From favourite places to visit to hidden gems, Bedford Borough Council is shouting about what’s great where we all live in a regular feature.
Every councillor is being invited to answer questions about their ward, to reveal the best places to shop, socialise or spend a lazy Sunday, and to share facts that you might not know or dates that you should put in your diary.
This week it’s Councillor Jim Weir, who represents Great Denham ward.
Describe Great Denham in five words
Diverse, friendly, supportive, grounded, and determined.
What’s your favourite place to shop in Great Denham and why?
Premier GD Convenience Store, for its very friendly owner who gladly orders in products you would like. Always happy and with a good sense of humour.
Where is your favourite place to eat in Great Denham and why?
We are spoilt for choice in Great Denham. After walking the dogs in the Country Park, Archers Rest has the best sausage rolls anywhere. For pastries, cakes, and coffee, The Eatery is hard to beat. And for that delicious eat-in or takeaway Indian food, pizza, or kebab, Café Dhaba.
Where is your favourite place to go for a drink in Great Denham and why?
Sadly, since the loss of the golf course, the welcome-to-all clubhouse is no longer available, but The Swan pop-up pub at Great Denham Community Hall on a Friday evening is a great place to meet up with friends and neighbours.
Tell us a great place for a family to visit in Great Denham
Great Denham Country Park, with its massive play area, amphitheatre, and Archers Rest are well-frequented by families.
What is a hidden gem in Great Denham?
We have many gems in Great Denham, but none of them are hidden. We have an “Outstanding” Ofsted-rated primary school, a state-of-the-art community hall with activities every day and night, a country park and of course The River Great Ouse runs along the western and southern boundary of the parish.
What has been your favourite change that you have seen in Great Denham in recent years?
Seeing the community, which only became a parish in 2007, start to take on its own identity, it’s the community's helpful spirit that starts to make a difference.
What is the highlight of the calendar year in Great Denham?
The community hall has four themed events throughout the year, one of which is a summer festival, free to residents. The parish council also holds a summer fete and a Christmas Carols by phone light.
Name one thing that you’d like to see come to Great Denham.
I would like to see some of the public rights of way improved across the golf course.