Cllr Caroline White

25/08/2026

15/08/2026

It was lovely to support the Kempston Pride Picnic this afternoon held by Rainbow Bedfordshire at the Transfiguration Church - Kempston 🌈 great company and stalls to raise funds, including a free surprise pot luck bulb. Well done to all of the organisers.
You can support Rainbow Bedfordshire tomorrow at the same venue with their 50p clothing sale 12 4pm. £1 entrance fee.

14/08/2026

13/08/2026

Looking for affordable family days out this summer?

Throughout August, children aged 15 and under travel FREE on participating Bedford bus services operated by Stagecoach, Grant Palmer and Uno. Links in comments.

Whether you're heading into town, visiting local attractions or meeting friends, leave the car at home and hop on the bus.

Don't forget - you may be asked to provide proof of age when travelling.

Happy bus travels!

13/08/2026

A few of the great things about Kempston Central and East Ward 💚 thank you to Bedford Borough Council for sharing them.

Transfiguration Church - Kempston Royal British Legion, Kempston & District Branch Everyones Gang
Paul Cook The Road Victims Trust Bedford Creative Arts Creating Memories Costa Kempston

From favourite places to visit to hidden gems, Bedford Borough Council is shouting about what’s great where we all live in a regular feature.

Every councillor is being invited to answer questions about their ward, to reveal the best places to shop, socialise or spend a lazy Sunday, and to share facts that you might not know or dates that you should put in your diary.

This week it’s Councillor Caroline White, who represents Kempston Central and East ward.

*Describe Kempston Central & East in five words.

A kind and caring community.

*What’s your favourite place to shop in Kempston Central and East ward and why?

Wood Green Charity Shop; you will always find me popping into our local charity shops, we have so many brilliant ones in Kempston. I have previously rehomed a dog from Wood Green Animal shelter so have a soft spot for this charity. The managers, staff and volunteers are amazing, always extremely friendly, and helpful.

*Where is your favourite place to eat in Kempston Central and East Ward?

My favourite place and a great new addition to my ward is Samosa Corner. which opened last year at 88 Bedford Road. Dine-in, takeaway or delivery, they have a vast menu of street food, traditional dishes, sweets, and drink. I would highly recommend trying their massive range of colourful and delicious sweets as a treat or as a gift.

*What has been your favourite change that you have seen in Kempston Central & East in recent years?

Both as a ward councillor and as a resident it has to be the coming together of established and new charities and individuals making a difference in my ward.

This is what makes Kempston Central and East so special - from the warm space and cafe held weekly at the Transfiguration Church, the Road Victims Trust, Everyone’s Gang, Kempston Branch of the Royal British Legion, Creating memories and Kara from Costa raising money for charities with her monthly bingo events. So many are making a difference not only to our community but beyond.

*What is the highlight of the calendrer year in Kempston Central and East ward?

Having worked with Bedford Creative Arts and local artists since 2024 as part of the steering group on the River, Flow, Connect project, this year sees a celebration of Nature Together in Kempston on 13 September from 11am-4pm alongside the Kempston riverside. A final celebration after months of workshops held, bringing the community made artworks together to create a beautiful Art Trail along the Riverbank.

*Tell us something most people won’t know about Kempston Central & East ward.

Kempston Central & East is the first ward in Bedford and Kempston to have a ‘Legend on The Bench’ su***de prevention bench installed, in the Peace Garden at the Transfiguration Church which is open to the community and was dedicated in memory of local young man Aidan Marrow. QR Codes on the bench connect directly to crisis support services, ensuring that help is only a scan away, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. At night the built-in light transforms the bench into a beacon of hope that is always accessible and visible.

*Name one thing you’d like to see come to Kempston Central and East ward.

I would love to see a new Neighbourhood Health Centre for Kempston. Having worked alongside Bedford Borough Council and other Kempston borough councillors to ensure this has progressed to the point we are currently at - whatever the outcome, this is something I will always campaign for in Kempston until we have one.

12/08/2026

An amber heat health alert is in effect until 9pm on Friday (14 August).

Please look after yourself, your friends, your loved ones and your pets.

A gentle reminder to drink fluids regularly throughout the day especially if you are physically active. Water and diluted squash or lower fat milks are good choices, whereas fruit juice, smoothies and soft drinks can be high in sugar which dehydrates the body.

If you are going out, take a refillable bottle filled with water. Take extra water for journeys on public transport or by car.

Try to stay in the shade, between 11am and 3pm when UV levels are highest, wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothes, and wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, eyes, head, ears and neck.

Cover up with suitable clothing, wear a
wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, seek shade and apply sunscreen liberally and re-apply frequently. The NHS recommends that this should be with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30, and 4 or 5 star ultraviolet A (UVA) protection.

An amber heat health alert will be in effect from 9am on Tuesday (11 August) until 9pm on Friday (14 August).

Please look after yourself, your friends, your loved ones and your pets.

A gentle reminder to drink fluids regularly throughout the day especially if you are physically active. Water and diluted squash or lower fat milks are good choices, whereas fruit juice, smoothies and soft drinks can be high in sugar which dehydrates the body.

If you are going out, take a refillable bottle filled with water. Take extra water for journeys on public transport or by car.

Try to stay in the shade, between 11am and 3pm when UV levels are highest, wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothes, and wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, eyes, head, ears and neck.

Cover up with suitable clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, seek shade and apply sunscreen liberally and re-apply frequently. The NHS recommends that this should be with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30, and 4 or 5 star ultraviolet A (UVA) protection.

And keep an eye out for others. That especially goes for children, the vulnerable, and pets who can be walked earlier or later in the day.

09/08/2026

It was a pleasure to attend the Transfiguration Church - Kempston this morning to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Mothers Union, the Transfiguration Patronal Festival and the Blenheim Day Commemoration.
Coming together as a community united in multiple celebrations and remembrance.
Congratulations to the Mothers Union on your 150th Anniversary and thank you for all of your commitment in supporting others in our community and beyond.

06/08/2026

Thank you to Michelle from Peabody Housing Association for arranging todays community engagement event at Riverside Close Kempston.
Fantastic opportunity to engage with residents and for the younger residents to enjoy some activities.
It is vital that local housing associations not only work closely with their residents but engage with local organisations and local cllrs. This helps our communities thrive and build trust in coming foward with any issues and also positive ideas to enhance the area they live in. Peabody

06/08/2026

🍃🪲🍄 It's not too late! There are a few spaces left on our free guided nature walk this Saturday 8th August.

📍Meet at Kempston Mill, Mill Lane, MK42 7BD
⏰10am - 12pm

👉 Sign up now! https://tinyurl.com/mpawb7wm

🥾 We'll be walking along the River Great Ouse towards Bedford. Jon Bishop, Priory Country Park Warden, is your guide and he'll be accompanied by keen Kempston wildlife photographer Dave Barnes.

😎 Bring sunnies, water and a hat! 🌞

04/08/2026

Bedford Borough Council is consulting on two proposals affecting local councils in Kempston and Shortstown - and residents can have their say too.

The first Community Governance Review (CGR) is a proposal to realign the boundary between Kempston Town Council and Kempston Parish Council so that it matches the existing Borough Council ward boundary line.

The second is a proposal to increase the number of parish councillors who sit on Shortstown Parish Council.

The consultation document will be sent by email (where an email address is held) or hard copy to any resident affected by the proposals

Both surveys close at midday on Friday 11 September.