Kenyans in Bedford always look out for one another especially in the hour of need. The idea of Kenyan barbecue came about when we were consoling our comrade on the loss of their loved and Pastor Kibaara announced that we need to meet under better circumstances and get our children to know each other. He later approached Peter aka Special who both set the idea into motion and they selected a committee to back up the idea. We have other nationalities who are married to Kenyans, partners or friends of ours and always come to join us in our hour of need and also when we celebrate its not different they join us as well and the bbq was the perfect place to get together. The planning committee met at the Anchor pub off Cardington Road which is owned by our fellow Kenyan. This was a labour of love because most of the committee members would come straight from work or leave the meeting and go to work. Every single person had a gift/talent/strength that we utilised when we met for 3 months to make this day a success and the minutes and accounts for the expenditures documented. The venue Jubilation Center was perfect because we could hold the event and keep an eye on the kids. The food and drinks was in plenty of supply. The games involved were egg and spoon race, hula hoops game, skipping, 3 legged race and tug of war where both the kids and adults took part. This was followed by a short presentation of trophies and a Community Award by the local MP Richard Fuller who was so kind and down to earth to join us in the games. The trophies were won by the kids who won the games and also the most helpful. The Bedfordshire Community Award was given to Peter “Special” Githieya who was nominated for his support to the Kenyan community as the to go to person when you need people to get together in your hour of need whether in happy or sad times. The bbq event was a great success and we achieved the aim of the get together which was to get everyone especially the children to know each other. It had a feel good effect to a point where it was unanimous feedback that everyone wants a similar event soon.
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Wooden spoon is a nationwide charity that raises funds for disadvantaged and disabled children and young people through rugby. The Bedfordshire region is no different and formed in September 2013 where all the money they raise stays within the region. The volunteers are passionate and ethusiastic who really go above and beyond to raise funds. The recent event which took place on 23/04/16 at the last home game of the Bedford Blues saw the team raise £939 even though the Blues lost their fans were very supportive. The next event will be on the 5/05/15 at Mr Mullan's Pirate Golf, Abbey Hill Golf Centre. Milton Keynes. The committee have been meeting at the Park pub to plan this fun event where so many creative ideas come together to make this a success. We hope to get as many people to come and support this worthy charity tickets are £15 and you'll get fish and chips and a game of crazy golf. For more infomation about how you can support The Wooden Spoon charity click on the link below. https://www.woodenspoon.org.uk/bedfordshire The High Sheriff's Citizenship Award scheme is managed by the Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation as an independent charity. The aim is to encourage local people and local businesses to invest in local issues and help match their wishes with the work of locally based and operating community groups. The citizenship awards were set up to recognise achievement and to honour the positive work of our local volunteers and community groups. Bedfordshire community awards was recipient of the High Sheriff's Citizenship Awards on 31st March hosted by the High Sheriff Lady Isabella Erroll at the Forest Centre, Marston Moretaine. There were 27 other recipients of this award included Community groups from North and South Bedfordshire, young volunteers and Adult volunteers from North, Central & South Bedordshire. This was her last official duty after a remarkable year of fundaraising for crimebeat projects and providing opportunities for young people. Her duties are conferred by the Crown including attending Royal visits to the county and protection of Her Majesty's High Court judges when on circuit in the county. Bedford successfully hosted the long awaited passion play on the 26/03/16 which started from the pigeon square and followed through to castle mount near the Swan hotel. Majority of churches in Bedford area took part in the preparation and rehearsals three times a week for almost a year. It was under the guidance of Cally Lawrence who was also the director and the most patient person the team needed. The crowds in Bedford gathered in 100s to watch the spectacular play that was 30years overdue since the town hosted the passion play. The atmosphere and mood was reflective of the scenes played to the highest standard worthy of an Oscar or a Tony nod. With the support of the Passion Play Trust and in association with "Hope in Bedfordshire", Ministers from various churches in Bedford have been working with local theatre company, "No Loss Productions" to bring the Passion Play back to Bedford this Easter. A new script is being written, which will retell the story of Jesus' trials, crucifixion and resurrection in a fresh and direct way. The play will have a cast of hundreds, both in acting roles as well as behind the scenes - so it is a huge undertaking. It is due to start in Church (Pidgeon) Square at 10.30 am on Easter Saturday. From there it will travel up Silver Street, down the High Street and up onto Castle Mound, then down into the walled gardens at the base of Castle Mound The play itself will be performed on Saturday 26th March 2016. http://www.bedfordpassionplay.com/ Mcmillan Coffee Morning 25/9/15 We all know someone who has battled with cancer either by supporting a loved one or going through the experience of fighting this awful illness. The Crescent Nursing Home is no different to any organisation by supporting this worthy cause and most of the staff feel that it's more personal and go all out, with the support of local businesses we make the coffee morning a success. Last year we invited the local MP for a question time with the residents and this year we went further and invited the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire and performed the " A round the world in 80 days play" (Which was composed/created and showcased at the Quarry Theatre during the Bedfringe festival). One of the creators Miss Paula Orr is a volunteer who visits people in care homes together with Dave they have transformed they way we look at the support from volunteers. Paula and Dave first contact was reading short stories which lead to "The passion play" during Easter with engaging and inclusiveness was the main purporse. The success of the passion play gave everyone the confidence to get involved and be part of the "Around the world in 80 days play". Paula is so dedicated and every Monday Morning she still comes to the Crescent Nursing Home to help us rehearse and then go to another Home . Sav the owner of La Rondine Queens Street Bedford does a lot of charity work in Bedford and he offers to supply delicious cakes to the Crescent anytime we have a fund raising event for free. Paula and Sav were receipient of Bedfordshire Community Awards presented by the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire on the day. Paula is currently assisting with the Christmas carols rehearsal for the Christmas Party which will take place on the 11th of December 2015 at the Crescent Nursing Home at 2pm -5pm Bedfordshire Community Awards was at the forefront of the Biddenham show, honouring the unsung heroes from the village.
The High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, the Countess of Erroll, presented the awards. These were people who were nominated by the public for their contribution to the community: Cathy Jago is Chairperson of PTA at St Gregory's Middle School. The parents of pupils nominated Cathy for her commitment to the school's events and raising funds towards the school. Edwin Martin is a retired doctor who, together with his wife Peta, are considered pillars of the community as they are so committed with St James Church and they always have time for anyone. John Smith (of the Three Tuns) is the epitome of the perfect English gentleman. I personally would not be committed to Biddenham were it not for John being nice to me when I was thinking about moving to Bedford and recommending a local lower school. John goes out of his way to help others, especially when everyone would rather turn a blind eye. John's son Chris Smith accepted the award on his behalf. It was a lovely sunny afternoon, the High Sheriff opened the show and judged the children's best dress parade. The Biddenham show catered for all everyone with displays of vintage cars, a dog show, a puppet show, a human fruit machine and much more. The rain was not going to deter the hard work of the Queens Park Community Orchard and other organizations.
The vision of community spirit came through on a muggy Saturday that also saw a few summery showers. This was the first ever carnival in Bedford's Queens Park. The community was proud to hold it and to dispel any misconceptions and bad publicity Queens Park ever had and to show it to be a place where everyone looks for the beauty of people from every part of the world and religious backgrounds. People came together and supported a community that truly deserves to be mentioned for their effort of inclusiveness - the Queens Park Community Orchard. click here to view a video Bedfordshire Community Awards team were delighted to take park in this historic event, at which we held our first presentation of awards. This took place at the Gurdwara, with performances from different schools, organizations and speeches from dignitaries. Beds on Sunday covered the event in their paper and online. Click here to read a beautiful article. Queens Park Community Orchard is organizing the first ever Multicultural Carnival in Bedford.
This will be held on the 13th of June in Queens Park. The group met every month then, nearer the time, weekly. It was such a team effort and the cohesion of every member was inspirational to see. Bedfordshire Community Awards team were honored to take part in the preparation of this historic event, at which we will have the opportunity to honor nominees for Bedfordshire Community Awards. Tesco, as one of the sponsors of the event, have donated a 40' flat screen as first prize in the raffle. This will be a family event with sporting activities and performances for everyone. The procession starts from Tesco in Midland road At 2pm and will be followed by performances at the Queens Park Community Orchard, The Slipe, Ford End Road from 3-5pm. Queens Park will make history for all the right reasons!!!! La Rondine is a family business, owned by Sav, and was started over 30 years ago.
The atmosphere when you walk in is lively, full of laughter and you feel welcomed as soon as you set foot inside. If you are not sure what you want - because there's a lot to choose from - you get a taster or two or three (and, in my case, also a nice cup of coffee) while you decide. La Rondine brings Italy to Bedford. They initially started by making Italian cakes but now cater for everybody's needs and communities, ranging from African, Eastern European, Asian and elsewhere in the world. They also make party foods on request. The humbling part about La Rondine is that they do a lot of charity work and support organisations raising money for charity. They support Prebend Day Centre for the homeless every Christmas day with cakes. Local banks and schools also get cakes donated for their charity fund raising. I also benefited from their generosity with their donation of lovely, delicious, cakes when I held a Macmillan girls day-in at the Crescent Nursing Home. Click hereto view to more of La Rondine's community work! Eric Masih, supported by the local Tesco, donated food hampers to the elderly residents of Presentation Housing in Queens Park.
These are elderly men and women living together and who like to cook together and share food in their lounge. They have no funds so Eric, as a local businessman, is looking into approaching other businesses to help these elderly residents. |
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