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Historic artefacts returned to Kenya
A collection of historic African artefacts were returned to Kenya this week, half a century after they were brought to England.
A delegation from the Kenyan government was at Bedford Museum on Monday to receive a collection which includes necklaces, gourd pots and a decorated shield, as well as spears and a bow and arrow.
The items were collected by Major Harry Rawkins while he was serving in the British Army in Kenya in the 1950s. Mr Rawkins, who was brought up in Renhold, had been a pupil at Bedford Modern School, and later worked for Charles Wells and played for both Bedford Athletic and Bedford rugby clubs.
The collection was offered to Bedford Museum, but bosses there and Mr Rawkins' family decided the most appropriate outcome was for them to be returned to Kenya.
William Ole Ntimama, the Kenyan minister of state for national heritage and culture, was at Bedford Museum for the handover, along with representatives from Kenyan Community Bedford, a group set up in 2005, and members of the Luton Young Leaders' Academy.
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Weather for Bedford
Sunday 05 February 2012
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Light sleet
Temperature: -1 C to 1 C
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