Sandy & biggs bulletin feb 17

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BULLETIN

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FEBRUARY 2017

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Biggleswade TOWN COUNCIL

COUNCIL MEETINGS: 14 February COUNCIL

21 February TOWN CENTRE MANAGEMENT 28 February COUNCIL 14 March COUNCIL

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

ALLOTMENTS

If you are a Biggleswade Resident and would like to try your hand at growing your own produce, please call our office and ask for Kay, for more information.

KNOW YOUR COUNCILLORS

Cllr David Albone Cllr Jonathan Medlock MAYOR Conservative – Stratton Labour – Ivel Cllr Mrs Hazel Ramsay Cllr Michael R North Conservative – Stratton DEPUTY MAYOR Cllr Mrs Madeline A Conservative – Holme Russell Cllr Peter Biernis Conservative – Ivel Labour – Ivel Cllr Duncan A Strachan Cllr Ian J Bond UKIP – Stratton Conservative – Ivel Cllr Steven Watkins Cllr Bernard V Briars Conservative – Stratton Labour – Ivel Cllr Frank S Foster Cllr Timothy P UKIP – Ivel Woodward Cllr Mark A Foster Conservative – Holme Independent – Stratton Cllr Ms Rebecca Kerfoot Labour – Ivel

GENERAL MARKETS on the Market Square Tuesdays and Saturdays 8am-4pm We re-launched our Farmers’ Market as:

FARMERS’ AND CRAFT MARKET Are you a local craft enthusiast?

We would like to invite you to trade on our monthly Farmers’ and Craft Market. The rent is currently only £9.90, we even supply a stall.You will need to hold current Public Liability Insurance and Food Hygiene Certificate (if applicable). If this sounds of interest to you, please call Biggleswade Town Council and ask for Kay.

FARMERS’ AND CRAFT MARKETS (on the last Wednesday of each month except June and December)

Wednesday 22 February and

Wednesday 29 March On the Market Square 9am – 2pm Where you can buy locally produced cakes, pies, eggs, Bedfordshire Clangers, Handmade Cushions, PVC Oil Cloth bags (Handbags, Shoppers, Mini Totes, Weekend Bags, Baby Bags, Purses, Coin Purses etc), Homewares, Handmade Cards and other paper crafts, and NOW – Large selection of Cheeses

CHARITY STALL BOOKINGS We have a variety of dates still available for 2017 A £5 deposit is required, and if you are a local Club or Organisation, this will be refunded to you on the day.

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL MARKETS 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

TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952

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Watch this space!

REGULAR Bulletin readers may be sick to death of reading depressing articles about Biggleswade town centre and its decline in fortune over the past 12 months or so, and indeed there is much to be done before the hub of our ever swelling community is back in rude health. It should be noted however that there is still much to shout about in Biggleswade and recent additions to the Town centre shopping experience should give Waders more reasons to come into their town centre.

If you think about the shops that ‘most’ people would wish for in a town centre, Biggleswade ticks many of the ‘must have’ boxes, sure, there are not as many big name stores in the centre as there used to be, but we now have the retail park to cater for those that feel they need to patronise the big names.

What Biggleswade town centre has is a gradually growing number of diverse independent retailers that have a huge amount to offer.

Independents offer the consumer a unique shopping experience, not the same identikit experience that you will find in every town centre and retail park up and down the land by shopping in big name stores.

Over the past year we have seen a few new stores opening in the town strengthening the already pretty wide range of shops already here and with the ability to park in ASDA and ALDI car parks along with Rose Lane and the Station car park, those who wish to travel in by car should be able to find a place to park.

I would urge those who have not been into the town centre to shop for a while to pop down and take a look.

Whether you just fancy popping into town for a coffee or a bite to eat, or you wish to browse one of the independent mens or womens fashion shops you will find plenty on offer, added to this you are able to buy fresh meat and bread, flowers, gifts, cards, televisions, carpets have your hair and nails done and even buy a new kitchen, carpet or wedding dress

by Philip Sheldon and I think you will agree that there are many compelling reasons to support YOUR local town centre and take advantage of all the things it has to offer.

It isn’t perfect, where is? but with your support, the effort and determination of the retailers and HOPEFULLY the increased support and ideas from the Town

Council and Chamber of Trade, Biggleswade will become the areas ‘go to’ place for a vibrant, independent shopping experience.

To keep you up to date with all the latest news and offers from Biggleswade town centre, I will write a regular ‘Town Centre News’ article here in the Bulletin… watch this space

FEBRUARY 2017 BULLETIN — 3

Wetherspoon serves up good news

The future of Biggleswade’s Crown Hotel, which has been closed for many months, received a boost last month.

A spokesperson for JD Wetherspoon – the nationwide pub to hotel chain, stated that: “The company hopes to start work on the Crown site in the next few months.”

The former coaching inn situated in Biggleswade’s High Street, is set to become a 12 room hotel as well as a pub and restaurant.

This confirmation of the company’s intention to invest in Biggleswade is just the tonic needed for the beleagued town centre.

COME AND SEE

The Bulletin series are independent magazines with no affiliation to any other organisation. ©2017 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

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FEBRUARY 2017 BULLETIN — 5

New Year’s resolution – test your alarms every month WITH the New Year underway Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service are asking people to make testing their smoke alarms monthly one of their New Year’s resolutions.

Many people see January as an opportunity for a fresh start, and safety should be top of the list. So this month BFRS is encouraging everyone to make sure they have enough smoke alarms in the home and that they work. It only takes a few seconds and saves lives.

Smoke alarms can give someone the few extra seconds they need to escape in a fire.

While the majority of homes across the country now have an alarm fitted, most people are not aware that the average alarm has a lifespan of just ten years and then needs replacing.

For people who live in a multi-storey home or a larger property a single smoke alarm is simply not enough. Last year, in nearly half of all fires in the home where the smoke alarm did not give a warning the reason was that the alarm was not close enough to detect the fire. Missing or flat batteries were another major cause.

Make sure that your alarms are up to date and up to the job.

To keep your alarms in working order: l Make sure there is at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home l Test your smoke alarms by pushing the button every month l Check that your smoke alarms are less than ten years old l Fit smoke alarms on landings and hallways

and near bedrooms. Also consider in rooms which have electrical appliances – e.g. a heater or charger – or other fire risks l Take a moment to check on family and neighbours who may need help to ensure they’re fully protected.

Pete Buckingham, Community Fire Safety Manger said: “At this time of year, many people will be thinking of what they can do – big or small – to make a fresh start and improve their

lives, homes and wellbeing. Smoke alarms can offer vital protection for you and your loved ones, but most people simply fit and forget – they don’t know if it might be coming to the end of its lifespan or not working at all.

“If your alarm is getting past its best or an area of your home is missing an alarm of its own, make your New Year’s resolution to fit new ones, test them on the first of every month and protect your home and family in 2017.”

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer Paul Fuller and Minister of State for Policing and the Fire Service Brandon Lewis MP reinforcing the message at Luton Fire Station.

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FEBRUARY 2017 BULLETIN — 7

Why not become a Volunteer Police Cadet

BEDFORDSHIRE Police currently has 60 Cadets, who follow a national programme helping them to gain life skills and an insight into life as a police officer.

The two-year programme starts in September, and training sessions are held in Bedford and Luton on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and in Biggleswade on a Thursday evening.

The Bedfordshire Police Cadet programme aims to promote a practical understanding of police amongst young people and support local policing through volunteering.

Being a Cadet is a great way to inspire young people to participate positively in their communities; Cadets also assist with community and crime prevention events including alcohol test purchasing, crime prevention projects, car parking and marshalling and representing the force at official ceremonies.

Their dedication was recognised last year after they won a prestigious national award. They scooped the High Sheriffs’ Association of England and Wales

National Crimebeat Award 2015/2016 for their outstanding contribution to helping to reduce crime and creating a safer community Bedfordshire Police Cadets

follow a national framework which covers five key areas: presentation, procedures, communication, law and health and safety. Each area is covered with a number of informative, interactive

and inclusive sessions. The Cadets also have the opportunity to hear from guest speakers and visit different departments across the force.

The programme helps young people develop valuable skills that can be added to their CV or UCAS applications and gives them the opportunity to experience a variety of activities, make new friends and improve their self-esteem and confidence.

The Cadets also find time for some fun with a yearly camp sponsored by the Police Federation.

Last year the Cadets also participated in the Lord Mayors Show, and went on a behind the scenes tour to the Houses of Parliament.

Recruitment opens in January 2017. Young people can apply in January providing they are 15 by the 1st September 2017.

For more information Email: voluni@bedfordshire.pnn.police. uk or visit the ‘Join Us’ pages at www.bedfordshire.police.uk You can also follow us on Twitter for news and updates regarding the Cadet programme: https://twitter.com/BedsCadets

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8 — BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2017

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EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com

Petition to be handed to government official

THE fourth son of George Byng, Viscount Torrington, gave many years of loyal service to the Royal Navy and volunteers to attempt to relieve the British Garrison on Minorca (the only deep harbour in the Mediterranean) from the siege by the French in 1756. A task he undertook with leaking ships and Marines in poor health.

He dislodged the French Navy, they retreated and he returned to Gibralter for repairs and additional marines.

Once in Gibraltar, he was refused permission to return to battle. Minorca was lost to the French and this was the start of the Seven Years War. Admiral John Byng was returned to England, Court-martialled for ‘NOT DOING HIS BEST’ and shot on the deck of his own ship ‘The Monarch’ on 14 March 1757 at noon. Ironically, the ship previously called ‘The Monarque’ was taken from the French in a previous battle.

Many believe that he was the scapegoat for the King and the Royal Navy, who had already lost Minorca, before Byng was engaged to disrupt the French. Even those who had to find him guilty, under the law of ‘not doing his best’ pleaded with the King and Government to overturn the verdict

Admiral the Honourable John Byng, Admiral of the Blue 1704–1757 260th Anniversary Remembrance Service: 11.30am, Tuesday 14 March 2017 at All Saints Church, Southill, Biggleswade SG18 9LL. The service will be led by Rt Rev Richard Atkinson OBE, MA, and will be supported by the Byng/Torrington family and many dignatries.

they had to find due to the law at the time.

Voltaire wrote: “The English shoot an Admiral to encourage the others” – words which still linger in Society now.

The Admiral Byng Campaign, established by Byng descendants and supporters are seeking justice and they are seeking an exoneration not a pardon. (Exoneration is to officially free someone from blame, pardon denotes guilt in the first place).

Tulip Saddiq MP will hand in a Petition to the Secretary of State for Defence, the Right Honourable Michael Fallon MP, on the anniversary of the time and date of Admiral Byng’s execution: Noon 14 March 2017.

SANDY TOWN COUNCIL COUNCIL M eeTINGS All meetings commen

ce at Developmen t Scrutiny Com 7.30pm except which starts mittee (Plann at 6.30pm in the Council C ing) 10 Cambridge hamber, Road, Sandy SG19 1JE Mo

OUNCIL C N W O T y d N Sa 8 pReCepT 201717/1Sandy Town 20 onday 16 January

At a meeting on Mbudget and Precept for the nday 13 Febru et ary 2017 Council agreed its cial year. The agreed 2017/18 budg ’s policy finance cil an un fin g Co in n w m To co & Resources the forth crease of 3.7% in Monday 20 Fe will result in an in Tax. bruary 2017 developmen element of Council ill see an annual t Scrutiny payer in Sandy w evious year, x ta D nd Ba e ag the pr The aver Monday 27 Fe 3.7% increase on bruary 2017 bill of £135.96 – a 8 a year, or 9 pence a week.

Town Counci equivalent to £4.8 l dget has been Monday 6 Mar ancial years the bue continued loss in fin us io ev pr in As th ch 2017 the backdrop of re human Reso prepared against ort funds from Central Bedfordshi sts urces co pp g Su sin x ea Ta cr cil in un ce fa Co Monday 13 M cil continues to ch see ar Council. The Counts from central government, whi developmen ch 2017 cu tie of onsibili s t Scrutin and the effect Community on costs and resp Bedfordshire ng ki ta cil un Services & en y co n l ntra the tow vironment usly covered by Ce Committee which were previo See our websi tinised and Council. te for details budget were scru savings ’s cil un o f Co o e th th er of ALL MEMBER meetings iency All aspects S OF THE PUBL sts and make effic re functions are IC co uated to reduce co WELCOME TO

AND PRESS A RE ATTEND

NCILLORS ARD TOWN COU PINNACLE W

its eval hile ensuring that where possible w ced. adequately resour e of providing ises the importanc as such gn co re cil un Co s down, The Town and keeping cost ntinually reviewed co a best value service e ar s ct ra nt and co s for service providers e and the Council actively applie lp lu va he st to be le ib re ss su po to en wherever g in nd fu t l year or cia pp an su the fin additional on the Precept. In ing as part of en rd bu e th e at nd allevi me Council secured fu 2016/17 the Town re Council’s Match Fund Programsh hi pu ds or lp df he Be to l s ra fund Cent g to secure more and will be lookin core projects.

IVEL WARD Cllr P N Aldis D BEESTON WAR 01767 691333 lr P Blaine Cl t 7 Mayfield Court, 692619 Cllr M P Scot 7 76 01 57 Sandy SG19 1NF .com r Close, Home 01767 6814 pla Po 19 83 nigel.aldis1@gmail Work 01767 6809 ington SG19 1HH y nd Sa m ine.blaine@gmail.co “The Gowans” Sedd Road bla ter pe Cllr J Ali Nursery, Great NorthSG19 1NZ 01767 681491 ll Hi y M nd lr Sa , Cl uncil Seddington C/o Sandy Town Co , 69 om 14 t.c 68 rne 7 76 nte 01 bti ad Ro ge scott729@ rid , mb on Ca est 10 21 The Green, Be Sandy SG19 1JA SG19 1PE m. .co D ok tlo AR ou W D ill@ EL axh FI am Cllr T Knagg FALLOW 01767 223165 son ck Ja W lr Cl Cllr T Cole 3 Jubilee Close, 49 25 68 7 76 01 88 Sandy SG19 1JA m Home 01767 6998 d Gardens, iel stf We 14 .co b.knagg@outlook 1 Partridge Piece, 1HF 19 SG y nd Sa P m 2U t.co 19 rne SG e nte y bti rn Sand will.jackson662@ Cllr C Osbo ail.co.uk P. teresacole@hotm J. ., .E .B tt M tti Cllr M J Pe 01767 682032 Cllr G Leach 01767 680082 eds Smith 91 Summercourt, 2 Le 1LU 14 olme Gardens, sh 01767 68 an Sw 42 19 SG cil y un nd Co Sa , wn ive To Dr y L C/o Sand Sandy SG19 1H media.com ad, an 10 Cambridge Ro martin.pettitt@virgin Cllr D Sharm E 1J 19 68 38 Sandy SG 68 7 76 n k 01 v.u tto uncil.go Cllr S J Su ndy SG19 2TA admin@sandytownco 21 Falcon Close, Sa 01767 227589 an m ar w Sh , ro Cllr P 33 Bedford Road Cllr J Spar 07889 599556 682693 y SG19 1EP 7 nd 76 Sa 01 uncil 3 Swallow Crest, C/o Sandy Town Co , ad Sandy SG19 2SN 10 Cambridge Ro Sandy SG19 1JE

MayOR’S aWaRdS fOR CITIzeNShIp

The nomination proces s be starting shortly. Awardfor the Mayor’s Awards will Award, Young Persons Aw categories are Citizens ard and Community Groups Award.

If you would like to nomi out for more details in nate anyone please look the press and on our website.

10 Cambridge Road, Sandy SG19 1JE Tel: 01767 681491 Fax: 01767 692527 admin@sandytowncouncil.gov.uk www.sandytowncouncil.gov.uk

10 — BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2017

TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952

EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com

Man racially abused and attacked

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a man was robbed and racially abused in Brunts Lane, Biggleswade, in the early hours of Saturday January 14, Four men, described as white assaulted the victim and stole his wallet.

Detective Constable Tracey Litchfield, investigating, said: “This was a nasty, unprovoked attack, which has left the victim understandably shaken.

“Anyone who witnessed the incident please get in touch to assist with our investigation.”

Contact DC Litchfield on 101 quoting JD/1877/17.

Left and right Steve Croft and Bethany Coles of engineering at Bedford College with Lee Walters.

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Pole position for apprentices

BEDFORD College students are in pole position when it comes to winning ‘Formula One’ apprenticeships with Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains (HPP).

HPP sponsors an Engineering ment Manager at HPP in Brixworth, Student of the Year Award at Northamptonshire explained that Bedford College every year. The each year the company took on up to prize includes a fast track to the front ten apprentices as machinists, of an interview queue for one of the assembly or test technicians. After company’s sought after apprentice- the first year they progressed on to Higher National Certificates with a ships.

Lee Walters, Employee Develop- view to developing them as engineers. The team at HPP benefits from great terms and conditions working in the most competitive and high-tech environment in global motorsport.

A video shown to the students explained how HPP is at the forefront of modern engine design including the Hybrid Energy Recovery System.

Lee added: “We want young people to step up and believe they can be good enough to be part of our World Class team.”

Bedford Colleges offers a range of real engineering courses from aeronautical, electrical, electronic, general and mechanical engineering.

Students gain workshop experience and go on to some of the best engineering apprenticeships on offer in the UK. Join them via www.bedford.ac.uk Bethany Coles, Personal Tutor, who organised the event said: “We very grateful to have the support of Mercedes AMG. Their involvement is an inspiration to our students who get an inside track into how to get a job with one of the best brands in engineering.”

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FEBRUARY 2017 BULLETIN — 11

12 — BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2017

TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952

EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com

Help bikers involved in accidents

BEDFORDSHIRE Fire and Rescue Service are running free ‘Biker Down’ courses throughout the year to give motorcyclists and other road users the skills they need to help bikers who may have been involved in an accident.

Each course lasts four hours and is split into four modules: Module 1 – First on scene – this module includes an introduction into the course followed by detailed input on risk assessment, prioritisation of activities, calling the emergency services & giving accurate details, parking safely on arrival, scene safety, hazards that can be encountered at an incident and how to deal with each, managing adrenaline & generally staying calm & safe.

Module 2 – First Aid – this module covers basic lifesaving and first aid techniques that can be applied when arriving first on scene. We cover managing the airway, breathing & circulation of

casualties whilst reiterating being mindful of the hazards detailed in module 1.

We also perform a ‘Motorcycle Helmet’ removal demonstration and allow participants to practise the correct technique for this.

Module 3 – Avoiding the accident – this module enlightens attendees with current statistics with regards to motorcycle accidents, the most common causes of motorcycle accidents including both motion camouflage and the looming effect. The module concludes with a discussion on some advanced riding techniques that can be used to reduce the chance of becoming involved in an accident.

Module 4 – The Law – this module covers various aspects of the law and how it can affect persons involved in an RTC (such as modifications to vehicles invalidating your insurance). It also covers the information the Police will require

after a serious collision, what to expect from the Police after a collision, the court process including what to expect if you are required to give evidence and finally a ‘frequently asked questions’ session covering several other interesting topics.

“Biker Down!” courses run throughout the year at Shefford Community Fire Station. The next one is on Saturday February 26, from 10am to 2pm and then at least once a month during the rest of the year.

Anyone who would like more information, or to book a place, should contact Bikerdown_team@ bedsfire.com Dates for 2017 are: Mar 19th, Apr 23rd, May 21st, Jun 4th and 17th, Jul 2nd and 22nd, Aug 6th and 27th, Sept 3rd and 24th, Oct 22nd, Nov 26th, Dec 17th Please check the course is running and book at place, please don’t just turn up.

Help a ‘leaver’ making the step from dependence to independence

LEAVING home and having to face the world on your own can be a pretty daunting experience for any young person.

According to national statistics*, people are moving out of home at an increasingly later age, with a quarter of 20-34 year olds still living with their parents last year.

In contrast, young people leaving care are often on their own well before they reach 18 – frequently when they are 16. As a result, many of them will experience long-lasting disadvantages and are more likely to become homeless.

That’s why Central Bedfordshire Council has launched a new Supported Lodgings Scheme, to help 16 and 17 year olds leaving care to make the step from dependence to independence.

It is similar to fostering but a much less formal arrangement, so open to more people. For example, foster carers need to be able to drive whereas those interested in this scheme do not.

Carers need to provide a bedroom for the young person they are helping, and they will also share their facilities and provide practical and emotional support, depending on the young person’s needs, such as teaching them how to cook or improve their budgeting skills.

In return, support and training are available from the council’s fostering team and you will receive an allowance of up to £192 per week.

Councillor Carole Hegley, Executive Member for Social Care and Housing, said: “No 16 and 17 year olds should have to face the world on their own, but unfortunately thousands face that prospect nationally.

“That’s why we are appealing for people to come forward and help young care leavers by providing a safe place to stay and the practical and emotional support which they will need to learn how to live on their own.

“You could be the stable adult figure they need to help make a

success of their life rather than facing future uncertainly and possible homelessness.”

To find out more about the scheme, visit www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/supported-lodgings, call the fostering team on 0300 300 8181 or email fostering@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk The scheme is the second one launched by the fostering team this month, following a push to find foster carers who can provide intensive support and care to vulnerable children and teenagers with challenging behaviour.

That is open to people of all ages and backgrounds who have the time, patience and drive to support children and teenagers through a difficult time in their lives and help them to build a brighter future.

Everyone taking part in the scheme will receive regular and extensive support and advice, comprehensive training as well as a fee for yourself and allowance for the child totalling an amount of

£796 a week. There is also a need for respite carers to support the scheme, who will receive a competitive support and allowance package.

Applicants must: l Either be at home or available on a full-time basis to offer support when needed l Have experience of working with or parenting children and/or teenagers who may have presented challenging behaviour l Be prepared to commit to caring for a child or teenager regardless of their behaviour l Be positive, resilient, patient, caring and emotionally strong l Live in or around Central Bedfordshire l Have a spare room

For more information visit www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk / fostering, or contact the fostering team by emailing: fostering@centralbedfordshire. gov.uk or call 0300 300 8181.

TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952

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FEBRUARY 2017 BULLETIN — 13

SG19 ROAD SAFETY GROUP THE SG19 Road Safety Group continues to press for the construction of a proper bypass for Sandy and Beeston, working with Highways England’s A1 East of England Strategic Study which calls for major improvements to the route of the A1 through our area. We are anticipating another meeting involving all the major decision takers in February. We hope that the work being done behind the scenes since their last meeting will have reached the conclusion we feel to be inevitable; that we need a proper bypass for Sandy and Beeston.

It was interesting to read the letter from John Edmond in last month’s Bulletin

where he identifies the problems with Biggleswade South roundabout and the traffic on the various roads in the town following the construction of so many new houses.

This is another set of problems that would be solved by the construction of a bypass if it broadly follows the route originally planned in 1994.

WISH LIST We will next be asking residents for their ‘wish list’ for the local roads which will include the need for some action to be taken to reduce the amount of traffic, especially large HGV’s not delivering in Sandy, using

the High Street. Potton, for example, has developments mooted for an additional 700 + homes of which around 300 have had planning approval. It is inevitable that the traffic generated will have an impact on Sandy’s roads.

As always, public support is vital so please put your ideas on our website. It will be public opinion that sways the decision makers and our petition is designed to do just that. If you have yet to do so, please sign it online via our website – www.SG19.org – to support our views that priority needs to be given to building a proper bypass for Sandy and Beeston.

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14 — BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2017

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EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com

OPEN LETTER TO ALISTAIR BURT MP WE are asking you as our MP to call on the government to reconsider their policy towards the NHS. There are crisis in all areas within the NHS, Social Care, General Practice and in the prisons where there is a duty of care and many prisoners have mental health problems. Every part of the NHS is calling for help.

On the television and in newspapers we see staff struggling in hospitals and homes and patients being left, even dying, on trolleys. This is all happening in our region as well as countrywide.

Some of our hospitals have been on Black Alert and not able to take any more patients. If the government does not boost funding instead of cutting it how are we going to recruit more doctors, nurses, paramedics and prison officers. They will be leaving not joining.

Cuts to local authorities have caused crises in local care and cuts to the prison service have led to riots, a lack of care for people who should be receiving mental health treatment and low morale amongst all the extremely dedicated and hard working staff.

Mrs May has just turned round and firstly blamed us for getting older and living longer and then blamed the cold winter, which as we all know, arrives every year.

Immigration and health tourism are also being blamed but people have been coming from America since the 1960s to use the NHS maternity care, so why is this still happening now?

It is interesting to note that many of the people working in our hospitals and care homes are immigrants. You, Theresa May and the government are in denial about the severity of the problem.

Money needs to be injected now, not in 2020, and threatening doctors with less money if they do not work longer hours is frankly appalling.

The Red Cross has said our country is facing a humanitarian crisis and they should know having worked in crisis hit countries all over the world. It is totally disgusting this should be happening in our extremely wealthy country. Now is crunch time and the government needs to get it’s priorities right. The NHS should be top of the list, certainly in front of high speed railways and garden bridges . You are our voice Mr Burt and we are asking you to make the NHS and all health services top priority.

C M Mackenzie and R W Mackenzie Brandreth Place, Sandy

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AS promised, the answers to the annual quiz feature below and thank you to all those of you who took the time to enter. I shall be notifying the winner over the next couple of days.

If you haven’t entered before, why not try this year?

Regular readers will recall that last month I asked if any of you with green fingers could help with a problem I had not encountered before: slugs in potatoes. I had a wonderfully helpful reply from one reader who had suffered a similar fate. I have passed these suggestions on to the reader concerned but for the benefit of everyone else one of the key points was to choose potatoes with thicker skins. Wilja were recommended as were Desiree but the point was also made that every year, the beds, which are rotated on a three year cycle, were dug a full spit’s depth. That is, the full depth of a spade. This can obviously damage any slug eggs in a way that using a small rotovator wouldn’t.

Moreover, some gardeners believe that regular rotovating can create a pan underneath but in my experience this is more likely to happen if your soil is heavy, (has a high clay content). A simple way of checking this is when one digs and removes a clod of soil, if it has a sheen to it, than your soil is very probably of the heavy variety. With all soil types there are pros and cons but whatever you have it can always be ‘tweaked’ to suit what one wants to grow.

I am much indebted to the reader who provided assistance with this matter and should you have either a problem you would like to share or a solution, please contact me using the details below.

Gardening February

I have been asked to write a piece about ‘cowboy’ gardeners so if you have any stories you would like to share, please contact me. The best/worst in my opinion, will win a razor sharp pair of secateurs.

The answer to last month’s just for fun question is: Sphagnum moss has a medical use, what is it? It can be used on wounds and is recommended by the armed forces! This month’s just for fun question is: What is the name of the tree that yields cinnamon?

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The answers to the Christmas Quiz are as follows: 1. Hermerocallis, 2.

Acid, 3. Hosta, 4. Bear’s Breeches, 5.

Common of Ordinary, 6. Twining Climbers, 7. Biennial, 8. Apricot, 9.

Flower Clusters Where Single Stalks Arise At One Point, 10. Brussels Sprouts.

As usual, please email or ‘phone me with any gardening queries you may have on LawnDocGardens@aol.com or 01767 627 581. Postal address: 6 Sand Lane, Northill, Bedfordshire SG18 9AD. Thank you so much for your continued support of this column.

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FEBRUARY 2017 BULLETIN — 15

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AROUND THE CLUBS ROYAL ARTILLERY ASSOCIATION

THE Biggleswade Branch of the Royal Artillery Association held a Branch Meeting on 11th January 2017, at the Sea Cadets Hall.

There were thirteen members present. The Chairman recited The Royal Artillery Prayer.

Apologies were received from four members.

New member Phil Pettitt was welcomed into the Branch.

The minutes of the November meeting were read.

The Chairman reported that the Christmas Lunch was well supported with 32 attendees.

The Treasurers report was received.

Christmas greetings and donations were acknowledged from Anne Wolton, Russell Simpson, Mick Jones and Biggleswade Town Council.

The Chairman announced the Funeral of Ted Beard, a Second World War Biggleswade Gunner and stated that the Branch Standard will be in attendance.

The meeting closed at 15.00 hrs.

The Royal Artillery Assoc-

iation exists to look after the welfare of and foster comradeship between members of the Royal Artillery both serving and retired.

Ex-Service personnel of other Arms or Regiments who wish to share the camaraderie are welcome.

The Branch meets on the first Wednesday of the month at the Sea Cadets Hall, Biggleswade starting at 14.30hrs. (Next Meeting is the AGM on Wednesday 1st February).

Please contact the Chairman Ted McKenzie on 07900806235 or E Mail tiger.ted@gmail.com for more details.

BIGGLESWADE IVEL EVENING TOWNSWOMEN’S GUILD

CHAIRMAN Chris Davies welcomed members to the January meeting. Diamond wedding anniversary greetings were given to Pauline Presland.

On a very crisp morning, members enjoyed a walk was around the Sandy Mast followed by lunch at Bedfordshire Growers. Liz Stirratt

EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com

appealed once again for swimmers to make up the team for the annual swimathon on Saturday, February 4.

Forthcoming events: Milton Keynes theatre to see March 21 Funny Girl and April 28 - Dirty Dancing. Social studies group will be producing a display based on the lyrics of Do Ra Me from the Sound of Music.

The speaker for the evening was Shirley Scotch talking about St John’s hospice at Moggerhanger.

She gave a very interesting insight into the running of the hospice and the often unknown services that they now offer to the community. It does not just offer end of life care, 50% of patients go home following a stay with their pain and symptoms under control.

They offer family support; a day treatment service as apposed to patients attending hospital outpatients; complimentary therapy – massage etc; a befriending service for carers to enable carers to take time off and a Peps register where they co-ordinate all the specialist treatments and arrange for home support. St John’s need to raise £20,000 per week in order to maintain the services offered and the shops and fund raising were vital in meeting this target. Shirley was thanked by Pam Peacock.

As there was a little time left Chris Davies gave a talk on her holiday to Dubai and South Africa last year entertaining us with the contrast of the wealth in Dubai to the poverty of some parts of South Africa.

The next meeting, will be a fish and chip supper on Monday, February 9, 7.30pm at the Weatherly Centre.

THE Chairman, Ann Taylor, welcomed members and visitors to their meeting on Tuesday 12th January wishing all a Very Happy & Healthy New Year.

IVEL VALLEY U3A

The December Speaker, Richard Revels had been very interesting and his pictures of the Falklands wonderful. The Christmas Lunch at The Wheatsheaf had been superb and enjoyed by all.

The art group will reconvene on Tuesday 7th February at Sylvia

Ditch’s house in Gamlingay.

Christine Davies offered lifts to anyone interested in attending. Book group 1 will meet on Monday 6th February at Pam’s Hulbert’s house.

Chris Davies gave details of several theatre outings at Milton Keynes. She could still get tickets for ‘Funny Girl’ on Wednesday 1st March although the transport was full. The tickets were due for payment. There were tickets still available for ‘Dirty Dancing’ on 28th April with members making their own way to the theatre.

Ann introduced the speaker for the afternoon, Michael Bartlett, who was to talk about ‘The Amber Room’. Richard began by talking about The Lions Message in a Bottle containers which given the emergency services vital information about patients. He suggested that a supply be obtained for members from the local branch of Biggleswade & Sandy Lions.

Michael then began his talk which was concerning his visit and the history of the Amber Room at The Catherine Palace at St Petersburg. He visited this fabulous room on a cruise across the Baltic. His pictures showed a sumptuously ornate room glowing with fantastic colours. He explained that amber was a resin that is at least one million years old with colours that vary from black to transparent.

Construction started on the palace in 1701 and then the amber panels were installed in 1760.

The Russians decided to hide the panels behind false walls in 1917 but the room was found by the Germans who dismantled it and sent it back to Konigsberg Castle. Sadly this was bombed by the Allies and then by 1945 the amber room had disappeared.

There is no proof whether it was destroyed or hidden. In 1979 the Russians decided to reconstruct the Amber Room Relearning the techniques of shaping amber and using old black and white photographs.

The room was officially reopened in 2003 in front of 30 heads of state.

The pictures that Michael showed a fabulously large space covered with glowing panels of amber. Jean Curwen gave the vote of thanks for a very interesting and unusual talk.

Club Secretaries are reminded that the copy deadline for reports is the 18th of the month preceding publication

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FEBRUARY 2017 BULLETIN — 17

In Focus with SAY THANKS NOW AND THEN

Remember the short spell of freezing weather last month? There was a forecast which suggested snow across the midlands and south, travel difficulties – or ‘Blizzard Death Blows in from EU’ if you read the Daily Express?

However there was an evening of train holdups and some cold icy weather- not much snow. I was on a busy Thameslink, all stations to Bedford from Blackfriars, making up for an earlier cancellation, and checking Twitter when I came across this from ITV News “Know your rights if your journey is disrupted by winter storms”.

Attached was a portfolio picture of London traffic in a blizzard, and a comprehensive guide as to who to claim compensation

ENTERING DIALOGUE

I have many warm memories of St Mary’s Cathedral in Glasgow. Whilst at University I went to Glasgow on several occasions with fellow students to undertake community work in the poorer areas of the City. This included building adventure playgrounds and undertaking community research to identify local need. On each occasion, members of the Cathedral were our hosts.

I was therefore deeply saddened to see the news reports in January of the controversy caused when the Cathedral invited a local Muslim to contribute a reading from the Qur’an at their Epiphany Service; a reading that described the birth of Jesus as understood within Islam. A reading that reflected Muslim belief that Jesus is a prophet but not

Three Potton men charged with firearms offences

THREE men have been charged with firearms offences after being arrested in Luton in January.

Paul Smith, 27, Albert Smith, 60, and Frank Smith, 29, all of Common Road, Potton, have each been charged with two counts of possession of a shotgun without a certificate.

Albert Smith and Paul Smith were both also charged with possessing a shotgun when prohibited to do so because of a previous jail sentence.

Frank Smith was also charged with possession of class A drugs.

The trio were arrested by officers from the Bedfordshire Police Boson team and have been remanded in police custody pending an appearance at Luton Magistrates’ Court.

Alistair

by Rt Hon Alistair Burt MP

from, and how much, for the outrage of being inconvenienced by the weather.

I was quite saddened by this. I fully support the rights of passengers, who pay a great deal, to be protected against shoddy or careless actions which affect the reliability of travel – which is important to all. But has it really come to the bit that our lives are so precious that any inconvenience, even if caused by something over which no one has any control, has us scrabbling for

View from the Rt Revd

Richard Atkinson

The Bishop of Bedford

the Son of God. The result was ten thousand negative comments including many that were abusive and have been referred to Police Scotland; all complaining that this is wrong for a Christian Church and a denial of the Gospel. It is a sad indictment of the attitudes of many, and at worst Islamophobia.

The inclusion of this reading was part of an occasional encounter with Islam that sat within the Christian responsibility to build relationships with our neighbours and to

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information on our ‘rights’ so we can claim compensation.

I tweeted in reply ‘Perhaps you might say ‘thank you’ instead to the transport staff who get you home? And not blame anyone?

Try it.’

I’m pleased to say my retweet received four times more retweets than the ITV version! As we work through what happened last year, and how we come to terms with the Britain it revealed to us, one of the things we might think about is our rush to blame, accuse and hold up to abuse. Social media is not responsible in itself – it is a convenient cover for some to use language and threats because they are anonymous but it is us who hold the key. I think we will all be happier and the country will work better if we cut each other a little generous slack, and ensure common courtesy, and some simple thanks now and again, does not slip sadly away.

seek understanding of those of other faiths.

More than that, it was set within a Christian act of worship, within a building that speaks powerfully of Christian witness. As the Provost of St Mary’s said, ‘Nobody at that service that night could be in any doubt that we proclaimed the divinity of Christ and preached the Gospel of God’s love’. The truth of the Gospel was not at risk.

Whatever our beliefs and views, a primary responsibility for us all is that Christian responsibility to love our neighbour. A love that is broad in its compass; that includes the need to understand one another, listen to one another and to enter dialogue with one another. The inclusion of that reading in Glasgow was in that spirit. I hope that the generosity and welcome that the inclusion of this reading reflected will not be shouted down by those whose attitudes are less loving.

18 — BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2017

1. The late Eric Lund’s reminiscences of his early years in Biggleswade from 1930 to 1946, entitled ‘Memories of a Biggleswade Boy’ are now publicly available on the Society’s website.

The web address is at the foot of this page. Select ‘For Researchers’ from the menu on the Home Page and then click on ‘People’ and ‘Eric Lund 1927-2016’.

2. Readers may be interested in our next guest speaker on 6 February, Ken Griffin, who bills himself as ‘Convict Ken’ and will give a talk to the Society about Bedfordshire convicts transported to the penal colonies, between 1770 and 1870. Transportation was seen as a solution to the problems of rising crime rates and overcrowding in our prisons. By far the greatest number of British transportees went to Australia between 1787 and 1867, it is estimated 160,000, of whom some 700 were convicted in Bedfordshire. Some of these came from Biggleswade and nearby, and we hope Ken will focus on a few of our local miscreants. Find out who the 700 were and get some background information on crime, punishment and transportation at www.sellingsparrows.com – and, better still, come and join us for Ken’s fascinating talk! See the Meetings section for information.

3. The 73-minute professionally produced 2009 ‘Three Market Towns’ DVD featuring Biggleswade, Potton and Sandy past and present and presented by Pam Rhodes is still available to readers at £15, payable on ordering. It can be delivered free of charge to Biggleswade addresses or mailed for an extra £1.00 per copy to cover postage and packing. 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@biggleswade history.org.uk or telephone 01767 316669.

4. Please note that at our meeting on 6 March Mike Fowler, who produced the ‘Three Market Towns’, will be giving a talk about the film and showing out-takes. The DVD will be available to purchase on that evening and non-members will be welcome to join us for a small donation payable at the door. See the Meetings section on this page for information.

5. The Society’s next slot on the BigglesFM Thursday Breakfast Show will be 8.30 - 9.00 on 23 February. Tune in to 104.8 or go to www.bigglesfm.com and click on Listen Live to hear the latest news from our Editor.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. On Tuesday, 28 February, by popular demand our President Ken Page returns to Dunton’s community pub, the March Hare, to give another illustrated talk. The subject will be ‘Victorian Biggleswade’ and Ken will show images of the town as it was in days gone by.

There is no charge for admission as this is an open event, so all comers are welcome to attend and enjoy Ken’s presentation for the price of a

EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS

TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952

drink or two in good company. The March Hare has a selection of first class ales and our Society’s books of photographs of old Biggleswade will be available at £1.00 each or 5 for £4.00. The talk begins at 8.00pm and lasts about an hour. Mark the date in your diaries!

2. The Society will mount occasional local history displays in the town library this year.

Watch this space for details of dates and themes.

FROM THE ARCHIVES Accessions

We are grateful for the following donations received during December and early January: - from Judith Reed, family photos and documentation about Alf Cole of Biggleswade - from Rosemary Williams, a collection of old photographs showing various local scenes - from Shabina Noormohamed, copy documents relating to Brunswick House, including 1893 title deeds - from the family of the late Eric Lund, a collection of local interest books about Bedfordshire, three framed prints of old Bedfordshire maps, a Frith print showing the former Whiteman’s building (St Andrew’s Place, now the Courtyard Centre), and various local history papers for cataloguing.

The Society has a wide range of publications relating to the history of Biggleswade and its people and these are now permanently available to all members of the public at the same low prices offered to our members. Most of our publications may be purchased for just £1.00 each, and the 434-page A4 size Dan Albone hardback is a bargain at the reduced price of £15.00 (plus £5.00 postage & packing if it is to be mailed) and is also on sale at the same low price at Pedals cycle shop in Shortmead Street.

Visit the Society’s website for a price list and descriptions of the books. Telephone enquiries and orders to: Paul Artiss (01767 666187).

Free delivery to local addresses may be possible but ask Paul about postal charges if books are to be mailed.

PUBLICATIONS

The Society meets in the chapel 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. In the summer months indoor meetings give way to a programme of evening walks and visits.

MEETINGS

09 Jan: 37 members and 8 visitors attended our first meeting of 2017 to hear a fascinating, well-illustrated talk entitled, ‘Infamous Inhabitants of Potton’. “Infamy, infamy, they’ve all got it in for me* [Quote from the film ‘Carry on Cleo’ 1964.] … and so the presentation given

by Peter Ibbett of the Potton History Society began with a focus on many characters, good, bad and mad with Potton associations from the time of William the Conqueror to more recent times. Starting with the story of Countess Judith,

LAST MEETING

EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com

Biggleswade

a niece of the Conqueror, who shamelessly betrayed her husband, Earl Waltheof, resulting in his beheading, this was followed by the tragedy of Judith of Potton, slain together with her family in 1270 by unidentified felons..

A will of 1530 stipulates that one of the daughters, Alice, will get only money “if of good behaviour”. Clearly her character is in question.

What had Alice been up to? The Tudor age also brings to Potton ‘country chapmen’ who visit towns and villages to acquire goods for markets.

A man called Snellinge is sent to Potton from London to acquire goods and whilst there gets drunk with others in a public house. The next day he heads back to London with two overloaded, neglected horses and his neglect leads to their deaths. No one knows what happened to him but the loss of those horses would have led to severe punishment. Their value would equate to two transit vans today!

There is the sad story of Admiral John Byng, infamous for being the only British admiral to be executed. Sent to fight the French, he is court martialled for alleged dereliction of duty and King George II declines to issue a royal pardon.

To this day Byng’s descendants petition for his pardon, as it has been shown that he had insufficient ships and men to perform his duty adequately. It was to this disgraceful episode that the French philosopher and wit, Voltaire, famously referred when he said that now and then the English shoot an admiral to encourage the others.

In the 18th century a Mr Livelong benefits from the 1783 Great Fire of Potton with implications of insurance fraud and in 1792 locals caught poaching near Deepdale end up in Bedford Gaol. Troublesome youths are behaving badly in 1814, upsetting Potton residents, a drunken soldier is recaptured after escaping from the town lock-up in 1816 and Sir John Burgoyne of Sutton complains about offensive smells from Potton’s tanneriea wafting over his park. In the early years of the 20th century newspaper reports of local transgressions like ‘Croot Steals Sweets’ and ‘ Mrs Wagstaffe a Bigamist’ appear trivial alongside reports of local men being killed and wounded in the First World War. There were more tales to tell, too many to mention here. Sandra Ransom thanked Peter on behalf of the members.

6 February: ‘Bedfordshire Convicts Transported 1770-1870’ – a talk by Ken Griffin (‘Convict Ken’) 6 March: ‘Three Market Towns: B’wade, Sandy & Potton’ – out-takes from the 2009 film presented by Mike Fowler 3 April: Members only Annual General Meeting 8 May: ‘Amy Johnson’ – a talk by Roy Smart about the renowned aviator 5 June: Members only visit to the village of Dunton hosted by Janice and John of the March Hare 3 July: Members only guided walk in Tempsford Church End led by local historian Steve Cooney

PROGRAMME

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FEBRUARY 2017 BULLETIN — 19

History Society

The Dan Albone Story If you’re not into the history of cycle design and cycle racing, you’re not a vintage tractor enthusiast, or you don’t come from Bedfordshire, then the chances are that you will never have heard of Dan Albone. He was an extraordinary man: a champion cyclist, a visionary engineer and designer, inventor, entrepreneur and manufacturer. With seemingly boundless energy and enthusiasm he achieved more in his 46 years of life than most could hope to achieve in double the number of years.

We don’t shout about Dan in Biggleswade; he has no statue on the Market Square; no bar, pub or café bears his name; we do not hold a Dan festival or welcome visitors to ’BIGGLESWADE – Home of the Father of the Farm Tractor’; and the places where he lived and worked have been demolished – there is a little black plaque on the wall across the road as a reminder. If you know where to look you will find him: he has a car park and picnic area by the river and that steel silhouette man sat on that little steel silhouette tractor that you may have noticed down there on the grass is Dan driving his pride and joy.

B

PART ONE:

Dan’s background and early life

IGGLESWADE on the river Ivel is a market town in rural Central Bedfordshire with Anglo-Saxon origins. Much of the town was destroyed by a great fire in 1785, so many of its buildings date to after that time. 45 miles north of London on the Great North Road (now the A1 which by-passes the town), it prospered in the 18th and early 19th centuries due to the coaching trade and the canal trade on the Ivel Navigation, bringing coal and timber and other goods from the port of Kings Lynn.

The railways eclipsed the coaching and canal trades, and in 1850 Biggleswade was the first place in Bedfordshire to get a main line railway station – on the Great Northern Railway. This brought about a boom in the already well-established local market gardening business, enabling quick and easy access to the London markets in particular. Railway wagons returned from London with horse manure and soot to spread on the land. (On the day that the station was officially opened the market gardeners festooned it with carrot tops and onions to give it a local festive look!)

It was into this community of farm workers, market gardeners and small tradesmen that Dan Albone was born in 1860, the eighth of nine children of Edward and Edith Albone. He

You will see him and his tractor in the parish church, in a stained glass window, and the big black bikes in the town centre where you can chain your bike up all have the name ‘Ivel’, which was Dan’s trademark.

You will find his burial place in Drove Road cemetery, where he rests with all his family.

It is a little known fact that he can even be found in Antarctica, where a glacier was named after him in 1964!

He was a great and deserves to be better known. That’s why, in 2013, ITV approached the Biggleswade History Society for information and images to help with telling the story of Dan Albone in a short feature film for their series, ‘I Never Knew That about Britain’.

The Society’s editor took part in the filming and the programme, presented by Paul Martin of ‘Flog It!’ fame, was televised on ITV1 on Easter Monday, 2014.

For Bulletin readers who missed the programme, or are curious to know about Dan’s background, his life and times and achievements, the editor has put together his story as told to the programme makers. came from a long line of Albones in the town – the name is unusual elsewhere but common in the Biggleswade area. Going back over 300 years in Biggleswade, they were mostly carpenters but by mid-Victorian times the majority had become farm workers. Dan’s family, however, fared a little better…

Dan grew up in the Ongley Arms, a modest inn by the Great North Road near the bridge at the northern entrance to the town. His father was the tenant and licensee but his mother Edith ran the pub while her husband carried on his job as a sawyer, and he also kept a few dairy cows and employed a man and boy to help with a bit of market gardening on land he rented nearby. This enabled them to find the extra money to send all of their children to a local school.

Dan was three when his father died but Edith continued to run the pub and took in lodgers when the older children left home.

She ensured that Dan and the young ones went to school and she kept the market gardening going, employing three men and a boy on 26 acres by 1881.

When Dan was nine a cousin built him a bone-shaker for his birthday. The wheels were made of wood and Dan rode it to school and around town. From then on Dan and his bike were inseparable. He had caught the cycling bug! It caused quite a stir, as bikes were then in the early stages of development and rarely seen in small towns.

Apprenticed to a local firm of millwrights at the age of thirteen, Dan began to acquire his engineering skills. At about the same time, working at home, he built his first bicycle the hard way and during his years as an apprentice engineer took a keen interest in developments in cycle design and became active in the increasingly popular sport of cycle racing. The Biggleswade & District Cycling Club, formed in 1880, met at the Ongley Arms. Dan and his brother Edward were founder members and keen racers.

Having completed his apprenticeship at the age of twenty he set up in business in an improvised workshop behind the Ongley Arms making and repairing bicycles and tricycles. The Ivel Cycle Works was born in 1881 together with the brand name ‘Ivel’ after the name of the river that flowed behind the inn.

After the death of his mother in 1883 Dan also took over as publican at the Ongley Arms which became a renowned stopping off and meeting place for cyclists. The North Road Cycling Club (founded in 1885) had its first headquarters here, and later at the Ivel Hotel next door. By now Dan was employing three men to help him in his Cycle Works and his reputation as a designer, manufacturer and champion rider was about to take off.

Competition was keen and manufacturers were constantly developing new designs and improvements in performance to gain the edge. Dan’s story continues next month.

For further information contact: Jane Dale 01767 650340, editor@biggleswadehistory.org.uk www.biggleswadehistory.org.uk

20 — BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2017

sport

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FOOTBALL – BY MICHAEL DRAXLER

It could’ve been worse!

I

WEYMOUTH.............................. 2 BIGGLESWADE TOWN .......... 2 T was a long trek to Weymouth where we arrived a little after schedule but still managed the kick off time of 6pm. The return journey was hampered by fog and we did not arrive back to home until after 1am.

Just contemplate if the kick off had been as a normal 7.45, back home closer to breakfast, so it could have been worse.

The football however, could not have been better. A festive spirit and a home crowd not happy with their team after a draw on Boxing Day at local rivals Dorchester. This was compounded on seven minutes when a corner only cleared as far as Parker on the edge of the box lifted the ball over a static Weymouth. Inih Effiong controlled the ball on his chest, spun and fired home from short distance.

All was going great with the defence playing their normal frugal game. A mix up on the right gave Ben Thompson the easiest of chances.

The second 45 was much the same with Weymouth having most of the possession. The game came back to life when Inih started a run from 30 yards out, turned two defenders and bamboozled the lot before rounding the keeper to score a goal to make the trip worthwhile. The best goal Inih has scored – certainly up there. With only seven to go the Waders defended well despite frantic pressure from the Terras. With 120 seconds left a shot from Calvin Brooks had enough power to elude all and share the points from a great game.

Y

BIGGLESWADE TOWN ...........1 HITCHIN TOWN ........................3 OU can’t have all that you wish for, my new year’s wish was to cast aside that jinx that is Hitchin Town and prove that we are a team to compete with the best the Premier league has to offer.

It all started so well with the waders on the attack and dominating the game. Connor Hall from a corner hit the post with a header. Effiong had a great chance saved by the keeper. The signs were good if not better than good. But then, on 30 Kane Smith received a cross field

ball and moved in on goal from the half way line. Smith’s shot was true and straight entering the net between crossbar and post. Stunning. The boys in green deflated and five minutes later a mix up in the defence saw Lench double the lead with a simple tap in. Within two Biggleswade were back in contention after a handball handed Effiong the chance to convert the resulting penalty.

Half time chat over and the Waders went again on the offensive but were unable to get a clear chance.

Craig Daniel made the keeper’s fingers sting and an Effiong free kick on target but again Johnson was equal to the chance and pushed the ball round the post. Heartbreak on 67 as Lench again put his looping header beyond our man’s reach to give Hitchin a 3-1 lead. The game never really got the passion expected of a local derby, the boys in green suffering from the exertions of travelling to Weymouth the previous week.

C

CINDERFORD ............................1 BIGGLESWADE TOWN ...........2 INDERFORD a town nestling in the Forest of Dean, west of here and just over 3 hours away.

Geography done, the Waders certainly rode their luck as Cinderford pummelled the ball at our goal. The home boys will count themselves desperately unlucky as our man Brown was the star of the show.

When your luck is out, Cinderford prop up the league table, nothing ever seems to go right. The first 30 saw Cinderford attack at pace but with their shooting boots just off line and our man in scintillating form, Cinderford could have and should have been threeto the good.

The waders did not show much footballing skills and found it difficult to get any rhythm. However on 33 as Cinderford were committed to attack Hoenes received the ball on the halfway line and ran towards goal.

Beating a couple of defenders before rounding the keeper to give Biggleswade a lead. Ten onward, a corner only cleared as far as Russell Short was half volleyed back in and found the net for 2-0.

Out for the second 45 and still Cinderford had the most awful of luck as the ball flew at our goal from a variety of positions. Sometimes desperate but always in control, the Waders somehow held the lead.

EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com

Manager Nunn swapped the players round with a number of substitutions.

It all became a bit frantic on 79 when suddenly Karnell Chambers beat our man with hard hit shot.

I

KINGS LYNN ..............................1 BIGGLESWADE TOWN ...........2 AM always bemoaning the bad fortune we suffer but lady luck was with us most of the way. It was always going to be tough against a side the size of Kings Lynn.

The game itself was a fairly even affair the Waders bolstered by the return of Effiong up front. Each side testing with perhaps Lynn having the more but unable to convert the few chances they had. On 24 a break from Hoenes drove him into the opposition penalty area to be upended. Claims for offside, but having watched the video a couple of times I can’t see that. Effiong despatched the ball with class to give the boys in red a lead. Despite creating certainly Biggleswade gave as much back as the home side and went close on more than one occasion. At the break the lead retained for the half time chat.

After the break Burnett off injured was replaced by Connor Vincent. Hall and Parker were doing tremendous work in the mid-field ferreting out the ball and breaking Lynn down.

At the back Patrick, filling in for Lewis, Perry had another great game as did Hoyte and Short. On 53 Michael Clunan the homeside 7 caught our man flat footed as his tame shot beat all. Game on with Lynn upping the tempo. One great chance went begging when Hilliard looped in a cross, goal at his mercy Mettam blasted over.

A loss would be better. With the Waders looking menacing and putting in a real shift, a through ball from Inih Effiong found Rhysss Hoenes, ever willing with his darting runs. Into the area and an attempt to round the keeper resulted in a second penalty on 92. Inih rolled it in after the keeper had committed himself.

T

REDDITCH UNITED ................0 BIGGLESWADE TOWN ...........2 HIS squad of players are very much coming of age as they recorded their third straight away win. Cinderford, Kings Lynn and

now Redditch have found us an extremely difficult side to beat. Preseason, a wader commented that this bunch of lads felt special and that this could be the season. Not much truth in that with the first four games proving a disaster.

Fragile Redditch went into the match, after a beating at the hands of Frome seven days earlier and changed thirty percent of their playing personnel, with confidence and attacked with purpose on their home 3G pitch. Dior Angus was the main man and had 3 or 4 chances in the first spell. Luke Keen had the best chance when our man was stranded and after desperate lunges and tackles Keen blasted over the bar. At the other end Effiong, Hoenes and Patrick, back forward again after his fill in at fullback, made the passing game look easy as the ball ran across the artificial surface. On 10 after more work from Effiong and Hoenes the ball found Jordan Patrick in space and his shot ran under the keeper for a wader goal. Redditch heads dropped as the pre-match plan went awry. two minutes later and a lengthy delay as the match official James Oldham had to leave the pitch with restricted vision.

A new linesman was sworn in and the match resumed 14 minutes later. Hoenes doubled the lead on 35 as he ran across the area beating all and keeping the expectant Wader fans waiting for him to pull the trigger. A fine solo goal for which he is gathering a reputation. Moving on saw Effiong off injured to be replaced by Connor Vincent. The rearranged pack not as effective as the previous incumbents. Half time came as the players and supporters alike took a rest from the bitter cold.

The game was won and the waders needed only to defend and stop Redditch for another three away points. Connor Hall had another great game and pitched in with the closest we got to a goal in the second period, a header kicked off the line.

Certainly Biggleswade put more pressure on the opposition goal as Redditch could only must one real attack in the 45. At the end and it getting towards 17.30 after the delay, the win belonged and deserved to go back to Bedfordshire.

Next up local derby, St.Ives, Saturday 28th January, kick off 1500 hours. We have a point or three to prove. Up the Waders.

A Great Music Festival For Lovers of Everything Vintage nce...

Following last year’s amazing sell-out success, we are excited to annou

TWINWOOD FESTIVAL • BEDFORDSHIRE • 25, 26, 27, 28 AUGUST 2017

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THREE ANDAHALF DAYS OF ENTERTAINMENT STARTING FROM FRIDAY 25TH AUGUST

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TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952

EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com

out & about BEDFORDSHIRE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

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CONCERT

Bedford Corn Exchange, Saturday 25 February 2017, at 7.30pm The orchestra, conducted by Michael Rose, presents music from across Central Europe.

Featuring gifted young Russian pianist Ilya Kondratiev.

Rossini - ‘William Tell’ Overture Beethoven - 5th Piano Concerto (the ‘Emperor’) Dvorak - 7th Symphony.

Tickets: Adults £15/£12, Concessions £13/£10, Children/Students £5.

Please call 01234 718044 or go to www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk For further details visit www.bedfordsymphony.com BEDFORD LOCAL GROUP OF THE WILDLIFE TRUST

–––––––––––––––––––––––– 7.30pm Wednesday 8th February

KEEPING TRACK OF BEDFORDSHIRE WILDLIFE

an illustrated talk about surveying, monitoring and recording by Jackie Ullyett and Katharine Banham Priory Methodist Church Hall, Newnham Avenue, Bedford MK41 9QJ. Plenty parking available, All welcome, no charge but voluntary contributions are appreciated.

Further details available under Events on www.wildlifebcn.org or at 01234 266057

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WREST PARK VOLUNTEER OPEN DAYS Wednesday 1st March 2017 1st March from 1-3pm and 5-7pm This will be held at Wrest Park in the Anti-Library of the Mansion House on Wednesday Would you like to be a part of an outstanding team?

Would you like to spend time in one of England’s most prestigious and fascinating Gardens with a story that spans over 600 years Would you like to share your enthusiasm and love of history?

Would you like to meet like-minded people and try something new?

Then why not come and volunteer for English Heritage at Wrest Park.

Whether it is welcoming and chatting to visitors or telling the stories of our unique house and garden, there are plenty of ways to get involved here at Wrest Park. Come along to our open day and find out more about what’s involved and how you can help our visitors ‘Step into England’s Story’.

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Castle Comedy Biggleswade has a Best of British and Irish Comedy Special featuring three headline quality acts! The date for your diary is Monday March 6th when an Englishman, Irishman and Scotsman will walk into George’s Hall Bar! Headlining the show is Andrew Ryan (right). He is a charming, hilarious and captivating Irish stand up. He has appeared on Live at The Comedy Store (Comedy Central), Best of the Edinburgh Festival Live (BBC3) and Russell Howards Good News (BBC3).

“Utterly brilliant, going to be a huge star.” Timeout “well paced, well written... delivers plenty of laughs” The Mirror Opening the show is Larry Dean. (far right) He was crowned Scottish Comedian Of The Year at just 23! Larry’s star has continued to rise and rise, with his debut Edinburgh Fringe show ‘Out Now!’ receiving widespread critical and audience acclaim as well as a

International acts

Fosters Comedy Award nomination for Best Newcomer. He has starred on Live From The BBC (BBC2) and appeared twice on BBC Presents: Best Of The Edinburgh Festival.

“The audience lap up his cheekychappie shtick...here’s to a generation of new Billy Connollys” The Guardian In the middle is Matthew Osbourne who was crowned English Comedian of the Year in 2009! He’s

has supported Harry Hill and Al Murray on tour. He has also appeared on Russell Howard’s Good News (BBC3).

“The gags themselves are expertly crafted, perfectly timed and outrageously funny” Chortle The shows sell out quickly, with the Dinner & Show tickets being particularly popular, so be sure to book early to avoid disappointment!

Doors open 7.30pm, Shows start at 8.00pm and tickets are £8 (£6 NUS) or if you fancy a treat, you can buy £18 tickets, which include a pre, show meal and glass of wine from the fabulous George’s Hall Bar & Grill. www.castlecomedy.co.uk

The Bluebell Club Moggerhanger Park Tues & Weds Feb 14 & 15

February half-term sees the launch of something new and exciting at Moggerhanger Park.

Located just outside Bedford, Moggerhanger Park is home to a historic Georgian house set in 33 acres of parkland and woodland making it an ideal venue for a brand new and unique school holiday club for children.

The woods are famed for their displays of both Bluebells and Snowdrops and The Bluebell Club will be encouraging children to go out and explore not only the woods but the surrounding grounds.

Based in the Garden Room, The Bluebell Club will be running a mixture of fun outdoor activities as well as arts, crafts, making and creating. All aimed at getting youngsters involved in nature and finding out about the house and its grounds.

The first club sessions will be on Tuesday 14th and Wednesday 15th February with more scheduled for the Easter holiday.

The club is open to children aged five years and over. www.getintobed.org/BluebellClub. html

TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952

ADS: advertising@rosettapublishing.com

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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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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.

MUMS’ AND DADS’

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BIGGLESWADE CARNIVAL

Biggleswade Carnival parade day for next year is Saturday 24th June 2017 and the theme is Nursery rhymes, Application forms will be available from January 2017.For further information contact 07810647749.

TENNIS FOR BEGINNERS

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Children – Adults Seniors experienced Players ALL WELCOME Jack: 01767 692242

www.biggleswadetennis.co.uk

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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!

BUGGY FIT CL ASSES –––––––––––––––––––––––– BADMINTON 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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SANDY TOWN BOWLING CLUB

welcomes new members of all ages and abilities.

SANDY VILLAGE HALL Engayne Avenue Season starts May to September.

We play friendly games throughout the season most of which are mixed (male & female).

1st year membership only £10 Further information from Michael on 01767 227523 www.sandytownbowlingclub.org.uk

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 To find out more please contact Alan on 07974187866 or Colin on 01767 317099 We invite all stroke survivors & their carers to join our

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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.

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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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FEBRUARY 2017 BULLETIN — 23

–––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––– ‘GIFTS FOR ALL CANCER SUPPORT OCCASIONS CRAFT GROUP FAIR #7 - LOVE IS IN BIGGLESWADE AND SURROUNDING THE AIR’ 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.

The Community Rooms, Baptist Church 24, London Road, Biggleswade SG18 8EB 1pm - 3pm Telephone, Secretary Amanda 01767 313662 or Gina 07812796581 csgbiggleswade@gmail.com FB. Cancer Support Group Biggleswade.

Sunday 5 February 2017 (11am-3pm) The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Rd, Biggleswade, SG18 8JH. Quality Stalls, raffle, refreshments and special appearance from Captain America Minion! www.bit.ly/CFAOCFN7.

All in aid of St. Trizah School in Nakuru, Kenya. Three generations of Newmans supporting children living in a deprived environment via teaching, playing, renovating and building.

SANDY HISTORICAL SOCIETY Stonecroft Hall, 7.30pm February 24

–––––––––––––––––––––––– Willington from the Saxons to the Tudors

An illustrated talk by Dorothy Jamieson Admission £2.00 including refreshment Members & Students Free For further details contact Chairman Nigel Aldis 01767 691333

–––––––––––––––––––––––– THE IVEL BEREAVEMENT –––––––––––––––––––––––– SUPPORT CENTRE Sandy Horticultural Association HAS A LOVED ONE DIED? Perhaps we can help you at our drop-in centre at:

The Community Rooms, Baptist church, 24 London Road, Biggleswade SG18 8EB Wednesdays 10am – 12 noon Telephone: Carole or Jill on 07704 734225 for more information.

• A place of friendship, compassion and understanding.

• Fully trained bereavement support volunteers are always on hand to listen while you talk through your grief.

• Somewhere to meet others coping with bereavement issues.

• Come and make new friends – A warm welcome awaits you.

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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 stop for tea & coffee after the walk) Thursdays at 10.00am Walking with Rosario and his team Meeting Outside Stratton School Gates, Biggleswade 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 E-mail: 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

QUIZ NIGHT 7.30pm Friday 10th February at Sandy Conservative Club £6.00 per person, teams of up to six people www.thesandyshow.org.uk

TRINITY METHODIST CHURCH Shortmead Street Biggleswade.

Sunday 5th February 10.30am Cafe Style worship. Mr. Paul Cooper.

Sunday 12th February 9.30am Ref Prof Peter Byass Communion Service.

10.30 a.m.

Rev. Stan Short.

Sunday 19th February 10.30am Mr. Mr. Glynne Rowlands.

6pm Informal Service Rev. Prof Peter Byass Sunday 26th February 10.30am Rev. Bill Davis (Supernumerary Minister).

The monthly lunch/concerts will resume from the first Thursday in February A short service beforehand in the church at 11.30am Lunch at 12 and a concert/talk from 1pm - 4pm Every Tuesday morning in the footprints room come along for Tea, coffee, cake, chat, - from 9am - 12 noon.

Proceeds to All We Can READ India Appeal.

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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!

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