In keeping with the Bedford Clanger’s Irish theme this month, our Great Bedfordian is a stalwart of the Irish music scene in Bedford, Samantha Hughes.
For the last six years, Samantha has been running a monthly traditional Irish music session at the Castle pub on Newnham Street and is part of the organising committee behind the St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Harpur Square this Sunday, 15 March.
Read: St Patrick’s Day: a celebration of Irish community, culture and craic
A proud Bedfordian, she’s not only read the Pilgrim’s Progress, but has given us an interesting historical fact too.
Over to you, Samantha…
Born here or blow in?
Bedford born and bred…and proud of it.
Best breakfast in Bedford?
Tough one. I love breakfast! I’ve actually had quite a few nice breakfasts at Albero Lounge. It’s just so chilled in there. I also like having breakfast at Archer’s Rest in Great Denham. It’s a lovely walk from Kempston too via the river, so win-win.
Best boozer?
There are so many wonderful pubs in the town centre that really support live music, but I think I’d have to say The Castle on Newnham Street.
They’ve been very supportive in hosting my traditional Irish music session these past six or seven years. It’s also the kind of pub you could walk into on your own (especially as a woman) and feel completely safe.
Best coffee or cuppa?
This is tough, as I love a good cup of tea…but I think this has to be Coffee With Art. I just love the ambience in there. I’ve sat here for hours with friends, having a good old natter.
Best takeaway?
I’m not really a takeaway girl; I prefer a lovely meal out, but Blue Ginger and Diya Royal in Kempston are both very good options.
Best gig you’ve seen in Bedford?
How do I answer this? I’ve seen 100s of gigs in Bedford, from Martha Reeves at the Corn Exchange, to Olly Murs in Bedford Park, from Esquires, to bands performing in local pubs.
To pick one, though, the Proms in the Park were pretty spectacular, and I should probably mention the Rogue Traders’ gig last year at Esquires, which was definitely a highlight for me. I heard they had a pretty good support band too 😉
Ever read John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress?
Funny enough, yes, I studied it at school. I can even go one step further and say I’ve visited many of the landmarks mentioned in and inspired by the Pilgrim’s Progress, including Houghton House (did you know the staircase was taken from here and put in the entrance of The Swan Hotel?), Moot Hall and John Bunyan Museum & Meeting House.
Ever eaten a Bedfordshire Clanger?
I’ve eaten half of one. Can you guess which half? I do prefer Chocolate Toothpaste though…tell me you’re from Bedford, without telling me you’re from Bedford!
An off-the-beaten-track gem that everyone should know about?
I think I’d have to say The Twinwood Museum. It’s an absolute must, just oozing with history. The Twinwood Festival itself is definitely worth a visit too. I’ve been going for nearly 20 years and have even had the fortune of performing at it.
Another quick mention would also be Moggerhanger Park. My Grandma worked here when she came over from Ireland, as a TB nurse during the war. It’s another wonderful place steeped in history and you can now visit the house and grounds and stop off at their delicious tea rooms.
Best Bedfordian?
Well, this is an easy one, my wonderful Mum. She’s Bedford through and through, winning ‘Miss Kempston’ in 1970 (apparently, the owner of Dowling Butchers in Kempston was so proud, he had a sign up stating ‘Miss Kempston shops here’) and was also crowned ‘Miss Granada’ in 1977.
She’s been my biggest supporter throughout my life. From taking me to music lessons as a child, to travelling all over the UK and Ireland as I competed in national and international competitions in Irish music, to supporting me through my singing.
And to this day, she’s still there at the front, cheering the band and me on. I definitely wouldn’t have achieved any of this without her.
Three words that best sum up Bedford?
AMAZING live music.
