This month’s Great Bedfordian is co-founder of the Bedford Repair Cafe and general good egg, Daniel Churchill.
Daniel and his wife, artist Katie Allen, have lived in Bedford for the last 10 years, initially attracted to the town by its creative community. “Best decision we’ve made,” he confirms.
Since then, he has been at the heart of several projects, including the Bedford Repair Cafe, which is run by volunteer fixers and aims to deflect unnecessary waste from landfill by helping Bedfordians learn how to ‘make do and mend’.
In his day job, he’s a radio engineer and has just left Bedford for a secondment to the European Space Agency in Noordwijk, The Netherlands. Hurry back, Daniel!
Name: Daniel Churchill
Occupation: Radio Engineer
Born here or blow in? I’m a Croydon boy, but have loved calling Bedford my home for the last ten years. We were drawn in by the wonderful community, and after coming back again and again for various events, we figured we should take the plunge and move in. Best decision we’ve made.
Best breakfast in Bedford? Wendover Caffe for a classic fry up (extra tasty after a big night out). Lots of treats on the deli counter too.
Best boozer? Devy! [The Devonshire Arms, Dudley Street]. Why mess with a winning formula? Great beers, roaring fire in the winter, sunny garden in the summer, and the TV gets tucked away when there’s not a game on.
Best coffee or cuppa? So many fantastic cafes in town, it’s hard to choose, but Vanilla Tree stands above the rest. What a great setting and wonderful team – and if you’re still hungry, Charlie is a magician with eggs and bagels.
Best takeaway? Santaniello’s pizza to eat in, but Lee’s Kitchen on Duck Mill Lane on order. The ‘duck’ pancakes and crispy chilli ‘beef’, *chefs kiss*
Best gig you’ve seen in Bedford? The Mill Race Folk nights were fantastic, my favourite was seeing Marisa Jack & Davy supporting Cinder Well in the chapel at Foster Hill cemetery.
Such a moody evening, it holds a special place in my heart. I think a lot of my best Bedford performances featured Marisa, Jack & Davy (at Apple Day, on the John Bunyan Boat, etc)
Ever read John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress? Mate, I’ve not even managed to get to the Pilgrims Progress pub for a drink yet.
Ever eaten a Bedfordshire Clanger? Yes, and I tell all my visitors about it! Rare commodity these days, I wish we could still get them in town.
An off-the-beaten-track gem that everyone should know about? After a lovely little walk in the sticks, past the pigs and the cows, you crest a hill overlooking the town, and find The Polhill Arms in Renhold.
You’ll be greeted with a well-earned pint and a warm welcome from Steve and Lucie. Bedfordians will know them from previous haunts at Burnaby and White Horse; they have a special talent for making a place feel homely.
Best Bedfordian? At the risk of being accused of nepotism, I have to say Katie Allen. We all know and love her, she puts so much time into elevating people and the town.
Even if you’ve not had a chance to work with her personally, you’ll recognise her influence in the joy and colour she adds to Bedford’s schools, museums and businesses.
Three words that best sum up Bedford? Up and coming
