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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 Probation Officer Bethan Image MoJ

Probation service launches recruitment drive to find future officers in Bedfordshire

A nationwide campaign has launched to recruit the next generation of probation officers, with Bedfordshire highlighted as a key area in need of new trainees. The Probation Service’s Trainee Probation...
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Clophill Lakes Boardwalk destroyed by fire. Image: The Greensand Trust

Appeal for public to support Bedfordshire nature reserve after arson attack

The Greensand Trust has launched an urgent appeal following a deliberate act of arson that destroyed the boardwalk at Clophill Lakes Nature Reserve. The fire, which was started in multiple...
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Draft beer being poured into a pint glass.

Bedfordshire MP launches search for best local pub

Local MP Blake Stephenson has launched a new competition to find the best pub in Mid Bedfordshire, aiming to celebrate and support the region’s hospitality sector. The “Mid Bedfordshire pub of the year 2025”...
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Lauren Troiano. Image Binky Nixon Photography

Bedford women who mean business: Freelance and family, Lauren’s entrepreneurial balancing act

When Lauren Troiano found herself on maternity leave, juggling a newborn and an uncertain career path, she didn’t expect to end up creating one of Bedford’s fastest-growing networks for female... entrepreneurs.
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Tilly Nisbet with some of her designs Image Ryviera

Bedford women who mean business: From dream to reality, a young entrepreneur’s first steps

Starting a business is never a straightforward journey, especially when you’re juggling a full-time job, learning new skills on the fly, and trying to find your voice in a competitive market. For Tilly...
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Business, retail, checkout, customer, smile, payment, tap and pay, Image: Robert Kneschke/Stock.Adobe.com

Bedford women who mean business: A new series spotlighting local female entrepreneurs

Bedford Borough is home to a quietly powerful movement, one led by women who are reshaping the town’s economy, culture, and future. From fashion start-ups to wellness workshops, female...
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CEO of the Bedford College Group, Yiannis Koursis Image: Bedford College Group

Bedford College Group CEO awarded Fellowship by Chartered Institution for Further Education

The Chief Executive Officer of The Bedford College Group, Yiannis Koursis OBE FRSA, has been awarded a Fellowship by the Chartered Institution for Further Education, recognising his contribution to the...
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Live music at the Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Bedford. Image: Sue Ryder

Sue Ryder starlight hike returns to Bedford for night of remembrance and fundraising

Sue Ryder’s annual Starlight Hike Bedford will return this October, inviting the community to walk under the stars in memory of loved ones while supporting the charity’s end-of-life and bereavement...
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festival goers at AmpRocks 2023

‘Camera in the Community’: New summer photography exhibition opens at The Higgins Bedford

A new photography exhibition celebrating life across Bedfordshire opens at The Higgins Bedford this Saturday (19 July). Camera in the community, a partnership with Bedford camera club...
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(l-r) Kirsti Wells and Rebecca Constable alongside Bedford College's Nick Hayward and Paige Dearman

Bedford College Group and BSI launch skills partnership to boost training opportunities

A new partnership between The Bedford College Group and global business standards organisation BSI will give students and local organisations access to internationally recognised professional...
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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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