After the break, Elaine reveals what's coming next for Bedford Creative Arts — including a theatre group for refugees, a children's pop-up Museum of Small and Overlooked Things, and an ambitious collaboration with Wayne Hemingway's design agency celebrating Bedford's wartime BBC connection. There's exciting news for Kempston too, with public art planned near the mill and a creative trail using wood salvaged from the old Queensbridge. Elaine rounds off with her favourite local spots, making the case that Bedford — multicultural, inventive and quietly world-class — deserves far more recognition.

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We sit down with Elaine Midgley, director of Bedford Creative Arts — a charity using creativity as a social tool across Bedford for over 40 years. Elaine shares her journey from aspiring actress to arts manager, and how BCA navigates funding from the Arts Council, grants and local commissions. We hear how Covid forced a bold pivot — ditching permanent premises to become a truly community-embedded organisation. From AI-powered portrait exhibitions to murals celebrating Bedford's unsung heroes, this is a fascinating look at how art quietly shapes the town around us.

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After a short break, David Sims is back with more Kempston gems — including additional contenders for the Seven Wonders, such as the Springfield Asylum and the mysterious Priory. The conversation then turns to the Kempston Ghost Walk, David's beloved charity fundraiser that brings together genuine local history and folklore in one atmospheric evening. We hear how ghost stories rooted in real events — including a direct descendant of the Livy Brothers attending the walk — make it so compelling. David also corrects the record on Kempston's 18 historic "ends," cementing its claim as once England's largest village.

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David Sims returns to the Bedford podcast for another deep dive into the rich history of Kempston. In this first half, we explore the story behind the mock-Tudor almshouses on Bedford Road, built through the generosity of Charles Williamson in 1881 and still standing today. David then takes us through his personal "Seven Wonders of Kempston" — from the Norman-era All Saints Church, predating the Domesday Book, to the Victorian military grandeur of Kempston Barracks. We also hear the tragic tale of Kempston Grange and the heartbreaking 1926 balloon disaster at Kempston Ho. Essential local history.

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After years of living on the edge, Neil reached a breaking point—and made a decision that changed his life forever. In the second half of the podcast, he shares how he quit drugs overnight, rebuilt his life through discipline and hard work, and eventually discovered endurance running. What began as a personal challenge has grown into a 950-mile run across the UK to raise money for Young Lives vs Cancer. This part of the story is about resilience, second chances and proving that your past doesn’t have to define your future. 

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Neil Mills grew up in South London surrounded by gangs, drugs and chaos. Bullied at school and labelled a “lost cause” by teachers, he drifted into crime at a young age and quickly became the person everyone expected him to be. In this raw first half of the conversation, Neil reflects on the environment that shaped him, the mistakes he made and the reality of life on the streets. It’s an honest look at how easily young people can fall into the wrong world—and the moment when Neil realised he had a choice: keep going down that road or fight to change direction.

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In the second half, Richard shares the mindset behind his biggest adventures — from kayaking to Alaska and racing the Devizes to Westminster, to cycling across the Sahara and paddling from Niagara Falls to New York. He speaks honestly about exhaustion, resilience, and the humbling power of nature. The conversation returns to Bedford, celebrating its sporting culture, river life, and community spirit. Richard discusses future growth, including Universal, and the importance of protecting the town’s green and blue spaces. It’s a powerful reflection on possibility, perspective, and why Bedford continues to punch well above its weight.

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In this episode of The Bedford Podcast, Ken Parsons sits down with adventurer, entrepreneur and outdoor pioneer Richard Harpham. From growing up in Bromham and finding his tribe at Bedford Blues, to kayaking across oceans and launching Canoe Trail on the River Great Ouse, Richard’s story is one of energy, resilience and possibility. They explore the power of sport, the importance of role models, and why Bedford’s green and blue spaces are its greatest assets. It’s a conversation about community, courage and the “Bedford effect” — and how one town can inspire adventures that reach around the world.

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Part Two takes the conversation far beyond Bedford as Tara Adams recounts some of the most extreme challenges of her life. She describes rowing across the Atlantic Ocean in a small crewed boat, facing storms, isolation, exhaustion, and moments of genuine fear — alongside awe-inspiring experiences of nature and human endurance. Tara also discusses longevity, motherhood, mindset, and her next challenge: climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for charity. Honest and gripping, this episode explores what drives someone to continually seek the edge of their comfort zone — and how resilience is built through action, not words.

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In Part One, Ken Parsons speaks with Bedford-born athlete Tara Adams about her early life, local roots, and remarkable journey into elite sport. Tara reflects on growing up in Bedford, influential family moments, and discovering tug of war — a sport in which she would go on to represent England and Team GB on the world stage. She explains the technical, physical, and mental demands of the sport, challenges common misconceptions, and shares what it takes to sustain high-level performance over decades. This episode is a powerful exploration of discipline, teamwork, and the foundations of lifelong resilience.

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