So here we are, the summer o f 2023. Our August issue is bursting at the seams as we have had a lo t to include this month, including news f rom Central Bedfordshire Council regarding our local school system and a helpful Q&A on the newly installed charge points recently installed in our to wn.
We hope you lo ve our f ront co ver as we were thrilled to have been asked to judge this year ’s pho tography exhibition at the Sto tfold Mill earlier this month. We were par ticularly drawn to this image, taken by Julia Green for it’s striking colours and amazing detail We hope you agree, it makes for a fabulous f ront co ver. We plan to use a few more entries as the month’s go on Congratulations to Julia and to the o ther runners - up who’s entries were equally as impressive!
We decided this month to give ourselves a slightly more colour ful look, sometimes we like to f reshen things up a bit - we hope you like the result Inside this month, we welcome several new adver tisers to our magazine which helps us to be able to continue publishing and delivering to you all each month Please look ou t for them and do mention us if you decide to give them a call.
Are you a local business o wner? Did you kno w you can adver tise with us f rom as little as £30 a year? We have adver tising packages to suit all budgets (and can even do all the design work for you to tally f ree o f charge ) If you have thought abou t adver tising with us before bu t just never go t round to it, then do get in touch. You can f ind ou t more on page 31 o f this month’s edition Our adver tisers tell us they get a great response and we’d lo ve you to be able to share in their success
Until next month enjo y the sunshine (f ingers crossed!)
Joanne
As a new administration, we have pledged to be as open and honest as possible, so we felt it was impor tant to share this news at the earliest oppor tunity. The SFF programme has always focused on the mo ve to wards a two - tier educational system to impro ve educational ou tcomes for all children and young people. When the new administration took o ver at Central Bedfordshire Council, we became aware that while work pushed ahead with the SFF programme the full f inancial cost to the Council was no t kno wn and has no t been included in the current Council budget calculations
The current best estimate for deliver y o f the current Schools for the Fu ture programme is a to tal o f c£300 million Of this to tal cost, only £48 5m has been included in the Council’s four-year medium- term f inancial plan, or budget, and there are currently no plans in place for ho w the to tal cost o f the programme is to be funded As a new administration, it would be wrong for us to continue with the current plans for the Schools for the Fu ture programme that are no t budgeted for withou t taking the time to thoroughly consider and plan for such a signif icant spend o ver the coming years
We want to reassure you that we remain to tally committed to the transition from a three to t wo tier education system bu t need to develop a budget to deliver this programme o f work. We will be taking the next few months to understand the full f inancial cost o f the programme and develop a strategy to ensure fu ture plans are affordable in our budget.
We will continue to suppor t your local schools as plans emerge and you can always f ind the latest status o f your school within our plans at the Schools for the Fu ture website: www.schoolsfor thefu ture.co.uk
Firstly thanks to ever yone who visited Sto tfold Mill for our Summer Exhibition and especially to the Sto tfold Mill volunteers who kindly opened up on the Saturday.
This month we feature two ar tists who are near neighbours in Sto tfold. Jenny Musslewhite has hidden a fair y in her mixed media painting o f Au tumnal flo wers and f ruit and Sheila Archer's watercolour painting o f Kelburn Castle in Sco tland, which is on display (and also for sale) in Randall's tea -room inside Sto tfold Mill
If you are interested in ar t and would like to join our f riendly group, then please contact 07734 304590 for more information
Imogen Spencer and Erin Harper, bo th aged 7 have been members o f 5th Sto tfold Rainbo ws for 2 years and, in that time have completed a variety o f challenges and learnt new skills to earn them badges that represent their achievements along the way
They have completed an incredible number o f badges across six themes to gain their Gold Awards and have practiced skills such as f irst aid and communications in group sessions, as well as collecting evidence o f them helping at home and around the community in their o wn time. They bo th par ticularly enjo yed litter picking to earn their Helpers Badge.
Imogen and Erin are the f irst girls in 5th Sto tfold Rainbo ws histor y to have been awarded the Gold Award; something that is awarded to the few Rainbo ws who complete all six theme awards.
Bo th girls have lo ved their Rainbo ws journey and as it comes to the end, they are excited to be continuing their Girl Guide career by mo ving up to Bro wnies as soon as they can
CRIME FIGURES for STO TFOLD& FAIRFIELD (April 2023) We have had requests to rever t back to repor ting the local crime f igures as quo ted on the local Police uk website We will star t to repor t these on a monthly basis (obviously the f igures will be a couple o f months prior to publication due to the police crime repor ting system )
V
iolence & Sexual Offences - 12
Anti- social behaviour - 10
Other Crime - 6
Shoplifting - 4
Other theft - 3
Drugs - 1
Source: www police co uk
* fencing
* decking
* pergolas
* summer houses
For a FREE quotation call Andy on 07837 791365 or (01462) 628388
Public Liability Insured
Established 18 years
August 28th Bank Holiday Monday: There is still tine to register!!
Email: sto tfold walkingmarket2023@yahoo com
Bookings for stalls will be accepted up to Friday 18th August, any bookings taken after this date will no t be able to be included on the map
This year, Satchells Estate Agents have ver y kindly o ffered to place an adver tising board ou tside the homes o f stallholders to help adver tise the event for 2023 (If you wish no t to have a board, please indicate this on your email ) Keep an eye on the Sto tfold News Magazine facebook page and fur ther issues o f our magazine for more info! You can also ‘like’ the event page on facebook to keep in touch with any updates
All types of electrical work under taken. Installation, Fault finding, Heating controls
Test and inspection, EV charge points, NICEIC approved contractor.
Tel: 07817 545314
E:bk.electrical@outlook.com
The Sto tfold Walking Market has become a well lo ved Sto tfold tradition, giving local residents the oppor tunity to walk around the to wn and enjo y the vast selection o f stalls on o ffer From handmade craft items to general household bric a brac - there is something for ever yone to enjo y
BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY AUGUST 28th10am - 3pm
For enquiries please email: sto tfoldwalkingmarket2023@yahoo com
Established 197 1
Pix Gymnastics Club needs a new home! Pix Gymnastics Club is a British Gymnastics registered, “no t for pro f it” club using the Pix Brook Academy spor ts hall, based in Sto tfold. We currently run classes for 2 evenings and a Saturday morning.
Pix Gymnastics Club , star ted in 2021 with a relatively small amount o f equipment and a small team o f qualif ied coaches and enthusiastic volunteer helpers We currently run classes for 2 evenings and a Saturday morning The club membership o f 230 children has a waiting list o f o ver 200 We o ffer classes to children aged 4 – 14, as well as mo ther and toddler and special education needs children.(SEN)
Our new gym will o ffer gymnastics to all disciplines bo th for competitive and recreational. The gym will be available to all our community; for all ages f rom preschool to senior citizens, disabled and underprivileged. We will be a community focused gym with our mission to be available and inclusive to all.
On Sunday the 25th June the club hosted their 2nd annual Club Championships Competition The club members f rom age 4 upwards per formed their rou tines to an audience o f proud parents and grandparents For a lo t o f the children
this was their f irst time per forming and they did so with enthusiasm The day ran ver y smoo thly and we were delighted to welcome the local mayor, Councillor Steve Buck who watched 2 rounds o f competition and presented some o f the medals to the competitors
We have star ted fund raising to enable us to achieve our vision The money raised will be ring fenced and used to secure a lease on a proper ty which will become our new home This is what we see as the f irst phase o f our journey to setting up the gym We launch our campaign on Cro wdfunder on 19th June and will be open for donations until the end o f September Donations can be made by visiting our cro wdfunding page https://www.cro wdfunder.co.uk/p/pix-gymnastics -club-newhome.
To f ind ou t more details and to see ho w you can get invol ved visit www.pixgymnastics.co.uk
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Thursday 17th - Flo wer Demonstration
7pm St Mar y’s Church Hall Tickets £10
inc Prosecco & cake!
Tickets available f rom Ann Scarr 01462
834844
Bank Holiday Monday 28th - Sto tfold
Walking Market 10-3
Bank Holiday at The Stag August Bank
Holiday weekend
Cider festival. Live music and BBQ
Saturday 7.30-9.30pm
Saturday 9th - Book Sale/Co ffee
Morning St Mar y’s Church Hall,10-12
Sunday 10th - Cake & Produce Sho w @ Sto tfold Mill
Saturday 7th - Jigsaw Sale 10 -12 St Mar y’s Church Hall
Saturday 7th & Sunday 8thSto tfold Working Steam Fair
Thursday 12th Friends o f St. Mar y's Church are hosting a talk by Theresa Britt at 3pm entitled" St. Mar y's Churchyard: Histor y and Changing Role in the life o f Sto tfold, and the opening o f the Civic Cemeter y". Ref reshments will be pro vided. Free entr y - donations welcome
Saturday 21st - St Mar y’s Church Quiz Night! 7 30pm St Mar y’s Church Hall
Saturday 4th - St Mar y’s Church Winter Fair 2-4 St Mar y’s Church Hall
Saturday 11th Table Top Sale St Mar y's Church Hall 10am-12pm Proceeds for St Mar y's Church
Saturday 18th. Community Christmas Fair. 12pm-4pm
Saturday 25th Sto tfold To wn Council Christmas Light Switch on Event. (more details to follo w in later issues.)
Saturday 9th & Sunday 10thChristmas Tree Festival St Mar y’s Church
To list your event (free for local charities and organisations) email: sto tfold.news@yahoo.co.uk
*£15 fee for all local businesses
Ski r tings -Architraves -Dados Stai rs -Handles -Balustrades
Tell us bit abou t yourself Helen, ho w long you have lived in Sto tfold?
I mo ved to Sto tfold in 2006 having lived “up Nor th” for several decades. I was a single parent o f 2 teenaged daughters and we all struggled to adjust bu t were helped greatly by the lo vely church family at King’s Baptist Church I was a civil ser vant working for the Railways Inspectorate then the Depar tment for Children, Schools and Families –remember that?
We quickly acquired 2 miniature schnauzers called Holly and Maggie I was trained as a Christian Counsellor and worked as a counsellor for a while before setting up my o wn private practice counselling couples and individuals after I took early retirement in 2013 I also joined Sto tfold Good Neighbour Group at this time. I am no w the proud granny o f a little bo y called Oscar, who lives with my daughter and her husband in Dagenham. My o ther daughter is doing well as a hospital pharmacist back in the Nor th West
What will be your main priorities as you embrace your new role?
My main priorities will be to listen to residents o f Sto tfold and f ight their corner as much as I can at Central Bedfordshire Council. I am hopeful that the new minority Independent administration will take up many priorities that we can suppor t in our small Labour group, including impro ving SEND pro vision and GP ser vices locally
What is your favourite way to relax and enjo y your free time?
I lo ve walking my 2 current dogs, Freddie a cockerpoo and Sandy a shit zu poodle cross I lo ve singing in two local Chamber Choirs and leading the music group f rom the keyboard at King’s Baptist Church I also lo ve watching tennis!
What are your top f ive favourite things abou t our local community and why?
I lo ve the green spaces around Sto tfold and I’m determined
to do ever y thing I can to pro tect them I lo ve the village feel abou t Sto tfold and the number o f f riends I have made o ver the past 17 years I also lo ve the way we have come together as a community to help the more vulnerable in our midst, bo th by o ffering a shopping ser vice during Co vid and warm spaces across the to wn last winter I never cease to be impressed by ho w all the churches across the to wn work together so well and with Sto tfold Good Neighbours, and by the generosity o f local residents.
What is the best way local residents can get in touch with you if they wanted to raise a concern, or discuss a par ticular local issue with you?
The best way to get in touch is by email on Helen Wightwick@centralbedfordshire go v uk or people can also ring me on 0300 300 8524.
I look for ward to meeting as many o f you as possible, if you happen to spo t me in the to wn, do stop to say hello.
Dear Editor,
Our most grateful thanks to ever yone who attended or suppor ted in any way our 3rd West End Charity Gala’ at the Gordon Craig Theatre recently in aid o f Mo tor Neurone Disease ! It was a fantastic evening with a packed audience, a wonder ful standing o vation richly deser ved by all involved and raised a brilliant £11 000 for MND Nor th Her ts. and MND Sco tland making an amazing to tal o f o ver £30 00O f rom the three Gala’s
Our dear husband, dad and grandad Iain who died f rom MND in 2015 would, like us, be so grateful to you all for your par t in making more aware this horrendous disease , helping to suppor t those su ffering f rom it and the hope that a cure will soon be found !
Sincerely, the Ru ther ford family Ker yle, Neil, Carl, Rhonda, Josh, Adam and Amy.
Dear Editor,
I just had to write to tell you that through your magazine I contacted Mark at Sto tfold Plastering I needed to have my ou tside wall strengthened and rendered Mark was ver y prompt in his reply and extremely thorough in his assessment o f the job and quo ted a ver y good price His pro fessional approach made me feel conf ident f rom the star t - A ver y satisf ied customer!
Dear Editor,
The Trustees o f Roe's Educaton Charity welcome applications f rom people who live in Sto tfold or Fair f ield Park for small grants to wards the cost o f fur ther education studies. Application forms are available f rom billsonjean8@gmail com or f rom Jean Billson, Clerk to the Trustees, 17 Pix Road, Sto tfold, SG5 4HY. All completed forms must be returned by 30th September 2023
Dear Editor
I am able to name some o f the men featured in the pho tograph last month - they are, Val Dear, (leaning on Alan Smith) Maurice Saunderson, Trevor Devereaux and Pete Cooper. Thanks Tony Sheil.
Dear Editor,
The roundabou t at The Cro wn is the best thing the Council have done It should have been pu t in place years ago as it’s the most dangerous corner The roundabou t has slo wed the cars do wn, making the road a lo t safer. Lavinia.
Dear Editor,
I wonder if anyone is having the same problem as I am I have recently acquired a small mobility scoo ter which can only be used on the foo tpath with safety Unfor tunately, I f ind most o f our foo tpaths in Sto tfold are so uneven that I f ind it ver y diff icult to use my scoo ter on them. Living in Hitchin Road I f ind the only way to get to the shops is to go up to the top o f the road and travel through Valerian Way and into Grange Drive, the foo tpaths on this rou te being a new estate are no t yet damaged
I am sending a copy o f this letter to our To wn Council also, I was just wondering if any o ther readers are experiencing the same issues Margaret Moore
Dear Editor, Memor y Lane pho tograph (July issue)
Schieldrop Engineering was situated in the High Street opposite the India Lodge restaurant between Chapel Place and Grange Drive. In good weather, the f ront could be opened up so passers by could look in as sho wn in the pho tograph. Others will recognise some o f the occupants better than I, the one I am cer tain o f is the man belo w the ser ving hatch who is Trever Devereaux who married my cousin Janet Lincoln, daughter o f D W Lincoln the bu tcher. Edgar B Schieldrop was a well respected engineer / au thor f rom Nor way, a no table alumni o f the Nor wegian Institu te o f Technology in Trondheim founded in 1910 and he was co -founder o f their student society He developed an original design for "self propor tioning oil & dual fuel burners" predominantly for use with furnaces in the steel industr y These are still produced by the Wesman Engineering Company o f Mumbai, India so must have been something quite special when Schieldrop f irst began production?
In the early years o f WWII the British Go vernment requisitioned the house o f Sto tfold Manor Farm to the rear o f The Green and Mr Schieldrop and family became tenants o f Bedfordshire County Council until the end o f hostilities No members o f the local Small Holdings Society wanted to rent the Manor Farm building due to its large size and running costs and so the Council decided to conver t it into two separate dwellings, no w numbers 71 & 73 The Green, and more recently occupied by the Hyde and Chapman families (bo th members o f the SHS)
Alan Cooper
Dear Editor
One o f the men pictured in last month’s Memor y Lane picture was my Dad, Ted Webb - (pictured on the right at the boo tom with his arms folded ) Michael Webb
If you’ve been to the Mill in the last few weeks, you’ll have no ticed the stunning pho tos o f Sto tfold that are on view in the Ivel Room. We held our popular Pho to Exhibition in June, with more than 50 pho tos on display, all taken by members o f the “Sto tfold in Pictures” group on Facebook.
With images ranging f rom black and white sho ts o f the cemeter y, to views across our beau tiful countr yside, the pho tos really pro ved ho w wonder ful Sto tfold is as a to wn. Some o f the pho tos are still on display at the Mill, and we are cer tain you’ve no ticed Julia Green’s spectacular pho to o f a ho ver fly on a flo wer on the f ront o f this months issue as it won the co veted “Front co ver o f the Sto tfold News” award – congratulations Julia
You might also have no ticed, in the last few weeks, that the river in the Nature Reser ve is looking a little greener than usual - The river has seen some fairly intense gro wth o f river weeds, especially a rather persistent plant kno wn as Mares Tail The weeds are impeding the flo w o f the water, which is backing up and flooding into the Nature Reser ve It’s also affecting the rate o f flo w at the Mill, so you might f ind that our milling operations could be a little intermittent o ver the summer In the
meantime, it makes for some beau tiful images, with the swans sailing serenely do wn the central channel! Remember to keep an eye on our Events Page (https://www.sto tfoldmill.com/events/) – our summer activities for children are popular and getting booked up and our open days are also listed on the website.
Finally, we are pu tting ou t a plea to anyone with marketing experience – could you spare an hour or two a month to head up our marketing team? This strategic role will look at ho w we engage on social media and o ther channels o f communication, and help us make the most o f our reach and engagement.If you’d be interested in helping ou t, we’d lo ve to chat!
Welcome to our latest news update:
Tel: 07913005268
Email: Pawsclaws66@aol com
At the end o f June the children par ticipated in Barnado’s Big Toddle The children went on a shor t walk around Greenacres to raise funds for this wor thy charity The children enjo yed spo tting house numbers, colours o f cars and some wildlife on the way We would like to thank all our families for their kind donations Alongside this, we entered the ‘Tour De Sto tfold’ organised by St Mar ys Church Our slogan was ‘The moment you set o ff on
We are looking for ward to suppor ting Central Bedfordshire with their f irst recruitment fair on 2nd August If you are looking for a career working with Children please pop along to Biggleswade You th Centre, Mead End, Biggleswade, between 10am and 4pm where exper ts f rom local settings will be available to o ffer advice and discuss oppor tunities that are available in their settings
We are looking for new stock to replenish our pre -lo ved uniform shop, in par ticular Superstars uniform, all donations welcome, please hand into the o ff ice during the holidays (we are open with Holiday Club until Friday 18th August). We continue to collect resources for our gluing station if you have any bo ttle tops, old bu ttons, material swatches, lace, yogur t po ts and old children f riendly magazines please hand them into the o ff ice.
Thank you for your interest in our Pre -School. We look for ward to sharing more o f our news with you again next month
Follo wing a ver y busy Summer term, we said goodbye to our Year 4 children. They have enjo yed a busy last year with their trips to the O2 and Roald Dahl, no t to mention their residential trip to Rock UK. They celebrated their last few days with a special church ser vice, disco, talent sho w and Leaver ’s Assembly with parents invited on the last day o f term We wish them all the ver y best in their new schools
Our o ther children also enjo yed their year group trips to Shepreth Wildlife Park, Paradise Wildlife Park, Hazard Alley Safety Centre and Stanwick Lakes! Much fun was had by all with many new experiences gained!
Our Spor ts Week was packed with games, races, competitions, contests, tournaments and training! It was great fun and a huge success with the children and we managed to work around the Great British Weather and the loss o f our playing f ield! As always there are lo ts o f pictures on the website to view!
As a school we are also ver y proud o f our fundraising effor ts in conjunction with our parent's association, the SMSA Despite the events o f the last few years our families have helped us raise just under £2000 00 to wards Children In Need, Save the Children, Ro yal British Legion and Comic Relief as well as o ver £8500.00 to wards school funds f rom the SMSA. This funding has helped to wards school events, IT equipment and various school resources.
We have also received a number o f ver y kind donations f rom members o f our community.
Many thanks go to our staff, volunteers, community and families for their continued suppor t withou t which this would no t have been possible.
So to end this academic year, we hope ever ybody has a safe and enjo yable summer break and we look for ward to welcoming ever yone back to school on Wednesday 6th September
For more details visit our website: www.stmar ysacademysto tfold.co.uk/
I am thrilled to announce that we have been recently awarded SPORTS MARK GOLD! This is a wonder ful achievement and testament to the hard work and dedication o f the entire PE team We were recognised in par ticular for our connections with the local community and hosting lo ts o f oppor tunities here at Etonbur y o ver the past year
ETA this summer term has also received three attendance awards f rom Fischer Family Foundation (FFT ) Primar y Award, Secondar y Award and Whole School Award Etonbur y has been ranked within the top 25% o f similar FFT Secondar y Schools in England for our spring term attendance
Our Year 11 students have no w attended their prom at The Broadway Ho tel, Letchwor th What a fabulous night, the dance floor was bouncing! We have watched you all gro w f rom young children into flourishing young adults -we look for ward to welcoming back those that have chosen to attend our Sixth Form in September and wish you all good luck with your fu ture plans as you fur ther your education.
Around 60 pupils f rom ETA Juniors f rom bo th Year 5 and 6 have completed the three day Bikeability course - this is cycling pro f iciency for the 21st centur y, designed to give the next generation the skills and conf idence to ride their bikes on today's roads safely
Our Duke o f Edinburgh Bronze and Silver Award students completed their expeditions this term. Twenty o f our students took on the challenge o f their Do fE Silver to reach the summit o f Mam Tor and Bamford's Edge in the Peak District, to see the incredible views this area o ffered. All passed the expedition section o f their award.
We have hosted a number o f integration events here at Etonbur y for our new star ters in Year 5 this September. One o f which was the Year 4 Spor ts morning – attended by our local feeder and ou t o f catchment lo wer schools. Bo th Junior and Secondar y Spor ts Days have also taken place, all co -ordinated by our amazing PE Depar tment - Successful events enjo yed by all pupils and staff
Please continue to share in our values, Ever yone is respectful, Together we care and Always aim higher Ian Evason – Execu tive Principal Etonbur y Academy www etonbur y org uk
This year has quite simply flo wn by. Our wonder ful Year 4 leavers are mo ving onto the next chapter o f their learning journey and myself and the team want to wish them luck and lo ve; keep giving it your all and do things with kindness. I want to thank our incredible Roecro ft families for their unwavering suppor t and care this year; if you have been follo wing our journey you will be aware o f the traumatic experience we have been through. Thankfully, our families and wider community are well aware o f ho w effective we are as a setting and ho w our children thrive no t only academically bu t also emo tionally here. The team and I will continue to dedicate our time to ensuring your children are given the best star t to their education and that they achieve their ver y best
Wishing you all a magical summer o f memories,
Mrs Cross
In Year 3, we star ted the summer term with our second trip o f the year The whole cohor t made the trip to Queen’s Park in Bedford to visit three places o f worship – a Gurdwara, Mosque and Church A great day was had by all
In Geography, the children have been learning abou t Sou th America and the Amazon Rainforest.
In Year 4, we had a wonder ful summer term with lo ts o f exciting activities to celebrate our Year 4 children leaving and mo ving onto their new middle school in September. Before the end o f year celebrations began, we enjo yed our new histor y topic 'The Ancient Egyptians'.
Ano ther highlight o f the term was our annual Dance Morning, we took the children back before they were born to dance to music by Dolly Par ton, the Bee Gees and Wham!
In July, as well as pu tting on our Leavers sho w for parents 'I'm a Year 4 Get Me Ou t o f Here!', we had a par ty with BBQ food and an ice cream van and created yearbooks I would like take the oppor tunity to wish our Year 4 leavers the ver y best o f luck!
Miss Houghton
With less than three months to go until the big day, the Ironman training is increasing in intensity and duration I’m currently at around 14 hours o f training per week and am feeling the impact o f this on the o ther areas in my life
I’m no t sure ho w I’m f itting in the equivalent o f a full day’s training in what was already a busy 7-day week bu t that is what is happening; early morning swims, evening runs, late nights on the stationar y bike and long endurance runs and cycle rides that take up all o f my weekend mornings
And it’s no t just the demands o f the actual exercising, bu t the effect it has on the o ther hours in the day The rest o f the time I’m either preparing my kit and checking my training plans or I’m reco vering and simply ver y, ver y tired. This leads to neither having the energy or inclination to do much else except for the mandator y requirements o f looking after the family and working.
Quality used cars & vans supplied
Excellent after sales care, our warrantees cover both parts & labour
servicing and general
undertaken, any make
Training for an ironman and tr ying to do ever y thing that you did before is no t sustainable If you keep pushing, life will star t to crack so something’s go t to give So what have I pu t on hold until after the 1st October?
As I look around my home and no tice the dust, the piles o f clo thes and paper work, the messy cupboards and unmo wn lawn, it’s ver y obvious that the house and garden are already taking a back seat and I don’t think we’ll be having many visitors any time soon
Bu t training calls and if I’m honest, I’d much rather be cycling around the Bedfordshire countr yside than hoo vering and tidying the house…
Mumwith3 does Ironman
We live in a culture f ixated on doing, on being productive Yet as humans we need su ff icient periods o f no t doing, o ther wise kno wn as being It can o ften feel like a waste o f time to simply be and yet su ff icient times o f stillness are crucial for our mental and emo tional health
One o f the key terms o f the time is the phrase ‘well being’ The clue is in the name! In order to do well or to function well or to per form well, we must f irst focus on being well And this requires periods o f rest, inactivity, reduced activity and or increased self care The amount o f such time needed will var y f rom one person to the next It will be also be determined by the stage and season o f life Times o f additional stress/change/loss/bereavement will likely require more times o f being and less times o f doing. The more challenges we are dealing with in life, the more we may experience a diminished capacity for doing.
As with all experiences o f life, we are each unique and must each listen to the needs and limitations o f our o wn bodies to determine ho w much ‘doing’ versus ‘being’ we need to maintain mental health During the most demanding times, it can make a huge difference to create small windo ws o f time to practice being in
Typically summer is associated with the larger windo ws o ffered by holidays Yet even these can require much effor t, planning and doing bu t it remains impor tant to intentionally include time during breaks for simply being Taking time away f rom daily life and all forms o f technology or television can allo w a new no ticing o f the beau ty and wonder o f the great ou tdoors. To simply be, resist doing and no tice nature can increase our well being.
This year has seen a 17% increase in our you th numbers, meaning we need more adult suppor t so we can o ffer more young people the oppor tunity to gain Skills for Life As well as looking for more adults to suppor t regular evenings we are also looking for adults to work on the Board o f Trustees so the existing facilities are maintained, and we can also under take projects to develop the site and increase the activities we can o ffer to the young people o f Sto tfold
We are looking to fulf ill the follo wing roles:
Chair o f Board o f Trustees, formally Group Execu tive Committee. After 4 years Alistair Binns will be stepping do wn as Chair o f the Board o f Trustees, this role is nominated by the Group Scou t Leader.
Depu ty Group Scou t Leader.
Due to work commitments, I canno t always be available to suppor t section teams so no w require a Depu ty Group Scou t Leader.
To progress the Group there are several new roles, these can be leads o f sub committees and are no t mu tually exclusive if a team o f people would like to take them on, these are; Projects Manager, Event coordinator, Fundraiser (Roles requiring nomination to be vo ted on at the Group Annual General Meeting, to be held on Sat 23rd September 14 15 in conjunction with the Group sponsor walk and Barbecue.)
If you would like more information on what would be invol ved in any o f the abo ve roles please contact me on gslsto tfold@gmail com
Yours in Scou ting
- Neil Ludlo w Group Scou t Leader
R ACHEL (Mrs S)
August 7th
Happy Bir thday! with lo ts o f lo ve, Monica, Jo, Rachell & families x
www.justgiving.com/gardenhousehospice
Announcements: We are happy to accept family announcements by post telephone, email or through our facebook page If you would like to make a donation in return for your announcement then please visit the website above Please mention that the donation has been made on behalf of the Stotfold & Arlesey News Magazine
ALEX
6th August Happy 3rd Bir thday! Lo ve Mummy & Daddy x x
MAISY GOUGH
Happy 18th Bir thday!
Lo ts o f lo ve f rom all your Gifford Dance family x
With
REBECCA SLEA
19th August Happy 40th Bir thday!
Lo ts o f lo ve, Keith, Tilly & Ollie xx
JACK WEBB Happy 5th Bir thday
Lo ve f rom Daddy, Mummy & Kayla x
Everyone welcome!
Ever y Friday Knit and Knatter 10 30am-12pm
Ever y Saturday o f the Summer Reading Challenge Games
Cafe! 10am-3pm
ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN
Ever y Tuesday Stor y and Rhyme Time 10.30am (aged 0-5)
Wednesday, 2nd, 9th, 23rd, and 30th August
Interactive games afternoons! (Suitable for all ages)
Ever y Thursday 9am-12pm and select Fridays 2-5pm
Children’s crafts will be available ever y Thursday and the follo wing Friday afternoons: 28th July, 18th & 25th August and 1st September (children aged 2+)
Ever y Saturday f rom July 29th 10am-12pm Pokémon Club! (aged 6+)
Wednesday 26th July, 2:30pm Interactive Craft Session with Kaye Mahoney Tickets £3 per child +£1 per sibling (4+)
Friday 4th August, 2-4:30pm Chameleon Sand Ar t! Project prices star t f rom £3 each
Friday 11 August 2 30- 3 15pm~ Sharing a Shell - Sensor y Stor y! (Pro vided by Collar & Cu ffs co) This multi- sensor y and signed stor y session is for children or young people
with special needs aged 5+ Tickets £2 per child (includes 1 carer per ticket)
Wednesday 16th August, 2:30 Happy Little Yogi! (Yoga Taster Session for Children) Tickets cost £3 per child +£1 per sibling (age 4+)
The Summer Reading Challenge is here!
Friday 21st July – Saturday 9th September
It’s FREE to take par t at the librar y. Read or listen to as many librar y books, collect special stickers and rewards including a medal and cer tif icate if you manage to complete the challenge and read six books!
Summer Holiday Activities
Summer Reading Challenge Launch Par ty! 22nd July 9-4pm Stor y & Rhyme Time, Ever y Tuesday 10.30am (aged 0-5) Games Cafe, Ever y Saturday 10am-3pm (all ages!)
EVENTS FOR ALL THE FAMILY
Ever y Monday~ Sto tfold Family Drop-in, 9am-10 30am For parents, carers, babies, and children Self-weigh scales available
Ever y Saturday during the Summer Reading Challenge (22nd July-9th September)~ Games Café! 10am-3pm
• £50,995.00
• £6,602
•
This month with your help, we have managed to make a difference to 1,817 adults, 57 pensioners and 1,528 children, including our best before food that we give away.
It has been ano ther busy month with o ver 720 parcels given throughou t our area and so many new names being referred ever y week. Sadly, the last few months, we have consistently helped o ver 700 families, which amounts to 911 Children and 1124 Adults, which a year ago would be abou t 43% less Obviously, we are getting through a lo t o f food through our 6 distribu tion hubs and these need topping up more regularly than ever, bu t we are doing ok and are continually grateful for Gods mercy and pro vision throughou t these busy times
One o f the good things abou t our project is that we get to talk to people who we help and listen to problems So many o f us, when we are in crisis just want someone to listen to them and we are grateful to help and be available Update on our Building Project – we are still tr ying to get funding for our mo ve and that’s all I can add really We are pushing doors, f illing ou t forms I accept these things take time, bu t I don’t have too much patience with the situation bu t have to accept what will happen will happen in Gods timing If it is His will for us to have a new building, we will get it
Things don’t always turn ou t as we expect, bu t I kno w what we are doing is a good thing and so we have to trust God. Bu t I wish it would happen quicker, bu t that’s just me! I would also in closing and so impor tantly, like to thank ever yone involved with the ongoing work o f the Project, as
Andy Installatio HQ
ns
icing
withou t you, we are no t able to reach those we are called to help.
Conditions treated include spinal and extremity injuries, neck related headaches and sprains/strains. We are NOW OPEN
Our revised opening hours:
Tues: 2pm-7pm
Wed: 10am-7pm
Thursday: 3pm-7pm
Friday: 10am - 1pm
Saturday: 10am-2pm
www.theneedproject.org Boiler & Gas Cooker Installations & Serv
CLOSE AT THE END OF THIS MONTH!
Are you pa rt of a young persons club, orga nisation or team?
At Satchells we LOVE suppor ting our local community and firmly believe that our young people are something to be extremely proud of!
Do you need help with buying equ ipmen t, mat erials or similar? - We’d LOV E to help!
The brand new 2023 Satchells ‘Young Persons Grant’ is open to ANY local group, school or organisation in our local area Your nominated group must be run in either Stotfold, Fair field or Arlesey Satchells Young persons Grant
We will be presenting one lucky group with a donation of £5 00 to spend on whatever they need H OW T O E NT ER: Simply write to us with a brief account of why you feel your group should be awarded this year’s Young Persons Grant. Entries should be sent to: Satchells Estate Agents, 47B High Street, Stotfold, SG5 4LD Email: stotfold@satchells co uk C losing date 31s t J ul y 2023
USE YOUR IMAGINATION!! - the more creative your entr y the better!! - There is no limit to the amount of entries we receive from your group, however we request only one entr y per person We are looking for originality and imagination and will be featuring some of the entries on our social media between now and the deadline of 31st July. WHA T ARE YOU W AITING F OR? G et your friends and family involved!
As par t o f Central Bedfordshire Council’s work with BP Pulse, a project to install 96 new charge points is nearing completion. These residential charge points are spread o ver 12 sites across Central Bedfordshire, including Brook Street Car Park, High Street, Sto tfold, SG5 4LQ.
There are also charge points installed at Sto tfold Memorial Hall Car Park, Hallwor th Drive, Sto tfold, SG5 4HR as par t o f the same project.
The project was suppor ted by £360,000 o f grant funding secured through the Go vernment’s On-Street Residential Charge Point Scheme Belo w are a series o f f requently asked questions which pro vide more information on the charge points and the project
Who are the charge points for?
Anyone can use them, bu t their primar y purpose is to pro vide access to local charge points within a 5 to 10 minu te walk for residents who do no t have dedicated o ffstreet parking
Ho w many are being installed?
At all sites, 4 dual socket 7kw charge points are being installed o ver 8 parking bays This caters for existing and fu ture demand, and reduces the need for fur ther construction works and inconvenience
Ho w long will it take to charge my vehicle?
Depending on the vehicle type and batter y, these charge points should fully charge the average vehicle in 6-8 hours. These slo wer speeds are more suitable for residential use, par ticularly o vernight charging.
When can I use the charge points?
The charge points are available 24/7, with 4 bays dedicated as ‘EV Only’ and the remaining available to all vehicles to limit the impact on existing parking pro vision. If you are using any o f the bays to charge a vehicle, then there is a 6hour maximum stay between 8am-6pm, to allo w the bays to be available for o ther drivers to use Ou tside o f these hours when residents will likely be charging o vernight, there is no maximum stay
Ho w much will it cost to use the charge points?
The charge points are operated and managed by BP Pulse,
with pricing set as per their national tariffs. There are different rates available depending on whether you are using PAYG or their membership scheme. There is no fee to using the parking space.
Are there going to be o ther sites in Sto tfold?
The Council is always looking at po tential sites to be able to pro vide charge point pro vision and working across several projects to do this The Council is also exploring the use o f street light columns and pavement gullies to pro vide a suite o f options for charging, as well as advancing proposals to pro vide rapid charge points in some to wns and along main transpor t rou tes There is a requirement to have a variety o f charging types and speeds as there is no t one solu tion that works for ever y need
For more information on electric vehicle charging please visit: www.centralbedfordshire.go v.uk/sustainability
Entries are no w open for the Standalone10k on 1st Oct www standalone10k org uk The next 1st Sat o f the month 5k at Letchwor th Common will be 5th August at 9am Entr y is f ree and open to all abilities We continue our training sessions with qualif ied coaches on Tues. & Thurs evenings at 7pm These are open to all, why no t come along for a taster session with no obligation.
Contact Ian 07506429928 or nhrr.org.uk
ugust with an Extra Preliminar y round FA Cup match before our f irst league season in the Sou thern League Central Division commences on 12 August
At the time o f going to print we have no f ixtures available, bu t these will be posted on our social media and website
Stotfold based cat sitting service
Now in our 11th year!
Your cats looked after in your own home while you are away, giving you complete peace of mind.I am fully insured & can feed your cats once or twice a day Other small animals can also be catered for
Please call Claire 07984 344 997
Our Development, Women’s and U18 leagues do no t commence until September
We look for ward to seeing suppor ters old and new as we prepare for a historical f irst season at step 4 in the Sou thern Foo tball League If you can spare a few hours a week and would like to help us as we enter this new chapter, please contact us via our website or social media Come on you Eagles - Up the Fold
JSJ Stadium New Roker Park Arlesey Road Sto tfold, Bedfordshire, SG5 4HE
01462 539297
www.sto tfoldfc.co.uk Twitter @sto tfoldfc Facebook @sto tfoldfc
https://www.sfc-theclubhouse.co.uk enquiries@sfc-theclubhouse.co.uk
Sto tfold Junior FC pro vides structured foo tball for o ver 60 teams across 12 age groups We are ver y proud to have gro wn our club to its current size meaning that we o ffer foo tball to o ver 800 players in teams o f Bo ys, Girls, Men and Women A few congratulations on tournament successes o ver the last few weeks:
To the U8 Lilacs who won the Caddington Tournament:
Would you like to meet new people? Anyone can come to our social events. Hymns for Fun, second Wednesday o f the month at 2pm. Whist Group, second and four th Tuesday o f each month in the Church Hall.
The Friendship Lunch, last Wednesday o f the month at The Stag on Brook Street (if you would like to come along please book with Carolyn Bleach 07759 914891)
St Mar y’s Fello wship , third Wednesday o f each month in the Church Hall There are a variety o f interesting speakers Men’s Big Breakfast meets on the last Saturday o f the month at the Box o f Cakes Please phone Roger for details on 730103
Your Parish Church is open ever y day f rom 9am to 4 30pm for anyone who wants a time o f quiet personal prayer or to light a candle There is a Prayer Box in which you can place a prayer request The vicar will pray at our daily ser vice You are welcome to come in and look round the church
Worship Ser vices:
Ever y Sunday: 9am. Sunday Morning Prayer. A 20 minu te ser vice withou t Holy Communion or a sermon. 10am. Parish Communion and Sunday School.
First Sunday o f the Month: 8am. Said Communion. 9am. Sunday Morning Prayer. 10am Parish Communion and Sunday School. 4pm Tea Time Praise for young families. Wednesday Ser vice: 9.45 parish Communion: a 40 minu te ser vice. Monday – Saturday: 9am Morning Prayer. A small group gathers in church for 20 minu tes. Second Sunday o f the month additional ser vice: 6pm Evensong
Christenings and Baptisms will be held on the 4th Sunday o f each month Please contact Sara Clark on 01462 625270
Funerals The church is available for any local person’s funeral For information speak to your funeral director or telephone Revd Graham Clark on 01462 625270
The Church o f England Parish Church for Sto tfold & Fair f ield. Church Road SG5 4NE. www.sto tfoldchurch.org.uk
We saw previously ho w Jesus, during his life and ministr y on ear th, encountered all sor ts o f people. These people had different kinds o f faith, different levels or degrees o f faith Last time we looked at ho w Jesus encountered people that were described as having “no faith ” The second group o f people that Jesus encountered are described as having “little faith ” No w, little faith must be better than no faith, right? Little faith can be understood as weak faith, faltering faith, or doubting faith “Doubting faith” is than even a thing?
In Matthew chapter 8 we see the disciples in a boat with Jesus “Withou t warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept o ver the boat Bu t Jesus was sleeping The disciples went and woke him, saying, ‘Lord, save us! We’re going to dro wn!’ He replied, ‘You o f little faith, why are you so af raid?’ Then he go t up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm ” What an extraordinar y transformation! Did you no te ho w the disciples could look at their circumstances and have absolu te, rock- solid, faith in their imminent doom? And yet, in their hopelessness, they called on Jesus to save them and he did.
With their faith the disciples also knew fear and doubt. And we’re no t so different. Many o f us can recognise ourselves as f rightened doubting people in a big storm. Some may recognise the feeling that God is asleep, or believe that God may no t even be there at all. Bu t Jesus is there, and he isn’t threatened by any storms, and he sho ws his f riends who’s really the boss, and he sho ws them who’s really in charge. We also read in Matthew chapter 14 abou t ano ther time when the disciples were in a boat, and they saw Jesus walking on the water: they were terrif ied! Bu t Jesus reassured them he was for real, and no ghost We read ho w Peter go t ou t o f the boat, star ted walking on the water, going to ward Jesus “Bu t when he no ticed the strong wind, he became f rightened, and beginning to sink, he cried ou t, ‘Lord, save me!’ Jesus immediately reached ou t his hand and caught him, saying, ‘You o f little faith, why did you doubt?’”
While we might condemn Peter for his little faith, look what he was able to accomplish with it! Jesus invites and encourages us to have faith in him If, with only a little faith, the disciples could cr y ou t to Jesus in a storm and see a radical transformation, and if, with only a little faith, Peter could walk on the water imagine what could be possible for those who have great faith?
The Bible encourages us to “run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus ” (Hebrews 12:1–2) I canno t promise you can walk on water, bu t whether we run or walk or stand we are encouraged to keep on looking to Jesus.
Information abou t our meetings and o ther events can be found on our website, www.kingsbaptistchurch.co.uk
Farewell
By the time you read this I shall have mo ved to ano ther Methodist Circuit Methodist ministers are sent to live and work in ano ther Circuit around ever y f ive years I am writing these words after my farewell ser vice, at Sto tfold Methodist Church It was a happy and sad occasion, with many encouraging words said and many good wishes and prayers o ffered for me in my new role (in sou th London). It was ver y emo tional as we shared some o f the good things that God had done among us in the f ive years that I have been minister in this area, and said f inal goodbyes to dear f riends.
I am pleased to say that ano ther Methodist minister is being sent to this Circuit during the summer and we are praying for his safe arrival and his ministr y. Prayers always help. Thank you for reading my ar ticles in the magazine o ver the years. It’s been a privilege to be par t o f the community.
Graham
At Sto tfold Methodist Church : Co ffee morning f irst Saturday in this month Monday Club is 2pm to 3:30pm
Sunday worship this month :
6th: Jennifer Rogers
13th: Cath Edmonds
20th: no ser vice this week
27th : Helen Dearn
Due to huge demand we will be reopening a Bro wnie Unit on a Friday evening We can’t do this withou t our amazing volunteers – for an informal chat please e -mail Paula on o ttero wl2023@gmail.com
ANSWERS to AUGUST FUN QUIZ on page 22 1 “Dr No”; 2 Nicola STURGEON; 3 FLOUNDER; 4 Captain Nemo; 5 MULLET; 6 WALRUS; 7 OYSTER; 8 “Finding Nemo”; 9 Fugu; 10 Tintin; 11 Benjamin Britten; 12 LING; 13 OCTOPUSH; 14 Sydney POLLACK; 15 TURTLE; 16 SEAL; 17 Thir ty Five/35; 18 SWORDFISH; 19 SALMONELLA; 20 Franz Schuber t
In our August fun quiz, compiled and presented by Sto tfold’s ver y o wn Brain o f Britain, David Stedman, we are on holiday at the seashore with a theme o f FISH AND SEA CREATURES Clues contained in each question or answer (Answers on page 27)
1 Give the title o f the 1960s f ilm which featured the eponymous villain, pictured right, who based his nefarious schemes on an island named Crab Key?
2 In 2014, who became First Minister o f Sco tland and leader o f the Sco ttish National Par ty?
3 What eight-letter word meaning “ to struggle to mo ve or to mo ve clumsily” is also the common name o f a flatf ish?
4 In two 19th centur y no vels by a French master o f science f iction, what is the name o f the character who designs and builds a submarine named Nau tilus?
5 Pictured right is former England foo tball star Chris Waddle, one o f the most famous former wearers o f what type o f hairstyle, as sho wn here?
6 What one same name connects singer Barr y White; an old British seaplane made by Supermarine Aviation; the US golfer Craig Stadler; and the title o f one o f the most bizarre songs by the Beatles?
7 What one same word is shared by a cu t o f chicken or meat; a watch made by Rolex; and a London travel card?
8 Give the title o f the 2003 animated f ilm in which a clo wnf ish (pictured ) named Marlin searches for his son?
9 Arguably the most dangerous dish in the world is made f rom the pu ffer f ish by specially trained chefs What is the four-word term used in the UK for this dish?
10 Pictured right is Captain Haddock, one o f the regular characters in the adventures o f which animated bo y detective?
11 Give the surname o f the music composer o f the operas “Billy Budd”, “Peter Grimes” and “Alber t Herring”?
Jonny Garside 79 Regent Street, Stotfold 01462 732248 or 07951 473505
12 Green in winter bu t glo wing pink or purple in summer and au tumn, the heather Calluna vulgaris shares a common name
with what species o f food f ish o f nor thern waters?
13 What name, a pun on the name o f a cer tain sea creature, is given to the spor t also kno wn as Under water Hockey?
14 Name the 20th-21st centur y American f ilm director whose works include “The Way We Were”, “Too tsie” and the Best Picture Oscar winning “Ou t o f Af rica”?
15 Amy, pictured abo ve, was a character played by Ann George in the UK television soap opera “Crossroads” What was the character ’s surname?
16 What is the single stage name o f the British pop star whose No vello Award winning hits include “Crazy” and “Kiss f rom a Rose”?
17 In the UK, coral gifts, no w more popularly jade gifts, are traditional to commemorate ho w many years o f marriage?
18 Designed by Fairey Aviation and nicknamed the Stringbag, the torpedo bomber pictured was obsolete during World War Two bu t what is it’s name?
19 What type o f bacteria is named after the US veterinar y surgeon who led the team to disco ver it and causes severe intestinal tract upsets in humans?
20 Give the surname o f the 18th-19th centur y Austrian composer whose works include the piano quintet in A major, popularly kno wn as “The Trou t” quintet?
For more fascinating facts and to do wnload and read my no vels, completely free o f charge, please visit davidstedman co uk or Google david stedman au thor
Please see our website for details o f upcoming council and committee meetings www sto tfoldto wncouncil go v uk
Local organisations are invited to make application for grants that will directly benef it Sto tfold; applications f rom individuals will no t be considered Please contact the Council o ff ices for an application form and guidance no tes These can also be do wnloaded f rom our website www sto tfoldto wncouncil go v uk (Council/Administration/Useful Docs) Completed applications must be received (by post or email to our enquiries address abo ve) no later than Friday 15 September 2023
A chance to learn each month abou t the people who represent you in your to wn, your To wn Councillors This month, Councillor John Talbo t.
Hello, my name is John Talbo t and I mo ved to Sto tfold with my wife Anne in May 2001. In order to meet and get to kno w people in 2001, we bo th joined the Sto tfold Community Safety Group where we found ou t abou t some o f the issues then that are still relevant no w, mainly more and more housing development withou t the inf rastructure to suppor t said development. Anne had said on many occasions when I “moaned” abou t ho w Sto tfold was developing that I should join Sto tfold To wn Council. Therefore in 2012 I applied and was, co -opted onto the Council in 2013.
I am no w privileged to “work” on several Council committees as well as being one o f two council representatives on Bedfordshire Police Priority Settings committee, I am the council’s representative on Sto tfold Scou ts Execu tive Committee, and also the council’s representative on Bedfordshire Association o f To wn and Parish Councils In my “spare time” I joined the Sto tfold Good Neighbour Group in 2016 as a volunteer In 2017, the Group gained Charitable Status and I was elected as Treasurer and becoming a Trustee
In May 2023, Wendy Craig who had run the Sto tfold Good Neighbour Group since inception decided to take a step back f rom being the Chair o f the Group, I was asked would I take on the role o f Chair o f Sto tfold Good Neighbour Group I took this request as a mark o f respect for the Sto tfold Good Neighbour Group held by the to wn residents, and I hope that I can continue to help Sto tfold residents in any o f the roles that I play within Sto tfold If there is one thing, I would also like to ask o f Sto tfold, Fair f ield and Astwick residents it is this There is still a great demand for additional volunteers to help the residents in these areas and could anyone please help whether it be for an occasional transpor t trip to the local Surger y or more regular trips to various hospitals or o ther help as requested
As par t o f Central Bedfordshire Council’s work with BP Pulse, a project to install 96 new charge points is nearing completion These residential charge points are spread o ver 12 sites across Central Bedfordshire, including Brook Street Car Park, High Street, Sto tfold, SG5 4LQ
There are also charge points installed at Sto tfold Memorial Hall Car Park, Hallwor th Drive, Sto tfold, SG5 4HR as par t o f the same project Unfor tunately, there has been an issue with the mains electrical connection which has delayed this site being completed, ho wever this is due to be resolved in the coming weeks
The project was suppor ted by £360,000 o f grant funding secured through the Go vernment’s On-Street Residential Charge Point Scheme. This complements the work being under taken to meet the Go vernment’s targets on transpor t decarbonisation and net-zero, and seeks to address one o f the objectives in the Council’s Sustainability Plan. The Council’s residential charge point rollou t seeks to:
• Pro vide access to local charge points for residents who do no t have dedicated o ff- street parking, therefore unlikely to have home charging facilities or might no t feel comfor table transitioning to an electric vehicle
• Find sites within a 5 to 10 minu te walk f rom resident’s homes
• Cater for existing and fu ture demand withou t the need for fur ther construction works and inconvenience on site
• Pro vide access to public charging in as many to wns and villages as possible
• Balance the impact on existing parking at sites with the need to pro vide options for charging for local residents
For more information on electric vehicle charging please visit: www.centralbedfordshire.go v.uk/sustainability
When it comes to enhancing the beau ty and functionality o f our homes, the impor tance o f quality windo w co verings canno t be o verstated. For o ver 15 years, local family-run Impact Shu tters and Blinds has been a welcome name in the Sto tfold, Fair f ield and Arlesey areas, pro viding stylish and fashionable shu tters, blinds, cur tains, and awnings to countless local homes
Established in 2008, the business quickly gained a repu tation for delivering exceptional products and ou tstanding customer ser vice As a family-run independent business, Impact Shu tters and Blinds take great pride in o ffering a personal ser vice that sets them apar t f rom larger, more impersonal businesses Their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has remained unwavering o ver the years In 2019, faced with the challenges o f the pandemic, they made the bold decision to transform their high street shop into a convenient home visit ser vice
Recognising the need to adapt to changing times, Impact no w bring their extensive range o f samples and exper tise directly to your door Their f ree consultations and advice ensure that you receive tailored solu tions for your home projects, all f rom the comfor t o f your o wn living room.
While their physical location may have changed, their dedication to ser ving the local community has remained steadfast. With their new warehouse based locally in Upper Stondon, they continue to pro vide exceptional ser vices to all the surrounding to wns and villages The team o f experienced staff spans generations, with family members ranging f rom 18 to 76 years old
Impact understand the impor tance o f affordability, par ticularly in today's economic climate By maintaining the best prices possible, they strive to make high-quality windo w co verings accessible to all budgets in the local areas Impact are proud to be a local family run business and would like to take the oppor tunity to thank ever yone for their continued suppor t Whether you're seeking shu tters, blinds, cur tains, or awnings, they have the exper tise and range o f options to fulf ill your vision.
Give them a call today to schedule your f ree consultation. Impact Shu tters and Blinds Tel: (01462) 816429 www.impact-interiors.co.uk
This month ano ther wonder ful picture also sent to us by Josie Diffel and featuring a group o f local ladies who were in the Land Army during WW2 Can anyone name the ladies in the pho to?
We are desperately in need o f some new ‘old pho tographs’ and are ver y happy to collect them to borro w and then return Give us a call on 01462 731986 or drop us an email to sto tfold news@yahoo com if you can help!!
Would you like to join a f riendly local group for weekly local walk? Walks star t at 10 45am
Meeting points for August: 3rd Arlesey train station 10th Etonbur y Woods (entrance to the woods near to the school ) 17th, 24th, 31st Corner o f Hospital Rd, Arlesey
For details contact Beth Over f ield 01462 815672
