Stotfold News Magazine March 2023

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Stot fold NEWS

D e li ve re d F R E E to 4 , 9 0 0 h ome s i n Sto t fo l d & Fai r f i e l d. Ne w s In for mat i on Yo u r l e tt e rs

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Open
TAKEAWAY

Welcome to March

Spring is arriving ..at least we hope!

We have gone with a decidedly spring -like theme for our f ront co ver this month, sent to us ver y kindly by Nikki Lane We couldn’t resist the oppor tunity to embrace some brightly coloured daffodils - We cer tainly hope that by the time this reaches you that the f rost has all bu t disappeared and we are enjo ying some longer, milder days.

Speaking o f f ront co vers, congratulations to Liz Anderson for being the f irst person to correctly guess the location o f last month’s co ver sho t (taken f rom just ou tside the Sto tfold Mill, looking across the water ) - If you take any nice pictures which you feel may challenge our readers as to where they are taken, then do send them in to us - just for fun!

We have a great selection o f local news items this month which we hope you will enjo y reading - if you have any thing you would like us to include, please do get in touch with us as we lo ve sharing these with our readers

Until next month..

Editorial: Please email your letters or ar ticles to sto tfold news@yahoo co uk or write to us at: Sto tfold News Magazine, 78 Hitchin Road, Sto tfold, Her tfordshire, SG5 4HT You can also call us on 01462 731986 (Mon - Fri, 9 30am to 5pm) You can also contact us via our facebook page

Ad vertising: It’s easy to adver tise in the Sto tfold News You’ll f ind all you need to kno w at: www sto tfoldandarleseynews co uk - Our deadline is always 6th o f ever y month preceding publication

Deliveries: We have o ver 100 volunteers that deliver the Sto tfold News Magazine If for any reason you do no t receive your copy o f the magazine please contact us to let us kno w Published by Sto tfold News Ltd Printed in memor y o f Roy West

Articles:

From the Editor March Local school /n ursery news: Church n ews: Local News Pages 4,5,7,8,9 Letters Page 10 News f rom Sto tfold To wn Council Page 17 Family Announcements Page 18 News f rom Sto tfold Junior Foo tball Club Page 20 News f rom Sto tfold Foo tball Club Page 21 Mum with 3 Page 22 News f rom Sto tfold Ar t Club Page 26 News f rom Sto tfold Mill Page 27 Mental Health Matters Page 29 Monthly Fun Quiz! Page 30 News f rom Sto tfold Librar y Page 31 News f rom St Mar y’s Academy Page 11 News f rom Fair f ield Lo wer School Page 12 News f rom Roecro ft Lo wer School Page 13 News f rom Pix Brook Academy Page 14 News f rom Etonbur y Academy Page 15 News f rom Pippin Pre -School Page 16 CONTENTS Want to promo te your business in the Arlesey & Sto tfold News Magazines? 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 News f rom St Mar y’s Church Page 23 News f rom Kings Baptist Church Page 24 News f rom Sto tfold Methodist Chuch Page 25 T: 01462 731986 sto tfold.news@yahoo.co.uk NEXT IS SUE - APRIL Adver tising deadline 6th March 2023 2023 To contact the Sto tfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986 3

Showcase Success for Gifford Dance Academy

Sto tfold based Gifford Dance Academy enjo yed a double weekend o f Sho wcases back at the beginning o f Februar y. With o ver 250 local bo ys and girls taking par t, the sho wcases featured dance rou tines per formed by children as young as four, all thoroughly enjo ying the experience o f per forming to a live audience at Bedfordshire University Theatre.

Alongside the more seasoned competition team dancers, all classes f rom within the Academy were invited to per form, with some o f them experiencing dancing on stage for the ver y f irst time

The Dance Academy is run by sisters Rebecca and Lucie, and specialises in many different aspects o f dance, including contemporar y, commercial, acro and ballet The dancers have enjo yed countless successes throughou t the eight years they have been per forming, including their Mixed Competition Team being cro wned National Champions for 2022! Many o f the dancers are no w incredibly excited to be preparing to per form at Disneyland Paris in April after successfully passing their audition to per form during the latter par t o f last year

4 Email: sto tfold news@yahoo co uk Local News
at www.gifforddanceacademy.com ajb fencing * fencing * decking * pergolas * summer houses For a FREE quotation call Andy on 07837 791365 or (01462) 628388 Public Liability Insured Established 18 years
More details on all o f the academy classes can be found

Elaine conquers her health challenge head on.

If you’d have told Sto tfold’s Elaine Bly th a few years ago that no t only would she f ind herself a new hobby bu t it would also help her with some serious health issues, she cer tainly would no t have believed you After being diagnosed with Leukaemia ten years ago, Elaine was for tunate to receive a successful stem cell transplant after a donor match was found in the USA After receiving her treatment, Elaine su ffered some awful sideffects, including tirednesss, aching joints and chronic skin condition GvHD After receiving physio therapy it was suggested to Elaine that she star t up some kind o f gentle exercise to help her to effectively manage her symptoms

Elaine told the Sto tfold News Magazine “My sister and my bro ther have played bo wls for years, so my husband Terr y and I thought, ‘let’s give that a tr y’ Lo ts o f people think bo wling is a bit o f an old person’s spor t, bu t we quickly learned this was no t the case as there’s a lo t o f younger people who play. It’s ver y active and a great way to meet new people and open your circle f riends.” Bo wing quickly became a spor t that Elaine enjo yed, also f inding she had quite the natural flair for it!

“My GvHD impro ved along with my bo wls. After joining

Sto tfold Bo wls Club I became the ladies club champion in 2021, and then in 2022 I won the ladies Bo wls Bedfordshire County unbadged championship ” “It’s been a shock, a nice shock, bu t a shock I’ve never won any thing in my life and then after my transplant I didn’t think I’d ever be able to do any thing like this ”

“The people at my club kno w what I’ve been through ” “A lo t o f them have said, ‘I can’t believe you’ve been through ever y thing you’ve been through and here you are winning trophies.’” “I still have times when I feel do wn, there are good days and bad days, bu t things like this pick me up and make me want to carr y on.”

Thankfully Elaine has been suppor ted throughou t her journey by her f riends and family and continues to make good progress living with and managing her condition

Huge congratulations to Elaine on no t only her recent spor ting successes bu t also for pro ving to us all that there are still positives that can be found amongst some o f life’s toughest o f challenges

5 Local News
Elaine pictured right receiving her winners trophy
6 Please mention the Sto tfold News Magazine when responding to adver ts y p p y 01462 733730 or find us at 47b High Street, Stotfold SG5 4LD To everybody who entered our prize draw to WIN the VW Golf Life as part of our Centenary celebrations in 2022! Despite media doom and gloom, 2023 has got off to a good start with interest in local property remaining sustained To find out more and obtain a realistic market appraisal of your home please contact Kevin Duff on 01462 733730 TRUSTus with your next move
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rd work & ermination sees organ gain Black Belt.

When four year old Morgan f rom Sto tfold took up Karate back in 2014 she knew she had found a spor t that she bo th lo ved and enjo yed Alongside bro ther Preston, Morgan has travelled all o ver the county to train and has progressed steadily, working her way through the various grades and belts until f inally gaining her black belt in October o f last year,

The no w 12 year old Etonbur y student still ver y much enjo ys the spor t, and is no w o ffering her exper tise to younger children star ting ou t on their karate journey with the club she f irst began to train with all those years ago. Together with bro ther Preston, Morgan helps with the ‘Tiny Tigers’ under the watchful eye o f Sensei Sue Su tcliffe.

Mum Sarah told the Sto tfold News Magazine “Morgan’s focus and determination has been incredible o ver the many years she has been going to Karate She has throughly enjo yed the journey and I am so immensely proud o f ever y achievement she has made ”

Recently enjo ying a celebration meal and presentation at the Harpenden Arms, Morgan and her fello w Black Belt students - including close f riend Kacey, received their cer tif icates and Black belts direct f rom Japan

Having recently been awarded ‘student o f the year ’ at her Letchwor th Karate Club, Morgan, Kacey and her bro ther Preston continue on their karate journey as they train hard to wards their Second Dan and also star t to compete on the competitor circuit

We look for ward to follo wing bo th Morgan and Preston’s progress in the fu ture!

Pictured belo w right: Morgan receiving her cer tif icate f rom Sensei Brian Owen.

Follo wing a recent post we ran on the Sto tfold News facebook page, we were so impressed with Morgans stor y that we wanted to share it with you -

if you kno w anyone who enjo ys success in whatever it is they do, be it a hobby, a spor t or a pastime then we would lo ve to hear all abou t it Simply get in touch with us using the usual methods

Please mention our magazine when responding to adver ts 7 Local News

Stotfold Turns On The Electric

If you are a regular walker, attend a club or class at the Memorial Hall or maybe live close to Hallwor th Drive, then you may have no ticed recent work being carried ou t in the Memorial Hall car park The work was all par t o f an initiative to install charge points in Sto tfold for electric mo tor vehicles.

The charge points will be going 'live' ver y soon - keep an eye on either the Sto tfold News Magazine or Sto tfold To wn Council social media for any updates on when they will be available to use.....

Sal vation Army Ladies Fello wship

March 20th

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As we are all encouraged to ‘go greener ’ and consider electric vehicles as our next choice o f transpor t, there are plans to increase the number o f charge points in and around Sto tfold, with the next round o f installations due to take place in Brook

Street car park during Februar y or March There’s a good chance it may be in place by the time you are reading this ar ticle

The initiative to have the charge points installed forms par t o f a joint venture between Sto tfold To wn Council, Central Bedfordshire Council and BP Pulse

The new electric charge point located in the memorial hall car park

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To contact the Sto tfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

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79 Mile Walk for Mental Health Awareness & Suicide Prevention

Local man Paul Chambers is currently in training for a walking challenge to raise awareness and funds for the charity he co -founded - The Creative Mental Health Charity, PoetsIN The 79 mile walk will take place between 11th15th September and will co ver bo th the Chiltern Hills and Bar ton Hills, places Paul o ften visits for his o wn wellbeing 79 men ended their lives each week in England to wards the end o f 2022 which is why Paul has chosen to walk for this amount o f miles

Paul will be walking with old f riend, ex-army veteran Greg Husbands (and Stanley the dog) during Suicide Awareness Week Paul told the Sto tfold News Magazine: “Greg and I have bo th struggled with our mental health in the past and no w aim to raise awareness (and maybe some funds) for a most wor thy cause ” “We’ll be broadcasting f rom the walk, and actively sharing (and using) our o wn mental health tools throughou t each day ”

“We all need to talk so much more in order to normalise the subject o f mental health.” “People can join us for a day, half a day, or even just a mile; bu t the more people joining in and talking abou t it using the hashtag #The79 the better.”

Paul may be recognisable (especially to our young people) as o ver recent months he has been active in delivering assemblies, workshops and mental health programmes in Bedfordshire schools – more recently at bo th Etonbur y Academy and Samuel Whitbread; all with the aim o f enabling students to speak abou t their o wn mental health and learning wellbeing tools that will help them for life He strives to be the person he didn’t kno w he needed when he was at school

The Creative Mental Health Charity PoetsIN is an awardwinning organisation which o ffers a safe space for people who are experiencing poor mental health and mental illnesses Its Creative Mental Health Programme™ encourages people to express their feelings via creative

ou tlets and simply talking It has a success rate in the high 90 percents and those who take par t repor t having reduced suicidal thoughts, self-harm less and symptoms o f depression and anxiety are signif icantly eased

More abou t the fundraiser on https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/paul-chambers79 Find ou t more abou t the charity, their ser vices and do wnload mental wellbeing tools on www.poetsin.com

To contact the Sto tfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986 9 C AR SALESMEC HANI CALBO DYWO RKQuality used cars & vans supplied. Excellent after sales care, our warrantees cover both parts & labour Motor vehicle servicing and general repair work undertaken, any make or model Accident repair and insurance work specialists 2 Arlesey Road, Stotfold, Hitchin, Herts SG5 4HA Formerly Cramps Garage Sales (01462) 732400 Services and Bodywork (01462) 731500 BAL & CO. MOTOR CARE Local News
Paul Chambers (left, with fello w walker & fundraiser Greg Husbands)

Dear Editor, New Year New Challenge? A local bef riending charity is looking for more people to help make a real difference in their local community!

Do you have couple o f hours to spare each week?

Do you enjo y meeting new people and spending time chatting and listening?

Do you have a sense o f humor?

Do you enjo y the occasional trip to a cafe or a pub?

If yes, then this is a great oppor tunity for you!

Full training and suppor t given and no prior experience required, bu t you do need warmth, reliability, empathy, commonsense and a ready smile

The suppor t we give is rewarding and a life changing ser vice to o thers, and many o f the families we visit each week have described our ser vice and volunteers as “a lifeline”, “ the highlight o f my week” and even “a gift f rom heaven”. If you are interested in joining our f riendly team? Then call us today on 01234 743063, or 07483 376077 or email: respiteathomevolunteers@aol.co.uk Respite at Home Volunteers make a real difference to families living with life limiting illnesses o ffering a FREE bef riending ser vice, which also allo ws carers some much needed time o ff each week!

Make 2023 the year you are truly able to make a positive difference to somebody elses life.

TABLE TOP SALE

Saturday March 18th

St Mar y’s Church Hall

Sto tfold 10am - 12 noon

For availabilit y o f tables (£5 each) please contact Chris Webster on 01462 834108

Raffle - Ref reshments

All proceeds to St Mar y’s Church

Dear Editor, I wonder if any o f your readers have a pale colour brooch they are looking to par t company with? (Preferably with a gold surround ) I would be interested in hearing f rom anyone that may have one for sale - my number is 07788597009Patricia.

Dear Editor, Is it possible to thank Boxall Taxis o f Hitchin (whose telephone number we found in the magazine) They magically managed to step in at ver y shor t no tice (4.30 am) to take us to Lu ton Airpor t as we were let do wn by ano ther taxi pro vider who had been booked for many months

No t only did they send someone straightaway bu t managed to get us there on time for an early flight that morning What were the chances o f getting a taxi for 4 plus luggage at 4 30 am? Well done Boxall!!!

Dear Editor,

Sto tfold Christian Choir was formed in 1978 through the inspiration o f Norman Gurney, and our rehearsals have always been at King’s Baptist Church, The Green, Sto tfold. Our membership in the early days was drawn f rom the Baptist Church and o ther local churches. In recent years we have members who come f rom Stevenage, Hitchin, Letchwor th and Langford for rehearsals on Monday evenings f rom 7.30 pm.

We are no w urgently looking for new singers in order to maintain our regular programme o f concer ts and the suppor t we give to churches with ser vices at Christmas and Easter. For many years we have held concer ts at the Memorial Hall in the Summer as par t o f Sto tfold Festival and last year we gave a concer t which was well attended and raised £200 for Garden House Hospice, and we like to bring jo y to the elderly by singing in Care Homes

Please give thought to this oppor tunity to join a local choir and enjo y the f riendship o f o thers who f ind enjo yment in singing and ser ving the community. We appreciate you may wish to have more detail abou t the Sto tfold Christian choir and Clare Kilby or Hazel Thompson would be ver y pleased to have contact with you. We are also looking for a pianist to accompany the choir and would be delighted to hear f rom keyboard players

Please contact the Choir Secretar y, Clare Kilby on 01462 731142, email: clare@kilby com, or Hazel Thompson 01462 735580, email: thompsonh459@gmail com for more details

10 Your Letters

Februar y was an eventful month where we have all been involved in lo ts o f craft projects in Creative Ar ts Week and celebrated awareness o f Children’s Mental Health Week by wearing something colour ful to raise much needed funds for CHUMS March always brings optimism that Spring, warmer weather and brighter days are just around the corner! We will be sharing ideas once again this year to celebrate World Book Day on Thursday 2nd March The children will be invited to come into school in non- uniform with their favourite book They can even dress as their favourite book character if they would like! There will also be a sponsored read and book character craft competition with prizes! This is something we all really look for ward to and ever y child will receive a f ree £1 00 World Book Day

Voucher

We have our class assembly by Diamond Class on Wednesday 1st March Coral Class will follo w on Friday 3rd with Jet, Moonstone, Emerald and Opal holding theirs on Wednesday 8th, Friday 10th, Wednesday 15th and Friday 24th respectively. Parents and carers o f children in these classes are as always invited to watch and enjo y the per formances. Parent/Teacher in-person Consultations are planned for the week commencing Monday 13th March.

We will once again be suppor ting Red Nose Day on Friday 17th March and are inviting our children to come in

News from St Mar y’s A cademy

non- uniform clo thes and our parent’s association, the SMSA will be running the annual Mo ther ’s Day Gift Shop on Friday 17th March in school The SMSA bu y the gifts and set them ou t so that the children can choose something themselves to give to their mums/female carers as a gift to celebrate Mo ther ’s Day on 19th March

On Wednesday 22nd March our Year 3 children will take par t in a Faith Tour to Bedford. Here the community works together to enable the children to visit a Church, Gudwara and Mosque. This helps the children to see ho w different communities and religions work together. They always come back in awe o f their day.

On Wednesday 29th to Friday 31st March our Year 4 children will be attending our residential ‘Rock UK’ trip, an adventure packed event and we hope a ver y exciting and educational one for all involved

The holidays will then be upon us as we break up on Friday 31st March for the Easter break We will return for the Summer Term on Tuesday 18th April

As always please do visit our website www stmar ysacademysto tfold co uk for fur ther information and updates regarding what is happening currently and what is still to come

Conditions treated include spinal and extremity injuries, neck related headaches and sprains/strains.

We are NOW OPEN

Our revised opening hours:

Tues: 2pm-7pm

Wed: 10am-7pm

Thursday: 3pm-7pm

Friday: 10am - 1pm

Saturday: 10am-2pm

11 To contact the Sto tfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986
Pupils enjo ying crafts during Creative Ar ts Week

News from Fair f ield Park Lo wer School

The children across the school par ticipated in Safer Internet Day with the theme “Want to talk abou t it?” The gro wing use o f online games, apps and shops means our children need to kno w the impor tance o f being safe online Our children explored this in their classes through stories, games and discussions.

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Our work with our chosen local charity, The Need Project, continued this month too as Gordon came into school alongside members o f the Sikh community

f rom the Hitchin gurdwara to explain ho w they work together to pro vide food parcels to the local community This formed par t o f our diversity day centred on Sikhism and understanding seva The whole school community donated food and children worked together to create food parcels for the charity

Did you kno w?

We have two spacious school halls bo th o f which are ideal for bir thday par ties, children’s activities, clubs and celebrations Our facilities are easily accessible

If you would like fur ther information, or to make a booking please contact the School Off ice on 01462 830000 or alternatively please visit our website: https://www fair f ield beds sch uk/Our-School/Hire -OurFacilities/

Value o f the half-term: Trust Tel: 01462 830000 Email o ff ice@fair f ieldparklo wer uk www.fair f ieldparklo wer.uk

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Now in our 10th year!

Spring has sprung and the extra hours o f daylight and warmer weather has made for a welcome change. This school year we have been enjo ying a more personal approach to class assemblies Each class is having an oppor tunity to sho wcase their learning and share work with their families. This has meant all children are having an oppor tunity to speak and address an audience; they have embraced the challenge and have been amazing

This month we have news f rom our Early Years children and the team:

Over the Spring term our topic in Reception is 'Planet Ear th and Beyond!' Our class teddy bears Freddie, Dave and Bob have been going on holiday to different countries around the world and we have received postcards f rom them each week, telling us abou t their adventures Freddie, Dave and Bob began their holiday in the United Kingdom, visiting King Charles and Buckingham Palace and we all wro te letters to him

Next, the bears travelled by ferr y to France and explained to us that even though the boat was really big and ver y heavy, it still floated We then did some floating and sinking experiments ourselves Freddie, Dave and Bob flew to Italy next where a ver y popular food is pizza! We spent the week writing abou t, making and eating delicious pizza with our o wn toppings on The bears also visited India and went on a safari!

When the bears went to China there was a ver y special celebration going on, it was Chinese New Year! We celebrated this in school too, by f inding ou t abou t ho w Chinese families prepare for and celebrate Chinese New Year We shared the zodiac stor y together and even tasted some Chinese food which was delicious The f inal par t o f Freddie, Dave and Bob's adventure on Ear th was to Australia. We had a go at making and playing our o wn didgeridoos together and looked at the style o f Aboriginal ar t which we then decorated our didgeridoos with. Freddie, Dave and Bob have no w flo wn o ff into space!

They are having a great time and have been to the International Space Station just like Tim Peake did They sent us a stor y called 'Whatever Next' and we have been helping them plan for their mission to the moon by designing new rockets and making a list o f different things they need to take with them We are looking for ward to the rest o f their adventures, f inding ou t abou t the different planets and stars in our Solar System and maybe Freddie, Dave and Bob will meet some f riendly aliens too!

W ith warmest wishes, Mrs Cross and the Roecro ft family.

News from Roecro ft Lo wer School
13

Pix Brook A cademy News

The year is flying by! At PBA I can already see that this year is going to be no different f rom the previous in that we are once again managing a signif icant gro wth in pupils and staff During the last few months we have successfully recruited new staff to extend our upper school pro vision. As a school that was always designed to be a secondar y school, albeit with an extension to include year 5 and 6 we have been for tunate to be able to plan for the key stage four curriculum we want to deliver. Consequently, we have recruited teachers to lead Drama, Music, ICT, in addition to teachers o f Maths, English, Science, DT, Humanities, MFL and additional primar y teachers for our gro wing primar y phase It is exciting to see this gro wth and see our

plans for the curriculum begin to consolidate Next year will be equally exciting as we look to appoint specialist teachers o f the broader curriculum such as Media, Business studies, Dance and a range o f o ther areas that will be somewhat determined by pupil demand. As par t o f our continued gro wth we are looking to increase our local go verning board. If this is something you are interested in please do contact the school on Pixbrook@bestacademies.org.uk. Previous experience is no t required.

While this long - term work continues we are also determined to develop our pupil experience. Over the last few weeks we have had immersion days in maths, science and histor y and an R AF STEM day. Young voices have per formed at the 02 and we have launched our PGL trip for this year and the ski trip for next year

Beyond these events lessons continue to be delivered in a consistent and thoughtful way Our model o f collegiate planning means that all pupils, regardless o f their teacher is pro vided with a consistent diet o f lesson experiences that is no t dependent on the person delivering the lesson We are no t constrained by school histor y or resources and instead can work with colleagues excited by the prospect o f developing their subject area to enthuse our pupils to achieve School is abou t extending and impro ving life chances and by having a large body o f staff who have joined the school to take advantage o f the oppor tunity to make a difference we are in an excellent place to do just that As always, we look to the next half term with optimism, there is much to look for ward to and much more to be done, bu t this is always the case in schools!

14 Please mention the Sto tfold News Magazine when responding to adver ts

It is always a pleasure when we have visitors to the school who comment on our fantastic students and the welcoming staff So far, this term has been no exception Our Year 11s welcomed an external speaker who gave a presentation on revisions skills, exam preparation and exam techniques, and referred to them as ‘some o f the best students he had seen on his travels across the countr y ’ These types o f comments make us ver y proud

We continue with our staff development sessions to suppor t the School Development Plan and impro ve the ou tcomes for our students. Miss Phillips, SENDCO, led a session to develop staff kno wledge on individual students as par t o f our commitment to kno wing our children. Senior Leaders have also had presentations on specif ic year groups with a par ticular focus on Year 11 as they get closer to their main examinations. The commitment f rom the students is equally impressive, attendance is exceptional and we kno w their rewards will be even higher. Working together really makes a difference.

Some o f our Year 8 and 9 students were taken to Stevenage Magistrates Cour t, in preparation for their Mock Trial Competition in March They were able to watch a few cases, learn more abou t the legal process and the people involved Thank you to Ms Denton for organising such an excellent trip

Our Year 9s have been experiencing the GCSE options by having taster lessons in all subjects across the school comprising some new ones including Media, Childcare, Pho tography, Business Studies and BTEC Spor t Our Year 9 parents/carers will be invited to an Options Evening after half term to f ind ou t more abou t their GCSE journey

Our Juniors are o ff to Duxford Air Museum, National Space Centre and Harr y Po tter, and Secondar y have trips to

News from Etonbur y A cademy

Belgium and France for Histor y, Languages and Food, Geography trips to Nor folk and to Iceland in the next academic year A number o f our Year 10s were also for tunate to attend an event run by the University o f Oxford as par t o f the Wadham Project Thank you to Miss Denton for leading this prestigious par tnership Our Juniors had a wonder ful day at Young Voices, singing amongst thousands o f o ther children and taking in the atmosphere at the O2 Arena in London These learning experiences are such an impor tant par t o f Etonbur y, and are a great way o f getting to kno w our students and developing them as individuals

We are seeing numerous wins in our spor ting f ixtures and also amongst our children who take par t in ou tside school activities.

The school is going f rom strength to strength, we are looking for ward to unveiling more plans for Sixth Form Centre ver y soon.

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News from Pippin Pre School

The children will be par ticipating in some fun events this month when we suppor t World Book Day and Comic Relief

For World Book Day (2rd March) children are invited to come to Pre -School dressed as a character f rom their favourite book, we look for ward to seeing the children (and staff ) in their chosen ou tf its! Comic Relief day is on the 17th March, the children will be encouraged to come to Pre -School wearing something red and par ticipate in different activities throughou t the day. We will be hosting a cake sale f rom 3pm on this day too.

During March, the children will be learning abou t baby animals and will have the oppor tunity to watch

ducklings hatch in the week leading up to Easter This is a ver y exciting time for the children, they choose the ducklings names, hold them and watch them swim The ducklings then leave us and relocate to a small holding in Ro yston

Each month the children learn abou t a different countr y, including tr ying their traditional cuisine, learning abou t their culture and beliefs This month they are learning abou t the British Isles, f rom tr ying welsh cakes and cucumber sandwiches, to folk dancing and joining in highland games.

Our holiday club will be open the f irst week o f the Easter holidays f rom Monday 3rd April to Thursday 6th April inclusive. We charge £40 per day, doors open 7.45-18.00. Our booking system will be open f rom 1st March. Please direct any queries to the o ff ice info@pippinpreschool.co.uk.

Thank you for your interest in our Pre -School. We look for ward to sharing more o f our news with you again next month

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STOTFOLD TOWN COUNCIL

The Greenacre Centre

Valerian Way, Stotfold

Hitchin, Herts, SG5 4HG

Telephone number: 01462 730064

Email address: enquiries@stotfoldtowncouncil.gov.uk

Website: www.stotfoldtowncouncil.gov.uk

Opening hours: 10am to 4pm Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri CLOSED WEDNESDAYS

SCHEDULED MEETINGS

Please see our website for details of upcoming council and committee meetings www.stotfoldtowncouncil.gov.uk

WHO DOES WHAT?

In our local area, we have two levels of local authority Stotfold Town Council (at parish level) and Central Bedfordshire Council (at county level) unitary authority. Both are responsible for different things. These are examples of just some of the responsibilities for each council:

STOTFOLD TOWN COUNCIL

Cemetery, Public Open Spaces & Play Areas

Bus shelters, Town Council owned street lights, litter bins, benches

Community Centres, i.e. Memorial Hall

Public conveniences Brook Street & Arlesey Road

Shoppers car park Brook Street/High Street

Allotments Norton Road & Common Road (on behalf of local charity)

Grants to community organisations

Maintenance of Town Council owned public open spaces/recreation grounds

Maintenance of highway verges on behalf of Central Bedfordshire Council

Christmas Lights displays

CENTRAL BEDFORDSHIRE COUNCIL

Education & Other

Planning & Economic Regeneration

Trading standards

Council Tax collection

Highways, Public Rights of Way, street lights

Waste collection, recycling centres

Pest control, fly-tipping, street cleaning

Business rates, licensing, food hygiene

Housing policy & social housing

Community Safety

to find out more, visit www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or call Central Bedfordshire Council on 0300 300 8300, and www.stotfoldtowncouncil.gov.uk 01462 730064.

MEET YOUR TOWN COUNCILLOR

This article is a chance for residents to learn more about the people who represent you at the local level, your Town Councillors. This month, we hear from Councillor Brian Collier.

By the time of the 2023 elections, I will have been on Stotfold Town Council for 32 years. For the 25 years between 1997 and 2022, I was elected annually by the Councillors to be either the Mayor or Deputy Mayor: but how did it all begin?

We moved to Stotfold in 1980 and from then to 1992, at various times I was active in: the Stotfold Carnival, a local Club, a Governor of Roecroft Lower School, and Stotfold Mill (after the fire). Some of these continued further. It is useful for Town Councillors to have been active in the community.

There are two ways to become a Councillor: stand for election every 4 years, or fill a Casual Vacancy between the elections. The Town Council is a non-political council and the Councillors are not paid. It is a form of voluntary work.

I first stood for election in the 1989 County Council elections and was not elected this happens, dust yourself off and try again. In this year, the then Town Clerk, Ron Watkins retired, later a Councillor resigned leading to Casual Vacancy. I put myself forward, as did Ron, and he won.

17

Family announcements

SCARLETT JUKES

4th March

Happy 12th Bir thday

JANET BREACHER

Wishing our Mum and Grandma a ver y Happy 80th Bir thday on 17th March!

With lo ts o f lo ve, Mum, Dad, Morgan & all your family & f riends x

All types of electrical work under taken. Installation, Fault finding, Heating controls. Test and inspection, EV charge points, NICEIC approved contractor Tel: 07817 545314 E:bk electrical@outlook com

EUAN PEARSON

Happy 23rd Bir thday!

Lo ve f rom your family & f riends x

Hopton Holiday Village

Luxury 8 Berth Caravan available for holiday let

Various dates available between March - October including school holidays Secure your date NOW. Fully double glazed with central heating on a fully secure park with indoor and outdoor pools, 9 hole golf course and short walk to the beach

Call Bernie 07860 462244 or email b.gray63@ntlworld.com

With Lo ve, Sharon, Kai, Dylan, Denise and Adrian xxx

SYLVIA & DAVID GREEN

Happy Golden Wedding Anniversar y

With lo ve f rom your family & f riends x

SYLVIA MASON

Happy 80th Bir thday!

All our lo ve Davina, Richard, Maria, Josh, Liam & Charlo tte

NICOLA BUSHALL

Happy 30th lo ve Tom x

JULIE CHRISTIE

Happy 60th Bir thday

We hope you have the best day ever Lo ve, Margaret, David & Jessica xx

18 To contact the Sto tfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986
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19 To contact the Sto tfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

News From Sto tfold Junior Foo tball Club

U8 Ambers

No w that U8 Ambers are in mid- season o f their second full season for Sto tfold, it is wor th no ting ho w they have been progressing since emerging f rom the Development Centre in August 2021

Since then, they have played 41 o ff icial games and have won 33 o f these games and losing only 5 They have scored 297 goals and conceded only 90

The U8 Ambers have just come ou t o f an 18-game consecu tive winning streak, loosing narro wly to their local rivals Shefford Saints 4-3 With results and per formances like this it is no wonder that several o f the U8 Amber players are being looked at by Academies as they go f rom strength to strength and keep impro ving.

They are no w looking for ward to the rest o f the season and the summer tournaments, including Sto tfold’s o wn tournament on 5/6/7 May

The Pathway Hypno therapy Rooms

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Volunteers & Parents, we need you!

Sto tfold Juniors are gro wing and looking for volunteers to qualify as a FA level one coaches. If you are interested, please contact enquiries@sto tfoldjunior fc.co.uk

SMSA’s Communit y Quiz Night!

Friday 14th April 2023

Sto tfold Conser vative Club - 7pm for 7.30pm star t Tickets £5 per person, (maximum o f 6 people per team.)

All proceeds to St Mar y’s school (SMSA)

This quiz is open to ever yone !

Trophy and chocolates for the winning team - and a wooden spoon to the losers! Tickets can be purchased f rom St Mar y’s school o ff ice or Sto tfold Conser vative club Team name, team member names and payment will be required on booking

All ticket sale proceeds to SMSA

please call 01462 731986
U8 Amber ’s continuing to gro w f rom strength to strength

News From Sto tfold Foo tball Club

Januar y was again weather disrupted The 1st team won two and drew one match in the league maintaining top spo t They progressed in the Hinchingbrooke Cup drawing 1-1 and winning 6-5 on penalties against near neighbours Biggleswade Utd. They also progressed in the Gladwish Challenge Trophy winning 5-1 at Division 2 Pitstone & Ivinghoe.

The Development team won bo th matches played in the league. The Women’s team won bo th their league matches and progressed in the League Cup with a 3-0 win against Biggleswade Utd Ladies Blues. The U18 team won their only league match played Fur ther f ixtures for the Development team and U18 team will be posted on the website and on social media

The Club is holding a Casino Night on Saturday 25 March 2023 - Watch ou t for posts on Social Media with details

Please keep an eye on our Facebook and Twitter pages for news and up to date information

March Fixtures:

U18 Thurs 2 7 45 Away Winslo w Utd

1st Sat 4 3.00 Home Arlesey To wn

1st Tue 7 7.45 Home Hoddesdon To wn

1st Sat 11 3.00 Away Aylesbur y Vale Dynamos

Wm’s Sun 12 2.00 Away Hitchin To wn Women First

1st Sat 18 3.00 Away Leverstock Green

Wm’s Sun 19 2.00 Away St Margaretsbur y Ladies

1st Sat 25 3.00 Home Harpenden To wn

Wm’s Sun 26 2.00 Home Harpenden To wn Women (League Cup S/F)

U18 Thurs 30 7.45 Home Letchwor th GCE

JSJ Stadium New Roker Park Arlesey Road Sto tfold, Bedfordshire, SG5 4HE 01462 539297 www sto tfoldfc co uk Twitter @sto tfoldfc Facebook @sto tfoldfc https://www sfc- theclubhouse co uk enquiries@sfc- theclubhouse co uk

COME AND SUPPORT THE EAGLES!

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21 To contact the Sto tfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986
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Bumps and Bruises…

So the last month had been going really well, training consistently and def initely feeling f itter than I was There has been one small bump in the road which literally was a ‘bump on the road’ when, on a cold Sunday morning on the far side o f Letchwor th, I fell o ff my bike; I wasn’t going par ticularly fast, it wasn’t even a spectacular fall, the chain simply jammed causing the bike to stop suddenly and I landed heavily on the ground, winding myself in the process. Luckily my f riend Rebecca (aka Nurse Nancy) was with me, and she calmly talked me through a moment o f anxiety where I couldn’t take a breath and was catastrophising that I’d broken ever y bone do wn the righthand side o f my body

I’ve fallen o ff my bike a number o f times before no w For the f irst few months o f wearing cleats, (cleats are f ixed to the bo ttom o f the shoe and attached to a clip-in pedal ), it was a regular occurrence; I’d stop at a junction and forget that I couldn’t pu t my foo t on the floor withou t f irst having to twist the shoe ou t o f its pedal Being a few years ago, it may be that my slightly younger (and lighter!) body coped better with hitting the tarmac as I don’t remember it being an issue Bu t this time, quite honestly, it just really, really hur t.

For a couple o f days I felt a bit battered; the bruises deepening in colour as the stiffness in my joints reduced my range o f mo vement and made ever yday tasks that little bit more diff icult. Bu t after a for tnight o f swallo wing paracetamol like M&Ms and a visit to the physio, I am feeling almost back to normal and, f ingers crossed, no long - term damage has been done. I have no t yet returned to swimming, bu t the beau ty o f triathlon is this; when you’re unable to train in one discipline there are always two o thers to fall back on

22 We can rebuild your garden and transform it into a usable and exciting space to enjoy Call us for a no obligation free quote on 01462 612033 or 07738 246568 www rhgardendesign com Our Monthly update from Mum with 3 R. H GARDEN DESIGN The Garden Specialists Paws & Cla ws Mobile Pet Grooming Level 3 Qualif ied Let us come to you! Tel: 07913005268 Email: Pawsclaws66@aol.com
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The Sto tfold Passion Play (pictured f rom 2019 abo ve) is returning after a three -year break. The Year 4 students o f St Mar y’s Academy will per form the stor y o f the su ffering, death and resurrection o f Christ Parents, grandparents and carers, together with members o f the public are invited to attend on Friday 24 March 10 00am at St Mar y’s Church

There are number o f o ther special ser vices in March We will be welcoming The Bishop o f Bedford to preach at our 10 00am Sunday on 5 March We will be holding Lent Bible Studies on four Wednesdays in March: 9, 16, 23 and 30 at 10 30am and 7 30pm Our Mo thering Sunday Ser vice is Sunday 19 March

Please check our website, www sto tfoldchurch org uk, for a list o f our Holy Week ser vices, which begin on Palm Sunday on 2 April On Sunday 7 May at 3 00pm there will be Civic Ser vice at St Mar y’s Church to celebrate the Coronation o f Kind Charles III, with activities to follo w

Church open ever y day: Your Parish Church is open ever y day 9-4 30pm for anyone who wants a time o f quiet personal prayer or refection or to light a candle.

Christenings and Baptisms will be held on the 4th Sunday o f the month

Please contact Sara Clark 01462 625270

Funerals - The Church is available for any

local person’s funeral For information speak to your funeral director or contact Revd Bill on 01462 730218

Worship Ser vices:

Ever y Sunday in Church:

9.00am. Sunday Morning Prayer. A 20-minu te ser vice withou t Holy Communion or a sermon.

10.00am. Parish Communion and Sunday School for children.

First Sunday o f the Month:

8.00am. Said Communion

9.00am. Sunday Morning Prayer

10.00am. Parish Communion and Sunday School for children.

4 00pm Tea Time Praise for young families

Wednesday Ser vice in Church

9 45am Parish Communion: a 40 minu te ser vice

Monday-Saturday in Church

9 00am Morning Prayer Ser vice A small group gathers in church for 20 minu tes

23 To contact the Sto tfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986 FREE Pr escription deliver y ser vice to ALL Ar lesey and Stotfold r esidents 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 day & Sunday - Closed Tel. 01462 731200 www.ar leseyphar macy.co.uk ARLESEY PHARMACY 31 High Street, Arlesey, Beds SG15 6RA News from St Mar y’s Church The Church o f England Parish Church for Sto tfold & Fair f ield, Church Road SG5 4NE

News from King’s Baptist Church

We are asking if forgiveness is necessar y, or possible

True forgiveness is neither an armistice nor an amnesty Bu t forgiveness is saying with u tter tru thfulness, “The wrong is no w righted I no longer count this against you ”

Jesus spoke abou t forgiveness, and he taught that we need to take it seriously In recent years many specialists have researched what forgiveness is, and what forgiveness does They have disco vered that there is a link between forgiveness and health In o ther words, when we forgive o ther people, our bodies experience change, such as reduced hear t rate and lo wer blood pressure Those who forgive and those who are

forgiven are f reed f rom the burdens o f guilt or shame, bitterness and resentment, and they experience an increase in their peace and well-being

We who follo w Jesus Christ are encouraged and challenged by this We are encouraged because we kno w the forgiveness o f God is real and present We are challenged by the life and teaching o f Jesus His o wn example was to say, “Father forgive them, they do no t kno w what they are doing ” His o wn teaching was to say, “For if you forgive o thers their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, bu t if you do no t forgive o thers their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (see Matthew 6:14–15) This is a big ask, bu t, as the scientists are learning, forgiveness benef its us all May you kno w the comfor ting presence and the lifechanging po wer o f God and the jo y o f forgiveness received and given in your life Alistair

You are invited to join us on Sunday mornings at 10.30 am. Information abou t our o ther events can be found on our website, www.ki ngs ba pt istc hurc h.co.uk

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News from Sto tfold Methodist Church

A word o f encouragement

I would no t have become the person that I am withou t the encouragement o f o thers I hope that many would say the same o f themselves That will encourage us to be an encouragement to o thers

The annual World Day o f Prayer star ts at midnight in Samoa on Friday 3rd March, continuing for 38 hours as day arrives and passes across all the 120 par ticipant countries This year they have prepared this event in Taiwan

The theme is abou t encouraging o thers It is based upon a letter that St Paul wro te to the church in the ancient Greek city o f Ephesus, where he encouraged that group o f people to carr y on with their faith in Jesus Christ despite su ffering persecu tion : “I have heard o f your faith in the Lord Jesus... ” he wro te, going on to describe ho w he was praying for them and remembering them. That letter was evidently highly treasured, since it eventually was copied many times and shared and thus made its way into the New Testament.

Nor th Her ts Road Runners

The next 1st Sat o f the month 5k at Letchwor th Common will be on 4th March at 9am. Entr y is f ree and open to all abilities.

We continue our training sessions with qualif ied coaches on Tues & Thurs evenings at 7pm. These are open to all runners f rom no vice to experienced runners Why no t come along for a taster session with no obligation All our details are on nhrr org uk or contact Ian on 07506429928

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It is wonder ful to receive a word o f encouragement f rom someone Even a “like” on a social media post can lift someone And some hear tfelt words and thoughts can go a long way Think o f someone who has encouraged you What did they say, or write? Might each o f us spend a moment to encourage ano ther? Let’s have a go

Wwdp org uk sho ws where and when public World Day o f Prayer events are happening I’d like to plug one at Henlo w Methodist Church (2pm 3/3/23) and ano ther at St Mar y’s Church, Baldock (2pm, the same day)

At Sto tfold Methodist Church : Co ffee morning, Saturday 4th March, 10am to 12pm Monday Club is 2pm to 3:30pm

Sunday worship at 10am will be do wnstairs in the lounge:

5th : Jackie Hall

12th : Helen Dearn

19th : Revd Graham Claydon-Knights (Holy Communion)

26th : Andy Searle

Revd. Graham 07340 857386 Graham.Claydon-Knights@methodist.org.uk

25 To contact the Sto tfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986
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News from Sto tfold Ar t Group

Art Group prepare for the Mill Event.

We are no w preparing work to brighten Randall's tea room in Sto tfold mill for this year's open days The beams pro vide a wonder ful display space for small paintings, with larger ones on three walls The paintings are mostly traditional or rural, to f it in with the Mill's setting..

Animal studies are a theme which inspire many group members and these three sho w ver y different styles. Ann Wells chose acr ylics for this study o f an Af rican elephant (left) Heather Keys also used acr ylics in her colour ful painting which she titled Mr Owl.(far left.)

Our ar t club is a f riendly group who always welcome new members to join. For more details contact 07734 304590

26 To contact the Sto tfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

Here at the Mill we are counting do wn the days until our f irst Open Day o f 2023 – Sunday 19th March (that’s Mo thering Sunday, incidentally – don’t forget to get cards and flo wers sor ted!). If you’re looking for somewhere local to treat mum/grandma/aunty or just the whole family, then the Mill is a fantastic place. The café is warm and welcoming, the Mill will be running, with plenty to keep the family amused, and if the weather ’s nice, why no t f it in a quick stroll around the Nature Reser ve?

We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to get the Mill ready for you all: a f resh coat o f paint, new displays in the some o f the cabinets and a general wash and brush- up inside the Mill has kept the volunteers busy for the last few weeks

All the work that goes into keeping the Mill running is do wn to our amazing team o f volunteers, who all pu t in so much effor t Our volunteers run the tea -room, the shop, pro vide guided tours to school and children’s clubs and special interest groups, and generally keep the Mill wheels turning On which subject: we are urgently in need o f health & safety o ff icer to do all necessar y checks to keep the Mill running safely If you can spare a few minu tes a month to under take the checks, please contact enquiries@sto tfoldmill com Full training will be pro vided

WALKS FOR HEALTH

Would you like to join a f riendly local group for a weekly local walk? Walks star t at 10 45am Meeting points for March:

2nd, 9th & 16thCorner o f Hospital Rd/ St Arlesey

23rd & 30th Scou t Hu t, Baldock Rd, Sto tfold. For details contact Beth Over f ield 01462 815672

We have so much planned for 2023 – an Easter Egg hunt in the Nature Reser ve during the Easter Holidays, a “Sto tfold in Pictures” exhibition in June, a traditional “cake and produce” sho w in September to name bu t a few - and, o f course, we’re also hard at work planning and preparing for the Steam Fair on 13th and 14th May. Tickets, priced at £12 for adults and £6 for children are no w on sale on our website – and if you book before 5th May, you’ll get a discount o ff the price.

If you haven’t experienced the Steam Fair before, you’re in for a treat: hundreds o f steam engines o f all shapes and sizes, a full sized fun fair, live music, craft stalls, beer tent, arena acts and so much more Plus there’s our famous “Live @ The Mill” event on Friday 12th May, with Delorean and Allergy Tickets for that will be on sale ver y soon priced at £10 per person – keep checking our social media for fur ther details

We are looking for ward to welcoming you all back to the Mill this year, so see you on the 19th March!

27 Email us at sto tfold news@yahoo co uk News from Sto tfold
Watermill
28 To contact the Sto tfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

What makes your hear t sing?

Mental Health Matters - Jo Loach

Last month I introduced the vagus ner ve and the role it plays in reducing stress levels. The ability to self soo th is a critical component in maintaining good mental and emo tional health so it is wor th investing the time and energy disco vering what works for you Whether walks in nature, various deep breathing exercises, physical exercise, massage, singing or any o ther such activity, no t only can managing stress and reclaiming calm impro ve our wellbeing, bu t it can also be thoroughly enjo yable! Win, win! In the same vein, is the impor tance o f taking time to identify and indulge in those pursuits that make your hear t sing

There may be a crosso ver with those that calm stress and distress, or they may differ The impor tant thing is to kno w what they are and grant yourself permission to do them This is no t merely indulgence This is self-preser vation

For me, watching the wonder o f the ever-changing sky in the early morning, accompanied by the beau ty o f birdsong is the ultimate star t to the day This combo soo ths my soul, lifts my spirits and makes my hear t sing And that’s

the kind o f hat- trick I want to be star ting my day with! The musicality o f birdsong also reminds me that the birds sing irrespective o f whether the sun graces us with its presence. Their song comes f rom within, no t in response to what is happening externally.

This is no t to say that we do no t ha corresponding internal distress is p bu t to remind us o f the need to self are present And no t to give up indu make our hear ts sing

In diff icult times, we need these ev Jo Loach is a BACP accredited Counsellor and Super visor, with an MA in Contemporar y Therapeu tic Counselling .

29 Find us on facebook: The Sto tfold News Magazine Established 197 1

March Fun Quiz

In this month’s fun quiz, compiled and presented by Sto tfold’s ver y o wn Brain o f Britain, David Stedman, we are ordering a MILITARY MARCH through militar y, naval and air force themes. Clues contained in each question or answer. (ANSWERS on page 32)

1 Pictured right is actress Elizabeth Montgomer y who starred in a US television series o f the 1960s to 1970s. What was the title o f that series?

2 The Italian dish Marengo was invented in 1800 to honour Napoleon Bonapar te’s victor y in the battle o f that name What is the main ingredient o f this dish, as indicated by the dash?

3 Since leaving the Commodores to pursue a solo career he has had US number hit singles such as “Hello”, “All Night Long” and “Say You, Say Me” Who is he?

4 What name is shared by a to wn in Wiltshire; a winemaking region o f New Zealand; and the aristocratic title o f the victorious commander at the battle o f Blenheim?

5 The Scimitar car model was manu factured between the 1960s to the 1980s by a UK company better kno wn for its three -wheeled vehicles Which company?

6 In which 1960s no vel by Joseph Heller do we meet the character Major Major Major Major?

7 Give the title o f the winning song in the 1974 Euro vision Song Contest, a number one single in the UK and in many o ther countries?

8 In pro fessional boxing this weight division comes belo w heavyweight and shares its name with what type o f warship?

9 The characters Miranda Frost in a Bond f ilm and Amy Dunne in “Gone Girl” are two o f the f ilm triumphs o f the British actress pictured abo ve right. Who is she?

10 This seven-letter Greek word means a massed militar y formation used by ancient Greek armies and also one o f your f ingers. What word?

11 This bizarre UK pop song o f the 1970s was made by a group named Lieu tenant Pigeon and is the only UK number one single to feature a mo ther and son! What word, as indicated by the dash, completes its title:

“Mouldy Old ”?

12 A British dish consisting o f f illet steak, coated with pâté and duxelles, wrapped in pu ff pastr y and then baked is named after which militar y hero?

13 Captain Ar thur Hastings OBE is the companion, secretar y and chronicler o f which famous literar y detective?

14 Pictured right is the so -called ‘Magnif icent’ variety o f a widespread tropical seabird with hooked beak, forked tail and a distinctive red pouch during breeding season This bird shares its common name with what type o f naval warship?

15 Austerlit z is considered to be Napoleon Bonapar te’s ‘masterpiece’ as a battle bu t Austerlit z was also the real name o f one o f Hollywood’s greatest f ilm stars What was his stage surname?

16 What is the eponymous surname o f the US Army Master Sergeant television character pictured right?

17 In the spor t o f fencing, the three types o f sword used are the foil, épée and which o ther?

18 What is the name o f the famous British ‘gentleman adventurer ’ who is the central character o f a series o f no vels written f rom 1920 to 1954 by two au thors, bo th using the pen-name o f Sapper?

19 The classic 1950s Japanese f ilm “Seven Samurai ” was re -made in the USA as a Western in 1960 under what title?

20 What is the four-letter name o f the spice which is derived f rom the same tree as nu tmeg and which is o ften described as having a less concentrated flavour than nu tmeg?

For more fascinating facts and to do wnload and read my no vels, completely free o f charge, please visit my website at davidstedman co uk or Google david stedman au thor.

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Tuesday – 9am-1pm Wednesday – 2pm-6pm Thursday – 9am-1pm Friday – 9am-1pm & 2pm-6pm Saturday – 9am-4pm Sunday – Closed

What’s on at your local librar y?

FREE EVENT FOR ADULTS - no booking required.

Ever y Friday 10.30am-12pm Knit and Knatter

***NEW NEW NEW***Ever y 1st Saturday o f the month (Saturday 4th March) 10am-3pm Co ffee Morning & Lego! Come along for a cuppa, a biscuit and a chat. The Lego will also be ou t and available for anyone to use if they wish.

ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN

Ever y Tuesday 10 30am Stor y and Rhyme Time (aged 0-5)

Ever y Thursday~ *In Par tnership with the Children’s Centre*

9 15am SEND Stor y time, designed specif ically for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

(recommended for children o f all ages)

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

10 30am Sing and Sign with British Sign Language (recommended for children aged 0-5)

EVENTS FOR ALL THE FAMILY

Ever y 2nd & 4th Monday *With the Children’s Centre* (13th & 27th March)

9am-10am Family Suppor t Drop-in (families with children aged 0-12 years)

Ever y Saturday

Lego and Duplo Club 10am-3pm (for ages 0-109)

***NEW NEW NEW***

Ever y 1st Saturday o f the month (Saturday 4th March) 10am-3pm Co ffee Morning & Lego! Come along for a cuppa, a biscuit and a chat. The Lego will also be ou t and available for anyone to use if they wish.

‘Warms Spaces’ in our librar y.

Our librar y can pro vide a f ree warm and safe space. V isiting a librar y is f ree and we have a team o f f riendly staff ready to help new, existing, and returning customers Whether you choose to pop in to enjo y some quiet time with a book or meet up with people there is something for ever yone In addition, libraries o ffer f ree Wi-Fi and pro vide access to public compu ters You are welcome to bring your o wn snacks, and drinks into the librar y

31 News from Sto tfold Librar y

Down Memory Lane

We are back to Etonbur y this month as we enjo y this pho tograph taken (we think) f rom around the late 1960’s. perhaps you can give us a precise year and maybe name a few o f the students pictured here? We are desperately in need o f some new ‘old pho tographs’ and are ver y happy to collect them to borro w and then return. Give us a call on 01462 731986 or drop us an email arlesey.news@yahoo.com if you can help!!

Book Club @W ild Co ffee

will be meeting on Wednesday 1st March 7 00pm

This month's book is A Terrible Kindness

STO TFOLD GARDEN CLUB

Meetings and Trips

Meetings are held on the second Wednesday o f the month at

St Mar y’s Church Hall, Church Road

Wednesday 8th March 2023

Talk by Geo ff Hodge – ‘Propagation and plants for f ree ’ Tea and Co ffee ser ved – meeting star ts at approximately 10:15am Raffle

For more information, contact Peter on: (01462) 834854 or 07758649721

sto tfoldgc@gmail.com

ANSWERS to MARCH FUN QUIZ on page 30 1 “Bewitched”; 2 Chicken; 3 Lionel Ritchie; 4 MARLBOROUGH; 5 Reliant; 6 “Catch 22”; 7 “WATERLOO” (Abba); 8 CRUISER( WEIGHT ); 9 Rosamund PIKE; 10 PHALANX; 11 Dough; 12 Beef WELLINGTON; 13 Hercule Poiro t; 14 FRIGATE (bird ); 15 Fred Astaire; 16 Bilko; 17 SABRE; 18 Bulldog Drummond; 19 “The Magnif icent Seven”; 20 MACE

32

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 Sto tfold 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 Fello wship 01462 730739 St Mar y’s Church 01462 730218 St Mar y's Church Hall 07727 688877 Friends o f St Mar y’s 01462 834108 Fair f ield Community Church 07376 740410 Local Council Sto tfold To wn Council 01462 730064 Email:enquiries@sto tfoldto wncouncil go v uk Central Bedfordshire Council 0300 300 8000 Email:customer.ser vices@centralbedfordshire.go v.uk www centralbedfordshire go v uk Doctor Larksf ield Surger y Appointments 01462 732244 Enquiries 01462 732200 Ou t o f 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
33 Health/Social Helplines 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 Sto tfold 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 Cro wn 01462 731061 The Stag Tavern 01462 731098 Cafe Box o f Cakes Cafe & Cake Shop 07812 055587 Transpor t Trains (National Enquiries) 08457 484950 Whitbread Wanderbus 0300 123 3023 Schools Etonbur y Academy 01462 730391 Pix Brook Academy 01462 416243 Fair f ield Park Lo wer School 01462 830000 Roecro ft Lo wer 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 Poppyf ields Nurser y 01462 830008 Busy Bees 01462 734306 Taxi Ser vice Greenacre Transfers Airpor ts & Chau ffeur Ser vices 07555 70 78 48 www greenacretransfers co uk
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
Window

Local Director y

Lo ved Gardens 07981 275663 Lo wer Wilbur y Farm 07988 771107 Maintenance Ser vices - SHMS 01462 887366 Mo w & Weedit Garden Ser vices 07765 495200 New Kitchens 01462 812826 Nick Sayer Plumbing & Heating 07456 559756 Nicky’s Nails 07747 042239 Nor th Her ts Road Runners 01462 639215 Oven Clean & Repair Ser vices 07878 444559 Painter/Decorator - Paul A Robinson 07761 751634 01462 232642 Paul Adler Opticians 01462 732393 Paul Eley Tiling 07818 000508 Paul Thomas Landscaping 07889 811065 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 RH Gardens 01462 612033 Roecro ft Centre - Maureen Winters 07727 688877 Regency Flo wers 01462 732616 Remo vals - AG Jenkins 01462 730562 Sto tfold & Arlesey Ro yal British Legion 01462 734133 Satchells Estate Agents 01462 733730 Saunders Garage 01462 730222 Sheldon Electricals 01767 448188 Shel's Shabby Chic, V intage painted furniture & workshops 01462 234228 Slimming World 07515 557803 Solicitors - HR J Foreman Laws 01462 458711 St Mar y's Church Hall 07727 688877 Sto tfold Ar t Group 07734 304590 Sto tfold Bo wls Club 01462 628204 Sto tfold Conser vative Club 01462 730534 Sto tfold Foo tball Club 01462 539297 Sto tfold Gardening Club 01462 834854 Sto tfold Good Neighbour Group 07599 925587 Sto tfold Junior Foo tball Club 07706 951263 Sto tfold Judo Club 07872 594499 Sto tfold Twirlers 07732 505614 Sto tfold Mill 01462 734541 Sto tfold News Magazine 01462 731986 Sto tfold Pharmacy 01462 730249 Sto tfold Shor t Mat Bo wls Club 01462 730841 Tailoring Ser vice 07575 417217 Warrens Windo ws 01462 261401 Windo ws - Repairs & Installations (J Garside) 07951 473505 Windo w Cleaning - ACCS Ltd 01462 629302 Windo w Cleaning (Jacks) 07950 510589 Yoga - Freda Dodswor th 01767 627611 Accountancy & TaxSue Matejtschuk (SCM Accountancy) 01462 624926 AD Garden Rooms 01438 313765 A JB Fencing 07837 791365 A J Day Builders 01767 314445 Alf ie’s Barbers 01462 658449 Andy Leonard Painter & Decorator 07889 903283 Arlesey Walking Group 01462 638286 Arlesey Pharmacy 01462 731200 Arlesey Social Club 01462 731361 Aquarius Garden Design 01462 731292 Ashwell So ftware / Sigma Off ice 01462 742783 Barn Hair Studio 01462 835611 Bal & Co Mo tor Care 01462 731500 Bews Electrical 01462 834488 Big Minibus Hire 07817 766997 BK Electrical / Brian Kelly 07817545314 Box Of Cakes Cafe & Cake Shop 07812 055587 Britannia Coaches 01462 436125 Broadband Communications 01462 732628 BSH Glazing ( Windo ws & Doors) 01462 730884 Bugs ‘n’ Things Pest Control 0800 026 8823 Builders - SJ Brock 01462 231257 Carpet Cleaning - ACCS Ltd 01462 629302 Carpets & Flooring - Letchwor th Carpet Centre 01462 481312 Carpets & Flooring - Paul Faulkner 01462 731674 Catsitter - Claire 07984 344997 Centroheat Domestic Boiler & Heating Ser vices 07885 415363 Compu ter Repairs - NIck Saunders 07521 279960 The Cooker Buddy Oven Cleaning 01462 810065 Chris Webster, Sto tfold 01462 834108 (Correspondent for The Comet ) Darren Peters Proper ty Maintenance 01462 733322 Dennison’s - House & Garden Clearance 07522 354141 Dog walking & cat sitting - Smiley Pets 07894 561765 EH Crouch Funeral Directors 01462 834040 Electrician - Terr y C Seymour 01462 236559 Fair f ield Bo wls Club 07811 738599 Fencing (A JB) 07837 791365 Finesse Interiors 01462 896046 First Step Estate Agents 01462 659730 Foo t Health Pro fessional - V icki Eagles 07812 399659 Foo t Pro Podiatr y 07377 536685 The Garden Robin Limited 01462 815968 Gifford Dance Academy 07585 221513 Graham Smith Brickwork & Paving 01462 731829 Greenacre Transfers Airpor ts & Chau ffeur Ser vices www greenacretransfers co uk 07555 707848 Guides - Sto tfold Guide Association 01462 235273 Henlo w Vets 01462 416416 Heritage Paving 01462 730682 Hypno therapy - Pathway Hypno therapy Rooms 07497157531 James’s Carpentr y & Handyman Ser vice 01462 234292 Jar vis Foo tcare 07816 329363 Kumari Chiropractic 07479 945995 Locksmith Ser vices 01462 290226
34
35 Call: 01 462 7 42 78 3 E: Info@sigma-of fice net www sigma-of fice net The Village Hall, Ashwell, Her ts SG7 5PJ Windows 11 Suppor t and Upgrades - Wi-Fi Solutions Network Installation - Web-Site Design & Hosting Remote and On-Site Suppor t - Data Backup & Recover y PC & MAC Maintenance Repair s, Upgrades Ser ver Suppor t, Maintenance & Monitoring - I.T. Security. Just like having your ver y own I.T. depar tment at the end of the phone! WIRED & WIRELESS NETWORKS CCTV HOS TED SERVICES TELEPH ONY SY STEMS Home & Business I.T. suppor t I.T. SU PP ORT & CONS ULTA NCY Com puter Ser vices for Home and Business with a per sonal touch Upgrade In 202 N o w o f f e r i n g N o w o f f e r i n g St e e l I n t e r i o r St e e l I n t e r i o r D o o r s D o o r s Upgrade your home with our stunning new range. Sto tfold-based, o ver 25 years’ experience We are proud o f our track record o f installing with exper tise and attention to detail We remo ve and recycle all waste, including your old windo ws and doors Energy e . Whether you ’ re looking for som ave something for you www.bshglazingser vices.co.uk E:info@bshglazingser vices.co.uk Contact us for FREE advice & a no -obligation quo tation. Tel: 07973 851414

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