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9 November 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.

Guitars to the Stars 2024 Image: Living It Up/Ollie Monks

Bedford charity celebrates small charity week and calls for support

As Small Charity Week (23–28 June) gets underway, Bedford-based organisation Living It Up is joining the national campaign to celebrate the powerful impact small charities have in communities...
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Grellan McCarthy Image custody photo via Bedfordshire Police

Burglar jailed for Bedford burglary after six-year investigation

A prolific burglar has been sentenced to over two years in prison for his role in a 2019 break-in in Bedford, where valuable watches and cash were stolen. Grellan McCarthy, 38, formerly living in...
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Jesse Mumford and Luke Brown at Spiral HQ at the Harpur Centre.

‘A lifeline, not just a gym’, Spiral Freerun’s leap for survival

Bedford based parkour group is urgently calling on members of the public to help fundraise to keep the club open, stating that they are struggling and this is their final chance to survive....
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Image: Pixabay/WOKANDAPIX

Healthwatch Bedford Borough appoints new chair and opens board meetings to the public

Healthwatch Bedford Borough (HBB) has appointed Aidan Vaughan as its new chair and is marking the occasion by taking bold steps to increase its visibility, accessibility, and community....
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(l-r) Aileen and Stuart Minty at a proms event they are both smiling. Image: The Minty Family

“We need more time”, Bedford dad’s emotional plea for life-extending cancer treatment abroad

A Bedford father of four is urgently fundraising for life-extending cancer treatment in Germany, after being diagnosed with an aggressive and incurable form of stomach cancer...
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Agave Tequilana plant with it's very tall flowering spike at Bedford Heights, an inset image shows a worker standing next to it with the spike towering over them, June 2025. Image: (main) Bedford Independent (inset) Bedford Heights

Bedford’s bloom boom as tequila plant shoots for the sky

It's not every day that Bedfordshire gets a taste of Mexico, but this summer Bedford is home to a very special plant with a flair for the dramatics. Located at Bedford Heights, a rare Agave tequilana...
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Grange Academy community farm open day June 2025. Image: Bedford Inclusive Learning and Training Trust (BILTT).

Grange Academy opens community farm in celebration of inclusion and student growth

Grange Academy, part of the Bedford Inclusive Learning and Training Trust (BILTT), welcomed pupils, families, and local residents to a joyful community farm open day, marking the...
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Stagecoach double decker bus with the Businesses Against Abuse (BAA) livery Image- Stagecoach

Bedfordshire bus operator wins national award for protecting women and girls

Bedfordshire’s largest local bus operator, Stagecoach East, has received national recognition for its work to prevent violence against women and girls, taking home one of the UK transport...
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University of Bedfordshire student nurses Image UoB

Bedfordshire University and NHS trust unite to train future workforce and transform local health services

The University of Bedfordshire and Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have formed an exciting partnership aimed at driving advancements in education, healthcare, and...
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Mental health man holding his face in his hands in despair.

“Shoulder to shoulder”, men urged to prioritise health during Men’s Health Week

As Men's Health Week (9-15 June) commences, Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (ICB) is urging men to prioritise their health by seeking early diagnosis...
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An entrance to Putnoe Woods in Mowsbury Park showing its Green Flag award Image Bedford Independent

Ancient woodland in Bedford Borough under pressure from national housing targets

Rory Ward of Bedford Blues runs into a tackle against a Blackheath defender

Bedford Blues rising up the table after fourth straight max points win at Blackheath

Drew Richardson celebrates with his Real Bedford teammates after scoring

Second half blitz helps Real Bedford to win over Rushall Olympic

Close up of police car with lights on

Queens Drive collision leaves elderly driver fighting for life in Bedford

Members of the Armed Forces march at the Armistice Day remembrance march across the Embankment in November 2025

Lest we forget: 2026 Armistice Day and Remembrance Day events in Bedford Borough

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