),
concessions for OAPs.
Scald End Farm, Mill Road, Thurleigh, Bedford
www.fbre-east.co.uk
Filthy Visuals
Live at The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham Rd from 8pm
Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk
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
Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk
Lost 4 Words
Live music in Dannys Bar from 5pm, Esquires, Bromham
Road, Bedford
Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com
Jons Music Quiz
Up to 300 prize money! The Kings Arms, St Marys
Street
Tel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk
Evening Dance in the Offcers Mess
Enjoy an evening of wonderful dance music with Ball-
room, Latin and Sequence dances. Relax in the elegant
Stuart Lounge and take part in the raffe. Bring your own
drinks, beverages, and snacks. 7pm-10pm. tickets 5 on
the door.
The Keep, Corner of Bedford Road and Walcourt Road,
Kempston
Tel: 01234 300179: www.MelodyMagic.co.uk
Monday 16th July
Eagle Gallery Art Exhibition
See new work from over 45 Bedfordshire-based artists.
Running until the 11th August 2012, from Monday - Satur-
day from 10am to 5.30pm. Fee admission.
Eagle Gallery, Castle Road, Bedford
Tel: Sarah Buckingham 07983 759294 www.eaglegal-
leryartists.co.uk
Bedford National Trust Association - AHistory of the
Art of Dining
This meeting is organised by the Bedford National Trust
Association, featuring a talk by Michael Sutherland. 2
for members, 3 for non members. Doors 2pm for 2.30pm
start.
Addison Centre, Kempston, Bedford.
Tel: Garry Telling 01480 860439
General Knowledge Quiz
The Kings Arms, St Marys Street
Tel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk
Jazz Club Mark Crook
The clarinet and tenor sax will be played in his own sweet
way. Mark on this visit will be supported by The Bedford
Arms Rhythm Kings. 8.30pm at The Bedford Arms, 2
Bromham Rd
Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk
Open Mic Night
Hosted by local singer/songwriter Matt Roberts, 8.30pm til
close. Just listen or join in!
The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford
Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk
The Gruffalo
Join Mouse on an adventurous journey through the deep,
dark wood in Tall Stories magical, musical adaptation of
the award winning picture book by Childrens Laureate
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffer.
Songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3+ and their
grown-ups
Corn Exchange Main Auditorium, 1.30pm, tickets: 10.00
(school discounts available)
Box offce: 01234 269519 www.bedfordcornexchange.
co.uk
Tuesday 17th July
Tuesday Morning Walks at the RSPB
Weekly walks around the reserve. 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
Kathy Browns Garden Open Day
Group visits, lectures, books and garden design practice.
1-5pm, 4.50 per person, children free.
Agarden of exuberant imagination, atmospheric and
brimful of ideas, with a strong emphasis on garden art.
The Manor House, Church Road, Stevington. 01234
822064 www.kathybrownsgarden.homestead.com
Landscapes of the New Forest Art Exhibition
An exhibition of landscapes of the New Forest through the
seasons and a variety of other work by Mary Booth. All
profts from this exhibition will be donated to Sue Ryder
Care - St Johns Hospice, in memory of Alison Gibb. Free
admission.
Potton Community Centre, Brook End, Potton, Beds
Tel: Mary Booth 01767 654920
www.painting-for-your-pleasure.com
Date with Nature Dusk Watch
Experience the sights and sounds of the reserve as dark-
ness creeps over and secretive nocturnal creatures begin to
emerge! 8pm-10pm. RSPB members 4, non members 6
including car parking. Booking essential. Please note that
this event will not run in bad weather.
RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy
Tel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge
The Gruffalo
See 16th July for details.
Corn Exchange Main Auditorium, 10.30am & 1.30pm,
tickets: 10.00 (school discounts available)
Box offce: 01234 269519 www.bedfordcornexchange.
co.uk
Sunday Scholars Exhibition
Exploring the history of Sunday schools and highlights
their role in teaching people to read, and educating the
community. There are lots of family friendly activities, in-
cluding the chance to draw your own animal to join Noahs
Ark. Free entry, running until 15th September at the John
Bunyan Museum, Mill Street.
Tel: 01234 270303 curator@bunyanmeeting.co.uk
www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk
White Horse Quiz Night
Teams of up to 6, 8.30pm, 1pp entry.
The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford
Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk
Wednesday 18th July
World of Bushcraft Basic Net Making Workshop
Craft your own wooden netting needle and gauge card for
the method of net making, looking at how to start a net and
the common knots used during the process. Everything
you need to produce your own nets, bags, hammocks and
more! From 2pm. All ages welcome. Under 18s must be
accompanied by an adult. Tickets 20, tea and coffee will
be available at the end of the workshop.
World of Bushcraft, Priory Marina, Barkers Lane, Bedford
Tel: 07843 164114 www.woodland-ways.co.uk
St Johns Hospice Fundraising Quiz
At The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford. 8pm
start, 5pp including ploughmans dinner
Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.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
Tea Dance
Put on your dancing shoes and join us for a pleasant
afternoon in the elegant surroundings of the Bedford Corn
Exchange complex. Music for Ballroom, Latin American,
Sequence Dances, Party Dances and Old Time.
Awarm welcome guaranteed! Price includes refreshments.
Corn Exchange Main Auditorium & Harpur Suite, tickets:
3.50 (advance) 4.00 (otd) Box offce: 01234 269519
www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk
Thursday 19th July
Idiot of Ants
Multi-award winning Idiots Of Ants will be performing
their hit show, Model Citizens, answering all the big ques-
tions: Whats small, pink and should never be juggled? If
an air guitar falls over in a forest, does it make a sound?
Bedford Theatre, Bedford School, De Parys Avenue, 8pm.
Tickets 12 (10 concessions)
Box offce: 01234 269519 www.bedfringe.com www.
bedfordtheatre.co.uk
Turin Brakes + Support
Live music on the main stage, Esquires, Bromham Road,
Bedford Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com
Will Scott + Jan Bell + Danni Nicholls
Live music in Holy Molys, Esquires, Bromham Road,
Bedford
Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com
Friday 20th July
Bug Jam 26
The biggest and best VW festival returns with VW drag
racing and RWYB plus a huge music line up in four
arenas; funfair, show n shine, sideshows, huge trade vil-
lage and more. Gates 9am 20th, show runs until 22nd July.
Tickets from 12, advancing to 80.
Santa Pod Raceway, Airfeld Road, Poddington, Welling-
borough
Tel: 01234 782828 www.santapod.com www.bugjam.com
Friday Karaoke
Open til 2am The Executive Club, Lurke Street
tel: 401500
Guided Meditations with Elizabeth Drake
Healer, reiki master and intuitive tarot reader Elizabeth
Drake provides relaxation sessions in which she teaches
relaxation techniques. 6.30pm-8.30pm, 5 entry including
refreshments.
Froggys Gifts, 7 Lime St, Bedford Tel: 07583 275500
froggys_gifts@hotmail.co.uk www.froggysgifts.co.uk
Fundraising Event
Esquires, Bromham Road, Bedford
Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com
Karaoke with Diamond Fire
8pm, The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford
Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk
Saturday 21st July
Bedford River Festival
Dragon boats, raft Races, food & drink, music stages, car-
nival parade, sports village, heritage village, arts & craft,
extreme sports, freworks, funfair, rides and much more!
The Embankment/Russell Park
Tel: 01234 221955 www.bedfordevents.co.uk events@
bedford.gov.uk
Bedford Guided Walk I never knew that
Bedford has a story waiting to be told around every
corner.. Starts at 11am, adults 3, children over 8 1.50.
Pre-book only at the Bedford Tourist Information Centre.
Meet at the Tourist Information Centre, St. Pauls Square,
Bedford
Tel: 01234 718112 or 221755
touristinfo@bedford.gov.uk www.bedford.gov.uk/tourism
Bedford National Trust Association: Detecting Forged
Antiquities
Atalk on Detecting Forged Antiquities by Andrew Oddy.
Coffee will be served before the meeting and the shop
will be open. Visitors are very welcome to join. 3 for non
members.
Please arrive at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.
The Addison Centre, Kempston, Bedford
Tel: (01480) 860439
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
Late Flowering Clematis Day
Visit the Manor House Garden in Stevington to see over
100 late fowering clematis climb over the walls and
pergolas, through shrubs and herbaceous plants, making
this one of the most glorious garden displays of the season.
The Winnie the Pooh theme continues for children. Open
12noon-5pm. Entry 4.50, children free.
The Manor House Garden, Church Rd, Stevington,
Bedford, MK43 7QB
Tel: 01234 822064
info@kathybrownsgarden.com www.kathybrownsgarden.
com
My Preserver + The Franklyns + Support
Live music on the main stage, Esquires, Bromham Road,
Bedford
Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com
Sunday 22nd July
Bedford River Festival
Dragon boats, raft Races, food & drink, music stages, car-
nival parade, sports village, heritage village, arts & craft,
extreme sports, freworks, funfair, rides and much more!
The Embankment/Russell Park
Tel: 01234 221955 www.bedfordevents.co.uk events@
bedford.gov.uk
Omnivibes
Live music in Dannys Bar from 5pm, Esquires, Bromham
Road, Bedford
Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com
Kerry Jo Hodgkin with Carlos
Live at The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham Rd from 8pm
Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk
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
Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk
Jons Music Quiz
Up to 300 prize money! The Kings Arms, St Marys
Street
Tel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk
Evening Dance in the Offcers Mess
Enjoy an evening of wonderful dance music with Ball-
room, Latin and Sequence dances. Relax in the elegant
Stuart Lounge and take part in the raffe. Bring your own
drinks, beverages, and snacks. 7pm-10pm. tickets 5 on
the door.
The Keep, Corner of Bedford Road and Walcourt Road,
Kempston
Tel: 01234 300179: www.MelodyMagic.co.uk
Monday 23rd July
West End Wendies Summer Theatre Workshops
Take part in a summer theatre workshop programme led
by current professional West End performers. Running
weekly, 9am- 4pm. Cost upon application.
South Bank Arts Centre, Bedford www.westendwendies.
com
General Knowledge Quiz
The Kings Arms, St Marys Street
Tel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk
Jazz Club Gilad Atzmon
The one and only this time is teamed up with The Nick
Page Trio, which will feature Tom Moore (Flos big
brother) on double bass. 8.30pm at The Bedford Arms, 2
Bromham Rd
Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk
Open Mic Night
Hosted by local singer/songwriter Matt Roberts, 8.30pm til
close. Just listen or join in!
The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford
Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk
Tuesday 24th July
Tuesday Morning Walks at the RSPB
Weekly walks around the reserve. 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
Valuation Day: Antiques and Collectors Items
The Bedford Auction Centres team of valuers will be
happy to advise on all antique/collectable items (no ap-
pointment necessary). Bring along items for complimenta-
ry valuation advice (with no obligation). For larger items,
home visits can be arranged - just call to make an appoint-
ment. Entries are currently being invited for specialist sales
of antiques, jewellery, 20th century design, rock and pop
and memories of childhood. From 10am until 4pm.
Bedford Auction Centre, Tel: 01234 266 366 www.
peacockauction.co.uk
Kathy Browns Garden Open Day
Group visits, lectures, books and garden design practice.
1-5pm, 4.50 per person, children free.
Agarden of exuberant imagination, atmospheric and
brimful of ideas, with a strong emphasis on garden art.
The Manor House, Church Road, Stevington. 01234
822064 www.kathybrownsgarden.homestead.com
Bedfringe presents: Showstopper! The Improvised
Musical
Abrand new musical is created from scratch at each
performance of this award-winning production, which has
played sell-out seasons in Londons West End and at the
Edinburgh festival. Audience suggestions help to create a
show on the spot, as the all-singing, all-dancing cast im-
provise with unpredictable and frequently hilarious results.
Corn Exchange Main Auditorium, 8pm, tickets: 12.00
www.showstopperthemusical.com Box offce: 01234
269519 www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk
The Bane Trilogy: Bane I
The utterly amazing 6 times award winning Bane is com-
ing to Bedford with his multiple character-switching show.
This is a unique opportunity to catch the entire trilogy or
just catch up on the ones you have missed. The word is
that a 4th part has been commissioned with developments
for it to be adapted for BBC Radio4.
Bedford Theatre, Bedford School, De Parys Avenue, 8pm.
Single tickets 10 (8 concessions), Trilogy Tickets 25
(19 concessions)
Box offce: 01234 269519 www.bedfringe.com www.
bedfordtheatre.co.uk
White Horse Quiz Night
Teams of up to 6, 8.30pm, 1pp entry.
The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford
Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk
Wednesday 25th July
World of Bushcraft Bowl Burning Workshop
At this workshop you will be expertly guided through the
cutting and splitting process before being shown how to
introduce a glowing coal to burn out the shape. This really
is a fantastic insight into how utensils and vessels may
well have been crafted thousands of years ago before the
advent of modern cutting tools. 2pm start, tickets 20 , all
ages welcome. Under 18s must be supervised by an adult.
Tea and coffee will be available.
World of Bushcraft, Priory Marina, Barkers Lane, Beds
Tel: 07843 164114 www.woodland-ways.co.uk
Bedford Organ & Keyboard Club Social Evening
The Bedford Organ and Keyboard Club are holding a
social evening with music and dancing by well-known
popular organist James Goff. 8pm-10.30pm, tickets cost
members 2.50 and non-members 5. Pay at door.
The Addison Centre, Kempston, Bedford
Tel: Brian Noble 01234 344423 bedsokc@gmail.com
Minibeast Safari
Discover some of the fascinating minibeasts that live on
the reserve! 2pm - 4pm, adults go free, children 4, RSPB
Wildlife Explorers 3, booking essential. Parking charges
apply. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy
Tel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge
Clog Dancing and Morris Dancing
From 7pm in marquee at The White Horse, Newnham
Avenue, Bedford.
Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk
Beer Tasting Club
Tasting a range of bottled ales and discussing their merits.
Please register your interest with Bev.
The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham Rd
Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk
The Bane Trilogy: Bane II
The utterly amazing 6 times award winning Bane is com-
ing to Bedford with his multiple character-switching show.
This is a unique opportunity to catch the entire trilogy or
just catch up on the ones you have missed. The word is
that a 4th part has been commissioned with developments
for it to be adapted for BBC Radio4.
Bedford Theatre, Bedford School, De Parys Avenue, 8pm.
Single tickets 10 (8 concessions), Trilogy Tickets 25
(19 concessions)
Box offce: 01234 269519 www.bedfringe.com www.
bedfordtheatre.co.uk
Thursday 26th July
Pond Dipping and Design
Achance to fnd out who lives in the pond! Sessions 10am,
11.30am and 1.30pm. 3.50 per child. Booking essential.
All children to be accompanied by an adult.
The Forest Centre, Millennium Country Park
Tel: 01234 767037 www.marstonvale.org/events
Minibeast safari
Discover some of the fascinating minibeasts that live on
the reserve! 2pm - 4pm, adults go free, children 4, RSPB
Wildlife Explorers 3, booking essential. Parking charges
apply. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy
Tel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge
The Bane Trilogy: Bane III
The utterly amazing 6 times award winning Bane is com-
ing to Bedford with his multiple character-switching show.
This is a unique opportunity to catch the entire trilogy or
just catch up on the ones you have missed. The word is
that a 4th part has been commissioned with developments
for it to be adapted for BBC Radio4.
Bedford Theatre, Bedford School, De Parys Avenue, 8pm.
Single tickets 10 (8 concessions), Trilogy Tickets 25
(19 concessions)
Box offce: 01234 269519 www.bedfringe.com www.
bedfordtheatre.co.uk
The Darling Mundaring
Live music in Holy Molys, Esquires, Bromham Road,
Bedford
Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com
The Last Chance Ragtime Band
Live music at The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham Rd
Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk
Friday 27th July
Ceroc Modern Jive Night
No class, just pure freestyle! Come and join in the fun
alone or with a partner, enjoy a great party atmosphere and
a top DJ. Dancing until 12.15am.
www.uk-smoooth.co.uk www.ceroccentral.com www.
bedfordcornexchange.co.uk
Corn Exchange Main Auditorium, 7.30pm, tickets: 9.00
(on the door)
Guided Meditations with Elizabeth Drake
Healer, reiki master and intuitive tarot reader Elizabeth
Drake provides relaxation sessions in which she teaches
relaxation techniques. 6.30pm-8.30pm, 5 entry including
refreshments.
Froggys Gifts, 7 Lime St, Bedford Tel: 07583 275500
froggys_gifts@hotmail.co.uk www.froggysgifts.co.uk
Vintage Stuff
Live music in Dannys Bar, Esquires, Bromham Road,
Bedford
Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com
Friday Karaoke
Open til 2am The Executive Club, Lurke Street
tel: 401500
Saturday 28th July
Karakoke with Crazy Horse
8pm, The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford
Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk
Drink and Draw
The Circus of Illustration invites you to join them to
Drink and Draw at The Lane, Castle Lane, Bedford.
Come, grab a glass of your favourite tipple and meet
likeminded doodlers. Well be the ones with pencils and
picnic blankets.The Lane, Castle Lane, Bedford
www.bedfordshireillustrators.tumblr.com
Rebecca De Winter
The Terrace Sessions presents alfresco, acoustic music.
Summer, unplugged. 7.30pm-10.30pm
The Lane, Castle Lane, Bedford
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
Fall Short for Glory EP Launch
Live music on the main stage, Esquires, Bromham Road,
Bedford Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com
Overdrive Club Night
Holy Molys, Esquires, Bromham Road, Bedford
Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com
Sunday 29th July
Bedford Summer Concert Series
The Summer Bandstand Concert Series returns to Mill
Meadows with a free performance every Sunday on the
bandstand (except Sunday 22nd July), 3pm -5pm. See the
Bedford events website for a full list of performing bands.
The Bandstand, Mill Meadows, Bedford
Tel: 01234 718617 events@bedford.gov.uk
www.bedfordevents.co.uk
NSRAHot Rod Supernationals
The NSRAis the club of choice for UK hot rod enthusiasts
and this Supernationals event is now the largest in Europe,
showcasing some of the most unique hot rod cars in the
country along with great family entertainment including
a funfair, special guests, stalls and a bar. 10am-5pm,
tickets 8, children (5-16 years) 4, family (2 adults and
2 children) 20.
The Mansion House, Shuttleworth Park, Old Warden, Beds
Tel: 01767 626262 www.themansionhouse.org
Bedford Guided Walk: Who lived in a house like
this?
Ever walked past an interesting house in the town centre
and wondered about its past? Hear more about some of the
oldest houses and the fascinating characters who designed
and lived in them. Tickets 3, children over 8yrs 1.50
(pre-booking only). Starts at 11am.
Meet outside Tourist Information Centre, St Pauls Square,
Bedford
Tel: 01234 718112 or 221755 www.bedford.gov.uk/
tourism
Open Afternoon and Local Buildings & Archaeology
Display
See unique stone buildings and the remains of a Tudor
manorial complex in a peaceful setting close to Bedford
River Valley Park, incorporating riverside and woodland
walks. Local Buildings and Archaeology, a display by
the Willington Local History Group, will feature archive
photos and plans of buildings of interest in the village,
past and present. Teas and toilet facilities available in St.
Lawrence Church nearby. 1pm-5pm, free to attend but a
minimum donation of 1 towards the upkeep of the build-
ings is appreciated.
National Trust Dovecote Stables, Church End, Willington
Tel: 01234 838409 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-
willingtondovecote
The King Bees
Live music in Dannys Bar from 5pm, Esquires, Bromham
Road, Bedford
Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com
Danni Nicholls
Live at The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham Rd from 8pm
Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk
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
Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk
Jons Music Quiz
Up to 300 prize money! The Kings Arms, St Marys
Street
Tel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk
Evening Dance in the Offcers Mess
Enjoy an evening of wonderful dance music with Ball-
room, Latin and Sequence dances. Relax in the elegant
Stuart Lounge and take part in the raffe. Bring your own
drinks, beverages, and snacks. 7pm-10pm. tickets 5 on
the door.
The Keep, Corner of Bedford Road and Walcourt Road,
Kempston
Tel: 01234 300179: www.MelodyMagic.co.uk
Monday 30th July
Kinetic Vibes Summer School of Dance
With Kiersten Theakstone at Goldington Green Lower
School until 3rd August.
kineticvibes@hotmail.co.uk
JULY 2012
The Listing Continues on Page 14
CoMedY CoMING SooN: Al Murray- The Pub Landlord Wednesday 28th November
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
14
JULY 2012
Mat roberts is a very
busy man.
Besides being a singer/songwriter he also
runs his own recording studio and releases
an album of his own original compositions
every month (yes - every single month!).
He is currently working with Clanger faves
the Ouse Valley Singles Club to record their
new album, but we caught up with him
to talk about the thing that hes most well
known for: The Mat Roberts Jam Nights.
It cant have escaped your notice that
if theres a pub in Bedford that hosts live
bands, theyll almost certainly have a Mat
Roberts Jam Night once a week. So, what
can I expect if I come along?
The ethos of the Jam Nights is that
anyones welcome. Whos to say who can
and cant sing? Is Mark E Smith a singer?
Its an expression! Amateur, professional,
singer, musician, even spoken word,
expained Mat. Its all about ivolving
everybody and its about making everybody
happy: muscians, punters and landlords.
So how did Mat get into jam sessions?
The frst jam night I went to was in Cam-
den in 1997 and then I hosted my own night
in Balham, said Mat. When I move to
Bedford in 2003 someone suggested I ran a
night here. Jam sessions have now become
a way to help other musicians get out and
get noticed on the local scene.
As we mentioned, it would probably be
quicker to list the pubs that Mat doesnt
host jam nights at. However, that seemed a
bit of stupid idea, so heres where you can
get invovled, or just turn up and enjoy the
talent on offer:
Monday - The White Horse, Newnham
Avenue. Acoustic jam night, with the last
Monday of the month being Mat Roberts
Big Band
Wednesday - Dannys Bar at Esquires.
Plugged in jam night
Every other
Wednesday -
Songwriters
night at The
Foresters.Show-
casing original
work by the
likes of Michael
Gren and Joff
Lincoln.
Thursday - The
Flowerpot
The ultimate
pub rock jam
night
One Thursday
a month - The
Star, Clapham
Sunday night - The Kempston Conserva-
tive Club, Bedford Road
Anything goes!
There is such an appetite for great live
music in Bedford, said Mat. We welcome
everyone to our nights. How can anyone say
theyre bored in Bedford?
THE JAM MAN- MAT roBerTS
MUSIC
General Knowledge Quiz
The Kings Arms, St Marys Street
Tel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk
Jazz Club John Critchinson
As Ronnie Scotts pianist for almost 2 decades, John is
rightly highly acclaimed Worldwide for his playing of jazz
music which he has now accomplished for over 50 years.
8.30pm at The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham Rd
Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk
Big Band Xtra Jam Nite
Hosted by local singer/songwriter Matt Roberts, 7.30pm til
late. Just listen or join in!
The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford
Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk
Tuesday 31st July
Tuesday Morning Walks at the RSPB
Weekly walks around the reserve. 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
Kathy Browns Garden Open Day
Group visits, lectures, books and garden design practice.
1-5pm, 4.50 per person, children free.
Agarden of exuberant imagination, atmospheric and
brimful of ideas, with a strong emphasis on garden art.
The Manor House, Church Road, Stevington. 01234
822064 www.kathybrownsgarden.homestead.com
White Horse Quiz Night
Teams of up to 6, 8.30pm, 1pp entry.
The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford
Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk
Happy birthday to The Pad!
LOVE ART? LOVE BOOKS? YoULL LoVe THe BCA ArT Book CLUB
ArT
Bedford Creative Arts
support for local artists
and creatives continues
with the launch of its new
Art Book Club.
BCA is inviting local people to join
them on the frst Wednesday of every other
month, where they hope a lively group of
creative people and critical thinkers will be
able to discuss art and explore new ideas.
The frst book club will be held on
Wednesday 1st August, 6-8pm at Bedford
Creative Arts community project space
123CREATE on the Midland Road in Bed-
ford. In advance of each session, the group
will select and read a new book or essay
about contemporary arts practice or theory.
To sign up as a book club member and
fnd out the details of the text that will be
discussed on 1st August get in touch with
the Bedford Creative Arts team now on
info@bedfordcreativearts.org.uk or 01234
818670.
The BCA, which is responsible for
commissioning the Lace in Place art instal-
lation at St Pauls Square and the upcom-
ing Bedford choir project with composer
Johnny Parry, is based at artists studios at
104 Midland Road.
Bedford Creative Arts has
commenced work on its summer
commission: Concerto Magnificent:
An Anthology of All Things.
They have commissioned Bedford-based composer Johnny
Parry to write a new suite of songs, an ambitious anthology
of all things to be written and performed with the towns-
peoples collaboration.
Johnny Parry is a composer who creates operatic con-
temporary music for orchestra and voice. Johnny has played
with Mercury Prize winner Talvin Singh, revered composer
Michael Nyman, Turner Prize winner Martin Creed, Brit
Award winner Beth Orton, and BBC Jazz Award winner Seb
Rochford.
Want to get involved? Can you sing? Do you want to
be part of something amazing? Then the Bedford Creative
Arts summer commission needs you! Join Bedfords newest
community choir, and get to learn and perform a new cycle
of songs written about Bedford, by Bedford.
Email info@bedfordcreativearts.org.uk or call 01234
818670 to register your interest.
Choir members must be available to attend rehearsals
every Tuesday evening from 10th July, a dress rehearsal
on Saturday 22nd September, and the premier perfor-
mance on 27th September.
For more information please contact Bedford Creative Arts:
Jennie Stoddart JennieS@bedfordcreativearts.org.uk
01234 818670
www.bedfordcreativearts.org.uk
BCA & JOHNNY PARRY: SINGING BedFordS PrAISeS
MUSIC
THE PAD 10th anniversary weekend 12 - 14th July
MUSIC
Can it really be a whole decade
since The Pad took up residence on
Lurke Street?
Well, yes it can. And to celebrate their 10th birthday, Kevin
Bailey and Gareth Barber have planned a whole array of
events to ensure its a weekend to remember.
To kick things off, what better than The Pad presents...
Vintage Trouble at the Corn Exchange on Thursday 12th
July? Check out our interview with VTs bassist Rick
Barrio Dill to get a favour of what you can expect from
these Californian blues/soul/funksters and to fnd out why
Kev & Gareth knew theyd make the perfect opener to their
weekender. The Pad will be hosting a free after-show party,
playing everything from funk and soul to rock & roll. And
everyones invited.
On Friday its The Pads iconic Silent Disco. Two DJs,
a set of headphones and you choose what you dance (and
sing) to. Its a direct competition between the DJs to keep
their punters tuned into their tracks and pretty much anything
goes. Ill play anything, said Kev. From Fleetwood Mac
to The Muppets - whatever gets people dancing. We have
a tag team of DJs to keep the tunes going, as DJing for six
hours is exhausting!
Saturday night is The Pads 10 year retrospective,
featuring The Peoples Pad Playlist. Register on The Pads
facebook page and select the three tracks that sum up the last
decade on the dancefoor. Is it Outkast or JayZ, The Strokes
or The Killers, dubstep or drum&bass? Whatever your taste,
theyll compile a 200 track playlist to keep everyone party-
ing like its 2002...
Mat roberts
kevin Bailey
Johnny Parry
The Listing Continued from Page 13
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
15 Have you ever danced around a maypole?
JULY 2012
Fabric Sales in Bedford. Designer printed fabric from America and
Japan. For quilting, dressmaking and general crafty stuff.
Join my mailing list for dates and exclusive offers.
jo@schoolofcraft.co.uk
DRURY LANE & SOME gREAT BEDFORDIANS
By Laura Pottinger
The Higgins Art Gallery & Museum,
Bedford
I know why it is raining. It
is because at The
Higgins, we chose this
year to try and capture
on film some of the huge
range of annual events
and traditions in our
Borough and a lot of them
happen outside!
Our aim is to gather an archive of High
Defnition (HD) footage that can be used in
a variety of ways now and in the future, to
bring museum displays to life.
Having engaged local flmmakers Film
Infnity, we started in April with an event
in St Pauls Church celebrating the 30th
anniversary of the Aragon Lace Makers.
Indoors, so a good start. We captured some
great close-up footage of Bedfordshire lace
being made that will help illustrate new dis-
plays of our wonderful collections of lace
and bobbins. I was surprised to learn just
what a sociable craft it is. Up to a hundred
makers will sit down together with their
lace pillows and make lace in November
this year when Aragon stage the largest of
their annual lace days.
We were up with the lark on 1st May and
flming with umbrellas by 6.30am while
the Bedford, Offey and Letchworth Morris
Men danced and sang at Ickwell Green.
Light drizzle became heavy rain and by
Bank Holiday Monday, the maypole was
standing in water and the Ickwell May Day
Festival was cancelled for the frst time in
400 years. The Bedford Amateur Regatta
was scheduled for the following weekend
and the sun shone, but high water made it
unsafe to go ahead. Next year marks the
events 150th anniversary so we must hope
for better weather then.
May closed with the annual Childrens
Day at the Polish British Integration Centre
and we were able to capture children danc-
ing in traditional costume. June would nor-
mally see frst generation Italians processing
through the streets carrying wooden saints
but with so many roads closed for Jubilee
events they have postponed until later in
the year.
Early July marks the annual tradition
in Pavenham of gathering rushes from the
river to be worked into mats and baskets but
the level of the water may delay proceed-
ings this year!
We plan to flm celebrations for Eid in
August, capture the Bedfordshire Steam
and Country Fair in September, record
how local people mark the Hindu festival
of Navratri in October, flm Guru Nanaks
birthday in November and advent and
Christmas in December and round off the
year with the Viking Kayak clubs annual
Boxing Day Roll. Brrrr.

If you think we are missing any traditions or
events, do give us a call on 01234 718618.
BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE MUSEUM
By Lydia Saul
The history of
Londons famous
Theatre royal owes
a great deal to some
Great Bedfordians.
Who knew?
The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane that stands
today is the most recent of four theatres to
have stood on the site. The frst of these
dated back to 1663 and was Londons
oldest theatre. The frst theatre burnt down
in 1672, a second theatre was demolished
in 1791, the third theatre, owned by the
playwright Richard Brinsley Sheridan, burnt
down in 1809. Sheridan was fnancially
ruined by the loss and turned to his friend
Samuel Whitbread (1764 1815), the
brewer and Whig M.P for Bedford, for help
in rebuilding the theatre.
At a chance meeting Whitbread said that
he would not object to be one of a commit-
tee for rebuilding Drury Lane. Drury Lane
represented a very risky business prospect
it had burnt to the ground leaving debts
of almost half a million pounds. However,
Whitbread was a patron of the arts and felt
that the metropolis deserved more then one
large theatre.
The Duke of Bedford who owned the
land was owed 5,000 in rent, which he
agreed to waive. The Duke joined with
Samuel Whitbread, the Duke of Argyll,
Lord Byron, Lord Holland, several Whig
M.Ps, many bankers, city merchants and
others, to form a joint-stock company, the
frst of its kind in London Theatres. The
group was chaired by Mr Whitbread who
made it a personal mission to raise the
necessary funds for the rebuilding of the
theatre. He wrote to his friends inviting
them to take 100 shares in the theatre,
writing Pray support me. For I have it
much at heart.
Benjamin Dean Wyatt was chosen as
the architect. The frst stone was laid in
October 1811 and the building opened on
10th October 1812.
Whitbread went on to
manage the theatre,
although not always
successfully. Without
the success of the
actor Edmund Kean,
who flled the theatre
whenever he was
billed, the theatre
would rarely have
been full. In 1814
Whitbread wrote
it is to him (Kean)
that after 135 nights
of continued loss
and disappointment,
the subscribers are
indebted for the suc-
cess of the season.
Samuel Whitbread
stepped down as
chair of the Drury
Lane Committee
soon afterwards. A
bust of Whitbread by
Joseph Nollekens,
who was one of the
fnest sculptors in
England at the time,
remains in the Drury
Lane Theatre to this
day.
Following Whit-
breads resignation
the committee decid-
ed to sublet the lease
to the theatre. In
the following years
the theatre changed
hands several times
and continued to
gather debt at a rapid
pace. It was in 1830
that The Theatre
Royal once again
became the interest of a
Great Bedfordian. Captain Frederick Polhill
(1798 1848) was a Conservative M.P for
Bedford. He formed a curious partnership
with Alexander Lee, a broken down singer
and keeper of a music shop and signed a
lease for The Theatre Royal for 3 years.
His partnership with Lee soon broke down,
so Polhill hired the theatre manager Alfred
Bunn. In spite of diffculties and huge
losses Polhill decided to renew the lease for
6 more years. It was said that Polhill had
more money then sense. By 1834, just 1
year into the new lease, Polhill decided to
retire from the theatre having lost 50,000
of his own fortune.
However, one permanent and positive
consequence of Polhills tenure remains.
In 1831 a colonnade designed by Samuel
Beazley and commissioned by Polhill was
erected along the side of the theatre facing
Russell Street. This additional architecture
to the building can still be admired today.
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vegboxes, meat &
mofe to youf doof
caII fof a ffee tastef box
caII us on 01803 762059
of vIsIt www.fIveffofd.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
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
16
Why are you stalling? Contact the market team.
JULY 2012
Come & enjoy our luncthtime
special:
2 Black Rock steaks for just 12.
20 Castle Lane, Bedford
www.cafeangelo.com
@cafeangelos
cafeangelos
bedfords blackrock
grill
Follow the cafeangelos duck on facebook
That is the message BedfordBID will be
promoting during the month of July. Inde-
pendent Retailer Month is a global Shop
Local campaign that runs from 1-31July.
The campaign highlights the important role
smaller, local, independent retailers play
in the communities they serve, the local
economy they contribute to, and in the retail
sector as a whole.
Independent businesses in Bedford are a
key part of what makes us so different from
surrounding towns; in fact there are 270
independent businesses in our town. So for
the month of July, BedfordBID is planning
to support the
national Inde-
pendents month
campaign and
lets hope that
businesses will
embrace this
opportunity to
celebrate what
makes this town
so special.
So how can you get involved? Shoppers
are encouraged to buy at least one item
from an independent retailer during July
and to embrace and celebrate the diversity
on (and off) the high street. This is a great
opportunity to support the independent
boutiques, promote the entrepreneurial
independent businesses in the town and get
involved with a national campaign.
Buy local, Bedford!
CELEBRATE INDEPENDENT RETAILER MONTH
ANd SHoP LoCAL For THe WHoLe oF JULY!
LOVE YOUR MARKET Week 2Nd - 7TH JULY
did you know that Henry
II granted Bedford its
Charter in 1166, making
it the second oldest
charter in the Country?
And our towns market
culture is still thriving
today.
In Bedford, Love Your Market Week will
run from 2nd to 7th July with the Charter
Market running every day. Visiting markets
includings talls from the Continental Market
and Handmade in Beds will be in the town
centre from Wednesday 4th to Saturday
7th, with the usual Gourmet Food Market
on Thursday 5th and the Home & Garden
Market on Friday 6th.
Dont want to use a plastic carrier bag
for all your market purchases? Fear not,
the Bluecaps will be handing out reusable
market bags provided by Bedford Borough
Council on the Wednesday through to
Saturday.
Many hugely successful businesses
began on a market stall, including Clanger
fave Wayne Hemingways Red or Dead
brand. If youre interested in becoming
a market trader, why not phone Paul or
Wayne in our Markets Team on 01234
718676 for a chat and more information.
reTAIL
Licensed cafe/deli & gift shop
Now open evenings (Thurs - Sat)
0791 3342654
www.andaluzshop.co.uk
120a castle road bedford
The WhiTe horse
newnham Ave, bedford
music event in aid of help 4 heroes
sat 14th July noon to midnight
Auction, tombola, cake stall, bbQ,
bouncy castle and much more
www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk
01234 409306
Portuguese restaurant
4 Newnham Street, Bedford MK40 3JR Tel: 01234 364400
www.baiadecascais.co.uk
Local businesses on
Bedford High Street and
the neighbouring streets
are taking part in a
Summer of 2012 Window
dressing Competition.
With the upcoming Olympic Torch pro-
cession, BedFringe and the River Festival,
the Summer of 2012 is shaping up to be an
exciting and busy time for Bedford town
centre and businesses are looking for ways
to show how great we are and how they can
stand out from the crowd.
The competition will be judged by
us - members of the public - and aims to
promote the High Street and neighbouring
streets as THE go to destination this sum-
mer. The competition launch will take place
on 4th July, which is national Independents
Day a national event to support indepen-
dent retailers and to encourage shoppers to
embrace the unique and quirky shops that
make our town different.
The public (thats us!) will have until
22 July to choose their favourite window
displays. Votes can be cast either online
at: www.bedford.gov.uk/bestdressed,or by
picking up entry forms in-store at participat-
ing retailers
Please return your completed forms to
ballot boxes set up in Bedford Library, the
Town Hall and Borough Hall from 4 July.
Everyone who votes will also be entered
into a prize draw, with two Love Bedford
25 vouchers are up for grabs.
There are 5 judging categories:
- Best Dressed Independent Retailer
- Best Dressed Health/Beauty
- Best Dressed Chain Store
- Best Dressed Caf/Restaurant
- Best Dressed Charity Shop
The competition follows on from a
Window Display Workshop offered to
High Street businesses by Bedford High
Streets Townscape Heritage Initiative
and run by window display experts Made
You Look. The Bedford High Street THI
seeks to revitalise the High Street with a
combination of works to historic properties
and complementary learning, education
and training initiatives and is funded by the
Bedford Borough Council, Heritage Lottery
Fund and Bedford BID.
LOOKINg OUR BEST? Vote for Bedfords Best dressed Window
BURNABY ARMS
As fans of local
boozers (see this months
Hometown Tourist if you
need further proof), The
Clanger is always thrilled
to hear about a new pub
opening.
So it was with joy in our hearts that we
greeted the news that Black Toms Burnaby
Arms on Stanley Street is getting a refurb
and will re-open in mid-July. The pub will
be a friendly community local offering four
real ales three regulars and one guest
plus a good selection of wines (red, white,
rose and Prosecco). Lagers (not largers, as
some local hostelries might have it) will be
Estrella and Fosters.
Opening times are Mon - Thurs 5.00pm
11.00pm; Friday 4pm 11.00pm; Saturday
12.00pm 11.00pm and Sunday 12pm
10.30pm. Cheers! Were certain theyll do
their namesake, Fred proud.
PUBS
robinsonandhall.co.uk
CONTACT US FOR A FREE
MARKET APPRAISAL
Kellie Marsh
01234 362937
kam@robinsonandhall.co.uk
Hayley Broom
01234 362930
hlb@robinsonandhall.co.uk
LETTING HOUSES SINCE 1882
01234 351000
BESPOKE SERVICES FOR YOUR PROPERTY
24 HOUR EMERGENCY CONTACT
NO SET UP FEES
FREE LETTING APPRAISAL
FULL MANAGEMENT SERVICE
FULL TENANT REFERENCING
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THE BEDFORD CLANGER
17 Puppy Power!
JULY 2012
Imagine a place where
people always feel safe
and wanted, where
people smile and laugh,
share thoughts, welcome
each other with open
hearts.
This remarkable place is the Bedford
Daycare Hospice in Linden Road, whose
aim is to support people with life-limiting
illnesses and the quote above is from one of
its dedicated volunteers. Another long term
volunteer told me that she has seen the im-
measurable benefts of this interaction - how
important it is that patients have a friendly,
safe environment, where they can talk,
cry or laugh in an atmosphere of mutual
understanding.
I spoke to an inspirational
woman, Liz, who has been
diagnosed with a terminal
brain tumour. For her,
the Hospice has been
a godsend: the weekly
counselling she receives
has helped her deal with
both the practical and psy-
chological diffculties she
has had to face. In addition,
the friendships she has forged
have been of immense impor-
tance: being able to talk about her ill-
ness with other patients, knowing that they
can understand what she is going through,
has helped her develop a more positive
attitude. Also, hearing the stories of others
has made her realize she is not alone. As
a former member of the RAF, she
has had a varied, active career,
travelling the world and she
is now directing this energy
into a 26 mile trek she is
planning to do in August
in aid of the Hospice and,
hopefully, by a trek along
the Great Wall of China
in April 2013! Liz attends
the Hospice weekly on their
pop-in Tuesdays, which have
become the focus of her week,
her lifeline, and she credits the
people she has met there with enabling her
to meet the challenges ahead.
Pop-in Tuesdays are one of the valuable
services offered by the Hospice. Specialist
nurses are available to give advice and prac-
tical help to both new and regular patients
- for example, regarding pain relief - and
they can also liaise with the Macmillan
nurses who are based in the same building.
Patients can stay for an hour or for the
whole day (lunch is provided at a small
cost), receive counselling, experience one
of the complementary therapies offered and
chat to other patients.
In order to provide these vital free
services, the Hospice depends totally on
fnancial contributions from the commu-
nity. A great deal of effort goes into raising
money, through numerous events, such as
coffee mornings, sausage and mash suppers,
and fashion shows, as well as sponsored
events - the Hospice fundraising manager,
Barbara Astle, recently did a 125ft jump at
the Bodyfight tower. This year The Bedford
Daycare Hospice is one of the Mayors
charities.
If you think you or a loved one may
beneft from the services offered by the
Hospice, do contact them on 01234 352015
or just pop in you will receive a very
warm welcome. Equally, if you can offer
any help with fundraising they would love
to hear from you.
A list of forthcoming events can be found
on their website: www.bedforddaycare-
hospice.co.uk
BEDFORD DAYCARE HOSPICE
HOUNDS FOR HEROES CHArITY BIke rIde
on Saturday 11 August
Paul Nelson and
gerald Tir from
Bedfordshire will
undertake the mammoth
challenge of a tandem
cycle ride from Lands
end to John oGroats
all in aid of Hounds for
Heroes.
Gerry launched their fundraising drive at
the worlds most famous dog show, Crufts,
on March 10, joined by Hounds for Heroes
Founder and Vice-Chairman Allen Parton,
and his faithful partner EJ.
What makes this challenge even more
demanding is that Gerry has a rare form of
macular degeneration, which has resulted
in him rapidly losing his sight. With Paul as
front man on the tandem, its a personal
adventure for both men. They hope to raise
funds to enable Hounds for Heroes to buy
and train a puppy, which will be trained to
assist an injured or disabled member
of the UK armed forces or emergency
services.
Gerry said, I spent more than 37 years
working as a French Polisher in some of the
most prestigious and exclusive buildings
working on intricate and detailed projects -
losing my
sight has
meant I am
unable to
continue
doing this.
Many day-
to-day tasks
are now
impossible
and I can
empathise
with those
who are
unable to
carry out
tasks that
most people
take for
granted.
He
continued,
Our aim is to raise as much as possible
for Hounds for Heroes because we know
that these amazing dogs can help people
gain the independence theyve lost, offering
a new sense of freedom and helping in
regaining ones independence.
Allen Parton, Hounds for Heroes
Founder and Vice-Chairman said, I hope
we can show everyone that not one of us
injured or disabled in service of Queen and
Country believes that we are owed a debt of
gratitude for the sacrifces made. We have
though been incredibly humbled by the
level of support we are receiving. Paul and
Gerrys heroic effort on behalf of Hounds
for Heroes matters so much; we are a new
and small charity with a huge task ahead
of us, so every penny received has such
a huge impact on our ability to train and
provide Hounds for Heroes dogs.The re-
enforcement of the publics message That
folk really do care has been received loud
and clear to all who proudly serve.
For more information or to fnd out how
you can sponsor or make a donation
please visit www.tandemlejog.co.uk or
call Hounds for Heroes on 01730 823118
CHArITY
CoMMUNITY
CASTLE HILL gARAgE CeLeBrATING THeIr FIrST 80 YeArS!
established by Albert
Filby in 1932, Castle Hill
Garage on Castle Lane is
celebrating its 80th
anniversary this year.
Originally offering complete overhauls
and repairs to cars of every description,
wireless sets supplied and repaired, bicycles
fxed..., the garage has expanded over the
years and looks set to embark on another
successful 80 years in business!
Now run by Alberts son, Alan, the
garage is thriving in the cultural quarter of
town, adjacent to the Higgins Museum and
specialises in modern and vintage vehicles.
Alan began working at the garage in
1956 - the same year that the business be-
gan selling fuel and expanded by knocking
down the cottages that stood next door. By
doubling the size of the workshop they were
able to increase the number of cars they
could work on from two to six. Selling
petrol made a big difference at the time,
said Alan. Although as time went on we
got pushed out of the market.
In 1959, Alan took over with two of his
nine brothers (he also had fve sisters) when
his father sadly died.
Technology has accelerated at such a
terrifc rate since the mid 80s, said Alan.
Older vintage cars are easier to work on
as most cars were built with the expectation
that the owner would do his own repairs at
the side of the road with a tool kit. In those
days, most drivers had a little bit of know-
how! Nowadays of course, most cars
components are linked by computer, so as
Alan explains, its not as simple to work out
the problem. Its not intuitive anymore.
There are some obvious problems that you
can immediately identify, but mostly you
have to hook the car up to a computer.
While Alan clearly has a love for the cars
of the past, he is passionate about all things
automotive and its infectious. And Rob
Battle and Jake Palmer who work alongside
Alan clearly share the passion too.
So, after 56 years in the business, does
Alan feel like stepping down? Im still
here because I still love it; its in the blood.
Every day is different, every day has its
own challenges and every cars different.
I was awake at 4am this morning puzzling
over a problem with a customers car. I
couldnt wait to get here to start working
on it!
From that, I think we can infer that Alan
has no intention of retiring and Castle Hill
Garage is here to stay - at least for another
80 years.
BUSINeSS
Hounds of Love
A preview of Bedford
Colleges end of term art
exhibition on gave a
fashionable audience of
art lovers the chance to
see award-winning
designs by the top talent
of tomorrow.
The exhibition, Qualifying 2012, showcas-
ing the talents of more than 140 students
from Bedford Colleges nationally ap-
plauded Creative Arts and Media courses,
will runs from 20 June to 6 July at the South
Bank Arts Centre.
Bedford College students have invalu-
able links with local industry, connections
with top London design agencies and regu-
larly win awards in national
competitions, such as the
prestigious YCN award an-
nounced this week.
Paul Garrett and George
Henderson, frst year HND
Graphics students, won the
YCN (Young Creatives Net-
work) award, in response to a
brief from Sports Interactive,
known for their Sega game
Football Manager. Their
award winning campaign
uses smartphones to locate
20 hidden platinum balls
located in cities. The winner
scores the opportunity to live
the ultimate manager experi-
ence for a day.
Sue Blackman, Director
for Arts and Sixth Form at
Bedford College, presented
Olympic style Gold medals
to 15 students and said:
In the spirit of the
Olympic theme of the exhibi-
tion, I would like to honour
students who have worked
extremely hard and excelled
in their subject specialisms
and on their course, includ-
ing Art & Design, Graphic
Design, Photography, 3D
Design, Animation, Fine Art,
Fashion & Textiles.
This exhibition cel-
ebrates the achievements
of our talented students and
their hard work and success
during their course. The di-
verse range of art and design
skills and highly creative ideas is inspira-
tional. Year on year we keep going from
strength to strength, pushing the boundaries
of creativity to produce highly skilled and
exciting work that is recognised nationally.
The work on display is the result of the
commitment, dedication and industrious and
special working relationship between stu-
dents and staff. It is our aim to enable every
student to reach their creative potential in
a stimulating, creative and hardworking
environment.
End of Year Art & Design Show
20 June 6 July 2012
Mon-Thur 10am-7pm, Fri 10am-4pm, Sat
23 June 10am-3pm
Free entry
Closed Sat 30 June and Sundays
To learn more about Bedford College and
its contribution to the arts go to
www.bedford.ac.uk
SoUTH BANk ArTS exHIBITIoN AT
BEDFORD COLLEgE
ArT
Students: Making an exhibition of themselves
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
With so many tasty ideas, its not chard to eat well.
18
JULY 2012
YUMMY
RECIPE
our most
popular
soup this
year (we
make a
different
homemade
soup each
week from
September
to May) was
Chorizo
and Sweet
Potato and here is how we
did it:
Finely chop two large white onions and
two cloves of garlic and sweat in butter for
fve minutes. Add a teaspoon of paprika to
the pan and a large pinch of salt. Peel two
sweet potatoes and chop into 2cm square
pieces and add to the pan with a fnely
chopped red chilli - you can leave the
seeds in or remove depending on your heat
preferences! Continue to sweat for about 10
minutes and add 10cm of chorizo ring cut
into 1cm pieces. Add 2 litres of vegetable
stock and simmer until the sweet potato is
soft. Blend until smooth and serve. Deli-
cious, warming and healthy!
LINgERS
LAUNCHES
COMPETITION
To FINd NeW
SAUSAGe FLAVoUr.
one of Bedfords oldest
butchers is launching a
competition to
find a new fla-
vour of sausage.
Sausage specialists Lingers,
whose shop is found at
1 St Cuthberts Street, is
the home of the original
Bedford Banger, and the
Lingers Special (the recipe
of which dates back to the
1930s). Handmade on site,
the Lingers team routinely
offer eight or more types of
sausage at any one time, and
include recipes as diverse as
Welsh Dragons, Italian Hot,
Wild Boar and Real Ale.
As owner Jim Hone ex-
plains, they are not afraid to
mix their traditional sausages
with new taste sensations,
We are very proud of our
sausages and enjoy creating
new tastes for our custom-
ers to try. This competition
gives members of the public
an opportunity to come up with something
new. They dont need to be experts as well
develop their idea into a workable recipe,
they just need to come up with an idea that
sounds fresh and tasty.
The person who submits the winning
idea will not only be given a batch of their
very own sausages to share with family and
SAUSAGeS!
Wurst caption yet.
RIVERFORD
VEg HERO
Get back to basics, says
riverford, and eat the great
British veg that thrives in this
country.
July veg hero: CHARD
Appeal: A useful substitute for spinach,
chard is cheaper, keeps longer and suffers
fewer pests and diseases. Its a great value
vegetable as the stalk is good to eat as well
as the leaf so you really get two veg for
the price of one!
Varieties: Swiss chard deep green leaves
and white stalks; ruby chard deep green
leaves and red stalks.
Cooking: Like spinach, the leaves wilt
down very quickly and are good stirred into
curries and
sauces. The
stalks are re-
ally popular in
Mediterranean
cooking just
chop and put
them on to
cook a couple
of minutes be-
fore the leaves.
For a simple
side dish, stir
fry cooked
chard in olive
oil and garlic
and then stir in some toasted pine nuts. Or
you can fnd our swiss chard and anchovy
gratin recipe at: www.riverford.co.uk it
goes particularly well with lamb.
Give chard a try this month and help sup-
port homegrown, seasonal produce.
friends and get to name their creation, they
will also be invited into Lingers for a hands-
on workshop to make the frst batch of the
new sausage. Lingers will then stock the
sausage alongside their existing ones.
Aspiring sausage-makers simply need to
send in their idea outlining the favours and
their reasons for choosing them, along with
their contact details to Jim Hone at 1 St
Cuthberts Street, or by email to
JamesHone2000@yahoo.co.uk before the
30th of July.
By Stephen Bywater
If the Starship enterprise
had an Indian restaurant
it would look something
like the Bengal
Brasserie...
...which doesnt mean you have to be
a trekkie to appreciate the modern dcor,
clean linen and the nod to the iconic fock
wallpaper. The set is cleverly lit: soft light,
the glint of symbolic silverware. Shish, the
restaurateur, is perfectly cast. There is a
sincere warmth to his welcome, a wish to
give you as much or as little of the convivial
host as you desire. His brother, the attentive
waiter, is also more than equal to his role.
Yet one thing an episode of Star Trek
wont give you is the smell of spices, the
mouth-watering mix of the exotic and the
unexplored. Our papadoms came not only
with the condiments youd expect, but also
with a ruby-pink coconut mix blended with
fourteen different herbs and spices. For the
main course Matilda and Eva went for one
of The Usual Suspects as knowingly listed
in the menu. Chicken korma is the stepping-
stone for many children and mine devoured
theirs with a Vulcan-like effciency. Critics
of few words, they mumbled perfect, as
they wiped their dishes clean with what was
left of the peshwari naan.
I put myself if Shishs hands and he rec-
ommended the karai lamb and mushroom
rice. I also ordered a side dish of Bombay
potatoes. Id never tried karai lamb, so had
nothing to compare it to, but if the Klingons
had a national dish then this would be it:
tender pieces of lamb drowning in a glazed
sauce of onions and peppers. Bombay
potatoes I know, and the Bengal Brasseries
were the best Ive ever had. The girls had
just enough room for ice cream one pista-
chio and one mango kulf: cool and creamy,
and sensibly priced as a necessity rather
than as an extravagance.
The brothers - and
there are six - are of
Bangladeshi decent
and are understandably
proud; proud of being
Bedfordians, proud
of their restaurant.
Whether they are
fans of StarTrek is
something I dont
know, but I would urge
you to visit the Bengal
Brasserie, to discover
new dishes, to bring
back the evenings
takeaway, to boldly go
(split infnitive) where
they serve the very best
Indian and Bangladeshi
dishes known to man or
Vulcan.
Bengal Brasserie
9, The Broadway,
Bedford, MK40 2TJ
www.bengalbrasserie-
bedford.co.uk
01234 340888/341444
Twitter: @brasserie-
bengal
BENgAL
BRASSERIE
CUrrY THATS oUT oF
THIS WorLd
Food
P
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o
t
o
:
G
r
a
h
a
m

W
a
t
s
o
n
Live Long & Prosper
RECIPE SPONSERED BY:
CoFFee & CAke
HIgH STREET
COFFEE BEAN
DELIgHTS.
Cafe Crema on Bedford high street
may well fall into that category of
places you walk past all the time
without paying it much attention.
Well, next time you wander past it,
nestled near to Tesco Express and
opposite Debenhams, you should
wander in. Its a little haven of inde-
pendent loveliness on the High Street. One
of the older independent coffee shops in
Bedford theyve been going for 11 years
it is also one of the friendliest. So, to the
crucial bit: the cake. Faced with a cabinet
full of carrot cake, cheesecake, incredible-
looking fapjack with pumpkin seeds on,
no less - I was having a moment of total
cake-indecision, when the lady behind me
recommended the forentine biscuits. Fouad,
the friendly barista, told me that the carrot
cake is their best-seller, so that would need
to be sampled too. Its a tough life... The
forentine biscuit was just tremendous, the
right combination of slightly bitter dark
chocolate and sticky almonds, seeds and
cherries. The perfect size for a mid-morning
(or afternoon, for that matter,) treat: deli-
cious, but not too heavy. The carrot cake
was, quite frankly, a work of genius. Light,
with perfectly creamy topping and flling,
and decadently moist. And the coffee. Well,
Cafe Crma certainly cant be accused of
not taking coffee seriously. This is proper,
substantial stuff. I had a fat white, which
managed to be notably strong whilst also
being easy and pleasant to drink. The kind
of coffee that puts a spring in your step
but is oh-so-easy to drink. The cappuccino
had just the right froth-coffee ratio. These
guys know their beans. So much so, that
they have a sort of coffee-bean pick and
mix cabinet, so you can purchase your own
favourite bean. This kind of sums up what I
loved about Cafe Crema.. The thought that
has gone into everything is obvious, and not
just the coffee and cake. The sandwiches
and salads looked amazing, fresh salads
caesar, niciose made from scratch! Soups,
panini, cheese scones, chai lattes. And it
is spacious and open: you can sit at the
window and look out onto the High Street,
or you can relax in the back section, away
from it all. Its an easy place to come with
children there is enough space for buggies
and boisterous toddlers. This is a coffee
shop as easy and convenient as Costa, or
Starbucks, but a million times better. And
it is on Bedford High Street! Truly, we are
lucky people.
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
19
I need a hero!
JULY 2012
on Sunday 8 July, after
the Olympic Torch
Relay has passed
through Bedford, a
Plaque will be unveiled
at 30 Rutland Road,
Bedford, (Mk40 1SL)...
...On the wall of the house which
stands on the site of the house where
Harold Abrahams, the 1924 Olympic
Champion and hero of the Oscar winning
flm Chariots of Fire was born. The
unveiling will take place the day after the
88th anniversary of his Olympic victory.
The unveiling ceremony at 1pm
will be conducted by Tom McNab, the
world famous athletics coach, author of
a number of athletics themed books and
plays, and the technical director and script
advisor for Chariots of Fire, in addition to
training the actors to be athletes.
The Plaque will be unveiled by Allan
Wells, successor to Harold Abrahams, as
the 100 metres Champion at the Moscow
Olympic Games in 1980, the year in which
he was also ranked number one in the world
at that distance.
Also present will be Abrahams step-
daughter and great nephew, athletics
historian and writer, Mel Watman, and Mark
Ryan, the author of Running with Fire a
biography of Abrahams life, including his
early years living and running in Rutland
Road.
The ceremony will include live music
from Chariots of Fire together with the St
Pauls Church Choir singing Jerusalem.
Refreshments will be available from
Rutland Road Church which, together with
the Rutland Road Residents Association,
will be providing an event for local resi-
dents, which will include a showing of the
flm Chariots of Fire.
Mayor of Bedford, Dave Hodgson said:
Harold Abrahams is a true Olympic icon
and a great Bedfordian (You said it! Ed).
It is wonderful to see his achievements
being recognised at his birthplace here
in Bedford. The plaque will serve as a
reminder of this famous aspect of Bedfords
proud Olympic heritage, and its unveiling
on the day that the Torch comes to Bedford
Borough sets up Sunday 8th July as a truly
memorable occasion in this great summer.
The Unveiling Ceremony will be fol-
lowed at 2pm by a buffet which will take
place at the Harpur Suite in the town centre.
Tickets for the buffet are available at the
very reasonable price of 10 per head are
available from The Box Offce, Harpur
Suite, Harpur Street, Bedford, MK40
1LE, telephone 01234 269519 emails:
centralboxoffce@bedford.gov.uk
HAROLD ABRAHAMS
HerITAGe PLAqUe UNVeILed
HISTorY
CLANGer rUN!
Starting and fnishing at
box End Park, Kempston, bedford mK43 8rW
sUNDAY 16th sePTeMBer 2012
roAD ViCTiMs TrUsT- ChAriTY VehiCLe rALLY
All types of cars & motorbikes are welcome NeW and oLD
for further information or an application form please contact:
louise Stafford (trust Administrator)
Tel: 01234 843345 email:enquires@rvtrust.co.uk
www.roadvictimstrust.org.uk reg Charity No. 1142336
01234 400000
www.pwhmllp.com
We are proud to support our
local community by sponsoring
Bedfringe 2012!
(ps: Look out for us at the Bedford River
Festival too!)
THE KIOSK AT THE PARK
SPONSORS NEW CLANgER COLUMN - LOCAL HEROES
The Kiosk at Russell Park has recently
been given a new lease of life by local resi-
dents Nansi Rose and Emma Garrett. These
two entrepreneurs have helped transform
the iconic building which sits in the corner
of the park into an al fresco Coffee Shop,
something Russell Park has been crying out
for for years. The Kiosk serves delicious
coffees, teas and home-made cakes. The
hay bale seating is quirky and attractive
and kids love the books and colouring, not
to mention the ever popular ice-cream cup
cakes! In addition, the Councils Pitch &
Putt, Table Tennis and Tennis facilities are
still managed at The Kiosk, which is now
open 7 days a week, all year round.
Nansi and Emma are thrilled to be
providing a service that is proving to be ex-
tremely popular. Said Emma, We already
have regulars who we see every day - our
aim is to quench the thirst, feed the appetite
and warm the hearts of the Russell Park
Community.
From next month The Kiosk At The Park
will be sponsoring a monthly Local Heroes
column in The Clanger where unsung Bed-
ford heroes will get their moment of glory.
Emma and Nansi would like to ask you to
nominate someone who you feel deserves a
bit of a mention, someone
who is part of the Bedford
Community but who might
not necessarily be in the
limelight. We will inter-
view them for The Clanger,
and they will be invited to
The Kiosk where they will
be treated to a Coffee and
a Cake and presented with
a Local Hero Certifcate, in
appreciation of their contri-
bution to the community.

For further information
please contact Emma or
Nansi via email: kioskatthepark@gmail.
com, on facebook: www.facebook.com/
RussellParkKiosk or give us a call: 07970
284823.
Your opportunity to
nominate a Local Hero!
c
o
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i
g
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t
,

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t
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e
y

o
f

M
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n
Gemma Kirkham Photography
Natural. Fun. Full of Life!
Local photographer specialising in
natural family photography and events.
Packages start as low as 50 including all
photos from your session!
Call: 07771664532
Email: gemma@gemmakirkhamphotography.co.uk
Visit: www.gemmakirkhamphotography.co.uk
Join: facebook/gemmakirkhamphotography.co.uk
Harold Abrahams in action
Get your ice-cream cup cakes here!
GeT INVoLVed
do you love The
Clanger and love
your town and want
to get more involved?
Well, frstly, join in with A Photo A Day.
Secondly, email us at thebedfordclanger@
gmail.com or send a tweet to @bedfordc-
langer to let us know how you could help.
We absolutely love meeting people who can
write, take photos, draw or help us spread
the love. Can you distribute The Clanger
in your hood? If so, let us know. Every-
ones welcome. Its all about Bedford. Its
all about you. Its all about us We. Are.
Bedford.
We Need YoU!
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
WeekLY hAThA YoGA CLAsses..
Sessions cover, limbering, physical postures, some breathing and
relaxation with a gradual focus on meditation...
friendly, welcoming group meets on:
Wednesdays (intermediates) 6.15-7.45pm
Fridays (beginners/those with some experience)
6.15-7.30pm
Term-time only
First Trial class free..
contact racheall:07190835994 for more details
E-mail: racheall.monton@ntlworld.com
Website: www.om-hayoga.co.uk
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
20
JULY 2012
Celebrating 30 years in Bedford as an independent family owned business.
Sewing machines may of changed but our good old-fashioned service values havent
We now have a brand new selection of hundreds of fabrics for curtains and blinds from
Simpson, Fibre Naturelle, York, Jones Interior and many more with
33% OFF SELECTED LINES
We now offer a NEW curtain and blind making service too so call in for a quote.
BEDFORD in Lurke Street 01234 350186 SingersBedford.com
BEDFORD
MORE THAN JUST SEWING!
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)
Advertising Director: Gemma Rodgers (@clangerads)
Listings Supremo: Bev Burridge (@... well, we just love her)
Front cover & Great Bedfordians: Scarlett Tierney
(www.scarlettrebecca.co.uk)
Snappy snappers: Graham Watson (www.grahamwatson.com), Shaun
Armstrong (www.mubsta.com), Donnie Canning (www.donniephotography.
co.uk), Sarah Lucas (www.sarahlucasphotography.co.uk), Scott Brimley
from Bedford College.
Coffee & cake correspondent: Alice Smith (www.sarahandalice.co.uk)
Foodie: Stephen Bywater
Additional editorial: Tom Wild, Paula Walker, Lloyd Lugsden, Jacqueline
Haddock, Laura Pottinger, Hayley OKeeffe and Kayte Judge
And a massive thank you to all our sponsors and advertisers. Without
you, none of this would be possible.
You rock!
Hopefully well see you at the River Festival!
by Tom B Wild
So, richard, youre
currently shooting a film
in Bedford, Waylands
Song. Can you tell us a
little bit about it?
The flm is a feature flm. Its a thriller. Its
a story of a man who returns from serving
in Afghanistan where hes been injured.
Hes looking for his daughter whos disap-
peared, and he goes on a kind of odyssey
to fnd her, or to fnd whats happened to
her. Throughout the process of that journey
he uncovers a kind of murky underworld
where really bad things are happening and
he fnds out that his daughter is part of that,
and it becomes a kind of mystery story in
some ways. What happened to her? Whos
responsible for her disappearance?
And how have you ended up setting it in
Bedford?
I live in Bedfordshire. Most of my movies
to date Ive shot in Edinburgh, thats my
hometown, but Ive been living in the area
for about 23 years now. Both my kids
went to school in Bedford and Ive got a tre-
mendous soft spot for the place. My wife is
from Italian heritage and obviously theres a
huge Italian community in Bedford. I really
like the mix of people, its a beauti-
ful small town with lots to offer
visually, and its very easy to move
around in.
The most important
thing, beyond all of that, is
that people are really
excited and willing to make
things happen and thats
been the thing thats been
the most rewarding.
When you shoot in a big, big city, its really
hard getting permission to do stuff and to
move the crew around. Here you have to go
through the same processes but people are
generally very co-operative and genuinely
excited about something new happening.
Ian Price, the principal of Bedford College,
took a very enterprising view of the whole
project as it would be a great interface for
many of the different departments where
college students get a sense of what its
really like to work on a real project, rather
than being taught theory and practical skills,
which are very important of course, but also
give them an opportunity to feel the heat,
the pressure and the responsibility of a real
life situation. So weve managed to bring in
various departments, from flm and media,
art, drama, hair and make-up. Everyone in
some shape or form has had the opportunity
to get involved, and some of the students
have just dived in because they absolutely
see that its a great opportunity.
How are you fnding the town?
I really love flming around here. This is the
second flm Ive shot in Bedford and I really
feel Im onto something in this area. Im
discovering studios and other people in the
area I can connect with.
Ive watched Bedford evolve
over the last 20 years and I
really feel at the
moment its the most
exciting its ever been.
What things would you recommend
about Bedford to people who dont live
here?
The River in Bedford is spectacular, so
thats my frst port of call always. My son
rows, so Im on that river a lot and I love it.
I like hanging out in the Piazza in St Pauls
square, and the guy who runs it, Libby, is
amazing. Its like all my contacts come
from that place. Its my nerve centre. Thats
where I hang out, thats where I get things
done. Its my offce in Bedford. I love the
Castle Quay area, I love the Rock City Art
Gallery. Round the corner, the 2Oth Century
Design shop is pretty awesome. I love
the Lebanese restaurant on the high street
(Reem,)
For me one of the secrets of
Bedford is constantly
discovering new little things.

Ive just disovered La Rondine, the bakery,
just of Tavistock street. Its like being in a
Martin Scorcese movie!
Most importantly, theres a young popu-
lation here who are feeling that they dont
have to run off to London, because, frst of
all, Londons too expensive to live in, and
secondly, theres good things happening
here now. Im interested in the people who
are trying to make things happen, like the
guys who own Esquires. Keeping that afoat
and alive in diffcult times is something
we should all be incredibly respectful and
glad of.
Ive only got positive thoughts about the
place. The experience Im having making
the flm, working with local kids, young
adults, working with the people in the col-
lege who have been absolutely amazing.
They see that Im trying to do something
positive, even though the storys quite dark,
Im trying to do things with the town and
make it cinematic.
Interview with
RICHARD JOBSON
FILM
ILLUSTrATIoN
By Marisa Straccia
The Circus of
Illustration organised a
different sort of social
gathering last month.
It was a night of wine, beer, drawing games
and meeting other like-minded doodlers.
They were expecting a group of eleven
to attend, but to their delight, a rabble of
over thirty thirsty illustrators attended the
evening. Some had travelled into Bedford
especially from the furthest fung parts
of our shire. Not all were professional il-
lustrators, as these Circus events are open
to everyone. There were artists, designers,
students, textile designers, animators, teach-
ers, modellers and drawing enthusiasts.
The considerable carnival comman-
deered the back half of Embankment pub,
much to the shock of
the staff at the bar.
Fortunately they were
very accommodating!
Armed with pencils,
pens, sketchbooks,
ipads and glass, the
drawing jamboree got
underway.
The life of an il-
lustrator can be quite
isolated. Most of us
work alone, so it was
lovely to get together,
meet new people,
swap sketchbooks,
share ideas and draw
in a relaxed fun envi-
ronment.
We started an
impromptu drawing game, created by the
Surrealists, called Consequencs or Exqui-
site Corpse where players draw in turn on a
sheet of paper, fold it to conceal part of the
image and then pass it to the next player for
DRINK & DRAW
Vino how to doodle
P
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o
t
o
:
A
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r
e
w

F
o
s
t
e
r
It was surreal
P
h
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t
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:
S
c
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t
t

B
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l
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Richard Jobson
a further contribution. It was an imaginative
way to break the ice and have a giggle, as
the results were really funny.
If you would like to attend the next
Drink and Draw evening, it will be on
Saturday 28th July at The Lane, Castle
Road, Bedford where we will be lounging
on blankets in the Castle Bailey Gardens
scribbling away with one of The Lanes
famous cocktails!
Rebecca De Winter will
be playing an acoustic set
from 7.30pm, for The Lanes
Terrace Sessions, a perfect
soundtrack to an evening of
doodling.
So bring your pencils,
but remember kids: Drink
responsibly, draw recklessly.
The Circus of Illustration are
exhibiting at the Place
Theatre, Bradgate Road, Bedford, MK40
3DE
during Bedfringe.
Friday 13th Saturday 28th July.
twitter @wearethecircus
bedfordshireillustrators.tumblr.com

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