Visiting the Wells and Young Brewery in Queens Park brought back memories of the time I had a summer job at the brewery. Lib Dem Shadow Chancellor Vince Cable MP and I met with vice-Chair Mr Tom Wells and Finance Director Mr Justin Fillimore. We discussed issues affecting the industry before touring the brewery. Vince said that it was very useful to hear the views of Bedford's largest private employer.
Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg visited Bedford last night and held a 'Town Hall' meeting at the Harpur Suite. The open public meeting was chaired by Liberal Democrat Mayoral Candidate Dave Hodgson, and was attended by a large audience of local people. Clegg tackled a vast range of questions head on, and was widely praised after the meeting for his open, straight-talking approach.
The Harpur Suite in Bedford town centre was bustling on Tuesday evening. Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg MP held one of his 'town hall' meetings. I chaired the event and it was interesting both to hear what Nick had to say, but also the questions and points of view from the public. Nick tackled every question asked of him directly, with no spin or evasion.
With a draft plan of sites for future developments in Bedford Borough now overdue, Liberal Democrat Mayoral Candidate Dave Hodgson has pledged to block Council proposals to sell off greenfield land for development as part of the proposals. As part of the process of making its final policies on where development will be permitted, Bedford Borough Council last year proposed large housing and commercial developments at a range of sites including Bedford Athletic Rugby Ground, Mile Road Allotments in Cauldwell and Berry Wood in Wootton.
Later on Sunday, I visited the Guru Gobind Singh Gurdwara in Bedford Road, Kempston. Accompanied by my wife, Christine McHugh and Councillor Mark Fitzpatrick we were made most welcome. If elected as Mayor I will keep in close contact with members of the Sikh community as well as other faith groups.
Sunday morning saw me out bright and early for a cycle ride on the new western bypass. The road is not yet open, but will lead from the A421 at Kempston to the A428 near Biddenham. The Bedford De Parys Rotary Club organised a charity cycle ride to raise funds for the Alzheimer's Society and RYA Sailability. The weather was kind and there was a good turn out.
