13 March 2026
Bedford Ian has been looking at recent goings on across Bedford Borough and tells us what he thinks of it all…
Third job?
The cost-of-living crisis appears to be hitting some local politicians hard, with one seemingly taking on a third job.
Alongside the day job and his role as leader of Bedford Borough Council’s opposition, Cllr Henry Vann (Liberal Democrat) now appears to have picked up a new role as an… editor.
Or so you might think from the latest leaflet dropping onto doormats across the Borough.
“That’s not a newspaper,” I hear you cry.
And you’d be absolutely right. But that hasn’t stopped certain political parties (and the Lib Dems, locally, have long been fond of this approach) from producing leaflets that look suspiciously like independent publications.
Read: Lib Dems and Conservatives double down on “deceitful” use of ‘propaganda’ style tactics in…
The theory seems to be that if something looks vaguely like a newspaper, with an editor and words like ‘special edition’, readers might assume it follows some kind of editorial process with balance, scrutiny, and the ability to challenge what’s printed.
Of course, when you look closely, the small print does reveal it’s a political party leaflet. But it does raise the question, if you’re so proud of your message and genuinely believe what you’re printing, why dress it up as something it isn’t?
To be fair, the Lib Dems aren’t alone. The Conservatives and Labour have both been guilty of similar tricks over the years – and all parties have their own versions. Some even use big red buses to peddle their propaganda.
Read: Mid-Bedfordshire candidates “deceive the public” by using fake newspapers ahead of by-election
So, as we edge closer to the May 2027 election, I suspect we’ll be seeing a lot more of this crap landing on our doormats.
And you can help the Bedford Independent’s editorial team continue to call it out, too.
If something arrives that looks like a newspaper but smells suspiciously like bollotics, do drop our editorial team a line, because as the latest fake newspaper’s headline says, enough is enough.
No flawyer zone
Do you remember about six years ago when we suddenly had an army of Facebook scientists? Overnight experts on viruses, vaccines and epidemiology, all armed with a Google search and a lot of misplaced confidence.
Well, it appears we’re about to enter a new phase of the internet… the era of Facebook aviation lawyers.
This week, Universal Destinations and Experiences warned people not to fly drones over land where construction work is underway for their new theme park site.
Sensible enough, construction sites, heavy equipment and unexpected flying objects rarely mix well.
Read: Universal warns drone operators to stay away from Bedford theme park site
But, wow! Some people did not take it well at all.
Several keyboard warriors immediately leapt into action to explain, with bluster, that, technically, without a formal no-fly zone, Universal cannot stop drones flying overhead, and they’ll do what they want.
And in the narrowest possible sense, they’re right, but that’s not actually what Universal said.
What they said, quite reasonably, is that they will act if drones endanger workers, interfere with operations or breach the law.
Which is the same position any major construction project would take.
Because while most licensed drone operators fly responsibly and follow Civil Aviation Authority rules, there are always a few who don’t.
And it’s those ones that cause the problems.
So if someone decides to buzz a construction crew for the sake of a dramatic TikTok shot and puts people or equipment at risk, Universal is entirely within its rights to pursue action under the laws already available, and I hope they do.
And if enough people push their luck, I suspect a formal no-fly restriction might appear rather quickly.
I wonder how angry everyone will get then.
The Battle of Bedford
Bedford Town versus Real Bedford.
Let’s be honest, they’re not exactly best of friends, so the news that the two rivals will meet in the Bedfordshire Senior Cup final has already got the fans talking, and arguing. But not about tactics, not about line-ups…
No, they’re arguing about where the match should be played.
Read: Real Bedford set up cup final against rivals Bedford Town after Leighton triumph
Social media has quickly filled with competing claims about the “right” venue, each side convinced the footballing universe will collapse if it isn’t held on their preferred turf.
And if you think the fans are passionate, wait until you consider the men leading the charge.
Real Bedford owner Peter McCormack and Bedford Town manager Lee Bircham are both well known for defending their clubs with gusto. So, don’t expect this rivalry (friendly or not) to cool down any time soon.
In truth, though, it’s exactly the sort of passionate nonsense that makes local football brilliant.
Two ambitious clubs, two very different stories, and now one very big match that will have half the town’s football fans cheering and the other half grumbling.
It’s also going to be great for Bedford. Local rivalries like this bring people out, create a proper atmosphere and remind everyone why grassroots football still matters.
So will the Eagles soar, or will the Pirates plunder the Eyrie?
As Harry Hill would say, there’s only one way to find out*…
See you soon, Bedford Ian.
PS: If you see anything Bedford Ian might find amusing, let us know at news@BedfordIndependent.co.uk.
*Please don’t actually fight.
