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ISSUE 1: JUNE 2011

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

For: music-lovers culture-vultures crafters artists makers gardeners traders foodies fashionistas

Your finger-on-the-pulse, indispensable guide to whats going down in this town.

email: thebedfordclanger@gmail.com blog:thebedfordclanger.wordpress.com twitter:@bedfordclanger

Photo by: Shaun Armstrong

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

JUNE 2011

UNIQUE BEDFORD

THE BLUE GLASS, ST. CUTHBERTS STREET

ff the beaten track - but well worth checking out - is The Blue Glass, Bedfords only independent wine merchant. We meet owner John Barnes to raise a glass to this wonderful shop.
BC: What inspired you to open a wine merchants? JB: I have a great interest in wine and after working in the wine trade in Cambridge for many years, decided after moving to Bedford that an independent wine shop was missing from the town so I thought Id give it a go. BC: How has the recession affected your business? Are people more likely to drink at home rather than go to the pub? JB: Well I opened my doors at the very start of the recession so its tricky to tell as I had no previous

years to go on but so far we seem to be holding our own. BC: What is the price range that you offer? Is it really worth spending lots of money on a bottle of wine? JB: We sell bottles of wine from about 5.00 upwards. Price does make a difference as duty and VAT is approximately 2.50 a bottle so on a very cheap wine youre not really getting very much actual wine for your money. Having said that, you dont need to spend a fortune to get a really good quality bottle. We sell some stunning wines at around the 7 - 10 mark that put a lot of the supermarket wines to shame (in our humble opinion!). BC:What makes a really great wine? JB: A really great wine is one that has been made with passion and pride by the wine-maker. From the soil to the finished wine in the bottle, its all about getting all these things to come together and at the same time adding some individuality. BC: What are your best selling white, red and

sparkling wines? JB: In the reds we sell a fair amount of South American wine (Chile and Argentina), as its an area that I think still has lots more potential, so we tend to recommend some really stunning wines from there that give you plenty of wine for your money. In the whites it tends to be the classics from France (Chablis, Sancerre etc), but also a fair amount of New World Sauvignon Blancs. Sparkling it has to be Prosecco! Sales of Prosecco in the UK have sky-rocketed in the last few years as its an easy and approachable fizz at an inexpensive price. BC: If you could make one improvement to Bedford, what would it be? JB: Id like to see the river side of Bedford promoted more. Its the jewel in the crown of the town and a good wine bar looking over the river would be fantastic, obviously with wines supplied by myself of course! BC: And finally, sum up Bedford in three words... JB: Full of potential.

Photo by: Shaun Armstrong

John Barnes: A Good Vintage

HOMETOWN TOURIST:

W
WIN SOME ART

GET ON YOUR BIKE

SIDE SHOW ART

ROLL UP! ROLL UP!
ideshow Design is a Bedford-based company producing beautiful hand-pulled screen prints inspired by the heritage of music hall, vaudeville and circus imagery. Using paper from the UKs last remaining waterwheel-powered paper mill in Taunton and hand mixing all their inks in their Bedford studio, Matt Cullen and Richard Bainbridge are dedicated to sourcing a product that is completely made in Britain. From vintage sayings to daredevil circus performers, you can even commission your own personalised creation. For your chance to WIN a framed Gorgeous print from Sideshow Design, please email thebedfordclanger@gmail.com by 30th June with Gorgeous as the subject and a winner will be selected at random. Good luck! Check out the website at sideshowdesign.co.uk for more cool designs and how to get in touch with Matt and Rich.

hen you live in a town you often overlook many of the extraordinary things it has to offer. Its so easy to become blas about Bedford, thinking that there is nothing beneath its market-town faade. However, look a bit harder and youll discover theres more to Bedford than meets the eye. Why not be a tourist in our town for a day and see what you can find With a distinct lack of undulating countryside and rolling hillsides, Bedford is very forgiving for the novice cyclist. With possibly the flattest terrain outside the Netherlands, there really is no excuse not to hop on your bike, leave your carbon footprint at home and explore what the locale has to offer. An added benefit is that the National Cycle Route 51 (connecting Cambridge in the west with Colchester in the East) runs slap bang through the town centre, and if you dont have your own bike, there are two cycle hire outlets

nearby at Priory Marina (priorymarinacycling.co.uk) and Danish Camp (danishcamp. co.uk). With broad, smooth cycle paths, the stretch of Route 51 between Aspects and the Danish Camp is particularly familyfriendly. There is plenty to look at (although the sewage plant is probably an acquired taste) and the route takes you through farmers fields and alongside the Great Ouse, so theres ample opportunity for nature spotting we saw a heron on the weir alongside the cinema, and a pair of nesting grebes at Priory Marina. The only hill on this part of the route is the bridge over the bypass, but this is rewarded with great views across the green and pleasant landscape of Bedfordshire (as long as you can ignore the drone of speeding vehicles beneath you). Of course, the best bit is free-wheeling down the other side with the wind in your hair and the promise of an icecream at the Danish Camp. The Danish Camp is so named as it is adjacent to one of the few water-filled moats still remaining from the Viking age. In addition, history tells that the Danes sailed

from The Wash to Willington where they made a homestead and repair harbour. Tours of the moat (an English Heritage Scheduled Ancient monument) can be taken something for our next sojourn. Aside from its historical pedigree, the log cabin at the Danish Camp is a great place to re-fuel with hearty scran or even a welldeserved alcoholic beverage. Be prepared to queue for some time to order your food though its a popular riverside spot enhanced by its free bouncy castle and array of caged ferrets, chickens, rabbits and the biggest owl in the world (or so it appeared) which seemed to keep children of all ages enthralled. Boat trips and boat hire are also available. Leaving one feeling virtuously carbon-friendly, a days bike-riding around Bedfordshire is a great way to explore the countryside, see the town and villages from a different angle and burn some calories. To paraphrase Norman Tebbitt, Get on your bike, Bedfordians!

Which pub makes the best chips in Bedford?

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

WHAT TO WEAR: The end of June sees two highlights of the year: the start of Wimbledon and the Glastonbury festival. Cue
Stefania is wearing
tage le vin ouvel lace 50 N neck heart
Ruby rock
Photos by: Shaun Armstrong

JUNE 2011

unseasonably torrential rain from 20th June onwards We asked the boys and girls at Planet (01234 217171) and Boutique Planet (01234 215336) in The Arcade to put together outfits inspired by these two events. As youd imagine wellies make an appearance!

Superd

FIZZ & FRAISES at THE BEDFORD SWAN

BIGGING UP BEDFRINGE

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Bedfringe is probably the only fringe festival without a festival. Not that thats stopped it becomhy not get into ing an established the Wimbledon spirit fixture in the cultural with the Champagne calendar and attract& strawberries ing top-name acts events at The to Bedford time and Bedford Swan Hotel? time again.

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From 20th June, Wimbledon will be shown in the grassed courtyard of the hotel. Relax at one of the seven tables and chairs and enjoy televised court-side action. Enjoy a tradional jug of Pimms, or choose from the Champagne and strawberries promotional menu. You will get a free punnet of strawberries with every bottle of sparkling wine or Champagne purchased, a strawberry themed dessert and glass of fizz for just 7.95 or enjoy a bowl of strawberries and cream free with every bar meal purchased while you enjoy Murray et (Nad) al in action, all in association with Mot & Chandon. Cheers! bedfordswanhotel.co.uk

flip flops are from ha

TALKING TENNIS

vaianas at 22

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enbauer train

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For over 100 years,

Most peoples perception of club tennis is based on Wimbledon grass courts, pristine white outfits and a hushed atmosphere, explains Neil. In reality, the other grand slams and most tennis clubs have a much more modern

Photo by: Shaun Armstrong

the Riverside Tennis Club has stood on Goldington Road, with the aim of bringing tennis to a wider audience. As Wimbledon fortnight approaches, what better way to get the low-down on tennis in our town than to chat to Neil Frankel, Director of Tennis at the club.

outlook. Of course, the game is important, but there is as much emphasis on fun and socialising too. We welome players of any age and ability and have coaches and courses to help you improve your game. Our childrens classes start from as young as three with the aim of building skills and agility through fun activities. Each activity is based around a game, so the kids learn the tools of tennis almost by accident. Isnt it about time Bedford produced a tennis champion? After all, weve pretty much got athletics, badminton, rugby, rowing, cycling and boxing covered Weve got some phenomenal 10 and 11 year olds who have the potential to go on to great things, says Neil. Britain has enjoyed great success in the Junior Grand Slam events, but so far, very few players have achieved the top rankings on the senior circuit. So can Andy

Murray win Wimbledon this year? Murray is too good not to win a Grand Slam, although I think hes more likely to crack the US Open as it suits his game better. You have to remember that Wimbledon is the only tourna-

ing the mens and ladies trophies on Centre Court this year? Novak Djokovic is looking really strong and has had a great start to this season. As far as the women go, you can never underestimate the Williams sis-

Neil Frankel: New balls please!

This year is no exception. With events taking place in numerous venues throughout the town, Bedfringe will take place from 15th to 30th July and there is something for everyone on this years itinerary. Working in conjunction with the Bedford Players Trust and our most famous beverage export, Eagle Beer, over 50 acts will thrill and entertain us from magicians to music, poetry to performance art. If youve always wanted to check out the Edinburgh Fringe, you might as well save yourself the Easyjet flight, as Bedford will be hosting many performers previewing their Edinburgh shows, as well as unique opportunities to see top-name performers in intimate venues such as The Place Theatre, The Ent Shed and the South Bank Arts Centre at Bedford College. We Are Bedford (organisers of the Castle Quay Weekender) are also involved. They are putting on a Busking Festival in various town centre locations over 23rd and 24th July, turning spaces into places with exceptional music and performance. Among those taking part in Bedfringe are (Bromhams own) Simon Munnery, former Bedfordian John Hegley, BBC1s awardwinning comedy illusionists Barry & Stuart, our very own Ouse Valley Singles Club, Phil Nichol & Stephen Carlin, Patrick Monahan and a host of other marvellous and intriguing performances too numerous to mention here. The next issue of The Clanger will be a Bedfringe special, but if you cant wait til then, check out bedfringe. com or call the box office on 01234 269519 for full listings info or bedfringe.com

ment played on grass it really is a different ball game! So, if Murrays not a contender, who do you think will be lift-

ters. However, it would be great if Murray could do it. riversidetennisbedford.co.uk tel: 01234 352726

What is your favourite beer garden in Bedford? Summer is here!

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

LISTINGS THIS JUNE 2011
Want to look like youve just stepped out of the salon? 45 minute Blow Dry Boot Camp Special Cost 25 Redeemable against Redken Products

JUNE 2011

Fri 3rd June

Fri 10th June

Disciples of Gonzo
Esquires Dannys Bar bedfordesquires.com

High School Rocks High School Rocks 6pm

Bedford Corn Exchange 01234 344813

De Winter album launch

New release from one of Bedfords finest De Winter Esquires Main Stage bedfordesquires.com

Sat 4th June

Bootleg Zoo
Classic rock with female lead Kings Arms 01234 354494

A Taste Experience at The Bedford Swan Hotel with Taste Real Food

Handcrafted in Bedford

Lots of lovely handcrafted goodies for sale at this gorgeous market. 15 stalls of loveliness! Midland Road beserious@ntl.com

Artist of the Month: Ernest Sargieson

Bedfordshire based artist, scholar of the Royal Academy. Watercolour landscapes & old buildings The Art Centre & Gallery 01234 344784

Enjoy a 5 course meal using seasonal local produce and accompanied by specially selected wines. 7.30pm Taste Real Food members: 35 non-members: 40 The Bedford Swan Hotel www.bedfordswanhotel.co.uk

Sun 12th June

Music Quiz
John Cutlers music quiz. Now in its 21st year! Kings Arms 01234 354494

Ouse Valley Singles Club + support

Denny McCaffery Band

Esquires Dannys Bar bedfordesquires.com

Featuring clothes from White Stuff To Superdry footwear from UGG, Fly London, Birkenstock and Havianas Flip Flops
18 The Arcade, Bedford

Design & make your own jewellery

Amanda Curtin will provide ideas and techniques to create jewellery from a range of fab products The Art Centre & Gallery 01234 344784

The Bedford rascals are promoting their new album. Esquires Dannys Bar bedfordesquires.com

The Rise & Fall of Bedford Castle*

Bedford Castle was removed stone by stone. Find out more on this guided walk..11am Tourist Information Centre 01234 221712 visitbedford.co.uk

Hellfyre club night

Philharmonia

7:30pm Bedford Corn Exchange 01234 344813

Music + dancing = great night! Esquires - Holy Molys bedfordesquires.com

The 1 Night Whip

Electro/House Bassmusic The Pad thepadbedford.com

We are open for breakfast, for coffee & cakes through the morning, serve lunch from noon, & have hot fresh food available all day & through the evening. Tel: 01234 261332 www.embankmentbedford.co.uk

Loaded

Bedford Italian Festival 2011

Classic indie night. Doors 10.30pm 3 before midnight The Pad thepadbedford.com

Sat 11th June

Sun 5th June

The Life & Times of John Bunyan*

Taste Forum - a sensory education of locally sourced food

The Bedford Swan Hotel in association with Taste Real Food will be offering cookery demonstrations using fabulous local grub from 11am - 4pm The Bedford Swan Hotel Sue Miller 07753 780607 tasterealfood. com

A free festival taking place in the town centre to celebrate Bedfords Italian community. Expect food, music, cars, dance and exhibitions. Bedford Town Centre 01234 269519 bedfordschool.org.uk/ theatre

Follow in the footsteps of John Bunyan 11am Tourist Information Centre 01234 221712 visitbedford.co.uk

Tues 14th June

Beer Appreciation Club

Beer chat with brewers. Cheers! Esquires - Holy Molys bedfordesquires.com

Music Quiz Bedfords premier music venue - bringing the best in live music to Bedfordshire. www.bedfordesquires.co.uk Your local just off the High Street. Great beers, great food, great live music, great atmosphere. Tel: 01234 354494 St. Marys Street, Bedford

John Cutlers music quiz. Now in its 21st year! Kings Arms 01234 354494

Life of Riley

Kathy Browns Garden

Tues 7th June

Comedy Club Esquires - Holy Molys bedfordesquires.com

Irish Celtic rock Kings Arms 01234 354494

That Time of the Month

Theatre of Widdershins presents: Three Billy Goats & other furry tails

These beatiful gardens are open to the public (See 7th June) The Manor House, Church Road, Stevington, MK43 7QB 01234 822064 kathybrownsgarden.com

Wed 15th June

Open Mic Night

Kathy Browns Garden

Run by and for music lovers bringing you the best in indie and underground music

These beatiful gardens are open to the public from 1-5pm. Bring a picnic, enjoy a tour with Kathy or feel free to wander on your own. Tea & cake from 3.15 - 4.15pm 2.50. Entrance: 4.50 The Manor House, Church Road, Stevington, MK43 7QB 01234 822064 kathybrownsgarden.com

Wonderful puppetry in this chidrens show based around the Magic Land of Three Tickets: 7 Family ticket: 20 (2 adults/2 children) Age 3+ Bedford School Theatre 01234 269519 bedfordschool.org.uk/ theatre

Jam with Steve Jones Kings Arms 01234 354494

Wed 8th June

Tea Dance
2.00pm Bedford Corn Exchange 01234 344813

Shannon Express- Male Close Harmony Chorus from Potton

B.U.S.T.T William Shakespeares Twelfth Night (a cacophony of love)

Great songs, great voices, great harmonies 8pm The Parish Church of St Andrew, Kimbolton Road. Tickets 7 shannonexpress.org.uk box office: 01234 269519

A 90 minute adaptation which maintains the authentic language of the Shakespearian era set in a hotel inspired by the 50s. Tickets 10.00, concessions 8.00 The Place Theatre www.theplacebedford.org.uk./tickets.

Wind Down Wednesday

Acoustic showcase Esquires - Holy Molys bedfordesquires.com

The Pad, Lurke Street

www.thepadbedford.com

Open Mic Night

Jam with Steve Jones Kings Arms 01234 354494

Loaded

Wind Down Wednesday

Feat. Del Bromham (Stray) Esquires - Holy Molys bedfordesquires.com

Classic indie night. Doors 10.30pm 3 before midnight The Pad thepadbedford.com

The Jewel in Bedfords Crown*

Who Lived In A House Like This*

The countys largest art store specialising in picture framing, original paintings & fine art prints, art & craft materials, cards & gifts. Our friendly team of experts are there to advise and assist you with your creative needs. Howard Street, Bedford MK40 3HS 01234 344784 Ever walked past an interesting house in the town centre & wondered about its past? Nows your chance to find out! 11am Tourist Information Centre 01234 221712 visitbedford.co.uk

Bromham Millers: Furniture Revamping Made Easy

Come & learn a new skill and revitalise an old piece of furniture at the same time. 25 per person (20 each if you bring a friend) Bromham Mill Jane McGill 01234 311544

A circular walk along Bedfords beautiful Victorian Embankment 7pm Tourist Information Centre 01234 221712 visitbedford.co.uk

Thurs 16th June

Kathy Browns Garden

An evening opening of Kathys stunning garden in aid of the National Garden Scheme Charities. 6pm - 9pm 4.50 children free The Manor House, Church Road, Stevington, MK43 7QB 01234 822064 kathybrownsgarden.com Quite a lot going on this month.

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

Thurs 16th - Fri 17th
ARABICA
Following the theme of environmental awareness, ARABICA is a musical & dramatic performance highlighting the problem of unfair trading Bedford School Theatre 01234 269519 bedfordschool.org.uk/ theatre

JUNE 2011

Mon 20th June

Ouse Valley Singles Club on tour

Its not in Bedford, but why not catch them outside of the shire? Funhouse Comedy Club, Derby funhousecomedy.co.uk

Sun 26th June

Music Quiz
John Cutlers music quiz. Now in its 21st year! Kings Arms 01234 354494

Take a fresh look at Bedford. 01234 359599

Are You Being Served?*

Fri 17th June

Tues 21st June- 25th

Evarose + Atlas & I + Envy Four

Three great bands in one great place Esquires Main Stage bedfordesquires.com

Whose Life Is It Anyway? By Brian Clark

A guided walk looking at the history of the High Street and how shopping has changed over the last 200 years. 11am Tourist Information Centre 01234 221712 visitbedford.co.uk

Lost for Words + guests

Esquires Dannys Bar bedfordesquires.com

Harrison is a sculptor who is left tetraplegic following a road crash. She uses her wit and intelligence to deal with her situation.(16+) audience. Tickets 7.50, concessions 6.00. The Place Theatre theplacebedford.org.uk

Craft Fair

12pm - 4pm Woodlands Manor, Clapham 01234 363281

Mon 27th June

Tues 21st June

Kathy Browns Garden

Ouse Valley Singles Club on tour

Theyre in London town! Lion & the Unicorn, Kentish Town, Londinium 020 7419 6043

Mutiny club night

Esquires - Holy Molys bedfordesquires.com

Fri 17th- 24th June

These beatiful gardens are open to the public (See 7th June) The Manor House, Church Road, Stevington, MK43 7QB 01234 822064 kathybrownsgarden.com

Bedfords Premier 4* hotel set on the banks of the River Ouse Stay, Meet, Dine, Relax, to keep up to date with offers go to www.bedfordswanhotel.co.uk We supply corporate clothing, work clothes, business gifts promotional products to large corporations, small businesses, sports teams, schools and individuals Tel: 01234 376900 www.pelicanprintwear.co.uk Opening Mid June 2011 Stay Play Escape Comfy beds, yummy breakfasts, gorgeous views The Old Piggery Guest Accommodation West Park Farm Haynes, Bedford MK45 3RD Call Rachel on 01234 741983 or 07713 479398

Bedford College School of Art Design & Media: Summer Exhibition

Wed 22nd June

Open Mic Night
Jam with Steve Jones Kings Arms 01234 354494

Kathy Browns Garden

Free exhibition of students work Bedford College South Bank Arts Centre bedford.ac.uk

These beatiful gardens are open to the public (See 7th June) The Manor House, Church Road, Stevington, MK43 7QB 01234 822064 kathybrownsgarden.com

Tea Dance

Sat 18th June

Single File

2.00pm Bedford Corn Exchange 01234 344813

Wed 29th June

Traditional Irish Music

Blues, soul & rock Kings Arms 01234 354494

Wed 22nd - Fri 24th

Absurd Persons Plural
Bedford School Year 9 & 10 students present excerpts from works by Beckett, Lonesco, Pinter & Stoppard. Bedford School Theatre 01234 269519 bedfordschool.org.uk/ theatre

Come along and enjoy the relaxed craic of traditional Irish music in the bar. Kings Arms 01234 354494

Imperial Promotions Hatefest

I Never Knew That

Come along from 6pm to see Aghast + Legion + Radiating Eyes +Shadow Factory + tbcEsquires Main Stage bedfordesquires.com

Fri 24th June

Discover Bedfords hidden history on this wonderful guided walk 7pm Tourist Information Centre 01234 221712 visitbedford.co.uk

Geoff & Hammys Northern Soul Night

Floor fillers from the Northern Soul vaults Esquires - Holy Molys bedfordesquires. com

Bedford Alternative Music Presents Escaping Juliet + support

Hardcore/screamo 5 piece! Esquires Main Stage bedfordesquires.com

Lady Ks Presents: Coconi

Burlesque ball with a variety of performers. Dress burlesque and enter a prize draw The Russell Park Private Club 60 Goldington Rd Tickets 12.50 at www.ladyks.co.uk

The Pad Presents: Whole Lotta Led

Soul Food

Thurs 30th June

Esquires Main Stage bedfordesquires.com

Take the stairway to heaven with this Led Zepplin tribute band. Doors 7.30pm 14 advance tickets Civic Theatre centralboxoffice@bedford.gov.uk 01234 269519

Soul night with Sam Seed & guests. Doors 10.30pm 4 before midnight The Pad thepadbedford.com

Minotaur Explodes + Asbestos Learn to Sew. Adults and Teen classes. Modern and Stylish projects. Evening courses. Saturday Workshops. Crafternoons. www.schoolofcraft.co.uk or call Jo on 07900 905186 Whether youre looking for that special gift or just fancy a coffee and indulge in one of our delicious cakes. Do come and pay us a visit! 34 Castle Lane , Castle Quay Bedford MK40 3US

Sat 25th June

October Rose
Feel-good rock n roll Kings Arms 01234 354494

BOOK NOW 9th July

Paul Liddell & Thea Ford
Unique double bill. Thea Ford - pop with an acoustic edge, this is a rare full band gig. Paul Liddell - multi-award winning one-man-band; acoustic music at its very best. Tickets 10 The Ent Shed entshed.co.uk email: michael@avn.co.uk

Loaded at The Pad

Classic indie night. Doors 10.30pm 3 before midnight thepadbedford.com

Cheeky Monkeys Tea Party

2.30 - 4.30pm St Marys Church, Church Lane, Bedford, MK41 0AP Entrance 1 Adults, 50p Children Cream Teas, Childrens Arts & Crafts Table, Outdoor Play Area, Stalls (cards, childrens clothes) Fun for all the family helping to raise funds for the NCT

Textural Collage Workshop

Sarah Janavicius will run her inspirational collage workshop from 10am - 4pm. All materials provided. 35 per person (30 each if you bring a friend) The Craft Centre, Colnworth Sarah Janavicius 01234 363112

3rd Dec

Sun 19th June

Music Quiz
John Cutlers music quiz. Now in its 21st year! Kings Arms 01234 354494

Bedfords Got Talent

7:30pm Bedford Corn Exchange 01234 344813

Amy Wadge & Pete Riley + De Winter support Tickets 12

The Ent Shed entshed.co.uk email: michael@avn.co.uk *Please note: All guided tours are prebooking only. Please call the Tourist Information Centre to make a booking. Adults: 3 Children over 8 years 1.50

WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

Bernie Marsden (ex Whitesnake)

Ex-Whitesnake rocker plays Rory Gallagher Esquires Main Stage bedfordesquires.com

Loaded at The Pad

Classic indie night. Doors 10.30pm 3 before midnight thepadbedford.com

We really want to hear about your events so we can spread the word to our fellow Bedfordians. Cost is 1 per listing Please email your details to thebedfordclanger@gmail.com with Listing as the subject by 17th June. Want to advertise? Then wed love to hear from you too.

The Silent Faces of Bedford*

A look at the statues and monuments in our town 11am Tourist Information Centre 01234 221712 visitbedford.co.uk I like what youve done with your hair.

This Years Winner Is + support

Esquires Main Stage bedfordesquires.com

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

JUNE 2011

Your Local: THE KINGS ARMS

Want to stop

the local pub trade dying on its feet? Then get yourself down to one of the many brilliant Bedford boozers to find out what theyre doing to buck the trend of a dying breed. This month we talk to Sean ODonnell, landlord of The Kings Arms on St Marys Street to find out what makes his

local such a great place to hang out

Too old to contemplate a drink on the High Street but still want to hear great music, then get yourself to The Kings Arms. Established in 1682, this pub has a fascinating history yet offers everything from live music to the longest running music quiz in the land. Great priced beer (Fosters at under 3, Guinness at 3.45) plus numerous guest ales are just a taster of what Sean has to offer. We really want to remind people about what pub culture is. There is a whole generation of kids who drink at home and then head into town at midnight.

Theyre missing out on the whole pub experience its about being sociable and relaxing with friends; thats what The Kings Arms is all about. With six pubs closing nationwide every day, its vital that Bedfordians support their locals, says Sean. BedSafe has improved the town centre with penalties for troublemakers. Going to a pub is an experience and its part of our heritage that we should celebrate. Its not simply about pushing out drinks, but about enjoying the whole pub culture. We cater for everyone from 18 to 80 year olds, says Sean. We love our jobs and I call us a local just off the High Street.

Were not stand-offish we love a laugh and taking the mickey - and people like that. Add to that our live music events and amazing quizzes and theres something for everyone you just have to step off the High Street and over the bridge to find us!
thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk
Photo by: Shaun Armstrong

Pub to Club

Last orders is called, but not ready to go home? Chat to the bar staff at any of these pubs and ask for a ticket granting you free entry to Esquires: The Kings Arms The Wellington Arms The Bedford Arms The Bear

Sean ODonnell: The host with the most

even bigger and better. On Sunday 12 June, Bedford will recreate a traditional Italian village festival for a day, showcasing the spirit of Bedford/Italian culture and saying grazie to the community for embracing the diversity of our townsfolk. Following a morning mass at St Francesca Cabrini Church on Woburn Road, a procession will bring the Saint through the streets of Bedford to rest on the stage in Harpur Square with an open-air blessing. The town centre will then celebrate all things Italian, from beautiful classic cars to sumptuous food and an exhibition of the history of Bedfords Italian community at The Swan Hotel. As if thats not enough, celebrity chef Gino DAcampo will be meeting and greeting visitors before a book signing at The Swan at 3.30pm. Fireworks in Harpur Square at 10pm will almost certainly be a fitting finale to a fabulous day. Bellissimo! bedforditalianfestival.co.uk smothered in clematis and pink valerian, and a crab apple tree adds much-needed height as well. And Shirley gets extra kudos for the stunning blue anchusa flowers, which stops me in my tracks every time I walk past. So thats definitely a hot from me, but what do you think? Visit http:// thebedfordclanger.wordpress.com to vote. Whether your gardens a gnome sanctuary or a minimalist square of fake turf, you can put it forward for the Hot Plot Or Not? Challenge. Email thebedfordclanger@gmail. com with a picture and your contact details with HPON as the subject and well pick the most interesting plot to pick apart in the July issue. For more from Jane Perrone on gardening, visit her blog at http://perrone.blogs.com
Where is the best place for a picnic in this town?

BIGGER & BETTER: THE BEDFORD

Not only do we benefit from great Italian coffee shops, restaurants, gelato, bars and businesses, but we also have an established festival to celebrate all things Italiano. The

FESTIVAL 2011

AL AN
first Bedford Italian Festival took place in 2009 and now two years on, the organisers have put together something back garden. Shirley has packed a lot into a tiny space here its the plants, not the pots that are centre stage, and so it should be. An automatic watering system is a musthave here, making sure the plants stay in tip top condition despite the south-facing aspect. The cottage garden style works here because despite the mix of plants, the overall

It is a recognised fact that Bedford

HOT PLOT or NOT
YOU DECIDE

has the largest concentrated Italian community outside of Italy.

edford boasts some seriously good gardens, and some very talented gardeners. Hot Plot Or Not is the Bedford Clangers way of tracking down and putting up some of these green spaces for the public vote a green-fingered X Factor, if you will.

Blooming Great

Heres how it works: I show you a picture of a garden, and tell you what I think yes, you guessed it, whether its hot or not. Then you can visit the Bedford Clanger blog at http:// thebedfordclanger.wordpress.com to have your say. Well tot up the votes and tell you whether the garden got the thumbs up or down. First up is the front garden of Castle Road resident Shirley Seaths Victorian terrace. Now, front gardens are tricky theyre usually small, often without a water supply and all too frequently neglected in favour of the

effect is a well-stocked space with blooms in complementary shades of pink, blue and purple, and the occasional shot of yellow iris, not a few higgledy piggledy pots of lank leaves. The metal fence often a neglected space is

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

JUNE 2011

JUNE IN THE GARDEN By Jane Perrone

feed. But if youre a cheapskate like me, you can make your own free fertiliser by steeping bunches of nettles or comfrey in a lidded bucket for a few weeks. The resulting black goo diluted 1:10 with water stinks, but it works wonders, and gives you the warm glow of having cost you nothing. What else to sow now on the veg patch: peas, beetroot, Florence fennel, spring onions, carrots, lettuce, radishes, sweetcorn, spinach, swede, turnips, Get and oriental vegetables such as pak choi and mizuna. Other jobs: earth up potatoes, plant out winter brassicas, mulch veg beds with grass cuttings to conserve water and stop weeds, build supports for French and runner beans and plant them out. Can I make a plea regarding bedding plants? Its tempting to go to the garden centre and buy a tray of sugar-pink double petunias, another of orange marigolds and another of something white and fuzzy that youre not quite sure what it is: then you get to the till and youve spent 50 and youre not quite sure what to do with it all. I know, Ive done it myself. But a bit of planning can pay off in the long run. First, decide on a simple colour scheme, and stick to it rigidly: pinks and purples, say or red, white and blue. Then, read the labels on the

ven the most reluctant gardener cannot fail to be lured outside by lingering evening light and clement weather this month.
With frosts fading to a memory (we hope), now is the time to plant out seedlings of tender veg such as tomatoes, pumpkins, squash, climbing beans and chillies: dont worry if you havent got around to sowing yet - theres no shame in buying a few tomato or chilli seedlings from the garden centre, or ask around - most keen gardeners have a few spare plants going begging. And if its prize pumpkins, courgettes or winter squash youre after, its just the right time to sow them outside. For a classic Halloween pumpkin try the varieties Connecticut Field or Ghostrider, but for culinary uses, winter squash are tastier - I love Waltham Butternut and Golden Hubbard. And courgettes? Well, any old variety will do, youll still end up with a glut. Just follow the sowing instructions on the packet, and make sure you feed the young plants well with an organic fertiliser say, a liquid seaweed

plants youre drawn to. Sounds obvious, yes, but people just dont do it! Note what plants will work for you no good planting shadeloving busy lizzies in a sizzling

FUNDING IS CUT, BUT

KONVERTIBLE

AIM TO CARRY ON
onvertible is a collaborative art project conceived by visual artist Lisa Cheung and industrial designer Sammy Delgado Escobar.

sowing this month

hot south-facing windowbox, for example. And if you want to attract wildlife, avoid double flowers as theyre useless to bees and other pollinating insects. Plant your purchases as soon as possible after you get home every hour spent in those weeny pots and theyre less likely to thrive once in situ. Other jobs for this month: Keep climbers under control by tying them into supports or fences; overcrowded spring bulbs can be lifted, divided and replanted; grab yourself some free soil improver from the Barkers Lane Household Waste Recycling Centre and use it to mulch flower beds; mow the lawn, but dont leave the clippings in a heap to turn into green goo mix with layers of crumpled newspaper and add to the compost heap.

Its aim is to bring together various talented and skilled artists to work collaboratively with volunteers to produce innovative designs and to share skills and knowledge for mutual benefit. Since launching in our town in October 2010, all the products from Konvertible Bedford have been on display and for sale in local markets in a specially designed Mobile Kiosk (pictured), last seen rocking the Craft Space at the Castle Quay Weekender. As a not-for-profit venture, all earnings are put back into the project to continue workshops and encourage communal making in the local community. Currently run in Bedford by local bag designer extraordinaire Lisa Tilley, Konvertible was commissioned by Bedford Creative Arts as part of their 2010 programme. The project was officially supposed to end in April, but the group want to keep it running,

said Lisa. It was always the dream that the project could become an independently-run co-operative of some kind, but we need money to do so. We are applying for additional funding, but the application process takes time. We have been thrilled at the success of the Konvertible project, and are delighted that the members want it to continue, said Dawn Giles of Bedford Creative Arts . The intention was for it to be a platform for creativity, skill sharing, mutual enabling and sociability and that has proved to be the case. Although we can no longer support

this project due to commitments to our 2011 programme, we would be more than happy to see it continue and go from strength to strength. If you are interested in getting involved in Konvertible or are able to support the project financially, please contact them through the website. www.konvertible.com

Dwarf Exoplanets Other Sophisms I

From Local to Global

by Dawn Giles

EDGAR MARTINS

ou will need a significant yen for travel if you want to see Bedford artist Edgar Martins work this year with exhibitions in China, India, Japan, Portugal and France. But the big one for me is Venice, Italy. Edgar will be representing Macau in China at the 54th International Venice Biennale Exhibition. In a world of festivals and art fairs Venice is still the most important event in the international arts calendar. Portuguese by birth, Edgar grew up in Macau, moving to the UK in 1996. He now lives in Bedford. Opening in June this exhibition is titled, A Metaphysi-

cal Survey of British Industrial Tools & Dwarf Exoplanets. I have been an admirer of this thoughtful and deeply aesthetic work since I first saw it at his 2007 exhibition at Bedford Creative Arts. Edgar produces photographic essays which question the descriptive power of photography and the nature of visual reality. If travel really isnt your thing, he has another exhibition opening at The New Art Gallery Walsall on September 30th. This is not a House is a series of work relating to the collapse of the US housing market and with a new book of this work also being published this year by Dewi Lewis, we really can support Bedfords creative talent from our armchairs. The Venice Biennale runs from 4th June to 27th November 2011.Twitter: @BCADirector tucked-away corners of department stores like the Littlewoods caf with its coffee poured from pyrex jugs left on hot plates for indeterminate periods of time, or the tiny HoneyPot caf in the Beehive, with sixth-formers (ties and blazers removed to avoid identification and reprimand) congregated around cheap coffee and a pack of twenty Rothmans. Thank goodness for the legacy of the Cadena and Bedfords current caf culture! Had a great cup of coffee in Bedford? Let us know so we can share the joy with the rest of the town. Oh, and if you spot one that sells a Bedfordshire Clanger (of the edible variety), please take a picture and email it to thebedfordclanger@gmail.com

CAF SOCIETY The Clangers coffee and cake

correspondent reflects on the changing face of Bedfords coffee houses, and welcomes the rise and rise of independent coffee shops: By my reckoning, you are never more than a minutes
walk away from a great cup of coffee in Bedford a town where the mighty Starbucks and other global corporations are conspicuous by their absence. I like to think that this
Put your feet up with a cuppa.

is due to the abundance of independent coffee shops that each offers a personal touch and unique experience for a clientele as diverse as our towns people. My own love of coffee and caf culture began in the 1980s at the Cadena Caf, which stood alone as Bedfords premier specialist coffee house, filling the Arcade with the enticing aroma of freshly-ground coffee beans. I still remember my first visit as a 17-year old, selecting a Kenya Peaberry from the menu of exotic-sounding concoctions from far-flung countries - not to mention the sumptuous gateaux on traditional, tiered cake stands. Add to that booth seating and waitress service and it really was the height of sophistication! It stood in stark contrast to the canteen-style cafs in

THE BEDFORD CLANGER

JUNE 2011
Alphaboat at the Castle Quay Weekender. The show appealed to children and adults alike: I really enjoy the combination of the honesty of childrens responses and the clever adults responses. While an adult doesnt want to look stupid when theyre asked to say something in public, a child will just say whatever they think. nature of the suggestion. As a former Bedfordshire resident, John has recently been documenting all the firsts that he achieved while living in Luton. His first bike ride, first goal scored and first cigarette were all achieved, while he had to wait for his first kiss til after hed left the shire. Ahhhh! So, the burning question is of course, have you ever eaten a Bedford Clanger? Im not really sure what one is (we explain the unusual nature of our local delicacy)Hmmm, well, Im not really into creature eating, so Id have to restrict myself to the jam side. Dont blame you, John! LUTON REVISITED by John Hegley (and it could be you!) Largely underrated Under Chiltern Hills Top hatting town O Near Dunstable If you prefer your poems to be completed by the actual author, here is Runfold Runaway by John Hegley, a previously unpublished work exclusively for The Bedford Clanger: RUNFOLD RUNAWAY Our first burst of petness was Tabby cat, called Tibby, in the Runfold region of Luton. A tough cookie cat. A wild thing. The scrawny riverbank nearby was just his ticket, thicket-wise. The day we were deserting that house to go and take up residence in the bungalow, that cat just didnt want to know My dad approaching with a sack removals already tightly packed into the van-back but still with room for one more item. And Tibby ran in Runfold. Its no go the bungalow. Wed not see one more paw-print pressed in Luton snow.

JOHN HEGLEY
Having moved to
Luton at the age of two, we Bedfordians are perfectly within our rights to claim John Hegley as one of our own.
Alongside Ronnie Barker, Al Murray and Simon Munnery, John Hegley is one of the shires most successful performers, and he will be bringing his unique brand of poetry-fuelled comedy/ comedy-fuelled poetry to this years Bedfringe festival. John is no stranger to performing at Bedfringe, as he took part in 2007 and 2008. I find Bedfringe very enjoyable. However, when I last played here, I received some constructive criticism from a member of the audience who felt my performance had been slip-shod. I had to agree with him and have vowed that as a mark of respect to the audience, this years show will be non-slipshod in every way. So what can ticket-holders expect from John at this years event? Im not really sure yet. Its a bit of a metamorphosis of a show. I was planning on performing The Adventures of Monsieur Robinet, which revolves around my French grandmother and my father being born in France, but

Nothing slip-shod here

COMPETITION

Do you fancy winning a pair

I might change my mind. I will definitely be previewing some of the material that I will be using in my Edinburgh show though. John recently came to Bedford to perform his kids show, Animal

If I were to say: Dont try eating a Clanger with a coat hanger, a child would immediately say that was ridiculous, whereas an adult would appreciate the surreal

of tickets to see John Hegley perform at this years Bedfringe Festival on Saturday 30 July? John has very kindly partiallywritten a poem especially for the Clanger. Entitled Luton Revisited, it evokes the beauty of Luton. However, the muse fled John when he got to the letter O. Can you help complete this ode to Luton? The best suggestion sent to thebedfordclanger@ gmail.com by Friday 17 June will be crowned the winner. Please put Hegley as the subject. Bon chance!

DAVID LITCHFIELD
Illustrator David set himself a challenge last June to complete a drawing a day. By his own admission some have been good and some have been not so good. See them out for yourself at davidlitchfieldillustration.com We love them! Why not set David your own challenge? Send a topic suggestion to thebedfordclanger@gmail.com by 17th June with the subject heading David! and see what he comes up with next month.

DRAWING A DAY

A BIG BEDFORD THANK YOU

We know this first issue isnt perfect, but we hope you like it.The Bedford Clanger would not have been possible without the quite exceptional talents of the following people:
Designer: Marisa Straccia Photographer: Shaun Armstrong www.mubsta.com Contributors: Caryl Jones, Jane Perrone, Dawn Giles, David Litchfield, the guys at Planet and Boutique Planet, all our lovely advertisers and listers and of course, you, dear reader. Cheers! Cant wait til next month for your Clanger fix? Then check out the blog: http:// thebedfordclanger.wordpress.com Wed love to hear from you, so why not get in touch? You can email thebedfordclanger@mail.com Erica Roffe (editor)

NEXT ISSUE: A JULY BEDFRINGE SPECIAL

Why not challenge David?