APRIL 2017
Strictly on a Sunday THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY MAGAZINE FOR THE PARISHES OF MILTON ERNEST, PAVENHAM & THURLEIGH
Our showroom is open Monday to Thursday 9 - 4.30pm Friday 9 - 2.30pm and Saturday 9 - 1pm
We have been restoring furniture for over 25 years. Please see our website for examples of our work. www.williamsantiques.co.uk
1 Hampshire Buildings, School Lane, Colmworth, Bedford. MK44 2JZ 01234 378866
DE-FORD LANDSCAPE GARDENERS
All garden, tree, fencing and patio work undertaken
■ Mowing, lawn care, turf prep/laying and seeding ■ Weeding and chemical spraying
■ Hedge, shrubs and tree maintenance ■ Gutter clearing and cleaning
■ Fences erected, repaired and painted ■ Patio work, decking, walls and BBQ building
■ Summer and winter hanging baskets and planting ■ Concrete base and shed erecting
ALL YEAR ROUND MAINTENANCE
Contact Debbie and Michael on 01933 350340 or mobile 07786 557361 2 — APRIL 2017 ■ Villager
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VIEW FROM THE PULPIT
Do you have special getaway places? by REVEREND PETER KAY
W
HERE are your favourite ‘get away’ places? Last month we had a few days of holiday and drove up for a day by the north Norfolk coast. For us that stretch of shoreline – Hunstanton, Holme, Brancaster, Holkham, Blakeney has been a special place over the years, a place where we’ve celebrated some of the great successes of our lives, but in more difficult times those wide open beaches have also been places of sanctuary and prayer. One of the great joys in the past year has been starting to share these wonderful places with Gus as well. A simple beach walk at Holme-next-thesea was a moment to treasure. To me, part of a rich life is found by walking through difficult times as well as those gentler, happier moments. Of course we don’t choose those tough times, but to be able to walk through them, often with the help of friends and family and one’s faith, adds so much depth and growth to who we are. Nadia Comeneci, the gymnast, once said: “I don’t run away
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from a challenge because I am afraid. Instead, I run towards it because the only way to escape fear is to trample it beneath your foot” In my personal Bible studies recently I’ve been studying the life of David, the shepherd boy who became King of Israel. What a life he had! As the youngest (and hence most expendable) son in his family he was sent out to shepherd the family’s flocks – a dangerous job that involved day-today care of the sheep, but also seeing off wolves and other predators. He later put those fighting skills into action when he saw off the mighty Goliath with a single slingshot. Through God’s providence – and described as ‘a man after God’s heart’ – he rose to be king. If those were some of the high points in his life, however, he also faced many challenges and failures – as a young man the mentally and spiritually unstable King Saul sought to kill him; later David committed an act of adultery that blew his family apart; there were plots, conspiracies and betrayals from within and without. And yet through all these all challenges and failures David still remained ‘a man after God’s heart’ – a musician he wrote many of the Psalms that we still use in worship today, not least the famous 23rd Psalm – ‘the Lord’s my shepherd’. David may have had his special places to travel to and get away from life’s pressures – but above all it was through God’s care, and being in His presence, that he found sanctuary, forgiveness, peace and hope. With love, Peter
We welcome editorial contributions, both written and pictorial, if the contribution relates to a particular village please send your material via email to the appropriate village editor, the subject line of all emails should contain the word ’villager’: MILTON ERNEST: Mrs Sarah Winter, 21 Arkwright Road, Milton Ernest, Tel: 01234 826402 adrian_sarahwinter@btinternet.com PAVENHAM: Dr Chris Holt, Meadowcroft High Street, Pavenham MK43 7NP Tel: 01234 825479 chrisholt@fastmail.fm THURLEIGH: Adrienne Larkin, Breaside Cottage, High Street, Thurleigh MK44 2DB Tel: 01234 771078 adriennelarkin_2@hotmail.com
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Mortons Print Limited, Newspaper House, Morton Way, Boston Road, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6JR Material for general pages: martin.quince@btinternet.com Please, please put ‘villager’ in the subject line, if you do this you will receive an acknowledgement of receipt. Any material submitted will be subject to editorial appraisal and any necessary changes will be made without referral to the author. We will endeavour to publish material in its entirety but reserve the absolute right to amend or omit any material we deem not factual, illegal or in bad taste! APRIL 2017
Strictly on a Sunday THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY MAGAZINE FOR THE PARISHES OF MILTON ERNEST, PAVENHAM & THURLEIGH
It’s amazing the things that happen in our villager halls! Tell us what is happening in yours. Milton Ernest has its own version of Strictly – well not quite but you can definitely improve the shapes you lay down!
Villager ■ APRIL 2017 — 3
£3.1 target for carers’ charity THE Mayor of Bedford, Dave Hodgson and Charles Whitbread, the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire have helped launched an appeal for £3.1 million to fund a facility that will make life better for people in the county with a learning disability, autism and challenging behaviour. Charity Beds Garden Carers has bought a one acre site at the old Anglers Rest pub in Clapham Road, Bedford. Planning permission has been granted. Now the
Operation Sentinel Rural launched
challenge is to raise the money to build the centre within three years. Mr Whitbread, who has a 15year-old-son with Down’s Syndrome, told more than 100 Vice-Patrons and distinguished guests at Bedford Modern School that the facility will improve the lives of adults, children and their carers. Contact Paul Sutherland on 01234 352899 or paulsutherland @bedsgardencarers.org.uk
Pictured at the launch left to right is John Holliday, BGC member. appeal manager Paul Sutherland, also a father of a son with a learning disability, Mayor Dave Hodgson, Sharon Foster, BGC member and Elinor Ashby, President of Bedford Lions Club.
A DEDICATED rural crime team was introduced today by Bedfordshire’s Police & Crime Commissioner, Kathryn Holloway, to help combat criminality in the countryside and provide a fair deal on policing for all – wherever they live – in the town or country. Operation Sentinel Rural is a dedicated policing team which consists of an Inspector, police Sergeant, four PCs and four PCSOs, and has been created to tackle crime in the more remote areas of the county. Commissioner Holloway has worked closely with the Force in supporting plans to form a dedicated rural team. Op Sentinel Rural was officially launched last month at Scald End Farm,
Thurleigh, where the PCC said: “I promised a new emphasis on rural crime and a much fairer deal on policing, whether you live in the town or country, in my Police and Crime Plan and that’s what’s being delivered. Make no mistake this isn’t Old MacDonald policing it’s about a 21st century approach to rural crime and capturing evidence which can stand up in court. That’s why the team is backed by a drone which can take high resolution video and photos so if you’re flytipping, poaching on an industrial scale or wrecking crops on your off-road bikes, this team is on your trail because these crimes ruin lives in country communities and cost farmers their livelihoods.”
Equilibrium Aromatherapy
Equilibrium provides specially tailored, unique aromatherapy products and treatments for your individual needs.
Essential oils are a natural means of managing women’s health issues, easing aches and discomfort, calming the mind and promoting a general sense of well-being. Holistic facials and Hopi Candle ear treatments also available. Janis Young MIFPA. MFHT Please call 07539 957472 www.equilibrium.uk.com
4 — APRIL 2017 ■ Villager
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SERVICES All Saints’, Milton Ernest, St Peter’s, Pavenham and St Peter’s, Thurleigh 2nd April 5th Sunday of Lent Passion Sunday 9th April Palm Sunday 13th April Maundy Thursday 14th April Good Friday 16th April Easter Day 23rd April Easter 2
30th April Easter 3 7th May Easter 4
Milton Ernest .............. 9.30am ................Holy Communion Pavenham ...................11.15am ................Holy Communion Thurleigh ....................11.15am ................Morning Worship Milton Ernest .............. 9.30am ................Morning Worship Pavenham ...................11.15am ................Sunday 2gether Thurleigh ....................11.15am ................United Holy Communion Milton Ernest .............. 7.30pm ................Benefice Holy Communion Milton Ernest ..............12.00pm ................One hour at the Cross Pavenham ...................10.00am ................One hour at the Cross Thurleigh .................... 2.00pm ................One hour at the Cross Milton Ernest .............. 9.30am ................Holy Communion Pavenham ...................11.15am ................Holy Communion Thurleigh ...................11.15am ................United Holy Communion Milton Ernest .............. 8.00am ................Holy Communion Milton Ernest .............. 9.30am ................Morning Worship Pavenham ...................11.15am ................Morning Worship Thurleigh ....................11.15am ................Morning Worship Milton Ernest .............. 9.30am ................Holy Communion Pavenham ...................11.15am ................Holy Communion Thurleigh ....................11.15am ................Morning Worship Milton Ernest .............. 9.30am ................Holy Communion Pavenham ...................11.15am ................Holy Communion Thurleigh ....................11.15am ................Morning Worship
HC = Holy Communion BCP = Book of Common Prayer Children are welcome at all our services
VILLAGER CONTACT DIRECTORY VICAR
Rev’d Peter R Kay.........................☎ 918027 The Vicarage, Thurleigh Road, Milton Ernest MK44 1RF email: rev.peter.kay@outlook.com ASSOCIATE MINISTER Sue Ives............................☎ 07973 920387 BENEFICE ADMINISTRATOR: Mrs Sarah Croft .................... 07948 024312 email: parishbeneficeoffice@gmail.com
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BAPTIST MODERATOR, THURLEIGH & KEYSOE ROW: Revd Peter Protheroe, The Maples, Colmworth Road, Little Staughton MK44 2BY.. 378806
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CHURCHWARDENS All Saints’ Milton Ernest: Mrs Ann Maltby, Holly Tree Cottage, Flewton End, Milton Ernest, MK44 1RE.............. 826164 Mrs Jean Coplin, 27d Radwell Road, Milton Ernest MK44 1SH ............. 589618
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St Peter’s Pavenham: Pat Byatt ..................................................... 826101 Terry Horsman, The Knoll, High Street, Pavenham. MK43 7PD .................. 825711
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St Peter’s Thurleigh: Mr Richard Singleton, 13 Keysoe Road, Thurleigh ....................................... 771952
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THURLEIGH BAPTIST DEACONS: Mr David Lloyd, 102 Poplar Avenue, Bedford MK41 8BP (Deacon and Treasurer)..... 262125 CHURCH KEY HOLDERS: All Saints’ Milton Ernest: Mrs Marianne Lowe, 12 Church Green, Milton Ernest ................................. 825543 or contact the Churchwardens St Peter’s Pavenham: contact the Churchwardens St Peter’s Thurleigh: contact the Churchwardens Mrs C. Blair, 2 The Close, Thurleigh... 771035 Thurleigh Baptist Chapel: Mrs Lilian Wildman, 8 Keysoe Road, Thurleigh MK44 2DY ...................... 772797 SCHOOLS: Milton Ernest VC Lower School Head Teacher: Lisa Virnuls.......... 822079 Thurleigh Lower School and Thurleigh Pre-School Playgroup Head Teacher: Verity Kenyon ....... 771252 Pinchmill Lower School Head Teacher: Mrs Vanessa Coleman................... 781371 Pinchmill Pre-School Play Leader: Jemma Skinner.............................. 781770 YOUTH CLUBS:
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Leaders: Mrs Vicky Par ry.........................................................
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PARISH COUNCILS: Milton Ernest: Chairman: Mr Steve Dilley, 13 Radwell Road, Milton Ernest MK44 1RY. ............. 824635 Parish Clerk: Sue Bottoms ............. 751300 sue.x999@btinternet.com Pavenham: Chairman: Mr John Stamford, 34 The Bury, Pavenham MK43 7PY.................... 823041 Parish Clerk: Dr P R Sharpe, East End Farm, Pavenham MK43 7PR.................... 823423 Thurleigh: Chairman: Mr Michael Thompson ... 771033 orchardhouse2000@aol.com Parish Clerk: Mrs Carol O’Brien, Red Lion House, 2 High Street, Thurleigh, MK44 2DB ............................................. 772385 ext 1 thurleighpc@gmail.com MILTON ERNEST WI Mrs Ann Kirk (President) The Beeches, Thurleigh Road MK40 1RF ............ 823711
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PAVENHAM WI Mrs Kathleen Bennett, 51 The Bury, Pavenham ............................... 824109 Mrs Jenny Evans, 52 The Bury, Pavenham, MK43 7PY. .................. 823620
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VILLAGE HALL BOOKINGS: Milton Ernest: Mrs Helen Eyre, 14 Huntsman’s Way, Milton Ernest MK44 ISA......... 824508 Pavenham: Mrs Katie Sharpe .......... 824735 Thurleigh: Pat Edwards, Beech Tree House, 26A High Street, Thurleigh . 01234 772317
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THE VILLAGER MAGAZINE Subscriptions and Distribution: Mr and Mrs Gerry Stafford, Milton Ernest Mrs Kathleen Bennett, The Bury, Pavenham ...................................................... 824109 Fiona Parlett ,1 Chapelfields, Thurleigh ....................................... 771908 ADVERTISEMENTS/TREASURER: Mrs Jenny Evans, 52 The Bury, Pavenham .................................... 823620 email: david_jenny@btinternet.com EDITORS: Milton Ernest: Mrs Sarah Winter, 21 Arkwright Road, Milton Ernest .. 826402 email: bizzywords@gmail.com Pavenham: Dr Chris Holt, Meadowcroft High Street, Pavenham MK43 7NP 825479 email: chrisholt@fastmail.fm Thurleigh: Adrienne Larkin, Breaside Cottage, High Street, Thurleigh MK44 2DB 771078 Email: adriennelarkin_2@hotmail.com Co-ordinating: Mr Martin Quince, 30 Radwell Road, Milton Ernest MK44 1SH................ 823724 email: martin.quince@btinternet.com CONTACTS FOR VILLAGE ORGANISATIONS Milton Ernest Playing Field Association: Parish Clerk: Sue Bottoms ............. 751300 sue.x999@btintertnet.com Toddlers: Fiona .................... 07909 748354 Milton Ernest Ramblers Gerry Stafford ................................... 823060
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18.03.2017, all
☎. nos. listed are Bedford Code (01234)
Villager ■ APRIL 2017 — 5
Local Reflexology Therapist ––––
Having your feet massaged will revive energy and reduce stress – help you relax and much more‌
Pots of Fun hand paints, custom ceramic gifts for all occasions. Hand and footprints a speciality. Mobile service available on request, covering North Beds. Ring Sue 01788 860043 or e-mail enquiries@potsoffun.co.uk www.potsoffun.co.uk
–––– So why not contact Sandie Q and make an appointment? –––– Tel: 01234 823724 or 07894 935953 –––– Parking available
Ad Hoc Present
By John Godber
'Bouncers is not so much a play as it is a social phenomenon' The Guardian
Friday May 12th 8pm Odell Village Hall Saturday May 13th 8pm The Carlton Club, Olney Friday May 19th 8pm Stevington Village Hall Saturday May 20th 8pm Carlton Village Hall
Tickets ÂŁ10 Box Office 01234 510720 Suitable for 14+
,W¡V )ULGD\ QLJKW LQ D <RUNVKLUH GLVFR LQ WKH V (YHU\RQH LV RXW RQ WKH WRZQ WKH boys, the girls, the hairdressers, the cheesy DJ, all under the watchful eyes of the Bouncers. We follow their funny and sad progress through the preparation for a night out, the binge drinking, the goings on after the disco, and the taxi home; no holds are barred in this comic classic. Contains adult themes and language.
One of The National Theatre's 'Plays of the Century'
6 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; APRIL 2017 â&#x2013; Villager
NAO Catteries 07411 136691
naoservices111@gmail.com www.naocatteryservices.co.uk
â&#x20AC;˘ Fully Licensed & approved â&#x20AC;˘ Heated pens with individual outside runs â&#x20AC;˘ Mon-Fri 9-11 to 6-7 Sat 9-11 â&#x20AC;˘ Collection & Delivery service available
Bramble Lodge, 29 Oakley Rd, Clapham MK41 6AN www.mptchurches.org.uk
MILTON ERNEST NEWS Village correspondent: Mrs Sarah Winter — Tel: 826402
AFTER months of planning and preparation, Milton Ernest Lower School received their new Year 5 and 6 classroom on 28 February. The ultra modern ‘Eco Module’ was built off-site in Hull and delivered in two halves. The builders have spent the past few weeks preparing the foundations for the new classroom and were ahead of schedule, having to wait a week for the arrival of the ‘Pod’. Although initially there were a few problems with the delivery lorry accessing the site from the A6, with a little help from a fellow trucker, the problem was soon solved. We would like to take this opportunity to apologise for any inconvenience caused to local residents and a big thank you to those that came to offer their help and support. Eventually, the classroom was hitched up to the huge crane and the first half of the classroom was lifted over the hedge and lowered into place with ease. The second half of the module went in without a glitch. Staff, children and governors were all able to watch and be a part of this historic moment. The builders will now concentrate on the inside installations. We are hoping that the building works will be completed and ready to hand over to the school in early May. All being well, we hope to show off our new classroom at the Milton Ernest Village Fete in June.
Milton Ernest Lower School Year 5 and 6 classroom installation
LISA VIRNULS, HEAD TEACHER
OBITUARY ROS TUCKER, formerly of Green Barns, Milton Ernest, passed away peacefully on March 13 at her home in East Hendred, Oxfordshire, surrounded by her family. A funeral service in celebration of her life will be held at All Saints, Milton Ernest, on Wednesday April 5 at 2pm and afterwards at the Barn, Milton House. Family flowers only. Donations, if desired, to Cancer Research UK c/o funeral directors Abbotts, Bedford Road, Kempston, MK42 8BH.
COFFEE SHOP APRIL SPECIAL
HOT BUN
with FILTER COFFEE or POT OF TEA only £2 with this coupon *T&Cs Apply – May not be used in conjunction with any other offer
www.miltonernestgardencentre.co.uk
Tel: 01234 823033
MILTON ERNEST GARDEN CENTRE
Radwell Road (just off the A6) Milton Ernest MK44 1SH www.mptchurches.org.uk
Villager ■ APRIL 2017 — 7
8 — APRIL 2017 ■ Villager
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Alice in Wonderland theme for Milton’s fete Picture shows some of the ladies from the WI from last year’s fete.
Strictly on a Sunday!
THIS year’s Milton Ernest Fete will take place on the village green on Saturday June 24 at 2pm. The theme for the event will be ‘Alice in Wonderland’ which will enable the imagination of parents, pupils and supporters to run riot. 2017 is a big year for the village school which has had a new classroom lifted into place ready for the time when it has to take extra pupils as part of a borough wide move to a two tier system from a three tier at present. Everyone is alert to the challenge of two more years. The school has been promised that all work on the main road end of the green will be repaired in plenty of time for the fete. Pupils will produce artwork and handwriting for the competitions in the church and also perform a spectacular routine in the playground as part of the main event.
Because the last Saturday in the month is as early as it can be this year, gardeners will be hoping that the flowers displayed in the competitions in the church, particularly the roses, will be as ready as they were last year. The usual categories in baking, arts and crafts, photography, children’s classes and flowers will be available with Milton Ernest Garden Centre vouchers and cups on offer. The 12 trophies will include one donated by the garden centre and The Tucker Cup, presented for the first time last year by the late Ros Tucker and her husband Graham and won by the WI. It will be awarded for an outstanding contribution this year. More details will appear in the next edition of the Villager but as usual organisers need as much help as possible. Your fete needs you.
IF you are a Strictly fan and wish you could dance as well as some of the celebrities on TV, you’ll be delighted to know that ballroom and Latin dancing classes take place in Milton Ernest Village Hall at 11am on Sundays. Instructor Christine Marsland – who teaches at several venues in the area – can’t guarantee you’ll become a competition dancer but she could turn you into someone who could hold their own at a wedding as well as spot the finer moves on the BBC show in the autumn. Christine is pictured centre with members of her class including Milton Ernest couple Alex and Maureen Mathie, left.
www.mptchurches.org.uk
Villager ■ APRIL 2017 — 9
MILTON ERNEST WI REPORT BY VALERIE LINCOLN HERE we are in March and once again it’s time for our A.G.M. So we all gathered at the village hall to hear a review of our past year and listen to a short talk from by a member of the county federation, before electing a committee for the coming year. As well as our usual monthly meetings, full as always of interesting people coming to speak to us, we have
made plans for river trip down the Ouse on the John Bunyan with afternoon tea at the Barns hotel to follow. There will also be a charity lunch and we will continue to collect for Bedford Food Bank during the year. The meeting was also more “buzzy” than usual as we look forward to our 100th birthday in 2018. Plans to celebrate in style are taking shape and will undoubtedly be enormous fun! Ladies! Just think! Right
here in this village you have one of the original sisterhoods! As relevant today as it was in 1918. So why not think about coming along to our next meeting in April where you will not only hear our speaker, a Mr Bill Hamilton, talking about 50 years as a journalist, but will also be assured of a warm welcome and lots of fun. Oh and in case you are wondering – we did have the fish and chips again this year to sustain us!
Used postage stamps THANK you to all who continue to save stamps... please keep up the good work! They are collected throughout the year in support of CLIC Sargent, the children’s cancer charity. A steady stream appears both through the letterbox at 14 Arkwright Road (Pat/Peter Saunders) and in the small green postbox in All Saints’ church porch, which is greatly appreciated. There have been regular collections of stamps from Canada, together with many of those more frequently used in the UK, all of which are of great benefit to the charity for their fundraising. If you are able to trim excess paper, leaving approximately 0.5cm around the stamp, that would be helpful, but we would rather have untrimmed stamps, if not! Please do share this stamp request with anyone you know who may also be willing to pass on used stamps. Thank you all. ––––––––––––
Where has grandma gone? The computer swallowed Grandma... yes, honestly, it’s true! She pressed ‘control’ and ‘enter’, then disappeared from view! It devoured her completely, the thought just makes me squirm! She must have caught a ‘virus’, or been eaten by a worm! I’ve searched through the recycle bin, and files of every kind; I’ve even used the internet but nothing did I find! In desperation I asked Google, my searches to refine, but the reply was negative, not a thing was found ‘on line’! So, if inside your ‘inbox’, my grandma you should see, please ‘copy’, ‘scan’ and ‘paste’ her, and send her back to me! Anonymous
10 — APRIL 2017 ■ Villager
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What’s On in Milton Ernest VILLAGE LUNCHES
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The next village lunches at The Queen’s Head
are Friday 14th April and Friday 12th May
BRIDGE
T If you want to cancel or book phone Bev on 822412. Come and join us and catch up with people over a pleasant lunch.
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The next sessions for beginners and improvers are
Friday 7th April and Friday 9th June in Milton Ernest Village Hall at 2.30pm All are welcome to join our relaxed sessions. Any queries please phone Ann Kirk 823711
BALLROOM AND LATIN DANCING
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MORNING COFFEE MILTON ERNEST COLLECTION OF –––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––
WI
AT MILTON ERNEST VILLAGE HALL The next coffee shop will be on
FRIDAY 28th APRIL 9.30 - 11.15 am
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BULKY WASTE BEDFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL
Thursday 20th April
Please take your domestic waste to the following locations:
Come along and join us to chat with old and new friends.and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee for only £1.00 If you need any help to get to the Hall let us know and we can arrange some assistance. For more details phone: Lynda on 823618 or Ann on 822773 We look forward to seeing you there
when the talk will be by Bill Hamilton on 50 years as a Journalist
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Hope you will be able to join us. Any queries phone Ann Kirk 823711
Saturday 3rd June 2017 Marsh Lane 8.30am until 10.00am (off Thurleigh Road) Radwell Road 10.00am until 12.30pm (Between Riverside View & Huntsmans Way)
GAZEBO HIRE HAVE YOU GOT A FAMILY EVENT NEED SOME MORE SPACE?
Please call Cristina Goldwin 01234 824684 or email cristina.goldwin@btinternet.com for enquiries. Prepayment is required to secure a hire.
PILATES
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Milton Ernest Village Hall
Tuesday mornings 10 – 11am
MILTON ERNEST VILLAGE HALL Please come and support us.
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Times are approximate to allow for travel between sites PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE RUBBISH AT THE SITE IF THE COLLECTION VEHICLES ARE NOT THERE
Tea’ n’ Chat
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from 2.30 - 4.15pm
We are an informal discussion group that meets on the SECOND THURSDAY OF THE MONTH at 7.45pm at The Queen’s Head Hotel. New members are always welcome.
Come along for friendly company, a cuppa and a chat on the third Friday of each month throughout the year, all welcome, Tea, Cake and a Chat for only £2.
“All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr
MILTON ERNEST VILLAGE HALL The next
FRIDAY 21st APRIL will be:
BOOK CLUB SEE PAGE 28
13 April 11 May
If you need help with transport or more information phone: Gerry on 823060 or Chris on 823618.
“Sister” by Rosamund Lupton
Call Christine on 07814 013622
All levels welcome Free first class, then pay as you go (£4) Call Nola 07793 056122
We look forward to seeing you there.
For more information please ring Marion on 825825
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at Milton Ernest Village Hall on
Sundays at 11am – 12.30pm
SORT THOSE WEEDS
WEED KILLER OFFER ANY TWO
£8
WITH THIS COUPON
*T&Cs Apply – May not be used in conjunction with any other offer
www.miltonernestgardencentre.co.uk
Tel: 01234 823033
MILTON ERNEST GARDEN CENTRE
Radwell Road (just off the A6) Milton Ernest MK44 1SH www.mptchurches.org.uk
Villager ■ APRIL 2017 — 11
PARISH COUNCIL REPORT BY SUE BOTTOMS The latest meeting of Milton Ernest Parish Council was held on Thursday 23rd February 2017 at 8.00pm in the Village Hall. Present: Cllrs Dilley (Chairman), Winter, Whiteside, Reddington, Snowball, Williams and Newman, the Clerk (Sue Bottoms) and four members of the public. The minutes of the meeting held on the 26th January 2017 were signed as a true record of the meeting. Following the public open session, the meeting re-opened for: New Village Welfare Issues: To consider and agree action regarding the re-location of school play equipment: Following discussion, it was agreed that the Clerk should write to Milton Ernest Lower School and suggest that the school might consider leasing part of the village green off the parish council for a peppercorn rent. This would allow the school additional outside area to help compensate for that lost through the new classroom. The school then could keep ownership of the equipment and locate it on the leased section of land. The school would need to finance the cost of the drawing up of a lease. Finance: Decision: to form a Finance Advisory Group: It was agreed
12 — APRIL 2017 ■ Villager
that this would consist of Cllrs Dilley, Williams and Newman. Decision: to agree the Asset Register and Insurance Cover: Following discussion, it was agreed to accept the Asset Register but all the parish councillors would check the items on the register and would let the Clerk know if any of them no longer exist. Decision: to agree the Risk Assessment: it was agreed to accept this. To note the monies from the BBC Rural Affairs Grant Scheme towards the cost of the purchase of land on Huntsman’s Way: The Clerk confirmed that the parish council would receive £5,427.54 which is approximately two thirds of the total cost of the land. Bedford Borough Council would not allow the parish council to claim the costs of the tree works undertaken on the land. Request from a parishioner to install a sign: at the top of the public footpath opposite the council houses in Radwell Road to encourage dog walkers to collect dog mess. It was noted that this is not a public footpath or a right of way and was in fact on Bedfordia land. Cllr Dilley agreed to raise the matter with Ian Ridge and Ian Smith at Bedfordia. The Clerk agreed to respond to the parishioner. Reports by Representatives: NDP Steering Group: Cllr
Dilley said there had been no meeting since the last parish council meeting. The next meeting would be on the 1st March with the consultants. The character assessment had been completed and would be available for circulation. The site assessment work was underway and the meeting on the 1st March would be looking to progress this. It will be necessary to apply for further grant funding and it is likely that the parish council will need to make a financial contribution to see the completion of the plan. Cllr Dilley had spoken to BRCC regarding the issue of a new Housing Needs Survey. It would cost the parish council £2000. The last one was done in 2011, published in 2012 and generally were valid for five years so it was just still within that time period. Discussion would take place at the next NDP meeting on the 1st March with the consultants and a decision would then be made. Traffic Management Working Group: Cllr Dilley said that there had been a meeting at the borough council between himself, Cllr Whiteside, Cllr McMurdo and Brian Hayward. A number of issues were discussed including the need to re-engineer some of the junctions in particular that of Radwell Rd and the A6; the proposed introduction of
20mph zones across the whole of the village; a survey of traffic movements in Radwell Road and ideally a further one for Thurleigh Road and the need for parking zones in Marsh Lane to ensure available parking space for carers and medical professionals needing to access the older residents. Cllr Dilley said that the borough council probably would not be keen on a 20mph in Radwell Road because it is a through road whereas Thurleigh Road already has flashing 20mph signs for part of the day because of the location on the school. Discussion had taken place about extending the 30mph further out of the village on the Radwell Road because currently the entrance to the playing fields is in the 40mph. The Traffic Management Working Group proposed that a chicane should be installed close to that entrance. The impression was given that work to the footpath on the A6 where it crosses the entrance to the nursing home was already planned to be completed in 2017-18. Cllr Reddington said that she had sent off the submissions made by Cllrs Winter and Newman regarding that footpath and would ask Andrew Prigmore for an update on planned works this week. Once she had made contact she would arrange to meet with Ricky from highways in the village. To receive a report and papers from the last Parish and Town Council meeting held on 9th February from Cllr Snowball: Cllr Snowball said that Lee Phanco, Chief Finance Officer of Bedford Borough Council attended to discuss changes to the discretionary travel scheme which will mean that users will pay £1 on a bus journey starting before 9.30am or 11.30pm at night. Jon Boswell, Chief Executive of BRCC attended to discuss support available to parishes in the rural areas within the borough. In particular support with neighbourhood plans, housing need survey, green infrastructure planning, village agents and dial a ride services. Cllr Snowball was thanked for attending. Date of the Next Meeting: Thursday 30th March 2017 at 8.00pm in the Village Hall.
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Spring cleaning? IF YOU have been having a ‘clear out’ and come across any jewellery items lurking forgotten in a drawer or jewellery box, please could you consider passing on such items of ‘hidden treasure’ for the jewellery stall at this year’s Fete? If you can offer anything, whether necklaces, bracelets, brooches, bangles, watches, rings, or similar, please pass them to Pat and Peter Saunders at 14 Arkwright Road, who will be delighted to display them, for sale at the Fete on 24th June. Please do have a rummage, to see if you have any items hiding, unloved or unused, which you would be willing to donate to help raise funds. Your unwanted items could be treasure for someone else! Many thanks for your time in considering this.
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Grass-cutting rota AS the season to cut the churchyard grass has begun, please consider whether you would like to be involved, as the more volunteers there are, the less frequently each person needs to help. If you would like to join the rota, please contact Peter Saunders: peters1944@tiscali.co.uk. More volunteers are always welcome, as are people to help with an occasional pruning, weeding or edge-trimming.
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PAVENHAM NEWS Edited by Dr Chris Holt — Tel: 825479
How does God speak to us? last Sunday 2gether THAT was the question we considered at March’s service. It should have said Sunday 2gether service. 11.15am. There is a service at that time every week; on the The Bible tells us that God 1st and 3rd Sundays it is a told Abraham to go on a Communion service and on journey. Two puppets acted the 4th Sunday we have out the story of what Morning Worship which is happened. Our short talk less formal but if you are considered six of the ways bringing children we suggest that God can speak to us that you try Sunday today; through people, circumstances, creation, music, 2gether first although they the Bible and prayer. Then are always welcome and we we had time to investigate always have activities for displays of music, natural them. objects and sounds and Christian books for adults and children. One display reminded us that God wants to speak to each of us today. What an exciting challenge! Our next Sunday 2gether service is on April 9th, Palm Sunday. As always, lots of people of all ages will be taking part. Why not come along and join us? The service is informal, lasts less than an hour and always ends with coffee & chat. We apologise for advertis- Truly an all-age service; someing the wrong time for the thing for everyone www.mptchurches.org.uk
Community spirit alive and well
VILLAGERS can now walk two abreast or push a wheel chair or pram along the footpath from the War Memorial to the Village Hall and by the time you read this, with a bit of luck, we will have reached Pavenham Mobile Home Park Our call for help (usually on Facebook) in clearing the overgrown footpath has been remarkable and to date we have had 33 villagers attend at least one of the four Sunday
morning sessions which we limit strictly to two hours. We have had a group of seven/eight regular helpers most weeks but have been encouraged to have so many other villagers who come along for just one session. The results are there to see! The photographs give an indication of the much needed work done week by week .
JOHN STAMFORD
Villager ■ APRIL 2017 — 15
PAX HILL FARM, PAVENHAM
Retrospective planning application site visit SHARNBROOK Storage and Warehousing made a retrospective application to Bedford Borough Council [16/03490/S73A] for Change of Use of a Grain Store to Storage and Distribution. This was considered by the Borough Planning Committee at their meeting on 6th March 2017 with a recommendation from their Planning Officer to approve the application. There were a number of letters from Villagers and a robust objection from Bedfordshire Campaign to Protect Rural England objecting to this proposal because it would mean the regular daily transit of 44 tonne HGVs of either 15.5 metre or 18 metre length passing through the sharp bends and the narrow sections of the High Street. These had already been causing some road safety and traffic problems, damage to property and potential damage to listed buildings, some of which are within one metre of the road, and passing vehicles.
Oakley Parish Council also objected because the vehicles are unable to turn at Highfield Road Junction without crossing the pavement and endangering pedestrians. Pavenham Parish Council approved the application but did not consider it necessary to call an extraordinary meeting. At the Planning Committee meeting on 6th March a decision on the application was deferred until a Site Visit to Pavenham could be made by Members of the Committee to the High Street and environs for themselves. This will take place on Monday, 3rd April 2017. This notice is to make Villagers aware of the situation as there appears to have been little publicity of this Retrospective Planning Application. Signed: Derek and Rosemary Bliss, Gaynor and Brian Bottero, Kathleen and Terry Bennett, Andrew Senior, Sylvia Pearce, Margaret Hulatt, Carol Wilson and Gary Duff-Smith.
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CHARITY GOLF DAY To all villages and villagers.
Sydney Howard Lovell Memorial Almshouses at Oakley The Lovell Homes comprise two bedroomed bungalows and one and two bedroomed flats. Anyone over the age of 60 may apply to go on the waiting list. However, priority application is given to those primarily from an agricultural related background. If you would like to be considered please visit the website: www.lovellhomesoakley.co.uk or contact the Clerk: Mandy Newton on 07736 466965 Registered Charity Number: 200480
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Pavenham Park Golf ]Club on Saturday 29th April EVENING FUNCTION
Welcome to the golf charity Make a Wish charity foundation for children
Come and join us for the charity evening with live music and disco raffles and auctions Complementary free entry just a donation to the charities.
Let’s fill the golf club and support the charities. See you there. Paul Simons 07754 809916
Villager ■ APRIL 2017 — 17
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PAVENHAM WI REPORT MRS ROSEMARY BLISS, as acting President, welcomed WI Members and Mrs Sylvia Eastwood, our County Visitor, to the Pavenham AGM held at the Village Hall on 1st March 2017. A minute’s silence was held in memory of Mrs Pauline Forshaw who, after bravely attending our meetings, sadly died last week. Following the ballot of members meetings in future will be held: November to April at 2.30 pm, May - October at 7.30 pm. This information will be printed in the programme so there is no confusion. Mrs Bliss welcomed Mrs June Grainger, a very enthusiastic WI member, has been coopted onto the WI Committee. She also thanked the Committee for their work over the past year. They have all agreed to continue for another year. Thanking those members who had helped with the Jumble Sale Mrs Bliss reported that we had raised £637.91 after expenses. Mrs Bliss then said that we were all looking forward to the Spring Federation Meeting, and reminded members of the trip to the WI Fair at Alexandra Palace on 30th March. The Book Club continues to be a very enjoyable part of our activities and the next book club meeting will be held on 12th April 2017 at 10.30 am at Mrs Claire Olney’s house in The Bury. The book under discussion is ‘Toby’s Room’, by Pat Barker ; There were joint winners of the monthly Competition, organized by Mrs Brenda Harding. They were Mrs Jean Chadwick, Mrs Val Page and Mrs Brenda Harding; This month’s Birthday Girl was Mrs Kay Thorpe who received one of Mrs Bliss’s beautiful birthday posies. This year it is Pavenham WI’s turn, as part of the Milton
Ernest cluster, to host the WI Group Meeting on Wednesday, 26th April 2017 for WI members throughout the area. We have managed to obtain well-known gardening expert Dr Twigs Way, who is a researcher on Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes. She will speak about Edwardian Lady Gardeners. Tickets cost £5 per person, and so that we know how many to cater for we would appreciate receiving numbers and your payments by 19th April 2017 [please contact Mrs Jan Glanvill our Treasurer on 01234 262955 for tickets].
CAROL WILSON –––––––––––––––
Open gardens for snowdrops A BIG thank you to everyone who visited the snowdrop gardens at The Folly and/or The Knoll in February and March. Over £800 was raised for the Drive Fund.
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Welcome WE are delighted to welcome newcomers to the village; Liz Walker has moved into 73 River View on Pavenham Park and Richard Burrels and Francesca Plows have moved into 2 Orchard Close. We hope that they will all be very happy here.
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Pavenham Nursery plant sale THE eighth plant sale in aid of the Friends of St Peter’s will take place on Saturday 13th May at the Playing Field from 10.20 - 2.00pm. There will be the usual range of excellent plants at keen prices and delicious refreshments from the BBQ. Admission £1.20. Please tell your friends.
PAVENHAM WOMEN’S BOOK GROUP OUR March meeting was cancelled as several members were attending the Borough Council meeting where the retrospective planning permis-
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sion relating to Pax Hill Farm was being discussed. Therefore two books will be reviewed in the May edition of The Villager
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THURLEIGH NEWS Edited by Adrienne Larkin — Tel: 771078 email: adriennelarkin_2@hotmail.com
What’s in a name? MORE than you’d imagine. The name is Thurleigh United Church. Where’s that you may ask. Has it been set up in the village hall? Is there a new building? Not at all. Let me explain. You may not know that Anglicans from St Peter’s Church and Baptists from the Chapel have been worshipping together in united services in both buildings for many years. However, you may be aware that since the celebration service last November the Baptist Chapel building has been closed but the Baptists have not stopped worshipping each week. Long before the closure of the building a steering group of representatives from each denomination had been meeting to discern God’s plan for the future of the two congregations. The decision taken was to establish a single congregation. This was subject to a legal agreement and in February a special service was held in St Peter’s at which the document was signed by representatives of the Church of England and the Baptist Union, namely the Right Reverend Richard Atkinson, Bishop of Bedford, the Reverend Peter Kay, Priest in Charge, Reverend Stephen Copson, Central Baptist Association, Reverend Peter Protheroe, Baptist Moderator, and Reverend Andrew Hollins, Methodist Minister and Chair of Churches Together in Bedfordshire, David Lloyd, Baptist Deacon and Richard Singleton, Churchwarden. Each denominational group still exists but is now united as a single congregation under the overarching title of Thurleigh United Church and at the first
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AGM recently the representatives previously mentioned were elected as trustees for the next three years.
There you have the answer to the original question. This name signifies so much – the uniting in worship and action
of Christians. Our vision for the future is “Knowing, growing and showing God’s love.”
Villager ■ APRIL 2017 — 23
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THURLEIGH PARISH COUNCIL MARCH 2017 MEETING THE Thurleigh Parish Council Meeting was held on the Monday the 13th March 2017 in the Village Hall. This is a summary report. Draft minutes are posted on Thurleigh.net http://www.thurleigh.net/index.php?body=vie w.php or are available from the clerk thurleighpc@gmail.com. Minutes and Agendas are also posted on the notice board outside the Village Hall. The Parish Council meeting was attended by five members of the public. All Councillors attended. Standard items of business were discussed and agreed; including approval of the previous minutes, finance, risk plans and consideration
of planning applications. Parish Councillor Mrs Boddington resigned and the Chair thanked the Cllr for her time and work on Thurleigh Parish Council. Neighbourhood Development Plan The village questionnaires have been completed and a draft Neighbourhood Development Plan has been written. The plan will be presented to the village at an event to be held after Easter. All Neighbourhood Development Plan information is publicly available on the Neighbourhood Development Plan website https://thurleighndp.com/ Crime The village policing priority was decided as speeding. A Parish Councillor was nominated to attend the Police Neighbourhood Priority Setting Meeting to put forward Thurleigh’s policing needs. Village Welfare Tree work around the memorial is now complete. The war memorial was awarded Grade 2 status in January 2017. The Parish Council continue to work to support the re-opening of the pub. The owner confirmed their commitment to open but no date has been put forward. The Bedford 80 cycle race will not take place in 2017. There are no plans for a future race currently. The Street Champion has resigned and there will be no further litter picks organised. The role takes about 18 hours a year to organise two litter picks. Please contact the clerk if you are interested. The Parish Council has supported the following activities; the sign to the playing fields being replaced, hedges being cut back on the road, the maintenance of speed activated signs and the provision of grit for the social club. The Annual Parish Meeting and the Annual Parish Council meeting will be held on Monday 8th May 2017.
To be a committee member please ring us on 01234 771415 www.mptchurches.org.uk
Quiz night raises over £500 THE Friends of Thurleigh School ran a hugely successful quiz night at the Sports and Social Club. Saturday night saw 66 people consisting of 11 teams battle it out for the honour of winning. The winners were a team of four led by Tricia Farmbrough they beat my team by only one point. The Batman question remains in dispute. On the night the amount raised was £542.50, making the total raised by the Friends so far to be £1928.88. The target to be raised is £2500 which will be used to purchase new play equipment for the school field.
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THURLEIGH WALKING GROUP
Town walk for a change REPORT of walk on Wednesday 15 February 2017 Several Members had encountered large amounts of mud in their walks this year, so we decided to have a town walk in February. Our group was small this month, eight Members, as several were in nice, sunny, warm places! We set off from The Pheasant pub to walk a roughly circular walk in a clockwise direction to the North of Bedford town centre.. We found quite a bit of mud in Putnoe woods but the group was not concerned as nobody took the parallel grassy path! We maintained a good pace as there were no stiles to slow us down. Most Members know Bedford Park so for a change we we took a path off Brickhill Drive that initially bordered the Park and then became a pleasant leafy path up a hill. We then walked back to the The Pheasant along a series of quiet footpaths. Our lunch at The Pheasant was good but took longer than usual to cook. About 4.5 miles, leaders Richard and Nick.”
Villager ■ APRIL 2017 — 25
Am I being unfair to you? THIS was the question which set the theme and challenged the congregation at the Women’s World Day of Prayer service held in St Peter’s Church Thurleigh at the beginning of March. The movement is worldwide and it brings together Christian women of many traditions who observe a common day of prayer on the first Friday in March each year. The Day of Prayer begins on the international dateline. The first service is held at dawn in Tonga. As the earth rotates a great “Mexican Wave” of prayer rises in the Pacific reaching countries like Japan,The Philippines, Korea and Bangladesh. It rolls on to the countries of Africa including Egypt and then the Middle East. It continues on to Europe east and west. Across the Atlantic it goes to the Caribbean, Latin, Central and North America and on to the Pacific again till the last service of the day is held on the island of Samoa. This year Filipino women had written the service and it was led by women of various denominations from North Beds churches. However it is
the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots’ in Filipino society. Is unfairness or injustice something that will always be with us? What do we individually or collectively do about it?
not just for women as it is always open to men and children too. In 2013 Typhoon Haiyan, a category 5 supertyphoon, struck the Philippines and the devastating effects of it were described in the service. We also heard stories of a girl, a mother and an older woman recounting their, often very difficult, situations and their hopes and fears for the future. The service focussed on the Bible story in Matthew 20 verses 1-16 of the workers in the vine yard who were each paid the same wage whether they started early in the morning or late in the day. Was
it fair or unfair? Read the story and decide for yourselves. Jesus used the story of the generous landowner paying all of the workers equally, however long they had worked, as a way to understand what the Kingdom of Heaven is like.
Members of the congregation who came from various North Beds villages and churches found that they were challenged by what they had heard and had much to consider and discuss afterwards. A few comments were “inspiring”, “thought provoking” and “well organised and absolutely super”. Time well spent from our busy lives to contemplate how we can all work together to spread a local and global culture of economic and social justice, friendship, care and compassion.
Local girls off to world finals There was also time to reflect on the artwork of Rowena ‘Apol’ Laxamana-Sta Rosa. It was very thought provoking and illustrates contrasting scenes from the lives of
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26 — APRIL 2017 ■ Villager
Rimini and Gracy two Thurleigh girls will be attending the world finals. Well done and wishing you lots of luck.
SANDFORD School of Dance of Bedford have recently received the fantastic news that 30 pupils from the school have been selected to represent Team England at the Dance World Cup 2017 in Germany in June. Dance World Cup has over 12,000 children from 47 countries around the world aged from 4 to 25 trying to qualify for the final which is held annually in different countries. Sandford School of Dance as members of Team England, will be competing with three group dances; a modern dance which is a tribute to Aberfan, the Welsh mining disaster for its 50th anniversary, a character ballet group, Ladies
Day at Ascot and a Commercial Hip Hop number, No More Housework. These three group dances demonstrate the diversity of the classes offered at the school and the talent of the pupils involved. It is a fantastic achievement for them but now the hard work must begin as they continue to polish the dances and begin to raise the money required to take them to Germany. Sandford School of Dance successfully competed in 2016, helping England to win the Dance World Cup. To enable the pupils to compete this year, the school are looking for sponsors as part of their fundraising campaign.
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WHAT’S ON IN THURLEIGH VILLAGE HALL Mondays TANG SOO DO (Korean Martial Arts) Children 5-7 years 5.30 - 6.15pm 8 years to adult 6.15 – 7.30pm Call Trevor Buck (1st degree black belt) 07854 100989 Tuesdays SIMPLE CIRCUITS “Fitness fun for the not so young” Tuesdays 2.30 – 3.30pm term time Steve Clark steve@fitterme.co.uk THURLEIGH LADIES’ CLUB Coffee mornings on 3rd Tuesdays 10.30 – 12 noon Call Linda 01234 771952 Judith 01234 772385 ext 4 Wednesdays PILATES 6.30 – 7.30pm Call Emma Crow 01234 378967 07810 653550
Thursdays BROCKLESBY ACADEMY OF DANCE 2 ½ - Adult RAD ballet/Modern Jazz/Tap Acrobatic Arts/Musical Theatre 4.45 – 9.00pm Call Sarah 07976912874 Sarah_brocklesby@hotmail.com Thursdays FORTNIGHTLY SEWING CLUB 9.30 – 12 noon Call Carole Blair 01234 771035 Judy Stanton 01234 771386
Pav Pavenham Pavenha R Pavenh Pave Rushwork Ru
Have a handmade garden hat. Put all your eggs in one basket and have another one for plants/bread/ kitchen utensils/ remotes etc. To buy/order tel: 01234 823021
“A little piece of history”
www.mptchurches.org.uk
Monday Afternoon Coffee, Tea and Cakes THE MEETING PLACE St Peter’s Church, Thurleigh 2.30-4.30pm Meeting Place takes place in St Peter’ Church, Thurleigh every other Monday. Set up in December 2014 it has always been our aim to bring together our community and to provide a venue and refreshments for anyone who would like to meet old friends, new friends or simply to ‘get out of the house’! Judging by the numbers now coming along, Meeting Place has become a great success. Some people stay all afternoon whilst others just pop in after school for a piece of cake. Craft activities and a range of toys and play equipment are very popular with the children. Children must be accompanied by a parent / carer. Do come along and you can be sure of a very warm welcome in our newly refurbished bistro area. Anyone who would like to become more involved by occasionally helping with teas and coffee, supporting the children’s activities or making a cake please talk to Lindsay, Lulu or Wendy. OUR NEXT DATES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
03/04/17
08/05/17
05/06/17
03/07/17
APRIL MAY JUNE JULY
24/04/17
22/05/17
19/06/17
17/07/17
PAINTER AND DECORATOR
Interior painter 15 years experience References available/lives locally
Tel: Guy Wady 07960 043511 Free Quotations
Villager ■ APRIL 2017 — 27
ABLE CARPENTRY
FOR ALL YOUR CARPENTRY & JOINERY
Fitted kitchens, bedrooms, doors Quality work Tel: Nick at competitive Mob: 079360 98644
G.A.HENMAN & SONS LTD
MOT TESTING SERVICING REPAIRS To all types of vehicles 95 High Street, Clapham, Beds MK41 6AQ
Telephone 01234 353389/271489 www.mptchurches.org.uk
Villager ■ APRIL 2017 — 29
APRIL IN THE GARDEN – by Milton Ernest Garden Centre
E can save a lot of money trying to make our garden colourful this summer by growing flowering annuals from seed. The thrill of sowing seeds and watching them grow is very satisfying. These plants are either hardy and frost resistant or tender and damaged in cold weather so ideal for long summer flowering. An annual is a plant that germinates easily and produces lots of colourful often perfumed flowers full of nectar and pollen because they need to be pollinated and produce their seed within one year. This need for perpetuation attracts lots of bees, butterflies, hoverflies and other pollinating insects. Bees are particularly attracted to blue flowers, butterflies pastel shades and hoverflies to orange. These plants are very useful space fillers and for areas of naturalising because they set and spread their seed very readily so if left undisturbed will quickly spread in a couple of seasons. Choose
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the varieties depending on the place you want colour be it a sunny border, dry bank, hedgerow, shade or woodland. Many cottage garden plants, herbs and wild flower seeds are annuals.
Hardy annuals can be sown directly into weed free finely raked soil at the beginning of May when the soil is warm. If the surface is too rough cover it with good planting compost like John Innes which will give a fine tilth into which fine seedlings will easily germinate. Now water to moisten the soil, scatter the seeds thinly and just cover with fine compost. Water every couple of days during the germination period which is usually 10 to 14 days. Another way is to plant a pinch of seed into a planting cell tray with approximately 5cms square cells using seed compost. When the seedlings have two true leaves thin to three seedlings per cell and grow on until the plants are easy to handle, about 5cms, and 30 — APRIL 2017 ■ Villager
Plants for pennies
then plant into the border or container. The same technique can be used for any tender annuals which can be started on a sunny windowsill and planted outside after the last frost in April or May. Here are some suggestions of hardy annuals to grow. Calendula or Pot Marigolds and Nasturtiums are bright cheerful plants with lemon, yellow, orange and red flowers ideal to grow in the fruit garden to aid pollination. They are also good to eat. Ipomea or Morning Glory, Sweet Peas and Convolvulus are all climbing annuals. Grow at the back of the border or in a patio pot over an obelisk or a tripod of bamboo canes. Pick the sweet peas every couple of days to promote more flowers. Mignonette, Night Scented and Virginia Stock are very highly perfumed and fill the evening with their wonderful scent. Plant these in tubs on the patio to enjoy with your G&T. Nigella, Poppies, Larkspur, Linaria, Canterbury Bells, Candytuft, Cornflower, Godetia, Scabious and Clarkia are all traditional cottage garden plants to sow in patches in mixed sunny borders to keep the interest here all through the summer months.
Insects are particularly attracted to Agremone with huge saucer shaped flowers and Clary with upright Oxford blue spikey blooms. Nemophila with powder blue Forget me Knot, only larger, flowers and Limonanthus the Poached Egg plant has white flowers with yellow centre. Both low growing front of the border plants. For shady areas Foxgloves and Honesty thrive. Although strictly biennial they are treated as annuals. For a bit of exotica Cleome has interesting pink or white spikey fluorescence and
Amaranthus aptly named Ribbons and Beads has dramatic long tassel flowers in lime green and crimson. Coreopsis Roulette with striking red and yellow flowers, Chrysanthemum Rainbow is what it says, Sunflowers , Lavatera and Cosmos with large stunning pink and white saucer flowers are absolute musts. If you have a garden large enough for a wild area scatter wild flower seed mixes. You will love the result. Sow, Grow and Enjoy without breaking the bank. www.mptchurches.org.uk
WEATHER REPORT BY RICHARD LEDGER
It feels like spring despite the chill
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OU may remember that last time I said that 13th-27th was the coldest part of January averaging 5.6°C by day and MINUS 2.2°C by night. Well, in February those dates, 13th-27th saw the warmest period of the month, averaging 11.°C (twice as warm in °C as January!) and 5.2°C by night. The nights 20th-23rd were all over 9°C – warmest than a ‘normal’ day! There were south or southwesterly winds every day in this period – no air frosts, only two days under 10°C and with the soil temperature rising from 4.4°C on 12th to 7°C on 21st. So grass, daffodils, crocuses etc all grew rapidly. There were two memorable days. 20th saw a high of 17.3°C, my third highest in February, beaten only 18.9°C in 1990 and 18.1°C in 1998. This year the highest temperature on 20th was before noon, it then clouded in, had it not, it could have been a new record! As it was, it was lovely, more like late May. 23rd saw storm Doris. She packed a punch in our region, with trees, fences, tiles and lorries all blown over or away. Damage locally to me was more limited but with a gust of 53mph in the late morning, it was pretty wild. Though my record gust is 61mph in 2007 and I’ve had higher gusts than this year on seven occasions since 1995. I wasn’t recording wind in 1987 (the October Michael Fish storm) or in 1990 when I was blown to a standstill walking over Manton Heights. Overall February this year as about 2°C warmer that normal – averaging 9.6°C by day and 3.7°C by night with just three air frosts. The average was dragged down a bit by the short bleak spell (812th had north-easterly winds and slight snow on three days) but even so I’ve only had eight warmer Februarys since 1980. Rainfall in the month was www.mptchurches.org.uk
490mm exactly normal and that is quite rare. Winter overall was mild – about 1°C above normal (I’ve had 11 milder winters) and it was also fairly dry, unusual for a mild winter. With 5.5” of rain about 75% the expected total. I’ve only had nine drier winters, so it is no surprise that my garden failed to get waterlogged. March has begun quite spring like, averaging 11.7°C by day and 3.8°C by night up to 10th, over 0.5°C warmer than normal for the whole of the month. My first daffodil bloomed on 7th, mine are always late! The plum trees have lovely blossom and in sunshine and 15°C on 9th, I saw a ladybird. One single intrepid snowdrop has made the journey from my front door vase to the front path to join the primroses. Despite the warmth, absence of air frosts since February 12th and abundant growth, the 16mm of rain so far in March (we’d normally expect 40mm in the whole month) has made my back garden wetter than at any time in the winter. My neighbour even had a puddle – and Colmworth golf course had several on the 9th. The Times this morning (10th) refers to some sensational headlines of an Arctic Easter freeze. It says that the Met’ Office haven’t predicted this, they say there is a good chance that spring on average will be warmer than usual with a “moderate increase in the chances of cold weather later in March and in early April.” As the Times says, this is only a broad brush picture and variable weather is quite common in spring and a cold snap could occur and yet spring overall could be mild. We’ll know more when you get this magazine. Inconsistency, it occurs to me, or variability, applies to the Posh too!
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Villager ■ APRIL 2017 — 31