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28 August 2026
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Sophie Stapley

Sophie Stapley is a freelance journalist who writes for Progress Publishing titles.

Graduating with First-Class Honours Media Communication Culture BA(Hons) degree from Leeds Beckett University, Sophie was also awarded the Dean’s Award for academic excellence after receiving the highest dissertation score across media-related courses.

Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue Service red fire trucks in a row.

New budget approved for Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service

Members of the Fire Rescue Authority (FRA) discussed and agreed the 2026/27 budget for Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, including the proposed council tax increase for Bedfordshire...
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stock image of doctor and stethoscope

Bedford cancer patients among those set to benefit from new national cancer plan 

Cancer patients in Bedford are amongst those who will receive faster diagnosis, quicker treatment, and support to live well with cancer under the national cancer plan, published on 4 February 2026...
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Sophie Stapley. Image: The Stapley Family

Bedford women who mean business: Finishing the series and starting my journey

When I first pitched the "Bedford women who mean business" series, I was eager to put into practice the skills I had learned in terms of journalism, but little did I know, a lot more was on the curriculum. I knew...
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Rachel Dunford and daughter Sophie Image The Impact Specialist

Bedford women who mean business: from redundancy to recognition, a mother-daughter business journey

When Rachel Dunford was made redundant while pregnant with her first child, she could never have imagined the life it would lead her to. Fourteen years later, she runs a multi-award-winning...
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East West Rail co to open pop-up archaeology museum in Bedford

Two free pop-up archaeology museums are opening in Bedford and Milton Keynes this week, giving residents the chance to explore discoveries unearthed along the future route of East West Rail (EWR)....
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Jennifer Mckenzie at the Burning Woman festival. Image: Jennifer Mckenzie

Bedford women who mean business: Jennifer’s journey from burnout to balance

From pulling her massage table out of her cupboard to opening a new wellbeing venue in Bedford town centre, Jennifer McKenzie, as she knows all too well, life rarely sticks to a plan. Her business...
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A calculator and cash in coins and notes.

Bedfordshire PCC launches £200,000 grassroots innovation fund

Local charities and community groups are being invited to apply for funding as part of a new initiative from Bedfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC). The £200,000 grassroots innovation fund...
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Visitors queue up to ride in a mini fire engine at Bedford Fire Station open day 9 August 2025

Bedfordshire fire crews raise more than £1,100 for charity

Fire crews in Bedford and Dunstable raised more than £1,150 for the fire fighters charity during a weekend of fundraising events. On Saturday 9 August, Bedford Fire Station held an open day featuring...
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Sherida Carter

Bedford women who mean business: “Now or never” how Sherida took a leap into her own business later in life

When Sherida Carter decided to start her own HR consultancy earlier this year, it wasn’t a move she made lightly. After more than two decades in human resources, she’d built her career...
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Youth TV presenter infront of a green screen during filming

YouthTV seeks young presenters for new autumn 2025 show

YouthTV, a platform dedicated to amplifying young voices, is on the lookout for new talent to front its brand-new television show, launching in early Autumn 2025. The team is recruiting presenters...
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Borough Hall. Image: Bedford Borough Council

Bedford Borough Council apologises and pays compensation after housing bidding blunder

Carers in Bedfordshire volunteer helping an older man with a jigsaw puzzle. Image Carers in Bedfordshire

Carers’ charity says its contract may have changed, but its commitment remains the same

Singer, actor, dancer and DJ Zoe Birkett is picuted sitting on the floor surrounded by DJ equipment ahead of her Diva Download show at MillFest

West End star Zoe Birkett talks MillFest, her 25-year career, and making a life in Bedfordshire

(l-) Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, known as Zandile, and daughters Nala and Natalie. Image: Supplied by Bedfordshire Police

Family of Great Denham murder victims release statement following Johannesburg hearing

Rochelle ‘Rocky’ Clark MBE joins Bedford Modern School (BMS) September 2021

Former England rugby star signs up as local CIC ambassador

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