bedfordshire history
Bedfordshire, population in 2007 595,800, of which the county town is Bedford with its wide Victorian embankments and graceful historic and modern bridges floodlit at dusk is set deep in eastern England. Bordered by Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and the Borough of Milton Keynes, it has fast frequent rail links with London and the north, excellent National Express services and London Luton International Airport with its own rail station just 20 minutes by train. Bedford—Gatwick rail services take just over two hours and access to the M1 is just 15 minutes away and centrally placed in the county as a whole making it, as an art’icle magazine writer referred to Bedford a few years ago, the ‘centre of the universe’! Mid Bedfordshire has famously been home to brickworks since 1897, closing in February 2008 with confirmation that the four remaining tall chimneys would receive ‘listed building’ status from National Heritage. Many disused clay pits in the area have become lakes and water sports. Bird watching and country living is enjoyed over many square kilometres with, at the turn of the Millennium, the development of the Marston Vale Forest Centre and Millennium Country Park.
The University of Bedfordshire was formed only recently with Bedford and Luton campuses. Accommodation is outstanding and a wonderful new theatre at Bedford is much valued with examination results and ‘student happiness ratings high in the national ‘charts’. Well integrated into the community, the popular Vice Chancellor, Les Ebdon was awarded a CBE this year which he said represented ‘an award to the team’. The Harpur Trust administers four independent schools in Bedford, of which Bedford School is one. Close links have evolved with the Festival, the School having a fine reputation for education, sport, music, theatre and the arts in general. Several venues at the School include a wide of performing and visual arts, the theatre staging most innovative fringe productions. Bedford Modern, Bedford High and Dame Alice Harpur Schools are centres of arts excellence, their many events frequently attracting capacity audiences. The Harpur Trust is currently working closely with Bedford College and John Bunyan Upper School, with the latter becoming an Academy.
Bedford itself enjoys Priory Marina, Wildlife Park and lake with activity centre fulfilling further outdoor pursuits and activities. The county is full of mills (a new book about to be published by the Book Castle, Dunstable). Bromham Mill, still a working mill and museum attracts visitors to its home made cake and tea shop and arts exhibitions curated by Bedford Arts Forum from Easter to November annually. Bedford Museum is a treasure trove of local and natural history, Bedfordshire lacemaking, notable Bedfordians and educational events and projects. Cecil Higgins Art Gallery, currently undergoing refurbishment contains arts treasures beyond one’s wildest dreams. Bedfordshire visual artists are well represented through Bedford Arts Forum, Artists’ Network Bedfordshire and their annual Open Studios, Eagle Gallery, Bedford Community Arts. Celebrated artists include Eric Seeley, Su Kiteley, Suzanne Oliver, Mike Croker and the young but unbelievably talented Johann Andersson.
The Festival provides a very timely international community arts showcase season just as three unitary councils replace four councils of the past on 1 April. Bedford’s first elected Mayor, Frank Branston, former owner of a local newspaper group, is a supporter of the arts in Bedford and especially the now 10 year engagement of a resident orchestra, the Philharmonia. Amongst several fine local orchestras, choirs and regular classical music promoters’ initiatives, Bedfordshire music lovers have much outstanding low priced opportunity to hear wide ranging programmes to include local, national and international soloists and conductors. Bedford Borough Council stages a number of super events annually with the biennial Bedford River Festival and perhaps the ‘Christmas lights switch on’ firework displays drawing the biggest crowds. Bedford River Festival and Luton Carnivals now stand as rivals to Notting Hill Carnival. Do come! Notable Bedfordians include John Bunyan, John Howard, Ronnie Barker, Rt Hon Paddy Ashdown, Alastair Cook, Monty Panesar, Gail Emms, Tim Foster, Paula Radcliffe, Victoria Pendleton.
Bedford Jersey Arts festival
1 May – 5 July 2009 in Bedfordshire UK
Celebrating 70 years of friendship 1939—2009
“Victoria College, Jersey children evacuated to Bedford School during the Nazi Occupation of Jersey in WWII”
This website is an ongoing project started in late January 2009.