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Bedford Independent

@bedfordindependent.co.uk

A council officer said identifying who isn't claiming free school meals would help benefit working families who may not previously have qualified but are still struggling with rising living costs...

#Bedford #BedfordNews #Education #SchoolMeals

Hundreds of eligible children not claiming free meals at Bedford Borough schools - Bedford Independent

Hundreds of children across Bedford Borough who are entitled to free school meals are missing out on vital support, with new figures...

www.bedfordindependent.co.uk

January 6, 2026 at 3:25 PM

Bedford Independent

@bedfordindependent.co.uk

The free, drop-in event is open to everyone and aims to help people understand local flood risks, what is being done to manage them and the practical steps they can take to protect their homes and neighbourhoods...

#Bedford #BedfordNews #Flooding #Environment

Free Flood Forum to help Bedfordians prepare for future flooding - Bedford Independent

Bedford Borough Council will host its 2026 Flood Forum on Thursday, 26 March 2026 at Great Denham Community Centre, helping residents...

www.bedfordindependent.co.uk

January 6, 2026 at 1:11 PM

Bedford Independent

@bedfordindependent.co.uk

Congratulations to the Roll Your Own Records team for a decade of dancing - and here's to ten more years of record-spinning fun...

#Bedford #BedfordNews #DanceMusic

A decade of dancing thanks to Roll Your Own Records - Bedford Independent

A stalwart of Bedford’s music scene reached a milestone in 2025, as Roll Your Own Records (RYOR) celebrated its 10th birthday in December...

www.bedfordindependent.co.uk

January 6, 2026 at 11:32 AM

Bedford Independent

@bedfordindependent.co.uk

Obituary: Martyn Pearson 4.5.54 - 13.12.25

“Martyn was a true man of the community within which he lived and epitomised the role of a ‘super’ volunteer.

"To say that he will be greatly missed doesn’t come close, but the legacy he has left is immense.

#Bedford #BedfordNews #MartynPearson

Obituary: Martyn Pearson 4.5.54 - 13.12.25 - Bedford Independent

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Martyn Pearson after a long, bravely fought battle against cancer. Martyn was born...

www.bedfordindependent.co.uk

January 6, 2026 at 11:13 AM

Bedford Independent

@bedfordindependent.co.uk

Letters: "...at present I would ask those feeding the swans, ducks and geese to put food in the water, and not to feed directly by hand..."

#Bedford #BedfordNews #Letters #Swans #BirdFlu #Waterfowl #Defra

Letters: What to do if you find suspected bird flu - Bedford Independent

Over the Christmas period, I have had the unhappy duty of reporting three dead cygnets to Defra for suspected bird flu...

www.bedfordindependent.co.uk

January 6, 2026 at 10:31 AM

Bedford Independent

@bedfordindependent.co.uk

If approved, the residential-led development would include new open space, walking and cycling routes, and areas proposed for woodland planting...

#Bedford #BedfordNews #Kempston #Planning #NewHomed #Development

Walking and cycling routes included in plans for 400 Kempston homes - Bedford Independent

Plans for up to 400 new homes on farmland at Gibraltar Corner, Kempston, have taken a step forward.This follows a formal request from...

www.bedfordindependent.co.uk

January 6, 2026 at 9:53 AM

Bedford Independent

@bedfordindependent.co.uk

The proposed school could reduce spending from the council’s High Needs budget by £6.69 million over three years and would result in a “payback period of less than two years” for the capital investment...

#Bedford #BedfordNews #SEMH #Schools

Mayor approves plans for Borough's first Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) school - Bedford Independent

Bedford Borough’s mayor has approved plans to proceed towards buying the former St Joseph’s Lower School building to create the borough’s...

www.bedfordindependent.co.uk

January 5, 2026 at 4:19 PM

Bedford Independent

@bedfordindependent.co.uk

The historic shield will go under the hammer in Woburn on 17 January...

#Bedford #BedfordNews #Bedfordshire

19th-century shield reveals Bedfordshire’s links to an ancient pilgrimage - Bedford Independent

If you have ever wondered why the landlocked county of Bedfordshire has three seashells on its flag, then a historic coat of arms up for...

www.bedfordindependent.co.uk

January 5, 2026 at 3:29 PM

Bedford Independent

@bedfordindependent.co.uk

The town centre car park will be closed for two days this month to allow for essential maintenance to take place...

#Bedford #BedfordNews

Lurke Street car park to be closed for two days to repair shutters - Bedford Independent

Bedford Borough Council has announced that Lurke Street multi-storey car park will be closed for two days to allow for essential...

www.bedfordindependent.co.uk

January 5, 2026 at 1:27 PM

Bedford Independent

@bedfordindependent.co.uk

David Carter has described the COVID-19 pandemic as the most challenging and inspiring time of his 30-year career...

#Bedford #BedfordNews #NHS

After 30 years service, David Carter to retire as chief executive of Bedford Hospitals Trust - Bedford Independent

After 30 years of continuous board-level NHS service, the chief executive of Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has...

www.bedfordindependent.co.uk

January 5, 2026 at 12:55 PM

Bedford Independent

@bedfordindependent.co.uk

Monthly column: In his January column, Mayor Tom Wootton looks back on 2025 and at the challenges facing the council in 2026...

#Bedford #BedfordNews #MayorTomWootton

Monthly column: Looking back at 2025 and forward to 2026 - Bedford Independent

Despite significant financial pressures, we made real progress on a major regeneration project. The Bedford River Valley Park...

www.bedfordindependent.co.uk

January 5, 2026 at 10:19 AM

Bedford Independent

@bedfordindependent.co.uk

The Eagles were hit with a dose of National League North quality, losing two-nil to title chasers AFC Fylde today...

#Bedford #BedfordNews #BedfordTownFC

Eagles strike out in frosty affair against Fylde - Bedford Independent

After a triumphant end to 2025 for Bedford Town thanks to their emphatic victory over King’s Lynn on Tuesday, the Eagles were hit...

www.bedfordindependent.co.uk

January 3, 2026 at 8:31 PM

Bedford Independent

@bedfordindependent.co.uk

She was one of ten “New Year’s Day babies” born across Bedfordshire Hospitals Trust…

#Bedford #Bedfordshire #NewYearBaby #NYD2026 #BedfordHospital

New Year’s Day joy as Bedford Hospital welcomes brand new Bedfordian baby Alessa - Bedford Independent

Bedford Hospital welcomed its first New Year’s Day baby, Alessa, at 6.19am as ten “New Year’s Day babies” are born across Bedfordshire...

www.bedfordindependent.co.uk

January 3, 2026 at 1:12 PM

Bedford Independent

@bedfordindependent.co.uk

Wine time, Fascist fantasy and No entry. Bedford Ian has been looking at recent goings on across Bedford Borough and tells us what he thinks of it all…

#Bedford #BedfordNews #Satire #IndependentShops #RoseTillClose #Rugby

Bedford Ian writes... - Bedford Independent

Bedford Ian has been looking at recent goings on across Bedford Borough and tells us what he thinks of it all…

www.bedfordindependent.co.uk

January 2, 2026 at 8:15 PM

Bedford Independent

@bedfordindependent.co.uk

Let's start the new year as we mean to go on - by supporting Bedford's businesses, making a difference and being part of the solution, not part of the problem.

Join our 2026 New Year's Revolution...

#Bedford #BedfordNews #NewYearsRevolution

Join the Bedford Clanger's 2026 New Year's Revolution - Bedford Independent

Back in the mists of time, the Bedford Clanger launched its New Year’s Revolution, a manifesto for supporting our town. This January...

www.bedfordindependent.co.uk

January 1, 2026 at 4:58 PM

Bedford Independent

@bedfordindependent.co.uk

It's our last What's on Wednesday of the year, and we've got something for everyone. Parties, gigs, Parkruns and walks - take your pick to see in the new year.

Thank you to all our readers throughout the year and to our sponsors, Bedford Esquires.

Happy New Year!

#Bedford #WhatsOnBedford

What's on Bedford 31 December 2025 - 11 January 2026 - Bedford Independent

Your weekly what’s on guide for Bedford and the surrounding area from The Bedford Clanger. Never miss a thing in Bedford ever again. From...

www.bedfordindependent.co.uk

December 31, 2025 at 12:40 PM

Bedford Independent

@bedfordindependent.co.uk

Several of the reviews appear to have been made by people from all over the country, with some openly showing they’re as far away as Lincolnshire and Scarborough...

#Bedford #BedfordNews #Business #Pub #FakeReviews

Landlord who barred Tommy Robinson from popular Bedford pub hit by fake reviews - Bedford Independent

The Rose pub in Bedford has been hit by negative online reviews after landlord refused to serve far-right activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon...

www.bedfordindependent.co.uk

December 31, 2025 at 1:19 AM

Bedford Independent

@bedfordindependent.co.uk

Jago Godden scored the equaliser in the second half, before a popular figure came off the bench to win it...

#Bedford #BedfordNews #BedfordSport

Late goals seal entertaining Bedford Town win over King's Lynn - Bedford Independent

Bedford Town gained a much-needed National League North victory, as a late Carl Mensah winner secured a 4-2 win over King's Lynn...

www.bedfordindependent.co.uk

December 30, 2025 at 11:03 PM

Bedford Independent

@bedfordindependent.co.uk

The Bedford recipients include one CBE, one OBE, one MBE and two BEMs. The full Bedfordshire list includes 12 honourees...

#Bedford #BedfordNews #NewYearsHonours #CBE #MBE #OBE #BEM

Bedford’s New Year’s Honours include tennis umpire and rowing coach - Bedford Independent

The New Year’s Honours List for 2026 includes five Bedford recipients and 12 across Bedfordshire. Full list, plus supporting detail on...

www.bedfordindependent.co.uk

December 29, 2025 at 10:33 PM

Bedford Independent

@bedfordindependent.co.uk

Real Bedford lost their third home league game this season after an excellent rearguard performance from St Ives...

#Bedford #BedfordNews #BedfordSport

Real Bedford lose out at home to clinical St Ives - Bedford Independent

Real Bedford lost their final game of 2025 at home to St Ives Town as their play-off hunt in Southern League Premier Central took a dent...

www.bedfordindependent.co.uk

December 27, 2025 at 6:10 PM

Bedford Independent

@bedfordindependent.co.uk

On the penultimate Wednesday of the year, it's our Christmas What's On special, featuring live music, panto, parties, church services, art, culture and more.

With kind thanks to Bedford Esquires for their support.

#Bedford #BedfordNews #WhatsOn

What's on Bedford: 24 December 2025 - 4 January 2026 - Bedford Independent

Your weekly what’s on guide for Bedford and the surrounding area from The Bedford Clanger. Never miss a thing in Bedford ever again. From...

www.bedfordindependent.co.uk

December 24, 2025 at 11:48 AM

Bedford Independent

@bedfordindependent.co.uk

Opinion: Does your family have a Christmas tradition?

#Bedford #BedfordNews #Christmas #FamilyTraditions #Food

Opinion: Christmas is a time for family traditions and my mum cooked up a cracker for us - Bedford Independent

It's Christmas Eve 1976, and my mum is cooking in the kitchen. It's a tiny kitchen, but it's her first home with my dad, and they only...

www.bedfordindependent.co.uk

December 24, 2025 at 10:44 AM

Bedford Independent

@bedfordindependent.co.uk

A 47-year-old man from Sharnbrook is among the six men charged with over 60 sexual offences against one woman between 2010 and 2023.

They are due to appear in court in Swindon today...

#Bedford #BedfordNews #PhilipYoung

Man from Sharnbrook among six others charged with over 60 sexual offences against one woman - Bedford Independent

Wiltshire Police has charged six men - including one from Sharnbrook in Bedfordshire - with more than 60 sexual offences against one adult...

www.bedfordindependent.co.uk

December 23, 2025 at 10:30 AM

Bedford Independent

@bedfordindependent.co.uk

The 19-year-old, from Kempston, was named a 2024 Bedford Independent Everyday Hero, picking up the Young Achiever Award (Ages 14-21) for his work in "founding YouthTV at 13, empowering young people and promoting women’s voices..."

#Bedford #BedfordNews #EverydayHero #YoungAchiever #Awards