Bedford Blues

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Club director and former player, Dave Twigden ran in the London Marathon in memory of Mark Howe and to raise money for prostate cancer.

Completing the race seemed unlikely as Dave had not run for three weeks because of a calf injury and having an artificial hip did not help his cause. However, he did finish in 6 hours 02mins. Dave says the best part of the race were hearing shouts of, 'Come on Howie!' cheering him on along the route. He admits he was overtaken by a chicken and Mickey Mouse and was lapped three times by the Kenyans. It was, however, a great tribute to the memory of Mark and 4k was raised for prostate cancer. Dave wants to thank all who sponsored him and so kindly contributed to such a worthy cause.

Everyone is reminded that donations are still being accepted on To make a donation please click here and also that the advice given is that men over the age of 45 should make sure they are tested.

Bedford Blues Director David Twigden is gearing up for the huge challenge of taking on the London Marathon in memory of former Blues stalwart Mark Howe who died earlier this year.

Taking a few moments out of his preparations for the marathon in April next year, David said: "The main reason for this is Mark, a truly top chap and a real inspiration to me throughout my rugby days at Bedford, who sadly passed away this year as a result of prostrate cancer.

"We all moan about niggles and ailments and I have had my share with a back operation, two hip operations and numerous hamstring twangs. I was noted as being reasonably quick over 20 metres but I think 26 miles will be testing.

"Prostate cancer took away a very good friend and I wish to raise as much money as I can but more importantly to remember what a true gent Mark, and to run in his memory. I hope that all Former Players and Blues fans can help me to do both."

Obituary: The club is very sad to announce the death of J D 'Doc' Heaton. Don was a former player, a club committee member and club doctor for many years. He made 56 appearances for the Blues between 1956-59. Playing at centre, he was the highest points scorer for the 1957-58 and 1958-59 seasons. A multi - talented sportsman Don was a County Tennis Champion, represented the RAF at cricket and rugby and also played cricket for Bedford Town and Bedfordshire. From 1957 until his retirement he was a GP in Kempston. Don was a member of the Former Players Association and until very recently supported the Blues from his seat in the front of the stand. Our sympathy goes to Don's wife Eileen, his daughters and family.
Funeral arrangements to follow.

Best wishes to former player and avid supporter of the Blues for many years, Norman Flinn, who will shortly be moving to London to live near his daughter.

Obituary: It was with sadness that we heard that Fran Elliott, widow of Harry and mother of Rex, Ruth and Rachel had passed away, aged 94. Fran was a great support to Harry during his fifty year involvement at the club. Many older former players will remember Fran serving them meals after games at Goldington Road. We send our sympathy to all her family.

70 members enjoyed an excellent lunch at the Inns of the Court on Friday, 1st February. Among those present were the 4 top try scorers for the club-Derek Wyatt(145) Budge Rogers(126) Barrie Williams (126) and Ben Whetstone (121). Many thanks to former player, Phil Boulding QC for organising the venue and sponsoring part of the lunch.

On Sunday, 16th December the family and many friends of Mark Howe planted 1,000 trees in the Forest of Marston Vale in memory of Mark. Everyone returned to Moreteyne Farm to enjoy drinks and a hog roast. Thank you Bex. The sun shone and it was a truly fitting tribute to a Bedford Blues legend.

On Saturday, at the match, on behalf of the former players a cheque for £3,000 was presented by Bruce Mackay and Bex to Cancer Research. Thank you all for your contributions.

At the B&I Cup match v Stirling County the club's Honorary Life members were invited to the pre-match lunch as guests of the FPA.

Nine of life members were present - Maurice Webb, Dr. Bob Main, John Saunders, Budge Rogers, Roger Slaughter, Geoff Irvine, Gareth Davies, Marie Davies and Pete Smith.

'Tich' Haynes was unable to attend because of ill-health and Ken Phillips sent his good wishes from his home in Spain.

Autumn Lunch

It was a memorable day at Goldington Road and a fitting tribute to Blues legend Mark Howe. Mark's family was present to see the fantastic response to the collection for prostate cancer, in memory of Mark, who sadly passed away in May. Thanks to all who attended the lunch and to those who organised tables, with special mention of Nick Bennett, who managed to raise four tables. Bruce Mackay, Mark's team mate and close friend, Leigh Mansell, Chairman of the FPA and Club Chairman, Geoff Irvine all spoke of Mark's service to the club as player and director and of Mark, the gentleman. Thanks too to those who donated raffle prizes. At half-time Mark's friends and committee members of the FPA did a great job with the 'bucket' and 'blanket' collection and the former players would like to thank everyone for their very generous contributions. It is hoped that a substantial sum will be donated to the Prostate Cancer Charity.

The lunch was followed by a great game v Moseley RFC and a resounding win for the Blues. The icing on the cake was our hooker, Neil Cochrane, now sponsored by Mark's family, scoring two tries-a fitting tribute to one of the club's greats.

The Society welcomed two international guests - former player Phil Roberts from France and Mike Cook for Perth in Australia. Also playing were current players Gregor Gillanders and Brendan Burke. Presentations were made by the Society's President, Albie Saunders.

1st: Phil Roberts - 31points
2nd: Gregor Gillanders - 30 points
3rd: Gareth Davies - 30 points