Bedford Independent

2 days ago | bedfordindependent.co.uk | Tom Carr

Rowing fans from across the UK and abroad lined the banks of the River Great Ouse on Saturday (10 May) as Bedford welcomed the nation’s rowing community to the 159th Bedford Amateur Regatta. 1,800 athletes raced in a total of 244 races in 43 different rowing categories in one of the most picturesque and popular regattas on the rowing calendar, and with the weather set perfect, it turned into a wonderful occasion up and down the Embankment.

3 days ago | bedfordindependent.co.uk | Tom Carr

Biddenham Cricket Club are off the mark in the Premier Division of the Bedfordshire County Cricket League after beating perennial favourites, Flitwick by 76 runs on Sunday (11 May). Biddenham – who lost by 200 runs on the opening weekend at Lutonian – bounced back in style thanks to an unbeaten 100 from Elliott Byrne, helping his side post 204/8. Flitwick, who were missing a number of first teamers, could not chase it down.

4 days ago | bedfordindependent.co.uk | Tom Carr

Bedford Blues held off a scintillating second half comeback from Bedfordshire rivals, Ampthill to take maximum points on Saturday (10 May) in a game that turned into a Championship epic, ending 36-33 to the Blues. Having scored five first half tries to lead 29-7 at half-time, Bedford Blues crumbled in the face of a wonderful second half riposte from Ampthill, who got to within a point of Mike Rayer’s side before a late Fred Tuilagi try broke Mob hearts.

6 days ago | bedfordindependent.co.uk | Paul Hutchinson

The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) has reconfirmed its intention to close the Bedford Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), placing nearly 200 jobs at risk and prompting concerns about patient safety across the region. Despite the Trust Board rejecting closure plans in February, it has now confirmed it will close both Bedford and Chelmsford EOCs in favour of a new operations centre in Essex. The Norwich EOC will remain operational.

6 days ago | bedfordindependent.co.uk | Paul Hutchinson

A group of students from Bedford College got a taste of life in the fast lane earlier this month, as they joined Team BRIT for a day at Silverstone Circuit. On Saturday, 4 May, 14 students from Bedford College’s Pathways programme travelled to Silverstone during round two of the Britcar Endurance Championship, where they were given exclusive behind-the-scenes access. Team BRIT is the world’s only competitive team made up entirely of disabled racing drivers.