Stotfold News Magazine May 2023

Stot fold NEWS

From the Editor May

CONTEN

Welcome to May!

As we write this the sun has pu t his hat on and has at last come ou t to play! We hope the good weather continues as we look for ward to this year ’s Sto tfold Mill Steam Fair & Countr y Sho w on the 13th/14th o f this month. As usual, the Sto tfold News Magazine are pleased to suppor t this event and will be joining o ther community stalls just inside the mill gate - We hope to see you there! Do pop along and say hello as we always have goodies to give away, f ree activities for the children to par ticipate in and some great chances to win some fabulous prizes!

Thank you to Helen Backhouse for sending us the wonder ful picture we have used for this month’s f ront co ver taken at last year ’s May event As always, we lo ve receiving your Mill weekend pho tos and enjo y choosing one as our f ront co ver for June If you plan to pop along with your camera, be sure to email us if you capture any great sho ts! (contact details belo w )

There are so many ar ticles inside your May issue, we hope you enjo y having a read through them all You’ll f ind details on some events being held to mark the Coronation o f King Charles III which we hope you will enjo y

In the meantime, we hope you enjo y the sunshine and hope to see you all at the M Until next month

Joanne

Local News Pages 4,5,7,9

NEW! Diar y o f Events Page 6

Letters

Page 10

Special Tribu te Page 11

News f rom Sto tfold Mill Page 12,13

Mum with 3

Page 19

Family Announcements Page 20

News f rom Sto tfold Foo tball Club Page 22

News f rom Sto tfold Junior Foo tball Club Page 23

NEW! Reader ’s Recipe Page 24

Walking Market 2023! Page 25

Monthly Fun Quiz! Page 26

News f rom Sto tfold Ar t Club Page 31

News f rom Sto tfold Librar y Page 35

Local school /n ursery news:

News f rom Pippin Pre -School Page 14

News f rom Roecro ft Lo wer School Page 15

News f rom Fair f ield Lo wer School Page 16

News f rom St Mar y’s Academy Page 17

News f rom Etonbur y Academy Page 18

Church n ews:

www justgiving com/gardenhousehospice

Announcements: We are happy to accept family announcements by post telephone, email or through our facebook page If

Want to promo te your business in the Arlesey & Sto tfold News Magazines?

Larksfield Surgery Under New Partnership

It is several months since the Stanmore Medical Practice, Stevenage, gave no tice that they no longer wished to manage Larksf ield. Abou t the same time the ICB (Integrated Care Board ) decided that it was no longer f inancially viable to run Arlesey as a standalone practice and adver tised for a practice who would accept Arlesey as a branch.

Larksf ield were the successful bidder for Arlesey, and the change came last No vember At that point MKGP+ stepped

aside bu t o ffered suppor t ser vices to Larksf ield for such things as Human Resources, and Accounts All the roles they originally took on have no w been replaced internally by staff so MKGP+ no longer have any involvement with the practice whatsoever

Initial issues:

Larksf ield was shor t- staffed in all depar tments, while the GP ser vice was heavily reliant on Locums Our aim was simple – Recruit, Recruit, Recruit. From 1 Februar y 2023 a new manager was brought into the practice as a managing par tner, thus securing long term retention o f management for the practice.

Appointment issues:

The pressure on appointments remains. This has been a discussion held with MP Richard Fuller as an increase in populations does no t mean an increase in GPs‘ that can be emplo yed Currently the number o f GP sessions (a session = half a day) per week at Larksf ield remains at 37, with Arlesey 10 plus a care Home GP This is in line with the current recommended guidance for the number o f patients registered The number o f patients per GP is a complex matter and influenced by a multitude o f factors

Fu ture plans:

Recruitment has been going well The number o f salaried GP’s has increased and will increase fur ther as doctors join in April and June, an additional paramedic and two nurses have been emplo yed while back o ff ice and receptionists emplo yed has been built up to almost full strength

Pressure on the telephone system remains, par ticularly on a Monday bu t the waiting time should no w be a lo t less as a bank o f receptionists deal with calls f rom early morning rather than two previously A new telephone system has been installed that allo ws more receptionists to deal with incoming calls Hopefully, this should reduce the long waits Fur ther updates will be published next month This information has been supplied to the Sto tfold News Magazine by the recently merged Larksf ield and Arlesey Patient Par ticipation Groups.

Larksf ield Surger y no w under new par tnership

West End Stars Join MND Charity Gala

Follo wing the huge success o f past Gala’s, raising almost £20,000 for MNDA and MND Research, Sto tfold born Neil and Carl Ru ther ford present a new Gala for 2023 in aid o f MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE on 4th June at the Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage

Iain’s family told the Sto tfold News Magazine ‘Dad was a terrif ic pianist and singer and he lo ved musical theatre. We think he’d be so pleased to kno w that the combination o f the things he lo ved most in his life - his family, f riends and music - would combine together in this Gala in order to raise money to help those with MND And where ever he may be, we’re cer tain he’ll be singing along!’

Additionally, there will be a beau tiful moment o f remembrance within the per formance If you wish to remember someone who had Mo tor Neurone Disease, please send a digital pho tograph and their name to neil@neilru ther ford com and they will be remembered within the per formance Tickets can be booked at the Gordon Craig Theatre website www gordon-craig co uk or by calling 01438 363200

If you would like to suppor t the event, bu t are unable to attend, the production is also seeking sponsorship to fund the event:

https://www.justgiving.com/cro wdfunding/mndgala23

Ker yle, Neil and Carl Ru ther ford lost husband and father, Iain, to MND in 2015. Iain, a recipient o f the Sto tfold To wn Council Citizens Award in 2015 was a keen musician and per former, with the family o ften per forming musicals together at the Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage with local Amateur Dramatics companies. As a result, Neil and Carl joined the per forming ar ts pro fessionally, working on many musicals bo th in the West End and internationally

This years Gala will bring the West End to the Gordon Craig Theatre in Stevenage, with leading ar tists singing songs f rom hit musicals, accompanied by a 36 piece pro fessional orchestra and a choir o f 40 made up o f students f rom leading drama school, Mountview This years West End leading ar tists include Kelly Price (Gu ys and Dolls, Aspects o f Lo ve), Matt Croke ( The Voice, Aladdin), Hayley Tamaddon (Spamalo t, Rocky Horror Sho w, Coronation Street), and James Hume (Phantom o f the Opera, Les Miserables)

The Gala is also hosted by surprise celebrity guest hosts, having previously been hosted by Clare Sweeney, with digital contribu tions f rom War wick Davis and Matt Lucas The evening is a jo yous celebration o f Musical Theatre that is bo th uplifting, suppor tive and emo tional, with MND awareness at the hear t o f the evening

Previous Gala event hosted by Neil & Carl Ru ther ford for MND

STO TFOLD Diary Of Events..

Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd - Sto tfold Ar t Club exhibition @ Sto tfold Mill.

MAY

Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th Sto tfold Mill Steam Fair

Saturday 20th Open Morning, Pippin Pre -School

Contact: 01462 834897

Saturday 20th Plant Sale & Co ffee Morning 10am–12 St Mar y’s Church Hall

JUNE

Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th - Tour de Sto tfold - Trail around Sto tfold organised by St Mar y’s Church Committee

Contact: 07727 688877

Saturday 24th - Charity Line Dance, Sto tfold Memorial Hall

For tickets contact Bridie Smith on 01462 639279

Sunday 25th‘Sto tfold in Pictures’ pho tographic exhibition Sto tfold Mill 12 30-5pm

JULY

Saturday 8th - St Mar y’s Church Summer Fete 2-4pm St Mar y’s Church V icarage

AUGUST

Thursday 17th - Flo wer Demonstration 7pm St Mar y’s Church Hall

Bank Holiday Monday 28th - Sto tfold Walking Market 10-3

SEPTEMBER

Saturday 9th - Cream Teas 2-5pm St Mar y’s Church

Sunday 10th - Cake & Produce Sho w @ Sto tfold Mill

OCTOBER

Saturday 7th - Jigsaw Sale 10 -12noon

St Mar y’s Church Hall

Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th - Sto tfold Working Steam Fair

Saturday 14th - St Mar y’s Church Quiz Night! 7 30pm St Mar y’s Church Hall

NOVEMBER

Saturday 4th - St Mar y’s Church Winter Fair 2-4pm St Mar y’s Church Hall

DECEMBER

Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th - Christmas Tree Festival St Mar y’s Church.

List your event here! FREE for all charities/non-pro f it organisations & schools. Just £15 for local businesses....

Book Club @W ild Co ffee

will be meeting Wednesday 3rd May at 7pm

This month we have a choice o f reads - The Holiday by TM Logan or Our Man In Estepona by David Spear and Debbie Glynn

Lower Wilbury Farm Shop & Butchery

*Grass fed lamb

*Grass fed native beef

*Rare breed ou tdoor reared por

*Free range eggs & Fresh f ruit &

Lo wer Wilbur y Farm, Sto tfold Road, Letchwor th SG6 4JS (Just past Fair f ield ) Tel: 07988 771107

Experience the wonder ful surroundings o f a real working farm

Open Thurs - Sat 9am - 4 30pm & Sunday 10am - 1pm

TOUR DE STOTF OLD!

This year St Mar y's Church are planning a new community event for the weekend o f 24/25 June Entitled 'Tour de Sto tfold' The idea is that members o f the community create a trail o f decorated bikes, par t bikes or any thing bike themed around Sto tfold with entries displayed in gardens or o ther social spaces For fur ther information and to register your interest contact

maureen winters5@gmail com 07727 688877

Stotfold Butchers Bring Home The Bacon

Liam’s Traditional Bu tchers in Regent Street have good reason to celebrate, after winning a two star Golden Cleaver Award, presented to them at the 2023 Harrogate Bu tchers Sho w

extremely surprised to receive the award Liam told the Sto tfold News Magazine ‘We were thrilled to receive the award and had a great day at the Harrogate Bu tchers Sho w where we were able to chat to many o ther local bu tchers and share ideas and helpful tips ’

‘Over 2,000 independent bu tchers f rom within the UK attended the event, so we were amazed to win an award ’ ‘It was the f irst time we have ever entered a competition making it all the more special for us to receive such a great accolade within the industr y ’

Liam’s Bu tchers with their award

The award was given to the Sto tfold bu tchers for their sausages, where judges praised them for bo th quality and flavour It was the f irst time that Liam’s Bu tchers had entered the competition so they were

The Golden Cleaver awards take place annually and recognise quality taste and originality.

Fundraising Lola Is At It Again!

Regular readers o f our magazine may recall young Sto tfold fundraiser Lola who amazed us all last Januar y as she ran 31 miles around Sto tfold to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital In to tal, raising a whopping £3000!

This year Lola is at it again! This time raising funds for the Natasha Allergy Foundation by completing a triathalon (swimming 100m, cycling 5,000m and running 2,000m!)

A prime example is Lola's best f riend Henr y. Henr y has a severe Dair y and egg allergy. An allergy which lacks awareness. Children running around parks with ice -cream and chocolaty f ingers are things a lo t o f parents wouldn't think twice abou t These are all things that cause Henr y and his family a lo t o f anxiety By taking on this challenge, Lola is hoping to raise awareness o f the battle many people have ever y day when eating ou t And hopefully make more people aware o f the chances o f su ffering anaphylaxis in the most innocuous o f occasions

Lola has her o wn Justgiving fundraising page once again: https://www justgiving com/page/lolaevans We’d ver y much like to see Lola raise lo ts o f money for this fantastic cause - we think she is just brilliant!

Please take time to read Lola’s stor y and donate if you are able to!

When Lola was three she su ffered an anaphylactic shock whilst at home after eating some mixed nu ts. Later it was conf irmed Lola's allergy was in fact Brazil nu ts. Luckily there are ver y few food items that Brazil nu ts are found in, and the nu t itself is ver y identif iable Ho wever no t all allergies are as easy to deal with

The Pathway Hypno therapy Rooms

Do

Your Letters

Dear Editor,

Sto tfold To wn Council; ever y month we read with interest your regular pages inside the Sto tfold News Magazine

Would somebody f rom the Council care to enlighten us as to why the Sto tfold element o f our council tax has risen by 39% this year? This seems rather excessive to me (and my near neighbours), so an explanation would be helpful. Are we to expect this kind o f increase ever y year?

Hope no t!

Last years increase was 14% and this seemed rather large at the time, so to be hit with an astronomical 39% this year has prompted questioning Your response please Yours faithfully,

Name supplied

Dear Editor,

While ou t for a walk around our to wn the o ther day I crossed Pix Brook by the foo t bridge f rom Hyde Avenue The attached pho to sho ws the view f rom the do wnstream parapet. It is no t a pretty sight, I think you will agree Could I, through Sto tfold News, remind that section o f our residents responsible for this that it is a river bank and no t a bo ttle bank Please do no t confuse the two.

John Farman

Dear Editor,

PLEASE HELP *** LOST BR ACELET

Dear Editor, The Eleemosynar y Charity o f William Field. Applications are invited f rom bo th individuals and local voluntar y organisations for a grant that will directly benef it a resident or residents in the ecclesiastical parish o f Sto tfold, which includes Fair f ield

Individuals wishing to apply for educational grants should apply to Roes Educational Charity. Bo th application forms are available f rom jbillson@virginmedia com or f rom 17 Pix Road, Sto tfold, Hitchin, Her ts. SG5 4HY. Latest submission dates are 30th June 2023 for an Eleemosynar y grant and 30th September 2023 for a Roe's Education Charity grant.

Dear Editor,

The table top sale held in St Mar y’s Church Hall on March 18th was ver y successful and greatly enjo yed by the many people that attended. Grateful thanks to all who suppor ted the event - the to tal o f £247 10 was raised for St Mar y’s Church funds Chris Webster

Dear Editor,

Thank You to f riends, neighbours and general public for their kind suppor t and donations some pu t through my door on the 4 Sundays in Februar y and delighted to repor t that £220 55 was raised Thank you all once again Bridie

I attended the Elvis Tribu te at Sto tfold Conser vative Club on Friday 10th March-my bir thday. Unfor tunately at 10pm I realised my bracelet was no longer on my wrist It was still there at 9pm as a f riend had taken a pho to o f me and sho ws the bracelet, so it had been lost in that hour The thing is, it’s no t just because it’s a thing, a possession, no t because it’s valuable or beau tiful, it’s none o f those things, it’s because it was my Mums, who left me 4 years ago the next day - 11th March.

When clearing their house I came across a beau tiful polished wooden box and the bracelet was inside, my Dad bought it for my Mum many years ago. I’ve kept it safe, in my drawer in that box for 4 years, I wore it for the f irst time that night and have no idea, ho w it fell o ff my wrist I can’t explain ho w awful I feel, I feel guilty, for no t taking enough care o f it, embarrassed that so much bad luck seems to happen, and the most sadness I have felt since she’s been gone.

I am grateful to ever yone who were so helpful, looking and looking for o ver 2 hours at the Club bu t unfor tunately it couldn’t be found We are no w a few weeks on and still no news I am praying for a bit o f luck and that it’s found

If you happen to come across it I would be so ver y grateful if you could contact the Sto tfold Magazine so we can arrange it’s much wanted return THANK YOU Alison Bacon

Please mention our magazine when responding to adver ts

Remembering Pat Clarey

As we approach our Steam Fair and Countr y Sho w this May it seemed appropriate to do a shor t tribu te to Pat Clarey, who sadly died last No vember

Pat had been an enthusiastic and hardworking volunteer for o ver 15 years and his was the voice that ever yone heard as they came into the Steam & Countr y Sho w ever y year in

May. He enjo yed interacting with the public. He was ver y proud o f our Watermill and liked no thing better than to sho w people round and tell them abou t the histor y and restoration o f it. He led the Guide section and organised the ro tas for each Sunday we were open You could see him do wn there most Sunday afternoons talking to members o f the public

He was also a member o f the Education section and enjo yed the many visits f rom children’s groups - schools, beavers, cubs, bro wnies etc Behind the scenes he was a Trustee and made a large contribu tion to o verseeing the running o f the Mill He was chairman o f our Liaison Committee and a member o f the Nature Reser ve Management Team

He was a kind and gentle man who will be long remembered by all those who knew him

Pat Clarey pictured in the event commentators boo th last year

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

Please call Claire

The weather is f inally warming up (most o f the time) and the days are getting longer (honestly: behind the rainclouds there’s sunshine ou t there) and the Nature Reser ve is springing into life The swans are nesting, which is always exciting

If you’d like to take a look, please keep your distance – the hide is an excellent spo t to birdwatch f rom - please don’t tr y to approach the nest, as the male swan can get ver y territorial while his mate is egg - sitting. We are looking for ward to seeing the babies hatching in the next few weeks.

tfold Watermill ajb fencing

On this no te, if you’re visiting the Nature Reser ve, please remember to keep dogs on a lead to avoid scaring the wildlife, and please don’t feed bread to the ducks, geese and swans Although they lo ve bread, it’s no t good for them, and any uneaten bread goes mouldy, leading to all sor ts o f problems in the water There really is plenty for them to forage along the river, and you can enjo y watching them dabbling - f rom the riverbank

From the ro yalty o f the river to ro yalty o f ano ther kind –with the excitement o f the Coronation this month, we had a quick review o f our archives and found some interesting ro yal links: on 17th No vember 2006 the Mill received a visit f rom the late HRH Duke o f Edinburgh who formally opened the Mill and unveiled a bronze statue o f Sam Randall - the last resident miller. In 2010, the Sto tfold Mill Preser vation Trust (the o ff icial name o f the charity behind the Mill ) was awarded the Queen's Award for Voluntar y Ser vice in recognition o f the inestimable work o f the volunteers who restored the Mill after the devastating f ire o f 1992 and who continue to sustain it for our local community.

From Ro yal celebrations to o ther kinds o f celebrations – it’s only a few shor t weeks until the Steam Fair and Countr y Sho w (13th and 14th May!) If you haven’t been along to the Steam Fair before, you might be wondering what your ticket gives you Here’s a quick guide:

Entr y to the Sho wground includes unlimited access to the Bouncy Castle area, and (new for 2023): a bouncy castle for adults! V isitors can enjo y a full day o f arena attractions, including an historical re -enactment group After that, The Rockets will have you on the edge o f your camping chair –the children’s stunt team per form astonishing feats, with the youngest member o f the team being just 5 years old

Flyin’ Ryan returns to the Steam Fair for 2023 and is always a massive hit with the Steam Fair cro wds. The weekend will also feature the Garden City Samba band, including an option for the audience to get involved in the per formance! We’re also excited to have Gifford Dance Academy with us: these talented dancers have just returned f rom per forming at EuroDisney and have been national award winners for several years running - gaining countless f irst place positions throughou t the past year in many competitions.

There’s also the perennial favourite: Tug o f War (traction engine vs people!) as well as dancers and singers f rom local schools, plus plenty o f live music around the sho wground (belo w: last year ’s May event f rom the air, captured by Chris Hall )

News from Sto tfold Watermill

Ticket prices are £12 for adults and £6 for children, bu t if you book before 5th May, they’re only £10 and £5. Tickets are available f rom our website: www.sto tfoldmill.com

With all that plus plenty more: the craft tent, steam engines, the Mill itself, the newly restocked shop (selling giftware, greeting cards, accessories, affordable to ys, tasty jams and chu tneys, flour, oats and plenty more) and the Fun Fair, why no t pack a picnic and spend the day with us? We look for ward to seeing you all there!

News from Pippin Pre School

We are pleased to announce we will be hosting a stall at the for thcoming Steam and Countr y Fayre at Sto tfold Mill on bo th Saturday and Sunday We will be raising funds for some fun end-o f- term activities for the children to enjo y We will be raising monies with our ever-popular confectionar y tombola! Any sweet or chocolate donations are welcome, please hand into the o ff ice.

On Saturday 20th May we are hosting an Open Morning for children who are star ting with us in September, this is a fantastic oppor tunity to view our pre - school and meet the staff before star ting their Pippin journey. In the meantime, we have a vir tual tour available on the homepage o f our website for parents to view https://pippinpreschool.co.uk/

Our next Holiday club will be the Summer Half term break f rom Tuesday 30th May to Friday 2nd June Bookings can be made via members pippinpreschool co uk/login We will then follo w with our Summer Holiday Club f rom Monday 24th July to Friday 18th August inclusive

We continue to collect bo ttle tops, old bu ttons, yoghur t po ts, cardboard egg boxes and old children f riendly magazines for our gluing station, if you have any that you wish to recycle please donate them via our o ff ice

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.

Update f rom

SOCIETY BARBERING STO TFOLD

Society would like to say a huge thank you for ever yone’s suppor t o ver our f irst 7 months o f opening. The feedback we have received has been great and we are no w pushing on for o ver 400 f ive star reviews.

We are pleased to announce that we are no w open 7 DAYS a week to keep up with demand and would like to welcome new barber Haider to the Sto tfold team Haider is a talented, experienced Barber making him a huge asset to Society Sto tfold

Between the three barbers we are no w able to cater for ever y hair type We look for ward to meeting you and booking you in

Appointments can be made V ia the Booksy app for your convenience or call on 07539 708722

An update From STUDIO NINE

Firstly a huge thank you for all your suppor t and kindness during our f irst ver y successful, 6 months o f opening in Sto tfold

We are excited to announce our team has gro wn to no w three skilled stylists, available across 6 days a week to accommodate ever yone’s schedule

Our new stylist Emma Humphries has joined our team and is no w taking bookings You may recognise Emma as she is a local talented hairdresser with a wealth o f experience who we feel will be a great addition to the team at Studio Nine

Last year ’s Pippin stall at the Sto tfold Mill Fair

9a Regent Street Sto tfold .

News from Roecro ft Lo wer School

Hello, I’m Mrs Pepper and I am proud to be the Depu ty Headteacher at Roecro ft I work alongside Mrs Cross and her team

Roecro ft is a school building full o f lo ve and learning Our values are at the core o f what we do, making the Roecro ft family a ver y special one We share busy bu t exciting days and summer term is f illed with lo ts o f interesting trips, visits and curriculum enrichment We are looking for ward to being ou tside more in the warmer weather and to some o f our annual favourites in the coming months such as spor ts day and dance morning

In Histor y, the children have been learning abou t the V ikings and Anglo -Saxons The children have also been learning abou t food and nu trition Using the school cooking room, the children made dough and then created their o wn pizzas Ever yone had a great time and the pizzas tasted delicious!

Year 4 have had an exciting star t to summer term and their last term at Roecro ft Some highlights are that in histor y, we are no w exploring the Ancient Egyptians In English, the children have lo ved reading ‘Marcy and the Riddle o f the Sphinx ’ We are no w looking for ward to welcoming Por tals to the Past in May who will be helping us celebrate the end o f our topic with an immersive day.

We have also just been on our three -day residential trip to Cu ffley Camp, staying in woodland pods and taking par t in activities such as climbing and f ire lighting. The children have lo ts to look for ward to in the coming months; celebrating the end o f their time at Roecro ft, the King’s Jubilee, our annual dance morning, Bikeability and more!

In Year 3, we f inished Spring term with a trip to the STEM Disco ver y Centre in Stevenage This pro vided a fantastic oppor tunity to explore areas o f Science and Technology and the children had a great time working with interactive exhibits co vering the themes o f Space, Energy, Materials, Forces and Magnetism We also go t viewing access to the Mars Yards test area, where we go t to view the pro to type ro vers that Airbus engineers are testing as par t o f the ExoMars project The children also go t to create their o wn rockets and launch them, which was great fun!

Year 3 children enjo ying the STEM Disco ver y Centre in Stevenage

News from Fair f ield Park Lo wer School

Many o f us can remember the celebrations linked to the Ro yal family f rom our you th and this month has given the children at Fair f ield Park the oppor tunity to join the nation in celebrating the coronation o f King Charles III

Our celebrations included a whole school ar t project where children took the time to learn abou t their families and then created individual posters celebrating their family – f rom recipes, to flags, to stories passed do wn, the children have learnt a lo t abou t their heritage. We captured this learning on world maps too to see all the countries where pupils and their families come f rom. The celebrations continued with the Big FPLS

Lunch, a whole school dance and learning abou t all the historic locations used in the Coronation A rich and treasured experience for all

During the f irst half o f the Summer term the topics that are being co vered by all classes are:

Penguins and Squirrels: Do wn on the farm

Barn Owl, Sno wy Owl, Honey Bee Class: Going Places

Badger, Hedgehog, Tur tle Class: Ou tback Adventure

Swan, Robin, Seahorse Class: Magic Flying Machines

Panda, Fox & Otter Class: Back in Time

Kingf isher, Kestrel & Toucan Class: Land o f Hope & Glor y

Our Value o f the Half Term: Patience

Fair f ield Park Lo wer School

Dickens Boulevard & Ruskin Drive

E: o ff ice@fair f ieldparklo wer.uk 01462 830000

News from St Mar y’s A cademy

Our Spring Term was rounded o ff with an uplifting Easter Ser vice at St Mar y’s Church on the last day o f term! Since then we have all had a lo vely Easter holiday with plenty o f chocolate!

Despite the two week Easter break, April was a relatively busy month for the St Mar y’s School Association who held a Quiz Night at the Conser vative Club along with the ever popular Sponsored Bounce event in school and Happy Bag Collections. We are ver y grateful to bo th the volunteers, our families and our community for donating their time and money to help enrich the children’s lives in school.

Clubs have been ver y popular o ver the last two terms with a range o f school run and external activities on o ffer We will have Tennis, Karate, Dance, Drama, FIT, Gymnastics, Spanish and Multi-Spor ts Clubs back star ting in the Summer Term All years will take par t in a fun skipping workshop on Thursday 4th May

On Friday 5th May most o f our Year 4 children will be par ticipating in Bikeability training in preparation for their journey to big school This will be such a useful and rewarding experience for them

The recent SMSA Happy Bags Collection also raised much needed funds for the school This initiative encourages our families to save their unwanted items, collect them into bags available f rom St Mar y’s o ff ice and deliver them to school on the collection date They are then picked up by the Charity in return for a monetar y donation dependent on weight, which the SMSA then uses to benef it our school children. Currently we are raising money to wards new IT equipment. We would encourage any members o f our community to please help us even if they do no t have children currently within St Mar y’s. The Charity will take clean adult and children’s clo thing, paired shoes or trainers, belts, hats, accessories and handbags.

Charit y Line Dance

on Saturday 24th June, 2023 at the Sto tfold Memorial Hall, Hitchin Road, Sto tfold, SG5 4HR

Dancing to a great ar tist Nadine Summers

and also to listen to Tickets £10 00 each

Doors open at 7pm

Ho t and Cold drinks available bring your o wn snacks

To book and pay for tickets please contact Bridie Smith on 01462 639279 or email bridget.smith@u wclub.net

All proceed to Alzheimer ’s (f ight against Dementia)

Thank you for your anticipated suppor t

Upcoming events and details/pho tos o f past events are always detailed on our website

Until our next instalment please have a lo vely extended break with the additional bank holiday in honour o f the coronation o f His Majesty King Charles.

News from Etonbur y A cademy

There has been great excitement at Etonbur y as building work continues on the new Sixth Form centre The plans include a large social area with comfy seating and a glass windo w o verlooking the garden The construction company SISK has o ffered to help develop the Sixth Formers’ garden and recently held a competition for students to design it, with some great prizes on o ffer I am delighted to announce that Lucas N won f irst prize o f £50, with Hannah P in second place and Lily D in third place All the designs will be used in the construction o f the garden

After months o f preparation, our Secondar y mock trial students attended Stevenage magistrates cour t last month for a local competition, accompanied by Ms Denton Judged by real magistrates, the students entered two heats, one in which they prosecu ted the defendant and the o ther where they defended an individual for an o ffence. Well done to all who entered and thank you so much to Ms Denton!

Most recently our Primar y and Secondar y dancers entered the Bedfordshire County Dance Final Competition with our PE Apprentice ex- student Miss King who competed in the same competition herself whilst at ETA multiple times On the day they competed against 20 o ther schools in the region and came away with

silver and bronze medals! Congratulations girls we are exceptionally proud o f you

A group o f Year 8 & 9 students were lucky enough to attend the festival's f irst schools programme on Tuesday. The Cambridge Festival is an annual event sho wcasing all o f the world-leading research carried ou t by the university. The students saw three lectures at the Babbage Theatre abou t maths as logic, ar tefacts held by the Museum o f Archaeology and Anthropology, and engineering used in production.

Our Brilliant Club have enjo yed a school trip to Oxford University to take par t in the Scholars Programme, which is a charitable programme aimed at encouraging students into higher education Our Juniors have enjo yed a trip to The Space Centre and Year 6 are looking for ward to a trip to Harr y Po tter

We are delighted to share the success o f our budding scientists, a group o f Year 10 students par ticipated in a STEM Careers Day at Redborne Upper School They took par t in various challenges, demonstrating leadership, creativity and teamwork and achieved 3 f irst places and a second! Excellent result!

A big thank you to The Need Project volunteers who suppor ted our secondhand uniform sale at their centre in Sto tfold This event highlighted to our Etonbur y Community the fantastic work o f this ver y impor tant local charity Please continue to share in our values, Ever yone is respectful, Together we care and Always aim higher

Ian Evason – Execu tive Principal Etonbur y Academy www.etonbur y.org.uk

Etonbur y Academy dancers win silver & bronze!

Our Monthly update from Mum with 3

The trifecta effect…

As I sit and write this month’s update o f ho w my Ironman training is going, I’m feeling the typical f irst signs o f a cold; a sore throat and headache. If this is going to develop, it will be the 3rd cold I’ve had in the last couple o f months. This might no t seem uncommon at this time o f year when the seasons are changing, bu t it is unusual for me Prior to this year, I could count the number o f times that I’ve been ill on one hand, bu t it seems no w to be a common occurrence; The f irst cold I trained through, the second I had to take time o ff A hacking cough and chest discomfor t does no t go hand in hand with exercise, and you can’t sweat ou t a virus, it’s a my th

It’s been f rustrating to have a stop/star t beginning to my ironman journey bu t it’s a sign that I need to look no t just at my f itness, bu t at my o verall health and lifestyle

I always have been a sucker for junk food and the white stu ff – sugar! We have a ver y enticing baker y in Sto tfold, a couple o f Cafes and the Co -op all selling my favourite foods o f which I regularly indulge A poor diet especially late at

night is never going to give you a good night’s sleep and together, these two issues, are no doubt affecting my immune system as I increase my training and place stress on my body.

So if I’m going to do this, and by this, I mean continue to train longer and harder in the weeks and months ahead, then I’m going to have to look no t only at the 3 triathlon disciplines o f swim, bike and run bu t also the 3 factors that are equally impor tant to the trifecta necessar y for a healthy lifestyle; sleep, diet, and exercise

So if you see me at the Co -op loitering in the far corner by the baker y section, please tell me to pu t the doughnu ts do wn and keep focusing on my Ironman goal

Mumwith3

Family announcements

LAURYN WEST

15th May

Happy 18th Bir thday!

Lo ts o f lo ve f rom all your family xx

ELAINE DRURY

27th May

Happy 80th Bir thday!

All our lo ve, Jo, Lucie & Leila xx

MONICA SAUNDERS

9th May

Happy Bir thday!

Lo ve Pete Lucy, Olivia, Alex, Oliver Mum & Frank x

ELAINE DRURY

27th May

Happy 80th Bir thday! With lo ve f rom, David, Jen Jessica & Ben xx

ELAINE DRURY

Happy 80th Bir thday wishes to our amazing Mum & Granny! Hope you have a wonder ful day!

All our lo ve Sally & Ashton X xx

•Paninis

•Afternoon Teas

•Homemade Cakes

@boxofcakesstotfold www.boxofcakes.co.uk

Open Tues to Sat 9-4pm Tel:07812 055587

Hall wor th Drive, Sto tfold.

ELAINE DRURY

27th May

Happy 80th Bir thday To Our Amazing Mum / Granny, With Lo ve Jane, Fraser, Harr y, George & Charlie xx

MATT WOOD

8th May

Happy Bir thday

Lo ve f rom us all X xxxx

VERONICA COUZENS

9th May

Happy Bir thday! Lo ve Mon, Pete Lucy, Olivia, Alex, Oliver and Frank x

ELLA WOOD

1st May

Happy 5th Bir thday Lo ve Nanny Grandad & all your Auntie & Uncles x

In Lo ving Memor y o f

ELLEN ELIZABETH PARCELL

I would like to inform ever yone o f the ver y sad loss o f my dear Daughter Ellen Step-daughter to John, Mo ther o f James and Rosie and par tner to Ronnie. We wish to thank relatives, f riends and neighbours for the lo vely floral tribu tes, cards and messages which we have received, they were ver y much appreciated Margaret & John Savor y.

tball

At the beginning o f April, the 1st team are in second place to ho t pre - season favourites Leighton To wn in the Spar tan Sou th Midlands Premier Division With a diff icult run in it will be f ingers crossed that they can f ill the one play o ff place on o ffer with f ive games remaining They are also in the semi-f inals o f the Gladwish Challenge Trophy and the Hinchingbrooke Cup with ties away to Rugby Borough and home to Eaton Socon.

The Development team are 4th in the Beds County league with seven matches remaining and are in the Britannia Cup quar ter f inal at home to AFC Oakley First.

Com puter Ser vices

The Women’s team are maintaining top spo t in the Beds and Her ts Women’s League Division 1 with six matches to play Disappointingly they lost on penalties to Premier Division leaders Harpenden To wn in the League Cup SemiFinal, a wonder ful effor t

The U18 team are currently 4th in the Sou thern Counties Floodlit You th League with one match left to play There is much left to play for as the season ends The club would like to thank ever yone for their lo yal suppor t this season much appreciated let’s cheer the bo ys on to a great end o f season.

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

News From Sto tfold Junior Foo tball Club

Sto tfold Junior 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 lost 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 Stor tford’s o wn tournament that will be held o ver the weekend on 5/6/7

May

Sto tfold Junior U10s:

Player's wanted!! The current Sto tfold U10s (year 5) mo ving to U11 (year 6) next season step up to 9v9 foo tball As a result, our teams are seeking to recruit new players across all teams We will have 7 teams next season o ffering foo tball to players that range f rom elite academy level to beginners We will also have teams on Saturday and Sundays, so can cater for all If interested, please email Benny at bensto tfoldjuniors@gmail.com and copy in sto tfoldjfckevin@gmail.com / enquiries@sto tfoldjuniorsfc.co.uk

WALKS FOR HEALTH Would you like to join a f riendly local group for weekly local walk?

Walks star t at 10.45am Meeting points for May: 4th, 11th Arlesey Station

18th Etonbur y Woods (Etonbur y school end )

25th Corner o f Hospital Rd, High Street

For details contact Beth Over f ield 01462 815672

Sto tfold Vets:

In March the Sto tfold Veterans team won the Bedfordshire 9 aside League Trophy. Long ser ving manager Benny Smith was delighted with the teams f irst silver ware. Despite many more years o f experience than they'd like to admit, they stormed to a 2 nil lead before getting cagey in the second half, with the opposition getting a goal back. Some solid defending meant the team held on to their 2-1 lead to lift the cup

Sto tfold Junior U8 Ambers

Sto tfold Vets Team

Reader ’s Recipe Of The Month! - Margaret Shaw

Follo wing on f rom last month’s reader recipe kindly supplied to us by reader and avid cooker y fan, Paul Webb, we have ano ther tasty treat in store this month cour tesy o f Sto tfold resident Margaret Shaw. We hope you enjo y it!

Cinnamon Co ffee Cake

Ingredients:

1 cup bu tter, so ftened, 2-3/4 cups sugar, divided

4 large eggs, room temperature. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda,

1 teaspoon salt, 2 cups sour cream,

2 tablespoons ground cinnamon, 1/2 cup chopped walnu ts

Method

1 In a large bo wl, cream bu tter and 2 cups sugar until light and flu ffy, 5-7 minu tes Add 1 egg at a time, beating well after each addition Beat in vanilla Combine flour, baking soda and salt; add alternately with sour cream, beating just enough after each addition to keep batter smoo th

2 Spoon a third o f batter into a greased 10-in tube pan Combine cinnamon, nu ts and remaining 3/4 cup sugar; sprinkle one - third o f mixture o ver batter in pan.

Repeat layers

2 more times. Bake at 350° until a too thpick inser ted in center comes ou t clean, 60-65 minu tes Cool for 15 minu tes before remo ving f rom pan to a wire rack to cool completely

Cinnamon Co ffe Cake - sent in to us by Margaret Shaw WE WANT YOUR RECIPES!

IT’S HAPPENING! - August 28th Bank Holiday Monday!

After some discussion and gentle persuasion, the Sto tfold News Magazine has joined forces with a few trusted f riends to bring you the 2023 Sto tfold Walking Market!

Sto tfold Walking Market 2023

Due to the popularity o f this fabulous event, we felt that it needed to stay f irmly on the Sto tfold Calendar - together with a few local f riends including 'font o f all Sto tfold kno wledge' Chris Webster ( We feel like we are in good hands!) and Satchells Estate Agents we intend on bringing you the Walking Market we all kno w and lo ve!

Registration opens in JUNE

Keep an eye on the Sto tfold News Magazine facebook page and fur ther issues o f our magazine for more info! Huge thanks to Bev Harrold for arming us with all o f her Walking Market kno wledgeWe will have a new email address for stall enquiries, ho wever this will no t be made public until we begin registration. Watch this space!

May Fun Quiz

In our MAY FUN QUIZ, compiled and presented by Sto tfold’s ver y o wn Brain o f Britain, David Stedman, we strike up the band with a theme o f MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS. Clues contained in each question or answer. (Answers on page 36)

1 What item o f apparel is deno ted by the Cockney rhyming slang “whistle and flu te”?

2 The Bass Strait separates the Australian mainland f rom which major island?

3 What was the stage name o f the singing sisters (pictured belo w) who, in 1941, introduced us to the “Boogie Woogie Bugle Bo y” (o f Company B)?

4 What name is shared by a former militar y title deno ting the lo west ranked commissioned o ff icer in a British army cavalr y troop; and is also a treat on a ho t day!?

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5 During the 1960s, The Lemon Pipers and The Byrds had hit records with which musical instrument mentioned in the titles?

6 In geometr y, what name, derived f rom Greek meaning “uneven”, is applied to a triangle with sides o f different lengths?

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7 Talking o f triangles, a solid red triangle, registered in 1876, is the oldest kno wn British trademark still in use today and is the logo o f which brewer y?

8 The large Af rican antelope pictured belo w has a distinctive reddish-bro wn body with white camou flage stripes and long spiral horns What is its common name?

9 What was the real family surname o f the ver y famous 19th centur y trio who once used the pseudonyms o f Acton, Ellis and Currer Bell?

10 Disregarding possible spacing and hyphenation differences in the names, what Du tch-based manu facturer o f GPS equipment shares its name with a percussion instrument?

11 In the England and Wales legal system, what title is given to a par t- time High Cour t judge?

12 What is the surname o f Ashley and Jordan, two bro thers and members o f the dance troupe Diversity?

13 What is the forename and surname o f the distinguished US f ilm and stage actress (pictured right) who won the Academy Award for Best Suppor ting Actress in the 2016 f ilm “Fences”?

14 The intelligent, enchanting and cross -dressing V iola is the central character is which play by William Shakespeare?

15 According to the title and opening lyrics o f the 1970s hit song for Bread: “Who draws the cro wd and plays so loud?” and “Who’s gonna steal the sho w?

16 “ Stays Sharp”. That was the claim in a famous series o f UK adver tisements for which brand o f Irish lager, as indicated by the dash?

17 What is the single stage name o f the Sco ttish singer and songwriter who had a UK and US hit album during the 1960s with “The Hurdy Gurdy Man”?

18 What is the common name o f the male bird pictured belo w, which is native to Australia?

19 Italian architect Enzo Piano designed the UKs tallest building, topped ou t in London in 2012, and popularly kno wn by what informal epithet?

20 What one same six-letter word can precede ‘law’ to make the name o f a parliamentar y constituency in No ttinghamshire; ‘hound’ to make the name o f a breed o f dog; and ‘horn’ to make the name o f a musical instrument o f the clarinet family?

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.

News from King’s Baptist Church

This May our nation will celebrate, and probably most o f the world will be watching, the coronation o f King Charles As Christians, we will also be thinking abou t Jesus, because in May we will also be no ting and celebrating bo th the Ascension o f Jesus, and Pentecost

After Jesus rose f rom the dead, he appeared to his f riends and follo wers repeatedly o ver a period o f 40 days By this, he sho wed them he was no longer dead, bu t he really was alive The day o f Ascension was the last o f those appearances, when Jesus left the ear th and returned to Heaven in triumph The Bible describes Jesus sitting on a throne in heaven, f rom where he reigns as king o ver all kings, and lord abo ve all lords

No w, Jesus’ f riends and follo wers were o verjo yed that Jesus was alive, bu t they were puzzled that he was going away again. Bu t he had said to them “I tell you the tru th: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do no t go away,

the Helper will no t come to you Bu t if I go, I will send him to you ” And by this, o f course, he meant the Holy Spirit Jesus himself said that it is better for us if he goes away and then sends the Holy Spirit to us

Pentecost took place ten days after Ascension When the Holy Spirit came, the people were transformed! Formerly they had been timid, fear ful and uncer tain; bu t no w they were bold, courageous and conf ident Ever yone was amazed! And what is more, just as those f irst follo wers o f Jesus were changed long ago, you and I can also be changed by the Spirit o f God, even today

Church minister Joseph Irons wro te the follo wing words on the occasion o f ano ther ro yal coronation, that o f George IV in 1821:

“…the best instances o f lo yalty to our ear thly so vereign will be found among those who will bear him on their hear ts before our heavenly King, praying that the sceptre o f Jesus may be swayed in his hear t, and that rich grace may prepare him to wear a cro wn o f glor y.”

I hope you will kno w the new life, deep jo y, and lasting peace that Jesus gives f reely to all who ask.

Information abou t our meetings and o ther events can be found on our website, www kingsbaptistchurch co uk

The anointed one

What does it mean to be “ the anointed one”? In the coronation this month, look ou t for this symbol o f anointing the King During a central par t o f the historic ceremony o f coronation to take place on May 6th, special prayers will be said for King Charles III He will remo ve his f ine robes and replace them with a plain white robe Then Holy oil will be placed upon his head and the sign o f the Cross made This is when King Charles is “anointed”

The Holy oil was prepared f rom olives gro wn in Jerusalem, f rom the famous Mount o f Olives, which appears in the stor y o f Jesus Christ, a place that Christ would go to with his disciples In fact, the word “Christ” is f rom an ancient Greek verb meaning “ to anoint” The historical Jesus o f Nazareth was called “The Anointed One” (Christ) by his follo wers, the one God had chosen to be King. The oil o f anointing was a symbol o f kingship. Jesus himself, ho wever, told the Roman go vernor that he didn’t consider himself a king in the ordinar y sense: “My kingdom is no t f rom this world” (Gospel o f John 18:36). Never theless, the global church looks for ward and prays for God’s Kingdom to

come, and for Jesus to reign It’s something said ever y day by many in The Lord’s Prayer: “your kingdom come, your will be done”

As this nation cro wns and anoints a new king, my prayer is that we may all experience something o f God’s lo ving reign on this ear th May you experience something o f this in your life too Graham

At Sto tfold Methodist Church :

No Co ffee morning this month due to the Coronation

Monday Club is 2pm to 3:30pm (except during holidays)

Sunday worship at 10am:

7th : ser vice led by members o f the congregation

14th : Allison Ff inch

21st : ser vice led by members o f the congregation

28th : Revd Graham Claydon-Knights (Holy Communion)

Revd. Graham

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

Information from Jodie Chiller y

I intend to stand as an Independent candidate in the local elections on the 4th May for Arlesey & Fair f ield ward.

Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) is made up o f councillors who are elected by you. Councillors work with local people, community groups, businesses and o ther organisations, to agree and deliver local priorities. Those decisions are implemented by permanent council staff The decisions affect you and the area you live Here’s why a vo te for me will benef it you

Why should you elect me?

• Communication

I will ensure much needed transparency and better communication A recent experience liaising with CBC concerning the A507 road works, the problems with the Fair f ield and Arlesey underpasses that at times have been impassable and dangerous affecting Pix Brook and Etonbur y Academy students, has mo tivated me to influence positive change I aim to be a voice o f our community, working on your behalf and I will do my u tmost to impro ve life in the community

• Development

Our community and landscape is evolving rapidly Our amenities need an upgrade, and our remaining green spaces will need greater pro tection. With development comes money, (section 106 budget) and po tential oppor tunity, my aim is to ensure WE benef it f rom this po t. I intend to influence decisions that ensure school places, parking spaces, and public transpor t ser vices are su ff icient and able to cope before more new houses are built.

• Public Transpor t

Since 2018 I’ve co -chaired the Rail Users Group. I’ve seen ho w accurate representation and positive communication with all stakeholders can achieve constructive change We are currently working on secure cycle storage, complete step f ree access and impro vements to the station amenities There’s still a lo t o f work to do, bu t slo wly we’ve made impro vements to the rail ser vice, and our voice has been heard at the highest level – even in parliament!

I have also been forging collaborative relationships with CBC and Go via Thameslink regarding the proposed plans for new cycle inf rastructure This, I hope, will ensure safe pedestrian and cycle access f rom Fair f ield, Arlesey, Henlo w, and Sto tfold to the station and our proposals for secure cycle storage are currently awaiting appro val f rom po tential funders

What have I ever done around here?

• During lockdo wn I volunteered with a local Good Neighbours project, initially shopping for vulnerable, elderly and housebound residents and later o ffering transpor t to medical appointments I remain an active volunteer still suppor ting those who need assistance

• I co -founded the Rail Users Group and we have successfully secured an agreement f rom GTR to avoid skipping Arlesey Station in times o f disruption We have held crime prevention events with British Transpor t Police in the Librar y, and we’ve achieved a commitment to increased police patrols around the station

Who am I?

I grew up in Arlesey, mo ved away to study and work, and returned some years later with my o wn family I work as a f reelance Television Producer specialising in current/consumer affairs, (BBC’s Watchdog, Rogue Traders, Panorama, Crimewatch, C4’s Dispatches and documentaries) This background gives me useful skills in holding organisations to account, corroborating evidence, and an undeterred enthusiasm for accurate and timely communication! These experiences and skills are transferable to a role within our local community and I hope to have the oppor tunity to pu t them to good use Please consider a vo te for me on the 4th o f May

Jodie Chiller y (Nee Gravett) Jodie Chiller y@gmail com

GET READY FOR VO TER ID

The go vernment has introduced compulsor y pho tographic identif ication if you vo te on 4th May (it does no t affect postal vo ters). You will need an appro ved ID, bu t don’t worr y as there is a long list: driving license, passpor t, concessionar y travel cards, and many more. Please see https://tinyurl.com/cbc-vo terid for info.

Promo ted by Jodie Chiller y o f The Paddocks 237A High Street Arlesey, SG15 6SZ printed by The MANSON Group Limited, Reynolds House, 8 Por ters Wood, Valley Road Industrial Estate St Albans, Her ts AL3 6PZ

Independent Candidate for Arlesey & Fair f ield ward, Jodie Chiller y

This month we are featuring some work by Sto tfold resdent Bernard Williams who is actually new to the Sto tfold Ar t Group bu t who has been established as an ar tist in Sto tfold for o ver twenty years

Some time ago he opened a galler y in his home in Meado w Way, to sell original paintings and prints He has a website where you can see some o f his past work: http://www galler y1a co uk

In 2010 he was inspired by a visit to a small wood with a pond near Clifton Three paintings on the theme o f woodland, water and birds were the result o f this and "Cro w's Nest " is one o f them

News from Sto tfold Ar t Group

Nearer to home, this dramatic painting sho ws the dereliction o f Sto tfold Mill after the f ire in 1992 Bernard's favourite medium is acr ylic Some o f his paintings are no w brightening the walls in Randall's tea - room at Sto tfold Mill, where an exhibition o f the ar t group's work will be held o ver the weekend o f 22nd and 23rd July.

Nor th Her ts Road Runners

The next 1st Sat o f the month 5k at Letchwor th Common will be 6th May at 9am. Entr y is f ree and open to all abilities Entries are open for the Greenway Challenge on 7th May

www greenwaychallenge org uk

We continue our training sessions with qualif ied coaches on Tues & Thurs evenings at 7pm These are open to all, why no t come along for a taster session with no obligation

Contact Ian 07506429928 or nhrr.org.uk

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

‘Cro ws Nest’ painted by Bernard Williams

Bernards painting o f the Sto tfold Mill after the f ire

MAKE YOUR BATHROOM SAFE AND COMFORTABLE WITH BMAS

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S T O T F O L D T O W N C O U N C I L

The Greenacre Centre

Valerian Way, Sto tfold

Hitchin, Her ts, SG5 4HG

Telephone number: 01462 730064

Email address: enquiries@sto tfoldto wncouncil.go v.uk

Website: www.sto tfoldto wncouncil.go v.uk

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

KING CHARLES III CORONATION

Sto tfold To wn Council are pleased to supply all pupils f rom all the schools in Sto tfold with a commemorative medal to mark the coronation o f King Charles III We will also be flying special Coronation flags f rom the Greenacre Centre and Sto tfold Cemeter y

SCHEDULED MEETINGS FOR MAY 2023

Council 18th, Recreation Grounds, Public Lands and Lighting 24th, Cemeter y committee 31st, Buildings committee 31st , To wn Strategy 31st.

YOUR COUNCIL TAX BILL

Your Council Tax bill consists o f f ive separate sections: Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue Ser vices, Bedfordshire Police & Crime Commissioner, Central Bedfordshire Council, Central Bedfordshire Adult Ser vices and Sto tfold To wn Council. The pie char t belo w sho ws the percentage o f each au thority’s income f rom Sto tfold’s taxpayers.

We as a council take it ver y seriously ho w we set our budgets and ho w any po tential increases to the precept amount is seen. We did look long and hard at the situation and it did result unfor tunately in this increase

With the to wn gro wing and the adoption o f new green spaces we had an unfor tunate task o f setting a budget to maintain these The previous contract for grounds maintenance had come to its conclusion after 6 years, and while setting the budget six years ago was prudent at the time, left us at a point o f poor coincidence As with all ser vices, no t only the council have as an obligation to maintain, bu t there have also been a 25% increase o ver the past few years on all costs which has meant a sharp increase in the cost attribu ted to this one area Energy costs for the buildings we o wn/maintain again, like domestic households have seen an increase in energy cost, again something that is also accounted for, the relocation o f the librar y will o ffset the cost o f energy in a predominantly empty large space at the Greenacres building The To wn council o wned street lighting contract also ceased and a new one had to be procured, we have an obligation to maintain/repair our 260 street lights and pay for the energy, which is also increasing Unfor tunately, with some contracts it is no t viable to bring ‘in house’ as these do no t require a workforce ever y week

The to wn handyman contractor also terminated his contract early due to ill health, so this meant we had to resolve and resource new person(s) to for f ill this role, again as the to wn has gro wn this is no w a role for multiple operatives which we are no w emplo ying to save us on increased and inflated labour cost which comes f rom ou tsourced contracts

STO TFOLD CEMETERY – ROAD CLOSURE

During the weekend o f this year ’s Steam & Mill Fair and Countr y Sho w, 13th and 14th May, Mill Lane will be closed to traff ic between the hours o f 8am to 6.30pm each day, f rom its junction with Queen Street/Rook Tree Lane to the Wrayf ields/Malthouse Lane junction. You will therefore be unable to access Sto tfold Cemeter y by vehicle during this time. You may access the Cemeter y on foo t, as the pedestrian gates will remain open.

NEW CONTR ACTORS

The To wn Council are pleased to be working with new contractors for grass cu tting, streetlighting and the cleaning o f our premises f rom 2023 -2026.

• Countr ywide – Grass cu tting contractor

• Sparkx – Streetlighting

• Minster Cleaning – Greenacre and Memorial Hall cleaning contractor

We welcome the new contractors and look for ward to working with them for the benef it o f Sto tfold and its residents.

Your Health Matters

Beds and Her ts Breast Screening Ser vice

You may have spo tted the Beds and Her ts breast screening mobile unit which is at Shefford Health Centre between March – May 2023 Eligible ladies aged 50-71 who are due

for their 3 yearly rou tine mammograms will au tomatically receive an invitation letter with an appointment time through the post

If you have previously been invited bu t missed the oppor tunity to have your breast screening, or you are o ver 71 and would like to continue to be screened, appointments are available by calling 01582 497599

Breast cancer is the most common type o f cancer in the UK, mostly affecting women o ver the age o f 50, bu t younger women, and men can also get breast cancer. Make your appointment today.

R. H GARDEN DESIGN The Garden

FREE EVENT FOR ADULTS

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

Saturday 6th May: Co ffee Morning & Lego! 10am-3pm

Come along for a cuppa, a biscuit and a chat. There will be board games and puzzle books available for adults and families on demand.

Saturday 6th May

Live Streaming o f the Coronation o f King Charles III, alongside our regular co ffee and Lego session.

ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN

Ever y Tuesday, Stor y and Rhyme Time 10.30am

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

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

Ever y Thursday *In par tnership with the Children’s Centre Sing and Sign 10 30am, with British Sign Language

Saturday 27th May

Elmer Day activity packs will be available f rom 9am-4pm

School Holiday Activities 30th May–3rd June

Stor y & Rhyme Time, Tuesday 30th May 10 30am (recommended for children aged 0-5)

Games Afternoon, Wednesday 31st May 2pm-5pm age 3+

Children’s Activity with the Shefford and Sto tfold Children’s Centre, Thursday 1st June 10 30am age 2+

Crafts, Friday 2nd June 2pm-5pm (recommended for children aged 2+)

Co ffee and Lego Club, Saturday 3rd June 10am-3pm (recommended for children o f all ages)

Librar y opening times:

Tuesday – 9am-1pm Wednesday – 2pm-6pm Thursday – 9am-1pm

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

News from Sto tfold Librar y

EVENTS FOR ALL THE FAMILY

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

Sto tfold Family Café 9am-10.30am. For parents, carers, babies, and children. Free cuppa and play. Suppor t, advice, and signposting for all aspects o f parenting. Self-weigh scales available. (recommended for families with children aged 0-12 years)

Ever y Saturday

Lego and Duplo Club

10am-3pm (for ages 0-109)

Ever y 1st Saturday o f the month

10am-3pm Co ffee Morning & Lego! Come along for a cuppa, a biscuit and a chat There will be board games and puzzle books available for adults and families on demand, plus the Lego will also be ou t and available for anyone to use if they wish

We will also be Live Streaming the Coronation o f King Charles III.

Down Memory Lane

In a nod to this month’s ro yal celebrations, we were thrilled to receive this wonder ful pho tograph f rom Margaret Moore taken on the day o f the Queen’s Coronation Sto tfold held a procession through the to wn on that day - pictured left to right are: Mar y Darge, Ann Smith, ?, Margaret Bro wn and Margaret Darge Does anyone recall the name o f the girl pho tographed in the centre as Margaret would dearly lo ve to kno w? - Email or call us if you can help?

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 to sto tfold news@yahoo com if you can help!!

STO TFOLD GARDEN CLUB Meetings and Trips

Meetings and Trips

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

Wednesday 10th May 2023

Ou ting to Capel Manor Gardens

Coach depar ts f rom the bus stop on Hitchin Road 10:00am

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

sto tfoldgc@gmail.com

ANSWERS to APRIL FUN QUIZ on page 24 1 Suit; 2 Tasmania; 3 Andrews Sisters; 4 CORNET; 5 “My Green TAMBOURINE” and “Hey, Mr TAMBOURINE Man”; 6 Scalene; 7 BASS; 8 BONGO; 9 Brontë; 10 TOM TOM/TOM-TOM/TOMTOM; 11 RECORDER; 12 BANJO; 13 VIOLA Davis; 14 “Twelfth Night”; 15 “The GUITAR Man”; 16 HARP; 17 Dono van; 18 LYRE Bird; 19 The Shard; 20 BASSET

Local Director y