The Bedford Podcast

Iain Armstrong

5.0 (1)
SOCIETY & CULTURE

Local Bedford podcast hosted by Ken Parsons.

JAN 22

Ken talks to Tara Adams - Part 1: Roots, Resilience & Tug of War

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.

21 min
JAN 22

Ken talks to Tara Adams - Part 2: Oceans, Extremes & What Comes Next

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.

28 min
12/19/2025

Ken talks to Dave Sims

In this episode, we sit down with Kempston historian and local legend David Sims for a rich, humorous, and deeply personal journey through the town’s past. From the iconic Kempston Barracks to the much-loved Addison Howard Park, David brings to life the stories, characters, and hidden history that shaped generations. He reveals how the barracks once bustled with soldiers, schools, hospitals, and daily military life, and explains the poignant origins of Addison Howard Park, gifted to the people of Kempston in memory of a fallen son of the Howard family. We dive into nostalgic memories of old shops, long-lost pubs, and the tight-knit barbers who once formed the beating heart of the high street. David shares childhood tales, local legends, and the quirks of community life—from skittles teams and charity events to schoolboy mischief and unforgettable characters. We also uncover how Kempston’s places got their names, the town’s Roman and Saxon roots, and the ghost stories that still echo around Water Lane. Whether you’re a lifelong Kempston resident or discovering its heritage for the first time, this episode delivers laughter, insight, and a heartfelt celebration of a remarkable community.

1h 11m
10/31/2025

Ken talks to Beth Brittain

This ok for the synopsis and title? Ken talks to Beth Brittain. This episode of the Bedford Podcast features Bethany Brittain (née Dix), a double world champion dodgeball player and former Super League netball captain. Beth shares her journey from growing up in Bedford to balancing bar work, university, and elite sport. She discusses her early passion for sport, overcoming health challenges, and the drive that led her to represent England in dodgeball and later captain Leeds Rhinos Netball. The conversation highlights the sacrifices behind sporting success, gender inequality in professional sport, and the strong support of her family. Beth also reflects warmly on Bedford’s community spirit and favourite local spots.

42 min
10/19/2025

Ken talks to Mike Rayer - Part 2, Building Bedford: Family, Community and Rugby Legacy

Mike Rayer discusses moving to Bedford with his young family and how the town became home. He recalls his early impressions, Bedford’s welcoming spirit, and how community values shaped his coaching and leadership. From longevity at Bedford Blues to the club’s family ethos, Rayer celebrates its heritage, people like Geoff Irvine, and the sense of belonging that defines Bedford rugby. The episode closes with the story behind the “Mark Rayer” beer — a light-hearted nod to camaraderie, local pride, and the enduring connection between rugby and community.

37 min
10/16/2025

Ken talks to Mike Rayer - Part 1, From Welsh Roots to Rugby Greatness

Today on the Bedford podcast, Bedford’s Director of Rugby Mike Rayer talks about his early days growing up beside his local Welsh rugby club. He shares how community, family, and passion shaped his love for the game and the lessons learned through mini rugby, hard graft, and humble beginnings. Rayer reflects on his playing career at Cardiff, the early amateur days of rugby, and the influential coaches who set him on the path to leadership and longevity in the sport.

27 min
09/23/2025

Ken talks to Pritti Saggi

In this episode of The Bedford Podcast, we sit down with Pritti, whose journey is as inspiring as it is rooted in our community. From moving to the area and making her mark through hard work, resilience, and passion, Pritti’s story shines a light on the extraordinary people living right here among us. We talk about her childhood memories, the challenges she’s faced, and the pride she carries for Bedford and its surrounding villages and of course, founding the brilliant Creating memories Charity. It’s a conversation full of warmth, honesty, and inspiration—the kind of story that reminds us why celebrating local voices matters.

1h 12m
09/03/2025

Ken talks to DJ Spoony

🎙️ Episode 2 - From Hackney to Bedford journey by DJ In this episode of We Are Bedford, we welcome DJ Spoony, one of the UK’s most iconic DJs and broadcasters. From pirate radio to BBC Radio 1 and 2, Spoony has interviewed and performed with global stars — but here he takes time to reflect on music, memory, and community. Together with Ken, he dives into Ken’s treasured vinyl record collection, does he thinks Ken’s tunes are a hit, or a miss? Spoony also shares insights from his career in the UK garage scene, his encounters with celebrity culture, and his lasting connection to Bedford. This is a heartfelt, music-filled journey through life, culture, and community spirit.

49 min
08/21/2025

Ken talks to Grant Wagstaff

🎙️ Episode 1 – From Bedford Roots to the Isle of Man TT In this first episode of We Are Bedford, we sit down with Grant Wagstaff to explore his life growing up in Bedford and Kempston, from school days and youth clubs to local pubs and family stories. Grant shares how his early love of engineering and go-karting led him to an extraordinary career in motorcycle racing, including competing at the legendary Isle of Man TT. Along the way, he reflects on Bedford’s community spirit, the teachers and friends who shaped his journey, and the risks and rewards of racing at over 120mph on the world’s most dangerous road circuit. If you love Bedford history, personal stories, and tales of living life at full speed, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

1h 8m

9 Episodes

Local Bedford podcast hosted by Ken Parsons.

Creator

Iain Armstrong
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

9
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 The Bedford Podcast
Show Website

The Bedford Podcast