Documentos de Académico
Documentos de Profesional
Documentos de Cultura
JUNE 2011
UNIQUE BEDFORD
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.
HOMETOWN TOURIST:
W
WIN SOME ART
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!
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!
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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
TALKING TENNIS
vaianas at 22
Adidas beck
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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
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-
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
JUNE 2011
Disciples of Gonzo
Esquires Dannys Bar bedfordesquires.com
New release from one of Bedfords finest De Winter Esquires Main Stage bedfordesquires.com
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
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
Featuring clothes from White Stuff To Superdry footwear from UGG, Fly London, Birkenstock and Havianas Flip Flops
18 The Arcade, Bedford
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
Philharmonia
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
Classic indie night. Doors 10.30pm 3 before midnight The Pad thepadbedford.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
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
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
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
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.
Loaded
Classic indie night. Doors 10.30pm 3 before midnight The Pad thepadbedford.com
A circular walk along Bedfords beautiful Victorian Embankment 7pm Tourist Information Centre 01234 221712 visitbedford.co.uk
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.
JUNE 2011
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
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
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
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
Come along and enjoy the relaxed craic of traditional Irish music in the bar. Kings Arms 01234 354494
Come along from 6pm to see Aghast + Legion + Radiating Eyes +Shadow Factory + tbcEsquires Main Stage bedfordesquires.com
Discover Bedfords hidden history on this wonderful guided walk 7pm Tourist Information Centre 01234 221712 visitbedford.co.uk
Floor fillers from the Northern Soul vaults Esquires - Holy Molys bedfordesquires. com
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
Soul Food
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
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
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.
JUNE 2011
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
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
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
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
JUNE 2011
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
KONVERTIBLE
AIM TO CARRY ON
onvertible is a collaborative art project conceived by visual artist Lisa Cheung and industrial designer Sammy Delgado Escobar.
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
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
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
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
COMPETITION
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