The Bedford Podcast

Ken talks to Elaine Midgley, Part 2 — Big Plans, Kempston's River & Bedford's Moment

After the break, Elaine reveals what's coming next for Bedford Creative Arts — including a theatre group for refugees, a children's pop-up Museum of Small and Overlooked Things, and an ambitious collaboration with Wayne Hemingway's design agency celebrating Bedford's wartime BBC connection. There's exciting news for Kempston too, with public art planned near the mill and a creative trail using wood salvaged from the old Queensbridge. Elaine rounds off with her favourite local spots, making the case that Bedford — multicultural, inventive and quietly world-class — deserves far more recognition. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2509716/support]

Ken talks to Elaine Midgley, Part 1 — Bedford Creative Arts: The Story So Far

We sit down with Elaine Midgley, director of Bedford Creative Arts — a charity using creativity as a social tool across Bedford for over 40 years. Elaine shares her journey from aspiring actress to arts manager, and how BCA navigates funding from the Arts Council, grants and local commissions. We hear how Covid forced a bold pivot — ditching permanent premises to become a truly community-embedded organisation. From AI-powered portrait exhibitions to murals celebrating Bedford's unsung heroes, this is a fascinating look at how art quietly shapes the town around us. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2509716/support]

Ken talks to Dave Sims, again! Part 2 — "Ghost Stories, the Ghost Walk & the 18 Ends of Kempston"

After a short break, David Sims is back with more Kempston gems — including additional contenders for the Seven Wonders, such as the Springfield Asylum and the mysterious Priory. The conversation then turns to the Kempston Ghost Walk, David's beloved charity fundraiser that brings together genuine local history and folklore in one atmospheric evening. We hear how ghost stories rooted in real events — including a direct descendant of the Livy Brothers attending the walk — make it so compelling. David also corrects the record on Kempston's 18 historic "ends," cementing its claim as once England's largest village. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2509716/support]

Ken talks to Dave Sims, again! Part 1 — "The Seven Wonders of Kempston"

David Sims returns to the Bedford podcast for another deep dive into the rich history of Kempston. In this first half, we explore the story behind the mock-Tudor almshouses on Bedford Road, built through the generosity of Charles Williamson in 1881 and still standing today. David then takes us through his personal "Seven Wonders of Kempston" — from the Norman-era All Saints Church, predating the Domesday Book, to the Victorian military grandeur of Kempston Barracks. We also hear the tragic tale of Kempston Grange and the heartbreaking 1926 balloon disaster at Kempston Ho. Essential local history. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2509716/support]

Ken talks to Neil Mills - Part 2, The Decision That Changed Everything

After years of living on the edge, Neil reached a breaking point—and made a decision that changed his life forever. In the second half of the podcast, he shares how he quit drugs overnight, rebuilt his life through discipline and hard work, and eventually discovered endurance running. What began as a personal challenge has grown into a 950-mile run across the UK to raise money for Young Lives vs Cancer. This part of the story is about resilience, second chances and proving that your past doesn’t have to define your future.  Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2509716/support]