Stotfold News Magazine 2023

Stot fold

Ne w s Eve nt s In f or m at i on

Lower Wilbury Farm Shop & Butchery

*Grass fed lamb

*Grass fed native beef

*Rare breed ou tdoor reared por

*Free range eggs & Fresh f ruit g

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

Everyone welcome!

From the Editor

Firstly, our thanks go to all o f our contribu tors this month for helping us to get our September issue ready for print much, much earlier than usual and allo wing us time away as a family o ver the holidays Our September issue is packed full o f the usual ar ticles and updates - some o f our schools take a break this month bu t will be back in full swing by our next edition We had some lo vely comments last month abou t our new f resher look to the magazine, we are so glad that you liked the way we had changed things slightly.

Our f ront co ver this month was also one o f the fabulous entrants in this year ’s Sto tfold Pho tographic exhibition at Sto tfold Mill. The magnif icent Banded Demoiselle Damselfly was captured by Dave Skinner, we think the colour and detail is just exceptional, we hope you like it!

Inside this month you’ll f ind several interesting features, including details on the new triage system currently under way at Larksf ield Surger y on page 5 and a questionnaire on page 21 f rom Central Bedfordshire Council regarding a Community Flood Risk project they are currently working on. This topic is close to the hear ts o f many Sto tfold residents so please do take the time to take par t if you are able to

As you read this, you may or may no t have already attended this year ’s Sto tfold Walking Market - as joint organisers this year we would like to thank ever yone for getting involved in this fantastic event and hope you all enjo yed wandering the to wn to pick up a bargain or two

Until next month

Joanne

3

Local News Round- up

Sto tfold Ladies Aim High at the Archer y GB Junior National Ou tdoor Championships.

Neve Church and Abi Speltinkx, bo th 17 recently took par t in the Archer y GB Junior National Ou tdoor Championships in Lilleshall, Shropshire after they were called up to represent the Under 21 reser ve categor y in July Bo th girls belong to local club Aim 4 Spor t AC who are always on the lookou t for new members. Bo th girls were prompted to pursue this spor t by their teacher Mr McGee at Etonbur y Academy with bo th girls thoroughly enjo ying the challenges the spor t brings

For details o f ho w you can get involved with the club, contact www aim4spor tac co uk

Neve Church, pictured right and pictured belo w, bo th girls neve and Abi, take aim for the Under 21 reser ves in Shropshire

For more details see: www aim4spor tac co uk

Larksf ield Medical Par tnership Welcome New Online System.

Accurx Patient Triage

The new online appointment request system is no w up and running at bo th Shefford and Lo wer Stondon Surgeries, and for those registered with Larksf ield and Arlesey Medical Par tnership, access has been available f rom 8th August Registered patients can use the Accur x Patient Triage if you require a non- urgent appointment with a GP or Advanced Practitioner or have an administration quer y. This will enable you to make requests in your o wn time, instantly access NHS self-help resources and avoid morning telephone queues

If you do no t have access to the internet or struggle with completing the online form, please telephone the reception team and they will complete the form on your behalf

If a patient is vulnerable, or has learning diff iculties or canno t access the form via the website or smar t phone, they can still call and the reception staff have all been trained to f ill ou t the form on their behalf Walk in patients will be asked to f ill ou t the form, then they will need to wait for a response f rom the clinician, the reception staff will no t be able to book appointments for GP appointments or minor illness this will all be done by the triage clinician once the form has been submitted

Your practice will get be in touch with you by the end o f the second working day after submitting your form, and quicker if it is urgent You will be contacted by text, email or telephone, and will be o ffered either an appointment, advice, or help to access the appropriate healthcare ser vice Your request will no t bee seen immediately, so it is impor tant to call 111 if you feel your issue is urgent or needs immediate attention

Information brought to you by Ivel Valley Sou th Primar y Care Net works, Care Coordinating team at blmkicb.carecoordinator.ivs@nhs.net.

A L F I E ’ S

Gents Cut Hair Designs

Skin Fades All over grades Under 10’s Sides & back

Walk-ins & appointments available!

01462 658449

15 Hitchin Road, Stotfold SG5 4HP

CRIME FIGURES STO TFOLD & FAIRFIELD

May 23

We have had requests to rever t back to repor ting the local crime f igures as quo ted on the local Police uk website We will star t to repor t these on a monthly basis (obviously the f igures will be a couple o f months prior to publication due to the delay on the police crime repor ting system )

V iolence & sexual o ffences - 17

Anti- social behaviour - 10

Other crime - 7

Burglar y - 1

Criminal damage & arson - 4

Source: www police co uk

PLANNING

OME IMPROVEMENTS OR AN EXTENSION?

Pro viding architectural design and planning ser vices for residential building, extension and conversion projects, S & S Coates

Surveying & Design

Call: 07960215053 or 01525 862457

stevecoates72@gmail com

Find us on facebook

Sto tfold Ar t Group update:

It must be something in the air! One road in Sto tfold is home to f ive ar t group members and the latest recruit is Joanna Furr, whose pastel pencil drawings are featured this month Joanna was intrigued by an ar tist on Facebook who worked in pastel pencil and she decided to do a day long workshop last year This and a lo ve o f animals has lead to "obsessive drawing " ever since

Joanna takes on pet por trait commissions, working f rom good quality pho tos and focusing f irst on the eyes, then working ou twards These stunning pictures sho w ho w successful she is with this technique She can be contacted via email jo@furr co

If you are interested in f inding ou t more abou t joining our friendly group, please contact 07734 304590

News from the Mill. Update from Stotfold Watermi ll

Where did the summer go?! Admittedly, I’m writing this at the end o f July (which feels considerably more like October, being dank and chilly), bu t even with that in mind, I can’t believe we’re already in September ’s edition o f Sto tfold News.

Firstly, a huge thank you to ever yone who came to the Mill o ver the summer From the regular visitors who pop along to get a cuppa and a chat, pick up a bag o f flour or oats or enjo y the Mill in action, to the f irst- timers who like to linger o ver the querns or explore the nooks and crannies o f the milling floors: it was wonder ful to see you (and we hope to see you again soon!) Also, a huge thanks to ever yone who attended the children’s activities in the Nature Reser ve, and an equally big thank you to the volunteers who make these sessions such a success

The Mill is run entirely by volunteers, f rom the lo vely ladies in the tea shop to the exper t stewards who tell the Mill’s stories to our visitors If you can spare an hour or two a month to help ou t, we’d lo ve to hear f rom you Maybe you’d like to get involved behind the scenes? We’re always looking for super people to join our management teams (marketing, volunteer suppor t, events) or even as a trustee Whatever your skills, experience or areas o f interest, we can pu t you to work, and volunteering with us is a great way to learn new skills and make new f riends. Pop us an email (enquiries@sto tfoldmill.com) and we’ll get in touch. Bu t time’s a - ticking, and we’re working flat-ou t to wards our au tumn event – the Working Steam Weekend! If you haven’t come to the WSW before, you’re in for a treat. The Mill f ield is full o f working steam machiner y, f rom the thrashing arms o f the threshing machine to the giant belts o f the timber

saw. You’ll also get the chance to watch vintage tractors in a ploughing match against the oldest farm machine – the heavy horse – enjo y the Sheep Sho w (dancing sheep, anyone?!), check ou t the line up o f vintage cars, and enjo y a pint in the beer tent. With live music all weekend, plus a few fairground rides, static steam engines to explore and trade stalls and a craft tent, the Working Steam Weekend is a per fect way to celebrate the end o f the har vest season If you could keep your f ingers crossed for dr y weather in the run up to it, that would be much appreciated

we’re still reco vering f rom the muddy bits o f the Steam Fair in May!

Parking is f ree, dogs on leads are welcome, and we can’t wait to welcome you to the 17th Working Steam Weekend

Just visit www.sto tfoldmill to book tickets (and get 20% o ff if you book in advance).

The Pathway Hypno therapy Rooms

Do you struggle with anxiety or depression?

OCTOBER

STO TFOLD Diary Of Events..

Wednesday 6th - Back to School

Saturday 9th - Book Sale/Co ffee

Morning St Mar y’s Church Hall,10-12

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

OCTOBER

Sunday 1st - Standalone 10k

Saturday 7th - Jigsaw Sale 10 -12

St Mar y’s Church Hall

Saturday 7th & Sunday 8thSto tfold Working Steam Fair

Advance tickets available f rom: www.sto tfoldmill.com. Save 20% on entr y prices by using the early bird booking system. Lo ts o f fun for all the family, including steam and traction engines, beer tent, sheep sho w and more!

Thursday 12th Friends o f St Mar y's Church are hosting a talk by Theresa Britt at 3pm entitled" St Mar y's Churchyard: Histor y and Changing Role in the life o f Sto tfold, and the opening o f the Civic Cemeter y" Ref reshments will be pro vided Free entr ydonations welcome

Saturday 21st - St Mar y’s Church Quiz Night! 7 30pm St Mar y’s Church Hall

Thursday 27th - Talk entitled: “Bringing alive names on the St Mar y’s V icars’ Board: stories o f our vicars f rom the past ” Speaker: Theresa Britt. St Mar y’s Church 3pm - Ref reshments.

NOVEMBER

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

Saturday 11th Table Top Sale St Mar y's Church Hall 10am-12pm Proceeds for St Mar y's Church

Saturday 18th Community Christmas Fair 12pm-4pm

Saturday 25th Sto tfold To wn Council Christmas Light Switch on Event (more details to follo w in later issues )

DECEMBER

Saturday 9th & Sunday 10thChristmas Tree Festival St Mar y’s Church

To list your event (free for local charities and organisations)

email:sto tfold.news@yahoo.co.uk

*£15 fee for all local businesses

Deadline 6th o f the month prior to publication.

Dear Editor,

Through ‘Your Letters’ page, please could you print: Our father V ince Cristo foli would like to thank the kind people that helped him when he fell in Sto tfold cemeter y in June during a really ho t day A lady came to his aid and called the paramedics who arrived promptly Several o ther people also helped to shield him f rom the sun and keep him comfor table He is really grateful and so are his family Follo wing an operation on his hip, he is reco vering steadily and is so thankful that local people were around to come to his aid on that day

Many Thanks

V ince and his family

Dear Editor,

I wish to thank all who attended the Sto tfold Christian Choir concer t at the Memorial Hall on 14th July for their valued suppor t. Thank you also for your f ree o fferings for the Need Project which amounted to £221

Hazel Thompson

Dear Editor,

Thank you to the ver y kind lady that stopped to help me after I su ffered an injur y at home by The Cro fts on June 29th The lady stopped to help lift me into the house while ou t walking her baby, I have no idea who she was bu t I am so ver y grateful for her help.

I would also like to thank f riends Gillian and Anne for all their help on the day also.

Kind Regards, Jean Pru tton.

Dear Editor,

The picture in the August edition o f the women’s land army:

Back ro w, second f rom right is Mrs Renee Hyde.

Centre ro w, middle is a Mrs Dilley - Kno wn to my Father, Edward Hyde o f Regent Street , Sto tfold ( Age 98 )

Kind Regards Julian Hyde

Dear Editor,

The Trustees o f Roe's Educaton Charity welcome applications f rom people who live in Sto tfold or Fair f ield Park for small grants to wards the cost o f fur ther education studies. Application forms are available f rom billsonjean8@gmail com or f rom Jean Billson, Clerk to the Trustees, 17 Pix Road, Sto tfold, SG5 4HY. All completed forms must be returned by 30th September 2023

Dear Editor,

I have a couple o f items I wish to sell:

1x Drive handy mobility trolley with shelves

Excellent condition,Cost £150 sell for £80

1x por tmeirion egg storage chicken ceramic £10 Colour bro wn Tel 07501 066 444

Dear Editor,

We were luck enough to mo ve to Sto tfold last year in May As with mo ving, we found we needed a variety o f house jobs to be done.

We looked through the Sto tfold News for inspiration and found Darren Peters Proper ty Maintenance He turned ou t to be a multi skilled handyman, f rom electrics to plumbing, plastering and carpentr y, plus much more besides Always reliable and pleasant to have around

He is def initely our ‘go to’ man. Ver y satisf ied customers

P&C

Update from the Need Project

Our latest facts &

fi

Ano ther month gone and we are into August Well what can I say Sadly, I think July will be our biggest month since the star t o f the project, some 18 years ago Over 750 family food parcels in July and hundreds o f top up bags at our drop ins

Where is it going to end? We don’t kno w and as month on month it’s getting busier, it’s a big concern Bu t, we are so ver y grateful for the amazing suppor t, through f inance, prayer and kindness sho wn to us as we carr y ou t the work o f feeding our neighbours who are stuggling in these diff icult times I’ve said before that I wish we were no t needed and we did something else, bu t the ministr y o f the Need Project is to feed hungr y people, o f whatever colour, creed, gender, faith or non faith. If you are genuinely struggling and hungr y, we will help via the 65 odd agencies who will willingly refer to our Project.

Our building plans are going slo wly, bu t steadily mo ving and if God wants us to have the building, we believe we should have, He will deal with it.

As always we are grateful for your suppor t and in July we have had several wonder ful gifts o f money and I pray that God will bless all those who have gifted to the ongoing work o f the Need Project

gures..

www.theneedproject.org

I

In closing, thank you so much to all the volunteers who give some 1,000 hours a month at least to the Project Withou t you, we would no t be able to function Thank you to our staff to for going abo ve and beyond A special thanks to Jean who is mo ving on, we wish her well in her new ventures.

The fu ture for us is exciting and also scar y, bu t if we stay focused on our mission to our neighbour with lo ve and kindness, then I kno w it will be ok. If you need to kno w more or want to look around our centre, please call me to arrange it

Thank you Gordon

Pippin Pre -School

Before we kno w it, the new term will be upon us. We re -open our doors for the new term on Wednesday 6th September.

We look for ward to seeing the children who will be returning to us after the summer break and hearing abou t their summer antics, together with welcoming lo ts o f new children who will be star ting their Pippin journey, we look for ward to getting to kno w them and their families.

Our Superstar children (child who is 3 when they star t Pippin) will be encouraged to take par t in daily adult-led activities, usually as par t o f a small group o f children These activities are carefully planned to pro vide the children with a fun and stimulating learning experience which will hopefully instil a 'life long' lo ve o f learning Our Superstars also par ticipate in a shor t 'circle time' which focuses on a letter sound, number, shape and colour o f the week

Our younger children (those who remain under 3 years o f age for the whole academic year), are kno wn as our Littlestars These children use our large playroom on the ground floor together with our inviting ou tdoor area These areas pro vide a wide range o f engaging resources and play oppor tunities to enhance your child's development through their play and they are suppor ted and nur tured by our kind and caring staff

Our AGM is scheduled for October, we will conf irm the date next month Our AGM pro vides an oppor tunity for parents/carers to hear more abou t what has been happening at the pre - school o ver the past year and our plans for the year ahead Our new Committee members are vo ted in to steer the Pre -School o ver the coming year Anyone interested in joining our Committee should come along to hear more abou t what is involved f rom the members themselves We continually require items for our gluing table and welcome any old bu ttons, milk bo ttle tops, swatches o f fabric and old bir thday cards. Please drop any items o ff to the o ff ice during term time. 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.

Pippin Pre -School.

Bu ttercup Rd, Sto tfold, Hitchin SG5 4PF 01462 834897

News from Roecro ft Lo wer School

A huge welcome back to our wonder ful Roecro ft friends and family.

Roecro ft was a hive o f activity o ver August and is once again raring to go. I would encourage you all to learn more abou t the school and look on our website, you will f ind exciting information abou t our curriculum, our school ethos, culture and much more

We are incredibly proud o f our school and what we o ffer the community; it is a truly special school that challenges children to achieve their full academic po tential, whilst ensuring their wellbeing and mental health is nur tured Each child is unique, they deser ve to be exposed to a wealth o f oppor tunities and experience a curriculum that is for ward thinking and inclusive

I look for ward to sharing our school news with you o ver the coming academic year and hopefully will meet many o f you at our October Open Evening, Mrs Cross

Roecro ft Lo wer School. Bu ttercup Rd, Sto tfold, Hitchin SG5 4PF www.roecro ftlo wer.co.uk T:01462 730336

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

Etonbur y A cademy

We have so much to look for ward to this academic year, welcoming our new September intake and our f irst year o f Sixth Form!

Here at Etonbur y Academy we’re a school where ever y child can shine. Our children are conf ident, lo ve learning and flourish. Our people are dedicated pro fessionals who care and nur ture ever y individual child by unlocking their full po tential to be the best that they can be. Our pro ven track record gives you ever y good reason to consider Etonbur y as the right school for your child.

Arriving in year f ive, our f irst-class learning environment pro vides a seamless education through to year 13, enabling our children to aim high We will soon be opening our Sixth Form, o ffering a f irst-class all- through education

By encouraging a lo ve o f learning and building conf idence, we ensure ever y child fulf ils their individual po tential according to their o wn abilities, skills and interests

Established 197 1

Etonbur y’ s facilities, resources and specialist teaching are second- to -none So too is our commitment to pastoral care This is a place where ever y child is safe, secure and suppor ted.

Ever y single member o f our learning community – students, staff and parents – are par t o f our success stor y. Together we make Etonbur y Academy a school to be ver y proud o f. Our children are happy and achieve their full po tential, come and see for yourself what makes Etonbur y special.

We’d be delighted to welcome you to our Opening Evening, Thursday 5 October, or if you would like a personal tour, please do get in touch with us on 01462 730391 or via email eta -o ff ice@bestacademies org uk to book

Etonbur y Academy Sto tfold Rd, Arlesey SG15 6XS T: 01462 730391

FREE Pr escription deliver y ser vice to ALL

Ar lesey and Stotfold r esidents

FREE Repeat pr escription "dr op-of f" and collection ser vice fr om Ar lesey Medical Centr e and Lar ksfield (Stotfold) Sur ger y.

Mon to Fri 8.45am - 1pm & 2.00pm - 6.15pm

Satur day & Sunday - Closed Tel. 01462 731200 www.ar

News from St Mar y’s COE A c ademy

In the new term star ting on Wednesday 6th September, we look for ward to welcoming ever yone back, especially our two new teachers, Miss Baker and Miss Car ter-Lewis and our new children and families who are star ting in Reception the follo wing week In preparation for the new term we will be running a Uniform Pop-Up Shop f rom 11 00am to 2 00pm on Tuesday 5th September

Lesson plans for September are well under way to ensure the children return to exciting and creative educational activities There will be lo ts o f learning with a wide range o f new topics, including a Stone Age Workshop for Year 3! We will also have all o f our usual Au tumn term events lined up, including Har vest Festival, new Parent Information Evening, Children’s Pho tographs, Christmas Concer ts and class assemblies. We will also hit the ground running with our many extra -curricular clubs… so much to look for ward to! SMSA events will star t with a Happy Bags Collection on Monday 25th September for all those who have a sor t ou t through the summer holidays! Donations f rom the wider community all welcome!

Decarbonisation update

Over the summer, St Mar y’s has been a hive o f activity f rom a decarbonisation perspective.

The work on the f ield is nearing completion; we have had some amazing machiner y on site and contractors working late into the evening to ensure the work is completed in

time for the children to return We have a whole new environmentally f riendly heating system, new windo ws and doors and some ceiling and roo f work has been under taken which will greatly reduce our carbon foo tprint

We still have a way to go bu t ever y thing is progressing really well and we are grateful to be one o f the only seven schools chosen for this initiative

For any fur ther information on St Mar y’s life please visit our website!

St Mar y’s Academy

Rook Tree Lane, Sto tfold, Hitchin SG5 4DL Tel: 01462 730343

Mental Health Matters - with Jo Loach

Self-talk

In managing our mental health, it is impor tant to pay attention to what we think abou t our experiences and thus the way that we speak to ourselves abou t them This internal self- talk can help or hinder our ability to manage and navigate our way through challenging times

This self- talk is o ften referred to as a harsh internal critic who may pro vide a running commentar y o f criticism o ver what you are doing and ho w you are doing it. This type o f self- talk may o verlook your effor ts and achievements and instead focus on perceived failings. While there is a reality to us all failing or making mistakes along the way o f life, a critical response o f self- talk is more likely to squash or shame us than to encourage us to look for the learning within or to seek suppor t to manage. When self- talk is par ticularly critical or crushing, it can keep us floored, defeated, struggling to seek suppor t or gro wth or stuck in a self-defeating cycle.

When things don’t go to plan or times o f trial are par ticularly testing or continued, we can become worn do wn. These are the times that we most need kindness, understanding and compassion The more we can cultivate this, the more we can implement it in response to ourselves and our struggles And the more we can cultivate and practice encouraging, suppor tive self- talk in our times o f need, the more we can respond with kindness and compassion to the needs o f o thers

If we are typically quite good at helpful self- talk, we can become vulnerable during times o f prolonged stress, to a resurgence o f older more unhelpful patterns o f self- talk In the face o f challenges, it is always wor th checking in whether your self- talk is helpful or unhelpful

Jo Loach is a BACP Accredited Counsellor, with an MA in contemporar y therapeu tic counselling.

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 September:

7th, 14th Scou t hu t - Baldock Rd, Sto tfold

21st, 28th The Cro wn PH, The Green, Sto tfold

For details contact Beth Over f ield 01462 815672

To compare is to despair

Nine weeks to go and the Ironman plan is heading into a critical period where sessions are reaching maximum distances and the clock is being watched

In the old days, you’d press the star t bu tton o f your trusty Casio and set ou t on your training run You’d have a f inish time and a rough idea o f the distance and that was it No wadays, my watch will tell me ho w far I’ve been, my hear t rate, the pace I’m running and will bleep at me to go faster or slo wer At the end it will congratulate me if I’ve achieved a fastest time and then the information will be uploaded onto my phone, my training app, and into the world that is Strava

Strava is the Swedish verb to ‘strive’ and is a ‘community for athletes’; you post all your activities, as does ever yone else You follo w f riends and their training schedules, and they follo w you So no t only can you upload and view all your data, you get to see ever yone else’s too and, similar to o ther social media, it can be quite addictive. And this is where the problem lies; the training has been

Mum with 3 - does Ironman

consistent and I’m feeling f itter than I have done for many years And yet, I’m no t as quick as I once was or as fast as some o f the o thers around me

When I was younger, I completed a marathon at a faster pace than I can no w run 3 miles In fact, I’m no t sure I could run just 1 mile under 7 minu tes/mile which is what I did then for the duration o f 26! They say, ‘ to compare is the thief o f jo y’ and it’s true that the exhilaration I feel when completing a training session soon disappears when I star t analysing the f igures against my former self or to those around me

So what’s the answer? Well just as in all areas o f life, comparing yourself to o thers or to a younger, sprightlier you is never going to achieve a positive ou tcome I’m no t going to turn o ff Strava quite yet, bu t I will focus on my o wn achievements as the person that I am no w a 52year-old mum o f 3 who is hoping to complete an Ironman…

Mum with 3 does Ironman

www.justgiving.com/gardenhousehospice

Announcements: We are happy to accept family announcements by post telephone, email or through our facebook page If you would like to make a donation in return for your announcement then please visit the website above Please mention that the donation has been made on behalf of the Stotfold & Arlesey News Magazine

LENNON & HARRISON

Happy 16th Bir thday to you bo th! Lo ve f rom all the family xx

EDEN

7th September

Happy 12th Bir thday to my super amazing beau tiful Eden

Lo ve you so much, Mummy x

LILY POPS

Happy 6th Bir thday

Hope your day is as special as you are Lo ve you Mummy, Daddy & George xx

OLIVIA

Wishing you a ver y Happy bir thday!

And also the ver y best o f luck for your sponsered abseil for Dravet Syndrome on 16th September Lo ve f rom Mum, Dad, Oliver Mandie, Lucy, Alex, Nan and Grandad xx

JANET

DAVE

Happy 60th Bir thday Have a great day Lo ts o f Lo ve f rom all the family x

YVONNE MYNO TT

2nd September

Happy 70th Bir thday!

Huge Happy Bir thday wishes to our AMA ZING Mum! (& Nanna) Lo ts o f lo ve f rom all the family xxx

DAISY MAY BACON

•Breakfast

•Ice-cream Milkshakes

•Afternoon Teas

•Homemade Cakes

•Daily Specials

•Light Lunches

•LAVAZZA coffee

OF CAKES

In lo ving memor y o f our mum, who we sadly lost on 11th July 2023 A much lo ved lady, always with a f riendly smile The family o f Janet would like to thank ever ybody who came to Mums funeral and for their kind messages o f suppor t, cards and donations made in her memor y

Happy 21st Bir thday & also Congratulations on gaining a First Class Honours degree in Film f rom LSBU.

Lo ve Always, Mum, Dad, Amelia and all the family x x

EVERSON

SAUNDERS

Our Trading Standards Team are warning residents in Sto tfold and the surrounding area to be on their guard after receiving repor ts o f unsolicited doorstep calls being carried ou t by individuals - kno wn as "No ttingham Knockers"o ffering household goods for sale.

It is alleged that the callers are claiming to have permission f rom Central Bedfordshire Council to carr y ou t cold-calling in the area and that they represent a training company which pro vides resettlement work and suppor ts the rehabilitation o f ex-o ffenders.

Off icers have made fur ther enquiries and disco vered that the claims being made are false We strongly recommend that residents do no t agree to bu y any goods or ser vices f rom an unexpected caller on their doorstep

If you are interested in what is being o ffered, we always advise that you take time to think abou t the purchase and

Your Communit y Matters

consider shopping around f irst and, where relevant, obtain comparative quo tes f rom repu table local businesses before deciding to purchase goods or ser vices being o ffered. Residents who are considering having home impro vement work or repair work carried ou t can f ind appro ved local traders on our Bu y With Conf idence scheme.

If you suspect suspicious cold calling activity, please repor t it to us by calling 0808 223 1133 or by email at trading.standards@centralbedfordshire.go v.uk

Warning to local residents o ver door knockers

September Fun Quiz

John Keat’s called au tumn the “season o f mists and mello w fruitfulness,” so as au tumn begins on September 1st, this month’s fun quiz, compiled and presented by Sto tfold’s ver y o wn Brain o f Britain, David Stedman, is on the theme o f FRUIT, with appropriate clues contained in each question or answer. (Answers on page 32) www.davidstedman.co.uk

1 What is the English name o f the longest river that flo ws through Sou th Af rica?

2 What sor t o f f ruit adorns the top o f the famous trophy awarded to the winner o f the annual men’s singles championship at Wimbledon?

3 Which sou thern state o f the USA is kno wn as the Peach State?

4 Aprico t Lil, Everard and Slack Alice were characters created by which former British comedian and gamesho w host pictured abo ve?

5 What is the more familiar name o f the Chinese gooseberr y f ruit?

6 According to the lyrics o f the 1950s international hit record, where did Fats Domino f ind his thrill?

7 Name the American star f ilm actress (pictured belo w) who has two children, Apple and Moses, by her pop star husband Chris Mar tin?

8 Recognised worldwide in relation to geography and the calendar, what do the initials IDL stand for?

9 Although English is the language spoken by most speakers worldwide, it is second in terms o f to tal number o f native speakers to which o ther language?

10 What name is shared by Darr yl, a 1980-90s baseball star with the New York Mets and New York Yankees; a specif ic type o f roan horse; and the former home o f Go thic no velist Horace Walpole in Twickenham?

11 In the classic 1940s f ilm “The Third Man”, which versatile actor and director (right) played the character o f Harr y Lime?

12 Trevor Cherr y, Paul Reaney, Paul Madeley, Norman Hunter, Allan Clarke, and Mick Jones were the English players, and all England senior internationals, in which team competing in the 1973 FA Cup f inal?

13 Which British comedian used to wear his famous big banana boo ts as sho wn in the 1976 documentar y “Big Banana Feet”?

14 Which famous animated character (pictured right) has a bro ther named Castor, a mo ther named Nana (shor t for Banana) and a father named Cole?

15 What are the unusual shaped biscuits, ver y popular in the UK, f irst produced in 1891 and named after the type o f f ruit f illing and a city in Massachusetts?

16 Give the title o f the 1939 no vel by an American Nobel Prize -winning au thor which centres round the poor Joad family seeking a new life in California?

17 What codename was given to the temporar y por table harbours vital in landing supplies during the Allied invasion o f Normandy on D -Day, 1944?

18 In “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by Shakespeare, what is the surname o f Peter, one o f the six “mechanicals” and who writes the “play within a play”?

19 In the classic 1940s Western f ilm “My Darling Clementine”, directed by John Ford, what real-life character did Henr y Fonda

(pictured belo w, left) play?

20 In 1896, a great racehorse named Persimmon won the Epsom Derby and the St Leger. This horse was bred and o wned by the Prince o f Wales. What regnal name and number did the prince adopt when he eventually became king?

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

Conditions treated include spinal and extremity injuries, neck related headaches and sprains/strains. We are NOW OPEN

Our revised opening hours:

Tues: 2pm-7pm

Wed: 10am-7pm

Thursday: 3pm-7pm

Friday: 10am - 1pm

Saturday: 10am-2pm

Sto tfold Foo tball Club

At the time o f writing, the new season has no t yet kicked o ff, bu t we will have played in the FA Cup and star ted our new journey in the Sou thern Foo tball League Central Division Kno wn f ixtures for

September are:

7 9 23 7 45 U18 home to St Ives To wn (FA You th Cup)

9 9 23 3 00 1st team away to Redbridge (FA Trophy)

16 9 23 3 00 1st team away to AFC Dunstable

26 9 23 7 45 1st team home to Waltham Abbey

30 9 23 3 00 1st team home to Kidlington

We currently have no league f ixtures available for our Development, Women’s and U18 teams, bu t these will be posted on our social media platforms and website

Our season ticket information and application form are available f rom our website

Come on you Eagles - Up the Fold

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 E: enquiries@sfc-theclubhouse.co.uk

50 HIgh Street, Stotfold SG5 4LL 01462 732393 www eyezone co uk

Update from Sto tfold Junior

Sto tfold Junior FC pro vides structured foo tball for o ver 60 teams across 12 age groups We are ver y proud to have gro

our club to its current size meaning that we o ffer foo tball to o ver 800 players in teams o f Bo ys, Girls, Men and Women

If you wish to join our club please contact us through our main email address: enquiries@sto tfoldjunior fc.co.uk. We will endeavour to respond to all emails as quickly as we can If your interest is regarding the po tential o f a child joining Sto tfold Juniors, please ensure that you include the follo wing information:

The child's current school year (to ensure we direct to the correct age group)

The child's current level o f foo tball experience

The details o f any specif ic teams etc that they may be interested in

We are a Char ter Standard Community Club aff iliated to Bedfordshire FA - Our club prides itself on quality coaching, child enjo yment and development. Our website www.sto tfoldjunior fc.co.uk contains lo ts o f our club information, so please do take a look. We look for ward to an exciting new season ahead and to updating you all on all o f our news and results as they happen throughou t the next few months.

Nor th Her ts Road Runners

Entries are no w open for the Standalone10k on 1st Oct www standalone10k org uk

The next 1st Sat o f the month 5k at Letchwor th Common will be 2nd September at 9am Entr y is f ree and open to all abilities We continue our training sessions with qualif ied coaches on Tues & Thurs evenings at 7pm These are open to all, why no t come along for a taster session with no obligation.

Contact Ian 07506429928 or nhrr org uk

wn

St Mar y’s Church

New Curate

The Revd Emma -Jane Wilkinson will be joining St Mar y’s Church f rom 3 September to train and ser ve with us for the next two years o f her curacy Emma is an Assistant Headteacher at a primar y school in Hoddesdon She has taught for more than 30 years, for 17 o f which she was a primar y headteacher o f two church schools She will minister alongside Revd Bill Britt, the V icar, and Revd Graham Clark, the Associate Minister

Chalk River Pilgrimage to Rad well Sunday 10 September

Ever yone is encouraged to join a chalk river pilgrimage star ting at Ivel Springs in Baldock, along the River Ivel, and ending with a ser vice at All Saints Church in Radwell, on Sunday 10 September The walk begins at 2 00pm and ref reshments will be available before the ser vice which star ts at 4 30pm The 1 5 mile walk is organised by All Saints Church, Radwell and the RevIvel Association, which was formed in 2019 to pro tect the River Ivel, one o f only 250 chalk streams in the world We will leave at 2 00pm f rom the Arena carpark on Nor ton Road

Pet Ser vice Sunday 17 September

The annual Pet Ser vice will be held at 10 00am on Sunday 17 September in the churchyard on the sou th side o f the church, where we will pro vide chairs If it rains, we will hold the ser vice inside One o f our ministers will bless your pet during the ser vice If your pet is shy, please bring a pho to The ser vice o f Holy Communion which is usually held at 10.00am will mo ve to 9.00am that day.

Har vest Festival Sunday 1 October

Sunday 1 October at 10am our special ser vice celebrating Har vest Festival. Worship Ser vices Ever y Sunday: 9.00am Sunday Morning Prayer

10.00am Parish Communion and Sunday School.

First Sunday o f the Month: 8.00am Said Communion. 9.00am Sunday Prayer.

10.00am Parish Communion and Sunday School. 4.00pm Tea Time Praise for young families. Second Sunday o f the month 6.00 pm Evensong

Wednesday Ser vice: 9.45 parish Communion: a 40 minu te ser vice.

Monday – Saturday: 9 00am Morning Prayer

Christenings -Please contact Sara Clark on 01462 625270

Funerals - speak to your funeral director or Revd Bill Britt 01462 730218

The Church o f England Parish Church for Sto tfold & Fair f ield www sto tfoldchurch org uk

Friends o f St. Mar y’s Church Sto tfold

invite you to attend a talk entitled:

“Bringing alive names on the St. Mar y’s V icars’ Board: Stories o f our vicars f rom the past.”

Speaker: Theresa Britt.

Thursday 27th October 3pm in church.

Ref reshments. Donations welcome.

News f rom Kings Baptist Church

We have been looking at the people that Jesus encountered during his life and ministr y We have seen that those people had different kinds o f faith, different levels or degrees o f faith Previously we looked at ho w Jesus encountered people that were described as having “no faith” and those with “little faith ”

We saw that Jesus could no t do any miracles in his home to wn and among his o wn people and that he was amazed at their lack o f faith We saw that Jesus challenged his disciples, saying to them “You o f little faith, why are you so af raid?” And no w we come to consider the kind o f faith that is described as great faith

When Jesus was visiting the to wn o f Capernaum, a Roman centurion went to him and asked for help because his ser vant was paralysed Jesus said to the centurion, “I will go and heal him ” The centurion replied, “Lord, I do no t deser ve to have you come under my roo f Bu t just say the word, and my ser vant will be healed For I myself am a man under au thority, with soldiers under me I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my ser vant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” At this, Jesus was astonished and said, “I tell you the tru th, I have no t found anyone in Israel with such great faith.” For Jesus to compare the faith o f this centurion to that o f all the godly, faithful, righteous, chosen people o f God in Israel, and to side with the ou tsider, was unbelievable. The centurion saw Jesus had au thority. “And the ser vant was healed at that ver y moment” (see Matthew chapter 8).

What I f ind is the most extraordinar y thing abou t this encounter is that it involved the ou tsider. We might expect the people with the greatest faith to have been those closest to Jesus, his o wn disciples. Bu t no: Jesus singles ou t the ou tsider Great faith doesn’t have to be per fect or mature Bu t it is faith in action, the kind o f faith that meets with appro val f rom God We see no fear, no anxiety, no doubting, bu t there is conf idence, the sure and cer tain hope that Jesus can and will do what they ask These were people who could see that while they had big problems, they saw in Jesus someone bigger, more po wer ful May you kno w the comfor ting presence and the life -changing po wer o f God in your life Our meetings/ events can be found at www kingsbaptistchurch co uk

Update

from

EVENT FOR ADULTS

the Sto tfold Librar y

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

Ever y Saturday, 10-3pm Games Café! board games and puzzle books available for adults and families

ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN

Ever y Tuesday Stor y and Rhyme Time 10 30am (recommended for children aged 0-5) Friday 1st September 2-5pm Children’s crafts (recommended for children aged 2+)

Ever y Saturday, 10am-12pm

Pokémon Club! Come along to trade your o wn cards and play the trading game we have at the librar y! Beginners are welcome (recommended for children aged 6+)

Ever y Saturday, 10-3pm Games Café! Games Café! board games and puzzle books available for adults and families

Ever y Saturday 10-3pm Lego Club! Come along to build with our Lego and Duplo!

***The Summer Reading Challenge is here!***

Finishes – Saturday 9th September 2023

Ready, Set, Read!

This year ’s Summer Reading Challenge is all abou t games

and spor ts It’s FREE to take par t at the librar y Read or listen to as many librar y books as you can o ver the summer holidays and collect special stickers and rewards along the way, including a medal and cer tif icate if you manage to complete the challenge and read six books!

Summer Holiday Activities until 6th September

Stor y & Rhyme Time, Ever y Tuesday 10 30am (children 0-5)

Pokémon Club, Ever y Saturday, 10am-12pm (ages 6+)

Crafts, Friday 1st September 2pm-5pm (aged 2+)

Games Cafe, Ever y Saturday 10am-3pm (all ages!)

Lego Club, Ever y Saturday 10-3pm (all ages!)

EVENTS FOR ALL THE FAMILY

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

Sto tfold Family Drop-in, 9am-10 30am For parents, carers, babies, and children Free cuppa and play Suppor t, advice, a nd signposting for all aspects o f parenting Self-weigh scales

available.

Ever y Saturday, 10-3pm Games Café! board games and puzzle books available for adults and families.

Opening times: Tues 9am-1pm Weds 2pm-6pm Thurs 9am-1pm Fri 9am-1pm & 2pm-6pm Sat 9am-4pm Sunday Closed.

Window and door repairs and installations

* Misted/broken units

* Handles

* Mechanisms

* Door barrels

Supply and fit windows and doors

Soffits and fascias

Jonny Garside 79 Regent Street, Stotfold 01462 732248 or 07951 473505

Local Business Matters

Own a loc al business?

Your adver t here f rom just £33.44+ vat per month

Adver tising your business in the STOTFOLD & ARLESEY NEWS MAGA ZINES really works Don’t just take our word for it

“Our adver tising campaign in the Sto tfold News Magaz ine has really helped us grow our business We receive a great deal o f calls from our monthly adver tisement.” Paul Dennison - Dennison House & Garden Clearance.

We advise you on the ver y best way to get the most f rom your local adver tising and can take care o f the whole design process for you FREE OF CHARGE.

We can also deliver your leaflets! Call us on 01462 731986 to f ind ou t more.

STO TFOLD GARDEN CLUB Meetings and Trips

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

Wednesday 13th September 2023 Ou ting to Bressingham Gardens

Coach depar ts f rom the bus stop on Hitchin Road, Sto tfold at 9:30am

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

sto tfoldgc@gmail.com

Motor vehicle servicing and general repair work undertaken, any make or model

To wn Clerk.

Sto tfold To wn Council would like to welcome Emma Payne o the role o f To wn Clerk, we would also like to say a huge thank you to our former To wn Clerk Kate Ellio t-Turner for her work o ver the past 16 years.

Emma has a well-established career in local go vernment, and her 6-year experience in London Colney demonstrates her dedication to ser ving the community. As a Clerk, she f inds fulf ilment in meeting people and playing a crucial role in contribu ting to the success o f the Council and the to wn

Ou tside o f her pro fessional life, Emma is married with two gro wn- up children She is an animal lo ver and has a rescue Spaniel called Nev who is looking for ward to walks around Sto tfold She lo ves baking cakes and is planning to tr y ou t her bakes on the councillors and staff She is never happier than when she has her camera in her hand, with a lo ve o f landscape pho tography and flo wer images ’

TO WN COUNCILLOR VACANCY

Can you make a difference to Sto tfold?

Do you want to make a difference and help your community to thrive? We are looking to f ill our current 2 councillor vacancies If you are interested in becoming a To wn Councillor for the Parish o f Sto tfold, you must meet the follo wing criteria:

• Be o ver the age o f 18

• Be a British Citizen, or a citizen o f the Commonwealth or the European Union

• Be on the electoral roll for the Parish o f Sto tfold; or be a person who, during the whole o f the 12 months before application for co -option, occupied land or o ther premises as an o wner or tenant in the Parish Alternatively, you should have resided in that area or within 3 miles (4.8km) or have had a principal or only place o f work in that area during the same period.

No special qualif ications are required, as it is impor tant to have a diverse range o f people ser ving as councillors to represent the community effectively.

Training for new councillors is pro vided to help them understand the responsibilities o f the role.

If you are interested in applying, you can contact the To wn Council o ff ice on 01462 730064 or email them at enquiries@sto tfoldto wncouncil.go v.uk to request more information and an application pack. Additionally, you can do wnload the application pack f rom their website at http://www.sto tfoldto wncouncil.go v.uk/Useful Documents 22464.aspx (Useful Documents page).

The deadline for submitting completed applications is 30th September 2023. If you have any fur ther questions or need assistance with any thing else, feel f ree to ask!

COMMUNITY GR ANTS

Local organisations are invited to make application for grants that will directly benef it Sto tfold; applications f rom individuals will no t be considered Please contact the Council o ff ices for an application form and guidance no tes These can also be do wnloaded f rom our website www sto tfoldto wncoucnil go v uk (Council/Administration/Useful Docs) Completed applications must be received (by post or email to our enquiries address abo ve) no later than Wednesday 13th September 2023

Emma PayneTo wn Clerk for Sto tfold

RIVERSIDE MUGA

We are excited to announce that the MUGA at Riverside is no w open for use after extensive repairs and impro vements The facility has undergone signif icant upgrades, including new sur facing, f reshly painted and line -marked cour ts, new tennis nets, impro ved fencing, and new netball hoops Additionally, new floodlighting and CCTV have been installed to ensure residents' safety and enable extended usage hours Currently, the tennis net is available for play f rom Monday to Friday, between 8 am and 4 pm We are actively working to f ind a solu tion to allo w for more extended usage periods and appreciate your patience in this regard Moreo ver, we have received interest f rom two groups o f enthusiastic ladies who want to establish netball teams and u tilize the sur face Look ou t for the all new Sto tfold Netball Team, we have a keen set o f ladies who are committed to this spor t bringing us a competitive team to play against some neighbouring teams We will let you kno w more on these developments as it happens, keep an eye on social media or our website

The MUGA's upgrades aim to pro vide a high-quality recreational space that benef its all members o f the community We hope that the impro ved facilities encourage active engagement and foster a strong sense o f community spirit Come and enjo y the newly reno vated MUGA at Riverside, and let's make the most o f this fantastic facility together!

SKATE PARK

During last year's resident sur vey, we received a considerable number o f responses concerning pro visions for young people, specif ically the Skate Park. Unfor tunately, our previous Skate Park at Riverside had to be remo ved due to structural issues. Determined to address this concern, we collaborated with play o ff icers f rom Central Bedfordshire Council and carefully assessed various open spaces. After thorough consideration, a clear favourite emerged: the sou thern edge o f Greenacre park, in close proximity to the A507. Although it canno t be located in its original spo t, we believe this new location holds great po tential. As a next step, we reached ou t to a couple o f repu table Skate Park construction companies and requested indicative designs. We are committed to engaging with the community, bo th young and old, in a for thcoming consultation during the au tumn season Once we f inalise a par tnership with a construction company for the design and development process, we will seek valuable feedback f rom residents Ho wever, it is essential to remember that this project is subject to planning permission

As a to wn council, we ackno wledge the need for impro ved investment in facilities for young people throughou t the to wn Therefore, establishing a new Skate Park at Greenacre park represents a signif icant leap for ward in our effor ts to enhance pro visions for the you th in our community. We look for ward to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to create a fantastic and safe space for young people to enjo y.

Some early designs o f what could be constructed are sho wn here, bu t the o verall design will be developed through consultation with various groups.

More information will be pu t on our website as we have it so watch this space!

Down Memory Lane

This month we have a super picture sent to us by John Hyde and features the reenactment o f the wedding o f Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong Jones in May 1960 We also have the names to go with the picture! Elizabeth Hyde, Doro thy Ho y, Rosemar y Livings, Kay Bailey, Sheila Ho ward, Christine Palmer, Susan Taylor, Gillian Bourne, Jane Walters, Susan Dear, Sally Bygraves, Ann Gourlay, Dawn Reynolds, Enid Hyde, Greta day, Wendy Stilwell, Kay Woodcock, Linda Smith, Irene Loker, Pat Devereux, Christine Young, Valerie Chamberlain, Esther Cooper.

ANSWERS to SEPTEMBER FUN QUIZ on page 23

1 OR ANGE; 2 PINEAPPLE; 3 Georgia; 4 Larr y Grayson; 5 KIWI Fruit; 6 “BLUEBERRY Hill”; 7 Gwyneth Paltro w; 8 International DATE Line; 9

MANDARIN Chinese; 10 STR AWBERRY; 11 Orson Welles; 12 Leeds United; 13 Billy Connolly; 14 OLIVE Oyl; 15 FIG Newton; 16 “The GR APES o f Wrath”; 17 MULBERRY Harbour; 18 QUINCE; 19 Wyatt Earp; 20 Ed ward VII

Sal vation Army Ladies Fello wship

September 18th

THE SALVATION ARMY PART II Adrian Allen

Ladies fello wship meetings & events

For more information call 01462 731072

Useful Telephone Numbers

Local Ad ver tiser Director y