YOUR FREE COPY
BULLETIN SANDY, BEESTON & BIGGLESWADE EDITION
JUNE 2016
Free LOVE BEDFORD DAY SUNDAY 24th July
ly, celebrating A day of fun for all the fami lture in Bedford. History, Heritage, and Cu From 11am – 5pm Harpur Square will be packed with activities, shows, street entertainment and more – there's just so much to get involved in.
Design a of Arms new Coat our, BIG for Bedford in History D raw.
tre Watch the new thea of ings production, The Vikn stage. Bedford, on the mai Listen to the nd . Scottish Pipe Ba
Meet some of our History, Heritage and Cultural providers. Learn circu how to juggs skills or FREE work le in our shops.
...and lots more. FREE all day parking in all Council owned car parks and Harpur Centre on Sundays.
And best of all, entr y is FREE!
www.lovebedford.co.uk | www.lovebedfordoffers.co.uk | 01234 404500 Artists impression of event.
Biggleswade TOWN COUNCIL
COUNCIL MEETINGS: 7 June TOWN CENTRE MANAGEMENT 14 June COUNCIL 21 June PUBLIC LANDS AND OPEN SPACES 28 June COUNCIL 12 July COUNCIL 19 July FINANCE & GENERAL PURPOSE 26 July COUNCIL 20 July, 10am – CBC, Chicksands Room PH14 BIGGLESWADE JOINT COMMITTEE
With the exception of the Joint Committee meeting, all meetings are held in the Council Chamber, Saffron Road, Biggleswade and commence at 7pm unless otherwise notified. ALL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND PRESS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND
THE ORCHARD COMMUNITY CENTRE LAND EAST OF BIGGLESWADE
Biggleswade Town Council will be taking over responsibility for the new Community Centre Keep an eye on our website for further details.
KNOW YOUR COUNCILLORS
Cllr David Albone MAYOR Labour – Ivel Cllr Michael R North DEPUTY MAYOR Conservative – Holme Cllr Mrs Hazel Ramsay Conservative – Stratton Cllr Peter Biernis Labour – Ivel Cllr Ian J Bond Conservative – Ivel Cllr Bernard V Briars Labour – Ivel Cllr Frank S Foster UKIP – Ivel
Cllr Mark A Foster Independent – Stratton Cllr Ms Rebecca Kerfoot Labour – Ivel Cllr Bernard J Rix Independent – Stratton Cllr Mrs Madeline A Russell Conservative – Ivel Cllr Duncan A Strachan UKIP – Stratton Cllr Steven Watkins Conservative – Stratton Cllr Timothy P Woodward Conservative – Holme
GENERAL MARKETS on the Market Square Tuesdays and Saturdays 8am-4pm
FARMERS’ MARKETS (on the last Wednesday each month)
forward from the 22 June brought last Wednesday
27 July
On the Market Square 9am – 2pm
Where you can buy locally produced meat, pies, cakes, eggs, Bedfordshire Clangers, HOT pork rolls and NOW PVC Oil Cloth Bags (Handbags, Shoppers, Mini totes, weekend bags, baby bags, purses, coin purses etc.)
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL MARKETS
We currently have vacancies on our monthly Biggleswade Farmers’ Market which is held on the last Wednesday of the month (unless notified otherwise). We would welcome anyone who grows, fruit and vegetables, or flowers as well as producers of all types of crafts, including jewellery, candles, knitting, sewing, wood crafts, cakes, jams, pickles and preserves. Until further notice, the charge for a stall is half price, that’s only £9.90. You will need to hold current Public Liability Insurance and Food Hygiene Certificate (if applicable.) Come along and support your local Farmers’ Market! If you would like to trade on the Farmers’ Market, or require any further information, please contact Sue at Biggleswade Town Council on 01767 313134 or email: enquiries@biggleswadetowncouncil.gov.uk Biggleswade Town Council The Old Court House, 4 Saffron Road Biggleswade SG18 8DL Tel: 01767 313134 Fax: 01767 601188 Email: enquiries@biggleswadetowncouncil.gov.uk www.biggleswadetowncouncil.gov.uk
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JUNE 2016 BULLETIN — 3
Cross party start-up team appointed to assist PCC
Bedfordshire’s new PCC Kathryn holloway signed her oath of impartiality on Monday May 16 as she brought in a start-up team to help her boost frontline police from across politics in the county.
At the Force’s Kempston HQ, accompanied by Assistant Chief Constable Mike Colbourne, Kathryn pledged to “serve all the people of Bedfordshire in the office of Police and Crime Commissioner,” and to “act with integrity and diligence in my role.” Afterwards she said: “Being a Commissioner for all and demonstrating impartiality from the very outset is hugely important to me.
All that matters is getting the best people, with the necessary skills, to help me support the Chief Constable to provide the best possible policing in Bedfordshire. I hope it reassures the public that I am bringing in a team which promises to deliver precisely this irrespective of their past political allegiances.” Kathryn’s first project as Commissioner, as promised in her election manifesto, is Project
Boost the Frontline. The project aims to release as many of Bedfordshire’s existing police as possible from desk duties and provide support back into full service for those on restricted duties,
together with provision to help boost the morale of frontline officers. Delivering the project, will be two short-term interim specialists
Continued on page 10
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4 — BULLETIN JUNE 2016
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Well deserved Awards
NEW BUS The previous Biggleswade Town Mayor presenting a cheque on 19 April, for £10,000 to the Ivel Sprinter, to help them to purchase a new Community Bus. From left to right; Frank Hendrix, Gerry Amsden, Ex-Biggleswade Town Mayor Cllr Mrs Hazel Ramsay, Stan Short and Ian Cobban. “On behalf of Biggleswade Town Council it gives me great pleasure to present this cheque for £10,000 to The Ivel Sprinter. We are all aware of how the feelings of isolation and loneliness can affect the lives of so many people and we appreciate the service you provide for our local communities to help in combatting this. Please accept this cheque with our good wishes for the future of The Ivel Sprinter.”
EVEry year since 2002 the Town Mayor has made an award to the person or people who have done the most for the community or for other residents in sandy and Beeston. This year’s awards were presented at the Annual Town Meeting on Monday 25 April 2016. The Mayor reported that a high number of nominations had been received making it hard to choose deserving candidates. The Mayors youth Award was presented to Charlie Culverhouse and Frankie Byrne. Charlie had organised a swimathon in memory of his Deputy Head Teacher. He encouraged other school members and friends to join him and together they raised £7520 for sue ryder. Frankie has taken part in a number of events raising money for the British Heart Foundation, st. John’s Hospice and the National Autistic society. Frankie took part in a swimathon for st John’s Hospice, he had only ever swam 25 metres before but managed to complete 25 lengths of the pool and raised over £1500 in sponsorship. The Mayors Citizens award was presented to David Woodhouse. David started volunteering for sandy’s Talk of the Town Community transport in 2002. He has carried out a number of roles within the group such as volunteer driver, secretary and chairman, often spending 10 hours a week on the service. This year a certificate was also presented to Hayley stewart as runner up. Hayley has been involved
with the sandy show for 27 years and the sandy Carnival for 12 years. recently she has also joined the Friends of sandy Christmas lights Committee. The Mayors Community Group award was presented to sandy Fire and rescue service who not only help in times of emergencies but also fit smoke alarms for elderly people, fundraise for various charities and turn up to community events such as the Christmas lights and the Carnival.
MP beats fund-raising challenge!
AlIsTAIr Burt MP, set out to raise £10,000 to split between two charities, sue ryder st Johns Hospice, and Combat stress, when he planned to run his tenth london Marathon this year. Having achieved his own personal goal of running ten Marathons, over four decades, each one as an elected MP, he has also beaten his own fund-raising challenge. Alistair said: “I set out in hope towards the £10,000 target and it crept over the line to £10,003.40. I am so delighted to have been able to raise this money (nearly £12,000 with gift aid included) for two such amazing charities. “I had promised sue ryder st John’s Hospice £10,000 when I ran my last marathon for them in 2008. I raised half then, and am delighted to have completed the task now. Combat stress is the UK’s leading Veterans’ mental health charity. Mental ill-health affects ex-service men and women of all ages. They are currently supporting over 5,900 Veterans aged from 19 to 97 – a vital lifeline for these men and women, and their families. “ The fundraising page will remain open for a few more weeks http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ AlistairBurtMP-NEBeds
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JUNE 2016 BULLETIN — 5
A1 Shopping Park celebrates construction milestone
A ConstruCtion milestone has been celebrated at the £110 million A1 shopping Park, Biggleswade’s new London road retail complex owned by Aberdeen uK Property fund, with a special ceremony led by Councillor hazel ramsay, the Mayor of Biggleswade town Council; Lucy duncan, from Aberdeen Asset Management; and nick Alford, from developers LXB Partners. A special ribbon cutting ceremony was held on site to mark the completion of the main construction works and the start of the final phases for fitting out the new stores ready for the scheme to open.
lXB Partners began the transformation of the london road retail park site in 2013 and the final phase of the 300,000 square foot development is due to open to the public during the summer. The new complex, which boasts a host of top quality retail brands including Boots, M&s, Next, river Island and TK Maxx, is creating more than 500 jobs for local people. Aberdeen UK Property Fund acquired the development 12 months ago in addition to White Way retail Park, Homebase and land adjacent to the park, all of which reflect its long term investment rationale. Councillor ramsey said: “The A1 shopping Park will be a great asset for the area and the creation of 500 jobs is a huge benefit to the local economy. In future, local people will have a great selection of department stores on their doorstep. “The Town Council has worked closely with the developers to avoid duplicating stores in the town centre, which has ensured that our Market square retains its special character. The landscaping is well under way and I look forward to when the newly planted trees have grown sufficiently to become the ‘avenue of trees’ shown on the plans to provide a gateway to our town.”
Front row left to right: Robert Pincham (Ellmer Construction), Mayor Cllr Hazel Ramsey, Nick Alford (LXB Partners), Lucy Duncan (Aberdeen UK Property Fund), and Cllr Maurice Jones.
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Mr Alford, the property director at lXB Partners, said: “It’s very exciting to get so close to completion of A1 shopping Park and seeing the retailers opening their stores. The scheme looks fantastic and the tenants who have already opened have reported very strong trading performances. “We relocated four retailers as part of Phase 1 and integrated the old Homebase into the new scheme. The sales performance of those tenants has improved already and I am sure this will continue as the second phase opens, increasing the retail draw in the locality. “I would like to thank the extremely positive and supportive approach by members of Biggleswade Town Council and Central Bedfordshire Council, as well as the Councils’ officers. This has been a complicated site to put together, as there was previously a dilapidated collection of tired industrial and retail plots, in multiple ownership, some of which were vacant and beyond their sell-by date.”
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JUNE 2016 BULLETIN — 7
Field to fork
ONE of london’s most acclaimed new chefs has been cooking for a select few in a Bedfordshire village. Bruno loubet, from the Grain store restaurant in london, held a ‘pop-up restaurant’ at a farm shop in Broom near Biggleswade on saturday 14th May. This intimate event gave a ‘field to fork’ experience, highlighting the home produced rare breed pork and Dexter beef, of local livestock farmer and Farm shop owner Philip Jellis. Bruno lives in Bedfordshire and is an admirer of the farming methods of Philip, who not only rears his own livestock but butchers them himself and sells the meat directly at his farm shop. One of the guests included Pierre Koffmann from the Berkeley hotel in london who met some of the animals on the farm before enjoying a four course seasonal feast
cooked by Bruno. The aim of the event was to highlight the importance of food provenance, sustainability and shopping locally. Philip Jellis, owner of Parkside farm and farm shop, said: “Meat is all about taste, which means how they are cared for and how the meat is butchered, which I do myself. It is also all about provenance. We own and rear our own cattle, of which we have 15, and pigs and sheep. They are all either on this site or in fields in the area and nothing is taken away or added. It is first class meat, reared and butchered locally. This means our meat tastes as it should.” Bruno, who is known for innovative ways of cooking vegetables at the Grain store, said: “It is important that food is properly sourced and I am looking forward to cooking this meal for Philip’s guests!”
sChooLChiLdren throughout Central Bedfordshire recorded alltime record figures for scooting and cycling to school during this year’s Big Pedal, which took place between 18 and 29 April 2016. throughout Bedfordshire, pupils at participating schools racked up almost 55,000 bike and scooter journeys during two weeks of the challenge, with schools from Central Bedfordshire contributing 55% of this total (30,000 journeys). the Big Pedal is an annual national challenge organised by charity sustrans which aims to get more children active. the Big Pedal is now the uK’s largest inter-school cycling and scooting challenge, and is funded by the Bicycle Association on behalf of the cycle industry through its Bike hub scheme. nationally, 1,600 schools and 500,000 schoolchildren took part, completing 1,200,000 journeys. over 80% of Central Bedfordshire schools finished in the top half nationally.
Mondays 9.30 & 11.30am CONSERVATIVE CLUB
19 Bedford Road, Sandy SG19 1EL Contact Joyce 01767 681853
Mondays 5.30 & 7.30pm BIGGLESWADE ADULT CENTRE 142 London Road, Biggleswade SG18 8HA Contact Adela 01767 600680
NEW SESSION Tuesdays 5.30 & 7.30pm BIGGLESWADE ACADEMY
Mead End, Biggleswade SG18 8JU Contact John 01767 221056 or 07767 471503
Wednesdays 3.30, 5.30 & 7.30pm SANDY VILLAGE HALL
Medusa Way, Sandy SG19 1BN Contact Joyce 01767 681853
Saturdays 8.30am ST ANDREWS ROOMS St Andrews Street, Biggleswade SG18 8BA Contact Adela 01767 600680
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8 — BULLETIN JUNE 2016
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SANDY TOWN COUNCIL CHRISTMAS LIGHTS EVENT
THE Friends of sandy Christmas lights Committee are busy planning for this year’s event which will be on sunday 4th december. If you would like to be involved in the planning and execution of this community event or would like more information please contact the Town Council on 01767 681491 or email: admin@sandy towncouncil.gov.uk. this month’s guided Walk is a tour of the house and Gardens at the Lodge, sandy on sunday 5th June. Meet outside of the front door of the Lodge at 2pm. This Guided Tour will give you the rare opportunity to see the interior of this beautiful house, now the UK headquarters of the rsPB built in the Tudor style in 1870 for Arthur Wellesley Peel. The interior of the house was greatly changed in the 1930’s when the stewart’s bought the estate adding important fireplaces and filling it with many treasures including paintings by Gainsborough, reynolds and Constable and important medieval tapestries. Although these furnishings are no longer in the house you
will be able to see the sumptuousness of these beautiful rooms. We will walk in the gardens which were re-landscaped by the stewarts in a simple Italianate style and who added the large elegant swimming pool. We will hear about the history of the house and its owners. The walks for July, August and september are as follows and will be featured in the coming months. For further information please contact the Town Council offices. • A Guided tour of the Grounds and the interior of sandye Place on Wednesday 6th July. • the Cardington Walk on sunday 14th August. • the squires Walk – part of the Bedfordshire Walking festival on Wednesday 14th september. The cost of the Guided Walks are £5.50 per person and payment is required on booking. Please note that no refunds are available. sandy Town Council, 10 Cambridge road. sandy sG19 1JE Tel 01767 681491 admin@sandytowncouncil.gov.uk www.sandytowncouncil.gov.uk
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SANDY TOWN COUNCIL NEW MAY OR AND D
EPUTY MA YOR
At the Ann ual Meetin g of Sandy Town Coun 9th May, su cil on Mon pported by day 9 May 2016 C Councillor Michael Sco llr Colin Osb th tt as my De orne was elected puty. I would like to as Mayor a thank the o nd Cllr Michael Sco ut-going Mayor, Will tt will serve Jackson, and as his Deputy. H his wife Sue for the e takes ove past two ye r from Cllr Will Jackso ars that Will has held n who has this importa completed two years a nt position. I lo s Town May ok forward, or. Members e with my wife Diane, xtended th in meeting eir thanks to Cllr Jack many of you during son and his th e coming m wife for all they hav onths and I hope e done ove that the resi r the last two years. dents of Sandy will tu rn out in forc Cllr Osborn e to support our e said “I was hardworkin delighted to g C C arnival o mmittee in be elected a all the activ s Town Mayor at th ities planned for e Annual M Carnival Day eeting on on Saturday 18 th June.”
COUNCIL MEETING DATES All meetings commence at 7.30pm except Development Scrutiny Committee (Planning) which starts at 6.45pm in the Council Chamber, 10 Cambridge Road, Sandy SG19 1JE
Monday 6 June 2016 Development Scrutiny (Planning) Human Resources Monday 20 June 2016 Town Council Monday 27 June 2016 Development Scrutiny (Planning) Community Services & Environment Monday 11 July 2016 Policy Finance & Resources See our website for details of other meetings ALL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND PRESS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND
DSHIRE R O F D E B CENTRAL SSENGER A P L I C N C OU Y STRATEG T R O P S N TRA ECT YOU! out F F A D L U ing THIS CO rrently carry
l are cu ill affect shire Counci rd fo d e B ort which w l a sp n a tr Centr r e g n on on passe a consultati l. e av tr s ebsite r bu subsidies fo dfordshire w e B l a tr n e C the sultations to .gov.uk/con Please go to e ir sh ly 2016. rd fo d albe by the 12 Ju y sa r u www.centr yo e fordshire re and to hav Central Bed ll a in find out mo le b a il y is also ava This strateg y. p co r e p a pa Libraries as
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Saturday 4 June 2016 & Saturday 2 July 2016 10 Cambridge Road, Sandy SG19 1JE Tel: 01767 681491 Fax: 01767 692527 admin@sandytowncouncil.gov.uk www.sandytowncouncil.gov.uk
10 — BULLETIN JUNE 2016
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Sandy Flower Club celebrates 40 years sANDy Flower Club celebrated their 40th anniversary on Monday11th April. This being a ruby anniversary, we asked all our club members to come dressed in something red. The tables were laid with red table clothes and serviettes, a red floral decoration and each member was given a boutonnière of red carnations. The evening started with a hot supper of chicken in white wine with jacket potatoes and a selection of salads. Marianne Attfield gave a very interesting talk on how she started the club 40 years ago. Marianne is one of the founder members of the club and is still a club and commit- explained that when she first friends with her next door neightee member today. Marianne moved into sandy she became bour who was interested in flower
arranging. They both attended a demonstration at the Biggleswade Flower Club and Marianne was hooked. so Marianne and a few other ladies (some still members today) got together and started the Club. They joined NAFAs (National Association of Flower Arrangement society) and sandy Flower Club was born and has been going from strength to strength ever since. The aim of the club then and now is to promote the art of flower arranging. The evening continued with a toast for the future, a glass of sparkling wine followed by the cutting of the cake. And the evening finished with a quiz and a raffle.
Diabetes booklet for schools
A FrEE booklet for schools containing essential information about diabetes has been published by a charity. The InDependent Diabetes Trust has released the 16page information document as part of a campaign to drive up standards of care for pupils with diabetes in light of recent legislation. The publication, Diabetes – What schools Need To Know, compliments the Parents Passport for schools, which was also launched by the charity last year to help schools improve diabetes care. Martin Hirst, chief executive of the charity, said: “We have been asked to develop a resource for teachers and school staff, to give them information in general about diabetes and some tips about managing the condition in the school environment.” To order free copies of the booklet call 01604 622837 or email martin@iddtinternational.org.
on 100-day maximum contracts – John Guthrie, a highly experienced Hr and recruitment advisor who once stood as Mayor of Bedford for the Conservatives, and simon Bullock, a former Deputy Chief of staff within the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner under the former labour PCC, who has spent the interim assessing Police and Crime Commissioners and best practice among the 43 police forces of England and Wales for the organisation CoPacc which compares PCCs.
New PCC from page 3
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View from
In Focus with
Bishop Richard
Alistair
by Rt Revd Richard Atkinson Bishop of Bedford
by Rt Hon Alistair Burt MP
RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES
FrOM my home I look out onto Howard House, the former residence of John Howard the eighteenth century High sheriff of Bedfordshire and prison reformer; a man, who through insights from his extensive visits to prisons, brought reform to the penal system. It is a vision of a more humane prison system that has inspired people down the ages, not least the work of the eponymous Howard league for Penal reform. yet despite this campaigning work, and the conscientious efforts of many, prisons continue to struggle to address the problems with which many arrive in prison, including addiction to drugs and alcohol, low educational attainment, and limited skills. In recent years the reoffending rate has stayed pretty constant. It is disturbing to read in the 2015 Bromley Briefing (which marshalls prison statistics) that ‘levels of purposeful activity were judged unacceptable in three-quarters of prisons inspected’. In contrast where there is quality training and links with employers, such as Timpsons or the National Grid, the impact is noticeable and re-offending drops sharply. Today, as I write this, the Queen’s speech announced a Prison and reform Bill which promises new ‘reform’ prisons with an emphasis on ‘training, rehabilitation and education’, as well as greater transparency on statistics of reoffending and post-release employment. This is a welcome vision, but there will need to be the resources to enable its delivery. In the Gospel of luke, Chapter 4, Jesus reads in his local synagogue from the prophet Isaiah: The spirit of the lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the lord’s favour. sometimes called the ‘Jesus manifesto, they are words of liberation. Among those listed are ‘captives’ and whilst this is not a call to mass escape from our prisons, it is a summons to ensure that our justice system is not just about punishment, but also rehabilitation and restoration. It is that ‘release’ that enables the offender to resume their place in society with hope and possibility. The very vision that my historic neighbour championed all those years ago!
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IT’S THE RIGHT THING
IT WIll not be long before you cast your vote in the referendum. Forgive me for writing about it, when you may already have heard enough, but this is important for you, your family and friends, and for the future. As the MP for NE Bedfordshire, my vote counts the same as yours, no more or less. But I do think you have a right to know my view. I will vote to remain in the EU. This is not half hearted, or after much agony. I believe absolutely that it is the right thing for the UK and its people. We are better off, stronger and safer through remaining. I look to the voices of those who represent business, big and small, to the trade unions who represent workers, to the Bank of England with its awesome responsibilities for our financial stability, to the NFU for our farmers – all of them believe that your best interests are served by staying in. I believe passionately that the reason I and others born from 1945 onwards have not had to be in uniform to fight in France, Italy, or Germany like so many of our forebears whose names are etched in war memorials across Bedfordshire, is because those whose lands were destroyed in the second world war, and were occupied, built something in the EU to prevent it happening again. But if you aren’t sure of that, and quite rightly thank NATO for its fantastic work, do realise that NATO leaders want us to stay in the EU too. World leaders, from President Obama to Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull, want us to stay. Our national security experts, former MI6 heads, believe we are safer remaining in. we have a European Arrest Warrant that ensured a terrorist suspect was returned quickly to the UK and faced justice. We control our own borders, because we are not part of the continental schengen system, so can scrutinise the passports of EU citizens, and refuse entry to those we believe could be a risk. By contrast, a vote to leave is a leap in the dark, with so many uncertainties. you have a vital choice to make. I wish you well in your decision.
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OPEN LETTER TO ALISTAIR BURT MP
Are we really in this altogether?
D
UrING the years this government has been in office, first as part of the Coalition, then as Conservative the reputation of our country has been damaged. We have always been recognised for our democracy, the finest legal system in the world, and for fairness, justice and a striving for equality. This reputation has been damaged and the great public services, such as the National Health service, our free Education service, the Police service and the legal system have all been diminished and the workers within them demoralised. This Governments obsession with cuts at all costs and the unfairness in carrying out these cuts has caused this.
For the first time ever the legal profession has gone on strike to protest at the cuts to legal aid. It was reported that one defendant without aid or assistance said nothing at his hearing and it was discovered when he was sent to prison that he was profoundly deaf. Injustices will occur.
The Governments own statistical authority admits that the £160 million cuts now facing the police service equate to a loss of a further 3,200 front line police officers. 12000 officers have left since 2010 and the Government is desperately recruiting and deploying volunteers to carry out police style-work. The policing minister, James Brokenshire stated in parliament that there will be no bar set preventing them from dealing with serious crime. These are appalling situations about which we need
more information from you and details of what you and we can do to prevent this happening. The professionals in the NHs and in Education are being forced into situations by an arrogant government which does not listen, Why are so many doctors leaving our country to work abroad? Why are junior doctors striking? Why are teachers leaving the profession? And why is it difficult to recruit staff in these professions? These questions need to be addressed with discussions and dialogue. The government needs to listen. The cuts made in all of these areas have hit the poor and the vulnerable while the wealthy have benefited from tax cuts. The final straw which led to this letter being written was a new analysis showing that the three wealthiest, least deprived areas in the country have seen the lowest cuts to council budgets and they just happen to be the constituencies of five cabinet ministers, Theresa May, Jeremy Hunt, Chris Grayling, Michael Gove and Philip Hammond. The most deprived councils in the country have suffered the most severe cuts and received no grants while the three wealthiest councils received £33.5 million. The rich are certainly looking after themselves. We are not all in this together and as our MP we would like you to share our disgust in parliament with these measures and the dire consequences they could have for your constituents and the country. C M and R W Mackenzie Sandy
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JUNE 2016 BULLETIN — 15
Local students taking part in national design event
TAlENTED HNC/D 3D Design students from Bedford College are taking part for the first time in an international event. The superstar seven are seeking sponsorship for their stand where their work will be alongside that of the most famous design universities in the UK. Known locally as an FE college for post-16 students, Bedford College has in fact a national reputation for the arts and advanced technology. They will be taking part in www.newdesigners.com in london in July 6th - 9th. Ian Pryce CBE Principal and CEO of Bedford College says: “Our south Bank Arts Centre is a showcase of the sort of talent which people expect to see in london, which is turn leads the world with innovative arts and technology.” Corporate sponsors can contact the team member Peter Cowdy on petercowdy@gmail.com and individuals can donate via https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/ BedfordND16 The students taking part are: Greg hinds of Bedford An ‘endeavouring’ product and furniture designer who was shortlisted from 100s to the last 40 of a Design Factory competition for his window boxes. In the New Designers event he will be showing his hexagonal dividing wardrobe. Jack hughes of sandy An aspiring Product Designer. One of my recent projects set by the Design Museum is focused on sustainability where I have tackled the issue of small scale living in the UK. Casey freed-dowling of Bedford With a background in Fine Art I chose the 3D Design HNC to explore multiple creative avenues. The expertise and enthusiasm of the tutors and technicians was a deciding factor in my relocating from scotland to study at Bedford College. Peter Cowdy of Leighton Buzzard My road to study 3D Design has been the culmination of personal, creative exploration which more recently took huge inspiration from fantasy model-making and led me to focus on sculpting character models and sets. William saunders of flitton I have always been inspired by my surroundings, taking from this and using it with my design projects. Continuing on and progressing with my passion for design, I am inspired to join university to study product design - unlocking new potential and skills. nicki dickens of Bedford During my time at college I have experimented with various pathways including jewellery, furniture and lighting. Through these disciplines I have developed experience with a multitude of materials which in turn has enhanced my creativity. fatima Manji of Bedford I keep myself updated with the creative world as much as the scientific one. My previous study in psychology has given me an insight of the complexity of human beings, which I find inspiring.
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Heather’s adventure in Africa
Local photographer Heather Stuckey recently returned from an adventure in Africa, here’s her story APE Town is hailed as one of the most stunning places in the world, which is probably down to being surrounded by soaring mountains on one side and sandy beaches with a glittering ocean on the other. It’s also gaining quite a reputation as a trendy urban hub, favoured by artists and designers and attracting chefs from all over the world. It is in turns beautiful, rugged and intriguing, and a real mix of first and third world. After spending five months there I got to experience all of this first hand. I set out in November 2015, and returned at the end of April 2016. Luckily I was able to stay and travel with friends whilst there and fulfilled my main objective- which was to increase my photographic portfolio. I am working towards a career in photojournalism which made South Africa a perfect place to go, as despite the stunning surroundings, it has no shortage of environmental and social issues. Having never left Europe before I eagerly set out with my camera to document everything I could about the culture, and capture the vibrancy of Cape Town. Although the landscape and wildlife of South Africa contribute
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to it’s charm, it’s the people who live there that really make the place special. Getting a glimpse into the lifestyle of people who live in townships (‘residential’ areas created under the Group Areas Act during the apartheid) was a sobering counterpoint to the beauty of the surroundings, but many of the people who live within them are involved in innovative local projects, and are the creators of many of the souvenirs that people take home with them. I was also there during the Cape Town Climate March on the 29th December as part of the lead up to the UN Paris summit, and despite the current social unrest, people joined together towards a common aim. South Africa’s efforts in conserving its wildlife can be seen almost everywhere you go. Whether it’s a for a walk along the beach and finding that areas have been separated off to allow for species rehabilitation or the larger animal sanctuary’s, fighting habitat loss and the ever present threat of poaching. Of course, I took advantage of my trip to do some sightseeing and after visiting the more popular tourist spots it’s clear to see why they’re popular. The views from Table Mountain are spectacular, making the five hour climb well worth it. Cape point
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also boasts incredible views and watching the baboons steal unsuspecting visitors lunch from their table was priceless. One experience that perhaps trumps the others though was visiting the penguin colony on Boulders Beach, sharing the beach and swimming in the ocean with penguins darting around you. Venturing off the beaten track however revealed some real gems. We headed off on a road trip, crossing the border between the West and East coast and made our way up into the Amathola Mountains to a small village called Hogsback. On the way there we drove through miles of dry and dusty South African countryside- a result of the current drought. Passing small villages, driving alongside cars pulling trailers precariously loaded with cattle and with cows and goats wandering the roads in abundance. Reaching Hogsback was like entering another world. Surrounded by indigenous forest, waterfalls, rivers and the nearby ‘hogsback’ like mountain peaks from where it gets its name, the place was magical. Legend has it that JRR Tolkien thought so too and that Hogsback was the inspiration for The Lord of the Rings. For more information on my travels visit my website at www.heatherann.co.uk
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GARDENING – JUNE
ACCOrDING to the cliché, no one talks about the weather more than the British; well, this year, more than any other, it has been so changeable, so erratic with hardly two days the same and according to some forecasters, or as I call them, ‘soothsayers’, the lack of stability is set to continue for the foreseeable future. And that makes life a tad tricky for us gardeners. However, the key to all gardening, and I would argue ‘life’ itself, is working with nature rather than waging a futile battle against it; be flexible and garden with the conditions one has rather than what it ‘should’ be like or what so and so has recommended you do at any particular time. This means that you, the individual gardener, is empowered to make the decisions and
although for some, this might be a tad scary, over time, it is actually liberating. For instance, got some seeds that according to the pack should have been planted in February of this year? Well, why not try them now? you might be surprised at the results. All seed packets show a date for what year they need to be sown by as their viability diminishes over time so if your packet of say cosmos, states that they need to be planted by March 2016 and its now June, what have you got to lose? If the date is 2017, you might reason that you will plant them next spring but given the reasonably affordable price of seeds, I would say, plant away! If successful, you will have a lovely display to brighten the dark,
dank days of autumn. similarly, you can do exactly the same with vegetable seed. Experiment. Deviate from conventional wisdom. Try different locations in your garden. Try different fertilizer regimes. The more adventurous you are might just be difference from a disappointing yield to a bumper harvest! It’s worth recording your experiments in a diary so that you can measure success, or otherwise, and in future replicate it or discard it as a bad idea. But by viewing gardening as a scientist in a lab, your horticultural life becomes as unpredictable as the weather. And this is yet another reason, why the ‘control freaks’ of the world should not be allowed anywhere near a garden (or anywhere else for that matter!). Nature
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controls us, absolutely not the other way round. By discovering how best to work with nature, your love and enjoyment of the natural world in general and gardening in particular increases. The answer to last month’s just for fun question is, Ericaceous compost is so called because some varieties of heather have the botanical name of Erica and they require acid or Ericaceous conditions. This month’s question, you think you see a hummingbird (as above) in your garden; what is it really? As usual, please contact me with any gardening tasks or queries you may have, lawndocgardens@ aol.com or tel: 01767 627 581 or 07796 328 855.
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there can be few places in the country that need a bypass more than sandy and Beeston. the present route of the A1 cuts through these communities bringing congestion, pollution and numerous dangerous junctions including feeder roads and the drives of individual homes which suffer from traffic constantly passing their houses, breaking speed limits. When accidents occur anywhere on the stretch of the A1 from Biggleswade to the Black Cat, the re-routing of traffic around the area – or just stationary in queues – causes extensive disruption including the blocking of sandy’s town Centre. As long ago as 1994 the highways Agency – now highways england (he) – recognised this. it prepared a full and detailed plan for a bypass that would be the missing link to connect the A1M at Baldock all the way up to the A1M at Alconbury. unfortunately, this was never built. now, however, we have a window of opportunity with the road investment strategy currently being carried out by he. it is vital that our views are taken into account and a bypass built. i urge you to sign the petition on our website – www.sg19.org – and to write to our MP, Alistair Burt, requesting his support. Stephen Allen, Chairman
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I WAS fortunate enough this year to be nominated for the Town Mayor’s Citizen Award for outstanding service to the community. This was for my work with the Carnival Committee and other organisations I’m involved in. At the Annual Town Meeting we
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didn’t really get a chance to make a speech – probably for the best, but I would like to comment here. The Sandy Carnival would not happen without the dedication and hard work of the committee. I am incredibly fortunate to work with an amazing team of people.
Biggleswade Carnival
Kristeen works tirelessly to make sure we have a fabulous selection of stalls on the field, Anne has made sure the Arena will be buzzing again this year. Tracey has been organising the parade for the last few years and does a wonderful job gettting people involved. Barbara is in charge of our sponsorship and raffle. Roger is our VIP as he’s the one in charge of money. Teresa is our Council Rep and Minute Secretary. This year Anita helped organise our Prince
JUNE 2016 BULLETIN — 19
and Princess competition with Lorna taking over on the day itself and our latest member, Dana, who I’m looking forward to officially welcoming to committee in October at the AGM. The success on the day also counts on the support of local people. Carnival is a team effort (fingers crossed Mother Nature is on board this year) so we look forward to seeing you all there.
Hayley Stewart, Chairman
Please see below the exciting list of events for this year’s Biggleswade Carnival: Saturday 18th June Horse Race Night (Gardeners Arms, Potton Road) Monday 20th June Darts Night (Biggleswade Social Club) Saturday 25th June Whimsical Quiz (Gardeners Arms, Potton Road) Sunday 26th June Duck Race (Dan Albone Car Park and River) Monday 27th June Quiz Night (Biggleswade Social Club) Tuesday 28th June Bingo (Biggleswade Social Club) Thursday 30th June Crib Night (Biggleswade Social Club) Saturday 2nd July Parade day Theme: Music Through The Ages If you would like to enter a float or vehicle in the procession, be walker or assist the carnival committee please visit the carnival website or contact Diane on: 07806 636021 (after 7pm only). For further information and to download application forms please go to: www.biggleswade-carnival.org. or visit the Carnival Facebook Page: Biggleswade Carnival.
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Mad Hatter’s Mayday
AROUND THE CLUBS
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Biggleswade Ivel Evening Townswomen Guild
HAIrMAN Chris Davies welcomed members to the meeting of the Biggleswade Ivel Evening Townswomen Guild. Birthday greetings were given to those ladies celebrating this month – rosemary Badley and Margaret Henegan. The tea helper was Diane Keen. The minutes were read, approved and signed. Many Members had attended Viv palmer’s funeral and a donation had been sent to sue ryder in her memory. Chris Davies gave a brief report from the Federation AGM. The March speaker, Alan Porter, had been very interesting and amusing. Members had enjoyed the outing to long sutton and springfield, admiring the beautiful flower arrangements and the tulips at springfields but not the weather during the afternoon. The guild had sponsored Kelly Jones from Headquarters in her cycle ride from landsend to John O’Groats. The monthly walk had been in Gamlingay Woods had been rather muddy but enjoyable with all the spring flowers in bloom. lunch had been at Waresley Garden Centre. Chris reminded the ladies that the collection of Chronicle Points was ending in June and asked members to bring them to the next meeting. An Invitation had been received from sandy TG to their summer Evening on 13th July. The mandates for the National AGM were read, discussed and voted on. There is a new outing to the National Brewery, Burton on Trent on Wednesday 27th July at the cost of £25.00. Members were asked if they wished to attend the Carol
service at Ely Cathedral on Thursday, 8th December. The secretary would arrange transport. Bobbie Ball announced that her grandson, Aaron Ball, had completed his charity cycle ride covering 950miles in nine days and raising £2530.00. He thanked the members for their sponsorship. There was a break for refreshments with the members enjoying a browse at the sales table. Chris introduced the speaker for the evening Brenda C Harley who was to talk about ‘How I Became a real sew & sew’. Opening her talk Brenda read a hilarious poem and then went on to tell the history of the scofield family who came from the East End of london. They were a religious and hardworking family who ran several drapers in london and became very successful. One son, Albert was not so hard working and he and his wife were cast off from the family. They had seven daughters and one, Gladys was fired with ambition even though she went into a sweat shop at the age of 14. she was cut off by her siblings when she and her husband moved out to southgate. They had a daughter, Brenda, who was not as clever as her parents but was very artistic and wanted to do an arts scholarship. But her parents sent her into an office. Her break for freedom came when she caught TB and was sent to the Brompton Hospital. The patients were encouraged as part of their rehabilitation to take part in many crafts. Brenda loved this and when she returned home she brought a ton of different things she
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the swiss Garden, full of charming yet quirky little buildings set in Lord ongley’s lovely undulating landscape and designed to look like the rolling green foothills of the swiss Alps, is the perfect setting for fun and fantasy. the very first Mad hatter’s May day festival took place on sunday 1st May, and was a resounding success, assisted by some very good weather ordered in especially by the team! Visitors enjoyed watching and taking part in activities such as Maypole dancing, watching the hemlock Morris dancers, were mesmerised by a card-shuffling magician and entertained by characters from Alice in Wonderland at the Mad hatter’s tea party under the shade of our magnificent Cedar tree. over 800 people attended the event, and shrunk to Alice size to sit on the giant chair under our floral Arch or pose with flamingos and a large ‘drink Me’ bottle elsewhere in the garden. the Queen of hearts reigned supreme in the Craft Marquee, and the garden was full of laughter, music and jingling bells – a magical day indeed, and one we hope to repeat next year… look out for our 2017 events programme later in the year (www.shuttleworth.org/events).
had made. she decided to start up on her own and feeling very brave placed an advertisement for home dressmaking. Customer gradually trickled and then she was contacted by the Beaumont society who represents drag artists, x dressers and transvestites. lots of strange custom was forthcoming from this contact. Displaying many items of her work, she still had the first item she had made at the Brompton Hospital, a rabbit named Mrs. Brompton. There were many examples of her work in various styles and techniques all beautifully made. she explained that she was addicted to sewing and purchased most of her fabrics from Walthamstow Market paying the minimum amount she could. she also finished with another of her poems. Ann Taylor gave the vote of thanks for a very amusing and interesting talk Chris Davies closed the meeting reminding the members that the next meeting would be a Celebration Tea Party in honour of the Queen’s 90th Birthday. she asked members to wear red, white and blue and to bring a plate of food to share. Hats were optional. The competition would be for an object beginning with the letter ‘O’.
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HE Chairman, Ann Taylor, welcomed members to their meeting on Tuesday 10th May at Biggleswade Academy, Holmemead. she thanked Anne Jones for tak-
Ivel Valley U3A
Club secretaries are reminded that the deadline for this column is the 18th of the month
ing the April social Afternoon where members had enjoyed sampling favourite recipes and exchanging ideas. Chris was also thanked for organising the trip to long sutton & springfields where the flowers had been much admired although the weather had left a lot to be desired. sally Clements had taken over the role of Treasurer from Thelma rogers. The art group will be meeting on Tuesday 7th June at Asda Meeting room when the subject will be ‘landscapes’. Any one is welcome to attend as there is plenty of room. Book group 1 will meet on Monday 13th June at Jean William’s house. Book Group 2 met on Friday 13th May at Jean Webb’s house. The Craft group met at Chris Davies’ house on Thursday 19th May. The Music Group met on Tuesday 17th May at Diane Keen’s house. The tickets to see ‘Guys & Dolls’ at Milton Keynes on 16th June have been sold. she had a new outing to the National Brewery, Burton on Trent, on Wednesday 27th July costing £25.00. Ann introduced the speaker for the afternoon, Paul Willox, who was to talk about ‘The benefits of Delay’ and read some of his humorous poems. Paul began his talk by telling the members of a case of a split between a couple and the delayed claim for support. The case lasted over many years going all the way up to the supreme Court were judgement was given that the delay in making the claim was not to be disallowed. It was a very complex and interesting insight into the workings of the law. Paul then lightened the procedure by reading several of his poems to the amusement of the members. Ann Taylor thanked him for a very entertaining afternoon.
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Village cricket club renovates its pavilion ON the 17th. April Old Warden Cricket Club had its grand re opening after a winter of renovations and refurbishments. The club, which can trace its playing history back to 1850’s, received a grant from the Broom quarry community development fund to help towards some of the cost of the building work. The pavilion was initially extended and modernised in 1966/67 (the original being two shepherds huts joined together, which still form part of the changing room today!) and was opened in 1967 by Dorothy shuttleworth, with the clubs ground being part of her estate, and they were lucky enough to have Princess Charlotte von Croy, grand daughter of the late Dorothy shuttleworth open the new pavilion. An inter club friendly match was played, which was tied and this seemed a fitting result which was enjoyed by a crowd of around 50 people.
The work has taken around 6 months to complete and has all been done by volunteers from the club and surrounding community. The club now boasts a new toilet block, kitchen, verandah, tea room, windows and flooring as well as replacement of structural timbers, new cladding and a re
landscaped frontage. It is hoped with the vast improvement in facilities, more people from the community will be able to use the club for a range of things such as sports clubs, small meetings and recreational activities. Widely regarded as one of the
Rarest birds of prey are back
rsPB asks for help to find nesting sites of UK’s Montagu’s harriers Montagu’s harriers, the UK’s rarest breeding birds of prey, have started arriving back in the country for the summer after spending the winter months in tropical senegal in West Africa, and the rsPB is asking the public to report any sightings of the birds to help identify new areas where they might be nesting. Just seven pairs of Montagu’s harriers, known affectionately by bird watchers as ‘Monty’s’, nested in the whole of the UK last year. This is one fewer than in 2014, but scientists studying the birds hope that with the help of farmers, birdwatchers and people out enjoying the countryside, they can find more new Montagu’s harrier nesting sites this year. right now is the best time to see Montagu’s harriers as they engage in their spectacular airborne courtship display before they establish their nests and become more secretive. During the courtship, males will climb high into the air and then fold his wings and tumble groundwards in a show of aerobatic prowess designed to impress. Once a pair has chosen a nest site the male will pass food to the female in mid-air, with one or both birds flying upside down momentarily to make the exchange. Mark Thomas, who leads on Montagu’s harrier conservation work for the rsPB, said: “A Montagu’s harrier’s display is spectacular and really special to witness. It’s so important for these birds that we can find the places where they are nesting and protect them from accidental damage, disturbance and persecution. “Monty’s are increasingly nesting in cropped arable fields rather than reedbeds, so we’re especially keen to make farmers aware of them and hear from any who think they might have birds
nesting in their fields, but anyone who sees one can help us make sure they have the best chance of successfully breeding and rearing their chicks by getting in touch to tell us about their sighting.” One Monty’s nesting site the rsPB is confident it will be able to locate is that of ‘roger’, a male bird fitted with a state of the art satellite tracking device last summer as part of an ongoing study to learn more about Montagu’s harriers’ migration and their breeding sites here in the UK. This year, roger has returned to the same breeding territory he used in 2015, but his mate, a female named rowan, only followed him as far as France. Mark Thomas explains: “We know that male Montagu’s harriers are very site faithful- they tend to return to the same breeding area year after year. They aren’t nearly as faithful to the females they mate with though, and one male can pair with several females in the course of a single breeding season. “last year, roger actually paired with three different females, and this year he has returned to Norfolk without his main mate rowan. It does sound a bit like a plot from a soap opera, but really it’s common for the females to choose a different place to breed from year to year and for males to have more than one partner. We just hope roger will be able to find a mate or two this summer!” Britain’s population of Montagu’s harriers, small though it is, is fairly spread out across south, Central, and Eastern England, with known breeding territories in the south West and Midlands as well as East Anglia, so wherever you are in England, it’s worth keeping an eye out for them.
Where are the rest of the Monty’s?
most welcoming and scenic clubs in the area, they boast a full fixture list of both league and friendly games. For more information contact the honorary secretary David.sills@frontierag.co.uk, check out the Facebook page or come down when there’s a game on.
Tuck in dramatic recovery drive
DUrING an incredibly tough second race weekend in the Caterham supersport Championship, Ben Tuck battled mechanical issues, penalties and crashes to make a stunning race 1 recovery drive from 37th to 11th at the Anglesey Circuit in Wales. In race 2 Ben suffered possible engine problems before a heavy rear quarter impact caused suspension and exhaust damage to his ailing car, after which Ben had to nurse his car to the finish in 20th. High hopes for Anglesey last weekend were dented when Ben was handed a penalty during qualifying demoting him to the back of the grid with a start delay of 10 seconds. In echoes of his early days charging up the field in karting, Ben set about proving that he would not be held back. In a clinical display of clean and precise overtaking Ben caught the pack and dispatched 26 of his competitors to reach 11th place by the flag only 18 laps later. Team PT Motorsports Manager, Ian Payne commented that “Ben’s performance was epic!” satisfied that he had extracted the maximum possible result under the circumstances from race 1, Ben set his sights on moving forward to battle with the leaders in race 2, starting in 11th place. Ben managed to climb to ninth place before possible engine problems hampered further progress and before long he had to defend from the chasing pack each lap. With two laps to go Ben unfortunately suffered a rear quarter impact which damaged the car and sent him spinning off the track. With badly damaged rear suspension, Ben carefully guided the car to the flag, coming through in 20th place.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS 1. It is with great sadness that we report that our dear member George Wilson passed away on 27 April. George will be known and valued by many in our community for his steadfast commitment as a Biggleswade Town Councillor and President of the Biggleswade branch of the royal British legion. He has been a good friend to our society, having always shown his appreciation and support for our work to safeguard and promote the history and heritage of our town, and he will be greatly missed. 2. We welcome a new member onto our Committee! Jennifer Topham is a retired professional genealogist who is new to the area, having moved to Biggleswade earlier this year. she joined the society in March and attended our Annual General Meeting in April, when she expressed an interest in becoming actively involved in our organisation and projects. We were delighted when she accepted last month to be co-opted onto the society’s Committee, thus filling our last remaining vacancy. 3. The society now begins its summer programme of evening visits in place of monthly indoor meetings with speakers at Trinity Methodist Church. Due to restrictions on numbers these visits are for our members only. On Monday, 6 June our first visit is to the Panacea Museum in Bedford. This was the home of the Panacea society, an unusual religious community founded in Bedford just after the First World War and ceasing to exist in 2012 on the death of its last community member, when it became the Panacea Charitable Trust. In the lovely house and gardens in Newnham road (off The Embankment) visitors can learn about the origins and history of the society, its leader and prophet, the beliefs and way of life of its members – and the mysterious unopened box of prophecies. The museum is open to the public on Thursdays, Fridays and saturdays from 10.00 to 4.00, or at other times by appointment for group visits. For information and a well-illustrated guidebook visit the website: www.panaceatrust.org 4. The 73-minute ‘Three Market Towns’ DVD featuring Biggleswade, Potton and sandy past and present is still available to members and non-members from our Treasurer, roy Chadwick, at £15, payable on ordering. roy will deliver free of charge to Biggleswade addresses or can mail the DVD for an extra £1.00 per copy to cover postage and packing. Bulletin readers can order by posting a cheque for the appropriate amount (made out to Biggleswade History society) to: The Treasurer, Biggleswade History society, 55 Brunel Drive, Biggleswade, sG18 8BT, with a note stating the number of copies required, how they are to be delivered, your name, full postal address and a contact telephone number or email address. Email enquiries to: treasurer@biggleswadehistory.org.uk or telephone 01767 316669. 5. Now you see him; now you don’t! On 10 May we were approached by a researcher for the BBC TV series, ‘Celebrity Antiques road Trip’ with a view to producing a short film about Dan Albone as part of one of the programs. The proposed filming was to take place little more than a week later! The researcher arranged to travel from scotland and visit the society’s archives on 12 May to select material and discuss the filming, but alas! All came to nothing as suddenly as it had popped up and the visit was cancelled, the reason given that the program makers now wished to feature a woman of historical interest rather than a man. Clearly the pro-
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gram will be filmed somewhere in our vicinity and we wait to see which woman will provide the historical interest. It is nice to know that Biggleswade’s Dan was in the running, nevertheless. 6. A huge amount of historical information about our county is available from the Bedfordshire Archives at Borough Hall, Bedford. Members of the public can visit by appointment and a great deal is also available online. Find out what the Bedfordshire Archives have to offer by looking at their website: www.bedford.gov.uk/archive 7. Our next slot on the BigglesFM Thursday Breakfast show will be 8.30 - 9.00 on 23 June. Tune in to 104.8 or go to www.bigglesfm.com and click on listen live to hear the latest news from the society’s Editor.
EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS 1. Come and see us at the st Andrew’s school Fun Day on sunday, 12 June from 2.00 to 4.00pm! The Biggleswade History society stall will offer our publications at the same low prices that we offer to members and we shall have interesting items on display and activities for children. We really enjoyed our last experience at the school’s summer fête when we met lots of local people. We hope that Bulletin readers will come along and enjoy the afternoon, say hello to us and find out what we are about. The school’s main entrance is in Brunts lane off shortmead street and the side entrance behind Trinity Methodist Church can be accessed on foot from Asda via Chapel Fields. 2. On 28 April the society’s Editor gave a talk to Potton History society about the history of Biggleswade town centre and Market square, including some tales and dark deeds associated with the area. The society is planning to offer a sunday of free guided walks in september to discover the history of the shortmead street area. These walks will be available to everyone as part of the national Heritage Open Days event. Details will be given out nearer the time. 3. The lord-lieutenant of Bedfordshire’s Annual service of Thanksgiving for Voluntary Organisations in the county took place at st Paul’s, Bedford on 8 May. sandra ransom, Jane Dale and rosemary & stuart Williams represented the society. One of our Biggleswade D-Day veterans, Cyril richardson, also attended and was able to meet the lord-lieutenant afterwards, which was most pleasing as illness had prevented her from presenting Cyril and his fellows with their légion d’Honneur medals at our Mayor’s Civic service earlier this year. 4. Our next display in Biggleswade library runs from saturday, 21 to Friday, 27 June and the theme will be Buildings in Biggleswade. Be sure to go along and take a look. FROM THE ARCHIVES Accessions We have gratefully received the following donations since last month: • From Kevin lincoln, a badge commemorating 75 years of Biggleswade scouting, 1909-1984, and a Wells & Winch brewery enamelled lapel badge • From Ken Page, a box of miscellaneous papers of local historical interest to be sorted & catalogued. Email sandra: archivist@biggleswadehistory. org.uk with enquiries about the archives or WW1 project.
EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
Biggleswade PUBLICATIONS The society has a wide range of publications relating to the history of Biggleswade and its people. Visit the website for a price list and descriptions of the books. Our books are on sale at meetings and generous discounts on all publications by BHs are available to members. Telephone enquiries and orders to: Paul Artiss (01767 666187). It may be possible to arrange to deliver orders to local addresses but ask Paul about postal charges if books are to be mailed. The 434-page special edition Dan Albone hardback book is available from the Editor at £20. Free local delivery or £5.00 by post. And don’t forget – Bulletin readers can purchase any of our publications at members’ low prices, mostly just a pound each, from our stall at st Andrew’s school Fun Day on sunday afternoon, 12 June. Come and grab a bargain!
MEMBERSHIP We welcomed three more new members in May and one of them, at sixteen, is our youngest ever! There is no upper or lower age limit for membership of our society, neither indeed for interest in history. young members are more than welcome to join us. Bulletin readers wishing to join the society may download an application form from our website (web address at the foot of this page) or may contact the society’s Editor. The membership subscription is £7.50 per person for the year to 31 March 2017 and this entitles the new member to free admission to meetings with speakers, and the society’s big Newsletter packed with interesting items delivered free each month by email or by hand (or by post for a one-off extra payment to cover postage). Members also receive generous discounts on all BHs publications and a welcome pack containing a small gift of one of our publications.
MEETINGS The society meets at Trinity Methodist Church on the first Monday of the month, unless notified. Doors normally open at 7.30 for an 8.00pm start. Meetings are free to members; visitors are welcome at indoor meetings for £3.00 per meeting.
LAST MEETING 09 May: There was an audience of 56 at Trinity Methodist Church for our last indoor meeting of the season. Our member David smith gave a fascinating illustrated talk entitled ‘Have I got Historic Newspapers for you’, charting the history of newspapers interspersed with interesting and sometimes amusing illustrations taken from his research using the rich resource of newspaper archives. The talk was very well received. PROGRAMME 06 Jun: Members only visit – The Panacea Museum, Bedford 04 Jul: Members only visit – The station House, Potton 01 Aug: Members only guided walk – Tempsford – the other half (station road) 05 sep: ‘Up With the lark’ – a talk about the life of the agricultural labourer by Ian Waller 03 Oct ‘Victorian river life, 1880 – WW1’ – a talk by rodney Todman 07 Nov: ‘A year in the life as High sheriff’ – a talk by Colin Osborne MBE 14 Dec: (Wednesday) Members only Christmas Party at the Conservative Club
for further information contact: Jane dale 01767 650340, editor@biggleswadehistory.org.uk www.biggleswadehistory.org.uk
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JUNE 2016 BULLETIN — 23
History Society
The chicken thief convict
L
PART FINAL PART OF FOUR
by Jane Dale
Ast month we learned that in January 1805 the explorer Mungo Park recruited some carpenters from the convict hulk ‘Captivity’ at Portsmouth to accompany him on his second expedition into West Africa, and that James Albone of Biggleswade was one of them. We left the expedition as it set out on the overland trek from the river Gambia deep into Africa to find the river niger and follow its course.
During the early weeks heat exhaustion was the major enemy, temperatures reaching 135˚F in the sun by day and 100-plus in the shade, and the nights were suffocating. The men restricted their marching to the mornings and evenings, resting during the hottest part of the day. On the second day they were warmly welcomed at the tiny trading settlement of Pisania, home to Dr. laidley, a trader in slaves, ivory and gold who had been helpful and hospitable to a young, inexperienced Park ten years earlier. After a week here the party set off again, following the Gambia river through endless forest. They would see no more European faces until their return to Pisania – if they ever returned! Park must have been painfully aware that the rainy season would begin in earnest in about a month’s time, and he hoped to complete the overland journey as far as the Niger by then, but travelling in this oppressive heat with a cumbersome caravan of men and beasts, such a timescale was optimistic.
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Two jugs of rum proved an acceptable gift for the headman of the first village they came to, though he thought he should have been offered ten! At Medina, however, the capital of the kingdom of Wuli, which they reached a week after leaving Pisania, they were treated with suspicion, no doubt because of the size of the party and because it was armed. Medina was a town of some thousand houses surrounded by a high clay wall and defensive stakes, and its king demanded of Park a gift much grander than what was offered. The locals even demanded payment for water. Word spread that the Europeans were carrying desirable goods and the guide Isaaco heard rumours that bandits were lying in wait in the woods beyond Kussai. The faithful guide, who was something of a
pagan priest, sacrificed a ram with prayers for their safety. On leaving Kussai on 15 May the soldiers marched with their guns loaded but, to their relief, they passed through the woods unmolested. In camp that evening John Walters, a soldier, had an epileptic fit and died. This was the second fatality of the expedition, the first having occurred at Kaiai when a soldier died who had been unwell since leaving Gorée.
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On 20 May Isaaco went to mediate with a village headman who imposed heavy tolls on passing caravans. Negotiations were unsuccessful and Isaaco was flogged and taken hostage. Park and his men resolved to attack the captors next morning but fortunately Isaaco was released and the party was allowed to pass after paying a reduced toll. On 26 May the men halted by a stream and were unloading donkeys, when they disturbed a swarm of bees. There was mayhem as men, beasts and bees flew in all directions. A neglected cooking fire came close to burning all the baggage, but the situation was saved and by evening all the men had returned, some badly stung, but six donkeys had been lost. 28 May found the party at Badoo, or Badon. A month into their trek, they had just left the Gambia river region behind and were a third of the way to the Niger. Here they met a caravan of slaves on its way to the Gambia trading stations and, no doubt, the sight of those wretches with their heavy fetters struck a chord of sympathy in James Albone and the other three ex-convicts who had themselves been in chains not six months previously. ‘Old James’ as he was referred to in Mungo Park’s journal, to distinguish him from the younger James Trott, also a carpenter, was probably at 49 the oldest member of the group, and as such had stood up well to the rigours of the journey. He had seen luxuriant forests and wild beasts, strange peoples and customs, African villages with their white circular clay huts and conical thatched roofs and the disbelieving stares of villagers who had never before seen white men.
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Next they were to pass through the kingdom of Bondu to the Faleme river, the area which is now Eastern senegal. soon after Badoo, at Julifunda, a greedy chief threatened to send bandits to rob them in the woods unless Park gave him a great many more gifts. Park complied but finally refused to give more and departed with his men and the chief, having achieved his objective, did not carry out his threat. On 4 June the men
gathered outside a village to celebrate King George’s birthday in style with a dinner of fresh-killed beef and drank their sovereign’s health with precious water from their bottles. On approaching the Faleme a few days later the rainy season began, bringing high humidity, ferocious storms and the diseases Park dreaded. James Albone, already suffering from dysentery and too ill to walk, was being held on a donkey but kept throwing himself off, saying he could go no further. In camp on the night of 8 June just before reaching the river, Park took him to be cared for by natives but found the next morning that he had not survived the night. so James was buried far from home, halfway between Kaiai and Bamako, the point where they would reach the Niger. He had more than repaid his debt to society for the theft of a few chickens, but at least he would be spared the misery that awaited his fellow travellers. His wretched death was the first of many that would reduce the expedition to a sorry remnant by the time it reached Bamako – and by a strange coincidence his long-suffering wife sarah died perhaps on the very same day, for she was buried in the churchyard at Biggleswade on 12 June. Their children had to go to the town poorhouse.
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As for Mungo Park’s second expedition to the Niger, that too is a sad story. After the death of James the fever – probably malaria – took its toll. By 11 June twelve men were reported sick. Park treated them as best he could but medicine then was no match for tropical diseases; not for nothing was Africa known as ‘the white man’s grave’. Those too ill to keep moving were left behind in villages, never to be heard of again, while others died on the way or in camp, of fever or dysentery, and some simply disappeared. Without Isaaco and his followers the situation would have been untenable. When they reached Bamako on the Niger on 19 August only twelve of the original 45 Europeans remained and by 20 November, when at last they set sail from sansanding on their improvised river boats to follow the river to its end, they numbered only five, plus a new guide and three African slaves. The end came early in 1806 at the Bussa rapids, so close to solving the enigma of the Niger’s outlet to the sea. In the last of several hostile encounters with natives, Park and his comrades were bombarded with missiles from the bank. Heavily outnumbered, realising the hopelessness of their situation they jumped into the river and drowned or were killed.
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24 — BULLETIN JUNE 2016
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Didn’t we have a lovely time?
A
Bideford ..............................0 BiGGLesWAde toWn .......0
N eighteen hour day, ten spent on a coach, sounds horrendous but it was a great day out for the club. What made it so special? The presence of the Green Army all kitted up and singing from the off once the early morning start had cleared. The relaxed atmosphere surrounding the players, down to the bare bones with
only 12 players travelling. The game itself lived up to it’s recipe. Bideford already relegated and Biggleswade a comfortable mid-table. Just playing out the fixture and it was more friendly than combative. The green Army were in fine voice equalling the noisy home choir. Chances were few as if nobody wanted to ruin the day by scoring. second half chances for the
Waders from Craig Daniel and Evan Key summed up the Wader’s performance. Kevin squire hit the post for Bideford. Match report done.
This is the last report of the campaign and I would like to thank my readers for their patience and indulgence. Hopefully, if selected back in first team action August 6th. Have a great summer.
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out & about Comedy Georges Hall Bar & Grill, Biggleswade Monday June 6th Gordon Arms, Bedford Thursday June 9th
Castle Comedy has two exciting shows this June. Whether you choose to visit Bedford or Biggleswade, you are guaranteed a night full of laughs! On Monday June 6th at Georges hall Bar & Grill, Biggleswade the headline act is Greg Burns. Greg hosts london’s No.1 Drivetime show for Capital FM radio! As a comedian he is a very smooth operator with over 10 years experience bringing his clever and infectious humour to the top clubs in the country! He has
appeared on The Comedy store for Comedy Central, The 11 O’ Clock show (CH4) as well as appearing in The Office Christmas special in a part written specifically for him by ricky Gervais! “As loveable a comedian as you’re likely to find. Confident, funny and clever.” The Sunday Times “He’s a slick, sharp operator with plenty of well-crafted observational material.” Chortle
On thursday June 9th the Gordon Arms, Bedford welcomes comedy legend Mike Gunn! Mike is firmly established as one of the most sought-after and accomplished comedians working on the UK and international circuit. He is a truly original talent, distinguished by his trademark laconic and lugubrious dark humour, killer punch lines and masterful delivery. On TV, he’s performed on BBC One’s Michael McIntyre’s Comedy roadshow, The World stands-Up and The Comedy store for Comedy Central. “One of the top ten stand-ups in the country” the independent
“Mike Gunn will make you die laughing” the Guardian Opening the show is tony Cowards. Tony is a rapidfire gag merchant with an arsenal full of one-liners, for or laughs-per-minute he’s a tough act to beat! He is a regular feature in lists for ‘Best Jokes’ at festivals or Christmas and his twitter account @TonyCowards is well followed. “The best joke writer around” GQ Magazine All the shows will feature full support from top UK comedians. The shows sell out quickly, with the Dinner & show tickets being particularly popular, so be sure to book early to avoid disappointment! Doors open 6.30pm, shows start at 8.00pm and tickets are £8 (£6 NUs) or if you fancy a treat, you can buy £16/£18 tickets, which include a pre, show meal and glass of wine from the Gordon Arms or George’s Hall Bar & Grill. To book: www.castlecomedy.co.uk
JUNE 2016 BULLETIN — 25
26 — BULLETIN JUNE 2016
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Potton Music Festival 2016 We are proud to launch our 13th Potton Music Festival. This year we have another wonderful selection of music and, as well as our own international musicians, have two new guests: a theorbo player in our baroque programme on Friday night and a trumpeter on saturday. These exciting additions will add a wonderfully unique flavour to each evening. The theorbo is a plucked string instrument from the lute family. The neck is extended to carry several long bass strings. It is principally used for accompaniment in late 16th through to early 18th century music. However, given its first appearance in the Potton Music Festival, we have also included a solo slot where Toby Carr will introduce it and demonstrate its capabilities. This concert is a wonderful variety of baroque music through to Mozart from all over Europe, held in st John the Baptist Church, Cockayne Hatley at 8pm. saturday morning has our usual line-up of three concerts. A children’s concert at 11am in Burgoyne Middle school is entitled ‘Musical Mysteries’ will last for about an hour and caters for children of all ages. It’s interactive and great fun. Our evening concert, held at st. Mary’s, Potton, 7.30pm, is a french
July 22-24
based concert, with music by Debussy, ravel, Dukas (of sorcerer’s Apprentice fame) and a wonderfully characterful piece by Martinu, featuring the trumpet. We complete our day with a concert of ‘late Night Favourites’ at the slightly earlier time of 10.15pm. This is also at st. Mary’s and is free of charge. sunday morning at 11.30am is our final event. Held at sutton Church we will play a variety of pieces written for wind quintet, with a fun solo piece for piccolo and alarm clock, after which you will most definitely be awake! Fully details of our programmes, events, players, etc can be found on our website: www. pottonmusicfestival.com Tickets can also be bought online or else from Camerons the newsagents in Market square, Potton closer to the time. They are also available for purchase on the door before every concert. should you wish to attend multiple events, the Golden ticket is extremely good value. We so hope to welcome back many old friends and indeed meet many new ones. Our Festival depends enormously on the villages’ support. We try to include as many people as we can; not only do we give five concerts in three days, but we also visit preschools and care homes in the area as well as helping local schools with education projects.
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music a
Dizzee Rascal confirmed Bedford Park Friday 5th August
Bedford Park Concerts are proud to announce that MC, producer and rapper Dizzee rascal has been confirmed as the headline act for their Friday night concert, which will take place on the 5th August in Bedford Park. Dizzee rascal has thrived within the UK garage scene since the early 2000’s, spanning genres from hip-hop and grime to dance and bassline. Having collaborated with the likes of Calvin Harris, Arctic Monkeys and Florence & the Machine, Dizzee has evolved from his grime and garage roots into the mainstream scene, which has found him featured on the bill for festivals like Glastonbury and radio 1 Big Weekend numerous times. His huge hits include ‘I luv U’ and Fix Up look sharp, which went straight into the UK top 20 single charts. As well as his number 1 hit ‘Dance Wiv Me’ featuring Calvin Harris. Dizzee rascal really developed and amerced himself deeper into the mainstream
dance scene with this collaboration. Other hits include further number one hits ‘Holiday’ and ‘Dirtee Disco’ and ‘Bonkers’, which he sang at the opening ceremony for the 2012 Olympics to an estimated worldwide audience of nine hundred million! supporting Dizzee will be West london’s finest pirate radio station Kurupt FM. starting out on youtube with their own DIy webisodes, which got the attention of roughcut, the producers of The Office. shortly after a pilot was picked by BBC3, this received a massive response and Kurupt FM had instantly gained a cult following. Having sold out Village Underground in london with their “Champagne steam rooms” night in May and playing the likes of Bestival, Creamfields, Outlook, NAss, Boomtown, Kendal Calling and MADE festival over the summer. With their second series of People Just Do Nothing just launching on BBC3 and promotion on BBC1 and BBC2, the Kurupt FM takeover continues and no one is safe! To add to this exciting line up will be English grime MC and rapper Wiley, who is often referred to as the ‘Godfather of Grime’. Wiley is
EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
considered a pioneer in the English underground music scene with a prolific work rate and a versatile music artist with many crossover hits. Wiley has continued to make grime music while also releasing mainstream singles, such as the top 10 hits ‘Wearing My rolex’, ‘Never’ Be your Woman and his UK number one ‘Heatwave’. Next on the bill is Jaguar skills. The rise of Jaguar skills has been well documented. Honing his craft and love of music for the last 20 years Jag has remained true to his school and kept a mysterious edge to his character; with details of his real name, age and home town etc left largely unconfirmed… Completing the line up is rapper, songwriter, recording artist, producer Ms Dynamite, who is the recipient of the Mercury prize, winner of two Brit awards and three Mobos. tickets at £35 can be purchased from www. bedfordparkconcerts. co.uk
Rock’n’Roll Day for Paul Neon
Weatherly Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade SG18 8JH
4pm-10pm, Sunday June 26
BIGGLESWADE SPORTS MEETING 66th Annual Athletic & Grass Track & Cycle Meeting UNDER AAA RULES RULES – BCF LAWS
FAIRFIELD, BIGGLESWADE 1pm SATURDAY 9th JULY 2016
TRACK EVENTS FOR ALL AGES –MALE AND FEMALE
Admission: Adults 50p, Children 20p MEDAL & PRIZES FOR ALL EVENTS INCLUDING RELAYS
Des Ball, Event Secretary Tel: 01767 313790
Come dressed for the occasion – Drapes and Crepes or just as you are Children welcome Games/raffle and prize for best dressed couple
FEATURING FIVE BANDS Rocking Revival • Billy Gee and the Heartbeats • Spree • Members of Get Back • Past and present members of The Saints • Steve Matthews Compered by Steve Line BBC Radio Cambridge • Crazy Cavan Disco Tickets £5 on the door or call 01480 or 07831 335635 All proceeds to help local R’N’R legend Paul Neon and his young family
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music a
Proms in the Park celebrates 20 years
Bedford Park Concerts are returning this year with their much loved event – The Bedford Park Proms. It will be made even more special this year as the Proms will celebrate its 20th anniversary, the audience will be treated to a spectacular night of music, fireworks and the famous laser show. The concert features the renowned london Gala Orchestra and as in previous years. This year Classical Brit Award winning Blake will be the headline act. The classical super group have sold over one
Saturday August 6
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million albums; they mix eclectic classical and pop songs with rich harmony vocals. Blake will be joined by rebecca Newman, affectionately named ‘The People’s soprano’ by fans, colleagues and the media. she stormed to number one in the Official UK Classical Albums Chart with her debut album release. The night will conclude with a spectacular firework finale, which for many was the biggest highlight of last year’s Proms. The Bedford Park Proms is one of the only shows in the country where the fireworks are truly choreographed to the music. tickets are now on sale at www.bedfordparkconcerts.co.uk .
JUNE 2016 BULLETIN — 29
Tom Jones confirms his date with special guests The Shires Bedford Park Sunday August 7
With a career that has spanned more than half a century Toms Jones is an international performer with more than 100 million record sales generated by hits such as ‘It’s Not Unusual’,’ Kiss’, ‘Delilah’ and ‘What’s New Pussycat’, Tom Jones along with his band are set to entertain Bedford with a repertoire that spans five decades. Tom Jones has won many accolades including a BrIT Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music and a silver Clef Award for lifetime Achievement. Knighted in 2006, the global star has amassed 36 top 40 UK hits. His irresistible show traverses musical eras and genres, appeals to young and old, male and female, mainstream and cutting edge. Warming the crowd up and returning to their
home county will be very special guests The shires. The duo of Ben Earle and Crissie rhodes are one of the hottest country influenced acts right now. Hailing from Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, The shires are set to warm up the Bedford crowd and open the show for what will be an electric night of fantastic music from not only one of the greatest entertainers in the world but some home grown talent too! tickets are now on sale at www.bedfordparkconcerts.co.uk
Colin Lloyd (JAWS)
Darts Exhibition Colin Colin Lloyd Lloyd Exhibition Exhibition 23rd 23rd July July -- Doors Doors Open Open 7:00pm 7:00pm aiming aiming for for 8:00pm 8:00pm Start Start TICKETS TICKETS £10 £10 Biggleswade Biggleswade Working Working Men’s Men’s Club Club Biggleswade Biggleswade SG18 SG18 0JS 0JS
01767 312409 Tickets Tickets sales sales Contact: Contact: Taff Taff 07891509844 07891509844 or or call call behind behind bar. bar. 5 5 Dart Dart Tournaments Tournaments will will be be held held at at Biggleswade Biggleswade Working Working Men’s Men’s Club Club at at £2.50 £2.50 Per Per Entry Entry ALL ALL TOURNAMENT TOURNAMENT WINNERS WINNERS PLAY PLAY COLIN COLIN ON ON THE THE 23RD 23RD JULY JULY ON ON STAGE STAGE
1st May – 15th May – 29th May 12th June – 10th July All All tournaments tournaments start start at at 8:00pm 8:00pm On On night night of of exhibition exhibition there there will will be be other other opportunities opportunities for for spectators spectators to to play play on on stage stage 9 9 Dart Dart Challenge. Challenge. £1 £1 aa go go (may (may enter enter multiple multiple times) times) A A raffle raffle will will be be drawn drawn to to play play him him Auctions Auctions will will also also be be available available on on the the night night to to play play Colin Colin A A special special 15th 15th Match Match will will be be aa final final pairs pairs Colin Colin Lloyd Lloyd & & Trevor Trevor Ellacott. Ellacott. IN IN AID AID OF OF BEDFORDSHIRE BEDFORDSHIRE YOUTH YOUTH DARTS DARTS
30 — BULLETIN JUNE 2016
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CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
BIGGlEsWADE AND sUrrOUNDING VIllAGEs We are a group for Cancer patients their families and friends. A place to meet others and share mutual support. Come and have a chat, a cup of tea or coffee in a friendly, informal confidential environment. We look forward to meeting you. Every first and third Thursday of the month. sessions are held at THE COMMUNITy rOOMs BAPTIsT CHUrCH 24, lONDON rOAD BIGGlEsWADE sG18 8EB Telephone, secretary Amanda 01767 31662 or Gina 07812796581 csgbiggleswade@gmail.com FB. Cancer support Group Biggleswade.
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SANDY ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY
Founded in 2014 by residents of sandy and surrounding areas, we are a group of keen astronomers of all abilities. We meet on the first Thursday of every month at Mamas Coffee shop (High street, sandy) and have regular viewing sessions on the grounds of sandye Place Academy. you don’t need to own a telescope to join in. Club members are always willing to share their equipment and expertise, and if you become a member our club telescopes are available for hire for a small fee. Wrap up warm and we’ll see you there!
–––––––––––––––––––––––– All sAINTs CHUrCH Great Barford Proudly presents :
SHANNON EXPRESS
7pm – 9.30 pm saturday 18th June £10.00 per ticket (to include refreshmentsand free glass of wine.) Please contact: Maureen Munnelly on 01234 870633 or Ann lovesey on 01234 870693
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SANDY TOWN BOWLING CLUB
welcomes new members young and the not so young of all abilities. sANDy VIllAGE HAll ENGAyNE AVENUE. the season starts in May and runs ‘till september. We play many friendly games through the season mostly of which are mixed (male and female!) First year only membership is £10. match fees vary. For further information please visit www.sandytownbowlingclub.com or contact Glen on 01234 870488
BADMINTON
We are a social mixed group who meet every Thursday night at stratton school to play Badminton, from 8pm till 10pm in the sports Hall, we are of mixed ability but most are of an intermediate standard Anybody wishing to find out more please contact Alan on 07974187866 or Colin on 01767 317099
–––––––––––––––––––––––– MUMs’ AND DADs’
BUGGY FIT CL ASSES Mondays, st Andrews Church (room attached to the side of the church) 1.30pm–2.30pm £2 per session
A sociable friendly class for anyone wanting to exercise with or without their babies. The class offers mums and dads the opportunity to exercise with their buggy in a safe and inclusive environment. The class comprises of a warm up and cardiovascular exercise to energise and help improve fitness, body weight and light resistance work to help strengthen and tone, followed by a cool down element so you leave feeling ready to take on the world!
Please contact the Physical Activity Team for more information at physical.activity@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
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BADMINTON ACTIVE RETIRED CLUB thursdays 9am-11am at saxon Pool & Leisure Centre £1.50 per session includes racket hire Come along and enjoy a game of badminton, guided by a Qualified Badminton Coach.
Come on your own and meet new friends, or bring your friends with you!
Please contact the Physical Activity Team for more information at physical.activity@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
–––––––––––––––––––––––– Monday 13th June
sANDy FlOWEr ClUB
A demonstration by Julie Woods entitled
‘A TANTALISING COCKTAIL’
Julie Woods is Chairman to The Eversden and District Flower Club.
starts at 7.30pm – Visitors welcome at £5.00 entrance on the door. There will be a raffle and tea and coffee. We meet at the Conservative Bowls Club pavilion (rear of the Conservative Club, Bedford road)
The Flower Club meets every second Monday in the month at 7.30pm and new members are always welcome. For more information please call: sue Alexander: Tel. 01767 699729 or email: sue.e.alexander2@gmail.com
BIGGLESWADE WI
has moved from the Baptist Church London road to the Weatherley Centre eagle farm road sG18 8Jh due to an increase in membership. We meet on the third Monday of the month from 10am until 12pm.
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MAYFLOWER SOCIAL CLUB
We are a social club for the over 50’s and we are located at Charter House at st Andrews Church in Biggleswade. We meet every Wednesday and Fridays from 2pm – 4pm We have various activities including games, raffles, bingo and often have a speaker attend to share different topics with us. We also organise day trips out, Christmas dinner and much much more. We are a friendly group of all different ages, all are welcome and we are always looking for new members. There is an entrance fee of £1 per person. There is a bus service available in the Biggleswade area for a nominal fee of £1.00, which is a return journey. For any other information please call 01767 314652 and ask for Beryl or 01767 316711 and ask for Eileen. sANDy HIsTOrICAl rEsEArCH GrOUP
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PUBLIC EXHIBITION OF HISTORIC SANDY,
saturday 4th June, 11.00 am to 2.00pm At sandy Methodist Church Hall, st Neot’s road All welcome, Entrance only £1 (Members free) Feel free to bring interesting sandy photos, memories, etc. to share, show or discuss.
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BIGGLESWADE WALK FOR HEALTH Two regular Weekly Walks, 40 – 90 minutes Plus one for those who wish to go further Wednesdays at 10.00am Walking with John and his team Meeting at Dan Albone Car Park, shortmead street, Biggleswade (With the opportunity to stop for tea and coffee after the walk) thursdays at 10.00am Walking with rosario and his team Meeting Outside stratton school Gates, Biggleswade NO NEED TO BOOK JUsT TUrN UP For those looking to do more: tuesday at 2.00pm A Medium to Fast Walk of 1.5 – 2hrs ring Janette for details For further details please contact: Janette sibley: Tel: 0777 154 0117 Email: janette@sibley.me.uk Mike Fayers, Bedfordshire Health Walks Manager, Bedfordshire rural Communities Charity Tel: 01234 832619 E-mail: mikef@bedsrcc.org.uk, The Old school, Cardington, Beds. MK44 3sX
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COFFEE MORNING AND BOOK SALE
in aid of ACTION AGAINsT CANCEr 10am-1pm saturday, 28th May, 2016 st swithun’s Church rooms, sandy
–––––––––––––––––––––––– TrINITy METHODIsT CHUrCH sHOrTMEAD sTrEET BIGGlEsWADE
sunday 5th June 10.30am rev. Andrew Hollins .(This will be a Baptismal service.) sunday 12th June 9.30am rev Andrew Hollins (Communion service.) 10.30am Mr. Chris Izzard.
sunday 19th June 10.30am Deaconess Jane Mills 6pm United service with friends from st. Andrew’s C of E church. Mrs. Christine Denny and rev. Guy scott. sunday 26th June 10.30am rev Clive larrett. (Communion service) 6pm Mrs. Thea lee (more informal service) sunday 3rd July 10.30am Mrs. Hazel Hitch. Cafe style service. sunday 10th July 9.30am rev. Andrew Hollins (Communion service)
sunday 10th July 10.30am Mr. Geoff Talbot. sunday 17th July 10.30am Mr. Peter Malyon. 6pm United Circuit service.
sunday 24th July 10.30am rev. Andrew Hollins. (Membership/Confirmation) 6.00pm rev. Andrew Hollins (more informal service)
sunday 31st July 10.30am Mr.Paul Jarrett 6.00pm rev Andrew Hollins (Healing service).
sunday 7th Aug. 10.30am rev Andrew Hollins. Menu style service.
sunday 14th Aug. 9.30am rev Andrew Hollins (Communion service) 10.30am local Worship (service arranged by the stewards) sunday 21st Aug. 10.30am rev. Peter Bypass. (communion service.) sunday 28th Aug. 10.30am Mr. Chris linford.
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SANDY WALKS 4 HEALTH sandy Walks 4 Health meet every Wednesday.
These are free short walks of
about an hour, with a trained walk leader. All welcome, no need to book; just turn up. Walks start at 10am, meeting in
sandy Market Place outside the opticians. For more information contact: Cathy 01767692182, or
Jane fryer 01767691455, or
Mike fayers (health walks manager) 01234832619
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TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952
tennis for BeGinners
ADS: advertising@rosettapublishing.com BrITIsH rED CrOss BEDFOrDsHIrE
dr. KirKhAM And PArtners’ PAtient PArtiCiPAtion GrouP (PPG) saffron road, Biggleswade. sG18 8DJ
JUNE 2016 BULLETIN — 31 sUTTON lOWEr sCHOOl
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Children Adults seniors experienced Players All WElCOME Jack: 01767 692242
www.biggleswadetennis.co.uk
–––––––––––––––––––––––– We invite all stroke survivors & their carers to join our
IVEL STROKE CLUB Meetings are held at stonecroft, st swithins Way, sandy on the third Monday of each month 7.30pm. Transport can be arranged.
speakers, outings & entertainment througout the year.
Please contact 01767 680503 for further imformation.
OPEN GARDENS 2016
sunday 5 June, 1.30-5pm oakley Gardens, Westfield road, MK43 7su. teas, toilets, plants, parking. sunday 12 June, 1.30-5pm, howbury hall, Bedford, MK41 0JB. teas, toilets, plants, parking. sunday 26 June, 1pm to 5pm. turvey house and Garden, Beds., MK43 8eL. teas, toilets, plants, parking. £6.00 pre-book for house & garden by 12th Jun telephone Natasha on 01582-589083. Garden only on the day £4.00
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TABLE TENNIS
tuesdays, saxon Pool and Leisure Centre, noon–1pm all equipment provided. £1.50 per session
WALKING FOOTBALL
tuesdays, saxon Pool and Leisure Centre 1.30pm-2.30pm £1.50 per session Please contact the Physical Activity Team for more information at physical.activity@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
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ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Wednesday 1 June 2016 at 7pm
Why not take the First steps towards making a difference in your GP Practice by coming along to the Patient Participation Group to: • Hear how the PPG has been involved in decisions at the practice. • see the PPG Presentation • learn about the PPG’s new website. • learn more about changes at the practice. • Meet some of the Medical team • An opportunity to ask questions. • Find out how to be involved. • Join the PPG, anyone aged 16 and over is welcome to join. All WElCOME Please join us for tea / coffee and biscuits. sT sWITHUN’s sANDy
–––––––––––––––––––––––– A Celebration of Colour
SUMMER FETE
saturday 9th July 1-5pm FrEE ENTry Games, arena displays, stalls, refreshments and BBQ
sT JOHN’s HOsPICE
–––––––––––––––––––––––– forthcoming events
OUT OF OFFICE CHALLENGE
24 June 2016 Get together with your work colleagues and join us for a day of volunteering, team building and networking. Teams will compete for points throughout the day, with exciting prizes for the winning team.
17 July – 1.00pm – 5.00pm A summer memorial event to be held in the grounds with the opportunity to purchase sunflower plaques with you loved ones name.
FLOWER FESTIVAL
GARDEN OF MEMORIES
THE ELEMENT STRING TRIO
20 -21 July To be held at st John’s Hospice. Visit www.sueryder.org/stjohns for more.
saturday 25th and sunday, 26th June 11.30-5.30pm Cream Teas on both days Open Churches sunday sunday, 26th June (11.30-5.30pm) Views from the Tower All welcome ––––––––––––––––– saturday, 25th June at 7.30pm comprising violin, viola and ‘cello. Tickets £10.
–––––––––––––––––––––––– CANCER SUPPORT GROUP BIGGLESWADE AND SURROUNDING VILL AGES
We are a group for Cancer patients their families and friends. A place to meet others and share mutual support. Come and have a chat, a cup of Tea or Coffee in a friendly, informal confidential environment. sessions are free Donations accepted. We look forward to meeting you. EVEry FIrsT AND THIrD THUrsDAy OF THE MONTH AT. the Community room Baptist Church, 24 London road Biggleswade sG18 8eB ContACt: Gina 07812 796581 or Amanda 01767 313662 email: csgbiggleswade@gmail.com www.cancersupportgroup.org.uk TrAINs at TrINITy Trinity Methodist Church, shortmead street Biggleswade sG18 0AP saturday 11th June 2016 from 10.30am– 4.30pm (Last entry at 4pm) A Bi-annual
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MODEL RAILWAY AND VINTAGE TOY SHOW
with emphasis on playing trains. Displays, & Exhibitors. Model railway layouts. Bring and sell stall. stalls & Model trade stands. light lunches & refreshments. In aid of church funds. level access throughout. No parking at church except for ‘Blue Badge Holders’. Nearby parking in shortmead street or rose lane, and Dan Albone rec. Entrance to Trinity in shortmead street, or Chapel Fields. (rear of the church)
ART EXHIBITION
13 August – 3.00pm -10.00pm Come and experience 20 Acts performing across 3 stages in this one day music festival. This summer event is guaranteed to be a great day out for all. To book your tickets go to www.sueryder.org/busktilldusk
BUSK TILL DUSK
14 August – 11.00am – 4.30pm Come along to st John’s Hospice country fayre and enjoy a day of best attractions including vintage cars, birds of prey, archery, craft stalls, dog show, food court and much more. www.suryder.org/countryfayre
COUNTRY FAYRE
24 september - 8.00pm walk starts at 10.00pm A 10k and 5k walk around the hospice grounds and local area. A wonderful night full of fun, and memories. sign up now to take advantage of our early bird offer. Email stjohnsfundraising@sueryder.org for more.
STARLIGHT WALK
12 november – 7pm – 1.00am Our yearly ball will be taking place at The Park Inn Hotel Bedford. Get your glam rags ready and register your interest. for further info call 01767 642412 email: stjohnsfundraising@sueryder.org
CHARITY BALL
Admission £4. Concessions £3. Accompanied children under 16 free.
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The Bulletin series are independent magazines with no affiliation to any other organisation. ©2016 rosetta Publishing ltd. 30 radwell road, Milton Ernest MK44 1sH. Tel: 07894 935952 or 07724 905406. Email: editorial@rosettapublishing.com or advertising@rosettapublishing.com Printed by: Mortons Print limited. Newspaper House, Morton Way, Boston road, Horncastle, lincolnshire lN9 6Jr
Looking for a pre-school? Need early morning or evening care for your school-aged child? Look no further! Play, learn and grow together at Rainbow Pre-School & Extended Services! We are an independent, not for profit, pre-school with an out of school care provision. We believe in delivering an outstanding service to the children in our care and their families. We have been serving the local community for the past 30 years. Choose between our West Site on Brunts Lane or our new East Site in the Kings Reach area, both within the grounds of St Andrew’s Lower School VC. We operate a breakfast club and after school club during the term time to give you those extra minutes needed to get to and from work! Holiday clubs run during school holiday periods to cater for your childcare needs for 50 weeks of the year! Our overall aim is to help pre-school aged children become school ready to get them off to a flying start when they transfer to reception to start their full time education. We pride ourselves on delivering a flexible and outstanding service to families in our local community at affordable prices. If you are interested in finding out more about the service we offer, please contact us via email: enquiries@rainbow-preschool.co.uk or Tel: 01767 310230. Ofsted Reg: EY482746 (West) & EY493048 (East)