Stotfold News Magazine July 2024

From the Editor

Welcome to July!

This month we have plenty to celebrate! Our Arlesey issue enjoys it’s 5th Bir thday and we are extremely proud at just how much it has developed over these last few years Thank you to all of our Stotfold adver tisers and contributors that have played their par t in helping to make this happen - we couldn’t have done it without you!

Our Stotfold issue continues to be extremely busy - we have welcomed more new adver tisers to our publicationplease do keep an eye out for them and remember to mention where you saw their adver t, should you decide to give them a call

Inside this issue you will see an update from the Larksfield PPG - The PPG are working hard to represent the voice of our community and are asking for your help in completing the sur vey about to be distributed Please do your best to help with this if you can - Thank you

MAKE A DATE! - The Stotfold Walking Market makes a welcome return on 26th August Bank Holiday Monday find out more on Page 17 and register your stall if you haven’t done so already!

We hope you enjoy your July issue - Thanks to Nikki Lane for the wonder ful shot sent in to us which we chose as our front cover this month - super cute we’re sure you agree!

Until next time!

J tor

With thanks to this month’s contributors:

Eto nbury Sixth form

Jules Taylor (First Step), Stotfold Town Council, Stotfold Watermill, Stotfold Football Club, Our local schools, David Stedman, (Quiz) Stotfold Ar t Group, Stotfold Librar y, Our local Churches & local organisations, The Need Project, Jo Loach, NHRR, Gifford Dance Academy, SJFC & SFC. Fundrais er for Ale x Page 4 D-Day Anniversary Page 7

al king Marke t New s Page 17

s Page 11 July Fun Quiz Page 29

fford Dance Acade my N ews Page 31

from Stotfold Town Council Page 15

Walking Market Page 17

from the Need Project Page 18

from Stotfold Mill Page 19

Announcements Page 20

Fun Quiz! Page 29

Spor ts News Page 31

from Stotfold Juniors Page 32

from Stotfold Football Club Page 33

Church News Page 34,35

y Lane Page 36

All this, alongside all our usual news and events from our local schools, groups & organisations..

NEXT ISSUE - AUGUST 2024

Please note: our adver tising deadline will be the 6th July- Call us for detals 01462

succes

Gi

Saturday 29th/Sunday 30th Stotfold 50th Anniversar y celebrations!

Arlesey Road Rec (see opposite page)

Saturday 30th Garage Sale -10.00am 20 Whitecrofts, Stotfold, SG5 4EB.

Clothing • Books • Baby items • Kitchen items and more - Refreshments Call Bridie 01462 639279 email bridget smith@uwclub net

Saturday 6th Methodist Church coffee morning 10am

Saturday 6th Summer Fete 2 –4pm

St Mar y’s Church Vicarage Garden, Church Road, Stotfold

Saturday 20th/Sunday 21st Stotfold Ar t Group Exhibition - Stotfold Mill 10-5pm Tea Room open both days

AUGUST

Bank Holiday Monday 26th Stotfold Walking Market 10am - 3pm

Thursday 12th Talk by Theresa Britt; H.O.Roe: His life and the histor y of what he did for Stotfold".St Mar y’s Church 3pm star t.

Saturday 9th Winter Fair, St Mar y’s Church Hall.

Saturday 16th Table Top Sale 10am

St Mar y’s Church Hall.

Saturday 23rd Community Christmas Fair Memorial Hall 12pm-4pm

Saturday 7th Christmas Tree Festival

NEWS

Golf Fundraiser In Memor y Of Alex

Stotfold resident Alex Pendleton very sadly lost his battle with glioblastoma in June 2023 aged just 42. Alex had grown up in Stotfold and was a familiar face to many.

Alex’s wife Sarah is organising a golf day to be held at Mill Green Golf Centre, Welwyn on the 7th September. All funds raised at the event will go to the St John’s Hospice, Moggerhanger to thank them for the care they showed Alex and all of his family throughout such a difficult time.

“The care provided to him and the support to us as a family is something we will always be grateful for,” Sarah told the Stotfold News Magazine If you own a local business and would like to get involved in helping to raise funds for this most worthy cause Sarah is looking for donations of raffle prizes. Please get in touch with Sarah directly by emailing sarah j90@hotmail.co.uk. All donations are most gratefully received.

CRIME FIGURES Stotfold & Fairfield

April 24 -The most recent crime figures available from the Police national website:

Violence & sexual offences - 10

Antisocial behaviour - 10

Criminal damage & arson - 3

Other crime 19

Vehicle crime 5

Source: www police co uk You can report crimes online.

REMEMBER - PLEASE REPORT NON URGENT TO OUR LOCAL POLICE USING THE 101 NUMBER.

In a emergency call 999

Stotfold Ar t Groups

Summer Exhibition

Saturday 20thSunday 21st July 10am-5pm

STOTFOLD DEFIBRILLATOR

LOCATIONS..

ANSWERS TO JULY FUN QUIZ on page 29 . . . 1 ZINC; 2 IRON (Chancellor, Duke, Lady); 3 Jean Harlow; 4 Long John SILVER; 5 AMALGAM; 6 TUNGSTEN; 7 Royal Yacht BRITANNIA; 8 COBALT; 9 BARIUM: 10 Italy; 11 Raheem STERLING; 12 SODIUM; 13 Moth; 14 TINTIN; 15 “BR ASS”; 16 UR ANIUM; 17 Orson Welles; 18 “Catch-22” (Orson Welles in picture playing the senior officer); 19 ORMOLU; 20 David STEEL

Original paintings, prints and cards available Stotfold Watermill (in the Ivel Room)

Tea room open from 12.30 on both days.

Defibrillator Locations: Greenacre Centre

• The Co-op • The Barn • Kings Baptist Church • Stotfold Conser vative Club • JSJ Stadium (Stotfold Football Club) • Stotfold Memorial Hall • Roecroft School • Hitchin Road Recreational Ground • Pippin PreSchool • Etonbur y Academy • St Mar y’s Academy • Pix Brook Academy There is also soon to be one located outside the Stotfold Salvation Army Hall. Please check individual accessibility.

Golf day in memor y of Alex to be held in September

NEWS

Stotfest50 - Celebrate Stotf old Becoming A Town.

By the time you are reading this we should be just about to enjoy this two day event, organised by Stotfold Town Council to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Stotfold becoming a town. The main event will take place on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th June when ‘Stotfest50’ comes to the Arlesey Road Recreation Ground.

Enjoy two days of entertainment, with a host of acts and performances ready to keep you entertained With a licensed bar, plenty of places to grab some food and lots of things to keep the younger children entertained, it looks like we have a great two days in store! You are welcome to bring along your own picnic and dogs on leads are welcome too

All we need is the sunshine! - We hope everyone has a great weekend and enjoys the two day celebrations! - We’ll see you there!

Fairfield W.I Wednesday, 3rd July, 7pm

Fairfield Community Hall

Speaker - David Dukar ‘A higher call’

Pictured left, just some of the things you can look forward to enjoying at STOTFEST50!

Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th June!

An incredible story of the entire war. Charlie Brown, an American bomber pilot, life hangs on the decision of Franz Stigler, a German pilot with a point to prove. ALL WELCOME. For details contact fairfieldbedswi@gmail.com

NEWS

Defibrillator Update

Thanks to the Stotfold Salvation Army, the 14th Stotfold Defibrillator is now accessible to residents - situated on the wall outside the entrance in Church Road

The Church would like to thank the various members of the public with their kind donations, in addition to Stotfold Town Council with its kind Grant, all contributing to the de-fib, cabinet, and installation The de-fib has been installed and registered with the British Heart Foundation and Local Emergency Services, so that anyone who require access, should contact the emergency services who will give the code.

Stotf old Ar t Gr oup Update.

July will be a busy month for art group members

We booked Randall's tea room in Stotfold Mill for our Summer afternoon party several months ago It turns out there may be another event on the same dateJuly 4th! The week-end of 20th and 21st July

sees our Summer exhibition in the Ivel room at the Mill It's open from 10 - 5 and entry to the Mill and exhibition is free. The tea-room will be open from 12.30 on both days and the mill, shop etc are as usual on Sunday As well as showcasing a wide variety of member's work of original paintings and prints, we'lll have crafts and cards for sale Please come and browse; you may even recognise a painting from the many published in Stotfold News !

To find out more about our group contact: 07821 502367

All New Plumbing & Heating Installations Bathroom & Shower Installations Boiler & Gas Cooker Installations & Servicing Power Flushing & Heating Upgrades

Andy Martini 07950 311963 | 01462 835617 almplumbing17@gmail com www almplumbingandheating co uk

25 Marigold Way, Stotfold SG5 4HQ 208308

D-Day Anniver sar y Celebrations In Stotf old.

The D-Day landings of 6 June 1944 was the largest seaborne invasion in history. Along with the associated airborne operations, it marked the beginning of the liberation of France and western Europe Eighty years on and celebrations to mark the anniversary took place, including in Stotfold where many came along to mark the event and to remember those that were lost and who are still affected by conflict.

The event was attended by the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, the Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, and was conducted by Rev’d Bill Britt.

The Pathway Hypnotherapy Rooms

Do you struggle with anxiety or depression?

Have you followed diets and still struggled to lose weight?

Do you really want to quit smoking but don’t know how? Do you struggle with negative thought patterns or phobias? The Pathway Hypnotherapy Rooms can help! We can suppor t you to overcome your negative thoughts and behaviours to create a positive future. CONTACT US TODAY! CALL 07497 157531 glen@thepathwayhypnotherapyrooms co uk www thepathwayhypnotherapyrooms co uk

Pictured far left, the Stotfold Beacon To the rightthe Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Cllr Steve BuckStotfold Mayor and the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire

The Patients Voice

The newsletter of Larksfield and Arlesey Patient Par ticipation Group

The newsletter of Larksfield and Arlesey Patient Par ticipation Group

What is the Patient Par ticipation Group (PPG)? Many of you will already know what the PPG is, but as a reminder to all, it is a group of Larksfield and Arlesey patients who want to be involved in their own surger y, in order to facilitate good all round communication between the surger y and the patient (you) This is in order that there can be a positive impact on the patient/practice experience

The PPG has two main objectives.

One is to represent the patient voice with the practice. The other is to suppor t the Practice in their communication with patients, for example suppor ting events and health promotion activities . The PPG meets regularly to discuss and take for ward your views and experiences.

Changes to the Practice Users of the Practice are obviously well aware of the changes that have impacted on the Practice and it’s ser vices for some time. There is now a new Practice manager, Suvanna Al-Shahrani. You will be ver y glad to hear that the appointment booking system is changing so please find simplified details of this below. The changes on how to book an appointment are intended to improve access to the ser vices provided at the Larksfield and Arlesey Medical Practice. Please bear with the practice while these and other changes are made in order to move towards an improved ser vice.

Changes for booking appointments at Larksfield and Arlesey Medical Practice from 3rd

PPG Sur vey: Date of release to be confirmed

June

For fur ther detail and information regarding who to book with and for what, please see the Larksfield and Arlesey medical practice website

See link below. Also you can scan the QR code above (by using your camera on your smar t phone)

https://larksfieldandarlesey co uk/practice news/app ointment- system- update -03-06-2024/

The PPG will be asking you to complete an online sur vey regarding your experiences at Larksfield and Arlesey GP practice over the last 6 months Please keep an eye out on social media and also for posters telling you more about this You will be able to find paper copies of the sur vey, for those who can’t use online, in reception and a few other venues around Stotfold and Arlesey, once it has been released When completed please return to the PPG via the feedback boxes at both Larksfield and Arlesey sites Your views matter!

Did Not Attend (DNA)’s

The practice would like to politely remind ever yone that appointments can be cancelled by using the cancellation link on the original appointment confirmation text you received or by phoning reception This then frees up available (and precious) appointment spaces for others Did not attend (DNA) numbers for last month were 358 Good news: Ver y shor tly there will be a Wellbeing Kiosk at Larksfield Practice where you can confidentially record your blood pressure and other body measurements and all will be uploaded automatically to your patient profile. This will speed up vital information getting to clinical staff who can then offer advice and/or referrals.

Nor th Her ts Marie Curie Need Your Help.

Marie Curie is a national charity raising money to support terminal illness in the community. North Herts Marie Curie supports those goals by arranging collections throughout the year It currently cost £23 per hour to provide a Marie Curie nurse to a family who require support with terminal illness.

Collectors needed - hats non-compulsor y!

To help fundraise, collections are carried out at inside various retail locations in our local area, mainly in Baldock, Hitchin, Letchworth & Stevenage. Most of the collections take place on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday between 10am & 4pm although there are some exceptions to that The Stotfold News Magazine were contacted by a Stotfold resident currently assisting with collections in the hope that we might be able to encourage more residents to give up a small amount of time to help fundraise for this wonderful cause Collectors will normally be asked to help for a minimum of 2 hours and will be provided with the necessary equipment (see photo). Free information is also available for the public to take away with helpful and supportive information as to what Marie Curie can offer North Herts Marie Curie are always looking for more collectors to help us. If you can spare a few hours and would like help at a future collection or if you would like to discuss it further please contact 07989 391636/ North Herts Marie Curie: northhertsmc@gmail.com.

ALISTAIR STRATHERN Our chance for change

With our Bedfordshire towns and villages joining the new Hitchin constituency, I’m standing in the general election on Thursday 4 July work hard for our communities and deliver the change we need to see.

From public services that simply aren’t working anymore to cost of living pressures, it’s clear we can’t carry on like this.

Here are some of my local priorities for Stotfold, Arlesey, and Fairfield:

A doctor and dentist when you need it

Continuing to work with local councillors, patients and the NHS to improve Arlesey and Stotfold GPs. Backing Labour’s plans for 40,000 more appointments and the doctors and nurses we need.

Making our area the best place to grow up

Boosting childcare provision and opportunities for young people. Pushing Central Bedfordshire Council to resolve issues with the transition from a three to two tier school system.

Proper infrastructure for new homes

Championing planning reform so that homes come with the proper infrastructure we need, and tackling issues with estate adoption and management.

Thursday 4 July

NEWS

Har

vey's

fundraiser f or Addenbr ooke’s Charitable Tr ust

Local boxing enthusiast Harvey Foster will be taking park in a white collar boxing match on 13th July in Stevenage to raise funds for Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge. Harvey chose to raise funds for the hospital after a close friend of his brother, Charlie Walker, very sadly passed away last year aged just 18 after suffering a brain hemorrhage. “Addenbrookes took amazing care of Charlie and if any money raised could be used in any way to help other patients and families who are sharing similar experiences to theirs on the NCCU, then this would be amazing ” Harvey told the Stotfold News Magazine

Any dontaions to the charity would be most gratefully received - tickets for the event can also be purchased from the QR code below Charlie, a former pupil at Knights Templar School suffered an AVM rupture, which occurs due to pressure on and damage to blood vessels This allows blood to leak (hemorrhage) into the brain or surrounding tissues and reduces blood flow. Although the condition is present at birth, symptoms may occur at any age. Tickets and donations are both available via the QR code below

NEWS

Etonbur y Sixth For m -

the star t of a historic new chapter.

September 2023 saw the start of a historic new chapter in the life of Etonbury Academy and the Bedfordshire Schools Trust. A new Sixth Form opened at the school, honouring a commitment made to offer post-16 provision to the communities of Arlesey and Stotfold. Redeveloping the old junior block came at a cost of over one million pounds, which was jointly paid for by the school and BEST, with no external funding.

The building project had been a true joint enterprise, with key partners – and the school's own students –ensuring the Sixth Form opened as planned But this was only the start of the success story, as students have flourished throughout their first year as sixth formers in their fantastic new surroundings. This first cohort continues to aim high, becoming an essential part of the whole school community

ETA SIXTH FORM AT A GLANCE:

• Over 20 A Level/vocational subjects

• Comprehensive range of enrichment activities to support students' future plans

• Exclusive facilities include classrooms, study area and a common room with cafe

Dr Alan Lee, BEST CEO told the Stotfold News Magazine “I am thrilled Etonbury Academy and BEST have made this happen. We are already seeing the Sixth Form go from strength to strength ”

The first Etonbur y sixth form cohor t enjoying the new facilities

LOCAL lif e..

Finding out more about the people behind our local busineses

Jules, you will be a familiar face to many having lived and run your business locally for many years - What are your favourite things about both living and working here? I’ve been local for closely approaching 60 years (that’s scar y when you write it down) and so was surprised to find so much more to the area during lockdown when we discovered some really beautiful local spots that we can now share with our clients. Also, running the business locally is great as I’m constantly reconnecting with school friends (and now their children) when selling or renting their homes plus having such a great suppor tive team who all live locally is a real bonus too.

Your family are growing up rapidly - How has life changed since you now have two young adults under your roof? Getting a work and life balance has been a real challenge for me and I’m so lucky to have had so much fantastic supor t over the years from my parents and Coco and Amber have always been amazing and ver y understanding when we’ve worked late or at weekends Coco is now at Camp America in Washington DC until September and

loving life and Amber is on a Business/Retail course at colle the next few years They both volunteer at the Just Out youth club in Stotfold and Amber also at Brownies, so I guess despite sometimes questioning myself as a parent, as we probably all do, I’m so proud that they’ve both blossomed into loving, considerate and caring young adults, so we must have done something right!

As our readers will know, First Step offers both proper ty sales and lettings to a large area, including Stotfold, Arlesey & Fair field - how are you finding things right now? Are you finding that people are waiting for the election to be over before committing to their next move? It’s been 14 years since First Step star ted, how is that possible? We’re still ver y for tunate to continue being so successful during this more tricky period, but it’s all about building excellent relationships with our buyers and sellers Understandably, they’ve all got lots of questions, but it’s about us making sure we are providing them with honest, truthful answers - whether those answers benefit us as an agent or not

As you know, we love to delve a bit deeper to get to know our adver tisers on a more personal level! - What we'd really like to know Jules is, if you had to choose just three items to take with you (excluding people) to a deser t island what items would these be and why? I’m not sure any of these items mean most to me in the world, but it would definitely have to be a solar powered phone first, then I can spend time browsing the 100’s of photos and videos of family and friends from over the years that I never get time to look at properly and also relax reading my Kindle App on the phone too My trainers would be a “must have” so that I can maintain my walking and finally my third item (but no less impor tant) would be an endless supply of chilled rosé!

We know you enjoy keeping healthy - what is your favourite way to spend your free time?

Getting free time to do what we enjoy proves to be almost impossible, so to ensure that we tr y to stay fit and active we get up ever y day at 5.30am and go for a 90 minute walk… come rain or shine! In fact we enjoy it so much, even when we go away on holiday in the UK or overseas, the first thing we pack is our trainers and we walk ever y day, burning off enough calories to really enjoy a glass of rosé that we then consider to be calorie free – oops there seems to be a bit of a theme going on here with the rosé!!

THIS MONTH WE C HAT TO JULES FROM FIRST STEP

Your LETTERS

Dear Editor,

I recently joined the Stotfold Good Neighbours Group as a volunteer and wanted to share my experience in the hope that it might encourage others to do the same Having retired last year, I was keen to do some volunteering but didn’t want to make a regular commitment. I knew about the Good Neighbour group from my old next-door neighbour as she often relied on them for lifts to the doctor ’s etc , so when I read their appeal for volunteers in your local magazine I decided to take the plunge and sent off an email. I was invited to go and meet John, the Chairman, for a chat at the weekly Friends on Friday in the Memorial Hall (a social gathering, which is open to all). This was a good oppor tunity to meet some of the other volunteers and find out what they do (a range of ser vices such as providing lifts, helping with paper work or just popping round for a cuppa and a chat)

John stressed the fact that, as a volunteer, you only do what you want to do and feel comfor table with, which was ver y reassuring There is no pressure and no need to make a regular commitment. I was made to feel ver y welcome as a new volunteer and soon joined the team of drivers So far, I’ve given people lifts within Stotfold, as well as to Arlesey, Baldock, Letchwor th, Hitchin and the Lister. I’ve met so many lovely people and enjoy our chats in the car It’s surprising how much I’ve learned about what Stotfold was like in the old days! And it’s nice to feel that I’m helping others. As far as the practicalities are concerned, text messages are sent to all the volunteer drivers, usually a few texts a day, giving dates, times and destinations requested All the ones that we can’t do can be simply ignored – no need to give an excuse or apologise –but if there’s one that we can do, we reply by text and then receive the pickup details by email.

We give our time free of charge and receive a small set fee for each journey towards the cost of petrol etc. If any of the readers has a car, some spare time during the week and wouldn’t mind giving a neighbour an occasional lift within the local area, I would encourage them to volunteer with the Stotfold Good Neighbours Group Just drop an email to stotfoldgoodneighbour@gmail com

Once you’ve taken that first step, it’s easy! Michele Grange.

Dear Editor,

I would once again like to thank the hardworking people who ever y year make the Stotfold Steam Fair such a huge success It’s wonder ful for young ones to see the past in reality - the weather was a bonus! A really lovely weekend. Thanks again

Eileen Minnis. (formerly Stotfold)

Dear Editor,

A total of £291 50 was raised from three Garage Sales, trip to Hitchin Market and Donations. Thank you to all the public few neighbours for their suppor t in raising this fantastic total.

Thank you all once again. Bridget.

Mental Health Matters - with Jo Loach

Be aler t

At this time of year, my attention turns to the garden Even if my time spent out there is limited by seemingly limit-less rain, I still tend to it I gain enormous pleasure from flower/daisy growing and gazing This feeds me by letting my mind go on standby so my soul can drink deeply of the sights of ‘summer ’ I am refreshed and refilled by this

However, as with any form of life, there is that which suppor ts growth and that which undermines it The garden is no different Not only do my plants/flowers/vegetables and herbs require a combination of water and sunshine but also protection I put my tomato plants out a little too early The cold appears to have stunted their growth which was going great guns from the protection of my conser vator y As my par tner regularly reminds me, ‘ever y day is a school day’ There are numerous threats to the life/growth and health of ever y thing in my garden Even the lawn is not exempt I learned from a neighbour ’s garden that if left unchallenged, ants can create huge risen mounds on the lawn As this isn’t a look I am aiming for, I regularly keep on top of these throughout the summer When it comes to my pretty pink rose, there is something called black fly that ruins the leaves I’m still a novice with all this gardening malarkey but an enthusiastic learner at that! What I remain less than enthused about is the flower devouring slugs that appear en masse in response to the relentless rain

How does this relate to our mental and emotional health? To maintain/sustain the growth and health of these, we must know not only what suppor ts these but also what undermines them And then apply that knowledge in action!

Monday - Friday 10am - 4pm Wednesdays 1pm - 4pm

As I write we have just held our 80th Anniversar y of D -Day ser vice.

Thank you to ever yone who joined us. We had a huge turn out from local people as well as being attended by the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, Deputy Lieutenant Andrew Wallis MBE and representatives from the Royal British Legion.

Revd Bill Britt from St Mar y’s Church lead the ser vice and the Salvation Army band played a wonder ful rendition of Hymn to the Fallen, from Saving Private Ryan, which was ver y poignant. Piper, Derick Budge, lead us up the hill where the lighting of the beacon was accompanied by Cllr Br yony Woods singing ‘Keep the Home Fires Burning ’

By the time you read this we will be just about to or will have celebrated the 50th Anniversar y of Stotfold Town Council with a weekend of live music and enter tainment at the Arlesey Road recreation ground Fingers crossed for a gloriously sunny weekend and a fabulous time was had by all Full write up and photos will be in next month’s issue

July will see the installation of two new table tennis tables at the Riverside

bring along your own bats and balls. These will be the same as the tables already in place at the Arlesey Road park and the Greenacres park.

Stotfold Walking Market has grown into a huge event in the few years since it began. This year Stotfold Town Council will be working with Stotfold News Magazine to make the event bigger and better than ever before. If you would like a stall the registration form can be found by scanning the QR code at the bottom of the page.

Finally, we'd like to welcome two new members of staff; Sian van der Mer we and Sarah Hossack who have recently joined the Town Council Sian comes to us from Biggleswade Town Council and will be responsible for making sure our meetings run smoothly, will suppor t the management of the office and suppor t councillors to under take their roles within the community Sarah is our Community Engagement Officer She will be delivering our events including Stotfest 50, managing our social media and writing this ar ticle each month in the Stotfold News Magazine, keeping you updated on the latest news and information

A busy, enjoyable month ahead for us all!

Cllr Steve Buck

Park These will be free for anyone to use, just

Pictures of our 80th Anniversar y of D -Day celebrations back at the beginning of June

STOTFOLD Walking Market 2024

It’s Back Once Again For Another Year!

The popular Stotfold Walking Market is back once again for 2024! Taking place on Bank Holiday Monday 26th August, the Walking Market has become a firm favourite on the Stotfold calendar

If you are new to Stotfold and have never heard of the market before, the event is a great oppor tunity to take par t and meet new people, selling unwanted items form the comfor t of your own front garden We even have a small cohor t of handmade stalls and small businesses taking par t!

We are incredibly pleased to be involved with helping to plan the event yet again - this year with help from Stotfold Town Council to pull ever y thing together. It is simple to register your stall - simply email walkingmarket.stotfold@gmail.com You will be sent an email by return with a simple google form to complete, asking your name address, brief stall details and whether you are happy to display an adver tising board outside your home - simple! - Thank you once again to Satchells Estate Agents for supplying these! We have a dedicated facebook page for the event, remember to look us up! Last year we had over 130 stalls take par t! Lets see if we can make this year ’s the biggest and best yet!!

Update from The Need Project

•807 parcels provided in 23 working days • 378 top- up-bags collected from our Pop- up sites • £56,235 estimated value of the food for the month • £6,602 50, the average monthly cost to run the charity • 23%, the increase in the amount of food parcels delivered this month • 1817 adults, 1496 children & 164 pensioners - the amount of people helped in May

Another month and it seems to have flown by We are still chasing food and funding, but we are ver y for tunate as always with the people who suppor t us - through prayer, through giving and just generally being nice. We had a great time at the Mill this year (for the first time), meeting people who are interested in our project and our future works for the new building.

Our food parcels for May this year was 807 in 23 working days, which is a 15% increase on last year. Our numbers, this month are down on last month that is due to the half term, where we believe families were given vouchers, so therefore didn’t need our help. At our top up places in Stotfold, Shefford and Sandy we give away 378 top up bags, which is the stuff which would normally go in the bin if we didn’t give it away. That continues to be ver y ver y busy and so we are grateful that you come and take it, because if not it will just go in the bin, which is a such a such a waste.

We are still in the process of finalising the purchase of the chapel and have submitted planning drawings - In addition, we are working with a company to produce indepth drawings of the proposed community and café space on the first-floor level We hope to have an open evening, to share our Vision for the building, at a date yet to be decided

We’d like to share a message with you this month sent to us recently This is why we do what we do: “Hi, I moved to Stotfold a year ago fleeing from domestic abuse with my three children I found the Need Project by my suppor t worker referring me for food but after my suppor t worker had discharged us, we were left struggling again as a family I was walking past the Need Project on a day and got speaking to Gordon I opened up about how much I’m struggling to feed and clothe the children He helped us with food by showing me how to get referred for food parcels and also was so generous in helping to get all three children some clothing The Need Project really are amazing how they have helped me and my family, especially over Christmas The Need Project are amazing people helping families like myself without any judgement they will go above and beyond to help a family in need Thank you so much!”

Praise God always, Gordon

News from the Mill. Update from Stotfold Watermi ll

Oh, Rats! (Summer time Fun at Stotfold Watermill)

It’s nearly time for the summer holidays (a mixture of relief and dread fills the hear t, doesn’t it!) If you’re looking for something to amuse the children over the summer months, Stotfold Mill offers a gentle afternoon out, especially suitable for children aged around 4-12

What does the Mill have to offer families?

First: it’s free! The Mill is a community enterprise, run entirely by volunteers, and it doesn’t cost a penny to come in You can explore the Mill to your hear t’s content, chat with our friendly and knowledgeable stewards on each floor to learn about the how the Mill works, and even grind your own flour with our mini-querns on the middle floor (Please note: refreshments from the Tea Room, and items purchased from the Kingfisher Shop do come with a ver y reasonable price tag!)

All types of electrical work under taken. Installation, Fault finding, Heating controls Test and inspection, EV charge points, NICEIC approved contractor

Second: it has some fun activities for children! When you visit the Mill, why not take par t in our competition to count the models of rats and mice that live there There are prizes to be won, and the grand prize is the chance to become a Miller for the day! The winner dresses up as a Miller and steps behind the barriers to under take the various jobs that a Miller has to do, with training provided by our exper t Head Miller and his team. This year the winner of the competition received a bag of wholemeal flour, a bag of oats, a Stotfold Mill Mug and a hand knitted mouse made by one of our wonder ful volunteer guides.

Tel: 07817 545314 E:bk.electrical@outlook.com

Third: the Nature Reser ve is right next door! Once you’ve visited the Mill, pop around the corner to the Nature Reser ve and get a breath of fresh air, learn a little about the species that thrive there with our helpful and handy guide boards So, if you’re faced with a Sunday afternoon and you’re not sure what to do with it, come and pay us a visit! We look for ward to seeing you soon

Window and door repairs and installations

* Misted/broken units

* Handles

* Mechanisms

* Door barrels

Supply and fit windows and doors Soffits and fascias

Jonny Garside 79 Regent Street, Stotfold 01462 732248 or 07951 473505

Ray Kilby with some of the most recent prize winners

Family announcements

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

Why not surprise someone with an announcement in the Stotfold News Magazine?

All we need is your chosen wording and a photograph (if you would like) and we’ll do the rest! Email us at stotfold news@yahoo co uk

ELSIE JUNE CHANDLER 24th July

Happy 8th bir thday to our kind & funny little girl

Love you always, Mum & Dad xxx

MICHELLE WOOD 10th July

Happy bir thday Mum

We love you so much, Love from D,K,D,M,C, A,C,G&H!!!! xxx

DEVON 12th July

Happy Bir thday Al & Izzy

GARY 23rd July

Happy Bir thday From us!

VICKY BACON 29th July

Happy 80th Bir thday to a wonder ful Mum,

With love always, James & Alison, and all the family xxx

We shall be closed for holiday on 29th June, re -opening at 9am on Tuesday 16th July.

PAUL ANTHONY MARTIN 4/12/1954 - 28/5/2024

It is with great sadness I announce the death of my husband Paul and the proud and loving father to Ella We moved to Stotfold in 1992 and Paul soon became involved in many local events in par ticular, the Stotfold Mill and was an active volunteer for many years at the Steam Fair. Paul also became a School Governor and a member of Baldock Round Table He will be remembered by many for walking our various dogs, Bramble, Henr y, Lucy and Charlie He will be sadly missed A ser vice of thanksgiving will be held at St Mar y's Church, Stotfold on Monday 17th June at 2pm A just giving page is to be set up in Paul's memor y to The Alzheimers Society in due course

BARRY WEBSTER 19th July Happy Bir thday! Finally off the beer! Have a great day! Love from us all x

LUCY PETCH

Happy bir thday Mummy Love Ella xx

LUCY PETCH

Happy Bir thday

Love from us all x

ALIZA 2ndJuly

Happy 5th Bir thday

Love from us all x

MICHELLE WOOD

10th July

A massive Happy 54th Bir thday to my wife. Love you lots Steve XX

News from Pippin Pre -School

As we approach the end of the academic year we would like to wish all the children leaving us to move up to big school all the ver y best as they begin their next exciting adventure! The last few weeks of term will be packed with fun as we enjoy all the children’s favourite activities from their time at Pippin. We are also expecting a visit from Safari Stu and his exotic animals, always a hi- light of the year!

At the end of June, children par ticipated in Pippin’s Toddle. The children went on a sponsored walk around Greenacres to raise funds for our new outdoor play equipment. The children enjoyed spotting house numbers, colours of cars and some wildlife on the way They even had an encounter with Dino! We wish to thank all our families for their sponsorship monies

On Saturday 22nd June we hosted our race night (back by popular demand) This was a fantastic fundraising event made possible by our generous race sponsors including, Amanda’s Nail Pod, Aqua Sensation, Barker Arboriculture, Box of Cakes, HG Tax Group, Jo Jingels, Little Rugger and

the Stotfold News Magazine We wish to thank local business who donated raffle prizes too including Tescos, Morrisons, Totfest, Bespoke 77, The Link And Bond Company Semi Permanent jeweller y and HB Bakes.

Our next Holiday club will be during the Summer Holidays, Monday 22nd July until Friday 16th August. Places are available to book on a first come, first ser ved basis via our parent por tal members.pippinpreschool.co.uk/login. We offer two time slots, 7.45am - 6.00pm and 9am to 3pm. Please direct any queries to the office via email info@pippinpreschool.co.uk

We continue to collect bottle tops, old buttons, yoghur t pots, cardboard egg boxes and old children friendly magazines for our gluing station, if you have any that you wish to recycle please donate them via our office

Thank you for your interest in our Pre -School, enjoy the summer break and we look for ward to opening our doors for the new term on Wednesday 4th September

15%

News from Fair field Park Lower School

The busy summer term has drawn to an end and we have had a great time at Fair field Park! To commemorate ‘Paris 2024’, we celebrated with an event where classes learned about the histor y of the Olympics, the different locations it has been held and much more; they then competed in a range of track and field events too This event, coupled with our annual spor ts days demonstrated how much the children enjoy physical activity and can suppor t and encourage one another too We love that the Fair field values have been shown often!

We have focused on the Environment too, this is one of our bespoke curriculum golden threads and is impor tant to us as we are a Green Flag school In June, we encouraged the children and their families to consider completing different tasks and challenges to learn more about the environment From turning off taps while brushing teeth to tr ying out meat-free Mondays and a lot more besides, the children had the oppor tunity to consider how their small actions can

ARLESEY

PHARMAC Y

contribute to the greater good too. We have also enjoyed meeting our new families who will be joining us in September and we also say goodbye to many families who have been with us for many years

We wish all our year 4 children lots of luck as they move on to their new middle schools We look for ward to welcoming ever yone back in September Value of the Half Term: Co-operation

Fair field Park Lower School Dickens Boulevard & Ruskin Drive

T: 01462 830000

News from St Mar y’s COE A c ademy

June was another eventful month for us

All of our children enjoyed a number of themed assemblies and year group class spor ting events! Some of our children also sang as par t of our choir at the Town Council Celebration event The choir will also per form at the St Mar y’s Church Fete on 6th July

Our decarbonisation project continues with the construction of the new substation and our school field rejuvenation scheme Our Parent’s Association, the SMSA also held a ver y successful Father ’s Day Gift Shop which allowed the children to choose their own personal gift They also have a Happy Bags Collection planned for Monday 15th July, so any and all donations are ver y welcome

Adults can have some fun too at a new Brush Ar t craft and

fundraising event planned for early July There were also children’s film nights held in school that were enjoyed by many! The fundraising and continued generosity of our community is inspiring

It is amazing how quickly July comes round each year, but, being St Mar y’s we still have a lot going on before the end of the school year! Our transition arrangements for our new children due to star t school with us in September have all been well received with the families par taking in parent visits and a children’s fun stay and play session This has given ever yone the chance to meet class friends, our teaching team and other families, as well as get a feel of our fantastic Foundation areas There will also be a number of transition events for our older children as they experience school life in their chosen Middle Schools as well as a ‘Step Up’ for all years planned for Friday 5th July

Our KS1 children have a Blue Cross visit and a Stotfold Mill trip to look for ward to and all children will enjoy Archaeology and Librar y Summer Reading Challenge assemblies throughout the month. All of our children are excited to take par t in Spor ts Week which will include our parents on Tuesday 9th July, at the Green, if the weather is kind to us! The end of term (and year!) wouldn’t be complete without our whole school fun day on Tuesday 16th July, hopefully including a visit from the ice -cream van!

Year 4s will have their leaver ’s disco par ty, church ser vice, talent show and assembly All special memories and a chance to reminisce, have fun and wish ever yone well for the future as they leave for big school!!

Skir tings -Architraves -Dados Stairs -Handles -Balustrades

Handle & Lock Replacements Loft

Etonbur y A cademy

As we celebrate our first successful year of our new Sixth Form we look for ward to a future of learning, growth and fur ther academic achievements - with new courses and extracurricular oppor tunities enhancing our post 16 offering . We are excited to welcome our next cohor t into the Sixth Form this September and over the course of the year see all of our students flourish as they settle into the Etonbur y school community. Develop the learner, develop the person' is our school vision, and it's definitely the mantra our Head of Sixth Form follows. It epitomises ever y thing we do.

We have hosted a number of integration events here at Etonbur y for our new star ters in Year 5 this September. One of which was the Year 4 Spor ts morning – attended by our local feeder and out of catchment lower schools. Mr Sale, Head of Juniors and his team are ver y much looking for ward to welcoming our new year 5 pupils. The classrooms have been meticulously prepared to provide a warm and engaging environment, parents can rest assured that their children will be in caring, capable hands as they embark on this new chapter of their educational journey

Our Year 11 students have now attended their prom at The Broadway Hotel, Letchwor th Their final celebration and farewell - we are so proud of them all What a fabulous night, the dance floor was bouncing! We look for ward to welcoming back those that have chosen to attend our Sixth Form in September and wish you all good luck with your future plans as you spread your wings and fur ther your education

Some of our pupils from ETA Juniors completed the three day Bikeability course at the end of the summer term They took to the local roads to put into practice what they had learnt on school site

Did you know we have the best GCSE results in Central Bedfordshire? If you are looking for a Year 9 place for your child in September 2024 we have limited places available, please call or email the School Office to book a tour We believe we offer a small, compassionate, and exceptional educational community, and we invite you to come and see for yourself what makes Etonbur y special

Please continue to share in our values, Ever yone is respectful, Together we care and Always aim higher.

Mrs Young – Principal Etonbur y Academy www.etonbur y.org.uk

CLAIRE’S CAT SITTING

Stotfold based cat sitting service

Your cats looked after in your own home while you are away, giving you complete peace of mind I am fully insured & can feed your cats once or twice a day Other small animals can also be catered for Please call Claire 07984 344 997

BAL & CO. MOTOR CARE

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Quality used cars & vans supplied. Excellent after sales care, our warrantees cover both parts & labour

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Motor vehicle servicing and general repair work undertaken, any make or model

News from Roecroft Lower School

Summer has been a joyous term in school, it is always incredibly busy with events and visits, alongside our spor ts days, dance morning and teddy bears picnics The children have been getting ready for the next steps of their learning journeys; our Year 4 leavers have been visiting new settings, our new star ters have been visiting their new learning environments in preparation for September

This month we have an update from our Head of Curriculum and Year 2 teacher, Miss Emmerson: ‘KS1 have had a fantastic Summer term with lots of exciting activities and trips to complement their learning Year 1 went on a local trip to Stotfold Mill where they had the oppor tunity to explore the Mill and make their own flour to take home They also spent time identifying signs of Spring in the Nature Reser ve

Elsewhere in KS1, Year 2 also took par t in a local walk This was for their unit of histor y which focused on the changes to Roecroft Lower School They then went on a walk around the local area to see how much Stotfold has expanded in recent years and so suppor t their understanding of why Roecroft needed to move to a larger site. The children really enjoyed this and built up a clear understanding of local histor y that has directly affected them.

Year 2 also had their first school trip via a coach! The children

visited Knebwor th House and had an exciting day out investigating 'How Plants Grow'

The children compared tree types, learnt about what plants need to grow, identified different types of herbs and visited the kitchen garden to learn about plant life cycles’

I hope at the time of reading this we have all star ted to enjoy some more sunshine and warmer temperatures, summer feels like a ver y long time coming this year.

If we have any families with children star ting school in September 2025, can you save the date for our November Open Evening; this is a chance to take a self-guided tour of our wonder ful facilities and to meet our dedicated, skilled team of staff, alongside meeting some of our pupils. The Open Evening will be held on 6th November 2024, with applications for school places needing to be made by the 15th Januar y 2025. With warmest wishes, Mrs Cross

Year 2 enjoying their local histor y walk

With the star t of July upon us we approach the end of another year at Pix Brook Academy. As has been the case throughout the year, this month has been busy, exciting, interesting and often surprising. Probably the highlight of this last half term can be captured in the school’s first Ar ts Festival. This involved over 100 of our pupils per forming, singing, acting, showing their ar twork and frankly simply enter taining a full audience The level of per formances from such a wide age range of pupils was truly amazing and the per formances were fantastic As one of life’s untalented individuals I am always amazed when someone just sings, acts or plays an instrument like it’s the most normal thing in the world We truly do have some wonder fully gifted young people in the school We are also for tunate to have a group of committed staff who not only provided their own talents to the process but provided the creativity time and work to organise such a large and diverse group of young people We really are ver y for tunate

In the summer term the routines and processes necessar y for the completion of one term and the star t of another are in full swing It is interesting to reflect on the last few years and also consider how in some ways schools are the same as we remember from our own time in school and yet also so different The next few weeks will include the usual end of term activities, with assessments, counterbalanced by trips and visits. New classes will be created for new pupils and pupils who have now been at the school for four years will be thinking about the next stage in their education where choices can be made and the impor tance of all subjects ramps up. GCSE’s will be star ting and the pressure to continue to per form at the highest level will increase. We will embrace that challenge. We look for ward to Step up day where we will welcome over 180 new pupils and over 20 new staff. The growth in

News from Pix Brook A cademy

the school continues unabated and it is both exciting and challenging managing so many new people into the school. This is a testament to the staff and pupils who come ever yday and work so hard and the parents who consistently suppor t the school in what we are tr ying to achieve: Educating the socially responsible citizens of the future remains our mission and we will continue to do all we can to make that a reality

Enjoy the summer break when it arrives

Steve Adams

Principle.

Wanted - DT Technician

Pix Brook Academy Stotfold.

Pix Brook Academy is looking to appoint a member for suppor t staff to work with our Design Technology depar tment.

The position of DT technician is to work with the teachers to suppor t pupils with their DT projects. The role would suit a practical individual who is able to use work shop machiner y. No prior experience of working in schools is required and the position is for term time only. Training will be provided.

Monthly Level 2D Points 4-6 £23,114 - £23,893 (Actual £17,677 - £18,273)

For an informal chat contact the school on 01462 416243 or contact Cbailey@bestacademies org uk Our adver tisement can also be found on mynewterm com

15%OFF ORDERS PLACED DURING SUMMER 2024

JULY Fun Quiz

1 In the process of galvanization, a layer of which metal is applied to other metals to protect them from corrosion?

2 What four-letter epithet connects Otto von Bismarck; the Duke of Wellington; Margaret Thatcher and Mike Tyson?

3 What was the stage surname, which she shares with an Essex town, of the original American “platinum blonde” film actress of the 1930s pictured above right?

4 In English literature, name the sinister one -legged sea -faring character who owns a parrot named Captain Flint?

5 What is the name of the alloy of mercur y and another metal which is used in dentistr y?

6 What is the modern name of the metallic element known by the symbol W and which has the highest melting point of any metal?

7 What is the name of the famous vessel, pictured below, used by the British royal family from 1954 until 1997 and which is now a tourist attraction ber thed in Leith, Edinburgh?

8 With a name derived from a German word meaning “goblin”, this metallic element has, for centuries, been used to make a bright blue colour for paintings, ceramics and glass Which element is it?

9 A so-called meal is an examination of the stomach and the oesophagus by swallowing a liquid that is visible on x-ray. What word, indicated by the dash, completes this phrase?

10 The Dolomites is an alpine resor t area located in which European countr y?

11 Pictured below is a footballer who has played for Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea, and the England national team What is his surname?

12 What word completes this famous verse, known as a clerihew, first published in 1905: “Sir Humphr y Davy, abominated gravy. He lived in the odium, of having discovered . . . ” what?

13 The copper under wing, also known as the humped green fruit-worm or pyramidal green fruitworm is not a worm. What sor t of creature, of the order lepidoptera, is it?

14 What is the name of the character pictured right with his dog Snowy?

15 What was the title of the 1980s British television spoof comedy series, starring Timothy West, set in Lancashire town of Utterley during the 1930s which concerned the feud between the rich Hardacre family and the poor socialist Fairchild family?

16 Pitchblende is a naturally radioactive material and is the largest source of ore to make what metallic chemical element?

17 The Mercur y Theatre was an independent theatrical company founded in 1937 by director John Houseman and which enfant terrible genius who used many Mercur y Theatre actors during his 1940s film career? ( The next question provides a ver y good clue!)

18 Joseph Heller was a 20th centur y American writer. His second and third novels are entitled “Something Happened” and “Good As Gold”. What was the title of his first novel, which

was filmed in 1970 and from which the scene pictured right is taken?

19 Derived from a French term meaning ‘pounded gold’, what word denotes the gilding technique of applying finely ground gold and mercur y alloy to a bronze object?

20 Give the surname of the Scottish politician, pictured right, who was the last leader of the old Liberal Par ty and who became Presiding Officer in the Scottish parliament?

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

News from Stotfold Librar y

EVENT FOR ADULTS Ever y Friday Knit and Knatter 10 30am-12pm

ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN ***The Summer Reading Challenge 2024***

This years “Mar vellous Makers” theme celebrates children’s creativity- Its free to take par t, all you need to have is a librar y membership. Sign up to the challenge of reading at least 6 books during this year ’s summer holidays and you can win yourself the chance to take par t in the librar y treasure hunt, stickers, a cer tificate, and a medal! Come along to the launch par ty - Saturday 20th July, 9am-4pm. There will be crafts or activities available ever y day the librar y is open during the summer holidays, please check our website and social media. Tuesday 30th July, 3pm Krisgar Magic Show! Tickets will be available from the librar y. Ever y Tuesday -Stor y and Rhyme Time, 10.30am and 11:15am (10 maximum)

Ever y Saturday, 10am-12pm~Pokémon Club! Ever y Saturday 10-3pm~Lego Club!

EVENTS

FOR

ALL THE FAMILY

Ever y Monday~ *In par tnership with the Children’s Centre*

Stotfold Family Drop-in, 9am-10 30am For parents, carers, babies, and children Free cuppa and play Suppor t, advice, and signposting for all aspects of parenting Self-weigh scales available Stotfold Librar y is open Tuesday – 9am-1pm, Wednesday – 2pm-6pm Thursday – 9am-1pm, Friday – 9am-1pm & 2pm-6pm & Saturday – 9am-4pm

for your business or personal matters

We’ve built our rm around a core team of specialists to support your legal needs today and into the future These include:

• advising on business or commercial property a airs

• providing specialist property development and business sale services

• planning for your family’s future with a Will or Trust

• working with you to resolve family matters such as divorce, separation or child residence

• helping you to move house or extend your lease

• resolving legal disputes

Contact us: info@hrjforemanlaws co uk Hitchin 01462 458711

25 Bancroft, Hitchin, SG5 1JW

We provide experienced and bespoke legal advice for businesses and individuals Since 1591

Local Spor ts News

Dancers at Gifford Dance Academy have been busy preparing for the star t of another exciting competition season Having debuted some of their new routines in front of a home audience at the Stotfold Mill in May, they are now just weeks away from their first national event of the year which will take place in Mablethorpe This year ’s competition team consists of 50 local young dancers from Stotfold, Arlesey and beyond, several of whom will be competing for the ver y first time. Having opened the doors to their ver y first classes at the Roecroft Centre in April 2015, the team are also turning their attention towards their 10th Anniversar y Showcase next year and are thrilled to still have some original members taking par t and competing with them this season

In addition to all of this, Team Gifford are looking for ward to showcasing around 200 of their pupils at the upcoming Stotfest celebration Dancers will be per forming a whole range of different styles, covering slow, lyrical, jazz, modern, acro, street, commercial, ballet, contemporar y and more Gifford Dance Academy welcomes dancers from age four to young adults and are proud to host 35 weekly local classes for beginners right up to aspiring professionals. You can find out more by visiting www.gifforddanceacademy.com

WELLBEING WALKS

Are you looking to make new friends? Wellbeing Walks are a local walking group where ever yone is welcome. JULY walks. Walks star t at 10 45am

Thursday 4th - Arlesey Station

Thursday 11th - Etonbur y Wood

Thursday 18th and 25th - Corner of Hospital Road/High Street, Arlesey For more details contact Beth Over field 01462 815672

Nor th Her ts Road Runners

The 1st Sat of the month 5k at Letchwor th Common will be on 5th July at 9am Entr y is free and open to all runners The Standalone 10k will be on 6th Oct and entries are now open We continue with our training sessions on Tues & Thurs at 7pm and welcome runners of all abilities all under qualified coaches FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OUR WEBSITE NHRR.ORG.UK OR CALL IAN 07506429928

This month featuring Gifford Dance Academy, NHRR & Wellbeing Walks

Update from Stotfold Junior Football Club

Bedfordshire FA 2023 Club of the Year.

This month we celebrate our Under 15 Lilac team. Stotfold Under 15 Lilacs proudly won the Division 2 League after only dropping 4 points all season, with a 100 + goal difference Not only did Stotfold win the league, they also proudly won the division golden boot with Olivia Harris scoring 47 goals and also winning the golden glove with Ruby Stewar t only conceding 14 league goals all season!

Although this crowning has to be shared with another team who decided to pull out of the league decider games 2 days before and were still able to share this title, Stotfold Junior U15 Lilacs won’t let this rain on their parade; who celebrated to the fullest knowing they did ever y thing they can to secure this extremely deser ved win! Managers Amelia and Hollie couldn’t be prouder of the girls!

Thank you to Ed and Andrea at New Edge for their continued suppor t and sponsorship for another season!

Congratulations ladies

The U15 Lilacs celebrate their win in style

Our end of season Presentation Event saw the following awards:

Stotfold Football Club

U18 Player of the Year – Ben Palmer, U18 Players Player of the Year – Ibby Rashid, U18 Leading Goal Scorer Jack Young, U18 Suppor ters Player of the Year – Ibby Rashid Women’s Player of the Year – Amy Jack, Women’s Players Player of the Year – Leigh Burrows, Women’s Leading Goal Scorer – Amber Olney, Women’s Suppor ters Player of the Year – Amy Jack Development Player of the Year – Ibby Rashid, Development Players Player of the Year – Ibby Rashid, Development Leading Goal Scorer – Ash Kersey, Development Suppor ters Player of the Year “Stan the Man” Trophy –Charlie Mallett. First X1 Player of the Year – Henr y Snee, First X1 Players Player of the Year – Lewis Franklin, First X1 Leading Goal Scorer – Henr y Snee, First X1 Suppor ters Player of the Year – Lewis Franklin. Young Club Player of the Year (Margaret Richardson Memorial Trophy) – Callum Kane. Ar thur George Trophy – Codi-Lee Spavins. Club Person of the Year – Darren Tearle. 100 Appearances – Dan Sears. Congratulations to them all.

Can you help us? Due to our continuing success we are looking for more people to join our football family on match days. If you can spare us a few hours a week, to help with match stewarding or turnstiles, please contact us through our website. Please suppor t the club by taking up our sponsorship and adver tising promotions. Details are on the club website.Come on you Eagles. Up the Fold.

JSJ Stadium New Roker Park Arlesey Road Stotfold, Bedfordshire, SG5 4HE 01462 539297 https://www.stotfoldfc.co.uk https://twitter.com/stotfoldfc https://facebook.com/stotfoldfc https://www.instagram.com/stotfoldfc

STOTFOLD GARDEN CLUB

Meetings and Trips

Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month at St. Mar y’s Church Hall, Church Road.

Wednesday 10th July 2024

Outing to Green Island Gardens Coach from the bus stop on Hitchin Road 9 30am

For more information, contact Peter on: (01462) 834854 / 07758649721 stotfoldgc@gmail.com

News from Our Local Churches

So I had planned to do my normal sermon at our regular first of the month ser vice on 2nd June All pre -prepared ready to deliver The sermon was to be about listening and the stor y of Samuel 1:3 for anyone who wants to check out the bible reference

On the spur of the moment I was led to take ever yone outside to just listen and identify all the sounds they heard Have you ever y done that? Just shutting off the world probably after the children have been put to bed! and just taken in the quiet From that point, I asked for people to stop and listen to their hear t Did they hear any thing that God spoke to their hear t?

Some said yes, some said No One experienced peace Another joy Another said privately; looking down they saw a ver y tiny bug feeding on a daisy The impression was that however insignificant that act of the tiny bug, it still had a purpose for it being created And that was how they felt Although small and seemingly insignificant, they had a purpose in this world

So when you feel a bit lost and not ver y impor tant in the scheme of things God says: “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future

St Guthlac’s has a ser vice ever y 1st Sunday of the month; our next ser vice is on 7th July at 11:15am We look for ward to welcoming you Refreshments are ser ved after the ser vice which provides the oppor tunity for us to interact with each other and catch up on the past month If you don’t want to interact, its a welcoming place of peace to meet you wherever you are in faith or none.

Rev’d Jane Wheatley

St Mar y’s The Parish Church of Stotfold & Fair field.

Special events in July:

Community Coffee Morning 10 30-noon Wednesday 3 July

Church Fete 2 00pm-4 00pm Saturday 6 July in the Vicarage Gardens

Tea Time Praise for young families 4 00pm Sunday 7 July

Fellowship Meal, noon Sunday 14 July in the Roecroft Centre

Evensong 6 00pm Sunday 14 July

All Saints Radwell, Songs of Praise 3 00pm 28 July

Church open ever y day

Your Parish Church is open ever y day from 9 00am-4 30pm for anyone who wants a time of quiet personal prayer, refection or to light a candle. Worship Ser vices

First Sunday of the Month: 8.00-8.45am Parish Communion; 9.00-9.20am Sunday Morning Prayer; 10.00-11.00am Parish Communion; 4.00-4.45pm Tea Time Praise for young families.

Second, Four th & Fifth Sundays: 9.00-9.20am Sunday Morning Prayer; 10.00-11.00am Parish Communion School.

Third Sunday. 9.00-9.45am Parish Communion; 10:00-11.00am Moring Praise, 5.30-7.00pm Youth Gathering -Vicarage. Wednesday Ser vice: 9.45-10.30am Parish Communion.

Monday – Saturday: 9 00-9 20am Morning Prayer

Christenings please contact Sara Clark on 01462 625270

Weddings: contact Revd Bill Britt on 01462 730218

Funerals Speak to your funeral director or telephone Revd Bill www.stotfoldchurch.org.uk

Kings Baptist Church

Sunday Ser vices

7 July: All Age Ser vice at 10 30am

14 July: Communion Ser vice at 10 30am King’s Kids and Youth will run and crèche will be super vised

21 July: Ser vice at 10 30am King’s Kids and Youth will run and crèche will be available with parental responsibility

28 July: Summer Sunday Ser vice at 10 30am Crèche will be available with parental responsibility

Works of Hear t: Monday 1 July at 8 00pm ‘Have a go’ at crafts, make new friends and share craft ideas

Prayer Meetings

Sundays: 6 00pm – 7 30pm

Wednesdays: 10 00am – 12 00 noon

Accelerate for Children 10-13 term time only

Tuesdays: 6.00pm – 7.00pm

Home from Home: Free, all welcome: join us for soup, tea, coffee, cake, biscuits, games, puzzles, ar ts & crafts. Wednesdays: 1.00pm – 4.00pm

Down Memory Lane

Something a bit different this month! This picture was kindly sent in to us from Margaret Moore and shows two contestants form the ‘It’s a knockout’ competition, held as par t of the infamous Stotfold carnival fete - par t of Carnival week during the 1960’s1970’s (for those if us that remember it well!) The two competitors are the Rev Vernon Nor th (the Vicar at St Mar y’s at that time) and also Colin Moore the signwriter Both were racing for the Stotold Amateur Dramatic Group - we’re not sure if they actually won! Thank you to Margaret for sharing this with us!

If you have any memories or photographs you are willing to lend us Contact us on 01462 731986 or email us at stotfold.news@yahoo.co.uk

Useful Telephone Numbers

General Helplines:

Citizen’s Advice Bureau

01525 402742

Trading Standards Advice Line 0300 300 8136

Samaritans 01462 455333

Bir ths, Deaths & Marriages 0300 300 8089

Stotfold Good Neighbour Group 07599 925587

Churches

Hope Chapel 01462 686803

King’s Baptist Church 01462 730521

Methodist Church 01462 731167

Salvation Army Hall 01462 731072

Ladies Fellowship 01462 731072

St Mar y’s Church 01462 730218

St Mar y's Church Hall 07727 688877

Friends of St Mar y’s 01462 834108

Fair field Community Church 07376 740410

Local Council

Stotfold Town Council 01462 730064

Email:enquiries@stotfoldtowncouncil.gov.uk

Central Bedfordshire Council 0300 300 8000

Email: customers@centralbedfordshire gov uk

www centralbedfordshire gov uk

Doctor

Larksfield Surger y Appointments

01462 732244

Enquiries 01462 732200

Out of Hours Ser vice: Call 111

Arlesey Medical Centre 01462 732144

Household Emergencies

Electricity Emergencies

0800 783 8838

Gas Emergencies 0800 111999

Housing

First Garden City Homes 01462 683307

Grand Union Housing - all enquiries 0300 123 5544

Cafe

Box of Cakes Cafe & Cake Shop 07812 055587

Health/Social Helplines

Alcoholics Anonymous

01438 747475

Childline 0800 1111

National Menengitis Trust 0845 6000800

Samaritans 08457 909090

NSPCC 0800 800 5000

Hospitals

Bedford Hospital

01234 355122

Lister Hospital 01438 314333

NHS Direct 0845 46 47

Librar y

Stotfold Librar y

0300 300 8068

Arlesey Resource Centre & Librar y 01462 731469.

Police

Beds Police (Crime repor ting) 01234 841212

Crimestoppers 0800 555111

Pubs

Coach & Horses

01462 734135

Fox & Duck 01462 732434

The Crown 01462 731061

The Stag Tavern 01462 731098

Transpor t

Trains (National Enquiries)

08457 484950

Whitbread Wanderbus 0300 123 3023

Schools

Etonbur y Academy

01462 730391

Pix Brook Academy 01462 416243

Fair field Park Lower School 01462 830000

Roecroft Lower School 01462 730336

St Mar y’s Academy 01462 730343

Samuel Whitbread Academy 01462 629900

Nurseries

Pippin Pre -School

01462 834897

Poppies Nurser y 07833 927906

Poppyfields Nurser y 01462 830008

Busy Bees 01462 734306

Taxi Ser vice Greenacre Transfers

Airpor ts & Chauffeur Ser vices 07555 70 78 48 www.greenacretransfers.co.uk

Local Adver tiser Director y

AD Garden Rooms

A JB Fencing

A J Day Builders

Alfie’s Barbers

All Wrapped Up - Balloons and Florist

Andy Leonard Painter & Decorator

Arlesey Walking Group

Arlesey Pharmacy

Arlesey Social Club

Ask Phil (Garden Rooms, Driveways, Windows)

Aquarius Garden Design

Barn Hair Studio

Bal & Co Motor Care

Bews Electrical

Big Minibus Hire

BK Electrical / Brian Kelly

Box Of Cakes Cafe & Cake Shop

Broadband Communications

BSH Glazing ( Windows & Doors)

Bugs ‘n’ Things Pest Control

Builders - SJ Brock

Carpet Cleaning - ACCS Ltd

Carpet Cleaning - ECO CLEAN

Carpets & Flooring - Paul Faulkner

Cascade Water Ser vices

Catsitter - Claire

Computer Repairs - Nick Saunders

The Cooker Buddy Oven Cleaning

Chris Webster, Stotfold

01438 313765

07837 791365

01767 314445

01462 658449

07886 569134

07889 903283

01462 638286

01462 731200

01462 731361

01462 545729

01462 731292

01462 835611

01462 731500

01462 834488

07817 766997

07817545314

07812 055587

01462 732628

01462 730884

01462 735999

01462 231257

01462 629302

07748 857012

01462 731674

07887 531034

07984 344997

07521 279960

01462 810065

01462 834108 (Correspondent for The Comet )

Darren Peters Proper ty Maintenance

Denmanair

01462 733322

01582 883355

Dennison’s - House & Garden Clearance 07522 354141

Edwards & Higgins Plastering

Electrician - Terr y C Seymour

Fair field Bowls Club

Fencing (A JB)

Finesse Interiors

First Step Estate Agents

Foot Health Professional - Vicki Eagles

07913 005268

01462 236559

07811 738599

07837 791365

01462 896046

01462 659730

07812 399659

Foot Pro Podiatr y 07377 536685

FullFlow Pressure Washing

Gifford Dance Academy

Graham Smith Brickwork & Paving

Green Door Lettings Management

Greenacre Transfers Airpor ts & Chauffeur Ser vices

www greenacretransfers co uk

07306 085207

07585 221513

07703 171857

01462 510765

07555 707848

Guides - Stotfold Guide Association 01462 235273

Henlow Vets

House of Fitness Pole fitness

Hypnotherapy - Pathway Hypnotherapy Rooms

James’s Carpentr y & Handyman Ser vice

Jar vis Footcare

Kumari Chiropractic

Lawnrite Lawncare

Liams Butchers

Locksmith Ser vices

01462 416416

07840 268099

07497157531

01462 234292

07816 329363

07479 945995

01462 512512

07584 979361

01462 290226

Lower Wilbur y Farm 07988 771107

Maintenance Ser vices - SHMS 01462 887366

Mow & Weedit Garden Ser vices 07765 495200

New Kitchens 01462 812826

Nicky’s Nails 07747 042239

Nor th Her ts Road Runners 01462 639215

Orange Hen Travel 01707 903761

Oven Clean & Repair Ser vices 07878 444559

Painter/Decorator - Paul A Robinson 07761 751634

01462 232642

Paul Eley Tiling 07818 000508

Paul Williams Home Repairs & Maintenance 07881 289161

Piano Lessons - Christine Walker 01462 731357

Piano Lessons - Elmitt Piano Academy 07449 461465

Pilates - Zanna Newton 07719 862371

Pet Grooming - Paws & Claws 07913 005268

Plumbing - ALM Plumbing 07950 311963

Plumbing - C Plumb 01462 700862

Plumbing & Heating - GSP Heating & Plumbing 01462 615922

Plumbing - J D Heating & Plumbing Ser vices LTD 07474 444288

Plum-tek 01462 618058

Ray The Carpenter 07885 020895

RH Gardens 01462 612033

Roecroft Centre - Maureen Winters 07727 688877

Regency Flowers 01462 732616

Stotfold & Arlesey Royal British Legion 01462 734133

Satchells Estate Agents 01462 733730

Saunders Garage 01462 730222

Sheldon Electricals 01767 448188

Shel's Shabby Chic, Vintage painted furniture & workshops 01462 234228

Slimming World 07515 557803

Solicitors - HR J Foreman Laws 01462 458711

St Mar y's Church Hall 07727 688877

Stotfold Ar t Group 07821 502367

Stotfold Bowls Club 07739 760719

Stotfold Conser vative Club 01462 730534

Stotfold Football Club 01462 539297

Stotfold Gardening Club 01462 834854

Stotfold Good Neighbour Group 07599 925587

Stotfold Junior Football Club 07706 951263

Stotfold Judo Club 07872 594499

Stotfold Twirlers 07732 505614

Stotfold Mill 01462 734541

Stotfold News Magazine 01462 731986

Stotfold Pharmacy 01462 730249

Stotfold Shor t Mat Bowls Club 01462 629575

Tailoring Ser vice 07575 417217

The Cleaning Hub 07990 297297

The Rooms Hair and Beauty 01462 835538

The Rooms Holistic and Beauty Academy 07946 521266

Warrens Windows 01462 261401

Waste Removal (Josas Waste) 07739 488472

Windows - Repairs & Installations (J Garside) 07951 473505

Window Cleaning - ACCS Ltd

Window Cleaning (Jacks)

01462 629302

07950 510589

Yoga - Freda Dodswor th 01767 627611