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.History
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The DomesdayBook calls it
"CAMESTONE".
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In the British Museum and also the
Bedford Museum are finds from an Anglo Saxon Cemetery, now called the Saxon Centre. The most important was a famous glass drinking horn in perfect
state of preservation. The importance of this discovery is that there is evidence of a peaceful community settled in Kempston and it was a thriving
place before Bedford came into the picture.
Alfred and Guthram defined the boundaries of their respective
domains Wessex and the Danelaw in AD 885. It would seem that Kempston was just in King Alfred's territory. In the reign of Edward the Confessor,
Camestone (Kempston) was held by Earl Gyrth, brother to King Harold (who was killed by an arrow in 1066). Gyrth was also killed at the Battle of
Hastings.
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All Saints Parish Church
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After the Conquest, King William gave
Kempston to his niece, the Countess Judith de Balliol, wife of Waltheof who became Earl of Northampton. Unfortunately Judith is best remembered for
her treachery against her husband when he was unjustly tried and executed for treason.
In 1086 she
founded the Benedictine Convent for Nuns at Elstow. There were then 2400 acres of arable land in Kempston and they needed 20 teams of oxen to keep
them in cultivation. However, a lot of land was uncultivated because it was too wet and marshy. The River Ouse worked a mill to which the people
took their corn to be ground. There was said to be 40-45 men over 16 and their families in Kempston at this time.
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Manors
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In about 1237 we hear of various Manors
of Kempston, the names of which are still used
today.
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1.
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Daubeney. 1333 the Crown granted this manor to WiIIiam Daubeney and it
remained in his family till 1502 when it was sold. The Manor House next to the Manor Hall, the home of Kempston Town CounciI, is on the site of the
original Daubeney Manor House. Henry Ill visited Kempston in 1224 when he was at the siege of Bedford Castle and he is said to have stayed at the
Daubeney Manor House.
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2.
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Kempston St. John's and Brucebury originally was granted to Isobel, wife of Robert de Bruce and claimant to the Scottish throne.
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3.
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Hastingsbury or Greys was granted to Ada, the wife of Henry Hastings. It eventually was inherited by the Greys of Wrest. The Manor House stood to
the west of the present Bury House
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Famous Residents
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The names of residents in Kempston are remembered in some of the street names.
Balliol John
de Balliol founded Balliol College, Oxford, and married Devorguilla, a descendant of Countess Judith. She was the mother of a second John de
Balliol who became King of Scotland.
Cater William bought the Kempston Greys Estate in 1624 for £7200 and the family remained in Kempston for 175 years. They lived
in a house near the Bury House. They also owned Kempston Mill.
Dennis William, a London
merchant, bought the manors of Daubeney and St. Johns in c.1603 for £7356. The family eventually sold their land in Kempston in 1809 to Williamson
The Rev Edmund, and in 1815 he built the "house that still stands between the street and the river", i e. the Manor next to the Manor
Hall. It was a gift in Mrs. Williamson's will that made possible the building of the Church of the Transfiguration. She also built and endowed the
St. Johns Almshouses as a memorial to her husband.
Littledale Henry, a director of the Sun Insurance Company, built Kempston Grange in
1845 on the Ham Field.
Thornton Harry was a nephew of Henry and inherited the Grange in 1866. Eventually it was purchased In 1885 by Mc James Howard and his widow gave the Grange and the Park for ever to the people of Kempston
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Kempston Barracks
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The Barrackswere
built 1 874-6 for the XV[th Regiment of Foot. In 1881 they became the Depot of the Bedfordshire Regiment and in 1 91 8 for the Beds & Herts. In
1958 the barracks closed and after nearly 80 years of decision making, a use as a Masonic Lodge has been found for the building. At least part of
the Barracks, including the Keep is to remain as is the Regimental War Memorial opposite.
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Historic Dates
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1.
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27th February 1826 was the night of the great fire of Kempston which destroyed 40
houses in the High Street including part ot the King William PH. There is no account of the fire but a fund for the 55 victims raised £344.13s.
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4th April 1829 Matthew
and William Li]ley were hanged at Bedford Gaol for the murder of a gamekeeper. They were poaching for food for their families.
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8th January 1904 Second Big Fire at the Half Moon near Water Lane. The Host ' Mr.
Anthony was getting ready for a "smoker" when the fire was discovered at 1.30 p.m. The message reached Kempston Post Office who
telegraphed at 1.40 p.m. to Bedford for the Fire Brigade and by 1.50 p.m. the horsed steamer Victoria was dashing to the scene. They were too late,
the thatched roof had gone and soon everything was burned including Mr. Anthony's 600 cigars.
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Kempston Charities 855167
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a)
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The Cater Charity.
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b)
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Mrs. Ann Cater's Charity for poor widows
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c)
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Sir William Long's Charity for the Poor's Beef.
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Now all three are under the control of the Kempston
Charities. They owned a workhouse which was later turned into 4 cottages in 1850. These remain to form a delightful feature of Church End. In 1960
they were scheduled as Ancient Monuments and long may they remain - an oasis of old world peace in a restless and mercenary world!
(Editor's note. They were sold by the Trustees in 1981!)
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Thirteen "Ends"
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Small hamlets which surrounded the main settlement were
BelI End, Church End, Box End, Moor End, Bridge End, Thistley Green, West End, East End, Wood End, Crow End, Green End, Up End, and Kempston
Hardwick.
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Roman Ford
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The strangest and most valuable survival in Kempston.
Great slabs of oolitic limestone cross the river near the Ladies Walk and on the right bank are clearly visible stepping down into the middle of
the river. (Ladies Walk is just halfway down on the right in Box End Road before you come to All Saints Church.)
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Kempston - A Community
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Kempston has always been proud of its sense of
community and rightly so! Many talk about "the old village"
with affection, and many others who
live in 'the new town" speak of it with warmth. Kempston is a good place in which to live, work, go to school and also enjoy leisure
activities.
So, capitalising on this community spirit, on February 1st 1997 over 50 people,
representing organisations from Kempston, met to celebrate the good things about the town and to think about the needs of the community.
The result:
a call for a multi-purpose 'PoPin Centre' for residents of all ages. A centre run for and by people
in Kempston;
a desire to update the directory of all organisations and groups within the town, and make it readily available to all.
We are monitoring the work of similar schemes in other towns and villages. AI I of them seem to take two or
three years to get a "Centre" off the ground and running. A working party meets regularly to plan and test opinions in an endeavour to
"get it about right." Do support us and encourage us - for Kempston belongs to you too.
If you would like to find out more about these two ventures, do get in touch with either:
Debbie Ward on (01234) 221661.
(Debbie works for Bedford Borough Council, and is specially responsible for developing Kempston as a community.)
Robin Brown on (01234) 854788.
(Robin is Vicar of the Transfiguration Church (C of E) in Kempston, and also Rural Dean of Bedford.)
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General Information
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Kempston has over one hundred and eighty County and
Borough establishments in the town, starting with the Headquarters of the Police, Fire and Ambulance.
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Family Groups
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Berry Group - Multicultural groups for women.
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Meets once a week at :-
Hastingsbury Upper School,
Community Lounge,
Hill Rise,
Kempston
Wednesdays 12.45 - 2.45pm term time only.
Contact Janice Payne or Miriam Richardson
(01234)325563.
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Housing
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If you are interested in applying for Council houses in
the Kempston or Bedford area, please note that there is no Council housing provided by Bedford Borough Council. It is all provided by the:-
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Bedfordshire Pilgrims Housing Association,
Home Lane,
Bedford,
(01234) 328828.
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You should obtain the necessary application forms from
them. You can also obtain application forms for Housing Association premises in the area which are:-
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Bedfordshire Citizens Housing Association
(01234) 352387
Jephson Housing Association
(01234) 213661
National Housing Federation
(01234) 348494
North British Housing Association
who have Addison Court in
Hillgrounds Road,
Kempston
(01234) 856088 and (01234) 327071
Raglan Housing Association
which has the flats in Kempston
(01234) 347060.
Housing 21 Sheltered Accommodation,
Edward Arnold Court,
Hillgrounds Road,
Kempston,
(01234) 856478 or 856379.
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Karate
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Meets in the Centenary Hall, 104 Bedford Road, Kempston
Kempston Shotokan Karate Club
Meets at Balliol Lower School
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Sunday afternoons 3.00 - 6.00pm.
Contact number Mr M Dass (0958) 297216 (Mobile)
Monday 7.00 - 8.00
Wednesday 7.30 - 8.30
Contact Andy Kidby
(01234) 853847 or at www.ndirect.co.uk/~ayam/index.html
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Kempston Boys Brigade and Kempston Girls Brigade
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If you are interested in joining either of these
organisations, ring either:-
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Linda Smith Tel No (01234) 851435 or
David Sims Tel No (01234) 853167.
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Kempston Guides
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Meets Wednesdays in the
Centenary Hall,
104 Bedford Road,
Kempston
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6.30 - 9.30 pm.
Contact Sandra Cove
Tel No (01234) 768947.
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Kempston Senior Citizens Club
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Meets in the Centenary Hall. New members are always
welcome, just come along and join in if you are interested in dancing, whist, bingo, food or a chat.
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Wednesdays and Fridays during the morning and afternoon.
Contact (01234) 857011
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Mums and Toddler Groups
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The Centenary Hall, 104 Bedford Road, Kempston has two
Mums and Toddler Groups who meet on:-
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Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 1.30 to 3.00 pm
Contact numbers are as follows:-
Tuesday,
Carol Donovan (01234) 840115 or
Suzanne Denham Tel no (01234) 857467
Thursday,
Mrs Edmunds (contact Town Council for details)
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Stepping StonesToddler Group
Kempston East Methodist Church Hall
Foster Road
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Mother and Toddler Group meet on Monday, Tuesday and Friday mornings 9.30-11.15am and caters for children up to 3yrs.
Contact number (07977 890536) during one of the sessions.
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Beulah Drop In Centre
30 Bunyan |Road
Kempston
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Parent and Toddler Group
Wednesdays 10.30-12.30 pm
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Playgroups
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Hastingsbury Playgroup
Hastinsbury Upper School
Hill Rise
Kempston
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Contact No (01234) 851338
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Lodge Playgroup
Bunyan Road
Kempston
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Monday - Friday 9.30 - 11.45
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Stepping Stones Pre-School
Kempston East Methodist Church Hall
Foster Road
Kempston
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Pre-school for children aged 3-5yrs, meets every morning 9.15-11.45am
Contact number (07977 890536) during one of the sessions.
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Habitat Playgroup
Transfiguration Church Hall
Bedford road
Kempston
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3+yrs Mornings 9.15 - 11.45
2½yrs Afternoons 12.30 - 3.00
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Slimming Clubs
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Slimming World
Centenary Hall
104 Bedford Road
Kempston
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Mondays 5.30pm and 7.15 pm.
Contact Val Careless (01234) 345213
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WeightWatchers
Centenary Hall
104 Bedford Road
Kempston
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Thursdays 9.15 - 10.45
Contact Margaret Ralph (01767) 682397
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St John Ambulance
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Meet at
Kempston Town Council
offices, top floor
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Anyone aged 6-65 can attend the various sessions
Thursday 5.00 -9.30 pm
Contact Vic (01234) 356846
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Allotments
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Balliol Road 853435
Marlborough Park 855699
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Banks and Building Societies
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Abbey National,
Saxon Centre,
Kempston
(01234) 856677
Lloyds,
215 Bedford Road,
Kempston
(01234) 854736
NatWest,
231 Bedford Road
Kempston
(01234) 854444
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Barclays,
189 Bedford Road,
Kempston
(01234) 345421
Midland,
209 Bedford Road,
Kempston
(01234) 840795
Wooiwich
178 Bedford Road
Kempston
(01234) 851577
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Bottle Banks and Recycling
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Saxon Centre, Bedford Road, Kempston
St Johns Street Car Park, Kempston
Hastingsbury Upper School
Hillgrounds Road, Kempston
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Churches
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All Saints' (C of E)
Church End,
Kempston
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Contact No. (01234) 852241
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Bedford Seik Association
Centenary Hall
104 Bedford Road
Kempston
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Sunday 9.30 - 2.00pm
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Church of Our Lady (RC),
Bedford Road,
Kempston
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Contact No. (01234) 854125
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Kempston Evangelical Church
Hastingsbury Upper School
Hill Rise
Kempston
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Sundays 10.30am and 6.00pm
Contact: Dr Ray Evans
Tel (01234) 357870
Email: revans@kec.org.uk
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Methodist East,
Bedford Road,
Kempston
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Contact No. (01234) 851987
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Methodist West,
High Street,
Kempston
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Contact No. (01234) 851987
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Spiritual Fellowship,
Meet in the Council Chamber
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Contact No. (012340 856299
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Transfiguration (C of E),
Bedford Road,
Kempston
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Contact No. (01234) 854788
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Clubs and Leisure Facilities
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Active and Interested Mothers
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Meet Tuesdays 9.30-11.30am at Kempston Youth Centre
(during term time). Contact Rachel (01234) 824933
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1st Kempston Guides
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(01234) 768947
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7th Kempston Cubs
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(01234) 852940/219254
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7th/94th Sea Scouts
The Scout Hut
Denis Road
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The groups range from Beavers (6yrs)
through to Cubs (8+) and Scouts (11-15, boys and girls). The 101st also has a venture unit for 15-20 year olds.
Enquires to the District Secretary John Hitt (01234) 404186
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101st Kempston Scouts
Addison Howard Park
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Karate in Kempston
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(01234) 325319
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Keep Fit
Centenary Hall
104 Bedford Road
Kempston
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Tuesday 10.00 - 12.00am
Contact Mrs Webster (01234) 856968
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Kempston Boys Brigade
Kempston Camera Club
meets Wednesdays at the Trnsfiguration Parish Centre
at 8.00pm
Kempston Central W.I.
Kempston East Methodist Church Hall
at 9.30am (1st Wed of each month)
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(01234) 856167
(01234) 401583
(01234) 852841
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Kempston Cricket
Kempston Girls Brigade
Kempston Library
Kempston Musical Society
Kempston Rugby Club
Kempston Senior Citizens Club
Kempston Swimming Pool
Kempston Town Football Club
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(01234) 355574
(01234) 851455
(01234) 853092
(01234) 853163
(01234) 852072
(01234) 301065/853386
(01234) 843777
(01234) 852329(01234) 266344
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Kempston Towns Womens Guild
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(01234) 301544
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Kempston West End Junior Football Club
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Contact Mark Standish (01234) 765331
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Lawson Indoor Bowls
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(01234) 852291
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Virgin Cinema,
Aspects,
Newnham Avenue,
Bedford
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(01234) 266344
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Funeral Services
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Abbotts,
150 Bedford Road,
Kempston
Bedford
Kempston Cemetery,
Green End Road,
Kempston
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(01234) 853222/855044
(01234) 851823
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Halls
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Addison Centre,
Hiligrounds Road,
Kempston
Centenary Hall,
104 Bedford Road,
Kempston
Kempston Keep,
Bedford Road,
Kempston
Southfields,
Southfields Road,
Kempston
Transfiguration Church Hall,
Bedford Road,
Kempston
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(01234) 350893/843940
(01234) 851005
(01234) 253574
(01234) 267422
(01234) 348334
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Doctors
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Au and Wallis,
St John's Street,
Kempston
Done and Partners
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Cater Street,
Kempston
Khanbhai and Partners,
Bedford Road,
Kempston
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(01234) 85112 7
(01234) 853461
852222
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Health Centre
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Kempston Clinic,
Halsey Road,
Kempston
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(01234) 852195
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Dentists
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The Surgery,
212 Bedford Road,
Kempston
Dental Care
Bedford Road
Kempston
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(01234) 851192
(01234) 405050
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Opticians
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Archbold,
158 Bedford Road,
Kempston
Valerie Curtis,
2b Bunyan Road,
Kempston
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(01234) 855822
(01234) 851873
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Miscellaneous
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Disabled Peoples Council
Kempston Charities
Kempston Fun Day
Royal British Legion
St Johns Homes, Bedford Road, Kempston
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(01234) 851005 - For Information
(01234) 854768
(01234) 300848
(01234) 841698
(01234) 840882
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TOC H
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(01234) 306286 Email: jack.turner1@ntlworld.com
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TOC H Charity Shop
87 Williamson Road
Kempston
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(01234)851251
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