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28 August 2026
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Obituary

Michael Herd in his usual spot in Bedford Esquires. Image Bedford Esquires Facebook

Obituary: Michael Herd (1958-2026)

Tributes have been paid to a true champion of Bedford's grassroots music scene, Michael Herd. The team at Esquires, and local record shop, Slide, were among the first to share their...
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Michael Blackledge. Image: The Blackledge family.

Obituary: Michael Brian Blackledge (1932-2026)

Michael Brian Blackledge was born in St Helens, Lancashire, on 1 November 1932, the son of an Irish mother, Winnifred O'Hara, and an English father, Richard Blackledge...
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Bedford Independent Everyday Heroes Awards comic strip

Everyday Heroes 2025 nominations extended as BRASS named charity partner

Nominations for Bedford’s Everyday Heroes Awards are extended to 8 March, as organisers announce BRASS as this year’s charity partner in tribute to Brian Cunningham...
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Brian Cunningham. Image: Cunningham family

Obituary: Brian Cunningham (1964-2025)

Brian Cunningham, the beloved director of Bedfordshire Refugee and Asylum Seeker Support (BRASS), has passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at the age of 61...
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A headshot of Martyn Pearson, a 'super' volunteer who leaves a lasting legacy in Bedford. Image: Nick Kier

Obituary: Martyn Pearson (1954-2025)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Martyn Pearson after a long, bravely fought battle against cancer. Martyn was born in Elstow and showed promise from an early age...
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Trees at the 'far end' of Goldington Road which may have been planted to honour former players who served during WW1 but didn't return home. Image: Bedford Blues.

Watching over every match: The trees that may honour the Blues’ fallen heroes

As Bedford marks Armistice Day, Blues historians Tim Jones and Geoff Read reveal the hidden stories behind trees at Goldington Road that may have been planted to honour players who died...
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Sarah Cox (Colley) sitting on a red chair and smiling when she was Bedfordshire on Sunday editor. Image: Trinity Mirror/Reach

Tributes paid to former newspaper editor and “brilliant journalist”

Tributes have been paid to Sarah Cox (now Colley), the last editor of the Bedfordshire on Sunday (BOS), who died on 18 December after a 'courageous battle with cancer', just days before...
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Judith Cunningham Bedford Borough's final ceremonial mayor. Image: Bedford Borough Council

Bedford’s last ceremonial mayor and former Wootton councillor dies

Judith Cunningham, the last ceremonial mayor of Bedford has died. She was a Liberal Democrat Bedford Borough Councillor for Wootton from 1996 to 2011 and the final ceremonial...
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Alderwoman Kay Burley when she was Chair of Bedfordshire County Council. Image: Via Bedford and Kempston Labour Group.

Former councillor and “backbone” of Bedford politics Kay Burley dies

Kay Burley, the long-serving former councillor and Honorary Alderwoman of Bedford Borough, described as a "backbone" of local politics has died. Over 49 years, Kay Burley...
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Misty the cockappo with big shoes to fill. Image: Paul Hutchinson

Opinion: Puppy’s arrival day celebration was bittersweet

This month it was a year since our puppy, Misty arrived to live with her new family. Anyone who has owned a pet before will know it's an exciting time watching them make themselves at home, even if...
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