VOTED NUMBER ONE FOR LOCAL NEWS SANDY, BEESTON & BIGGLESWADE
OCTOBER 2018
NOW A NEW CHALLENGE TO LOCAL DEMOCRACY! The Government and Local Authorities have acted together to create yet another QUANGO – ‘The Central Growth Board’.
“It will enable them to push through massive developments along the Oxford – Milton Keynes – Bedford – Cambridge Corridor without the consent of local people, crushing local democracy,” says the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE). The Mayor of Bedford, Dave Hodgson
and the Leader of Central Bedfordshire Council, James Jamieson, both committed to the NIC plans, have joined the Central Growth Board. The Central Growth Board has been formed to ensure that controversial Oxford – Cambridge developments across the local authority areas covered by the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP) – Bedfordshire, Milton Keynes, Luton, Aylesbury Vale and Northamptonshire plus the rest of Buckinghamshire, are pushed through without debate. Similar ‘Growth Boards’ are being created in
Oxfordshire and Cambridgeshire. A spokesperson for CPRE Bedfordshire said: “CPRE Bedfordshire believe that the work of the new “Central Growth Board” is already underway with controversial planning applications and projects being pushed through with minimal consultation with the people of Bedfordshire.
The expansion of Cranfield Airport to become a major airport for private jets – some very large. To be called London Cranfield. New runway and ground facilities include a
EXAMPLES ARE
Continued on page 3
OCTOBER 2018 BULLETIN — 3
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 ADS: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
Now a new challenge to local democracy! Continued from page 1
300 bed hotel – doubling the number of aircraft movements from 20,000 to 40,000 per year - increasing passenger numbers to 70,000 per year. This planning application was quietly approved by Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) in June 2018 without consulting the many Town & Parish Councils in Bedford Borough which will be directly under the flight path or otherwise impacted e.g. by air pollution, increased traffic etc. Villages like Wootton (Bedford Borough) to the north and west of Bedford town which will be heavily impacted by the very large increase in car and HGV traffic due to the airport expansion. Several north Bedfordshire villages are directly under the flight path. Strangely, for a strategic application of this type, it appears that Bedford Borough Council itself was also not consulted even though Cranfield Airport is on the border between the two LA’s. This despite the fact that The Mayor of Bedford, Dave Hodgson
knew all about plans to expand Cranfield airport. We have written to The Mayor of Bedford and the Leader of CBC, James Jamieson asking for the reason behind their undermining of the local democratic process and what they will do to put it right. Proposed new A6 – M1 Link Road which will slice through the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and impact historic woodlands. Details of the controversial route of the A6-M1 link road was mysteriously absent from CBC’s Local Plan 2035 which was presented to Government for approval a few months ago. Then “out of the blue” on July 10th, Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) put the route of the new road forward for “pre-application consultation” with local people at a number of drop-in sessions across the area. These sessions were held during the summer holidays (the first starting on the 17July and the last on the 30th July) when many residents were away on holiday. Those residents who were available were given just seven days’ notice of the first drop-in event!
Crime in Biggleswade
BiGGLeswAde and the surrounding area has seen a rise in crime which is becoming an increasing source of concern for residents. Reports of bicycle theft, car break-ins and attempted house entry have risen along with shop lifting and breakins and mugging, including two recent attacks on elderly people. The reporting of crimes on Facebook pages such as We Love Biggleswade has made people more aware of what is happening in our area, however this is not enough to resolve the current issues. Firstly it is extremely important that all crimes, no matter how seemingly small and insignificant, are reported to the police as this is the only way in which their statistics will be accurate. secondly, as many people as possible need to contact our MP Alistair Burt and the Police Commissioner Kathryn holloway so that they are forced to look into our concerns; their email addresses are alistair.burt.mp@parliament.uk and PCC@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk. if you are worried about crime in the area then please take the time to have your say and hopefully, together, the town can be heard.
For all your Window, Door, Conservatory & Roofline needs
6 White A
s window d e t a r y + energ
£
2195* 10 year 30 years
Qualified Installers
Insurance Backed
Industry Experience
Guarantee
Get your
FREE quote now! Contact us today
01234 218178
All prices include VAT and fitting
* L OFFER *SPECIA
5 Grey A+ Energy Rated Windows
£2445* oo Back D
rs
from £630
i-fold White B
Doors
fold Grey Bi-
Doors
3 leaf
3 leaf
£2899
£3299
4 leaf
4 leaf
£3850
£4099
5 leaf
5 leaf
£4799
£4899
Your local fabricator based in Kempston on Woburn Road Industrial Estate. Unit 8 Grisedale Court MK42 7EE.
l Sliders Vertica
With run through sash horns inc. install and VAT
From
£699
* one opener per window, subject to survey
Saxon Community Autumn Fete Saturday 27th October, 9am-4pm Escape the High Street, come down and support a wide range of local businesses. Stalls include food and drink, arts and crafts and much more!
Our Autumn Fete Stalls Include: • Stalls from local businesses, selling: - Cupcakes - Children’s books - Personalised laser products - General gifts • Stand Up To Cancer Charity Bake Off and Cupcake Sale (Judging at 12pm)
• Kids Fancy Dress Disco 1pm-2.30pm (Judging at 2.30pm) • Raf e Prizes • Toffee Apple making • Pumpkin Trail • Fete Games Saxon Drive, Biggleswade, SG18 8SU
enquiries.saxon@sll.co.uk 01767 433133 Find us online www.sll.co.uk
@saxon_pool
Lots of free Halloween themed activities and games to participate in. Fun for all the family.
/saxonpoolandleisurecentre
This facility is managed in Partnership with
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 ADS: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
OCTOBER 2018 BULLETIN — 5
New Senior Coroner for Bedfordshire and Luton CENTRAL Bedfordshire Council, as the lead authority for the Bedfordshire & Luton Coronial Area, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Emma Whitting as Senior Coroner. The appointment follows an open competition and is made with the consent of the Chief Coroner and Lord Chancellor. Emma is a Barrister and currently sits as an Assistant Coroner in four jurisdictions: Coventry, Warwickshire, Birmingham & Solihull and the Black Country. She will take up her post on 1st October 2018. In assuming her new full-time role, Emma says: “It will be a great honour to serve the people of Bedfordshire and Luton as their Senior Coroner. I look forward to leading the experienced team of offi-
e
cers, administrative staff, and Assistant Coroners, in delivering a modern, open, consistent and just service with the bereaved at the heart of the process.”
Bedford #4 in UK for student events Giant poppies to be put on Sandy’s lampposts AS PART of Sandy Town Council’s commemoration of 100 years since the end of WW1, in the run up to Remembrance Day giant poppies are to be put on lampposts along the route of Sandy’s Remembrance Parade, starting at the War Memorial. Mayor Councillor Michael Scott and Councillor Susan Sutton, President of the Sandy Branch of the Royal British Legion, were joined by Tracey Crossland of Mama’s Coffee Shop, who has sponsored one of the lamppost poppies, to launch the initiative. Tracey commented that she is “proud to sponsor a lamppost poppy to remember those who gave their lives to keep this country free. I would encourage my fellow traders to show their support and also sponsor a lamppost poppy.” The lamppost poppies will help ‘bring life’ to the route of the annual Remembrance Day procession and provide an opportunity for the town to remember and thank all those involved in the war effort. Members of the public, local organisations and businesses are invited to sponsor poppies to help the town commemorate 100 years since the end of WW1. Sponsors will be
invited to leave a message of remembrance which will be recorded on the Town Council’s website. The Council have already received a great response from the community, with many people coming forward with sponsorship and personal messages. If you would like to sponsor a poppy, please visit the Town Council’s website (www.sandytowncouncil.gov.uk) or its offices at 10 Cambridge Road, Sandy to find out more. As part of its commemoration activities the Town Council will also be taking part in a Nation’s Tribute on 11th November 2018, which will see a beacon lit in a national act of remembrance. In addition, the Council has hosted a series of historical talks on WW1 at the Council offices at Cambridge Road. The final two talks in the programme are to be held in October and November at 7:30 pm in the Council Chamber; 3rd October – Talk on Lieutenant walter Graves of sandye Place. 6th November – “we will remember them”- The sandy war Memorial
NEWS that Bedford has been named the fourth best location in the UK for providing events for students, has been welcomed by Love Bedford, the marketing brand of the BedfordBID organisation which represents the town centre. The town was ranked fourth out of 30 UK universities for offering the most events per 1,000 students, according to TickX, an events and attractions ticketing website. TickX highlighted that Bedford offered several live music venues, including the Bedford Corn Exchange as well as lively clubs in the town centre. The University of Bedfordshire’s Bedford campus is also home to The Hub, run by Beds SU, where students can gather enjoy a coffee, play table tennis or watch live sport on the big screen Beds SU President Kieran Nixon
said: “I think it is brilliant that Bedford has been ranked fourth in the country for providing events for students. At Beds SU we pride ourselves in offering entertaining, inclusive and diverse events for all students, and this shows that we are going in the right direction.”
Christina Rowe Director of BedfordBID which promotes events and activities within the BID zone 365 days of the year said: “We have restaurants which offer special deals to students, bars and clubs which welcome the younger crowds and events which are specially aimed at student shoppers.
“Most vital to the town centre are the 12,000 students and staff from Bedford College and The Bedford Sixth Form. We are promoting the town centre to them at their Freshers’ Fayres next week.”
The Taxi firm you can trust! Fully computerised data despatch system 4-8 seater – Contracts welcome
01234 43 43 43 Downlad our Free ‘App’ iPhone & Android We will notify you of the car and when it has arrived
24
A1CARS
HOUR S
25 Mill Street, Bedford MK40 3EU www.A1carsbedford.co.uk
All major cards accepted – Special rates for airports & long distance
6 — BULLETIN
OCTOBER 2018
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
Deputy Lieutenant appointments HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis, signed the Commissions of five new Deputy Lieutenants of the County of Bedfordshire on 1 September 2018. Deputy Lieutenants assist the Lord-Lieutenant and Vice LordLieutenant in their work to support voluntary and community activities in Bedfordshire. They also participate in civic and social activities, Citizenship Ceremonies and Armed Forces events. Bedfordshire’s establishment is currently 30 Deputy Lieutenants.
Mr Mark Glyn Hardy
Mr Philip Keith Fothergill
Mrs Colette Mckeaveney
Mrs Emma Carolyn Brayn Garrett
Mr Charles Edward Samuel Whitbread
OCTOBER 2018 BULLETIN — 7
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 ADS: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
Saving history with saplings ROyAL Horticultural Society course students at Shuttleworth College have saved the historical lineage of an ancient pear tree in Warwickshire due to be destroyed by the HS2 train line. The pear tree is believed to have been growing near the village of Cubbington for 250 years and may be the oldest in the UK. It was voted the Tree of the year in 2015 by the Woodland Trust amid the HS2 controversy. Now horticulture students have propagated 20 saplings from the original which will be planted around the village near Leamington Spa this autumn. Further trees will be created by chip budding and bench grafting at the college at Old Warden in Bedfordshire in the coming academic year. Shuttleworth College’s expert in this field is RHS Tutor Paul Labous who said: “This has been a wonderful opportunity for our students to be involved in rescuing some of the heritage of our our nation’s horticulture. The project combined perfecting highly skilled practical techniques together embracing an understanding of the historical significance of fruit tree farming in the UK.” Paul has been involved in the revival of “Shakespeare’s Pear” the Warden, which has won much acclaim. In 2016 Shuttleworth College celebrated winning a Heritage Lottery Fund grant for its “Bedfordshire Old Warden Pear: Identification by DNA testing, Propagation and Bedding Out” Project. Shuttleworth College which is located in the village of Old Warden, Bedfordshire has received a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant. This exciting
project, “The Bedfordshire Old Warden Pear: Identification by DNA testing, Propagation and Bedding Out”, at the Old Warden site, and led by Paul Labous, RHS Tutor, has been given £8,400 towards identifying the original Old Warden Pear from different varieties, using DNA testing, and
exploring the heritage of the pear and its associations with the village of Old Warden. The aim of this project is to research the origin of the local culinary Warden Pear, believed to have first been grown at the Cistercian abbey near to the village of Old Warden in Bedfordshire, circa 1388.
“…competitive prices and friendly advice” ● Timber & Building Materials ● Bathroom & Tile Showroom ● Landscaping & Paving Displays ● Hardware & Tool Supplies ● Brick Library & Matching Services
Opening Times Monday–Friday Saturday
01767 312800
7.30am–5.00pm 8.00am–12.30pm
sales@henlowbuidlingsupplies.co.uk www.henlowbuildingsupplies.co.uk 3a Pegasus Drive, Stratton Business Park, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire SG18 8QA
8 — BULLETIN
OCTOBER 2018
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
The Huckle’s jump for Dad £300k to YMCA
THE Huckle family from Biggleswade in Bedfordshire took part in a free fall parachute jump on 25th August 2018 to raise funds for the Road Victims Trust in memory of their father and husband, Alan Huckle who was killed in a road traffic collision in July 2014. His two daughters Tanya and Kayleigh were joined by friends Chris, Sammy, Char, Beth, Alice and
Hannah who ski dived out of a plane from 12,000 feet and raised in excess of £2,000 for the Road Victims Trust. Clair Bradley, Fundraising Manager at the Road Victims Trust said: “This was a fantastic achievement by all of the team and the money raised will go directly to supporting other local people affected by road death” If you would like to make a dona-
tion please visit http://www.justgiving.com/Tanya-Huckle1 The Road Victims Trust is a registered charity that provides free emotional and practical support to all persons affected by road death in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire. To find out more about the Road Victims Trust please visit www.rvtrust.org.uk
Friends of Sandy Christmas Lights
Need an electrician? Fully qualified • Professional • Clean & tidy work • Free quotations
Steve Peacock
01234 871366 07947 575124 GREAT BARFORD
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Consumer Unit replacements Shower replacement/install New Installations Security Lighting Rewires, Extensions PA Testing Testing and Inspecting Fault finding, minor maintenance Landlord safety certificates Emergency lighting upgrades
www.asohmelectrics.co.uk
PLANNING is well underway for the 2018 switch-on which will be held on Sunday December 2nd. Meetings are being held monthly under the chairmanship of Gee Leach and this year’s committee is made up primarily of community volunteers, who have brought fresh impetus and ideas and as a result, the planning team is confident that this year’s event will be every bit as large and successful as last year’s, which attracted more than 2500 visitors. We will have the usual attractions with plenty of festive stalls, Father Christmas in his grotto, a funfair, Art exhibition and stage acts all afternoon. Plenty to eat and drink as well. The event begins at around 13.30 and lasts for about 4 hours with the switch-on at 16.30. If you would like to find out more about the event or make a contribution in some way please go to the Friends of Sandy Christmas Lights website or E: friendsofsandychristmaslights@outlook.com
A CHARITy with premises in Bedfordshire has been awarded nearly £300,000 towards activities which combat the causes of homelessness in local young people. The yMCA already helps 100s of people of all ages off the county streets each year and into safe accommodation. But its Fun 4 young People (F4yP) is designed to stop people ending up on the streets in the first place. So impressed has the Big Lottery organisation been with the charities work in Bedfordshire that is has awarded the project £299,117 over three years. “Heading towards living on the streets often begins in unhappy homes. By mitigating several of the risk factors associated with family breakdown and increasing protective factors in the lives of children and young people, we are reducing the potential for them to become displaced from their families and eventually homeless, said Paul Hunt yMCA Bedfordshire CEO, “Approx 85% of our residents aged 16-25 state that a family breakdown was a catalyst for their homelessness and of the six main risk factors associated with family breakdown the first two focus on disengagement with school. Our F4yP programme looks to tackle these risk factors head on by helping support marginalised, disadvantaged 5-16-year-old children , young people and their peers through after school and holiday clubs. “This funding could save millions of pounds in the costs of social and health care which arise when people become homeless and their lives spiral downwards.” F4yP seek to make their session very affordable with 75% of placements going to disadvantaged and marginalised pupils. Fees to attend all their sessions are purposefully kept low with some after school activities only charging £2.30. Of course it means that these activities are immensely popular with parents who cannot afford private clubs, or feel excluded from other more expensive activities. “We work with schools serving the most challenging areas and encourage pupils to join our clubs. We aim for our courses to be accessible, great fun and enhance the learning appetites for those that attend. Subject tutors get the opportunity to showcase elements of the subjects that may not always be taught in the classroom until a later age, for example science experiments, music and drama. The 12-1 reading sessions we provide have been fantastically successful and help children to look forward to school lessons they previously disengaged from” said Sophie Stock, F4yP youth Services Lead.
SANDY TOWN COUNCIL police and Crime Commissioner ’s roadshow
Bedfordshire’s Police and Crime Com missioner, Kathryn Holloway, has mar ked the end of her second year in the role by arra nging a series of public meetings around the county. On monday 29th october 2018 the PCC will be holding a public surgery in the Tow n Council office at 10 Cambridge Roa d between 4pm and 6pm. Anyone interested in atte the surgery can book an appointmen nding t visiting www.pccsandysurgery.even by tbrite.co.uk.
MAYOR’S CHARITY
“Roy Orbison Tribute Night” Friday 23rd november at 7.30pm
Sandy Conservative Club es Please contact the Town Council offic ) each .50 (£16 ets to book tick
tribute andy Town ’s n o i t a n a 8S vember 201 l British
11th no dy Roya On Sunday be joining with the San uts, Army l Council wil ithun’s Church, the Sco ‘A Nation’s w S t S art in , n io g Le ets to take p brance. d a C ir A d n f remem Cadets a ational act o et Square Tribute’, a n Sandy Mark ng of a in ce la p e k ti ill ta ligh The event w lve a poignant service, o v in . l g il in w g d sin an ing and community e early even dvertised Beacon and th in ce la p ill take d and a The event w mings will be publishe ti d n a details te. at a later da
Sandy Green Wheel
over 60 members of On Sunday 16th September 2018, es from Sandy Town the public joined with representativ and the Bedfordncil Cou e shir Council, Central Bedford mark the opening shire Rural Communities Charity to te. rou of the Sandy Green Wheel walking tin Pettitt officially The Deputy Mayor of Sandy, Cllr Mar ed walks set guid two re opened the Green Wheel befo eel. Wh the of off around the route ed as a walking and The Green Wheel is being develop through and beside cycling route around Sandy, passing life interest. wild areas of landscape, heritage and is now in place te The entire Green Wheel walking rou coming years to the for and further works are planned moted for cycling enable paths to be upgraded and pro Green Wheel can the too. Leaflets showing the route of ces at 10 Cambridge be picked up from the Council Offi Road or from Sandy Library.
10 Cambridge Road, Sandy SG19 1JE Tel: 01767 681491 Fax: 01767 692527 admin@sandytowncouncil.gov.uk www.sandytowncouncil.gov.uk
mp SponSor a la poSt poarpoupndySandy town
ted going up Poppies have star mmunity remembrance in co centre in an act of centenary of the end of WW1. e th g post poppies commemoratin are placing lamp cil un Co n Annual e Sandy Tow th along the route of ocession. Pr ay D ce Remembran blic are inMembers of the pu ies and pp vited to sponsor po brance em m re leave a message of rded on the Town which will be reco Council's website. found on the g a poppy can be rin so on sp r fo s Form website under n of the Council’s s are community sectio . Alternatively, form ‘WW1 Centenary’ . Council offices available from the
CounCil meetinGS
All meetings commence at 7.30p m except Development Scrutiny Committ ee (Planning) which usually starts at 6.45pm in the Council Cha mber, 10 Cambridge Road, Sandy SG19
1JE
Monday 1st October 2018 Community Services & environ ment Monday 15th October 2018 Development Scrutiny policy Finance & resources Monday 29th October 2018 town Council Monday 5th November 2018 Development Scrutiny
See our website for details of othe r meetings ALL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND PRESS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND
erieS CounCillor SurGmber in the
on 10th nove The next surgery will be ll mbridge road and wi Ca Council Chamber, 10 12 noon. run between 10am and
10 — BULLETIN
OCTOBER 2018
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
SG19 GROUP WOULD LIKE TO MEET WITH MP TO DISCUSS A1 ISSUES by Stephen Allen Chairman, SG19 Road Safety Group, 27 Cambridge Road, Sandy SG19 1JF
WE ARE waiting to hear from Mr Burt in response to the invitation issued to him in last month’s Bulletin – and repeated by letter to him in August – that he should come and visit Sandy and Beeston to see for himself the problems that exist with the A1 as it is at present.
We have sent him specific details of a number of concerns which would cost very little, in the scheme of things, for Highways England to implement. We have been asking for these for some considerable time. In summary these are: inadequate junction of New Road with the A1 The geometry of this important and much used junction is very poor. There are no line markings in the central reservation which results in confusion by users over right of way and positioning of queuing vehicles. A no-U-turn sign is needed to prevent northbound traffic returning southbound by turning through this junction. HGV’s should not be permitted to turn in a way that crosses either carriageway ie from the northbound carriageway across the southbound into New Road or across the southbound carriageway exiting New Road to turn north. HGV’s only should travel to the next roundabout to execute a turn.
NB This junction is a vital access route into and out of Sandy as was evidenced with the recent closure of Bedford Road. Closing off the central reservation is not acceptable. welcome to Beeston sign in the central reservation at New Road junction The size and location of this sign is a potential hazard as it restricts the view of any vehicle trying to pull out into the northbound carriageway. Access to houses alongside the A1 There are several entrances and exits along the Sandy stretch which lead directly or indirectly to housing. Where cut-ins exist, it is difficult to pull out into the traffic which is too fast and dangerous. Warning signs are needed at Seddington to alert traffic to this. These signs could follow the example of the signs recently erected at Caldecote referring to ‘joining traffic’. Lack of connecting footpath southbound from the footbridge at Beeston to the bus stop and on to New Road. Currently all that exists is a rough dirt track which is dangerous, especially in the wet and the winter. Similar stretches of the A1 near Buckden have established footpaths, running behind barriers in a number of places, alongside the carriageway. sandy roundabout signage Better signage is needed to direct HGV traffic to both Sunderland Road and Sand Lane industrial estates; the latter should be signposted as ‘follow signs for Potton’ and directed via New
Road. Additional signage is needed for clarity to avoid HGV’s turning off the A1 at Bedford Road and then finding they cannot access Sunderland Road so having to return to the A1 by one route or another. Ban HGV’s from using the High Street unless delivering – a Central Beds Council responsibility but liaison needed with Highways England. Unnecessary/incorrect signage in the southbound carriageway at the junction of London Road with the A1. Speed limits on the A1 between Sandy, north of Georgetown, and Biggleswade north roundabout. While it is noted that work is ongoing to deliver improvement by the installation of average speed cameras, sight should not be lost of the need to ensure prompt completion of this long overdue work. If you are in agreement or have further suggestions, please write to Mr Burt and send us a copy. E-mail: alistair.burt.mp@parliament.uk or by post: Alistair Burt MP, House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA. Ask him to provide the support that we, as his constituents, are entitled to be given. NB We are aware that New Road and other roads in Sandy need improving but these are the responsibility of Central Bedfordshire Council so are not referred to here. We will be working on these separately so please e-mail us via our website – www.SG19.org – with details of your concerns.
Biggs Good Neighbours fund raising success
ON Saturday 8 September, Biggleswade Good Neighbours held one of their most successful fundraising events to date. At the Biggleswade Fire Station open day they provided cakes and biscuits baked by Good Neighbours volunteers in exchange for donations, and demand was so high they ran out well before the end of the event! The day wasn’t just a success for Biggleswade Good Neighbours, it was a fantastic family day that raised lots of money for community groups and the Fire Fighters Charity. Biggleswade Good Neighbours volunteer Alice Harding said: “Volunteering at this event, and working closely with other local organisations, creates a wonderful feeling of being part of something worthwhile within our town. We’re all here playing our part in improving the lives of the people in our community.” Thankfully the rain held off and there was a very impressive turnout – the finale (a demonstration of how the Fire Service cuts a car apart in the event of a road accident) was even cut short by a real-life emergency! The next Biggleswade Good Neighbours event is a litter pick. This is a great way to meet Good Neighbours volunteers and find out more about what we do while keeping our town clean. If you are interested in volunteering, or think you or someone you know might benefit from their diverse range of services – including help with shopping, lifts to appointments, light DIy, gardening, or just a friendly chat over a cup of tea – please get in touch on 07771 104255.
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 ADS: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
October in the gardening THIS month’s correspondence has largely been about lawns and the damage the recent drought has done to them. As if large, arid, beige, greyish, patches were not unsightly enough, the ‘weeds’, opportunists if ever there were, have now moved in and the net result is all rather unpleasant, to put it mildly. One reader got in touch to ask what she could do about the invasion of Oxalis, known to some as Wood Sorrel, which as she correctly remarked can be a bit of a so and so to remove as one can end up inadvertently spreading it. For any weeds anywhere in the garden, two options are available: removal by hand or reach for the chemicals. For small infestations in a lawn, a good quality garden hand trowel that doesn’t bend and buckle or failing that, a spade, can be thrust into the turf neart the offending weed, levered and then carefully with your hand, it is normally possible to remove the whole thing including the root. Then, simply using your foot, the turf can be firmed down. If very dry, water and all being well, it will soon re-root and in no time at all, there will be no sign that there was ever a
weed anywhere near it. If the chemical option sounds preferable, please make sure you use SELECTIVE weed killer and not total weed killer. The former can be safely sprayed onto a lawn and cause no damage to the grass. It simply targets the weeds. Conversely, total weed killer kills everything so it is would be what you would use if for example, you were trying to eradicate weeds from a path. One of the best selling selective weed killers has, in the last couple of years, changed its name from Verdone to Weedol Lawn Weed Killer and if you don’t like the idea of mixing chemicals yourself, you can buy it ready made in a trigger pack which makes it very easy to use. Needless to say, always read and follow the instructions and you won’t go wrong. Another problem lawns are now displaying is that any young grass that you successfully planted in the last couple of years may have died off in the heat simply because its roots haven’t had the opportunity of growing to any depth. If this is the case, the only options are to re-turf or to sow
Sandy Twinning Association
THE month of October has arrived and it is time to start thinking about next year’s trip to Malaunay. We anticipate the 2019 visit will take place from Friday May 3rd to Monday 6th which is a Bank Holiday. We hope to travel to France by coach and will be inviting members of the Sandy Ukulele band to accompany us. How we travel will of course depend on numbers and any coach booking must be done as early as possible. If you would like to travel to Normandy next May please could you let us know by contacting one of the committee whose details can be found below? Any members of the public who have not been involved with the French link before and who would like to join us would be most welcome to do so. For any new arrival in the area we also have a link with the Polish community of Skarszewy which is now 23 years old. This has more of a cultural dimension and is not based on family ties. To express an interest in either Malaunay next May or the late summer barbecue/treasure hunt please contact Jackie Frood on 01767 681842, Martin Pettit on 680082 martin.pettit@virginmedia.com or Max Hill on 681469 amaxhill@outlook.com The annual Quiz Night on Friday November 23rd at the Roundabout Club. The event costs just £5 a head to take part. Please let us know if you would like to attend. If you would like to find out more about the activities of Sandy Twinning Association please contact either Martin Pettit on 01767 680082 or Max Hill on 01767 681469 amaxhill@outlook.com
QUIZ NIGHT
OCTOBER 2018 BULLETIN — 11 afresh. The preparation of the soil for either are the same, viz. relieve compaction with a fork, and the after care is also the same, water, water and yet more water! But the very best way of getting grass seed to grow is, by mixing it in a bucket with good quality top soil. Then, put it in place and if watered correctly, in around two weeks you will have fresh green growth. The answer to last month’s just for fun question was a bit of a trick question! I asked, from the following, which is the odd one out? Japonica, Quince, Chaenomeles. Well, they are all different names for the same plant although Japonica also refers to anything emanating from Japan which is why many other plants also have it in their name. This month’s question is, what crab can be found in a garden and is much loved by jam makers, well, kind of? Many thanks for all your correspondence, always fascinating, and please contact me with any gardening tasks or queries you may have, lawndocgardens@aol.com or tel: 01767 627 581 or 07796 328 855.
The Will Writing Company
www.thewillwritingco.co.uk
Mayfair House 11 Lurke Street, Bedford MK40 3HZ Tel: 01234 964911
Free Will & Testament
The Will Writing Company is celebrating its 22nd Year in business and is offering a free Will & Testament (joint or single) to all readers. If you have been meaning to make a Will, now is your chance to take advantage of this exclusive offer and give you and your loved ones peace of mind. By making a Will, you decide who takes care of your children and who inherits your estate. Storage facility optional. To take advantage of this offer and book an appointment or for further information please call our offices on the above number between the hours of 9:00am-5:30pm Monday to Friday.
OFFER ENDS 31st OCTOBER 2018
FREE WILL VOUCHER
This voucher entitles you to a FREE Mirror Will (normal cost £125) or a FREE Single Will (normal cost £85) Valid until 31st OCTOBER 2018
The Will Writing Company Mayfair House, 11 Lurke Street, Bedford, Beds, MK40 3HZ Tel 01234 964911 Email enquiries@thewillwritingco.co.uk Terms and Conditions. Office appointments only. This voucher can not be exchanged for cash. The voucher must be produced at your appointment.
12 — BULLETIN
OCTOBER 2018
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
Mid Beds Labour endorses ‘Six Tests of Brexit’ MID Bedfordshire Labour Party has recently expressed its support for the Shadow Cabinet’s six tests of any EU withdrawal agreement and new relationship with the EU proposed by the government, and has sent an urgent message to Jeremy Corbyn, urging Labour MPs to vote against any proposal which does not meet these tests. John Tizard, Labour’s campaign co-ordinator in Mid Beds says: “The
YOUR LOCAL CLEANING COMPANY
HOMEBRIGHT Fully vetted and insured cleaners at affordable rates
■ Weekly house cleans ■ One off spring cleans ■ Ironing service
Call Angela for a FREE quote
Office 01767 222141 Mob 07807 452974 www.homebrightcleaners.co.uk
GARY BERRIDGE
Plastering and general maintenance InCluDInG:
● UPVC doors and windows ● Facias and guttering ● Tiling ● Free estimates ● Painting & decorating
Tel: 01767 316485 07582 485155
Chequers’ proposal cannot win a Parliamentary majority and has been rejected by the EU. “yet, the Conservative Government and Party are fighting amongst themselves as our country hurtles towards a brutal Brexit. “A ‘no deal’ Brexit will lead to long term economic disaster, with the greatest burden falling on the poor, the Good Friday Agreement would be violated, employment
rights would be decimated and we would lose tariff free access to our biggest trading partner. “The Conservatives seem keener on infighting and deregulation than the national interest.” At a recent meeting of Mid Beds Labour Party, members endorsed the Labour Party’s six tests and called on Labour MPs to vote against any proposals that do not match these tests, including membership of a
customs union and membership or alignment with the Single Market to protect both jobs and the Good Friday Agreement. Mid Beds Chair, David Short says: “We urge our MPs not to support any withdrawal that does not meet these tests, and the Party should, if circumstances dictate, and there if there is no general election, support a referendum on the final agreement.”
Unveiling of a reconstruction painting THIS Summer around 100 people attended a major event in The Garden Suite at The House, Old Warden Park to witness the unveiling of a reconstruction painting of Warden Abbey (Cistercian, founded 1135). The painting reveals what the abbey may have looked like in the late C14. For local people it was the first sight of their lost abbey since it was razed to the ground after suppression in 1537, and provides an important addition to our knowledge of this almost forgotten site. The event marked the culmination of a major research project by Old Warden History & Heritage Society, sponsored by the Greensand Country Landscape Partnership. The project had commenced with a geophysical survey of the site carried out by MOLA (Museum of London Archaeology) and local volunteers in Mar/Apr 2017. Peter Dunn, an experienced historical reconstruction artist, was commissioned to produce an aerial view of the claustral complex based on the exceptional geophys results and all other available evidence. He was assisted by subject-matter expert Dr Glyn Coppack and also Margaret Roberts, who has been researching the abbey’s story since 2014. After the unveiling, kindly carried out by Charles and Jane Whitbread, guests were treated to a fascinating ‘virtual tour’ of the site by Margaret Roberts whose expert use of PowerPoint brought each section of the abbey to life.
Guests were amazed at how large the complex would have been, and just how much had been lost of the abbey, which would have been a major influence in the area for 400 years. One visitor to the Grand Unveiling commented: “I now feel very much enlightened and am surprised how large the monastic complex was and its importance to the local community. I am amazed at how generations of people from the
past interlace with life today despite the passage of many centuries. “This project and in particular the details in Peter Dunn’s work together with the detailed explanation of the facts presented by Margaret Roberts were fascinating and memorable and truly justify its valued sponsorship. Thank you - what a lovely community resource we now have.” Note: The site of Warden Abbey is scheduled by Historic England and is private with no public access.
3 blinds for £149 fitted Shutters from £240 per square metre fitted 48 hour express service
01763 288049 www.blindsandsails.co.uk
OCTOBER 2018 BULLETIN — 13
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 ADS: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
Have you applied for your child’s school place for September 2019? IF yOUR child is due to start school in September 2019, or transfer to middle, secondary or upper school, applications are now open. Schools must offer your child a full-time place in the September, following their fourth birthday, if that is your wish; though your child does not have to attend school full-time until the term after their fifth birthday. If you are applying for a place to start school or to join a middle school, you have until Tuesday 15 January 2019 to make an application. However, if your child is transferring to a secondary or upper school in 2019 then the deadline for applications is Wednesday 31 October 2018. Councillor Steven Dixon, Executive Member for Families, Education and Children, said: “Last year, over 90 per cent of parents and carers applied for a school place online. “It’s a quick and simple process and applications can be reviewed right up to the deadline date. “We hope that, with all the time pressures parents and carers face, that applying online will be a convenient way to ensure their children do not
miss out on the opportunity to attend a school of their choice. “Last year, 96 per cent of families in Central Bedfordshire got their first preference of primary or lower school, 95.7 per cent had their first preference met for middle and 92 per cent had their first preference met for secondary and upper schools.” To apply for a place online, visit www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/adm issions Central Bedfordshire Council has dedicated school admission web pages that contain a wealth of other information including school catchment areas, deferred entries, making an application on religious/faith grounds and how places are allocated. Parents and carers can also complete a paper application form – these are available from the school admissions team. Call 0300 300 8037, email admissions@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or write to School Admissions, Central Bedfordshire Council, Watling House, High Street North, Dunstable, LU6 1LF.
BUILDING MAINTENANCE ■ ■ ■ ■
Plumbing Tiling Plastering Painting & decorating
■ ■ ■ ■
Carpentry Alterations Kitchens Bathrooms
■ ■ ■ ■
Insurance work Free estimates Free call out Free advice
YOUR LOCAL FAMILY BUSINESS
A. J. DAY
Tel: 01767 314445/07802 530951 Email: dayalan60@googlemail.com
FOOT HEALTH PROFESSIONAL
EFFECTIVE, HYGIENIC FOOT CARE SERVICE TO YOUR DOOR! n Feet Health check & advice n nail Trimming n Reduction of thickened or ‘bulky’ nails n Removal of Corns and Callouses n Treatment of fungal infections ALL treatments include a complimentary foot massage
Tel: 07812 399659
Vicki Eagles MCFHP, MAHFP
14 — BULLETIN
OCTOBER 2018
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
Presentation of British Empire Medals
AT a special ceremony held at The Harpur Suite in Bedford, by kind permission of The Mayor of Bedford, the Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis, presented five British Empire Medals awarded in HM The Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2018. Dignitaries present included the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, Julian Polhill, the Mayor of Bedford, the Chairman of Central Bedfordshire Council, Town Council Mayors/ representatives of Leighton-Linslade, Shefford & Flitwick, Chief Fire Officer Paul Fuller CBE QFSM MStJ DL, Chief Superintendent David Boyle and the President of St John’s Ambulance Anthony Duggan OBE. The recipients were joined by
family members and friends and heard details about the achievements of each person read by the LordLieutenant’s Cadets. The Lord-Lieutenant presented each recipient with their British Empire Medal on behalf of HM The Queen. The medallists honoured were, top left clockwise: l Mrs Iva Dorothy Barr BEM (for services to charitable fundraising in Bedford) l Mrs Gladys Dawson BEM (for services to charity and the community in Clifton, Bedfordshire) -l Mrs Jacqueline Dawn Haggerwood BEM (for voluntary and charitable services to the
community in Clapham, Bedfordshire) l Mrs Gillian Lake BEM (for services to the voluntary sector in Bedfordshire) l Ms Joanne Todd BEM – Watch Commander, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (for services to the Prince’s Trust Team Programme, Hertfordshire) HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis said after the ceremony “It is an honour to make these awards on behalf of HM The Queen. I was so impressed by the talents, hard work and compassion of the award winners who all work so hard to make our communities stronger in different ways”.
AT a special ceremony held at The Harpur Suite in Bedford, by kind permission of The Mayor of Bedford, the Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis, brought together the Bedfordshire recipients who received their Honour in HM The Queen’s Birthday Honours List, to celebrate their success, and to learn about the work behind their achievement. Dignitaries present included the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, Julian Polhill, the Mayor of Bedford, the Chairman of Central Bedfordshire Council, Town Council Mayors/ representatives of Leighton-Linslade, Shefford & Flitwick, Chief Fire Officer Paul Fuller CBE QFSM MStJ DL, Chief Superintendent David Boyle and the President of St John’s Ambulance Anthony Duggan OBE. They were joined by recipients’ family members and friends to hear details about the achievements of each person read by the LordLieutenant’s Cadets. The recipients honoured were top left clockwise: l Professor Timothy William Roy Briggs CBE – Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust (for services to the Surgical Profession)
l Mr Nicholas Houghton CBE – Deputy Director, International Tax Policy & Structure, HM Revenue and Customs (for services to International Tax Development and Promoting Overseas Investment in the UK) l Mr Robert John Davis OBE – Governor, HM Prison Belmarsh (for services to HM Prison and Probation Service) l Mr Peter John Cowan MBE (for services to the community in Luton, Bedfordshire) l Mr Paul Frederick Dodds MBE – Training Manager, WorldSkills UK (for services to the WorldSkills Competition) l Mr David James Heather MBE – Headteacher, Pulford Church of England VA Lower School, Bedfordshire (or services to Education) HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis said after the ceremony “It is a genuine pleasure to celebrate the work and contribution of those people who have achieved national recognition. They have all gone the extra mile in their fields and made a notable contribution to the life of the nation as well as in our county”.
All photographs courtesy of Keith Mayhew, People Press.
Queen’s Birthday Honours Ceremony
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 ADS: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
SEEKING AND SEARCHING
One of the things I have done in the last few days is to commission a new school chaplain. It took place during Evening Prayer sung by the excellent school choir. It was a good and inspiring inauguration of the chaplain’s ministry. The commissioning happened in the same week that the results of the latest National Social Attitudes Survey indicated that religious allegiance had fallen, especially amongst those who describe themselves as Church of England. Equally significantly the number of people who describe themselves as having ‘no religion’ had risen substantially, especially amongst the young. It would not be surprising therefore if some questioned the appointment of the chaplain and the continued prominence of the chapel in the life of the school. In contrast I suggest that the chaplain and the
I’m here to help you
BIGGLESWADE residents, do you need a supporting hand? Why not contact your Biggleswade Community Agent to ask for advice about accessing the services and support that you need. The service is free and confidential. Gill can assess your situation within the comfort of your own home. Clients have reported back saying, “Gill Reeves was so very good and sorted out the problem for us. This ended our worries so we were very pleased. I would like to add that Gill was very good to us, very pleasant and kind first class!” Gill can help you search for a better deal with an energy supplier, assist with applying for Attendance Allowance or help with form filling and of course many other issues. Gill has helped clients connect with clubs/organisations within the community, helping people to feel more connected and less isolated If you run a group, please ring to book Gill to come and give a talk regarding the Winter Campaign; useful information is imparted and free gadgets are available on a first come first serve basis. Gill is employed by Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity and the part-time role is largely funded by Biggleswade Town Council. Just ask Gill, for more information ring 07534 484750 or email gillr@bedsrcc.org.uk.
View from the Rt Revd
Richard Atkinson
The Bishop of Bedford
chapel remain vital resources for the school community. It is not just that the decline of formal religious allegiance does not equate to the end of the quest for belief and meaning. Nor that to answer ‘no religion’ is often more about alienation from faith institutions, rather than a denial of religious enquiry and seeking. But rather that such seeking and searching makes three big questions especially relevant today. The first is ‘Who am I’? Who am I in this complex, diverse, global world? Who am I
OCTOBER 2018 BULLETIN — 15
amidst growing ethnic diversity? Who am I amongst the gender fluidity of our age? Who am I as someone who desires to be loved, to be valued, to be of worth? Profound questions that are as much theological as philosophical. The second is ‘Who are we’? What does it mean to be part of the global family with increasing awareness of the needs of my brothers and sisters across the world? How am I to understand my responsibilities to my fellow human beings? What does it mean to be part of world where far from disappearing, faith in many countries is on the increase? Finally ‘Who is God’? This is not a call to dogma and particular beliefs, but an invitation to seek and search as we seek to understand the spiritual and the divine. Chapels and chaplains are resources to support this enquiry, this journey, this discovery. As such they are far from the periphery of an institution and rather can be the centre of the search for truth and meaning that most desire. It is why I was glad to commission a new chaplain last week.
16 — BULLETIN
OCTOBER 2018
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
Biggleswade History Society
History is our story OUR town’s Remembrance Day parade and service at the War Memorial this November will mark the centenary of the end of the First World War and the names of the 172 Biggleswade WW1 fallen recorded there will be read out and remembered. For some townspeople it will have a deeply personal significance, for they will hear the names of their relatives, but it will touch us all because we have a shared history – all communities suffered loss in that war, on both sides of the conflict, and we come together to remember that. On 7 and 8 September for the Heritage Open Days festival Biggleswade History Society held an exhibition about Biggleswade and WW1 which some of you may have visited. It showcased our recently completed 5-year WW1 project for the town, which included researching and documenting every one of those 172 men and 600 more Biggleswade men (and some women) who survived the war. We are very proud of this achievement and the exhibition was an opportunity to share the fruits of our research with our local community. The names of the servicemen are on our website – look under the For Researchers heading - and their individual dossiers are available to order. Most of our visitors were local people but a few came from further afield and some very nice comments were left in the visitors’ book: ‘Very comprehensive exhibition’; ‘Fascinating exhibition – a credit to all the hard work everyone has put in. Very friendly welcome from all’; ‘Thank you for letting me see my Grandad’s war file’; ‘So impressed with your archive collection.’ If you missed the exhibition perhaps you saw our WW1 storyboards displayed in the church at St Andrew’s Country Fayre on 22 September.
The Society’s second event for Heritage Open Days was to give free guided walks in the town centre on Sunday, 16 September. Last year and early this year seven ‘Story in Stone’ local history themed mosaic panels were installed on walls in Biggleswade in a project funded by the Central Bedfordshire Council. Our guides led groups to visit the six town centre mosaics and enlarge upon their stories, telling the history of Biggleswade from tiny Saxon settlement by the river Ivel to expanding commuter town today. They also pointed out some of the town’s heritage plaques on historically significant buildings.
years ago. Warden Abbey and its better known mother abbey of Rievaulx in 1. September is always a busy North yorkshire, now a majestic ruin, month for the Society because, in addi- were both founded by the same Norman tion to the year-round behind the scenes overlord, Walter Espec – Rievaulx in work of our organizing committee and 1132 and Warden in 1135. Espec, who team of archive helpers and researchers, had his castle at Helmsley in yorkshire, we restart monthly indoor members’ also owned land in Warden. Both meetings with speakers and organise abbeys were among hundreds of public events for the Heritage Open victims of the Dissolution of the Days festival coordinated by the Monasteries during the reign of Henry National Trust. This year for the first VIII. Warden Abbey was pulled down time the festival took place over two soon after its surrender to the Crown in four-day periods, so the Society put on 1537 and there are no remains of the two events, one for each period. Many original buildings above ground. .Much thanks to our members who helped to of the site underwent a Heritage Lottery stage the events, and to those Bulletin funded geophysical survey in 2017, readers who came along to see or take enabling a better understanding of what part in them. your participation made was once there. 3. Details of the talks for the next our efforts worthwhile. Read about the events in the feature article on this two meetings are as follows: On 1 page. October, as a departure from our usual 2. The season of indoor meetings format of a guest speaker talking on with speakers at Trinity Methodist one topic, some of our members will Church got off to a good start on 3 give short talks on subjects as diverse September with an attendance of 53 as Ghosts, Pubs and Reminiscences; for historian Margaret Roberts and her and on 5 November guest speaker superb illustrated talk about the lost David Longman will talk about some Cistercian abbey at Old Warden, an of our county’s churches with emphasis early monastic foundation on an exten- on the buildings and the communities sive site with a large complex of they served rather than religion. Nonimpressive stone buildings that were member visitors are welcome at all or lost from our landscape nearly 500 any indoor meetings with speakers for
NEWS
The walkers found out how Biggleswade got its name and why the town drum clock was moved in 1898, heard about Shock Oliver the highwayman and the fire that destroyed a third of the town, discovered the hidden secret of the Market House, and much more besides. Learning more about where we live is very satisfying and engenders a sense of pride and belonging. Biggleswade’s story becomes our shared story. Guides and visitors enjoyed the experience and one visitor wrote afterwards, ‘Look up, look around, see Biggleswade with new eyes!’
a fee of £3.00 per meeting payable at the door, or may wish to take advantage of our short trial membership deal. (See the Join Us section for details.) 4. The Society’s next slot on the BigglesFM Breakfast Show will be 8.30 – 9.00 on Thursday, 25 October. 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.
the Society’s editor, on 01767 650340 or editor@biggleswadehistory.org.uk For our low-price publications see the website or contact Jennifer Topham (01767 313407).
The Society offers a short trial membership package which runs from October until the end of the current Society year on 31 March 2019 for just £6.00 per person. The benefits of this PROGRAMME membership are free entry to all talks 01 Oct: ‘Members’ Miscellany’ – a until the end of March – see the variety of short talks by members. Programme section on this page for 05 Nov: ‘Churches in Bedfordshire’ details (the fee for non-members is £3.00 per talk); our big monthly – a talk by David Longman. 03 Dec: Members’ Christmas Party. members’ Newsletter packed with infor07 Jan: A talk by Steve Fuller, an mation and interesting features authority on the Bedfordshire Regiment delivered free by email or by hand to most Biggleswade addresses (or by in WW1. 04 Feb: ‘Wind & Watermills’ – a post for a one-off payment of £3.00 for 6 months’ postage); and a Welcome talk by Robin Webb. Pack containing one of our local history 04 Mar: ‘The Life & Times of publications. To join, download a Lady Sandra Highsted’ – a talk by Membership Application Form from Sandy herself our website or simply turn up for the 01 Apr: Members only AGM. October or November meeting and ask to join at the desk. Meetings are in the CONTACT US chapel at Trinity Methodist Church, For information visit our website: Shortmead Street on the first Monday www.biggleswadehistory.org.uk evening of the month. Doors open at Readers may also contact Jane Dale, 7.30 for a start at 8.00.
JOIN US!
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 ADS: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
AROUND THE ECLUBS BIGGLESWADE FLOWER CLUB
MEETING held Thursday 26th July 2018. Our Chairman Moira Fuller welcomed everyone and read notices, she then introduced our demonstrator Crystal Dyball to talk on the theme of ‘Let’s Celebrate’. We started with a barbeque, the container having been retrieved from the tip. Black-tipped twigs for smoke contrasted with sunflowers and dark green foliage. The rustic approach was then followed by the sophistication of a cocktail with a riot of ferns popping from a martini glass of salmon pink roses. The next celebration required a hat consisting of aspidistra, set off with variegated ivy and lilies, graceful and elegant in Chrystal blush. An open air concert with picnic followed with beautiful wicker hamper, dramatic greenery, scarlet Naomi roses, and lilies. Art deco was the inspiration for the next display. Black and white feathers gave a dramatic 1920s flapper effect but the overall look was delicate and fun with pale lilac carnations blending into pink clematis and blue feathery delphiniums. The display would not have looked out of place in a speak-easy. The final demonstration was an explosion of enormous foliage and dramatic flowers including gladioli, long stemmed cerise carnations and gerbera adding pink to pink and more pink. A joyous celebration commemorating the christening of three much loved little girls. Gill Clarke gave the vote of thanks for the wonderful arrangements and very entertaining chat. The evening concluded with a raffle for the flower arrangements, the usual refreshments, chat and opportunity to see the displays up close. We would be delighted if you attended one of our meetings as a visitor, our Chairman Moira Fuller will meet you and make you welcome. If you would like to speak to Moira before you visit the club her telephone
number is 01767 316104. We meet 7.30 p.m. on the 4th Thursday of the month at the Weatherly Centre, Biggleswade and our next meeting is 27th September when Kath Doggett will demonstrate on the theme of ‘This time of year’. We look forward to welcoming you.
BIGGLESWADE IVEL EVENING TOWNSWOMEN’S GUILD
VICE Chairman yvonne Crane welcomed members to the harvest supper on Monday, September 10. Since the last meeting in July, members had attended a trip to Runnymede with a boat trip to Windsor; an evening at Sandy TG summer evening; a Federation quiz evening; a trip on the river Ouse at Bedford and a walk from Sandy to Willington, lunch was planned for the Danish Camp which unfortunately does not open on a Monday so a few extra yards and we arrived at the garden centre instead. Stratton House has been booked for the guild anniversary dinner on Thursday, November 15. Menus were distributed with a request to return these by the next meeting when full payment would be required. Other forthcoming events are; federation arts and crafts exhibition October 13 and a federation carol service December 8 at Hitchin. Gill Hibbert read out a report of the latest Federation meeting. Next year the TG will be celebrating their 90th anniversary and a number of events are being arranged throughout the year. The evening then continued with the traditional harvest supper provided by the committee followed by a quiz organised by Liz Stirratt. Two tables tied for first place and each person received a bar of chocolate. Before closing the meeting yvonne thanked the committee members for supplying the food and Liz for arranging the quiz. The next meeting will be on
Monday, October 8, when Vinrod Tailor will give a talk entitled ‘From Refugee to High Sheriff’. The competition will be something beginning with the letter G. The guild meets on the second Monday of the month 7.30 pm at the Weatherley Centre ANN Taylor, Chairman, welcomed the members of the Ivel Valley U3A to their meeting on Tuesday 11th September with a special greeting to visitors Joan & John. The social meeting in July had been a great deal of fun with Patience for Six in spite of the room problems. A letter had been sent about the problems experienced but no reply had been received. Those who had gone on the outing to Runnymede and Windsor had thoroughly enjoyed the day and the different experiences on the river. The Christmas Lunch has been booked for 12th December at Roxton Garden Centre at a cost of £14.50. Names and food choices will be taken when the list is available. The secretary, Pat Warren, had the details of the national AGM and accounts for those interested. Book Group 1 will meet on Monday 1st October at Jean Williams. Book Group 2 met on Friday 14th September. The Craft group met at Pat Warren’s house on Thursday 20th September when they will be making felt bookmarks. The Music Group met on 18th September at Jennifer Baglin’s house. The Walking Group met on 19th September at Chicksands Wood at 10.30am. The walk was led by Pat Warren. The Sunday Lunch Club, met at the Wheatsheaf, Tempsford on Sunday 23rd September. Ann then introduced the speaker, Peter Walker, who had stepped in at the last minute and was going to tell the members about his Kenyan Safari. Peter began by explaining that he was an amateur naturalist and photographer and as such had set himself several aims that he wished to
IVEL VALLEY U3A
OCTOBER 2018 BULLETIN — 17 achieve, one being a safari. He went on to show his pictures of this holiday starting in Nairobi which had the extremes of rich and poor sections. Then followed a delightful selection of pictures of the various animals and birds they had seen on their trip round the various areas of Kenya including the Rift Valley and the Massai Mara. Audrey yaxley gave the vote of thanks for a delightful afternoon.
ROYAL ARTILLERY ASSOCIATION
THE Biggleswade Branch of the Royal Artillery Association held a Branch Meeting on 5th September 2018, at the Sea Cadets Hall. There were thirteen members present. The Chairman recited The Royal Artillery Prayer. Apologies were received from five members. The minutes of the August Branch meeting were accepted as a true record. The Treasurers report was received. The proposed Wine and Cheese evening was discussed. The date is to be confirmed but will probably be in October. About 25 people are likely to attend. Tony Dray is the contact. The demonstration of the defibrillator has had to be postponed. The display at St Andrews Church for the WW1 commemoration was discussed. The branch does not have a fixed display available. It was asked if the Standard could be displayed and the Chairman will contact the organiser to see if this is possible. The Christmas Lunch was discussed. The Chairman confirmed that 49 Battery would be attending the Remembrance Parade. The Branch meets on the first Wednesday of the month at the Sea Cadets Hall, Biggleswade starting at 14.30hrs. (Next Meeting is on Wednesday 3rd October ). Please contact the Chairman Ted McKenzie on 07900806235 or E Mail tiger.ted@gmail.com for more details.
The Sandy Ukulele Group recently played at Todd in the Hole music Festival near Stevenage. playing to an audience of around 2000 people. The group has become very popular with their style of musiC. For more information email sandyukulelegroup1@gmail.com www.Sandyukulelegroup.com
18 — BULLETIN
OCTOBER 2018
sport
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
FOOTBALL by Mike Draxler
Lee feels comfortable
hALesOweN................................1 BiGGLeswAde TOwN ..............1 IN his after match interview Lee Allinson is comfortable and having fun with the current Wader side. Enforced changes due to injury appears to make no difference to the very adaptable players. Brett Donnelly who signed up as assistant manager played a full 90 minutes yesterday, to replace the injured Liam Brooks, a position he may have to fill for the next 3-4 weeks. No matter he has lost none of that Donnelly nuisance factor. The Waders were very much in charge of this Biggleswade’s second visit to Halesowen, the last being in 2012 with a very inept performance as the then Waders limped out of a trophy replay 4-1. Manager Allinson was in that side and it was he who prompted my memory of that evening. With the afternoons now going chilly after the recent heatwave the Waders made all the play with the home side content to heave the ball forward. Bread and butter to LongeKing and Ujah both having excellent games at centre back. 30 minutes and a recurring injury to Curtis Ujah saw a debut for Jack Bradshaw, injured in pre-season, it was Jack’s first competitive game for Biggleswade. With Josh Urquhart moving sideways, Jack came in at full back with a very convincing performance. Against the run of play and the Waders failing to clear a first shot from Sylvan Blake the rebound was pounced upon by Ahmed Ali from close quarters to give the home side a slender advantage at the break. Back to the play and it was the Waders playing football with all being involved. Ball, Clark and McNamara pushing forward with Solomon Nwabuokei pulling the strings in midfield. It took 20 minutes but what was inevitable came on 67 with a near copycat goal, to Haleowen. McNamara shot and hit Donnelly, back to Peter Clark who made no mistake from close in. No more than Biggleswade deserved with the amount of effort and hard work being applied. Sam Donkin, thankfully has not had many if any mentions in despatches. On 84 James Roberts unleashed a shot, top corner the destination. Our young flying machine keeper Sam took off and pushed over with a fingertip save. It brought out a round of applause even from the appreciative home support. Close to the end Brett Donnelly could and
maybe should have had the winner when his close in shot hit the post and span away. As Lee Allinson says its all fine lines and another day the line could be finer and result in a score.
On one hand!
BiGGLeswAdeTOwN ..............1 hiTChiN TOwN...........................1 THAT is how you could count the chances in this fiercely contested local derby. 500 plus people turned out to watch a game that was not a spectacle but a display of a hard fought draw, honours even. Certainly Hitchin had the better of the early play as the Waders still forced by injuries into an unsettled selection set about the task of containing the visitors. Bradshaw, Urquhart, Longe-King and Perry all had great games as did the opposition defence. A comment of “ these players know each other too well” could be the key as the forwards were definitely second best in this contest. Hitchin got the break through on 32 when a corner to the far post was met by Josh Bickerstaff to give the Canaries the edge at the turn round. Manager Allinson and his staff worked some magic during the break as a much more determined side came out for the second period. Four out of the five games so far the boys in green have had to come from behind and managed successfully to do so. Chances created were few. A copy cat goal on 77 saw Josh Urquhart rise above all to head home an equaliser from a corner. All set for a frantic last 13 as certainly the Waders took the game to Hitchin. Jonny McNamara thought he had sealed a victory very late only to be ruled offside.
Spirit is tops
RUshALL OLYMPiC...................2 BiGGLeswAde TOwN ..............2 IT must be very frustrating, planning, thinking and training a team all week only for the whole thing to be scuttled. Before kick off Lucas Perry was injured during the warm up and had to be replaced by Tom Smith, a re-shuffle at the back despatching Urquhart to fullback. 83 seconds in and already trailing to a well taken goal by home forward Daniel Waldron as the Waders try to settle the new defensive formation. As much as it hurts it was mostly Rushall in the first 45 employing a crossfield ball to wide right effectively. But as has been proved in the last four games, the spirit in the team is tops, and none more so than Matt Ball who dismayed the home supporters with an equaliser. A well taken
shot just in front of yours truly, which beat the goalkeeper with ease. It felt right to now push on but the Rushall side had a different vision as Gurjit Singh restored the lead on 43 with the Waders again finding the ball being played wide down the slope where the home side reaped dividends. At the break, much to discuss and adjust. The second period saw an immediate change as new boy Tom Hitchcock took to the field replacing an injured Solomon Nwabuokei. Within two minutes the Wader boys were back in contention. An early corner to the near post saw Tom Smith nod home from close range. Hitchcock bedded himself in and early touches showed promise. Dubois for the tiring Donnelly and Vincent for McNamara completed the substitutions. Rushall for their part continued to attack the right flank with chances being made and squandered, but some were close. Near to the 90 Tom Hitchcock with only the keeper to beat elected to place a shot which the keeper saved, was probably the nearest the Waders came to nicking the game, and it would have been a nick as certainly Rushall deserved a share of the points if not all 3. But and you know there is always a but, the Waders are now becoming specialist at coming from behind, a trait nobody can like. The points keep coming though and I dare not mention the unmentionable but you know what I mean.
Not this time FA Cup Qualifying 1st Round
CheshAM UNiTed.....................2 BiGGLeswAde TOwN ..............1 THE magic of the FA cup, the worlds best known domestic cup competition, proved mystical to a Waders team very much in the doldrums. Taking part in such a competition should inspire. A one off game to progress or be ruled out till next season. On paper the teams could not have had different starts to the season. Waders unbeaten, Chesham yet to win. But and you know there is always a but. Although the boys in green came out the more pressing of the two teams, losing the ball in the Chesham area, it was worked upfield into Wader territory where a melee of players tried to clear before the ball sat up kindly for Chesham 10 Dejon Noel-Williams to power home a shot inside 6 minutes. Another early set back and the old anxiety crept in as petty squabbles erupted amongst the team. Chances were none, the best of the half at least on target from Peter Clark on 34. Chesham faired no better but with their noses in front, really
were content. Half time substitution saw McNamara off with new boy Lucas Kirkpatrick making his debut. Not much changed apart from the green personnel with Forbes and Hitchcock being replaced by Vincent and Devine. It must be a manager’s nightmare for all your players to suffer the same malaise on the same day but that appears the case. On 75 Chesham wrapped up the game with a stunning crossfield ball that eluded all the defenders to find Chesham 11,Dave Pearce in acres of space a forever to hit a shot high into the roof of the net giving Sam Donkin no chance. Waders grabbed one back on 85 with confusion over who but eventually credited to Matt Ball. It should have made the last minutes exciting but the team and supporters seemed resigned to the loss although grabbing equalisers has become a speciality.
Together again
BARweLL......................................0 BiGGLeswAde TOwN .............0 FOR those of you who watch the after match interview with Lee Allinson, Lee used those words and it is so very apt. Sitting watching the game, the players had definitely regained an enjoyment of playing together. The previous disjointed match fading fast into the memory. This was so much better, more like the conquerors of Kings Lynn and Rushden but we were always heading downwards and chasing the game in the next 5 matches. Lee and his assistants have now halted that and we appear to be coming out of the dip. The score line tells all, a game of very few clear chances but the Waders certainly created enough to take the maximum points although Barwell had the clearer view of goal. One effort skied the other a great save from Sam Donkin robbing the forward with his feet. Most of the play in the midfield it was clear that man of the match Kieron Forbes enjoyed his day with a commanding performance. Bradshaw, Smith, Longe-King and Urquhart never looked in trouble on the back line with Sam Donkin playing his usual safe game. Upfront Ball and Hitchcock certainly looked lively and McNamara and new boy Marcel Powell tried to exploit the space wide. Still unbeaten and collecting points from every game, remember this is a brand new team, not one from last season played on Saturday. It will happen, the jigsaw is starting to fit.
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 ADS: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
RUGBY
OCTOBER 2018 BULLETIN — 19
Storming start to the ladies’ first season
IGGLESWADE Ladies Rugby Team have begun their first league season in style, winning their first two matches to earn maximum points. The newly-established side have been building a squad over the last 18 months, and spent last season playing enough friendlies to qualify for the Womens NC South East East 3 League. Their inaugural home match against Harpenden, sponsored by TASL, was the culmination of all the hard work and recruitment. The team ran in five tries against their visitors, with No 8 Amy Schiller going on a series of thunderous runs, and bursting through Harpenden’s defence to score twice. Scrum half Holly Crawford also had a strong game, crossing the try-line after ripping the ball from an opponent. No 4 Claire Watson slammed through to ground the ball from close quarters, and flanker Sarah Ashby made a superb zig-zagging breakway for Biggy’s fifth and final try. Captain and fly half Charlie Field scored 4
from 5 of the conversions, with Harpenden notching up two tries and a conversion to make the final score 33-12 to the home side. The hot, dry weather and hard ground meant that Biggleswade had some injury problems and had to use their squad and switch the team around for their next match, an away game at Welwyn. Again playing in hot conditions, Biggleswade worked hard to assert their dominance from the kick-off. Despite retaining the lion’s share of possession and territory, Biggy had to step up their game to get more points on the board after Welwyn scored breakaway tries against the run of play. Sarah Ashby and Holly Crawford added to their try tally from the previous week, both scoring two. No 5 Sophie Earls capped off a huge performance showing her strength and speed and barrelling through Welwyn defenders to score twice in five minutes. New player Kayleigh Jean, on as a substitute winger, and donning rugby boots for the first
time in her life, proved a revelation on her debut. She was fearless in defence, and fast and strong in attack - making three try-saving tackles in a row before scoring a great winger’s try right in the corner. Captain Charlie Field got Biggleswade’s eighth and final try after finishing off a stylish move and weaving her way past oncoming Welwyn defenders. The final score was 29-44 in Biggy’s favour, and meant Biggleswade were top of the league table for the second week in a row. Their next match is home game against Fullerians on Sunday October 7, kick-off at 2pm. Feel free to come down to Biggleswade Rugby Club, on Langford Road, and watch. Biggleswade Ladies train on Mondays and Fridays from 7.15pm. All are welcome (although you must be over 17). No previous rugby experience necessary. For more details, call Carolyn Drake on 07952 066029.
ATHLETICS
Mixed fortunes for our schools at Championships BEDFORDSHIRE and Luton’s Schools’ athletes, enjoyed mixed fortunes at the English School’s Athletics Combined Events Championships held in Bedford last weekend. In the Inter Boys (U17) Octathlon, Cranfield’s Stephen
Simmons (Bedford School) improved his personal best score to 4395 points with personal bests coming in three of his eight events (Discus 35.67M; hurdles 13.75 sec; and Shot 11.53M) , but lost ground in high jump and on the track. .His 15th place out of 40 starters represented a good return for
someone in the first year of the age group. Following a stellar season, during which she won the silver medal in the English Schools high jump and an international vest to go with it, Biggleswade’s Leonie Brunning (St Thomas More) struggled to find her
outstanding form of earlier in the year. Her score of 3790 points saw her place 26th in a field of 43 athletes in the Inter Girls (U17) heptathlon. Leonie is also in the lower half of the age group and will be looking to move up places next year when the event will be held in Exeter.
20 — BULLETIN
OCTOBER 2018
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
out & about We talk with Danni Nicholls ahead of her appearance at the Stables Headlining on Jim Marshall Stage at The Stables, Wavendon, next month is Danni Nicholls. Her November 10, concert will be her first time headlining on the venue’s main stage and she is super excited to be there. Danni is a former pupil of Mark Rutherford School, Bedford, she describes her music a mixture of Americana and country. Danni says her biggest musical influence was her grandmother, who had a love of Rock’n’roll and American country music. Not that her parents weren’t musically inclined, it’s just they were more into dancing. Country music has become hugely popular in the UK, championed by ‘Whispering’ Bob Harris, whose Radio 2 show commands a huge following. Bob says: “I absolutely love the elegance and beauty of her music.” Danni was asked who she would like to perform with: “ Johnny Cash, if he were alive, he’s not, so it has to be Brandi Carlile.”
Lipstick On Your Collar in Bedford
Tickets are selling fast for an exciting music show returning to Bedford on Friday 19th October 2018. Fresh from it’s West End debut at The Leicester Square Theatre, Lipstick On your Collar is set to lift the roof off the Corn Exchange with their spectacular show, playing an array of classic hits from the golden era of music. From the birth of Rock ‘n’ Roll through to the Beat Group sounds of the British Invasion and beyond, expect tight harmonies, excellent vocals and plenty of dancing in the aisles. The show will include hits from the likes of Connie Francis, Buddy Holly, Brenda Lee, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Beatles, The Ronettes, Cliff Richard, Cilla Black, Sandi Shaw and many more musical legends. Taking inspiration from the iconic fashion and style of the time and performed by a full live band, the two hour show will take audiences on a fun-filled musical journey through the years from Rock Around The Clock and the birth of Rock ‘n’ Roll in 1955, through to the Beatles and the resulting British Invasion in 1964, with accompanying nostalgic video footage throughout.
Danni has made several trips to Nashville, where she teamed up with some of the best writers and musicians in the business, to co-write and record her songs. She has released two studio albums, ‘A Little Redemption’ in 2013 and ‘Mocking Bird Lane’ in 2015, there’s also a ‘Vintage TV’ live album. The next studio album is set for release in the Spring of 2019. Her favoured Americana songs are the grittier, dirtier numbers. She frequently quotes Jed Hilly, CEO of the Americana Music Association: “If you can taste the dirt through your ears,” as her mantra. here’s your chance to win both of danni’s studio albums, on Cd. Just answer the following questions, email them before October 24, to: competition@rosetta publishing.com with ‘danni’ in subject line. 1) What secondary school did Danni attend? 2) What UK music festival has Danni recently performed at?
Photography: Graham Flack
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 ADS: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
OCTOBER 2018 BULLETIN — 21
Can’t get in to comedy in Biggleswade? There’s always Bedford! For those of you who are unable to get tickets for Castle Comedy’s next show at George’s Hall next month there’s always Castle Comedy at the Gordon Arms Ent Shed, Castle Road, Bedford on Thursday October 11. The show is a classic mixed bill of comedy featuring UK circuit favourites. Rob Deering is the UK’s foremost guitarwielding, loop-layering stand-up comedian. Along with being one of the most in-demand headliners on the UK circuit, he’s toured nationally and performed solo shows at the Edinburgh Fringe to critical acclaim. He has hosted The Comedy Club (BBC Radio 4), appeared on Comedy Rocks with Jason Manford (ITV), Pointless Celebrities (BBC One) and won Celebrity Mastermind (BBC One)
and the comedian’s edition of The Weakest Link. “Truly wonderful stand-up” sunday Times Erich McElroy is a stand-up comedian and writer. Originally from Seattle, he moved to the UK in 2000 and in 2007 collected his British passport. In addition to playing playing UK venues up and down the country, Erich has appeared on BBC Breakfast, Newsnight, Sky News and Five News. He has also written for the Independent, Huffington Post, The Herald in Scotland and even Saga! “Well worth it, even if you’re not in the least bit
political.” edinburgh evening News The show will feature support from top UK acts and the host for the evening is Castle Comedy favourite, Paul Revill. Doors open 7.30pm, Show starts at 8.15pm and tickets are £10 (£8 NUS) or £18 which includes a pre show meal and glass of wine at the Gordon Arms. To book go to www.castlecomedy.co.uk or call 07736 060541 Castle Comedy – Bringing Comedy Royalty to Bedfordshire.
22 — BULLETIN
SEPTEMBER 2018
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
–––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––– KEMPSTON MUSICAL SOCIETy
AN EVENING OF BOTH MODERN AND SECULAR MUSIC
Kempston Musical Society, together with invited soloists, will be performing a concert of modern and secular music and songs from musicals, stage and screen on saturday 27th October 2018.
The event will take place at Priory Methodist Church, Newnham Avenue, Bedford and is in aid of Autism Bedfordshire and Type 1 Teens Diabetes. The evening will start at 7.30pm and is sure to be an enjoyable night. Tickets will be available on the door and will cost £7 for adults and £5 for children up to the age of 15 and will include refreshments. To find out more about all our forthcoming concerts or information about the choir please call 01234 781010 or email prestissimo@btinternet.com.
THE IVEL BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT CENTRE 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
–––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––– SANDY SANDY WALKS 4 ASTRONOMICAL HEALTH SOCIETY Sandy Walks 4 Health meet every Wednesday.
These are free short walks ofabout an hour, with a trained walk leader. All welcome, no need to book; just turn up. Walks start at 10am, meeting in SandyLibrary in the Town centre. For more information contact:
Cathy Bailey 01767 692182, or
Jane Janaway 01767 691455, or Mike Fayers (Health walks manager) 01234 832619
–––––––––––––––––– SANDY CONSERVATIVE BOWLING CLUB
Our well-established and friendly club with one of the best greens in the county is situated behind the Conservative Club in Bedford Road. We are always happy to welcome new members, whether experienced or new bowlers who will be offered coaching. For further details Phone 01767 680697
–––––––––––––––––– MAYFLOWER 50+ SOCIAL CLUB
We meet 2-4 pm on Wednesdays at the Labour Hall, Crab Lane, and 24pm Fridays at St Andrews Church both have disabled access. We also run a lighthearted bingo 2-4pm at the Labour Hall on the 2nd & 4th Monday of the month. Apart from bingo we play games, cards etc. or just socialise. We have occasional speakers and outings. Entrance is £1.50 (plus £1 if bingo) and door-to- door minibus transport is available at £1.50 return. Please contact Iris on 01767 318434 or call or text Brian on mobile 07988 822678 or landline 01767 448954 BiGGLeswAde weeKLY LUNCh CLUB
We meet every Wednesday 12-1.45 in the Labour Hall, Crab Lane to enjoy a hot 2 course meal and good company. Food is supplied by a local school. Door to door transport is available at £1.50 and the meal costs £5. Mainly for over 50s. For more details contact Shirley Legate on 01767 448954 or 07988 822678.
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 CLASSES
BIGGLESWADE, SANDy & DISTRICT NCT
SALE
The next sale is at 10.30am on 13th of October, at
stratton school in Biggleswade.
Proceeds from the sale go to the NCT charity and entirely fund the breastfeeding counsellor at the local children’s centre.
–––––––––––––––––– SONGS FROM THE SHOWS REACHES ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY
st Andrew’s Church Biggleswade 7pm sunday 14th October 2018 Adults £8; Concessions £6
Supported Charities: St John’s Moggerhanger and Macmillan Nurses
On this tenth anniversary we continue to celebrate and feature the talents of West End and local singers and the music will – as always – come from a wide variety of Musicals. All proceeds of the concert will be equally shared between the Charities: St John’s Moggerhanger and Macmillan Nurses Do come and join us for this unmissable evening of music from stage and screen. We look forward to seeing you there. Tickets available from yvonne Gray – telephone 01767221379 or Nettie van de Weerd – telephone 01767 316214.
–––––––––––––––––– BIGGLESWADE WALK 4 HEALTH REGULAR WEEKLy WALKS
Thursday 1pm-2pm
walks for beginners and those looking to improve
Email: robyn1.sg@gmail.com or 0300 300 5125.
wednesdays at 10.00am Walking with John and his team Dan Albone Car Park, Shortmead Street SG18 0BQ
The weatherly Centre Orchard Close Biggleswade sG18 0Ne Tuesday 12-2pm
saxon Pool and Leisure Centre, Biggleswade £2 per session
WALKING FOOTBALL Tuesday 2pm-3pm @
saxon Pool & Leisure Centre, Biggleswade £1.50 per session
Please note: all classes are subject to change, physical.activity@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
–––––––––––––––––– THE SANDY UKULELE GROUP
Meet every Friday at the Baptist Chapel hall, Bedford Road, sandy. 7pm till 9pm. For more information on joining the group please email the group: Sandyukulelegroup1@gmail.com www.Sandyukulelegroup.com
Two regular weekly walks of 40 – 90 minutes
Thursdays at 10.00am Walking with Rosario and his team from Stratton School, Eagle Farm Road SG18 8JB
FOR ThOse LOOKiNG TO dO A seRiOUs wALK OF 5 MiLes PLUs: Tuesday Afternoon at 2pm Booking essential
(This walk is not part of Walk 4 health and walkers walk at their own risk and liability.)
Walking with Janette: approx. 90 mins. Start points vary – phone or email Janette for details
Janette sibley Tel: 07771 540117 email: janette@sibley.me.uk
Mike Fayers Bedfordshire Health Walks Manager, Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity Tel: 01234 832619 email: mikef@bedsrcc.org.uk The Old School, Cardington. MK44 3SX
COFFEE MORNING
iN Aid OF BReAsT CANCeR 20Th OCTOBeR 10.30 TO 12.30 at Copelands
The Baulk, Biggleswade
There will be cakes, a tombola, hand made cards, a kiddies table, raffle and refreshments
–––––––––––––––––– TRINITY CHURCH shortmead street Biggleswade
Thursday 4th October a short service at 11.30 in the church before the monthly lunch at 12 noon. sunday 7th October 10.30.am This will be a cafe style service and will be led by Brenda and Laurie Horden and will be the launch of the annual Shoe Box appeal. Bring and share lunch to follow this service. sunday 14th October 09.30 a.m led by Rev. Caroline Weaver. This will be a communion service.
The service at 10.30am. will be led by Mr. Glynne Rowlands.
sunday 21st October 10.30.a.m. This will be led by the Rev. Dalwyn Attwell and will be a united service with friends from Sandy and Beeston Methodist Churches joining us. This service will include communion. sunday 21st October 6p.m. this will be an informal service and will be led by Mrs. Thea Lee. Hopefully Trinity band will accompany.
SANDy FLOWER CLUB
Monday 8th October 2018
Demonstration by Gill McGregor
‘AUTUMN DELIGHTS’
Starts at 7.30pm – Visitors welcome at £5.00 entrance on the door. There will be a raffle and tea/coffee. we meet at the Conservative Bowls Club pavilion (Rear of the Conservative Club, Bedford Rd.)
The Flower Club meets second Monday in the month (excluding Aug. Dec. & Jan) at 7.30pm and new members are always welcome. For more information please call: Sue Alexander: Tel. 01767 699729 or follow us on Facebook
–––––––––––––––––– BIGGLESWADE WATERPOLO
every Monday 8.30pm
at saxon Pool sG18 8sU 12 and older, both sexes
come along and join the fun
–––––––––––––––––– SANDy HISTORICAL SOCIETy
CRACKING TALES & DARK DEEDS IN OLD BIGGLESWADE ––––––––––––––––––
sunday 28th October the service at 10. 30 will be led by Mr. Chris Linford.
POTTON LADIES CLUB meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm at Mill Lane Pavilion, Mill Lane, Potton. sG19 2PG
We have a range of speakers, a lunch club & numerous day trips. Visitors are always welcome for £5, to include light refreshments.
–––––––––––––––––– BEESTON WALK FOR HEALTH
We meet every Monday at 9.00 a.m. by the letter box at the junction of The Crescent and The Green. The walk is a first level gentle walk so we do about 30 – 40 minutes in the flat fields beyond Beeston Green. I will walk as slowly as the slowest person needs. It’s a ‘just turn up’ walk. Gillian Wilkes 07890 232685 grewilkes@gmail.com
by Jane Dale
Friday Oct 26th @ 7.30pm
stonecroft hall, st swithins way sandy sG191BB
Admission £2..50 including refreshments. Members & students free
For further details contact 01767 680171
–––––––––––––––––– SANDY TOWN BOWLING CLUB
Play bowls at this friendly local club adjacent to Sandy Village Hall. Excellent green. Experienced and new bowlers welcome. Coaching available. More details: secretary Michael Groom: 01767 227523 sandytownbowlingclub.org.uk
–––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––
TENNIS FOR
BEGINNERS CHILDREN – ADULTS SENIORS EXPERIENCED PL AYERS
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.
–––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 ADS: advertising@rosettapublishing.com BEDFORDSHIRE COUNTY FEDERATION OF WOMEN’S INSTITUTES
CRAFT FAIR
Start your Christmas Shopping Now! Locally produced Crafts; Gifts; Tombola; Cakes; Raffle. FLITWICK VILLAGE HALL th SUNDAY 28 OCTOBER 2018 10AM – 4PM Entrance 50p – refreshments available For more information contact W.I. House 01234 359538 or email bcfwi@btconnect.com
––––––––––––––––––––––– SANDy TRANSPORT SOCIETy iNViTes YOU TO AN eVeNiNG OF TRANsPORT FiLM NOsTALGA
RAILWAYS REMEMBERED NATIONALISATION
An evening of archive films presented by Rob Foxon from 1948 reflecting the nationalisation of transport that year. Scenes from railways, canals,shipping, road transport and the air.
sandy Conservative Club, Bedford Road, sandy wednesday October 31st at 7.30
£5 admission by ticket from Sandy Conservative Club or call 01767 691401 Sandy Transport Society was formed in September 1981 and meets at the Conservative Club, Sandy on the last Wednesday in every moth at 7.30. There is always a speaker reflecting different transport interests. Guests always welcome
–––––––––––––––––––––––
–––––––––––––––––––––––
OCTOBER 2018 BULLETIN — 23
THE BEDFORDSHIRE REGIMENT IN THE GREAT WAR Sandy Town Council presents a series of six talks on the Bedfordshire Regiment in World War 1 to commemorate the last year of the centenary of the Great War. Talks given by Steve Fuller (local Bedfordshire Regiment Historian and Author) DIARY OF TALKS Wednesday 3rd october 2018: An unexpected find – Lieutenant Walter Graves of Sandye Place. His story, a surprise discovery and a trip to Ypres. tuesday 6th november 2018:“We will remember them”– the Sandy War Memorial. Some of the stories hidden in the memorial’s stone. The Council Chamber, Sandy Town Council. 7.30pm Start, refreshments provided. £2.50 per ticket, per talk. Available from Sandy Town Council places are limited Telephone: 01767 681491 or email: admin@sandytowncouncil.gov.uk
–––––––––––––––––––––––
CAR BOOT SALE Sunday 21st October Sellers 9.00am – Buyers 10.00am
MILTON ERNEST GARDEN CENTRE Radwell Road, Milton Ernest MK44 1SH Teas, Coffee, Breakfast, Snacks in Café For pitch enquiries contact Simon 01234 823033 E: simongoatley@miltonernestgardencentre.co.uk
Is your drive overdue for a makeover? IT’S WHAT WE DO –
DRIVEWAYS, PATIOS & MORE…
l All Work Fully Guaranteed l Free Estimates & Advice l No Deposits l £5,000,000 Public Liability Insurance l Fourteen Day Cooling Off Period
We are a specialist paving and landscaping contractors dedicated to producing beautifully crafted and carefully executed work to individual clients’ specifications adding your very own touch to your property. We liaise closely with our customers in order to guarantee complete satisfaction and peace of mind. No job is too big or too small and all our work carries our full guarantee. Our expertise will ensure that each project is properly organised and efficiently completed to the highest possible standard. We also guarantee to beat any genuine, like for like written quotation.
PC DRIVESTYLE LTD Tel: 01767 360037 Freephone: 0800 0787295 On-site: 07414 512501 for a w o n l l Email: info@pcdrivestyle.co.uk Ca E no
FRE quote tion obliga e code BB: use th 4 512501 0741
Long Lake Meadow, High Road, Seddington, Sandy SG19 1NU
www.pcdrivestyle.co.uk
The Bulletin series are independent magazines with no affiliation to any other organisation. ©2018 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