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9 November 2026
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Great Bedfordian

A headshot of Annalie Maher, the host of the What's on Hub in Bedford town centre.

Great Bedfordian: Annalie Maher

This month’s Great Bedforidan is Annalie Maher, the hostess with the mostess at the new What’s On Hub in Silver Square. Despite not being born in Bedford, might we have finally found...
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Marcus and Cathy Wright of The Cellar Bar

Great Bedfordians: Cathy & Marcus Wright

Last month’s great Bedfordians are superstar supporters of The Bedford Clanger and also great cheerleaders for Bedford - Cathy and Marcus Wright. Cathy and Marcus are...
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Matt Wolton and wife and Herd cofounder, Jess. Image Matt Wolton

Great Bedfordian: Matthew Wolton

This month’s Great Bedfordian is the co-owner of Herd, Matthew Wolton. Celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, Herd on St Cuthbert’s Street has been the go-to burger joint in Bedford since it opened...
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Poonam Shah, the owner and optometrist at Humphriss & Burgess is pictured in front of a display of glasses

Great Bedfordian: Poonam Shah

This month’s Great Bedfordian is Poonam Shah, the owner and optometrist at Humphriss & Burgess, a family-run optician on Mill Street. The practice has been part of Bedford’s community since 1946, when Deryck Humphriss and Fred Burgess...
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PK (Paul Kellett) standing in front of one of his abstract paintings

Great Bedfordian: PK (Paul Kellett)

This month’s Great Bedfordian is PK (Paul Kellett) of the charity Bedford Giving. Originally trained in dance, PK shifted his focus to art in his late teens. However, after working with drug addicts in Hong Kong at the age of 20...
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Gary Hooper of GCH Fishmongers pictured outside their shop on Newnham Street and surrounded by his team including his wife, sister-in-law and sons.

Great Bedfordian: Gary Hooper

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Cafe owner, Lisa Course, pictured wearing a vibrant green and white dress and sunglasses on top of her head

Great Bedfordian: Lisa Course

Our first Great Bedfordian of 2025 is Lisa Course, the owner of the iconic Papillon cafe on Castle Road. After a 30-year career in hairdressing and raising three children, Lisa decided for a complete career change and opened a coffee shop...
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Alfie Templeman. Image: Alfie Templeman

Great Bedfordian: Alfie Templeman

Each month, the Bedford Clanger chooses its 'Great Bedfordian' and asks them to recommend their favourite local places for us to check out. September's Great Bedfordian is singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Alfie Templeman...
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Libby and Penelope. Image: Libby Lionetti

Great Bedfordian: Liberato ‘Libby’ Lionetti

This month’s Great Bedfordian is Liberato ‘Libby’ Lionetti who has run the cafe La Piazza in St Paul’s Square for the last 27 years. A proud Bedford Italian, Libby is one of the most optimistic people we know...
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Sam Price, CEO at Beyond Detention. Image: Sam Price

Great Bedfordian: Sam Price

This month’s Great Bedfordian is someone who has spent many years working with people in some of Bedford’s most vulnerable communities. Recently appointed as CEO of Beyond Detention...
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