Stotfold News Magazine March 2024 by Stotfold and Arlesey News Magazines

Stotfold

NEWS

March 2024 Issue 226

News Events Information Delivered FREE to 4,900 homes in Stotfold & Fairfield.

OUT OF HOURS EMERGENCY CARE 01462 416416

From the Editor Welcome to March! Fingers crossed that by the time you read this we have some sure signs of Spring and the damp days of February are far behind us! We have lots to bring you this month, including some fantastic news from some of our treasured local businesses, celebrating some fantastic milestone birthdays! We are hugely proud of the local businesses we have in the town - congratulations to you both on such fabulous achievements. Speaking of business, this month we have taken the opportunity to chat to yet another of our local business owners Glen Russell - you can find out more about Glen and his hypnotherapy business on page 4 of this month’s issue. In a couple of weeks time we are looking forward to helping to host a defibrillator training session for those people that responded to our article last month - Together with Stotfold Town Council, we are pleased to be able to help facilitate this evening and thank local company firstaidforall for providing this session. Preparations are well underway for the 20th Anniversary Stotfold Mill Steam Fair event in May - The event is looking like it will be the biggest and best yet. If you can spare some time to help the events team throughout the weekend, there are many volunteer roles up for grabs they would be delighted to hear from you! Please see their social media for details of how to get involved or call us and we will put you in touch. Finally, thanks to Nikki Lane for sharing her snowdrop pictures with us and allowing us to use one as our March cover! Until next time!

Joanne

With thanks to this month’s contributors:

Stotfold Town Council, Stotfold Watermill, Stotfold Football Club, Stotfold Juniors, Our local schools, David Stedman, (Quiz) Stotfold Art Group, Stotfold Library, Our local Churches & local organisations, The Need Project. Glen Russell, Jo Loach, The Wanderbus, Stotfold Judo & Gifford Dance Academy.

Contact: stotfold.news@yahoo.co.uk or write to us at Stotfold News Magazine, 78 Hitchin Road, Stotfold, Hertfordshire, SG5 4HT Tel: 01462 731986 You can also contact us via our facebook page.

Deliveries: We have over 100 volunteers that deliver the Stotfold News Magazine. If for any reason you do not receive your copy of the magazine please contact us to let us know. Published by Stotfold News Ltd. Printed in memory of Roy West.

CONTENTS

Our Local Business Page 4 Letters Page 5 Local News Page 6,7,8,9, Family Announcements Page 18 Mental Health Matters Page 20 News from Stotfold Mill Page 21 Update from the NEED Project Page 22 Stotfold Town Council update Page 23 Monthly Fun Quiz! Page 25 News from Stotfold Football Club Page 26 News from Stotfold Junior Football Club Page 27 News from Stotfold Library Page 28 Local Sports News Page 29 Local Church News Page 30,31 Memory Lane Page 32

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

NEXT ISSUE - APRIL 2024

Please note: our advertising deadline is 6th March - Call us for detals 01462 731986 3

STOTFOLD

Diary Of Events 2024... Keep it MARCH

Saturday 2nd - Stotfold Methodist Church Coffee Morning 10am Saturday 16th - Table Top Sale 10-12 St Mary’s Church Hall. Sunday 17th - Sewcial Sundays. Monthly sewing social. Bring your sewing machine and project. £10. 10-4pm. Fairfield Community Hall.

APRIL

Sunday 14th - Sewcial Sundays. Monthly sewing social. Bring your sewing machine and project. £10. 10-4pm. Fairfield Community Hall. Saturday 20th - Book Sale & Coffee Morning 10-12 St Mary’s Church Hall

MAY

Saturday 11th - Stotfold Mill Steam Fair Sunday 12th - Stotfold Mill Steam Fair. Sunday 12th - Sewcial Sundays. Monthly sewing social. Bring your sewing machine and project. £10. 10-4pm. Fairfield Community Hall. Saturday 18th - Plant Sale 10-12 St Mary’s Church Hall. To list your event (free for local charities and organisations) email:stotfold.news@yahoo.co.uk

If you are a local business and wish to be included Call 01462 731986 for more details.

LOCAL!

Finding out about the people behind our local busineses...

MEET ONE OF OUR LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS!

Welcome to our monthly feature introducing you to some of the faces behind our local businesses and Stotfold News Magazine advertisers. We are so pleased you enjoyed this new feature last month! This month, we take five minutes to chat to owner of The Pathway Hypnotherapy Rooms, Glen Russell. Glen, you how long have you been running the Pathway Hypnotherapy Rooms in Stotfold now? I have run the business for four years now.

Hypnotherapy remains a bit of a mystery to most people- do you find a lot of people are still apprehensive about this type of therapy and the results it can achieve? Indeed I do, a lot of people still think of hypnotherapy like the TV shows they used to see, where the hypnotist hypnotises them and them makes them cluck like chickens. If anyone wants to feel what it’s like to be hypnotised then just head to my website at

www.thepathwayhypnotherapyrooms.co.uk

and download your free taster recording.

a very relaxed person however, my choice of relaxing is mainly to watch TV series which don’t require a lot of thinking. I also love to play golf which weirdly helps me to relax as well. I have two dogs and love nothing more than going on long walks with my Frenchie. The other thing that I do to relax is to read hypnotherapy books, strange I know, that I choose to read work related books to relax. Huge congratulations Glen on recently becoming a Grandad! - We’d love to know if this has changed the way you look at life or changed you in any other way? Ok, so being there when my grandson was born in our home was one of the most amazing moments of my life and watching the courage and strength demonstrated by my daughter to have a natural home birth made me the proudest father. I think its made me appreciate the little things more, like just seeing his face on facetime, just spending quality time with him. I think it made it even more special given that they lived with us for the first 3 months. This allowed me to be involved as much as I wanted but with the knowledge that I can always hand him back. On writing this it has also made me realise how fortunate I am. It’s the most amazing feeling ever being a Grandad.

Bearing in mind the job you do Glen, you’re surely already an incredibly Visit the Pathway Hynotherapy Rooms at: relaxed person?! - How do you choose www.thepathwayhypnotherapyrooms.co.uk to unwind yourself? Well I am generally Interested in being our next local business to be featured here? GET IN TOUCH!

The Pathway Hypnotherapy Rooms

Do you struggle with anxiety or depression?

Have you followed diets and still struggled to lose weight? Do you really want to quit smoking but don’t know how? Do you struggle with negative thought patterns or phobias? The Pathway Hypnotherapy Rooms can help! We can support 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

Email us at stotfold.news@yahoo.co.uk

Your LETTERS Dear Editor, Upon looking through some old pictures left to my mother I spotted this picture which I wanted to share with the readers of the Stotfold News Magazine, showing the High Street (just before the Church Road junction) in the 1920’s. If you look closely you can just make out some of the old buildings (now where the Nursery is situated, the building to the right is the old Black Lion Pub, (now residential.) Seems the snow was rather deep that year! Vic Steadman. Dear Editor, I would like to thank two seperate people, one young lady and one gentleman who showed great concern after I tripped and fell on my face on midday Saturday 27th February. Thank you once again Ian Spencer.

Dear Editor, I started to look at this magazine from the back and Down Memory Lane jumped out and hit me !! – there was my father staring at me!! He is the officer with his hands over one another – James (known as Jim) Butterworth. The other officer with his hands clasped was John Merryweather. I have not had an opportunity to look through ‘my stuff’ to see if there are any indications of names but one regular lad was Martin Dilley but I do not know which one he is on the photo. A couple of surnames I remember were Rasmussen and a lad Brown who lived in the houses with very long front gardens now been knocked down and Regent Court been built. Being fairly young myself at the time of this photo I had very little to do with the St Johns except that dad brought home a comic for me after his meeting!!! Kind regards Margaret Coney (nee Butterworth)

Dear Editor, The adult officer on the left of the Memory Lane picture (February issue) is my dad Ernest John Merryweather he unfortunately died in his early 30’s when I was only 18mths old, it was lovely to see this picture in the magazine last month. Regards Jayne Bellamy

Editors Note: We are so pleased that you enjoyed seeing the photo of your Dad Jayne. Thank you to Gordon Goodwin for allowing us to borrow this picture.

Tabletop Sale St Mary's Church Hall

Saturday March 16th.

10am-12pm Tables £5.

Telephone 01462 834108 to book. Raffle and refreshments Proceeds for St Mary's Church.

Local News

Alfies Celebrate

Ten Years In Stotfold.

Situated on Hitchin Road, Alfies Barber Shop celebrated their tenth birthday a couple of weeks ago. Shop owner Annelise told the Stotfold News Magazine “ What an absolute pleasure it has been, especially doing what I l Annelise with Barber Mark. love best.” “Thank you to everyone for supporting me over these years and helping my business succeed, and for just being such lovely customers!” “Special thanks to our fantastic barbers Mark and Emma” - (Emma sadly changed career at end of November) - Congratulations Annelise and team - Here’s to many more years!”

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The Rooms Celebrate 20 YEARS In Business With Prosecco & Cake! “Do what you love and you will never work a day in your life”.. There has never been a more fitting saying than this for Zoe & Zoe (known affectionately as the ‘two Zoe’s’) as they celebrated 20 years of working together last month. The past two decades Zoe & Zoe celebrate 20 years! have seen the ladies embark on many adventures together, both professionally and personally. Together they have helped 1000’s of clients with their nail & beauty needs…some of whom have become the best of friends. The girls have successfully turned their love for providing fantastic treatments with love and empathy into the fabulous business they have today. Having been in four locations, from the Barn Hair Studio (where the dream of Coffee and Pink ltd started) to the salon in Regent Street (that they converted from Barclays Bank,) to the two-man nail bar and beauty room in Hair by Philip, to The Rooms on the Parade which they took over some 9 years ago - their beautiful, buzzing, hair and beauty salon continues to thrive, (Not forgetting the Coffee Hut and the wonderful team who help them to make it all work.) What a wonderful journey it’s been! Congratulations Ladies on such an amazing achievement! The ladies would like to thank everyone for their continued love and support!

NEW Local Councillor Surgery Date: Saturday 9th March Time: 9am - 12pm Venue: Ruth’s Coffee Shop

This is a great opportunity to meet your local Town Councillors and Ward Councillors. Cllr Kat Woodfine - Independent for Stotfold will also be on hand to discuss Central Bedfordshire Council issues. Thank you to Ruth's Coffee Shop for hosting this event! 6

Email: stotfold.news@yahoo.co.uk

Local News

Henlow Vets

FREE coffee and chat @ the Greenacre Centre.

Win National

Award!

The team at Henlow Vets certainly have something to celebrate after winning not one but two awards at the Pictured left to right, Anna, Tabi and recent SPVS Business Excellence Awards, winning first Graeme receive the award on behalf of Henlow Vets place in the in the Self Development Award Category and then also recognised as the overall winner among all participating practices. Practice Co-owner Graeme Mason told the Stotfold News Magazine “This award recognises our commitment to advancing the standards of general veterinary practice and is all down to the motivation and hard work of our amazing team!” The SPVS Veterinary Business Excellence Awards is an initiative designed to celebrate and honour outstanding veterinary practices that have demonstrated exceptional performance and innovation in key areas crucial to the future of the profession.

The Maple Room at the Greenacre Centre remains open from 9.00am till 1.00pm every Tuesday offering a warm welcome, free snacks and hot/soft drinks (including soup and bread at lunchtime) plus games/jigsaws, crayons, some toys and books for young children. This forms part of the ‘Warm Spaces’ initiative, run by volunteers from community groups in Stotfold and will be available through until March. If you have any questions contact Helen Wightwick on cllrhelenwightwick @stotfoldtowncouncil.gov.uk.

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Local News CRIME FIGURES

Stotfold & Fairfield December 23 The most recent crime figures available from the Police national website: Violence & sexual offences - 16 Criminal damage & arson- 4 Other theft -2 Other crime 10

Source: www.police.co.uk You can report crimes online. REMEMBER - PLEASE REPORT ANYTHING YOU SEE WHICH MAY BE SUSPICIOUS OR NON URGENT TO OUR LOCAL POLICE USING THE 101 NUMBER. In an emergency always call 999. /

TO LET Hitchin Road, Stotfold. SHOP/OFFICE

Enquiries to: 07775 865415

Update From Stotfold Art Group: We were very pleased to move back to the Roecroft Centre for our regular Thursday afternoon sessions and are now preparing paintings for Randall's tea room in Stotfold Mill, which re-opens in March. The themes chosen complement the mill's rural setting - landscapes, wildlife, flowers and traditional crafts for example.

What you will not find there are the abstracts favoured by some group members. Sue Farmer's vivid "Patchwork" was made with pouring acrylics and varnish, a technique she has perfected. Carolyn Monaghan has used more conventional methods to produce "Candles". This is painted in acrylics over an existing painting for extra texture, with the natural earth pigment of red ochre giving a strong highlight. For more information on our group, please contact: 07734 304590

Stotfold Short Mat Bowls,

We are a voluntary organisation who meet every Monday 2 - 4 pm approx. in the Memorial Hall, Stotfold, to play Short Mat Bowls. Perhaps you would like to join us? We are a friendly club where everyone is welcome. For more details contact (Secretary) Ann Watmough on 01462 629575

Established 1971

Local News Annual Excursion Programme Released By Local Wanderbus. The Wanderbus is a not for profit organisation set up in 1989 to provide weekday scheduled bus services for the general public in and around the villages centred on Shefford, taking them to/from local and regional town centres & shopping centres. The bus operates two 16-seater buses serving the following destinations: Bedford, Biggleswade, Hitchin, Letchworth and Shefford on a weekly basis and Milton Keynes, St Neots and Welwyn Garden City on a monthly basis.

To help fund the regular routes, the wanderbus also schedule a timetable of excursions - you will see the 2024 schedule to the left.

To book on to one of these trips or to find out more about routes and the service they offer, contact them at 0300 123 3023 You can also drop them an email to:info@wanderbus.org.uk The bus offers a unique pick-up and drop-off service and is manned entirely by community volunteers. www.wanderbus.org.uk

Defibrillator Training Event Together with Stotfold Town Council, The Stotfold News Magazine are delighted to be co-ordinating a defibrillator training session to be held at the Greenacre Centre at the end of March. The event is aimed at providing guidance and further information for residents keen to learn more about using these invaluable pieces of lifesaving equipment.

We are most fortunate to now have many defibrillators around the town, with more to come.

Thank you to everyone that requested to attend - the event is to be run by Stotfold based Firstaidforall. You can find out more about the courses they offer by visiting: www.firstaidforall.info

STOTFOLD DEFIBRILLATOR LOCATIONS..

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Defibrillator Locations: Greenacre Centre • The Co-op • The Barn • Kings Baptist Church • Stotfold Conservative Club • JSJ Stadium (Stotfold Football Club) • Stotfold Memorial Hall • Roecroft School • Hitchin Road Recreational Ground • Pippin Pre-School • Etonbury Academy • St Mary’s Academy • Pix Brook Academy. There is also soon to be one located outside the Stotfold Salvation Army Hall. All of these are accessible 24 hours a day aside from the Co-op, local schools and Football Club (opening times.)

To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

News from Pippin Pre-School The children will be participating in some fun events this month when we support World Book Day and Comic Relief. For World Book Day (7th March) children are invited to come to Pre-School dressed as a character from their favourite book, we look forward to seeing the children (and staff) in their chosen outfits! Comic Relief day is on the 15th March, the children will be encouraged to come to Pre-School wearing something red and participate in different activities throughout the day. During March, the children will be learning about baby animals and will have the opportunity to watch some baby chicks hatch. This is a very exciting time for the children, they choose the chicks names, and hold them. The chicks then leave us and relocate to a small holding. Each month the children learn about a different country, including trying their traditional cuisine, learning about their

culture and beliefs. This month they are learning about the British Isles, from trying welsh cakes and celebrating St David’s Day, to folk dancing and joining in highland games. Our holiday club will be open the second week of the Easter holidays from Monday 8th April to Friday 12th April inclusive. We charge £40 per day, doors open 7.45-18.00. Our booking system will be open from 26th February. Please direct any queries to the office info@pippinpreschool.co.uk.

This year we are delighted to be holding an Easter raffle which we hope will become an annual event.

Prizes have been kindly donated from Stotfold Junior Football Club, Bespoke 77, First Steps BK Electrical, Hertfordshire FA, Jordans, Pendleton Sports Centre and Talent Shore to name a few, thank you to you all for your generous donations. Thank you for your interest in our Pre-School. We look forward to sharing more of our news with you again next month.

Poppies & Poppyfields Nursery

We have welcomed new families into Poppies life this term and are enjoying getting to know them. This half term we looked at ‘Our World’, exploring various cultures, types of home and environments and the different animals and communities who live there. We have also looked closely at ourselves and each other, valuing our own individuality and respecting similarities and differences. We celebrated Chinese New Year with dragon dancing, noodle painting, making masks, using chopsticks and enjoying Chinese dancing! A very bright and colourful week was enjoyed by all!

Winter is still swirling round us, with crisp, bright mornings and beautiful sunrises and sunsets, and snow drops peeking through in woods, verges and gardens! We are also seeing early daffodils braving the winds! Children have been busy during the month looking at new growth, patterns on spiders webs, listening for birds and making bird feeders to hang from trees. Our After school clubs have also enjoyed many craft activities, including clay, collage, modelling and art. They have also enjoyed outdoor games as the evenings

are drawing out. Poppies and Poppyfields both offer breakfast club, nursery sessions, afterschool club, and full day care, from Monday to Friday during the term and additionally offer holiday club. Poppies age range is 2 years old to Reception, while Poppyfields is 2 years old to Year 2. For Poppies, St Mary’s Academy site, enquiries please contact billpoppies@gmail.com, and for Poppyfields at Fairfield Lower School, Dickens Boulevard site, please contact billpoppyfields@gmail.com.

Quote of the month: “A child, more than anyone, is a spontaneous explorer of nature” By Maria Montessori.

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To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

News from Fairfield Park Lower School As the internet is prevalent in so many aspects of daily life, internet safety and behaviour online is an area that we must teach to ensure we keep our young people safe. During this year’s Safer Internet Day, the children debated the positives and negatives of technology and whether technological changes was for good. They also had the chance to see how technology had changed over the years in our “Technology Museum” too. Offering our children experiences to bring learning to life is a core part of our curriculum at Fairfield and this term, Year 3 visited the Tower of London as part of their History learning and this has helped them to answer their enquiry question “What is justice?”; Year 2 visited the local Letchworth Art Centre and met local artist, Abi Fenlove, who uses ice and ink to create art work. The children created abstract and unique art pieces on both paper and fabric. An inspiring art visit for all! There are lots of other highlights to look forward to this term: • Redborne PE Events, such as Girls Football & Tag Rugby • Parents Consultations Tuesday 13th and Thursday 15th February • The Selfish Giant Theatre Production visit • Safari Stu Visit • Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea • PTA Mother’s Day Gift Room • Tempest Class Photo’s 20th & 21st March • Parent Book Drop in 3.20pm, Thursday 21st March

Fairfield Park Lower School is recruiting an experienced Governance Professional to join its award winning board. For more information regarding the post please see our website https://www.fairfield.beds.sch.uk/ To arrange a school visit or to request an application pack please contact the School Business Manager on office@fairfieldparklower.uk

Value of the Half Term: Positivity Fairfield Park Lower School, Dickens Boulevard & Ruskin Drive office@fairfieldparklower.uk 01462 830000

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News from St Mary’s COE Academy February was a busy month for our parent’s association with the Disco and Mother’s Day events along with another Happy Bag collection. They are currently raising funds towards new Curriculum Resources for our children. The month of March always brings optimism that Spring, warmer weather and brighter days are just around the corner! On Tuesday 5th March our Year 3 children will take part in a Faith Tour to Bedford. Here the community works together to enable the children to visit a Church, Gudwara and Mosque. This helps them build on their learning and they can see first-hand the architecture, amazing buildings and gain an understanding of how different communities and religions work together. They always come back in awe of their day. On Wednesday 6th to Friday 8th March our Year 4 children will be attending our residential ‘Rock UK’ trip, an adventure packed event and we hope a very exciting and educational one for all involved. Historically our Year 4’s have always thoroughly enjoyed themselves and really benefited from the whole experience. We will be sharing ideas and stories once again this year to celebrate World Book Day on Friday 8th March. The children will be invited to come into school in their pyjamas or non-uniform with their favourite book. They can even dress as their favourite book character if they would like! There will also be reading and book activities along with a competition with prizes run by our school council! This is something we all really look forward to and every child will receive a free £1.00 World Book Day Voucher. We have the first of our class assemblies by Coral Class on Friday 1st March. Emerald and Jet Classes will follow on Wednesday 6th and Wednesday 13th respectively. Parents and carers of children in these classes are as always invited to watch and enjoy the performances. Parent/Teacher Consultations are planned for the week commencing Monday 11th March and will be in person in school. We will once again be supporting Red Nose Day on Friday 15th March and are inviting our children to come in non-uniform clothes. We are sure we will find something fun to do on the day to raise money for this very worthwhile cause. Please look out for our donations page! The holidays will then be upon us as we break up on Friday 29th March for Easter. We will return for the Summer Term on Tuesday 16th April.There are also a number of sporting events planned through the month so please do visit our website www.stmarysacademystotfold.co.uk for further information and school updates.

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Email: stotfold.news@yahoo.co.uk

News from Roecroft Lower School Over the Spring term our topic in Reception is 'Planet Earth 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 from them each week, telling us about their adventures. Freddie, Dave and Bob began their holiday in the United Kingdom, visiting King Charles at Buckingham Palace and we all wrote letters to him. Next, the bears travelled by ferry to France. Freddie, Dave and Bob then flew to Italy where a very popular food is pizza! We spent the week writing about, making and eating delicious pizza with our own toppings on.The bears also visited India and went on safari! When the bears went to China there was a very special celebration going on - it was Chinese New Year! We celebrated this in school too, by finding out about how Chinese families prepare for and celebrate.

The reception children enjoying our topic ‘Planet earth & beyond.’

The final part of Freddie, Dave and Bob's adventure on Earth was to Australia. We had a go at making and playing our own didgeridoos together and looked at the style of Aboriginal art which we then decorated our didgeridoos with.

Freddie, Dave and Bob have now flown off into space! They are having a great time and have been to the International Space Station just like the astronaut Tim Peake. We have found out about Tim Peake as well as Neil Armstrong who was the first man to walk on the moon.

We are looking forward to the rest of their adventures, finding out about the different planets and stars in our Solar System. Maybe Freddie, Dave and Bob will meet some friendly aliens too! We look forward to updating you on our news next month!

Etonbury Academy Spring is certainly in the air as we approach the end of the second term, it’s hard to believe we are half way through the academic year!

Most recently we’ve had the pleasure of welcoming Mr Beard, The High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, to Etonbury Academy. The occasion allowed us to exhibit our school, students, staff, and facilities. Mr Beard was impressed with our facilities and was full of praise for everyone he met, commending the school’s ethos. Following his visit, we received a letter of thanks and a gift for one of our pupils, Levi who showed great curiosity about the Sheriff's dress hat. Traditionally, the hat is not worn but held in hand. Levi had the chance to try on the hat, which surprisingly fitted perfectly, much to the High Sheriff's amazement! Mr. Beard, the High Sheriff rewarded Levi with a special £1 note for his enthusiasm. This term we have welcomed many parents to our 'meet your mentor' sessions, where they had the opportunity to view students' work and engage in face-to-face interactions. These events are highly valued as they complement our efforts to enhance your child's learning experience. The Academic Mentor Evening presents an opportunity for us to provide you with initial and progress data regarding your child or children for the year. This enables us to offer feedback on the first term, share student work, discuss key subjects, and meet with you in person. Additionally, the children have completed a reflection booklet focusing on goals and reviewing their performance from the initial term.

Our Year 11 GCSE WJEC Hospitality & Catering students have now completed their practical exams. They have been busy producing some exceptional dishes for their exam. Students have demonstrated many high-level skills in their dishes and have had a professional attitude to learning enabling CLAIRE’S them to create the most outstanding dishes.

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Your cats looked after in your own home while you are away, giving you complete peace of mind.I am fully insured & can feed your cats once or twice a We continue to provide students with various trip opportunities. Year 6 visited Duxford, our day. Other small animals can choir performed at Young Voices at the O2, art students explored galleries in London, the also be catered for. Wadham Project students attended a seminar, GCSE PE students went climbing in Milton Please call Claire

Keynes, and many more activities have taken place.

We are delighted to share that applications for enrolment at Etonbury Sixth Form for September 2024 are now available on our website. If you have any questions, please do contact our Head of Sixth Form via email cdowden@bestacademies.org.uk. We are always happy to show prospective parents, carers, and pupils around our academy. If you would like to book a school tour, please get in touch with us at 01462 730391 or via email at eta-office@bestacademies.org.uk. We believe we offer a small, compassionate, and exceptional educational community, and we invite you to come and see for yourself what makes Etonbury special. Kindest regards Mrs J Young Principal

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Looking To Sell Your Home

This Spring? We’re all ears!

As we move into Spring 2024 the level of activity in the housing market remains strong with more buyers boosting the demand for property locally. This has caused there to be a shortage of property to satisfy the increasing levels of demand. If you are considering a move, why not call us out to give you an up to date market appraisal of your home and hear how we can help get you moved in 2024.

Get an up to date valuation on your home TODAY.

For all your property needs call us on 01462 733730 or find us at 47b High Street, Stotfold SG5 4LD

To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

News from Pix Brook Academy Welcome to March! It’s been a particularly busy last half term with visits from a host of dignitaries and a huge range of activities. It was great to have a visit from Jonathon Duff - Regional Schools Commissioner, East of England region earlier in the term. With outstanding outcomes at KS2, high levels of recruitment and a full range of extra-curricular activities there was much to celebrate. We took the opportunity to tour the school and visit lessons and as always pupils made a fantastic impression.

A few weeks later we were lucky enough to have a visit from the High Sherriff of Bedfordshire. Russell Beard holds this position and took the opportunity to visit lessons and talk about the growth of the school. Pupils were fascinated to hear something of the (now ceremonial) role and were particularly interested in the uniform. It is not every day that a dignitary arrives carrying a sword in school! The school also took its first ski trip to Italy at the end of the half term. 50 pupils flew to Italy and made the most of

the opportunity to experience something very different and exciting. As always school is extremely busy as we begin to prepare our pupils for assessments and the next stage of their education. At PBA we are always thinking about the next step, and what needs to be in place to make that successful. Fortunately, we have a body of pupils who are both receptive and excited by what they need to do next and as such the time really does fly by.

The next few months will include further appointments of staff as we continue our preparations for September. As the KS4 element of the school begins our pupils will take the opportunity to study the full range of subjects delivered by a full compliment of experienced KS4 teachers. It is one of the interesting aspects of working at a new school: while there are many things the school is doing for the first time, that is not the case for the staff who are working here, for the vast majority they are excited about the prospect of finally being able to teach their subject at GCSE at Pix Brook Academy.

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Family

Our family announcements are FREE of charge

announcements

www.justgiving.com/gardenhousehospice Announcements: We are happy to accept family announcements by post, telephone, email or through our facebook page. If you would like to make a donation in return for your announcement then please visit the website above. Please mention that the donation has been made on behalf of the Stotfold & Arlesey News Magazine. Why not surprise someone with an announcement in the Stotfold News Magazine?

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

PAUL BERNARD TALBOT SMITH

The family of Paul would like to thank everyone for the very kind messages of sympathy received following the very sad loss of Paul on 23rd January.

COLIN ROBINSON

Happy 60th Birthday! With all our love from Lynda the girls (& Alfie) xxx

Paul’s funeral was held on 16th February in Great Dunmow.

Donations in Paul’s memory can still be made at: drobinson.donateinmemory.net/profiles/13918

ANN ROBINSON sending you love on your birthday. Hugs from all the family xxx

CAMERON WOOD

March 8th Happy 18th! Have a great day, with love from us all xxxxx

GEMMA WOOD

LUCY HOPE

Happy 16th birthday Gemma Have a great day! Love from us all xxxxx

SCARLETT JUKES 4th March

Happy 13th Birthday!

Happy birthday to a wonderful mum & wife! Love from Adam & Roman x

We hope you had a fabulous party & hope you have an extra special day!

Love, Dad, Mum, Morgan & all your family & friends x

JOAN NOREEN SALE Joan sadly passed away on Monday 5th February 2024 surrounded by her family, aged 101 years.

She will be sadly missed by her family, friends and those who knew her. 18

Please mention the Stotfold News Magazine when responding to adverts

To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

Mental Health Matters- with Jo Loach New life is coming..

The natural world reminds us of the order of seasons and cycles. As the days lengthen again, the signs of spring are beginning to show. New life is appearing and what an encouragement this can be. During the Winter, I love to look at the striking silhouettes of the bare tree branches against the sky. I find this particularly spell binding as the morning awakens changing the black blackdrop in to varying shades of blue or grey. As I take in the sight of these trees sometimes dancing in the wind, they show me over and over that the new life does not come without not only the shedding of the old life but

also the season of rest and rejuvenation. How easy it is to forget this when we find ourselves in a Winter of the soul. When life has changed and cannot go back to whatever it was, there is an in-between season where life is not as we have known it but not yet what it will be. Sometimes we may long for how things were whilst knowing we cannot go backwards. During these periods of Winter, endings, change, loss and longing, the trees remind us to keep nourishing ourselves as we rest and recover because in time, new life will emerge. When we don’t know what the new season will look or feel or be like, we can gain comfort from what we do know in terms of what nourishes and uplifts us; time with trusted friends with whom we can share our fears, being in nature, good food, moving our bodies and anything that makes us laugh or allows us to cry any tears that need to be shed. These can help us to trust that new life will come.

Jo is a BACP Accredited Psychodynamic Counsellor and an Integrative Supervisor with an MA in Contemporary Therapeutic Counselling .

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208308

News from

the Mill.

Update from Stotfold Watermill Did you know…

25 years ago (that's 1999, folks!) a new sluice gate was added to Stotfold Mill as part of the rebuilding works after the devastating fire that burned the original Mill building to the ground. Early this year, that sluice gate was damaged during the heavy rain we had: the weight of water in the river causing the central beam to crack and the gates to open.

James’s Carpentry

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Exterior & Interior In February, a team of our intrepid volunteers replaced the Property Maintenance central beam, and while they were at it, replaced the original paddles with all new, steel paddles. It took several hours, with * Decorating the team standing thigh deep in very chilly water, to get the * Furniture Building * Painting Last year’s Mill event with fun for all job done, but they did it! It's jobs like these that make the family. * Carpentry & more Stotfold Mill such a fascinating place to work – finding and * Carpet Cleaning using skills that are, these days, fairly rare!

If you’d be interested in taking on similar challenges, or maybe something a little different (serving tea in the Tea Room on a busy day is no easy task!) then we would love to hear from you. Volunteering has so much to offer you: the chance to learn new skills, or practice ones you already have; the chance to meet new people and make new friends; the chance to keep the wheels of history turning by keeping our historic Mill in tip-top condition.

FREE QUOTATIONS T: (01462) 234292 or 07887 871212

All types of electrical work undertaken. Of course, it’s not just the Mill - we are lucky to have the Nature Reserve to Installation, Fault finding, Heating controls. look after as well. It’s a great place to explore at any time of the year. Right Test and inspection, EV charge points, now, the birds are starting to prepare for nesting season, and the trees are NICEIC approved contractor. coming in to bud – it’s a great time of year to capture the stunning view of the Mill reflected in the smooth water of the River Ivel, and to catch the gentle Tel: 07817 545314 E:bk.electrical@outlook.com hints of spring in the air.

One of the ways we keep the Mill operating is by running our annual fundraising events, the Steam Fair and Country Show (in May) and the Working Steam Weekend (in October). We are in full-flow for the May event this year, arranging the timetable for the central arena attractions, sorting out the beers and bands for the beer tent, and booking in traders and exhibitors alike. Could you help? We are looking for people to come and lend a hand for the set up of the show, during the show and packing away afterwards. If you can offer us an hour of your time (or more) we would love to hear from you: Email enquiries@stotfoldmill.com or visit our website: www.stotfoldmill.com

Update from the

Need Project

January facts & figures..

www.theneedproject.org

• 961 parcels provided. • 411 top-up-bags collected from our Pop-up sites • £66,575 - the estimated value of the food for January. • £6,602.50 - the average monthly cost to run the charity (Rent, Insurance, Fuel, Van, Staff related expenses) • 2110 The amount of adults we have helped in January • 119 - the amount of pensioners we have helped. •1916 - the number of children we have managed to help this month (figures above include our best before food.)

Another month gone and still things aren’t getting any easier for those who are struggling. But with your prayers, help and your support, as always, we are keeping up with everything coming our way. It was a big month for parcels in November 2023, some 829 families helped. January 2024 was 961, which is a massive increase. This puts us under huge pressure to access the food through whatever means possible, be it donations or purchase.

But we know it’s what we are called to do, and God has not brought us this far to see the project fail, as long as we let him lead us.

With the increase on demand for help, it means we are all under pressure as individuals who are employed and the brilliant army of volunteers who give so much to our ministry.I will never stop thanking you because you’re amazing, and without you we are just an idea, thank you again.

As I said, January was a busy month for us with an all-time high of 961 families supported, plus 411 top up bags of best before stuff, which would otherwise have gone in the bin. It is so so sad that this seems to be going up and up, but we are trying our best to keep up and with your help it makes such a difference. When is it going to end, I have no idea, but while we can, we will keep on going serving people.

One question I get asked is … How do you know the families need help with food? The answer is simple, every family we help, has been referred by an agency (we work with over 50). This means the family has approached someone for help and is engaged with the agency to help them through their difficulties. In doing this the agency, who are engaged to help the family, can refer the family to us for food support. The situation with the top up bags at our centre in Stotfold and Shefford, is you do not need a referral, as this is best before food which we don’t want to be wasted if it can help someone. We continue to wait on acceptance of our offer on possible new premises (hopefully it will be accepted, and we find out soon as I’m not the most patient soul!). Thank you all for your continued support and prayers and all-round encouragement, it is a real blessing.

Praise God always. Gordon

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

MEET THE COUNCILLOR – JOS HEADINGTON So, about me - 52 years old, and (sadly) not yet retired! I’m a HGV drayman (sometimes referred to as the 4th emergency service)…When I moved to Stotfold, one thing that became immediately apparent to me was that one of its key characteristics is its separation from surrounding towns. By its very design, Stotfold looks like a standalone community surrounded by countryside and farmland. Almost like an island community. I feel that characteristic is reflected back within the town via its residents. Just a simple act like walking the dog in the evening will generate ‘hellos’, ‘good evenings’ and conversations between strangers as we pass. People are happy to stop and take just a few seconds out of their day to interact with other members of the community, and it’s small, almost irrelevant acts like these, that made me want to try and positively add to this genuine community. When I saw the opportunity to join the council, I jumped at the chance to be able to Councillor Jos Headington join, and as a result of my co-option on, I now have the pleasure of feeling like I can make a positive change, however small, in this vibrant and forward-thinking town. “You say hello, and I say goodbye…” At the end of January, we said goodbye to Caroline Jenkins, Assistant Clerk as she took up a new role at North Herts District Council. That left us with a short-term vacancy whilst we recruit a couple of new positions and we welcome Colin Rogers who previously lived in Stotfold, playing football for the local team and attending Scouts. He’s started a short-term contract as an Admin Support Officer and if you call the office, and he answers, please make sure to say hi.

The Town Council bid farewell to Caroline last month.

Happy Birthday Stotfold Town Council This year sees a momentous occasion as Stotfold Town Council celebrates its 50th birthday as a Town Council. Prior to 1974, we were a parish council and whilst very little changed, when we became a Town Council, we’re keen to celebrate the past 50 years. From its establishment, the Town Council has been dedicated to serving the needs of its residents. More than just a governing body, the council has been a catalyst for community engagement, and has empowered residents to participate in decision-making process. As we reach this milestone, let us acknowledge the dedicated individuals who have served the council, past and present. Their commitment, vision and passion have been instrumental in driving our town forward. Looking ahead, we have many Admin Support Officer Colin exciting projects to look forward to and we plan to celebrate this milestone with a celebratory party at Arlesey Road on the weekend of 6/7 July 2024. With lots more details to come via our page in the Stotfold News Magazine, the Town Council website and social media.

Together, let us look forward to a town that is inclusive, sustainable and vibrant. Happy Birthday Stotfold Town Council!

Dates for your Diary: All meetings held at Greenacre Centre, starting at 7pm unless otherwise stated: Wednesday 3 April - Full Council Meeting Wednesday 10 April - Recreation Committee Wednesday 17 April - Establishment Committee Wednesday 24 April – Community Engagement SAVE THE DATE Thursday 6 June 2024

D Day 80th Commemoration & Beacon Lighting, Stotfold Cemetery.

To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

March Fun Quiz This month the world’s greatest dog show, Crufts, takes place, so in our fun quiz, compiled and presented by Stotfold’s very own Brain of Britain, David Stedman, we are paying tribute with a theme of DOGS, OUR BEST FRIENDS! Clues contained in each question or answer. (Answers on page 33)

1 The retired sportsman Jack Russell, now a famous artist, represented England at top level in which sport? 2 An uprising known as the Boxer Rebellion was an anti-colonial insurrection which took place at the end of the 19th century in which country? 3 Give the surname of the sisters, pictured right, who had 1980s US and UK top ten hits with “Jump (For My Love)”, 4 Name the 11th-12th century saint, abbot and Doctor of the Church inextricably linked with the abbey of Clairvaux which he founded in 1115? 5 What is the surname of the former Australian cricketer who is known as A.B., played for the Australian Test match team over 150 times, and scored over 11,000 Test runs in his distinguished career? 6 Stoke-on-Trent and Lichfield are the two towns with city status within which English county? 7 A character named Duane Doberman, pictured below, played by Maurice Gosfield, appeared in a US television comedy series of the 1950s which was named after the star of the show. Who was the star? 8 Which terrier breed shares its fiveletter name with a mound of rocks or stones built as a guide or landmark? 9 In terms of area, and slightly larger

than the UK, which is the largest state in Mexico, with a capital city of the same name? 10 What is the name of the US company which runs the biggest fleet of intercity buses and coaches in North America? 11 What two names, that of an island and a continental region, are joined to make the name of the most easternmost province of Canada? 12 What is the name of the strip cartoon dog character, pictured below, first published in the Daily Mail in 1963 and is still going strong? 13 What is the professional surname of the English acting dynasty whose members include James, Edward, Emilia, Laurence, Jack, Lydia and Freddie? 14 The name of what capital city of an autonomous region precedes Apso to make the name of a dog breed? 15 The River Wensum runs for approximately 47 miles through which English county? 16 The character Victor ‘Pug’ Henry (pictured top left) featured in a 1980s US television series and was played by which Hollywood star? 17 With the largest town being Portree, what is the largest and most northerly of the Inner Hebrides group? 18 Which long-running and immensely successful US television comedy series featured an obnoxious radio sports reporter character named Bob “Bulldog” Briscoe, played by Dan Butler? 19 What was the surname of the British blues and rock singer who had

international hits with “Up Where We Belong” (with Jennifer Warne, both pictured left) and “With A Little Help From My Friends”?

20 What is the name of the full-length sheepskin coat with fleece on the inside and soft leather on the outside that originates from Ghazni province between Kabul and Kandahar?

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.

Stotfold Football Club The 1st team were unbeaten in January winning 2 and drawing one of their league fixtures. Unfortunately they were knocked out of the Beds Senior Cup 4-1 at Barton Rovers. The Development team won all three of their league fixtures in the month and received a walkover against Sharnbrook First to reach the semi-final of the Britannia Cup. The Women’s team won two and lost one of their league fixtures. Unfortunately once again all of the U18 team fixtures were postponed. Further fixtures will be shown on the website and social media as they become available. Fixtures

Please support the club by taking up our sponsorship and advertising promotions. Details are on the club website. Come on you Eagles! - Up the Fold. JSJ Stadium New Roker Park Arlesey Road Stotfold, Bedfordshire, SG5 4HE Tel: 01462 539297 www.stotfoldfc.co.uk

WALKS FOR HEALTH March Walks: Walks start at 10.45am and are open to everyone to join! Thursday 7th, 14th,The Crown PH, Stotfold. Friday 22nd, 29th Arlesey Train Station. More details contact Beth Overfield 01462 815672

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Update from

Stotfold Junior Football Club

Bedfordshire FA 2023 Club of the Year. With over 900 Boys, Girls, Ladies and Men playing in over 80 teams across Stotfold and the local area we are always in the need for volunteers, managers and sponsors.

If you would like to get involved please do get in touch. Are you a….. • Student studying PE and want to help at training sessions? • A parent that can manage a team? • A volunteer that can help a manager with running a team? • A local business and are interested in supporting a team with much needed equipment? Please do get in touch: enquiries@stotfoldjuniorfc.co.uk

Stotfold Juniors U9 Blacks recently travelled to Manchester City to take on the European Champions and their Football Academy in a number of friendly matches. Playing 4 different Manchester City Academy Teams, they won one, drew one and lost two matches.

Stotfold U9 Blacks thoroughly enjoying their Manchester City experience!

Playing against the finest talent in the North West, this was a fantastic experience for all the boys who did Stotfold Juniors, themselves and the coaches very proud.

Congratulations to the coaches and the team for representing Stotfold Junior Football Club so briiliantly. To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

Update from the Stotfold Library Stotfold Library Opening Times Monday – Closed Tuesday – 9am-1pm Wednesday – 2pm-6pm Thursday – 9am-1pm Friday – 9am-1pm & 2pm-6pm Saturday – 9am-4pm Sunday – Closed

EVENT FOR ADULTS Every Friday Knit and Knatter 10.30am-12pm

library! Beginners are welcome. (recommended for children aged 6+)

ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN Every Tuesday 10:30-11:00 Story and Rhyme Time (recommended for children 0-5)

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Every Saturday 10-3pm Lego Club! Come along to build with our Lego and Duplo! EVENTS FOR ALL THE FAMILY Every Monday~ *In partnership with the Children’s Centre* Stotfold Family Drop-in, 9am-10.30am. For parents, carers, babies, and children. Free cuppa and play. Support, advice, and signposting for all aspects of parenting. Self-weigh scales available. (recommended for families with children aged 0-12 years)

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Email: stotfold.news@yahoo.co.uk

Local

Sports News

This month featuring Stotfold Judo & Gifford Dance Academy.

News from Stotfold Judo Club.

Our first competition of the year was the St Albans NLA Basho, and what a start to 2024! It was an incredible first competition with our primaries (under 10) winning Gold (Elise King), Silver (Shain Rickman) and Silver (Thomas Stacey). Then later on our Juniors won Silver (Samuel McArthur), Silver (Lewis Dixon), Bronze (Felix Weston) and Bronze (Jack Bloye). We then travelled to Thetford with four of our promising judoka; Elise King, Hari Crowley, Lewis Dixon and Nisha for the Eastern Regional Schools Championships where all four judoka beat their competitors and won gold, which means they are now qualified for the British Schools Championships in Sheffield in March which is an incredible achievement. We also held our (delayed) Annual Judoka Awards for 2023 Judoka’s judoka; (The judoka vote for their team mate who they think most deserves this award) - Oscar Rataj &Nisha Rickman Fighting spirit: (based on who shows fighting spirit in class) Thomas Stacey & Felix Weston Most improved: Shain Rickman & Hari Crowley Judoka of the year: Josh Harrington (seniors) Shaina Rickman (pre cadets cadets) Sho grades and minors: Elise King (sho grades and minors) Another busy month ahead as we plan to compete at the following five events; Southfields Judo Kan in Tamworth, HWJC Green and Under in High Wycombe, A1 Judo Club Under 8 Festival and Red/Yellow Belt Competition in East Ham, Moberly Judo Club Red and Yellow Belt Rumble in London and Cadet and Juniors English Open in Docklands.

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Gifford Dance Academy Showcase Their Talent.

Gifford Dance Academy recently held their annual showcase at Bedfordshire University in Bedford, with over 25O dancers aged between 4-19 taking part. held over two weekends family and friends were treated to some amazing routines, featuring some very young, first time performers, right up to the dance school’s national award winning competition teams. The dance school are now opening new classes in Henlow to add to their existing timetable of classes in Stotfold. For more information, see their facebook page or www.gifforddanceacademy.com

To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

News from Our Local

Churches.

News from King’s Baptist Church.

Sunday Services 3 March: All Age Services at 10.30am. 10 March: Communion Service at 10.30am. King’s Kids and Youth will run and creche will be supervised. 17 March: Service at 10.30am. King’s Kids and Youth will run and creche will be available with parental responsibility. 24 March: Communion Service at 10.30am. King’s Kids and Youth will run and creche will be available with parental responsibility. 31 March: Easter Celebration

Works of Heart: Monday 4 March at 8.00pm. ‘Have a go’ at crafts, make new friends and share craft ideas. Connect: Tuesday 5 March at 9.15am. A support group open to parents, carers and family members of children who have additional needs. Space to rest, recharge, chat, share stories and refreshments. Prayer Meetings Sundays: 6.00pm – 7.30pm Wednesdays: 10.00am – 12.00 noon Accelerate for Children 10-13 term time only Tuesdays: 6.00pm – 7.00pm Home from Home: Free, all welcome: join us for soup, tea, coffee, cake, biscuits, games, puzzles, arts & crafts. Wednesdays: 1.00pm – 4.00pm

News from St Guthlac’s Church,

Astwick.

We are nearly through the journey of Lent towards Easterat the end of the month. As we look around us, in our countryside and even our own gardens we see the earth coming back to life, where it was once dead, life springs forward in all its beauty.

Easter remind us of God's promise of a new era and hope of becoming a new creation through His abundant and unconditional love for each one of us if we accept Him. Our Easter Service is on Sunday 31st March at 11:15am. All are Welcome.Our normal services are every 1st Sunday of the month at 11:15am. We look forward to welcoming you. Rev. Jane Wheatley

Salvation Army Ladies Fellowship A church family sharing grace, love and fellowship with each other and our community

18th March

Stotfold Christian Choir Hazel Thompson.

Please call 01462 731072 for further detail.

To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

Church News, articles & service information.

Local Church News

News from St Mary’s The Parish Church

of Stotfold & Fairfield.

Special Holy Week & Easter Services at your Parish Church

22 March Friday 10.00am St Mary’s Academy Passion Play in Church for parents, family, congregation and the public. 24 March Sunday 10.00am Palm Sunday Communion Service (no donkey this year due to illness). 24 March Sunday 4.00pm. Families at Four Palm Sunday Service. This service is open to all. 24 March Sunday 6.00pm. Stations of the Cross. 25 March Monday 7.30pm. Holy Week reflection and short service of Compline. 26 March Tuesday 7.30pm. Holy Week reflection and Compline. 27 March Wednesday 7.30pm. Tenebrae service. ‘Tenebrae’ is Latin for shadows. Reflecting on the emotional aspects of the passion story, this music-rich service begins with a candlelit church and ends in darkness with the people leaving in silence. 28 March 6.30pm Maundy Thursday Last Supper meal 6.30pm. We welcome all to our Last Supper meal. Please sign the list in Church if you are joining us. Immediately after the meal there is a short service of Stripping the Altars and prayer at the Garden of Repose. 29 March Friday 2.00pm Good Friday Hour before the Cross. Bible readings, reflection and music. 29 March Friday 4.00pm Families at Four DIY Easter Gardens. 30 March Saturday 7.30pm Easter Eve – Service of Light and Renewal of Baptism Vows. 31 March Sunday 6.30am Churches Together Sunrise Service at the Beacon in Stotfold Cemetery. 31 March Sunday 9.00am Easter Day Service, All Saints, Radwell 31 March Sunday 10.00am Easter Day Service, St Mary’s, Stotfold. Find us on facebook: The Stotfold News Magazine

R.H. GARDEN DESIGN Passionate and knowledgeable about creating beautiful gardens.

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Down Memory Lane

Thank you to Terry Bailey for allowing us to use this picture, spotted on a recent History of Stotfold facebook post - The year is 1956. Names are as follows: Starting top left, ? ? Mr Cole Michael Draycott, Chris Parker, David Endersby, ?, Mr Griggs, ? , Keith Brown, next row, Phil Etienne, Terry Bailey, Reg Milton, ?, possibly Gary Taylor, Geoff Cirket, sitting- Keith Wood, Bob Street, David Chambers, ?. If you can help us or if you have any pictures you would be able to loan to us then we’d be delighted to hear from you - simply call us on 01462 731986 or email us at stotfold.news@yahoo.co.uk

North Herts Road Runners

The 1st Sat of the month 5k at Letchworth Common will be on 2nd March at 9am. Entry is free and open to all runners. The Standalone 10k will be on 6th Oct and entries are now open. We continue with our training sessions on Tues & Thurs at 7pm and welcome runners of all abilities all under qualified coaches.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OUR WEBSITE NHRR.ORG.UK OR CALL IAN 07506429928

STOTFOLD GARDEN CLUB Meetings and Trips

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

Wednesday 13th March 2024

Talk by Geoff Hodge – ‘Plants for Problem Places’ Tea and Coffee served - Raffle For more information, contact Peter on: (01462) 834854 or 07758649721 stotfoldgc@gmail.com 32

Useful

Telephone Numbers General Helplines: Citizen’s Advice Bureau Trading Standards Advice Line Samaritans Births, Deaths & Marriages Stotfold Good Neighbour Group Churches Hope Chapel King’s Baptist Church Methodist Church Salvation Army Hall Ladies Fellowship St Mary’s Church St Mary's Church Hall Friends of St Mary’s Fairfield Community Church Local Council Stotfold Town Council

Email:enquiries@stotfoldtowncouncil.gov.uk

Central Bedfordshire Council

01525 402742 0300 300 8136 01462 455333 0300 300 8089 07599 925587 01462 686803 01462 730521 01462 731167 01462 731072 01462 731072 01462 730218 07727 688877 01462 834108 07376 740410 01462 730064 0300 300 8000

Email:customer.services@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

Doctor Larksfield Surgery Appointments Enquiries Out of Hours Service: Arlesey Medical Centre Household Emergencies Electricity Emergencies Gas Emergencies 111999 Housing First Garden City Homes Grand Union Housing - all enquiries Cafe Box of Cakes Cafe & Cake Shop

01462 732244 01462 732200 Call 111 01462 732144 0800 783 8838 0800

Health/Social Helplines Childline National Menengitis Trust Samaritans NSPCC Hospitals Bedford Hospital Lister Hospital NHS Direct Library Stotfold Library Arlesey Resource Centre & Library Police Beds Police (Crime reporting) Crimestoppers Pubs Coach & Horses Fox & Duck The Crown The Stag Tavern Transport Trains (National Enquiries) Whitbread Wanderbus Schools Etonbury Academy Pix Brook Academy Fairfield Park Lower School Roecroft Lower School St Mary’s Academy Samuel Whitbread Academy Nurseries Pippin Pre-School Poppies Nursery Poppyfields Nursery Busy Bees Taxi Service Greenacre Transfers Airports & Chauffeur Services www.greenacretransfers.co.uk

0800 1111 0845 6000800 08457 909090 0800 800 5000 01234 355122 01438 314333 0845 46 47 0300 300 8068 01462 731469. 01234 841212 0800 555111 01462 734135 01462 732434 01462 731061 01462 731098 08457 484950 0300 123 3023 01462 730391 01462 416243 01462 830000 01462 730336 01462 730343 01462 629900 01462 834897 07833 927906 01462 830008 01462 734306 07555 70 78 48

01462 683307 0300 123 5544 07812 055587

ANSWERS to MARCH FUN QUIZ . . .1 Cricket; 2 China; 3 POINTER Sisters; 4 ST. BERNARD; 5 Alan BORDER: 6 STAFFORDSHIRE; 7 Phil Silvers (as Bilko); 8 CAIRN; 9 CHIHUAHUA; 10 GREYHOUND; 11 LABRADOR and NEWFOUNDLAND: 12 Fred BASSET; 13 FOX; 14 LHASA; 15 NORFOLK; 16 Robert Mitchum (in “The Winds of War”); 17 SKYE; 18 “Frasier”; 19 Joe COCKER; 20 AFGHAN 33

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