There’s nothing like attaching a number to something to really give you a sense of how quickly time flies, especially if a particular event. Which is why I’m not a big fan of birthdays.
So it stopped me a little in my tracks recently when I got a message asking “you don’t happen to have a copy of the first issue of The Clanger, do you? I’m doing a 15-year anniversary retrospective” 😳
It was a fair question, as I had been ‘the photographer part’ in those early, formative days.
©ShaunArmstrong2011 - Front Cover Image - Bedford Clanger - Issue No1 - June 2011
That message was from local journo and former We Are Bedford cultural disturber, Erica Roffe, who co-founded Bedford Independent news site and back in June 2011 was the instigator of what was then a groundbreaking and free local printed newszine The Bedford Clanger, hot on the heels of the Castle Quay Weekender live event that she and partner in crime, Kayte Pippett, led and engineered, and which I had documented. She edits it still.
Erica will no doubt write a much more eloquent summary of events, but my abiding memory was a chat in Bedford Park, probably April/May 2011 while her two young twins ran around with much gusto, being pitched the idea of ‘doing the photography’ for this new publication, which would focus on stories about not just what was going on in Bedford, but the businesses and movers/shakers that were part of the vibrant community making the difference. The concept was not just another list of stuff, but her writing and an aesthetic that was more ‘Guardian Supplement’. So large, unique and artful imagery would be a big part. As well as fresh design from brilliant local artist Marissa Straccia. Nice.
The Bedford Clanger went from strength to strength in printed broadsheet format and whilst it has evolved in terms of size, format and content, as audience and tech dictated over these 15 (sigh) years, I enjoyed working with Erica and Marissa for well over a year until I let the opportunity move to other ‘young’ volunteer photographers, meeting and creating portraits of local entrepreneurs and, if I do say so myself, creating some imagery I’m still proud of today.
So, here is a bit of a highlight selection. I’m also sure some of these fresh faces may strike a chord with many local people around Bedford, seeing them again after 15 years…if you don’t know who they are. Ask Erica!
All images ©ShaunArmstrong - No use or sharing without prior permission and correct credentials.