The creative community in Bedford has paid tribute to Laura Pottinger who tragically lost her life at Kemspton Weir on Sunday, 16 April, alongside her great friend, Sarah Waller.
Laura was extremely well-known – and well-loved – by those who had met her through her roles in the borough at Bedford Creative Arts, the Place Theatre and most recently, Bedford Giving.
All of us at the Bedford Independent knew Laura well and wanted to give a platform to others to share their memories of someone who was so
“For me, the overriding memory of Laura will always be her smile and unending encouragement to just do what we thought would make Bedford better,” said Paul Hutchinson, co-founder of the Bedford Independent and Bedford Film Festival.
“When we started Bedford Film Festival, she was amongst the first to tell us how brilliant she thought the idea was and how if there was anything she could do to help, to simply let her know. She was always full of great advice, and I’ll never forget how she’d roll her eyes and share in our frustration at the red tape and unnecessary barriers that seemed to only exist to stop fun and creative events from happening.
“Laura was someone who was always happy to listen to a problem and offer genuine suggestions that would help the festival reach more people and really stand out, and never with any need for direct reward or recognition. Instead, I felt witnessing other people’s success and enjoying all the varied and wonderful cultural events they brought to Bedford as her reward.
“She was truly someone who enjoyed helping others, she was always supportive, and always smiling. It was a privilege to have known her, Bedford has lost someone truly special.”
“My most treasured memory of Laura was standing beside her at the recording of Mark Steel’s Radio 4 show at the Quarry Theatre,” said the Bedford Independent’s co-managing editor, Erica Roffe.
“It was standing room only and Laura and I had been ushered into the very back row. Mark was talking about the Panacea Society, asking why they might have chosen Bedford as the location for the Garden of Eden.
“Laura immediately shouted out from the audience, “It’s handy for the M1”, which not only made the final edit, but really made the audience and Mark laugh too. It really summed up to me how joyful, intelligent and quick-witted Laura was.
“She was such a pleasure to be around and her infectious enthusiasm always spurred me on. She will be much missed by all at the Bedford Independent.”
You can hear the clip from 16:23 on the link above.
Tom Perrett, manager for culture and heritage at Bedford Borough Council, said: “I was lucky enough to work with Laura for a couple of years at The Higgins Bedford when she delivered a project to help build audiences for the museum during its redevelopment and to have been involved in a number of projects during her time at Bedford Creative Arts.
“Her warmth, wit and professionalism will be sadly missed by everyone who know and worked with her – Laura played such a significant part in the cultural landscape of Bedford.”
“Everyone at Bedford Cricket Club was devastated to learn of the passing of Laura Pottinger,” said a spokesperson for the club.
“Laura was instrumental in the rapid development of our Women’s and Girls sides at The Bury and contributed to our Club in numerous ways from running the administration of our Girls teams to helping in the kitchen on our busy Friday night junior training sessions.
“Our thoughts are very much with Laura’s family and friends at this difficult time, while both Laura and Sarah will be missed by many in Bedford’s thriving local community, to which they both offered so much.
“May they both Rest in Peace.”
Elaine Midgley, director of Bedford Creative Arts, said: “The arts community have lost such a wonderful and sensitive strategist and leader.
“Laura was Director of Bedford Creative Arts from 2004 until 2011 and was instrumental in driving our ambition to grow from a small community arts charity into a business-minded creative catalyst for the town.
“We are so proud of her work that supported the development of a number of local cultural organisations and artist, and also helped to grow regional cultural programmes, such as through her work with Coventry City of Culture, Northampton and Milton Keynes.
“She was exceptionally cheerful, good-humoured and personable; able to see and realise a creative vision and execute her work with good humour and effortless professionalism.
“We are so immeasurably sad to not see her great work continue and to have enjoyed her friendship for even longer.”
“I can say with confidence that I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the support I got from Laura during the first few years as a promoter in the local area,” said James Pharaoh, MBE, director of the Quarry Theatre.
“Laura was also a huge supporter of Bedfringe putting us in touch with potential sponsors and artists as well as attending many of our events.
“When we were searching for an assistant manager at The Quarry (pre-pandemic), without hesitation Laura was the first name that came to me!
“She was happy where she was at the time so didn’t apply for the post but was very thankful that I thought of her… what fun would that have been to have worked with Laura Pottinger!
“The news of her passing has come as a huge shock to us. The team at the Quarry Theatre and Bedfringe will miss her dearly.”
David Steadman, Chief Executive at The Harpur trust, said: “We are all deeply saddened by Laura’s tragic passing. She was a wonderful colleague and friend to so many of us at The Harpur Trust and she will be sorely missed. We will remember her for her kindness, her wit, her enthusiasm, her community spirit and her warmth.
“Her passion and professionalism had a huge impact in the short time she has worked with us.
“She achieved a huge amount to help the initiative she led, Bedford Giving, to come to life. The lives of children and young people in Bedford will be better in future because of what she did.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with her family, friends and everyone who knew her and we’re supporting colleagues during this difficult time.”
“In light of the recent announcements the team at The Place Bedford want to take a moment to share our deep sadness and profound grief at the tragic loss of Laura Pottinger and Sarah Waller,” said a spokesperson for the theatre.
“Laura and Sarah were close friends, as well as passionate and prodigious supporters of cultural activity, both in Bedford and beyond.
“Laura helped guide Bedford Players Trust and The Place Bedford forward through challenging times – always offering her help & insight to artists, creative people and community organisations with a generosity of spirit & cheerful optimism.
“She will be deeply missed by all who had the good fortune to live and work alongside her.
“Sarah was a trustee of Bedford Players Trust for a number of years, supporting us through our growth & development – always offering insight and skills from her wealth of experience.
“Our hearts are with the families at this awful time, and we’d like to express the deep sadness that all in The Place Bedford community feel at this devastating news.”
We would like to thank everyone for contributing their memories and tributes.
