The Bedford Clanger - November 2012

issUe 17: NOVEMBER 2012
FRee
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
Welcome to the November
issue of The Bedford
Clanger.
Its Movember again and for the whole
of the month we really want to see those
mouies. Weve even mod up John
Bunyan for this months cover designed
by Anne-Marie and Danny Stijelia. Find
out more about the marvellous Movem-
ber campaign in our interview with Mo
Bro & Bedford Blue, Sacha Harding and
see if you agree with moviefarm.co.uks
top 5 mouies in the movies. Mmmmmm!
The Bedford Portas Pilot Town
Teams campaign is gathering mo-
mentum in preparation for Christmas.
From asking Bedfordians to creatively
re-imagine the town centre, to encour-
aging us all to shop local in our fab
independent retailers, youre sure to spot
the Portas Pilot volunteers out and about
in the coming months. You may even be
interviewed by one of the #citizenbed-
ford reporters - or why not join in and
release your inner citizen journalist? The
more the merrier!
Santas arriving with his reindeer in
Harpur Square on 21st November and
the Christmas Light Switch On will
take place on the Embankment on 28th
November, so lets get in the festive
spirit and well see you back here in
December.
Happy Movember, Bedford!
NOVEMBER 2012
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
2
What did the cheesemaker do to the river? Edamed it.
2012 has been a
momentous year
for Castle Roads
Cheese Kitchen.
Owners Helen and Justin Waldock
have expanded the business to
include a bistro, cheese room and
dedicated deli in the former Cop
Shop building a couple of doors
down from the original premises.
We caught up with Helen and
Justin to fnd out how they came to
run the Cheese Kitchen and what
customers can expect from the new
improved CK.
Helen and I frst met at United
Biscuits where the business was
responsible for making thousands
of sandwiches per day for M&S,
explains Justin. In 2000 I left
United to join EAT as their Ops
Director. The job was 24/7 and for
me it just wasnt sustainable. I wanted to
do something different, something outside
London; ideally I wanted to fnd a food
business for sale - and then we found The
Cheese Kitchen.
Already established as a predominantly
vegetarian venue, The Cheese Kitchen had
been successful for the previous 10 years
under its owner, Jennifer Grumbridge.
When we took over about 9 years ago
we were aware that existing customers
would be wary of change, said Helen.
We made alterations gradually and have
been led by our customers on many of the
improvements weve made. We introduced
seating and put in a small coffee machine.
Soon after we offered outside seating and it
drew a crowd! Local business owners didnt
believe anyone would want to sit out on the
pavement!
Gradually, Helen and Justin found the
caf side of the business was dominating the
retail aspect. Lack of seating was losing the
Cheese Kitchen customers, and the number
of caf customers was putting off cheese
buyers. So when the Cop Shop became
available it meant that they had the fex-
ibility to divide and grow the business.
So whats changed? Well, the original
Cheese Kitchen is now a caf/bistro, open
as normal during the day, but offering
bistro dining every Saturday night. With
just 20 covers, chef Joris Larigaldie
presides over the intimate setting, cooking
up English and French dishes made from
locally sourced quality ingredients while
the work of local artists adorns the walls.
Stroll one door down (just past the bakery)
and youll fnd yourself at the Cheese
Kitchen Deli. Locally-made produce includ-
ing chutney, crisps, cakes and preserves
share the shelves with Helens homemade
sausage rolls, scotch eggs and lasagne. And
theres wine! At this point, youre probably
wondering where the cheese is? Well, step
through a door and youll fnd the Cheese
Room: a temperature controlled homage to
the humble cheese in all its forms. And what
Helen and Justin dont know about cheese
really isnt worth knowing. Its awesome!
But dont just take our word for it. The
Cheese Kitchen was recently voted among
The Sunday Telegraphs top 50 independent
food shops outside London. Yay!
The Cheese Kitchen, 108 Castle Road
Bedford, MK40 3QR
01234 217 325
www.thecheesekitchen.co.uk
The Cheese KiTChen, 108 Castle Road Bedford, MK40 3QR
Tel: 01234 217 325 www.thecheesekitchen.co.uk
UniQUe BeDFORD
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hOMeTOWn TOURisT
The PanaCea sOCieTy MUseUM OPens iTs DOORs
(BuT NOT iTs BOx) NuMBER 12 AlBANy ROAd, BEdFORd
FiReWORKs aT The
FalCOn
The Falcon in Bletsoe is beginning their
Movember charity month with a BANG!
They would like everybody to join them
for a fabulous freworks display on Sunday
4th November from 6pm. The evening will
kick off with live music and a raffe with the
freworks display beginning at 7pm.
All donations and money raised from
the raffe will be donated to the Movemeber
charity.
www.thefalconatbletsoe.co.uk
Its not every town that can boast
a descendant of God, an inter-
nationally recognised religious
sect that attracted over 5,000
applicants per year in its heyday
and a
world-renowned box of proph-
esies that can only be opened in
the presence of 24 bishops. But
then not every town can be like
Bedford.
For most Bedfordians, the
Panacea Society has been a
source of mystery, a secretive
society with a portfolio of proper-
ties and a Garden of Eden that
would play host to the second
coming of Jesus. Indeed, how many of us
can claim to know much more than that?
Therefore, since the religion ceased to exist,
it is with curiosity and excitement that the
opening of the Panacea Society Museum
has been greeted.
From the entrance on Newnham Street,
visitors to the Museum are transported into
the world of Mabel Barthrop (1866 - 1934)
who renamed herself Octavia in the belief
that she was the 8th prophet and daughter
of God. The main body of the museum
explores the history of the Panacea Society
including The Millennium Prophecy and
Joanna Southcotts (1750 - 1814) Box.
Octavia became the keeper of the box and
much of the function of the house was to
prepare for the arrival of 24 bishops who
would facilitate the opening of the box and
herald the second coming. Fascinatingly,
there are recreations of
bedrooms, the Bishops
sitting room and the room
in which the box would
be opened all decorated
with the original furniture
and ornaments from
Octavias era.
By crossing the gar-
den, visitors gain access
to Number 12 Albany
Road which was Octavias
home. As the house had remained virtually
untouched, museum curators have been
able to faithfully recreate an Edwardian
household.
As middle class, educated women,
Octavia and her followers were voracious
publishers and archivists of their work.
As a result, the Panacea Trust has a huge
archive detailing Edwardian life and the
Trustees support historical, educational and
religious research. Therefore, the museum
is not just an insight into the secretive Pana-
cea Society, but also early twentieth century
life for the people particularly women of
Bedford.
I urge you to go along to the museums
open day on 10th November to fnd out
more about the Society for yourself.
www.panacea-society.org
BUnyan
ChRisTMas FaiR &
MUseUM OPen Day
Saturday November 10th is the date of
this years annual Bunyan Christmas Fair.
From 10am til 3pm visitors can enjoy a
variety of craft stalls, plus free entry to the
John Bunyan Museum.
Entry is just 1 and includes a free tea
or coffee.
a TasTe OF CaF
CUlTURe in
BeDFORD
For the month of
November Frescoes Caf
will be exhibiting the work
of Bedfordshire based artist,
Charlotte Tenneson.
This show was organised by
the art Centre & Gallery,
7 howard street, Bedford.
Charlotte said, It is great to be invited to
exhibit my work in this joint collaboration
between two independent shopkeepers and
an artist; it is exciting to play a positive part
in boosting the high street, at the same time
as raising my own profle. I am delighted
that Kevin Kavanagh, Frescoes owner, is
such a great supporter of the arts. Bedford
is becoming an exciting place to live for
creative people. A collaboration such as
this helps to create an interesting place to
meet, relax and come together as a com-
munity in our town centre.
The work on display features intricate
works in charcoal, ink washes on paper, a
large, colourful framed watercolour, linocut
prints and mixed media paintings on canvas
using acrylic, dcoupage and ink.
All work is for sale.
Frescoes Caf, 20 Mill Street, Bedford is
open 9am 5 pm Mon Sat.
P
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THE BEDFORD CLANGER
3
What a page three stunner!
BEDFORD
A PLACE
CHRISTMAS...
Christmas Lights Switch On
Wednesday 21st November
The Embankment, from 7pm
Victorian Christmas Fair
7th, 8th & 9th December
Harpur Square, from 10am daily
For more information:
Phone: 01234 718617
Email: events@bedford.gov.uk
Web: www.bedfordevents.co.uk
www.bedford.gov.uk
www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk
EVENTS044_12 design@bedford.gov.uk
Full programme of events & activities available
to download from www.bedfordevents.co.uk
PORTUGUESE RESTAURANT.
CHRISTMAS PARTY BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN
call in for a copy of our Christmas menu.
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 villages
Awarded a 4 star Food Standards Agency Rating by Bedford Borough Council
WEDNESDAY
7TH NOVEMBER
2012
2TONE
NOVEMBER 2012
Bedford Blues flanker
sacha harding leads the
Bedford Blues out for
Movember, the charity
that aims to change the
face of mens health.
A man of many parts, Sacha is a profes-
sional rugby player, ambassador for the
global Movember campaign, holds the title
of Britains Manliest Man and is an arts
student at Bedford College. Phew!
During November each year, Movember
is responsible for the sprouting of mous-
taches on thousands of mens faces in the
UK and around the world. The aim of which
is to raise vital funds and awareness for
mens health, specifcally prostate cancer
and testicular cancer.
Movember kicks off on 1 November
when Bedford Blues players and others
joining the campaign will start the month
clean shaven and then cultivate their mo
throughout the month. The idea is for men
to change their faces by sporting a mo
and to change the face of mens health.
Bedford Blues was the frst rugby club in
the country to support the Movember cam-
paign after one of Sachas closest friends in
Australia started the campaign. The idea
began with four friends in 2003 and has
grown to a global campaign today.
Sacha explains that traditionally men
are reluctant to talk about health and that is
where Movember steps in. He says:
What better way to get guys talking
about health than sporting a mo it
breaks the ice and gets the conversation go-
ing. Bedford Blues Rugby Club has strong
community ties with the town and is proud
to be the heart of the
Movember campaign,
co-ordinating activities
and fundraising from
pubs, clubs, workplaces
and individuals across
the county.
We try to better the
fundraising each year
and it is a tough ask.
Last year we raised over
12,000 which was a
staggering achievement.
We aim to better that
this year in a massive
effort for Movember.
We have fun with this
campaign but at the same time raise much
needed funds for medical research and
that has to be a winner.
And as Bedford Blues
supporters know we do
like to win!
The highlight of fund-
raising is Friday 23 No-
vember with the Bedford
Blues v Cornish Pirates
game (kick off 7.45 pm).
The Blues will be sport-
ing a one-off special kit
that is under wraps until
the game. Dinner in the
marquee will give guests
the chance to learn more
about Movember and the
day will be rounded off
with a party. An auc-
tion and raffe will give
guests the chance to bid
for items and experienc-
es, including the one-off
rugby shirts.
Those attending the
ground sporting a mo
will be given 2 for 1
entrance.
The Movember
campaign is particularly
poignant this year in
Bedford following the
death from prostate can-
cer of Mark Howe, a Bedford Blues playing
legend for two decades, longest serving
player, former captain of the club and Board
Director.
Playing for Bedford Blues for 12 years,
since joining the Academy aged 17, Sacha
talks about Bedford and what it means to
him:
Bedford is a big rugby town and Bed-
ford Blues has strong ties with the commu-
nity and its supporters. We pride ourselves
as being at the centre
of Bedford life, playing
entertaining, good rugby
and getting as many peo-
ple involved in the club
as possible. Bedford is
also also growing in arts
and creativity and is close
enough to London to give
people the chance to take
in the culture of the city.
I have always been
interested in the arts and
photography and Im now
studying HND Graphic
Design at Bedford
College - part of my long
term plan for the future. The creativity at
the Colleges South Bank Arts Centre is
exceptional.
So what next for the Movember cam-
paign? People around the world are getting
involved and Movember has set up GAP,
a Global Action Plan to bring together the
best researches from around the world to
work together on projects, sharing data and
information, with the goal of accelerating
research.
Now its your turn - join the Movember
campaign and help Bedford Blues tackle
mens health.
If you fancy sporting a mo then join
the campaign at www.uk.movember.com
And, with or without a mo, attend the
fundraising extravaganza at Bedford Blues
on 23 November.
Movember is a fun campaign with a
serious heart - to change the face of mens
health and this is why :
1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate
cancer in their lifetime
This year 37,000 new cases of the disease
will be diagnosed
1 in 2 men will be diagnosed with cancer
in their lifetime
26% of men are less likely to go the doctor
compared to women
To fnd out more contact Bedford Blues
Rugby Club www.bedfordrugby.co.uk
MOVEMBER
BeDFORD BlUes saCha haRDinG TalKs MOs & MOveMBeR
Football Fun is the name of
Castle lower schools football
club with the emphasis on
enjoying football with friends.
An enthusiastic group of around 80
footballers aged six to nine play every Sat-
urday morning and the club is run entirely
by volunteers.
Year 3 submitted an application to the 3rd
phase of the Premier League Players Kit
Scheme, and was fortunate enough to be
selected. The school received playing strips
and training equipment which will help to
unify the players, and provide a sense of
pride in playing for the school.
Each premier league football squad
donates 25,000, funded directly by the
players and the scheme ensures that valu-
able resources are fed down to grass roots
football.
Mr Marsh, the Castle Lowers head
teacher said, The intention is for Year 3 to
use the kit for two years then pass it down
to younger age groups, maximising its life
and ensuring that future children can beneft
from the scheme.
The school teams (U7-U9) are looking
to play friendly fxtures on Saturday morn-
ings. Please contact the school (tel: 01234
300800) and leave your details if you would
be interested in a match, the relevant coach
will then get in contact.
lOCal laDs aRe Given a PReMieR seal OF
aPPROval
sPORT
BeDFORDs GUilD
hOUse CHARiTy
NiGHT
The Bedford Guild House on Harpur
Street offers a meeting place and activities
for the over 50s. Relying completely on
charity donations, the Guild House is a
valuable community resource and they
deserve our support. If you would like to
help them raise funds, then you can join
them on 9th November for a night of music
and dancing at Bedford Athletic Rugby
Club on Wentworth Drive. Doors open at
7.30pm and entertainment will be provided
by The Angels Share with support from
Barricades Rise. The event promises to
be an evening of celtic music to get your
hands clapping and your feet tapping and
all for just 5!
Tickets are available at the Guild House or
from the Bedford Athletic Rugby Club.

THE BEDFORD CLANGER
4
I moustache you a question... But Ill shave it for later.
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
is read by around 10,000 people
if youd like to promote your business to our readers then contact
Gemma Rogers on 07799067052
email:bedfordclangerads@gmail.com @clangerads
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
NOVEMBER 2012
The release of the 23rd
official Bond movie
coincides with the 50th
anniversary of Bonds
first silver screen outing,
dr. No, so Paul
hutchinson has taken a
look at Bonds evolution
and how hes kept his
licence to thrill.
By Paul Hutchinson
for www.moviefarm.co.uk
While the Bond foundations remain
the same, the stories and characters have
changed. Back then if it wasnt a solitary
madman with his fnger on some fantasti-
cally destructive weapon, the evil terrorist
organisation SPECTRE was behind what-
ever plans for world domination Bond was
sent to stop. In an effort to keep modern
audiences on the edge of their ejector seats
weve seen recent baddies range from KGB
agents during the Cold War to drug deal-
ers, computer geeks, diamond thieves and
crazed newspaper editors (What??? Ed).
Bonds leading ladies and their ward-
robes have evolved too. Their skirts were
short then long, then short again before
some even decided to opt for trousers as
their characters gained stronger roles.
Even Miss Moneypenny seems to now be
immune to Bonds charms, not least of all
due to the changing role of women in the
workplace.
The gadgets have always been fun and
refective of the times while remaining
relatively plausible (lets not mention Pierce
Brosnans invisible Mercedes) but today we
see IT based tricks up Bonds Savile Row
sleeve instead of rocket back packs and
exploding toothpaste.
Bonds taste in cars has remained con-
stant, OK, weve seen occasional foreign
infuences but he always comes back to the
iconic and very British Aston Martin. Hes
driven a few models but the DB5 remains
his most famous car. First appearing in
Goldfnger its been in nine Bond movies
since, including Skyfall. It seems even
Bond cant resist the age of retro.
So what of Bond himself? Weve gone
from the sexist but suave Connery to an
emotional Lazenby, a smutty Moore, moody
Dalton, excitable Brosnan and now dark
but honourable Craig. His vices have had
to change with his personality; smok-
ing is now gone and while the amount he
drinks has remained relatively constant,
his beverage of choice has not. Purists
were angered when it became apparent that
even Bond wasnt immune to a marketing
teams cheque book. In Skyfall well see
him drinking Heineken as well as the usual
Vodka Martini, hopefully hell only order
the latter shaken, not stirred.
So what of the next ffty years? Well
leave the image of a future Bond to your
own imagination, but if he continues to
evolve then no doubt for years to come
movie fans will continue to agree, nobody
does it better.
evOlUTiOn OF BOnD
FilM
lydiA,
GRiMMy
ANd Daniel
CRaiG!!!!
Maddix, lydia
Maddix is a 19
year old former
Mark Rutherford
student who is
currently at
Canterbury
Christ Church university.
As well as being an indie singer/song-
writer, Lydia is also a flmmaker and
aspiring radio/tv presenter. So when she
heard Radio 1s Nick Grimshaw announce a
flm-making competition to win the chance
to interview Daniel Craig, she set about
flming her entry.
And at the end of October, Lydia found
out live on Grimmys radio show that she
was one of fve lucky winners who would
get to meet and interview Daniel Craig.
So on Monday 22nd October, Lydia
found herself in an Aston Martin on her
way to a top secret London location to meet
Bond and his leading lady.
When Naomie Harris and Daniel Craig
walked in we were speechless! said Lydia.
To meet someone that youve frst seen
on the box is always going to be surreal,
but to meet Bond is mind blowing! After
Grimmy had interviewed Daniel we all
got to ask him a question, I asked him, If
you were reincarnated as a computer, with
only enough memory space for one Bond
girl, who would you save and why?. Both
him and Naomie laughed and were like,
Wow...I wasnt expecting that...and they
thought it was a fresh and funny question.
As an aspiring tv presenter, Lydia is
determined to make the most of this experi-
ence. Everyone was so funny, friendly and
professional, they knew exactly what they
were doing and have inspired me even more
to work as hard as I can at uni, so maybe
one day Ill be presenting shows.
The interview is on Nick Grimshaws show
on the Radio section of BBC iplayer and
also on Radio 1s YouTube page: http://
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JV0mVRrQdl
8&feature=plcp
Check out Lydias work here:
www.facebook.com/brittyblackgirl and
here:
www.youtube.com/brittyblackgirl
RAdiO
by Naomi Barnwell of
www.moviefarm.co.uk @movie_farm
in celebration of
Movember Movie Farm
takes a look at some of
the finest examples of
facial hair ever seen in
the movies.
Brace yourself, things are
going to get hairy...
5. TiMOTHy dAlTON in hOT
FUZZ
When hes not busy being Bond Timothy
Daltons tearing up the streets of Sandford
in Edgar Wrights Hot Fuzz. Starring along-
side policemen Simon Pegg and Nick Frost,
Dalton and his hairy upper lip are a viable
suspect for much of the flm...
4. sACHA BARON COHEN iN
BORaT
Famous for his outlandish roles, Sacha
Baron Cohen caused one of the biggest
upsets of his career with the release of Borat
in 2006. With a giant bear and and an
equally giant moustache in tow, Borat
travelled across America offending almost
everybody he met (whether it was the mous-
taches fault, were not
sure).
3. MAx VON sydOW iN
Flash GORDOn
The 80s may have a lot to answer for if
theyre ever put on trial for their crimes
against fashion, and the 1980 flm Flash
Gordon may be one of the frst to stand trial.
Gordons nemesis Ming the Merciless how-
ever is all good in our books as he
sports a rather impressive moustache.
MOVEMBER MOViEs
TOP 5 MOvie MOUsTaChes
2. dusTiN HOFFMAN in
hOOK
While he may be the scary nemesis of ev-
erybodys favourite child who never grew
up (we say never, but he inevitably did and
turned out to be Robin Williams), Hook,
played by Dustin Hoffman in Steven Spiel-
bergs child fantasy flm of the same name,
is memorable equally for his impressive
moustache. He may wear a wig but the
moustache will always be very real to
us!
1. dANiEl dAy lEWis in
GanGs On neW yORK
Daniel Day Lewis tops our list. Famous for
his commitment to a role, his appearance as
Bill The Butcher in Gangs of New York
gave us not only a slice of fne acting but
an awe-inspiring moustache. Good work!
For the full top ten along with
your chance to vote for your favourite
tache visit moviefarm.co.uk!
ARE YOU JEWISH?
Bedfordshire Progressive synagogue
invites you to a service and chavarah
lunch on 3rd November 2012.
All welcome.
For more details call
tel: 0845 8697 105
Email: info@bedsps.org.uk
www.bedfordshire-ps.org.uk
Find us on Facebook:BedfordshirePs
New Menu, New Look
Lunchtime Salad Bar,
Eat-In or Take-Away
Freshly prepared take-away ready
meals Wine available too!
Fully Licensed
20 Castle Lane, Bedford
Tel: 01234 269961
www.cafeangelo.com
@cafeangelos
cafeangelos
bedfords blackrock
grill
Follow the cafeangelos duck on facebook
A family business providing support and
service when you need it.
Open and honest pricing policy
37 St Cuthberts Street, Bedford MK40 3JG
Tel: 01234 363191 (24 hours)
www.molyneuxjones.co.uk
Molyneux Jones
Family Funeral Directors
Grimmy
Danny x
Naomie
Lydia
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
5
in association with
Bedford Borough Councils Premier
Entertainment Venue
THE l i s T i n G
Getting Out and About in Bedford This november
NOVEMBER 2012
Danni niChOlls
CROWd-FuNdiNG HER WAy TO NAsHVillE,
TENNEssEE www.pledgemusic.com/projects/danninicholls
MusiC
The sex Pistols experience
are making a welcome return
to Bedford esquires venue
on saturday 3rd november,
who along with Rebel Truce
(the uKs leading tribute to
The Clash) will pay homage
to the classic Punk legendary
line-up.
The Sex Pistols were the most outrageous
and contro-
versial band
of all time and
the Experi-
ence show
has perfected
the look and
sound down
to every last
detail as they sweat out every ounce of ener-
gy to make sure each concert is as dynamic,
explosive, & exciting as the real deal. They
capture all the energy and spirit of the band
PisTOls & Clash TRiBUTe
BanDs heaD TO esQUiRes
MusiC
its an exciting time
to be Danni nicholls
right now.
Not only has she just returned from Tom
Robinsons Immersion Songwriting week-
end in Kent (yes THE Tom Robinson),
but shes just about to head off to Nashville
(yep, Nashville) to record her debut album
with Emmylou Harris bass player, Chris
Donohue. Oh and she can count This Is
England/Snow White & The Huntsman
superstar, Johnny Harris (JOHNNY HAR-
RIS!!!) as a fan of her beautiful blend of
Americana. I know!
So, what was it like being in a massive
house in Kent with Tom Robinson and a
dozen singer/songwriters? It was amazing!
We got there at 9am on Saturday, left at
5.30pm on Sunday and spent all weekend
collaborating and writing songs, explained
Danni. The concept is based on The Frus-
trated Songwriters Handbook and the aim
is to write 20 songs in 24 hours. No-ones
ever achieved it, but it really pushes you
and makes you think outside your comfort
zone.
But while spending 48 hours with one
of the industrys most infuential people
is exciting, its her album that Dannis at
Clanger HQ to talk about. And frst off, we
wanted to fnd out how she got to work with
Chris Donohue,
Last year, my manager and I went to
the Americana Music Awards in Nashville.
My manager knows Chris, so we hung out
with him and he came to my show. I was
performing in an old launderette in East
Nashville called The Family Wash, and
afterwards we had coffee and talked about
making an album together
This was clearly an offer than only an
insane person would turn down, so in April
Danni headed back to Nashville to try out
co-writing, heading straight to Warner/
Chappell on Music Row. Here, in the Liber-
ace Lounge (can this story get any cooler?
Ed), she began putting together the songs
that will form her debut album.
And thats where we can all become part
of the story
To be invited to record my debut album
in Nashville was an opportunity I couldnt
turn down, explains Danni. But it dont
come cheap
So when I returned from America I
launched the pledgemusic.com/projects/
danninicholls site to begin crowd-funding
the project.
I fy out to Nashville on 9th December
have already raised 60% of the amount
needed.
Weve got until November 4th to raise the
remaining 40%.
There are packages available to suit all
budgets, so from just 8 you can become
part of my journey and will receive a digital
pre-release version of the album as well as
exclusive video diary updates document-
ing the experience. Other packages include
the opportunity to receive signed lyrics, a
pair of my cowboy boot, interview me over
Skype from the studio, your name printed
in the sleeve-notes or of course, if youre
so inclined you can stump up the whole
amount and get everything!
This really is a unique chance for you to
be part of Bedford music history. You can
not only help fund the recording of Dannis
album, but you can become part of the
journey.
I cant predict whats going to hap-
pen, said Danni. But I can work hard and
make my own luck. As soon as the albums
released Ill set off on a couple of tours and
hopefully perform at some festivals too. I
just want to keep going with my music and
see what happens.
So why not see what happens with her?
To pledge anything from 8 upwards, go
to www.pledgemusic.com/projects/dan-
ninicholls.
Want to check out Danni playing live? Then
why not head to Andaluz on Thursday 1st
November where shell be playing an inti-
mate gig from 7.30pm. From 6pm - 7.30pm
a bottle of San Miguel or glass of wine is
2.95 and Pintxos (Basque style tapas) are
on the menu from 1.95. No need to book,
just turn up and enjoy a relaxed evening of
Americana with a taste of Spain!
Listen to Dannis music here:
www.danninicholls.co.uk
What has eight arms and still cant play bass? Squid Vicious.
If you missed Simon Munnery and/or
John Hegley performing at this summers
Bedfringe then youve got another chance
to see them perform at The Place Theatre
this month.
For an alternative Bonfre Night celebra-
tion, head to Bradgate Road for an evening
of comedy, music and poetry - hosted by
Bedfordian Simon Munnery.
As compere, Ill be on the stage for
ages, Simon told us. My act will be a
mixture of the well honed and the spontane-
ous. You can expect a proportion of my act
to be determined on the night.
Tickets can be purchased from The Place
Theatre: www.theplacebedford.org.uk
Simons on-going Tour of Bedford continues
to meander through the town. He will be
performing at other venues around Bedford
before the end of the year. You can catch
him at The Pad on 18th December and he
can often be found at Mat Roberts open mic
nights around Bedford.
COMEdy
MUnneRy & heGley HOsT
BONFiRE NiGHT CABERET AT THE PlACE
neville staple and his
band are coming to The
Corn exchange on
Friday 9th November.
Neville talks to The Clangers Cory Tal-
lant in advance of the show.
Neville is most famous as one of the
vocalists and general livewire in The
Specials, the band that spearheaded the
2-tone movement. They ska-ed up Britain
in the late 1970s and early 1980s with hits
including their two number one singles Too
Much Too Young and Ghost Town. In Ghost
Town Neville memorably sang Govern-
ment leaving the youth on the shelf ... No
job to be found in this country. As the track
was released in the summer of 1981, the
Thatcher governments cuts began to bite
and rioting erupted across Britain, including
in Brixton and Toxteth. In those troubled
times, The Specials were the voice of the
disaffected.
Later in 1981 Neville announced his
departure from The Specials, along with
Terry Hall and guitarist Lynval Golding.
The threesome became The Fun Boy Three,
which continued chart success with hits
such as The Lunatics (have Taken Over The
Asylum), The Tunnel Of Love and It Aint
What You Do (with Bananarama).
Neville explains he has never stopped
working Ive always been in my own bands
even when The Specials were together. Ive
never been off the road. Its what I do with
my Neville Staple Band, which is the same
band Ive played with for years across the
UK.
In the 1990s the work took him to in the
US where a ska revival was taking place,
known as the third wave of ska. In this
period he collaborated with American ska
bands Unwritten Law, Rancid, and even No
Doubt.
Neville returned to The Specials in 2009
when they reformed for a tour to celebrate
their 30th anniversary. Since then, the band
have continued to perform but Neville and
the band are now taking a breather after a
hectic 2012 of touring that culminated with
a set at the Olympics ceremony closing gig
at Hyde Park. The Specials were there to
celebrate the best of British music along
with bands such as New Order and the
headliners Blur.
When asked about the huge gig at Hyde
Park, it becomes clear that some disagreed
with The Specials status as a supporting
band. Neville says A load of people were
saying to me why didnt you go on last and
headline? They were saying that because
we were iconic and were about people get-
ting together. Without disclosing his own
views Neville goes on to say The gig was
goodI really enjoyed it.
Asked about The Specials future plans
Neville replies Were having a break now
and having a think about whats going to
happen next. He laughs at the suggestion
they could record new material: No way.
Can you imagine us in the studio? Jesus!
Its gonna need someone in the studio whos
in charge because everyone has their own
personality now.
He gives credit to Jerry Dammers who
set up the band along with the 2-tone label
and logo a reference to the bands mul-
tiracial line - up but who is not part of the
reformed band. You know lets not take it
away from the guy he got us together. Back
then it was just him in the studio who would
say ok lets do it this way.
The touring and the Hyde Park gig aside,
2012 has been a bad year for Neville. In
January he was in a major car accident,
which triggered a series of mini-strokes
that have affected his memory. Worse still,
his doctors have advised him to cool his on
stage antics: I take it easy now after the
years of jumping off speakers and jumping
around like a lunatic. I was much more
energetic in them days and its taken its toll
on me. You wont see me jumping around
up there just taking it easy and grooving.
Nevertheless, he is eagerly anticipat-
ing returning to Bedford with the Neville
Staples Band for the Corn Exchange gig:
Ive not been up there for a while but
Im really looking forward to it. As for
the content of the upcoming show, we can
expect a selection of old and new material:
Im doing some of my songs and some of
my old favourite blue beat songs. With re-
spect to material from The Specials Neville
muses that he has played their stuff a lot
over the last few years and is trying to keep
away from Specials songs. On the other
hand if his audience want it, he will play it:
So if they shout out Monkey Man, Ill do
Monkey Man. If they shout out Gangsters,
Ill do Gangsters. I know theyre songs that
Ill never get away from!
The Pad Presents: Neville Staple and his
Band at The Bedford Corn Exchange on
Friday 9th Nov. Tickets available from Lus-
cious Juice Bar and Central Box Offce.
www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk
at their blistering 1977 peak period.
The band will be ripping through their
show with rousing renditions of Pretty
Vacant, God Save The Queen, Anarchy
in the U.K and Holidays in the Sun. Sup-
ported by Rebel Truce who perform all The
Clash classics with a repertoire of some 50
songs ranging from the incendiary blast of
1977 to the assured swagger of London
Calling, Rebel Truce is a must see, not only
for fans of the Clash, but for all lovers of
live rock n roll.
Advance Tickets are just 10.00 avail-
able from Esquires, Bromham Road in
Bedford, Tel 01234 340 120
www.bedfordesquires.com
MusiC
THE ORiGiNAl RudEBOy RETuRNs FOR A sPECiAl NiGHT
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
6
Thursday 1st November
Birdwatching at the RSPB
Enjoy the birds on view as well as trying out the latest
binoculars and telescopes. An expert will be on hand to
demonstrate. From 10am until 4pm. Free to attend.
RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy
Tel: (01767) 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge
The Smiths & Morrissey Photographs
An exhibition at Rock City Art Gallery, running until 29th
November. Castle Lane, Bedford
Tel. 01234 910448 info@rockcityart.com
www.rockcityart.com
Beer & Bangers Festival plus Charity Christmas
Fayre
Check out a range of local beer and sausages all weekend.
Alongside this event will be a Christmas Fayre, raising
money for charity where you can start buying festive gifts.
The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford
Tel: 01234 409306 www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk
Bent
Fysh 2 Fry Theatre Company present Martin Shermans
shocking play, Bent. In 1930s Berlin, Max and his lover/
fatmate Rudy begin a nightmare odyssey through Nazi
Germany, which placed homosexuals on a lower scale
than Jews. 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
7.30pm, running until 3rd November.
The Place Theatre, Bradgate Road, Bedford
Tel: 01234 354321 www.theplacebedford.org.uk
Wilko Johnson + Virgil and the Accelerators
Wilko Johnson is the legendary former guitarist of Dr
Feelgood whose current band features Blockhead members
Norman Watt-Roy (bass guitar) and Dylan Howe (drums).
Doors 7.30pm, tickets 17.50
Main Auditorium, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Pauls
Square
Box Offce: 01234 269519 cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk
Traditional Music Session
Join in this monthly folk jam, 8.30pm at The Bedford
Arms, 2 Bromham Rd
Tel: 01234 214656 www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk
Jam Night with Mat Roberts
The Flower Pot, Tavistock St, Bedford Tel: 01234 296732
Friday 2nd November
Bedfordshire Family History Society Monthly Talk
Interested in family history? Then come along to an
informative monthly talk to fnd out more. Details of this
months talk can be found on the website. Doors 7.30pm.
Aspecialist bookstall and library are also available. 1
donation required for non-members.
Mark Rutherford School Drama Hall, Wentworth Drive,
Bedford
Email: secretary@bfhs.org.uk www.bfhs.org.uk
Bedford Auction Centre Antique Furniture and Col-
lectors Items Auction
The frst Friday of every month sees a specialist auction of
antiques and collectors items at the Bedford Auction Cen-
tre, where a range of antique furniture, pictures, ceramics
and glass, silver, metalware, militaria and other effects are
offered for sale. Starts at 11am. Free to attend.
Bedford Auction Centre, Newnham Street
www.peacockauction.co.uk
Bedford Art Society Talk
Bedford Art Society has invited Keith Holdaway to give
a talk and demonstration. Keith is the Master Printer and
Senior Technical Instructor in Printmaking at De Monfort
University and a Printmaking Today award-winning artist.
From 7.30pm, free for members, 5 for visitors.
Putnoe Heights Church, Putnoe Heights
Tel: Jean Paterson on (01234) 307210 www.bedsartso-
ciety.co.uk
Yoga Classes
Sessions cover limbering physical postures, some breath-
ing and relaxation, with a gradual focus on meditation.
Friendly, welcoming group. Beginners and experi-
enced students welcome. 6.15pm. Contact Racheall:
07910835994 www.om-hayoga.com
Healing Guided Meditation Evenings with Elizabeth
Drake
Take time out from your week to go on a guided journey
into relaxation. The meditations incorporate healing
imagery, dealing with past and present issues and explor-
ing your own spirituality. Also a great place to make new
friends and meet like minded people.
6.30pm-8.30pm, 5 per person, refreshments provided.
Friends Meeting House, Lansdowne Road, Bedford
Elizabeth Drake: 07816 236659 elizabethdrake@live.
co.uk www.elizabethlilydrake.co.uk
Family History Talk - The Diary of a Young Artist
Find out more about this interesting subject at the next talk
run by the Bedfordshire Family History Society.
Specialist Bookstall and library also available. 7.30pm in
the Drama Hall at Mark Rutherford School.
www.bfhs.org.uk
The VIPeas
Live music from 9pm at The Flower Pot, Tavistock St
Tel: 01234 296732
Thr3e
Live band in The Bar from 8pm at Esquires, Bromham
Road, Bedford
Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com
Exec Club Karaoke
9pm, The Exec Club, Lurke Street, Bedford
Tel: 01234 401500
Karaoke with Diamond Fire
8pm, The White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford
Saturday 3rd November
Firework Frenzy at Santa Pod
Witness an amazing evening of family entertainment with
jet cars, monster trucks and stunts - topped off with a huge
bonfre and freworks. Gates open at 2pm, tickets 12-20.
Santa Pod Raceway, Airfeld Road, Poddington,
Wellingborough Tel: (01234) 782828 www.santapod.com
Bedford Floral Art Society Meeting
Featuring a demonstration by Susie Barwick, Wild at
Heart. Doors 7pm for 7.30pm start. 5 for visitors.
The Addison Centre, Kempston
www.bedfordforalartsociety.co.uk
Priory Wildlife Watch Group
Includes things that go bump in the night. 2-4pm, 2 per
child. Priory Country Park Visitors Centre
Tel: (01234) 364213
Spirit Connexions presents Pete Webb as Elvis at RAF
Henlow
Pete Webb is one of the most sought after Elvis imperson-
ators. He has delighted audiences with his tribute shows
in a multitude of venues, featuring songs from the most
popular period of Elviss Vegas years. 7.30-9.30pm, tickets
15. Bar available. RAF Henlow Theatre, Henlow
Tel: 07724 088430 Email: Gail@spiritconnexions.com
West End Wendies Summer Theatre Workshops
Take part in a weekly theatre workshop programme led
by current professional West End performers. Includes
Legally Blonde, Shrek and Mamma Mia! From 9am until
4pm. Cost upon application. Southbank Arts Centre,
Bedford www.westendwendies.com
Public art installation Guided Tour
Artist Aaron Head will also be leading mini tours of
Bedford, highlighting and discussing the use of public
signage within the town. Part psychogeography, part tour-
ists trail, the walks will combine objective and subjective
knowledge, historical notes and anecdotal musings. The
tour will culminate at Aarons mini commission on Ford
End Road. The one-hour tour starts 2pm at Bedford
Creative Arts HQ, 104 Midland Road. Places are free but
limited so please book in advance.
Tel: 01234 818670 www.bedfordcreativearts.org.uk
Sylvia Bebb Dance Show - On Point
Avariety song and dance show from this well-known
school. Starts 7.30pm, tickets 12.00.
Square
The Bears Halloween Fancy Dress Party
From 8pm with Maggies famous Witches Brew, best
dressed announced at 10.30pm.
The Bear, 92 High St, Bedford Tel: 01234 401020
Elvis is Back
Live music at The White Horse from 9pm.
Dinosaur Disco
Soul n rock n roll with Tom Browning from 9pm at The
Flower Pot, Tavistock St
Tel: 01234 296732
The Sex Pistols Experience
Live music on the Main Stage from 8pm at Esquires,
Bromham Road, Bedford
Ballroom Blitz
Club night in Holy Molys from10.30pm at Esquires,
Fat Lads Disco
Hosted by Intobeats radio DJ, Ian Congdon-Lee. 10pm at
The Exec Club, Lurke Street, Bedford Tel: 01234 401500
Loaded Clubnight @ The Pad
Indie/rock n roll/old skool hip hop/beats & bass. 10pm-3-
am, free entry before midnight.
07860 454530 http://www.facebook.com/#!/thepadnight-
club
Sunday 4th November
Funghi Foray at the RSPB
Come and discover some of the hundreds of wonderful
funghi that fll the woodland at The Lodge at this time of
the year, with experts from the Bedfordshire Natural His-
tory Society. 10am-12noon and 1-3pm, booking essential,
adults 4, RSPB members 3, children 3, RSPB wildlife
explorers 2. RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy
Tel: (01767) 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge
Remembrance Service at Bedford Cemetery
This service, organised by the Scorts Society of Bedford,
is normally held in the open air (weather permitting) and is
to honour all service personnel, especially the Scottish sol-
diers who died in Bedford from measles and other illnesses
in the early days of WW1, while training in Bedford before
going to the front. The Bedford Pipe Band will lead the
service at 10.30am at Bedford Cemetery, Foster Hill Road
Tel: Margaret Carpenter on (01234) 360003 www.
bedfordcemeteryfriends.org.uk
Great Barford Village Hall Art and Craft Fair
Over 30 stalls of original handmade crafts and art not nor-
mally found on the High Street. 10am-4pm, admission 1.
Great Barford Village Hall, Green End Road
Tel: (01480) 819148 Email: lesley@foxglove-events.co.uk
Lazy Sunday Jazz
Live music at The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham Rd. 2-4pm
and 8pm.
Juicy Lucy
Live music in The Bar from 4pm at Esquires, Bromham
Road, Bedford
Melangerie
Chico Chica present an evening of music from their debut
album Melangerie. This exciting new vocal Latin-Pop
band started with the idea that all players should sing and
all singers should play - so catch Hilary Cameron (piano),
Tom Hannah (Spanish guitar) and Barbara Snow (Flugal-
horn) as they sing songs from their frst album, as part of
their National Tour. Starts at 7.30pm.
Sylvia Bebb Dance Show - On Point
Avariety song and dance show from this well-known
school. Starts 3.30pm, tickets 12.00.
Square
Mat Roberts
and 8pm.
Jons Music Quiz
Up to 300 prize money! The Kings Arms, St Marys
Street
Tel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk
White Horse Quiz Night
Teams of up to 6, 8.30pm, 1pp entry. Free bingo game for
Sunday quizzers!
Monday 5th November
Featuring a demonstration by Nick Grounds Flotsam and
Jetsam. Doors 7pm for 7.30pm, 5 for visitors.
Bedford Auction Centre 20th Century Design Auction
The Bedford Auction Centre holds two sales each year in
Bedford of pre and post war classically designed furniture
and collectables. Very popular with specialist buyers and
individuals looking for something out of the ordinary to
furnish their homes with. Starts 10.30am.
Bedford Auction Centre
Tel: 01234 266366 www.peacockauction.co.uk
Alpine Garden Society Meeting
Jim Almond will be visiting the group with his talk,
Alpines through the Post. Araffe and free refreshments
will be available, and a professional nurseryman will be on
hand for help and advice. Visitors welcome. 7.30-9.30pm,
3 for visitors. Wilstead Village Hall, Cotton End Road
Tel: Mrs Elsie Willett 01767 626185 Email: mail@bed-
fordshirealpines.com www.bedfordshirealpines.com
Firework Frenzy at Santa Pod
An action packed family day of drag racing, stunts and
displays including jet vehicles, dragsters, monster trucks,
freworks, a funfair, a celebrity appearance and music.
From 6pm, 15 per car in advance (20 on day).
Santa Pod Raceway, Airfeld Road, Poddington, Welling-
borough. Tel: 01234 782828 www.santapod.com
Jazz Evening
With a featured artist and band from 8.30pm at The Bed-
ford Arms, Bromham Rd, Bedford
Bedford Film Society - The Kid with a Bike
Offering the people of Bedford and surrounding areas the
chance to see some of the fner flms of world cinema in a
relaxing and appreciative atmosphere. Running today and
tomorrow at Trinity Arts and Leisure (formerly Bedford
School), Bromham Road, Bedford
www.bedfordflmsociety.org.uk
Tonys General Knowledge Quiz
The Kings Arms, St Marys Street
Open Mic Night
Hosted by local singer/songwriter Matt Roberts, 8.30pm til
close. Just listen or join in!
Tuesday 6th November
The Bedford Auction Centre holds two sales each year in
Bedford of pre and post war classically designed furniture
and collectables. Very popular with specialist buyers and
individuals looking for something out of the ordinary to
furnish their homes with. Starts 10.30am.
Tel: 01234 266 366 www.peacockauction.co.uk
Featuring a Christmas demonstration by Lorena Dyer,
AChristmas Wish. Doors 7pm for 7.30pm. See website
for costs.
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.
Tel: 01767 680541 www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge
Meditation Classes
Weekly meditation classes held every Tuesday during term
time. Learn to relax the mind and fnd inner peace. Drop-in
classes suitable for everyone, from 7.30pm to 9pm. Cost
ranges from 3.50 - 5.
Quaker House, 5 Lansdowne Road, Bedford
Tel: (01604) 686778. www.meditation-nagarjuna.org
Black Pilots
Live band from 8pm with Friday Nite Mutiny after party at
in association with
Bedford Borough Councils Premier
Entertainment Venue
THE l i s T i n G
Esquires, free entry to both.
The Old Geezer Band
Affectionately known as The Fiddly-diddlies! Every
Tuesday from 8.30pm at The Wellington Arms
Wellington Street, Bedford Tel: 01234 308033
Karaoke & Cocktails
Dannys Bar, Esquires, Bromham Road, Bedford
Teams of up to 6, 8.30pm, 1pp entry.
Wednesday 7th November
Spoon Carving Workshop
Join World of Bushcraft on this two hour session to learn
how to create your very own spoon from an unlikely look-
ing piece of sycamore. The workshop covers safe tool use
and will guide you through the techniques most appropri-
ate to spoon making. All ages welcome. Under 18s must be
accompanied by an adult. Tea and coffee is available at the
end of the workshop. 2pm start, 20 per person.
World of Bushcraft, Priory Marina, Barkers Lane, Bedford
Tel: 07843 164114 or book online
www.woodland-ways.co.uk
Bedford Auction Centre Books, Maps and Ephemera
Auction
The Bedford Auction Centre offers specialist book auc-
tions, providing a more specifc marketplace for vendors
and buyers. Auction includes sports books, travel and
topography, aviation and military, maps and prints, chil-
drens books, modern frst editions, historical documents
and more. 3pm start.
Tel: 01234 266 366 www.peacockauction.co.uk
ATalk on The Quest for Frank Wild - Antarcticas
Forgotten Hero
An illustrated talk by author Angie Butler on the life of
Frank Wild, who was an explorer of the Antarctic. 7.30pm
start.
Putnoe Heights Church, Putnoe Lane.
www.baalhs.org.uk
Featuring a demonstration by Sue Woodward, Give Me
Water. Doors 7pm for 7.30pm. 5 for visitors.
Bedford Sixth Form Open Evening
5-8pm. Tours and Talks available. Make sure you pre-
register your places.
www.bedfordsixthform.ac.uk/events
Yoga Classes
The Uncook Dinner Club
Learn 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
Les Miserables
Following their acclaimed production of Dickens Great
Expectations, Hotbuckle bring their innovative style and
unique talent to this remarkable novel. Prisoner 24601,
Jean Valjean is released from prison and so begins his
bitter struggle to fnd redemption for the sins of his past
and become a force for good. Set in a time when riot and
revolution were in the air, and those with all the power and
money were blinkered to the coming storm, this epic story
of love, injustice and atonement is as relevant now as it
ever was. Starts at 7.30pm.
Mark Watson: Live 2012
Mark Watson was a victim of identity theft. Someone
successfully posed as him and took all his money. It made
him think about the power of the Internet, the nature of
identity, the way to stop crime forever and live in a better
world.. He presents his fndings, laced with a barrage of
new jokes, stories, observations and anecdotes, in his new
show. Please email markwatsonspreview2012@gmail.com
for pre-show briefng. Starts 7.30pm, tickets 15.00
Square
MND Fundraising Quiz Night
5pp including ploughmans supper.
The Biggest Jam Night in Town
Huge open mic night in Dannys Bar, Esquires, Bromham
Road, Bedford Tel: 01234 340120
Stitch n Bitch
Bring any crafty project to The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham
Rd, 7.30pm
beverlyjoburridge@gmail.com Tel: 01234 214656 www.
thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk
Thursday 8th November
Classical Concert at Bedford School
Enjoy an evening of French and Spanish songs, including
works by Bizet, Granados, Massenet and Turina. Featur-
ing Clara Mouriz (mezzo soprano) and Julius Drake
(piano). Starts at 7.45pm, adults 18, concessions 16,
students (18-25) 5, children 2.
Music Recital Hall, Bedford School
Tel: 01234 261811 www.bedfordmusicclub.co.uk
The Bedford Arms Book Club
Meeting every month. New members welcome.
The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham Road
Art TO Art
This is the in-depth discussion series, between two artistes
about all aspects of the arts. The show will be flmed for
TV and radio broadcast in front of a small audience. Art
TO Art is hosted by Ola Onabule, a singer, songwriter,
record producer and educator who has built a reputation
for being uncompromising in his work and for his strong
belief in removing as many of the flters that may exist
between an artistes work and its potential audience. Starts
at 7.30pm, tickets 5.00.
The Seagull Effect
Idle Motion present a stunning visual kaleidoscope of
images and stories based on a couples crumbling relation-
ship during Britains unexpected 1987 storm. As the wind
breaks through the mundanity of British weather, it also
clear the way for some clarity and perspective on our
everyday choices and effects. Using exciting and evocative
staging, multimedia and personal recollections, Idle Mo-
tion pick their way through the chaos left behind during
those remarkable six hours. They refect upon the waves
of destruction and the paths of the individuals it crossed.
Starts 8pm, Includes a 20min post-show Q&A. Tickets 12
(10 concessions), Bedford School Students 5. Suitable
for ages: 15+
Bedford Theatre, Bedford School, De Parys Avenue,
Bedford Box Offce: 01234 269519
www.bedfordtheatre.co.uk www.idlemotion.co.uk
The Pat McManus Band
Road, Bedford
Friday 9th November
Yoga Classes
Drake
into relaxation. The meditations are written by Elizabeth,
and incorporate healing imagery, dealing with past and
present issues and exploring your own spirituality. The
relaxation is extremely benefcial to body and mind,
putting that together with healing imagery and discussion
afterwards, makes this a very healing session indeed. Also
a great place to make new friends and meet like minded
people. 6.30pm-8.30pm, 5 per person, refreshments pro-
vided. Friends Meeting House, Lansdowne Road, Bedford
Neville Staple and his Band (The Specials)
Best known for his work as the singer and toaster in Ska
and Two Tone legends The Specials, Nevilles solo tour
features a mix of The Specials and Ska classics brought
to you in association with The Pad Ents. Starts 8.00pm,
tickets 15.00.
Square Box Offce: 01234 269519
cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk
Vinyl Revival Night
Dust off those LPs & singles and come to play them at The
Bedford Arms, Bromham Rd from 8pm.
Thr3e
Tel: 01234 296732
Sonic Boon Six
Live music on the Main Stage at Esquires, Bromham
Road, Bedford
Exec Club Karaoke
Tel: 01234 401500
Saturday 10th November
4pm. Cost upon application.
Southbank Arts Centre, Bedford
www.westendwendies.com
Public art installation Guided Tour
Artist Aaron Head will also be leading mini tours of
Bedford, highlighting and discussing the use of public
signage within the town. Part psychogeography, part tour-
ists trail, the walks will combine objective and subjective
knowledge, historical notes and anecdotal musings. The
tour will culminate at Aarons mini commission on Ford
End Road. The one-hour tour starts 2pm at Bedford
Creative Arts HQ, 104 Midland Road. Places are free but
limited so please book in advance.
Tel: 01234 818670 www.bedfordcreativearts.org.uk
Christmas Craft Fayre & John Bunyan Museum
Open Day
Avariety of craft stalls, charity stalls, childrens activities
and much more. 10am-3pm, Admission 1 with free cup of
tea or coffee, children under 14 free.
Bunyan Meeting, Mill Street, Bedford
Panacea Museum Open Day
Be one of the frst people to look around the Panacea Mu-
seum, open 11am-4pm. Entry is free, but pre-booking is
required as places are limited. 9 Newnham Road, Bedford
Tel: 01234 353178 Email: museum@panacea-society.org
Quiet Life
Live music at The White Horse from 8.30pm.
Lost 4 Words
Tel: 01234 296732
Trouble With Tuesday Truzrock
Holy Molys, Esquires, Bromham Road, Bedford
Fat Lads Disco
club
Sunday 11th November
Lazy Sunday Jazz
and 8pm.
The Jon Verity Band
Road, Bedford
Elephant Shelf
Bedford Corn Exchange Box office: 01234 269519 www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk COMEdy COMiNG sOON: RUssell Kane - Posturing Delivery suNdAy 17TH MARCH 2013
NOVEMBER 2012
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
7
Live band at The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham Rd. 2-4pm
and 8pm. Tel: 01234 214656
www.thebedfordarmsbedford.co.uk
Jons Music Quiz
Street Tel: 01234 354494
www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk
Sunday quizzers!
Monday 12th November
St Cecilias Day Concert at Bedford School
Enjoy an annual concert to mark the patron saint of music,
performed by the orchestra, bands and ensembles at
Bedford School. From 7.30pm, free admission.
Bedford School Great Hall
Tel: 01234 362200 www.bedfordschool.org.uk
Jazz Evening
Bedford Film Society - The Debt
Open Mic Night
Meditation Classes
Karaoke & Cocktails
The Old Geezer Band
Wellington Street, Bedford
Tel: 01234 308033
Why Monitor Nature Reserves? Talk at Priory
Country Park
Enjoy an illustrated talk about ecology groups by Henry
Stanier. 7.30pm start. No charge, but a 2 voluntary
contribution is suggested.
The Visitor Centre Priory Country Park, Barkers Lane,
Bedford
Tel Christine Wedge: 01234 266057 www.wildlifebcn.org
Calendar Girls at Turvey Village Hall
Laughter and tears galore in this smash hit poignant
comedy, based on a true story! Please note that the show
features nudity. Tickets available from TATS Box Offce,
Central Stores, Turvey. The show starts at 8pm. Tickets
5-8. Running until 17th November.
Turvey Village Hall
Tel: 01234 711811 or 01234 714644 www.tats.org.uk
Carving a Swedish Kuksa Cup Workshop
Carve a Swedish Kuksa, (wooden coffee cup) with World
of Bushcraft! All ages welcome. Any under 18s must be
accompanied by an adult. Tea and coffee will be available
at the end of the workshop. This workshop will take place
indoors. 2pm start. 20 per person.
Yoga Classes
Drum Meditation Sessions with Elizabeth Drake
The regular beat can bring about a very deep meditation
state, during which we may see things relative to our life
now, or go on a journey of spiritual exploration. Elizabeth
also sends Reiki out with the drum beats, and so this
session is doubly healing. Also a great place to make new
friends and meet like minded people.
6.30pm-8.30pm, 6 per person, refreshments provided.
Friends Meeting House, Lansdowne Road, Bedford
Road, Bedford
Emmaus Village Fundraising Quiz Night
Beer Tasting Club
Tasting a range of bottled ales and discussing their merits.
Please register your interest with Bev.
From 8pm, The Bedford Arms, Bromham Rd, Bedford
The Vintage Christmas Boutique at Woburn Abbey
This new and unique event will gather together the best
that vintage and handmade has to offer!
Forty carefully selected purveyors will create a winter
wonderland of beautiful, original goods and artisan
wares. Authentic fashion, linens and textiles, homewares,
haberdashery, accessories, festive gifts and decorations.
Betty and Violets vintage tea salon will also be on hand
serving home-made refreshments. Open from 10am until
4pm. 5 admission.
The Sculpture Gallery, Woburn Abbey
Email: alihocking@bettyandviolet.com www.vin-
tagechristmasboutique.com
Bedford College Open Day
5-8pm. For more information and to pre-register: www.
bedford.ac.uk/events
Oliver!
ShowCo Bedford present Lionel Barts classic family
musical based on Charles Dickens celebrated novel
Oliver Twist about an orphan who must survive in the dark
underbelly of London amongst the mysterious
characters who live there. Starts at 7.30pm, running until
24th November.
The Pink Floyd Dimension
This is all about the music of Pink Floyd, played by people
who have grown up with and who love the music of Pink
Floyd. The show isnt about gimmicks or fancy dress its
simply about a group of genuine
enthusiasts passionately recreating the experience of a
Pink Floyd show for the pleasure of the audience. Brought
to you in association with The Pad Ents. Starts 8.00pm,
tickets 12.00.
Square
Juicebox
Music in The Bar from 8pm at Esquires, Bromham Road,
Bedford Tel: 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com
The Flower Pot, Tavistock St, Bedford
Tel: 01234 296732
Friday 16th November
Festival of Romance
Love reading? Love romantic fction? Why not join in a
variety of events around Bedford as part of this unique
festival celebrating romantic novels running from the 16th
to 18th November. Email: festivalofromance@gmail.com
www.romanticfction.org
Festival of Romance Charity Ball and Award
Ceremony
Join celebrity authors for the second annual Festival of Ro-
mance Charity Ball and Award Ceremony, which includes
the presentation of the award for Best Romantic Read
2012. From 7.30pm until late. 45 per ticket.
Harper Suite, Bedford Corn Exchange
Email: festivalofromance@gmail.com
www.festivalofromance.co.uk
AHistory of the Art of Dining: ATalk by Michael
Sutherland
This talk is organised by the Bedford National Trust
Association. Arrive from 2pm for a 2.30pm start. 2 for
members, 3 for non members.
Addison Centre, Kempston, Bedford.
Tel: Garry Telling on 01480 860439
Yoga Classes
Drake
friends and meet like minded people. 6.30pm-8.30pm,
5 per person, refreshments provided. Friends Meeting
House, Lansdowne Road, Bedford
From Seed to Plate
Atalk organised by The Italian Society of Bedford from
8pm The Chapter House, St Peter de Merton Church,
De Parys Avenue
West Side Story
Sharnbrook Mill Theatre group present this classic musical
depicitng the passion and heartbreak of Shakespeares
star-crossed lovers but set amid the violence of New
Yorks gang warfare. Tickets are available from the Central
Box Offce or in person from Sharnbrook Post Offce. 10%
Discount for parties of 10 or more. Running until 24th
November.
Sharnbrook Mill Theatre. Mill Road, Sharnbrook, Beds
Box Offce: 01234 269519
www.sharnbrookmilltheatre.co.uk
Devils Mojo
Tel: 01234 296732
Kent Duchaine
Live music in Holy Molys from 8pm at Esquires, Bro-
mham Road, Bedford
The Dreaming Spires (ex Goldrush) + The Whybirds
+ The Nimblewits
Tickets 7 in advance from www.wegottickets.com and
The Bar at Esquires.
Esquires, Bromham Road, Bedford
Friday Night Mutiny
Club night in Holy Molys from 10.30pm at Esquires,
Exec Club Karaoke
Tel: 01234 401500
Karaoke with Diamond Fire
RSPB Christmas Fayre
Browse a wide range of stalls and get all of your Christmas
gifts in the festive setting of the RSPBs headquarters.
Visit Santas Grotto and enjoy the Salvation Army Carol
Singers. Hot soup, rolls and mince pies available. Open
today and tomorrow, 10am-4pm. 1 per car, plus small
donations for badge making and childrens activities.
Aspecialist sale of pre and post war classically designed
furniture and collectables. Very popular with specialist
buyers and individuals looking for something out of the or-
dinary with which to furnish their homes. Starts 10.30am.
Bedford Auction Centre, Newnham Street, Bedford
The Putteridge Bury Craft and Design Show
More than 60 designers will be displaying their original
work for sale within the beautiful Putteridge Bury House.
Indulge yourself or buy that special gift, perfect shopping
for Christmas. There will also be a specialist food and
drink court. Open today and tomorrow, 10am-4.30pm.
Adults 4, senior citizens 3, accompanied children under
14 years go free.
Putteridge Bury Conference Centre, Putteridge
Email: Anthony Rose at visit@romorexhibitions.co.uk
www.romorexhibitions.co.uk
Shuttleworth College Open Day
5-8pm. For more information and to pre-register: www.
shuttleworth.ac.uk/events
Bedford Symphony Orchestra
The Bedfordshire Symphony Orchestra begins the new
season with three contrasting pieces, namely Rossinis
Thieving Magpie Overture, written the day before the
opening night, Debussys Nocturnes, inspired by a series
of impressionist paintings, and Mahlers Symphony No. 1,
loosely based on Jean
Pauls novel Titan. Tickets 3-13.
Square
7 Twenty 7
Tel: 01234 296732
Pearl Handled Revolver
Road, Bedford
Alt+Ctrl Club Night
Holy Molys club night from 10.30pm at Esquires,
Fat Lads Disco
club
Food and Drink Fair at Great Barford Village Hall
Try and buy delicious food and drink from local producers.
10am 4pm, 1 admission.
Great Barford Village Hall, Green End Road, Bedford
Tel: 01480 819148 Email: lesley@foxglove-events.co.uk
Crafts, Cake and a Cuppa at Woburn Village Hall
Browse a wide variety of high quality and locally made art
and craft items, with over twenty different crafters attend-
ing. 10am-4pm, free admission. Hot and cold refreshments
available all day. Free parking in the large car park outside
the hall. Woburn Village Hall, Woburn
www.ccc-craftfairs.co.uk
Lazy Sunday Jazz
and 8pm.
Vintage Stuff
Road, Bedford
Albert Lee
Albert made a name for himself as a consummate country
and rockabilly stylist, picking out virtuoso
licks both on his solo records and as a top-notch sideman.
Alberts impeccable country music and rock pedigree
stretches back over more than 40 years and regularly
works with top artistes including Emmylou Harris, The
Everly Brothers, Dolly Parton and Eric Clapton. Starts
7.30pm, tickets 18.00 (advance) 20.00 (on the door).
Square
Sidewinder
Live band at The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham Rd. 2-4pm
and 8pm. Tel: 01234 214656
Jons Music Quiz
Street
Sunday quizzers!
Sue Ryder Care Charity Ball at The Park Inn
Acharity ball in aid of St Johns Hospice. From 7pm until
1am. Please contact the fundraising offce for full details,
including costs.
The Park Inn by Radisson, Bedford Tel: 01767 641044
Paul Foot - Kenny Larch Is Dead
Following last years sell-out UK Tour of Still Life, Paul
returns with a brand new show to delight and amuse his
connoisseurs. Expect the unexpected from the man The
Independent described as sublime, original and brilliant.
Recent UK TV credits include Never Mind The Buzzcocks
and Russell Howards
Good News. Over 14s only, starts 7.30pm, tickets 12.50
Harpur Suite, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Pauls Square
Bedford Film Society - Sarahs Key
Jazz Evening
Open Mic Night
Saint George - Patron Saint, Knight and Martyr: A
Talk by Chloe Cockerill
How did St. George become the patron saint of England?
Should he still have this role? This lecture includes St.
Georges infuence on chivalry, the Order of the Garter
and the Boy Scouts, as well as his stirring fght with the
dragon, depicted by so many famous artists. 2.30pm start.
Addison Centre, Kempston www.bedfordnt.org.uk
Meditation Classes
Jim Davidson - The Legend
The incomparable Jim Davidson live, dangerous and as
uncompromising as ever. Ahysterical evening of stand up
comedy featuring one of Britains greatest ever comedians.
Strictly adults only, starts 7.30pm, tickets 20.00.
Square
Karaoke & Cocktails
The Old Geezer Band
Wednesday 21st November
Skeptics in the Pub
Featuring a talk and presentation from Chris Rhodes on the
need to reassess education. For more information, please
see the website. 7pm for 7.30pm start. Free to attend
although a donation will be requested.
Fox and Hounds, Goldington Road, Bedford
Email: gcsmith@fyer.co.uk
www.bedford.skepticsinthepub.org
Game Preparation Workshop
In this two hour session, World of Bushcraft will guide you
through the preparation of both a pigeon and a rabbit, with
a view to cooking up the pigeon on site into a tasty stir fry
and sending you away with the ready to cook rabbit joints
for your own meal. Experienced staff prepare and use a
variety of game on a weekly basis on the bushcraft courses
and will be happy to relate recipes and tips. All ages
welcome, although under 18s must be accompanied by an
adult. Tea and coffee available. 2pm start, 20 per person.
Yoga Classes
The Uncook Dinner Club
Learn 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
Pancreatic Cancer Charity Fundraising Quiz Night
Road, Bedford
Murder Mystery Evening
From 7.30pm, 15pp in advance, including dinner. The
White Horse, Newnham Avenue, Bedford
Stitch n Bitch
Bring any crafty project to The Bedford Arms, 2 Bromham
Rd, 7.30pm
beverlyjoburridge@gmail.com Tel: 01234 214656
Thursday 22nd November
Detecting Forged Antiquities by Andrew Oddy
This talk is part of a programme by the Bedford National
Trust Association. Coffee will be served before the meet-
ing and the shop will be open. Visitors welcome. 3 for
non-members. Arrive 7pm for 7.30pm start.
The Addison Centre, Kempston, Bedford
Tel: Garry Telling on 01480 860439
The Bears Annual Cheese & Wine Evening
Starting from 8pm, tickets available in advance from the
bar. The Bear, 92 High St, Bedford Tel: 01234 401020
Filthy Visuals
Live music in Holy Molys at Esquires, Bromham Road,
Friday 23rd November
Yoga Classes
Drake
For Those About to Rock - Livewire AC/DC & The
ZZ Tops
The high energy rock n boogie tour, a six man tribute to
rocks greatest band AC/DC, complete with cannons, a
wall of Marshalls and over two hours of High Voltage
Rock and Roll. Plus The ZZ Tops.. Seors and Senoritas,
its festa time! Doors 7.30pm, tickets 20.00.
Square
The Business
The Mat Roberts Duo
Tel: 01234 296732
Exec Club Karaoke
Tel: 01234 401500
Victorian Bazaar
Boodles and Doodles will be running a pottery painting
session all day. 3.50 per item/child. Leave the children
to create their own decoration while you browse the craft
stall in the main hall. Lunches available. Plus, your chance
to win 100 in the Grand Draw at 2.30pm. 1 entry fee for
adults. Children go free.
St Marys Church, Carlton Village Hall, Carlton
MMG Battle of the Bands Final
Main Stage, Esquires, Bromham Road, Bedford
Yer Blues Bones
Tel: 01234 296732
AChild of Our Time: Tippet
Brought to you by Bedford Choral Society, presenting a
secular oratorio by the British composer Michael
Tippet. The work was inspired by the assassination in
1938 of a German diplomat by a young Jewish refugee and
the Nazi governments reaction in the form of a vicious
pogrom. The oratorio carries a strongly pacifst message of
ultimate reconciliation. Also to be performed are Richard
Strausss Four Last Songs for soprano and orchestra.
Completed shortly before the composers death, the
songs are suffused with a sense of calm and acceptance.
We are joined for this concert by Bedford Sinfonia and
our Musical Director, Ian Smith. Starts 7.30pm, tickets
5.00 - 15.00
Fat Lads Disco
The Exec Club, Lurke Street, Bedford
Tel: 01234 401500
club
Karakoke with Crazy Horse
Craft Fair at Wooton Village Hall
Pick up some treats at the Wooton Village Hall Craft Fair,
10am-4pm. 1 entry for adults, 50p for golden age. Under
18s go free. Organised by the Wooton W.I. Refreshments
available all day. All proceeds to charity Ramps and
Riders and the W.I Fund.
Wooton Village Hall, Church Road, Wooton
Art Exhibition at Eagle Gallery
Anew exhibition featuring both paintings and drawings.
Free admission. Open Monday to Saturday, 10am-5.30pm.
Running until 1st December.
Eagle Gallery, Castle Road, Bedford
Tel: Sarah Buckingham on 07983 759294
www.eaglegalleryartists.co.uk
Sue Ryder Care Charity Ball at The Sharnbrook Hotel
Drinks and canaps on arrival, a three course meal, coffee,
casino table, tombola, raffe, disco and band. Book your
table asap. 7pm-1am, tickets 45 per person.
The Sharnbrook Hotel, Sharnbrook
www.sueryder.org/events
Urban Folk Quartet at St. Andrews Church
Four highly accomplished musicians, a dozen instruments
and four voices coming together to put on a high energy
show of globally infuenced folk music. Having only been
gigging together since June 2009, The Urban Folk Quartet
is still a very new band, but they have already gathered
loyal supporters both home and abroad. Starts at 8pm,
with an optional pre-concert dinner in the church centre
at 6.30pm. Tickets 8 (7 concessions) or 3 for students.
Combined concert and dinner tickets 16.
St Andrews Church, Kimbolton Road, Bedford
Tel: 01234 216881 www.standrewsbedford.org
Bedford Auction Centre Valuation Day
The Bedford Auction Centres team of valuers will be on
The Listing Continues on Page 8
NOVEMBER 2012
Bedford Corn Exchange Box office: 01234 269519 www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk COMEdy COMiNG sOON: RUssell Kane - Posturing Delivery suNdAy 17TH MARCH 2013
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
8
Coffee at Foods of Italy? Yes please!
NOVEMBER 2012
hand to offer advice on all antique or collectable items. No
appointment necessary. Bring along items for complimen-
tary valuation advice with no obligation. For larger items,
home visits can be arranged, just call to make an appoint-
ment. Entries are currently being invited for specialist sales
of antiques, jewellery, 20th century design, rock and pop
and memories of childhood. 10am-4pm.
Christmas Wreath Workshop
The object of this workshop is to walk away with a com-
plete and beautifully hand-crafted Christmas decoration.
All materials required to take part will be provided and
the workshop starts at 2pm. This workshop takes place
indoors. 25 per person. All ages welcome. Under 18s
must be accompanied by an adult. Tea and coffee will be
available at end of the workshop.
Sue Ryder Care Enchanted Ball at The Sharnbrook
Hotel
Drinks and canaps on arrival, a three course meal, coffee,
a casino table, tombola, raffe, disco and band. 7pm-1am,
45 a ticket.
The Sharnbrook Hotel, Park Lane, Sharnbrook
Tel: 01767 642412
Email: danielle.brandon@sueryder.org www.sueryder.
org/events
British Red Cross Christmas Fair
Browse many fne gifts ready for Christmas including
handmade jewellery, chocolates, toys, fashion, outdoor
wear and lots more. 10am-4pm, entry 3.50, children
under 14 go free.
Barns Hotel, Tythe Barn, Cardington Road, Bedford
Tel: 01582 589083 or 07659 103513
Email: jallum@redcross.org.uk
Randalls Farm Wildlife Watch Group
Hibernation time is almost upon Randalls Farm and beasts
big and small are getting ready for their big sleep. Whos
going to bed down and where? 2-4pm, 2 per child.
Randalls Farm, Stewartby, Bedford
Email: randalls.farm.watchgroup@gmail.com
Lazy Sunday Jazz
and 8pm.
The Denny McCaffrey Band
Open Mic Showcase
The national talent competition searches for the UKs best
singers, singer/songwriters, rappers and vocalists of all
genres. The competition offers the opportunity to perform
live in front of large audiences, generating media attention
and exposure. All types of singers, vocal performers,
groups and acoustic singer/songwriters of all ages are
invited to enter. Tickets available from www.openmicuk.
co.uk and on the door.
Square
Spoonful
and 8pm.
The Welly Book Club
Meeting every month, this time discussing Wolf Hall by
Hilary Mantle. Everyone welcome.
The Wellington Arms, Wellington Street, Bedford
Tel: 01234 308033
Jons Music Quiz
Street Tel: 01234 354494 www.thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk
Sunday quizzers!
Jazz Evening
Bedford Film Society - The Discreet Charm of the
Bourgeoisie
Rhod Gilbert - The Man With The Flaming Bat-
tenberg Tattoo
Multiaward winning welsh wonder Rhod Gilbert is back
on the road with a brand new live show. His stand-up rants
on lifes minor irritations are legendary, but this year, hes
a more mellow fellow altogether. Hes now so laid-back
he even let someone tattoo a Battenberg on him. Starts
8.00pm, tickets 25.00.
Big Band Xtra Jam Nite
Hosted by local singer/songwriter Mat Roberts, 7.30pm til
late. Just listen or join in!
RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy Tel: 01767 680541
www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge
Meditation Classes
Karaoke & Cocktails
The Old Geezer Band
Yoga Classes
The Listing Continued from page 7
Bedford Modern schools
year 13 Theatre
Company Theatre in
Transit presents lady
Windermeres Fan from
7th to 10th November.
With the witty dialogue, social satire and
outrageous paradox for which he is still
remembered, Oscar Wildes frst successful
play explores the destructiveness of gossip
and superfcial judgement, examines the
ambiguous sexual morality and gender poli-
tics at the heart of
the British ruling
class of the 1890s,
while simultane-
ously challenging
our perceptions of
what constitutes a
good woman.
The production
takes place in the Christopher Fry Hall at
Bedford Modern School at 7.30pm. Tickets
are priced at 6.00 adults and 4.00 conces-
sions and are available from the School Box
Offce on 01234 332664 or email pcham-
bers@bedmod.co.uk
THEATRE iN TRANsiT PREsENTs
laDy WinDeRMeRes Fan
Bedford Messiah Choir
has been performing
Handels Messiah in
Bedford
every year since 1937,
apart from a short break
during the war years.
In fne ecumenical
spirit, choristers from
local churches of many
different denominations,
together with other local singers, combine
resources to rehearse for four weeks and
then perform this great work in Bedford at
the start of the Advent season.
The very frst performance of Messiah
in Dublin was in aid of charity, and this is a
tradition which the Bedford Messiah Choir
are proud and privileged to continue. Each
year the committee
selects a different local
charity, and in recent
years, thanks particular-
ly to local sponsorship
and loyal audiences,
have been able to pres-
ent well over 1,000 to
our chosen charity.
This year sees
Bedford Messiah Choir
present their 75th an-
niversary performance at Bunyan Meeting
Church, Mill Street, Bedford on the 1st
December 2012 at 7.30.p.m. Proceeds to
Breast Cancer Care.
Seasonal refreshments after the perfor-
mance.
For ticket information, please go to:
www.bedfordmessiahchoir.org.uk
BeDFORD Messiah ChOiR
75TH ANNiVERsARy PERFORMANCE
A Taste of Wonderful, Cicero
Buck (Which Wolf Wins
Records, EP 2012)
Once fled in the where are they now?
pile, Bedford-based Cicero Buck have re-
emerged with a new CD entitled A Taste
of Wonderful. And they will be welcom-
ing people to join them for a launch party
at The Burnaby Arms on Stanley Street on
Saturday 3 November.
The record is an EP recorded for Which
Wolf Wins Records, a small boutique label
based in Berkhamsted, and created by musi-
cal mastermind, Andrew McCrorie-Shand.
Featuring the lyrical songcraft of Kris
Wilkinson Hughes and her extraordinary
Joni Mitch-
ell/Carly
Simon-
esque vocals
and Joe
Hughes on
bass, Cicero
Buck have
created six
songs that bring together a mixture of
genres: Americana, pop, rock, folk, acoustic
singer/songwriter. The EP is available for
download on itunes from 3rd November
while CDs can be can be purchased from
the band or requested via
www.cicerobuck.com
Check them out at The Burnaby Arms,
Stanley Street, Bedford
CiCeRO BUCK CD launch at
The Burnaby arms
Drum Meditation Sessions with Elizabeth Drake
Take time out to come and relax to the sound of the drum.
The regular beat can bring about a very deep meditation
state. Elizabeth also sends Reiki out with the drum beats,
and so this session is doubly healing.6.30pm-8.30pm,
Al Murray - The Only Way is Epic
Broken Britain may be staring into the bottom of an empty
pint glass, but dont lose hope Al Murray The Pub
Landlord is back to fll it up again, with a brand new show
of epic proportions. Britains most irrepressible Innkeeper
will be serving up his premier brew of ale-inspired acumen
and bar-room buffoonery. Show contains adult themes.
Starts 7.30pm, tickets 25.50, limited availability.
Square
Arthritis Reasearch Fundraising Quiz Night
KV Crew
Street dancing in Holy Molys, Esquires, Bromham Road,
Beer Tasting Club
Tasting a range of bottled ales and discussing their merits.
Please register your interest with Bev.
From 8pm, The Bedford Arms, Bromham Rd, Bedford
AChristmas Carol
Bedford School presents this theatrical version of Dick-
enss Story. It has been described as being as warm as a
glass of mulled wine on a winters day. The adaptation is
more faithful to the original than most and makes skilful
use of traditional carols to underscore the action. Moving
and uplifting: its the kind of theatre that really lodges
in heart and mind. Running until 1st Dec, starts 7.30pm.
Tickets 7 (5 concessions)Bedford Theatre, Bedford
School, De Parys Avenue, Bedford Box Offce: 01234
269519 www.bedfordtheatre.co.uk
The Last Chance Ragtime Band
Live music from 8pm at The Bedford Arms, Bromham
Rd, Bedford
Friday 30th November
Yoga Classes
Drake
Full Circle
Tel: 01234 296732
Bedford Comedy Club
Bedford Comedy Club is one of Bedfords most popular
comedy nights, featuring stand up comedians who are
regulars on the London and national comedy circuit. Starts
9.00pm, tickets 9.00 (advance), 10.00 (on the door).
Harpur Suite, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Pauls Square
AVictorian Christmas
Afast-moving, warm-hearted show that will appeal to
audiences of all ages looking to recapture the true spirit
of Christmas. This fully costumed show includes carols
and songs, tunes, stories and a traditional mummers play.
Acclaimed historical theatre company Blast From The Past
features the musical talents of Chris Green and Jude Rees
(formerly of Isambarde), as well as Sophie Matthews (The
Oxford Waits), together with internationally-acclaimed
storyteller Andy Jennings. Song-sheets are provided for
the audience to join in and the emphasis is very much on
inclusion and participation.
Starts 7.30pm, tickets 12.00.
Howard Room, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Pauls Square
Movember Finale Party
Charity raffe, best Mo prizes and lots more!
Love Gun
Live music at The White Horse from 8.30pm.
Hellfyre Club Night
In Holy Molys from 10.30pm at Esquires, Bromham
Road, Bedford 01234 340120 www.bedfordesquires.com
Exec Club Karaoke
Tel: 01234 401500
75 BOWER sTREET, BEdFORd, MK41 3RB
Tel:01234 213 500
www.foodsofitalybedford.co.uk
One FRee COFFee WiTh This
aDveRT
FOODS OF ITALY
DELICATESSEN FRESH BREAD PASTAS PLATTERS
aCOUsTiCaKe
Acousticake is a simple
idea no mics, no amps,
no additives.
Once a month, a hand picked mix of musi-
cians and visual artists will takeover a
corner of the Noble Rot on Tavistock
Street to bring you an evening of
purely acoustic music and local
artwork. For the frst outing, music
comes from the beautiful bittersweet
folkster Gill Sandell (also of Em-
ily Barker & The Red Clay Halo,
and The Broken Family Band);
fery fngered and velvet voiced
Leeds acoustic duo Jack, & Gills
Daughter; followed by local alt-
country legend Luke Tuchscherer
(Whybirds). Artwork comes from
Bedfords own visual
chronicler Kristian Purcell.
8th November, 20.00 to 23.00 at The
Noble Rot, 56 Tavistock Street, Bedford,
MK40 2ED. Entry is fee, with a hat
passed for the acts.
MusiC
THEATRE
66 Stanley Street, Bedford, MK41 7RU 01234 330056
A rather lovely pub in the heart of Black Tom
4 Cask Ales with a regular guest | Selection of Quality Wines | Courtyard Garden
Find out more at
Facebook: TheBurnabyArmsBedford / Twitter: @TheBurnabyArmsBedford
ROsehiPs anD
aUTUMn
RasPBeRRies
By Jane Perrone
For most of us, November
is a month spent sat
inside with a glass of
ginger wine, watching
Fresh Meat on iPlayer
while glancing at a copy
of Private Eye, only
venturing out for the
occasional bonfire night
party. Or perhaps thats
just in my household.
But a few minutes of preparation in the
garden will pay off this winter, so when
a storm comes bamboo canes
wont be fying through the air
like spears, and when a hoar frost
threatens, your tender plants
will be safely tucked up. There
is something terribly comforting
about battening down the hor-
ticultural hatches: tidying away
all those toys the kids have left
strewn around the garden, giving
the lawn a fnal mow and laying a thick
duvet of mulch to borders and veg beds.
But dont strive too hard for tidiness:
seedheads of all kinds will provide food
for birds and a resting place for hibernating
insects all winter long. The frework fowers
of alliums such as Purple Sensation are
particularly fantastic once theyve turned
brown and dry: if you have a whole mass
of them, you can probably afford to bring a
few inside to dry, spray and use as Christ-
mas tree decorations. You will be excused,
however, for clearing away anything thats
going to self-seed your borders to oblivion
- I am still pulling up foxglove seedlings
from plants I stupidly left to spread their
seed willy nilly - not ideal when I have a
toddler who delights in grabbing and snack-
ing on leaves, even highly poisonous ones.
Rosehips, too, look delightful, offering
splashes of red through borders, but dont
ignore them as a possible source of edible
winter treats, too: made into syrup or jelly
and even added to chutneys, they are divine
(just remember to remove the seeds, which
are covered with hairs, as anyone who made
itching powder as a kid will know).
Plants that arent fully hardy - were
talking penstemons, dahlias, agapanthus
and the like - will beneft from a layer of
dry mulch. Bracken, straw, or chipped bark
are all good options, but dont be mean: the
thicker the mulch, the better the protection
from winter wet and cold. Tree ferns and
bananas will need wrapping in horticultural
feece or hessian: they may look a bit silly,
but look at it this way, theyll be even more
of an eyesore if theyre dead next summer.
Its also time to stop moaning about
what an awful summer we had and start
planning for next year. Its a great time to
plant soft fruit bushes: and
lets face it, can you ever have
too many berries? I am going
to be shifting some boring
ornamental shrubs to expand
my raspberry patch, which is
still offering up the odd treat
in the form of autumn rasp-
berries, and planting some
more Japanese wineberries.
If you havent come across these before,
theyre thornless canes that carry wine-red
berries in abundance in late summer, when
the summer raspberries have just about fn-
ished and before the autumn ones come on
stream. They like a slightly shady, sheltered
spot but will thrive pretty much anywhere. I
cant get enough of them: to the extent that
Ive been careful to conceal their existence
from my children, who will strip any fruit
bush bare within minutes, given half the
chance.
Read Jane Perrones blog at perrone.blogs.
com or follow her on Twitter at @janeper-
rone
GARdENiNG
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
9
Wild thing, you make my heart sing.
THEATRE
By David Litchfeld
last saturday i got to see
what the very talented
Production
designer Matt Baker
had created based on
my Wild Thing drawings.
Its been so exciting to see how Matt has
taken my simple sketches and created
costumes, props and all kinds of fantastic
creatures.
Our production workshops are really
creative days and the whole theatre team-
including the writers, producers and actors-
get involved in the creation of props such as
boats, dragons and set backdrops. I found
myself getting messy with papier mache
(something I havent done since I was 9).
This show is so ambitious and will be
full of effects. It promises to be a very
visual experience. Just wait until you see
the tranforming bed Matt has made for
Maxs bedroom.
Working so closely with the team has
made me appreciate just
how much work goes into
these productions. It has also
highlighted the creativity and
imagination of the people
involved.
Anyway, Ill shut up and let you see for
yourselves as The Bedford Clanger gets an
exclusive peek at how the process is going
so far...
www.davidlitchfeldillustration.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.
We aRe BeDFORD
GOOdByE!
The WilD ThinGs
NOVEMBER 2012
Community group, We
are Bedford has closed
the door on its empty
shops projects after two
years of activity.
Facilitated by funding from the RSA and
thanks the generosity of a huge number of
volunteers and the help of local businesses,
We Are Bedford has transformed numerous
empty shops into arts spaces and brought
together our creative communities into the
bargain. Recognised on a national scale, the
work of We Are Bedford has had a signif-
cant impact on our town.
Its hard now to remember that back in
2010, most of the units at Castle Quay were
vacant and the area itself had become some-
what neglected. Nearly two years on and
following We Are Bedfords empty shop
projects in the area, all bar one of the units
are let and Castle Lane is a thriving hub of
shoppers and diners. The re-opening of The
Higgins in 2013 will surely be the icing on
the cake for Bedfords cultural quarter to
achieve its potential.
While the empty shops events in Castle
Lane and Mill Street have been the obvi-
ous aspect of We Are Bedfords work, its
achievements are much farther reaching.
Co-founder Kayte Judge has spoken at con-
ferences regarding the signifcance of the
work; The Clanger would not exist without
the creative network that has grown from
We Are Bedfords events; numerous busi-
nesses have evolved from the Castle Quay
Weekender and the Pop Up Emporium; The
Circus of Illustration was born following
the We Are Bedford Monster Draw in Octo-
ber 2011; local illustrator (and very regular
Clanger contributor) David Litchfeld
was able to develop his skills in exhibit-
ing and selling his own work through his
WAB/A Drawing a Day exhibition which
contributed to his on-going successes as an
illustrator; a busking code now exists and
Bedfords Portas Pilot bid owes its success
in part to the national awareness of the work
of We Are Bedford. BCA and The Fountain
and subsequently undertaken empty shops
projects and WABs founders, Kayte Judge
and Erica Roffe are now working with Bed-
ford Borough Council to develop an Empty
Shops Strategy.
And while We Are Bedfords activity
may have ceased, its Facebook page will
remain a hub of fact-fnding, information-
sharing and local promotion. With over 500
members, it has grown into a community
of like-minded people, happy to share their
knowledge and improve the town.
So join us in saying: We Are Bedford is
dead. Long live We Are Bedford.
Visit Historic AndAlucA
Modern 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
WINNER OF ITVS BEST ELVIS
30th November 25.00 per ticket
the Venue, 290, Hillgrounds road,Kempston,Bedford, MK42 8uB
tel. 07850 005607 or 01234 852291
to include a 2 course carvery meal
By Sam Turton, Artistic Director.
New Write Nights takes place at The Place
Theatre from 27th November to 1st Decem-
ber. It will be an exciting opportunity to
experience fve nights of new and vibrant
work from all areas of the arts. Brilliant!
Throughout the week theatre-goers will
have a chance to sample a whole variety
of work, from spoken word poetry right
through to musical theatre. The aim is that
there is a piece for everyone, so make sure
you go along to try something new.
We want to help, support and create
new and exciting material so that we can
constantly adapt to the high-pace world of
the arts
The New Write Nights
The Place Theatre
27th November 1st December
7.30, 5
lineup for The New Write
Nights
Tuesday: Mad For Madeline Divadlo
theatre. Novus Theatre installation
Wednesday Dog Days Rising Josh Kelly
In Nomine Patris David Green
Thursday The Spoken Word Night featur-
ing Martin Figura, Carmina Masoliver and
Ian McEwen.
Friday Every Man For Herself
Saturday In a Jar - Andra Simons and Guy
Harries.
NOVus THEATRE PREsENT: The neW WRiTe niGhTs
THEATRE
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
Theres not mushroom in this issue
10
COFFEE & CAKE
liMEs OF BEdFORd
sometimes you know,
even before you actually
go somewhere, that you
are definitely going to
like it.
We had been instructed
to wear pink to visit Limes
of Bedford- which pretty
much guaranteed that my
mini tasting companion was
going to be a fan the pink
was in honour of Breast
Cancer Awareness week,
something that Limes is
wholeheartedly supporting.
And then as we arrived and
saw the tables and chairs
outside spread across the
pedestrian area of the lovely Lime Street,
and the Retro sandwich-delivery bike leant
up against the window: if you wanted an
advert for what Cafe culture could mean in
Bedford, this would pretty much be it.
The pink theme continued with gusto
inside with pink balloons, pink bunting,
pink bath ducks, pink cake (pink on the
inside!!) pink roses on all of the tables; and
uniforms for the staff . Pink tutu, pink stilet-
tos, pink leg warmers, pink tights this was
pink dedication on a new level. It goes with-
out saying that I sampled the pink-inside
sponge cake, which was light, moist and
extremely tasty and beautifully decorated
with Royal icing. Tilly scoffed a very good
cupcake, decorated with a sprinkle of pink
fowers, naturally. The cakes had been made
by owner Helen, and decorated by the very
friendly team of Maz, Jane and Sue. Like
everything here, it seemed like the pink
cakes had been a real team effort executed
brilliantly. Helen explained that the cakes
vary from week to week but they always
have something home-made on offer, and
the team share the baking/decorating duties.
Also freshly baked each morning are the
croissants and pastries that
can be chosen from break-
fast basket, and baguettes
which can be flled with
a selection of home-made
fllings. Limes also serve
a home-made soup, lots of
jacket potatoes and toasties,
and freshly made smoothies.
(The lovely one we sampled
just so happened to be pink,
which was strawberry and
mango and was smooth-
ifed, if that is indeed the
correct terminology, right before our eyes.)
There are many things that make
Independent Coffee (and sandwich) shops
great, and perhaps their greatest asset is
the friendly, comfortable atmosphere that
you so often fnd. Over the seven years that
Helen has been running Limes, she has ob-
viously built up a loyal local customer base
who come in for a chat as well as a slice of
cake or baguette, as well a friendly team of
staff who are clearly very happy to come
to work, and to go the extra mile for their
customers. They told me about their plans
for Halloween, which is also a big costume
opportunity, and I should mention that they
are already planning Christmas celebrations,
to include their famous Limes Christmas
Sandwich. I am willing to bet that fancy
dress may well be involved too...
ReCiPe
MUshROOM
sOUP
Finely slice two
medium onions
and four cloves of
garlic. Roughly
chop one potato. Add
the onions, garlic and
potato to the pan and
sweat in butter for 10
minutes.
Add 500g mushrooms,
coarsely chopped to the pan and
sweat for another 2 mins before
adding three tablespoons of dry
sherry (or more if you feel like it!) and stir gently for 3 minutes. Add 1 litre of vegetable
stock and simmer for 20 minutes. Turn off the heat before adding 100ml single cream and a
good handful of chopped parsley. Liquidize and serve piping hot with crusty bread.
RECIPE SPONSERED BY:
NOVEMBER 2012
QUe hUOnG
by Stephen Bywater
Que huong, meaning
homeland, is a
vietnamese
restaurant south of the
river.
Its run by Rubin Phan. His father, having
spent several years cooking in Chinese
restaurants, works in the kitchen, along
with his uncle. His sister works the tables.
Its a family-run business and what theyre
in the business of producing are authentic
Vietnamese dishes, from duck noodle soup
to banana pudding.
Que Huong is the only Vietnamese
restaurant in Bedford and
anyone thats been to the
country of rivers, rice and
ancient temples will no
doubt fnd succour in the
food, music and dcor. In
the back of the restaurant
Vietnamese television is
projected onto a wall: fsh
being fried on sampans at
anchor in the still waters
of Ha Long Bay. The
beer, Saigon Export, isnt
cheap, but it does the job; carrying you on
a golden tide of malt, hops and rice to the
shores of Ho Chi Minh. The food, by repu-
tation less greasy than Chinese, has some
familiar dishes amongst the fsh and broths.
Vegetable spring rolls are there, as are king
prawn noodles and crispy chicken noodles.
What makes it unique is the
Nuoc Mam or garlic fsh
sauce. Its a sauce made
of oil and vinegar with
garlic, shredded carrot and
chillies. You can dip you
rolls in or pour it over your
Banh Xeo or Vietnamese
pancake. Either way, it adds
a piquant favour that youre
unlikely to fnd in a Chinese
restaurant.
And the banana pudding:
tapioca, toasted nuts and chunks of banana.
Its a healthy combination and, like a
slippery rice pudding, slides down easily,
almost as easily as the Saigon beer.
Que Huong
18 St Marys Street, Bedford 01234
266117
sPONsORs OF: lOCal heROes
local Heroes: shelia
Coop, linda virgin and
sarah Underwood
storytelling superstars
Bedford Central Library celebrated its 40th
birthday last month and since the library
opened its doors in 1972, the childrens
library has welcomed Bedfords under 5s
to a twice-weekly story telling session to
encourage a lifetimes love of books.
The Bedford Clanger felt that Sheila
Coop, Linda Virgin and Sarah Underwood
were long over-due recognition for their
unbridaled enthusiasm and passion for shar-
ing books with the
pre-school literati
of the town. So to
show our apprecia-
tion we invited them
to join us at the
Kiosk in the Park
for afternoon tea. A
delicious selection of
meringues, tarts and
chocolate cake was
devoured while we
shared our memories
of the library, life in
Bedford and plus a
bit of a literary chat
too.
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.
Do you have a Local Hero? Then either
email thebedfordclanger@gmail.com or
pop into the Kiosk in the Park and let Emma
know who youd like to put forward. The
lucky winner(s) will be invited to the Kiosk
for a coffee and cake. Yum!
Regular Clanger readers
will know that we are big
fans of Foods of italy.
Our April issue sang the praises of shop-
ping locally and our top reporter & Castle
Road resident, Graham Watson fell in love
with the Italian fare available at the Bower
Street deli.
So imagine our delight when we found
out that Alex, Patrizia and Alessandro were
trebling the size of the shop to incorporate
even more Italian loveliness! They revealed
the renovated shop in September and the
reaction has been fantastic.
Weve always sourced high quality
fresh products, said Alex. Now were
able to offer something extra. Alongside
the flled rolls, we now offer grilled panini,
arancini balls [thats rice balls to you Ed]
and fresh pasta such as lasagne. The
shelves are laden with Italian-sourced pasta,
cheeses, cured meats, Parma ham, olives
and local fresh fruit and vegetables. Italian
wines, Prosecco, grappe and sambucca are
also available, and lets not forget their fresh
pizza dough.
So whats next for Alex and the team?
Well, theyre sprucing up the side alley and
will offer outdoor seating so customers can
enjoy their panini while watching the world
of Bower Street pass by. Castle Road really
is a destination in our town for top quality
food and great service and Foods of Italy is
no exception.
Foods of Italy, 75 Bower Street, Bedford
tel: 01234 213500
www.foodsoftalybedford.co.uk
FOOd FOODs OF iTaly - BiGGER ANd BETTER!
Following the success of last years Beer
and Food Festival, the Bedford Swan Hotel
in association with Taste Real Food will
once again showcase a fne selection of ales
and food for our delectation.
Entrance is 3 and includes a branded beer
glass and beer guide. There will be a selec-
tion of 36 ales to choose from, each priced
at 3 per pint. For each pint of
Poppy Ale sold, 1.50 will be
donated to the Services Charity.
Music for the event will be
provide on Saturday night by the
Jules Carter Trio and on Sunday
there will be lunchtime jazz with
saxophonist Sandra Grant.
Entrance is free for CAMRA and Taste
Real Food members.
www.bedfordswanhotel.co.uk
The BeDFORD sWan hOTel BeeR anD
FOOD FesTival ReTURns 8th 11th november
Photos: Graham Watson
FEsTiVAl
at Bedford network we share
with you our best
experiences of Bedford.
This month we have a new addition to
our website - childrens books. It all began
with Stanleys Stick. This is a childrens
book written by Bedfords own John Hegley
that we had to share with those of you who
might be wondering what is the next read-
ing sensation for little book worms.
We have adopted John Hegley for Bed-
ford as he is a regular at Bedfringe where
he has thrilled audiences with his wit and
humour. He is performance poet, comedian,
musician, songwriter and now author of
childrens books with our favourite of this
year Stanleys Stick a picture book that
delights 2 year olds and those of us a bit
older who read it! We hope many more will
follow.
Award winning illustrator Neal Layton
adds his magic touch to the story that takes
Stanley, with stick in hand, on an adventure
as he goes fshing, plays a whistle, rides a
dinosaur and writes in the sand..
Stanleys stick is good for writing in
the sand in languages only Stanley can
understand.
And four times now he has used it to pick
up slugs from pathway, platform and
pavement,
thus saving them from a fate worse than
feet.
Hegley captures the imagination of child-
hood perfectly as Stanley scampers through
his free-wheeling adventures.
Borrow the book from your local library
or buy from your bookshop and to read
more about it see Bedford Network.
Stay tuned to Bedford Network.
We blog, tweet and Facebook:
www.bedfordnetwork.co.uk
Twitter: @BedfordNetwork
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Bedford-
Network
BeDFORD
neTWORK
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
11
Its Autumn. I demand hot chocolate.
BehinD The sCenes aT The MUseUM
HiGGiNs WORK ON sHOW iN iMPORTANT ExHiBiTiON iN
WAKEFiEld
NOVEMBER 2012
By The Revd Sharon Grenham-Toze
i must admit to a bit of a
passion for the iTV drama
Downton abbey. its
probably not very cool,
and i remember enough
of my school history
lessons to know its not
exactly accurate either,
but still.
However, it isnt the exploits of Lady
Sybil, or even the caustic comments from
Cousin Violet that interest me so much as
the rather straightforward moral tone that
comes through. Dastardly cads always get
their come-uppance and the sweet and pure
shine like a beacon in the night. If only life
were that simple. I think any of us whove
been round the block a few times have long
ago learned that, unfortunately, the bad guys
sometimes have the upper hand.
One of my roles as a prison chaplain is
to try to help resettle ex-offenders back
into the community. That effort starts
long before theyre released, and involves
working with all kinds of agencies and
groups housing, employment, education,
ongoing physical and mental health care,
family relationships, counselling and so
on. A former prisoner is always going to be
seen as a bad guy, so understandably, one
of the hardest things to do is to get people to
give an ex-offender a chance. The trust has
been broken, and takes a very long time to
build up again. Some of them are their own
worst enemies of course, and fnd it hard to
settle into a decent, stable way of life, free
of substance abuse, or violence or whatever
it was that got them into trouble in the frst
place.
But that doesnt mean that these men,
or any of us for that matter, cant change
our ways. People can and do. Still, its a
real challenge. Think how diffcult it is to
give up smoking, or cut down our drinking.
Then translate that to changing the habits
of a lifetime, or a hardened attitude, or a
kneejerk reaction because of past events.
Theres that Elton John song Sorry
seems to be the hardest word. Well, yes
it is, but actually I think its even harder
to put our sorry into practice in other
words, its all very well to say it, but really
changing our lives, our thinking, and mak-
ing amends is another ball game altogether.
If someones willing to give it a go, then
encouragement and support is more likely
to help them succeed than suspicion and
hostility.
But its not just about them, its also
about us. As the nights darken, we often
turn to a bit of introspection, and the
important church festivals of All Saints (1st
November) and All Souls (2nd November)
encourage that personal refection too. Is
our sorry worth the paper its written on (or
the breath its exhaled upon)?
My mother used to confuse me when
I was a child, because after some misde-
meanour or another, when I apologised, she
would retort with, If you were sorry, you
wouldnt have done it in the frst place. Eh?
Well, we all make mistakes. Some of us
make very big mistakes. I think Id rather
say, If youre truly sorry, try very, very
hard, really hard, not to do it again.
The Revd Sharon Grenham-Toze is the
Co-ordinating Chaplain at HMP Bedford.
She is an Anglican priest, and lives locally.
Shes also a regular broadcaster for BBC
Radio 2 and 4 you may have heard her on
BBC Radio 2s Breakfast Show, with Chris
Evans, giving us Pause for Thought.
BehinD The Walls WiTh a PRisOn
ChaPlain
REliGiON
By Kristian Purcell Curatorial Assistant at
The Higgins Art Gallery & Museum
At the centre of the
frenzied lines and
smeared paint of
Quartet Arthroplasty,
is a remarkable stillness
and sense of calm.
The drawing, by Barbara Hepworth
(1903-1975), shows a group of surgeons
performing a complex operation to relieve
the diseased joints of the arthritic patient,
but there is no blood or gore to be seen. The
focus is the beautifully drawn left hand of
the surgeon in the centre. Where the scalpel
connects with the patient the white of the
ground shines brightly through with an
almost religious glow - but here the miracle
is science, the skill of the surgeons, and the
calm coordination between. The last factor
transfxed the artist and is emphasised by
the title, which alludes to the harmonious
and synchronised movements of the fgures
and intuitive understanding between them
reminiscent of a musical quartet (though in
fact there are six fgures depicted).
In 1947 it was suggested to me that I
might be interested in watching an opera-
tion in a hospital. At frst I was very scared
but then I found there was such beauty in
the coordinated human endeavour in the
operating theatre that the whole composi-
tion-human in appearance-became abstract
in shape. I became completely absorbed by
two things: frst the extraordinary beauty
of purpose between human beings all
dedicated to saving life; and secondly by
the way this special grace (grace of mind
and body) induced a spontaneous space
composition, an articulated and animated
kind of abstract sculpture very close to what
I had been seeking in my own work.
The piece has come out of The Higgins
store and travelled to The Hepworth Wake-
feld to feature in a new exhibition which
runs from 27th October until 3rd February.
Barbara Hepworth The Hospital Drawings
is the largest gathering of these powerful
studies and reveals a very different side to
an artist best known for the organic forms
and highly fnished surfaces of her sculp-
tures such as The Higgins own Four Figures
Waiting of 1968.
Quartet isnt the only work out and
about, the Dulwich Picture Gallery are cur-
rently borrowing two of our works by John
Sell Cotman (1782-1842) for their exhibi-
tion Cotman in Normandy which continues
until 13th January 2013.
Barbara Hepworth, Quartet Arthroplasty, 1948. Oil and
pencil on board.
Barbara Hepworth, Four Figures Waiting, 1968. Cast
bronze.
Barbara Hepworth photographed in the early 1970s.
by Victoria Partridge, Keeper of Fine and
Decorative Arts
unrequited love and
Dora Carrington go
hand in hand...
...And no, Im not talking about her rela-
tionship with the homosexual writer Lytton
Stratchey, but about her relationship with
Bedford and in particular me.
I love Dora Carrington. There, Ive said
it. Its been like this for years. We went
to the same school you see, spent time in
the same art room, walked along the same
corridors, admittedly at slightly different
times, me in 1993 her in 1903. But whilst I
remained happily in Bedford, Dora couldnt
wait to get away.
The Carrington family moved to Bed-
ford, like many others, for the good but
inexpensive schools. Originally living on
De Parys they moved to Rothsay Gardens
and remained there until all fve of the
Carrington children were educated. Art was
always appreciated in their house, Doras
mother would bring home illustrated cata-
logues from the Royal Academy and there
were reproductions of Millais, Velazquez
and Alma Tadema hanging on the walls. At
school Dora excelled at drawing and when
she was 17 her teachers recommended that
as there was no art school in Bedford for her
to continue her training she should apply to
the Slade School of Art in London.
Entering the Slade in 1910 was the be-
ginning of Carringtons life. She had found
living in Bedford repressive and unbearable
and within her frst year at the school she
started to rebel against her upbringing. She
cut her hair into a short crop and began to
make her own clothes in the style of the
artist Augustus Johns muse Dorelia. She
also dropped her Christian name, saying
she found it vulgar and sentimental. Forever
more she would be known simply as Car-
rington.
This new Car-
rington did not ft
in on her rare trips
back to Bedford,
having explained
her cropped hair
to her parents as
being necessary
for a fancy dress
party she wrote of
attending a dance
where the village
boys had quite
forgotten me, and
taken unto them
new lasses. They
gaze askance at
my shorn locks
- little did they
realise who it was
in their midst! No,
sad it is to relate
but I was not ap-
preciated.
Her fellow stu-
dents at the Slade
were to become
some of the brightest stars of the British
art world; Paul Nash, Stanley Spencer,
CRW Nevinson and Mark Gertler were all
amongst her friends. But whilst they went
on to have glittering careers, hers stalled
after she graduated, and for a time she was
known more for her associations with the
group of artists and writers known as the
Bloomsbury group, than for her work.
There were a number of reasons for this.
The year Carrington entered the Slade was a
year of great change in British art. The frst
Post-Impressionist exhibition was held in
London, introducing the work of Van Gogh,
Cezanne and Picasso to England. This new
art was against everything that traditional
art schools like the Slade believed in. Artists
like Carrington whose talent for drawing
perfectly suited the Slades
ideal of what an artist
should be, found them-
selves torn between the
new style of art and what
their tutors where asking of
them. For Carrington this
confusion in her talent was
further entrenched when
she approached the art
critic Roger Fry, who had
organised the Post Impres-
sionism exhibition for
advice about her work, and
he discouraged her from a
career as a serious artist.
This and a lack of conf-
dence in her own work led
her to being described as
the most neglected serious
painter of her generation.
These days her work is
exhibited in all of the major
galleries, there has been
a flm of her life starring
Emma Thompson, and
sales of her work increase
in value yearly. Nowhere is
she more appreciated than
in Bedford, the paintings
The Higgins have in their
collection are amongst the most requested
and talks on Carrington are always packed
with people travelling long distances to hear
about her work.
I like to think that although she left us
as soon as she could, she would be pleased
the town that where she was once not
appreciated now consider her as a Great
Bedfordian.
The Retirement Education Centre have
organised a talk on Carrington at the
library on the 9th November. To book
and for more info visit http://recbedford.
co.uk/talks.html
Carringtons work will also be on display
in The Higgins Art Gallery and Museum,
Bedford when we reopen next year.
GReaT BeDFORDians
dORA CARRiNGTON
I
l
l
u
s
t
r
a
t
i
o
n
:

D
a
v
i
d

L
i
t
c
h
f
e
l
d
EVEN A sTOPPEd ClOCK is RiGHT TWiCE A dAy
PUBliC aRT
insTallaTiOn
29th October - 24th November
Ford End Road, Bedford.
Guided tours Saturday 3rd &
10th November 2-3pm
Throughout the month of November
Aaron will displace the usual adverts posted
at a billboard site in Queens Park. Instead
he will be displaying a large photograph of
the scene concealed behind its structure.
The resulting effect will be a large image
that in parts subtly joins up with the scene
occurring outside its border.
Aaron will also be leading mini tours of
Bedford, highlighting and discussing the
use of public signage within the town. Part
psychogeography, part tourists trail, the
walks will combine objective and subjective
knowledge, historical notes and anecdotal
musings. The tour will culminate at Aarons
mini commission on Ford End Road.
Starting from Bedford Creative Arts HQ
at 104 Midland Road.
The tours are free, but places are limited,
so please book in advance on the Bedford
Creative Arts website, www.bedfordcre-
ativearts.org.uk , or by phoning 01234
818670.
Mini commissions are part of Bedford
Creative Arts commitment to support-
ing the career development of artists and
creative people in the region. They are open
to professional and amateur artists, curators
and producers living in the Bedfordshire
area. Each season 500 is awarded to the
applicant with the best idea, and they are
provided with the support they need to
make that idea happen.
The next deadline for mini commission
applications is 15th February 2013. Visit
the Bedford Creative Arts website or phone
01234 818670 for more details.

Bedford Creative Arts
104 Midland Road, Bedford MK40 1QE
+44 (0) 1234 818670
Twitter: @BCAassistant
ART
There is a Bedford
double-whammy for
David litchfield and school
of Craft this month as they
both feature in
Novembers
anorak
magazine.
Anorak is a super-cool
creative magazine for kids
sold throughout the UK
and the US. Not only that,
but the pair are also hatch-
ing a plan to collaborate
that will include David
creating doodle pictures
and animations for School
of Crafts project kits,
whilst School of Craft
will bring Davids monster
pictures to life. Jo Flannery from School
of Craft said, David & I are excited to be
working together. Im dying to cut some
patterns and make Davids brilliant mon-
sters come to life. David said, School
of Craft create some great products and
Im really pleased to be offering some illus-
trative input. Its going to be so much fun.
To see Davids & School of Crafts work
go to www.schoolofcraft.co.uk or
www.davidlitcheldillustration.com
Check out Anorak magazine here:
http://anorakmagazine.com/
THE BEDFORD CLANGER
12
THANK yOus
The Bedford Clanger is a labour of love for a lot of people. No ones
making a fortune, we just want to encourage people to embrace and love
our town. As ever, this issue would not have been possible without the
immense talents of the following people:
Designer Extraordinaire: Marisa Straccia (@madamebogg)
Advertising Director: Gemma Rogers (@clangerads)
Listings Supremo: Bev Burridge (@... well, we just love her)
Front Cover: Anne-Marie & Danny Stijelja
Great Bedfordian illustration: David Litcheld
Snappy Snappers: : Graham Watson, Jane Perrone, Emma Garrett
Coffee & Cake Correspondents: Alice & Tilly Smith
Foodie: Stephen Bywater
Gardening Editor: Jane Perrone
Additional Editorial: Naomi Fellerman, Sue Gough, Caroline Wise, Paul
Hutchinson, Naomi Barnwell, Cory Tallant, David Litcheld, Jane Perrone,
Alice Smith, Kristian Purcell, Sharon Glenham-Toze, Janet Lehain, Victoria
Partridge.
Enjoy November!
sChOOl OF CRaFT
& DaviD liTChFielD
NOVEMBER 2012
By Janet Lehain
last year, my
daughter (aged 4), asked
Father Christmas for a
purple elephant.
Nothing else would do, apparently.
Unable to fnd what I was looking
for, I decided to have a go at making
one. `Wonky Wilma was born. It was
fun making something totally unique
for my elephant loving middle girl
(even if she does still think the elves
did it).
After one of my daughters friends asked
for an elephant like Rachaels, I had the
idea to sell the pattern. `1000 for GOSH
by Christmas, was the
thought that came to me,
and so thats what Im
going with. At a fver
a go, Im looking for
200 potential elephant
makers.
Why GOSH? Well, I
guess any parent will un-
derstand why. If not wo-
ken at the crack of dawn
by the cat leaping on me wanting food, the
frst sounds I hear each day are that of three
little girls chatting to each other/singing/
rushing to the loo/squabbling. I am fipping
lucky. And, the thought of other kids carting
around a homemade elephant toy on trips to
the park, along with helping GOSH well,
those things bring a smile to my face.
HElP WOnKy WilMa RAisE 1,000 FOR
GReaT ORMOnD sTReeT hOsPiTal
The thing I love about the internet is
that when you decide to do something,
you can get going quickly. Thats how its
been for Wilma and me.
Within a week, I had
the pattern improved,
tested, tweaked, and on
sale. The frst 40 (mainly
from Bedford) patterns
have been sold. Will
Wonky Wilma be this
years must have toy?
I doubt it. But it might
be fun trying. Someone
has already made a mini
Wilma and posted it on FaceBook, and now
Im hoping to see accessories, up-cycling,
and some `Wheres Wilma? pictures pop-
ping up there too. Beginners can try this
wonkiness is good. Whos in?
Janet Lehain
Kitchentablesewing.blogspot.com
Want to know how you
can make an immediate
and important impact on
your town?
By shopping locally and supporting
Bedfords independent retailers your money
will go straight back into the local economy.
And if each of us spent just 5 in one of
Bedfords independent shops it equates to
375,000* going back into our town.
The more we all spend within our area
the stronger our economy grows. This
means more jobs, better facilities, a vibrant
town centre and a nicer place for us all to
live.

So why not kick off your Christmas
shopping in Bedford? Late night shop-
ping is every Wednesday from 28th
November and every weekday night
from 17th -21st December until 8pm.
Times may vary, contact your favourite
stores for individual details.
And look out for the A Very Bedford
Christmas postcard (designed by
Sideshow Designs and Marisa Straccia
and supported by White Hart Press
and Bedford BID) with all this useful
information on it. Its so cool youll
want to keep it!
*based on an adult population of 75,000
sHOP lOCAlly ANd CElEBRATE A VERy
BeDFORD ChRisTMas!
Volunteers from the Bedford Portas
Pilot Town Team are going to be in
Harpur Square on Saturday November
3rd asking people what they LOVE about
Bedford.
The creative consultation aims to fnd
out what Bedfordians like about
our town and what would
make them spend more time
and money in the town centre.
With the aid of giant map of
Bedford, visitors will be asked
to make suggestions which can
then help inform the improve-
ment of the town.
The general consensus is
that Bedford is a town which is already
doing many of the things to which other
towns only aspire, explained Christina
Rowe, Director of BedfordBID which led
the Portas application and secured 50,000
in funding from the Mary Portas-fronted
Government fund,
But in this increasingly challenging
economic climate we have to ask our visi-
tors and customers what will keep them
coming to Bedford time after
time.
Make sure you have your
say and come along to Harpur
Square on Saturday 3rd No-
vember. There will also be an
opportunity to take part in the
#citizenbedford media training
that will be taking place in
the Harpur Suite. For further
information please email:
bedfordportaspilot@gmail.com
WHAT dO yOu lOVE ABOuT BeDFORD?
On Thursday 11th October, Bedfords
Portas Pilot Town Team held a training ses-
sion at Bedford Colleges South Bank Arts
Centre in conjunction with Media Trust to
launch the #citizenbedford project. Utilis-
ing traditional, social and new media, our
goal is create a multi-layered documentary
of our Portas Pilot journey through citizen
journalism.
Our aim is to encourage as many people
as possible to become citizen reporters on
Bedfords Portas Pilot journey. In associa-
tion with Media Trust, and with the help of
volunteers, we will offer FREE training in
flm-making, interviewing, social media,
writing and blogging, all under the umbrella
of #citizenbedford.
No experience is necessary, there is
no age limit, there are no barriers and every-
ones welcome to join us. We dont have an
agenda. But we do have a unique opportu-
nity to tell the town, the country and indeed
the world about what were doing to try and
make our town better.
In association with Media Trust the
Town Team will be holding flm-making,
interviewing, audio and journalism training
sessions at the Harpur Suite on 3rd No-
vember. If you would like to book a place,
please email portaspilotbedford@gmail.
com. We look forward to seeing you there!
Please feel free to unleash your inner
citizen journalist and get involved.
email: portaspilotbedford@gmail.com
twitter: @BedfordPortas #citizenbedford
(obv)
Facebook: #citizenportas Bedford
BECOME A CiTiZen JOURnalisT ANd REPORT ON OuR TOWN
BEdFord #
FleTCheRs
shines eaRly
FOR
ChRisTMas
Fletchers salon on Tavistock
Street will be offering custom-
ers the opportunity to Sparkle
Up for Christmas on 6th
November. From 6pm 8pm
Jane and the team will offer hair
and beauty tips to help you look your best
for the festive season.
Tickets to the event are just 5 per per-
son and include sparkling wine and nibbles.
The evening will also include a fabulous
raffe with proceeds to St. Johns Hospice
Moggerhanger.
For more information or to book a ticket
call Fletchers on 01234 272575

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issUe 17: NOVEMBER 2012

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