ISSUE 16: OCTOBER 2012FREE

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

Illus

tratio

sn B

y Te

rri G

ipso

n

Welcome to the October issue of The Bedford

Clanger.

October in our town is all about apples. Whether it’s bobbing for them at Hallow-een, or celebraing everything about them at Apple Day, we’ve got it covered. Find out how to get invovled in Bro-mham Mill’s Apple Day festivities, learn more about Bedford’s native Laxton Apples, get the skinny on Luscious Juice Bar’s tasty fruit combos or enjoy some alcoholic apple juice at the Beer and Cider Festival at the Corn Exchange. At The Clanger we’re getting invov-led in Bedford’s Portas Pilot initiatives. We’ve teamed up with our mates at Media Trust and are offering free ‘citizen journalism’ training to enable as many Bedfordians as possible to help docu-ment our journey to make Bedford town centre great. Read all about the launch events in this month’s issue and register to come along on Thursday 11th October to the South Bank Arts Centre to find out more. Finally, make sure you get along to Bedford Theatre this month to check out Edfringe award winner, The Boy With Tape On His Face (see our interview on page 6) and The Adventures of Alvin Sputnik, Deep Sea Explorer on 17th Oc-tober. Described as ‘akin to a theatrical Wall-E’, this is a magical family show that has to be seen to be believed. An-other great booking by James Pharoah. Good work, JP! Happy Halloween and see you next month. x

OCTOBER 2012THE BEDFORD CLANGER

2 Get all the in’cider’ knowledge on apples this month

By Alice Smith

This month the Clanger heads to the coolest hangout in town to interview the lovely Louisa Jones of Luscious Juice Bar, over a freshly squeezed orange juice, of course.

Bedford Clanger: what inspired you to set up the Juice Bar?LJ: I really wanted to work for myself, and do something I believed in. The idea for a juice bar was partly inspired by a trip to Australia, where there are lots of ‘alterna-tive cafes’ – and then we were given an industrial juicer – and decided to be brave!

BC: What is your favou-rite juice combination? There are so many to choose from!LJ: ‘I love the apple, carrot, lemon and ginger juice. Our new Autumn menu includes some lovely steamies – hot juices with rhubarb, beet-root and cranberry which are all delicious. [At this point, Julie, a loyal customer calls over to list the ingredients of her own favourite juice: ‘celery, cucumber, ginger, lime, avacado, spinach, carrot and blueberries – good for the hair, skin, and metabolism!’]

BC: With Apple Day coming up in Octo-

ber, what is the best way of eating apples?LJ: juice them with a bit of ginger! Or, baked apples with sultanas and cinnamon. Or apple pie...

BC: Getting small children to eat healthily is always a bit of a battle. Do you have any tips?LJ: You can cram a lot of fruit into one smoothie – and children really like smoothies! A favourite recipe has two apples, one banana and a handful of strawberries in, which

is three of your five a day right there! It’s always worth buying fresh juice and smoothies – if you buy them pre-packaged from the supermarket, they’ve been heated, and pasteurized, and often made from juice concentrate, so a lot of the goodness

has gone from the fruit, leaving mostly the sugar. When you drink a freshly made smoothie, you get all the goodness from the fruit straight away. [Clanger quickly resolves to stop purchasing evil supermar-ket smoothies.] The pick n’ mix section (includes dried fruit, yoghurt covered raisins, natural flavour jelly beans and other goodies) is always popular with children, as is the PYO salad bar.

BC: A lot more is known about Gluten-

free diets now. Is that a big part of your range at the Juice Bar?LJ: We do get lots of customers coming in for the gluten free cakes and bread, which are home-made by my mum! And our vegan range is popular too, especially the vegan ice cream that we had in the summer. Lots of our customers are very health-aware, but also enjoy a massive slice of cake...we cater

for everybody!

BC: There’s a big music cross-over in the juice bar...LJ: Yes! We always have music on in here, it’s always been really important to me, and I make sure that I pick a good playlist! Gareth (Mr Luscious Juice Bar) and Kev are doing a brilliant job at The Pad as well as putting on some wonderful gigs at other venues around town. You can always buy the tickets here.

BC: What is the best thing about running an independent business in Bedford?LJ: It’s not always easy, but our lovely customers make it worthwhile. People come here to hang out, and chat, and just order their ‘usual’. I love that. I always wake up happy to come to work – it’s fun being here! And the local

arts movement here is really active. Culture is important to Bedford and that makes it special.

BC:And finally, can you sum up Bedford in three words?LJ: Cultural, Diverse, Creative.

LUSCIOUS JUICE BAR 4 LimE STREET, BEdFORd, mK40 1NH TEL: 07759 478524 WWW.LuSCiOuSjuiCEBAR.CO.uK

UNIQUE BEDFORD

HOMETOWN TOURIST

by Jane Perrone

A square of rough grass flanked by the boxy blue buildings of an industrial estate is an unlikely spot for a pilgrimage, but then i’m not your average pilgrim. i’ve come not for an answer to prayer, but for a bag of Bedford’s most famous apples. This spot just off Brickhill Drive is the community orchard at Park Wood nature reserve is one of the few remaining places to see the legacy of Bedford’s famous residents of the past - nurseryman and plant breeder Thomas Laxton, whose work was carried on by his sons William and Edward and two further generations of the family. Ask many of the town’s residents today who Laxton is and they would draw a blank, but back in the late 1800s everyone in Bedford would have known this name as the breed-ers of many a famous variety of apple, pear, strawberry and pea: Thomas Laxton even conducted experiments on peas for Charles Darwin and was so successful at breeding strawberries that he is considered the father of our modern berry. Among the dozens of varieties of unusual apples, pears, plums and even medlars grown at Park Wood are specimens of the varieties the Laxtons bred, including

‘Laxton’s Herald’, ‘Laxton’s Leader’, and perhaps their best-known variety Laxton’s ‘Superb’, which you can still buy from fruit tree nurseries today - although sadly it’s very difficult to buy Laxtons apples themselves. Local historian and Bedford Tour Guide David Fowler was born and bred in Bedford and is one of the few people who’s an expert in Bedford’s Laxtons connection: “In my parents’ garden as a kid we had a Lax-ton ‘Superb’; when I moved to a house in

Oakley one of the first things I planted was a Laxton ‘Superb’ and when we moved from Oakley to Bromham, one of the first trees I planted was a Laxton ‘Superb’. It’s a lovely apple,” David told me. The apple website Orange Pip-pin (orangepippin.com) agrees, calling it “The definitive late Victorian dessert apple, firm, Cox-style but sweeter, un-derstated but very ‘more-ish’.” Yum. Laxton’s Toll Gate nurseries once covered 140 acres to the north of Goldington Road, where the University of Bedford is sited today, and Laxton’s also had a shop on the High Street where Tesco now stands. Go to Devon Park and just off Seaton Drive you can see an information board that details the Laxtons’ work. Right here in the middle of a modern housing estate there’s a grassy square that serves as another, smaller community orchard, which includes some trees believed to be Laxtons varieties. Laxtons employ-ees who lived locally had allotments there in the 1940s and 50s, David Fowler explains. “Laxtons liked to trial their trees so they were very keen to

get people there to be growing them. Some of those trees are undoubtedly Laxtons.” The Laxtons business closed in the 1950s, and now the only visible legacy is the few Bedford streets with apple-themed names, including Laxton Way. It’s quite possible that you have a Laxtons apple in your own garden, too, and now’s a great time to get excited about apples: not only is it harvest time, but tree-planting season is also approaching. If you have an apple tree in your garden and

you’re not sure what variety it is, there are ways to find out: if you can take a sample of the fruit along to apple day at Bromham Mill on October 21 (11am to 4.30pm), experts will be on hand to help: if you can’t make that, you can send your apples off to the experts at the National Fruit Collection at Brogdale in Kent - but you’ll have to pay £20 for the privilege (more informa-tion here: http://www.brogdalecollections.co.uk). Sadly, nowadays most of us are barely more adventurous than the occasional ‘Pink Lady’ when it comes to picking our apples - and most of them come straight off the supermarket shelves. But there’s a world of different flavours, shapes and colours out there to try: in my own neighbourhood, my children are fascinated by the red-fleshed ‘Red Devil’ apples from a street tree grow-ing in George Street. If there’s an apple tree in your neighbourhood that goes unpicked, I’d like to hear about it: send me an email at jane.perrone@gmail.com. With any luck we can match up unpicked apples with hungry residents looking for a pie filling or a pint of homebrewed cider. I’d be particularly keen to hear from anyone who’s lucky enough to have a Laxtons tree in their garden.

Join the Abundance Bedford Facebook group (facebook.com/groups/abun-dancebedford) to find out more.

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

LAxTON’S AppLE ORCHARDS PARK WOOd, BRiCKHiLL dRivE, BRiCKHiLL, BEdFORd

Why be moody when you can be fruity

Photos By Graham Watson

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

3

OCTOBER 2012

ART

By Sue Gough

You can become part of history when an art form that dates back to 1500BC is revived in Bedford, with work beginning in October.A fresco is to be painted on the outside wall of Frescoes coffee house in Mill Street, a replica of Michaelangelo’s “Libyan Sib-yle” from the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome. Bedford artist Ian Carstairs will create the fresco, thought to be the first of its kind in this country. Kevin Kavanagh, owner of Frescoes Coffee House, said: “I think people are go-ing to be amazed as the fresco begins to ap-pear and it is certain to have the wow factor. There is already lots of interest in this lost art form that is said to last for around 1,000 years. I want people to feel part of this at every stage – and thrilled that this will be the fresco at Frescoes!” Fresco fundraising has begun - £12,000 is needed and already people and businesses are contributing . The momentum is build-ing as more people hear about the fresco

and want to be part of it – so don’t miss out on being part of history in themaking.

How to become part of the fresco:•For individuals - you can donate from £25 upwards.

•For organisations – you can donate even more. Your name (or that of someone you choose) may appear on the fresco plaque.

How to make a donation:Electronic transfer or cheque (made payable to Libyan Sibyle) to:National Westminster Bank, 18 High Street, Bedford.Sort code: 60 02 13Account number: 631 527 11Account name: Libyan Sibyle

State the name of the person or business you are making the donation for (this may

appear on the plaque), or you can simply hand your cheque in at Frescoes Coffee House.

How to follow fresco developments:•Click on the “like” button of Frescoes Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Fres-coesBedford - you will then receive regular updates through Facebook.

•Pop into Frescoes Coffee House to find out the latest news and see for yourself the fresco as it begins to take shape.

FRESCO AT FRESCOES PLAY YOuR PART iN HiSTORY

Stirring up coffee and support for art

I find Terri’s apple illustration very appealing.

Bromham Mill celebrates

Apple Day

AS128_12 design@bedford.gov..uk

at Bromham Mill & GallerySunday 21st October 2012

11.00am - 4.30pmJoin us for our annual celebration

of the brilliant British apple!Taste, eat, drink, try and buy your local apples

(if accompanied by an adult)

Portuguese restaurant. Try our Espetadas

(Portuguese style kebabs, made with meat or fish)4 Newnham Street, Bedford MK40 3JR Tel: 01234 364400

www.baiadecascais.co.uk

64 Tavistock Street Bedford MK40 2RG

A take away delivery service is available covering Bedford and the outlying villagesAwarded a 4 star Food Standards Agency Rating by Bedford Borough Council

ROD STEWART Tribute Night

Thursday 1st November

Tickets on sale

NOW!

ARTTHE ART OF TERRI GIpSONThis month’s cover star is botanical fine artist Terri Gipson.Terri was a pupil at Mark Rutherford Upper School before heading to Manchester to study graphic design at Salford. Following her graduation, Terri explored her artistic interest in plants by attending a specialist botanical art course at the English Gardening School based at London’s Chelsea Physic Garden. Terri’s intricate paintings of Bedford’s Laxtons apples can be found on information boards at the community orchard and she exhibits other work as a member of Eagle Gallery on Castle Road. Although the originals of the series of fruit paintings have been sold, Terri sells prints and cards. She also welcomes com-missions! You can get in touch with her by emailing terri.art@hotmail.co.uk

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

4 I’m planning my next trip to QP already.

QUEEN’S pARKAn oft-forgotten part of town or a vibrant community on the banks of the River Great Ouse; home to Bedford’s Wells & Young’s Brewery, yet with only one remaining pub; a plethora of thriving independent businesses surrounding a Tesco metro; home to the beautiful Guru Nanak Gurdwara and the All Saints interfaith church. Queens park is all this and more.Greengrocers’ wares spill onto the pave-ments, Polish delis thrive next to Indian sweet shops, the award-winning Italian Deli sits within the shadow of the brewery – and the most diverse community in Bedford (and some say the country) lives side-by-side. During The Clanger’s A Photo A Day project in July, one person’s pictures continually piqued the interest of the other participants. QP resident, Jon West took us on a daily trip around his neighbour-hood, bringing to our attention the cultural diversity, architecture and people that make up the QP community. When we met Sid, the owner of Catch 39 (formerly ‘Sid’s’ newsagents) and Jon West’s neighbour, he told us how the area had changed over the last few decades. “Our newsagent was the hub of the com-munity,” said Sid. “Especially for the elderly people. They would pop in every week to pay for their paper delivery and it was their connection to the outside world. Now Tesco has opened…we couldn’t com-pete. So we thought, let’s have a change.” Although the business has changed, Sid is keen to retain the connection to the Queens Park of the past. Black and white photos on the wall show a time before articulated lor-ries and superstores, when there was a pub on every corner and independent businesses lined the streets. So go and support the businesses in Queens Park. Grab a cod & chips from Catch 39 (£6.00 for a large portion), ask the greengrocers about fruit and veg that you’ll never have seen before, book a beauty treat-ment at Looks Hair & Beauty Salon (www.looks-salon.com 35, Ford End Road, Tel: 01234-308123), take a look around the Gurdwara or All Saints Church or take a walk along the tran-quil riverside. It is impossible to pigeon-hole Queens Park. So go and find out what it means to you.

OuR TOWN

OCTOBER 2012

Photos: Jon West

A local community pub in the Castle Road area of Bedford

6 Cask Ales. plus 3 Real Ciders.

32 Dudley Street, Bedford, MK40 3TB

Tel 01234 359329

Our Sister Pub ‘The Burnaby Arms’ now open in Stanley Street MK41 7RU

Saturday 16th October, 7pm – 11pm, Fox & Hounds, Goldington RoadTickets: £5, Call: 07841922482 / 07827998656 for more info.All proceeds for Rainbow Pre-school Playgroup, Registered Charity no. 1036883

Rock City Art, Castle Lane, Bedford.www.rockcityart.com

4 Clair Court, Lime St, Bedford, MK40 1NH.

Open mon-sat 10am - 5pm.

www.rose-tintedvintage.co.uk

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

Gemma Rogers on 07799067052

email:bedfordclangerads@gmail.com @clangerads

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

5I can’t wait to hop back to the Beer fest.

OCTOBER 2012

Date: Wednesday 3rd to Saturday 6th October

Venue: Corn Exchange main Hall and Howard Room

Open: Wed 4-11, Thu-Sat 11.30-11

Admission on entry: until 4pm £1, after 4pm Wed £2, Thu £3, Fri £4, Sat £2, CAmRA members free.

North Bedfordshire CAMRA presents its 35th Bedford Beer & Cider Festival.

About 110 real ales, over 40 ciders and perries, and a wide range of draught and bottled foreign beers, including several from Bamberg, Bedford’s twin city in Bavaria. Hot and cold food available, free soft drinks, clothing and books for sale, tombola. Entertainers on Sat evening are local blues and folk group Faeries Wear Boots.

For further information including full beer and cider lists, visit www.northbedscamra.org.uk

dRiNKBEDFORD BEER & CIDER FESTIVAL 2012

it’s a firkin good night out

BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE BREWERY

By Kelly Burgess

Hidden away in Havelock Street, Queen’s Park, it’s not hard to miss the Wells and Young’s brewery.

However, behind those gates the Wells and Young’s team are busy brewing and bottling more than 1.26 hectolitres of their high-quality ales every year (that’s almost 222 million pints!) which are enjoyed by millions of people all over the world. Flying the flag for Bedford, Wells and Young’s distributes an impressive 21 mil-lion pints of its distinctive ales to 33 differ-ent countries every year, including Canada, Russia, the USA and countries across Eu-rope. And every drop starts its journey right here at the brewery in Queen’s Park and goes through a rigorous brewing process to ensure that every pint is perfect! Now the UK’s largest independent brew-ery, Wells and Young’s comes from humble beginnings. In the 1870s, Bedford born Charles Wells was a Chief Officer in the Merchant Navy when he met his sweetheart Josephine Grimbley. They were eager to wed, but Charles’ prospective father-in-law wouldn’t give his daughter’s hand to a sea-faring man, so Charles took a drastic career change and, in 1875 he bought a brewery on Horne Lane and thirty two pubs in Bedford for £16,700.

The brewery expanded rapidly over the years and as the Wells family grew, so did the business. By the 1970s the brewery op-erations had outgrown the Horne Lane site and a new, larger brewery with state-of-the-art equipment was built in 1976 in Queen’s Park, where it still stands today. And, in

keeping with tradition, is now headed up by Paul Wells, Charles’ great grandson! In 2006, the brewing divi-sion set up a joint venture with Young’s brewery, becoming Wells and Young’s, and just five years later Charles Wells acquired full ownership of the business. The company has also es-tablished an estate of more than 200 Charles Wells pubs and has opened pubs in Paris, Toulouse, Montpellier, Bordeaux and has recently opened one in Lyon in France. Charles Wells Pub Company has gained national recognition for its pub estate and was named Pub Company of the Year in 2009 and 2010. Over the years Wells and Young’s has built up an award-winning portfolio of beers which include national favou-rites, Bombardier, Young’s Bitter, Courage Directors, premium lager Estrella and Bedford’s much loved Eagle Ale to name but a few! Only the very best ingre-

dients go into Wells and Youngs’ famous beers, they use farm assured barley, hand selected hops and their very own accredited natural mineral water which is sourced from a well in Bedford sunk by Charles Wells himself more than 200 years ago. Their master brewers also pride them-selves on coming up with new, innovative tastes for their great range of seasonal and flavoured ales. Well’s and Young’s were the geniuses behind Banana Bread Beer and Waggle Dance which have been extremely popular the world over, and particularly with drinkers in the USA, who can’t get enough of the distinctive beers. But as the empire continues to grow, the company still prides itself on being at the heart of the local community and sup-porting all things that make Bedfordshire great. It is the proud sponsor of Bedford Blues Rugby Club and the bi annual River Festival and regularly fundraises for local charities, including Keech Hospice Care in Bedfordshire- ensuring Charles Wells Ltd continues to be a local business we can all be proud of!

WELLS AND YOUNG’S BREWING CO LTD

At Bedford Network we share with you our best experiences of Bedford. This month we bring you sweet tempta-tions…liquorish torpedoes, nut brittle, mint humbugs, Pontefract cakes, sherbert dabs, wine gums and chocolate – oh yes lots of chocolate! Where can you find all of this and more? Arcadia Sweetshop has over 300 jars of traditional and retro sweets – as well as quality chocolates. The shop dates back to 1905 with the opening of the Grand Arcade and since that time has continually operated as a sweet-shop with a basic layout that has hardly changed over time. Today it is tickling the tastebuds of customers with a lipsmack-ing range of sweets and chocolate from traditional and retro to the latest products, including handmade chocolates and sugar free confectionary. Jan and Deb Page have been running this family business for over 12 years and continue a tradition of old fashioned values of personal customer service.

Deb says:“Many of our customers remember coming into the shop as small children, and it is especially nice to see this kind of continuity. Hopefully we nurture this through the many children we serve, whether it is with pick ‘n mix or the more traditional favourites from

our many jars “New customers are amazed at the variety of sweets and chocolates and thrilled when they find they can still buy their child-hood favourites. We are constantly told “It’s like stepping back in time” when people come into our shop.”

Some of the sweets from Arcadia featured in Pirates of the Carribean, after the production company placed an order for crystallised ginger sweets, toffee tea-cakes, turkish delights and bon-bons. They wanted enough traditional sweets to fill a market

stall and Deb provided them. You never know, while browsing for sweets in this lovely little sweetshop you may bump into Captain Jack Sparrow (Jonny Depp). What a treat that would be!

Stay tuned to Bedford Network. We blog, tweet and Facebook:www.bedfordnetwork.co.ukTwitter: @BedfordNetworkFacebook: www.facebook.com/Bedford-Network

BEDFORD NETWORK

Phot

o: S

haun

Arm

stro

ngSugar and spice

Photos: Donnie C

anning

THE VENUE KEmPSTONKempston indoor Bowls Club has a lot more to offer than just ‘marbles for Grown ups’. In the past few months new kid on the block, Events Manager – Paul Kavanagh, has been making some radical changes and is in the middle of rebranding the bowls club as “The Venue” which he hopes will become the go to place for any community events in the area. Facilities include: a 150 seater restaurant, bar and conferencing facilities for up to 300 people and a recently refurbished kitchen. An extensive program of events is being kicked off by an Elvis Tribute night on 30th November starring Marshall King – winner of a recent ITV talent show! Others in the pipeline include: Motown, Casino and even Burlesque nights.

Bookings for their Christmas party nights on 7th, 14th and 21st December are also flooding in, but tickets are still available for £25, which includes a three course meal and disco. With bar prices as low as £2.95, this could have the makings of a cracking night! Call Paul on 01234 852291 to find out

more. They also, of course, offer Indoor Bowls. There is a bowling ‘youth’ club on a Friday night and ‘The Venue’ is also the home of the ‘Wheelstats’ Wheelchair bowl-ing team.

EvENTS

The King in Kempston

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

6 Good luck Angelo & Janine!

OCTOBER 2012

THEATRE

By David Litchfield

Hopefully a lot of you will have seen my new designs for ‘The Wild Things’ poster and flyer around town. For this month’s update i thought i would talk you through the images’ creation and- what us arty types call- ‘my process’.Most of my designs start out as really scruffy and sketchy ‘thumbnails’ that are really quick doodles of the images I have in my head. Using thumbnails are a great way of getting the image on page (albeit a really rough version) and work out the composi-tion and layout. I got the idea for the tree’s

branches form one of the creatures faces from this stage. Once I was happy that the idea and lay-out were in place I got straight to work with drawing the image in my A3 sketchbook. Now, this is the bit I slightly worry about

telling people about as it sort of feels like cheating, but I very rarely draw the whole image as one completed piece on one single page. Instead I will draw each element on a separate page and then composite each drawing together on Adobe Photoshop. There are many benefits to working like this. One is that if I make a mistake drawing one of the elements- the drawing of ‘Max’

for example- then it is not going to effect the overall image. I can just screw Max up and start him again on a fresh piece of paper. Another benefit is that I can draw each element as big and as detailed as I like and shrink it down on the computer without loosing any of the overall drawn-line qual-ity. Anyway, once all of the individual drawings were completed I scanned them in to my computer and digitally cut out the background of the page (quite a tricky task with all of those pesky branches) before putting each image together to create one, final design. The whole process took me around about 3 days (save for eating, sleeping and blinking).

Yikes, that was a little bit technical (apologies to all of digitalphobes!). Next month’s update promises to be more messy and anarchic as I will be creating costumes and sets with the very talented Matt Baker.

Hopefully I will also have some exciting behind the scenes ‘monster’ photos to tease you with as we continue to work away on what promises to be a really fantastic and hugely ambitious stage show. www.davidlitchfieldillustration.com

With two performances of Where The Wild Things Are at The Place Theatre already sold out, go to www.theplacebed-ford.org.uk to book your tickets and avoid disappointment.

Thumbnail Sketch

drawing the elements

Comping the elements onto the poster.

THE BOY WITH TApE ON HIS FACETHEATRE

This month sees Sam Wills, the winner of the winner of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival panel Award come to lil old Bedford at 8pm on Monday 8 October. The Clanger wanted to find out what we can expect from this silent sensation. Fortunately, Sam took the tape off his face for the duration of our phone interview...

BC: Is it hard to describe your show? Do people find it hard to understand the concept, or does the title pretty much de-scribe what the audience should expect?Sam Wills: I have a formula that I use to describe the show. It’s ‘stand up without talking’. If you like stand up comedy, then you’ll like what I do. (For the record - it is emphaticlly not mime - Ed). I like to give the audience the opposite of what they’re expecting, so if I feel the crowd is anticipat-ing something, I’ll change and adapt the

routine to surprise people.

BC: How long have you been performing as The Boy With Tape on His Face?SW: I developed the character in 2005 as a hobby; as a break from the boredom of my traditional stand up show. I never intended it to be serious. Eventually I built up more and more material and I began enjoying performing it more than my ‘main’ show. This has taken over my life now more than I could have imagined.

BC: By removing words from the show, you’ve also removed language barriers.

SW: Completely! I tour the show all over the world. It’s really lovely to go to Scandinavia - for example - to perform and to be surrounded by native speakers! I just sit backstage and wait til I hear my name among all the Norwegian. All the music that I use is intentionally accessible and recognisable. Everyone knows who Elvis Presley is!

BC: You love a bit of audience participa-tion in your show...SW: I am determined not to embarrass people who take part in my show and they always leave the stage as the hero! So

The Bedford Town Team wants to encourage as many people as possible to become citizenjournalists during our portas pilot Town journey.We want you to video, photograph, interview, blog, tweet and generally tell the world about what we’re doing in Bedford to help revitalise our town centre.

Whether you’re a student or retired, a business person or unemployed, a stay-at-home

mum or house-husband, we’d love you to get

involved!

We can’t do this without you and there’s … ABSOLUTELY

NO ExpERIENCE NECESSARY!

You’ll have the opportunity to take part in free training sessions and meet like-minded Bedfordians eager to record the events, actions, successes, failures, highs and lows of the Portas project. You could also be mentored by professional journalists from national and regional newspapers.

Bedford Portas Pilot, The Bedford Clanger and Media Trust would like to invite you to join us on THURSDAY 11TH OCTOBER at either 4.45pm or 7.30pm at the South Bank Arts Centre, Bedford College to find out more.

To book a FREE place at this event, please email your details to: portaspilot-bedford@gmail.comspecifying whether you’d like to attend the 4.45pm or 7.30pm session.

Bedford has been selected as one of the 12 initial Portas Pilot Towns. The aim of the Town Team is to utilise the £51,000 funding to encourage new businesses to take premises in the town centre, to provide training and guidance to new and existing retailers and to engage with Bedfordians to collaborate on how the town centre can be improved.

OuR TOWN

BEDFORDIANS FACE THE ExTRA MILE CYCLiNG CHALLENGE:LuxEmBOuRG TO vERSAiLLES (545 miLES)At the end of September, Bedford residents Angelo and Janine Valerio, Will Liptrot and Alison Horner took part in this year’s Extra Mile cycle challenge - a 545-mile relay over 3 days.They were raising money for The National Autistic Society

and The Alzheimer’s Society, while a third of all money raised will go to the Extra Mile organiser’s charities – St. John’s Ambu-lance, Willen Hospice, and East Anglian Air Ambulance. Extra Mile challenges has so far raised over £750,000 for well over 100 different charities. Our photo shows Janine and Angleo on a slightly less arduous cycle trip through France, but if you would like to reward their endurance effort then please use the link below:www.justgiving.com/TeamRawhideLux-embourg2Paris2012

FuNdRAiSiNG

janine & Angleo A show filled with gags

‘CITIZEN MEDIA’ TO REpORT ON pORTAS pILOT pROGRESS

WiTH BEdFORd PORTAS PiLOT & THE mEdiA TRuST

AN iNTERviEW WiTH EdFRiNGE AWARd WiNNiNG PERFORmER SAm WiLLS!

often, if someone’s asked to go on stage at a comedy show they will be ritually humili-ated. I want to change the idea of audience participation - to make people want to be involved, rather than fear that they’ll be embarrassed.

BC: How did you get into performance art?SW: I got a magic set as a child and started learning magic tricks. Then I found out that a clown lived in my town (Christchurch, NZ, fact fans) and at the age of 13 I became his apprentice. I later joined circus school,

specialising in juggling and then became a juggling teacher.

BC: So how was the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for you?SW: I have a very good Edinburgh - I really can’t complain!

The Boy With Tape on His Face - More Tape. Monday 8th October at 8pm.If you would like to book tickets to this award-winning show then visit: www.bedfordtheatre.co.uk or call the box of-fice on 01234 269519

THE WILD THINGS

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

7

in association with

Bedford Borough Council’s Premier Entertainment venue

THE L I S T I N GGetting Out and About in Bedford This Octobrer

OCTOBER 2012

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

8

Monday 1st October •••••••••••••“Smoking’s Cool” ExhibitionPhotography can seriously damage you and others around you! An exhibition of the coolest rock stars indulging in their favourite pastime, runs until 25th October.Castle Lane, BedfordTel. 01234 910448 info@rockcityart.com www.rockcit-yart.com•Kiosk Happy Hour & StorytimeCake and a Cuppa £3.00 every weekday 8.30-9.30am plus Storytime at 9.30am for Under 5sThe Kiosk At The Park, Russell Park•Jazz Evening - Dave JohnsonDave will be playing keyboard, but the performance will also feature himself on vocals, singing in his own unrushed, swinging style. From 8.30pm at The Bedford Arms, Bromham Rd, BedfordTel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Kinetik Vibes Dance AcademyTeaching classes in First Steps (2-4yrs), Street Dance (6-9 & 10-15yrs), Tiny Tap, Contemporary, Street Exam, Modern, Adult Ballet and Adult Tap.Goldington Green Lower School, Goldington Road, Bedford Tel: 01234 405933 kineticvibes@hotmail.co.uk www.kineticvibes.com•Alpine Garden Society Bedfordshire Group MeetingThe Alpine Garden Society AGM includes a short slide presentation by one of the members. A raffle and free refreshments will be available, with a professional nursery-man on hand for help and advice. 7.30pm-9.30pm. Free for members, £3 for visitors.Wilstead Village Hall, Cotton End Road, WilsteadTel Mrs Elsie Willett: 01767 626185Email Mr Robert Amos: mail@bedfordshirealpines.com www.bedfordshirealpines.com•Tony’s General Knowledge QuizThe King’s Arms, St Mary’s StreetTel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk•Open Mic NightHosted by local singer/songwriter Matt Roberts, 8.30pm til close. The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk

Tuesday 2nd October ••••••••••••Weekly Morning Walks at the RSPBTuesday weekly walks around the reserve. Come and admire the wildlife and enjoy the site. Everyone welcome. 9.30am-11.30am. Free for RSPB members, otherwise £3.RSPB, The Lodge, SandyTel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge•White Horse Quiz NightTeams of up to 6, 8.30pm, £1pp entry.The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•Kinetik Vibes Dance AcademyTeaching classes in Baby Jazz, Modern Dance, Street Dance (16yrs+), Cheerleading and Dance Aerobics. Goldington Green Lower School, Goldington Road, Bedford Tel: 01234 405933kineticvibes@hotmail.co.uk www.kineticvibes.com•Meditation ClassesWeekly meditation classes held every Tuesday during term time. Learn to relax the mind and find inner peace. Drop-in classes suitable for everyone, from 7.30pm to 9pm. Cost £3.50-£5. Quaker House, 5 Lansdowne Road, BedfordTel: 01604 686778 www.meditation-nagarjuna.org•Karaoke & CocktailsDanny’s Bar, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, BedfordTel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com

Wednesday 3rd October ••••••••35th CAMRA Bedford Beer & Cider FestivalFeaturing over 100 real ales from 40 breweries, 40 real ci-ders and perries, plus draught and bottled speciality beers. Tasty hot and cold food, souvenir festival glasses to hire or take home, festival and brewery clothing, books and gifts for sale, tombola and glass engraver. Saturday evening fea-tures local folk band Faeries Wear Boots. Further details including full beer and cider list atwww.northbedscamra.org.ukOpens Wednesday from 4.00pm and from 11.30am Thurs-day to Saturday. Tickets £1.00 - £5.00Main Auditorium and Harpur Suite, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s SquareBox Office: 01234 269519 cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk•Bedford Floral Art Society MeetingA demonstration by Susie Barwick - Wild at Heart. Doors 7pm for a 7.30pm start. £5 for visitors.

The Addison Centre, Kempstonwww.bedfordfloralartsociety.co.uk•Priory Methodist Charity Fundraising Quiz Night£5pp including ploughman’s supper.The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•The Biggest Jam Night in TownHuge open mic night in Danny’s Bar, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, Bedford Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com

Thursday 4th October ••••••••••Birdwatching at the RSPBAn expert will be on hand to demonstrate the latest binocu-lars and telescopes. From 10am until 4pm. Free to attend. The Lodge, SandyTel: 01767 680541www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge•Getting your business found in the search engines - what’s new and what’s importantFree evening lecture at the Studio Theatre, Bedford Col-lege, 6.30-8.00pmFor more information visit: www.bedfordtrainingservices.co.uk/search•Kinetik Vibes Dance AcademyTeaching classes in Baby Ballet, Kiddie Street Krew, graded tap and ballroom.The Studio, Polhill Avenue, Bedford Tel: 01234 405933kineticvibes@hotmail.co.uk www.kineticvibes.com•Traditional Music SessionJoin in this monthly folk jam, 8.30pm at The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham RdTel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk

Friday 5th October •••••••••••••Steve Martin ‘Seldom Sober’Live music at The King’s Arms, St Mary’s StreetTel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk•Exec Club Karaoke9pm, The Exec Club, Lurke Street, BedfordTel: 01234 401500•Karaoke with Diamond Fire8pm, The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•Guided Meditation EveningsCome along to weekly guided meditation evenings with Elizabeth Drake, using unique healing meditations to take you on a journey to inner peace. Take some time out, relax and meet like minded people. Refreshments included. All levels welcome. 6.30pm-8.30pm, £5 per person (first session free). Friends Meeting House, Lansdowne Road, BedfordElizabeth Drake: 07816 236659 elizabethdrake@live.co.uk www.elizabethlilydrake.co.uk•Bedford Floral Art Society MeetingA demonstration by Nick Grounds - Flotsam and Jetsam. Doors 7pm for 7.30pm. £5 for visitors.The Addison Centre, Kempstonwww.bedfordfloralartsociety.co.uk•Antique Furniture Collector’s Items AuctionThe first Friday of every month sees a specialist auction of Antiques and Collectors’ Items at the Bedford Auction Centre where a range of antique furniture, pictures, ceram-ics and glass, silver, metalware, militaria and other effects are offered for sale. 11am, free to attend.Bedford Auction Centre, Newnham Street, Bedfordwww.peacockauction.co.uk•Bedfordshire Family History Society Monthly TalkInterested in family history? Then come along to the Bed-fordshire Family History Society’s informative monthly talks to find out more. Details of this month’s talk can be found on the website. Doors 7.30pm for 7:50pm start. A specialist bookstall and library are also available. £1 for non-members.Mark Rutherford School, Drama Hall, Wentworth Drive, BedfordEmail: secretary@bfhs.org.uk www.bfhs.org.uk•Bedford Art Society MeetingBedford Art Society will hold its AGM followed by a demonstration of ‘One Liner Images’ by Edmund Munn. 7.30pm, £5 for visitors.Putnoe Heights Church, Putnoe HeightsTel Jean Paterson: 01234 307210www.bedsartsociety.co.uk•Dun 2 DefLive music in Danny’s Bar, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, Bedford Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com

Saturday 6th October •••••••••••••NCT Nearly New SaleBabies and Children’s clothes, books, toys and equipment from 11.45am at Bedford Athletic Stadium.•Bring & Sing at St Andrews ChurchIan Smith, will once again lead this year’s Bring and Sing. You are invited to register at 1.45pm, with a rehearsal at 2.30pm before performing in the evening at 7.30pm. The suggested dress code is black and white. Tea, at £2 is avail-able after the rehearsal. Scores are available in advance. This is a performance not to be missed as Ian’s enthusiasm is contagious and makes for a superb evening out. Tickets £8 (£7 concessions), £3 students (16-21), £6 singers. St Andrew’s Church, Kimbolton Road, BedfordTel: 01234 216881 www.standrewsbedford.org•Priory Wildlife Watch GroupGet involved in making the park a nicer place for every-one. 2-4pm, £2 per person.Priory Country Park Visitors’ Centre Tel: 01234 364213•Bedford Floral Art SocietyA Christmas demonstration by Lorena Dyer. Doors 7pm for 7.30pm.The Addison Centre, Kempstonwww.bedfordfloralartsociety.co.uk•The Singing Loins & Fishwife’s BroadsideLive music at The King’s Arms, St Mary’s StreetTel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk•Charity Music Night with PneuminalThe White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•Fat Lads’ DiscoHosted by Intobeats radio DJ, Ian Congdon-Lee. 10pm at

The Exec Club, Lurke Street, BedfordTel: 01234 401500•Loaded Clubnight @ The PadIndie/rock n roll/old skool hip hop/beats & bass. 10pm-3-am, free entry before midnight.07860 454530 www.facebook.com/#!/thepadnightclub•The X-CertsLive music in Danny’s Bar, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, BedfordTel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com

Sunday 7th October •••••••••••Mystery & History of the HillfortDiscover the mysteries of the Iron Age Hillfort with Eng-lish Heritage expert Dr David McComish. Find out about people who lived here over 2000 years ago and what we have learnt about this important site. 11am-1pm, adults £4, RSPB members £3, children £3, RSPB Wildlife Explorers £2 RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy Tel: 01767 680541www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge•Books, Maps & Ephemera AuctionThe Bedford Auction Centre has developed a calendar of specialist book auctions, providing a more specific mar-ketplace for vendors and buyers. Includes sports books, travel and topography, aviation and military, maps and prints, children’s books, modern first editions, historical documents and more. Starts at 3pm.Bedford Auction Centre Tel: 01234 266366 www.peacockauction.co.uk•Cherry Lee Mewis & Her Blues GemsLive music at 4.30pm in Danny’s Bar, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, BedfordTel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Sunday Evening Dance in the Officers’ MessDJs David and Viv will be on hand to play well known ballroom, latin, and sequence dances. Bring your own drinks, beverages and snacks. Relax in the elegant Stuart Lounge, dance in the historic Main Function Room and enjoy an evening of wonderful dance music. 7-10pm. Tickets £5 per person on the door. Entrance and ample free parking just off Walcourt Road. Lift access.The Keep, Corner of Bedford Road and Walcourt Road, KempstonTel: 01234 300 179 www.MelodyMagic.co.uk•Bedford Floral Art SocietyA demonstration by Sue Woodward - Give Me Water. Doors 7pm for 7.30pm. Visitors £5.The Addison Centre, Kempstonwww.bedfordfloralartsociety.co.uk•Therapy Pamper PartySpend a day relaxing, experiencing inspirational ideas and making new friends whilst eating super healthy foods. 10.30am-4.30pm at the Retirement Centre, Rothsay Gardens, Bedford. Contact Ann Peckham: purpleann57@yahoo.co.uk www.sparklingenergy.co.uk•Lazy Sunday Jazz plus Jeff’s Jazz QuartetLive music at The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham Rd. 2-4pm and 8pm.Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•White Horse Quiz NightTeams of up to 6, 8.30pm, £1pp entry. Free bingo game for Sunday quizzers!The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•Jon’s Music QuizUp to £300 prize money! The King’s Arms, St Mary’s StreetTel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk•Treasure Hunt by BicycleStarting at The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham Rd. From 12noon. Touring a variety of pubs across Bedford. BBQ on completion. For more info contact: beverlyjoburridge@gmail.com

Monday 8th October •••••••••••••Kiosk Happy Hour & StorytimeCake and a Cuppa £3.00 every weekday 8.30-9.30am plus Storytime at 9.30am for Under 5sThe Kiosk At The Park, Russell Park•StorytimeMondays at 9.30am for Under 5s at the Kiosk At The Park, Russell Park•Jazz Evening - Gilad AtzmonThis truly great improviser on the World’s jazz stage will be backed by The Bedford Arms Rhythm Kings. From 8.30pm at The Bedford Arms, Bromham Rd, BedfordTel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Kinetik Vibes Dance AcademyTeaching classes in First Steps (2-4yrs), Street Dance (6-9 & 10-15yrs), Tiny Tap, Contemporary, Street Exam, Modern, Adult Ballet and Adult Tap.Goldington Green Lower School, Goldington Road, BedfordTel: 01234 405933 kineticvibes@hotmail.co.uk www.kineticvibes.com•The Boy With Tape On His Face: More TapeA Gag Reflex Comedy production, as seen on the 2011 Royal Variety Performance and Jason Manford’s Comedy Rocks. Every once in a while, something magical reminds us that we all have an inner child that must be fed. Through simple, clever and charming humour aimed at satisfying that hunger, The Boy has created one of the most accessible and enjoyable shows the world has ever seen. Mime with noise, stand-up with no talking – drama with no acting.Starts 8pm, tickets £12 (£10 concessions), Bedford School Students £5. Suitable for 16+ Bedford Theatre, Bedford School, De Parys Avenue, Bedford Box Office: 01234 269519www.bedfordtheatre.co.uk www.theboywithtapeonhisface.com•Tony’s General Knowledge QuizThe King’s Arms, St Mary’s StreetTel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk•Open Mic NightHosted by local singer/songwriter Matt Roberts, 8.30pm til close. Just listen or join in!

in association with

Bedford Borough Council’s Premier Entertainment venue

THE L I S T I N GThe White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk

Tuesday 9th October ••••••••••••Art Exhibition at the MS Therapy CentreOver 150 exhibits from local artists will be displayed. 10am-3pm, £1 entry. 25% of sale proceeds go to the therapy centre to help them raise the funds needed each year to keep the centre open.MS Therapy Centre, 155 Barkers Lane, BedfordEmail: msfundraising@hotmail.co.uk•Weekly Morning Walks at the RSPBTuesday weekly walks around the reserve. Come and admire the wildlife and enjoy the site. Everyone welcome. 9.30am-11.30am. Free for RSPB members, otherwise £3.RSPB, The Lodge, SandyTel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge•Kinetik Vibes Dance AcademyTeaching classes in Baby Jazz, Modern Dance, Street Dance (16yrs+), Cheerleading and Dance Aerobics. Goldington Green Lower School, Goldington Road, Bedford Tel: 01234 405933kineticvibes@hotmail.co.uk www.kineticvibes.com•White Horse Quiz NightTeams of up to 6, 8.30pm, £1pp entry.The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•Meditation ClassesWeekly meditation classes held every Tuesday during term time. Learn to relax the mind and find inner peace. Drop-in classes suitable for everyone, from 7.30pm to 9pm. Cost £3.50-£5.Quaker House, 5 Lansdowne Road, BedfordTel: 01604 686778 www.meditation-nagarjuna.org•Karaoke & CocktailsDanny’s Bar, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, BedfordTel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com

Wednesday 10th October •••••Bedford Local Group Wildlife Trust TalkAn illustrated talk by Wilf Powell - Hunting for Butterflies in Estonia. Starts 7.30pm. Free, although donations welcome. The Visitor Centre, Priory Country Park, Barkers Lane, Bedford www.wildlifebcn.org•The Uncook Dinner ClubLearn how to make 21 different three course dinners without cooking. 6pm-8.30pm.At the Friends Meeting House, 5 Lansdowne Road, Bed-ford. Contact Ann Peckham: purpleann57@yahoo.co.uk www.sparklingenergy.co.uk•Stitch ‘n BitchBring any crafty project to The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham Rd, 7.30pmbeverlyjoburridge@gmail.com Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Black History Group Fundraising Quiz Night£5pp including ploughman’s supper.The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•The Biggest Jam Night in TownHuge open mic night in Danny’s Bar, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, Bedford Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com

Thursday 11th October •••••••••Bedford Music ClubMusic on Thursdays is proud to present Kristian Bezuiden-hout (Fortepiano) at the Bunyan Meeting Free Church. Kristian will be playing a programme of Mozart. Starts 7.45pm, tickets cost adults £18, concessions £16, students (age 18-25) £5, children (under 18) £2. Available for purchase over the phone, online or on the door. Bunyan Meeting Free ChurchTicketline: 01234 261811 or Central Box Office: 01234 269519 (a transaction fee of £1.50 applies). www.bedfordmusicclub.co.uk•Bedford Portas Event Bedford College’s South Bank Arts Centre hosts a national event in support of the Portas Pilots project. This will be the launch of Citizen Journalism campaign to train people to use social media to promote all that is great about their Portas town. The project is being pioneered in Bedford, already described as one of the best Portas Pilot plans by Mary Portas and the Minister for Business at the launch of the campaign. 1st session 4.45pm, 2nd session 7.30pm at The Studio Theatre, Bedford CollegeFor more information contact Jacquie Manners - Manners PR: 07971 216014www.bedford.ac.uk/bedford_college_news/join_por-tas_event.aspx•Kinetik Vibes Dance AcademyTeaching classes in Baby Ballet, Kiddie Street Krew, graded tap and ballroom.The Studio, Polhill Avenue, Bedford Tel: 01234 405933kineticvibes@hotmail.co.uk www.kineticvibes.com•The Bedford Arms Book ClubDiscussing The Man in the Castle by Philip K. Dick.The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham RoadTel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Juicebox Indie NightDanny’s Bar, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, BedfordTel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Calendar Girls A Bedford Dramatic Club presentation, based on the Mira-max Motion Picture by Juliette Towhidi and Tim Firth . A group of extraordinary women, members of a very ordi-nary Yorkshire Women’s Institute persuade one another to pose for a charity calendar with a difference... Overcoming their initial reserve, the friends drop their dressing gowns, their modesty spared only by artfully placed cakes, knitting and flower arrangements. But as media interest snowballs, the ‘Calendar Girls’ find themselves exposed in ways they’d never expected - and revealing more than they’d ever planned. All profits to Macmillan Cancer Support. Starts 7.30pm, running until 20th October.The Place Theatre, Bradgate Road, BedfordTel: 01234 354321www.theplacebedford.org.uk

Friday 12th October ••••••••••••••Philharmonia Orchestra - Mayor’s ConcertMusical inspiration comes in all forms. Mendelssohn’s elemental ‘Hebridean’ overture sprang from the rugged

seascape of the Western Highlands, while Elgar’s Enigma Variations was altogether more domestic: a piano ditty caught his wife’s attention, and was then extemporised around his friends. The rest, as they say, is history. Featur-ing conductor Tugan Sokhiev and Nikolai Tokarev at the piano. 7.30pm, tickets £12.00 - £33.00Main Auditorium, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s SquareBox Office: 01234 269519 cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk•It Prevails + Mutiny Club NightLive music on the Mainstage followed by Friday Night Mutiny DJs in Holy Moly’s.Esquire’s, Bromham Road, BedfordTel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Vinyl Revival NightDust off those LPs & singles and come to play them at The Bedford Arms, Bromham Rd from 8pm.Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Guided Meditation EveningsCome along to weekly guided meditation evenings with Elizabeth Drake, using unique healing meditations to take you on a journey to inner peace. Take some time out, relax and meet like minded people. Refreshments included. All levels welcome. 6.30pm-8.30pm, £5 per person (first session free). Friends Meeting House, Lansdowne Road, BedfordElizabeth Drake: 07816 236659 elizabethdrake@live.co.uk www.elizabethlilydrake.co.uk•Charity Music NightRaising money for the National Autistic Society at The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•Exec Club Karaoke9pm, The Exec Club, Lurke St, Bedford Tel: 01234 401500

Saturday 13th October ••••••••••Great Barford Craft & Gift Fair Great Barford Church, WI and Cricket Club will be hold-ing a Craft and Gift Fair in the village hall, from 10am until 4pm. There will be stalls with cakes, tombola and raffle. £1 entry fee. Children under 10 go free.Great Barford Village Hall, Fishers Close, Green End RoadTel Diana Wignell: 01933 622261 or Maureen Munnelly: 01234 870633.•Odell Village Hall WI Jumble SaleJumble sale in aid of the Odell Women’s Institute funds. The Hall will open at 10am to receive goods for jumble, cakes etc. Sale starts at 2pm. 50p entry for adults, children free. Tel Doreen Wheeler: 01234 720358 if goods need to be collected. Odell Village Hall, High Street, OdellTel Jane Eshelby: 01933 410959•Quarry WanderThe RSPB manage areas of land around the Lafarge work-ing quarry. Take a walk with us to discover the hills and slopes that surround the quarry and search for the wildlife that can be found there. Meet at The Lodge Shop. Walk 11am-1pm. Adults £4, RSPB members £3 children £3, RSPB Wildlife Explorers £2 RSPB, The Lodge, SandyTel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge•Pumpkin & Apple GalaFun for all the family, including falconry displays, morris dancers and horse logging demonstrations. There will be a market place with local artisans and food producers, live craft demonstrations., a pumpkin shy, a bouncy castle and many more children’s activities. There will be an exhibition of 800 pumpkins, squashes and gourds decorated by children from 30 local schools plus a hog roast, gourmet burgers, pumpkin soup and homemade cakes. There will also be a farmers market, show arena, dog show, face painting, food demonstrators and refresh-ments. 10am-4pm, £7 adults, £3 under 15s, £5 students and over 60s, £15 family ticket. Free parking. Luton Hoo Walled Garden Tel: 01582 879089 Email: office@lhwg.org.uk www.lutonhoowalledgarden.org.uk•J’adore - Jewellery, Silversmith & Accessories FairSet in the sumptuous surroundings of Putteridge Bury House, with over 60 designers, displaying and selling their beautiful work. The perfect shopping event for exquisite jewellery, beautiful accessories and stunning silver and gold work. A selection of exhibitors to satisfy all styles and budgets. 10am-4.30pm, adults (including Senior Citizens) £4. Running until 14th October.Putteridge Bury Conference Centre, Putteridgewww.romorexhibitions.co.uk•Sporting Targets Junior Taster SessionAn opportunity for under 18s to experience archery, air rifles and clay pigeon shooting, this is a two hour event under the supervision of fully qualified 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. Please call for availability. Tickets £28, pre booking is essential.Sporting Targets, Riseley, BedsTel reception: 01234 708893www.sportingtargets.co.uk•Toys & Childhood Memorabilia AuctionBedford Auction Centre’s Toys and Childhood Memora-bilia sales provide a real trip down memory lane. Includes teddy bears and dolls, dolls’ houses, prams, trains and rail-way items, diecast vehicles and toys, lead soldiers, animals and other figurines, tin plate, Scalextric, Meccano, Bayko and other construction sets and more. Starts 10.30am. Bedford Auction Centre, Newnham Street, Bedfordwww.peacockauction.co.uk•Stotfold Mill Working Steam WeekendA rare opportunity to see a unique collection of steam-driv-en machines for ploughing, threshing and harvesting that revolutionised farming in the 19th century. Then watch the threshed grain conveyed to the mill, to be ground into Stotfold Mill’s quality stone-ground flour. With a beer tent and hot and cold refreshments. 10.30am-5pm. Running until 14th October. Adults £3, senior/child (4-16): £2.Mill Lane, Stotfold, Bedfordshirewww.stotfoldmill.com•Gilmore & Roberts Folk Music ConcertThis concert is the first of the 2012 - 2013 series of concerts for Dunton Folk. BBC Radio 2 Horizon Award nominees Katriona Gilmore and Jamie Roberts combine outstanding lap-tapping guitar, fiery fiddle and their trademark harmonies with considerable song writing tal-ent, to make a truly distinctive sound. A fully stocked bar is provided by John and Janice from the March Hare. 8pm start, tickets £10.St Mary Magdalene Church, Dunton, BiggleswadeEmail: duntonfolk@hotmail.co.uk www.duntonfolk.co.uk•Odell Village Hall WI Jumble Sale

Bedford Corn Exchange Box office: 01234 269519 www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk COmEdY COmiNG SOON: RUSSELL KANE - posturing Delivery SuNdAY 17TH mARCH 2013

OCTOBER 2012

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

9

Jumble sale in aid of the Odell Women’s Institute funds. The Hall will open at 10am to receive goods for jumble, cakes etc. Sale starts at 2pm. 50p entry for adults, children free. Tel Doreen Wheeler: 01234 720358 if goods need to be collected.Odell Village Hall, High Street, Odell•Rapunzel & The Tower Of Doom!It’s bad enough having a bad hair day but pity poor Rapunzel, spending her life in a tower with some strange woman using her captive’s locks as a step ladder. What sort of damage is that going to do to your hair? Theatre of Widdershins have taken this traditional tale right back to its roots and promises plenty of body, volume and loads of highlights. Starts 2.30pm, tickets £8 (£5 concessions), family ticket £22 (max 2 adults). Suitable for ages 4+Bedford Theatre, Bedford School, De Parys Avenue, BedfordBox Office: 01234 269519 www.bedfordtheatre.co.uk •Dance 4 All 2012Bedford Borough Council Sports Development Depart-ment presents the largest community dance festival in Bedford. All ages and abilities welcome - no experience in dance needed! Watch a stunning variety of dance perfor-mances and have a go at one of the many lessons available. Salsa, Zumba, Bollywood, Tango, Body Popping, Musical Theatre, Line Dancing, Street Dancing, Swing, Tap, Scot-tish Dancing and Cha Cha. 11.00am, tickets £2.00.Main Auditorium, Howard Room & Harpur Suite, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s SquareBox Office: 01234 269519 cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk•The Machine Shed BandLive music at The King’s Arms, St Mary’s StreetTel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk•Our Kind Of Music Soul/Funk NightThe return of our favourite soul and funk DJs. 9pm-1amThe Bedford Arms, Bromham RdTel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•RecoverLive music from 8.30pm at The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•DreadzoneLive music on the Main Stage, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, BedfordTel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Fat Lads’ DiscoHosted by Intobeats radio DJ, Ian Congdon-Lee. 10pm at The Exec Club, Lurke Street, BedfordTel: 01234 401500•Loaded Clubnight @ The PadIndie/rock n roll/old skool hip hop/beats & bass. 10pm-3-am, free entry before midnight.07860 454530 www.facebook.com/#!/thepadnightclub

Sunday 14th October •••••••••••••Great Barford Antiques FairNow is the time to invest in antiques, with over 20 stalls with an eclectic mix of treasures. 10am-4pm, admission £1. Great Barford Village Hall, Green End RoadTel: 01480 819148 Email: lesley@foxglove-events.co.uk•Autumn Fours, Pairs & Scullers, Head of the River RaceCrews from local clubs, schools and those from around the region race against the clock over a 2km course from Queens Park to Longholme. The best views are from Sovereign Quay, along the Embankment and the Butterfly Bridge. 9.30am-4.30pm.River Great Ouse, BedfordTel: 01234 353183 Email: events@bedfordrowing.co.uk www.bedfordrowing.co.uk•Lazy Sunday JazzLive music at The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham Rd. 2-4pm.Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•The King BeesLive music in Danny’s Bar from 4.30pm, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, BedfordTel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Jon’s Music QuizUp to £300 prize money! The King’s Arms, St Mary’s StreetTel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk•White Horse Quiz NightTeams of up to 6, 8.30pm, £1pp entry. Free bingo game for Sunday quizzers!The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•Olivia+Joff+SimonLive music at The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham Rd. From 8pm.Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•ExplosionBedford Corn Exchange hosts East Area Thai Kickbox-ing’s sixteenth Fight Night, promoted by Nigel Thompson, former English, Commonwealth and World Thai Boxing Champion. Explosion features some of the country’s best young up and coming Thai fighters. This ensures a big attraction, with over twelve bouts of non-stop action and the title belt also up for grabs. 5.00pm, tickets £18.00, VIP packages availableMain Auditorium, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square Box Office: 01234 269519 cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk

Monday 15th October •••••••••••Toys & Childhood Memorabilia AuctionBedford Auction Centre’s Toys and Childhood Memora-bilia sales provide a real trip down memory lane. Includes teddy bears and dolls, dolls’ houses, prams, trains and rail-way items, diecast vehicles and toys, lead soldiers, animals and other figurines, tin plate, Scalextric, Meccano, Bayko and other construction sets and more. Starts 10.30am. Bedford Auction Centre, Newnham Street, Bedfordwww.peacockauction.co.uk•Kiosk Happy Hour & StorytimeCake and a Cuppa £3.00 every weekday 8.30-9.30am plus Storytime at 9.30am for Under 5sThe Kiosk At The Park, Russell Park •Jazz Evening - Florence Moore & The AcademicsDouble bass player, Flo brings two other young musicians who also study at The Royal Academy: Ronan Perret on Vibes, and Ralph Wild on Sax. From 8.30pm at The Bedford Arms, Bromham Rd, BedfordTel: 1234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk

•Kinetik Vibes Dance AcademyTeaching classes in First Steps (2-4yrs), Street Dance (6-9 & 10-15yrs), Tiny Tap, Contemporary, Street Exam, Modern, Adult Ballet and Adult Tap.Goldington Green Lower School, Goldington Road, Bedford Tel: 01234 405933kineticvibes@hotmail.co.uk www.kineticvibes.com•Tony’s General Knowledge QuizThe King’s Arms, St Mary’s StreetTel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk•Open Mic NightHosted by local singer/songwriter Matt Roberts, 8.30pm til close. Just listen or join in!The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk

Tuesday 16th October •••••••••••Weekly Morning Walks at the RSPBTuesday weekly walks around the reserve. Come and admire the wildlife and enjoy the site. Everyone welcome. 9.30am-11.30am. Free for RSPB members, otherwise £3.RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy Tel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge•Kinetik Vibes Dance AcademyTeaching classes in Baby Jazz, Modern Dance, Street Dance (16yrs+), Cheerleading and Dance Aerobics. Goldington Green Lower School, Goldington Road, Bedford Tel: 01234 405933kineticvibes@hotmail.co.uk www.kineticvibes.com•Bedford National Trust Association: Ancient Life in the Biddenham LoopOrganised by the Bedford National Trust Association featuring a talk by Mike Luke. £2 for members, £2.50 for National Trust Members, £3 for non members. Doors 7pm for 7.30pm start.Addison Centre, Kempston, BedfordTel: 01480 860439 www.bedfordnt.org.uk•White Horse Quiz NightTeams of up to 6, 8.30pm, £1pp entry.The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•Meditation ClassesWeekly meditation classes held every Tuesday during term time. Learn to relax the mind and find inner peace. Drop-in classes suitable for everyone, from 7.30pm to 9pm. Cost £3.50-£5.Quaker House, 5 Lansdowne Road, Bedford Tel: 01604 686778 www.meditation-nagarjuna.org•Karaoke & CocktailsDanny’s Bar, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, BedfordTel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com

Wednesday 17th October •••••••Skeptics in the PubIn this talk, Alom Shaha will describe his personal experi-ences growing up in a Bangladeshi Muslim community in London, what role his science education played in his journey towards atheism and how, as a Physics teacher, he responds to the apparent conflict between science and religion in the classroom. 7pm for 7.30pm start.Fox and Hounds, Goldington Road, Bedford•Beer Tasting ClubTasting a range of bottled ales and discussing their merits. Please register your interest with Bev.From 8pm, The Bedford Arms, Bromham Rd, BedfordTel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•The Adventures Of Alvin Sputnick: Deep Sea ExplorerHouse & Theatr Mwldan present this Perth Theatre Company/Weeping Spoon production. Seas have risen, bil-lions have died. Alvin Sputnik is our only hope. He must venture to the bottom of the ocean to find his wife’s lost soul and save humanity. The Adventures of Alvin Sputnik is a tiny tale set in the deepest dark blue sea, of a solitary explorer with a heart as big as a whale. This multi award-winning piece is a one-man micro-epic about enduring love and the end of the world. Starts 8pm, tickets £9 (£7 concessions), family ticket £28 (max 2 adults), Bedford School students £5. Suitable for ages.Bedford Theatre, Bedford School, De Parys Avenue, BedfordBox Office: 01234 269519 www.bedfordtheatre.co.uk www.weepingspoon.com www.housetheatre.org.uk •Ridgeway Fundraising Quiz Night£5pp including ploughman’s supper.The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•The Biggest Jam Night in TownHuge open mic night in Danny’s Bar, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, BedfordTel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com

Thursday 18th October ••••••••••Kinetik Vibes Dance AcademyTeaching classes in Baby Ballet, Kiddie Street Krew, graded tap and ballroom.The Studio, Polhill Avenue, Bedford Tel: 01234 405933kineticvibes@hotmail.co.uk www.kineticvibes.com•Free Photo Editor SessionRushden Learning Centre, 12.00-4.00pmFor more information contact Kathryn Squires: 01933 358684

Friday 19th October ••••••••••••••Broadway & BeyondAn uplifting celebration of the best of musical theatre presented in an engaging and entertaining package by one of the country’s newest, brightest production companies. This thrilling mix of live music, movement and wit is per-formed by eight versatile West End professionals; compris-ing three all–singing, all-dancing actors accompanied by five musicians. Audiences will be captivated by their vocal dexterity and musical agility added to a dazzling array of costumes and the sounds of over a dozen instruments. 8.00pm, tickets £16.00Main Auditorium, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s SquareBox Office: 01234 269519 cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk•Guided Meditation EveningsCome along to weekly guided meditation evenings with Elizabeth Drake, using unique healing meditations to take you on a journey to inner peace. Take some time out, relax and meet like minded people. Refreshments included. All levels welcome. 6.30pm-8.30pm, £5 per person (first

session free). Friends Meeting House, Lansdowne Road, BedfordElizabeth Drake: 07816 236659 elizabethdrake@live.co.uk www.elizabethlilydrake.co.uk•The Other TribeLive music on the Main Stage, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, Bedford Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Bedford to VladivostockAn event run by The Italian Society from 8pm. For more information contact: ntjohnson1@hotmail.comThe Chapter House, St Peter de Merton Church, De Parys Avenue•As Daylight DiesLive music in Holy Moly’s, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, Bedford Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Exec Club Karaoke9pm, The Exec Club, Lurke Street, BedfordTel: 01234 401500•Karaoke with Diamond Fire8pm, The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk

Saturday 20th October ••••••••••Jan Kilcoyne & Marianda Twydell Exhibition at Eagle GalleryA week-long exhibition including glasswork and sculpture. Monday-Saturday, 10am-5.30pm, free admission.Eagle Gallery, Castle Road, BedfordTel Sarah Buckingham: 07983 759294www.eaglegalleryartists.co.uk•Benefit Dance for the Addison CentreDJ’s David and Viv play all the well known ballroom, latin, and sequence dances. Bring your own snacks. Spacious dance floor. Licensed bar, tea and coffee. Ample free parking on site. Reservations recommended for larger groups. Doors 7.15pm. Entrance off Hillgrounds Road.8-11.30pm. £5 per person. The Addison Centre, Bedford Road, KempstonTel: 01234 300179www.MelodyMagic.co.uk•RSPB Falling Leaves Open WeekendA fun weekend with a whole range of family activities, including making bird cake, bird ringing demonstrations and nature art for youngsters. Refreshments and snacks available. 11am-4pm, free entry, but some small charges depending on activity. Running until 21st October.RSPB, The Lodge, SandyTel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge•Rubylux/Cousin Avi/Olie Campbell/Amy Leeder/Jonny MuddLive music on the Main Stage, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, Bedford Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Fat Lads’ DiscoHosted by Intobeats radio DJ, Ian Congdon-Lee. 10pm at The Exec Club, Lurke Street, BedfordTel: 01234 401500•Loaded Clubnight @ The PadIndie/rock n roll/old skool hip hop/beats & bass. 10pm-3-am, free entry before midnight.07860 454530 www.facebook.com/#!/thepadnightclub

Sunday 21st October •••••••••••••Crafts, Cake & a CuppaCome to Woburn Village Hall Craft Fair and browse a wide variety of high quality local handmade art and craft items, produced by over twenty different crafters. Hot and cold refreshments will be available all day. Free parking in the large car park outside the hall. 10am-4pm, free admis-sion. Woburn Village Hall, Woburnwww.ccc-craftfairs.co.uk•Apple Day at Bromham Mill & GalleryJoin Bromham Mill and Gallery for an annual celebration of the brilliant British apple! 11am - 4.30pm. Adults £5, concessions £3, under 16s free. Free parking.Bromham Mill, Bridge End, BromhamTel: 01234 824330•Lazy Sunday JazzLive music at The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham Rd. 2-4pm.Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•The Workshop BoysLive music in Danny’s Bar from 4.30pm, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, BedfordTel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Jon’s Music QuizUp to £300 prize money! The King’s Arms, St Mary’s StreetTel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk•Nick & The Sun MachineLive music at The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham Rd. From 8pm. Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•White Horse Quiz NightTeams of up to 6, 8.30pm, £1pp entry. Free bingo game for Sunday quizzers!The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk

Monday 22nd October ••••••••••Kiosk Happy Hour & StorytimeCake and a Cuppa £3.00 every weekday 8.30-9.30am plus Storytime at 9.30am for Under 5sThe Kiosk At The Park, Russell Park•Jazz Evening - The Three NicksFeaturing Nick Walker on Baritone and Flute, Nick Page on Guitar and Nick Hill on Flugelhorn and Trumpet.From 8.30pm at The Bedford Arms, Bromham Rd, BedfordTel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Kinetik Vibes Dance AcademyTeaching classes in First Steps (2-4yrs), Street Dance (6-9 & 10-15yrs), Tiny Tap, Contemporary, Street Exam, Modern, Adult Ballet and Adult Tap.Goldington Green Lower School, Goldington Road, Bedford Tel: 01234 405933kineticvibes@hotmail.co.uk www.kineticvibes.com•Tony’s General Knowledge QuizThe King’s Arms, St Mary’s StreetTel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk•Open Mic NightHosted by local singer/songwriter Matt Roberts, 8.30pm til close. Just listen or join in!The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk

Tuesday 23rd October ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Weekly Morning Walks at the RSPB

Tuesday weekly walks around the reserve. Come and admire the wildlife and enjoy the site. Everyone welcome. 9.30am-11.30am. Free for RSPB members, otherwise £3.RSPB, The Lodge, SandyTel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge•Nicholas Nickleby Bedford Marianettes celebrate Dickens’ bicentennial with the World Premiere performance of this new musical by Tim Brewster. It’s a huge roller coaster of a story - laugh and cry with Nicholas as he makes his way in the quirky and often brutal Victorian world in his quest for justice. Starts at 7.30pm, running until 27th October.The Place Theatre, Bradgate Road, BedfordTel: 01234 354321 www.theplacebedford.org.uk•Kinetik Vibes Dance AcademyTeaching classes in Baby Jazz, Modern Dance, Street Dance (16yrs+), Cheerleading and Dance Aerobics. Goldington Green Lower School, Goldington Road, Bedford Tel: 01234 405933kineticvibes@hotmail.co.uk www.kineticvibes.com•White Horse Quiz NightTeams of up to 6, 8.30pm, £1pp entry.The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•Sally MorganSally Morgan star of Sky LIVING’s Psychic Sally: On The Road, returns for another phenomenal nationwide tour. The show will enable you to witness mediumship in its rawest form. Observing how the spirit world can communicate with us is an enlightening experience. Sally’s warm and bubbly personality has attracteda whole new audience to the spiritual world; many have been left amazed as she delivers messages with astounding accuracy. The evening is completely unpredictable; no two shows are ever the same. Often referred to as ‘Psychic to the Stars’, Sally has read for many celebrities and royalty alike including George Michael, Katie Price and most notably the late Princess Diana. Sally Morgan is experi-mental/investigational. There are no guaranteed or certain results and the show is for the purposes of entertainment. 7.30pm, tickets £24.00Main Auditorium, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s SquareBox Office: 01234 269519 cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk•Meditation ClassesWeekly meditation classes held every Tuesday during term time. Learn to relax the mind and find inner peace. Drop-in classes suitable for everyone, from 7.30pm to 9pm. Cost £3.50-£5.Quaker House, 5 Lansdowne Road, BedfordTel: 01604 686778 www.meditation-nagarjuna.org•Karaoke & CocktailsDanny’s Bar, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, BedfordTel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com

Wednesday 24th October •••••••Valuation Days Antiques & Collectors’ ItemsBedford Auction Centre’s team of valuers will be happy to advise on all antique/collectable items (no appointment neccessary). You are invited to bring along items for complimentary valuation advice (no obligation). For larger items, the team can do home visits – just call to make an appointment. Entries currently invited for our specialist sales of antiques, jewellery, 20th century design, rock and pop and memories of childhood. 10am-4pm.Bedford Auction Centre Tel: 01234 266 366www.peacockauction.co.uk•Higher Education Open Evening 5-8pm at Bedford CollegeFor more information: www.bedford.ac.uk/eventsTel: 01234 291000•The Uncook Dinner ClubLearn how to make 21 different three course dinners without cooking. 6pm-8.30pm.At the Friends Meeting House, 5 Lansdowne Road, Bed-ford. Contact Ann Peckham purpleann57@yahoo.co.uk www.sparklingenergy.co.uk•Stitch ‘n BitchBring any crafty project to The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham Rd, 7.30pmbeverlyjoburridge@gmail.com Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Cycling Club Fundraising Quiz Night£5pp including ploughman’s supper.The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•The Biggest Jam Night in TownHuge open mic night in Danny’s Bar, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, BedfordTel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com

Thursday 25th October ••••••••The Last Chance Ragtime BandLive music from 8pm at The Bedford Arms, Bromham Rd, BedfordTel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Kinetik Vibes Dance AcademyTeaching classes in Baby Ballet, Kiddie Street Krew, graded tap and ballroom.The Studio, Polhill Avenue, Bedford Tel: 01234 405933kineticvibes@hotmail.co.uk www.kineticvibes.com•Stephen Triffit is Frank SinatraStephen Triffitt’s story reads like a Hollywood film script; it is one of rags to riches and lucky breaks. It’s about a photocopier salesman from Weston Super Mare who became Sinatra. Today his show is arguably the number one and definitive tribute to Frank Sinatra on the plane. Stephen has performed in the Sands Casino Atlantic City, sang with Jools Holland, Mick Jagger, sold out shows at The Festival Hall and London Palladium, he has toured the USA, appeared regularly with the BBC Symphony Orchestra and performed at Simon Cowell’s 50th Birthday Party. Starts at 7.30pm, tickets £20.00. Main Auditorium, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square Box Office: 01234 269519 cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk

Friday 26th October •••••••••••The Smiths & Morrissey PhotographsAn exhibition at Rock City Art Gallery, running until 29th November. Castle Lane, BedfordTel. 01234 910448 info@rockcityart.com www.rockcityart.com•Marston Vale Ghost TrainCome and experience the Ghost Train - if you dare!

Spooky trains will whizz along the tracks, steering clear of ghouls and bats! Join the Fancy Dress Express at either Bedford Midland, Bedford St Johns or any of the stations served by the Marston Vale Line. A face painter and bal-loon modeller will be on board. There will also be refresh-ments on sale. All children in fancy dress will receive a special themed goody bag. Rail tickets can be purchased in advance from Bedford Tourist Information Centre. 4-8pm. Normal rail fares apply. The Marston Vale Line (Bedford - Bletchley)Email: Stephen Sleight: stephens@bedsrcc.org.ukwww.marstonvalecommunityrail.org.uk•Bedford College 20th Anniversary Exhibition Runs until Friday 30th November at Bedford College, South Banks Art Centre EntranceTel: 01234 291000•Guided Meditation EveningsCome along to weekly guided meditation evenings with Elizabeth Drake, using unique healing meditations to take you on a journey to inner peace. Take some time out, relax and meet like minded people. Refreshments included. All levels welcome. 6.30pm-8.30pm, £5 per person (first session free). Friends Meeting House, Lansdowne Road, BedfordElizabeth Drake: 07816 236659 elizabethdrake@live.co.uk www.elizabethlilydrake.co.uk•Liam Burke CD LaunchLive music in Danny’s Bar, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, Bedford Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Palma VioletsLive music on the Main Stage, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, Bedford Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Bedford Comedy ClubThis is one of Bedford’s most popular comedy nights fea-turing stand up comedians who are regulars on the London and national comedy circuit. These sell-out events are jam packed with three comedians plus a compére. 9.00pm, tickets £9.00 (advance), £10.00 (on the door)Harpur Suite, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s SquareBox Office: 01234 269519 cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk•Exec Club Karaoke9pm, The Exec Club, Lurke Street, BedfordTel: 01234 401500

Saturday 27th October ••••••••••OXJAM ALLDAYER Live music all day at multiple locations across Bedford raising money for Oxfam. All welcome!•Flame & ThunderAn action packed family day of drag racing, stunts and displays, including jet vehicles, dragsters, monster trucks, fireworks, a funfair, celebrity appearance, music and more. Gates 8am, tickets £13.60-£30.Santa Pod Raceway, Airfield Road, Poddington, Welling-borough Tel: 01234 782828 www.santapod.com•Odell Village Hall Fairtrade CaféDelicious drinks and eats for sale, plus a wide selection of fair trade goodies and gifts from around the world. 10am-12 noon, admission £1.50 including refreshments.Odell Village Hall, High Street, Odell, North BedfordshireTel: 01234 720234•National Trust Walking Festival 2012Local volunteers will be hosting a launch event at Dove-cote and Stables, the remains of a Tudor manorial complex in a peaceful setting close to Bedford River Valley Park. Starts 11am, free admission. Guided walks at 11am and 2pm. National Trust Dovecote and Stables, Church End, Willington Tel: 01480 301494www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-willingtondovecote•The Tendons 25th Anniversary ShowLive music in Danny’s Bar, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, BedfordTel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Maxwell, Hammer & SmithLive music at The King’s Arms, St Mary’s StreetTel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk•Karakoke with Crazy Horse8pm, The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•Fat Lads’ DiscoHosted by Intobeats radio DJ, Ian Congdon-Lee. 10pm at The Exec Club, Lurke Street, BedfordTel: 01234 401500•Loaded Clubnight @ The PadIndie/rock n roll/old skool hip hop/beats & bass. 10pm-3-am, free entry before midnight.07860 454530 www.facebook.com/#!/thepadnightclub

Sunday 28th October •••••••••••Randall’s Farm Wildlife Watch GroupCould you navigate your way through the jungle that is Randall’s Farm? Come and learn how. 2-4pm, £2 per child.Randall’s Farm, Stewartby, Bedford Email: randalls.farm.watchgroup@gmail.com•Halloween for childrenCome along to the RSPB anytime between 12pm and 4pm to carve a pumpkin, bob an apple, have a spooky face paint and show off your ghoulish Halloween outfits. Follow the trail to find the wicked witch of Sandy! Pumpkins sup-plied. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 12-4pm, adults free, children £5, RSPB Wildlife explorers £4.RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy Tel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge•Lazy Sunday JazzLive music at The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham Rd. 2-4pm.Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Frisco Halloween Sunday ShowLive music in Danny’s Bar from 4.30pm, Esquire’s, Bromham Road, BedfordTel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com•Thr3eLive music at The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham Rd. From 8pm.Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Half-term Wrestling SpectacularHigh-speed drama and excitement from the first bell to the last fall, submission or knockout as the stars of the wres-tling world invade the Corn Exchange for a huge grappling spectacular. Big names, big action from the top rope and beyond, presented by the country’s No. 1 matchmakers, Premier Promotions. This is great family entertainment at recession-busting prices, so bring the family. Buy two full-price tickets and get a third one free. 3.00pm, tickets

The Listing Continues on Page 10

Bedford Corn Exchange Box office: 01234 269519 www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk COmEdY COmiNG SOON: RUSSELL KANE - posturing Delivery SuNdAY 17TH mARCH 2013

OCTOBER 2012

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

10 Have Dreadzone been to The Drawing Room?

The Listing Continued from Page 9

£10 (adult), £9 (Concession), £36 FamilyMain Auditorium, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s SquareBox Office: 01234 269519 cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk•Jon’s Music QuizUp to £300 prize money! The King’s Arms, St Mary’s StTel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk•White Horse Quiz NightTeams of up to 6, 8.30pm, £1pp entry. Free bingo game for Sunday quizzers!The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk

Monday 29th October •••••••••••Elements - An Art ExhibitionA new show of original art by 45 Bedfordshire artists. Running until 22nd November, from Monday – Saturday, 10am-5.30pm. Eagle Gallery, Castle Rd, BedfordTel Sarah Buckingham: 07983 759294www.eaglegalleryartists.co.uk•It’s a Hoot! - Activity DayFind out more about owls with stories and craft activities. Booking essential. All children must be accompanied by an adult. 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm. Costs £2.50 per child.The Forest Centre and Millennium Country ParkTel: 01234 767037 www.marstonvale.org•Kiosk Happy Hour & StorytimeCake and a Cuppa £3.00 every weekday 8.30-9.30am plus Storytime at 9.30am for Under 5sThe Kiosk At The Park, Russell Park•Jazz Evening - Colin WatlingColin will play both Tenor and Soprano saxes this evening. Guitarist Nick Page heads up the supporting Trio. From 8.30pm at The Bedford Arms, Bromham Rd, BedfordTel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Kinetik Vibes Dance AcademyTeaching classes in First Steps (2-4yrs), Street Dance (6-9 & 10-15yrs), Tiny Tap, Contemporary, Street Exam, Modern, Adult Ballet and Adult Tap.Goldington Green Lower School, Goldington Road, Bedford Tel: 01234 405933kineticvibes@hotmail.co.uk www.kineticvibes.com•Tony’s General Knowledge QuizThe King’s Arms, St Mary’s StreetTel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk•Big Band Xtra Jam NiteHosted by local singer/songwriter Mat Roberts, 7.30pm til late. Just listen or join in!The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk

Tuesday 30th October ••••••••••Weekly Morning Walks at the RSPBTuesday weekly walks around the reserve. Come and admire the wildlife and enjoy the site. Everyone welcome. 9.30am-11.30am. Free for RSPB members, otherwise £3.RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy Tel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge•Kinetik Vibes Dance AcademyTeaching classes in Baby Jazz, Modern Dance, Street Dance (16yrs+), Cheerleading and Dance Aerobics. Goldington Green Lower School, Goldington Road, BedfordTel: 01234 405933kineticvibes@hotmail.co.uk www.kineticvibes.com•White Horse Quiz NightTeams of up to 6, 8.30pm, £1pp entry.The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•Meditation ClassesWeekly meditation classes held every Tuesday during term time. Learn to relax the mind and find inner peace. From 7.30pm to 9pm. Cost £3.50-£5.Quaker House, 5 Lansdowne Road, BedfordTel: 01604 686778 www.meditation-nagarjuna.org

Wednesday 31st October •••••••Gift & Treat FairA Gift and Treat Fair with over 35 exhibitors. Refresh-ments available. All proceeds to Sue Ryder Care, St John’s Hospice, Moggerhanger. 10am-4pm, £1.50 per adult, children under 14 go free.Bedford International Athletic StadiumEmail: joy.cooper-watson@suerydercare.org•Bedford Organ & Keyboard Club ConcertThe Bedford Organ and Keyboard Club presents organist Chris Powell in their 40th Anniversary Concert. Buffet for members only at 6.30pm before the concert which begins at 8pm. Tickets on the door, £4 members, £5 non-members. The Addison Centre, Kempston, BedfordTel: 01234 344423 bedsokc@gmail.com •Beer Tasting ClubTasting a range of bottled ales and discussing their merits. Please register your interest with Bev.From 8pm, The Bedford Arms, Bromham Rd, BedfordTel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk•Bent Fysh 2 Fry Theatre Company present Martin Sherman’s shocking play, Bent. In 1930s Berlin, Max and his lover/flatmate Rudy begin a nightmare odyssey through Nazi Germany. En route to Dachau, Rudy is killed and Horst, another homosexual prisoner, warns Max to deny Rudy, which he does. Max opts for the label ‘Jew’ rather than ‘queer’, but he and Horst are attracted to each other.. Starts at 7.30pm, running until 3rd November.The Place Theatre, Bradgate Road, BedfordTel: 01234 354321 www.theplacebedford.org.uk•Friends of Keech Fundraising Quiz Night£5pp including ploughman’s supper.The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, BedfordTel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk•Greg Davies - The Back of My Mum’s HeadGreg Davies returns with his brand new stand-up show. Since first coming to prominence as the sardonic Head of Sixth Form, Mr Gilbert, in The Inbetweeners, Greg has brought his unique brand of comedy to some comedy shows including Live at the Apollo; Mock The Week; Ask Rhod Gilbert; Would I Lie To You and Never Mind The Buzzcocks. 8.00pm, tickets £20.00Main Auditorium, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s SquareBox Office: 01234 269519 cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk

CC SMUGGLERS HEADLINE OxJAM AND GET pLAYED ON CORRIE!

muSiC

Richie Prynne, exhuberant lead singer/songwriter with CC Smugglers was thrilled when the band’s song ‘mother’s Ruin’ was used as background music on top telly soap Coronation Street on 9th September. The band were on ITV’s radar after Richie wrote and submitted a song extolling the virtues of the Bedfordshire Clanger (the other one - Ed), for Ade Edmondson’s

‘Ade in Britain’ programme. CC Smugglers are headlining for the Oxjam Bedford Takeover, at the Pad, on 27th October. They can be contacted on all social media using their name and they also have a website if you want to check them out.

www.ccsmugglers.co.uk

Weatherfield Loves Ya

OCTOBER 2012

THE PAd PRESENTS... DREADZONE + SpECIAL GUESTS KARL pHILLIpS And The MIDNIGHT RAMBLERS - Saturday 13th October -Bedford Esquires

muSiC

Following a busy show in 2011 at the now defunct Civic theatre, dREAdZONE make a second visit to Bedford this time to play the mighty Esquires (use it or lose it, people).

A favourite on the festival and live scene, a DREADZONE show is probably one of the best gigs you could wish to attend.

“A feast of bass heavy dubwise danceabil-ity” Clash

Hit records, critical acclaim and a huge, devoted fan base are theirs, due in part to their utterly storming live shows. The core members Greg Dread, original bassmaster Leo Williams, the unmistakable MC Spee, legendary reggae vocalist Earl 16 alongside

Chris Compton on guitar and Bazil on technology make up the current Dreadzone live line up. Electro-dub pioneers Dreadzone formed in 1993 when ex-Big Audio Dynamite drummer Greg Roberts teamed up with Tim Bran, with the duo soon joined by bassist Leo Williams and keyboardist Dan Dono-van, also formerly of Big Audio Dynamite, completing the group’s first line-up. A festival favourite, Dreadzone are still going strong after 18 years. Dreadzone released The Good, The Bad And The Dread - a compendium of their ex-cellent musical story so far in 2011 and their groundbreaking 1995 album ‘Second Light’ was re-released in March 2012 by EMI as a two disc special edition featuring previously unreleased live concert material.

Tickets priced £15 are on sale right now via WE GOT TICKETS and SEETICK-ETS and available without any booking fees from Danny’s Bar @ Esquires and Lucious Juice Bar in Lime Street.

By Gareth Barber

For a long time if you wanted to hear the most exciting new band in Britain, you knocked on a tall black door off the Lambeth Road (that’s in London, folks)An aging British Rail building - part art studio happening, part squat – Studio 180 was where south London’s Palma Violets were gestating, away from sunlight and the world at large. A thrilling rock’n’roll four piece were holed-up here writing songs “their friends could dance to” and occasion-ally putting on celebratory, ecstatic parties about which word quickly spread. Palma Violets are Sam Fryer (vocals/gui-tar), Chilli Jesson (vocals/bass), Pete May-hew (keyboard) and Will Doyle (drums). There is not much more we can tell you about Palma Violets that those in the know won’t already have heard - they’re being

talked about in the same breath as some of the biggest bands in the world, just check out some of their recent Live reviews to see why the music press is getting ever so excited. Their debut single ‘Best of Friends’ has been made ‘Hottest Record Of The Week’ just about everywhere too. All we know is that The Pad are pumped to have them for a show and think they could be one of the most important bands to pass through Bedford in a long, long time - Don’t sleep on this show would be our advice!

www.palmaviolets.co.ukDoors open 8pmTickets £7 Advance

Tickets are available NOW from Seetick-ets here: http://www.seetickets.com/Event/PALMA-VIOLETS/Bedford-Esquires/660365Also from Dannys Bar at Esquires and Luscious Juice Bar from Wednesday 5th September

FREE AFTERSHOW PARTY AT THE PAD - 11pm - 3am

THE PAd PRESENTS...pALMA VIOLETS // CHILDHOOD //THE JEBSFriday 26th October - Bedford Esquires

Cockney rebels

muSiC

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

11Nice one, Trev.

GREAT BEDFORDIANS AN ELECTION FOR GREAT BEDFORDIANS

On 8th September 2012, we took part in Heritage Open day at St. Paul’s Church.The theme of the day was ‘Great Bedford-ians’, so we decided to hold an election to find out which Bedfordians were important to our audiences. At first, when we talked to people about Great Bedfordians they said, ‘well there aren’t many, are there?’ However, loyal Clanger readers will know there are lots. In fact it was a very difficult job to narrow the list to 12 for the purpose of our shortlist. We made an official looking ballot paper, some campaign leaflets that gave informa-tion about our shortlisted Bedfordians, and borrowed an official ballot box. The best thing about the event was the conversations we had. We spoke to several people who remembered taxi driver and war veteran, Joe Clough. We spoke to lots of people that said they owed their education to the generosity of William Harpur, and others who had moved to Bedford to take up apprenticeships at WH Allen’s.

Trevor Huddleston won our election by a significant margin. Here is what you said about him:‘A man who wasn’t deterred by danger to himself’. ‘Horizons so far beyond Bedford.’ ‘He has been, and is, an inspiration’. Three candidates were tied for second place: William Harpur, WH Allen and Margaret Beaufort. Margaret Beaufort’s story earned respect and interest from many as she had ‘dominated during a time of male power.’ As our shortlist was less then compre-hensive, we also gave people the option to nominate a Great Bedfordian of their choosing. They didn’t have to be famous, just someone that they felt made Bedford better. Johnny Parry was also nominated as ‘Bedford’s own musical genius.’ There were nominations for Mo Lea, for her cam-paigning work for Victim Support and Dr Dora Mason for her work as a suffragette. If you want to see our list of Great Bed-fordians you can find them on Google Docshttp://bit.ly/OE8Efl and you can tweet us your votes and nominations @higginsbed-ford or email thehiggins@bedford.gov.uk

OCTOBER 2012

Illus

tratio

n: D

avid

Litc

hfiel

d

Trevor Huddleston

By The Revd Sharon Grenham-Toze

One of the things that’s often hardest for the men i deal with in the prison is the fact that they’re no longer in control of their lives. I suppose you might question whether many of them were in control before they came into jail, but there’s no doubt that once that steel gate clangs shut, there’s a very real sense of handing the power over your daily life to a complete stranger. In here, you eat when you’re told, shower when permitted, contact your family in a very limited way and so on.

Well, contrary to popular opinion, prison’s no holiday camp, so I don’t have a problem with the need for a tight regime. But I do see the effects that powerlessness can have on someone, and it can feel very scary. The families on the outside feel that same vulnerability too, and, very important-ly, so do the victims of crime, sometimes in an extremely damaging way. Part of my job is to get the men in Bedford prison to face up to the effects of their actions. Those effects can be seen in the damage they’ve inflicted on others and on themselves, and on society in general. It doesn’t always make me popular! But when you do see the penny drop, when someone genuinely wants to make amends, then they can begin to take back a bit of responsibility and control over their future.

If you think about it, none of us like to feel out of control. It happens when the boss is ordering us around, or our circumstances leave us with few choices; when illness takes over, or redundancy or divorce or whatever. We can feel powerless, and very scared and vulnerable too. Usually fighting it isn’t possible and isn’t the answer anyway. Sometimes we just have to accept we’re on a rollercoaster ride. You might have heard that little saying ‘Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.’ Ask for help, confide in a friend, let the crisis teach us about what’s really important and what’s just ‘the trimmings.’ Above all, where you can, take responsi-bility and control over the tiniest of things

– even if it’s just over how you’re going to behave towards others. The one thing we can always control is our attitude.

The Revd Sharon Grenham-Toze is the Co-ordinating Chaplain at HMP Bedford. She is an Anglican priest, and lives locally. She’s also a regular broadcaster for BBC Ra-dio 2 and 4 – you may have heard her on BBC Radio 2’s Breakfast Show, with Chris Evans, giving us ‘Pause for Thought.’

BEHIND THE WALLS WITH A pRISON CHApLAINRELiGiON

in 1999 an unexpected turn of events brought about the birth of Garden Friends.Mark suffered a heart attack whilst in his high level job with a national charity. Although frightening at the time it was the jolt that made him and wife Val decide to work for themselves in the fresh air with plants and vegetables. In 2006 Mark & Val started their veg-etable box delivery service, combining their salad crops with the produce of other local growers they knew. In just one year they went on to win the UKTV Food Local Food Hero for East Anglia and now delivered to 400+ custom-ers throughout Central Bedfordshire, North Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire. Mark & Val still had one more dream to fulfil. They really wanted run a farm shop to sell local vegetables, meat, cheese, bread, honey, preserves and local crafts.

A chance conversation with the owners of Roxton Garden Centre led to Garden Friends gaining permission to build a cabin within the garden centre and the farm shop opened in April 2009. The shop only stocks produce from the surrounding local area. They also support 25 other producers by having a selection of their produce and crafts in the shop Mark & Val have also received awards from The Campaign for Protection of Rural

England and The Countryside Alliance in recognition of our work with Bedfordshire Producers & Crafts People

www.gardenfriendsvegetablebox.come-mail:gardenfriendsveg@btinternet.comTel: 01480 210383 (answerphone)

FOOdGARDEN FRIENDS FARM SHOp & VEGETABLE BOx SCHEME: A SHORT HiSTORY

iLLuSTRATiONBy Marisa Stracciamadamebogg.blogspot.co.uk

THE DRAWING ROOM was an interactive public art installation by The Circus of Illustration and We Are Bedford at 24 mill Street Pop up, Bedford.

We made it as democratic as possible, which funnily enough resulted in what looks like anarchy.It was free to participate in our literal draw-ing room. You could draw anywhere: On the white walls, the white floor, the white furniture and the white ornaments. The only rules were no swears and no saucy body parts (that rule was broken, thankfully, the offending article was transformed into an elephant). People of all ages, cultures and abilities got stuck in together. Families and individuals arrived to find a welcoming lively creative space. The room was a shop front, so passing pedestrians would stop, and have a good look at the hustle and bustle of the spectacle inside. Some were intrigued enough to wander in and pick up a pen to join in, others took photos. The public seemed genu-inely amused with what was happening. PHEW! It got so hot in there! The south facing glass frontage magni-fied the heat of the warm September sun. The smell of marker pens mixed with the odour of busy bodies wasn’t exactly fragrant, but it didn’t seem to bother anyone. Everyone who participated did so with much enthusiasm. The naughtiness of drawing on walls and furniture, activities that are usually strictly forbidden at home really delighted the children who took part. We couldn’t control what or where stuff was being drawn, so it was a surprise to walk around the room once the shop was emptied. So many little details (a beautifully swirly table leg), and written mes-sages (‘Paul Young woz

here’), we spotted border-line misbehavior (a catheter attached to a whoopee cushion) and odd characters (a cloud throwing up a rainbow). Many extrodinary doodles were discovered. The day was a huge success. The final head count was around 240 people over the 6 hours the pop-up shop was open. If you want to see the fun results of a day of collaborative buzzing doodling energy the Circus of Illustration have a full photo album documenting the day. Please visit; www.facebook.com/circusofillustration Finally, a HUGE THANK YOU goes out to Kayte Judge of We Are Bedford. For the Circus, putting on this event has been a doddle compared to all the boring admin, red tape, fine-tuning and stressful meet-ings required for organising these empty shop projects. The behind the scenes work shouldn’t go unnoticed and it’s not easy to do. So Kayte, on behalf of the Circus of Il-lustration, we salute you. Thanks for giving us this opportunity to put on our illustration show for Bedford.

The Circus of illustration website is bedfordshireillustrators.tumblr.com

Find the Circus of Illustration on Facebook and Twitter to get the spooky scoop on their upcoming Halloween Drink & Draw event.

in the drawing Room

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

12 Get set for Oxjam!

OxjAm

OCTOBER 2012

OxJAM pOpS Up AT MILL STREETOn Saturday 29th September and 6th October, Oxjam Bedford Takeover and Reaction visual media, will be ‘popping-up’ in an empty shop at 24 mill Street, transforming the shop into a hub of local music and culture!Oxjam Bedford Takeover was awarded the We Are Bedford Bursary to fill local empty spaces. They will be hosting two days of music-related activities to raise awareness of their work for Oxfam. Both weekends will see the ex-bridal shop transformed into a gallery space featuring a photographic exhibition of local bands taken by up and coming local music

photographers and a display of rare original comic art, prints, comic covers and toys from Star Wars to Spider-man. Photo-graphs will be for sale, with all proceeds going to Oxfam, and there will be opportuni-ties for everyone to see their heroes in their original format, have fun drawing in the ‘Design a Super-hero’ competi-tion, and relax in the reading room! On Saturday 29th the space will be trans-formed into a record shop with a difference. Oxjam Bedford are hosting a CD, record, book and DVD exchange to raise money for Oxfam. Why not bring along your old stuff and get swapping? Try before you swap or

buy with our listening posts. On October the 6th you will have a chance to get ‘hands on’ in a range of music lessons for beginners to budding Buddy Holly’s, culminating in a guitar master class by guitar genius, Max Milligan. For times and details of how to book, visit the Oxjam Bedford website, www.oxjambedfordtakeover.co.uk.

Rock City Art in Bedford is holding a career-spanning photographic exhibition of The Smiths & Morrissey on October 26th.

The show will feature classic images including Stephen Wright’s iconic shot of the band outside Salford Lads Club which featured as the sleeve artwork for ‘The Queen Is Dead’.It is impossible to deny The Smiths’ impact on the music scene. This is the perfect op-portunity to remind yourself of Mozza et als visual impact too. Rock City Art, Castle Lane, Bedford.www.rockcityart.com

A PHOTOGRAPHiC ExHiBiTiON OF THE SMITHS & MORRISSEYOCTOBER 26TH - NOvEmBER 29TH 2012

PHOTOGRAPHY

Strangeways, Here We Come

ViSiT HiSTORiC ANDALUCíAModern 4 person apartment with

pool in stunning white town close to unspoilt Costa de la Luz &

mountains of Sierra Grazalema national park.

Jerez/Seville/Gibraltar/Malaga airports.

Available all year round. Short/long lets.

Tel 0791 3342654 or visit www.andaluzshop.co.uk

www.woodfi nes.co.uk

For further information, please contact Nicola:

nadcock@woodfi nes.co.uk

Date: Wed 10th October 2012Venue: Bedford Corn Exchange Time: 6pm – 8pm

Woodfi nes Solicitors are holding an informal evening where you can ask any question about the house-buying process. Call in at any time between 6pm and 8pm for a free chat and get the answers and guidance you need.

Looking to buy your fi rst home?

Need advice?

WF0243 FTB Ad Resize 105x85 AW.indd 1 21/8/12 17:01:08New Menu, New LookLunchtime Salad Bar, Eat-In or Take-Away

Freshly prepared take-away ready meals – Wine available too!

Fully Licensed 20 Castle Lane, Bedford

Tel: 01234 269961www.cafeangelo.com

@cafeangeloscafeangelos

bedfords blackrock grill

••Follow the cafeangelos duck on facebook••

WINNER OF ITV’S BEST ELVIS30th November £25.00 per ticket

The Venue, 290, Hillgrounds Road,Kempston,Bedford, MK42 8UB Tel. 07850 005607 or 01234 852291To include a 2 course carvery meal

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

13I want to ride my bicycle.

OCTOBER 2012

FOUNDFound is a shared exhibition demonstrating different ways in which the found object can be used in artistic production.

The two participating artists both work with objects, but in very different ways: Jan Kilcoyne will be showing a range of work that uses the expressive and aesthetic qualities of the found object. The main body of the exhibition continues her focus on the changing status of the book within contemporary culture, this includes a piece

that has just returned from the Wirksworth Arts Festival, one of a small number of commissioned pieces for the festival. Marianda amasses a selection of ‘stuff’ and then puts it together in different ways, wrapping, binding, painting, adding maybe drawings or placing them into boxes or frames. The juxtaposition of unrelated objects can form an interesting new object, making us view things in a new way. It’s a different and interesting exhibition and well worth ‘finding’ time to make a trip down Castle Road.

Eagle Gallery, 101 Castle Road, Bedford MK40 3QP 20 to 27 October 10am - 5.30pm Sunday 11.30am - 4.00pm

ART

Please register for FREE entry to the Expo, Rob Brown presentationand workshops at www.bestbusinessexpo.co.uk/contact

Rob Brown

THE SALES GENERATION & BUSINESS MOTIVATION EVENT

10th October 2012 B E S T B U S I N E S S

E X P O

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS AT THIS EVENT CONTACT PETER DONN E: peter@bbexpo.co.uk T: 020 8950 0413

JOINTLY SPONSORED BY

Rob Brown is a world leading authority on networking and business relationships. He is author of over 50 publications, including the bestseller ‘How to Build Your Reputation’.

Rob is Head of the Global Networking Council, featuring the world’s greatest networking thinkers, authors and experts. He hosts the online Networking Giants Radio Show with these gurus on the topics of business networking, online networking, persuasion,

During our event, Rob will facilitate a live networking session, which will give everyone

John Kettley

Business turn-around expert and sales training

known as one of the UK’s

showing people in

business how to rapidly increase their sales revenues and

Design – Deploy –

Understand.

specialist in Corporate

MAIN EXPO PRESENTATION - 1 PM

Gallery Workshop:PROFIT FROM VISION

Steve CollinsonGallery Workshop:

LAYMAN’S GUIDE TO CLOUD COMMUNICATIONS

The Forest CentreMarston Vale Millenium Country ParkStation Road, Marston MoretaineBedfordshire MK43 OPR

Please register to get FREE ENTRY to Best Business Expo. BOOK AT: www.bbexpo.co.uk or contact Peter Donn 07786 066501

CYCLE CINEMA pEDALS INTO TOWNBy Naomi Barnwell of moviefarm.

Bedford played host to a cycle-powered cinema on Saturday 22nd September.

Screened to a crowd of woolly hat donning film fans, the film, the 2003 animation Bel-leville Rendez-vous, aired in the ambient light of Castle Quay’s restaurants. As the event’s title suggests, the screen-ing of the film was powered entirely by the constant cycling of two volunteer cyclists. Reinforcing the theme of green living, as well as providing a special end to Bedford’s celebration of European Mobility Week, the event, presented by School of Us, was sup-ported by local outfits including The Lane, The Bedford Clanger, Luscious Juice Bar and We Are Bedford. Thankfully the fate of the gods were with the audience and the night stayed dry, allowing the candles surrounding the area to remain lit throughout. Wine flowed as did general merriment as the last technical adjustments were made. Audience members volunteered throughout the film’s 78 minute run-time and helped power the film’s pro-jection for the crowd to enjoy. The choice of film was decidedly apt, with cycling forming the main crux of Bel-leville Rendez-vous. A film with surpris-ingly little dialogue, it relies more heavily

on its visual gags. Heart-warming and touching, the film touches on everything from a grandmother’s love to the determina-tion to achieve life-long goals... whether it be competing in the Tour de France or getting your bowl filled with tasty food. The film features an impressive sequence

that involves a cycle-powered cinema much like that held in the event, helping not only break the fourth wall of cinema-going, but adding an extra fun element to the screen-ing. Overheard amidst the excited babble on the autumnal night were approving lines such as ‘I think [cycle energy] is the future’ and that it is a ‘great way to teach kids’ the importance of renewable energy. Enjoying a remarkable turnout that could prove to encourage future open air cycle-powered cinema screenings in the local area, the event brought film fans together in a unique environment where they could discuss their favourite films over a bottle or two of cider whilst jugglers juggled and the lights of arriving bikes lit the scene with their warm glow. Let’s face it; nothing quite lives up to enjoying a jaunty and emotive movie in the open air on a cool September night, a night on the cusp of autumn, whilst snuggled up in a blanket nibbling on snacks, does it?www.moviefarm.co.uk

FiLm

CLANGER CLASSIFIED- Text only (or print ready pdf)- max. 50 words- dimensions 44mm x 44mm

Email: bedfordclangerads@gmail.com

or call 07799 067052 to find out more

THE BEDFORD CLANGERA family business providing support and service when you need it.Open and honest pricing policy37 St Cuthberts Street, Bedford MK40 3JGTel: 01234 363191 (24 hours) www.molyneuxjones.co.uk

Molyneux JonesFamily Funeral Directors

Phot

os: G

raha

m W

atso

n

Looks wheelie good fun

pOp Up pEOpLEWe Are Bedford, The Circus of Illustration and Anne-Maria Stijelja have brought the former bridal shop at 24 mill Street to life with their creative empty shop projects.

The combined events attracted around 500 people to view and participate in arts projects funded by We Are Bedford’s bursaries.We Are Bedford’s Mill Street Pop Up continues to delight and enthrall with a variety of Oxjam Bedford Takeover projects through-out October...@wearethecircuswww.amstijelja.com

ART

Please mr. Postman

deliver the letter, the sooner the better

Phot

os: G

raha

m W

atso

n

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

BOO!14

COFFEE & CAKEFRESCOES COFFEE ANd CAKEby Alice Smith

in the spirit of this being the COFFEE and cake column, i do usually try out the coffee option.

Partly because I love good coffee, and partly because the quality of coffee does tend to vary wildly from place to place, whereas the tea tends to be more, well, consistent. Or at least that’s what I thought, until I went to have a cup of tea at Frescoes in Mill Street. Not just your average cuppa, Frescoes make a point of serving fresh, loose leaf tea. Taylors of Harrogate loose leaf tea to be exact. The excitement of be-ing handed a little tea-strainer and leaf-pot (I am not sure of all the technical tea-terminology here,) was quite a revelation. And it does make the tea taste extraordi-narily good. I had Earl Grey, but the menu includes more exotic teas, as well as really good freshly-ground coffee, chai lattes, Iced Spiced Chai and a natural energy drink called Fire Fly. In cake terms, you cannot go too far wrong either. The bestsellers here are carrot cake, and coffee cake, both of which looked incredible. I tried the ‘guest’ cake, which just so happened to be a delicious lemon torte. Zingy AND gooey, and served with cream, it was a lemony triumph. Frescoes is a long-standing Bedford tea-and-cake institution, and have built up a lot of happy regular customers who chat away to the friendly staff. In addition to the cake options, they have a brilliant sandwich, panini, and lunch menu – the specials board for the day I popped by included stuffed jacket potato skins, which looked delicious.

If you’re looking for somewhere to have a quick cup of tea with the children in tow, Frescoes has space inside and out for bug-gies and roaming toddlers, and they do a milkshake in a proper milkshake glass. This is pretty much your average 3 year old’s idea of heaven. Plus, they were more than happy to put the remains in a paper cup with a straw and a lid, so that leftovers can come home with you. Milkshake to go is a VERY good way of winning over the younger clientèle. In the month when another branch of Costa is due to open its doors in Bedford, it is well worth remembering that small local coffee shops in the town centre offer a menu to rival the big chains, as well as faultless, friendly service and a welcoming atmosphere. Now that’s my cup of tea!

Frescoes, 20 Mill Street, Bedford tel: 325727Like them on Facebook too!

SPONSORS OF: LOCAL HEROES

Shelia Coop, Linda Virgin and Sarah Underwood - STORYTELLiNG SuPERSTARSAs Bedford Central Library celebrates its 40th birthday this year, so too does Story and Rhyme Time. Since the library opened its doors in 1972, the children’s library has welcomed Bedford’s under 5s to a twice-weekly story telling session to encourage a lifetime’s love of books. We love Story and Rhyme Time’s hosts Sheila Coop, Linda Virgin and Sarah Un-derwood and felt they were long over-due recognition for their unbridaled enthusiasm and passion for sharing books with the pre-school literati of the town. We hope that their nomination for our Local Hero award will go someway to showing our apprecia-tion! For many years, the children’s library was on the top floor and Story & Rhyme Time was kept well away from the library’s other users. However, as libraries have be-come more interactive and children are no longer to be ‘seen and not heard’, the chil-dren’s library has been incorporated onto the first floor, songs have been included into the S&RT format and the kids are loving it!

So ladies, what are today’s most popular books? Modern greats such as the Gruffalo, or have enduring classics such as The Hun-gry Caterpillar stood the test of time? Linda, Sheila and Sarah were unanimous: ‘Bear Hunt, The Gruffalo, Very Hungry Caterpil-lar, Spot the Dog, The Jolly Postman, Dr Suess and the Mr Men all remain popular. Although anything with underpants or poo always goes down well!’ Want to witness our literary heroines in action for yourself? Then get yourself and your pre-schooler down to the Library every

Tuesday from 2 - 2.30pm or Thursday 11 - 11.30am.

Want to nominate a Local Hero? Then either email thebedfordclanger@gmail.com or pop into the Kiosk in the Park and let Emma know who you’d like to put forward. The lucky winner(s) will be invited to the Kiosk for a coffee and cake. Yum!

OCTOBER 2012

REEMby Stephen Bywater

Reem, which has been on the High Street for three years, has become the classic Lebaneserestaurant. Sam and his wife have worked hard to bring authentic dishes to Bedford from their native Lebanon and understandably pride themselves on sourcing fresh ingredients, cooking in the traditional manner and creat-ing an ambience which gives the diner a glimpse of the exotic. Thoughts of Beruit, Omar Khayyam and Arabian Nights spring to mind, but the real journey begins with the menu. The thirty different mezzes, hot and cold, will give anyone from outside of the Middle East the almost impossible task of deciding how to begin. To overcome our dilemma our Syrian guide, the dark-eyed lover of one of Bedford’s most well known actors, along with Sam the proprietor, helped us to steer a steady course. In the end we ordered eight mezzes and only one main course, the plan being to return one lunchtime or evening to do justice to charcoal grills and Lebanese wraps. Hummus, of course, had to be ordered

and we went for hummus beiruty, a puree of chickpeas mixed with sesame sauce, chilli, garlic, lemon and olive oil. Beiruty, like a gust of the sirocco, carried with it the warmth of the Arab world, and though a sip of the Lebanese house red was enough to quench the fire, the hummus was a sure and steady step on what can only be described as a culinary pilgrimage. Other dishes quickly followed. Fattoush, a salad with crispy Lebanese bread; Batata Harra, pota-toes fried with fresh coriander, garlic and peppers; Kibbeh Makelieh, meatballs with crushed wheat, onion and lamb. Each dish was a new experience, each dish charmed and beguiled, the taste of a distant land, the glimpse of a Bedouin tent in midnight blue. If you haven’t read the Rubaiyat, a stun-ningly beautiful twelfth-century poem trans-lated from the Arabic in 1859 in Bletsoe’s Falcon Inn, my advice is to read a line or two, try the avocado juice with honey and pistachio, order Reem Kalag, a charcoal-grilled Lebanese bread filled with halloumi cheese, and let your mind reflect on the word Reem, an Arabic word which carries with it gazelle, beauty and grace. Opening Hours Mon: Closed / Tue-Sat: 11am till Late / Sun: 1pm to 8pm Tel: 01234 211200 / 89 High Street, Bedfordwww.reemrestaurant.com

REviEW WOODFINES OFFER ADVICE TO FIRST TIME BUYERSOn Wednesday 10th October, Woodfines Solicitors will host an informal Q&A eve-ning for first time buyers. The event, which will take place at the Bedford Corn Exchange between 6pm and 8pm, encourages anyone thinking of taking their first steps onto the property ladder to drop in and ask Woodfines’ experienced

Conveyancing team any questions they would like answering about the house buy-ing process. During the evening, which is free to at-tend, there will also be a presentation giving tips on buying a first home and a free prize draw to win a £100 Ikea Gift card towards furnishing a new home.

For further information, please contact Nicola at Woodfines on 01234 270 600 or email at nadcock@woodfines.co.uk

PROPERTY

if you’re under 14 and live in Bedford’s Black Tom area you’ll know that come All Hallows Eve there’s only one thing to do - TRICK OR TREAT! This year, make sure you include The Burnaby Arms in your travels as Steve and Lucie will have lots of treats, apple bobbing and pin the nose on the witch plus a prize for the most spooktastic girl & boy. Pop in anytime from 5.30pm to take part in the fun and games.

Crazy costume judging will take place at 6.30pm.

The Burnaby Arms, Stanley Street, Bedford.

SpOOKTACULAR FUN AT BLACK TOM’S BURNABY ARMS

HALLOWEEN

Pictured: September’s Local Hero Carol Harrison, her son Rhys, her husband john and Sally Brown who nominated her. Also, Clanger representative & coffee and cake correspondent, Alice Smith.

Illustration By M

arisa Straccia

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

15When was the last time you visited the library?

OCTOBER 2012

66 Stanley Street, Bedford, MK41 7RU 01234 330056A rather lovely pub in the heart of Black Tom

4 Cask Ales with a regular guest | Selection of Quality Wines | Courtyard GardenFind out more at

Facebook: TheBurnabyArmsBedford / Twitter: @TheBurnabyArmsBedford

BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE MUSEUM THE HiGGiNS – A HOmECOmiNGBy Gemma Hutton

This week we’ve been moving from our temporary offices into our beautiful newoffices at The Higgins.

it’s been emotional. This morning when i arrived at The Higgins ready for a day of work for the first time, i felt very excited to be working at such a wonderful place.

Although we have had to put some signs on the floor, so that we can find our way about. it’s all very new.

it feels as though we’re nearing the home stretch. Obviously there is still a huge amount of work to be done. We’ve moved the desks and computers, but most of our files and paperwork are still on route. Soon the fit-out of the display spaces will begin, with the work phased so that it starts at one end of the building and moves to the other. Then we’ll be starting to move the collections back in and putting the artefacts on display - but more on that soon. Exciting times!

There are now some signs of life popping up all over the building.

This will be our new library.

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

16

Celebrating 30 years in Bedford as an independent family owned business.Sewing machines may of changed but our good old-fashioned service values haven’t

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 LINESWe now offer a NEW curtain and blind making service too so call in for a quote.

BEDFORD in Lurke Street 01234 350186 SingersBedford.com

BEDFORDMORE THAN JUST SEWING!

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

Designer Extraordinaire: Marisa Straccia (@madamebogg)Advertising Director: Gemma Rogers (@clangerads)Listings Supremo: Bev Burridge (@... well, we just love her)Front Cover: Terri GipsonGreat Bedfordian illustration: David LitchfieldOxjam illustration: Adam BorehamSnappy Snappers: : Graham Watson, Donnie Canning, Jon West, Jane

Perrone, Andrew Foster, Emma Garrett, Shaun ArmstrongCoffee & Cake Correspondents: Alice & Tilly SmithFoodie: Stephen BywaterGardening Editor: Jane PerroneAdditional Editorial: Alice Smith, David Litchfield, Gareth Barber, Gemma Hutton, Marisa Straccia, Jacqueline Haddock

Okay. Stop faffing about now.

OCTOBER 2012

pHAFF & pOTTERissue 2 of phaff&potter (Sept/Oct) features; the fashion EYE on London, Alan Clam Clan interview and toco-incide with theBedford Beer Festival the boys from Phaff&Potter bring you a special booze related feature:

The following beers are doing the rounds in a local near you...

Clattering Hatchett, Laughing Narwhal brewery - grassy notes, musty oats, hats and Hilary hoops - a rapturous flavour!Floppington’s: Leering Ferret - light on the pallet, heavy on the rectum.Mufftons: Merkin Mild - nutty, tacky, berky, yet hacky - a triumph of taste!Norris hackblaster - bloody awful.

Pub news: The Fist of Ham, Chimpton-

on-Hampton, is to become a gastro-pub since Marco Merrick-Terry-Lee took over in March this year. Planning permission has been given to paint over the locals in ‘heritage’ colours, whilst their faces will be stencilled over with floral designs.

P&P 2 available in similar places to The Clanger...

Make contact with Phaff &Potter:e-mail: phaff@potter@gmail.comfacebook/phaff&pottertwitter @phaffandpotterblog: phaffandpotter.wordpress.com

BOOZE ‘NEWS’

The Bromham Mill and Gallery will once again host the hugely popular annual Apple Day on Sunday 21st October from11am – 4.30pm.

This fab event celebrates the British apple in all its glory, with plenty of food and drink on offer as well as a vast array of fun activities. Apple Day will give vistors a chance to try some or the finest quality apples available, and will provide people with an opportunity to show support for local businesses and produce. You’ll be invited to taste fresh cider at the cider bar, indulge yourself with the hog roast, or enjoy the Tug O War. There will also be displays from morris dancers, sheep dogs, birds of prey, and you can even have a wager on the ever-popular ferret racing! The traditional dish of Bedford, the Bedfordshire Clanger, which comprises of pastry with a savoury filling at one end, and a sweet treat

at the other, will also be available. For those that may have an apple tree in their back garden, but are unsure what type it is, or would like to know how they could make the most out of its fruit, bring an apple along from the tree and it’ll be eyed-up for identification. Expert advice will be on-hand on topics surrounding how to grow your own apples, and what types of apples are best for individuals - there will be fresh apple juice to sample, along with the fun tradition of apple bobbing. Cllr Doug McMurdo, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture at Bedford Borough

Council said: “Last year’s Apple Day saw approximately 1,500 turn up to embrace the community spirit that this event generates. This is a great family day out for all to enjoy!” This event is supported by the ‘East of England Apples and Orchards Project’, a charity working towards guaranteeing the future of local orchards across the East of England. The apples for this event will be supplied by Cam Valley Orchards, one of the few commercial run orchard sites left in the East of England.

Tickets for Apple Day are £5.00 for an adults, £3.00 for a concession,

and under 16s accompanied by an adult enter for free! Parking is also FREE.

If you are interested in entering a group for the Tug O War, contact the team at Bromham Mill on 01234 824330 or email bromham.mill@bedford.gov.uk

To find out more about Bedford’s tradi-tional Laxtons apples and our community orchards, turn to Jane Perrone’s column on page 3.

APPLESAppLE DAY - A juiCY dATE FOR THE diARY!

ART

iNFiNTE 29: ART TRAIL IN BEDFORD CELEBRATES WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAYby Jacqueline Haddock

Wednesday 10thOctober is World Mental Health Day, and several key mental health organisations in Bedford have pulled together to organise an art trail that will celebrate the significance of art in mental health and recovery. Julie Bailee from SEPT mental health services is coordinating the art trail that will extend from the high street and arcades to Pigeon Square and various other locations in the town centre. Those supplying art work are Barford Avenue Day Care Centre and the Day Resource Centre; service user led and Bedford based Creativity for Well-being group “Infinite29”, and Addaction, a charity that works with people suffering

from drug and alcohol addiction. The trail hopes to inform people of the benefits of art and creativity for positive mental health, dispel myths about mental health problems and show the wealth of tal-ent and potential of service users and those who encounter mental health difficulty and stigma in the wider community due to misunderstanding. With 1 in 4 people experiencing mental health problems at some time in their lives, a better under-standing amongst the general population is imperative in helping people overcome these difficulties. The trail will include painting, photog-raphy, sculpture, poetry, video and street art by service users, that will be displayed in Pigeon Square and in various empty shops and locations around the town and at 123 CREATE. Infinite29 group will also be showing a slideshow and video Instillation of its work on a Rave Bus located in the town centre as part of the trail. The bus has been provided courtesy of BCA in support of Infinite29’s contribution to the art trail and its Creativity & Wellbeing work at 123 CREATE.

A purrrfect likeness