My latest monthly column for the Times and Citizen newspaper reflected on the recent widespread disorder seen in London and elsewhere, and on how the uplifting scenes people taking part in spontaneous clean-ups and joining 'broom armies' got many of us thinking about our own communities and how precious they are to us. In case you haven't seen here, I've reproduced it here:
With Bedford Borough Council and the Bedford Branch of the Royal British Legion asking everyone to safely mark Remembrance Day from home today, you can follow the annual Remembrance Day service at Bedford War Memorial live thanks to online coverage being provided by The Bedford Independent and Bedford Hospital Radio.
Mayor Dave Hodgson has slammed the decision by NHS Commissioners to pursue plans to downgrade Bedford or Milton Keynes Hospital despite a plea from Bedford Hospital itself to drop the proposals and take a different approach.
Remembrance events and activities are already underway across Bedford Borough, and on Sunday Mayor Dave Hodgson attended the Scots Society's Remembrance Service at Foster Hill Road. The service was a remembrance for all service personnel who have lost their lives in the armed forces, and it commemorates the large number of members of the Highland regiments who were stationed in Bedford prior to heading to the Front in the First World War, and who sadly lost their lives in large numbers due to infection and illness.
Pensioners have until 18 December to check and apply for Pension Credit
Independents' Day is a campaign that exists to support and promote independent retail businesses across the UK all year round, but with an annual focus on July 4th: 'Independents' Day' itself, however as this falls on a Sunday this year it is being celebrated all weekend.
