Category: Bedford

First cheetah births in 15 years boost conservation effortsAuthor: Grace McGachy Published 15 minutes agoWhipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire is celebrating the arrival of seven cheetah cubs, the first born there in 15 years.Amira, a first-time mum, had four cubs on 18th May, soon followed by her sister Zara with three cubs five days later.Both five-year-old sisters came to the zoo last year to help the breeding programme. Sarah McGregor, who manages the predators team at Whipsnade Zoo, said, “We’re absolutely delighted to have seven healthy cheetah cubs at the Zoo. Amira and Zara have taken to motherhood wonderfully, and we’ve seen them nuzzling, cleaning, and feeding their cubs diligently over our CCTV cameras.”Whipsnade Zoo has been involved in cheetah breeding for years, having made history in 1967 when they were the first zoo to successfully rear cheetahs. Since then, more than 100 cubs have been born there.Due to threats including habitat loss and fragmentation, the illegal pet trade, and human-animal conflict, more than 90% of the global cheetah population has disappeared since 1900. There are now estimated to be just 7,000 cheetahs in the wild, and less than 600 northern cheetahs.Zoo staff are watching the cheetah family via remote cameras to keep disturbance to a minimum.The newborns are yet to get names since their sexes will be confirmed during a health check at about eight weeks. Sarah promised, “While the cubs won’t be visible to visitors just yet, we’ll share lots of CCTV footage and updates, and can’t wait for everyone to see them once they’re ready to explore the outside world!” Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.

This amazing world record combined 2 of our favourite things: painting and the zoo!
This May, the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), a UK-based science-led charity that protects animals, made waves with a wild record attempt – a record-breaking painting by numbers!
14,024 animal lovers, families and people of all ages could take part in the record attempt at ZSL’s 2 leading zoos: 

London Zoo, located in the heart of London, at Regent’s Park
Whipsnade Zoo, located near Dunstable, Bedfordshire

The record title?
Most contributions to a painting by numbers (multiple venues)!

The artwork, brimming with colours and creative illustrations of wild animals, invited everyone to take part and learn more about how we can protect animals and endangered species.
The event also celebrated ZSL’s 200th anniversary, and Guinness World Records Adjudicator William Sinden visited London Zoo to officially announce the record:
“London and Whipsnade Zoo has created a really special record-breaking moment here, bringing thousands of visitors together to mark ZSL’s 200th anniversary in such a colourful and creative way.

“It’s a brilliant example of how a shared challenge can bring people of all ages together and give everyone the chance to be part of something truly memorable.”
We couldn’t agree more!
What’s your favourite animal? Try painting it as best you can!

An adorable audience of Humboldt penguins stole the show, coming over when the certificate was being given to the zookeepers to make sure that everything went perfectly during the presentation.
Look how cute!

So what exactly happened during the attempt?
Painting supplies in hand, everyone unleashed their creativity on the painting-by-numbers panels. 
While having fun with colours, the artists could also chat with the ZSL team overseeing the event, learning more about all their favourite animals and the importance of ZSL’s research and commitment to protecting wildlife!
Sounds pretty fun, right?

It took a whole week for the painting to be ready, and it turned out HUGE and beautiful. Packed with different animals and vibrant colours, it featured – among many others – bright parrots, reptiles, butterflies, and even a gorgeous gorilla! 
The choice of featuring 200 animals in the artwork nodded to ZSL turning 200 this year.
In the official release shared by ZSL, Events Manager Victoria Sage commented: “We’re delighted to have broken the Guinness World Records title, making our 200th year even more memorable!”
How will you celebrate your next birthday? Maybe at the zoo?

The event, which blended creativity, animal facts, and a fun opportunity to learn more about nature, was definitely a super fun one.
Keep an eye out for whenever they try to break another record next…
They might need your help to do it!
Until then, here’s the final result of the record-breaking painting:

What do you think?
Congratulations to the Zoological Society of London and everyone who helped them achieve their goal – you guys are all Officially Amazing!

Bedfordshire Hospitals celebrates five years of its Virtual Fracture Clinic, improving patient flow and speeding up access to urgent care
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is marking the fifth anniversary of its Virtual Fracture Clinic (VFC), a service that has transformed how patients with orthopaedic injuries are assessed and supported following their visit to our Emergency Departments (ED).
The VFC provides rapid clinical triage for patients with suspected fractures or musculoskeletal injuries, ensuring they receive the right care at the right time. Instead of automatically attending a face to face fracture clinic appointment, patients are reviewed remotely by specialist clinicians who determine the safest and most appropriate next steps. This may include telephone advice, referral to physiotherapy or hand therapy, further imaging, or arranging a face to face appointment when needed.
Over the past year alone, the team has triaged more than 10,000 patients, with around 65% safely managed without needing to attend a traditional clinic appointment. This has helped the Trust prioritise urgent and complex cases more quickly, while ensuring all patients have direct access to the VFC team if they have concerns or their symptoms change.Importantly, the service does not replace face to face care where it is needed. Every patient is clinically reviewed, and those requiring in person assessment are brought into clinic promptly. The model is widely used across the NHS and is supported by robust governance and safety processes.
How the service works

Patients attending ED with certain injuries are referred to the Virtual Fracture Clinic
The VFC triage team (comprised of an Orthopaedic Consultant and Specialist Physiotherapist) reviews their X rays, notes and clinical information
Patients receive a phone call and written advice explaining their diagnosis and next steps or a face to face appointment is arranged
If further assessment is required, the team arranges a face to face appointment
Patients can contact the VFC directly if they have concerns or if their symptoms worsen.

Lucy Orme, Specialist Physiotherapist for the Virtual Fracture Clinic said: “We’re incredibly proud of what the Virtual Fracture Clinic has achieved over the past five years. Our focus is always on providing safe, timely and personalised care. Many patients appreciate being able to speak directly with a clinician without needing to travel back to hospital, while still knowing they can be seen face to face if needed. The service has also helped us ensure that those with more urgent injuries are seen more quickly, which makes a real difference to their recovery.”
Cathy Jones, Acting Chief Executive at Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This milestone reflects the dedication and expertise of our orthopaedic, physiotherapy and emergency teams, who have worked together to create a service that is both safe and responsive. The Virtual Fracture Clinic is a great example of how we can use clinical triage to improve patient experience, reduce unnecessary appointments and ensure that people who need urgent care are seen sooner. I want to thank everyone involved for their commitment to continually improving the way we care for our patients.”
Background information
• The service is available at both Bedford Hospital and the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital (L&D), with dedicated contact points for each site• The VFC is made up of a team of six Specialist Physiotherapists, who work across the two hospitals• Staff members in the pictures are Lucy Orme, Specialist Physiotherapist and Mr Sundararajan, Orthopaedic Consultant.

Dance classes have brought “joy” to cancer patients and children at a hospital in Bedfordshire.Sadie Hunt and Jenny Howells have been delivering Dance for Health sessions at Bedford Hospital since early 2025, bringing movement and music to patients on the wards.The initiative began as a trial programme on two wards caring for elderly patients with frailty conditions.The project is set to grow significantly, with a 30-week programme in the pipeline that will extend its reach to young patients and those receiving cancer treatment.Ms Hunt, a freelance practitioner who leads the sessions, described the work as “the best job in the world”. The programme has secured funding on four separate occasions, receiving support from Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity, Sport England, and Friends of Bedford Hospital.She said the team is particularly thrilled about the upcoming expansion to paediatric patients.Ms Hunt emphasised the sessions work around clinical needs, noting staff report patients are in better spirits and more cooperative after the dancing concludes.Sadie Hunt who leads the group described it as ‘the best job in the world’ | BEDFORDSHIRE HOSPITALS NHS FOUNDATION TRUST Initial reluctance from patients often melts away once others begin participating, with Ms Hunt observing nearly everyone eventually joins in.”I thought I was going to be really embarrassed, but I wasn’t I absolutely loved it,” one female patient said. Others have described the experience as “very worthwhile” and left them feeling “totally uplifted”.One participant remarked: “This is the first time I have felt like myself since I have been here. We need this every day.”The brief sessions of fifteen to thirty minutes with music provide a welcome distraction to patients | BEDFORDSHIRE HOSPITALS NHS FOUNDATION TRUST The sessions incorporate substantial upper body movement, with some participants reporting their shoulders feel noticeably lower afterwards and their range of motion has improved.Ms Hunt explained the approach centres on relaxation, enjoyment, releasing muscular tension, and creating shared experiences among patients in the same bay.”I think it just shifts the ward from feeling like a very clinical space into feeling like a more human and artistic space,” she told the BBC.Ms Howells, 35, has witnessed tangible physical improvements in participants, with patients telling her their pain diminished or disappeared entirely during the dancing and their joints felt more supple.The brief sessions of fifteen to thirty minutes with music provide a welcome distraction for those who are unwell, bored and frustrated by their hospital stay.Several patients have noted the entire atmosphere of the ward feels transformed following the sessions, according to Ms Howells, who described her involvement as a “huge privilege”. She said she valued witnessing how dance and creative arts can support physical wellbeing while simultaneously boosting mood and fostering a sense of community among patients.Keely Birch, the hospital’s prevention of deconditioning lead, acknowledged the extended hospital admissions can significantly affect patients’ mental health, leading to boredom, feelings of isolation and low moods.”This project has shown that creative health has a well-deserved place in the acute setting, with patients who have taken part reporting they feel it has value as part of their hospital stay,” Ms Birch said.

Devaun Rose-Turner was found dead at the couple’s home in Bedfordshire in December 2021, having suffered more than 80 injuries in the two months before his tragic deathEmmanuel Turner and Shandies Rose fled the country while be investigated for the death of their eight-month-old son(Image: Mirror UK )A couple from South London have been jailed for beating their baby son to death.Devaun Rose-Turner was only 8 months old when he passed away in December 2021, having suffered more than 80 injuries during the two months leading up to his tragic death. Emergency responders were called to the Bedfordshire residence at approximately 7 a.m. on Dec. 11, 2021 after Devaun’s father, Emmanuel Turner, reported that his son had stopped breathing.Devaun was declared dead later that morning. His parents, Emmanuel Turner and Shandies Rose, of Hurstbourne Road, Forest Hill, were taken into custody on suspicion of murder in 2022, but were released pending investigation while detectives assembled a comprehensive account of the events, reports Mirror UK.Officers collaborated closely with medical and forensic experts to determine the circumstances of the infant’s death, with the extent and nature of his injuries indicating repeated instances of physical abuse.Investigators also verified that Devaun had been solely under his parents’ care during that entire timeframe.Medical experts revealed Devaun suffered a “catalog of injuries” including 76 rib fractures, a fractured spine, a fractured upper jaw, and a fractured nose(Image: Bedfordshire Police)In August of that year, detectives learned the pair had absconded to Nigeria.They returned on May 10, 2025, and were apprehended upon arrival at the airport, subsequently charged and held in custody.During the trial, the court was told that the young boy had suffered more than 80 separate injuries in the eight weeks prior to his death.Devaun Rose-Turner didn’t have a chance at lifeEmmanuel Turner, 34, received a life sentence on Wednesday, June 3, with a minimum term of 22 years for the murder of his son. Shandies Rose, 29, was acquitted of murder, but convicted of manslaughter, receiving a 12-year prison sentence, according to MyLondon.Both were additionally found guilty of causing or allowing a child to suffer significant harm, receiving concurrent sentences of eight years and seven years respectively.Judge, the Honorable Justice Farbey KC, stated: “Both of you knew about his pain. Both of you decided to keep it hidden so he received no medical help.”Detective Inspector Lee Martin, who headed the investigation, commented: “This was a complex and deeply challenging investigation into the sustained abuse and tragic death of a baby behind closed doors.”He suffered horrifyingly painful injuries at the hands of his parents”From the outset, our focus was on establishing exactly what happened to Devaun and securing justice for him, with our team working tirelessly to ensure he was given a voice,” he added”Nothing can undo what happened to him, but today’s sentence reflects the persistence of our officers in ensuring that those who should have cared and protected for him have been held accountable for the abuse he suffered.””Our thoughts will always remain with Devaun — sleep well, little man.”

The 22-acre site would deliver homes with up to five bedrooms, including bungalowsAn illustrative masterplan of Bellway’s proposed 180-home development at Myers Road, Potton(Image: Bellway)A developer is hoping to build up to 180 new homes in a town near Cambridgeshire. Bellway Strategic Land is seeking outline planning permission to Central Bedfordshire Council for the development of land north of Myers Road on the edge of Potton.The proposals for the 22-acre site would deliver a range of homes with up to five bedrooms, including bungalows. Of the 180 homes, 30 per cent of the properties would be offered as affordable housing for low-cost rent or shared ownership.The site would provide public open space, children’s play areas, and new walking and cycling routes. According to Bellway Strategic Land, the development could also support expanding the Potton Green Wheel, which aims to connect publicly accessible routes and green spaces around the town.Matthew Gransbury, strategic land and planning associate for Bellway, said: “There is a significant and growing need for new housing in Central Bedfordshire. Our proposals for the site at Myers Road would help to address this identified shortfall across the district whilst also meeting the recognised demand for smaller-sized properties for first-time buyers and downsizers within Potton itself.“With almost 3,000 households on the district’s housing waiting list, the need for affordable homes is particularly acute. This development would provide 30 per cent affordable housing in line with the council’s policy requirements.”Before submitting a planning application, Bellway Strategic Land, part of Bellway, conducted an extensive consultation process which involved engagement with the local planning authority, ward councillors, Potton Town Council, and residents.Mr Gransbury said feedback received during this process was “integral in shaping the proposals to balance the requirement for new housing with the need to respect the countryside setting”.As a result, the maximum number of homes proposed has reduced from 200 to 180, allowing for more green space between the development and existing properties on Myers Road. Proposed allotments have been changed in favour of more tree planting and community orchards.The development would provide 10.5 acres of green space, including children’s play areas. A new priority junction would be created to allow vehicles to access the development from Everton Road, while a second emergency access would be provided from Myers Road.The proposals would also see highway improvements at the Myers Road and Everton Road junction, alongside enhanced pedestrian and cycle connectivity through to Potton Primary School.If outline planning permission is granted, a reserved matters application will then be submitted to determine the exact number and mix of homes to be built.

Police said they had identified a 55-year-old man who was pronounced dead at the sceneStock image of police officers(Image: Brian A Jackson/Getty Images)Police have named the man who died at a lake on the Cambridgeshire border. At around 7am on May 28, Bedfordshire Police were alerted to a man’s body in the Manor Farm lakes near the village of Stratford, about three miles from the border with Cambridgeshire.Emergency services attended the incident, and the body was recovered and pronounced dead at the scene. Police have now named the man as 55-year-old Lee Morgan from Luton.Police said it was not treating Mr Morgan’s death as suspicious and has passed the case to the local coroner.Detective Sergeant Lisa Whitson, of Bedfordshire Police, said: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with Mr Morgan’s family at this sad time.“We are still following lines of enquiry to establish the circumstances around this tragic incident, but we are not treating it as suspicious, and a file has been passed to the coroner.”

Police have named the man who died at a lake on the Cambridgeshire border. At around 7am on May 28, Bedfordshire Police were alerted to a man’s body in the Manor Farm lakes near the village of Stratford, about three miles from the border with Cambridgeshire.
Emergency services attended the incident, and the body was recovered and pronounced dead at the scene. Police have now named the man as 55-year-old Lee Morgan from Luton.

Police said it was not treating Mr Morgan’s death as suspicious and has passed the case to the local coroner.
Detective Sergeant Lisa Whitson, of Bedfordshire Police, said: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with Mr Morgan’s family at this sad time.
“We are still following lines of enquiry to establish the circumstances around this tragic incident, but we are not treating it as suspicious, and a file has been passed to the coroner.”

Union says staff working extra are losing £120 a shift under new rulesA strike could be on the wayAuthor: Richard MuriePublished 1 hour agoLast updated 1 hour agoOperating theatre staff in Bedfordshire hospitals are preparing for potential strike action after voting unanimously against changes to their overtime pay, according to UNISON. The decision follows the Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s move to cease time-and-a-half overtime payments for workers exceeding their 37.5-hour weekly contracts earlier this year. Under the new arrangements, staff must book additional shifts through the Trust’s ‘bank’ system, receiving standard pay rates for extra hours worked. As a result, experienced nurses and operating department practitioners are losing approximately £120 per shift. UNISON warns that the reduction in pay could exacerbate staffing issues and lead to increased cancellation of operations. Strike dates are likely to be revealed soon unless the Trust reintroduces the previous overtime rates, which would prevent industrial action entirely, the union stated. Staff reactions and union statementsUNISON Eastern head of health, Caroline Hennessy, commented on the situation: “The NHS is under huge financial pressure at the moment, but bosses shouldn’t go looking in theatre staff’s pockets to make their savings.” “This unanimous vote for strikes shows exactly how upset workers are at this raid on their wages.” “There’s still time to avoid strikes — the Trust just has to bring back the overtime rates that workers were paid already.” Elaine Inacio, a senior theatre assistant at Bedford Hospital, added her perspective: “Staff aren’t asking for anything extra, just the pay we were on before.” “It’s already stressful enough working in operating theatres, but morale has absolutely plummeted since this pay cut.” “Nobody wants to go on strike, but we’ve been left with no choice.” Trust’s response and future stepsA spokesperson for Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust addressed the concerns raised by staff and unions: “We value our theatre teams enormously and fully recognise the skill, commitment and pressure involved in their roles.” “We are sorry that some colleagues feel distressed by the recent changes, and we are continuing to meet with staff and trade union representatives to listen to their concerns.” “Earlier this year, the Trust standardised overtime and additional hours payments for theatre staff so that all colleagues are paid consistently and in line with national NHS Agenda for Change arrangements.” “These changes were introduced to ensure fairness across our workforce, to bring legacy local arrangements in line with Trust wide standards, and to support the long-term sustainability of our services.” “We remain committed to working constructively with UNISON and our theatre teams, and we hope to avoid any industrial action.” The Trust emphasised its priority to maintain safe, high-quality patient care while supporting its staff as much as possible. Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.

Tiff Mills expects the Norfolk Ladies golf team to be very competitive this week when they will try to clinch the East region title for a third straight year.The side triumphed in the annual ‘County Match Days’ at Felixstowe Ferry in 2024 and repeated the feat in Bedfordshire 12 months ago.Mills, who secured the winning point last time, will captain Norfolk in the flagship championship, which takes place from June 12-14 at St Ives Golf Club in Cambridgeshire.Norfolk golf captain Tiffany Mills, who plays for Ryston Park. Picture: Rushmer PRThe Ryston Park golfers’ nine-strong side begins its three-peat attempt on Friday morning, lining up against Essex. Norfolk will go on to face Hertfordshire, Suffolk, Bedfordshire and Cambs & Hunts.Each match comprises two foursomes and three singles ties. And the winner of the round robin tournament will earn the right to tee up in late July in the English Women’s County Finals at Betchworth Park, Surrey.Mills, 35, joked: “I think we’re always going to have a target on our back being double reigning champions – everyone will be out to get us!“But we have strong singles players and it’s just getting those foursomes right. “Foursomes is tricky because it’s not something we practise throughout the year. But we’re lucky we’ve got some players from the same club that have played together before. “We’ve got a slightly different team to previous years. We’ve got a couple of rookies – Anita Booth and Ruby Reeve.“Anita played for the County 2s last year and she’s got a very steady game and a match play head, so I think she’ll make a good partner.“Ruby’s really determined and very committed to the county – and that’s what you want as part of your team. “We’ve also got Laura Todd, a player who came from Cambridgeshire and is now playing for us.”Mills is pleased to have talented Chloe Tarbard returning to the side. Also in the line-up is fellow teenager Amelie Marling, another fine young player to have come through Norfolk’s junior girls programme. Last year’s Norfolk Ladies county champion Harriet Allsebrook, former county captain Jo Herd and Ruby Patterson complete the team.For Mills, it will be the 20th significant tournament in which she has represented her home county. The career greenkeeper first played County Match Days in 2011 and, on five occasions, has been part of a winning team that’s progressed to the national finals.Captaincy brings fresh challenges but Mills is happy to embrace them as part of her journey within the Norfolk Ladies set-up.The 2024 women’s county champion said: “I did have to think hard about it because I still play golf quite competitively and to have the responsibility of everyone else is quite daunting. But obviously, I’ve been part of county golf for a long time and am giving something back.”Mills pinpoints team spirit as a key strength to Norfolk Ladies golf. And the team’s togetherness, alongside it’s undoubted ability, has led to a welcome association with insurance company Adrian Flux. Mills added: “We are grateful for the ongoing support from Adrian Flux, whose generosity has helped give us more opportunities. And, thanks to them, we are delighted to have some additional kit to wear this week.”*Scores from each match will be available to view via www.norfolkladiesgolf.co.ukNorfolk team: Tiff Mills (Ryston Park), Harriet Allsebrook (Hunstanton), Anita Booth (Royal Cromer), Jo Herd (Royal Norwich) Amelie Marling (Barnham Broom), Ruby Patterson (Royal Cromer), Ruby Reeve (Thetford), Chloe Tarbard (Royal Norwich) Laura Todd (Thetford). Non-travelling reserve: Tracey Williamson (Sheringham).Picture caption (credit Rushmer PR): Tiff Mills leads Norfolk Ladies in their bid to land a third successive East region crown