THE BEDFORD

CLANGER

M AY 2 0 1 6

#BREAKTHESTIGMA

THE BEDFORD CLANGER 

LETTER FROM
THE EDITOR

We are very proud this

month to have teamed up
with Ben Salmons from the
#breakthestigma campaign to
shine a light on mental health
and well-being. Ben set up the
initiative to encourage people
to speak positively about
their mental health issues. We
co-hosted an event with him at
Bedford Market on Saturday
16th April and you can see
some of the inspirational
people that took part and read
some of their stories on pages 4 and 5. This is just the start of
our collaboration with #BreakTheStigma, so if youd like to get
involved in the future, please get in touch.
As usual, theres an amazing array of theatre, live music, art
and culture to get stuck into this month. We really are lucky to
have so many people making so much great stuff happen here.
Go to thebedfordclanger.com for more info on forthcoming
events, plus interviews, additional features and more.
Erica, Julia & Team Clanger

TH E
C L A NG E R

NEWS IN BRIE

MAY 2016
F

CROWD-FUNDING FOR
CASTLE QUAY WEEKENDER

In 2011, the seven empty units of Castle Lane became the venue for We Are Bedfords free arts
festival, the Castle Quay Weekender. Five years on and all the units are now full, the area is
buzzing with life and the Castle Quay Weekender is back. But they need your help.
This summers festival will take place on 18th and 19th June and is a grassroots initiative to
celebrate Bedfords Cultural Quarter. Organised by the local businesses and not-for-profit groups,
the free event will showcase local musicians, artists and designers plus the best of Castle Lanes
food, art and culture. The main stage will host live music, childrens activities will take place on
Castle Mound, the BedPop Record Shop will pop up at the Higgins and an affordable art & design
fair will take place on the Higgins lawn. There will also be a Museum of Happiness and Friends
of Refugees will be raising awareness & funds as part of the festivities.
We want to evoke the same DIY spirit that made the first CQW so special the can-do attitude of the
people of Bedford to make something brilliant happen without huge budgets, corporate sponsorship or
commercial agendas, said co-organiser, Alan Cooley. We are appealing for help to crowd-fund 1,500
to pay our musicians and performers, and were hoping that the local community will get behind this.
The live music will be provided by a mix of the best local bands and special guests, including
The Darling Mundaring, Painted Lady and Rebecca de Winter. They will be joined by a host of
DJs and local talent to entertain the crowds over the weekend.
The whole weekend will be packed full of great stuff for all the family, said Alan. Its by the community, for the community. Everyone who
contributes to our crowd-fund will get their name in the programme and benefit from the warm fuzzy feeling of making great stuff happen in their town.
To become part of the Castle Quay Weekender crowd-funding initiative go to and be part of something amazing:
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/castle-quay-weekender/x/13848707#/

BURSARY FROM
SOROPTIMISTS OF BEDFORD
Bedford College is helping the Soroptimist International organisation celebrate its 85th anniversary in 2016.
The college has links with the local branch of the society dating back to its earliest days. Now it is keeping that
connection alive with modern activities to support women at home and abroad.

Editor: Erica Roffe

@bedfordclanger thebedfordclanger@gmail.com
Additional editorial: Priya Gill
@priyangill
Graphics: Adam Boreham
reactionvisual.media / @reactionvm
Advertising: Julia Crofts
@ClangerAds / bedfordclangerads@gmail.com
Photography: Cat Lane
cat-lane.co.uk
Musos: Lloyd Lugsden
@lloydlug and Milky
Film Buff: Paul Hutchinson
@bedfordfilmfest / bedfordfilmfestival.org
Gardening guru: Jane Perrone
@janeperrone / perrone.blogs.com
Ethical Living: Lucy Bywater
Columnists:
Neil Frankel @riversidebeds riversidetennisbedford.co.uk
Kris Wilkinson-Hughes @euphonioushoney
The Last Word: Reverend Sonya Wratten
Challenge Chris: Chris Demott
chrisdemottphotography.com

JBG16

Illustrator Sara Sayer is the latest female student to benefit from a 1,000 Bursary
from the late Peggy Holgate via the Soroptimists of Bedford. Sara is a second year
HNC 5 Fine Art student who works as kookymagpie.com. Sara used her bursary to
attend an illustration summer school at Central Saint Martins in London and then
ran a community course at the BedPop Fun Palaces at the Higgins, Bedford last
October. She is photographed with Soroptimists Rita Beaumont, left, and Pauline
Panter, right at the South Bank Arts Centre at Bedford College.
On May 12th Soroptimists will be joining the college Hair & Beauty Show at
the Bedford Corn Exchange to ask local salons and spas to support their Bedford
Bloomers campaign to help young women in Sierra Leone.
President of the Bedford branch Pauline Stewart JP says: Ours is an organisation
which has included amongst its past members some of the most inspiring women
from the county, who had influence at national and international levels. We want
to pass that baton on to the next generation who are currently starting out on their
lives and careers. Melissa Peacock from Bedford College: There has been some
great work going on between the Soroptimists and the college and we thought this
anniversary year would be a good time to wave the flag for both organisations.
www.bedford.ac.uk
Bedford Soroptimists http://sigbi.org/bedford

THIS CLANGER WAS

BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

LETS MAKE THE CASTLE WEEKENDER HAPPEN!

THE BEDFORD CLANGER 

MAY 2016

THE
C L A NG E R

UNIQUE BE

#BEDSHOUR

DFORD

By Claire Rulton @addisonaccounts

UNIQUE BEDFORD:
RIVERSIDE
TENNIS CLUB
GOLDINGTON RD, BEDFORD MK40 3EA
TEL: 01234 352726 RIVERSIDETENNISBEDFORD.CO.UK
@RIVERSIDEBEDS

Photo by Cat Lane for &Co.

Claire Rulton of Addison Accounts

WHAT IS IT AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

Bedshour is a hashtag (#) on twitter and participants join in from

8.30-9.30pm every Monday. To take part, search for #Bedshour
and you will see all the conversations that are taking place. Then
you use #Bedshour in any tweets you write.
#bedshour is not only evidence of Bedfords thriving business
and creative community, but its also great for networking with
other local businesses, its free and has directly led to more work,
collaborations and opportunities. The users of #bedshour are
local so really do have the potential to become your customers
and promoters of your business your own mini sales force.
Every so often we have a tweetup (where we meet in person)
the last one was at The Pavillion @BedfordPavillion where we
got to put a face to a twitter handle whilst enjoying great cake.
Win win!
For me, #bedshour has grown my followers and interactions,
led to friendships and Ive gained new clients for my accounts
practice. As well as having a collaboration with 44 Harpur Street
@44HarpurStreet for an accounts workshop, being asked to speak
at the Creative Bedfordshire Conference @CreativeBeds Ive found
out about local events Bedford Film Festival @BedfordFilmFest,
Bedpop Fun Palace @BedpopFunPalace, and so many other things
all of this from the comfort of my sofa with a cup of tea going cold
as I try to keep up with all the tweets flying around.
At the Clanger, we love #bedshour. It enables us to find out
lots of things that are going on, talk to potential advertisers &
we can quickly connect with Bedfords movers & shakers! Julia
Crofts @ClangerJulia

Tabitha Mary print

Im a work at home mum so #bedshour means I can network
and meet like minded businesses without the stress of finding a
babysitter. Daisy Media @daisy_media
The other great benefit of #bedshour is that people you interact
with soon get to know who you are and recommend you to people
they know. White Label Development @white_label_dev
Its been great to catch up with local businesses each week
and everyone is great at promoting each other! HAB Media @
Holly_Ann_Brown
For me, its about the communication & relationships rather
than the technology. Travel Counsellors @RobChadwickTC
YMCA Bedfordshire have had multiple successes from being
part of this community, from being offered raffle and auction
prizes, raising awareness of major fundraising events such as
SleepEasy 2016 to making longer term partnership connections
and friendships. All in all #bedshour is so much more than a one
hour a week networking thing, its a growing community of local
folk who are passionate about where we live and coming together
to make our communities richer through partnerships. Paul
Kellett, YMCA Bedfordshire
Word of mouth has been key for me & my work as a
freelancer and #bedshour has helped build relationships. I
wouldnt have survived as a freelancer without it; plain and
simple. @TabithaMaryUK
Being a business owner whos quite new to Bedfordforshire,
#bedshour hs been a valuable way of getting to know members of
our local thriving business community. @madybydbm

This month we caught up with Neil Frankel, Director of

Coaching at Riverside Tennis Club. We are lucky to count
Neil among our regular contributors (read this months
column on page 12) but we thought it was about time we
turned the spotlight on him for a change.
The Riverside Tennis Club has existed in Bedford for
over 100 years. Nowadays the club is very inclusive
and our mantra is all ages, all abilities, all welcome,
explained Neil. We want to encourage people to achieve
their best, but tennis clubs arent just about creating the
next whites-wearing Wimbledon champion most of our
members play tennis for the social and health benefits, not
Neil Frankel
to become world-beating champions.
The clubs outreach activities are focused on schools and the Riverside Tennis Foundation
commits funding to develop tennis in schools. We also have hardship grants to offer
bursaries to promising young people, said Neil. Were dedicated to encouraging a wide
range of people through our doors and onto the courts.
On Saturday 15th May, Riverside Tennis Club will be celebrating the Great British Tennis
Weekend with a Taste of Tennis open day from 2 5pm. We want to bring new people
into the club, to show them how much goes on here, said Neil. Its about breaking down
barriers; tennis isnt a middle class sport, its open to anyone.
Not only is tennis or any sport a great way to get fit, but its also a great way to make
friends. When new people move to the area, they often seek out sports clubs to find likeminded people. We have such a large playing community that youll always find someone to
play with! In the next five years the club aims to enhance its facilities and to be seen as the
hub of tennis in the town. The club is here for the people of Bedford. We have a beautiful
setting, a great team and enthusiastic members. Come and join us!

MONDAY NIGHT IS QUIZ NIGHT AT

Alternating between Steves Brain Taxer or

The all new, exciting Smartphone quiz!

Only 2 per person. Starts 8pm.

Will you win the cash or the wooden spoon?!
GRAB
SOME FRIENDS
AND GET
A TEAM
TOGETHER!

TO FIND OUT MORE

Check out Facebook for full details

Facebook.com/theburnabyarmsbedford

66 Stanley Street | Bedford | Beds | MK41 7RU | 01234 330056

Real ales pies & toasties bar games music courtyard garden

SHAKESPEARE UNTOLD
FRIDAY 6 May
4.30pm & 7.30pm
Ticket price
15
(12.50 concessions)

Age suitability
5yrs +
Running time
100 mins (+ interval)

The stories you know from the

characters you dont. This familyfriendly double bill comes from
Londons world-renowned venue,
Shakespeares Globe. In Romeo
Untold, the story of Shakespeares
star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet
is retold through the eyes of the
Capulet Balls party planner. Titus
Untold retells Shakespeares goriest
tragedy, Titus Andronicus, as seen
from the kitchen of Tituss piemaker.

The Quarry Theatre at St Lukes is part of Bedford School, which is part of The Harpur Trust

GET TWEETING #BEDSHOUR.

Box office
01234 362337
quarrytheatre.org.uk

THE BEDFORD CLANGER 

MAY 2016

#BREAKTHESTIGMA
ON SATURDAY 16 APRIL, TEAM CLANGER JOINED FORCES WITH BEN SALMONS FROM LETS BE
OPEN ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH TO HOST A #BREAKTHESTIGMA EVENT AT BEDFORD MARKET.

TH
CL A N E
GE R

BEDFO
RD NE
WS

Ben set up the #BreakTheStigma campaign to start conversations about mental health, raise awareness and to show how the stigma surrounding mental health impacts on
those who are experiencing mental health difficulties. Ben works for the Bedfordshire Mental Health and Wellbeing Service, which is provided by East London NHS
Foundation Trust. He is passionate about getting people to talk openly about mental health and #BreakTheStigma gives people the opportunity to write their thoughts on
a white board to help break the stigma and tackle common misconceptions about mental health. Ben photographs people holding their message and this has resulted
in some amazing pictures and some powerful statements from the people of Bedfordshire. Since we started the campaign, people have contacted me to say that it has
inspired them to open up about their issues and seek help, said Ben. It is humbling to know that we are making a difference and it makes me determined to continue
spreading the word and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Battling the April showers, we took to the town centre last month and asked Bedfordians to
share their messages about mental health to help #breakthestigma. An awesome array of brave and inspiring people took part.

JON, 48, TRAINING

FACILITATOR

Though I feel embarrassed about my mental health and

its very difficult for me to talk about it because I dont
want to appear weak, its very important to be open and
Im happy to talk about how I feel and why and what it
makes me do...

When youre mentally ill, it [the stigma] is a huge added

pressure which makes it worse. When youre trying to act
normal and people are telling you to just pull your socks
up...I look brave on the outside, but I am like the Lion in
the Wizard of Oz. I love my funny mind.

MICHAEL, 27,
HIRES MANAGER
GRADUATION ATTIRE

Theres a difference between genders, in how were meant

to deal with emotions; men have to be stoic and showing
vulnerability is a sign of weakness. Some people might
say get over it, man up, its not helpful at all, it can make
you feel as though youre alone...Im happier that [mental
health] is much more visible, and people are talking about
it. Ten years ago people werent talking about it.

JO, 40, MUM

Anxiety; you cant see it, can you? Its very difficult to
explain to people what anxiety is. Im much better than
I was, I still have situations; a little bit of anxiety is there
but not as bad as it used to be. People dont like to talk
about it...People need to be more compassionate about
mental health, and have empathy.

CHRIS, 17, SIXTH

FORM STUDENT

These [mental health] are real conditions, the equivalent

of cancerwe need to be talking about them as much as
we do physical conditions. I think understanding mental
health is very important, if we dont understand, we dont
know what people are dealing with, we dont know how
we can help.

GRACIE, 15, STUDENT

If people that I know see me getting help, then they

may think Oh, actually I can go and get help as
well. Everyone says there is a light at the end of the
tunnel, when youre in that position its so difficult to
see. The main thing is going to ask for help.

YOU CAN FOLLOW THE CAMPAIGN ON THE LETS BE OPEN ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH FACEBOOK PAGE AND ON TWITTER @LETSBREAKSTIGMA
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE CAMPAIGN PLEASE GET IN TOUCH WITH BEN, EMAIL BEN.SALMONS@ELFT.NHS.UK

ALWAYS OPEN UP ABOUT YOUR ISSUES AND SEEK HELP.

THE BEDFORD CLANGER 

MAY 2016

WELLBEING

AS PART OF OUR #BREAKTHESTIGMA FEATURE, WEVE BEEN LOOKING AT

INITIATIVES THAT CAN HELP PROMOTE MENTAL WELLBEING. BEING ACTIVE
AND EATING WELL, SOCIALISING, READING AND SHARING YOUR EXPERIENCES
ARE ALL GREAT WAYS TO MAINTAIN OR IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH.

A JOURNEY OF A
THOUSAND MILES BEGINS
WITH A SINGLE STEP

GREEN GODDESS

Eating well makes you feel good and starting the day with an energizing
smoothie can give you a morning boost. Saffron Denton from Fancy
bakery on Roff Avenue has shared this recipe for a great green smoothie.
Get it down you!
Blend 6 freshly squeezed oranges, 1 banana, a handful of chopped
frozen pineapple & a handful of spinach leaves together till smooth.
Drink. Follow @Fancybakery on Instagram

Project 229, Kempstons pro-active community centre plays host to

numerous activities which help build confidence, self-esteem and mental
wellbeing. The Well Woman Workshop has been running at Project
229 since 2006. Hundreds of women have benefitted from attending
the six week course which is offered FREE of charge thanks to support
from Bedford Park Rotary Club, The Bedford and Luton Community
Foundation (Panacea Fund) and Grace Community Church.
The course provides time-out for women and is ideal for anyone who is at
a crossroads in life and unsure about what steps to take next. The programme
looks at what it means to be well, socially, physically, emotionally and
spiritually. All participants are offered an opportunity to meet with a careers
advisor if they would like to do so at the end of the course.
Daytime (10.30am to 12.30pm) and evening (7.30pm to 9.30pm)
courses run throughout the year and there are optional four week
follow-up courses. Contact Heather for more information or to book for
the September course: 07941 401140
Monthly daytime and evening craft sessions are also run at the project
providing women with the opportunity to learn a new skill whilst building
friendships and relationships with others in the community. For more
information about the craft sessions contact Marion on: 01234 851508.
For an up-to-date programme of activities, telephone: 01234 840880,
email Whats On to comments@project229.org or visit facebook.
com/project229.

SHELF HELP

GET ONLINE

The internet is a great way to access information and support, plus

keep in touch with friends and family. However, not everyone is
internet-savvy and technology is moving at such a pace that its
hard to keep up. Robert Lindsay of Invisinet runs My iPad and
Mebeginners coffee mornings at the Pavilion at the Park on
Wednesdays from 9-11am. We understand that when it comes to
basic digital skills theres a wide spectrum of understanding and
experience out there, said Robert. The coffee morning format
of our classes makes for a friendly, social atmosphere where
people feel comfortable asking questions and peer to peer learning
is easy to stimulate. The sessions have been really well received;
participants say theyre learning more every week and gaining
confidence. The drop-in sessions are 7 and a great way to learn
new skills and meet new people. Every Wednesday 9-11am.
For more information: pavilion.attheparkbedford.co.uk
or call 01234 351104 to book.

GET ACTIVE

Bedford Borough Councils Sport Development Teams Just Turn

Up Programme now offers Bedfordians a place to go to improve their
mental wellbeing through physical activity. The Wellbeing Hub offers
Yoga and Table Tennis at Bedford Central Library every Wednesday
from1pm - 3pm. Participants do not need to have a diagnosis to attend
the session and it is attended by people of all ages and abilities.
It is 2 for as much, or as little as you want to take part in.
For more information on Just Turn Ups Wellbeing Hub,
please contact Robert Lindsay, on 01234 718825 or
emailrobert.lindsay@bedford.gov.uk

Bedfordshire Libraries are launching a scheme to support young

pepoles mental health with expert-endorsed books available to
borrow for free.
Reading Well for young people is a national scheme, part of
the hugely successful Reading Well Books on Prescription
scheme, which will provide 13-18 year-olds with high-quality
information, support and advice on a wide-range of mental
health issues such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders and
self-harm, and difficult life pressures, like bullying and exams.
Reading Well for young peoples recommended reading
list of 35 books were selected by mental health experts and
young people. The list includes a wide range of self-help and
information titles, as well as memoir, graphic novels and fiction,
from hugely influential novels The Curious Incident of the Dog
in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon and The Perks of Being a
Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky and popular non-fiction such
as Mind Your Head by Juno Dawson, Blame My Brain: The
Amazing Teenage Brain Revealed by Nicola Morgan and The
Self-Esteem Teams Guide to Sex, Drugs and WTFs?!! to the
self-help guides Banish Your Body Image Thief and Breaking
Free from OCD.
virtual-library.culturalservices.net

THE DAVIS CUP UK TOUR

THE BUTTERFLY BRIDGE, BEDFORD
17th May 2016
10am-2pm

YOURE GONNA BE FEELING GREAT AFTER READING THIS ISSUE!

THE BEDFORD CLANGER 

THE
CLANGER
PICK OF THE MONTH

MAY 2016

SKEPTICS IN THE PUB:

WHAT YOU REALLY SEE ON
A NORTH KOREA TOUR.

Robin Tudge is a writer in Newcastle-uponTyne, he has lived and worked in Chicago,

Moscow, Hanoi, Beijing and Pyongyang.
As an author he has written the No
Nonsense Guide to Global Surveillance,
the best-selling Rough Guide to Conspiracy
Theories, and contributed to the pioneering
Bradt Guide to North Korea. He has visited
North Korea several times since 2001 and
has led tours there in 2013 and 2015 for the
leading tour company, Koryo Tours.
This talk will be an illustrated presentation
on travelling to that impoverished, surprising country, and how
much one can see beyond the Potemkin illusion.
Thursday, May 19 2016 at 7:30pm at the North End Social
Club, 60 Roff Avenue, Bedford MK41 7TW

THE TEMPEST
IN A TEACUP
TUESDAY 31 MAY
2.30PM & 5PM

AGE
5+

COMPETITION TIME!

theplacebedford.org.uk/tickets 01234 354321

TP Clanger 104x104mm TEMPEST Advert.indd 1

21/04/2016

There is still time left to enter John Bunyan Museum and the Harpur
Trusts writing competition Recording Bedfordians deadline
Wednesday 1st June 2016.
The competition, which forms part of the Harpur Trusts 450th
anniversary celebrations, is to write a 500 word newspaper article
on a famous Bedford person. There are four age groups: 5-9
years, 9-14yrs, 14-16yrs, and 16-18yrs and the closing date for the
14:07
competition is 1st June 2016.
The John Bunyan Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday 11.00am4.00pm until October (Closed Good Friday) and admission is free.
For more details contact the Curator Nicola Sherhod on
01234 270303 or email curator@bunyanmeeting.co.uk www.
bunyanmeeting.co.uk/museum

ROTHSAY HERB GARDEN:

LOVE HERBS? HONEYBEES?
HOMEMADE CAKE?

If you havent walked the length of Castle Road you may not
have come across the community herb garden on the Victorian
roundabout where Castle Road meets Rothsay Road. It was
planted by community group Zero Carbon Castle about 8 years
ago and is still looking and smelling good thanks to a small
group of volunteers. It attracts local cooks, the odd herbalist and
photographer and even a local spider enthusiast on a dry day. People
are welcome to bring scissors to snip a few herbs for their own use,
leaving plenty for others too of course. (No trowels for digging up
please). You wont find herbs this fresh and fragrant wrapped in
plastic from the supermarket and theres more variety here too!
Saturday May 14th sees the return of the annual herb garden
open day. And everyone is welcome. There will be a big
herb sale, a demonstration beehive with local honey for sale, a
plant swap (bring your spare seedlings!) a cake sale, wildlife
information stalls and at about 11am Jane Perrone, Gardening
Editor at The Guardian as well as The Clangers own gardening
expert, will be give her tips on herbs for making teas. Weather
dependent, it will run from 10.30 until about 3.00 (ending sooner
if we sell out of everything). Proceeds go to the maintenance
and restocking of the garden which is for everyones use
and enjoyment. For more information: 07914 606816 or see
Abundance Bedford on Facebook. Do get in touch if youd like to
join our volunteer list too.

AT THE HIGGINS,
BEDFORD THIS MONTH:
TEA AND TOUR OF THE
SETTLEMENT GALLERY

Wednesday 11th May, 10 11am

7.40(Concessions 6.30) (Tea included), Booking essential
Join Liz Pieksma, Keeper of Archaeology, for a cup of tea followed
by an in depth look at the items on display in the Settlement Gallery.
We will explore the rituals, traditions and everyday lives of people
living in our area in the past through the objects and evidence they
have left us. The tour will end with a chance to get up close to
selected items from our Collection stores.

THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF FOOD:

FROM LARDER TO TABLE

JOHN BUNYAN BOAT

CRUISES INTO SPRING

The John Bunyan Community Boat takes to the river this month for its fourth season on
Bedfords beautiful River Great Ouse. Since its launch in July 2013 the boat has carried
over 15,000 people on private and public cruises. The 2016 programme starts on Sunday
1st May and full details can be found on the website: www.johnbunyanboat.org.
Tickets for the public cruises can be purchased on line, and at The Travel & Tourist
Office at Bedford Bus Station, or the Corn Exchange Box Office, No. 13 St. Pauls
Square or by phoning 01946 817456

Wednesday 18th May, 11.30 am 12.30pm

5.30 (Concessions 4.20), Booking Essential
This session will continue to explore the theme of what people in the
past ate. We will explore the influences of culinary techniques and
preferences brought in by a steady stream of incomers, changes in
technology and why status is everything. The session will begin with
a short presentation followed by an informal discussion and chance
to handle a wide range of artefacts from excavation archives and
collections held at The Higgins Bedford

BAWDEN ARCHIVES SESSION

Saturday 21st May, 11-12.30pm (repeated on Wednesday 24th August

and Wednesday 21st September)
Cost: 10.50 (8.40 Concessions), Booking Essential
Between 1981 and 1989 Edward Bawden donated the contents of his
studio to the Cecil Higgins Art Gallery. The collection of over 3,000
items covers every medium he worked in and includes examples from
his student days at the Royal College of Art in the 1920s right up to
commissions he received in the 1980s. This session is a chance to
have a delve into the archive, seeing works that have never been on
display as well as old favourites with an introduction to each by the
Keeper of Fine and Decorative Arts.

BEDFORDS 14TH ANNUAL

INTERNATIONAL KITE
FESTIVAL

Bedford is getting ready to host its 14th Annual

International Kite Festival on Saturday 11th & Sunday
12thJune, in Russell Park, Bedford - and everyones
invited! Each year, this free event attracts thousands of
visitors to Bedford and is a great day out for the family. The
event showcases kites from the four corners of the globe.
This years event will include kite demonstrations and
workshops for children and adults, as well as food, drink,
entertainment, music and more!
The Kite Festival is open on Saturday, from 10am 6pm,
and on the Sunday from 10am 5pm.
www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk/outdoorevents

DEMENTIA AWARENESS
WEEK 2016
Dementia Awareness Week takes place from Sunday 15th May to
Saturday 21st May.
Local activity includes a coffee morning at Trinity Methodist
Church, Biggleswade, on Wednesday 18th May from 10am to
1pm. There will be stalls from relevant organisations, such as
Alzheimers Society, Age UK and Carers in Bedfordshire and a
Singing for the Brain session. The event will conclude with a
Dementia Friends presentation.
At the Harpur Suite, Bedford on Wednesday 18th May, from
10.30am to 3pm, there will be an information and Caf event.
Stalls will be from the Alzheimers Society, Tibbs Dementia
Foundation, Carers in Bedfordshire and Telecare. Music will be
provided by the Carers choir.
Alzheimers Society, Suite B2, The Pilgrim Centre, Emerald
Court, Brickhill Drive, Bedford MK41 7PZ
Tel: 01234 327380 https://www.alzheimers.org.uk National
Dementia Helpline, Tel : 0300 222 1122

FINGERS CROSSED FOR A SUNNY, WINDY KITE FESTIVAL

THE BEDFORD CLANGER 

@LIVEBEDFORD

Do you live in Bedford, but youre not loving it? Feeling a bit
uninspired by your surroundings? Then look no further than the
@livebedford Instagram account, set up by local photographers
Cat Lane and Faith Wight, to showcase all that is beautiful about
Bedford. Cat and Faiths tips to take the best #livebedford photos:
Use the camera on your phone, specifically the square mode,
then upload to Instagram
Try and find the light, for a clean, bright, well-lit shot
Download and try the filters in VSCO App
Dont forget to use #livebedford to share your photos.

Live Bedford Marston Vale by

@catlanephoto

A Bedford Stroller by @umcn

MAY 2016

MILL RACE FOLK

SWINGS INTO SPRING

Saturday, 7 May 2016 from 7.30pm

at Bromham Mill and Gallery Bridge End, Bromham MK43 8LP,
United Kingdom
Ewan Mclennan drops in to
Bromham Mill on his extensive UK
tour. A very special talent and not to
be missed!
Ewan McLennan has, in a short space
of time, come to be known as a guitarist
at the forefront of his generation; a
troubadour, balladeer and storyteller cut
in the old style; a singer that can move audiences with his passion
and pathos; and a songwriter for whom social justice is still a
burning issue. The songs he sings and writes are rooted in traditional
songs and the tradition of folk music as social commentary.
Facebook: Mill Race Folk Twitter:@Millracefolk
E-Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ewan-mclennan-atmill-race-folk-bromham-tickets-24403498521

Harpur Run
& Fun Day

WATCH THIS SPACE

Banana Bread Beer being bottled

by @wellsbrewery

Live Bedford Quarry St Lukes

Theatre by @quarrytheatre

Representing Bedford College for the 2016 Battle of

the Bands at the Stables, MK were the winning band
Weighted Space.
Jamie Gilman-Lewis (bass player and singer) said:
Winning Battle of the Bands was something that we werent
expecting, so when they announced our name we were both
overjoyed and genuinely shocked.
The students have won Marshall amps and a free six hour
recording session and the music department have won an
electric piano worth 1,000.
Bedford College music students final show of the year
can be seen at Esquires on Thursday May 19th.
www.bedfordesquires.co.uk

Join us and celebrate our 450th anniversary as a charity here for the people
of Bedford Borough. 5k fun run plus a host of activity tasters, entertainments,
dance demos, climbing wall, bouncy assault course, orienteering, health
checks and fitness advice. Cycle to the event for a free bike safety check.
Water based activities courtesy of Priory Sailing Club. Activities are free or
heavily subsidised. Special guest: Olympic Rower Tim Foster MBE.
Sunday 22 May / 10am to 4pm / Priory Country Park

Register online for our 5k fun run:

www.harpurtrust.org.uk/450 or follow us on twitter #RunandFun

RUN BEDFORD

Run Bedford is a unique running race, taking a tour of some of

Bedfords most iconic scenery.
The 10 kilometre loop starts on the Embankment and takes in St
Marys Bridge, Park Avenue, DeParys Avenue and even the High
Street to finish in grand style alongside the river and Russell Park.
We wanted our runners to see the sights of Bedford whilst
running freely on the road, said race organiser Steve Young.
We close the roads to traffic no small task even for the short
time the race passes through each section but it gives the event
that prestige and atmosphere which attracts runners from far and
wide. Another advantage is that Bedford is pretty flat so fast
times are inevitable!
The event attracts lots of support from local businesses, not
least Bedford BID who are once again are the title sponsor. Theres
a real sense of community here and I think people appreciate the
towns great sporting history and like to get involved.
This years race is on Sunday June 5th and entry and more
info is at: www.runbedford.org

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CONTACT:
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bedfordclangerads@gmail.com

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THE BEDFORD CLANGER 

ETHICS:
REPAIR CAFES

#Summertime
PavilionatthePark
@BedfordPavilion
attheparkbedford
pinterest.com/atthepark

#BedfordPark
Open every day 9am-6pm high season (9am-4pm low season)
for Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch and Tea.
Award-winning Park Cafe. Relaxed, remarkable,
refreshing. Great food, coffee & cake. Fully Licensed.
Supper Clubs Wednesdays & Fridays.
Private bookings too!

pavilion
b e d f o r d

p a r k

t 01234 351104
w www.attheparkbedford.co.uk

ADERLEY DOGS
DAILY WALKS

Are you looking for a reliable

dog walker in the Bedford area.
We offer group walk slots daily from 10.
Great for socialising & exercise.

01234 305 956

www.aderleydogs.co.uk

the puddin club

Puddings Cakes Breakfast Cheeseboard
Great Coffee Prosecco Wine Beer
Cider Ice Cream Milkshakes

Dont let the weekend finish too early now open Sundays until 6pm!
Serving Coffee, Cocktails, Cake and more!
Last orders for puddings and alcohol is 5pm

You can either have private hire in the evening

(not Fridays) or for smaller gatherings we can
reserve you a table. If you need it to be in a
lunchtime then pre-order?

get your just desserts

07773 943586
www.thepuddinclub.co.uk
120a Castle Road, Bedford, MK40 3RG

TH E
R
L
C A NG E

MAY 2016

& FOOD
ETHICS

By Lucy Bywater
Got something thats broken, that you think could be repaired if only
you knew how? Do you hate the thought of throwing things away
simply because you dont have the know-how or necessary tools?
Were used to things not lasting these days and manufacturers
know it. A lot of things are, were told, cheaper to replace than
repair. Without being too conspiracy theorist about it, it seems
clear that built-in obsolescence is deliberate and companies such
as Apple have gone to great lengths to make it difficult to mend
some of their products. Yes, they want us to go out and buy a
new one. And when people are busy, sometimes that seems the
easiest option. BUT the discarded TV, hoover, toaster, hairdryer or
whatever is quite likely to end up in landfill, and even recycling
goods takes a lot of energy and resources. Plus there are some
things we might not want to just replace a favourite item of
jewellery, a toy, a piece of furniture, a bike.
Its true that we dont all have the practical skills for making and
fixing things that were very common a generation ago. But some
people do, and they like fixing things! Transition Cambridge, amongst
others, has set up a regular Repair Caf to bring together the people
needing help with an array of fixers with tools to do all sorts of repair
jobs whether it be mending a zip, fixing up a bike or fixing a hoover.
Whats more the valuable skills can be passed on giving other people
the confidence to try repairing their stuff rather than binning it. It
seems like an excellent way to encourage peoples enthusiasm for
a sustainable society in a very practical way. The good news is that
repair cafes have set up in 24 countries around the world. Last month
the 1000th repair caf opened up, but our nearest branch seems to
be in Cambridge. Bedford is full of ingenious people. Anyone want
to start one here? The brilliant people at the Repair Caf Foundation
offer loads of support and advice.
www.repaircafe.org

VILLAGE TEA ROOM

NEWS BY LLOYD LUGSDEN
On the High Street in Sharnbrook is a sweet surprise. Set back off
the road beyond a cottage garden is Ashpoles Tea Room. Stepping
inside is like walking into a living room - in a good way, full of
character and cosy corners. Tom & Helen are the hosts, friendly and
attentive they are too. The stone room holds a vintage ambience,
with inglenook fire crackling away and an old wooden wireless
piping out Radio 4. It is twee but not in a contrived hipster way, it
has a genuine old style of its own. The usual range of teas, coffees
and Italian soft drinks plus soups of the day, panini and amazing
looking cakes. The nippers and I went for the hot chocolate, which
were pimped up with cream, maltesers and marshmallows, beautifully presented and filling too!
So next time you fancy a coffee or bite to eat, maybe take a
trundle out to Sharnbrook.

CARIBBEAN SUPPER
CLUB AT THE PAVILION

On Saturday 7th May, Kieron Toner and the team from Nothing
But Flavour will be taking over the Pavilion at the Park to serve
up some delicious Caribbean cuisine. Step into summer and
book your table NOW!
http://m.seetickets.com/event/caribbean-supper-club/
pavilion-at-the-park/978359

FOOD REVIEW:
PASTICCERIA
AMALFI (IN TWO
LANGUAGES!!)

We put a shout out to the Clanger community to find a

reader who was up to the challenge of writing a bilingual review of Tavistock Streets Pasticceria Amalfi. Step
forward, Daniela Ballero
Per un Italiano, c solo un modo per terminare il pranzo
domenicale : un caff espresso e uno (o forse due!) mignon !
Ma quando sei lontano dalla terra madre c solo un modo per
soddisfare quel desiderio e cio visitare la pasticceria Amalfi!
Gi dalla prima volta che ho provato la loro pasticceria
sapevo di essere stata stregata! Penso di averli provati uno per
uno e di averli apprezzati tutti! Ok, sono Siciliana e per forza ci
saranno delle variazioni regionali ma tutto sommato Francesco
e il suo team sono in grado di offrire il vero sapore della pasticceria Italiana!
Dai famosi babba ai deliziosi choux, ripieni di ogni sorta di
crema aromatizzata c qualcosa per soddisfare ogni singolo
palate Italiano a Bedford e dintorni!
Per non parlare della variet di torte che Francesco offre alla
sua clientela sempre pi ampia! Le torte Italiane ripiene di crema
Chantilly o di crema pasticcera e ricoperte di frutta di stagione
sono la cosa migliore che un vero Italiano possa mai chiedere!
Da provare anche al mattino, ora possibile sedersi al bar e
provare uno dei buonissimi mignon e al contempo bere un buon
espresso o sorseggiare un cappuccino, non c nulla di meglio
di una caff forte in una mattina tranquilla! Che sia durante la
settimana o di Domenica!
E per gli Inglesi che pensano che nulla sia meglio della
tradizionale torta di frutta candita, provate la pasticceria di
Francesco prima; rivoluzioner il vostro mondo!
For an Italian theres only one way to finish their Sunday meal
and that is with a strong espresso and 1 little mignon or 2!
But when you are too far away from the motherland theres
only one way to fulfill that wish and that is by getting your sweet
tooth fix at Amalfi cakes!
From the very first time I tried their cakes I knew I was hooked!
I think I tried each and every single one of them and Ive loved
them all! Now, Im from Sicily and there may be some slight
regional variations but overall what Francesco and his team offer
is a true taste of Italian Pasticceria!
From their famous babba to their deliciously tempting choux,
filled with various flavoured creams theres something to satisfy
every single Italian palate in Bedford and surrounding area!
Not to mention the great variety of cakes Francesco now
offers to his always discerning clientele! The Italian style cakes
filled with chantilly cream or with crema pasticciera and covered
in seasonal fruits, are the best a true Italian could ask for! Give
them a try maybe one morning, now you can sit in their parlour
and try one of their mignon cakes whilst sipping on an espresso
or maybe a cappuccino, nothing tastes better than strong coffee
on a leisurely morning, be it a week day or a Sunday! And if you
are British and thinks that nothing tastes better than fruit cakes
then give these a try first, it will change your world!

TIME TO DIG OUT ALL MY BROKEN STUFF & HEAD FOR A COFFEE.

THE BEDFORD CLANGER 

TH E R
E
C L A NG

YEAH!
H
O
.
.
.
C
I
M US

INTERVIEW:
WENDY JAMES

By Milky

Wendy James is best remembered as the punky Bardot-projecting singer

of Transvision Vamp, bursting with confidence and pouty sex appeal.
TV signed to MCA in late 1986 with their most memorable singles I
Want Your Love reaching no.10 in the UK charts in 1988 and Baby
I Dont Care peaking at no.3 (1989). Wendy James & her band play
Esquires on Saturday 4th June and we caught up with her (full interview
on www.thebedfordclanger.com):
Bedford Clanger: How did you manage to entice such a kickass set
of musicians to play on your new record? Did you get everyone on
your wish list? Did you have a wish list?
Wendy James: No wish list, it just so happens in my life that I am
naturally attracted and drawn to and wish to work with the people
who have most inspired me on my own musical journey through life
and so Ive gravitated into their lives and it just kind of works out.
BC: I guess most people might expect the record to be a straight
out punky affair but no, you have shifts in tone, short stabby songs,
longer story-based songs and a few that exude a parlous menace. Oh
no, youve gone and matured havent you?
WJ: I have no plan when Im writing songs, I have pages of lyrics
and somehow the songs suggest themselves to me, its a visceral
and instinctual process which cannot necessarily be explained the
songs come to you somehow and sure enough they will naturally reflect ones feelings on subjects lyrically
and the music will of course represent ones tastes, influences, interests and styles
BC:The musical landscape has altered dramatically from when you first smashed into the public consciousness. Can you get your head round where we are in 2016?
WJ:I dont really think like that! I very much live in the present moment, I dont sit around tracing nostalgia
through rose-tinted glasses I love where Im at, every year gets better and more full and at the same time I
am informed by my past experiences and the whole thing just keeps adding up and becoming more wonderful somehow. Its true that the music business has changed, but still a good song is a good song and when
you play live you have to put out a good and honest performance
BC:What can the Bedford folk expect from your live show at Esquires on June 4?
WJ:A great, energetic, uplifting, musically wonderful night!
Wendy James & her band play ESQUIRES on Saturday 4th June, tickets available from Esquires,
Marios Hair Design, Planet Boutique and online at wegottickets.com & seetickets.com.
TO BUY THE PRICE OF THE TICKET HERE: PLEDGE:https://wendyjames.pmstores.co

MAY 2016

ANY ONE FOR

JAPANESE-POP-PUNK?

Yes? Good! As the legendary Shonen Knife play

Esquires on 7th May. The all-girl trio have true cult
status and have been playing and recording for over 30
years now. Famous fans include John Peel, Thurston
Moore and Kurt Cobain, who went out of his way to
see them live and eventually got them to tour with
Nirvana on the Nevermind tour. Expect bubblegum
punk and possibly matching Mondrian dresses...
Support comes from Spoilers plus Council Tax Band
....And if thats not enough, Manchester based Spring
King play Esquires on 13th May. Theyve been all over the airwaves recently with their catchy art-pop-punk
tunes Who are You? and Rectifier. Having cut their teeth at SXSW fest in Texas last year, theyve come to
our town. Catch them in an intimate venue while you can!
Tickets available from Dannys Bar, Esquires, Marios Hair Design, Kempston andseetickets.com

CHOIRS FROM NORWAY AND

BEDFORD IN JOINT CONCERT

Saturday 7 May 2016 at St Pauls church, Bedford, 7.00 pm. St Pauls Square, Bedford MK40 1SQ
Choral concert jointly byKongsberg KantoriandS Pauls church choir. Bach cantatas and other works
10.00 (5.00 F/T students and under 18) from 01234 340163 or at the door.Proceeds to St Pauls Church.

THE PAD PRESENTS -HACKNEY

COLLIERY BAND - FRIDAY 27TH
MAY - BEDFORD ESQUIRES
Head to Esquires on Friday 27th May, where former Amy Winehouse collaborators, Hackney Colliery Band
are performing, for what promises to be one of the finest shows the venue has ever seen.
The nine-piece brass band have backed some of the worlds finest, as well as selling out shows across
the world in their own right, and closing the 2012 London Olympics. They describe themselves as
Contemporary brass rock/hip-hop/Balkan/afrobeat/jazz music - All we know is its going to be fun!
Doors at 8pm. Tickets are 13 advance, on sale from Seetickets,Marios Hair Design in
Kempston,Boutique Planetand Esquires Bar in Bedford

COUNTDOWN

By Kris Wilkinson-Hughes
Hi there Clanger friends. I recently lost a friend. Not a close friend but someone I respected and admired and thought
would champion me for years to come. Dropped down from heart failure and never recovered. Im not trying to
depress you. On the contrary, I am trying to wake you up. Wake up from that poor me sleep. I know I needed it. Poor
me, my car wont start, poor me I dropped my keys in the toilet, poor me that person never called me back. You have
got to seize the moment I mean grab it with both hands and give it a great big snog!! I talk about this a lot but it has
really hit home recently. Dont give a flinging bogie about what anyone thinks about what you like to do and who you
want to do it with (or what you look like for that matter). Love those around you like your very life depends on it and
show people what youre made of atoms and energy and all kinds of amazing things! Share that amazingness with
everyone. Only focus on the things you CAN change and forget the stuff you have no control over. OK. One, two,
three.GO!

m
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WOW... I USED TO LOVE TRANSVISION VAMP!

THE BEDFORD CLANGER 

MAY 2016

TH E E R
G
CL A N

RE
T
A
E
TH
THIS YEAR IS THE 400TH ANNIVERSARY OF SHAKESPEARES

THE QUARRY
THEATRE AT ST LUKES

JAMES SEABRIGHT PRESENTS

THINK NO EVIL OF US: MY LIFE
WITH KENNETH WILLIAMS

Tuesday 24 May 7.30pm, Tickets: 14 (Concessions 12), Age

guidance: 12+
This classic one-man show unlocks the character of one of Britains
best-loved and most-missed entertainers. In this thrilling and
hilarious tour de force, we see Kenneth Williams at his funniest - and
at his most badly behaved. David Bensons uncanny impersonation
was also heard in the acclaimed BBC Radio 4 series, The
Private World of Kenneth Williams. This brilliantly performed
semi-autobiographical show also reveals how Davids unusual
childhood led to an extraordinary connection with the Carry On star.
Tickets available www.quarrytheatre.org.uk or 01234 362337

SHAKESPEARES GLOBE AND

SEABRIGHT PRODUCTIONS PRESENT
SHAKESPEARE UNTOLD

Friday 6 May 4.30pm and 7.30pm

In Romeo Untold, the story of Shakespeares star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet is retold through
the eyes of the Capulet Balls party planner. Titus Untold retells Shakespeares goriest tragedy, Titus
Andronicus, as seen from the kitchen of Tituss piemaker. These shows premiered to great critical
and popular acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe, and are now touring internationally. Rediscover two
Shakespearean classics together in just two hours including an interval.
Tickets available www.quarrytheatre.org.uk or 01234 362337

DEATH AND THIS MONTH SEES PRODUCTIONS OF

A NUMBER OF HIS MASTERPIECES AT THE PLACE,
THE QUARRY, BEDFORD PARK AND A SELECTION OF
BEDFORDSHIRES LIBRARIES. IF THE BARDS NOT YOUR
BAG, THEN THERES PLENTY MORE TO CHECK OUT TOO

PAVILION AT THE PARK

FRIDAY 3RD JUNE: MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
SATURDAY 4TH JUNE: MACBETH
Gates open at 6pm, performance starts at 7.30pm and includes an interval.
Tickets: (in advance) Adult 17.00, Concession 14.00 Family (2A, 2C) 58.00 (+10% Booking Fee)
A wonderful open-air opportunity to enjoy
Shakespeare in the beautiful setting of Bedford
Park. Bring a chair and bring a picnic. Oddsocks
Much Ado About Nothing is a high-octane musical
version of Shakespeares battle of the sexes, featuring hits from the best music decades. On Saturday,
4th June, Oddscocks will vividly bring to life
Shakespeares dramatic story of ambition turned
bad, in the first ever public performance of their
hilarious new musical adaptation of Macbeth.
Info & tickets:
pavilion.attheparkbedford.co.uk/events/

Oddsocks Macbeth

THE PLACE

GONZO MOOSE PRESENTS

GREAT SCOTT!

Sunday 15 May, 7pm, Tickets: 12 (Concessions 10), Age guidance: 7+

Renowned theatrical innovators, Gonzo Moose, bring their brand new sci-fi
comedy adventure Great Scott! to Bedford.
Antarctica, 1912: Captain Scott and his men perish in a snowstorm during
their brave attempt to be the first to reach the South Pole. But what if that
isnt what actually happened? What if the truth is so shocking that its been
covered up for more than a hundred years? What if Captain Scott actually
perished whilst saving the world from aliens?
Based on newly discovered evidence, Gonzo Moose reconstruct Scotts
last days and reveal the explosive truth about what really happened at the
bottom of the world, played out on a dramatic, desolate landscape of snow
and glaciers, featuring frozen beards, giant penguins and, of course, aliens.
Tickets available from www.theplacebedford.org.uk

THE PANTALOONS PRESENT GULLIVERS TRAVELS

BEDFORDSHIRE LIBRARIES
THE BOOKS THE THING
Bedford Central Library, Thursday 5 May,
2:30 3:30 and 6:30 7:30,
Adults 7.00 and 4.00 concessions
Kempston Library, Wednesday 11 May,
7:30 8:30, Adults 7.00 and 4.00 concessions.
The Books the Thing is Hamlet by William
Shakespeare, but as its never been seen before.
A fast-paced hour-long play performed by a cast
of three, newly adapted from the original text by
Tom Cuthbertson and Kelly Eva-May. The Books
the Thing is a great introduction to Elizabethan
Text and seasoned Shakespeare fans will love
this refreshing new take on a classic too. The
performance is suitable for adults and children
aged 10 and over.
Tickets are available from the Librarian
Theatre website on https://librariantheatre.
com/whats-on/the-books-the-thing/

10

Monday 30 May, 7:30pm, Tickets: 12.00 / (Concessions 10.00), Age guidance: 8+

Join Lemuel Gulliver on a fantastical and hilarious voyage into the unknown. Meet the tiny people of Lilliput and the
giants of Brobdingnag and visit the floating island of Laputa and a country peopled (or horsed?) entirely by talking
horses. This is a brand-new, adventurous and delightfully innovative adaptation of Jonathan Swifts classic satirical
story, loved by adults and children alike. Just please dont step on any Lilliputians in the rush to get tickets!
Tickets available from www.theplacebedford.org.uk

MOON ON A STICK PRESENTS

THE TEMPEST IN A TEACUP

Tuesday 31 May, 2.30pm & 5.00pm, Tickets: 10.00 (Concessions

8.00), Age guidance: 5+
An enchanted island in the middle of the ocean and the storm to end all
storms, The Tempest in a Teacup re-imagines Shakespeares fantastical
play for a young audience. Prosperos spellbook is opened and out fly
the most marvelous creatures. This is a story where fairies are conjured
from thin air and books fly like butterflies around the room, a playful
adventure using puppetry and storytelling. The 5.00pm showing is a
relaxed performance, particularly suited to children on the autistic
spectrum. Tickets available from www.theplacebedford.org.uk

THE SWAN THEATRE COMPANY PRESENT

POETRY AT THE EAGLE: TRAINS AND PLANES
AND AUTOMOBILES
The Eagle Gallery 101 Castle Road, Sunday 3 April 7.00pm, Tickets: 5.00
An evening of poems, lyrics and prose from Hardy, Eliot, Auden and Yeats, among others.
Tickets available from www.theplacebedford.org.uk or on the door

GREAT SCOTT, THERES SOME GOOD STUFF HERE!

THE BEDFORD CLANGER 

MAY 2016

GARDENING:
TEA TIME
BY JANE PERRONE @JANEPERRONE
PERRONE.BLOGS.COM

Flavoured dust in a square of paper is how I tend to uncharitably think

of the average shop-bought herbal tea bag. Its not only that theyre vastly
overpriced for what they are - theyre also not a patch on a cup of tea made
with homegrown herbs, either dried or fresh. And its so easy to grow your
own!* Just a few plants of your favourite herbs will keep you in caffeine-free
concoctions year-round. Once youve tried it, youll never go back to the bags.

HERES A PICK OF SOME OF MY FAVOURITES:

Mint: The king of all the herbs for teas. Ignore the advice that you can
tame this plant simply by sinking of pot of it into the ground: mints
roots will snake out of the pot and colonise a whole bed in no time at
all. Grow it in a large container in sun or partial shade, repotting and
discarding half the roots every other year as the roots will strangle
themselves over time. Dry as much as possible during the summer and
you can drink mint tea all winter too. The best for teas is moroccan mint
(Mentha spicata var crispa Moroccan), but I also like chocolate mint
(Mentha x piperita f.citrata Chocolate).
Lemon verbena: Dont get lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora) confused
with lemon balm (Melissa officinalis). The latter, while it makes a
delicious herbal tea, isnt a patch on lemon verbena. It is, admittedly, a
bit more of a faff - this is a tender shrub which, when small, needs to be
brought in somewhere frost free in winter. My potted specimen is big
enough that it has to risk being outdoors all winter, swathed in horticultural
fleece. Every spring, I think its dead - every spring, it bounces back with
fresh leaves come April. If you have a sheltered spot next to a south-facing
brick wall, Id certainly try growing it in the ground. Either way, give it
full sun and plenty of water during the growing season. The leaves flavour
is a bit like a Sherbert Dip Dab: a perfumed lemonyness that is perfect for
a zingy herbal tea.

FI L

ENING
D
R
A
G
&
M

BLOCKBUSTER
SEASON
By Paul Hutchinson, Co-founder and
Director of Bedford Film Festival

*An important note: Many herbs have health benefits, but do take care
when making herbal teas: if you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or on any
medication, seek professional medical advice before trying these.

It seems like every year the summer blockbusters get bigger and
bigger. Weve got a new Bourne film, Star Trek returns, a refreshed
Joker in Suicide Squad and some Disney remakes that will reintroduce
youngsters to their parents favourites.
But with so much to choose, what are the must-not-misses of 2016?
While there are literally hundreds of film being released this summer,
weve picked some of the family films we think youll enjoy the most,
whatever your age.

ROTHSAY HERB GARDEN OPEN DAY

Captain America: Civil War (April 29)

as the 1970s. But its a reasonably easy plant to raise - just follow the
instructions for lemon verbena above, treating it as a tender shrub. Add a
few leaves to any herbal tea for added sweetness.

Come along to the Rothsay herb garden open day on Saturday May 14 - at
11am Ill be giving a short talk on growing herbs for teas: buy yourself a
stack of herbs from the plant stall or bring your own herbs to swap.

Marvel currently owns the comic book cinema market, and no matter
how hard they try, CD fails to consistently deliver something similar.
Captain America: Civil War we see the Avengers torn apart as loyalties
are tested to the extreme. While this is a film under the Captain
America title it sets the scene for the forthcoming Avengers: Infinity
War and if previous outings are anything to go by, it wont disappoint.

Angry Birds (May 13)

The most popular app game ever has been captured by Hollywood and
in a bid to bring more to the franchise a full length animated adventure
will be on our big screens soon. With the voice talents of Peter
Dinklage, Jason Sudeikis, Josh Gad and Maya Rudolph.

Independence Day 2 (June 24)

Set 20 years after the 4th July victory over invading aliens, humanity
is joined in developing global security in case another interplanetary
attack should take place and, of course, it does this time bigger and
more destructive than ever before. While Jeff Goldblum and Bill
Pullman will be reprising their roles, newbies to the franchise include
Liam Hemsworth, Vivica A Fox and Charlotte Gainsbourg.
Lemon verbena

Lemongrass: Many of the high-falutin herbal teas that come in fancy

boxes contain glam ingredients such as lemongrass (Cymbopogon
citratus). Its expensive to buy lemongrass week in week out just to pour
boiling water over it, but its surprisingly easy to grow yourself: and in
fact it tastes much better if you use the green leaves that you only get from
homegrown plants rather than the paler stems. Just buy a few stalks from
the supermarket - pick plants that are as fresh as possible, stick them in a
glass of water until roots form, then pot up and treat as a houseplant - you
can put it outside in summer but bring it inside in winter. Chop up the
leaves into strips about 3cm long, put a dozen or so into a mug and cover
with boiling water.
Stevia: If you are used to putting sugar in your tea, you may find the
flavour of straight-up herbal concoctions a little too savoury. But there
is a way of sweetening a herbal brew without adding spoonfuls of the
granulated stuff. Stevia or sugar leaf (Stevia rebaudiana) hails from South
America and tastes about 300 times as sweet as sugar. In recent years it has
been processed and packaged by food manufacturers as a calorie-conscious
alternative to sugar - indeed, the Japanese caught on to Stevia as far back

TH E
R
L
C A NG E

The BFG (July 22 tbc)

If youre of a certain
generation then youll
remember reading Roald
Dahls The BFG at school
and then enjoying the lovely
animated version on TV!
Now Steven Spielberg has
put together what promises to
be a heart-warming, beautiful
and magical live-action
adaptation. We cant wait.

Ghostbusters
(July 15 tbc)

Not a reboot, more an up-todate version of the 80s classic

apparently, that will see a kick-ass all female Ghostbusting team
save the planet. The hilarious Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Katie
McKinnon and Leslie Jones promise to treat the franchise with respect,
and initial judgements are promising. There should also be plenty of
cameos to satisfy even the hardiest of fans too.
Mint tea

Tell us what films youre looking forward to the most this summer
at Facebook or Twitter, just search Bedford Film Festival.

#Summertime
www.facebook.com/kioskatthepark
@kioskatthepark
attheparkbedford
pinterest.com/atthepark

#RusselLPark
Hidden in the corner of russell park, bedford is a little gem of a cafe.
breathing new life into the community with the help of great coffee
and cakes, sporting facilities and plenty of fresh air!

Tel: O1234 271877

www.kiosk.attheparkbedford.co.uk

HEAD TO THE OPEN DAY OF SOME TEA TALK.

11

THE BEDFORD CLANGER 

TH E
C L A NG
ER

A ND F

CHALLENGE CHRIS

SHOP AT
THE MILL

MAY 2016

INALL
Y...

Bromham Mill has added another string to its bow by

launching a shop stocking work by local producers,
artists, designers and craftspeople. Marisa Straccia, Katie
Allen and Kristina Bullen from The Circus of Illustration,
Tabitha Mary, plus Woodlaw Carvings, Lola and Dice
designs, Stonechat Design and Dog House Kitchen are all
represented, with more to follow. Opening times are Friday,
Saturday and Sunday 10am 4pm.

Each month we challenge photographer Chris Demott to capture a unique image of Bedford.
Chris explains the background to this months picture:
What a difference 100 years makes! Last months Clanger celebrated a Birthday, this obviously
planted the anniversary seed and it was suggested that this month I took a picture to remember the
storms and bliz-zards in 1916, I went out to an area which was most badly hit on that day exactly a
cen-tury earlier. I think the scene would have struggled to be any more different. This is on the river
just outside of Kempston, Ill add some pictures on my blog to show the devas-tation that swept
through Bedfordshire as a comparison.
Would you like to Challenge Chris? Send your suggestion to:
chrisdemottphotography@gmail.com or comment on the
Bedford Clanger Facebook page. chrisdemottphotography.com

GREAT BRITISH
TENNIS WEEKEND
BY NEIL FRANKEL, DIRECTOR OF
TENNIS AT RIVERSIDE TENNIS CLUB

Were full steam ahead gearing up for the Davis Cup visit to our town on 17th May
from 10am-2pm at the iconic Butterfly Bridge. Every school in the borough has
been invited to apply for our free pop up coaching sessions on the day in Russell
Park and were hop-ing to see as many Bedfordians of all ages coming to soak up
the atmosphere alongside the next generation of champions. Selfies with the actual
(huge) Davis Cup?? Yes please!!
As part of the Davis Cup Legacy programme, were running a series of free six
week coaching sessions from June onwards at Riverside for players aged 5-8yrs
old. Par-ticpants will be given a free racket so they can carry on playing for years to
come. Maybe the next Andy Murray will be inspired by this exciting project. You can
apply for a place by googling tennis for kids. Well also be running a further block
in September 2016 for those who might miss out in the first round of sessions.
Alongside the Davis Cup activities, were busy getting ready for our Great British
Tennis Weekend at Riverside on Sunday 15th May from 2-5pm. The famous BBQ
will be in full force and you can come and get a taster of what we do in a whole
host of fun packed, so-cial, calorie-burning activities at our Club. From Mini Tennis
for the kids right up to Car-dio Tennis sessions, wheelchair showcases and Adult
coaching you can sign up for the day by googling Great British Tennis Weekend
or just pop in on the day.
Off the back off the Open Day at Riverside were also running four weeks of free
adult coaching at the club on Wednesday nights 8.30-10pm drop me a line on doc@
riversidetennisbedford.co.uk to secure your place! #allages #allabilities #allwel-come
Come and see what everyone is talking about.

THE LAST WORD

By Reverend Sonya J Wratten, Priest in Charge, All Saints, Queens Park

LETS GO FLY A KITE

OF SOCIAL JUSTICE

Most people may well remember

the classic song Lets Go Fly
A Kite from the infamous film
Mary Poppins. When I was a
child there was no better way to
spend a rainy bank holiday afternoon than to submerge ourselves
in the fantastical yet cosy
story of the worlds favourite
nanny. Although, I have to say
that I was more taken with the
character of the mother (aka Mrs
Banks) and her strong passion
for womens suffrage than Ms Poppins herself. As a small girl
I dreamt of demonstrating with a votes for women banner
alongside the heroines of the Suffragette movement. In fact the
idea of being a real life suffragette thrilled me much more the
thought of flying kites with Mary, Bert, Jane and Michael.
Maybe there is a link however between the heady heights

Saturday 23rd April - Sunday 2nd October 2016 - FREE ENTRY

The Higgins Bedford

Castle Lane
Bedford
MK40 3XD

12

01234 718618

www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk

of kite flying and seeking out justice like that of gender

equality. Gender equality is one of the many issues of social
justice where there is still work to be done and striving for
such ideals can be heady stuff as well as sacrificial at times.
Like kite flying, just when you think you are off and away
with your kite riding through the wind, it hits a tree or loses
power and dives down with a bump. It may seem as though
you are back to square one again but hopefully your desire to
see the kite fly never loses its passion.
Seeking out and working for improved social justice in
the world is a bit like this and many of us could name heroes
and heroines who have sacrificed so much to improve the
world by ensuring goals of equality are reached. Many times
campaigns such as that of womens suffrage in the 1900s
have come down with a bump having to begin again and
driven only at its most desperate times by passion for the
cause driving the human will. As a person of faith I would
say that this is sacred work and one of the highest callings
that is bestowed upon humankind: to actively seek improving
the world for ourselves and others (particularly those who are
marginalised), to safeguard the world and to envision a more
just way of being. So, have you got a head for heights?