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From the Editor
Welcome to August.
What an exciting month it has been! As a household that follows football with interest, we have thoroughly enjoyed the World Cup and embraced the celebrations and commiseration. For us it has meant extra opportunities to spend time with friends and family, we hope you have enjoyed it too!
Further excitement this month for the magazine as we have been invited to attend an awards ceremony for ‘Community Magazine of the year’. We were asked to send in twelve editions together with our favourite front cover during this time - we entered our infamous white squirrel edition from earlier in 2017. It is an absolute honour to be considered for these awards and we look forward to updating you next month on how we got on! This month’s front cover photograph was sent in to the magazine courtesy of Roger and Jean Billson. The photograph shows St Mary’s Church in all its glory after the scaffolding was removed following the recent restoration programme which has been taking place over the last few months. You can read about the latest developments on this inside this month’s issue.
Thank you as always to everyone that takes the time to phone us or write in to us especially when it is in response to an article we have printed. The interest in the ‘wartime letters’ feature (July 2018) has been so wonderful and we have really enjoyed listening to the stories we have heard from people that remembered Thelma and her sister Greta. You can read more about this inside and on our letters page.
We are now entering holiday time and by the time you read this the children will have broken up from school. If you are fortunate enough to be spending time away this summer please don’t forget to pack a copy of your magazine and take us with you! We love receiving photographs showing ‘where you read yours’.
Editoral:
Please email your letters or articles to stotfold.news@yahoo.co.uk or write to us at: Stotfold News Magazine, 78 Hitchin Road, Stotfold, Hertfordshire, SG5 4HT You can also call us on 01462 731986 (Mon - Fri, 9.30am to 5pm)
Advertising:
It’s easy to advertise in the Stotfold News You’ll find all you need to know at: www.stotfoldnews.co.uk
Deliveries:
We have over 90 volunteers that deliver the Stotfold News Magazine. If for any reason you do not recieve your copy of the magazine please contact us to let us know. Contact us for details of our subscription service.
Announcements:
We are happy to accept birthday announcements by post, telephone, email or through our facebook page. If you would like to make a donation in return for your announcement or please visit:
www.justgiving.com/gardenhousehospice or send a cheque made payable to Garden House Hospice to: Garden House Hospice, Gillison Close, Letchworth Garden City, Herts SG6 1QU
Please mention that the donation has been made on behalf of the Stotfold News Magazine. Published by Stotfold News Ltd in association with Woodbury Printing Services www.woodburyprint.co.uk
Thank you to all of our delivery volunteers who manage to juggle holiday time with their deliveries over the next couple of months, we truly appreciate the time you spend each summer organising your time and working out when you are around to deliver for us!
We hope you enjoy reading your August edition, don’t forget we always enjoy hearing from you. Please email us at the email address to the right or you can contact us through our facebook page.
Enjoy the sunshine!
This month’s cover photograph was kindly sent in by Roger & Jean Billson and shows the latest improvements at S tMary’s Church. Do you have an eye for a good front cover picture? To have your photograph featured as a future front cover of the Stotfold News Magazine please send them to: stotfold.news@yahoo.co.uk.
To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986
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NORTH HERTS ROAD RUNNERS Standalone 10k - 7th October Race Entries Now Open!
This popular event attracts over 1600 entries and this year includes The Herts County Vets Championships. We also have a children’s Fun Run with free entry. We host the first Saturday of the month at Letchworth Common with free entry. If you are new to the area and enjoy running we have experienced coaches to help everyone from the novice to the experienced runner.
We meet at The Spirella Building in Letchworth on Tues. & Thurs 7.15pm. Contact Us On Www.Nhrr.Org.Uk Or For Further Details Call Ian 01462639215
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What’s On Summer flower demonstration. Come and enjoy an evening of flower arranging with NAFAS demonstrator Doug Howard in St. Mary’s Church. 15th August 7.00 for 7.30. £10 per ticket to include refreshments and raffle ticket. Tickets available from: Ann Scarr, Tel: 834844, Lyn Hayes, Tel: 834165, Maureen Winters, Tel: 730264. To celebrate the Royal Wedding this year St. Mary’s Church will be holding “A CELEBRATION OF WEDDINGS” on Saturday & Sunday 8th/9th September and are hoping to have a wonderful display of wedding memorabilia through the decades in the Church. We should be delighted if anyone would be prepared to loan us any wedding memorabilia items and are also in desperate need to borrow dressmaking dummies or mannequins. If you can help please contact Lyn Hayes. Tel: 01462 834165 or email lyn.hayes@ntlworld.com.
Wartime Letters - Part two.. It seems our article printed in July regarding the wartime letters from Thelma Jameson (nee Hatton) evoked fond memories from many of our readers. We were delighted to receive several Dear Village. telephone calls including Mrs Jean Jenkins (Fitzpatrick) who remembered Thelma and Greta and has memories of playing with them at their home on Dear Village, Stotfold, Arlesey, Beds. Stotfold High Street. Jean has fond memories of their time spent together at Where childhood years I passed, school and had so many memories of some of the ‘Stotfold characters’ Wish I could walk your ways once more, including Mr Rolfe the Milkman who would give children a lift to school on Before I breathe my last. his milkfloat if they happened to be late..We laughed about this happening now along the Etonbury route! No special beauty might I find, No long-forgotten friends, We also heard from Mabel Milton (nee Sharp) who also recalled Thelma as But oh to roam in your lanes again she was friends with her elder sister Molly. Mabel remembers many of the ‘Ere reaching journey’s end’. other names listed in last month’s magazine which she reads courtesy of brother Basil who takes her one to read each month. Perhaps a portion of your air I never quite expelled We are so pleased that so many people enjoyed reading this article and were And still it seeks it’s source - or else, able talkto us about their memories of life in Stotfold during the wartime. By strands of love I’m held. On our letters page this month you will find a second recollection of Thelma and sister Greta, bought to us by Molly Jennings. Thank you to everyone that has got in touch with us. As promised in our July issue, here is the beautiful poem written by Thelma about Stotfold and her memories. We hope you enjoy it.
I hear your laughter call to me From down the Great North Road And find your finger beckoning, Sweet memories to unload.
Fair days of childhood, free as air, Sun-kissed or deep in snow! Fond highlights linger, gilded now By time’s enhancing glow.
Was there a happy school, a walk With seven stiles replete? A spinney white with snowdrop heads? Did cowslips crowd my feet?
Thelma Jameson
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Stotfold Library Hitchin Road, Stotfold SG5 4HP Tel. 0300 300 8068
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Monday CLOSED Tuesday 9am - 1pm Wednesday 2pm- 6pm Thursday 9am - 1pm Friday 9am-1pm & 2pm - 6pm Saturday 9am-4pm Sunday CLOSED Summer Reading Challenge. This year the Children’s Summer Reading Challenge’s runs from Saturday 21st July -Saturday 8th September. Come in at any time between these dates to sign up. Read at least 6 library books during the summer holidays, get no more than 2 stamps per visit/ day and get a sticker plus many more prizes along the way! There will be a Celebration Day Saturday 15th Sept where the children collect their medal! ~Summer Reading Challenge Feature Events~ Friday 3rd August 4pm-4.45pm – Mischief Making Max! Fun storytelling with Total Insight Theatre. Suitable for ages 5+. Tickets cost £3 per child (at the library.) Friday 10th August 3pm-4pm – ZooLab presents MOTLEY ZOO! Enjoy storytelling and animal handling. Suitable for ages 3+. Tickets cost £3.50 at the library. Saturday 11th August 9am-3pm – #StotfoldRocks Rock Painting. All materials provided, 20p a rock. ~School Holiday Craft Drop-in Events~ Tuesday 7th & Thursday 9th August 9am-12pm – Menacing Minibeasts Craft. Tuesday 14th, Thursday 16th August 9am-12pm – Beano Bag Decorating (£1 a bag). Friday 17th August 2pm-5pm – Beano Bag Decorating (£1 a bag). Tuesday 21st, Thursday 23rd August 9am-12pm – Treasure Maps Craft. Friday 24th August 2pm-5pm – Treasure Maps Craft. Tuesday 28th, Thursday 30th August 9am-12pm – Dennis the Menace Craft. Friday 31st August 2pm-5pm – Dennis the Menace Craft. All events are free and under 8s must be accompanied. EVENTS FOR ALL THE FAMILY ~Saturday 11th August~ #StotfoldRocks Rock Painting 9am-3pm. Suitable for ages 399! All materials provided, 20p a rock. ~Every Wednesday~ Lego and Duplo Club 4pm-5.30pm (for ages 0-99!) ~Lego Club Special Extended Date~ Wednesday 29th August 2pm-5.30pm ~Every Saturday~ Coffee Morning 9am-12noon. EVENTS FOR ADULTS ~Every Friday~ Knit and Knatter 10.30-12noon ~Every Saturday~ Coffee Morning 9am-12noon. ~Wednesday 1st August ~ Good Afternoon Club 2.30pm. Edward Costello from the Disability Resource Centre will be visiting to talk about the services they provide. £1 entry fee. Transport can be arranged by contacting the library on 0300 300 8068 ~Thursday 2nd August ~ Adult Craft Classes 10-12noon. by Donna Pearson, professional Card Maker. £4 each. ~Wednesday 8th and 22nd August ~Roecrafters 2pm-4pm. ~Wednesday 15th August ~Reading Group 2.15-3.15pm. ~Saturday 11th August~ #StotfoldRocks Rock Painting 9am-3pm. a rock.
Sun Shines On This Year’s Festival Fete Stotfold Festival week drew to a close this year with the popular Festival Fete, held once again this year in the grounds of St Mary’s Academy. Many events took place inside the arena including displays from the Stotfold Twirlers, Jazzercise Stotfold, Gifford Dance Academy and the Gothic Mede Cheerleaders. The lower schools of Stotfold took part in their annual ‘wacky races’ contest and entertainment was provided by local group Vocal Works. Thank you to everyone who came along to speak to the Stotfold News and thank you to those people that supported the event by enjoying the variety of stalls and attractions on offer. St Mary’s Academy were thrilled to raise some fantastic funds for both the Sick Children’s Trust and the SMSA IT facilities.
To everyone that enjoyed any event during Festival Week thank you for being involved! The events we were able to support were most enjoyable and well supported. It was so nice to see such a wide variety of activities and events for everyone to enjoy.
Clockwise L to R; The Stotfold News Magazine stand, the ladies from Stotfold W.I, Gifford Dance Academy, Jazzercise Stotfold and The infamous ‘water or wine’ stall run by Stotfold Good Neighbour group.
News Ne ws from St Mar Mary’s y’s CE Academy, Academy, Stotfold Academy
otfold StFESTIVAL WEEK A HUGE than
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Once again our community of Stotfold came together to celebrate Festival Week and the Fete Day. Wee ar aree so ver W veryy gr grateful ateful to everyone everyone w who ho supported supported us in an anyy way way.. St Mar Mary’s y’s playing playing field and playground playground were play were busy and alive alive aliv with laughter and chatter enabling us to raise o over ver
£1,380.00
for The Sick Children's T Trust rust at Addenbrookes and o over ver £250 towards towards the SMSA IT Fund. This included concert concert collections collections,, stall, amusement and activity activity donations as well as contrib contributions utions in time and effor ef effort fortt from for from many, many, many without which which the entire entire week would not have been such a success! Many thanks to Kevin Many Kevin at Satchells and Jo Jo at Stotfold News for their supportt with the F suppor Festi estival esti val Pr Progr ogramme ogr amme and Grand Grand Draw Draw Prizes Festival Programme and Rachel at Stotfold Libr Librar aryy for the kind donation to our fund. ar Library Email: info@stotfoldnews.co.uk
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STOTFOLD GOLF CLUB Stotfold Golf Society held their June meeting of this year’s Order of Merit. We played at Aston Golf Club. Congratulations to Snowy who was the champion on the day with Mr Dave Bailey runner up. Mr Brian Fidock won nearest the pin in one and the longest drive was won by Mr Gordon Lawrence. The day was sponsored by Mr Dave Chellew. Many thanks to Keith, from the Crown, for providing a great buffet as always.
Walk4Health Walks for July:
Would you like to join a friendly local walking group? This months walks: August 2nd, 9th, 16th, Meet at Arlesey Station. August 23rd - Meet at Etonbury Wood (meet by the entrance to the wood by the school). August 30th Meet at Corner of Hospital Road /High St Arlesey. Contact Beth & Peter Overfield on 01462 815672
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Everybody Needs Good Neighbours! Earlier last month we were invited to learn more about local charitable organisation the Stotfold Good Neighbour Group. You may notice their advertisement every month inside this publication and wondered what it is they actually do? We spent some time talking to two of the groups Trustees who are also volunteers and were quite literally astounded at how much this service is being used within our community. We thought we would take this opportunity to share just some of the things we learned with you.
The Stotfold Good Neighbour Group was formed back in 2013, in response to replies to Stotfold Town Council’s Town Plan, and offers a variety of services to people in Stotfold in need of help or assistance in some way or another. The small charity consists of approximately thirty local volunteers who give up their time to help this group whenever they can. Since its inception in 2013 you will be surprised to learn that the Good Neighbour Group has dealt with over 2,000 requests for transport assistance alone. These requests include hospital visits, transport to various appointments and so on. One elderly gentleman using the service receives transport to visit his wife in a Local Nursing Home several times a week - something which would not be possible without their help.
The Good Neighbour Group also assists with a variety of household duties and errands which have become all too difficult for many people living in our community. Garden Tidy Up’s (One Off) and small DIY jobs are also high on the list of requests. The group run a phone line system, open from 8am - 3pm (leaving time after that to complete assistance requests) offering daily help and assistance when required. Astoundingly, whilst in the company of two of the volunteers this phone line beeped continually with the helpers arranging hospital runs and other such services on a constant basis. We listened as the volunteers talked about the befriending service they offer, sometimes to the lonely, sometimes to the sick. We also spoke to a family who couldn’t have rated the group any higher when speaking of the care and compassion they showed to their late father who had regular visits from a group member during the last few months of his life. Next time you see the advertisement for this Stotfold group (right), or next time you spot their fundraising stall at one of Stotfold’s various local fetes or fayres please stop and show them your support. The group relies solely on its volunteers to offer the services they provide and without them they would not survive. Every volunteer belonging to the group gives up their personal time to help those most in need in Stotfold.
The volunteers all bring their own individual skills to the group and take great pride in the fact that they are able provide this help within our community. - Fundraising is paramount to their existence as they run the services on very limited funds. Despite the limited budget, the group has been able to provide support to the people calling the help line.
Could you help the group in any way, particularly if you are a driver? Perhaps you have a few hours to spare and could assist with some of the many varied tasks they undertake? Have you any ideas on how the group can gain extra funds? Perhaps you are thinking of using the services of the group and wish to find out more? The Stotfold Good Neighbour Group is just one of many different organisations run by residents of Stotfold, Fairfield and Astwick for the good of the community. We thoroughly enjoyed learning so much about the great work that they do and hope it has demonstrated to our readers just how important groups such as this are to Stotfold.
If you live in the Stotfold, Fairfield or Astwick area and think we can help you, our services are available all day, every day, even weekends. To speak to one of our volunteers, please telephone between 8:00am and 3.00pm.
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Prestigious Gold Award Win For Weight Loss Consultant Dawn.
A weight-loss expert from Stotfold has struck gold for the exceptional work she does in helping so many people in the area to lose weight every week. Dawn Breacher who runs the Stotfold and Shefford Slimming World groups every week, was presented with a prestigious Gold Award at the organisation’s annual national awards ceremony in Birmingham because of her exceptional success in supporting slimmers to reach their dream weight.
The accolade is awarded in recognition of achieving the highest levels of support for slimmers, with Dawn giving expert advice to help the people of Stotfold and Shefford reach their weight-loss goals week after week. Dawn was one of a group of just 40 of the organisations 5,000 Slimming World Consultants to ‘go Gold’ this year, making both Stotfold and Shefford home to some of the most exceptional support in the UK.
Dawn says: “I’m delighted to have received this Gold Award. I truly love my job and I feel so passionate about helping people to change their lives by losing weight. Seeing them achieve their dreams is so rewarding and being given this recognition really is the icing on the cake. I’ve worked really hard to make sure that members who join my group get the highest level of service and the weight-loss success they deserve. It’s great to be able to tell people in Stotfold and Shefford that they have one of the best Slimming World groups in the UK and Ireland on their doorstep.’ Like all Slimming World Consultants, Dawn lost weight at a group herself and so knows just how valuable group support can be. Consultants receive in-depth training from the Slimming World Academy to help give their members the support they need to make long-term changes to their eating and activity habits. To join Dawn’s Stotfold group held every Tuesday 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm at The Greenacre Centre, either pop along or give Dawn a call on 01462 638430 or 07515 557803.
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News from
Stotfold Watermill
Regrettably this month’s report must begin with a serious problem that has been brought to our attention. Last month we proudly announced the opening of a new bird hide on the nature reserve as a visitor facility. It now appears that it is being abused in the evenings by young people who are climbing on the roof, making excessive noise to the annoyance of nearby residents and possibly engaging in unlawful activities. Whilst we are not anxious to involve the police in what might seem a simple case of public nuisance, we can only appeal to the people involved to consider the harm they are causing to the community – ours and theirs – by this abuse of a resource intended to improve facilities in Stotfold. If anyone has any influence on this small, but harmful group, as a parent or associate, we would ask them to dissuade these people from their thoughtless actions. As a last resort, if you become aware or troubled by the behaviour please phone the police on 101 to record the incident.
On a happier note, last month began with our Summer Art Exhibition which was once again a great success and attracted large number of visitors on all three days. We are indebted to Sally Creveul who organised the event featuring work from artist across Herts and Beds and we look forward to the Craft Weekend at the Mill she is organising for 8th & 9th September. A wide range of crafts will be on display and for sale over the weekend including; ceramics, jewellery, textiles, sculpture, millinery and print work. The artists, all local and many from Artists’ Network Bedfordshire will be there to show and explain the materials and techniques they have used. For those wishing to be a little more hands-on there is Silver Jewellery Workshop, 15th September and a repeat of the popular Watercolour Workshop, 1st September, which proved very popular in July. Details of all these events are available on our website www.stotfoldmill.com. For children ages 5-11, the Education Team have the following holiday activities planned in the coming month: 31st July, Pond Dipping. A chance to explore the range of life in the ponds. 8th August, Skull Island Adventure. Using mapping skills to find the treasure. 14th August, Printing Workshop. Be creative and learn new skills. 22nd August, Kitchen Science. End our summer sessions with a bang! Now is also the time to mark your diary for the Working Steam Weekend on 13th, 14th October. With the price remaining at £6 adults, £4 children and £5 concessions this has to be the best value family day out, see a rare collection English to Russian of steam driven machines and ancient harvesting and threshing methods. The Translation Services mill will be running throughout the weekend. for business and personal needs. The Stotfold Mill Preservation Trust works towards making the enjoyment of Informal sessions in Russian also offered the Mill and the Nature Reserve available to the public.It is important that the for free if you want to polish or restore community not only shares in the in these wonderful facilities but also that it your Russian speaking skills. has ownership of them. It is Stotfold’s Mill and Nature Reserve but it can only Call to discuss your individual flourish and thrive for the future if more members of the community come requirements: forward to join the team of volunteers. There are many ways that you can help Stotfold based Tel: 07575417217 please go to www.stotfoldmill.com/volunteer to see how to assist in securing Email: arshingul11@gmail.com these facilities for the future.
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IF Y YO O U C A N ’ T M A K E I T TO T H E O P E N E V E N I N G P L E A S E C A L L U S TO A R R A N G E A V I S I T Stotfold News Magazine, PO Box 311, Stotfold, Herts SG5 4WF
Celebrating 20 years at Hair by Phillip
Stotfold hairdresser Gemma Miles is celebrating 20 years of service at Hair by Phillip this month. With the support of her father, Phillip, Gemma has worked extremely hard to perfect her skills which has secured numerous awards along the way, such as Britain’s Best Bridal Hairstylist 2012, followed by Welsh Bridal Champion in 2013. Gemma, together with her sister, Sarah took over the running of Hair by Phillip in 2012, with Philip still very much part of the business today. More recently, the salon has made the final for the 2018 Hair Awards, so resident creative director, and head trainer, Gemma, has a lot to be thankful for. Gemma says: “From the moment I was old enough to roll up my sleeves and help out after school, Dad always encouraged me and he would spend hours training me on all aspects of hairdressing. It wasn’t long before I started to follow in his footsteps and pick up awards, and I won my first when I was just 16. I’m so proud to have a successful business that’s in its 46th year! Hair by Phillip is going from strength to strength but I know none of this would be possible without the support of my superb team, our valued clients, and of course my Dad.â€? Free prize draw By way of a thank you for the support over the past 20 years, Gemma and the team will be handing out a complimentary raffle ticket to all clients until the end of August. The top prize is an Iphone X, and other prizes include: ÂŁ100 John Lewis gift voucher, and a voucher for a luxury cut & blow dry. To book your appointment, please call 01462 730342.
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13
TEASEL
AUGUST BULLETIN The Teasel Nature Reserve has for many years been the proud recipient of a Green Flag Community Award. The Green Flag Award® scheme recognises and rewards well managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of recreational outdoor spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world. The Green Flag Award is managed under license from the UK Government Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government by Keep Britain Tidy who also administer the scheme in England. Every year since 2012, Teasel has applied for the award, and it has been awarded each year since 2012 – 6 times so far, and we are currently waiting on the result of our 2018 application. The Green flag website states: Purpose & aims of the Green Flag award. •To ensure that everybody has access to quality green and other open spaces, irrespective of where they live. •To ensure that these spaces are appropriately managed and meet the needs of the communities that they serve. •To establish standards of good management. •To promote and share good practice amongst the green space sector. •To recognise and reward the hard work of managers, staff and volunteers. It is very satisfying to see all the hard work of the volunteers over the years, being recognised at a national level. Meanwhile, life goes on with mowing, weeding, strimming, trimming trees and bushes, and keeping things good. Teasel managed to lay its hands on 10 bird box kits, which had to be built and installed – big thanks to Rob Anderson who made up the kits, and Tim Boughen who purchased them for the Nature Reserve. Volunteers have made up the kits (only a medium pozidrive screwdriver needed), and the finished articles will be installed at various points around the Reserve in weeks to come.
Established 1974
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www.stotfoldnews.co.uk
St Mary’s Church Restoration Interior work in 2018. (Photographs taken June 2018) .
The interior scaffolding was finally removed from the church on Friday 15th June, to the great relief of all. A thorough clean up was undertaken that afternoon and continued on Saturday, tackling the dust and debris that had accumulated while the building work had been taking place -all previous attempts to clean had proved in vain. High level cobwebs and the dust on the walls were swept down filling the church with a cloud of dirt. It was a mammoth task!
The next day, on Sunday 17th June, the church looked beautiful with the floors and furniture clean and smelling sweetly of polish. At long last, after four disruptive months, the improvements to the interior of the church could be seen clearly. The freshly painted walls brightened up the church and the newly levelled aisle floors were no longer a trip hazard. The baptismal font looked much more accessible in its new location.
In the south porch, complementing the newly restored windows, the walls had been repainted and a new lamp fitted. So that visitors will be able to easily access information, notice boards will be installed on the porch’s interior walls. A new lamp has been fitted just inside the North door, as this entrance has always been dark in the winter months. At the time of writing, work on the south aisle’s east window is still to be completed but, all being well, no further work will be undertaken until the new central heating system is installed in 2019. A large number of people attended the monthly coffee morning on Wednesday 27th June when a wide variety of refreshments were provided by the students of the Central Beds. Academy. The level floors proved their worth as tables were dispersed around both aisles, with no steps to consider. Do take a moment to visit the church, if you can. It is open every day for visitors to enjoy the peace and quiet, and/or for private prayer.
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15
Letters to the Editor Dear Editor,
INDEPENDENCE FOR STOTFOLD!
Stotfold is and always has been in Bedfordshire. It is clearly stated in the Domesday Book in 1086 as being part of the Clifton Hundred in the county of Bedford.
For many years the people of Stotfold have been appending their addresses with "Hitchin, Hertfordshire". This is not necessary. Stotfold's mail has not been sorted in Hitchin since the sorting office closed in 2012. Up until the 1960's, Stotfold's postal address was Stotfold, Arlesey, Bedfordshire. This was because post for Stotfold was off-loaded from mail trains at Arlesey station. After the closure of both Arlesey stations, the mail for Stotfold and Arlesey was then delivered via Hitchin and the Post Office suggested that Hitchin should be included in the postal address. In fact, the use of Hitchin in the address has never been necessary; our neighbours in Arlesey never accepted the Hitchin postal address and have never used it. Since I moved to the town I have always given my address as Stotfold, Bedfordshire, along with my post code, and my mail has always arrived without delay.
The use of Hitchin in the address misinforms non-locals into believing that Stotfold is part of Hitchin. This causes confusion. I know of several instances where strangers trying to find an address in Stotfold have first gone to Hitchin, only to find they are six or seven miles from their intended destination.
When I telephoned the Co-op administrative offices a couple of years ago to ask why charity money raised from Stotfold members' dividends had been given to an organisation in Hitchin, I was advised that it was because Stotfold was a part of Hitchin and the money raised was intended for recipients within the local Stotfold community. When I pointed out that Stotfold was not in Hitchin, I was told: "Of course it's in Hitchin, the address says so!" Blood donation sessions are no longer held in Stotfold. When I contacted the NHS Blood & Transplant department to ask why, I was advised that there were already donor sessions held in Hitchin and another one was not considered necessary. When I pointed out that Stotfold was not in Hitchin, I got a similar response to the one that the Co-op gave: "But it is in Hitchin". As donor sessions are no longer held in Stofold it means that that the NHS is missing out on blood from a number of ex-donors and potential new donors who are unable to get to the other donor centres.
If you fill in a form on a website that requires your address you are often asked for your post code and house number and the site automatically fills in your address as "Hitchin, Hertfordshire". More often than not you are unable to change it and there is no option to fill in your address manually. Newspapers, TV and radio stations often refer to Stotfold news items as taking place in Hitchin.
Some readers of this letter may think that it is unimportant whether or not the Hitchin postal address is used. There is a situation, though, that deserves consideration as it has far more serious implications.
Before the days of satnav, there were number of cases when the emergency services went to Hitchin to look for a Stotfold address. I do not believe there were any serious repercussions on these occasions, but imagine what could happen today if the satnav on an ambulance or fire engine were to malfunction. If the crew were given directions over the radio and told to go to an address in "Stofold, Hitchin", there is a possibility that they could mistakenly end up six or seven miles away. Think of the delays. Imagine the possible consequences. It could be a matter of life or death!
Before I close this letter I will tell you of one other confusing situation. This is probably the most unbelievable and at the same time most laughable error caused by the “Hitchin” postal address. I recently did a search on the “Royal Mail – Official Site”. There is a heading “Our Locations”, that gives the nearest Royal Mail office to any post code you care to enter. Out of interest I entered the post code for Stotfold Post Office: SG5 4NL. And guess what – according to this “Official” website, the nearest Royal Mail office is at 39 Bucklersbury, Hitchin! Yes, they seem to be unaware that there is a Post Office in Stotfold that provides all the Royal Mail services. I have mentioned just a few instances here and could go on to give many more that I have come across where Stotfold is considered part of Hitchin. What else is Stotfold missing out on? I am sure many Stotfold residents can cite a number of other cases where the use of "Hitchin" has caused confusion. So can we please put an end to this confusing situation. Let us now see Stotfold step out from its anonimity to reclaim its independence. Please, please, please omit "Hitchin, Hertfordshire" from your address and proudly state "Stotfold, Bedfordshire". Graham Rook.
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Letters to the Editor Dear Editor, Wartime Letters from Stotfold (July 2018) What memories of wartime school days the names in this article brought back! Sadly most of them are no longer with us but I am sure those that are felt a rush of nostalgia as I did. I can also remember the siren going off and we would line up in the playground and solemnly walk all the way home in what was called a ‘crocodile’ Looking back can you think of a more easier target for an enemy aircraft than a line of innocent children walking along a country road!! How lucky were we! As I recall in the 1940’s a family by the name of Hatton kept the Post Office in the High Street, now Crouch’s Funeral Office. There were two daughters, and as Thelma was 8 when these letters were written she must have been the younger sister because there was a Greta Hatton in my class, and I would have been 12 in 1941. Most of the girls mentioned, as I say, are no longer with us, but Elsie Taylor moved to Biggleswade and could still be alive and well. Sadly Patsy passed away not many months ago. Cynthia Everitt also is no longer with us. I don’t know for sure about the others. Looking at the surnames which Thelma recalls, they seem to me to be names of businesses which existed in Stotfold at that time but this could just be coincidence, and Thelma relates them to the children she knew. Howard - Electrical, Keeper - bakers, Sugden – Butchers, Talbot – Drapers, Woodhouse – Greengrocers, Kings – Bakers/Grocers. Larkins and Shepherds - Woodyards Sadly these shops and businesses are long gone and the premises are now residential. The only one still operating as a shop is the one in Regent Street opposite the Beale Bros which was Ellwoods, he kept open until 8pm during wartime which was not done in those days! I think Sooter should be Shooter, they had daughter Betty my age. Viner was Head Teacher at the Boys School (Roecroft) and also had a son named Tony and daughter (I think named) Mavis. Deveraux - daughter Janet, Shelton – Daughter Margaret? Thompson - 2 daughters Mary and ? Son Derek. Wilsher – 3/4 daughters, Doris, Edna and Janet that I remember. Venables – Joy (Evacuee relation to Wilshers) George - Son Ken and daughter June. Alban, Bromley, Gentle, Key and Owen – do not recall any offspring for these but lots of Gentles and Albans in the village at that time. I am sure someone will come up with more information.
Teachers at St.Mary’s Mrs. Bonnett - Infants Teacher, came to school in a wheelchair which the bigger children used to push. I also remember another Infants Teacher - Miss Street who used to come on a bicycle from Biggleswade in all weathers. Miss Wales (became Mrs Johnson married Harry Johnson Councillor in the village) Miss Pearson - Head Teacher at St.Mary’s very, very strict and quite scary but got results!. Miss Rosser – Head Teacher (came after Miss Pearson retired, taught me and my children)
That’s enough memories from me (once you start it all comes flooding back). I am sure there will be other ‘Stotfoldians’ with just as long memories.
Mollie Jennings
ARLESEY PHARMACY
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SOLD
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www.stotfoldnews.co.uk
Letters to the Editor Dear Editor,
Thank you to everyone that supported the recent charity line dance, a great night was had by all coming from near and far. Thank you to the following local businesses that kindly donated raffle prizes: Beale Bros Butchers, The Conservative Club, Regency Flowers, Co-op Grocery Store and Morrisons Supermarket. Thank you to all the line dance supporters from Shefford, Stotfold, Stevenage and Waltham Cross and to friends, family and the public that came along to support this event. The local Mayor Alan Cooper and wife Mary for their continual support, My ‘A Team Cheryl’s family and friends and lastly Terry Morgan who provided a great night of music (not forgetting our mystery guest Elvis.) A fantastic total of £742 was raised on the night, split between Alzheimer’s Society and Cardiomyopathy UK. Thank you once again, Bridie & Cheryl. Dear Editor,
ROE'S EDUCATION CHARITY The Trustees of Roe's Education Charity welcome applications from people in Higher Education, who live in Stotfold or Fairfield Park, for small grants towards the costs associated with further education studies. Applications can be obtained from Stotfold Library. All completed forms must be returned to the Clerk to the Trustees, 17 Pix Road, Stotfold, Hitchin, Herts. SG5 4HY or emailed to jbillson@virginmedia.com by 30th September 2018.
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THE FRIDAY TODDLER GROUP
FAIRFIELD COMMUNITY CHURCH
meets every Sunday in Fairfield Community Hall at 10.30am We are a group of Christians seeking to be loving, welcoming and inclusive. Our congregation comes from all age groups and has the love of God in common. All children are especially welcome. Each week we have a crèche for under 4’s and age appropriate sessions for those 4 and over.
Contact Neil: 07886 951 656 or Pauline on 01462 735704/07946 067 434
www.fairfieldcc.org.uk Please note there will be no service at FCC on Sunday 26th August (Bank Holiday weekend)
The Methodist Church Hall Fridays 10.00am -11.30am Crafts every week to take home, playdough, colouring lots of toys for boys and girls, slide, ride on bikes etc. Infant corner for babies with lots of interactive toys Refreshments of tea, coffee, biscuits and fruits and juice for the childrenUnder 6 months 50p, over 6 months £1.50, additional children 50p per child Contact Michelle 07941 816492 or Hayley 07817 561904
We are a really nice, friendly group and are currently in need of a couple of helpers to assist the current leaders.
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To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986
Letters to the Editor Dear Joanne,
I would like to use your letters page to say a big thank you to the Stotfold Parents Association who organised the Festival Fun Quiz, and in particular for donating the proceeds to the Good Neighbour Group.
As usual, the quiz was a great success and good fun with twenty or so teams battling to answer the devious questions. I think everybody who participated really enjoyed the evening and the fun brain challenge.
My particular thanks go to Sheila Bundock for all her hard work, her cunning questions, and also to her team of trusty helpers. With the money donated from everybody’s efforts that evening, the Good Neighbour Group will continue to operate their telephone help line and support all Stotfold, Fairfield and Astwick residents in need of some good-neighbourly assistance. My thanks again to Sheila Bundock for her efforts and the donation to our funds.
Wewould also welcome the opportunity to thank the above local businesses that contributed to our stall at this year’s Festival Fete Water or Wine We were thrilled to raise over £150.00 With our thanks as always,
Wendy Craig Chair Stotfold Good Neighbours Dear Editor,
BRUCE FORSYTHE
We would like to thank Mr Bruce Foysythe for his kindness to Jean on Monday 2nd July after her accident.
He was newly arrived in the UK from Australia, now living in Arlesey - He saved the Day & is truly OUR KNIGHT IN SHINING ARMOUR Sincere thanks from JEAN & JENNIFER xx
Helpers Homecare.
We have been providing care services to the local community in Stotfold for 20 years. We mainly work on behalf of Social Services and Community Health, but we also provide support to private clients.
Our services including helping to wash and dress, getting ready for bed, showering, help with medication, meal preparation and other personal care and support. We are always looking for new people to join our team, and we value kindness, compassion and a caring nature above all else. If you would like further information please contact us on 01462 896853, or e-mail us at office@helpershomecare.co.uk
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Centre confirmed as compliant by Ofsted Advertisement Feature
Letchworth based Kip McGrath Education Centre have great cause for celebration! Following a recent suprise Ofsted inspection the centre has now been recognised as fully compliant with requirements for Ofsted registration. David Summer, owner of Kip McGrath Letchworth is thrilled at the recent news â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;the centre has now been open for two and a half years, throughout this time we have looked to enhance and grow our services wherever possible and are absolutely delighted with this latest development.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;
The centre opened in February 2016 and has subsequently delivered over 8000 lessons to almost 300 students. Kip McGrath offer tuition for students from Year 1 up to Year 11 and are the only tutoring organisation of its type that requires all tutors to be qualified teachers. All materials used in the centre are linked to the National Curriculum so are relevant to everything the students are learning whilst in school. Students visit Kip McGrath for various reasons, some students attend because they are struggling to keep up in the school environment, some are seeking to extend their learning. Other students come for specific reasons such as SATs or GCSE preparation. The centre currently has three secondary teachers and five primary teachers. Kip McGrath also have an experienced Teaching Assistant who assists in a supporting role. Sessions at Kip McGrath are 80 minutes long and involve a mixture of computer and paper based activities. Students are taught in small groups of up to five, although each student has a personal learning plan based on their individual needs. A qualified teacher is always close at hand to help with any problems or to provide assistance where required. This combination of supported and independent learning has been found to be very effective. After a recent unannounced Ofsted inspection , it was confirmed that Kip McGrath were complying with all of the requirements necessary for registration on the Ofsted Childcare Register. The centre were thrilled to receive this status, even though they were confident that they operated to the highest standards, they found it most gratifying to have this independently verified by the Ofsted inspector. As part of this continual improvement and expansion at the centre David is seeking to add a qualified (QTS) secondary maths teacher to Kip McGrath Letchworth for new sessions starting September 2018.
For further information on this role please contact David on 01462 672227.
You can also find them on facebook or visit www.kipmcgrath.co.uk/letchworth
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www.stotfoldnews.co.uk
News from
Fairfield Lower School As you are reading this article we will be beginning our summer holidays and hopefully enjoying the summer sun. A massive Well Done to everyone who took part in the 2018 Big Pedal Event. Fairfield Park came in 1st place! (out of 1,693 other Schools) with 88% of pupils and staff either biking or scooting to school! We are very proud of all of our pupils sporting achievements this term. Our netball team came first at their competition last weekend - we saw some amazing skill and great team work on the netball court! Pictured right, with Mr Goh, Mr Kendall and our amazing netball team! The football team have also committed to regular training at school and developed their skills and teamwork on the football pitch this term. Both teams played some great games of football at the Football Festival at Roecroft Lower School earlier in the month with the A team winning the festival and the B team taking second place in their catergory. Well done footballers!
Other event that we have taken part in include: Our Year 3 children took part in a ‘Sing Up’ concert at the Corn Exchange in Bedford and a selection of Year 1 children took part in a Multi skills tournament with Redborne Sports Partnership at Samuel Whitbread. In July all Year 4 children attended the transition days at their chosen middle schools, great feedback and a buzz of excitement came back into the classroom. Our Year 4 leavers also enjoyed their ‘Leavers Party’ which was organised by their parents – Thank you. In the final week of term the Year 4 leaver’s assembly left not a dry eye in the house! We wish all our Year 4 children all the very best at middle school. Goodbye’s to Mrs Kipling, Mrs Smith, Mr Goh, Miss Potter and Mrs Cranston. All will be greatly missed but we wish them every success in the future! Have a safe and happy summer holiday. We wish our Year 4 Leavers lots of luck at their new middle schools and look forward to welcoming everyone else back to school after the summer break. Quote of the term: “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it” by Charles R Swindoll Value of the month of July: Co-operation
Please contact the school office should you require further information on 01462 830000 Email : Fairfield@cbc.beds.sch.uk
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NEWS FROM OUR PRE-SCHOOL
Pippin Pre-School, Buttercup Road, Stotfold, Herts, SG5 4PF
www.pippin-pre-school.org * info@pippinpreschool.co.uk 01462 834897 Registered Charity 1028855 Although the pre-school is closed for the summer break, our holiday club continues to be busy with record numbers of children attending this year. They have been enjoying a variety of activities and experiences including using the new outdoor play equipment which was purchased with the monies received from the Coop membership scheme. Before we know it, the new term will be upon us. We re-open our doors for the new term on Wednesday 5th September. We look forward to seeing the children who will be returning to us after the summer break and hearing about their summer antics, together with welcoming lots of new children who will be starting their Pippin journey, we look forward to getting to know them and their families. The Committee have been busy behind the scenes organising their next fundraising event for the new term. On Saturday 26th September we will be hosting our annual Quiz Night, full details to follow next month however we can confirm ticket price is £5 per head, available to purchase from the office from 10th September. The ticket price includes entry and a platter of nibbles, please bring along your own drinks for the evening! We hope to see lots of our new parents and carers at this event as it is a fun way to support the Pre-School. All funds raised will go towards providing Christmas presents for the children. Our AGM is being held on Monday 8th October, 7.30pm at the pre-school building. This is an opportunity for parents/carers to hear more about what has been happening at the pre-school over the past year and our plans for the year ahead. Our new Committee members are voted in to steer the Pre-School over the coming year. Anyone interested in joining our Committee should come along to hear more about what is involved from the members themselves. We continue to be a local good causes for Co-op Stotfold. Please continue to swipe your membership card at the checkout! If you haven’t registered yet please visit the Co-op website and select Pippin Pre-School from the list of options. Thank you. We continually require items for our gluing table and welcome any old buttons, milk bottle tops and old birthday cards. Please drop any items off to the office during term time. We wish to thank everyone who has donated so far.
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Thank you for your interest in our Pre-School. We look forward to sharing more of our news with you again next month. Pippin now has its own Facebook page so if you haven’t already ‘liked’ us please do so to keep up to date with what is happening here at Pippin.
CLAIRE’S CAT SITTING
Stotfold Judo Club
What a fantastic couple of months! Congratulations to Thomas Graham who took silver in the BJC OPEN National Championship in Kettering, Sunday 29th April Words from your Sensai: Well done Thomas, in your first national competition, you demonstrated some excellent judo. Over the weekend of 23rd and 24th June Stotfold Judo club attended two competitions. Two of our judoka, Jay and Thomas competed at the Kent International Judo Championships, a real step up. Jay gained a bronze medal and though Thomas fought very well in his group he just lost out on a medal. The club had an amazing result at the S hizentai Rumble in Borehamwood. Gold for Tane, Silver for Daniel and Hari, bronze for Toby and Shaina. We also had our first senior competitor, Josh, who gained a bronze medal. Well done to all of you. We would like to inform you that our AGM is to be held on Friday 5th October at Stotfold Conservative Club at 7.00pm.
We train on Wednesdays, at The Pendleton Centre, Stotfold. SG15 6XS Session times: 5:30-7:00pm 5 to 15 years and 7:00-8:30pm Seniors New members always welcome, no previous experience necessary. Contact: Lorna Seymour on 07734 563970 or stotfoldjjc@gmail.com for more information
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To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986
Family Announcements SHAY DONOGHUE
THE HARRISON FAMILY
10th August
Wishing you all the luck in the world in your new adventure - you will be so very missed. Stotfold will be so much quieter without you!
Happy 9th Birthday to our brave, funny and lovable little boy! Lots of love Mummy & Daddy
JACK COOPER 30th August
We look forward to visiting you in Bermuda!
CAFE
With love from all your friends! x
ELSIE JUNE CHANDLER
24th July Happy 2nd Birthday gorgeous girl.
NOWâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;OPEN
Hallworth Drive, Stotfold, (next to the Library.)
You make us proud and laugh everyday. Happy 9th Birthday! Love, Mum, Dad & Harrison & all the family x
BEN JARVIS 10th August
Lots of love, always. Mummy, Daddy & Pippa xxx
SUE ARCH
27th July Happy 70th Birthday! With lots of love from Barry, Steve, Tracy, Kellie, Rich, Ben, Joe, Emma, Tillie And Lyla xxxx
NOAH & OLIVIA HALL
Happy 9th birthday Love you always and more! Love Mummy, Daddy & Charlotte xxxx
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12th August
Happy 5th Birthday! Lots of love from Mammy & Daddy xx
CYDNEY GIBBS August 28th
Serving fresh coffee, cakes, cream teas, milkshakes, tea, hot chocolate, light lunches, cold drinks, & teacakes
BOX OF CAKES Open Tue-Fri 10-4.30 Sat 10-4 Sun 10-2
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Every Sunday at 10.30am for our morning service and WDON KH¶G ORYH WR .LQJ¶V Kids for 3-12years old withlisten a crèche for babies and toddlers The Green, Stotfold, Hitchin, Herts. SG5 4AN. Tel: 01462 730521 email: RIILFH#NLQJ¶VEDSWLVWchurch.co.uk www.kingsbaptistchurch.co.uk Reg. Charity No. 1136519
A Word and Spirit Church
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Stotfold Festival Week Art Exhibition
Stotold Festival Week saw over 100 different pieces of artwork displayed at the Stotfold Art Group's Festival Week Exhibition. There were a variety of pieces on disply, hand crafted cards and local scenes proved extremely popular.
CARERS CLUB
If you have been attending the Carers meetings every third Thursday of the month at the Stotfold Methodist Church please be advised that this club will not be running during AUGUST. We look forward to welcoming you, and new carers to our September meeting on Thursday September 20th.
Group members will now be working every Thursday afternoon at Roecroft Centre towards their Winter Exhibition.
HAVE YOU MADE THE DIFFICULT DECISION TO DIVORCE? Divorce • Family dispute • Relationship breakdown Our experienced team of specialists in family and matrimonial law will help you focus on finding the most amicable resolution for your situation. Contact us: • Relationship breakdown t: 01462 458711 e: info@hrjforemanlaws.co.uk • Divorce • Dissolving a Civil Partnership Or visit us at: • Separation 25 Bancroft, • Matrimonial finances Hitchin, SG5 1JW • Children to make an appointment. • Pre-nup/Post-nup Agreements • Cohabitee disputes • Living together Agreements www.hrjforemanlaws.co.uk • Domestic violence The only legal advice you will ever need. Since 1591.
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COMPANY & COMMERCIAL • COMMERCIAL PROPERTY CONVEYANCING • FAMILY • LITIGATION • WILLS, TRUSTS & PROBATE
Etonbury ‘Green Wheel’ Masterplan Approved Central Bedfordshire Council, Arlesey and Stotfold Town Councils, and Fairfield Parish Council have formally approved and adopted the plan for an ‘Etonbury Green Wheel’. The green wheel is a long-term vision to form a linked loop of publicly accessible green spaces and paths around Arlesey, Fairfield and Stotfold, which has been prepared in partnership with Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity (BRCC). The idea is to improve the existing public paths, and to create new additional routes, in order to provide a continuous circular network of public paths around these towns and villages.
The ‘wheel’ will be formed of a ‘rim’ of connected paths supported by ‘spokes’ of linear paths and sections leading from the towns and villages out to the ‘rim’ and the wider surrounding countryside. The project will initially focus on the creation of the walking route, which is likely to formally open in 2019. This will be followed by a cycling route, including links to the National Cycle Routes 12 and 51.
There are already a number of landmarks and places of local interest which will be accessible from the Green Wheel, such as the Kingfisher Way and Hicca Way walks; the Great North Cycleway (National Cycle Route 12); Etonbury Wood; Stotfold Watermill nature reserve; the Blue and Green Lagoons; and Arlesey’s Glebe Meadows and Old Moat nature reserves. Cllr. Dalgarno, Executive Member for Community Services at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “The Green Wheel will help encourage residents to go out into the countryside more, and enjoy the beautiful rural scenery that Central Bedfordshire has to offer. “We are working with landowners to create and upgrade paths. So this green wheel will be launched in two stages - a walking route, followed later by the full cycling route. “As well as the opportunity for walkers, cyclists and horse riders to take healthy exercise in the open countryside and visit local places of interest, the loop will also provide Arlesey Railway Station commuters with better traffic-free routes to make their journeys greener and safer.” Read more at www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/leisure
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News from
Stotfold Football Club As I write this we are starting the season under the new management team headed by Julian Robinson for the 1st x1 and Tony Armitage for the U25 Development team. We have started pre-season training and are about to embark on our programme of pre-season friendlies before our league season starts on 4 August. We have not currently received our league fixtures so do look on the website as we near the start of the season. There will be a warm welcome to you at Roker Park. As we look forward to a move to our new stadium for season 2019/20, we hope to increase sponsorship and advertising opportunities and if you think there could be an opportunity for your business, please contact our Commercial Manager Rob Parkin (robinparkin@btinternet.com).
If you are new to the town or a long-term resident, we are always looking to increase our committee and would welcome any new members who would like to join us. We are specifically looking for a media officer who would like to get involved with grassroots football. We also have vacancies for people to assist with match day stewarding, drinks and food. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Club Secretary Julie Longhurst (julie.longhurst46@virginmedia.com). Free Hall Hire â&#x20AC;&#x201C; our club is available for private (not commercial) functions at no charge but a ÂŁ50 deposit will be required at the point of hiring which will be refunded if the booking is fulfilled. For full details contact Mo Clarkson on 01462 730765 or email us at the address below. COME AND SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL TEAM Our Chosen Charity look out for events during the year.
Roker Park The Green, Stotfold, Bedfordshire, SG5 4AN 01462 730765 www.stotfoldfc.co.uk Twitter @stotfoldfc Email enquiries info@stotfoldfc.co.uk
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Fundraising Success At The Barn! Raising money to save lives was the message behind the recent Charity Day at the Barn Hair Studio. A pop-up tearoom, haircuts and styling together with a charity raffle saw the total funds raised top over £1200. Local singing talent Sam Gifford provided musical entertainment throughout the day whilst people enjoyed tea and cake in the sunshine.
Barn Hair Studio owner Julie Hyde was thrilled at the amount of money raised. ‘We chose to raise funds for a defibrillator to be fitted outside the Barn as it a great central location in Stotfold. The amazing amount of money we raised at the charity day will go towards making this happen. We would like to thank all those people that came along to support the day, those people that donated prizes and bought raffle tickets. Everybody helped us raise an amazing amount of money and we are so very grateful.’ Julie would like to give special thanks to her team at the Barn Hair Studio for helping to make the day happen.
There are further plans for events at the Barn, Julie and team are planning to hold a Yard Sale on Saturday 28th July. Please keep an eye on the facebook pages of the Barn Hair Studio and the Stotfold News Magazine for further updates on this event. We will of course update all of our Stotfold News Magazine readers once the defibrillator has been installed!
A warm welcome awaits you at the Barn Hair Studio Check out our updated website for our latest news and offers. call 01462 835611 visit 12a Queen Street Stotfold, SG5 4NX join us Face Book log on www.barnhairstudio.co.uk
www.stotfoldnews.co.uk
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Window and door repairs and installations * Misted/broken units * Handles * Mechanisms * Door barrels
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Jonny Garside 34
79 Regent Street, Stotfold
01462 732248 or 07951 473505
Stuart Runs 55 Miles For Charity Stotfold running enthusiast Stuart Fielder recently completed his longest run ever to raise funds for Respite At Home Volunteers.
Stuart raised a fantastic £505.00 which will help to fund training for local volunteers visiting people in our community with life limiting and terminal illnesses. Stuart Fielder pictured on his run
Stuart’s run took him from Cambridge to Stotfold arriving home in the early evening. Stuart’s wife Janet is a volunteer within this organisation hence why Stuart recognised the need to raise money for this most worthy cause.
‘My wife gives her time freely to support others in need and often goes the extra mile to help. I would say that anyone who volunteers for this type of work are very special people indeed. Not only do they offer friendship but they also offer the family a chance to have some time off from the exhausting role of caring for someone they love.’ The charity Respite At Home Volunteers covers the area of West Mid Beds and Ivel Valley in Central Bedfordshire.
STOTFOLD GARDEN CLUB Meetings and Trips
Meetings are held at The Methodist Church Hall, Hitchin Road. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month.
Wednesday 8th August Rodney Tibbs – Patio Gardening and Gardening in small spaces. Raffle, and please bring any plants for sale. Coffee/tea 10:15am Wednesday 5th September Trip to Wisley Flower Show.
For more information, contact Peter on: (01462) 834854 or 07758649721 stotfoldgc@gmail.com
www.voluntaryworks.org/organisation/hospice-home-volunteers
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ACCS
Stotfold Methodists
Window Cleaning
the church on the crossroads
20 years experience - Reliable and efficient Fully insured & Uniformed staff
01462 629302 / 07970 406926 152 Hitchin Road, Stotfold
rd Saturday 3 June Saturday 4thâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;August 10.00 to 10.00 to11.30 11.30
$ Come along for a Cuppa $ Find a Bargain $ Meet old friends & make new ones $ Cake Stall $ All welcome 36
www.stotfold-methodists.org.uk Email: info@stotfoldnews.co.uk
News From Larksfield Surgery GENERAL DATA PROTECTION REGULATION Most people will now be aware of the new General Data Protection Regulation that came into effect on 25th May 2018. As part of these regulations we have refreshed our Patient Fair Processing Notice and this can be found on our website; https://larksfieldsurgery.gpsurgery.net/about/how-we-useyour-information/ We have also changed our policy regarding third party access to Medical Records and Collection of items such as Prescriptions and letters. If you need another person to collect an item on your behalf you will need to complete a consent form naming this person. These forms are available on our website on the link above or from reception and the dispensary. Please note that any third party collecting an item will need to bring proof of ID. CHILDREN’S SERVICES Did you know that there is a Speech and Language Therapy drop in Session held at the Stotfold and District Children’s Centre.
You do not need a GP referral to attend this session. For more information please call 01462 730623 Health Visitors are not based at the Surgery and can be contacted on 01462 648440.
MATERNITY SERVICES We have a Midwife at the surgery on Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you are newly pregnant you do not need to see a GP you can complete an early bird booking form,enquire at reception.You will then be offered an appointment with a midwife here at the surgery. NATIONAL DATA OPT-OUT NHS DIGITAL are running a new national data opt out programme. This is specifically for data that is used for research and planning. The graphic on the right gives more information or you can call 0300 303 5678. You can not opt out at the surgery/
OPENING HOURS Monday: 8.00-13.00 14.00-18.00 Tuesday/:Friday: 8.00-18.00 Saturday/Sunday: Closed If you need to contact a Doctor in an emergency, when the practice is closed at evenings, weekends and public/bank holidays please ring NHS 111. The NHS 111 service will stillcontinue to give healthcare advice and information 24hours a day.
Initial consultation: £45, follow up treatment: £32 Tuesdays 2pm-7pm Wednesday 9am-1pm Thursday 3pm-7pm Saturdays
07479 945995 Tel: 01462 835611
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Summer at Stotfold & District Childrens Centre will be busy with the following events taking place:
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For more information on any of the above please contact the team on 01462 730623 SD.CC@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or stotfoldanddistrictchildrenscentre.co.uk We look forward to seeing you!
This photograph was kindly loaned to the Stotfold News by Tony Sheil and unusually we have all the names of the children and teacher from 1954. Can you spot somebody you know? We love receiving old photographs of Stotfold, do you have any we can use? Call us on 01462 731986 or email us: stotfold.news@yahoo.co.uk
K Snell, C Brookes, C Gentle, M Mays, L West, R Walker, R MacDonald, J Goddard J Street, M Merryweather, I Taylor, B Teece, P Clements, P Breacher, P Sugden, P Kavanagh, A Johnson, D Osbourne, J Pye B Howard, A Sheil, D Hanson, J Hunt, C Presland, Mr Len Cole, D Sole, J Dean, J Loible, D Sommerville, W Kirkpatrick W Pogmore, M Dear, A Hartley, T Clark, G Tookey, D Larking, J Mathews, J Dawson, K Jellis, A Pogmore, T Hare.
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Have you recently moved to the area, or just find you have some time that you would like to fill? We are a friendly group of ladies, meeting on the 2nd Wednesday of the month 7.30pm 8th August Outing to Wimpole Hall
12th September Birthday Party - Jamie Wenham Close Up Magic
10th October Maggie Cameron Lines Reflexologist & Raffle We have a varied programme of interesting speakers and other activities for the coming year.
Contact: Linda Petts - President 01462 647836.
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Email: info@stotfoldnews.co.uk
Salvation Army Ladies Fellowship
August 20th WHAT DID THE GEORGIANS EAT? Alison Eskriett
For details of future fellowship meetings and events Phone: 01462 731 072 10 Church Road, Stotfold, SG5 4LX
Useful Telephone Numbers Citizen’s Advice Bureau
Trading Standards Advice Line
01525 402742 01525 841217 0300 300 8136
Hope Chapel King’s Baptist Church Methodist Church Salvation Army Hall Officers Ladies Fellowship St Mary’s Church Friends of St Mary’s Fairfield Community Church
01462 01462 01462 01462 01462 01462 01462 01462 01462
Churches
Council
686803 730521 646562 731072 733702 730739 730218 834108 735704
Stotfold Town Council 01462 730064 Email: enquiries@stotfoldtowncouncil.gov.uk Central Bedfordshire Council, Priory House, Chicksands, Shefford SG17 5TQ 0300 300 8000 Email customer.services@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk Web www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk Waste Collection / Recycling / Dog Warden / Flytipping / Grass Cutting / Street Cleaning / Abandoned Vehicles 0300 300 8631 or 0300 300 8632 More Central Bedfordshire Council telephone numbers can be found listed at www.stotfoldnews.co.uk
Doctor
Larksfield Surgery Appointments Enquiries Out of Hours Service: MDoc Physiotherapy & Spinal Injury Clinic Arlesey Medical Centre www.arleseymedicalcentre.nhs.uk
01462 732244 01462 732200 Call 111 01462 735700 01462 732144
Ashwell Dental Stotfold Dental Surgery
01462 742353 01462 731938
Electricity Emergencies Gas Emergencies
0800 7 838 838 0800 111999
Childline National Menengitis Trust Samaritans NSPCC
0800 1111 0845 6000800 08457 909090 0800 800 5000
Howard Cottage Housing Association, Pioneer House, Norton Way South, Letchworth Garden City, Herts, SG6 1NY Aragon Housing Association Ampthill Office, Katherine’s House, Dunstable Street, Ampthill, Bedfordshire MK45 2JP 0300 123 5544
01462 683307
Beds Police (Crime reporting) Community issues (Not crime reporting or emergency) Crimestoppers
01234 841212 01234 842515
Dentist
Emergencies Helplines
Housing
Police
0800 555111
Hospitals
Bedford Hospital Lister Hospital NHS Direct
01234 355122 01438 314333 08 45 46 47
Stotfold Library Arlesey Resource Centre & Library
0300 300 8068 01462 731469.
Beds Police (Crime reporting) Community issues (Not crime reporting or emergency) Crimestoppers
01234 841212 01234 842515
Coach & Horses Fox & Duck The Chequers Pub The Crown The Stag Tavern
01462 01462 01462 01462 01462
734135 732434 735465 731061 731098
Etonbury Academy Fairfield Park Lower School Roecroft Lower School St Mary’s Academy Samuel Whitbread Academy
01462 01462 01462 01462 01462
730391 830000 730336 730343 629900
Pippin Pre-School SMASH, St Mary’s School
01462 834897 07971 354093
Tiddleywinks King’s Baptist Church Methodist Church (Friday AM)
01462 731072 01462 730521 01462 733985
Library Police
Pubs
Schools
After School Clubs Toddler Groups
The Ark Baby & Toddler Group
Nurseries
0800 555111
01462 733409
Pippin Pre-School Poppies Nursery Poppyfields Nursery Treetops Day Nursery Stotfold and District Children's Centre
01462 834897 07833 927906 01462 830008 01462 734306 01462 730623
Trains (National Enquiries)
08457 484950
Transport
Whitbread Wanderbus 0300 123 3023 Rook Tree Cars 01462 730701 Greenacre Transfers - Private hire and airport taxi service 07555 707848 or check us out on: www.greenacretransfers.co.uk Airport transfers. Friendly local service, up to 8 seats available Also taxi for London hospital appointments or similar. Call Dave on 01438 553024. Or book online at stotfoldairporttaxis.co.uk Or email direct davenot61@gmail.com
Miscellaneous
Beds Rural Communities Charity Letchworth MS Unit Births, Deaths & Marriages Stotfold Good Neighbour Group
01234 838771 01462 487172 0300 300 8089 07599 925587
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DIRECTORY. Accountancy & Tax Sue Matejtschuk (SCM Accountancy) Abery Motor Centre AD Garden Rooms AJ Day Builders A.R.K. Lasting Powers & Wills Alfie’s Barbers Andy Leonard Painter & Decorator Arlesey Ladies Football Club Arlesey Pharmacy Arlesey Walk Groups Aquarius Garden Design Ashwell Software / Sigma Office Austin’s Funeral Service Barn Hair Studio Bal & Co Motor Care Beale Bros Butchers Bews Electrical Bickerdikes Garden Centre Big Minibus Hire Bookks Bookkeeping services Box Of Cakes Brambles Home Care Brian McInally - Gas & Heating Engineer Bricklayers & Building Services- SJ Brookes Broadband Communications Bugs ‘n’ Things Pest Control C J Flooring Carpet Cleaning - ACCS Ltd Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning - Steam 2 Clean Carpets & Flooring - Letchworth Carpet Centre Carpets & Flooring - Paul Faulkner Catsitter - Claire Centroheat Domestic Boiler & Heating Services Chimney Sweep (ESL) Cole’s Decor Painter & Decorator Computer Services & Repair - Nick Saunders The Cooker Buddy Oven Cleaning Chris Webster, Stotfold (Correspondent for The Comet ) DK Home Improvement Darren Peters Property Maintenance Dennison’s - House & Garden Clearance DMC Tiling Dog walking, walking and pet care -insured Electrician - CEC Electicals Electrician - Terry C Seymour Switched On Electrical Services Fairfield Bowls Club - Stella Wilson Fairfield Players Fairtrade, Stotfold Fencing (AJB) Foot Health Professional - Vicki Eagles Foot Pro Podiatry Garden Robin Gifford Dance Academy Glazing (Windows & Doors) BSH Glazing Graham Smith Brickwork & Paving Guides - Stotfold Guide Association Hair Room - Hitchin Hamilton Restorations HB Decorators Helpers Homecare Heritage Paving Hertfordshire Scaffolding Ltd Hertfordshire Roofing Ltd Ivel Funeral Service James’s Carpentry & Handyman Service
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01462 624926 01462 733246 01438 313765 01767 314445 01438 746977 01462 658449 07889 903283 07981 432798 01462 731200 01462 638286 01462 731292 01462 742783 01462 438422 01462 835611 01462 731500 01462 730392 01462 834488 01462 673333 07817 766997 01462 734623 07812 055587 07432202225 01462 337218 01767 315944 01462 732628 0800 026 8823 01462 732665 01462 629302 01462 732632 01462 481312 01462 731674 07984 344997 07885 415363 01462 733406 01767 310475 07521 279960 01462 810065 01462 834108
01462 701214 01462 733322 07522 354141 01462 231459 07913 005268 01462 670369 01462 236559 01462 730895 07811 738599 01462 624369 01462 640902 07837 791365 07812 399659 07377 536685 01462 815968 07585 221513 01462 730884 01462 731829 01462 733322 01462 337818 01462 743803 01462 732960 01462 896853 01462 730682 01462 895322 01462 894089 01462 734800 01462 23429
JD Heating & Plumbing Services LTD Jo Jingles Ken Seaby Carpets Kip McGrath Education Centre Kitchen Ergonomics Kumari Chiropractic Langford Windows Locksmith Services LRW Contracts New Kitchens North Herts Road Runners Ovenclean Paul Thomas Landscaping Pendletons Sports Centre Piano Lessons - Christine Walker Pilates - Zanna Newton Plastering - Sam’s Plastering Plastering - Stotfold Plastering Plumbing - A D Taylor Plumbing Plumbing - ALM Plumbing Plumbing & Heating - GSP Heating & Plumbing Plumbing - C Plumb Plum-tek RH Gardens Rellion Engineering Ltd Roecroft Centre - Maureen Winters Rook Tree Cars Stotfold & Arlesey Royal British Legion Samaritans Satchells Estate Agents Saunders Garage Scott Geekie Building Contractor Sharp Security Systems Sheldon Electricals Slimming World Solicitors - Walkers Partnership St John Badgers (6-10yrs) & Cadets (10-18yrs) Stable Cars Stag Public House Steam 2 Clean Carpet & Upholstery Stotfold Art Group Stotfold Bowls Club Stotfold Christian Choir Stotfold Conservative Club Stotfold Football Club Stotfold Gardening Club Stotfold Golf Society Stotfold Good Neighbour Group Stotfold Jujitsu Club Stotfold Junior Football Club Stotfold Junior Judo Club Stotfold Karate Club (JKSK Karate) Stotfold Twirlers Stotfold Mill Stotfold News Magazine Stotfold Parents Association Stotfold Pharmacy Stotfold Scouts Stotfold Short Mat Bowls Club Stotfold Women’s Institute The Rooms Tree Surgeon - 4 Seasons Waste Disposal( Josas waste Recycling Ltd) Water Softeners Wheelie Bin Cleaning Windows - Repairs & Installations (J Garside) Window Cleaning - ACCS Ltd
Please mention the Stotfold News Magazine when responding to adverts
07474 444288 01462 456777 01462 733203 01462 672227 01438 222929 07479 945995 01462 701828 01462 290226 01462 733306 01462 812826 01462 639215 07954 300043 07889 811065 01462 341114 01462 731357 07719 862371 07856 428261 01462 732600 01462 834713 07950 311963 01462 615922 01462 700862 01462 618058 01462 612033 01462 732953 01462 730264 01462 730701 01462 734133 01462 455333 01462 733730 01462 730222 01462 732396 01462 734766 01767 448188 01462 638430 01763 241121 01438 218058 01462 734066 01462 731098 01462 732632 01462 628529 01462 628204 01462 731142 01462 730534 01462 730765 01462 628954 07909 983956 07599 925587 07970 329761 07706 951263 07872 594499 07742 820 956 07732 505614 01462 734541 01462 731986 01462 730570 01462 730249 07764 188222 01462 730841 01462 647836 01462 835538 01462 834136 07739 488472 01462 835693 01462 732632 07951 473505 01462 629302
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