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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.

McFly on stage at Bedford Park, 13 July 2025. Image: Cuffe & Taylor

Review: McFly brings the sound of the noughties to Bedford Park

For the final night of Bedford summer session, McFly transformed Bedford Park into a giant sing-along yet again, completing what seems to have been the best concert series in Bedford Park...
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Young Marketers at Bedford Market with Food Etc Image: Bedford Independent

Young growers show pride, skill and teamwork at Bedford market day

Primary school pupils took centre stage at Bedford Market on 2 July, proudly selling produce they had grown themselves as part of the Young Marketeers programme. Despite the rain, the children...
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A painting collage of Sergeant Major Matthew Clay Image- Clay of England Society

Campaign launched to restore grave of Bedford’s Waterloo hero

A fundraising campaign has been launched to restore the gravestone of Sergeant Major Matthew Clay, a decorated veteran of the Battle of Waterloo whose final resting place lies in Bedford’s Foster...
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Hazera Forth climate strike -09

Bedford Borough Council launches second free online ‘Climate Fresk Workshop’

Following the success of its first Climate Fresk community workshop held on Earth Day, Bedford Borough Council has announced a second free session. This time, it will be hosted online to...
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Three young children as part of the Young Marketeers show off the vegetables they'll sell as market traders at Bedford Market on 2 July. Image: School Food Matters

Bedford’s youngest market traders to sell homegrown produce for charity

This week, some of Bedford’s youngest and most enterprising residents will swap school uniforms for market stalls as they sell fresh fruit and vegetables grown in their school gardens. On Wednesday...
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The Leopards of Putnoe Scouts at a recent night out at Bedford escape room Don't Get Locked In.

Putnoe Scouts launches third troop thanks to growing demand

Young people in Bedford are gaining skills for life, making new friends, and experiencing real adventure, thanks to the thriving Putnoe Scouts. In response to overwhelming demand, the group...
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(c) Pcc John Tizard (l) shakes hands with Mayor of Bedford Tom Wootton as business owners, police officers and councillors help launch the Summer Policing Plan. Image: Bedford Independent

Bedfordshire Police face criticisms head on with launch of Summer Policing Plan

As summer arrives, bringing longer days and bustling town centres, Bedfordshire Police has launched its Summer Policing Plan that will see a greater police presence in Bedford...
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A pothole in a Bedford residential street.

Potholes to public transport – Bedfordians asked for views in national highways and transport survey

Bedford Borough Council is encouraging residents to have their say in this year’s National Highways and Transport Public Satisfaction Survey, giving locals the opportunity to shape the...
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Pat and friends by the river, preparing for a 900-mile charity bike ride in aid of Motor Neurone Disease

Bedford man launches 900-mile fundraising ride in memory of wife lost to MND

A Bedford man in his 80s is supporting an extraordinary cycling challenge this August in memory of his wife Jenny, who died from Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in December 2023. Pat Wheeler, a...
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The icon mosaic celebrating the work of the Sisters of St Etheldreda

Dedication service celebrates legacy of St Etheldreda’s with icon unveiling at St Paul’s church

Over 100 people gathered at St Paul’s Church in Bedford on Sunday (15 June) for a moving dedication service led by the Bishop of Bedford, the Rt Revd Richard Atkinson, marking the installation of...
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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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