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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.

Bedfordshire PCC John Tizard at an event to say thank you to volunteers, June 2025. Image Bedfordshire Police

Bedfordshire Police celebrate volunteers’ vital role in community safety

As a part of National Volunteers’ Week, Bedfordshire Police celebrated and thanked the dedicated volunteers whose selfless commitment strengthens our communities and enhances public trust...
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Cerise Jasmine Serino-Prince who is Miss Bedford 2024. Image: Cerise Jasmine Serino-Prince

Miss Bedford says beauty pageants are “female-empowering” as she qualifies for Miss Great Britain final

Cerise Jasmine Serino-Prince, has said that beauty pageants are "female-empowering" as she reaches the final stage for Miss Great Britain after claiming the title of Miss Bedford...
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Bedford School Boys at The Royal Society. Image: Bedford School

Bedford School boys head to the Royal Society in London to exhibit pioneering research on snowdrop DNA

Nine Bedford School boys who have been working on a year-long project researching snowdrop DNA were invited to The Royal Society, the UK’s national academy of science, to present...
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Clare Shaw hosting one of her music classes for Bedford children. Image: Mini Mozart

Music teaching Bedford mum says traditional lullabies are not the best way to calm and soothe a baby to sleep

The internet and social media are rife with advice for anxious parents about the perfect hypnotic lullabies you must sing to soothe your baby to sleep and now a Bedford music teaching mum...
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University students graduation generic

Bedfordshire students celebrate achievements across 16 graduation ceremonies

The University of Bedfordshire’s class of 2024 have celebrated their achievements alongside classmates, family and friends across 16 graduation ceremonies held this summer .Between 16 – 24 July...
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Christopher O'Dell receives the Order of Mercy medal from Rt Hon the Lord Lingfield. Image: League of Mercy

Bedford Junior Blues volunteer awarded order of mercy

Christopher O'Dell of the Bedford Junior Blues Community Rugby Club, Bedford has been awarded the Order of Mercy, a prestigious medal, for his voluntary service over many years. The awards...
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Butterfly Bridge, The Embankment, Bedford

NHS warnings for hydration and sun protection as weather heats up

With the weather finally improving and a longer spell of hot, sunny conditions forecast, a senior local doctor has issued a warning on staying hydrated and protecting ourselves from the sun's harmful rays, both of which are essential in order to enjoy.....
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The DFN Charitable Foundation team. Image: DFN Foundation

Bedford-based charity committed to helping “unheard voices” celebrates 10 years

The DFN Charitable Foundation (DFN Foundation) is celebrating 10 years of tackling complex societal problems and delivering transformative outcomes for unheard voices in the UK and further afield....
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Emmanuel Minka presenting his idea to the Samsung's Solve for Tomorrow competition. Image: Provided by St Thomas More Catholic Secondary School

St Thomas More sixth former reaches Samsung’s Solve For Tomorrow competition final

St Thomas More sixth former Emmanuel reached the finalist stage in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition. The competition is for 16-25 year olds to design original tech ideas which are made...
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Red Admiral Butterfly. Image: jamsnature via Butterfly Conservation News

18,370 butterflies spotted in Bedfordshire last summer, can we beat that this year? 

Last summer, citizen scientists in Bedfordshire spotted 18,370 butterflies and day-flying moths during the Big Butterfly Count. This year, wildlife conservation charity, Butterfly Conservation, is issuing....
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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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