A dad about town: even dads need a check-in
The Nomad Dads bring fathers and children together for monthly meet-ups around Bedford, this month prioritising our mental health alongside the kids
By Richard Boyden
Community News
Local news & updates
Everything happening across Shortstown, Cardington, Cople & Cotton End.
Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire to open Shortstown Local Produce Market
Mrs Susan Lousada, His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, will officially open the first Shortstown Local Produce Market on Sunday 1 November at 9.30am.
By Leigh
Breaking: Government minded to send commissioners into Bedford Borough Council after critical inspection report
Government inspectors have found Bedford Borough Council is failing its Best Value duty, and ministers are minded to appoint commissioners for up to three years. Cllr Leigh Coombs reports on the findings, the proposed intervention, and how residents can have their say by 28 October.
By Leigh
Cllr Leigh Coombs speaks up for residents as planning call-in ends
Councillor Leigh Coombs has criticised new government planning rules that remove residents' ability to call in applications for public debate at committee, limiting local democratic accountability.
By Leigh
Bedfordshire Festival of Autumn Walks 2026 Round Up
Bedfordshire's 2026 Autumn Walks Festival featured over 60 walks and events attracting 820 participants, including international visitors, with deliberately fewer walks than previous years ensuring better attendance spread.
By Sandra
Elstow Brook Riverfly Survey
Volunteers conducted a riverfly survey on Elstow Brook, finding limited invertebrate populations including shrimp and leeches. They aim to monitor the brook's health regularly as trained river wardens.
By Community Network
Memorial service to those lost in the airship R101 disaster.
A memorial service will be held at St Mary's Church in Cardington on October 4th to remember those who died in the R101 airship disaster.
By Trevor Monk
Shortstown is getting its own market
Shortstown is getting its very own market! The first Shortstown Local Produce Market opens on Sunday 1 November, 9.30am to 1pm, on the Square at Beauvais Avenue, and stall bookings open at 9am on Saturday 3 October.
By Leigh
Bedfordshire Festival Of Autumn Walks 2026
Bedfordshire Festival of Autumn Walks returns 5-13 September 2026 with guided walks of varying lengths, including the 40-mile Greensand Ridge trek and bat walks suitable for all abilities.
By Sandra