A BIRTHDAY pressie for Dunstable soul fan Michelle Karpel really was something to make a song and dance about.
Michelle, one of the Dunstable Groovaz soul scene supporters, had an inkling that her family were planning special celebrations for her 50th.
She thought it was the surprise party that they threw for her at the Holiday Inn near Dunstable.
And she was delighted when DJ Don Neufville said he was going to play a song by 90s chart-topper Kenny Thomas.
But she couldn’t believe her eyes when Kenny suddenly appeared – and performed in person.
Kenny obligingly performed his string of Top 10 hits in a 45-minute set, including Thinking About Your Love, and Outstanding.
And the crowd didn’t hold back on the applause.
Michelle said: “I knew my husband and family may have planned a meal or something – but I never expected anything like this.”
And she added: “I had the shock of my life when Kenny appeared, to perform live!”
Kenny said: “Michelle and her friends are well-known on the soul scene and it was a pleasure to come and perform for her.”
Sounds like Michelle’s birthday surprise was a real hit!
SO sad to see jewellers H. Samuel closing its doors in the Quadrant Shopping Centre, in Dunstable.
There were lots of bargains in the run-up to the shutdown.
But at the end of the day, the closure was still a raw deal.
Now the dazzling discounts are over, we’re left with another big, empty unit, right at one of the entrances to the centre.
That said, don’t forget, there is still a good selection of popular stores in the centre, including household names like Boots, Next, Clintons, W.H. Smith, Bonmarche, New Look, Costa, Specsavers and Poundland.
And outside the Quadrant, you can find major stores like Wilkinson and Peacocks alongside the smaller, independent shops.
Then there are the giant outlets in the White Lion Retail Park and along Luton Road.
It’s just the empty units that give the Quadrant a touch of the tumbleweed feeling.
Let’s hope that the old H. Samuel unit is back in business soon...
FANCY making some new friends?
It couldn’t be easier – the Friends of Priory House and Gardens will welcome you with open arms!
Just call Priory House on 01582 890270 or email prioryhouse@dunstable.gov.uk to find out more.
You can help your new Friends to support, promote and fundraise for the Grade II* listed building and its stunning setting.
Get in touch if you can spare a little time to help with projects and planting in the gardens, with activities, workshops and fundraising events, or if you would like to be an active member of the committee.
> If you’d like to find out more about one of the jewels in Dunstable’s crown, you can go along for an evening talk and guided tour of Priory Gardens on Friday, July 13.
Everything in the garden should be lovely, after the torrential rain we’ve been having lately.
John Crawley, the head of grounds and environmental services at Dunstable Town Council, will be giving the talk.
It’s all happening from 7pm to 9pm, and it costs £3 for members of the Friends, or £4 for non-members – including a glass of wine.
I’ll drink to that...