06 Jul 12 Job Hunting in Bedford
However, this depressing story varies significantly across the country with some places like the Birmingham, Ladywood area peaking at 12.3%, reflecting in part the continued decline in manufacturing there. For those seeking work with businesses in Bedford, the statistics are slightly more encouraging, with 1 in 14 (7% or about 6200 people) currently seeking employment, though youth unemployment is significantly higher, as it remains across the whole country.
Famous Bedford Enterprises
Placed at an important crossing point on the navigable River Great Ouse, Bedford has a long and distinguished history dating back to Saxon times. The town gained much wealth from wool as well as the lucrative grain trade, evidenced by its fine Corn Exchange building. Today, although grown locally, grain is traded elsewhere. River traffic on the Great Ouse has given way to rail and road, with the A6 running through town and the A1 and M1 only a short drive away. Consequently, there are a large number of warehouses in and around Bedford, serving the modern logistics industry and providing many employment opportunities.
• Continental Clothing recently set up a large warehouse and distribution centre on Cambridge Road, taking advantage of the newly improved road links in the area.
• Autoglass (suppliers of windscreens and other auto parts) is based in Bedford and employs 1300 mobile technicians nationally, as well as Bedford office staff.
• At the other end of the alphabet, United Paper Products recently moved their HQ to Bedford from Hitchin and hope to create 85 new jobs for the town.
One of the most famous businesses in Bedford, and still going strong today, is the Charles Wells brewery. Taking advantage of the original grain growing area, this brewing company currently employs around 400 people and was ranked amongst the top 100 places in which to work.
In more normal economic times for this county town, there would be a variety of public sector jobs available within the Council but this is not so much the case at present. Fortunately, there is a diverse range of private sector businesses currently operating from the town.
Small Yet Successful
When televisions were relatively expensive compared with average wages, it was popular to rent them rather than buy outright, and two of the main rental suppliers were Radio Rentals and Granada. In 2000, they combined into a much smaller business called Boxclever, which is based in Ampthill Road and continues to rent TVs via the internet instead of the high street. This is a business that is much smaller but still successfully trading.
Also out on the Ampthill Road you will find a much newer type of business called Blue Chip. This company set up in its high tech ‘green’ offices in 2002, making a pledge to plant 750,000 trees as a carbon offset. The company offers mid-range IBM support services to other businesses.
With Bedford businesses old and new still looking for job applicants, there should be no major delay in finding a suitable job in this town for those who have the right set of skills to offer.
Established Bedford businesses include Autoglass and the Charles Wells Brewery. For the latest news on these companies and other businesses in Bedford, visit the Bedfordshire on Sunday online.
Tags: Bedford businesses, Bedfordshire on Sunday, businesses in Bedford
11 Nov 11 Interesting Trivia on the Bedford Blues
The main Bedford rugby club is called the Bedford Blues and the team is renowned for their strength and brawn on the field. The club was founded back in 1886 and they currently play their games at Goldington Road, a stadium boasting a capacity of 6500. They play in The Championship under manager Mike Rayer and so far, the 2011/12 season has proved promising for the club who are holding strong in the top portion of the table.
If you’re a fan of the Bedford Blues Rugby Club, then check out the top 10 pieces of interesting trivia based on your favourite team:
Facts and Figures
The Bedford Blues Rugby Club is a semi-pro club that has an unusual mixture of young and experienced players that currently play with a unique free-flowing style. In 2005 they won the Powergen Shield, in 1998-1999 and 1999-2000 the club won the Allied Dunbar Premiership and in 1975 they won the John Player Cup.
Rugby vs. Football
Bedford is famous for its rugby team as it is one of the very few large towns in England that doesn’t have a football team that plays in the Football League, ensuring rugby is better supported than its rival sport.
Ladies Day
Every October the Bedford Blues Rugby Club supports the Breast Cancer Care charity in honour of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The team wears a special Kooga pink strip for a special home game and the shirts are auctioned off at the end of the game with all proceeds given to Breast Cancer Care.
Club Kit
Since 2007, the famous Bedford rugby club has had its kit supplied by Kooga and it is currently sponsored by three companies, namely Autoglass, Wells Bombardier and Lifesure Insurance.
Home Turf
Bedford Blues Rugby Club has been playing on the same pitch for more than 100 years, in which time 32 players have achieved international honours while playing for the club.
It’s All in a Name…
Bedford Blues Rugby Club was founded in 1886 when Bedford Swifts and Bedford Rovers amalgamated
Kit Origins
The light and dark blue colours used on the Bedford rugby club kit are derived from the schoolmasters association with Oxbridge while the badge colours come from the Swifts and Rovers strip that is black and cerise.
WWI Problems
The club nearly went out of existence during the First World War, as their ground was taken over and used as an Army Camp by the Military Authorities.
Consortium Takeover
A consortium made up of local Bedford businessmen headed by David Gunner, Geoff Irvine and David Ledsom along with help from Bedford Borough Council and a collection of other professionals bought shares in the club that was transferred to Bedford Blues Ltd.
Moving On
The 2007-2008 season saw a record number of players part ways and many big names left the Bedford Blues Rugby Club namely Alex Page, James Hinkins, Ben Patston, Mat Allen, John Phillips, Arthur Brenton, Bruno Fortuna, Jon Elrick and Nic Strauss.
The Bedford Blues Rugby Club is by far one of the most famous sporting teams in the region and they average about 3000 home supporters for home games. The town is home to many top attractions such as the River Great Ouse and there is also plenty of shopping to enjoy in the heart of the town. Whether you choose to visit Bedford to soak up the local sights and attractions or to take in a Bedford Blues rugby game on the weekend – Bedford has lots of interesting things to see and do to offer its visitors.
If you’re in the area, why not see the Bedford rugby club in action? Visit the Bedfordshire on Sunday for the latest Bedford Blues rugby news.
Tags: Bedford Blues rugby, Bedford rugby club, Bedfordshire on Sunday
09 Nov 11 A Trip to a Bedford Cinema…
The cinema is a great place to go to unwind, relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of real life. But most films are over within two hours leaving us wanting to watch more or do something else. If you are looking for a cinema Bedford is home to a few great choices that suit everyone from families to film buffs. So, how can you turn a trip to a Bedford cinema into an entire night out? Here are a few great things you can do to turn your cinema experience into a complete excursion!
Grab a Bite to Eat!
Depending on what time you choose to go to a Bedford cinema to catch a movie, you can also tie in your experience with eating a tasty meal. It is easy to watch a movie and get your fill of butter drenched popcorn before heading off to enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant. This is the perfect way to turn a date into something more than a quick trip to watch a movie and if you are looking to spend some quality time with a loved one, mix and match a film with some food for a great night out. You can find a Bedford cinema close to many good food outlets such as Hong Kong House, McDonalds, Pizza Hut and Nicholls Brasserie. If you are short of time, you can always opt to grab a takeaway on the way home instead!
If you choose to watch a film in the daytime, why not go for a yummy lunch first? There are many cafés and chain restaurants that serve up nice lunches in Bedford that are found next to the biggest Bedford cinema Cineworld. American fast food joints such as Pizza hut and McDonalds are always a firm favourite with movie goers and Harpurs is another great option found a little further away. If you are prepared to drive from the cinema to get a good lunch, you can choose between a variety of dining options including a Beefeater, The Castle, The Jaffa Orchard, The Swan Hotel, Amici, Riobello and The Sizzling Wok.
Explore Bedford!
It is easy to get around Bedford so after a lazy couple of hours watching a movie, why not take a stroll around one the local parks? Priory Country Park spans around 360 acres of woodland, fields, lakes, meadows and grasslands that makes for the perfect setting for avid hikers to explore. Harrold-Odell Country Park is another great park that is a nice place to discover for anyone looking for a taste of the great outdoors after watching a movie in a dark screening room! The Great River Ouse flows through the heart of Bedford and you can enjoy a picnic along its banks in the summer before or after visiting a cinema Bedford.
Bedford is also home to many great shops making it tempting for cinema-goers to enjoy a shopping splurge as well. Big name shops such as Dorothy Perkins, New Look and River Island are all easy to find and WH Smith and Argos are also popular with shoppers. If you are planning a family trip to a Bedford cinema, then you might also want to take the kids to the Oasis Beach Pool where children can enjoy everything from slides to the wave pool. Woburn Safari Park is found just a short drive from Bedford and is another great choice of activity for anyone visiting with children.
There are also countless museums to check out if you want to learn more about the local area and its history and the Bodyflight indoor skydiving centre caters to adrenaline junkies looking for a fix after a chilled out time in a Bedford cinema. Whatever you choose to do, Bedford is a great place to see the sights whether you choose to do it before or after your trip to the cinema!
Why not make a trip to Bedford cinema an entire day out? Visit the Befordshire News online for all the information you’ll need on cinema Bedford.
Tags: Bedford cinema, Bedfordshire on Sunday, cinema Bedford
21 Oct 11 10 Ways to Make Moving to Bedfordshire Less Stressful
Moving house is one of the most stressful things that anyone can do but there are a few things that you can do to ease the pressure, wherever you are moving to! If you have chosen to buy a Bedford property, check out these simple things that you can do to make moving less stressful:
1. Have a back-up plan!
Firstly, the success or failure of a plan is always subject to other people, other circumstances and other problems! This means that no plan can ever be 100% fault-proof no matter how well thought out you think it is. Leaving things to pure chance is simply asking for trouble, so the best way to ensure a smooth move is to have a contingency plan or 10! Bedford estate agents will also be able to offer you some good advice as to what you can do to plan for your move.
2. Plan your day!
You need to plan who should be arriving, with what and when throughout the entire day. The last thing you need is your mum turning up with a congratulations-on-your-new-home stew just as the delivery guys are trying to get your boxes in and out the lorry. Get the TV people to arrive after the electric company and make sure the carpet people turn up first!
3. Use professional movers!
It is vital that you use a professional crew who know exactly what they are doing as useless manpower will only add to your stress. Try asking your Bedford estate agents for some advice as to which local companies are worth using and bear in mind the more people you can afford to hire, the quicker the unloading will be!
4. Don’t clear all the clutter!
When we move, we often make the mistake of using it as a good opportunity to throw out old clutter. While this is a good thing, it is important to not get too carried away and make sure you think about what you might need when you move. For instance, if the carpet people take a month to turn up – you don’t want to give all of your old rugs to charity just yet!
5. Clear some of the clutter!
While it may be important not to get rid of things you might need, it is also a great idea to dump the stuff you know you won’t need!
6. Index your boxes!
It is important to make sure you know exactly what is in each box, which means the tedious task of labelling as you pack. While this may sound boring, it is vital as it will make unpacking in your new Bedford property ten times less stressful.
7. Keep important things to hand!
Think about what you might need to have to hand before you pack everything up. A kettle, a toaster, milk, power tools – all of these things will come in handy when you spend your first night surrounded by boxes in your new Bedford property!
8. Have your moving-day meal prepared!
While moving may be tiring and stressful, it can be made all the more enjoyable with a nice meal at the end of the day. You can speak to Bedford estate agents about local restaurants or you can cook a meal the day before and pack it up. Just make sure you know where you packed it!
9. Organise your pets!
You’ve packed your boxes, labelled them up, organised a professional company to help you move and put the kettle somewhere easy to find – you realise you don’t know what to do with the dog? Having animals running around you, the delivery company and a collection of boxes is not ideal so put them into the kennels for a night or two while you get everything sorted.
10. Get a babysitter!
This is just as important as organising kennels for your animals as multitasking on a moving day with kids and/or animals is just asking for trouble!
Proper preparation can make moving into your Bedford property as smooth a process as possible. Visit HomesNow for Bedford estate agents that can help you with the move.
Tags: Bedford estate agents, Bedford property, Bedfordshire on Sunday
20 Sep 11 A Look at Education in Bedfordshire
Education is the key to dealing with our modern world with all its complexity and change. As well as gaining knowledge itself, it can help you to navigate through the morass of so many conflicting viewpoints. Or, as the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle said: ‘It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it’. Throughout history, societies have placed a high value on obtaining a good education, and Bedfordshire has prided itself in its achievements in this field. Bedfordshire University and Bedfordshire schools today offer some of the very best educational opportunities in the country.
Bedfordshire University
At the apex of the educational tree in the county is Bedfordshire University, first given university status in 1993 although dating back as an educational establishment for over 100 years. This is split into three Faculties (Creative Arts, Technologies & Science; Health & Social Sciences; Education, Sport & Tourism) plus a well-regarded Business School. The first and second Faculties are based at the Luton campus in the south of the county, conveniently close to London and yet within reach of much of Bedfordshire, with good rail, bus and road links. Health & Social Sciences also has a campus in neighbouring Buckinghamshire at Aylesbury and the third Faculty (Education, Sport & Tourism) is located in the heart of the county at Bedford itself. Business is split across two campuses in Luton.
Bedfordshire University is certainly on an upward path; the past two years have seen student applications almost double in number, no doubt hoping to enjoy the benefits of the £140m investment over the previous six years. Currently, there are some 23,000 students from over 100 countries, taught by a dedicated team of 1200 staff, plus a surprisingly high proportion of mature students (46%). The national Quality Assurance Audit gave the university top marks and it has also received commendation for its research in the national Research Assessment Exercise, with international excellence ratings for its Computer Science/Infomatics and Business/Management Studies departments.
These are impressive achievements at university level for a county surrounded by international centres of academic excellence in Cambridge, Oxford and London, not to mention Birmingham, Coventry, Leicester, Nottingham and many others to the north. It will be interesting to see how Bedfordshire University, like so many others, fares in the brave new world of massively increased tuition fees, accompanied by a prolonged economic downturn, although the underlying advantage of graduate level qualifications still remains a key factor in the market for better paid careers.
Bedfordshire Schools
Of course, before climbing the to the giddy heights of a university education, there is the not inconsiderable matter of gaining the study skills, academic knowledge and entry qualifications that Bedfordshire schools mostly provide in the county. Currently, there are 26 secondary schools in Bedfordshire, providing a mix of LEA funded and privately funded schools. The so-called ‘gold standard’ of five GCSEs graded A*-C per pupil at state funded schools ranged from 24-82%, probably reflecting the socio-economic variation in individual catchment areas. The privately funded schools fared much better, with Dame Alice Harpur Girls School in Bedford attaining a remarkable 100%.
Of course, educational league tables have been heavily criticised for not revealing the true achievements of a particular school, and the private schools clearly have many built in advantages, not least in the prior selection of capable, well-motivated pupils, but the undeniably large gap in GCSE attainment does raise questions about the continuing need to improve standards in the state funded sector. Nonetheless, Bedfordshire’s overall standards in its state schools compare quite favourably with many other areas in the UK, to the extent that some Bedfordshire schools receive significant pupil intake from surrounding counties like Buckinghamshire (e.g. Cedars School in Leighton Buzzard) and have to severely ration places.
Whether you are a parent looking into Bedfordshire schools for your child or a student considering enrolling into Bedfordshire University, the local newspaper can help inform your decision. For all the latest Bedfordshire educational headlines, visit the Bedfordshire on Sunday.
Tags: Bedfordshire on Sunday, Bedfordshire schools, Bedfordshire University
21 Jul 11 Finding a Job in Bedford
Bedford is a large town with a long past, dating back to at least Saxon times and needless to say that there are numerous jobs in Bedford to choose between. Bedford is strategically positioned with a bridge at a crossing point over the River Great Ouse and from here the river is navigable all the way out to the Wash at King’s Lynn, opening up the North Sea for trade from the town. The A6 trunk road connects with London, as does the railway that first arrived there in 1846 and Bedford is the county town for Bedfordshire, all of which is very good news for those seeking jobs in Bedford. To make the place even more attractive to live in, the local schools, both public and private, are of a truly high standard, equipping their pupils well for the challenges of the modern workplace.
Job Opportunities
There are a number of ways to find out about Bedford jobs if you are really set on working there. Many start by going to one of the Job Centres in town, and it can be surprising what posts might be on offer there, even during an economic downturn. Another method is to buy local papers and comb through the classifieds to see which companies are currently recruiting for someone like you. Alternatively, you might spot a post in Bedford advertised in national newspapers, especially in weekend editions.
Specialist recruitment agencies are always on the lookout for workers, especially those with a marketable set of skills and relevant experience. These agencies can be found either via the business section of the phone book or on the internet. The internet can also be a good place to search directly for jobs, especially if you look up websites of larger companies, as they sometimes include active vacancies on their web pages. If all else fails and you live locally, there’s always networking through friends and acquaintances to see if they know of anything in the way of jobs. There’s no harm in putting yourself about in this way, and it can also pay to approach local companies directly and try to cold sell yourself.
So, what sorts of jobs in Bedford are available?
As the main county town, there’s always some work to be found at Bedford Borough Council, even during a recession. A quick trawl on the internet also showed at least 62 Bedford companies listed under ‘A’ with the list stretching up to ‘W’. Wool was historically the main trade, followed more recently by lace but today the town is engaged in a very wide range of economic activity from companies like Autoglass through to Window Ware. There are usually a number of employment opportunities in the local school system as well. However, if you can’t find what you’re looking for in Bedford itself, you are well placed to reach many other good employment centres like Milton Keynes or even London, with trains and buses to both.
Employment Statistics
The Office for National Statistics gives the June 2011 figures for unemployment nationally as 7.7%, with 70.6% in employment. Against this measurement, Bedford Borough (according to the Borough itself) is doing very much better with only 3.9% of Bedfordians currently unemployed. All statistics are subject to some uncertainty (‘lies, damn lies and statistics’ according to Mark Twain), but it seems pretty clear that there are proportionately more jobs in Bedford than are available in the UK as a whole.
This is great news for those looking for jobs in Bedford, especially as the current economic situation is considerably poorer than usual. However, it is possible that jobs in Bedford will become harder to find in the short term as companies and public bodies tighten their belts in response to economic challenges, so it’s all the more important to get that new job while you can!
Despite a struggling national economy, jobs in Bedford are easier to come by than in other areas of the UK. Visit the Bedfordshire on Sunday for the latest Bedford jobs.
21 Jun 11
River Ouse
Bed stands for Beda, an Anglo-Saxon name. Then there’s the River Ouse, a wide waterway that needed fording and which gave the town the other part of its name. Running through the town’s centre like an artery bearing oxygen, the Ouse connects Bedford all the way to the North Sea at the Wash. With a total length of 143 miles, it is the UK’s fourth longest river and drains an enormous area of land, regularly flooding downstream of Bedford in winter. Spanning the river today is Bedford Bridge, an elegant structure faced in Portland stone that replaced an earlier medieval bridge in 1813. From today’s bridge, you can enjoy lengthy riverside walks in both directions, much of the walk being in parkland.
A Famous Son
John Bunyan was born into a working class family during 1628 in Bedfordshire, and somehow managed to achieve literacy. Beginning as a tinker, he joined Cromwell’s army and adopted a religious life after he left military service. He took to preaching in Bedford at a time when only licensed preachers were allowed to do so, and was eventually jailed for 12 years after refusing to stop. It was here that he wrote the famous Pilgrim’s Progress, an allegorical work that helped secure religious freedom. Today, the site of his jail is in Silver Street and there is also a Bunyan Museum in Mill Street.
Bedford Castle Mound
Since the 9th century, Bedford was considered to be a sufficiently important place to warrant military protection, first with a fort on the south bank and later a fine castle on the north side. Today, there only remains an earth mound but the castle experienced a colourful history, including various sieges, battles and executions before being dismantled on the orders of King John. Today’s visitors can climb up to the grassy top for a fine view of the river and town, fortunately without risk of attack.
Priory Country Park
On the eastern outskirts of Bedford is Priory Country Park, 360 acres of waterside meadowland where you can go cycling, fishing, walking, sailing, canoeing, kite flying or just sit by the River Ouse.
Bromham Mill and Bridge
Alternatively, you can head about two-and-a-half miles west for more waterside interest by visiting the historic 17th century Bromham Water Mill… The adjacent Bromham Bridge has a total of 26 spans, testifying to the way this river can sometimes break out from its banks in wet weather. When you tire of all that water activity, why not visit the various markets that take place in town; from flowers to food, there’s something for everyone.
Another feature of Bedfordshire is its strategic location, making it a good base for touring the surrounding area. Milton Keynes with its shopping and leisure facilities is only about 30 minutes away, as is Northampton, and there’s also the idyllic city of Cambridge at a similar distance, where once again you can enjoy being by the river, only this time it’s the Cam…
Bedford is home to many fascinating landmarks, making it the perfect destination for anyone interested in history. Visit the Bedfordshire on Sunday website for the latest information about landmarks and other attractions in Bedfordshire.
24 Feb 11 Throughout the Years in Bedford
Bedford is home to a great mix of old and new and this ranges from its shops through to its properties and also boasts a blend of locally-run businesses and well known chains. Bedford has a long and interesting history that dates back hundreds of years and here is a look at the main events that the town has witnessed throughout the years.
The Early days…
The charming town of Bedford was famous for being a market town in the Middle Ages and in 796, King Offa of Mercia was buried here. A century later and Bedford was known as a boundary town, as it acted as a separating piece of land that stood between Danelow and Wessex. By the 900s, the town’s first fortress was built under the supervision of Edward the Elder and the building was put up on the south of the River Ouse. Denmark destroyed the fortress and a new one, Bedford Castle, was built in its place. Unfortunately, only a mound now stands where this once strong castle stood in 1224.
Bedford’s Lace Industry…
Throughout the Middles Ages, wool was the main industry in the town and locals largely concentrated on agricultural work in order to make a living. However, by the mid-1500s lace making became huge in Bedfordshire. Flemings and Huguenots were both famous names in the sector and they emigrated from elsewhere in Europe to settle permanently in Bedford, due to the area’s lucrative markets. Lace continued to be an important sector in Bedfordshire until the turn of the 20th century.
The River Great Ouse…
When wool declined in its importance and lace became more fruitful, brewing also became a major industry. The River Great Ouse allowed various products to be moved around from place to place with relative ease and the waterways were often used to transport goods from the 1600s onwards. Bedford Gaol was home to author John Bunyan for 12 years and it was here that he wrote the famous novel The Pilgrim’s Progress.
19th Century and Beyond…
Engineering became more important to the town in the 19th century and when gas lighting was first introduced in 1832, the town began to grow at a rapid rate. The railway ran into Bedford by 1846 and the Corn Exchange was built in 1849 while 1864 welcomed the first drains and sewer systems to Bedford.
Modern-day Bedford…
Today, Bedford is a popular town to reside in and to visit and it is divided into 10 areas. These are made up from De Parys, Goldington, Harpur, Kingsbrook, Newnham, Brickhill, Castle, Cauldwell, Putnoe and Queens Park. Kempston is found close by and the surrounding villages are home to around 2,500 additional residents. Bedford itself is home to around 80,000 people and many people who reside in the town commute to nearby Milton Keynes, Northampton, Luton or London for work.
Sandy, Biggleswade, Flitwick and Ampthill are all within a short driving distance and Bedford enjoys links to the rest of the country via its extensive road and rail networks. Bedford is home to a large concentration of Italian immigrants with almost 30% of the town’s population coming from Italian descent. Bedford is therefore home to a Little Italy that is filled with tasty restaurants and bars and there is even a church that is run by the Scalbrini Fathers here.
The town centre is home to a large congregation of shops and stores that range from large chain names through to local businesses. Everything from tattoo shops to clothing stores can be found and the town centre offers many night spots that are great for the younger crowd. The park and ride scheme is proving popular and Bedford looks set to continue growing thanks to its long history and strong roots within the local area.
A fascinating blend of the modern and traditional, Bedford is well worth a visit. For more information on the county of Bedfordshire, visit the Bedfordshire on Sunday.
10 Feb 11 A Look at Activities in Bedford Throughout the Year
If there’s anything that the English will always discuss with great passion then it must be the weather. On a nice sunny day, the usual (and often correct) conclusion is that it won’t last and that rain is soon on its way! Somehow though, when it’s raining, the opposite conclusion is reached; that it will go on for many days without a break! It seems a shame to destroy such myths with a few meteorological facts but needs must. So what’s the true score with the weather in Bedfordshire and what can we expect to enjoy doing during the different seasons?
Bedford in the Summer
With an average annual rainfall of about 584mm, Bedfordshire is a relatively dry county by English standards, being more part of East Anglia than the wetter Midlands to the north and west. In spite of what the average Bedfordian might think, June is their wettest month at almost 57mm although this doesn’t stop people from venturing out to play. Apart from the fact that it is much warmer at this time than in winter, the summer rains tend to be heavier but relatively short lived, which means there is still plenty of sunshine and warm dry days for outdoor activities such as walking, cricket and gardening. Another fun activity is paintball and this can be booked up through a professional company in the heart of Bedford and is ideal for a great day out in the summer.
Bedford in the Winter
Perhaps equally surprising is the fact that chilly February is actually the driest month in Bedford with barely a decent puddle to be found, thanks to an average rainfall of almost 37mm. This is, of course, usually the coldest month of the year, deterring the less hardy from venturing outside for very long, especially when the wind is blowing in from the Continent. Winter activities are based mainly indoors and include trips to the cinema, shopping and ice skating.
Bedford in the Rain
Who hasn’t looked out of the window at some time praying for the rain to stop sheeting down? Even simple shopping trips become difficult with all those clashing umbrellas, wet bags and puddles to avoid, while country walking on the heavy Bedfordshire clay can be a very sticky business indeed! However, some activities like rowing or fishing on the river are eagerly pursued come rain or shine, and those masochistic joggers and cyclists (the ones with grimaces etched on their faces) seem impervious to any kind of weather and actually profess an unlikely enjoyment.
Of course, if you don’t mind getting really wet when it’s wet, then why not take your swimming gear down to the Oasis Pool on the edge of town? Otherwise, in the Bedfordshire rain it’s probably the pub, restaurant or cinema.
Bedford in the Sun
Yes, the sun does shine down on this town and for more often than you probably thought it did. The highest recorded temperature in June is a creditable 26°C with only three days on average with precipitation. July’s record is 30°C with only four rainy days while August has been known to reach a sizzling 33°C and three days of rain. If the North Sea was a bit nearer, then perhaps Bedford would become a successful seaside destination, but then that would surely spoil the special character of this place. Hire a boat on the lake close to the river or check out a local rugby union game. The Woburn open air swimming pool is located within the boundaries of Bedfordshire as is Woburn Safari Park, Whipsnade Zoo and the Birds of Prey and Conservation Centre in Biggleswade and they all make for fun days out in the sun!
Whatever the weather in Bedfordshire, there is always plenty to do for everyone. For all the latest news and activities happening in Bedfordshire, visit the Bedfordshire on Sunday.
Tags: Bedfordshire, Bedfordshire on Sunday, weather in Bedfordshire
09 Feb 11 An In-depth Look into the Bedford Business Directory
Bedford business is big business as the town is home to many profitable and well known companies. With 80,000 people residing in the town and tens of thousands found in the outlying areas and countless business opportunities, it is easy to see why the employment rate in Bedford is so high! Products that are made in Bedfordshire are found all over the globe. Wool was an important industry in the early days and lace then took over as the primary focus and this tradition remained a profitable production line until the 20th century. The 19th century saw the area transform into a hub for engineering and nowadays many factories and warehouses are based on the outskirts.
Here are some of the more prominent Bedford business names and some of the history that surrounds them:
• Bedford Corn Exchange
Founded back in 1874, the Bedford Corn Exchange was originallya place to conduct business meetings and watch concerts. Now it hosts more than 800 events every single year! Everything from opera and stand-up nights through to dance performances and dramas can be seen here and the BBC Proms have even been held in this wonderful venue.
• Bedford Vehicles
While made in nearby Luton, Bedford vehicles get their name from Bedford town and they have been made by Vauxhall since 1929. The leading truck manufacturer became a major exporter and the Bedford name ran until the mid-1980s after making a huge name for itself in the military.
• Bray Imaging Technologies
This company designs and produces capital equipment and is one of the largest companies in Bedford.
• Hanson Packed Products
Construction materials are produced here and it lays claim to being one of the largest suppliers in the UK.
• MJ Security Systems
This company produces security protection systems and is one of the largest companies in Bedford.
• Jordans Cereals
Jordans Cereals are recognised around the world for their cereal and snack offerings that include muesli and various healthy snack bars.
• Moto Hospitality
This is the largest motorway services provider and the company can be found on the outskirts of Bedford
• Torex Retail Holdings
A popular and very large in-store software management company.
• Integra ICT
One of the UK’s most famous office communication services offering customers a wide range of systems to improve their office security.
• Nissan Motor Group
The Nissan Motor Group is based in Cranfield in Bedfordshire just a short distance from Bedford itself. The Nissan technical Centre Europe is located here and it acts as a centre of excellence for the development and design of Nissan cars made in other European plants.
• Woburn Safari Park
The Woburn Safari Park can be reached in a short drive and while this is more of an attraction; it is also a huge local employer for Bedford residents.
The Bedford Aerodrome is also an important local employer with many bars, restaurants and museums found in and around the aerodrome. There is a large Italian population in Bedford as well and as such there are endless local Italian eateries that run from large chain names such as Pizza Express through to locally-run family businesses. If you are interested in Bedford corporate news then you may wish to check out the internet for a range of useful websites about local business news. Other options are to check out the local newspapers as these often include local Bedford corporate news stories that may be of some interest.
Whatever type of Bedford business you are after; there are many different types to choose between including large factories and warehouses as well as educational and entertainment facilities.
There is a wide range of Bedford business, from large well-known companies, to smaller family-owned businesses. For all the latest Bedfordshire corporate news, visit the Bedfordshire on Sunday.
Tags: Bedford business, Bedfordshire corporate news, Bedfordshire on Sunday
