24 April 2026
Bedford Ian has been looking at recent goings on across Bedford Borough and tells us what he thinks of it all…
English pride
It’s been good to see St. George’s Day being properly marked across Bedford this week, and if you’re at a loose end tomorrow (Saturday), there’s a decent excuse to get into town.
A celebration of England’s patron saint will take place in Harpur Square from midday to 6pm. It’s free to attend, featuring live music, choirs, dancing, Morris dancers doing their thing, food and drink, and plenty for families to enjoy.
Read: What’s on Bedford: 22 April – 3 May 2026
The sort of relaxed, community celebration that Bedford does well when it wants to.
Which brings me to our flag, the Cross of St. George, which we’ve got ourselves into a bit of a muddle over in recent years.
Tied to England’s patron saint, this flag has been used for centuries, and, as a piece of cloth, there’s nothing particularly controversial about it.
But flags aren’t just pieces of cloth; they’re symbols, and the English flag, a symbol of identity, community, and pride, has made some people feel a bit uncomfortable.
Not because of what it is, but because of how it’s been used.
A small group has been very loud about claiming it for themselves, and in doing so has made it seem to stand for exclusion and hate. And the rest of us have, at times, just sort of let them.
And that needs to change.
Because the flag belongs to everyone who identifies with the true definition of English. A definition not defined by race, colour or creed. After all, St George himself was a Roman soldier from Turkey.
The true English are those who live and let live, respect those who are different from them, have pride of place, raise families of all shapes and sizes, build communities, and help those less fortunate than themselves.
That’s what actually defines England, not whoever happens to be spouting hate on a street corner or online or hanging the flag from a lampost in a faux show of patriotism.
So seeing a normal, friendly, inclusive St. George’s Day event in the middle of Bedford feels like exactly the right response.
Just people turning up, enjoying themselves, and celebrating where they live with the people of all backgrounds they share this beautiful Borough with.
Waste of space
There’s been a big debate about rubbish this week, with the HWRC on Barker’s Lane being called “too small” and no longer fit for purpose.
So now the council is drawing up plans for a new site that will either replace or work alongside the current facility.
Read: “Too small” Bedford tip set for replacement as queues frustrate locals
Having gone to the tip myself this weekend, it’s clear to see there is more waste than bins, with queues stretching from the entrance all the way back to the roundabout with Newnham Avenue.
But it’s fair to say the HWRC users are partly to blame for this.
Having finally made my way into the site, it appears the queue was mostly being caused by people stopping and double-parking at the bins they needed.
This not only blocked the flow of people entering the facility, but also prevented those who had parked in the bays correctly from getting out and letting new people in.
Now, if the whole site were full, I could kind of understand it.
But once the route became clear again and cars had moved on, I drove around to the next available bay… and what did I find?
The other side completely empty.
So, if you’re using the tip this weekend, please don’t block other people from coming in. Drive around and use all available bays.
It might just speed things up a bit.
Whoops
Have you ever had the feeling that someone has had a worse day than you?
See you soon, Bedford Ian.
PS: If you see anything Bedford Ian might find amusing, let us know at news@BedfordIndependent.co.uk.
