
National Allotments Week
This week is National Allotments Week.
This week is National Allotments Week.
A few weeks ago, local resident and athletics coach Dennis Johnson contacted me to ask for my thoughts on his proposal for a plaque to be installed next year at the Bedford birthplace of Harold Abrahams, the 1924 Olympic 100 metres champion whose triumphant story was told in the film Chariots of Fire. Abrahams is a true Olympic icon, and I couldn't agree more with Dennis that his Bedford roots should be marked in the year of the London 2012 games. Abrahams, who is one of only three British Olympic 100 metre gold medallists, was born at 30 Rutland Road in Bedford. The house was demolished in the 1930s, but Dennis is hopeful that, subject to the agreement of the current householder, a plaque can be put up on display at the current property on the site.
Bedford Borough Council is asking for your views on its Budget for 2023/24.
Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats set out their desire for an open and honest debate on Britain's position in Europe at a meeting of the Full Council on Wednesday night. On a night when a motion calling for a referendum on the narrow technical issue of the EU Reform Treaty was unsuccessful, Liberal Democrats outlined their desire to see the debate opened up and called for a referendum on whether Britain should remain a Member of the European Union.
Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats have responded to the awarding of outline planning permission for the Town Centre West Redevelopment with a clear message that the core issues of local housing and town centre car parking must be resolved in order to ensure the success of the development for the town and surrounding area.
A post on Twitter on Sunday by a member of a vocal group which took part in the Bedford Busking Fest declared that "Bedford had a great vibe today." I couldn't agree more, and I would add that that vibe extended across the whole weekend, not just on Sunday, and also to a range of events in addition to the Busking Festival. The performing arts festival Bedfringe continued with a number of events over its middle weekend at a variety of venues, while on Saturday it was great to welcome Proms in the Park back to Bedford Park for the first time in a number of years. The fireworks and light show to round it off could not doubt be enjoyed from across town! The busking festival continued on Sunday with a diverse range of performers, adding a lovely extra dimension to a trip into town. Also on Sunday, a very special charity football match took place at the New Eyrie, home of Bedford Town F.C.