In the depths of Esquires nightclub, mingling among the pictures of the numerous famous musicians who have donned the stage there, were hiding some of the top creative minds in Bedfordshire this month.
Reporter HAZEL SLADE made a visit to the latest of the Creative Bedfordshire meetings, to find out more about the council-led initiative which works tirelessly to bring our artistic residents together.
WALKING into the renowned Bedford music venue, I half expected to find a room full of people in wacky clothes, painting masterpieces while simultaneously composing music that would put Mozart to shame. No such luck.
The 220 members of Creative Bedfordshire (they weren’t all at this particular meeting) look just like your everyday Joe Bloggs off the street. The only difference being their work – and more often their passion – sits within the creative spectrum.
Some are business people with already established companies, some are people with a creative talent or idea looking for someone to work with and some simply want to meet like-minded people.
As I walked through the door of Danny’s Bar – the latest of a string of inspirational venues to host the meetings – I was asked to sign my name and write down what I do (I put down writer thinking journalist didn’t sound imaginative enough next to all the artists, photographers and designers) and was pointed to where I could collect my free refreshment.
Now, these meetings are officially organised and run by Bedford Borough Council’s Economic Development Team, with hours of planning and hard work going into each one, to make sure attendees can get the best out of the two-hour event.
It wasn’t always so organised.
Two years ago, the creative businesses and entrepreneurs of our towns and villages had nowhere to meet but the local pub.
But sometime in 2007/2008 – the date is a bit hazy – what was then called Creative Bedford decided it wanted more and approached the now non-existent county council for funding and support.
Hence, Creative Bedfordshire was born. However, economic development officer Amy-Jane Cahalane, who runs Creative Bedfordshire, explained: “The county council no longer existed, so we could either let Creative Bedfordshire die off or save it.
And best of all, the meetings are free to attend – just turn up.
Miss Cahalane explained it was just over a year ago that she started the meetings again, boosting the membership.
Now, along with her partnerin- crime Anna Walsh, the twowoman band put their blood, sweat and tears (no exaggeration, these girls work hard) into finding a different venue each month, with a talk on a creative subject by either one of the members or from someone in the venue.
But the meeting I went to was extra special, as we had an update on their very flashy, new website, which was launched earlier this summer.
I was shown how to set up a profile and navigate myself around the facebook-style website.
Miss Cahalane said: “We soon identified that there was some functionality missing from the old website that would be very useful to up-and-coming creative professionals and graduates, for example job and commission posting.
“Also technology had moved on and left the website behind. It was also looking dated and we wanted a fresh new look to attract more members and also the business community.” So, Bedford Borough Council commissioned Squadra Branding & Design and 123 Internet to produce a new website, with Central Bedfordshire Council contributing about a third of the cash.
And now, although Creative Bedfordshire is not alone – there are similar creative networks across the country – it is the only programme of its kind in the area.
Miss Cahalane added: “This is the only network that offers this level of free local support online and in person for all creative disciplines.” And with free refreshments, informative talks and events, and fun networking, I’ve just one question… how could any creative person resist? For more information on Creative Bedfordshire or to create a profile visit www.creativebedfordshire.org
