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Waiting on Zoom for a meeting to start is something many of us have gotten used to in recent years, but when the person who's meant to be on the other end of the line is someone you've...
www.bedfordindependent.co.uk
People from faith groups, trade unions, politicians, activists and British Palestinians will be joining together on Thursday (6 June) to hold a 'Coalition for Gaza' rally. The Bedford Palestinian...
www.bedfordindependent.co.uk
Waiting on Zoom for a meeting to start is something many of us have gotten used to in recent years, but when the person who's meant to be on the other end of the line is someone you've...
www.bedfordindependent.co.uk
Bedford Town have announced that they have begun a series of ground improvement works at The Eyrie in preparation for the new football season in which they will play at Step Three....
www.bedfordindependent.co.uk
Amateur and professional artists of all ages are invited to take part in a new community art project, with the chance to have their work displayed at this summer's River Festival. The project, launched by...
24 Hours in Police Custody is back on our screens this week and is going behind the scenes to reveal how police solved an attempted murder in Bedfordshire.
www.theguardian.com
The leaders of the UK’s two main parties slug it out in the pre-election debates. Plus: Dionne Brown is sharp in new comedy Queenie. Here’s what to watch this evening **9pm, ITV**It’s time for prime minister Rishi Sunak and opposition leader Keir Starmer to go head-to-head in the first televised debate in the run-up to the general election on 4 July. ITV News presenter Julie Etchingham will host the broadcast and fire questions in front of a live audience. Sunak and Starmer have said they’re looking forward to the debate but, given the somewhat bumpy start to campaigning, this could well be an excruciating hour of TV. **Hollie Richardson** [Continue reading...](https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/article/2024/jun/04/tv-tonight-rishi-sunak-and-keir-starmer-go-head-to-head-in-first-televised-debate)
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Today marks the start of the first-ever Indie News Week and we're really excited to use this time to tell you more about the Bedford Independent and The Bedford Clanger, and why...
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A man was hospitalised with serious injuries today (Monday) after being struck by falling masonry from a building at Allhallows in Bedford town centre. Police and ambulance crews were called to the area...
www.bedfordindependent.co.uk
Today marks the start of the first-ever Indie News Week and we're really excited to use this time to tell you more about the Bedford Independent and The Bedford Clanger, and why...
Police really raised the (chocolate) bar when they nabbed two shoplifters in Bedford Park on Saturday.
A Kempston hotel could gain 25 more bedrooms if the borough council grants planning permission.
The family of a former Kempston woman missing for more than 50 years are hoping a new police investigation into her disappearance will give them some closure.
A Kempston hotel could gain 25 more bedrooms if the borough council grants planning permission.
A Kempston hotel could gain 25 more bedrooms if the borough council grants planning permission.
A "demanding" toddler has adopted a new tactic to get what he wants.
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Harrold's own John Hollowell is once again back in the medals, and this time on the world stage, as he along with his mixed bowls partner, Marjorie Convey won gold at the Disability Bowls...
www.bedfordindependent.co.uk
Harrold's own John Hollowell is once again back in the medals, and this time on the world stage, as he along with his mixed bowls partner, Marjorie Convey won gold at the Disability Bowls...
A Kempston hotel could gain 25 more bedrooms if the borough council grants planning permission.
A "demanding" toddler has adopted a new tactic to get what he wants.
A man has been arrested on suspicion of several offences including a sexual harm prevention order breach and burglary.
A man has been arrested on suspicion of several offences including a sexual harm prevention order breach and burglary.
Ampthill’s longest-serving publican Richard Hammond got the bird when customers threw a surprise 65th birthday party for him on Saturday.
Ampthill’s longest-serving publican Richard Hammond got the bird when customers threw a surprise 65th birthday party for him on Saturday.
If you're not already registered, [register to vote](https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote). You only need to register again if you’ve changed address, name or nationality since voting in the last election. To vote in the general election on Thursday 4 July your name must appear in the register of electors, be one of the [eligible nationalities](https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/which-elections-can-i-vote) and be aged 18 or over on polling day. The deadline to submit application forms to register to vote is midnight on 18 June 2024. Poll cards will be delivered to addresses across Central Bedfordshire from the week commencing 3 June 2024 with postal votes sent out from 11 June 2024. If you do not receive a poll card, you may not be on the electoral register for the address where you live. Anyone who doesn't receive a named poll card should [register to vote](https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote).  You must produce a valid form of photographic ID when voting at the polling station. A free [voter authority certificate (VAC)](https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate) can be used if this is unavailable. These are available online or by post and require a recent digital photograph and National Insurance number. Images on a phone will not be accepted. Marcel Coiffait, Electoral Registration Officer and Chief Executive for Central Bedfordshire Council, said: > Anyone not yet registered to vote should do so as soon as possible. It only takes a few minutes to complete the form online, and it will enable residents to have their say on issues that affect their lives. As the general election is taking place when people may be on their summer holiday, applying for a postal vote will mean you don’t lose your vote. If you haven't received your poll card by 14 June, you can contact us by emailing [electoral.registration@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk](mailto:electoral.registration@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk) or calling 0300 300 8008. [Find out more about the 2024 General Election](https://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/info/302/general_election_%E2%80%93_july_2024).
If you're not already registered, [register to vote](https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote). You only need to register again if you’ve changed address, name or nationality since voting in the last election. To vote in the general election on Thursday 4 July your name must appear in the register of electors, be one of the [eligible nationalities](https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/which-elections-can-i-vote) and be aged 18 or over on polling day. The deadline to submit application forms to register to vote is midnight on 18 June 2024. Poll cards will be delivered to addresses across Central Bedfordshire from the week commencing 3 June 2024 with postal votes sent out from 11 June 2024. If you do not receive a poll card, you may not be on the electoral register for the address where you live. Anyone who doesn't receive a named poll card should [register to vote](https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote).  You must produce a valid form of photographic ID when voting at the polling station. A free [voter authority certificate (VAC)](https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate) can be used if this is unavailable. These are available online or by post and require a recent digital photograph and National Insurance number. Images on a phone will not be accepted. Marcel Coiffait, Electoral Registration Officer and Chief Executive for Central Bedfordshire Council, said: > Anyone not yet registered to vote should do so as soon as possible. It only takes a few minutes to complete the form online, and it will enable residents to have their say on issues that affect their lives. As the general election is taking place when people may be on their summer holiday, applying for a postal vote will mean you don’t lose your vote. If you haven't received your poll card by 14 June, you can contact us by emailing [electoral.registration@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk](mailto:electoral.registration@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk) or calling 0300 300 8008. [Find out more about the 2024 General Election](https://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/info/302/general_election_%E2%80%93_july_2024).
A staff member at Bedfordshire Police is due to appear in court today (Monday) after he was charged with multiple sexual offences, including rape.
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A Kempston hotel could gain 25 bedrooms – if the borough council grants planning permission. Premier Inn said it has identified a “considerable demand” for additional rooms at its 60 bedroom...
www.theguardian.com
A new three-part series follows Gabriel and his partner Andy as they embark on an emotional roller-coaster. Plus: a new series of Love Island. Here’s what to watch this eveniing **9pm, BBC One** Adoption is a long, hard road for most people who try it. For a same-sex couple, one of whom is barely concealing some deep trauma, it is longer and harder still. Daf James’s revelatory and loosely autobiographical drama follows Sion Daniel Young’s performance artist, Gabriel, and his partner, an accountant called Andy (Fra Fee), as they start the process. It is funny, emotionally acute and at times heart-wrenching – particularly when they arrive at an activity day and are presented with a brochure of children, each innocent face hiding a tragic story. It soon becomes clear that the process represents a complete, skeleton-revealing personality audit, with the highest stakes imaginable. **Phil Harrison** [Continue reading...](https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/article/2024/jun/03/tv-tonight-a-heart-wrenching-drama-about-a-gay-couples-adoption-journey)
www.theguardian.com
Young actors help to tell the incredible stories of soldiers. Plus, The Responder finale is as tense as ever. Here’s what to watch this evening **9pm, BBC Two** [Continue reading...](https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/article/2024/jun/02/tv-tonight-a-striking-series-brings-unheard-d-day-recordings-to-life)
www.theguardian.com
A new three-part series follows Gabriel and his partner Andy as they embark on an emotional roller-coaster. Plus: a new series of Love Island. Here’s what to watch this eveniing **9pm, BBC One** Adoption is a long, hard road for most people who try it. For a same-sex couple, one of whom is barely concealing some deep trauma, it is longer and harder still. Daf James’s revelatory and loosely autobiographical drama follows Sion Daniel Young’s performance artist, Gabriel, and his partner, an accountant called Andy (Fra Fee), as they start the process. It is funny, emotionally acute and at times heart-wrenching – particularly when they arrive at an activity day and are presented with a brochure of children, each innocent face hiding a tragic story. It soon becomes clear that the process represents a complete, skeleton-revealing personality audit, with the highest stakes imaginable. **Phil Harrison** [Continue reading...](https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/article/2024/jun/03/tv-tonight-a-heart-wrenching-drama-about-a-gay-couples-adoption-journey)
www.theguardian.com
A new three-part series follows Gabriel and his partner Andy as they embark on an emotional roller-coaster. Plus: a new series of Love Island. Here’s what to watch this eveniing **9pm, BBC One** Adoption is a long, hard road for most people who try it. For a same-sex couple, one of whom is barely concealing some deep trauma, it is longer and harder still. Daf James’s revelatory and loosely autobiographical drama follows Sion Daniel Young’s performance artist, Gabriel, and his partner, an accountant called Andy (Fra Fee), as they start the process. It is funny, emotionally acute and at times heart-wrenching – particularly when they arrive at an activity day and are presented with a brochure of children, each innocent face hiding a tragic story. It soon becomes clear that the process represents a complete, skeleton-revealing personality audit, with the highest stakes imaginable. **Phil Harrison** [Continue reading...](https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/article/2024/jun/03/tv-tonight-a-heart-wrenching-drama-about-a-gay-couples-adoption-journey)
www.theguardian.com
A new three-part series follows Gabriel and his partner Andy as they embark on an emotional roller-coaster. Plus: a new series of Love Island. Here’s what to watch this eveniing **9pm, BBC One** Adoption is a long, hard road for most people who try it. For a same-sex couple, one of whom is barely concealing some deep trauma, it is longer and harder still. Daf James’s revelatory and loosely autobiographical drama follows Sion Daniel Young’s performance artist, Gabriel, and his partner, an accountant called Andy (Fra Fee), as they start the process. It is funny, emotionally acute and at times heart-wrenching – particularly when they arrive at an activity day and are presented with a brochure of children, each innocent face hiding a tragic story. It soon becomes clear that the process represents a complete, skeleton-revealing personality audit, with the highest stakes imaginable. **Phil Harrison** [Continue reading...](https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/article/2024/jun/03/tv-tonight-a-heart-wrenching-drama-about-a-gay-couples-adoption-journey)
The best of the week's comedy on TV, radio and streaming 
www.theguardian.com
A new three-part series follows Gabriel and his partner Andy as they embark on an emotional roller-coaster. Plus: a new series of Love Island. Here’s what to watch this eveniing **9pm, BBC One** Adoption is a long, hard road for most people who try it. For a same-sex couple, one of whom is barely concealing some deep trauma, it is longer and harder still. Daf James’s revelatory and loosely autobiographical drama follows Sion Daniel Young’s performance artist, Gabriel, and his partner, an accountant called Andy (Fra Fee), as they start the process. It is funny, emotionally acute and at times heart-wrenching – particularly when they arrive at an activity day and are presented with a brochure of children, each innocent face hiding a tragic story. It soon becomes clear that the process represents a complete, skeleton-revealing personality audit, with the highest stakes imaginable. **Phil Harrison** [Continue reading...](https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/article/2024/jun/03/tv-tonight-a-heart-wrenching-drama-about-a-gay-couples-adoption-journey)
www.theguardian.com
A new three-part series follows Gabriel and his partner Andy as they embark on an emotional roller-coaster. Plus: a new series of Love Island. Here’s what to watch this eveniing **9pm, BBC One** Adoption is a long, hard road for most people who try it. For a same-sex couple, one of whom is barely concealing some deep trauma, it is longer and harder still. Daf James’s revelatory and loosely autobiographical drama follows Sion Daniel Young’s performance artist, Gabriel, and his partner, an accountant called Andy (Fra Fee), as they start the process. It is funny, emotionally acute and at times heart-wrenching – particularly when they arrive at an activity day and are presented with a brochure of children, each innocent face hiding a tragic story. It soon becomes clear that the process represents a complete, skeleton-revealing personality audit, with the highest stakes imaginable. **Phil Harrison** [Continue reading...](https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/article/2024/jun/03/tv-tonight-a-heart-wrenching-drama-about-a-gay-couples-adoption-journey)
www.theguardian.com
Young actors help to tell the incredible stories of soldiers. Plus, The Responder finale is as tense as ever. Here’s what to watch this evening **9pm, BBC Two** [Continue reading...](https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/article/2024/jun/02/tv-tonight-a-striking-series-brings-unheard-d-day-recordings-to-life)
www.bedfordindependent.co.uk
It is with sadness that I have to report that 4FZY (Fuzzy), 4CUI (Cutie) and their four remaining cygnets, have been removed from their breeding territory on the river by the Waterfowl Sanctuary, Godmanchester (WSG)...
www.theguardian.com
Young actors help to tell the incredible stories of soldiers. Plus, The Responder finale is as tense as ever. Here’s what to watch this evening **9pm, BBC Two** [Continue reading...](https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/article/2024/jun/02/tv-tonight-a-striking-series-brings-unheard-d-day-recordings-to-life)
This innovative project aims to transform older homes into energy-efficient ‘SuperHomes,’ significantly reducing carbon emissions and energy consumption. The ‘SuperHomes’ project focuses on assisting homeowners to understand how they can maximise their energy efficiency. Eligible homeowners can get a free home survey, conducted by a qualified Retrofit Coordinator, followed by a free bespoke Home Energy Retrofit Options (HERO) plan, worth £250 showing them how making their homes more energy-efficient can save money and help the environment. To apply for support, homeowners must fall into one of the following categories: Their homes are more difficult to retrofit with energy efficiency and clean heating measures. It’s more difficult to provide them with energy efficiency and clean heating advice, for example if they can’t access the internet. Councillor Mary Walsh, Chairman of the Local Partnership Group and Executive Member for Planning and Waste said: > We are encouraging homeowners to get in touch with the National Energy Foundation to take advantage of the ‘SuperHomes’ offer to check their eligibility for the scheme and get support to make their homes more energy efficient. As well as having a positive impact on the environment, having an energy efficient home could mean lower energy bills. > > > Sustainability is key to Central Bedfordshire's future. We're committed to preserving our environment, supporting green initiatives, and building a community that thrives for generations to come. This initiative is a significant step towards our commitment to sustainability and supporting residents in reducing their carbon footprint. [View the full eligibility criteria](https://superhomes.org.uk/beds-herts/). Residents can also find out more by emailing: [superhomeshertsandbeds@nef.org.uk](mailto:superhomeshertsandbeds@nef.org.uk). The programme has been made possible due to government funding of over £57,333 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. We've been allocated £3.55 million from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities UKSPF programme which is being delivered alongside their £1.06 million allocation from DEFRA’s Rural England Prosperity Fund.