In the Stix

Local groups launched to protect river and valley

Bedfordshire Great Ouse Valley Environmental Trust (Beds GOVET) and Stevington Environmental Group (SEG) were launched during the recent Great Big Green Week.

Beds GOVET is a new charity addressing climate change and its impact on the Great Ouse Valley. Its aim is to protect the river and valley from pollution, further loss of biodiversity, environmental degradation and flooding as well as supporting parish communities in reducing carbon emissions and building resilience to climate change. SEG is a local community group whose aim is to support local efforts to protect and enhance the Stevington Parish Landscape, an important source of beauty, tranquillity and wellbeing for village residents.

Beds GOVET and SEG came together to put on local events in Stevington. Events included an interactive, multi-media display about river health, a talk about the re-introduction of beavers across the UK to help with natural flood management and a visit to New Barns Farm in Carlton for a fantastic insight into environmental farming practices. Families enjoyed a tractor-trailer ride with a talk about strategies used to increase biodiversity and soil health, followed by fun and pizzas at the glamping site.

For further information find us on Facebook Bedfordshire Great Ouse Valley Environmental Trust or email us at bedsgovet@btinternet.com.

Royal honour for Sharnbrook theatre volunteers

The Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis, presents the award to Douglas Pope and Bob Hart

Following months of delays caused by the pandemic, the volunteer team at Sharnbrook Mill Theatre has finally been presented with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS). QAVS is equivalent to the MBE and is the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.

The Lord Lieutenant for Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis, presented the award to the Trust Chairman Douglas Pope and senior member Bob Hart. Douglas said: “It was an unbelievably emotional and proud moment for me personally to receive the award on behalf of everyone.”

During the celebratory evening, guests – who included The High Sheriff Eric Masih and the Mayor of Bedford Dave Hodgson – were treated to a supper platter accompanied throughout by Kaye Tompkins playing a miscellany of show music. A superb revue was performed by members with songs and excerpts from plays with the additional guest appearance of Jamie Tyler, one of the theatre’s past members and now a celebrated professional. “It was a wonderful evening for all those present and one that will go down as one of the greatest in Sharnbrook Mill Theatre history,” said Douglas.

Fireworks are back with a bang!

Saturday 6 November sees the return of the fantastic firework displays in the Ouse Valley villages.

The Sharnbrook Scouts 47th Grand Fireworks Display takes place at South Field, Tofte Manor at 7pm with gates opening and BBQ food available from 6.15pm. Advance tickets – children £2, adults £3 – are available at Pick-a-Lily florist or The Co-op until Friday 5 November. Prices on the gate are children £3, adults £5. www.sharnbrookscouts.webs.com

Oakley Sports & Social Club hosts its annual event at 5.30pm with the firework display at 7.30pm.

This popular family event includes a mini funfair, BBQ, stalls selling LED wands and swords, popcorn and candy floss, and warm waffles and desserts from Mr Ice Cream Man. Tickets, which are available from the club house and post office, are priced at family £10, adult £5 and child £3. www.oakleyssc.com

Catch a movie in Harrold

Friday Film Nights have returned to Harrold Centre. This popular event provides an opportunity for local people to watch films with their family and friends at a very reasonable price.

Films are screened on the third Friday of the month and a licensed bar is available in addition to tea, coffee, and ice cream both before the film and in the interval. The hall is fully accessible to wheelchair users. Since starting, audiences have enjoyed a variety of superb films including The Artist, The King’s Speech, Black Swan, Life of Pi, Skyfall and Rocketman.

November’s film, on Friday 19th, is the Oscar and Bafta-winning The Father (12A) starring Anthony Hopkins and Olivia Colman. Doors and bar open at 7pm with the film starting at 7.30pm. Tickets are £5 for adults, £4 concessions and can be bought at the door, in advance at Harrold Post Office, or online at

ticketsource.co.uk/adhoc.

Christmas in Blunham

Blunham Parish Council are looking to build on the success of last year, which saw Christmas lights twinkling through the village for the first time. This year’s Christmas lights switch on will be on 27 November to coincide with the traditional Blunham Christmas Market. The Parish Council are looking to work with the church and volunteers to plan a wonderful Christmas in Blunham.

If you would like to get involved, please get in touch www.blunham-pc.gov.uk

Do you have some village news to share? Email jacqui@bedslifemagazine.co.uk Copy deadline for the December issue is 10 November.