The Bedford Podcast

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...

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...

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, preda...

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...

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 C...

Neil Mills grew up in South London surrounded by gangs, drugs and chaos. Bullied at school and labelled a “lost cause” by teachers, he drifted into crime at a young age and quickly became the person everyone expected him to be. In this raw first half of the conversation, Neil reflects on the environment that shaped him, the mistakes he made and the reality of life on the streets. It’s an honest lo...

In this episode of The Bedford Podcast, Ken Parsons sits down with adventurer, entrepreneur and outdoor pioneer Richard Harpham. From growing up in Bromham and finding his tribe at Bedford Blues, to kayaking across oceans and launching Canoe Trail on the River Great Ouse, Richard’s story is one of energy, resilience and possibility. They explore the power of sport, the importance of role models, a...

In the second half, Richard shares the mindset behind his biggest adventures — from kayaking to Alaska and racing the Devizes to Westminster, to cycling across the Sahara and paddling from Niagara Falls to New York. He speaks honestly about exhaustion, resilience, and the humbling power of nature. The conversation returns to Bedford, celebrating its sporting culture, river life, and community spir...

In Part One, Ken Parsons speaks with Bedford-born athlete Tara Adams about her early life, local roots, and remarkable journey into elite sport. Tara reflects on growing up in Bedford, influential family moments, and discovering tug of war — a sport in which she would go on to represent England and Team GB on the world stage. She explains the technical, physical, and mental demands of the sport, c...

Part Two takes the conversation far beyond Bedford as Tara Adams recounts some of the most extreme challenges of her life. She describes rowing across the Atlantic Ocean in a small crewed boat, facing storms, isolation, exhaustion, and moments of genuine fear — alongside awe-inspiring experiences of nature and human endurance. Tara also discusses longevity, motherhood, mindset, and her next challe...

In this episode, we sit down with Kempston historian and local legend David Sims for a rich, humorous, and deeply personal journey through the town’s past. From the iconic Kempston Barracks to the much-loved Addison Howard Park, David brings to life the stories, characters, and hidden history that shaped generations. He reveals how the barracks once bustled with soldiers, schools, hospitals, and d...

This ok for the synopsis and title? Ken talks to Beth Brittain. This episode of the Bedford Podcast features Bethany Brittain (née Dix), a double world champion dodgeball player and former Super League netball captain. Beth shares her journey from growing up in Bedford to balancing bar work, university, and elite sport. She discusses her early passion for sport, overcoming health challenges, and t...

Mike Rayer discusses moving to Bedford with his young family and how the town became home. He recalls his early impressions, Bedford’s welcoming spirit, and how community values shaped his coaching and leadership. From longevity at Bedford Blues to the club’s family ethos, Rayer celebrates its heritage, people like Geoff Irvine, and the sense of belonging that defines Bedford rugby. The episode cl...

Today on the Bedford podcast, Bedford’s Director of Rugby Mike Rayer talks about his early days growing up beside his local Welsh rugby club. He shares how community, family, and passion shaped his love for the game and the lessons learned through mini rugby, hard graft, and humble beginnings. Rayer reflects on his playing career at Cardiff, the early amateur days of rugby, and the influential coa...

In this episode of The Bedford Podcast, we sit down with Pritti, whose journey is as inspiring as it is rooted in our community. From moving to the area and making her mark through hard work, resilience, and passion, Pritti’s story shines a light on the extraordinary people living right here among us. We talk about her childhood memories, the challenges she’s faced, and the pride she carries for B...

🎙️ Episode 2 - From Hackney to Bedford journey by DJ In this episode of We Are Bedford, we welcome DJ Spoony, one of the UK’s most iconic DJs and broadcasters. From pirate radio to BBC Radio 1 and 2, Spoony has interviewed and performed with global stars — but here he takes time to reflect on music, memory, and community. Together with Ken, he dives into Ken’s treasured vinyl record collection, do...

🎙️ Episode 1 – From Bedford Roots to the Isle of Man TT In this first episode of We Are Bedford, we sit down with Grant Wagstaff to explore his life growing up in Bedford and Kempston, from school days and youth clubs to local pubs and family stories. Grant shares how his early love of engineering and go-karting led him to an extraordinary career in motorcycle racing, including competing at the le...