A message from our Chief Executive

Hello everyone,

It’s been a couple of months since we last wrote out to you all – and what a change in a couple of months. We are now out of lockdown – but staying safe hopefully – and lots of our projects and activities have been able to restart – which is great news for everyone.

Have a look at our staff spotlight where we welcome two new fab members of the team, we have two brilliant stories from the work of our wonderful Village Agents and a great story from our Community Transport Team who are groovy man…

With exciting news from the Vineyard and the SME National Business Awards we also had a lovely afternoon with one of our valued Patrons, the Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis, who dropped by to our newly refurbished Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre and Vintage Tea Room.

Hope the weather bucks up for us all – and see you next time!

Best wishes,

Update on Coronavirus easing of restrictions

We are kindly asking our customers to continue wearing face coverings when inside The Barn Cardington and Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre, with the exception of those who are exempt for medical reasons.

We want to make sure both you and our staff are kept safe, which is why we are continuing to ask this of you. Coronavirus remains a serious health risk. It’s important to stay cautious and help protect yourself and others.

You can find out more on the updated guidance on the .Gov.uk website.

We’re grateful for your cooperation, thank you in advance.

BedsRCC win GOLD at the SME National Business Awards

We’re delighted to announce that we won gold in the Community Business of the Year Award category, sponsored by Wembley Stadium, at the SME National Business Awards on Wednesday (28th July 2021).

The awards, held in the Booby Moore Suite at Wembley Stadium, looked to recognise those small and medium-sized enterprises that had demonstrated the upmost dedication and innovation in the way in which they adapted to, and weathered, the Covid-19 pandemic.

In the case of BedsRCC, this recognised the way in which our staff and volunteers have supported their local communities and those vulnerable residents over the last year.

We had won the regional final in June 2021 for Bedfordshire and Luton which had given us a place at the final but with so many worthy nominees the team were genuinely surprised and highly delighted !

Tracy Cowan, BedsRCC CEO said “I was delighted and honoured to pick up and accept this award on behalf of the whole of #TeamBRCC. This award is for everyone – our stupendous staff, terrific trustees, passionate patrons and our very special volunteers”.

Deputy CEO, Cliff Andrews, added ” We are so proud of the amazing work our teams do that keep BRCC the best Community Charity in Bedfordshire and in fact – after this award – the whole of the Country!”

See how well the team scrubbed up here!

Tea and Cake with the Lord Lieutenant!

We were delighted to welcome HM Lord Lieutenant Helen Nellis to our wonderful heritage centre at Ridgmont Station on Monday (26 July).

Her Majesty’s Lieutenant is our Patron and had asked to come and say a personal “Thank you” to BedsRCC staff for the amazing work that they have all done throughout the pandemic, so we invited both the Lord Lieutenant and some of our staff team to join us for tea and cake.

It was also a chance for her to see the restoration work that has taken place at the heritage centre, making it a much more welcoming venue to visit.

Tracy Cowan, BedsRCC CEO said, “It was really lovely to see lots of our staff at the Station as many of them haven’t seen the brilliant changes that have happened at the Heritage Centre and it was a chance for those who hadn’t previously met the Lord Lieutenant to do so. The team haven’t really stopped during lock down, so it was really important for them to hear how valued they are.”

Here are some of the lovely photos from the day.

Outside Cinema summer shows announced

We’re excited to announce we will be hosting two Outside Cinema showings at Warden Abbey Vineyard this summer, both on Saturday 21 August.

This exciting experience is being brought to the vineyard by Outside Cinema.

Star Wars: Rogue One will show in the afternoon at 2.30pm and Bohemian Rhapsody will show at 7.30m. The gates open an hour before each film starts.

Our wine, beer, soft drinks, popcorn and nibbles will be on sale, and you can bring your own picnic.

Find out more and book tickets.

Houghton Regis Neighbourhood Plan announced

Regulation 14 Draft Neighbourhood Plan Consultation – Monday 9 August to Friday 24 September 2021

Neighbourhood Plans were introduced by the Localism Act 2011 as a way to allow local communities to identify the challenges facing their areas and to put forward potential solutions.

Houghton Regis Draft Neighbourhood Plan has been produced following consultation with local residents and organisations, and following this consultation, will be submitted formally to Central Bedfordshire Council for consideration.

This statutory 6 week period of consultation in accordance with Regulation 14 of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 will run from Monday 9 August to Friday 24 September 2021

Visit our website to find out more about Houghton Regis Neighbourhood Plan and how to have your say.

Our good news stories

BedsRCC has a team of five Village Agents who help older and vulnerable people living in rural areas.

They provide a varied range of support that can have a huge impact, as this lovely story about Mrs A’s repaired clock shows.

Mr B has Parkinson’s Disease and was virtually trapped in his mobile home, as it has several steep steps at the front which he would have to walk up to gain access.

Mr B was starting to struggle but Village Agent Andrea stepped in to help. Find out how by reading the full story on our website.

Also in our news…

BedsRCC says Thank You to staff

New frozen food lines introduced at The Barn Cardington

ACRE publish revised information for opening village and community halls

What’s on…

There are some great online activities from Greensand Country due to take place in Spring. Here’s a selection:

July to September
Warden Abbey Vineyard Tours

Every Saturday and Sunday
Animal Edge Farm

Friday 30 July
Summer walk and lunch with the Head Gardener at Shuttleworth (part of the Greensand Country Festival)

Sunday 1 August
Flying Day Picnic at Warden Abbey Vineyard

Sunday 5 September
Flying Day Picnic at Warden Abbey Vineyard

Walking for Health

Staff spotlight

Gina and Bex worked at Community Action Bedfordshire in the Community Engagement team for many years. They recently joined BRCC together to deliver the Time2Connect Houghton Regis and Timebanking projects. They are based at Houghton Hall Park three days a week and work remotely across Central Bedfordshire at other times.

What do they like about their jobs?
Bex and Gina like helping people to recognise their own strengths and abilities. With a little help people are often able to improve levels of confidence and personal success. Access to a local, dedicated community space gives people a safe space to get the advice and help they need.

What are their hobbies?
They both love outside activities and enjoy walking. Bex spends evenings and weekends at her allotment, growing a variety of seasonal vegetables. Gina practices kick boxing and enjoys relaxing with a yoga session.

What does the future hold?
For Gina and Bex the future looks bright as they are looking forward to hosting community events and a programme of social get togethers where they can welcome new members. This will include the successful Jazz Up Your Life afternoons, where all members of the community enjoyed dancing, music and cream teas!

Community transport joined the fun at Leighton and Linslade Carnival on Saturday (10 July). Drivers Peps, Bob and Jack fully embraced the chosen 60’s theme.

The aim was to promote events and activities run by Greensand Country Landscape Partnership from the balloon clad bus.

We love these photos!

Contact us:
Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity
The Old School, Cardington
Bedford, MK44 3SX
Tel: +44 (0) 1234 838771
Email: info@bedsrcc.org.uk