Arlesey
NEWS
December 2023 Issue 54
Special FESTIVE issue! News Events Information Delivered FREE to 2,700 homes in Arlesey.
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From the Editor Welcome to December!
So, here we are! Our Festive edition for 2023... We wanted the theme of our Editors Letter this month to focus on saying THANK YOU. Each month there are a small army of people that help contribute to your monthly magazine and help us get it though your doors in time for the month ahead. This month we wanted to use this column to let them all know how much they are valued and appreciated. We’d like to say a huge THANK YOU firstly to our advertisers - it costs us lots of money each month to print our magazine and without our advertisers this simply would not be possible. Thank you all for trusting us with your advertising and for supporting our magazine. Next we’d like to thank our editorial contributors who, every month are hassled incessantly until they have sent in their news and updates! Thank you to all of our schools, groups and individuals who take the time to compile their submissions each month. We also include our local photographers in this (including Matt Barber this month) for sending us their wonderful local photography to use on our front covers. Huge THANKS must go to the 140+ delivery volunteers we have between both Arlesey & Stotfold who give up their time each month to help us to deliver. Without you, we simply could not do the job we love. You are all amazing! Our final thanks are left for you, our readers who continue to let us know that you enjoy the magazine, making the hours it takes to compile it each month so very worthwhile. THANK YOU so much to you all. We hope you enjoy the festivities this month, there’s lots to do and get involved in! We hope to see you out and about enjoying all that Arlesey has to offer. Until next month... Joanne
With to this month’s contributors: Happythanks Christmas! Joanne
Cllr Jodie Chillery, Jo Loach, The Need Project, ACORN, Our local schools, local Churches & local groups and organisations. Until next month.... Contact: arlesey.news@yahoo.com or write to us at Arlesey News Magazine, 78 Hitchin Road, Stotfold, Hertfordshire, SG5 4HT Tel: 01462 731986 You can also contact us via our facebook page.
Deliveries: We have over 120 volunteers that deliver the News Magazines. If for any
reason you do not receive your copy of the magazine please contact us to let us know. Published by Stotfold News Ltd. Printed in memory of Roy West.
CONTENTS Local News Diary of Events Your letters Family Announcements Update from Cllr Chillery Deceber fun quiz News from Pix Brook Academy News from Etonbury Academy News from Arlesey Community Events Update from the Need Project Mental Health Matters News from ACORN Local Church News News from Arlesey Town FC
Page 4,5, Page 5 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19
All this alongside all our usual news from our local churches groups, clubs & organisations.. 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.
NEXT ISSUE - JANUARY Advertising/Editorial deadline 6th December 2023 see www.stotfoldandarleseynews.co.uk
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Local News Round-up
Stotfold Judo Club Competition Results 2023
Leicester Open Championships Isabella Andrews SILVER Josh Harrington BRONZE (Thomas Stacey DNM) British Minors Championships Elise King SILVER (Lewis Dixon DNM) High Wycombe Red Belt Rumble Samuel MacArthur GOLD Edward Miller BRONZE Eastern Area Closed Championships Felix Weston BRONZE Josh Harrington SILVER (team) BRONZE (individual) Al Judo Club Competition Savannah Crossman GOLD Isabella Andrews SILVER Welsh Open Championship Hari Crowley (DNM) For details on the club contact stotfoldjudo@gmail.com or www.stotfoldjudo.co.uk
CRIME FIGURES ARLESEY September 23
The most recent crime figures available from the Poilce national website: REMEMBER the more we report crime related offences, the higher we feature on the ‘to-do’ list of our local constabulary. If you see a non-urgent matter which you feel needs reporting, use the 101 number to make our local force aware. Violence & sexual offences - 8 Vehichle crime - 4 Criminal damage & arson - 3 Other crime - 4
Source: www.police.co.uk
Arlesey Community Larder
Arlesey Community Larder is a Community Interest Company supporting local residents and surrounding areas with food support. We are working in partnership with Arlesey Town Council and Central Bedfordshire Council to provide the service. The larder opened to local residents a year ago and has helped a number of families and individuals who require food support. If you require our support we will help you without judgement or prejudice.Please find up to date information on our facebook page @arleseycommunitylarder. Donations of in-date, non-perishable food items to the basic's larder is very much welcome as well as monetary donations to keep our larder stocked. Any monetary donations can be BACS transfer to: Arlesey Community Larder CIC Sort Code: 04-06-05 Account 19621234 Arlesey Community Larder can be found at the Arlesey MUGA Pavillion behind the W.I Hall on the High Street. For enquiries and to find out how you can get involved, contact 07427 650080 Email: thom@arleseycommunitylarder.org
Sisters Enjoy Making Their Pumpkins!
Arlesey News readers Grace (14) and Harriet (10) both throughly enjoyed Halloween this year, getting really stuck in to their pumpkin carving! We think these are great! Thank you to Mum Kelly for sending us in these pictures! (Grace left, Harriet right.)
Arlesey Brownies.
The Brownies have been finding out all about Brownies around the world and making biscuits from the countries in the Rugby World Cup. After doing lantern carving for Halloween, we are looking forward to a snow adventure as we move towards Christmas. Brownies offers girls (aged 7 to 10) exciting opportunities to try new things, take on challenges, discover their potential, make brilliant friends and above all have fun! We have a few places at the moment so if you’d like to join us (or put your name on the waiting list if you’re not quite 7) then register at www.girlguiding.org.uk/joinus, or email us at arlesey.brownies@hotmail.co.uk.
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DECEMBER
Friday 1st - Arlesey Christmas advent windows begin , the first one can be found at The True Briton pub! (see map on page 14 for details)
Saturday 2nd Christmas Photography Shoot, Chicksands Woods. Perfect for families, couples, and individuals looking to send personalised festive photos or to cherish their own keepsake. Book now to secure your spot – spaces are limited. www.infocusmoments.co.uk seb@infocusmoments.co.uk 07919213165 Saturday 2nd Fairfield Park Lower School PTA Christmas Fair 1-4pm at Ruskin Drive.
Sunday 3rd Stotfold Creative Fair 11am-4pm FREE entry, Fairfield Community Hall. Over 40 small local businesses!
Friday 8th, Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th BATS perform Aladdin at Biggleswade Academy on Friday at 7:30pm, Saturday 2pm & 7:30pm and Sunday at 12:30pm. Tickets: www.ticketsource.co.uk/bats
Diary Of Events.. Local News Round-up Friday 8th BAUBLES & BUBBLES Christmas bauble painting party in Stotfold - Looking for something different to celebrate the festivities with friends? Call 01462 234228/ 07810 620871 for more information.
Saturday 9th - Christmas concert at St Peter’s Church 7pm. supper, wine/soft drink £10 adults £5 children Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th St Peter’s Church Christmas Tree Festival. Saturday 10.30 - 5.30pm & 11am - 5.30pm Sunday. Entry; Adults £2.50 and Under 16’s free.
Sunday 10th - Carols for all @ St Peter’s Church 10am. All welcome.
Sunday 10th - Christmas Tea at Church Arlesey Methodist Church 4.30pm-6pm Food, crafts, games - All welcome
Sunday 17th Sewcial Sunday, Fairfield Park Community Hall, Bring your sewing machine and project and sew with friends, 10am - 4pm, £10 per person. To book a place email sew.social.22@gmail.com Wednesday 20th - Baby Beats Christmas Party Arlesey Youth Centre 1.15pm - 2.30pm Mum & Baby £15 Games, light refreshments plus a visit from a very special guest! Everyone welcome! Sunday 24th - Crib Service 4pm St Pater’s Church, children can take part in the nativity (costumes provided) All welcome. Sunday 24th - Candlelight Midnight Mass, All welcome.
Monday 25th - Christmas Day 10am Christmas Holy Communion
Saturday 16th Christmas night out with a difference! The Stag Stotfold The amazing Magenta Slipperz will be Dragging Us Into Christmas from 8pm Book tables direct with the pub on 01462 731098
Wanderbus Unveil New Bus!
Wanderbus, your Community Bus service has received delivery of its new 73-plate bus. Their 2015 bus has been replaced after 8 years of service and they now have a brand new Fiat 16 -seater bus built by Mellor Coach & Bus Company of Rochdale.
Wanderbus is run entirely by volunteers and is OPEN to all passengers, the same as any other bus service, with destinations across Beds, Bucks, Cambs and Herts and fixed weekday routes picking up from towns and villages. As from November 1st Wanderbus have joined the DfT Government sponsored scheme where anyone paying cash will be charged £2.00 or less per single journey. The scheme runs until December 2024. (This does not affect child fares nor bus-pass users). This offers great value to get directly to Cambridge, Milton Keynes, Welwyn Garden City, St Albans, St Neots and all the more local destinations including Hitchin, Biggleswade (Centre & A1 Retail Park), Bedford and Letchworth.
Wanderbus also operates excursions throughout the year so watch out for the 2024 programme that will be launched early next year. Wanderbus relies on ‘numbers of passengers’ for receiving reimbursement from County Councils so please support it! Call 0300 123 3023 or email thewanderbus@gmail.com for a timetable and come join the ‘friendly service’. 5
It’s
Christmas Hero 2023 ! k c a B
HAS SOMEONE YOU KNOW BEEN A REAL LIFE HERO DURING 2023?
Do you know somebody who has really made a difference over the last 12 months? Perhaps you know someone who has faced a difficult time and deserves a special treat?
AS ALWAYS, WE WANT TO HEAR YOUR STORIES....
Christmas Hero WINNERS 2022 Helen (Arlesey) & Sue & Linda (Stotfold)
WIN THEM A FANTASTIC FESTIVE PRIZE!!
onsor the Proud to sp n centre Stotfold Tow e 2023 re Christmas T
In association with the Arlesey & Stotfold News Magazine, Satchells Estate Agents are once again on the hunt for this year’s real life Christmas Hero. if someone has made a difference to you this year then please nominate them NOW to let them know how much they mean to you.
Its easy to enter...Simply email us at
arlesey.news@yahoo.com or message us through either the Arlesey News Magazine or Satchells facebook page or call us on (01462) 731986. You can also post your nomination through the door of Satchells Estate Agents 47b, High Street, Stotfold. The closing date for this years nominations is 1st December 2023. IT’S THAT SIMPLE!!
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To contact the Arlesey News Magazine please call 01462 731986
Your LETTERS Dear Readers Are there any parents in our community whose ex-partners are making it difficult for them to see their children? Aside from the situations where a parent has genuine concerns, there are many reasons why ex-partners can become vengeful and block the other parent seeing their children.. There are more of us than you’d imagine. Based on my research, typical reasons include the acrimony that follows the breakdown of a relationship, to gain majority or sole custody of the children to improve their financial position in a divorce settlement or just spite. Of course, vengeful behaviour of this kind is inexcusable as the children find it very damaging. If you’re in this position, the good news is there’s light at the end of the tunnel, and it need not involve expensive solicitors. I faced a serious of allegations from my ex-wife, including the very worst kind. I successfully batted these away, in part thanks to the experience of the authorities. I believe the system does work. Children have an absolute right to a relationship with both their parents, and I’m glad to say that’s the position the courts seem to take these days.
ARLESEY SOCIAL CLUB
Are you a current member of Arlesey Social Club? If the answer is YES then please get in touch.
There will be a General Meeting soon and I would like to make sure all current members are notified and encourage as many of you to attend as possible. This is about the future of YOUR club. Please email to ASCthefuture@hotmail.com
I was initially represented by legal counsel but switched to representing myself once I understood enough about the process. I would like to offer my advice to anyone going through this. If you’re wondering where to start, if you’re in the midst of a battle – or if you just need to speak to someone to let off steam, I’d like to offer my help. If you contact the editor, they will pass your details on to me, and I’ll be in touch. Name Witheld. Editors Note: If you would like to be put in contact please email us on
stotfold.news@yahoo.co.uk or call us on 01462 7321986 and we will pass your details on.
Dear Editor I would like to thank Nath and Emma from Stotfold fencing who we found through an advert in your magazine. They did an amazing job on my new fence and gate. They turned up when they said they would, were polite and very professional. Highly recommend. Also a big thank you for my lovely neighbours who helped in clearing out the old garden shed and taking it down and removing it. Jan
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Family
Our family announcements are FREE of charge
announcements POLE FITNESS classes in Biggleswade.
Foundation courses & mixed level classes. To book go to: https://houseoffitness. simplybook.it/
Family Announcements are FREE! We are happy to accept family announcements by post, telephone, email or through our facebook page. If you would like to make a donation to the Garden House Hospice in return for your announcement then please mention that the donation has been made on behalf of the Stotfold & Arlesey News Magazine.
LUKE FOX
JOYCE & JEFFREY SHEPHERD
Happy Platinum Wedding Anniversary! December 5th 2023.
Happy Birthday to my husband Luke! I hope you will have a great day! Love Anna xx
LUKE FOX
Happy Birthday Daddy!
Love from your son James Alan Fox xxx
With love from all your family xx
OLIVIA & OLIVER
Congratulations on your engagement on the 1st November in California!
Lots of love from all the family xx
MICK WELCH
LUCY AND ALEX
Happy 90th Birthday!!
Huge congratulations on the birth of Nancy Olivia Grant
With love from all your family xxx
Born 18th October. Lots of love from all the family xxxx
JOE SAUNDERSON 1928-2023
Vera & Family would like to thank everyone who came to Joe’s funeral on the 5th of October at St. Mary’s Church, Stotfold.
I would also like to say many thanks for all the sympathy cards and floral tributes that were sent too.
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The generous donations that were given in Joe’s memory to The Garden House Hospice, Letchworth, were greatly appreciated.
Update from Cllr Jodie Chillery Its incredibly important that if you want to have a say in what happens in your area and help shape its future, that you get commenting on planning applications, that you make suggestions on things you would like to see, that you report issues to Highways, that you look at the consultations page on the CBC website, you chat with the Town Council and that you write to me Jodie.chillery@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or call / email / message the council and get yourselves heard.
PLANNING OBLIGATIONS CONSULTATION.The planning obligation SPD is a guidance document that explains the Council’s approach to securing planning obligations (also known as S106 contributions or money) from new development. Their purpose is to ensure the necessary on-site infrastructure is provided to mitigate the impacts of the new developments and make them acceptable in planning terms. The next consultation will run for six weeks from the 30th October until 10am on Monday 11th December. Full details of the consultation will be available to view on the consultations page. https://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/.../188/consultations The consultation will also be hosted on the new digital engagement platform here. https://cbc_planning_obligations.commonplace.is Comments may also be submitted via email to localplan@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or by post to strategic growth team at Priory House. A summary of comments received will be presented to the Executive Committee in spring 2024. Members of the public can attend this meeting in the public gallery.
WARD COUNICLLOR GRANT If you are involved in a local group or project that needs some help or you have an idea about doing something for the community but need some funding to get it going then check your eligibility and speak to your ward councillor. Each Central Bedfordshire councillor has access to £2,000 from which they can allocate grants to local projects that demonstrate a community benefit. So, whether it is cultural, YOUR LOCAL environmental, sporting or social projects, and you have match funding, get in touch. You must secure support from your ward councillor and read the guidance notes on the grants page of the CBC website before applying. For any further questions, please email: community.grants@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk. Windows, frames,
WINDOW CLEANER
THE TIP (OR HOUSEHOLD RECYCLING AND WASTE CENTRES) CBC has had to enforce its policy for ID at its tips and North Herts have enforced theirs too. The rationale for implementing the CBC policy is to manage demand and costs of waste disposal across the authority. I have had it confirmed that Herts CC's recent decision was not as a result of CBC requiring proof of address to access sites and vice versa - but has been an independent decision to help manage demand by both parties. For any official reciprocal arrangements, like the one Herts has with Cambs and Essex, it would require for Central Bedfordshire to pay for our residents to continue to access those tips and that quite simply is a service that CBC don’t have a budget for at the moment. (Remember CBC tips are already open 7 days unlike the Herts ones.) I appreciate Letchworth is closer and more convenient for some than Biggleswade and that may be inconvenient. If you have large items, and do not feel comfortable driving to Biggleswade or do not have a vehicle big enough you can get your rubbish picked up by a CBC Council van – there is a small charge – but contact CBC customer services to find out more.
Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans CONSULTATION LAUNCH I know many of you feel strongly about the current lack of safe cycling routes, the good news is Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) has just launched the second round of consultation for Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIP) on the CBC website. If you require a paper copy, alternative format or support to participate, email begreen@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or call customer services on 0300 300 8301. Paper copies of the consultation document, including maps, are available to view in CBC libraries. Jodie.
To contact the Arlesey News Magazine please call 01462 731986
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December Fun Quiz In our December festive fun quiz, compiled and presented by our very own Brain of Britain, David Stedman, we are paying tribute to arguably Britain’s greatest novelist, CHARLES DICKENS, who wrote “A Christmas Carol”. The clues contained in each question or answer are words taken from the title of one of Dickens’s novels, or the forename and/or surname of one of the famous characters he created. (Answers on page 19.) 1 What was the regnal name of the last Czar of Russia and was also the name of a much loved saint who was the inspiration for Santa Claus? 2 Pictured below is a character in the
1960s musical film version of “Oliver Twist”. A historic city with the same name is in which European country? 3 Give the title of the British television crime series with the central characters of DCI Tom Barnaby and, later, DCI John Barnaby? 4 From 1911 until 1946, a British company called Rudge was well-known for its innovative production of what form of powered transport? 5 What is the nickname of the veteran English cricketer, umpire, journalist and commentator David Lloyd, which is also the name of a character once played on film by the star in the next question!? 6 “If I Ruled the World” is the best known song from a stage musical which opened during the 1960s with the much loved British star pictured above in the eponymous starring role. Give the title of this musical? 7 According to the Bible, which character was 500 years old when his sons Ham, Shem and Japeth were born and went on to live another 350 years after the cataclysmic event around which he is most famous? 8 The third longest river in the UK, it
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flows through Stoke, Burton and Nottingham before joining the Humber. Which river? 9 What same six-letter word can precede ‘battleship’, ‘money’, ‘book’ and ‘knife’? 10 What film and television role has been played by Alastair Sim, George C. Scott, Albert Finney, Patrick Stewart and Christopher Plummer? 11 Give the famous stage names of the eccentric US singer, pictured right, who had a 1960s hit single with his version of “Tiptoe Through the Tulips”? 12 Curiosity is a car-sized rover launched by NASA in 2011 and is still exploring which planet of our solar system? 13 Paul is a British singer-songwriter, a member of The Jam and the Style Council before launching his long solo career. What is his surname? 14 In “Martin Chuzzlewit”, a character named Sarah Gamp is always carrying a protective implement, and “gamp” has become synonymous with this implement. What is it? 15 What are the stage names of the US illusionist, the most commercially successful magician in history, whose stunts have made the Statue of Liberty disappear? 16 Ray, nicknamed Butch, was a star midfield footballer who won 84 caps for England and was the first English player to be sent off during a World Cup match. What was his surname? 17 Take the name of the largest city in a certain Commonwealth country; add
the general name of a type of cardboard or plastic container, and you make the names of a central character in which Dickens novel? 18 Pictured right is the great reggae star Bob Marley. What was the name of his most famous backing group? 19 What is the surname of Richard, the controversial British evolutionary biologist and atheist whose books include “The Selfish Gene”, and “The God Delusion”? 20 What is the name of the British rock band, formed during the 1960s and still performing today, whose first album was entitled “Very ‘Eavy … Very ‘Umble”?
For more fascinating facts and to download and read my novels, completely free of charge, please visit my website at davidstedman.co.uk or Google david stedman author.
To contact the Arlesey News Magazine please call 01462 731986
News from Fairfield Park Lower School Welcome to our news for December:
Christmas is always a special time in school and this year was no exception! It’s the time of year where there is a hive of activity where children are learning Christmas carols, engaging songs and lines for performances, but also they are continuing to work hard with their learning across the curriculum!
This term our Year 1s have explored chronology and learnt about how toys of nowadays compare with toys of the past and our Year 3s have engaged in learning all about Asia, including Bhangra dancing. Year 4 explored the question, ‘are we in control?’ in relation to volcanic activity around the world and Year 2 learnt the history of the Gunpowder Plot. Our Early Years classes have explored celebrations from different religions, culminating in a nativity performance.
Paws & Claws
We are very proud of all the performances that our children worked hard to deliver; we think they were the best way to kick start the festive season this year! We wish all our families a very happy Christmas. Value of the Half Term: Perseverance
Mobile Pet Grooming Level 3 Qualified
Let us come to you!
Tel: 07913005268
Email: Pawsclaws66@aol.com
Fairfield Park Lower School Dickens Boulevard & Ruskin Drive office@fairfieldparklower.uk 01462 830000
WALKS FOR HEALTH
Walks start at 10.45am December: 7th - Scout Hut, Stotfold. 14th, 21st - The Crown, The Green, Stotfold 28th - Arlesey tain station. More details contact Beth Overfield 01462 815672 ALL WELCOME!
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Pounds and anNews d afrom Pounds PigPix ! Brook Academy Pig!
ok ok Post Post Sparks Sparks HUGE HUGE Response! Response!
Welcome to our December news.
We are approaching the end of the term already. The day has finished for many pupils but for many others activities continue. As I took the opportunity to visit some department meetings, I was delighted to speak to pupils in year 5 homework club, drama, forensics club and then to see so many pupils both undertaking football training in addition to other sporting activities and fixtures. Given that it is the end of what has been a really busy term it is great to see pupils still fully immersed in school life.
The last few weeks have included so much great stuff it is sometimes hard to keep track of it all. For our new year 5 it has been great to get to know these new pupils in school. Having 180 new pupils in year 5 in six classes certainly adds a buzz to the school and I know they enjoyed the traditional visit to Cadbury’s world last month and the year 6 also enjoyed their visit to the Victorian Museum in Hitchin. We are also looking forward to another quickly established tradition of our visit to the pantomime at the end of term as part of our Christmas celebrations for year 5.
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
November and December are always busy months in schools. We consider ourselves really fortunate to have such support from the community and try to “pay back” whenever we can. Having visitors from St Mary’s church in the form of Graham Clark to help us for Remembrance Day is a great example of how our pupils can be exposed to different voices talking about serious topics. A particularly relevant activity given the international unrest that is happening around the world. As a school we are once again supporting the Need Project in supporting less fortunate families and collecting selection boxes and Christmas puddings. Christmas Jumper day will mark the official beginning of the festive period at school and the senior team will be serving the Christmas dinner to pupils at lunchtime, enjoying the festive tunes and hats!
I’d like to take this opportunity to wish all a very merry Christmas. It has been a really busy year but as always we look to the future with optimism. Steve Adams.
STOTFOLD FENCING FOR A AL LL YOUR FENCING & DECKING NEEDS Call Nath
07490 715009 stotfoldfencing@gmail.com
ws Magazin12 e please call 01462 731986
North Herts Road Runners
The next 1st of the month will be the Santa Canta 5k on 2nd Dec at Letchworth Common at 9am. Dress up in your santa outfits for the festive season. Free entry and open to everyone. We continue our training sessions with qualified coaches on Tues & Thurs evenings at 7pm. These are open to all, why not come along for a taster session with no obligation. Contact Ian on 07506429928 or nhrr.org.uk for all our details
To contact the Arlesey News Magazine please call 01462 731986 9
Etonbury Academy It doesn’t seem possible that we are now in December, the school festivities are in full swing here at Erenburg Academy. Decorations are up in our reception area and key areas throughout the school, activities and festive celebrations are taking place, there is a real sense of festive spirit and warmth around the school. Mrs Brahmaputra-Limb, Head of Drama has been running auditions for our whole school production – School of Rock. Another great Erenburg community event for all years to participate in. This term we have held a Sixth Form Taster Week for our Year 11 students, suddenly they all look so grown up. From talking to many of them, they’ve really enjoyed their week hearing about the Sixth Form study subjects which our Year 11 enjoy. We also opened the doors to our wonderful Sixth Form facilities to welcome parents and pupils to our Sixth Form Open Evening. Students and their families had the opportunity to tour the Sixth Form facilities and meet specialist subject teachers.
Meet the Tutor events saw a huge number of parents and teachers working together to support the children. As always, thank you for your support and engaging with us, it really makes a difference to our children’s futures.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped and supported the work of the school this year. Its only when parents and schools work closely together that young people fully achieve their potential. Finally, if you would like to find out more or book a personal tour, please do get in touch with us on 01462 730391 or via email eta-office@bestialities.org.UK to book. School tours for prospective parents provide a real sense of what we offer here at Erenburg. We believe we are a small, compassionate and exceptional educational community. Our children are happy and achieve their full potential, come and see for yourself what makes Erenburg special. Wishing all of our families a wonderful Christmas and a restful Christmas break
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News from - Arlesey Community Events By the time you are reading this we will be truly into the Christmas season… our Christmas fair & lights switch on all over for another year. Thank you to everyone who supported this event, either as a trader or a visitor. We can’t run these events without you! Special thank you to Arlesey Town Council for sorting the Christmas lights out again. I think we have the best Christmas tree in the area! Dec 1st will see the first of this years advent windows being revealed - we are starting at the True Briton pub this year! Please see the map for the locations of all of this years windows - do pop along and see them in person. A lot of thought and time goes into designing these windows every year! Thank you so much to everyone who volunteered to take part. If you can’t get out to see the windows we will post a photo of each new window on our Facebook page each evening. Thank you Sarah Colley for producing our beautiful map for this event.
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Thank you to everyone who has played a part in supporting our events this year - you are all amazing.
We wish you a very Happy Christmas and a wonderful 2024!
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To contact the Arlesey News Magazine please call 01462 731986
Update from the
Need Project
Our latest facts & figures..
www.theneedproject.org
•830 parcels provided. •383 top-up-bags collected from our Pop-up sites •£57,780 -the estimated value of the food for the month of October. •£6,602.50 - the average monthly cost to run the charity (Rent, Insurance, Fuel, Van, Staff related expenses) •45 - the increase in food parcels delivered this month. •1,925 - the amount oi adults we have managed to nake a difference to this month with your help. •67 - the amount od pensioners we have helped. •1,523 - the number of children we have managed to help this month (figures above include our best before food.)
It’s been another incredibly busy month. Some 830 families have had parcels and an additional 383 top up bags from our pop-up sites have been given out. It’s just incredible where the food comes from and so sad that the need grows month upon month, but we are so grateful for all the amazing help we get from our supporters. Our full report is open and available to anyone on our website – theneedproject.org/reports/. This will give you an idea of what we are involved in through our 7 outlets throughout central Bedfordshire. We continue to hand out “best before” food items which would otherwise go to landfill, which has to be good all round. We do this in Stotfold, Sandy and Shefford and it has proved very popular. We also pass food onto “feed up warm up” and KCC in Letchworth who minister to the homeless and those in food poverty in their area. We are already planning for Christmas by stockpiling food for our hampers which are delivered to clients who have been referred to us. We have no idea how many people will be referred to us, but we will try our best to meet all demands put before us with Gods help and favour. Update on the new premises: We still require a property and are pushing every door and praying for the right outcome, as we only want to do what God requires of us. He has not blessed us with all the favour we have had just to let it stop now. So, we meet every Wednesday to pray for guidance in how and what to pray for and for continued blessing. We also pray in our centre in Stotfold every morning for the project, our volunteers, and most definitely the people we serve. What is next, who knows? Not me. We just trust in God and try to serve him in all we do and say, which for all of us is not easy. I do wish to thank everyone who is connected to the project, be it using it, praying for it, supporting it in any way and working for it, thank you so much. Bless you all and praise God always. Gordon
ARLESEY PHARMACY
FREE Prescription delivery service to ALL Arlesey and Stotfold residents
FREE Repeat prescription "drop-off" and collection service from Arlesey Medical Centre and Larksfield (Stotfold) Surgery. Mon to Fri 8.45am - 1pm & 2.00pm - 6.15pm
Saturday & Sunday - Closed
Tel. 01462 731200
www.arleseypharmacy.co.uk 31 High Street, Arlesey, Beds SG15 6RA
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Mental Health Matters- with Jo Loach MA MBACP Christmas cheers and challenges Winter is here as the clocks have gone back, the leaves have fallen and daylight hours have diminished. For those struggling with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), these short days and lack of sunlight can be particularly challenging. Likewise, the recent resurge of Covid can leave many ill and isolated. But, December also brings the Christmas celebrations of parties, presents and pigs in blankets! All of which I am rather partial to. And this most magical season reminds us to collectively recommit to practising good will and care for each other. It is easy to get caught up in the frenzy of activity and gift giving at Christmas. This can be great fun especially where the emphasis is on creativity over blowing budgets. However, it is important for mental health that we equally balance time, care and attention for our own and other’s needs, especially if ill, alone or grieving the loss of loved ones. Here is a cheesy acronym to remind us of the bigger ongoing picture surrounding the celebrations of Christmas. W watch out for others especially if alone or unwell. I instigate contact if someone pops into your mind - drop them a message. N notice neighbours, speak to them to check in or drop off a card T telephone someone you haven’t spoken to in a while - make a difference E enjoy the wonders of winter colours and scenes by walking amidst nature R rest; it is all too easy to forget this essential part of Winter and Christmas The need to care for ourselves and each other is not just for Christmas, but is especially important throughout Winter Jo is a BACP Accredited Psychodynamic Counsellor and an Integrative Supervisor with an MA in Contemporary Therapeutic Counselling .
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News from - Arlesey Conservation for Nature (ACORN) At the group’s recently held AGM. Richard Liversidge was elected as Chairman and Andrew Knight as Vice-chairman. Both are newcomers to the group and have been very active last summer both at the Old Moat Nature Reserve and on some of the local footpaths. Unfortunately, after welcoming new blood to the committee they are losing two stalwarts who helped make ACORN what it is today. Katie & Brian Juffs have reluctantly after many years of volunteering decided to step down. Without specifically mentioning ages we can say they celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary last year. Brian was one time chairman of the group and was able to show the late David Bellamy round the Glebe Meadows during his chairmanship. Mick Jackson remains as Treasurer, and Linda Clapham, Phil Davies, Geoff Page and Tony Kirchin make up the rest of the committee. Geoff and Tony remain as the group’s representatives on the Glebe Meadows Management Group, Tony being warden of both the meadows and the Old Moat Nature Reserve. The management group oversees the care of the Glebe Meadows which is also partnered by the Wildlife Brian and Katie Juffs step down after Trust BCN and Arlesey Town Council. Despite the small number of members attending many years of supporting ACORN. the AGM, those that did enjoyed the fish and chips supplied by Dragon of the Arlesey Chip shop after the meeting. Geoff Page in addressing the meeting, spoke about the depleting membership that was not helped by so many older members passing away. He paid tribute to Vic Williams, a founder member, who had died recently aged 88. He was a member of the Arlesey Natural History Group (which eventually merged with ACORN) and was already taking care of the Old Moat Nature Reserve so was a natural choice to invite along to help set up ACORN.
James’s Carpentry
The group, besides maintaining the reserves, also work in & General Handyman partnership with CBC Rights of Way team in keeping the local Service footpaths maintained. Difficulties were experienced early summer Exterior & Interior with most of the regulars retiring but it was nice to see some fit Property Maintenance young people step in and help. In recent years very little financial The late Vic Williams who * Decorating help has been around to support much of the work the group recently passed away. undertakes. To finance the shortfall, the group offer membership * Furniture Building * Painting at £7 per household which helps a lot.
* Carpentry & more * Carpet Cleaning The group also try and keep pace with the local developments that are happening. Much of the development between the High Street and the railway was formerly identified as a site of FREE QUOTATIONS Countywide Importance back in the 1970s but in the rush to build houses the former T: (01462) 234292 councillors of Mid, now Central, Beds chose to ignore this. The consequences of ignoring or 07887 871212
flood plains to build houses will ultimately rest with the homeowners, mainly on their sitting room floors. We are Kitchens & Bedrooms pleased to say that one of our new ‘Independent’ ward Windows councillors has taken these issues on board and is now Internal/External Doors asking the right questions. There is little to gain by having a Skirtings-Architraves-Dados conservation group if there is nothing left to conserve.If you Stairs-Handles-Balustrades are concerned by this lack of care, you could join ACORN to help the group tackle planning issues from a united front.It’s Handle & Lock Replacements not all about cutting grass. Members are needed to help Loft Hatches with administration and keeping in touch with members. The Pack Furniture RAY THE CARPENTER Flat group still lack a Secretary. If you don’t want to commit to All aspects of carpentry being a member, then you can always make a donation. Building Maintenance No job too small You can contact ACORN by emailing us at arlesey.acorn@gmail.com or phoning our treasurer Mick Call 07885 020895 or 01462 732814 on 07970 734416. Over 25 Years Experience 17
News from St Peter’s Church We all celebrate Christmas in different ways. At St. Peter’s we start our celebrations with the Christmas Tree Festival. The picture here shows one of last years inventive “trees”. We have so many different trees, real ones, artificial ones and anything else you can imagine. The to see this years trees come and visit the festival on December 9th10.30am-5.30pm and Sunday December 10th 11am-5.30pm. Adults £2.50 Children under 16 free. We serve refreshments all day and there is a raffle for a fantastic Hamper, full of Christmas goodies. On Saturday the 9th December we have a Christmas Concert at 7pm. Gill, Jackie and Sue will perform an evening of fun and light-hearted music and singing, among the Christmas Trees. An interval supper with a glass of wine/soft drink, gives us all a chance to chat and enjoy a relaxed evening. Tickets are £10 children £5. Sunday morning on the 10th is a service of “Carols for All” at 10.00am You are invited to come and join us, and maybe choose a carol and enjoy singing familiar Christmas music. Christmas Services Sunday 24th December 4pm Crib Service. This is designed for children and their parents. Children can take part in the informal telling of the Christmas Nativity. They can dress as Shepherds, kings, angels, or even sheep. We can provide costumes, so need to buy anything! 11.30pm Candlelit Midnight Mass The Reverend Amanda Ferris will be taking the service. Christmas Day 10am Christmas Holy Communion Service This will be taken by the Reverend Simon Tibbs
The Reverend Simon Tibbs has been appointed as our Interim Priest, for 2 days a week, until we can appoint a full time minister. We look forward to welcoming him to St. Peter’s from the 1st December.
In amongst all the glitter, lights and presents, let us not forget that Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus our Lord and Saviour and our celebrations are to welcome Jesus into our lives. Have a wonderful Christmas with your family and friends, but maybe remember those who will be on their own… have you a space at your table to give someone alone a lovely day? A very Happy and peaceful Christmas to you all.
Services 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th Sundays 9.30am 2nd Sunday All age worship 10am Refreshments are served after each service, an opportunity to socialise. Tuesday 10.30-12noon Coffee morning. Children welcome with a parent/carer. 1st Wednesday in the month, Afternoon Tea 2pm All Welcome Helen Bardell - Churchwarden Email vicar@arlesey.org.uk 01462 731227 - 07967144571
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Tuesday 12th December Christmas party Arlesey W.I Hall, High Street, Arlesey.
News From
Arlesey Town Football Club
Welcome to our fixtures so far for December - these may be subject to change so please do check our social media and website for the latest updates.
Everyone is welcome at the club, our bar area is open to all with great facilities. Why not pop along for a drink or support us at our next home game?
Our club continues to grow with the strengthening of our junior teams and our U18 team continuing to compete well and play some excellent football. The club does need the support of the community however and we would really like for Arlesey residents to come along and experience some of our games and enjoy everything the club has to offer. You will be assured of a very warm welcome!
Please remember to follow us on our facebook page for the latest fixture and results news!
Arlesey Town Football Club, Hitchin Rd, Arlesey SG15 6RS E: info@arleseytownfc.co.uk T: 01462 734504
ANSWERS to DECEMBER FUN QUIZ Page 10 . . . 1 NICHOLAS (Nicholas Nickleby); 2 France (Nancy in “Oliver Twist”); 3 “MIDSOMER MURDERS” (Barnaby Rudge); 4 Motorcycles (Barnaby Rudge); 5 BUMBLE (Mr. Bumble in “Oliver Twist”); 6 “PICKWICK” (starring Harry Secombe); 7 NOAH (Noah Claypole in “Oliver Twist”); 8 TRENT (Little Nell Trent in “The Old Curiosity Shop”); 9 POCKET (Herbert Pocket in “Great Expectations”); 10 EBENEZER SCROOGE (in “A Christmas Carol”); 11 TINY TIM (in “A Christmas Carol”); 12 Mars (“The Old Curiosity Shop”); 13 WELLER (Sam Weller in “The Pickwick Papers”); 14 Umbrella; 15 DAVID COPPERFIELD; 16 WILKINS (Wilkins Micawber in “David Copperfield”); 17 “A TALE OF TWO CITIES” (Sydney Carton); 18 The Wailers (Jacob Marley in “A Christmas Carol”); 19 DAWKINS (Jack Dawkins, the Artful Dodger in “Oliver Twist”); 20 URIAH HEEP (“David Copperfield”).
OUT OF HOURS EMERGENCY CARE 01462 416416
To contact the Arlesey News Magazine please call 01462 731986
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Useful
Telephone Numbers
Citizen’s Advice Bureau
01525 402742 01525 841217 0300 300 8136
Trading Standards Advice Line Churches St Peter’s Church, 01462 731227 Arlesey Methodist Church Rev Graham Claydon-Knights 01438 721674 Fairfield Community Church 07376 740410 Kings Baptist Church 01462 730521 Salvation Army Stotfold Corps 01462 731072 Council Arlesey Town Council Town Council Office Arlesey Community Centre, High Street, Arlesey, Beds SG15 6SN Phone: 01462 733722 Email: clerk@arlesey-tc.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 Doctor Arlesey Medical Centre 01462 732144 www.arleseymedicalcentre.nhs.uk Larksfield Surgery Stotfold: 01462 732200 Out of Hours Service 111 Emergencies Electricity Emergencies 0800 7 838 838 Gas Emergencies 0800 111999 Helplines Childline 0800 1111 National Menengitis Trust 0845 6000800 Samaritans 08457 909090 NSPCC 0800 800 5000 Housing First Garden City Homes 01462 683307 Pioneer House, Norton Way South, Letchworth Garden City, Herts, SG6 1NY Grand Union Housing - all enquiries 0300 123 5544 Miscellaneous Arlesey Community Larder 07427 650080. ACORN - Arlesey Conservation For Nature Mick Jackson 07970 734416 (Treasurer) arlesey.acorn@gmail.com Beds Rural Communities Charity 01234 838771 Letchworth MS Unit 01462 487172 Births, Deaths & Marriages 0300 300 8089
Police Beds Police (Crime reporting) 01234 841212 Crimestoppers 0800 555111 Hospitals Bedford Hospital 01234 355122 Lister Hospital 01438 314333 NHS Direct 0845 464700 300 8068 Library Arlesey Resource Centre & Library 01462 731469 Stotfold Library 0300 300 8068 Pubs The White Horse 01462 621118 The Old Oak 01462 612536 The True Britton 07494 563496 Schools & Nurseries Etonbury Academy 01462 730391 Pix Brook Academy 01462 416243 Gothic Mede Lower School 01462 732002 BEST Nursery (Arlesey) 01462 732168 Arlesey Preschool @ WI Hall 07815 293670 Children’s Centre Stotfold and District Children's Centre 01462 730623 Transport Trains (National Enquiries) 08457 484950 Whitbread Wanderbus 0300 123 3023 Boxall Taxis 01462 433 333 Greenacre Transfers Airports & Chauffeur Services 07555 70 78 48 www.greenacretransfers.co.uk"
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Local Directory Accountancy & Tax Sue Matejtschuk (SCM Accountancy) 01462 624926 ACORN Arlesey Conservation For Nature 07970 734416 AD Garden Rooms 01438 313765 AJB Fencing 07837 791365 Alfie’s Barbers 01462 658449 All Wrapped Up - Balloons and Florist 07886 569134 Andy Leonard Painter & Decorator 07889 903283 Arlesey Community Larder 07427 650080 Arlesey Walking Group 01462 638286 Arlesey Pharmacy 01462 731200 Arlesey Social Club 01462 731361 Aquarius Garden Design 01462 731292 Ashwell Software / Sigma Office 01462 742783 Barn Hair Studio 01462 835611 Bal & Co Motor Care 01462 731500 Bews Electrical 01462 834488 Big Minibus Hire 07817 766997 BK Electrical / Brian Kelly 07817545314 Box Of Cakes Cafe & Cake Shop 07812 055587 Britannia Coaches 01462 436125 Broadband Communications 01462 732628 Brontë’s Floral Designs 07787 847141 BSH Glazing (Windows & Doors) 01462 730884 Bugs ‘n’ Things Pest Control 01462 735999 Builders - SJ Brock 01462 231257 Carpentry by Ray 01462 732814 Carpet Cleaning - ACCS Ltd 01462 629302 Carpets & Flooring - Letchworth Carpet Centre 01462 481312 Carpets & Flooring - Paul Faulkner 01462 731674 Catsitter - Claire 07984 344997 Centroheat Domestic Boiler & Heating Services 07885 415363 Computer Repairs - NIck Saunders 07521 279960 The Cooker Buddy Oven Cleaning 01462 810065 Chris Webster, Stotfold 01462 834108 (Correspondent for The Comet ) Darren Peters Property Maintenance 01462 733322 Dennison’s - House & Garden Clearance 07522 354141 ECO Clean Carpet Cleaning 07748 857012 EH Crouch Funeral Directors 01462 834040 Electrician - Terry C Seymour 01462 236559 Fairfield Bowls Club 07811 738599 Fencing (AJB) 07837 791365 Finesse Interiors 01462 896046 First Step Estate Agents 01462 659730 Foot Health Professional - Vicki Eagles 07812 399659 Foot Pro Podiatry 07377 536685 Gifford Dance Academy 07585 221513 Graham Smith Brickwork & Paving 01462 731829 Greenacre Transfers Airports & Chauffeur Services www.greenacretransfers.co.uk 07555 707848 Guides - Stotfold Guide Association 01462 235273 Henlow Vets 01462 416416 07497157531 Hypnotherapy - Pathway Hypnotherapy Rooms James’s Carpentry & Handyman Service 01462 234292 Jarvis Footcare 07816 329363 Kumari Chiropractic 07479 945995
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Locksmith Services Loved Gardens Maintenance Services - SHMS Mow & Weedit Garden Services New Kitchens North Herts Road Runners Oven Clean & Repair Services Painter/Decorator - Paul A Robinson Paul Adler Opticians Paul Eley Tiling Paul Thomas Landscaping Piano Lessons - Christine Walker Piano Lessons - Elmitt Piano Academy Pilates - Zanna Newton Plumbing - ALM Plumbing Plumbing - C Plumb Plumbing & Heating - GSP Heating & Plumbing Plumbing - J D Heating & Plumbing Services LTD Plum-tek RH Gardens Regency Flowers Removals - AG Jenkins Stotfold & Arlesey Royal British Legion Satchells Estate Agents Saunders Garage Sheldon Electricals Shel's Shabby Chic, Vintage painted furniture & workshops Solicitors - HRJ Foreman Laws The Arlesey News Magazine Tailoring Service The Rooms Hair and Beauty The Rooms Holistic and Beauty Academy Warrens Windows Wate Removal (Josas Waste) Windows - Repairs & Installations (J Garside) Window Cleaning - ACCS Ltd Yoga - Freda Dodsworth
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WELCOME TO RCCG HOUSE OF MERCY, ARLESEY. It’s a great privilege and honour to welcome you to our Church, where we experience mercy beyond measure. Join us every Sunday. Our service starts at 10:00 am - 12:00 noon RCCG House of Mercy, Arlesey
Village Town Hall, High Street, Arlesey SG15 6SN Telephone: 07903 985690
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To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986
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