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, he made the life-changing decision to dedicate his career to the charity sector, helping people achieve the lives they aspire to.
Now, 35 years on, PK is the Director of Bedford Giving, a movement that brings the Bedford community together, encouraging people to share their time, experiences, and skills to create better opportunities for the next generation.
Alongside his day job, PK is also an accomplished artist, selling his original pieces around the world. He is also a Trustee of Q:alliance, supporting queer youth in Bedford through their Q:YouthBedford Group.
Name: Paul Kellett but go by PK
Occupation: Director of Bedford Giving and an abstract artist.
Born here or blow in? Blew in from Sussex in the summer of 1998. Was only meant to be here for 12 months but met a girl and the rest is history.
Best breakfast in Bedford? Tough call as there are a few but I do love a good Eggs Benedict at the Embankment.
Best boozer? Not a massive drinker but The Foresters Arms on Union Street is a real gem.
Best coffee or cuppa? I love meeting friends at Vanilla Tree, the vibe reminds me of Brighton’s North Lanes.
Best gig you’ve seen in Bedford? Sadly, I’ve never been to any but I’m going to see McFly at Bedford Park in the Summer and can’t wait.
Ever read John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress? I think we did study a few chapters at school along with the likes of Chaucer but I’ve not read the whole thing.
Ever eaten a Bedfordshire Clanger? I really need to tick that off the list so I can call myself a real Bedfordian, don’t I!
An off-the-beaten-track gem that everyone should know about? I’m a pre-loved shopper. For clothing, my faves are Sue Ryder on Harpur Street and the Keech Hospice shop over in Great Denham. For furniture and other bits, Emmaus in Carlton is an Alladin’s cave of treasure.
Best Bedfordian? Ok, I literally do have a list but at the top of that list is Philomena Watton of Watton Recruitment. She’s humble, generous, full of joy and one of those human beings who always fills me with positive energy whenever I see her.
Three words that best sum up Bedford? Generous, creative, and welcoming.
