News from Poppies & Poppyfields

News from Poppies & Poppyfields Nursery

Poppyfields are extremely pleased and proud to announce their recent Ofsted Inspection in October resulted in the grade of ‘Outstanding’ in every area! Our inspector stated that “children were enthusiastic and so eager to learn through an excellent range of activities, both indoors and outdoors. Children thrive in this setting because they feel safe and secure. They gain a wealth of skills through meticulously planned activities that continuously challenge their thinking. ”

A huge thankyou to our families for their support as without you this would not be possible. Finally, I would like to say I am immensely proud of my staff team. Their continued dedication and empathy helps create this beautiful environment where our children blossom. The full report can be found on the Ofsted Website.

This month both Poppies and Poppyfields have loved exploring Autumn. Leaves of every colour have been weighed, compared, drawn and played in! We have also looked at spiders and their webs, using chalks to recreate beautiful patterns. Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, brought more fun as children looked at the importance of these celebrations, making clay divas for their families. Fireworks provided a wealth of opportunities for exploring colour, shape and pattern and we are now looking forward to Christmas activities just around the corner!

Small Request for any 'Knitters' out there! We would really appreciate anyone willing to knit or donate any dolls blankets 40cm x 35cm ideal size for our children's dolls prams and dolls cots. They would be gratefully received.

Poppies runs from 7.45 to 6 p.m. (children aged 2 to Reception Year) at our St Mary’s Academy site and Poppyfields 8-6 p.m. (children aged 2 to Reception, Year 1 and Year 2) at our Fairfield Park Lower School (Dickens Boulevard) site. For more information, please email billpoppies@gmail.com. We look forward to updating you next month!

St Mary’s Church CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL

Saturday 11 December 10.00 – 4.00 Sunday 12 December 11.00 – 4.00 St. Mary’s Church, Stotfold

Refreshments, games, stalls and display of children’s art work in the Church Hall Charity no: 1131275

Stotfold W.I

Are you looking for an evening out? Come along to our meetings on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. We are not all jam & Jerusalem but we are a mixed group of very friendly ladies that enjoy a chat, tea & biscuits, social evenings, meals out and listening to speakers on a range of topics.

Wednesday December 8th Christmas Party starts at 7.30pm Bring & Share Buffet Entertainment by David Tomkins – magician & ventriloquist Wednesday January 12 doors open at 7.30pm Speaker: Paul Gillions RNLI Saving Lives at Sea Memorial Hall, Stotfold Phone Jill Shepherd 01462 73075for further details.

We Celebrate 200 Issues!

WOW! This month we are thrilled to celebrate the 200th edition of the Stotfold News Magazine .

Back in the Spring of 2005 the idea for the very first Stotfold News Magazine was born by then Stotfold resident Claire Chouffat after she recognised the need for a community magazine within the town.

Fast forward ten years to Spring 2015 and the opportunity arose for us to take over the reigns of the publication after working in local press for over 20 years. The magazine quickly became the perfect way to combine a wealth of publishing knowledge alongside the opportunity to develop an already well respected publication for the residents of our home town With several generations of our family originating from the town we felt we had the perfect knowledge base to deveop a magazine that would serve the community well.

The magazine had grown over the years (the first issue is pictured to the right alongside our most recent edition!) and now even has a sister publication delivered to the residents of Arlesey.

Without the amazing support of every organisation, business, or member of the public that has contributed to our magazine in any way, we would not be able to continue to deliver our magazine free to every house in Stotfold. Our greatest asset by far is our amazing team of over 100 delivery volunteers who help us to pop the magazines through your doors every month - we thank each and every volunteer from the bottom of our hearts.

Huge thanks to everyone that has taken the time to congratulate us on our 200th edition - here are just a few of the messages we have received -you’ll find some others dotted throughout our December edition..

“With special thanks for all your 200 issues, Slimming World have advertised from Issue 1 - it really is a great asset to the Town with all that is available to Residents Well done. ” Dawn

“Congratulations on reaching your 200th issue! What an amazing achievement, how did the town manage before we had such a great resource? Here's to 200 more issues of our town magazine!” St Mary's Academy.

“Our congratulations to Stotfold News on reaching this milestone. A really fantastic publication that adds to the sense of community we have in our town. All the best from Pix brook Academy.

“Ray the Carpenter would like to wish the Stotfold News a huge Congratulations on publishing the 200th edition of your magazine.

“Many congratulations on reaching the 200th edition of Stotfold News Magazine from the members of Stotfold Mill Preservation Trust. Together we work for our local community. ”

“Many Congratulations to Stotfold News on your 200th Edition! Every blessing for the next 200 from King's Baptist Church!”

“Congratulations to Stotfold News on your 200th issue – the greatest local mag!” St. Mary’s Social & Fundraising Committee.

“Huge Congratulations on reaching your 200th Edition. Stotfold News has grown beautifully and our thanks go to you for putting the magazine together and tirelessly delivering to every household come rain or shine. Here’s to the next 200 editions!” Poppies Pre-School.

Stotfold NEWS

Town News Magazine Issue 200 December 2021

Delivered FREE to

4,800 homes in Stotfold & Fairfield

News Information Your letters

Special 200th Edition

STOTFOLD METHODIST CHURCH Christmas Coffee Morning Saturday 4th December 10 To 11.30am

* Coffee * Cakes * Cards * Toiletries * Christmas Items *

STOTFOLD TOWN COUNCIL

STOTFOLD TOWN COUNCIL STOTFOLD TOWN COUNCIL

The Greenacre Centre, Valerian Way, Stotfold, Hitchin, Herts, SG5 4H Telephone number: 01462 730064 Email address: enquiries@stotfoldtowncouncil.gov.uk Website: www.stotfoldtowncouncil.gov.uk STOTFOLD TOWN COUNCIL The Greenacre Centre Valerian Way, Stotfold The Greenacre Centre Valerian Way, Stotfold Hitchin, Herts, SG5 4HG Telephone number: 01462 730064 Email address: enquiries@stotfoldtowncouncil.gov.uk G

Website: Hitchin, Herts, SG5 4HG www.stotfoldtowncouncil.gov.uk

O Telephone number: 01462 730064 pening hours: 10am to 4pm Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri CLOSED WEDNESDAYS SCHEDU Email address: LED MEETINGSenquiries@stotfoldtowncouncil.gov.uk Meetings Website: www.stotfoldtowncouncil.gov.ukof the Council and its Committees are held in the Council Chamber, Greenacre Centre, Valerian Way, Stotfold, SG5 4HG Meetings s Opening hours: 10am to 4pm Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri CLOSED WEDNESDAYS tart at 7.00pm, except where one meeting follows another. SCHEDULED MEETINGS Meetings of the Council and its Committees are held in the Council Chamber, Greenacre Centre, Valerian Way, Stotfold, SG5 4HG Meetings start at 7.00pm, except where one meeting follows another VISITING THE GREENACRE CENTRE AND MEMORIAL HALL What are we doing to protect you and others using our facilities? We encourage anyone visiting our buildings to continue wearing face coverings and to socially distance, particularly when close to others you wouldn’t normally be in close contact with. We will continue to provide hand sanitiser gel at entrance/exit points and rooms hired and will keep up our thorough cleaning regime. NHS Test & Trace QR codes will remain at entrances to both buildings for your use. Please do not enter our buildings if you are displaying Covid-19 symptoms or have tested positive. Please continue to be cautious and considerate to help protect yourself and others. CHRISTMAS WISHES The Mayor, Councillors and staff of Stotfold Town Council would like to wish all who live, work and visit Stotfold a very happy and safe Christmas! We will be closed over the Christmas and New Year period as follows: from 12pm Thursday 23rd December 2021 until Tuesday 4th January 2022. The answer machine will be in operation (but not monitored) during that period, and occasional checks will be made of our Facebook page. CITIZENS AWARDS 2022 The Town Council is looking for nominations for Citizens Awards. Nominees must be someone who has made a valuable contribution to the life of the community of Stotfold. You can’t nominate yourself, and councillors may only be nominated by non-councillors for things they have done outside of council work. A decision will be made early in the New Year, and a certificate for the successful recipient/s will be presented at the Annual Town Meeting in March. Please forward a letter to the Town Clerk at the above address, giving the name of the nominee (address if you know it) and full details of why you feel they should receive a Citizens Award. We cannot accept nominations from anonymous sources. Nominations must be received by the Town Clerk no later than Monday 10th January 2022. WHO DOES WHAT? In our local area, we have two levels of local authority – Stotfold Town Council and Central Bedfordshire Council – unitary authority. Both are responsible for different things. These are examples of just some of the responsibilities for each council: These lists aren’t exhaustive, there are many other responsibilities for each – to find out more, visit www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk and www.stotfoldtowncouncil.gov.uk

SCHEDULED MEETINGS Meetings of the Council and its Committees are held in the Council Chamber, Greenacre Centre, Valerian Way, Stotfold, SG5 4HG Meetings start at 7.00pm, except where one meeting follows another Council R Recreation G Grounds, P Public L Lands & & L Lighting C Cemetery Buildings E Estab Note: Planning meetings are held on a Wednesday as necessary (usually fortnightly)

enquiries@stotfoldtowncouncil.gov.uk www.stotfoldtowncouncil.gov.uk Opening hours: 10am to 4pm Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri CLOSED WEDNESDAYS Meetings of the Council and its Committees are held in the Council Chamber, Greenacre Centre, Valerian Way, Stotfold, SG5 4HG Meetings start at 7.00pm, except where one meeting follows another 1st Dec, 5th Jan 8th Dec, 12th Jan 19th Jan 19th Jan 15th Dec, and follow scheduled meetings for that 26th Jan evening. Agendas for meetings can be found on our website and Greenacre Centre notice board VISITING THE GREENACRE CENTRE AND MEMORIAL HALL What are we doing to protect you and others using our facilities? We encourage anyone visiting our buildings to continue wearing face coverings and to socially distance, particularly when close to others sanitiser gel at entrance/exit points and rooms hired and will keep up our thorough cleaning regime. NHS Test & Trace QR codes will remain at entrances to both buildings for your use. Please do not enter our buildings if you are displaying Covid-19 symptoms or have tested positive. Please continue to be cautious and considerate to help protect yourself and others. The Mayor, Councillors and staff of Stotfold Town Council would like to wish all who live, work and visit Stotfold a very happy We will be closed over the Christmas and New Year period as follows: from 12pm Thursday 23rd December 2021 until Tuesday January 2022. The answer machine will be in operation (but not monitored) during that period, and occasional checks will The Town Council is looking for nominations for Citizens Awards. Nominees must be someone who has made a valuable non-councillors for things they have done outside of council work. A decision will be made early in the New Year, and a certificate for the successful recipient/s will be presented at the Annual Town Meeting in March. Please forward a letter to the Town Clerk at the above address, giving the name of the nominee (address if you know it) and full details of why you feel they should receive a Citizens Award. We cannot accept nominations from anonymous sources. Nominations must be received by the Town Clerk no later than Monday 10th January 2022. In our local area, we have two levels of local authority Stotfold Town Council and Central Bedfordshire Council unitary authority. Both are

A Agendas f for m meetings c can b be f found o on o our w website a and G Greenacre C Centre n notice b board

VISITING THE GREENACRE CENTRE AND MEMORIAL HALL What are we doing to protect you and others using our facilities? We encourage anyone visiting our buildings to continue wearing face coverings and to socially distance, particularly when close to others sanitiser gel at entrance/exit points and rooms hired and will keep up our thorough cleaning regime. NHS Test & Trace QR codes will remain at entrances to both buildings for your use. Please do not enter our buildings if you are displaying Covid-19 symptoms or have tested positive.

Please continue to be cautious and considerate to help protect yourself and others.

CHRISTMAS WISHES The Mayor, Councillors and staff of Stotfold Town Council would like to wish all who live, work and visit Stotfold a very happy and safe Christmas!

We will be closed over the Christmas and New Year period as follows: from 12pm Thursday 23rd December 2021 until Tuesday 4th January 2022. The answer machine will be in operation (but not monitored) during that period, and occasional checks will be made of our Facebook page.

CITIZENS AWARDS 2022 The Town Council is looking for nominations for Citizens Awards. Nominees must be someone who has made a valuable non-councillors for things they have done outside of council work. A decision will be made early in the New Year, and a certificate for the successful recipient/s will be presented at the Annual Town Meeting in March. Please forward a letter to the Town Clerk at the above address, giving the name of the nominee (address if you know it) and full details of why you feel they should receive a Citizens Award. We cannot accept nominations from anonymous sources. Nominations must be received by the Town Clerk no later than Monday 10th January 2022.

WHO DOES WHAT? In our local area, we have two levels of local authority Stotfold Town Council and Central Bedfordshire Council unitary authority. Both are responsible for different things. These are examples of just some of the responsibilities for each council:

Agendas for meetings can be found on our website and Greenacre Centre notice board VISITING THE GREENACRE CENTRE AND MEMORIAL HALL What are we doing to protect you and others using our facilities? We encourage anyone visiting our buildings to continue wearing face coverings and to socially distance, particularly when close to others sanitiser gel at entrance/exit points and rooms hired and will keep up our thorough cleaning regime. NHS Test & Trace QR codes will remain at entrances to both buildings for your use. Please do not enter our buildings if you are displaying Covid-19 symptoms or have tested positive. Please continue to be cautious and considerate to help protect yourself and others. CHRISTMAS WISHES The Mayor, Councillors and staff of Stotfold Town Council would like to wish all who live, work and visit Stotfold a very happy and safe Christmas! We will be closed over the Christmas and New Year period as follows: from 12pm Thursday 23rd December 2021 until Tuesday 4th January 2022. The answer machine will be in operation (but not monitored) during that period, and occasional checks will be made of our Facebook page. CITIZENS AWARDS 2022 The Town Council is looking for nominations for Citizens Awards. Nominees must be someone who has made a valuable non-councillors for things they have done outside of council work. A decision will be made early in the New Year, and a certificate for the successful recipient/s will be presented at the Annual Town Meeting in March. Please forward a letter to the Town Clerk at the above address, giving the name of the nominee (address if you know it) and full details of why you feel they should receive a Citizens Award. We cannot accept nominations from anonymous sources. Nominations must be received by the Town Clerk no later than Monday 10th January 2022. WHO DOES WHAT? In our local area, we have two levels of local authority Stotfold Town Council and Central Bedfordshire Council unitary authority. Both are responsible for different things. These are examples of just some of the responsibilities for each council:

STOTFOLD T TOWN C COUNCIL CENTRAL B BEDFORDSHIRE C COUNCIL Cemetery, Public Open Spaces & Play Areas Bus shelters, Town Council owned street lights, litter bins, benches Planning & Economic Regeneration Community Centres Greenacre Centre, Memorial Hall, Simpson Centre Licensing Public conveniences Brook Street & Arlesey Road Council Tax collection Shoppers car park Brook Street/High Street Highways, Public Rights of Way, street lights Allotments Norton Road & Common Road (on behalf of local charity) Waste collection, recycling centres Grants to community organisations Housing policy & social housing for each to find out more, visit www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk and www.stotfoldtowncouncil.gov.uk for each to find out more, visit www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk and www.stotfoldtowncouncil.gov.uk 20