Arlesey
NEWS
February 2024 Issue 56
News Events Information Delivered FREE to 2,700 homes in Arlesey.
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OUT OF HOURS EMERGENCY CARE 01462 416416
From the Editor We’ve been really busy this month concentrating on welcoming new advertisers to both our magazines. Our advertisers are our lifeline in order to keep the magazine going so we are always truly grateful when new advertisers trusts us with their advertising plans. If you own a local business and are interested in finding out more about advertising with us then do get in touch - we have over 30 year’s experience in local press and advertising so we might just have some useful tips to share with you! Speaking of local business, we would like to bring your attention to our brand new feature on page 17 ‘Keep it LOCAL!.’ We thought you’d all enjoy finding out more about some of the faces behind our local businesses. We hope you enjoy our lighthearted chat with Matt from The Cleaning Hub this month (thanks Matt for being a good sport!)
INSIDE THIS MONTH! WIN AN ANNUAL FAMILY PASS!
If you fancy WINNING your family a fantastic prize of FREE adventure golf for the year then turn to page 9 for more details! Thanks to everyone that has offered their help with deliveries these last few weeks and welcome to our new volunteers who have very kindly offered to help us out our last thanks go to Rebecca Gilham for sending us the wonderful photograph we chose to use as our cover for February. We hope you like it! Until next month.. Joanne
With thanks to this month’s contributors:
Cllr Jodie Chillery, Jo Loach, The Need Project, ACORN, Our local schools, local Churches & local groups and organisations. Arlesey Town Football Club, St Peter’s Church, Stagecoach East. The Cleaning Hub. 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 News from Gothic Mede News from Pix Brook Academy News from Etonbury Academy Family Announcements News from ACORN Update from the Need Project Local Church News NEW! Keep it LOCAL! Mental Health Matters News from Arlesey Town FC
Page 4,5,6,7 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 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 - MARCH Advertising/Editorial deadline 6th February 2024 see www.stotfoldandarleseynews.co.uk
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Local News Round-up 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. 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
Arlesey Brownies.
It was a busy end to the year for the Brownies, working on lots of badges, we finished our Dancing badge in style with a special ‘Strictly Come Brownies’, we went skiing to the Snozone in Milton Keynes to earn our SNOW adventure badge and baked some delicious Christmas cakes. This term we are looking forward earning our skills for the future badge and celebrating Thinking Day. 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.
Interested In Joining A Friendly Bridge Group?
We are currently considering setting up a new group for non serious players who would like to meet similarly minded people for approx 2hrs play on a Thursday afternoon 2-4 pm in Sttotfold starting in February 2024 Are you interested? Please contact patjsmith71@icloud.com for more details.
Model Railway Exhibition at Stratton School,
Biggleswade SG18 8JB on Saturday 17th February from 10 am to 4.30 pm Organised by the East Beds Model Railway Society, full details are available via its website www.ebmrs.org
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Lindsay is a true
Christmas Hero!
Back in December you may recall we announced the winner of our 2023 Christmas Hero as Lindsay Evans. Lindsay was nominated for her wonderful work within the community, going above and beyond in her role as Pharmacy Assistant at Arlesey Chemist. Lindsay will be a familiar face to many we’re certain. Lindsay’s Christmas Hero award, sponsored as always by Satchells Estate Agents, also happened to coincide perfectly with her retirement! Lindsay, (who happened to be on holiday when we last went to print) received a luxury hamper as her prize.
Christmas Christmas Hero Hero 2023. 2023.
Pictured Pictured left left to to right, right, Lindsay Lindsay Evans Evans -this this year’s year’s Christmas Christmas Hero, Hero, together together with with Kevin Kevin Duff Duff of of Satchells Satchells Estate Estate Agents. Agents.
Your LETTERS
Dear Editor, I just wanted to write to thank Satchells Estate Agents, together with the Stotfold and Arlesey News for awarding me the Christmas Hero 2023 for both towns. I was hugely surprised and both touched and humbled to receive the award ; it means so much to me. Thank you also to Satchells Estate Agents for the wonderful hamper, really lovely. Many thanks to the many people who have taken the trouble to contact me with congratulations, very much appreciated. Happy New Year to you all. Love from Lindsay
Local News Round-up WIN AN ANNUAL
Exciting New
FAMILY PASS!
Crazy Golf
Course On Our
Doorstep!
The fabulous 18 hole adventure golf course almost Have you heard? We are about to welcome a brand complete and ready for opening!! new attraction that’s already creating a great deal of excitement (and it’s only a couple of miles away from us in Arlesey?)
Perfect Aquatics is an independently owned marine pet shop which sells specialist fish breeds and equipment. Based in Henlow, Bedfordshire, the business plans to diversify its revenue stream by developing 0.35 acres of its existing land to create a new adventure golf course. Set to open in just a few weeks, BERMUDA FALLS will feature 18 aquatic themed holes and be sure to provide lots of fun and entertainment for all ages.
Pete Wootton, owner of Perfect Aquatics, told the Arlesey News: “Since work began on Bermuda Falls, we’ve had such amazing support from the local community and a real buzz throughout the shop. The development will give us an opportunity to diversify our revenue stream, with this increased income allowing us to continue investing in the business’ sustainable footprint, which is a key pillar in how we operate.”
To celebrate the opening of Bermuda falls, Pete has very kindly given The Arlesey & Stotfold News Magazine a fantastic prize of a FAMILY ANNUAL PASS for us to give away to one lucky winner. Imagine being able to enjoy 18 holes of crazy golf whenever you wanted to - you could even pop along to the new cafe and really make a day of it!
TO WIN ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS TELL US WHY YOU WOULD LIKE TO WIN THE PASS (in no more then 100 words.) We want to know why you’d like to win and who you’d bring along to play with? You can make it funny, you can make it rhyme - use your imagination!! - Entries close 29/02/2024 The winner will be chosen at the end of February with the winner receiving their pass in time for the grand opening! GOOD LUCK! In the meantime, hop over to the Bermuda Falls facebook page for regular updates on the progress and to see for yourself how the course is taking shape!
Editor’s note: Entries to be sent to arlesey.news@yahoo.com or posted to: Arlesey News Magazine - 78 Hitchin Road, Stotfold SG5 4HT Usual competition rules apply. One entry per household The judges decision is final. ‘Family Pass’ includes entry x 4 people for 2024.
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To contact the Arlesey News Magazine please call 01462 731986
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Local News
Local Pet
Treat Shop Raises
Thousands For Charity
Arlesey based Bandit’s shop have once a again been busy raising much needed funds for local charities. The 1000 club was launched back in 2020
by owner Michelle Lawson after she ran out of time to help and foster for local animal charity Luna Rescue. Michelle decided to ‘give back’ in other ways and so the 1000 club was born. The idea being, each chosen charity (nominated by the shop’s facebook followers) recieve £1000 each, raised in a variety of ways including raffles, virtual dog shows and more. So far Bandit’s Shop have raised in excess of £7,000 for many local causes. If you are not familiar with the Arlesey based shop, Bandit’s offer natural pet treats and more, with a huge selection available at very competitive prices. The shop is open in Arlesey on selected days and delivery is free if you spend just £7.50. Michelle is aiming to raise over £15,000 this year so please do take a look at their website for more details. You can get involved, buy raffle tickets, look around the online shop and more. You’ll find them at www.banditspetshop.co.uk or just look them up on facebook!
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To contact the Arlesey News Magazine please call 01462 731986
Bus Service set to link Bedford & Stevenage.
Local News
Stagecoach East has announced the launch of a new half-hourly service that will link Stevenage and Bedford, tying these two key focal towns together for the first time.
The number 9A/9B/9C/9D service will link the two towns and also important destinations along the route, including Shortstown, Cotton End, Haynes, Shefford, Clifton, Henlow, Arlesey, Ickleford and Hitchin. This is an extension of the existing service which currently runs from Bedford to Hitchin.The new service will launch on Sunday 18th February.
Darren Roe, Managing Director of Stagecoach East.
The extended service is a result of Stagecoach East’s partnership with Hertfordshire County Council and will be part of the national £2 far-cap scheme until at least June 2024, meaning that passengers can make the most of this new opportunity for just £2 each way.
Darren Roe, Managing Director of Stagecoach East, told the Arlesey News Magazine: “ Bedford and Stevenage are two important towns in our region, both of which offer exciting opportunities for business, leisure, commerce and tourism. As such, we aim to tie them together, allowing residents and visitors to make the most of both great destinations, as well as the other places along the route.” What do you think of the new extension to this service? - we are keen to hear your views: arlesey.news@yahoo.com
A quick update from Cllr Jodie Chillery:
With the recent weather in mind, I’ve started the ball rolling on setting up a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). Arlesey is one of the few parishes in Central Beds not to and seemingly never to have had one. In the recent storms, the presence of a CERT was hugely helpful – luckily we weren’t too badly affected this time but next time we might rely on some local volunteers, trained and supported by CBC to help out in times of crisis. If you consider yourself handy or skilled in an emergency situation (off duty emergency services, military, farmers, mechanics, tree surgeons, co-ordinating or leadership strengths or good with people and making a brew) and would be interested in attending a virtual session from CBC about how we get started please let me know ASAP. I’m collating numbers and interested parties and want to get the ball rolling. Email me Jodie.chillery@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk For more info on what a CERT is check this link out https://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/info/27/about_your_council/247/emergency_planning/3 ROADS Arlesey New Road has a closure order on it from 18th 22nd March from 09:00 – 15:30 for surface dressing and lining works from the Hitchin Road junction to the Herts County Boundary. The work isn’t likely to take that long, there is just permission for the road to be closed in case there are delays or poor weather. The permit allows for a little movement in the schedule, look out for signage nearer the time.
Stotfold Road has permission to be closed from House Lane up to the Gas Distribution Station (near the A507 roundabout) from the 1st to the 8th March from 09:00 – 15:30 for RESURFACING WORK (hurrah!) Again this time covers the possibility of delays or extensions, hopefully it will be done quicker.
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We Look Forward To Meeting you @Arlesey Social Club
Arlesey Social Club is a vibrant community hub, offering great fun for all ages. With engaging activities such as darts and pool, it provides a welcoming space for friendly competition. The monthly bingo events add an element of excitement, bringing people together for a night of chance and camaraderie. The club’s regular entertainment lineup, featuring discos, karaoke, and quiz nights, ensures there’s always something for everyone to enjoy. The social experience at Arlesey Social Club extends outdoors with a large beer garden, creating an ideal setting for families during the summer. Whether it's a sunny day or a warm evening, the spacious beer garden offers a relaxed atmosphere for all to enjoy. Families can savour their time together, making memories in the open air while experiencing the friendly community spirit that the Club is known for. Host your event at Arlesey Social Club and enjoy the flexibility of choosing from various rooms and buffet options. As an added bonus, we offer a complimentary disco to enhance the celebration. Create lasting memories in a lively and accommodating atmosphere. Contact us to discuss your preferences and secure a memorable experience for your event.
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Becoming a member is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving community.
With new membership openings in March 2024, it's the perfect time to explore the benefits. Pay a visit,email us at; arlesey.socialclub@gmail.com or call 01462 731361 to make enquiries. Discover the perks of being part of the Arlesey Social Club community. We look forward to welcoming you soon!
News from Gothic Mede Academy
We started our new term with an assembly focussing on our four school values; respect, responsibility, pride and compassion. We looked at different ways the children had lived these values in the previous term. Examples included children who have shown pride in their handwriting and have been awarded with pen licenses, children who have shown respect when representing the school in sports competitions, children who have shown compassion by raising money for charity and our school councillors who have shown responsibility in their roles. The children were asked to think about how they are going to try and live the school values this coming year. This week, the pupils in Year 3 engaged very successfully with a Resilience Workshop' delivered by Making Me, the charity behind our 'Kipsy' wellbeing scheme. They discussed how they can find words and strategies to help them when they encounter challenge and adversity by drawing upon their 'superpower' of resilience.
Year 3 have also been enjoying investigating friction as part of their science studies into forces and magnetism. They set up a 'fair test' by identifying variables in an experiment involving a range of surfaces, ramps and toy cars. We are always very proud of our children and how they settle so quickly after a break. We are looking forward to an exciting year of learning together.
Pupils enjoying the friction practical lessons.
Year 3 enjoy a resilience workshop
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News from Pix Brook Academy
February already!
Christmas has already gone and we are approaching the halfway point in the academic year. As we progress through 2024 pupils are continuing to develop their understanding in a whole host of areas. Particularly exciting is the start to the options process where our year 9 pupils will begin to consider their choices for Key Stage 4. We are fortunate to have been able to build our curriculum offer to match the aspirations of our young people and new subjects such as GCSE Business Studies, Drama, Art, Computing and a host of others will offer pupils the chance to tailor their educational diet.
As the school continues to grow, further opportunities arise as a consequence of new staff joining the school. This year
it has been fantastic to have our prospective artists enjoying art club, future scientists attending astronomy club, Drama club attracting more pupils and the general number of activities increasing every term. This will hopefully continue as we look to recruit our next round of teaching and support staff. Over the course of the next few months another ten or eleven teachers will join the school including Business, PE, science, English, maths and many others. As a school that has grown from under 60 to what will be over 900 pupils next September, with a corresponding increase in staffing, it is great to see the opportunities for pupils and staff expand accordingly. It was great to have a visit from Jonathon Duff - Regional Schools Commissioner, East of England region in January. Jonathon is a senior member of staff at the DfE and took the opportunity to tour the school and discuss the development of the school. With outstanding outcomes at KS2, high levels of recruitment and a full range of extracurricular activities their was much to celebrate. We took the opportunity to tour the school and visit lessons and as always pupils made a fantastic impression.
The next few months are extremely busy as we begin to prepare our pupils for assessments and the next stage of their education. Working in schools is exciting and fast moving without any time to pause. At PBA we are always thinking about the next step, and what needs to be in place to make that successful. Fortunately we have a body of pupils who are both receptive and excited by what they need to do next and as such the time really does fly by. Steve Adams Principal. PBA
WALKS FOR HEALTH February Walks:
Walks start at 10.45am Friday 1st, 8th,15th Corner of Hospital Road, Arlesey. Thursday 22nd, 29th Scout Hut, Baldock Rd, Stotfold. We welcome new menbers!! More details contact Beth Overfield 01462 815672 10
To contact the Arlesey News Magazine please call 01462 731986
Etonbury Academy New Year, New Opportunities at Etonbury Academy.
Fresh from our Christmas break, we are thrilled to welcome back our students for the spring term. Our pupils are focused and settled in their lessons, setting the foundation for an excellent year ahead. This term is especially important for our GCSE students, who are in their last few months of education before their main examinations. We have a fantastic group of pupils who are eager to learn, and with continued support, we know they can achieve their full potential. Our Year 9 pupils are also beginning the process of selecting their GCSE options this term. As we look forward to the rest of the year, we are excited about the many opportunities available to our students. Our Head of Performing Arts, Mrs. Brahmachari-Limb, is busy finalising details for the performance of 'School of Rock', and our students are eagerly anticipating upcoming trips and events. This half term, our Junior students will be participating in the Young Voices Choir and visiting the Duxford Air Museum. Additionally, some of our Secondary students will be working with the University of Oxford, taking part in a mock court trial and watching a theatrical performance of 'A Christmas Carol'. We are also pleased to announce that applications for a place at Etonbury Sixth Form for September 2024 are now open on our website. If you have any questions, please contact our Head of Sixth Form via email cdowden@bestacademies.org.uk. We are always happy to show prospective parents, carers, and pupils around our academy. If you would like to book a school tour, please get in touch with us at 01462 730391 or via email at eta-office@bestacademies.org.uk. We believe we offer a small, compassionate, and exceptional educational community, and we invite you to come and see for yourself what makes Etonbury special.
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Family
Our family announcements are FREE of charge
announcements CHLOE AND LILY.
Happy 18th Birthday!
I am so very proud of you both. Lots of love, Mum xxx
AMELIA
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.
Send your announcements to: arlesey.news@yahoo.com
Happy 16th Birthday to our amazing daughter!
Lots of love Mum & Dad xx
KEIRA SMITH
Happy 18th Birthday our beautiful Keira! Have a wonderful day!
All our love from Mum, Dad, Fin, Leo & Albie xxxxx
HALLIE
Happy 6th birthday to our beautiful Hallie!
Lots of love from Mummy, Daddy and Louie xxx’
DAVINA MASON
February 9th Happy Birthday! Love from your friends & family xx
NATALIE COWELL
Happy Anniversary love Pete X
To all our friends and Neighbours who gave us cards and gifts for our Platinum Anniversary all your best wishes meant the world to us -Thank You All so much .
JOYCE & JEFFREY SHEPHERD XX DAWN PETERS
February 25th Happy Birthday! Love from your family & friends xx
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
ROBERT MALCOLM BOX (Bob)
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Sandra & family would like to thank everyone for their very kind words of sympathy, messages, cards and flowers received following the very sad loss of Bob on 10th December. Thank you to everyone that attended Bob’s funeral service, he would have loved to have seen so many people that cared for him all in one place. It was a huge comfort to everyone. Bob will be very sadly missed by all that knew and loved him.
News from - Arlesey Conservation for Nature (ACORN) After the last work party in December there has been a short pause as active members took time out for Christmas, family and friends, but this has not stopped us walking and monitoring the paths. After Storm HENK welcomed us into the New Year we are seeing lots of photos of high water levels and fallen trees from our members, Footpath Champions and Facebook followers. Thank you all for sending these and keep them coming, the posts are a great record, but also a source for those who can no longer access rural Arlesey. The locations and images help us in making formal reports to address concerns with partner agencies. It is great to see the local paths being so well used, whatever the weather, and interesting to hear the descriptions of locations. These appear to vary with how long someone has lived in Arlesey. Recent examples being the Earwig Ditch, Deep Hole, Bunny Hills and Joe Banger’s Wood (now Arlesey Old Moat Nature Reserve). These evoke a rich local history and must be remembered. If you find yourself needing to be precise in describing a location, in an emergency or other circumstances, an excellent tool, recognised by all emergency services is Level 3 Qualified What3Words. This is an App that can pinpoint and get help to a location more accurately and is proven to speed up responses when you need it most. Let us come to you! If interested, search what3words.com or download via the App Store
Paws & Claws
Mobile Pet Grooming
Following Andrew Knight’s appeal, it has been helpful to hear local views on how we might ensure Arlesey benefits from the spending arising from new developments and the requirement for ‘Biodiversity Net Gain’. This is being monitored and responded to on behalf of ACORN in the hope that improvements benefit the parish of Arlesey in the longer term. Many of you have submitted initial ideas with which we can approach the council planners and hopefully represent local views in any revised neighbourhood plans. There is a clear wish for wooded areas, increased tree planting, public green spaces and wildlife corridors. Thank you to our 429 followers and supporters and everyone who voted for our most recent photo of the Month, won by Colin Williams. Let’s hope we get more snow! Always welcoming the support of new members. To become a member or support us as a local business you can contact ACORN by email at arlesey.acorn@gmail.com Or find out about volunteering on a Work Party on the ACORN Facebook page. ——————— Richard Liversidge ACORN Chair FEBRUARY 13th Duncan Willox performing his sunny side verse! The start time will be 7.30pm . Arlesey W.I Hall, High Street, Arlesey.
Tel: 07913005268
Email: Pawsclaws66@aol.com
ARLESEY PHARMACY FREE Prescription delivery service to “housebound and vulnerable” patients.
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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Need Project
•DECEMBER 2023 - OUR BUSIEST MONTH YET.
Update from the
December facts & figures..
www.theneedproject.org
• 1264 parcels provided. • 288 top-up-bags collected from our Pop-up sites • £140.940-the estimated value of the food for the month of December. • £25,000 - the value of Christmas presents we gave out this year. • £6,602.50 - the average monthly cost to run the charity (Rent, Insurance, Fuel, Van, Staff related expenses) • 2023 - Our busiest month yet. • 2451 The amount of adukts we have helped in December • 93 - the amount of pensioners we have helped. •2,448 - the number of children we have managed to help this month (figures above include our best before food.) Well, what can I say, an amazing, amazing December. Without your help, I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, we could not do it. We could never manage at all, but with your help we can do amazing things for our neighbours, who are struggling in these difficult times. Our website has all the details, which really are incredible, but also shocking, as our workload continues to grow month on month. We tried to put a value on what we do, but it’s very difficult, as we don’t have to pay for all the food or all the presents, we delivered over Christmas, but to give you an idea if we had to buy everything this is what the stats would read. 1,030 Christmas hampers, 234 normal hampers, £25,000 worth of new presents. Add 288 top up bags which would normally have gone in landfill. In total along with 2,000 volunteer hours, we valued all that work in 16 days at £161,750, which is amazing. We are so so grateful; we could not do it without you. There are so many people to thank and to name them all would take too long and also, I don’t want to forget someone’s name or I’ll be in big trouble. You know who you are and from the bottom of our hearts we thank you.
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
Personally, I’m so grateful to every single person who volunteered this Christmas and obviously throughout the year, but at Christmas we get the chance to meet people who come every year like the ladies from the Sikh temple and the ladies who come as a team from the children’s centre, and every other individual who comes.
Please continue to pray for us as we go into next year, as we seek Gods will for us regarding chasing development funding for the building (if we get it) and totally separately, seek core funding. Our priority, which is and always will be, is feeding our hungry neighbours. These lines of funding are totally different to each other. To develop the building vision, we have to apply to different funders. Likewise, our bread and butter funding for food and running costs cannot be used for development. So please pray for us as we tackle the next stage of our journey. We know our work is growing and shows no signs of slowing down. We also need a place of our own, which is big enough for our purposes and somewhere we can develop into a great space for our community which will be open to all. Thank you again. As I write this on the 5 January, we are 4 working days into 2024 and we are up to150 referrals already. Bit worrying but God has got us this far. Praise God always, Gordon
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Local Church News News from St Peter’s Church
Our Christmas activities and services at St. Peter’s were a wonderful celebration of the birth of Jesus. We began with our fantastic Christmas Tree Festival and Concert, which between them raised £1400 for our funds. Thank you to everyone who came and enjoyed their wander amongst the beautiful and imaginative trees. “Carols for All” was a lovely service, singing carols chosen by the congregation and all of us raising our voices in praise and thanksgiving for the birth of our Saviour. We had three Christmas Services all of which were well attended, and we sang and prayed by candlelight. The Crib Service was enjoyed by the children and their families as they acted the Christmas Story, with Carols and Bible readings. We move forward now, and are planning some events for 2024. This is a very advanced notice for our Bring Buy Plant Sale on Saturday the 11th May. If you are starting to think about what vegetables and flowers you are going to grow this year, we would love you to join us, and bring any surplus plants along for us to sell. Also, if you are splitting or re-potting any garden plants and have extra, they would be great too. We also serve refreshments, so you can sit
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Jonny Garside 79 Regent Street, Stotfold 01462 732248 or 07951 473505
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and chat with friends and maybe make new ones too. Our font, which suffered some damage last year, will be repaired very soon and some conservation work carried out. This font is from Mediaeval times and has probably seen thousands of Christenings over the years. Now it is going to receive some expert care and attention, well deserved after such a long life. As the magazine goes to press, we are going to be interviewing for our new Priest. So we pray that by next month, we will know who will be leading the Benefice of Arlesey and Astwick joined with Shillington and Stondon. Services Our service times are:1st, 3rd,4th,5th Sundays 9.30am 2nd Sunday All Age Worship 10.00am Refreshments are served after each service an opportunity to chat and socialise. Weekdays Coffee Mornings Tuesday 10.30am in church 10.30am-12 noon Toddler and Parent/Carer Group 1st Wednesday in the month Afternoon Tea 2- 4m Helen Bardell Churchwarden 01462 731227 07967144571 email; vicar@arlesey.org.uk churchwardens@arlesey.org.uk tibbs.simon@gmail.com
Keep it
LOCAL!
Finding out more about the people behind our local busineses The Arlesey News Magazine - Helping support our local businesses!
!
Welcome to our new monthly feature aimed at introducing you to some of the faces behind our local businesses and Arlesey News Magazine advertisers. This month we take five minutes to chat to owner of The Cleaning Hub,
Matt Coulson.
Matt, The Cleaning Hub is still a relatively new business to this area, how is it all going? It's going really well. My diary was completely booked up in December with everybody wanting their preChristmas carpet & upholstery cleans, but that momentum has carried on into January with an almost full diary this month too.
What made you choose this area as your home town and the place to launch the Cleaning Hub? My wife and I are originally from Essex, but we moved to Stotfold just before our son was born almost 12 years ago. We quickly settled here and we both really enjoy being part of the local community.
When you’re not out and about cleaning Matt, how do you choose to spend your free time and relax? I enjoy running. I ran the Manchester marathon a couple of years ago and I definitely plan on participating in some more long distance runs in the future.
(If you havent followed the Cleaning Hub as yet then you need to!) Oh absolutely! I have some great TikTok ideas for this year so watch this space!
If you could invite three people to dinner (it’s the classic question but we love it!) from any time in history, who would it be and why?
Robin Williams - Because he seemed like such a kind, genuine and funny person. Bill Nicholson - Being a Spurs fan, I would love to know what it was like managing such a successful Spurs team.
Bob Dylan - Hopefully he would sing and play for us, although it is Bob Dylan, so it would only be if he wanted to!
Matt, the Cleaning Hub has quite a following on social media (including TikTok, Instagram and facebook) can we look forward to more funny anecdotes during 2024? Next month we look forward to chatting to another of our local business owners!
Matt proudly showing off his advertising board at Stevenage Boro!
James’s Carpentry
& General Handyman Service
Exterior & Interior Property Maintenance * Decorating * Furniture Building * Painting * Carpentry & more * Carpet Cleaning FREE QUOTATIONS T: (01462) 234292 or 07887 871212
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Pounds and and a Pig! Pounds Pig!
ok ok Post Post Sparks Sparks HUGE HUGE Response! Response!
Mental Health Matters- with Jo Loach Do something different..
As we move further into this new year, it may feel like life is gaining momentum. Good intentions set in January may already feel like a distant memory, lost to the busyness of life. But, while the year is no longer brand new, each month, week, day or even hour, offer their own opportunity to begin again.
And so, if we find ourselves falling back on repeating last year’s ways, whether good or bad, all is not lost! Each month offers a chance to review and reset by reflecting on what we need or want to differently and how to do so. If we are willing to stop and look at our schedules, we may notice what works and what doesn’t. When we set simple, small changes that make life easier or more enjoyable, we are more likely to stick to them which in turn encourages us to build upon them.
YOUR LOCAL
WINDOW CLEANER
Windows, frames, sills, conservatorys, fascia & soffits.
LOCAL & RELIABLE * FREE quotations
Call: 07949 853411
One -off or regular 4/8/12 weekly cleans
STOTFOLD FENCING FOR A AL LL YOUR FENCING & DECKING NEEDS Call Nath
07490 715009 stotfoldfencing@gmail.com
ws Magazin18 e please call 01462 731986
When it comes to maintaining mental health, it can help to go back to basics to see what simple tweaks could support us. We often know what we need but when life gets busy, we may forget to implement good sleep routines, staying hydrated, eating healthily, being physically active, getting outside, maintaining fulfilling relationships and protecting times of rest and play.
The latest research regularly confirms the links between body, mind and heart and thus the importance of looking after the whole system. We all tend to have our strengths and weaknesses when it comes to practising self-care. It is as important to acknowledge what we do well as it is to consider how to improve the areas we struggle with. If we are repeatedly struggling with the same areas, we may need a different approach or even to seek some form of help. Jo is a BACP Accredited Psychodynamic Counsellor and an Integrative Supervisor with an MA in Contemporary Therapeutic Counselling .
North Herts Road Runners The 1st Sat of month 5k at Letchworth Common will be on 3rd Feb at 9am.Entry is free and open to all runners.
We continue with our training sessions on Tues & Thurs at 7pm and welcome runners from beginners to experienced runners all under qualified coaches.
For more in information call Ian 07506 429928 or visit our web site nhrr.org.uk
To contact the Arlesey News Magazine 9 please call 01462 731986
News From
Arlesey Town Football Club
Once again we can provide fixtures so far for February - As always, please do double check either our website otr our social media to make sure these remain correct as we draw closer to the time. (Due to the time of submitting these this month, these may be subject to change.) Saturday 3rd February - AWAY - Shefford. Saturday 10th February - HOME - London Lions. Tuesday 13th February - HOME - Crawley Green (GKT 2) Saturday 17th February - HOME - Dunstable Town Tuesday 20th February - AWAY - Leverstock Green Saturday 24th february - HOME Stansted.
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 - The club however does need the support of the community and we would really like to see some new faces at our club and to see more and more Arlesey residents enjoying our club and all it 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
To contact the Arlesey News Magazine please call 01462 731986
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Down Memory Lane
This wonderful picture was kindly loaned to us by Simon Spoor - Can you shed any light on when this was taken or who any of the boys pictured may be? We’d love to hear from you if you can - arlesey.news@yahoo.com
Established 1971
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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"
CAN YOU HELP US?
We are keen to find a couple of extra delivery volunteers to help us with our deliveries in The Rally, Jubilee Crescent and Carters Way. If you have half an hour once a month to spare then we want to hear from you! Volunteering with us is a great way to help keep Arlesey connected - (and is also a great way to volunteer for the Duke Of Edinburgh scheme!) Call us on 01462 731986 or email arlesey.news@yahoo.com
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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 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
01462 290226 07981 275663 01462 887366 07765 495200 01462 812826 01462 639215 07878 444559 07761 751634 01462 232642 01462 732393 07818 000508 07889 811065 01462 731357 07449 461465 07719 862371 07950 311963 01462 700862 01462 615922 07474 444288 01462 618058 01462 612033 01462 732616 01462 730562 01462 734133 01462 733730 01462 730222 01767 448188 01462 234228 01462 458711 01462 731986 07575 417217 01462 835538 07946 521266 01462 261401 07739 488472 07951 473505 01462 629302 01767 627611
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
To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986
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