COUNTY LIFEMATTERS
Stick That In Your Pipe A SMOKIN’ SHERLOCK STORY BY M J SIMMONDS
Former High Sheriff of Bedfordshire HONOURED AT GRADUATION
HARRISON AND SIMMONDS on Bedford High Street is celebrating 90 years in business with the publication of a Sherlock Holmes mystery. Family business member Matthew Simmonds makes his debut as an author with an authentic murder story set in Bedfordshire. Of course the fictional detective was a famous smoker, and examples of ‘Sherlock Holmes’ style pipes are among many on sale at H & S which is a quality tobacconist as well as a “gentlemen’s emporium” of the sort Arthur Conan Doyle (22 May 1859 - 7 July 1930) would have recognised. A fan of all the original Conan Doyle Holmes stories (and of Jeremy Brett considered to be archetypal Sherlock), Matthew has recaptured the Victorian atmosphere in his ripping yarn which cleverly weaves in many references to pipe smoking and tobacco. From Briar to Clay Churchwarden, Matthew mentions many of the pipes on still on sale today in his family’s High Street shop - which does get a brief mention in his book as a “tobacconist of national renown on the High Street”. Most of the mystery is set in the fictitious Beda’s Hurst or Bedhurst Hall to which Holmes and Dr. Watson take a carriage after arriving at the Victorian train station which will be remembered by local folk of 50+. The victim is a James Harrison, not described as a relation of Harrison and Simmonds, but an interesting turn in The Adventure of the Pigtail Twist. Harrison & Simmonds, Bedford's finest gentleman's emporium since 1928, purveyors of high-quality gifts and the finest range of gentlemen's accoutrements including: pens, pewter hip-flasks, pocket-watches, clocks, globes, paperweights, letter openers, cufflinks, tobacconist goods, barometers and thermometers, masonic gifts and grooming, games and models, sports accessories, sticks and canes. The business has been in the Simmonds family for five generations, offering traditional, personal, congenial service and great attention to detail. This is not the only Simmonds book on sale. A history of the family was written and published by Anne T. Simmonds. Copies of the book are on sale at the shop or at Amazon or via the family business website
www.h-s.co.uk
8 County Life
THE FORMER HIGH SHERIFF OF BEDFORDSHIRE, VINOD TAILOR FCIB DL, who recently finished his term of office, was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Business Administration at a graduation ceremony at the University’s Putteridge Bury campus, in recognition of services to business and the local community. Vinod first came to the UK from Uganda as a refugee in 1972. He worked at Tesco while studying at high school before beginning his working life at NatWest Bank as a messenger, where he quickly worked his way through the ranks. He went on to enjoy a successful career, spanning over 40 years, in the banking and financial sector. More recently he took on the role of High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, an appointment made by the Queen which dates back to Saxon times. The prestigious role is to act as the Queen’s representative in Bedfordshire for all matters relating to the Judiciary and the maintenance of law and order. Speaking about his time as High Sheriff, Vinod said: “This role taught me a lot about humility and what people have done by putting themselves second and putting others first in serving the community and voluntary sector,
which is a great part of the United Kingdom.” He also offered words of advice to the Class of 2018, saying: “This country provides the best opportunities and in your chosen careers, please give your best, and remember that you are part of a bigger community and should be a responsible citizen.” Vinod joined students from the Faculty of Education & Sport, who collected awards in front of excited family and friends.
Xtra Xmas Lights for Bedford ADDS SPARKLE TO THE TOWN
BedfordBid adds sparkle to the streets of the town with a selection of Christmas lights. These are switched on to signify the arrival of Santa on his REAL reindeer sleigh, and the start of late night shopping. See
www.lovebedford.co.uk for full details on the events calendar. The twinkling high-lights, paid for by the BedfordBID (Business Improvement Direct) businesses, cover side streets such as Mill Street, The Broadway, St Cuthbert’s Street and create wonderful Christmas walkways to welcome visitors. More than ever, Bedford has restaurants where you can enjoy a celebration, there is the theatre, the new Vue cinema, and 100s of independent shops who will offer you a warm welcome. For full details of the day when Santa starts the season, events and activities, offers and more log on to
www.lovebedford.co.uk for daily updates as we countdown to Christmas.
www.countylifemagazines.co.uk
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