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Thursday 10th November 2011

BedfordBID has shone a spotlight on the “stars of the town” .

In sponsoring the Rising Stars award for those who added most value to the town centre, BedfordBID chose as the winner the people behind “We Are Bedford”.

A people-power organisation which grew via social media into a groundswell of support for an arts event to promote the Castle Quay area, We Are Bedford kicked off a revolution of positivity about Bedford.

Its founders Kayte Judge and Erica Roffe worked tirelessly to marshall and manage the massive enthusiasm they uncovered and saw the Castle Quay Weekender turn into a huge event.The legacy of that weekend is a new approach to all that is good about Bedford.

BedfordBID Director of Operations Christina Rowe said: “I am told by everyone, everywhere in Bedford what a difference We Are Bedford has made to the town. This is well deserved award and we hope to work more closely with We Are Bedford and its followers in the future.”

BedfordBID drew up a list of many who could have won the Rising Stars award. Here are some of the unsung heroes and business who are helping to make Bedford special every single day:

Shortlisted in Rising Stars Award:

* Karen Fryc from Little Monkey Murals who has organised a series of events and activities at her shop supporting wider projects like Bedford Book Festival with a Summer Full of Stories and Halloween Half Term Hocus Pocus. She co-founded the St Cuthbert’s Street Festival and the forthcoming Children in Need activity.

*Hanworth Interiors for investing and expanding in Bedford with their Victorian Arcade shop. Proprietor Rosemarie Jarvis is drawing national attention to Bedford with her unique collection of bespoke furniture and decorative accessories. Regularly featured in Period Living Magazine, Rosemarie has even welcomed TV craft expert Kirstie Allsopp through her doors.

*Goldings Ironmongers for being there in the High Street for more than 125 years and showing that good old fashioned service is what keeps customers coming back to Bedford. As the only retailer of Kimbolton Fireworks, with a licence to sell all year, Goldings is the place to visit to make your New Year party go with a bang!

Special Thanks from BedfordBID

*Maria Bennett from Pensieri who took the first brave step to opening a business in the new Castle Quay development. The coffee shop in Ram Yard is a haven from the hustle of the high street, to relax and enjoy a cappuccino with a slice of home made cake.

*Mark Billington attendant at Queens Street car park who takes a pride in keeping his environment clean and safe as well as giving out street maps to visitors from far afield.