A year of cheer in Bedford Borough, as we take a look back at 2023 - this time covering the highlights of the final three months.
October
Fabulous families who have changed lives across Bedford Borough had their dedication celebrated on at the Foster Carers Celebrations, as a thank you for their selfless work. More than 40 Bedford Borough Council foster carers and their families were invited to the Mercure Bedford Centre Hotel, to receive both special achievement awards and long-service awards. Nominations were made by social workers and other council staff members to celebrate the selfless contribution they have all made.
Also in October… A pair of Bedford Borough Council respite care homes were both rated as Outstanding by Ofsted inspectors - the highest available score. Sunflower House and Foxgloves short breaks children’s homes provide short breaks for children with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities). Managers and staff at Foxgloves were also praised for “making a real difference to their families’ lives”, while Sunflower was also praised for its “warm, welcoming atmosphere”.
November
Former headteacher Frank McMahon returned to the former Robert Bruce Middle School site to see progress on the SEN school being built by Bedford Borough Council. Mr McMahon, who was a beloved figure at the now-closed school in Kempston for 15 years, described his pride at seeing the new school rising “like a phoenix from the ashes”. He added: “I constantly see former pupils and get told how much they enjoyed their time at Robert Bruce. There’s a really strong bond between pupils and staff, across the generations.”
Also in November… Young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) learnt about options for their future at The Preparing for Adulthood Festival. The event hosted post-16 education providers such as ALTR RISE, Bedford and Barnfield colleges, Youth Inspired, Reactiv8, MacIntyre and SSG Services. And there were workshops on topics such as apprenticeships, traineeships, and supported internships, and on key skills such as searching for roles to completing a CV, and interview practice.
December
An array of festive events and activities helped to usher in Christmas 2023. Bedford Borough Council teamed with BedfordBID to make it an extra special December in Bedford Borough, with new elements added to the festivities. These include brand new Christmas lights and trees lighting up in Bedford town centre, as well as Christmas music playing across the area while you shop. There have also been live performances taking place in Harpur Square in Bedford and Saxon Square in Kempston.
Also in December… The 29th annual Bedford Sports and Physical Activity Awards were held at Bedford Corn Exchange, recognising outstanding achievements in sports and physical activity across the Borough. 16 awards were presented, with winners selected from a pool of 119 nominees representing 39 different sports, including tennis, tug of war, wheelchair racing, football and indoor bowls.