chevvron, not so sure about a semi-permanent TR1/U2R datachment but they were certainly regular visitors - remember having 3 in the visual circuit one day, one of which was a 2 seater on detachment at Alconbury.
The attraction of Bedford was our runway orientation, being about 90 degrees different to Alconbury, provided a handy diversion option when the cross wind there was too strong. Only remember one or two actual diversions but at least one of those resulted in an operational sortie being flown from Bedford the following day.