Stotfold
NEWS
Town News Magazine Issue 202 February 2022
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T: 01462 730884 M: 07973 851414
From the Editor From the Editor Welcome to February! This month it feels as if we are back to a more normal footing after the festivities and things seem to be settling back in to routine. We are delighted to welcome back news form all of our schools this month as they settle in to the new term -we hope they all enjoy a full and fun start to their learning for 2022. There is plenty to read inside this month’s issue alongside a wonderful tribute to Councillor Anne Clarey who very sadly passed away on Christmas Eve. We are certain that everybody who knew Anne either personally or professionally would like to join us in offering our sincere condolences to Anne’s family, friends and colleagues. Thank you to Nikki Lane for allowing us to borrow yet another wonderful photograph for our February front cover, we hope you agree it is a lovely frosty shot. If you have any news you would like to share with us throughout 2022 or events you would like us to get involved with, then please do not hesitate to contact us using the details below - this month we are delighted to welcome some new readers to our magazine from the Spruce Meadow area of Stotfold, situated just off Taylors Road and welcome new delivery volunteer Jade to our wonderful team of helpers! Until next month... Joanne
Editorial: Please email your letters or articles to stotfold.news@yahoo.co.uk or write to us at: Stotfold News Magazine, 78 Hitchin Road, Stotfold, Hertfordshire, SG5 4HT You
can also call us on 01462 731986 (Mon - Fri, 9.30am to 5pm) You can also contact us via our facebook page.
Advertising: It’s easy to advertise in the Stotfold News You’ll find all you need to know at: www.stotfoldandarleseymagazine.co.uk- Our deadline is always 6th of every month preceding publication.
Deliveries: We have over 100 volunteers that deliver the Stotfold News Magazine. 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 in association with Woodbury Printing Services. Printed in memory of Roy West.
February 2022
CONTENTS Articles:
Your letters Local News Stotfold Art Club News Family Announcements Monthly Quiz! February Recipe Mental Health Matters Local Sport
Page 4,5,6,7 Page 8, 9 Page 18 Page 20 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 28,29,30
Local school/nursery news:
News News News News News News News
from from from from from from from
Pix Brook Academy Etonbury Academy Roecroft Lower School St Mary’s Academy Pippin Pre-School Fairfield Lower School Poppies & Poppyfields
Church news:
Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 17
News from Kings Baptist Church News from St Mary’s Church News from Stotfold Methodist Chuch 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 deadline 6th February 2022
To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986
Page 32 Page 33 Page 35
Want to promote your business in the Arlesey & Stotfold News Magazines?
T: 01462 731986 stotfold.news@yahoo.co.uk
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Your Letters
Dear Editor, I am writing this with some sadness but also happiness. This is because I am retiring from Stotfold Pharmacy after 16 years. Thank you to everyone that I have had the privilege to work with and all the patients and customers over the 16 years. Big, big hugs to everyone that supported me with love, kindness, cards and flowers when my daughter Laura died three years ago. Without you and everyone whom I work with I feel that I would have struggled to make it through each day.
07575 353355
It goes without saying that I shall miss everyone but I have so much to look forward to whilst I have good health. My leaving date is February 24th. Kathy Taylor. Dear Editor, We have a brand new Rollator with seat for sale never been used £45 Please call Stotfold 01462 638642
Dear Editor, I just wanted your readers to know of the generosity and Christmas spirit of Jan and Les of the Stag Public House on Brook Street. On the Wednesday after Christmas, Jan and her helpers provided a free Christmas lunch and a warm welcome to 20 of us, all local residents of Stotfold, and clients who use the Stotfold Good Neighbour Group. We really enjoyed our lunch and in particular the opportunity to get out and meet each other after a rather quiet Christmas. We had lovely food and a very enjoyable time and would like to say a big thank you to Jan, Les and the staff at the Stag. Client of Stotfold Good Neighbour Group 4
www.stotfoldnews.co.uk
Your Letters
Dear Editor, I would like to say a public thank you to the Land lady of the Stag pub. On the Thursday after Christmas I received a lovely takeaway Christmas lunch from the Stag, soup, turkey and all the trimmings and christmas pudding. The lunches were delivered by Stotfold Good Neighbour Group direct to me at home. Apparently 14 of us received free lunches. It was a lovely thoughtful idea and I really enjoyed it as I am unable to get out much. Thank you to the Stag and the Good Neighbour Group, it made my day. Happy New year to everybody. A Stotfold Resident Dear Editor, I would like to thank the Stotfold Good Neighbour Group for the lovely Christmas lunch that was delivered to me by them. I was so looking forward to it as I am not able to do this sort of thing myself any more. It was lovely, please pass my thanks on to the Stag Public house, it was such a kind thing to do. Anonymous, SGNG Client
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Your Letters Dear Editor, I am not a big user of Facebook or any other social media platform, however I do follow event on the “We live in Stotfold” Facebook page, a great source of information supporting our community. However, I was saddened by the recent outpouring of negativity about Stotfold pharmacy, it was simply shocking, it felt like a witch hunt and must have been extremely upsetting for all the staff that work at the pharmacy. Let’s not forget that the pharmacy has had to adapt to an ever growing population, the space can’t get any bigger and they can only get so many staff in. Let’s not forget that during lockdown they never closed, yes queues may have been long but they have a duty to safe guard their own staff. Let’s not forget that for the majority of customers the service is fantastic, the advice is plentiful and they provide a very much needed service to our local community. It is a shame that so many of you became keyboard warriors and took to the page to blatantly criticise individual team members and the long queues, ask yourself have you ever had a bad day at work when you weren’t functioning on full cylinders? Just imagine if 30+ people criticised you for doing your job how would that make you feel, how would this negativity affect your mental health? If people have a problem with the service provided at the pharmacy maybe let the manager know and give them the opportunity to improve, rather than just, almost anonymously, spreading negativity and causing unnecessary hurt. The staff and service provided at Stotfold pharmacy to the huge and ever growing local community should be applauded and me and my family are incredibly grateful to them. Maybe if as adults we conducted ourselves with more kindness we could influence the younger generation to do so too. All types of electrical work undertaken.
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To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986
Your Letters
Dear Editor,
Following on from the recent letter from Mick Barnett, I would like to offer a bit more information regarding Stotfold Ladies FC.
The team was formed in 2009 and played as under 9’s in a seven a side league. The original squad comprised of only 8 players of which 5 are still associated with the club 13 years on. Through the junior years they finished runners-up in both league and cup competitions on several occasions before finally winning the league in 2017. They were the first and only female team to have represented the club at the annual Easter friendly tournament with the Dutch club EBOH, both at home and away, (twice). Since taking the step up to senior level they have made steady progress in the league and are currently in the third tier of the Beds and Herts League. Plenty for the town to be proud of, yet mostly has gone unnoticed.
As Mick mentioned, they do not get to play at the main stadium very often. This is because of an agreement between the Senior and Junior clubs regarding pitch allocation, leading to the limited time allocated being shared between junior teams. The ladies team is still part of the Junior set-up and as such have to wait their turn. The question is, should they now be given senior status and have the same benefits as the male senior team or are they not considered as important? Women’s football is growing rapidly across the country. Stotfold have a team already so let’s give it our full support and the best opportunity to succeed. Mr C Robinson
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To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986
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Local
News
Sam's Singer, Songwriter Success
2021 proved to be a defining year for local artist and songwriter Sam Gifford as he released his second studio EP ‘A Second of Love’ in December. Born, raised and still currently residing in Stotfold, Sam began writing and performing original music back in 2016, however it was last year that the artist truly established himself as ‘one to watch’ across the wider music industry. Releasing four singles to promote his new EP, Sam discusses themes of hope, fear and the permanence of love, in contrast to the Stotfold’s Sam Gifford tops the charts for 2021. fragility of pain in his songs. Singles such as ‘Gang of Thieves’ and ‘Run the Red Light’ from the EP gathered the attention of the infamous ‘BBC Introducing’ show on ‘Three Counties Radio’ granting Sam his first ever BBC airplay.
‘Gang of Thieves’, arguably Sam’s most successful song of the year, also received acknowledgement from international radio station ‘Amazing Radio’ as they awarded the song the number one spot on their UK weekly chart, fighting off household names such as Sam Fender, Wolf Alice and Declan McKenna. Much to Sam’s surprise, the song would maintain its position in the charts for four consecutive weeks and later regain the number one spot six weeks after the track first topped the UK chart. Subsequently, the song was ranked at number three in the ‘Amazing Radio 2021 UK Chart’ on New Year’s Eve, establishing itself as the third most popular song on ‘Amazing Radio’ across the entire year, this time in competition with the tens of thousands of songs which were submitted to the station over the course of 2021. Having accumulated over 60,000 streams for the EP on Spotify alone, Sam now aims to sell five hundred physical copies of his EP whilst simultaneously raising money for the charity ‘Trees for Cities’, donating a percentage of each CD purchase to combatting climate change and making the UK a healthier environment to live in.
Sam’s music videos are often filmed locally and can be found on his YouTube channel. To keep up to date with Sam’s progress you can follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram under the profile @samgiffordmusic. For Sam’s music, you can find him on your chosen music platform by searching for ‘Sam Gifford’ or by purchasing a physical copy of the latest EP from his website.
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Sam in one of his recent video’s..many of which were filmed in Stotfold. To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986
Local
News
Lola runs 31miles for Great Ormond Street Hospital. We’d like you to meet three year old Lola.
You may well recognise Lola as you may have spotted her over recent weeks as she runs in and around Stotfold, taking part in her very own challenge for 2002. Incredibly, Lola will be running one mile a day around Stotfold throughout January to raise funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital - that’s 31 miles in total!! Lola first heard parents Sebastian & Harriet discussing the challenge over breakfast one morning and told them both she wanted to take part in order to raise money for the amazing children’s charity.
Three year old Lola enjoying time out from her running!
way! We think she is amazing!!
Lola has featured on the ITV local news and has also received a great deal of interest in her story. Initially Lola and her family set themselves a target of raising £100, incredibly she has now managed to smash this milestone and has now hit the £1000 mark and is JIGSAW SALE still going! St. Mary’s Church Hall Church Road, Stotfold If you spot Lola along with her Saturday 12 February parents and baby sister Immie out on 10.00 – 12.00 a run please give her lots of Wonderful display of jigsaws encouragement to help her on her for sale at bargain prices. All boxed and checked as complete.
Here’s Lola’s fundraising link of you would like to help her continue to smash her goal!! https://www.runningoffchristmas.org.uk/fundraising/lolas-fundraising-page2021
Proceeds to St. Mary’s Church Charity No: 1131275
Anxiety, Weight Release, Depression, Lola’s enthusiasm for fundraising runs in the family as you may recall Lola’s Fears & Phobias, Smoking Cessation, mum Harriet recently ran 4 miles, every 4 hours, for 48 hours in aid of the Hypnobirthing Garden House Hospice back in the summer last year raising hundreds of Hypno-Gastric Band Therapy..... pounds for yet another amazing cause. Make positive changes to your life We look forward to updating everybody in a future issue with how much Lola in the comfort of our has managed to raise...GOOD LUCK LOLA! Stotfold hypnotherapy room. FREE 15 minute telephone consultation Glen Russell 07497 157531 www.thepathwayhynotherapyrooms.co.uk
Three year old Lola as she embarks on yet another mile in and around Stotfold!
To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986
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News from
Pix Brook Academy
February is always an interesting time to be in schools. This time last year we were in the midst of another lockdown and it was difficult to see the way forward. A year on and unbelievably we are still living with COVID but it does feel that we are perhaps approaching an end, even if that is simply a way of living with it. It may be I feel this way because as a teacher I know it is necessary to be optimistic at all times. Working with young people requires us to believe that anything is possible and here at Pix Brook we are always talking to young people about the “art of the possible”. Never limit your aspirations fits nicely into our key values of being unapologetically ambitious and relentlessly aspirational.
There is no doubt that the last few months have presented some challenges across the sector and it has been a priority at Pix Brook to ensure that the educational experience of all pupils is “normal”. We have been working with our year 6 pupils since Christmas in preparation for their SATs exams and they have approached this work fantastically well. The key to this type of work is to ensure it feels normal and we focus only on pupils doing as well as they can. Pupils are rewarded for their hard work and every effort is made to provide the right level of bespoke support. We have also been working with our year 7 pupils who have been campaigning to be elected to the youth parliament. Hustings have happened and leaflets distributed. This is a great example of how we can begin to develop an appreciation of the wider world and hopefully help grow our young people’s moral compass so that they recognise the importance of thinking of others first. We talk a lot about social responsibility and work hard to help the pupils understand what this means. Finally the year 5 pupils have been working hard with their class teachers. They have made a super contribution to the life of the school with their energy and enthusiasm. We are so fortunate to have a really extensive extra-curricular programme and it is not uncommon for us to have over 70 pupils attending the different clubs after school. This enthusiasm to join in and engage in what is offered makes the efforts of the staff at school so much more rewarding.
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To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986
News from
Etonbury Academy
We ended 2021 on high. Mr Evason, Principal, met with over 200 students during the last few days of term to celebrate their effort, behaviour and achievements in and outside of school. We are also delighted to have gone ahead with the fantastic music performance for our parents who were able to come into school and watch our amazing talent on stage. What a great evening, albeit distanced and smaller than usual, our students performed to an audience for the first time in many months. We are very fortunate to have a dedicated Head of Etonbury Music, Mrs Emily Hardy, who persevered and juggled ‘bubbles’ to make it happen.
Every child started the school year straight back into lessons as normal with enormous thanks to our Etonbury community of parents and volunteers to get the Covid testing completed on the staff training day. It was no mean feat with the uncertainty of staff availability, and changes to guidance but our planning before Christmas paid off. We have already started our trips with Years 9 and 10 Design and Technology students heading off to Warner Bros Studio to look at the set designs and develop their learning in their subject. These experiences widen student imaginations on future careers, and learn about the mechanics of props, sets and technologies. Our Juniors are also off to Duxford Air Museum soon. Our Year 9 students have started their Option taster sessions to explore the Etonbury curriculum in more detail and experience additional subjects to help them decide on their GCSE subjects in Year 10. They will learn and hear from our specialist subject teachers from engineering, photography, drama, languages, psychology, media, computer science, food technology, childcare plus many more about what they will be doing throughout the GCSE subject, and the types of careers they may support. Mrs Brahmachari-Limb, Head of Drama, has now launched our School Performance, Matilda The Musical, and is currently auditioning for the cast and crew. We can’t wait to have another full performance involving our whole school. Our children enjoy performing, being the backstage support and getting involved to work together across the ages. We also love the atmosphere in the corridors during lunchtime rehearsals and will no doubt leave many of us driving home singing ‘Sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty’! A final congratulations to our Debate Club members who received their Certificate for reaching the finals in the International debate Club Competition. It was a fantastic achievement for such a new team. Personal tours of our school have continued, and there is becoming increasing interest in children joining us. If you are considering a place for your child in Year 5, 7 or 9, please do get in touch as we would be delighted to show you around. Contact 01462 730391.
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News from Roecroft
Lower School
Welcome to this month’s news from Roecroft Lower School.
I think it is important to mention again that schools are still having to function under rather challenging circumstances, our main priority continues to be to make school as normal for all our children. They have shown huge resilience over the last 22 months and continue to fill us all with pride. We continue to strive for academic excellence and want to ensure all our children are given the tools to reach their full potential. Before Christmas we had a visit from Dr. Neil Hawkes, the founder of the Values-based Education system and an ex headteacher and Ofsted inspector. He spent most of a day in school and awarded us the highest possible recognition for Values-based culture and ethos in schools. He said the school models values with ease and conviction; that staff are all welcoming and show sincerity in the work they do; the extra demands the pandemic had bought were not apparent around the building; that the children were relaxed and alert in their learning and the schools amazing attention to detail was apparent everywhere. The full report is a joyous read and really reflects the work that goes into life here at Roecroft. Thank you to my team and the children for all of your hard work and dedication.
This month we have an update from our phase leaders in Years 3 and 4. The Year 3 children returned to school in January after the Christmas break full of enthusiasm and looking forward to the Spring term. We started the term by reading some classic myths and legends, such as Robin Hood, and the children enjoyed writing their own story based on the key themes found in many myths. Our Science topic this term has been ‘Forces and Magnets’. We identified different forces used in everyday reactions and spent time studying gravity and air resistance. The children created different parachutes to test air resistance and had great fun dropping them from the classroom balcony! In Art, our topic has been based on artwork from the Stone Age period, namely the amazing caves in Lascaux, France. We studied the Stone Age during our history topic last term so the children have enjoyed bringing this period to life through their artwork using paints made from natural materials. In computing, the children have been learning to code using computer software such as ‘Scratch’ and ‘Turtle Logo’. Using the basics of coding, the children were able to program FREE Prescription delivery computer avatars to move and complete tasks. Creating their service to ALL Arlesey and moving characters was a real highlight for the children!
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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
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31 High Street, Arlesey, Beds SG15 6RA
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We have had a busy start to Spring term in Year 4. The children have thoroughly enjoyed having the opportunity to venture out on school trips once again. Firstly, we visited Hazard Alley in Milton Keynes as part of our PSHE curriculum to learn first-hand how to manage hazards and stay safe in real-life scenarios. Then as part of our local history study this term, we visited the Welwyn Roman Baths to discover what was found at the site and how the Romans impacted modern day Britain. We were also lucky to have a programming and building workshop, where the children were able to use their coding and engineering skills to build their own robots from LEGO. We are now going to put these skills into action in science and DT lessons making cars and switches. Warmest wishes from Mrs Cross and the Roecroft Family.
To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986
News from St
Mary’s Academy
January was a quiet start to the New Year with the ever present and ever changing COVID numbers and regulations. We did have big plans for our Year 4s to attend the huge O2 Young Voices Concert however this has been postponed to the Summer Term and we should have a date confirmed imminently.
Our younger children have been busy though, with the Foundation children enjoying a Goldilocks Breakfast morning in their pyjamas as part of their Bears topic and our Year 1s walking around Stotfold and making muffin pizzas as part of their Geography and English studies. Our school clubs are all well under way as the children settle back into the new term. Also during February our children will be participating in several multi skills sports sessions. These should be enjoyable events for all those participating so look out for further details in our ParentMail newsletters and in bookbags. Our much anticipated annual Creative Arts week has been postponed until the Summer Term, however our Foundation team plan to hold an arts week before Half Term based around the topic of London. We look forward to seeing their creative projects!
Jet Class will hold their Assembly on Wednesday 9th February so we look forward to this. At the current time we are unable to invite our parents and close relatives to attend and enjoy and if this is still the case we will of course video the assembly and put this on our website as well as send this to our families via Dojo. Our parent's association, SMSA, have a number of planned events moving forward so we look forward to sharing these with our families and the community once dates have been agreed. Our last day of this half term is Friday 11th February, with school resuming on Monday 21st for six busy weeks to take us up to Easter.
WALKS FOR HEALTH
Would you like to join a friendly local group for a weekly local walk? Walks start at 10.45am Meeting points for February: Feb 10th & 17th the Crown pub Stotfold. Feb 24th meet at Arlesey Train Station
Everyone welcome - for more details contact Beth Overfield 01462 815672
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To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986
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News from Pippin
Pre School
During the month of February, the children will be celebrating Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year. We have lots of exciting activities planned for these topics including food tasting, dragon crowns, Chinese dancing and heart printing.
Holiday club will once again be open for February Half Term (17th to 21st inclusive), please contact the office via email at info@pippinpreschool.co.uk regarding availability. We charge £38 per day and are open from 7.45am, finish 6pm, all requests are on a first come, first serve basis. Like many charities our fundraising opportunities remain restricted. We have registered with AmazonSmile due to our charity status. Amazon Smile is a simple and automatic way for you to support a charity of your choice every time you shop at no cost to you. Please visit smile.amazon.co.uk on your web browser and select Pippin Playgroup. For each eligible purchase Amazon will pay us 0.5% of the net purchase price. Established 2010 Fully insured & DBS checked Thank you for your interest in our Pre-School. Loving care guaranteed! We look forward to sharing more of our news with you again next month.
Call Liz: 07894 561765 www.smileypets.co.uk
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To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986
News from
Fairfield Lower School
What an exciting 1st half term back we have had with lots of fun and engaging learning for all our pupils. The children returned after the Christmas break to experience Musicals Week. The performing arts has been something that children have had limited opportunity duringthe last two years and this was an excellent opportunity to practise these skills. All year groups selected a different musical and participated in a range of activities related to the Arts. Our Nursery children explored The Snowman, Reception took a magic carpet ride with Aladdin, Year 1 had a Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious-time learning about Mary Poppins, there were a number of wild animals in Year 2 as their focus was the Jungle Book; Year 3 experienced Matilda and her life growing up and we had a strong pride of lions in Year 4 who performed to the The Lion King. The singing was beautiful and uplifting to hear in the corridors and the children developed their acting skills to take on a variety of roles during drama too. Some year groups also choreographed dances and had the opportunity to perform these to their peers too. Did you know?
We have two spacious school halls both of which are ideal for birthday parties, children's activities, clubs and celebrations. Our facilities are easily accessible and have the optional use of the kitchen facilities.
If you would like further information, or to make a booking please contact the School Office on 01462 830000 or alternatively please visit our website.
STOTFOLD GARDEN CLUB
Meetings and Trips Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month at St. Mary’s Church Hall, Church Road.
Our Value of the month: Positivity Email: office@fairfieldparklower.uk www.fairfieldparklower.uk
Wednesday 9th February 2022 Jeanette Merillon – ‘Gardening on walls and Fences’. Tea and coffee served and meetings start at approximately 10:15am. For more information, contact Peter on: (01462) 834854 or 07758649721 stotfoldgc@gmail.com
Please contact the school office should you require further information on 01462 830000
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Email: info@stotfoldnews.co.uk
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News from Poppies
& Poppyfields Nursery
A new year is upon us! We have welcomed new families into Poppies life this term and are enjoying getting to know them. Children settled back well, talking about their Christmas gifts and activities. Many have recreated Father Christmas games! (Does not seem like it was a month ago!) This half term we are looking at ‘Our World’, exploring various cultures, types of home and environments and the different animals and communities who live there. We have also looked closely at ourselves and each other, valuing our own individuality and respecting similarities and differences. Winter is now upon us, with crisp, bright mornings and beautiful pastel sunsets. Children have also been busy during January looking at patterns on spiders webs, listening for bird song and making bird feeders to hang from trees. We are looking at ‘winter’ and all it brings, with ice and paint experiments, cold collages and winter landscape painting. For enquiries at either Poppies or Poppyfields ( both are 8-6, Monday to Friday nursery care and Breakfast and After School Club for Reception children at St Marys, and Reception to Year 2 at Fairfield Lower School, please contact billpoppies@gmail.com or billpoppyfiekds@gmail.com. Quote of the month: “A child, more than anyone, is a spontaneous explorer of nature”
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To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986
17
News from Stotfold
Art Club
Welcome to our update for the February edition of the Stotfold News Magazine. The art group held a very successful exhibition and craft sale in December and would like to thank everybody who came along. The group hopes everyone enjoyed the work on display.. Animal studies are a favourite topic for many in the art group.
These monochrome watercolours are the work of one of their members, a Stotfold resident who has a special liking and knowledge of horses.. She has also made detailed studies of deer, dogs and other animals, many of which have been on display in Stotfold Mill.. The club are delighted to now be meeting once again in person and welcome new members to join them at their fun and friendly group. For details contact 07734 304590
Established 1971
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PIPPIN PRE-SCHOOL ARE RECRUITING
Wraparound assistant (3.30-6.00pm) Monday to Friday term time only.
Pippin pre-school is a well-established setting in Stotfold, we can offer fantastic premises, good rates of pay, opportunities to advance your career and a welcoming/friendly team of practitioners. This position is subject to a full DBS check and references. Closing date for applications - Friday 4th February
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News from Stotfold
Watermill
Stotfold Mill Events Team Are Looking For Volunteers.. The Stotfold Mill had one of the best October events this year, after having missed two Shows due to Covid. This success is greatly due to the volunteers who work behind the scenes to deliver the highlights of the Stotfold Calendar.
Photograph taken by Chris Hall
Focus has now moved to planning the May 2022 Steam Fair and Country Show, which promises to be bigger and better!! But this will only be possible if we can recruit MORE VOLUNTEERS to support the Events Team… the planning work starts NOW! If you can give a couple of hours of your time per week, have marketing… graphic design … and/or any “events” backgrounds, we would love to hear from you…
Your input and help will be invaluable in ensuring the smooth planning and the running of the Events, including your support during the Fair weekends…
WE NEED YOU… Join us and be part of the Stotfold Mill Events Team… It is truly rewarding…
Please email us on enquiries@stotfoldmill.com if you feel you can help and wish to be part of the Events Team. We look forward to hearing from you! Thank you The Stotfold Mill Events Team
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To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986
19
Family announcements Peter Saunders
Poppy
5th February
Happy Birthday! With love from Monica Lucy,Olivia, Alex,Olivia, Von and Frank x
17th February! Happy 6th Birthday!
Lots of Love, Mummy, Daddy & Lilly Mai x
Alison Weston
February 24th FABULOUS AT 50! Wishing you a wonderful day! Love from Glen, Joshua, Jared & all your friends & family x
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Open Monday 10.30 - 3pm Tuesday - Saturday 9 - 4pm Hallworth Drive, Stotfold. 07812 055587
Chloe and Lily,
Wishing you both an amazing 16th birthday.
I am so very proud of you both. All my love, Mum x
Davina Mason Happy Birthday!
Lots of love from all your family & friends xx
RAY MINNIS - Acknowledgement. The family of the late Ray Minnis would like to thank the staff of Larksfield Surgery, especially Karen for the care and compassion shown to Ray during recent months.
Karen in particular became like a friend to the family and her help made the last few months a much more bearable time. The family would also like to thank the Stotfold Good Neighbour Group, who have given the family so much help during the last few years.
Ray unfortunately passed away in December and the family would like to thank everyone for the messages of sympathy during this very sad time.
Hopton Holiday Village
Luxury 8 Berth Caravan available for holiday let. Various dates available New season starts March 2022 between March - October including school holidays. Secure your date NOW. Fully double glazed with central heating on a fully secure park with indoor and outdoor pools, 9 hole golf course and short walk to the beach. Call Bernie for details on 07860 462244
To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986
To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986
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To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986
23
February
Quiz time..
This month we celebrate Valentine’s Day so the FEBRUARY FUN QUIZ, compiled and presented by Stotfold’s very own Brain of Britain, David Stedman, is on the theme of the BIRDS and the BEES, either as clues contained in the question or the answer. (As usual, answers can be found on page 36). 1 What is the name of the grotesquely self-important and tactless British radio DJ and television presenter portrayed by Steve Coogan? 2 What is the name, derived from the Maori name of the tree Leptospermum, of the expensive New Zealand honey which is reputed to have medicinal and curative properties? 3 You are standing in a very famous London building. Beneath your feet is an inscription which partly reads: Reader, if you seek his monument – look around you. Who was the architect of this building? 4 Hives is an allergic condition causing skin rash and takes its proper medical name from the Latin meaning ‘nettle’. What is that name? 5 Which actor won the Best Actor Oscar for his performance as Randle McMurphy in the film One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest? 6 What is the common name of the distinctive bird which is included in the logo of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds? 7 Football star Mike Summerbee was nicknamed Buzzer, won eight England caps, and was a member of which highly successful English club side between 1965 to 1975? 8 What one same name is a variety of sea duck; an estate in Jamaica once owned by Sir Noel Coward; and the title of a James Bond film? 9 Founded during the 1940s, the childrens’ book publishing imprint of Penguin Books is named after which other bird? 10 Complete the stage name of this American instrumental group which, in 1962, had a UK number one single with Nutrocker: B Bumble and the. . .? 11 What is the title of the BBC television series in which Jay Blades leads a team of skilled craftspeople and which is filmed at the Weald and Downland Living Museum? 12 The four-letter common name of a dumpy wading bird is also the name applied to a speed of 1.15078 mph or 1.852 kmh. What name? 13 Among the nine symphonies written by this great composer, three are the Eroica, Pastoral and Choral. Which composer? 14 One for sorrow, Two for joy, Three for a girl, Four for a boy, Five for silver, Six for gold, Seven for a secret, Never to be told. According to the traditional English rhyme, what are they? 15 What is the name of the most famous Rolls-Royce aero engine which, during World War Two, powered the Spitfire, Hurricane, Lancaster, Mosquito and Mustang among many other aircraft? 16 Jodie Foster won a Best Actress Oscar for her portrayal of the character Clarice Starling in which film? 17 What is the common name applied to the light filmy crust of tartar that forms in bottles of port after long keeping? 18 According to the song made famous by Vera Lynn, what London place completes these lyrics: That certain night, the night we met, There was magic abroad in the air, There were angels dining at the Ritz, And a nightingale sang in . .where? 19 The fastest aircraft in the world is the Lockheed SR-71 high altitude surveillance plane. What is the avian epithet applied to this aircraft? 20 The European variety, Merops apiaster, is a member of the widespread bird family Meropidae and takes its common name from its usual diet. What is that common name?
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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.
www.stotfoldnews.co.uk
Recipe of the Month
Roasted Chicken and Pepper Pasta
Brought to you by Slimming World, Stotfold.
Quiz
This simple dish is so easy to make and it looks beautiful thanks to the vibrant colours of the peppers. If you have any chicken left over from a roast you could use that. Serves 4 Syn free ready in 40 minutes and can be frozen for up to 3 months
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Ingredients Low Calorie Cooking Spray 1 red pepper, deseeded and cut into strips 1 yellow pepper, deseeded and cut into strips 1 green pepper, deseeded and cut into strips 2 garlic cloves, crushed leaves of 1 Rosemary sprig, finely chopped 300ml hot vegetable stock 400g can chopped tomatoes salt and freshly ground black pepper 400g can chopped tomatoes/cherry tomatoes salt and freshly ground black pepper 4 cooked skinless and boneless chicken breasts, roughly shredded
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Spray a large frying pan with low calorie cooking spray and fry the onion, peppers, garlic and rosemary for 4-5 minutes until softened. Pour in the stock and tomatoes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, bring to the boil and simmer for 30 minutes. Add the chicken to the pepper sauce for the last 5 minutes of the cooking time to heat through. Serve the hot with your favourite pasta shapes.
Do you have an interest in cycling?
We run a friendly local cycling club and are looking for new members of all abilities to join us on local rides. For more details please look us up on facebook: ‘Stotfold cycle club.’
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 February 9th doors open at 7.30pm Speaker: Sheila Edger - Clarence House Memorial Hall, Stotfold Phone Jill Shepherd 01462 730751 for further details.
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To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986
Domestic Appliances
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Mental Health Matters with Jo Loach Attention, Attention! A 28 Day Invitation …
For 5 minutes a day throughout February, Jo Loach is inviting you to RE-IGNITE your spark of aliveness back in to being and staying for 2022! Whilst January had a huge focus on all things physical; gym membership, online exercise classes and new diets, by February our enthusiasm and commitment for this and the not so New Year, may be waning. As a Psychotherapist, mental and emotional health is the thing that fascinates me as it underpins all aspects of life. What we do with our thoughts and feelings, especially the difficult ones directly influence our motivation, passion, commitment, desire, and agency for living our lives in line with our values and vision.
Therefore, throughout February I am offering the equivalent of a detox for the mind and heart via a short daily video in the form of a quote, picture, question, or similar designed to RE-IGNITE your spark for life. It is true for us all that the ongoing challenges of life, like this pandemic, can dampen or even extinguish our spark, leaving us going through the motions.
When we cease to see the magic amidst the mundane, it is time to RE-IGNITE the spark of life by cultivating healthy habits that highlight that which brings us to life and that which does not. All too often the deprivation associated with January; don’t drink, eat meat, or sugar or whatever else often results in a swift return to all upon the arrival of February. What I am inviting us to cultivate is habits that enhance and enliven to such a degree that you will want to continue them.. You can access this via Facebook at: Jo Loach | Facebook or check out my blog at https://joloach.com
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To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986
New Year - Volunteer! The new year brings with it fresh opportunities as many people look to make brand new resolutions to improve their health and lifestyle.
One such change may mean aiming to make a more positive influence on other people’s lives and the community in which we live - if you are thinking along these lines then your local guiding group are waiting to hear from you. There are many guiding groups in Stotfold, including Rainbows, Brownies and Guides - all run by local volunteers. Your local groups are desperately in need of helpers to assist with running these clubs. You do not need experience, just the willingness to learn and assist young people in Stotfold. The rewards are endless 9 9ROXQWHHUV QHHGHG ROXQWHHUV QHHGHG as many of the current volunteers will agree. LLQ Q 66WRWIROG WRWIROG
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Alongside these regular volunteering opportunities, Stotfold Girlguiding are also looking to appoint their next District Commissioner. Are you good with people and administration? Do you have a few hours spare in your week?
You don't need to be a Leader to volunteer for this role. Full training and support will be given. Tasks include using the on-line portal, writing emails, phone calls, meetings, signing cheques and supporting Girlguiding Leaders. For more information or to find out further details on any of the above opportunities please contact Dawn Peters 01462733322 or email dawn.n.peters@gmail.com. Make 2022 the year you give back to the young people in our community!
Charity Craft Fayre 66LJQ XS QRZ LJQ X QRZ
St Marys Church Hall Church Road, Stotfold, SG5 4NE Saturday 26th March, 2022 10.am to 12.30pm. Entrance free – Everyday all occasions Greeting Cards Lots of various Craft and Handmade Items. Raffle – Hot/Cold Refreshments. All proceeds to Alzheimer’s (Fight Against Dementia)
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27
Local Sport - Stotfold Junior Football Club Stotfold youngsters dressed for success
Youngsters at a Bedfordshire football club showed off their new kit to their senior counterparts after netting a funding boost from a local power company.
Stotfold FC under-9s team received a £250 Team Sport award from UK Power Networks, the company which distributes electricity across the East of England. The money was put towards new kit, including coats, which the players unveiled while acting as mascots to the Stotfold senior team for a recent Spartan South Midlands CLAIRE’S League fixture.
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Employee Robert Beckwith, who works for Network Operations at UK Power Networks, applied for the award as his son, Rubin, plays for the side, while he helps as a volunteer coach. Robert told the Stotfold News Magazine “The club is very grateful for the funding support from UK Power Networks and others after what has been a difficult period for grassroots funding during the pandemic. It’s been a real combined effort to get our team up and running. Hundreds of community and sports groups have benefited from grants since the scheme was set up. During 2020, more than 60 teams benefitted to a Stotfold Under 9’s in their new kits combined sum of £15,500.
STOTFOLD FENCING FOR ALL YOUR FENCING & DECKING NEEDS Call Nath
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IAN SIMPSON
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To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986
Stotfold Football Club -
Local Sport
December’s fixtures saw the 1st team win their two league games 7-1 and 10-2. They also progressed to the third round of the Gladwish League Challenge Trophy beating Shefford Town and Campton 6-1. They now face Langford away on 26 January. The First team play the semi-final of The Beds Senior Trophy away to Queens Park Crescent First on 22 January. The Development team only played two league fixtures a win and a draw but play Renhold First on 15 January in the Quarter Final of the Beds Intermediate Cup. The U18 team had both scheduled league fixtures postponed. With a full fixture programme for all three teams in January it would be a busy and demanding month. The teams are continuing to receive great support at home matches with the New Year Bank holiday fixture against Ampthill Town bringing a record 404 supporters to the match. It is much appreciated and gives the players a real lift. February Home Fixtures
Our fixtures for the Development and U18 teams are not yet available for February but information will be on the website as soon as it is available.
Our Clubhouse is open on Matchdays and Friday - Sunday to members and non-members and we can offer a marquee, large garden area and a large function room and bar. Our Kitchen (The Corner Flag) offers great value food from an ever-expanding menu. Please keep an eye on our Facebook and Twitter pages for more information. JSJ Stadium New Roker Park Arlesey Road Stotfold, Bedfordshire, SG5 4HE 01462 539297 www.stotfoldfc.co.uk Twitter @stotfoldfc Facebook @stotfoldfc Email enquiries info@stotfoldfc.co.uk https://www.sfc-theclubhouse.co.uk/about-us COME AND SUPPORT THE EAGLES!
Stotfold Football Club
General Knowledge
Quiz Night
7.30pm Friday 25th February
The Clubhouse, JSJ Stadium New Roker Park, Arlesey Road, Stotfold
Teams of up to 6, £5 per player Crisps and Sweets provided on each table Phone 01462 626722 to book a place or email absaunders@ntlworld.com With team name and number of players
Please mention the Stotfold News Magazine when responding to adverts
29
Local Sport - New Year, New Hobby Would you like to make 2022 the year you return to fitness? Are you a woman aged 18 or over? Would you like to join a community that holds regular social events? If so, then Letchworth RUFC’s women’s rugby team would love to meet you at one of their next sessions at Letchworth Garden City Rugby Club. Formed during the summer of 2020, the Letchworth Lionesses rugby team have gone from strength to strength, despite the Covid19 pandemic. Most had never played rugby before but dived into the challenge wholeheartedly and now participate in a development league. The Lionesses are now looking to expand their pride. Captain Laura Czech told the Stotfold News "I am so proud of how far we have come as a team with the support of our amazing coaches. We have learnt new skills, grown in confidence, and most of all had such a brilliant time with new friends. Come along and join us. You don't need to have ever played rugby before, you can be any age and fitness level - we would love to have you join our pride of Letchworth Lionesses."
Join the Lionesses at one of their weekly training sessions on Wednesdays 7.30pm-9.00pm. Letchworth Garden City Rugby Club, Baldock Road, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 2EN, or see the Letchworth RUFC Lionesses Facebook page @LetchworthLionessesRugby/ Letchworth Lionessess are waiting to meet you! Instagram @letchworth_rufc_lionesses
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Healthy Matters Time to get FIT..
FIT or faecal immunochemical test, is a free bowel cancer screening test for those aged over 60. So, let’s rid the taboo about poo! This simple, lifesaving test is easier than you may think; most of us are able to do this independently, and in the privacy of our own bathroom. You can’t always see the signs and tests can detect early signs of cancer. When spotted early, treatment is more likely to be successful and most will survive bowel cancer when an early diagnosis is made.
The statistics can be difficult to read; around one in 15 men and one in 18 women will have bowel cancer in their lifetime; with over 42,000 people being diagnosed and 268,000 living with bowel cancer in Salvation Army the UK each year. Although more commonly found in those aged 50 and over, around 2,500 people under 50 are diagnosed each year. For those aged 60-74, a FIT Ladies Fellowship kit will be sent automatically by post, and repeated every two years; those older can February 21st ask to be tested by calling the free NHS helpline 0800 707 6060. If you have symptoms which can include blood in your poo, a change in your normal bowel habits, a pain or lump in your abdomen, weight loss or tiredness for no obvious reason, then make an appointment with your doctor or nurse practitioner without delay.
To request a free FIT kit or for more information about bowel screening, go online https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-cancer-screening/ or call North Herts Road the NHS bowel cancer helpline free on 0800 707 6060.
James’s Carpentry & General Handyman Service NO JOB TOO SMALL
Exterior & Interior Property Maintenance You name it and we’ll do it! * Decorating * Furniture Building * Painting * Carpentry and much, much more STOTFOLD BASED - FREE QUOTATIONS Contact us on (01462) 234292 or mobile: 07887 871212
GRANDAD’S STORY John Street
For details of future fellowship meetings and events Phone: 01462 01462 730739 10 Church Road, Stotfold, SG5 4LX
Runners
THE NEXT FIRST SAT OF THE MONTH 5K AT LETCHWORTH COMMON WILL BE 5th FEB STARTING AT 9AM
We are now meeting at the Mrs Howard Centre in Letchworth on Tues & Thurs at 7pm for training. Our qualified coaches help runners of all abilities to improve their running and if you are new to the area why not come and join us. Further information on our website www.nhrr.org.uk or call ian 07506429928
Decorating & Property Maintenance Painting, wallpapering, coving ALL HOME DIY JOBS
Fixing shelves, fitting doors, skirting boards Established in Stotfold for over 35 years
Call Ken Haskell on 01462 732960 or 07774 669603 FULLY INSURED
To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986
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King’s Baptist Church & Churches Together Jesus has inspired many of the world’s most gifted and accomplished creative persons, including the realms of music, art, literature and architecture. The works of their imagination still cause us to marvel and wonder.
Elmitt Piano Academy Edgeworth House, 121 High Street, Arlesey, SG15 6SX
William Temple, the late Archbishop of Canterbury, wrote that to worship God is to “to purge the imagination by the beauty of God.” The universe holds almost infinite fascination, our world is full of wonder, and life itself is brimming with incredible variety. If we were to truly look, we would see there is so much that gives us pleasure, that offers us fulfilment, that captures our imagination, that challenges and inspires, that gives us cause to look forward with anticipation—and that speaks to us of God’s creativity and power.
God’s people are a sign to the world of who God is, and signs are meant to be “out there” where people can see them. Too often we settle for doing the odd good work here or there—such as pursuing social justice, providing for the Qualified & experienced teachers to suit all levels of poor, and caring for the hurting—rather than being a good news people. students
We currently have vacancies for improvers and advanced students
Tel: 01462 622222 Email: elmitt@btinternet.com Web: www.elmittacademy.co.uk
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It is who we are, and our calm presence among others, that can do the most good. Then we might all know the comforting presence and the life-changing power of God in our lives.
To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986
News from St
Mary’s Church
Would you like to meet new people? In addition to coming together to worship God in church services or to discuss the Bible in a small group, at St Mary’s we also gather simply to enjoy one another’s company. Anyone can come to our social events, whatever their faith or lack thereof. These include: The Friendship Lunch, a fellowship lunch which meets on the last Wednesday of the month at The Stag on Brook Street. If you would like to come along please contact Carolyn Bleach on 07759 914891 or carolyn.bleach@sky.com to book a meal.
St. Mary's Women's Fellowship, which meets on the third Wednesday of each month in St. Mary's Church Hall at 3.00pm to approximately 5.00pm. The annual subscriptions is £10 per person to cover all meetings, including tea and biscuits, and outings during the year. There are a variety of interesting speakers. If you would like to join us as we would be very pleased to see you at any of the meetings. Men’s Big Breakfast, meets on the last Saturday of the month at 9.00am at the Wilbury pub in Letchworth.
Upcoming events: 30th January at 2.30pm Concert “From Schubert to Swing” with Derek Blyth as Baritone and William Fudge on the piano and organ. It will include songs by Schubert, Finzi, Weill, Porter and others. This is a drop-in event and there are no tickets. Donations can be to St Mary’s Church on the day (cash or card). February 12, Jigsaw Festival, Church Hall February 13, Stotfold Civic Service, 3.00pm Worship Services: Every Sunday in Church: 9.00am. Sunday Morning Prayer. A 20-minute service without Holy Communion or a sermon. 10.00am. Parish Communion and Sunday School for children. First Sunday of the Month: 8.00am. Said Communion 9.00am. Sunday Morning Prayer 10.00am. Parish Communion and Sunday School for children. 4.00pm. Tea Time Praise for young families. Wednesday Service in Church 9.45am. Parish Communion: a 40 minute service. Monday-Saturday in Church 9.00am. Morning Prayer Service. Christenings/Baptisms Will be held at 2.30pm and 3.30pm on the 4th Sunday of the month. Please contact Sara Clark to discuss dates and arrangements. She can be contacted on sara.clark3@ntlworld.com or 01462 625270. Once details and date are agreed, you will meet with Revd. Bill/Revd. Graham.
To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986
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To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986
News From Stotfold
Methodist Church
Our World, Our Equal Future February 22nd every year, as all good Girl-Guiders know, is World Thinking Day. Three years ago, the Methodist Church were privileged to host a service for World Thinking Day. The theme was friendship. The service included verses from the Bible that, I confess, did not know prior to that day:
A loyal friend is like a safe shelter; find one, and you have found a treasure. Nothing else is as valuable; there is no way of putting a price on it. A loyal friend is like a medicine that keeps you in good health. (Sirach 6.14-16)
World Thinking Day 2022 “Our World, Our Equal Future”, calls for “for climate action and gender equality; in our lives and in the world”*. I would argue that this theme is also friendship, but on a bigger scale. Surely friendship is about how we treat each other, and this includes working for equality for women and girls in a very unequal world. And it includes the facts showing that women are much more affected by climate change than men (for example, most casualties from increasing extreme climate events are women.) Guiding and Scouting involves dedication and hard work, but is so essential. Let’s encourage and support those who give their time and resources for uniformed groups. This generation needs all the help they can get. Graham.
Stotfold Methodist Church hopes to welcome you to the coffee morning on the first Saturday of the month, 10am, starting 5th February. Monday Club extends a warm welcome for new friends, 2pm to 3:30pm every week, with Scrabble and refreshments. We also welcome you to Sunday worship, 10am to 11am, with refreshments after. Our preachers in February are: 6th : Jennifer Rogers 13th : Christine Warren 20th : Rev Chandy Perera 27th : Rev Graham Claydon-Knights (Holy Communion)
Revd. Graham 07340 857386 Graham.Claydon-Knights@methodist.org.uk
*https://www.wagggs.org/en/what-we-do/world-thinking-day/badge
To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986
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Down
Memory Lane
This picture of is printed with permissoin of the family of Mr Steve Dear who sadly passed away on December 30th. If you have any photographs that we are able to use for this section of the magazine please get in touch by calling us on 01462 731986 or emailing stotfold.news@yahoo.co.uk
¶H HOPE· Strict Baptist CHAPEL, Mill Lane I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord.
SERVICES OF WORSHIP (also broadcast via web site) Every Sunday @ 10.30 a.m. & 2.15 p.m. Wednesday 9th; 23rd; @ 7.15 p.m.
PRAYER MEETINGS Wednesday 2nd; 16th;
@ 7.15 p.m.
YOUNG PEOPLE·S MEETINGS (age 15+) Saturday 5th; @ 7.00 p.m.
ANSWERS to Birs & Bee’s quiz on page 24 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. 1 Alan PARTRIDGE; 2 Manuka; 3 Sir Christopher WREN (St Paul’s Cathedral); 4 Urticaria; 5 Jack Nicholson; 6 AVOCET; 7 Manchester City; 8 GOLDENEYE; 9 PUFFIN; 10 Stingers; 11 The Repair Shop; 12 KNOT; 13 BEEthoven; 14 MAGPIES; 15 MERLIN; 16 The Silence of the Lambs; 17 BEESWING; 18 Berkeley Square; 19 BLACKBIRD; 20 BEE-EATER/BEE EATER
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BIBLE CLASS Sunday 20th;
@ 7.00 p.m.
SUNDAY SCHOOL Every Sunday
@ 9.15 a.m.
ALL ARE MOST WELCOME. [See Chapel Notice Board for full weekly details] Minister: Mr. G.E.Hadley. Tel: 01462 686803 Web site: www. hopechapelstotfold.org ´O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. [Psalm 90:14]
To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986
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