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From the Editor Welcome to November! What a busy month we have had! We have thoroughly enjoyed lots of events in Stotfold this month including the MacMilllan Coffee Morning at the Stotfold Town Council offices and of course the Stotfold Mill Working Steam Weekend. Thank you to everyone that popped along to say hello to us! You can find pictures from the Steam weekend on our facebook page as we narrowly missed our print date to get them into this month’s edition. Inside this month’s issue we have several interesting features we hope you will enjoy reading. We welcome Mrs Hollie Cross as the new Head Teacher at Roecroft Lower School, you can read her ‘Coffee Time’ feature on page 7 of your November issue. We have a wonderful tribute to Mrs Fiona Brightwell a long serving teacher from St Mary’s Academy written by the school inside this month’s issue. Thank you to St Mary’s Academy for writing such a lovely piece. Believe it or not, there is a positively Christmassy feel to our November magazine with details of many Stotfold festivites to be found inside this month.. We truly hope our community joins in with this year’s festive fun - We are certainly looking forward to attending as many of these events as possible and look forward to seeing you there.
Editoral:
Please email your letters or articles to stotfold.news@yahoo.co.uk or write to us at: Stotfold News Magazine, 78 Hitchin Road, Stotfold, Hertfordshire, SG5 4HT You can also call us on 01462 731986 (Mon - Fri, 9.30am to 5pm)
Advertising:
It’s easy to advertise in the Stotfold News You’ll find all you need to know at: www.stotfoldnews.co.uk
Deliveries:
We have over 90 volunteers that deliver the Stotfold News Magazine. If for any reason you do not recieve your copy of the magazine please contact us to let us know. Contact us for details of our subscription service.
Announcements:
We are happy to accept birthday announcements by post, telephone, email or through our facebook page. If you would like to make a donation in return for your announcement or please visit:
www.justgiving.com/gardenhousehospice or send a cheque made payable to Garden House Hospice to: Garden House Hospice, Gillison Close, Letchworth Garden City, Herts SG6 1QU
We say a huge thank you and farewell this month to two of our long serving delivery volunteers Dawn and Colin Breacher as they leave Stotfold for pastures new (but not too far away!). Dawn and Colin have been fantastic delivery volunteers for us for quite some time, as well as offering great support to many other local events during their time in Stotfold. We are sure they will be very much missed and wish them the very best of luck in their new home. Thank you also to the Hopkirk family who also hand over the reins of their delivery round as they also move home at the end of this month. Your help was so very much appreciated - thank you!
Please mention that the donation has been made on behalf of the Stotfold News Magazine.
We look forward to bringing you our Christmas issue next month be sure to send in your advertisements, family announcement or letters nice and early so that Santa has plenty of time to receive them!
This month’s amazing cover photograph was kindly sent in to us by Joseph Ferri and was entitiled ‘Autumn Morning’. We thought the shot of the cricket pavillion at Fairfield was simply stunning!
Turn to page 35 to find out how you can help celebrate 100 years of peace with a variety of Remembrance services’ being held in Stotfold on Sunday 11th November.
Until December....
Published by Stotfold News Ltd in association with Woodbury Printing Services www.woodburyprint.co.uk
To have your photograph featured as a future front cover of the Stotfold News Magazine please send them to: stotfold.news@yahoo.co.uk.
To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986
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Stotfold Golf Society
Stotfold Golf Society held their September meeting of this year’s Order of Merit. We played at St Neots Golf Club.
Congratulations to Mr Pete Hargreaves who was the champion on the day with Mr Terry Blythe runner up. Mr Brian Dobner won nearest the pin in one and the longest drive was won by Mr Kevin Mayes. The day was sponsored by Mr Mick Haskell. Many thanks to Keith, from the Crown, for providing a great buffet as always.
FAIRFIELD COMMUNITY CHURCH
Every Sunday - Fairfield Community Hall at 10.30am. Remembrance Service Sunday 11th November at 10:30am A reflective service to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of World War 1 and all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, their lives, for freedom and peace. All welcome. Sunday 2nd December at 10:30am in Fairfield Community Hall CHRISTINGLE SERVICE Come and celebrate the first Sunday in Advent making a Christingle. This is a lovely family service. All donations to the Children’s Society
For more details: Neil 07886951656 or Pauline 01462735704
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Help Local Families In Need This Christmas
Did you know...that the Need Project gives out 180 food parcels per month and that each one of them can cost more than £50 alone?
At Christmas, the Need Project also funds food parcels costing a further £25,000 and children’s presents costing £2,500 for those children most in need within our very local area...
This month The Need Project are opening their doors to the community. ‘Drop Off Week’ gives everyone in Stotfold the chance to see for themselves just what the project are all about. The ‘Drop off Week’ (as the name suggests) means it is also an opportunity for people within the community to drop off donations to the project to help ease the pressure at this time of year. Donations of food, tinned and non-perishable goods and toiletries are especially welcome. Why not take along a Christmas gift for a local child in need?
The centre will be open between 10am -12 noon on Monday 19th November to Friday 23rd November. Tea and Coffee will be on offer alongside the opportunity to take a look around the centre and chat to the team first hand.
Do something worthwhile this festive season by helping local families in need. The ‘Drop Off Week’ is a great opportunity to find out more about the wonderful work the Need Project do in our community. .
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Call Ken 01462 732960 or 07774 669603 Fully insured for all work up to £5 million
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Local Cafe Offering Support To All Cafe Connect is a local cafe designed for local people in need of help overcoming social isolation and loneliness. The cafe helps people make connections within their own community, in a relaxed and safe environment. The main aims of Cafe Connect are for people to.. • Make connections with others in the locality • Share experiences and learn from others • Provide mutual support and friendship • Connect with community activities and groups • Be active and live life to the full; and • Enjoy FREE delicious cake and refreshments
Café Connect provides supportive opportunities for all, to talk about a range of issues and concerns. Whether its social isolation or loneliness, whether people have experienced relationship breakdowns, are unemployed, or just have an unhealthy lifestyle or lack social interaction Cafe Connect can offer the support they need. It is proven that support from others enables people to find positive and collaborative solutions for a better quality of life, whatever the story. Interested in finding out more? Pop along to your nearest Cafe Connect at the Arlesey Resource Centre every Monday 1pm - 4pm.
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Coffee time with....
Head Teacher at Roecroft Lower School
Hollie Cross
Congratulations on your appointment as the new Head Teacher at Roecroft Lower School, how are you settling in? Thank you, it has been a very exciting start to the school year for me. I am having a ball! The role of head is a challenging one, however, when you work in a school with such incredible families, children and staff it really doesn’t feel like work. Your previous roles within Roecroft Lower School were obviously great preparation for your new position as Head Teacher, how have the children reacted to you in your new role? The interview process for the headship took place in school over two days, during this time lots of the children were asking me if I was trying to be the new Head Teacher at Roecroft. I kept telling them I really hope so and I am trying my very hardest! We announced it in an assembly the following week and I appeared from behind a door. The cheers were immense; I have never heard noise like it. The reason I work as hard as I do is because of those children, so I was very pleased they were happy to have me as their new head. If you could narrow down your vision for the school over the forthcoming weeks and months into one sentence what would this be? WOW! One sentence that is tricky! I have so many plans and ideas for the future of the school. In the short term I want the Stotfold community to know more about us and what we do. We have so much to shout about, such as our results, our values ethos and our very passionate and talented staff. Roecroft is a unique place to grow and learn, we are a very special family. I am back to university this year and starting a number of research projects, so watch this space.
You chose to move to Stotfold a few years back. What first attracted you to the town and what do you like most about where we live? We moved to Stotfold in 2012, when our daughter was almost two. The move was for one reason and that was to get her into Roecroft. Having already spent five years working in Stotfold I knew the area really well. Rev Quint conducted our wedding in 2010 at St Marys Church. I had attended many of the Mill events and held school stalls at the various fetes over the years. It is a very welcoming community and even through there has been significant growth over the years we have lived here, it still has a small community ‘village’ feel to it. We are sure many people will appreciate that your role as Head Teacher is a round the clock job. When you manage to grab it, how do you enjoy spending your time off? Of course, it is a busy role but it’s so important to try and strike a work life balance. I have a young family and we endeavour to spend quality time with them at the weekends, Saturdays are often filled with visits to the zoo or the trampoline park. Our family favourite is a day in London, we are a city loving family and enjoy nothing more than exploring. We are hoping to take both the children into Paris in the new year. If anyone reading knows me, we are coming up to my favourite time of year, so we will be very busy enjoying the festivities over the coming months.
For those readers less familiar with you Hollie, we’d like to find out a bit more about the person behind the title. If you could name three people that have influenced your life in a positive way either personally or professionally who would they be and why? Life is such a journey and I couldn’t possibly think of only three people. I believe that every life experience, good or bad, results in the person you become. What now drives me is my family and their futures. I have an incredible support network around me, so thank you to everyone that has helped over the years. From ex-teachers, family, friends old and new, colleagues and the occasional person I have only ever spoken to on the end of the phone! I have learnt something from each and every one of you. However, I have been influenced the most by the almost 300 children I have taught, what a lot I have learnt from every one of you.
Lastly, we are so fortunate to have such fantastic schools in Stotfold. Do you have a message for anyone thinking of sending their child to Roecroft in the near future? Come and visit us! There is no better way to know a school than to step foot in the front door. Yes, I can share our exceptional results with you or write about our vision for the future. Our school is so very much more than this, if you know us already I am sure you will agree it is simply a feeling you get when you are in the building, talking to the staff and children. It is the happiest place to be each day.
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Stotfold Judo Club News
Walk4Health Walks for November:
Would you like to join a friendly local walking group? Walk with friendly like minded people around local routes.
15th November - Etonbury Woods (Meet by entrance near school). 22nd & 29th November Hospital Road/High Street Arlesey.
Contact Beth & Peter Overfield on 01462 815672 for further information.
We had a visit from some members of Luton Judo club in August who brought along Toni and David Willer, Toni has just gained her 6th Dan, she is three times World Masters champion, European Masters Champion, and many more titles we were so very lucky to have her coach us. We had some great results from our juniors at competitions in September, Tomas Graham gained a bronze at the BJC Charity International competition, at the Bishop Stortford Judo Festival, Robbie Young achieved a gold and Edith Priddey a bronze, Harrison Burstow, unfortunately, did not medal but had great fights. Amazing results at their first event, well done! Anyone over the age of 15 wishing to give judo a try is welcome to a free trial at our Senior session, just come along at 7.00pm on Wednesdays
Stotfold Judo Club train on Wednesdays, at The Pendleton Centre, Stotfold. SG15 6XS Contact: Lorna Seymour on 07734 563970 or stotfoldjjc@gmail.com for more information New members always welcome.
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Email: info@stotfoldnews.co.uk
Millie & Charlotte Tanzania Trip Success Regular readers of the Stotfold News Magazine will be familiar with the story of local girls Millie Stollery and Charlotte Barber and their recent expedition to Tanzania. We are delighted to bring you an update on their trip...
On the 14th of July, Millie Stollery and Charlotte Barber went to Tanzania on a volunteering expedition after almost two years of fundraising. Staying in five different camps, from the beach to the bush with each camp involving a different project to undertake - concreting, plastering, cementing, painting and digging.
The whole group worked well together, taking it in turns to finish the jobs set out for them. Millie and Charlotte found it incredibly satisfying completing each project, despite how physically demanding it was at times. The girls got to meet many incredible people, such as Masai tribes that lived near to their campsite. During their expedition both girls visited several schools where some of the children were so friendly and cheerful they gave them thank you notes and gifts, and often waited to walk them back to their camp. The girls agreed the trip changed both their lives and they would like to thank every one that supported their fundraising and allowed Charlotte and Millie together with the other students from Samuel Whitbread in Tanzania. them to take part in this once in a lifetime trip.
Window and door repairs and installations * Misted/broken units * Handles * Mechanisms * Door barrels
Supply and fit windows and doors Soffits and fascias
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79 Regent Street, Stotfold
01462 732248 or 07951 473505
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Winner 2015 Winner 2016
Winner 2017
NOMINATE YOUR
CHRISTMAS HERO 2018 in association with..
Do you know somebody worthy of special recognition this year? Has somebody gone that extra mile for you in 2018?
In association with Satchells Estate Agents, The Stotfold News Magazine are on the lookout for a Christmas Hero!
We want to hear your stories....do you know somebody that often puts others before themselves? Perhaps you have a wonderful neighbour or a special colleague that makes your life that much easier? Do you know somebody that has had a particularly tough year this year and deserves a special treat?
Whatever your reason for nominating your Christmas Hero -WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Simply complete the form below and pop it to Satchells Estate Agents, 47 High Street, Stotfold, Herts. Alternatively you can send us an email to stotfold.news@yahoo.co.uk or call us on 01462 731986. CLOSING DATE: 1st December 2018
Name..................................................................................................................................................................................................... Address.................................................................................................................................................................................................
Contact Telephone Number................................................................................................................................................................
Name of Nominee and reason for nomination................................................................................................................................. .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 10
Stotfold News Magazine, PO Box 311, Stotfold, Herts SG5 4WF
TEASEL
NOVEMBER BULLETIN Autumn is here, and despite the dry summer slowing down growth in the Reserve, things picked up after the heatwave moved on. Plants totally unaffected by the heat and dryness of course, are those which grow in water, in particular the bulrush. (only one letter ell – I checked!). This spreads rapaciously, and can become a nuisance, clogging the ponds, so Teasel will be making big efforts this Autumn to thin out the typha latifolia, to give it its Latin title. There are lots of different types of typha, but the one in the pictures is the type native to the UK. I’m not sure they are the type of bulrush familiar to most as the place Moses was found, but they are often shown as such in illustrations. In the pictures the dark parts of the plants are the female section of the flower, while the pale bits at the very top are the male parts.
Years ago, I made the mistake of using them in a flower display – they look great until the brown bits split, at which point, your house gets covered in light, downy fluff, which floats bbbbb everywhere – really hard to get rid of!
The only way to control the spread of the bulrush is to get down-and-dirty in the water beside them and pull them out by the roots. Teasel has several pairs of waders of different sizes, and typically six people don a pair of waders each, and pull out the typha, while three others stand on the banks to accept their offerings.
Bookings now being taken for end of 2018/early 2019
Other jobs scheduled to be done over the next few months are to clear the view from the bird hire, to harvest osiers, the long flexible shoots (withies) used in basketwork and hedgelaying from the willows, and to continue with hedgelaying itself.
To find out more about Teasel contact Teasel Secretary c/o Stotfold Watermill, Mill Lane, Stotfold, Herts, SG5 4NU
D K Home Improvements
Plumber / Tiler Complete Bathroom Installer with over 25 years experience Also general property maintenance For a free quotation contact David on: Tel: 01462 701214 Mob: 07973 912131 e-mail: david@dkhomeimprovements.co.uk or visit our web-site www.dkhomeimprovements.co.uk
Free Range Turkeys Available for Christmas from Lower Wilbury Farm
Book Now!
Farm Shop Open 10am-4pm
Friday 2nd November - Sunday 4th November Friday 30th November - Sunday 2nd December Saturday 22nd December - Monday 24th December Grass Fed Lamb and Rare Breed Pork Available Contact Dean 07988771107 email:katiewhybrow@hotmail.co.uk
www.stotfoldnews.co.uk
Or Find us on Facebook at Lower Wilbury Farm
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To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986
Pamper Evening Set For Success
Huge thanks to everybody that responded to the feature we ran last month on the Ladies Pamper Evening and Shopping event in aid of the Garden House Hospice. Event organiser Carly Tiplady and her family have been overwhelmed by the offers of raffle prizes and donations for the evening and would like to thank everybody for their amazing support and generosity. The evening is being organised by Carly in memory of her mum Bev who sadly passed away earlier this year but spent her last few months benefitting from the wonderful services the Garden House Hospice has to offer. The event takes place on Saturday 24th November, tickets for the event must be purchased in advance (they will not be available on the door on the evening) and are priced at just £5 and include a glass of prosecco. Carly told the Stotfold News magazine ‘We have been so grateful to everyone that has purchased a ticket or very kindly donated a raffle prize to us for the event. We hope to raise over £1000 for the Hospice and are well on our way to achieving this. Local businesses have been extremely generous in their assistance with raffle prizes with so many prizes now on offer including A 32 inch tv, a £100 cash prize, a £100 lesuire voucher (can be used in many places) and £50 voucher from the Stotfold News Magazine’. If you can help by donating a prize please contact Carly at the number below. The Garden House Hospice are the chosen charity of the Stotfold News Magazine and we are so pleased that our readers donate to this cause when placing their family announcements with us. We will be bringing you details next month of the Garden House Hospice Christmas Tree disposal service - due to run after this year’s festivities. Last year we helped them raise a great deal of extra funds so please keep an eye out for this in our December issue. We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the Pamper Evening on the 24th November! Tickets can be purchased by contacting Carly on 07894 058027
- To help prevent injuries and back pain - To gain muscle tone & strength - To improve posture and flexibility
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James’s Carpentry & General Handyman Service
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STOTFOLD BASED - FREE QUOTATIONS Contact us on (01462) 234292 or mobile: 07887 871212
Stotfold Library Hitchin Road, Stotfold SG5 4HP Tel. 0300 300 8068 Monday CLOSED Tuesday 9am - 1pm Wednesday 2pm- 6pm Thursday 9am - 1pm Friday 9am-1pm & 2pm - 6pm Saturday 9am-4pm Sunday CLOSED
ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN Every Tuesday (Term-time only)~ Storytime 10.30-11am (recommended for pre-school children) Rhymetime 11:15-11.45am (recommended for babies and toddlers) All events are free and under 8s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. EVENTS FOR ALL THE FAMILY Every Wednesday Lego and Duplo Club 4pm-5.30pm (recommended for ages 0-99!) Every Saturday Coffee and Lego 9am-3pm Saturday 24th November Doctor Who 55th Anniversary Event! Drop-in between 1pm3pm to take part in lots of fun Doctor Who themed activities including puzzles, games and crafts!
EVENTS FOR ADULTS Every Friday Knit and Knatter 10.30-12noon Wednesday 7th November Good Afternoon Club 2.30pm. This month we will have Geoff Hoile and Richard Whitelock from the Stotfold Art Group to launch their Art Exhibition which will be in the Library Activity Room for all to see right through to the New Year. They will also be discussing the Art Group and Leisure Art. Come and meet new and old friends and enjoy some refreshments and a chat. £1 entry fee. Transport can be arranged by contacting the library on 0300 300 8068
Thursday 1st November Adult Craft Classes 10-12noon. This month Donna will be teaching everyone how to make Christmas Stitching Cards. If you like making your own crafts but want to learn some new techniques, this is the place for you! Hosted by Donna Pearson, professional Card Maker. £4 each and all materials provided. Wednesday 14th and 28th November Roecrafters 2pm-4pm. Whether you enjoy cross-stitch, rug making, paper craft, rock painting or any other type of craft, bring it with you to do whilst you socialise with other like minded people. Come along and have fun! Wednesday 21st November Stotfold Reading Group 2.15-3.15pm.
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Support Your Stotfold Switch On!
If Saturday 1st December is not yet firmly put in your diary then make sure you add it now. The Stotfold Lights switch on event is being held at the Greenacre Centre, Valerian Way from 4pm. This year’s event is packed fullof fun for all the family with something to enjoy for everyone. There will be the opportunity for children under the age of 9 to visit Santa in his grotto and enjoy festive story time (contact Stotfold Town Council on 01462 730064 for tickets.) This event proved to be hugely popular last year so make sure you book now to avoid disappointment. The Stotfold Salvation Army band will be entertaining everybody once again thisyear alongside the choir from St Mary’s Academy. There will be plenty of opportunity to stock up on Christmas gifts and crafts inside the centre where refreshments are being served throughout the event. The switch on itself takes place outside around the tree from 6.30pm. The Stotfold Magazine are proud to support the switch on and sincerely hope that residents of Stotfold will show their support by coming along and joining in the festivities. If you are interested in having a stall at the event then please get in touch with Stotfold Town Council and book your place now. Stalls cost just £10.
As with all of the festive events we have coming up in Stotfold this year they are much more successful when they have good support from the local community. There are a plethora of events lined up, many of which you will find inside this months issue of the Stotfold News Magazine and our forthcoming December issue out at the end of November. You can also keep up to date with local events by using our ‘whats on’ guide on page 38 and by finding us on facebook.
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Calling All Carers
Are you a carer for someone who might enjoy joining us for our next social afternoon, if so please come along and bring the one you care for to the METHODIST CHURCH HALL on Thursday November 15th 2pm - 3.30pm. We look forward to welcoming old friends and new for tea,cakes and chat. Call (01462) 730948 for details.
NORTH HERTS ROAD RUNNERS Congratulations to everyone that completed the Standalone 10k. This was another successful event with over 1600 runners. The next first Saturday of the month will be 3rd November at Letchworth Common with free entry. If you are new to the area and enjoy running we have experienced coaches to help everyone from the novice to the experienced runners. We meet at the Spirella Building in Letchworth on Tues. & Thurs at 7.15pm
Contact us on www.nhrr.org.uk or call Ian 01462639215
SHOEBOX APPEAL 2018
The Samaritan’s purse charity shoebox appeal is now underway. If you would like to take part in the OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD project please pick up an information leaflet at the Stotfold Methodist Church or download one online.
The Methodist Church is,once again an official drop off point for shoeboxes. Our deadline is 11th November. The boxes will be sent to needy children and refugees in Eastern Europe and beyond. Can you make a child happy this Christmas? For more details call 01462 730948
Stotfold Methodists the church on the crossroads
rd Saturday June Saturday 3rd3November 10.00 to to 11.30 10.00 11.30
$ Come along for a Cuppa $ Find a Bargain $ Meet old friends & make new ones
If you live in the Stotfold, Fairfield or Astwick area and think we can help you, our services are available all day, every day, even weekends. To speak to one of our volunteers, please telephone between 8:00am and 3.00pm.
$ Cake Stall $ All welcome 16
www.stotfold-methodists.org.uk www.stotfoldnews.co.uk
Letters to the Editor Dear Joanne,
Often we read negative reports about our local GP services, and doctors surgery. I felt compelled to write a letter of thanks through our local magazine to all the staff at Larksfield Surgery for the care shown to me during my recent illness. It is always letters containing negativity that seem to get written and I would very much like to redress the balance with a letter of praise. Larksfield Surgery have provided me with superb care throughout the previous three or four years I have been receiving treatment for an ongoing condition. In particular, Dr Radford and the nursing team have shown great care, compassion and continual support as I learn to deal with the issues my illness brings.
All too often people criticise our surgery, however I for one am extremely grateful to have such a valuable resource on our doorstep. It may not be an ideal scenario that more houses are being built and our local infrastructure is struggling to cope, however the staff at the surgery continue to offer us a great service even though they themselves are under a great deal of pressure.
My thanks to all the staff for their patience, service and compassion. Mr Roy West.
Hertfordshire Roofing Ltd
Dear Stotfold News,
We would like to thank a few people who have helped us with some jobs we’ve undertaken at our home in Stotfold this Summer. When a swarm of bees took up residence in one of our chimneys we contacted Andre Cardona for some advice. He was extremely helpful, and his knowledge, advice and expertise with bees was superb. Even though this isn’t his main line of work, he went up on a platform lift to remove the bees and nest from the chimney, and they have now been rehomed safely. We can’t thank Andre enough for helping us with this, it was very interesting and impressive to see a beekeeper at work - especially at such a height! Following the removal of the hive, we then employed the services of Graham Smith (of Graham Smith Brickwork and Paving) to undertake the repair to the chimney. This was no mean feat, as it involved working on a platform lift at height whilst wearing a protective bee-suit! Graham is very professional and didn’t bat an eyelid at this strange request, and completed the job to a superb standard as usual.
We also needed some dead trees in our garden to be removed and contacted Simon at A1 tree specialists. He was very helpful and attended initially to advise on the best course of action and again following that to remove the trees. The work was carried out quickly and professionally, and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Simon. Thanks to all of the guys above for their help this year. Very much appreciated! Nikki and Jon Lane
Dear Editor, I’m looking for information about the land on Prince Charles Avenue, I know there used to be an orchard and it used to be used as fields long ago. I think there used to be stables nearby. Does anyone have any photos or stories? Was there a pond on this land?. Please contact the magazine if you can help. Thank you. Jessica
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Letters to the Editor Dear Joanne Please convey my thanks to all those who attended the MacMillan Coffee Event at St.Mary's Church on September 28th.
Over 50 residents, not only enjoyed the delicious coffee and cakes made by the pupils of The Academy of Central Bedfordshire, but also were able to meet old and new friends who have difficulty getting out. Many thanks to Mandy McCracken and all her helpers from ACB and the Stotfold Good Neighbour Group's drivers who helped with transport. The generous donations from everyone who attended raised more than ÂŁ330 for the MacMillan Cancer Support. The coffee, cakes and good company was really appreciated by all. Christine Bunting Stotfold Good Neighbour Group.
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Dear Editor,
Having tiles replaced on the house & a completely new roof fitted over the garage, toilet & utility room we would like to thank Kim Dean of Dean Roofing co.uk in Arlesey for a good job - well done. His teamwere pleasant, hard working & left the site clean & spick & span. Highly recommended.
Jennifer & Eric Legate. Dear Editor,
We are trying to trace back the history of the Stotfold Launderette. If any of your readers have knowledge of what the shop was before it was a launderette we would be most interested to find out! Any old photographs also gratefully received.
Please call in and speak to Cathy, Carol or Ann if you are able to help. Lucille Copleston Stotfold Launderette.
www.stotfoldnews.co.uk
Dear Joanne,
Here are our sons Bobby and Ethan reading their October Stotfold News Magazine while enjoying a trip to Hopton. at the beginning of October.
They found the largest deckchair possible so they could both squeeze on! Darren & Sharon Clarke
News from
Stotfold Watermill
ALL GOOD THINGS MUST COME TO AN END – BUT NOT NECESSARILY FOR EVER!
As November comes upon us sadly it brings an end to our Sunday afternoon openings. No more delicious cream teas, children’s activity opportunities and, of course, the chance to see a real flour mill in action. Unless you receive your copy of Stotfold News early, in which case you have a last opportunity to visit us on 28th October, when we will be open for the final time this year. On this weekend our Archives team will be mounting an exhibition marking the end of World War 1 with a tribute to the brave men of Stotfold who gave up their lives for our country. We anticipate a large number of visitors, particularly those of you anxious to take the last chance to stock up for the winter on our famous porridge oats. After the very busy Working Steam Weekend earlier in the month, the Milling team have put in extra time running the oat roller to ensure we have an adequate supply to meet the anticipated demand.
Despite the damp and cold in the mill during the winter, which are not conducive to casual visitors, many of our volunteer groups will still be busy over the next few months so that we are well prepared to welcome you all again next March. The Nature Reserve will remain open as always and the Teasel volunteers will continue working there as weather permits. The Millers will be carrying out maintenance of the machinery, including ‘dressing Sam and George’ – not quite as it sounds, it means re-cutting the grooves on the two sets of millstones. Doubtless too, they will be coming up some new addition for visitors to view next year.
The Archive team will continue to work their way through the fascinating artefacts relating to the history of the mill. A member of the local community has recently come forward with some material that has been gratefully received for addition to our records. If any of you have any papers, press cuttings our photo’s that can add to our knowledge of the mill they will be very gratefully accepted. Or perhaps you have personal memories of the mill and the Randall family that you could write down and pass to us – it could be your own task to occupy you during the winter! We would love to hear from you. The staff in Randall’s Tea Room might still be available to meet requests from our local community to provide catering for special family events or parties held in the Mill – we will put on the heating! To obtain more information e-mail enquiries@stotfoldmill.com. The shop will be closed and you will have missed the opportunity for the End of Season Sale on 28th October, but the team will be busily seeking new and interesting items for sale next year, especially if they are locally sourced. Let us know if you have any suitable suggestions. The Education team will be meeting to plan more Mill and Nature Reserve activities for children next year and would welcome more volunteers to join them. Other groups will be planning next year’s special events including the ever-popular Steam Fair and Country Show on 11th/12th May – note the date – and later in the year Art and Craft Exhibitions and Workshops. All of these needs publicising as widely as possible and we are very anxious to recruit volunteers with appropriate experience and skills to assist our Marketing Team.
RUN BY THE COMMUNITY, FOR THE COMMUNITY With so much on and so much to do there is a heavy demand on our volunteers, who are all committed to maintaining Stotfold Mill as a major asset for Stotfold and its environs. If you are interested in joining one of our friendly, sociable groups to further our aims please contact the Volunteer Support Team by e-mail to enquiries@stotfoldmail.com or leaving a message on 01462734541.
Keep up to date with our news by following us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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Letters to the Editor Dear Editor,
The Eleemosynary Charity of William Field. Applications are invited from both individuals and local voluntary organisations for a grant to directly benefit a resident or residents in the ecclesiastical parish of Stotfold, which includes Fairfield. Application forms are available from both Stotfold Library and Stotfold Town Council. The deadline for receipt of applications is 31st December 2018. The grants will be paid in January 2019.
The completed application form should be sent to The Clerk to the Trustees, 17 Pix Road, Stotfold, Hitchin, Herts. SG5 4HY. Thank you Jean Bilson. Dear Joanne,
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News from
St Mary’s Academy. November is another busy month at St Mary’s!
Following the October break, the children return to school on Tuesday 30th October with a packed term ahead. The week starts with Amethyst Class Assembly on Friday 2nd November, as always families are invited to come and watch. Our Year 4s will also start their eagerly awaited swimming sessions! The following week offers our Parent/Staff consultations on Tuesday 6th and Thursday 8th. Although parents can visit and chat with staff on a daily basis, this enables them to have a dedicated talk about how children have settled in and the progress they are making. On Friday 23rd November the SMSA, our Parent’s Association, will hold the ever popular Happy Bags collection fundraiser which proves to be a great way to raise money from clothes and items our community no longer need and are happy to donate! On Friday 9th November Jet Class will present their termly Assembly with our new teacher Miss Attenborough. In week three we will once again support the BBC Children In Need event planned for Friday 16th. As always, we will be doing something fun to support and whatever we do, it is sure to be a great day and raise a lot of money for this worthy cause!
We also have two events planned at this time; a Viking and Anglo Saxon workshop for our year 4s and a trip to Bedford Cinema to see ‘Ferdinand’ for our KS1 children.. activities we are sure they will all enjoy and benefit from. Alongside their education, our children are enjoying the many clubs that we offer. These include Multi-skills, Football, Gymnastics, Tennis, Homework, Karate, Art, Choir, Film, Computing, Keep Fit Kids, Lego, Spanish and Ocarinas. Premier Sport continues to come in to school to undertake the sports training with the children and we are delighted that there has been a tremendous response to all of our clubs. So from there we will be looking forward to December with preparations beginning for the Christmas Season!
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To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986
Please mention the Stotfold News Magazine when responding to adverts
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Transformation For Ivel Valley School Ivel Valley School has undergone a huge transformation over the summer. The school, which serves children from all over our local area including Stotfold was located across two sites in Biggleswade and was previously set up with the Primary school on The Baulk and the Secondary school on Hitchmead Road. The two sites have been restructured, with The Baulk site becoming Ivel Valley College, and the Hitchmead Road site accommodating the school. The restructure coincides with the launch of a new website, which showcases what Ivel Valley is able to offer pupils, families and the wider community.
The college, which caters for pupils aged 16-19, is well placed, being located close to the town and transport links to allow the students easier access to the community. As a special school, life skills are an important part of the young people’s education. The location of the college enables Leila Rainbow, a Ivel Valley pupil students to be more independent, especially when taking part in travel from Stotfold enjoying the new facilities training. The school site, which provides places for 3-16 year olds, boasts ample outdoor space. Primary aged pupils, who previously only had to access a concrete playground, now have use of a safe green space to play, as well as access to a sensory garden and large sports field. The restructure means that the college can concentrate on opportunities for the development of student choice, independent living, social skills and vocational and work-related learning. The post-16 curriculum is designed to celebrate success for all whilst curriculum for the younger pupils can now include a wider variety of outdoor learning, with an area of the grounds already earmarked for development as an outdoor classroom.
Principal, Joe Creswick, is keen to maintain the rate of progress.‘Following a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating in May this year, we continue to strive towards becoming a Centre of Excellence. I am extremely proud of the progress we have made as a school and look forward building on the links we already have with the local community.’
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Family Announcements STACEY HARRIS
ALVIN LEEKS 24th November Happy 70th Birthday!
With love Jan & Family x
16th November Happy 24th Birthday! Lots of love Mum & Nan xx
JEMIMA GAYFER-TOMS 20th November
HAPPY 15TH BIRTHDAY Love Mum, Dad, Harry, Peter and Coco xxx
LUCAS HALL-WATTS
Happy 8th Birthday to our handsome, funny and clever man of the house. You keep us smiling! Love you to the moon love Mummy, Mim, Gracie Maisie, Maddi and the animals (The Brady Bunch)
LUCAS HALL-WATTS 19th November
Happy 8th Birthday Love from Nanny Lin and Grandad Rod xx
ELAINE GAY
Happy 60th Birthday Love, Steven, Lauren, Lisa, Rikki, Shelley, Max & grandchildren x
Happy 50th Birthday to our lovely friend
Jo
With lots of love, Sarah, Lesley, Emma, Allison, Maria and Charlotte xxx
Happy 1st Birthday Freddie! 8th November Love Mummy & Daddy xx
ROY WEST
8th November Happy Birthday Grandad We love you lots Amber, Lennon, Harrison & Jack xx
MADI FONE 17th November
Happy Birthday precious Madi all my love Nan xxx
NIKKI GIFFORD
Happy Birthday! Enjoy your special day! Thank you for everything you do for us! Love all the girls at GDA! xx
LIN CASTLE 25th November
RACHELL COOPER 26th November
Happy Birthday! Love Lee, Harrison & Jack!
Happy Birthday Lots of love Rod xxxxx
Call 01462 731986
To place your family announcement!
St Mary’s Church Hall 2pm
SATURDAY 3rd NOVEMBER
(Open from 9am to receive donations)
Raffle & refreshments
All proceeds to Cancer Research Tel: 01462 834108 for further information. 25
News from
Fairfield Lower School Well the clocks have now gone backwards, nights are drawing in and winter is around the corner and Christmas is only 9 weeks away! Christmas production rehearsals will soon be well under way. Just where has the first half term gone? We had great support for our NHS 70 Years Wow Day where we had some wonderful costumes throughout the school and the children also enjoyed some themed activities and workshops. Both staff and children all looked fabulous! Tidy Ted, The Fairfield Park Lower School mascot had a special visit to Radiology as part of our Wow Day, along with a visit from someone from the Air Ambulance. Thank you to all pupils for supporting our Tidy Ted enjoying his trip to radiology recent cake sale, all monies raised will purchase valuable resources for the school, this is something that the members of the School Council will be involved in. Fairfield Park Lower School has also recently been awarded the British Council’s prestigious International School Award in recognition of its work to bring the world into the classroom. Our international work includes links with schools in Poland and Malawi. The children have exchanged work and communicated with children at the different schools, writing letters, sending pictures and much more. Children also focus on schools in many other countries, their local areas, culture and similarities and their differences throughout their learning journey here at Fairfield Park. Our current Artist of the Month is Klayson from Year 1 who worked extremely hard to create different houses out of oil pastel. He thought about how different colours complimented each other and how the outline would make them look.
Just a gentle reminder that parents should now be looking at applications for reception and middle school places. To apply please do so online (web address below) the deadline for applications is 15th January 2019. If you would like to view either of our school, Dickens Boulevard or Ruskin Drive please call the school on 01462 830000 to arrange a tour. http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/school/admissions/landing.asp. Quote of the term: Live life to the fullest, and focus on the positive. Matt Cameron Value of the month:Responsibility
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News from
The Academy of Central Bedfordshire Along with the Stotfold Group Neighbour Group we hosted a very enjoyable and successful Macmillan Coffee Morning at the end of September raising nearly £400 for this very worthy cause. We had around 45 attendees and received some great feedback on service provided by the students and the great range of cakes available. Thank you to all that attended and thank you for the use of the church to host this wonderful annual event.
Before the summer we were contacted by a member of the community who had a fantastic idea for a community library. So, with the great Stotfold Good Neighbour Group enjoying coffee and cake support and donations by Hertfordshire roofing and timber supplies our construction department took this fantastic idea and created a library which will be housed in Stotfold for everybody to use and swap books – more details on location to follow (watch this space) We would also like to extend thanks for the continued support of the Eleemosynary Charity of William Field, who have recently supported us in purchasing a new secure storage facility to keep bikes and trailers to support our outdoor education team.The catering department have been very busy not only with coffee mornings, but we have had several requests from the local community for celebration cakes and have recently baked a 50th wedding anniversary cake, a 18th birthday cake and are busy preparing and designing a cake for the Stotfold & Arlesey branch of the Royal British Legion for refreshments after this year’s remembrance Sunday service. We are always grateful for the support we get from the local community and It is great to be involved in so many aspects of community life, if you think we could help you or your organisation then please let us have your thoughts, ideas and comments Mandy McCracken 07890797948 mmcracken@acb.sch.beds.uk
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News from
Roecroft Lower School. Well hasn’t the start of the school year flown by, we have had an incredibly strong start to the school year, with our children and staff working hard to get settled and immersed in their learning. Well done one and all! As always at Roecroft we have focused on living by and learning more about the Values. Values Based Education (VbE) is something we believe whole heartedly in. Our children use the language daily and it helps them support the decisions they make and the behaviours they choose. Learning to be compassionate, tolerant and respectful members of not only our school community but the greater community around them. We are very proud of our school ethos and the way in which our families embrace the values culture. We always welcome visitors into school and we are currently looking for any members of the community who may be able to help and support in some of our creative lessons in school, if you have a skill or talent you think would appeal to children please do get in touch with Miss Williams via the school office. She is our art coordinator and talented year 1 teacher. She would love to hear from you. An update from the Early Years Team:
Roecroft's Reception children have settled into school wonderfully and, as always, this first half term has been a very exciting time! We have been learning all about ourselves, our families and the homes that we live in. The children have been able to share the people who are important in their lives, create their own houses as well as thinking about how they have changed since they were babies. After half term, our learning will continue by exploring various celebrations, including our birthdays, Bonfire Night and the Hindu celebration of Diwali. We also need to say thank you to our Early Years team who held a very successful phonics evening for our parents. Our phonics teaching is recognised as some of the best in the country and 99% of our children pass the DfE screening that takes place in year 1. A huge thank you also to our Friends of Roecroft (FORLS) who held a disco and have organised wonderful Christmas card projects and tea towels to be decorated and printed. Best Wishes, Mrs Cross - Headteacher
CARETAKER VACANCY
Roecroft lower School, Stotfold We are seeking to expand our Premises team by the addition of a part-time Caretaker to work alongside our Site Manager. This role will involve Supervision of the cleaning team as well as your own rota and securing the premises at the end of the day. For a full job description, please look on our website for an Application Pack. http://www.roecroftlower.co.uk/Vacancies/Vacancies/ Hours are 2.15-6.15pm Monday to Friday term time only. If you are interested, please call us to arrange an informal visit to find out more. Telephone 01462 730336 29
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News from
Stotfold Football Club Both teams are finding life tough and after a poor start to the season with just one FA Vase win, manager Julian Robinson decided to stand down. The club quickly appointed Mark Nervais as first team manager and CLAIRE’S CAT they drew their last three league matches in September. The Development team under Tony Armitage and Roger Butler have also suffered three losses but the team are still very much SITTING at a settling in stage. Onwards and upwards! Our November fixtures are shown below and Now in our 6th year! do look on the website for any further information as we do not yet have fixtures for the Stotfold based cat sitting service Development team. You are assured a warm welcome at Roker Park. Your cats looked after in your As we look forward to a move to our new stadium for season 2019/20, we hope to increase sponsorship and advertising opportunities and if you think there could be an opportunity for your business, please contact our Commercial Manager Rob Parkin (robinparkin@btinternet.com). We are urgently looking for people to help us on match days to assist with match day stewarding, serving teas etc. and food. If you can spare a couple of hours per week, please contact Club Secretary (julie.longhurst46@virginmedia.com). Free Hall Hire – our club is available for private (not commercial) functions at no charge but a £50 deposit will be required at the point of hiring which will be refunded if the booking is fulfilled. For full details contact Mo Clarkson on 01462 730765 or email us at the address below.
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COME AND SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL TEAM Our Chosen Charity look out for events during the year. Roker Park The Green, Stotfold, Bedfordshire, SG5 4AN Tel: 01462 730765 www.stotfoldfc.co.uk Twitter @stotfoldfc Email enquiries info@stotfoldfc.co.uk
ART AT THE LIBRARY
Stotfold Art Group are exhibiting a selection of original work, mainly watercolours in mounts. These will be on display in the library’s activity room from 7th November till the new year, with an introductory talk by group members Geoff Hoile and Richard Whitelock on that date. Paintings will be changed on a regular basis and are for sale at very reasonable prices. Our thanks to the library for this opportunity to showcase our work.
www.stotfoldnews.co.uk
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Coming Soon.. @therooms
Demonstration day 12th November 1-8pm
61,High Street, Stotfold Herts 01462 835538
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Local Arts & Music Events.. On Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th November, Fairfield Players will be performing a comedy whodunnit entitled “Murder! Mystery! – and Suspenders?” by Karen Doling. The action takes place in the early Edwardian era, in the library of a large house. There's a body (apparently strangled with a suspender belt), a mystery to be solved and lots of people acting suspiciously. Their alibis are even looser than the suspender elastic! There’s some innuendo and all the ingredients of the classic whodunnit, including the pipe-smoking amateur detective! During the interval, a light supper and other refreshments will be served. Fairfield Players cast prepare for Murder! Mystery! The performance will take place at the Memorial Hall, Hallworth Drive, Stotfold, SG5 4HR and starts at 7.45pm. Bring your own alcohol. Entry is by ticket only. Tickets cost £10, and can be obtained by contacting the box office on 01462 624369 / Email: pennyann.mitchell@ntlworld.com.
‘Vivace Choir’ based in Arlesey is inviting singers to ‘Come and Sing Faure’s Requiem’ and to ‘A Concert For The Fallen’ on Saturday 3rd November 2018 at St Michael & All Angels Church, High Street, Shefford, Beds. SG17 5DD. The Requiem event takes place from 10am - 4pm with the the concert being held at 7.30pm. Further details can be obtained from the Vivace Choir Secretary, 2, Regent Street, Stotfold, Herts or by calling 01462 730022 Tickets (Adults £12 concessions £10 children in education Free) available from the Ticket Manager 01462 685249 or on the door. The ‘come and sing’ and concert will be led by Vivace’s conductor Robert Bunting. The choir are enjoying an in-depth study of the Requiem and are looking forward to working alongside other singers during the day. The concert in the evening, with the Requiem at its core, will include songs by Ivor Gurney and George Butterworth, anthems by Douglas Guest and Parry along with readings of the time. It will be a fitting tribute to those who fought and those who were left behind 100 years ago.
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NEWS FROM OUR PRE-SCHOOL
Pippin Pre-School, Buttercup Road, Stotfold, Herts, SG5 4PF
www.pippinpreschool.co.uk. info@pippinpreschool.co.uk 01462 834897 Registered Charity 1028855 The Committee held their annual Quiz on 29th September, this event was well attended and great fun as always! Big congratulations to the winning team and we wish the remaining teams better luck next year! We would like to thank our Committee for organising this event, Jason Grant for stepping into the shoes as Quiz Master, parents and staff who supported us and finally the local businesses who supplied us with raffle prizes, including the Coop, Elgood Photography, The Little Ironing Shop and Brilliant Brazilian. The proceeds from this event will go towards purchasing Christmas gifts for the children.
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If you would like further information please contact us on 01462 896853, or e-mail us at office@helpershomecare.co.uk
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Our AGM took place on Monday 8th October, the activities and finances of the past year were reviewed and the new Committee was voted in for the year ahead. We welcome Jo Wood as our new Chairperson and we wish to thank her predecessor Cara Harding for all her hard work over the last two years. In addition we wish to thank staff, parents and carers that attended and finally we would like to thank our Committee for all their tremendous fundraising efforts over the last year, we really do appreciate everything you do for us. On 16th November we will be supporting Children in Need. Children (and staff!) will be welcome to come to Pre-School dressed up in their favourite outfits with crazy hair in return for a donation to this worthy charity. Our last fundraising event for this year will be on Saturday 17th November. We will be supporting the Stotfold Community Fayre at the Memorial Hall from 12pm until 4pm. Please pop along and try your luck with our chocolate tombola! Finally, our Holiday Club will be open at the beginning of the school Christmas holidays on the 20th and 21st December. Full days from 7.45am to 6.00pm are priced at ÂŁ32 please contact the office info@pippinpreschool.co.uk for further details. Thank you for your interest in our Pre-School. We look forward to sharing more of our news with you again next month.
When did the nation know the war was over? Taken from a piece written by David Green and prepared for the Stotfold Mill exhibition 28th October 2018. First World War Centenary 11th November 2018.
Abstracted from a local newspaper- November 15th 1918 The Great War officially ended at 11.00am on Monday November 11th 1918 but the surrender of the German Government at 5.00am earlier that day came too late for the morning newspapers. The BBC was yet to be formed; telephones were few and far between and a telegraph system beside the railways was the quickest method of communication. The news was released to the Press Association and in Downing Street by the Prime Minister shortly before 10.30 am and almost immediately started wild scenes of celebration in Central London that lasted into the night when the pubs ran dry. The news came to Stotfold when workers in the factories at Letchworth were given the day off and around 11.30 streamed back into the village with flags on their bicycles shouting out the good news. A County Council steamer roller began blasting on its whistle and the school bell began ringing as the children were sent home. Celebrations were very subdued on this dull, cold drizzly day as cases of the ‘Spanish Flu’ were spreading through village with two deaths that week of adults with young families. Children paraded around making any unmusical noise from any impromptu instrument; the church bells were rung in the early afternoon and The Salvation Army band toured the village stopping to play the victory tunes of the Allies. 7 miles away in Biggleswade a local newspaper reported that joyful celebrations had begun much earlier than in London . A unit of Signal Corps stationed there had received news at 8.00 of the German surrender via a radio intercept broadcast from the Eiffel Tower. The church was packed full as the flu epidemic had not yet reached this town. Despite dull cold weather with a constant drizzle a crowd of about 2000 (nearly half the population) gathered again in the square at 4.00pm for a thanksgiving service by all denominations with hymns led by the band of the Signal Corps. Remembrance Services: 11th November 10.30am Fairfield Community Church, 2.45pm Stotfold Cemetary War Memorial (arrive 2.30pm) followed by parade to St Mary’s Church for the Service of Remembrance at 3.30pm St Mary’s Church. Evening service at Stotfold Cemetary for lighting of the beacon and parade meet 6.15pm for lighting of the beacon and nationwide church and cathederal bellringing at 7.05pm signalling 100 years of peace.
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What’s On Date
Event
Thursday 1st November
Open Evening - Roecroft Lower School
Wednesday 31st October
Saturday 3rd November Monday 5th November
Halloween with Jazzercise!! 8pm Fairfield Park Community Centre -Come join our disco dance party. Dress to scare!!
Vivace Choir Workshop & Concert to the Fallen Jumble Sale, St Mary’s Church Hall 2pm
Fireworks and Bonfire Night, Stotfold Football Club 7pm,
Wednesday 7th ‘Art at the Library’ exhibition begins. November
Sunday 11th November
Saturday 17th November 19th-23rd November
Service of Remembrance Faifield Community Church 10.30am Service of Remembrance Stotfold Cemetary 2.45pm St Mary’s Church 3.30pm and beacon lighting 6.15pm Stotfold Community Christmas Fayre, Stotfold Memorial Hall, 12 - 4pm The Need Project ‘Drop Off Week’
23rd - 24th November
Murder! Mystery! and suspenders? - Fairfield Players Stotfold Memorial Hall, 7.45pm
Saturday 1st December Sunday 2ndDecember
Stotfold ‘Switch-On’ Christmas Light event 6.30pm Greenacre Centre, Stotfold.
Saturday 24th November
Pamper, Shopping & Prosecco Evening, In aid of the Garden House Hospice, Greenacre Centre, Stotfold
Silverbirch Light Switch On from 7pm
SAVE THE DATE Stotfold Community Christmas Concert. Sunday December 16th at 4pm in the Greenacre Centre. Carols and Christmas Songs with the Salvation Army band and entertainment by local groups. FREE Admission Full details next month.....
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News from Larksfield Surgery (on behalf of the Larksfield PPG- Patient Participation Group)
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KITCHEN / BATHROOM DESIGN - LOFT LADDERS
DOOR HANGING - TILING - FLOORING
APPOINTMENT SYSTEM IN January we made some changes to our appointment system to try and improve the booking system for patients. We have now evaluated the new system and would like to make some additional changes that will now happen in October. Please bear with us while we embed these changes. We would like to remind all patients how our appointments are released. Every day we release appointments for; — That day — 5 working days ahead — 10 working days ahead — 30 working days ahead All our Doctors’ appointments are made available online by 8.05am each day. We know our patients find it difficult to get through to us on the phone at 8am so we would adviseyou to make use of our online booking system. To set up an account all you need to do is bring ID to reception.
FLU VACCINATIONS If you are eligible for a flu vaccination you will have received a text message or a phone call from the surgery. If you would like to book in for your vaccination please call the Surgery on 01462 732244. If your child is aged 2 or 3 years old they will be eligible for a flu vaccination from the surgery. Please speak to reception if you wish to book.
PAINTING (INTERIOR / EXTERIOR) - COVING
HOME VISITS As we come in to winter we would like to ask our patients to ensure all home visit requests are made by 10am where possible. This will enable us to review all requests to ensure they are appropriate and necessary. We will only consider a home visit request for known housebound patients. Early identification of possible home visits also helps our hospitals if a patient requires admission. Please remember that for every 1 home visit we can see 6 patients in the surgery
Meetings and Trips
Meetings are held at The Methodist Church Hall, Hitchin Road. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month. Wednesday 14th November Adam Pascoe - Grow the best. Raffle, and please bring any plants for sale. Tea/coffee 10:15am. Wednesday 28th November Trip to Scotsdales Christmas Market. Coach leaves at 10:00am
Wednesday 12th December Flower demonstration – “Hello Flowers” by Michelle. Plus, festive nibbles. For more information, contact Peter on: (01462) 834854 or 07758649721 stotfoldgc@gmail.com
Email: info@stotfoldnews.co.uk
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This photograph was kindly loaned to the Stotfold News Magazine by Frances Huckle and shows one of the Stotfold Gang Shows often held by local brownies and cub groups in the area. Do you know anyone pictured here? Can you put a year to the photograph? We’d love to hear your stories, email us at stotfold.news@yahoo.co.uk
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Salvation Army Ladies Fellowship
November 19th ‘TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH’ Robert Street
For details of future fellowship meetings and events Phone: 01462 731 072 10 Church Road, Stotfold, SG5 4LX
Have you recently moved to the area, or just find you have some time that you would like to fill? We are a friendly group of ladies, meeting on the 2nd Wednesday of the month 7.30pm
14th November Craft Evening - Making decorations for Christmas Tree Festival & Raffle 12th December Christmas Party Chris Bylett - Ventriloquist Raffle
We have a varied programme of interesting speakers and other activities for the coming year.
Contact: Linda Petts - President 01462 647836.
Useful Telephone Numbers Citizen’s Advice Bureau
Trading Standards Advice Line
01525 402742 01525 841217 0300 300 8136
Hope Chapel King’s Baptist Church Methodist Church Salvation Army Hall Ladies Fellowship St Mary’s Church Friends of St Mary’s Fairfield Community Church
01462 01462 01462 01462 01462 01462 01462 01462
Churches
Council
686803 730521 646562 731072 730739 730218 834108 735704
Stotfold Town Council 01462 730064 Email: enquiries@stotfoldtowncouncil.gov.uk Central Bedfordshire Council, Priory House, Chicksands, Shefford SG17 5TQ 0300 300 8000 Email customer.services@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk Web www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk Waste Collection / Recycling / Dog Warden / Flytipping / Grass Cutting / Street Cleaning / Abandoned Vehicles 0300 300 8631 or 0300 300 8632 More Central Bedfordshire Council telephone numbers can be found listed at www.stotfoldnews.co.uk
Doctor
Larksfield Surgery Appointments Enquiries Out of Hours Service: MDoc Physiotherapy & Spinal Injury Clinic Arlesey Medical Centre www.arleseymedicalcentre.nhs.uk
01462 732244 01462 732200 Call 111 01462 735700 01462 732144
Ashwell Dental Stotfold Dental Surgery
01462 742353 01462 731938
Electricity Emergencies Gas Emergencies
0800 7 838 838 0800 111999
Childline National Menengitis Trust Samaritans NSPCC
0800 1111 0845 6000800 08457 909090 0800 800 5000
Howard Cottage Housing Association, Pioneer House, Norton Way South, Letchworth Garden City, Herts, SG6 1NY Aragon Housing Association Ampthill Office, Katherine’s House, Dunstable Street, Ampthill, Bedfordshire MK45 2JP 0300 123 5544
01462 683307
Beds Police (Crime reporting) Community issues (Not crime reporting or emergency) Crimestoppers
01234 841212 01234 842515
Dentist
Emergencies Helplines
Housing
Police
Hospitals
Bedford Hospital Lister Hospital NHS Direct
01234 355122 01438 314333 08 45 46 47
Stotfold Library Arlesey Resource Centre & Library
0300 300 8068 01462 731469.
Beds Police (Crime reporting) Community issues (Not crime reporting or emergency) Crimestoppers
01234 841212 01234 842515
Coach & Horses Fox & Duck The Chequers Pub The Crown The Stag Tavern
01462 01462 01462 01462 01462
734135 732434 735465 731061 731098
Etonbury Academy Fairfield Park Lower School Roecroft Lower School St Mary’s Academy Samuel Whitbread Academy
01462 01462 01462 01462 01462
730391 830000 730336 730343 629900
Pippin Pre-School SMASH, St Mary’s School
01462 834897 07971 354093
Tiddleywinks King’s Baptist Church Methodist Church (Friday AM)
01462 731072 01462 730521 01462 733985
Library Police
Pubs
Schools
After School Clubs Toddler Groups
The Ark Baby & Toddler Group
Nurseries
01462 733409
Pippin Pre-School Poppies Nursery Poppyfields Nursery Treetops Day Nursery Stotfold and District Children's Centre
01462 834897 07833 927906 01462 830008 01462 734306 01462 730623
Trains (National Enquiries)
08457 484950
Transport
Whitbread Wanderbus 0300 123 3023 Greenacre Transfers - Private hire and airport taxi service 07555 707848 or check us out on: www.greenacretransfers.co.uk
Miscellaneous
0800 555111
0800 555111
Beds Rural Communities Charity Letchworth MS Unit Births, Deaths & Marriages Stotfold Good Neighbour Group
01234 838771 01462 487172 0300 300 8089 07599 925587
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DIRECTORY. Accountancy & Tax Sue Matejtschuk (SCM Accountancy) Abery Motor Centre Absolute Signs and Graphics Ltd AD Garden Rooms AJ Day Builders A.R.K. Lasting Powers & Wills Alfie’s Barbers Andy Leonard Painter & Decorator Arlesey Ladies Football Club Arlesey Pharmacy Arlesey Walk Groups Aquarius Garden Design Ashwell Software / Sigma Office Austin’s Funeral Service Barn Hair Studio Bal & Co Motor Care Beale Bros Butchers Bews Electrical Bickerdikes Garden Centre Big Minibus Hire Bookks Bookkeeping services Box Of Cakes Brambles Home Care Brian McInally - Gas & Heating Engineer Bricklayers & Building Services- SJ Brookes Broadband Communications Bugs ‘n’ Things Pest Control C J Flooring Carpet Cleaning - ACCS Ltd Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning - Steam 2 Clean Carpets & Flooring - Letchworth Carpet Centre Carpets & Flooring - Paul Faulkner Catsitter - Claire Centroheat Domestic Boiler & Heating Services Chimney Sweep (ESL) Cole’s Decor Painter & Decorator Computer Services & Repair - Nick Saunders The Cooker Buddy Oven Cleaning Chris Webster, Stotfold (Correspondent for The Comet ) DK Home Improvement Darren Peters Property Maintenance Dennison’s - House & Garden Clearance DMC Tiling Dog walking, walking and pet care -insured Electrician - CEC Electicals Electrician - Terry C Seymour Switched On Electrical Services Fairfield Bowls Club - Stella Wilson Fairfield Players Fairtrade, Stotfold Fencing (AJB) Foot Health Professional - Vicki Eagles Foot Pro Podiatry Garden Robin Gifford Dance Academy Glazing (Windows & Doors) BSH Glazing Graham Smith Brickwork & Paving Guides - Stotfold Guide Association Hair Room - Hitchin Hamilton Restorations HB Decorators Helpers Homecare Heritage Paving Hertfordshire Scaffolding Ltd Hertfordshire Roofing Ltd Ivel Funeral Service James’s Carpentry & Handyman Service
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01462 624926 01462 733246 02030 788000 01438 313765 01767 314445 01438 746977 01462 658449 07889 903283 07981 432798 01462 731200 01462 638286 01462 731292 01462 742783 01462 438422 01462 835611 01462 731500 01462 730392 01462 834488 01462 673333 07817 766997 01462 734623 07812 055587 07432202225 01462 337218 01767 315944 01462 732628 0800 026 8823 01462 732665 01462 629302 01462 732632 01462 481312 01462 731674 07984 344997 07885 415363 01462 733406 01767 310475 07521 279960 01462 810065 01462 834108
01462 701214 01462 733322 07522 354141 01462 231459 07913 005268 01462 670369 01462 236559 01462 730895 07811 738599 01462 624369 01462 640902 07837 791365 07812 399659 07377 536685 01462 815968 07585 221513 01462 730884 01462 731829 01462 733322 01462 337818 01462 743803 01462 732960 01462 896853 01462 730682 01462 895322 01462 894089 01462 734800 01462 234292
JD Heating & Plumbing Services LTD Jo Jingles Ken Seaby Carpets Kip McGrath Education Centre Kitchen Ergonomics Kumari Chiropractic Langford Windows Locksmith Services LRW Contracts New Kitchens North Herts Road Runners Ovenclean Paul Thomas Landscaping Pendletons Sports Centre Piano Lessons - Christine Walker Pilates - Zanna Newton Plastering - Sam’s Plastering Plastering - Stotfold Plastering Plumbing - A D Taylor Plumbing Plumbing - ALM Plumbing Plumbing & Heating - GSP Heating & Plumbing Plumbing - C Plumb Plum-tek RH Gardens RDW Property Services Rellion Engineering Ltd Roecroft Centre - Maureen Winters Stotfold & Arlesey Royal British Legion Samaritans Satchells Estate Agents Saunders Garage Scott Geekie Building Contractor Sharp Security Systems Sheldon Electricals Slimming World Solicitors - Walkers Partnership St John Badgers (6-10yrs) & Cadets (10-18yrs) Stable Cars Stag Public House Steam 2 Clean Carpet & Upholstery Stotfold Art Group Stotfold Bowls Club Stotfold Christian Choir Stotfold Conservative Club Stotfold Football Club Stotfold Gardening Club Stotfold Golf Society Stotfold Good Neighbour Group Stotfold Jujitsu Club Stotfold Junior Football Club Stotfold Junior Judo Club Stotfold Karate Club (JKSK Karate) Stotfold Twirlers Stotfold Mill Stotfold News Magazine Stotfold Parents Association Stotfold Pharmacy Stotfold Scouts Stotfold Short Mat Bowls Club Stotfold Women’s Institute The Rooms Tree Surgeon - 4 Seasons Waste Disposal( Josas waste Recycling Ltd) Water Softeners Wheelie Bin Cleaning Windows - Repairs & Installations (J Garside) Window Cleaning - ACCS Ltd
Please mention the Stotfold News Magazine when responding to adverts
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sales@bewselectricalltd.com www.bewselectricalltd.co.uk
Domestic Appliances
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