2pm down at Mill Meadows and Bedford Town Band struck up the Dambusters March! It was stirring stuff and part of the 2009 Bandstand Marathon taking place across the UK. At the event a plaque to the first elected Mayor of Bedford, Frank Branston, was unveiled.
This week I went to lunch at Bunyan Meeting House in Mill Street in Bedford town centre. I enjoyed chatting to diners and lunch lived up to its reputation for quality, taste and value.
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.
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.
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.
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.
