Richard opened the Diwali Festival of Light recently, welcoming a large crowd of people to Harpur Square in Bedford town centre. The event, which was organised by the Bedford Council of Faiths, celebrated the multicultural success of the town.

The day started with a procession through town and was followed by music and dance performances from the town’s cultural groups, as well as food tasting and a competition among local restaurants to find the best dish in town.

Richard recently became a Scout Leader for the day as 28 Cub Scouts, from across the UK – including members of our own Brickhill Cub Scouts – held the first ever Pack meeting at the Palace of Westminster. The event was part of The Scout Association’s drive to promote the benefits of volunteering to adults.

A collection of MPs worked with 12 adult leaders from around the UK for Volunteers’ Week. They helped the Cubs enjoy a number of activities including setting up a camp and going on an indoor expedition. (See below for video)

The benefits that volunteering has had on the lives of the adult leaders present was clear to all the MPs. Many of the leaders at the meeting only joined Scouting in the last two years.

Every week Scout leaders develop skills such as planning, organising, communication, and teamwork while running a range of activities for young people aged between 6 and 18. These skills can in turn be transferred to the workplace.

Leading the meeting was Jenny Thorp a teacher at Latymer All Saints Primary School in North London and leader at 4th Enfield Scout Group. Having worked previously as a personal trainer, Jenny used her Scouting experience and skills to secure a place on the Graduate Teacher Programme and gain her first teaching position.

She said:

“Getting involved in Scouting is one of the best things I’ve ever done. Whether it’s leading a camp or planning an activity, you’re constantly being challenged. When I decided to change career paths and become a teacher, the skill-set I’d developed in Scouting was the key to getting a place on the Graduate Teacher Programme.

“Volunteering has helped me bring new ideas, confidence and creativity to my teaching methods. This doesn’t just apply to being a teacher though; almost everyone needs strong interpersonal and planning skills in their job nowadays.”

Patrick, a Cub Scout at the meeting, said:

“The MPs made great Scout leaders and I really hope they sign up to do more volunteering as well as encouraging other people do the same.”

Through Scouting, adults also play an important role in their community, helping young people build their character and take part in outdoor adventure. The contribution of all adults working in the Movement is equivalent to nearly half a billion pounds of paid services for young people annually.

Adults who are interested in joining Scouting can find out more details at: http://www.scouts.org.uk/join

Richard at the run for Sports Relief in Bedford Park

I took part in the Sports Relief Mile at Bedford Park on Sunday, running 3 miles in a disappointing time, but enjoyed the event immensely.

It’s great that people are willing to give up their time for such a great cause. The turnout was fantastic and the event organisers did a really good job of cheering us on as we went along – it really helped motivate me to do another lap!

As for my time – well let’s just say, I don’t remember the Park being so big when I was a kid running around.

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.

 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.