Archive for September, 2009
See Parvez make a powerful case for why he should be our Mayor
Posted by Richard | Filed under Democracy
Beds on Sunday have a video of Parvez where he outlines his priorities for serving the people of the Borough of Bedford. Parvez’s key themes are: keeping Council tax down – reducing waste and cutting costs; striking a fairer balance between the rural and urban parts of our Borough; and, being a listening Mayor responding to the needs and requirements of local residents. Well worth a look
http://www.bedsonsunday.com/bedsonsunday-mayoralelection/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=451555
If you want to see the efforts of the other candidates, they are also available on the BoS site.
Parvez Akhtar – The People’s Choice For Mayor
Posted by Richard | Filed under Uncategorized
Parvez supported by Richard and local MP, Alistair Burt
The people of Bedford Borough have, in Parvez Akhtar, the chance to elect one of our own to provide the new leadership that our Borough needs after the untimely passing of Frank Branston.
Parvez Akhtar, is the person for the moment, and I am delighted to endorse him wholeheartedly and it is an honour to be campaigning hard for him to win the Mayoralty.
Divine Inspiration
Posted by Richard | Filed under Community Relations, Culture
Ben, Richard and Holly
With only 20 yards of bicycling experience in the last ten years, I was clearly looking for support from others for my “challenge” to cycle from Bedford to Oxford (a 66 mile route) on Saturday.
I was blessed with support from many people. First – and crucially – from the Mayor of Kempston, Cllr Steve Collins, who kindly loaned me his bicycle for the trip. Thank you, Steve, and I promise to return the bike to you in roughly the same shape as you gave it to me.
Second of all, thanks to the irrepressible Holly, from St Paul’s Church whose prayers for fine weather for the ride were answered in abundance.
Thanks also to all of the riders who fulfilled the challenge – in part or in full – on behalf of the Beds and Herts Historic Churches Trust. Please support this worthwhile cause by emailing them here.
Finally, a personal word of thanks to Ben Waine who roped me in for this ride. When I woke up on Saturday morning, I was full of dread at my lack of preparation. I knew I would be the “tortoise” in the race and Ben kindly encouraged me along. At great surprise to myself and the people who sponsored me (thanks to them too) I made it. So thanks, Ben, for the encouragement and support. It turned out to be a great pleasure.
Bedford’s Italian Celebration
Posted by Richard | Filed under Community Relations, Culture
Not a moment too soon, the people of Bedford had the opportunity to celebrate the unique and special contribution of the Italian community to our town.
Growing up here, I remember vividly my family’s Saturday morning quests to various Italian stores for favourite breads, cheeses and other provisions. I remember my first trip overseas – to Italy – as a child and my parents’ subsequent frequent trips back.
Walking from the front of the Harpur Centre and around to the market square, it truly felt like you were in Italy. There was dancing, great food, great drink and cars to impress!
The new statue looks marvellous and will become a treasured addition to the town’s heritage. The Borough Council deserves much credit for siting it in the heart of the town.
Let us hope that we will have a second festival very soon.
Cameron Impresses In Bedford
Posted by Richard | Filed under Bedford & Kempston, Democracy
Conservative Party leader, David Cameron, visited Bedford on Tuesday to answer questions from local residents and to get a better impression of the local issues that are important to the people of Bedford and Kempston.
First stop for Mr Cameron was the Civic Theatre for a spirited meeting with local Party members and supporters. Well over 100 activists heard Mr Cameron stress how important it was for the Conservatives to win Bedford if Mr Brown is to be removed from Downing Street and the hard work of restoring Britain’s finances is to begin.
After answering questions, Mr Cameron was off on the short walk to the Harpur Suite for his second meeting. This time it was a public meeting in the form of an open Question and Answer session. Over 140 people filled the Harpur Suite and Mr Cameron answered questions for over an hour. As many told me afterwards, it was hard but to be impressed with his openness and his willingness to offer direct answers to people’s questions.
Cameron Direct in Bedford
Posted by Richard | Filed under Bedford & Kempston, Democracy
David Cameron will be in Bedford on Tuesday 8 September to answer questions from local residents as he prepares his plans for forming the next Government.
It’s a completely public event for anyone local wanting to attend, whatever their political beliefs. The meeting is taking place at the Harpur Suite in the centre of town from 6:30pm in the evening.
Places will be limited, so if you would like to attend, send an email to camerondirect@bedfordconservatives.com or call 07858 642346 to register.
