From favourite places to visit to hidden gems, over the next 12 months Bedford Borough Council will be shouting about what’s great where we all live in a new 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.
We’re starting with Councillor John Wheeler, who represents Wootton and Kempston Rural ward.
Where is your favourite place to eat in Wootton and Kempston Rural and why?
The Cross Keys in Wood End is my favourite place to eat and have a drink, I have been using it for over 20 years - good food, friendly staff, and dog-friendly. They also support the Wootton Bob Lunniss Charity by providing the food for the Christmas lunch.
Where is your favourite place to go for a drink in Wootton and Kempston Rural and why?
The Fox and Duck is a great place to pop in for a chat with the locals and catch up on the local gossip. The pub also supports the Wootton Funfest event in the summer.
What is a hidden gem in Wootton and Kempston Rural?
It has to be the history of the village, going back to Anglo-Saxon times. The parish council has erected lecterns around the village highlighting all these spots. Wootton House was owned by the Monoux family (George was an alderman of London).
What is a great club or group in Wootton and Kempston Rural?
Wootton Blue Cross is now a social hub of the village, very supportive to the Wootton community and to sport in the village.
What has been your favourite change that you have seen in Wootton and Kempston Rural in recent years?
New and more shops in the village, new schools plus the parish council involvement with the community such as the Wootton Funfest in the summer, the Remembrance Day Parade and the wonderful Christmas lights.
What is the highlight of the calendar year in Wootton and Kempston Rural?
That’s a difficult one! Highlights would be Wootton Funfest, the Remembrance Day Parade and the Christmas lights in the village.
Tell us something most people won’t know about Wootton and Kempston Rural.
In Cannons Close animal bones and pottery was found dating back to the early iron age. Wootton also has a history of brickmaking going back hundreds of years, in fact where my house is there was a small brickwork dating back a very long time ago!