Arlesey News Magazine June 2024

From the Editor

Welcome to June!

Our front cover this month was an obvious choice as we were extremely for tunate to have been sent some truly breathtaking pictures of the recent Nor thern Lights experience we were able to enjoy back in May When else would we have the oppor tunity to display such a magnificent picture as our cover shot? Thank you so much to Jo Woodcock for allowing us to use her photograph and thank you to ever yone else for sharing their photographs with us - did you manage to catch them?

Our June issue (you may have noticed) is a bumper edition, packed full to the brim of Arlesey news, ar ticles and local adver tising We’d like to use our column this month to thank you all for suppor ting us and our quest to bring you the ver y best magazine for Arlesey that we possibly can. More and more local businesses are choosing us for their local adver tising which in turn, means we are able to bring you more and more pages of your local magazine! If you happen to call upon any of our new adver tisers, be sure to make sure that you mention that you spotted them in your local Arlesey News Magazine Huge thank you to you all!

Next month is our 5th Bir thday (how crazy is that!) keep an eye out for some special bir thday surprises both in our July edition and on our facebook page! We hope you enjoy our June issue - please keep an eye out for our new adver tisers, including Orange Henn (opposite) who are launching an Arlesey pick up ser vice specifically for our readers so that you can all enjoy great value trips away!

Until next time!

Joanne - Editor

With thanks to this month’s contributors: Carl Lane, Jo Loach, Our local schools, local churches & local groups and organisations. Cllr Jodie Chiller y, ACORN, Arlesey Town Football Club, David Stedman (quiz) The Need Project, St Peter ’s Church, NHRR & our adver tisers.

thic Mede enjo y PGL Page 7

Update fro m C llr Jodie Chillery Page 13

News from Pix Brook Academy Page 8 News from Etonbur y Academy Page 9 Update from the Need Project Page 10 Your Letters Page 11 Local Life feature Page 12 Update from Cllr Jodie Chiller y Page 13

Family Announcements Page 14

Nor thern Lights Special Page 17

June Fun Quiz! Page 18

Mental Health Matters Page 19

News from ACORN Page 20,21

Local Church News Page 22

Local Spor t News Page 23

All this alongside all our usual news from our local churches groups, clubs & organisations..

If you would

Ar lesey Author Tells Us Her Stor y.

Arlesey author Deborah Loosley has lived in Arlesey for 21 years, and when she’s not gardening, can often be found reading a book. Writing one of her own had always been on her wish list and when she retired, she found she had the time. After several false starts Deborah published Shadows and Secrets

Inspired by incredible true events, it tells the story of a resistance group in Austria during the Second World War. When Sophie receives a letter telling her that she has received an inheritance from her Great Aunt, she is mystified as she believes her grandfather was an only child The prospect of solving the mystery gives her a renewed purpose in life, taking her from her research job in Cambridge to the historic city of Salzburg in Austria Determined to discover the secrets surrounding her Great Aunt, she delves into the past. Discovering shocking facts about the family she didn’t know existed puts her in unexpected danger.

Deborah is currently working on her second book, which she hopes to publish later this year. You can find Shadows and Secrets on Amazon - https://amzn eu/d/fQ8D0dA We look forward to hearing all about the second book in a few months time!

Update Fr om Ar lesey Br ownies.

The Brownies have been getting ready for spring by making bird boxes We have some nesting birds already and are out in our gardens to see how many of Britain’s native birds we can spot We also had a fabulous time ten pin bowling! We’re looking forward to getting out and about for more adventures as the weather improves! Email us at Arlesey.brownies@hotmail.co. or go to www.girlguiding.org.uk/informationfor-parents.

Arlesey Author Deborah Loosley

Can You Help Out The Garden House Hospice Shop?

The Garden House Hospice shop at Fairfield is looking for people to regularly volunteer on weekends They need an extra pair of hands to help out between 10am and 1pm every Sunday, sorting stock, serving customers and displaying items for sale

No retail background is necessary. The Hospice relies on the support of volunteers to raise the £7 7 million needed annually to fund its services in North Hertfordshire and surrounding towns and villages such as Arlesey. It’s shops make up 1/3 of this income and could not operate without volunteers

For more information please contact the volunteer engagement team on 01462 679540 (option 6).

Fairfield W.I

Our June meeting is slightly different, we welcome new members at anytime. 5TH JUNE - 2PM OUR YEARLY TEA PARTY At Gill’s House - For details contact fairfieldbedswi@gmail com

Take Bim Afolami’s Smartphone Free Childhood Survey

Promoted by Matthew Cowley on behalf of Bim Afolami, both of Suite

Unlike most other agents, Green Door only deal in lettings, meaning our main focus is on you. Our company ethos revolves around providing an unrivalled service to all of our clients and to achieve this, we know that we must give them our full attention.

Great service comes from building great relationships and with the recent expansion of our dedicated team we are excited to welcome even more lettings customers from Stotfold, Arlesey & the surrounding area into our large portfolio of satisfied customers.

News from Gothic Mede A c ademy

At Gothic Mede we are incredibly proud of Year 4. The children had a fabulous time at PGL. Some children faced their fears head on, they had an adventure experiencing things they have never done before. They climbed to heights beyond their imagination! They worked together suppor ting and encouraging each other in ever y activity and showed the staff at PGL good manners at all times. Well done Year 4!

Arlesey WI

Tuesday 11th June Willow Tree Gin Distiller y come along for a talk and a taste ! Cost £5 per person. Evening star ts at 7.30. .All women welcome For details or more info call 07788203240 . Arlesey W.I Hall, High Street, Arlesey

You may not be aware we have a fantastic preschool on site. Our Acorn preschool has a ver y experienced Early Years team who would be delighted to welcome families in for a tour. We have limited spaces for September, please call our school office on 01462 732002 to arrange your visit.

The Year 4 pupils enjoying all the adventures at PGL

Lots of fun was had by Year 4 students

News from Pix Brook A c ademy

The summer term is upon us and pupils at PBA have been taking advantage of the usual range of activities and events associated with warmer weather and lighter evenings at school. The PE team continue to surpass themselves offering a host of matches against other schools in Cricket, Rounders and athletics. Year 6 Pupils are also accessing swimming lessons for those less confident in the water. May also saw the year 6 pupils under taking their SATs examinations. They approached these wonder fully and the suppor t provided by the community in helping with invigilation was greatly appreciated.

It has been exciting to plan for next September. A large number of new pupils will be joining the school and to see the school grow from 51 pupils in September 2019 to over 900 in September 2024 will be fantastic Having progressed

to the point where we are just one year away from being full, with the corresponding development of the site and staff is amazing Music and Drama are now par t of the school’s provision, including lessons and clubs; breakfast and breaktime snacks are a normal par t of the school day; our e - spor ts programme is being developed and resourced and the planning for the star t to GCSE courses next September is ver y much in hand.

Plans are in place to enable new pupils to visit the school, Step- up day will provide all pupils with an experience of next year and arrangements for spor ts day are in hand. Amongst all the excitement lessons continue to be delivered and pupils continue to work hard With the multitude of activities coming our way it is really impor tant to remember the education of our pupils, the focus on teaching and learning and the constant desire to enable pupils to make progress and achieve their potential is our purpose

As adults is it also wor th remembering that young people are not the finished ar ticle, and our task during their formative years is to help them reach their potential by focussing on those things that will improve their life chances: the main thing: their education

We look for ward to updating you once again on all our news in next month’s issue.

Stephen Adams - Principle.

Kitchens & Bedrooms

Windows Internal/External Doors

Skir tings -Architraves -Dados

Stairs -Handles -Balustrades

Handle & Lock Replacements

Loft Hatches

Flat Pack Furniture

All aspects of carpentr y N o job too small

We star ted the second half of the summer term with lots of activities, trips, workshops, mock exams and GCSE’s There have been numerous spor ting activities to include two football finals, along with a variety of enrichment oppor tunities across all years.

Our Year 6 pupils enjoyed a day trip to the Warner Brothers Harr y Potter Studio, walking in the footsteps of Harr y Potter at Hogwar ts. The Studio Tour offered the unique oppor tunity to explore two soundstages, as well as a back lot that’s filled with original sets, animatronic creatures, and breath- taking special effects. Ever yone thoroughly enjoyed their post SATs treat exploring the wonders of the Wizarding World and sharing the magic of the studio tour

Transition events have been taking place with visits to local feeder schools We are really looking for ward to meeting ever yone who will be joining our ETA community next academic year For some, the school may already be a familiar place due to already having siblings here or attending a community club at the school during the evening, and to others it may be an entirely new experience for the child/ren and their family The next few months will be exciting for ever yone and we look for ward to welcoming our new star ters to ETA and suppor ting ever yone with their transition

This term our Year 11 footballers played their District Cup Final against Kempston winning 3-0! This victor y is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and teamwork. Each player has shown great skill and spor tsmanship throughout the season. Congratulations again on an outstanding achievement, and per formance! The future holds endless possibilities for each of you, and we cannot wait to see the great things you will accomplish

We are excited to welcome our next cohor t into the Sixth Form pupils in September and will have our first Year 13 too! The growth of the school is all thanks to our strong body of staff who underpin the Etonbur y values and help us go from strength to strength

Etonbur y A cademy

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 the School Office to book a tour. We are always happy to show prospective parents, carers, and pupils around our academy.

Are you still looking for a Year 5 place for this September?

We have ver y limited spaces in Year 5, please contact reception to book a tour and speak to our admissions team. If you would like to book a school tour, please get in touch with us at 01462 730391 or via email at eta -office@bestacademies org uk

We believe we offer a small, compassionate, and exceptional educational community, and we invite you to come and see for yourself what makes Etonbur y special

Please continue to share in our values, Ever yone is respectful,Together we care and always aim higher Mrs J Young - Principal

The Year 11 Football team - District Cup Winners 2024!

Update from The Need Project

April’s Facts & Figure s

Our top up bags give away is also ver y busy in Stotfold, Sandy and Shefford and we regularly see an increase of people at our doors, but we are glad they come because if they didn’t the food would go in the bin and that is so wrong This month we are expecting visits from two local MPs from mid and Central Bedfordshire (on separate visits) to see what we do (could be some interesting conversations.)

FOR SALE

On a seperate note, finally our offer on the premises we were after was accepted and our solicitors are in communication with the sellers. We have engaged an architect, so hopefully things are on the move. The new place will give us the oppor tunity to create a more efficient, permanent way of working with food and, we will have a great oppor tunity to develop a versatile space for our community with massive options. There are two stages to the building project. One is feeding those in need. And secondly creating a space for community and space for us to develop our relationships with our community.

Ladies g olf clubs, bag & accessories plus trolley £100 for all. Call 01462 730054 for details

It’s a great privilege and honour to welcome you to our Church ever y Sunday 10:00 am - 12:00 noon RCCG House of M ercy, Arlesey Village Town Hall, High Street, Arlesey SG15 6SN Telephone: 07903 985690

The two- step plan is:

Step one - get our food set up working as soon as possible with a natural flow between premises But, before we do this, we have some major construction work to do, which we have budgeted for and have secured funds for most of this

Step two - is the development of the upper level into a community space with rooms, a café area and a quiet space, which will come later The money for this is something we are seeking through separate building funders

If you would like to help suppor t the project in any capacity, please contact me on 07496 833940 There is a lot to do, but it will give a great space and will benefit our community. Praise God always. Gordon

•754 parcels provided in 21 working days • 401 top- up-bags collected from our Pop- up sites • £53,020,estimated value of the food for the month of March • £6,602.50, the average monthly cost to run the charity • 23%, the increase in the amount of food parcels delivered this month • 2110adults, 1916 children & 119 pensioners - the amount of people helped in April

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 ANSWERS to JUNE FUN QUIZ 1 Noddy HOLDER; 2 KEYHOLE surger y; 3 PUNCH; 4 John MA JOR; 5 Alicia KEYS; 6 Cricket (ECB = England and Wales Cricket BOARD; 7 KEY Lime pie; 8 “NOTES on a Scandal”; 9 Melanie; 10 MINOR; 11 Oliver STONE; 12 SKELETON bob; 13 Abba; 14 “Doctor Who”, 15 Alec Guinness; 16 KEY WEST (Florida); 17 Communist; 18 Eighty-eight/88; 19 “KEY Largo”; 20 “The Star Spangled Banner ” (official national anthem of the USA)

The

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Hypnotherapy Rooms

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

Your

Dear Editor,

I wanted to write in to express my sincere thanks to you and your magazine for recommending one of your adver tisers to clean my patio and driveway Unfor tunately, this is not a job I am able to do myself and so have been looking for some time for a suitable company to come and do this job for me.

I always like to use local businesses so was par ticularly pleased when you recommended Fullflow Pressure Washing as they had recently completed a job for your own family New to the magazine, I believe Fullflow are Arlesey based so even better!

Geoff came along and set about cleaning the drive and patio, undeterred by the job at hand! A few hours later and I was once again the proud owner of a lovely clean patio and drive Geoff returned as promised the following day to finish the job with sand and a protective treatment.

I would like to thank Geoff and his team for such a great job done and would like to also pass on my recommendation to other Arlesey News readers Thank you again Geoff and thank you Arlesey News Magazine for the recommendation! Mrs J Taylor.

LOCAL life..

MEET CARL LAN E FROM C ARL LA NE DIGITAL

Carl, you are one of our more recent adver tisers in our magazines, helping local businesses with their digital adver tising needs. For anyone unfamiliar with exactly what this means, are you able to explain it better than we can!

Absolutely! So I specialise in what’s called Google Search Adver tising, which means I facilitate businesses placing adver ts on the Google Results Page whenever someone searches for something related to a product or ser vice they provide This can be par ticularly useful for businesses that have a lot of local competition as they can be seen ahead of their competitors at exactly the right time someone is prepared to buy or book

How long has your business been running Carl and what journey did you take to get to where you are today?

I spent four and a half years at a marketing agency learning all things Digital Marketing but I took a keen interest in the Google Ads side of things early on In August 2022 I left that role to take a career break and do some travelling in Asia When I came back home in December that year I didn’t quite feel ready to leave the travelling lifestyle behind and wanted to go back, but I needed a way to fund it! So I leveraged my network and decided to star t my own business.

I spent around a month in the UK setting things up and onboarding a few clients before heading back out there in 2023. It went really well - I built my business up to be quite successful and got to stay out there for a fur ther 6 months!

And now you are a Stotfold resident. How long have you lived in the town and what made you choose to settle here?

Yes, I moved around 9 months ago and I’m enjoying life here ver y much I spent most of my life living in Stevenage, and visiting Stotfold you could almost feel the community spirit straight away -I have quite a few clients in Stotfold, Arlesey, Baldock, Letchwor th as well - so being based here also means I’m quite central to them

For many of the younger residents in our community, technology will most likely play a large par t in their working lives - what advice would you give to somebody looking to make themselves a career in digital marketing?

My number one piece of advice, which probably applies in any kind of career or industr y, is don’t neglect your processes! I spent a long time tr ying to understand the ser vice I would provide not just from my perspective, but from the perspective of my future

clients Businesses need marketing, but people need communication, they need to feel like you care. I’d say focus on the people first and you’ll get your chance to flex your creativity with them later.

As par t of this feature we enjoy hearing more about the people behind the businesses they run. You're obviously a ver y technically minded, busy person - how do you choose to relax and unwind?

I’m quite a simple person really and choose to spend most of my free time offline I love reading; I’ve always got three books on the go, one for personal growth, one for knowledge, and one for enter tainment I’m a pretty keen runner; I’ve also recently taken up painting - I completely zone out when I’m doing it so it’s been a pretty peaceful hobby!

www carllane digital carllanedigital@gmail com

Also see Carl’s adver t to the left of this feature for more details.

You can find more info on Carl and his business by takling a look at his website (details on his adver t on the left of thid page.)

Are you interested in telling us a bit about your business? You can be the be the next local business to feature here simply Call us on 01462 731986 or drop us an email to arlesey news@yahoo com

CRIME FIGURES ARLESEY March 2024

The most recent crime figures available from the Poilce national website: If you see a non-urgent matter which you feel needs reporting, use the 101 number to make our local force aware

Violence & sexual offences - 17 Anti social behaviour - 5 Public Order -7 Other crime - 4

Source: www police co uk

Its been a year! Please find an update on the significant improvements and challenges from my perspective

The biggest and most impor tant personal achievement since being elected is I have resurrected a functioning development stakeholder group to liaise with CBC planning officers, developers, land applicants, the town council and various community and residents groups This has already had influence on some planning aspects and as more land comes for ward this group will be instrumental in helping to fight for the Arlesey and Fair field we want and so desperately need

Over the last 12 months I have been incredibly happy to suppor t, Arlesey Town Youth Football, 1st Arlesey Scouts, Arlesey Petanque Club, Arlesey Conser vation for Nature, and Arlesey Town Football Club with grant applications, and S106 agreement discussions I continue to fight for local cycling infrastructure (par ticularly Fair field routes to school) and work with the ecologists and conser vationists to enhance our ever disappearing green spaces and wildlife habitats.

STR ATEGIC PLAN

It is not just a year for me, but also the first year of the new Independent led administration, the only one of its kind in the countr y. The Independents have introduced a new Strategic Plan with priorities more in keeping with those of residents. The plan sets the direction of the council and influences decisions taken on the ground. Its core aims are: Get the right homes in the right places and ensure housing growth and infrastructure are carefully considered Be ambitious in our plans towards improving and maintaining the roads and travel network Ensure that environmental, sustainability and climate resilience impact will be at the hear t of all Council decision making Create oppor tunities for all children and young people to reach their full potential Enable people to live active, healthy and independent lives Enable the right care, at the right time, in the right place for those in need of suppor t Provide the environment for economic prosperity in which existing businesses can grow and new ones will move to the area

BUDGET

For the last financial year 23/24, we’ve been working with the budget set by the previous administration Against a backdrop of inflation running at an average of 10% for the last 2 years and soaring costs with educational transpor t and adult social care, it’s been a difficult time The council is currently using some reser ves to balance the books We need to get the council’s expenditure under control if not our reser ves could run out in 2-3 years. This means that tough decisions to pass a balanced more sustainable

budget for 24/25 had to be made Introducing garden waste charge was one of these tough decisions, but a much easier decision was to cut the Special Responsibility Allowance that councillors themselves are entitled to claim The Council voted to reduce these allowances, saving up to £120,515

CHILDREN AND SEND

When I decided to stand for election, many families wrote to me complaining about Children’s ser vices This year has seen some significant changes in that depar tment. CBC has received welcome feedback for the social care ser vices it provides to children and families, following a focused Ofsted visit in Februar y. In the repor t published today (26 March 2024), Ofsted has credited the council for fur ther strengthening the suppor t and management oversight for children in need of help and protection, since the last inspection in 2022. In response to the Council’s challenges with its SEND provision it now has a huge focus on early inter vention This year has also seen therapeutic thinking be introduced and both approaches have been welcomed by schools to ensure that early suppor t and the right suppor t gets to the right children

Look up the CBC SNED OFFER for more information.

There’s still more work to be done in this area, but it’s a great star t.

Cllr Jodie Chiller y.

Pa ws & Claws Mobile Pet Grooming

com

MONICA WEST

Happy Bir thday!

Wishing you a lovely day! Love from us all x

Happy 19th Bir thday! Love Ams xx

TRISHA KING 11th June

Happy 66th bir thday! You’re not only my mum but you’re my best friend and I wouldn’t change you for the world. Love you to the moon and back Cheyenne xx

MARIE SHARP

Happy Bir thday!

Love from Peter & all the family xx

MONICA AND PETER SAUNDERS

Happy 30th Wedding Anniversar y on the 7th June!

LOUIE Happy 3rd Bir thday!

Lots of Love from Mummy, Daddy and Hallie xxx’

JESSICA GASKELL

Happy 50th bir thday

Lots of love

Lucy, Ian, Amelie, Har vey and Sophia xxx

ZOE EVANS

Joins the 40 club!

Happy bir thday from all your girl friends xxxx

MANUEL

21st June

Happy 21st Bir thday!

With love from Mum & Aliza x

JOSH LAMBOURNE

The Nor thern Lights - Come To Arlesey!

Were you for tunate enough to catch a glimpse of the wonder ful natural light show in Arlesey during the second weekend of May? Many residents were lucky enough to catch some fantastic shots on their phones and camera’s, some of which are below

Thank you to ever yone for sharing these - we think you will agree, they really are breathtaking!

Thank you especially to Arlesey resident Jo Woodcock for sharing the e wonder ful shot we used as our front cover for this month!

JUNE Fun Quiz

1 Happy bir thday this month to the lead singer and songwriter of the 1970s British rock group Slade, pictured top What is his name?

2 In medicine, what is the more familiar one -word term meaning minimally invasive surger y?

3 What word can mean a type of alcoholic drink; a former British satirical magazine; a breed of Shire horse associated with an eastern county of England; and a favourite character originally derived from Italian commedia dell’ar te?

4 Who was the Prime Minister of the UK from 1990 to 1997?

5 What is the stage surname of the immensely successful American singer and songwriter, pictured above right, who was born Alicia Augello Cook?

6 The ECB is the governing body in England and Wales for which major spor t?

7 What is the two word name of the American desser t pie, associated with a Florida citrus fruit ingredient, which is also made with egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, a biscuit base and often a meringue topping?

8 Complete the title of this 2006 British film starring Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett which revolves around the ramifications of a teacher ’s illicit affair with an underage pupil: “Notes on a ”?

9 Give the single word stage name of the US singer who had a US number one hit single during the 1970s with “Brand New Key”, a song later parodied in a UK number one hit by The Wurzels?

10 What is the overall model name of the car pictured below designed by Sir Alec Issigonis and manufactured by Morris from 1948 to 1971?

11 Give the surname of the sometimes controversial American film director who has

won Academy Awards for Best Director with “Platoon” and “Born on the Four th of July”?

12 What is the name of the sled used in the por t of hur tling head first and face down along a frozen track?

13 In 1973, a song entitled “Ring Ring” was the first Eurovision Song Contest entr y by which pop group?

14 A character known as The Master, is a recurring character, and is the arch enemy of the eponymous character in which long -running British television series?

15 Who played the leading male role, pictured right, in the 1952 British film “The Card”

16 On this island you can visit the Ernest Hemingway house, the Little White House, and the city is the most southerly in continental USA Which island?

17 A newspaper founded in 1930 as the Daily Worker and re -named in 1966 as the Morning Star, is the official news organ of which British political par ty?

18 What is by far the usual number of keys on a concer t grand piano?

19 What is the title of the 1949 noir thriller film, pictured below starring Humphrey Bogar t, & Lauren Bacall?

20 Give the modern title of the famous song, inspired by a poem by the 18th19th centur y US lawyer Francis Scott Key?

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.

Mental

Health Matters - with Jo Loach

Rest - Our fast-paced culture tends to privilege productivity over the periods of inactivity required to sustain human health Living with the constant stimulation, stress, failings and distractions of technology can result in our human systems overloading or even crashing If we fail to maintain appropriate boundaries to protect our need for space and downtime, we may pay with our mental and emotional health.

Humans need rest; mentally, emotionally and physically. We need times when we can simply be. These times allow our inner resources to focus on the business of recovering, rebuilding and refreshing our systems. Without these times we star t to accumulate backlogs that eventually make their presence felt via symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, depression, angr y outbursts, illness and more. There are other factors that can cause these too but doing too much and being too little can exacerbate any existing vulnerability to these

Rest is not an optional extra, no matter how busy or indispensable we think we are Rest allows essential internal works of recover y to take place Without these we will likely begin to malfunction externally

The need for rest varies from one individual to another in line with the body’s make up, the life stage and situation; responsibilities/dependants and ability to manage these well or other wise.

A commitment to recognising the rest we need and what prevents us taking it, is paramount to our quality and longevity of life. We may experience resistance from those who want more than we can give. We may also find internal resistance from our own beliefs about rest. There will also always be factors beyond our control that impact our health. But it is within our control and our interests as well as those around us, to commit to developing and practising the often-forgotten ar t of rest

Jo is a BACP Accredited Psychodynamic Counsellor and an Integrative Super visor with an MA in Contemporar y Therapeutic Counselling You can read more from Jo in her blog at joloach com Email: Jo loach@gmail com

STOTFOLD FEN CING

Update from ACORN

We are well out of April now, but 'Oh to be in Arlesey now that May is here!' with some fantastic weather and all of the local walks bursting with growth

Often, when we describe our work locally or post a picture, people will ask where is that? So, in this edition we wanted to describe one area in which we spend a significant amount of our volunteers' time, the Arlesey Old Moat and Glebe Meadows Nature Reser ves Stretching between the Eastern bank of the River Hiz and the railway line, the area of Glebe Meadows takes its name from an ecclesiastical past as it was originally par t of the estate of St Peter's Church from the 12th Centur y ('Glebe' lands were held by a parish priest as par t of their income); and the L- shaped Arlesey Old Moat lies to the South of the meadows through the woodland on land once associated with the ancient manor of Arlesey Bur y.

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Glebe Meadows and Arlesey Old Moat Nature Reser ves are managed by the Wildlife Trust in par tnership with Arlesey Town Council and Arlesey Conser vation for Nature who receive suppor t to provide works on site in suppor t of Wildlife Trust aims

The meadows are full of wildflowers including knapweed and campions, and the banks of the River Hiz suppor t moisture -loving plants such as the reeds and bullrushes that are found there. The open water and wetland attracts frogs, toads and newts to spawn in the spring and banded demoiselle dragonflies can be seen skimming the sur face. The reser ves attract a host of other wildlife including butter flies, bees and deer.

Par t of the meadows where our volunteers spend their time

The Hica Way which makes a wonder ful walk through local nature.

Update from ACORN

The area is managed through light conser vation which involves controlling the scrub, maintaining the grassy path network around the reser ve which requires a number of cuts with machines and hand tools during the year, but greatly assisted by the regular footfall of walkers and runners keeping the growth down This work is a delicate balance of keeping the area natural whilst ensuring it can be accessed for the benefit of the local community This is capably overseen by Tony Kirchin, the Warden of the meadow, who plans and organises all of this work year round and in his own time

The developing woodland includes ash, alder and oak, as well as hawthorn, hazel, elm and blackthorn Most has been left to take hold naturally, but a number of trees have been planted, such as the WI's oak tree The area has produced dense thickets that are ideal for nesting birds and the cattle brought in periodically to graze in the meadows encourage the wildflowers to flourish A hedgerow has established along the eastern boundar y, which is managed by our volunteers using the traditional technique of hedge laying, which encourages development of a thick hedge, also capable of suppor ting wildlife such as nesting birds.

The reser ves are a fantastic resource for Arlesey and the local area and all are encouraged to take a walk through. The Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Nor thamptonshire works to make our three counties a place where nature can flourish and enrich the lives of the people who live here, ably assisted by ACORN for the people of Arlesey. This is only possible with the suppor t of our members, your donations and our fantastic volunteers. If you would like to help, become a member or make a small donation to our work, please contact us via our Facebook page or by email at arlesey.acorn@gmail.com

We are looking for another Specialist to join our professional team. We have the perfect spot available for the right person. Must be self employed and quali ed.

If interested please contact Julie or Steve on 01462 835611.

Local C hurch News

News from St Peter ’s Church.

This month we look for ward to celebrating Saint Peter, after whom our church is named. Peter was the disciple that Jesus called “The Rock on which he would build the church.” So we have a weekend to celebrate the life and work of St. Peter and the building of this church over 800 years ago. On Saturday 29th June at the Church, we have a Peter tide Summer Fayre, with lots of stalls, refreshments and a children’s play area with a Bouncy Castle. 11am - 4pm

Sunday 30th June at 9 30am we will have a ser vice celebrating St Peter to which all are welcome We look for ward to welcoming the Revd Jane Wheatley to officiate at this ser vice

So let us pray for some lovely summer weather and the oppor tunity for us all to get together and celebrate St Peter, the Church and this growing community of Arlesey Ser vices

Our ser vice times are:-

1st, 3rd,4th,5th Sundays 9 30am

2nd Sunday All Age Worship 10 00am

Refreshments are ser ved after each ser vice an oppor tunity to chat and socialise

Weekdays

Coffee Mornings Tuesday 10 30am in church

10 30am-12 noon Toddler and Parent/Carer Group

1st Wednesday in the month Afternoon Tea 2- 4pm All Welcome Helen Bardell Churchwarden 01462 731227 07967144571 email; vicar@arlesey org uk churchwardens@arlesey org uk tibbs simon@gmail com

Local Spor ts News

Update from ARLESEY TOWN FC

Arlesey Town FC held their AGM held on May 8th where Nicola Coppen was elected as the New Chairman/Chairperson. Nicola comes from a background in construction and planning in utilities, runs her own companies and is looking for ward to reaching out to ever yone in the community of Arlesey. As Arlesey continue to forge links with the much expanded youth teams section representatives of Arlesey Town Youth and the girls teams were also elected onto the committee. In June Arlesey Town will be installing new LED floodlights which will bring down costs and present a greener option for the club and also should reduce light pollution to help their neighbours The club also relaunched its membership at the same time as the AGM with memberships now open online on the clubs website and social media outlets, giving members discounts in the bar and other benefits

Arlesey are looking for ward to being a stronger team on the pitch as next season manager Tommy Cooney strengthens his 1st team Preseason games so far provisionally organised are below ( The home game v Stevenage on 16th July should be the 1st game under our new lights )

Saturday 29th June Bedfont Spor ts A Saturday 6th July Her tford Town A Saturday 13th July Broadfields A Tuesday 16th July Stevenage H

Congratulations to the Arlesey Town Sunday side in becoming both league and Cup double winners 2023-24 - This is a fantastic achievement! We look for ward to bringing you fur ther news from the club next month.

Nor th Her ts Road Runners

The 1st Sat of the month 5k at Letchwor th Common will be on 1st June 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 NHRR.ORG.UK OR IAN 07506429928

Calling all dance clubs, gym clubs, judo clubs -whatever your spor t-WE WANT YOUR SPORTS NEWS! arlesey.news@yahoo.com

WALKS FOR HEALTH

Are you looking to make new friends? Walks for Health are a local walking group here ever yone is welcome.

JUNE walks.

Walks star t at 10 45am

Thursday 2nd & 9th

Corner of Hospital Road, Arlesey (accessible form Stotfold easily via Fair field)

Thursday 16th & 23rd Scout Hut, Baldock Road, Stotfold.

Thursday 30th The Crown PH, The Green, Stotfold

For more details contact Beth Over field 01462 815672

Down Memory Lane

here’s a wonder ful picture ver y kindly loaned to us by Eileen Gibbs and shows Mrs Bristows School - does anyone know the date? Do you recognise anyone pictured? We LOVE to see your old photographs - if you have any you are happy to lend us then please get in touch on 01462 731986 or email arlesey news@yahoo com

ARLESEY PHARMAC Y

FREE Pr escription deliver y ser vice to “housebound and vulner able” patients.

FREE Repeat pr escription "dr op-of f" and collection ser vice fr om Ar lesey Medical Centr e and Lar ksfield (Stotfold) Sur ger y. Mon to Fri 8.45am - 1pm & 2.00pm - 6.15pm Satur

Useful Telephone Numbers

Citizen’s Advice Bureau

01525 402742

01525 841217

Trading Standards Advice Line 0300 300 8136

Churches

St Peter ’s Church, 01462 731227

Arlesey Methodist Church

Rev'd Emmanuel Onabanjo

07464 881751

Fair field Community Church 07376 740410

Kings Baptist Church 01462 730521

Salvation Army Stotfold Corps 01462 731072

Council

Arlesey Town Council Town Council Office

Arlesey Community Centre, High Street, Arlesey, Beds

SG15 6SN Phone: 01462 733722

Email: clerk@arlesey-tc gov uk

Central Bedfordshire Council, Prior y House, Chicksands, Shefford SG17 5TQ 0300 300 8000

Email customer ser vices@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

Web www.centralbedfordshire.gov uk

Waste Collection / Recycling / Dog Warden / Fly tipping / Grass Cutting / Street Cleaning / Abandoned Vehicles

0300 300 8631 or 0300 300 8632

Doctor

Arlesey Medical Centre

www arleseymedicalcentre nhs uk

01462 732144

Larksfield Surger y Stotfold: 01462 732200

Out of Hours Ser vice 111

Emergencies

Electricity Emergencies

Gas Emergencies

Helplines

Alcoholics Anonymous

0800 7 838 838

0800 111999

01438 747475

Childline 0800 1111

National Menengitis Trust

0845 6000800

Samaritans 08457 909090

NSPCC 0800 800 5000

Housing

First Garden City Homes

Pioneer House, Nor ton Way South, Letchwor th Garden City, Her ts, SG6 1NY Grand Union Housing - all enquiries

Miscellaneous

Arlesey Community Larder

ACORN - Arlesey Conser vation For Nature

Mick Jackson 07970 734416 ( Treasurer)

arlesey acorn@gmail.com

Beds Rural Communities Charity

Police

Beds Police (Crime repor ting)

01234 841212

Crimestoppers 0800 555111

Hospitals

Bedford Hospital 01234 355122

Lister Hospital 01438 314333

NHS Direct 0845 464700 300 8068

Librar y Arlesey Resource Centre & Librar y 01462 731469

Stotfold Librar y 0300 300 8068

Pubs

The White Horse 01462 621118

The Old Oak 01462 612536

The True Britton 07494 563496

Schools & Nurseries

Etonbur y Academy 01462 730391

Pix Brook Academy 01462 416243

Gothic Mede Lower School 01462 732002

BEST Nurser y (Arlesey) 01462 732168

Arlesey Preschool @ WI Hall 07815 293670

Children’s Centre

Stotfold and District Children's Centre 01462 730623

Transpor t

Trains (National Enquiries) 08457 484950

Whitbread Wanderbus 0300 123 3023

Boxall Taxis 01462 433 333

Greenacre Transfers

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

01462 683307

0300 123 5544

07427 650080.

01234 838771

Letchwor th MS Unit 01462 487172

Bir ths, Deaths & Marriages 0300 300 8089

Local Directory

ACORN Arlesey Conser vation For Nature

AD Garden Rooms

A JB Fencing

Alfie’s Barbers

All Wrapped Up - Balloons and Florist

07970 734416

01438 313765

07837 791365

01462 658449

07886 569134

Andy Leonard Painter & Decorator 07889 903283

Arlesey Community Larder

Arlesey Walking Group

Arlesey Pharmacy

Arlesey Social Club

07427 650080

01462 638286

01462 731200

01462 731361

Ask Phil - Windows, Driveways, Garden Rooms 01462 545729

Aquarius Garden Design

01462 731292

Barn Hair Studio 01462 835611

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

Carpentr y by Ray

Carpet Cleaning - ACCS Ltd

Carpets & Flooring - Paul Faulkner

Cascade Water Ser vices

Catsitter - Claire

Computer Repairs - NIck Saunders

The Cooker Buddy Oven Cleaning

Chris Webster, Stotfold

(Correspondent for The Comet )

Darren Peters Proper ty Maintenance

Dennison’s - House & Garden Clearance

Do It All Dan

ECO Clean Carpet Cleaning

Electrician - Terr y C Seymour

Fair field Bowls Club

Fencing (A JB)

Finesse Interiors

First Step Estate Agents

Foot Health Professional - Vicki Eagles

Foot Pro Podiatr y

FullFlow Pressure Washing/Cleaning

Gifford Dance Academy

Graham Smith Brickwork & Paving

Greenacre Transfers Airpor ts & Chauffeur Ser vices

www greenacretransfers co uk

Green Door Proper ty Management

Guides - Stotfold Guide Association

Henlow Vets

House of Fitness Pole fitness

Hypnotherapy - Pathway Hypnotherapy Rooms

James’s Carpentr y & Handyman Ser vice

Jar vis Footcare

01462 731500

01462 834488

07817 766997

07817545314

07812 055587

01462 732628

01462 730884

01462 735999

01462 231257

01462 732814

01462 629302

01462 731674

07887 531034

07984 344997

07521 279960

01462 810065

01462 834108

01462 733322

07522 354141

07908 674890

07748 857012

01462 236559

07811 738599

07837 791365

01462 896046

01462 659730

07812 399659

07377 536685

07306 085207

07585 221513

01462 731829

07555 707848

01462 510765

01462 235273

01462 416416

07840 268099

07497157531

01462 234292

07816 329363

Locksmith Ser vices 01462 290226

Loved Gardens 07981 275663

Maintenance Ser vices - SHMS 01462 887366

Mow & Weedit Garden Ser vices 07765 495200

New Kitchens 01462 812826

Nor th Her ts Road Runners 01462 639215

Orange Henn Travel 01707 913761

Oven Clean & Repair Ser vices 07878 444559

Painter/Decorator - Paul A Robinson 07761 751634

Paul Eley Tiling 07818 000508

Paws & Claws Pet Grooming 07913 005268

Piano Lessons - Christine Walker 01462 731357

Piano Lessons - Elmitt Piano Academy 07449 461465

Pilates - Zanna Newton 07719 862371

Plumbing - ALM Plumbing 07950 311963

Plumbing - C Plumb 01462 700862

Stotfold & Arlesey Royal British Legion

731986

The Rooms Hair and Beauty 01462 835538

The Rooms Holistic and Beauty Academy 07946 521266

Warrens Windows

Waste Removal (Josas Waste) 07739 488472 Windows - Repairs & Installations (J Garside) 07951

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