November 2011 Bulletin - Biggleswade Rugby Club

Issue 11 Volume 2 NOVEMBER 2011Delivered FREE

TEL: 01234 843905 ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2011 3Hello Sandy and Potton…WELCOME to the ‘Bulletin’, yourmonthly community newsmagazine, now beingcirculated in Sandy and Potton inaddition to Biggleswade, where wehave been popping the Bulletin throughtheir letterboxes for over a year now.Our aim is to be that old fashionedlocal paper record. If you are a memberof a group, society, club, school or anyother organisation we want to knowwhat you’ve been up to. Send yourreports and photographs to us andwe’ll do our utmost to spread the goodA BIGTHANKYOUTHe 2065 BiggleswadeSquadron would very muchlike to thank Mr and MrsGentle for their very generousgift of over £460 to theAir Cadets.Mr and Mrs Gentle’s son,Matthew, died unexpectedly inNovember 2009 aged just 15 yearsold.Through his family, fund -raising events continue to raisemoney for the things dear toMatt’s heart. Earlier this summer acharity cricket match was held inBiggleswade and some of thefunds raised have now beendonate to the Air Cadets, whichMatt was an active member of.The money is greatly appreciatedas 2065 Squadron is raisingfunds for a field kitchen, which theCadets need for their weekendcamps, to enable them to completetheir Duke of Edinburgh Award.2065 Biggleswade SquadronAir Cadets is actively recruitingnew cadets. All young people aged13-18 are welcome to join. Paradenights are Tuesday and Thursday19.00 – 21.30 hours at the cadetsHQ in Shortmead Street.If you are interested you arewelcome to visit on paradenights or email: bwade2000-aircadets@yahoo.co.uknews. Indeed if you are a business andyou’ve have a success story you wantto share, we want to know.In the coming months we will wantto engage with you, and if mycirculation manager’s assurances areright you should receive this magazinethrough you letter box every month. Ifyou don’t please let us know. Equally ifyou think there are things we should bereporting get in touch.To produce this magazine costsmoney, so we welcome advertisers, sogive us a call on 01234 843905.Preen and parcelsIn november 2007 Preen Furniture Bank opened itsdoors in Sun Street, Biggleswade and since then theyhave helped 7600 low income families.Biggleswade Sandy Lions are keen supporters of thishighly successful enterprise and work closely with Preens,helping to finance starter packs which are tailored toindividual needs, The recently expanded site, with the newpremises decorated by lads from the Princes Trust, is opento the public so that you cannot tell who is on hard times.The CRB checked and vulnerable person trained staff takeinto account such things as people being on benefits,receiving tax credits, being students, foster carers or over60 when deciding on discounted rates. In these hard times,demand is never ending, so if you are changing furnitureand wonder what to do with the old, contact Preen. Theywork closely with house clearance companies, and whitegoods are at a premium.FUND RAISINGIn December, Biggleswade Sandy Lions will beworking hard to raise money to provide 200 Christmasparcels to bring some cheer to the lonely and the needy, aswell as help fund their community service work.Our tin shakes will be at G&M Growers 3rd and4th, Sainsburys 10th and 11th, Aldi 17th and 18th.Look out for our sleigh runs – Biggleswade 5th and15th, Langford 6th and 13th, Potton 8th, Clifton 19thand Henlow 20th. Please give as generously as you can sowe can help those who need our support.FATHER CHRISTMASFinally, children take Mum and Dad to see Santa inhis grotto at Langford Garden Centre – he will bethere, 10.30am-12.30 and 2pm-4pm on november 26thand 27th, December 3rd and 4th, 10th and 11th, 17thand 18th.For more information on Biggleswade Sandy Lionsvisit our website www.biggleswadesandylions.org.uk orspeak to one of our members on 0845 833 9749.Published monthly, handdelivered to homes inBiggleswade, and selected dropsin Wrestlingworth, Sandy, Potton,Langford, Gamlingay, Sutton andDunton.The editorial team welcomecontributions from the publicbut will use its discretion andedit where appropriate withoutreference to the author.Biggleswade Bulletin accepts noliability for any of the viewsexpressed in this magazine.Biggleswade Bulletin is anindependent magazine with noaffiliation to any otherorganisation.Published by© Rosetta Publishing Ltd1 Union Park,Triumph Way,Kempston, MK42 7QB.Tel: 01234 843905Fax: 01234 843901EDITORIAL:editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukADVERTISING:advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukOrigination by LG Digital Ltd,1 Union Park, Triumph Way,Kempston MK42 7QBPrinted by: Mortons Print LimitedNewspaper House, Morton Way,Boston Road, Horncastle,Lincolnshire LN9 6JRIssue 11 Volume 2 NOVEMBER 2011Delivered FREEFRoNT CovER PICTuRE:Kerry Lincoln, landladyof the Coach and Horsesin Shortmead Street,Biggleswade, comtemplatingher forthcomingchallenge! See page 7.Photo: MARTIN QuINCE

BiggleswadeTOWN COUNCILGENERAL MARKETSon the Market SquareTuesdays and Saturdays8am-4pmFARMERS’ MARKETSWednesday 16 November, 9am-2pmWednesday 21 DecemberCOME AND LISTEN TO THECAROL SINGERS!Grab yourself a last minute bargain!SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL MARKETSKNOW YOUR COUNCILLORSAlbone, Cllr David(Labour – Ivel)Bond, Cllr Ian J(Conservative – Ivel)Briars, Cllr Bernard V(Labour – Ivel)Lawrence, Cllr David J(Conservative – Stratton)Lawrence, Cllr Mrs Jane G(Conservative – Ivel)Mulchrone, Cllr Ms Sarah J(Conservative – Ivel)Ramsay, Cllr Mrs Hazel(Conservative – Stratton)Russell, Cllr Mrs Madeline A(Conservative – Ivel)Skinner, Cllr Rex G C(Labour – Ivel)Smith, Cllr Mrs Wendy PDEPUTY MAYOR(Conservative – Holme)Vickers, Cllr Peter F(Conservative – Holme)Watkins, Cllr Steven Watkins(Conservative – Stratton)Wilson, Cllr George E D(Conservative – Stratton)Woodward, Cllr Peter (Conservative – Stratton)Woodward Cllr Timothy P –MAYOR(Conservative – Holme)Friday 2 DecemberCHRISTMAS LIGHTSSWITCH ONCome and join in the Fun!Saturday 10 DecemberSALVATION ARMY BANDin the Market Square9.30am – 11.30amSaturday 17 DecemberSt Andrew’s Nativity Tableau10am to 12pmTOWN COUNCIL MEETING DATES:Tuesday 15 NovemberFINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSESTuesday 22 NovemberCOUNCIL MEETINGTuesday 13 DecemberPLANNING MEETINGAll Meetings commence at 7.00pm in theCOUNCIL CHAMBER, SAFFRON ROAD,BIGGLESWADEALL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO ATTENDBiggleswade Town CouncilThe Old Court House, 4 Saffron RoadBiggleswade SG18 8DLTel: 01767 313134 Fax: 01767 601188Email: enquiries@biggleswadetowncouncil.gov.ukwww.biggleswadetowncouncil.gov.uk

TEL: 01234 843905 ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2011 5New opportunities to trainfor green employmentLIvInG more sustainably is no longer an option as food andenergy prices continue to soar. Bedford College has nowadded two new, exciting courses to its existing energyefficiency free training offer that could help local unemployedpeople find work with environmentally aware businesses.Applicants can choose fromeither a one-day course aboutsustainable agriculture which willbe held at Guilden Gate, a successfulsmallholding near Royston, ora two-day residential course aboutbuilding with RammedEarth* which will take place atShuttleworth College.The ‘Creating a small scaleeco-holding’ course will appeal topeople who want to work inagriculture as well as members ofthe general public who areconsidering developing a moresustainable way of life.The European Social Fund ispaying for these courses whichmean that they are free for unemployedor people who are not infull time work, such as volunteers,semi-retired and students (peopleworking and studying for fewerthan 16 hours per week).The project runs untilDecember 2011 with many morefree courses running throughoutthe Eastern region. If you wouldlike further information aboutcourses, or if you are a companywishing to find out how you maybe able to benefit or contribute,please go to www.greenbedfordcollege.com* Compacted soil building blocks – asused in Eden Project in Cornwall.A new home for Christmas?HoMEBuYERS who think theyhave left it too late to move intotheir dream home for Christmasshould hurry along to their nearestDavid Wilson Homes development,where the housebuilder isready to play Father Christmas.David Wilson South Midlandshas a superb selection of homesavailable which will be completein time for the festive season. Thefive star housebuilder also offers arange of deals to existing homeownersnot least part exchange.“With Christmas fastOpen sessions for carersCArerS are people who spend a significant proportion of their lifeproviding unpaid support to relatives, friends or neighbours who are ill,frail, disabled or who have mental health or substance misuse problems.Carers are also parent carers,elderly people and young peoplewho look after someone in theirfamily who has an illness.Anyone can become a carer atany age and stage of their life.Carers often have to juggle theircaring responsibilities withwork/education, family, friendsand everyday life. This cansometimes prove difficult and as aresult the health and well being ofthe carer can suffer.GPs recognise that carers doapproaching people perhaps thinkthere isn’t enough time to moveinto a new home, but I’d like toassure them that the process can bedone in just four to six weeks,”said Jackie Day, Sales Director atDavid Wilson South Midlands.She added: “We’ll considerpart-exchange, for move-up buyers.Just like trading in your oldcar, we’re effectively cash buyersenabling you to relax without theworry and the cost of selling.There’s no hassle, no estate agentfees or last-minute price haggling.”not always have the time orresources to find out what supportis available to them. It is becauseof this that we have organised anopen session at BiggleswadeHealth Centre. It is between 10.00am – 12.30 pm on Thursday 1stDecember 2011. We will haverepresentatives from many of thelocal services who can inform youof what help you can get. You willbe surprised at the vast range ofservices that can go some way tomaking your life a little easier.Please look at our website formore information – www.drkirkhamandpartners.nhs.uk or ask atour reception.Come along and have a chat –free coffee and mince pies!We would love to see you andhope we can be of help to you.Mrs Jenny Morley, PracticeManager, Dr Kirkham & Partners.Shop openingTina’s Cakes are opening a newshop at 24 Hitchin Street,Biggleswade on the 9thNovember. www.tinascakeshop.co.uk 01767 660839

6 BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2011 TEL: 01234 843905 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukLOCAL PEOPLEBen gets shunted off in the finalBEN TuCK has again shown huge promise inthe Round 9 of the Whilton Mill ClubChampionship held in late September, withthree excellent heats and a top ten grid positionfor the final. In Heat 2, Ben suffered at thehands of a number of spinning karts beingforced off only to regain the track close to lastplace before mounting another of his nowrenown Senna-like charges – eventuallyregaining eleven positions in seven laps tofinish eleventh.In the final, after showing superb pace inreeling in the top four, Ben was looking atanother certain podium position, before beingtaken out of the race by another out of controlkart. A bitterly disappointing end, but Ben andhis team were consoled with the fact that hispace and consistency was superb.Dispite the DNF in the final and having toclaw his way up from the back in Heat 2, Benstill performed well enough to snatch anotherposition up to eighth in the Championshiptable. With two rounds to go, Ben is the onlydriver still in the top eight that has missed morethan one race and can be satisfied that he hasthe third highest points average per race.Please visit www.bentuck.com for moredetails!YOUR LOCAL FAMILYBUSINESSA. J. DAYBUILDING MAINTENANCE• Plumbing• Tiling• Plastering• Painting &decorating• Carpentry• Alterations• Kitchens• Bathrooms• Insurance work• Free estimates• Free call out• Free adviceTel: 01767 314445 / 07802 530951Bartlett Tree Experts LtdUK’s leading tree and shrub management companyAll aspects of Tree and shrub managementFREE ADVICE AND QUOTATIONSContact Bedford@bartlettuk.com or 01234 354673TRADESMENThe BULLETIN is delivered to 13,000 homes inBiggleswade, Sandy and Potton every month.Your advert won’t be lost amongst pages and pages of other ads.Shouldn’t you be getting your message across?Tel: 01234 843905

TEL: 01234 843905 ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2011 7LOCAL PEOPLERunning in aid of Sue RyderWHEN two of your Grandparentsand one of your long timecustomers spend their last days atSt John’s, Moggerhanger, you gettouched by the experience.'Wader', Kerry Lincoln, landladyof the The Coach and Horses, inShortmead Street, saw her closerelatives being cared for by thededicated staff at the Sue RyderYour local cleaningcompanyHOMEBRIGHTFully vetted andinsured cleaners ataffordable ratesHome and decided to adopt thehome as her permanent charity.Following a highly successfulbungee jumping day at the GreenKing community pub a fewmonths ago, where close to £1700was raised, Kerry has beenaccepted to run next year's LondonMarathon. She will be running the26 miles to raise money for SueRyder. To aid her preparation forthe event, she has quit smokingand is currently putting in themiles to get herself in shape for theevent.Kerry has already been seenher sponsorship form filling up,but would like to urge other localbusinesses to get behind her inraising money for this fantastichome, where people with lifechanging illnesses are cared for.If you want to support herdirectly please contact her on07789 766363 or if you just wantto sponsor her go to virginmoneygiving.com/kerrylincoln whereyou can pledge your support.HOMEBRIGHTCARPET &UPHOLSTERYCLEANINGPrompt Reliable &Courteous ServiceWe use the very latestProfessional Equipment givingyou Cleaner Healthier FresherCarpets & UpholsteryAt home or at workInternational experienceFRoM fashion and publicity shoots to celebrity news photos and eventphotography, Newton Maxwell-Harris has an impressive track recordduring a lifetime of looking through a camera‘s viewfinder.Newton’s extensive background in theatre, stage and internationalfashion photography has nurtured a sensitive, patient and perfectionistapproach to all his work.Having been based inParis and London,Newton now lives inSandy and is a partner inThe Creative Mix, a teamof creative professionalswho provide publishingand web design services.Newton says: “I enjoythe challenge of everydifferent assignment,whether it’s taking shotsat the opening ceremonyof this year’s BritishBirdwatching Fair, orbeing in the right place atthe right time for a newspicture.”Newton Maxwell-Harris www.creativemix.co.ukTel: 07528012050■ Weekly house cleans■ One off spring cleans■ Ironing serviceCall Angela for aFREE quoteOffice 01767 222141Mob 07807 452974● Carpet Cleaning● Upholstery Cleaning● Leather Cleaning● Specialist Spot & StainRemoval● Fully InsuredCall Jim for a FREE quoteOffice 01767 222141Mob 07807 452974

8 BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2011 TEL: 01234 843905 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukMead House, 34 Shortmead St, Biggleswade SG18 0APTel: 01767 601800Email: kipbiggleswade@yahoo.co.uk● All Domestic Plumbing● Radiators● Complete BathroomInstallations/Re-furbishments● Disabled Adaptions● Tiling● PlasteringTel: 01767 317948 or 07786 783486 E-mail: glenn.spearing@ntlworld.comGLENNSPEARINGPLUMBING AND BATHROOMINSTALLATIONSCompletemake overCAMBRIDGE Coins & Jewellery at 52High Street, Biggleswade have recentlyhad a complete make-over.Their shop is now much brighter andsmarter, and now offers the convenienceof a private valuation room, away fromanyone in the main shop area.They always offer entirely freevaluations, together with absolutelyno pressure to sell. So why not lookthrough your cupboards and drawers andsee if you have any gold or silver itemsthat you might want to sell. They also arekeen to buy collectables, including oldcoins, medals and banknotes.So, whether you are looking for asensible-priced gift for Christmas, or youwant to raise some cash for Christmasshopping, just pop in and see them. Theyare opposite the ‘Codfather’ fish and chipshop, near H&H Electronics.LETTERS TOTHE EDITORThe editor welcomes yourcorrespondence but reserves theabsolute right to edit any submittedmaterial without reference to theauthor. Please send your letters to:Biggleswade Bulletin, 1 Union Park,Triumph Way, Kempston MK427QB or email to: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukor if youwould like to discuss a futureeditorial please call 01234 843905.Over 13,000 homes inBiggleswade, Sandyand Potton see theBulletin – have yougot something to say?Call Pat on01234 843905FRIENDLY ● LOCAL ● RELIABLE ● FREE QUOTATION

TEL: 01234 843905 ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2011 9

10 BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2011 TEL: 01234 843905 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukIckwell CricketClub CharityGolf Dayraises £2,000ICKWeLL Cricket Club hosted its AnnualCharity Golf Day in August. The weatherwas perfect and a great day was had by allthose involved. The original idea was fromMike Alexander a member at IckwellCricket Club and was started in 2008.The grand total of £2,000 was raised andwas kindly split between Macmillan CancerSupport and the Primrose unit Appeal. Fundswhich will be used locally to support twoworthy charities.Players were invited to play a series of golfholes, in and around gardens in the village withMacmillan and Primrose unit volunteers onhand at each green to present a celebratorydrink to the winner of the hole.The day was rounded off with a barbecueand entertainment at the cricket club, wherepresentations were made to the competitionGum Disease… a timebomb in your mouthwinner, Frasier Shuba, with the best lady prizegoing to Rosie Williams and the booby prizebeing won by Cathy Kurtis.Special thanks to the Ickwell Cricket Clubfor the use of their facilities. Also, specialthanks to the golf day committee and all of theMacmillan and Primrose unit supporters whohelped out on the day.The event is growing in popularity withIT IS A fact thatnine out of tenpeople willdevelop gum diseaseat somepoint in theirlives. This canhappen to anyoneno matter what their age; children,teenagers and adults are all vulnerableto this infection. But what isgum disease? Most of us don’tunderstand just how serious thisdental problem can be.Your mouth is home to millionsof bacteria, which are an importantpart of food digestion. But not allbacteria are harmless, some attackour gums and teeth by buildingsticky layers of plaque containingtoxins, which irritate and inflamethe gums. This gum inflammationis called Gingivitis and in the earlystages of this disease you mayexperience bleeding during brushing,red, swollen or tender gums,persistent bad breath and a changeof gum colour from a healthy pinkto a purplish red, which means thatthe condition is getting worse.If left untreated, Gingivitis canthen advance to the more seriouscondition called Periodontitis ordisease of the bone around theteeth. Your gums will start torecede forming deep pocketsbetween the teeth where fooddebris can collect, which can thenlead to infection. The toxins producedby the bacteria in the plaquestart to break down the bone andtissues that hold your teeth in placeplayers already reserving their places in the2012 competition due to be played in August.Anyone interested in sponsoring this event orwishing to play should contact Ickwell CricketClub.Pictured are the golf day committeepresenting the cheques to members of the EastBeds Macmillan Fundraising Group and thePrimrose Unit Appeal.until finally, the teeth are no longerattached to the jaw, get looser andlooser and simply fall out.These are a few simple tips tokeep your mouth healthy:■ Clean your gums at the sametime as your teeth■ use dental floss or similar toremove food debris before itbecomes plaque■ Clean and dry your toothbrushafter use – bacteria forms ondamp toothbrushesAs a test to see how well youare doing with your cleaning, tryusing some disclosing tablets –very cheap from the chemist.These use a harmless dye to showwhere you are missing with yourbrushing. You will be horriblysurprised!While these measures willreduce the risk of getting gumdisease, the best way to protectyour teeth and gums is to visit yourdental hygienist regularly. Theywill be able to pick up early signsof gum disease and treat it before itbecomes more serious, and showyou where you are going wrong.Prevention is better than cure, andwhen your teeth and gums arehealthy, you look good and feeleven better.For more information aboutoral hygiene and dental care visitwww.ballardandtucker.co.uk or toarrange an appointment callBallard and Tucker on 0844 5769888

TEL: 01234 843905 ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2011 1130 years on and stilloffering competitive pricesand friendly adviceLOCAL Biggleswade firm,Henlow Building Supplies startedlife in 1981 as a small hardwareand ironmongery shopoperating out of Henlow HighStreet and the organisation isstill run by MD David Cursonand his brother-in-law PaulSapiano.over the last ten years David’stwo son’s Chris and Paul joined thecompany and four years ago HBSrelocated to Stratton BusinessPark.Henlow Building Supplies hascontinued to retain and grow aloyal customer base amongst localbuilders, tradesmen and the keenDIY’er.Services such as timber cutting,brick matching, free delivery, freequotes and all day Saturdayopening have all proved verypopular amongst customers.HBS are a reliable companywith real difference. unlike otherbuilding supplies shops which areperhaps staffed by anonymousfaces, unprepared or unable to helpwith even the more basic enquiries,they employ only trained andexperienced staff who do theirutmost to offer sound advice,quality service and the best productsavailable to suit every need.Regular customer Claire Guileexplains: "My husband and I haveshopped at Henlow BuildingSupplies for years. We choose togo there because they are so very,very friendly. Despite the traditionthat says that the building trade ismore of a man’s world, I feelhappy going to the shop on myown as I have never found them tobe intimidating. The staff are sohelpful and offer advice freely andwith real knowledge if I ask anyquestions. They deliver on timeand their products are to thehighest standard, great quality thatreally lasts."In response to their customers’requests, Henlow BuildingSupplies have expanded their ironmongerydepartment. ChrisCurson, manager of HBScommented: “This is a time ofmaking and mending rather thanbuying new. We know that our customerswould rather repair a door,for example, fitting new locks andhandles, rather than install a completenew one.“We have developed our ironmongerydepartment to reflect thisand from the initial feedback wehave received, we know that ourcustomers are happy.“our range also includesmelamine shelving, stair parts,urfic designer door furniture,draught excluders as well as metricand imperial measurement doorsand if we don’t have it, we will tryour best to get it!”Local builder SimonRichardson was happy to expand:“Henlow Building Supplies islocal, friendly, helpful and, notwishing to sound clichéd, they arereal. They know the trade and cansupply everything I need for mywork. Their prices are verycompetitive and I would alwayschoose them as my suppliers. Theirproducts are of good quality,better than elsewhere.”Dave Jackson who only movedto the area 18 months ago hasalready discovered how HenlowBuilding Supplies compare toother local DIY/garden/buildingsuppliers: “The house we boughtneeded total modernisation. Aftertrying other shops and beingextremely disappointed with boththe products and service, I discoveredHenlow Building Suppliesand I cannot praise them enough.“They supply better materialsand far better service and are soreliable for excellent advice – theyare very, very helpful. The qualityof their products is amazing incomparison to elsewhere and theirprices are always much moreaffordable – a tubular mortise latchthat was about to cost me £6.00 atanother shop was £2.35 at HenlowBuilding Supplies and that sort ofdifference is true with lots ofproducts. They also stock oddthings that are difficult to sourceanywhere else.“I have now fitted the lock Ibought and it works perfectly, I amvery happy with my purchase and Iwon’t be shopping elsewhereagain. Henlow Building Suppliesdeliver on their promises and alsodeliver their goods – free and ontime too. I can’t fault them.”Whether you are a man orwoman, builder or writer, know -ledgeable or a complete novice,looking for a new lock or doorhandle,need fencing for yourgarden or require a whole bathroomsuite, head for HenlowBuilding Supplies, you will bedelighted with what you find!3a Pegasus Drive, Stratton Business Park,Biggleswade SG18 8QATel: 01767 312800www.henlowbuildingsupplies.co.uk

12 BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2011 TEL: 01234 843905 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukCorps now ranked 14th in EuropenexUS Drum & Bugle Corps, Bedfordshire’s only marchingdrum corps, competed at the British Youth Band Associations’(BYBA) national Championships on the 2nd of October at theKeys Park Stadium in Hednesford, Cannock.Nexus performed their 2011show, ‘Dare To Dream?’, whichdetails the journey of a youngchild during a night’s sleep, andcame away with an extremelyrespectable result of secondplace in Associate Class.After their show at the DCuKChampionships last month,Nexus are now ranked 14th inEurope.2011 is both Nexus’ first yearcompeting in both Associateyears the following results were achieved.Scott Neave of Bedford – Year9 – led the way by winning his categoryin an impressive time of16.47. James Hancock andStephen Thom both fromClass, after being Division 3 andLeague Champions in 2010 withtheir undefeated show ‘How TheWest Was Won’, as well as it alsobeing their first year competingin the Drum Corps unitedKingdom (DCuK) circuit.Nexus are excited to be competingfor the 2012 season, andanyone who is interested or wishesto find out more is welcome tovisit www.nexus-dbc.org.uk orto email info@nexus-dbc.org.ukfor more information.Mid Beds Swim squadhit the podium in theBedford AquathloneIGHT swimmers from Mid Beds Swim squad competed in the13th Bedford Aquathlon recently and all finished in the top threewithin their age groups. The event required them to swim variousdistances in robinson Pool and then run three laps of BedfordPark. representing their schools and competing in their schoolSANDYToybox Day Nursery7 Medusa Way, Sandy SG19 1TH01767 683602Biggleswade swam and ran theirway into second and third placerespectively with times of 17.51and 18.29.The year 8 competitors wereZoe Griffiths from Impingtonvillage College, Cambridge andJoe Murray and Ben Sarsfieldfrom Luton. In a strong field Joefinished in second place and Benin third in times of 17.37 and 19.30respectively.Zoe was beaten into secondplace in the girls event by only 19seconds.Huw Jones – Year 10 fromBiggleswade and Ben AshtonRigby – Year 7 from Flitwickfinished third and second respectivelyin times of 19.88 and 11.34.www.toyboxdaynurseries.co.ukBIGGLESWADEToybox Day Nursery, The Saxon Centre,Kingsfield Road, Biggleswade SG18 8AT01767 313139STOTFOLDToybox Day Nursery70 High Street, Stotfold, SG5 4LD01462 734306Over 13,000 homes inBiggleswade, Sandyand Potton see theBulletin – have yougot something to say?Call Pat on01234 843905

TEL: 01234 843905 ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2011 13A most unlikely concert……is to be held to raise funds for operationChristmas Child, a project started in 1990to send shoeboxes of gifts to destitute childrenaround the world. In 2010 nearly1.2million boxes were sent from the uK.It will be in the excellent venue ofSimply oak, just out of Biggleswade onthe Potton Road, SG18 0EP on Saturday26 November 2011 from 7.00 - 9.30 pm.our special guest performer, jazzenthusiast Steve Marshall, will also playhis Tubax. What is that, you ask! Come tothe concert to find out. Steve will beaccompanied by the Peregrine Recorderorchestra in some original music byFarquhar. We will also play a range ofmusic including works by Bramieri,Sullivan, Binge, Grieg, Shostakovich,Gluck, Bruckner, Weill and more. Aneclectic selection!For more information and to registerinterest, contact Barbaraon 01767 627665 or Ronon 01767 641501 (incl.ansafone).Tickets: £7 booked inadvance, or £8 at the door.Price includes tea orcoffee and generous,delicious homemadecakes, and we won’t runout of them if we knowyou’re coming!our concerts are funevents to raise money forchosen charities. If youintend to make up a shoeboxof gifts, you candeposit it at this venue.operation ChristmasChild is run by TheSamaritan's Purse. Youcan look this up on-linewhere there's advice onhow to choose what to putin your shoebox.HarrisonsAccountancyCHARTERED ACCOUNTANTSSave money on your accountancy costs.Year round support for a fixed fee.

14 BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2011 TEL: 01234 843905 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk

TEL: 01234 843905 ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2011 15Ho, ho, ho, Santa RunOn your marks, get set and hoho ho for Keech!Keech Hospice Care is invitinglocal people to give Santa a run forhis money this December by donningthe famous red suit andwhiskers and joining them fortheir annual Santa Run.The Santa Run is a 5km fun runtaking place in three parks acrossthe region:Sunday 27th November 2011,11am, Fairlands valley Park,Stevenage.Sunday 4th December 2011 –11am, The embankment,Bedford.Sunday 11th December 2011 –11am, Wardown Park, Luton.The events raise vital funds orthe charity, which provides invaluablehospice care for children withlife limiting illnesses acrossBedfordshire and Herfordshire andfor adults in Luton and south andcentral Bedfordshire.It’s a chance for everyonetaking part to really kick start thecountdown to Christmas bydressing up as Santa and joininghundreds of others for a couple oflaps around the park. The runstarts late morning so not too earlyfor those recovering from aChristmas party the night before!At only 5km, the course is suitablefor all ages and abilities soparticipants can enter alone, with ateam of friends or work colleaguesor make it a family day out.Jacqui Shepherd, FundraisingDirector at Keech, said: “TheSanta Run is designed so thateveryone can get involved andraise money for charity and have asack full of fun in the process!Keech is open around the clockover Christmas – our care does notstand still over the festivities.Patients and their families may notbe lucky enough to get home forChristmas.“By taking part in therun, you’ll help us to continue tosupport our families for whomChristmas may not be such afestive time of year.”“We’ll provide the Santacostume – which you can keep: allyou have to do is sign up.”Entry costs £15 for adultsincluding your very own santa suitto wear on the day and £5 forchildren including festive headboppers. All participants mustregister in advance. To find outmore or register for the event, callthe events team on 01582 497940.Builder’s nine new sitesFIve star housebuilder, DavidWilson South Midlands, hasannounced it will be launchingnine new developments over thenext six months proving its continuedcommitment to the localhousing market.The division currently operatesthroughout the entire SouthMidlands region which coversNorthamptonshire, Bedfordshire,Buckinghamshire and Cambridge -shire and has developments thatspan from Peterborough to MiltonKeynes.Its current portfolio stands at15 new homes developments butrenewed confidence in theperformance of the local housingmarket has resulted in thedeveloper starting work on no lessthan nine new schemes.These new developments willbring 929 new homes to the regionand with a total sales value of£176.5 million, David Wilson isconfident that the property marketthroughout the region is likely tooutperform some other parts of thecountry.“Many househunters are startingto realise that now is a goodtime to buy because prices arelower than in 2007 and interestrates are rockbottom. Thisrenewed confidencein them a r k e t h a shad a positiveeffect on then u m b e r o fhomes we areselling and Iam confidentthat we well placed to continue tooutperform the national standard,”said Chris Hatfield, ManagingDirector at David Wilson SouthMidlands.“We would not be making thissignificant commitment to themarket in this area unless we wereconfident about its prospects in themedium-term.”“By building these developmentswe will be bringing newjobs to the region. We will also becreating well-designed, competitively-pricednew homes whichlocal people need.”The nine new developmentsinclude schemes in Bedfordshire,Buckinghamshire, Northampton -shire with the first of the developments,The Steeples in Calvert andRichmond Park in Northampton,due to launch in october.

…shop locally this ChristmBigTina’s Cake shop offers a complete bespokeservice for celebration and novelty cakes fromdesign to delivery, for all occasions.Christmas is just around the corner, so its never too earlyto order your Christmas cakes, cupcakes anddecorations.We offer fruit or sponge, made to order, as well as fruitcake cupcakes – and remember, we make cakes forbirthdays, weddings, anniversaries, Hallowe’en...or just because.Please contact us on 01767 660839 ore-mail tina@tinascakeshop.co.ukOr come and see us on Biggleswade Market on Saturdays forcakes and bakes, cake orders and cake decorations.Follow us on Twitter (tinascakeshopuk) or find us on Facebook (Tinas cake shop)Photograph: Martin QuinceWhether you are looking for sensiblepriced Christmas gifts, or you wantto raise some £cash for Christmas…just visit us in the high street –opposite “The Codfather”.We buy ANYthing Gold, ANYthing Silver, pluscollectables: Old Coins, Medals, Banknotes,etc. FREE valuations. NO pressure to sell.Open Wednesday to Saturday 11am to 7pm52 High Street, Biggleswade, Beds. SG18 0LJTel: 01767 600300Why travwastingfuel, use ybusinesChris

as, support your independent traders ingleswadeChristmascards andgifts now instockGorgeousGift & Card CompanyGifts for all occasions. Wedding, Baby, Christening...Stockist of Spaceform, Willow Tree, Yankee Candles and Lily Flame CandlesGift Vouchers AvailableOpening times: Mon to Fri 9.30am to 6pm, Sat 9am to 5.00pm, Sun - ClosedAmple Free ParkingTel: 01767 600150Join us on facebookel miles,time andour localses thistmasDOG GROOMINGby qualified groomer (est 1998)● Grooming Brushes, Combs & Shampoos(free advice given)● Stockist of Burns foods and most otherbrands available with FREE local delivery● Treats, toys, collars, leads andidentification tags● Dorwest Herbs Stockist (come in forinformation on Dorwest’s natural remedyfor firework phobias).● Dog coats, jumpers and reflective wear.58 King Street, Potton, Beds SG19 2QZ

FREETRIAL18 BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2011 TEL: 01234 843905 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukArmy Cadets literally ‘launch’ Poppy AppealARMY CADETS daringlylaunched this year?s PoppyAppeal for Bedfordshire. To markthe start of the appeal one bravecadet and one adult instructorteamed up to launch themselvesfrom BodyFlights vertigo free falljump.vIPs including the the Mayorof Bedford, Dave Hodgsonattended the jump. He wished thenervous jumpers luck momentsbefore they started to make theirascent to the top of BodyFlightBedford's 125ft tower.Just minutes later he was ableto congratulate them on theirsuccessful leap, launching thePoppy Appeal. The Mayor askedcadets to keep up the good workselling poppies and thanked themfor their support in the appeal thisyear.The Royal British Legion's2011 Poppy Appeal in Bedford -shire is about standing shoulder toshoulder with our brave ArmedForces to support the recovery ofService people injured in currentconflicts.More than £1.4 million a weekor over £200,000 a day is spent bythe Legion on its work helpingover 160,000 members of theArmed Forces Family serving, ex-Service and their dependents.Year on year the Army CadetForce supports the Poppy Appealby selling poppies to raise fundsand helping to raise public awarenessof the great cause the moneyraised goes to support. It is a veryimportant part of life as an ArmyCadet and forms part of our Cadetin Community program.If you would like to know moreabout joining the Army Cadetsvisit beds-herts-acf.co.uk.Classes Classes held held in in BBedford at at SSt t Mark’s Marks Church Hall, Halls, Brickhill B rickhillEvery SSaturday between 10am-1pm- 1pmOpen to all abilities –- no audition necessaryEmail:bedford@ theatretrain.co.ukTel: 01234 0 782414www.theatretrain.co.ukOVER 13,000 COPIESDELIVERED TO THE DOORS OFBIGGLESWADE, SANDY ANDPOTTON, ASK ANY OTHER LOCALNEWSPAPER OR MAGAZINEWHAT THEIR CIRCULATION IS!If you want to advertise in this popular,well read magazine – call Pat on 01234843905 and find out how you can benefitfrom colour advertising in the Bulletin

TEL: 01234 843905 ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2011 19Cashing inon successAn award-winning marketeerand successfulentrepreneur are joiningforces to help promotewomen in business.Director of Sales andMarketing, Sarah Baxter ischarged with ensuring 18,000people a year choose to study atBedford College and her teamforge close links with employersranging from global giantsvauxhall to local retailers.Kerry Cash is well known asthe leading light behind 5thAvenue hair and beauty studio –and is now Chair of theBedfordshire Businesswomen’sClub which has hundreds ofmembers.The two have decided to joinforces to help female entrepreneursand employers to make themost of their business, andthemselves.Sarah said: “I went along to aBBW lunch and was reallyimpressed by the calibre ofwomen and the businesses theyown or represent. At BedfordCollege one of our keys aims issupporting entrepreneurs andemployers – so I decidedKerry and I should work togetheron a number of projects inthe coming year.”Kerry added: “I want this to bethe best year ever for BBW and forits members – there is so muchmore we can do to help ourselvesand others.”BBW is holding an awardsevent on November 17th 2011 atBedford Rugby Club, (Sponsoredby the Times & Citizen).In 2012 on February 16th anInternational Women’s Day eventis being staged at the ShuttleworthCampus of Bedford College with acelebrity speaker, The Apprenticestar Ruth Badger.

20 BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2011 TEL: 01234 843905 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukHow should businessesRELATE to employee stress?STreSS is now the number one cause of long-term sicknessacross the UK, costing businesses billions of pounds in lostproductivity.Nearly 40% of employers toldthe CIPD (Chartered Institute ofPersonnel and Development) thatstress related problems haveincreased among their employees.With increasing pressure toreduce costs and achieve bestvalue in the current recession,employers cannot afford to ignorethe costs of staff absence.People experts Relate canprovide support to businesses andhelp to tackle this increasingproblem in the workplace:“The health of any businessreplies upon the performance andwell being of its employees. Weall have more worries on ourminds these days and there is morepressure on staff and managers toperform well.“Left unaddressed, concernsand worries can soon take holdleading to poor performance andsick leave. We can help byproviding expert advice and counsellingwith our Employee AssistService,” said Chief ExecutiveAngela Foll.This new service from Relateoffers a confidential counsellingservice, funded by the employer,designed and developed to supportthe physical, emotional andpsychological well being ofemployees.“Taking the welfare of yourstaff seriously is important, it canhelp increase productivity and alsoprotect your company againstworkplace stress litigation. Nomatter what the size of your companywe can design a service tosupport you,” added Angela.Relate is the country’s largestprovider of people support andcounselling via a network of 70centres across the uK.To find out how Relate canhelp you: call 01234 356350, visit6 St Paul’s Square, Bedford orclick onto www.relatebedsandluton.org.ukThe Planning System – Howcan I make it work for me?DO YOU know enough aboutthe current planning system tomake an informed responsewhen you have the opportunity?If not, why not come to the JointCPre/nALC Planning SkillsWorkshop to understand thecurrent planning system, andlearn about the planning implicationsin the Localism Bill.Campaign to Protect RuralEngland (CPRE) Bedfordshireand the Bedfordshire Associationof Town and Parish Councils arejointly organising a PlanningSkills Workshop on Friday the25th November. The daylongworkshop is being run by MichaelBrooks BSc, CEng, DipTP,MRTPI - an expert on planningissues. Who should attend?Anyone interested in planningmatters, parish councillors, residentsand volunteers active withintheir local community.The Workshop will bedesigned to equip local peoplewith the knowledge to make aninformed response to any planningissues that may arise in their area.It will be an opportunity to fullyunderstand the implications of thegovernment’s proposals to overhaulthe current planning system.The organisers are also seekingplanning champions: volunteerswho can offer advice to localgroups and parish councils andwho can also enthuse people aboutthe value of getting involved inlocal planning.The day is completely free,however booking is essential.Places are allocated on a firstcome, first served basis and placesare limited.The Workshop will take placeat the Rufus Centre, SteppingleyRoad, Flitwick, MK45 1AH from9.00am to 4:30pm on the 25th ofNovember 2011.For more information, contactAnn Collett-White on 01234353331Biggleswade Ivel Evening Townswomen GuildCHAIRMAN Chris Davies welcomedmembers to theBiggleswade Ivel EveningTownswomen Guild Meeting on10th october. Birthday greetingswere given to those ladies celebratingthis month – Audrey Purkiss,Joan Stump and Ann Taylor.A number of members hadenjoyed the September walkaround Henlow taking advantageof the beautiful warm sunshine.Lunch was taken at the Five Bells.The November walk will take placeon 27th November members tomeet at 10.45 at St AndrewsChurch, Langford.A number of members went toLondon on a theatre trip to see BillyElliot and everyone agreed it waswell worth the visit. Menus wereavailable for the Anniversarydinner at the Five Bells andmembers were asked to make theirselections as soon as possible inorder that they could be handed in.Tickets were available to seeSinging in the Rain in January at aconcessionary rate of £29.50.Members will attend the town’sRemembrance day service and theNational Carol Service inDecember.Appeals were made for shoebox gifts operation ChristmasChild. This year they should NoTcontain sweets or makeup. Afurther appeal was made for 'Treatthe Troops' the list of items is veryextensive and includes the usualassortment of small containers oftoiletries, sachets of coffee and tea,toilet tissue, packets of tissues,sweets, coloured pencils and paperto distribute to local children andchildren in hospital in CampBastion.The booked speaker for theevening had been unable to attenddue to a bad back, and Mr EricLund kindly stood in at the lastminute with a very interesting talkon the history of the St James biblewhich celebrated its 400 yearanniversary in May, having beentranslated from Hebrew andAncient Greek by three teams ofscholars from London, oxford andCambridge and is still being usedworldwide.The competition for theevening, ‘The prettiest flower’ waswon by Anne Jones, second ChrisDavies and third Joan Stump.Raffle winners were Ann Taylor,Margaret Hennegan, and WendyWalters.The next meeting will be heldon the 14th November when thespeaker is Mr Lawrence. Thecompetition will be for a‘Christmas Decoration'’ The guildmeets on the second Monday of themonth 7.30 pm at the WeatherleyCentre new members and visitorsare very welcome.

TEL: 01234 843905 ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2011 21

22 BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2011 TEL: 01234 843905 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukAnnouncements1. Times are hard for all of usand community organisations arefinding it especially difficult tokeep their services going.Biggleswade & District unitedServices Association, the registeredcharity responsible forMillennium House, is strugglingto maintain the building and hassigned up to the Nat WestCommunity Force project,whereby funds will be allocatedto the three organisations thatsecure the most votes. voting isonline and is open now, so weurge all friends and memberswho are able to vote electronicallyto cast a vote for BDuSA assoon as possible. our Society’sfuture in Millennium House istied up with BDuSA’s future, soplease give them (and us) yoursupport. Go to www.bdusa.org.uk and click on the arrow tovote. You will then need to registerwith Community Force sothat you can log in and vote. Itmay take a few minutes, but dopersevere. Thank you.2. Congratulations to membersRay Miller and Lee Irvineon the launch of their new book,the ‘veteran – Cycle ClubMarque Album No. 2 – IvEL’.At last here is a substantial bookthat focuses entirely on theextraordinary Dan Albone andthe machines that were designedand built at his Ivel Cycle Worksin Biggleswade. Aimed primarilyat cycling enthusiasts andthose interested in the historyand development of cycling andbicycles, this book must also beof great interest to Biggleswadepeople, who are justifiably proudof Dan and his achievements.The A5 paperback book is pricedat £10 + £2 p&p and is availablefrom the Club Sales officer: BibiBugg, Antonine Lodge, 71Rectory Lane, Breadsall,Derbyshire, DE21 5LL (chequespayable to the veteran-CycleClub) or by email: bibibugg@uk2.net (PayPal payments tobibibugg@uk2.net). InDecember a second, larger versionof Ray and Lee’s book willmake its appearance. The A4 format433-page hard backed bookwill cost £25 and will be a comprehensivebiography, coveringnot only the Ivel Cycles but alsothe Ivel Motor Car, MotorBiggleswade History SocietyBicycle and Agricultural Motor(tractor). It will also reproduceall of Dan’s available cataloguesand patents, including for thetractor. We will let you knowhow to order this book as soon aswe have details.3. A date for your Januarydiary. our first meeting of theNew Year 2012 will be on 10January 2012. We have planned aspecial event for that eveningand hope that as many membersand non-members as possiblewill come along to see The DanAlbone Archive for Biggleswadeon display to the public. We havebooked the function room at theConservative Club for theevening and the bar will be available.Special guests have alsobeen invited to attend. Furtherdetails next month.4. Biggleswade Common.The Society has recently submitteda formal application toEnglish Heritage for ScheduledMonument status forBiggleswade Common. Thereare known sites of archaeologicalimportance on the Common andwe feel there could be furtherpotential. The protection of ourancient Common is therefore apriority. English Heritage onlyprocess about ten such applicationseach year, so it could takesome time. If you want to knowwhy Biggleswade Common is soimportant be sure to come andhear our February speaker.5. Why Barn Field Close?our President Ken Page writes:“Some readers may have wonderedwhy the redevelopment of23-31, London Road is namedBarn Field Close. The name BarnField appears on the 1838 TitheAward map but it seems to havebeen short lived, as the old nameof Boddington Piece is shown onlater deeds for many propertiesin the three roads. JohnBoddington was a wealthyBiggleswade merchant living ina house with five hearths in 1671and was almost certainly theoriginal owner of 14 acres ofagricultural land in the trianglebetween London Road, DroveRoad and The Baulk; describedas Boddington Piece in 1764.The name lives on with privatehouses: 29 and 31, London Roadwere Boddington villas and theoriginal 51, was BoddingtonHouse; Hayes had BoddingtonWorks in Drove Road and 54-66,The Baulk is BoddingtonTerrace. Therefore, the newdevelopment is distinctively,Barn Field Close.”6. Don’t miss Ken’s nextslideshow at the ConservativeClub on Wednesday, 9November, at 8.00pm. The subjectis Stratton Street & LondonRoad. In fact, this will be the lastof seventeen!Accessions.Many thanks for the followingitems:1. From Des Ball – a folder ofmaterial, including photographsand correspondence, relating to ashort-lived Biggleswade towntwinning in the 1950s with thetown of Brunoy near Paris.2. From Joanne Surman – aframed 1987 limited edition mapof Biggleswade town, showinglocal businesses.3. Purchased by the Society –pre-war b&w postcard aerialview of The Baulk/London Roadarea.4. Several items from TimHaddow - Chessum’s Dairycardboard milk bottle top; 1960sBiggleswade to Sandy railwayThe Biggleswade History Society meets monthly at MillenniumHouse, Shortmead Street, Biggleswade. Doors open at 7.45pm for an8.00pm start on the first Tuesday of the month unless notified.Meetings are free to members; visitors will usually be welcome toour indoor meetings at a charge of £2.00 per meeting.ticket; circa 1960s/70s businesscard for The Plough,Biggleswade; late victorian studiophoto by Micklethwaite ofShortmead Street, Biggleswade(printed on the back); b&w photoof a Biggleswade uDC motor‘dust cart’; 1955 printed order ofService of Thanksgiving and Rededicationof St Andrew’sChurch, Biggleswade, after thefire; 1920s and 30s picture postcardsaddressed to the unityCycling Club, the Sun Hotel,Biggleswade.5. From Mrs Jean Carrick(formerly of Dells Lane), viaMargot Alston, a Stratton HouseBowls Club embroidered blazerbadge and cards given to MrsCarrick by Ted Woods.Last Meeting:4 october There was a fullhouse for Eric Lund’s second,highly informative talk on Maps& Mapping. Eric explained howwe have progressed from carvingon stone, through drawing andpainting on parchment, printingon paper and cloth fromengraved copper plates, then lithographicprinting, through tosatellite mapping and the electronicand digital age. Moderntechnological advances have notmade maps obsolete but haveserved to improve them.uniformity in the measurementof distances was onlyachieved relatively recently.Robert Mordern’s 1695 map ofBedfordshire shows short, middleand long miles, despite aParliamentary Act of 1593 whichhad established the statute mileof 1,760 yards as we know ittoday. The Scottish mile, abolishedin 1824, was slightlylonger than the English mile,whilst the Irish mile was longerstill! When the ordnance Surveycommenced their survey ofIreland in 1824 they used theEnglish statute mile but the IrishPost office continued using Irishmiles until 1856! Advances werealso made in the accuracy of surveying.When a new map ofFrance was produced in the 17thcentury based on the new triangulationmethod of surveying,France was shown to be smallerthan depicted on earlier maps.The French King Louis XIvcomplained that he had lost moreForthcoming Programme (2011-12)6 December Members’ only. Christmas Party at the ConservativeClub.10 January Dan Albone Archive for Biggleswade on publicdisplay at the Conservative Club. No need to book.7 February ‘The Archaeology & History of BiggleswadeCommon’ – A talk by David Mcomish.6 March ‘The victorian Way of Death’ – A talk by Tom Doig. Continued on next pageFor further information contact: Jane Croot 01767 650340, editor@biggleswadehistory.org.uk www.biggleswadehistory.org.uk

TEL: 01234 843905 ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2011 23Truth is stranger than fictionSome years ago I was inMilton Keynes CentralLibrary looking throughmicrofilm copies of thenorthampton Mercurynewspaper of some twohundred years ago. Theseold newspapers are a richsource of historical factand colour and have providedme with numeroustales and snippets of informationfrom the past.Three short pieces I foundin the provincial newssection of issues from 1789and 1790 brought to mindthe story of ‘The Mayor ofCaster bridge’, written byThomas Hardy and firstpublished in 1886.Hardy’s novel, for thosewho are not familiar with it,Continued from page 22of his kingdom due to themap makers than had beenlost through war!Between 1931 and 1933Harry Beck, an electricalengineer and draughtsmanfor London Transport, drewa complete map of theLondon underground systembased on the format ofan electrical circuit diagramrather than conventionalgeographical mapping.This highly effectivedeparture became a blueprintfor the mapping ofmetro systems worldwide.Then in 1935 Mrs PhyllisPearshall, a writer andartist, set about producingher own street map ofLondon. Working eighteenhours a day and walkingthree thousand miles, shemapped all of London’s23,000 streets. unable tofind a publisher, she thenset up her own small companyand in 1936 publishedthe first A to Z Street Guideof London. Since thenstrides in technology havemade it possible to mapeverything from the oceanfloor to the moon andbeyond.This feature, written by Jane Croot, firstappeared in the January 1998 issue ofBiggleswade History Society Newsletter.opens dramatically with thesale of a wife at auction at acountry fair. The husband,Michael Henchard, a younghurdle-maker on the road withhis family looking for work,gets himself the worse fordrink at the fair and offers hiswife and child for sale. A sailorbuys them for five guineas andnext day Henchard goes on hisway alone. Some twenty yearslater, when he has made a lifefor himself in Casterbridge(Dorchester) and has risen tothe position of mayor andprosperous corn merchant, hispast returns to haunt him, withtragic consequences.Like so many of the dramaticevents related in Hardy’snovels, this one too was basedon real-life incidents. Hardykept notebooks in which hejotted down curious andinteresting facts which he wasable to adapt for use in hisnovels. From old issues of theDorset County Chronicle hehad noted the following:25 May 1826. Sale of wife:Man at Brighton led a tidylookingwoman up to one ofthe stalls in the market, with ahalter round her neck, andoffered her for sale… thewoman has two children by herhusband, one of which heconsents to keep, the other hethrows in as a makeweight tothe bargain.6 December 1827. Sellingwife: At Buckland nr. Frome, alabouring man named CharlesPearce sold his wife toshoemaker Elton for £5 anddelivered her in a halter in thepublic street. She seemed verywilling. Bells rang.The practice would seem tohave died out by the timeHardy was writing, but I returnto the reports I found in theNorthampton Mercury.Although none of the incidentstook place in Bedfordshire,two of the three were inoxfordshire, much nearer tohome, and all three pre-datedHardy’s examples by thirtyfiveyears or so. It is clear thatthe sale of wives was wellestablished and widespread atthe time.The presentation andspelling are exactly as found inthe newspaper and it is interestingto note that all the nounsin the text began with a capitalletter, even when they were inthe middle of a sentence,which is still the case in writtenGerman today but no longer soin English…………….12 September 1789:Thursday se’nnight, [a weekago on Thursday], atYarlington Fair, in the Countyof Somerset, Anne Atwell wassold by her Husband for 5s. toThomas Wadman. The Womanwas delivered as is customarywith a large Cord. He promisedher good Keeping and 6d. waspaid in Earnest. A Corres -pondant wishes to beinformed, how far the Sale ofWives, of which continualInstances occur among theLower Class of People, isfounded in Law. If it is not justifiable,why do not the Clergyinterfere to prevent Adultery,one among the many vicesdaily gaining Ground, with theLuxury and fashionableLevities of the present Age.19 December 1789: oxford:About Noon on Wednesdaylast, the vulgar Mode ofDivorce lately adopted, wasput in Practice here in our newMarket-Place, before aMultitude of Witnesses:Richard Hawkins, one of ourCanal Navigation Men, made apublic Sale of his Wife toWilliam Gibbs, a Mason,employed in the Works at theCastle. After a Conversationabout the Payment of 5s. as thePurchase-Money, the oldHusband very deliberatelypulled out a Penny Slip andtied round the Waist of hisWife, the End of which he heldfast till he had pocketed 3s.in Part, the Purchaser notabounding in Cash. He thenput the Cord into the Hands ofthe new Husband, and took aFrench Leave. The Womanimmediately called for hersecond Wedding-Ring, whichbeing put on, she eagerlykissed the Fellow, with whomshe walked off, leaving theSpectators in Amazement atsuch uncommon Assurance.2 January 1790: AnotherBargain and Sale of a Wife: AMan in the Neighbourhood ofThame in oxfordshire, two orthree Years ago, sold his Wifefor Half a Guinea; and hisNeighbours telling him that theBargain would not stand good,as she was not sold in publicMarket, he last Tuesday led herseven Miles in a String toThame Market, and there soldher for Two Shillings andSix-pence, and paid FourpenceToll.In the thirty-five yearsbetween these three sales andthe two noted by ThomasHardy the going rate for a second-handwife had gone upfrom between five and tenshillings to five pounds, whichmirrors the general effect ofthe intervening NapoleonicWars on inflation. one wonders,had the practice continuedto the present day, what thecost would be now! As for thevery idea that a wife could beregarded as a commodity to bebought or sold – well, the pasttruly is a foreign country.TRADESMENThe BULLETIN is deliveredto 13,000 homes inBiggleswade, Sandy andPotton every month.Your advert won’t be lostamongst pages and pages ofother ads.Shouldn’t you be getting yourmessage across?Tel: 01234 843905

24 BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2011 TEL: 01234 843905 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukPloughing competition at Shuttleworth CollegeEx-players and fans ofKempston Rovers, thisis the ideal Christmaspresent to yourselfor to a friend!Written by Roger Wood andPeter Burnage this 140 pluspage book with its wealth of oldteam photographs and reportswill give you hours of nostalgicpleasure.The book measures 245mm x155mm approx. Order yoursnow in time for Christmas.Only £8.95+ £3.50pp UK only.ROSETTA PUBLISHING LIMITED1 Union Park, Triumph Way, Kempston, Bedfordshire MK42 7QBTelephone: 01234 843905 Email: martin@rosettapublishing.comA PLOUGHInG Competition was held at ShuttleworthCollege on Sunday 2 October that saw the land turned by over50 ploughmen.Biggleswade Young Farmers organised the event whichattracts attention from the farming communities ofBedfordshire and beyond. The ploughmen drew lots for plotsof land and competed in classes for conventional and reversibleploughs, using modern, classic and vintage tractors.The competition, in its 49th year, is one of the main events ofthe Young Farmer’s farming calendar. There was a specialdisplay of heavy horses ploughing the land, as it as in daysgone, by while agricultural dealers gave demonstrations of themost modern equipment.A Corn and root Show had samples of the best grain, hay,vegetable produce and sales of home cooked goods. And localYoung Farmers Clubs took part in an ‘It's a Knockout’ typecompetition.The ploughing competition took place at King Hill Farm,Shuttleworth College, Old Warden Park, Biggleswade, SG189eA.Shuttleworth College offers a wide range of land-basedlearning courses, including agriculture.

TEL: 01234 843905 ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2011 25WINOVER£150GOODIES!DOG STAR PHOTO COMPETITION!IT’S HERE!– IT’S OUR FABFREE DOG PHOTOCOMPETITIONAll you have to do to enteris contact us on01767 260589 or emailcarol.countryclips@gmail.comand then we will arrange for youto have a FREE professionalportrait taken by CHRISSHILLAM PHOTOGRAPHY.Photo sessions will take placeon the 19th and 20th November atour store in Potton. Your dog willthen appear for everyone to see inthe December Bulletin and ourfacebook page for readers to casttheir vote.The winning entry will WINa huge Doggie Hamper full ofgoodies that include a Portrait ofyour dog, vouchers for Kongproducts, a Country Clips Groomand product voucher and heaps ofyour choice of Dogs food.So what are you waiting for?Get entered! Results will beannounced in December and OURDOG STAR photo published in theJanuary Bulletin.OPEN TUESDAY-SATURDAY…JUST CALL FOR DETAILSCOUNTRY CLIPS IS PLEASED TO NOW OFFER AFREE DELIVERY SERVICEOF YOUR DOG’S FOODWE WILL BE DELIVERING IN YOUR ROADWEEKLY – JUST PHONE TO PLACE YOUR ORDER.OUR PRICES ARE VERY COMPETITIVE AND YOUALSO SAVE YOU TIME, PETROL AND BACK ACHE!MOST BRANDS AVAILABLE – eg: JAMES WELLBELOVED£40.35, BURNS £40.95, BAKERS ADULT £24.90,WAGG ORIGINAL £10.99, PRO PLAN £38.95,BETA, PEDIGREE, BARKING HEADS, ETC.OTHER ITEMS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO BUY ‘ON THESPOT’ eg: DOG TREATS, CAT LITTER (CAT FOOD TOORDER), SMALL PET FOOD, STRAW, WOODCHIP, HAY ETCPAYMENT ACCEPTED BY CASH OR CARDOPEN TUES-SAT JUST CALL FOR DETAILS

26 BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2011 TEL: 01234 843905 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukMilton Ernest Hall Care HomeMILToN ERNESTHALL was built in1856 and is the onlycountry house designed andbuilt by the noted architectSir William Butterfield. Animpressive Grade I Listedformer Home to the Stareyfamily, it is now beautifullyrefurbished to retain itscharacter. As well as manyyears as a private residence,the house has been a base foruS Armed forces during WorldWar II and a country househotel.The Hall stands in sixteenacres of landscaped groundswithin the picturesque villageof Milton Ernest, five milesnorth of Bedford, MiltonErnest Hall is accessible, withconvenient access to the A6trunk road and has good publictransport links.We have extremely spaciousall en-suite bedrooms andsuites, all fully furnished andtastefully decorated to a highstandard. All our rooms haveprivate direct-dial telephones,electric profiling beds, televisionpoints, a lockable facilityfor valuables, a nurse callalarm and smoke detectors.We provide personal andnursing care on a long term,convalescent and short staybasis. Twenty-four hour coveris provided by a qualified,experienced and committedcare team specifically recruitedfor their sensitivity, dedicationand professional expertise inthis area of care. All specialistequipment is available.All Majesticare’s Homes putResidents’ choices first, and atMilton Ernest Hall you are freeto eat your meals in our diningrooms or in your own room.We are happy to provide mealsfor visitors as well. our freshhome-cooked food isnutritionally balanced and wecater for special requirementssuch as vegetarian or softfoods.At Milton Ernest Hall wehave a dedicated activitiesorganiser who arranges a livelysocial calendar including arts,entertainment, exercise, tripssuch as shopping, and events inthe Home. We also arrangeregular visits fromhairdressers, chiropodists,dentists, opticians, local GP’sand a range of otherprofessionals.For more information on Milton Ernest Care Home please contact the Home Manager on 01234 825305.Milton Ernest is a 2 star care home and is part the Majesticare home group which has 16 othercare homes across the country. For further information visit www.majesticare.co.uk

TEL: 01234 843905 ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2011 27‘Christmas is coming… The goose is getting fat…’SO goes the old rhyme. But the season ofChristmas is fast approaching and SandyTourist Information Centre is an ideal place topick up those unique and local gifts.For the second year we have produced SandyChristmas cards and a Sandy calendar.We have selected scenes for two separatecards this year. one depicts a snowy scene lookingacross the river meadows in Sandy and theother shows a winter scene with a delightful winterview across the former parklands of SandyePlace looking towards St Swithun’s Church.The 2012 Calendar has twelve wonderfulphotographs of various different scenes in theparish and town of Sandy with its beautiful countryside.The views include a wonderful winterscene taken from the Sandhills looking westwardson a snowy day, a view looking towardsthe park of Hazells Hall and a close up photographof frozen thistles taken by the riverside.Spring has delightful pastoral scenes along theSandcast Path with sheep grazing in the millmeadows and a view of some picturesque cottagesin Ivel Road. The hazy days of summerhave scenes of the Edwardian ironstone dovecotein the grounds of Sandye Placeand summer flowers are shown ina scene at the patronal flowerfestival in St Swithun’s Churchphotographed in July and thefollowing month depicts a beautifulDahlia at the Sandy FlowerShow. The season of autumn isrepresented by a whimsical sceneshowing riverside swans andducks and the beautiful autumnaltrees in Sand Lane.For that special Christmas giftIvel Valley U3ACHAIRMAN Anne Jones welcomed members of theIvel valley u3A to their Annual General Meeting onTuesday, 11th october at Holmemead Schoolcanteen. A special welcome was given to the visitors.She hoped that the members had enjoyed last month’squiz as much as she had.The secretary gave details of various events organisedby the u3A. An invitation had been received forthe official launch and re-branding of Age ConcernBedfordshire on 10th November.The Christmas Lunch will be on December 14th atThe Green Man, Stanford. The next meeting for theBook Group one is at Margaret MacInnes on 7thNovember and Book Group 2 at Sue oldroyd’s on14th November. The new Art Group programme wasavailable.Chris Davies will be organising a couple ofoutings next year and is hoping to arrange a visit to theHouses of Parliament.The meeting adjourned for refreshments that hadkindly been donated by the committee. After the breakPresident Eric Lund presided over the Annual GeneralMeeting. The Minutes of AGM held on 13th october2010 were read, approved and signed. Copies of theAudited Accounts were circulated. our membershiphad increased to 65 from 61. opening her reportChairman, Anne Jones said that the previous year hadpassed very quickly and she hoped that all themembers had enjoyed the speakers, social meetingwhy not give a Theatre Token.This will transport the recipient tothe magical world of the theatre,with everything thing frommusicals, dramas, comedies toballet and opera. The voucherscome in sums of £5, £10 and £20and they are accepted at over 240theatres nationwide and they haveno expiry date and so there is nogreat pressure to use them. oncethe recipient has been given thisfantastic gift, they simply presentthem at the box office. The majorityof theatres also accept telephonereservations with theatre tokens.A book for Christmas is awonderful gift. What about a localone? Amongst the stock we havethe book by Bernard o’Connortelling the story of TempsfordAirfield, the secret airfield ofWorld War II, where agents onvarious dangerous missions wereand outings as much as she had. She thanked all theCommittee members for their hard work in makingthe year a busy and successful time – highlightingBrian Tobin for deputising during her holidays,Thelma Rogers’ care of the finances, Jean Curwenfor finding such excellent speakers, especiallyremembering Dr Tony Maisey talking on ‘Spare PartSurgery’ – a never to be forgotten afternoon and ChrisDavies who organised such brilliant outings. Annethanked the Group Leaders for organising theirgroups and congratulated Nettie van de Weerd onforming a second book group. unhappily the cardgroup had folded so members were urged to thinkabout restarting the group. Her highlights from thepast year’s activities have been the Snowdrop Trailand Lunch at Moggerhanger House, the LavenderFields at Ickleford, Maggie Taylor talking about TheDonkey Sanctuary, the Members talking about theirHoliday Reflections and of course her very favourite– Patience for Six with Brian Tobin. Summing up, thepast year had been most enjoyable and although wewere few in numbers compared to some u3A’s wewere most successful thanks to the Committee andMembers with much laughter and friendship. Ifanyone had any new ideas please tell a committeemember as new blood was needed.As no one had come forward the whole committeewas re-elected and members were reminded that theirsubscriptions of £10 were now due.flown to German occupied Europeto uphold the resistance groups,etc. Continuing this subject wehave another book by Bernardo’Connor about the Women ofTempsford and we have the bookdetailing all the secret airfields inthe county during the last war,called Spy Capital of Britain.other books we stock include ahistory about Gamlingay, theCongregational Chapel at Roxtonand the Lost villages ofBedfordshire. Two lovely illustratedbooks of Bedfordshire includea book of the county in colouredphotographs and another show thedelightful drawings of BernardWest. There is a great interest inlocal history and especially oldphotographs taken during the lastcentury, showing how towns andvillages have changed. We stocktwo books containing copies ofold photographs of Sandy andanother book of old photographsof the village of Tempsford.How about that special localproduce gift? We sell Sandyproduced honey and honeymarmalade, together with localjams, sold individually and in giftbaskets and boxes.These are just some of theitems for sale in the TouristInformation Centre and of coursewe have so much, much morePay us a visit at Rear of 10Cambridge Road (Access fromTown Car Park), Sandy,Bedfordshire SG19 1JE. el:01767-682728/Fax: 01767-692527 email: tourism@sandtowncouncil.gov.uk

28 BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2011 TEL: 01234 843905 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukCPRE presents its 2011 Living Countryside AwardsTHIS is the fourth year of theCPre Bedfordshire awardsscheme, which aims to bringrecognition to landowners,individuals and commercialusers of the coucntrysidewho are making specialefforts to preserve the visualappearance and biodiversityof the county for futuregenerations. Their workoften receives little publicacknowledgement and theawards were thereforeestablished to celebrate theirachievements. Here are thisyear's best examples:LANDSCAPEIMPROVEMENTS:CPRE MARK, top AWARD:Harrold-Odell Country ParkSkilled management of theflooded gravel pits alongside theRiver Great ouse over recentyears has provided the county witha popular resource for leisure andrecreational activities, whilst preservingthe ecological value of thepark's habitats. up to 200,000 visitorseach year now enjoy a wideningrange of facilities while itslakes, woodland and river bankquietly host many rare species inpeaceful surroundings.Stockwell Farm woodland project,eggington (Joint Mark withPecks Farm Shop, SustainableLiving)This huge voluntary projectcarried out on Stockwell Farmrequired the planting of 100,000trees over some 80 acres. Tenyears in the making, the woodlandsnow provide a rich habitatwith indigenous Bedfordshirespecies. Broad avenues throughthe hill top woods are lightlymowed for the benefit of visitors,who are welcome to explore thisnew landscape.SILVER AWARD:Henlow Bridge LakesThe creation of two large fishinglakes with disabled access informer scrub land near Arleseyrailway bridge provided an attractivenew location for the county'sanglers and a more diverse habitatfor wildlife. The owner of the site,which includes a well designedcaravan park, planted some 20,000saplings and also voluntarilyopened a new public footpathalong the delightful bank of theRiver Hiz.John O'Gaunt Golf Clubecology, SuttonThe staff and members of thegolf club, previous entrants for theLiving Countryside Awards, continueto develop new areas for thebenefit of wildlife and flora. Thelatest example is the Cartagenacourse, which is having the edgesof the fairways enlarged to encouragewildflowers, gorse planted inold bunkers and its mature treesfitted with additional nestingboxes.Sheri's Garden, BromhamLower SchoolA memorial garden to a formerpupil has been completely renovatedusing creative landscapedesign, high quality materials andimaginative planting. All 320children planted something, givingthem a sense of ownership.The garden is accessible to villagersand the seating is arrangedto provide quiet spaces forthought.Townlands, Aspley GuiseThree years ago the ParishCouncil and a group of volunteersset about improving a disusedpiece of land which was attractingvandalism and have transformedthe site into a much appreciatedvillage asset. It now has opengrassland, fruit trees, a willowmaze and play equipment. But thehighlight is a spectacular wildflowermeadow, full of colour andinterest, and improving year onyear.COMMENDED:Turvey Community OrchardA neglected piece of land nextto the village cricket pitch is beingdeveloped as a communityorchard by volunteers who haveplanted and now tend fruit tresssponsored by village donors. Awide variety of traditional speciesof apples, pears, plums and cherriesare growing alongside moreambitious experiments with apricotsand figs.HISTORIC BUILDINGS:CPRE MARK, top AWARD:St Margaret of Antioch church,KnottingThe Churches ConservationTrust assumed care of the tiny villagechurch in 2009 when its congregationbecame too small to sustainits regular use for services.Since then the Grade1 listed buildinghas been meticulously restoredusing traditional materials andskills in a two-year programme. Ithas a charming and simple interiorwith a timeless, rustic feel and isnow well protected and preparedfor its next few hundred years.SILVER AWARD:The Mansion, ShuttleworthCollege (roof and tower)The Grade 2* victorian countryhouse is a significant feature inthe landscape but its roof andtower had started to leak in recentyears. A major phase of restorationwas recently completed, usingstone acquired from the originalNorthamptonshire quarry beforeits closure and genuine Welshslates.COMMENDEDAll Saints Church, LittleStaughtonThe villagers were outragedwhen thieves stole the copperlightning conductor from thechurch in 2007, pulling down thetop two metres of its stone spire inthe attack. It has now beenreplaced and the building hasrecovered its former glory as aprominent landmark on the NorthBedfordshire wolds.Close Cottage, Swineshead (BB)The ingenious and enthusiasticowners and their architect haverestored a Grade II listed cottagewhich had stood derelict for thelast ten years in an important locationopposite the church. Theowners have replaced rotten timbers,preserved wattle and daubsections and re-used pantiles toretain the building's integrity,whilst skilfully incorporatingenergy efficient measures such asan air source heat pump.SUSTAINABLE LIVING:CPRE MARK, top AWARD:Master Thatcher roger evansand throughout the countyNumerous examples of Roger'swork, bearing his acorn motif, canbe found throughout Bedfordshireand further afield. His contributionto preserving the authenticappearance of the county’s villagesover more than 30 years hasbeen very significant. Roger wasthe first thatcher to receive aHeritage Skills NvQ level 3award, enabling him to work onEnglish Heritage buildings: henow teaches this most visible andancient craft to the next generation.Pecks Farm Shop, eggington(joint with Stockwell FarmWoodland project)Set up eight years ago to promotehealthy, locally grown food,the shop hosts visits for childrenand raises awareness of foodtransport issues. It stocks a hugerange of products from local farmersincluding fruit and vegetables,meat, breads, conserves and itsown honey, as well as a wideselection of beers from local microbreweries.rush Matters, Colesden andthroughout the countyFelicity Irons and her staff havebuilt a highly successful businessproducing a range of rush matting,tableware and basketry for customersall over the world, while atthe same time keeping alive anancient Bedfordshire craft.Rushes are harvested by handfrom local rivers using punts andscythes and dried in an ancientbarn. The high quality productswoven by a small team of localcraftspeople have found their wayto customers as far away as Japanand the uSA.SILVER AWARD:Stondon Lower SchoolThe compact garden outsidethe school is heavily used forlearning and play and much lovedby enthusiastic teachers andpupils. It features a productivepoultry enclosure, a very clevergreenhouse built entirely from discardedplastic bottles, compostingfacilities and beds devoted toflowers and vegetables. Lessonsin various subjects are createdusing aspects of the garden and thechildren are able to use it for restor games.COMMENDEDKingfisher Way Arts FestivalAn imaginative new venturecomprising a programme ofmusic, visual arts and literaryevents held over the early summerperiod aims to encourage residentsand visitors to enjoy the naturaland cultural attractions of an areawhich encompasses Mogger -hanger, Tempsford, Great Barford,Blunham and Roxton. It alsocompliments the RiversmeetHidden Britain initiative whichprovides local walking routes andinformation boards.

TEL: 01234 843905 ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2011 29SPORT – RUGBYGood start continues for ‘Biggies’BIGGLeSWADe rugby Club’s exceptional start to theseason continues with the First xv racing to the top ofMidlands 3 east (South) playing entertaining attackingrugby and having the meanest defence in the league. A big68 point win against Brackley put Biggy at the top of theleague. The opposition withdrew from the round 2 of therFU vase giving Biggy a bye into round 3 to be played onSaturday 26th november.Progress has not gone as wellfor the Pirates and Third Xv, butthings look brighter with a fewwins under their belts. Both teamsare in higher leagues than last seasonand have taken time to adjust.The club have added to theircoaching team by recruiting PeterBean to help develop players fromthe 2s and 3s. Peter had playedSenior rugby and coached at Miniand Youth level for the club beforeinjury forced him to stop, happilythe former Royal Navy player isback to add his experience to thesquads.MinisThe Mini section spendsNovember on their travels withRemembrance Sunday down as ahome training session whilst anumber of representatives from theMini section and the club will lay awreath at the town remembranceservice. Meanwhile the Youthteams also do a bit of travelling inNovember with all the latestfixtures on the club websitewww.biggleswaderugby.co.ukU13s top their leagueTwo wins from two games putsBiggleswade u13s at the top of theSaracens Herts & MiddlesexLeague division 4. The u13smanaged by David Marjoram andcoached by ‘Stavros’ have dramaticallyimproved fitness and skillsfollowing summer training. A bighome win against Barnet wasfollowed by an excellent away winat Hemel Hempstead Camelot withthe players showing that the moveto a full size pitch held no fears.Rugby World Cup 2011.The club helped spread theword and fulfilled promises madeto the RFu over a year ago bypromoting the sport via the verysuccessful World Cup Biggy BigBreakfasts, the Summer TouchRugby League and the resurgentvets team playing the occasionalsocial rugby match. “The BiggyBiggleswade First xv home gamesPlease note from November, games kick-off at 2.15pmEntry to Biggy games is FREE, come and enjoy the game!19th november: northampton BBOBs (League)26th november: rFU Senior vase round 3 (TBA)Biggleswade Second xv (Pirates) home games19th november: Saffron Walden 2s (League)26th november: Greene King Cup (TBA)Biggleswade Third xv home games12th november: renegades (League)26th november: rushden & Higham 3s (Friendly)Big Breakfasts have been very wellsupported by both members andguests and we have seen many newfaces at the club,” said chairmanand chief breakfast cook StanMatthews.Plans are already in place forsimilar entertainment during theSix Nations tournament.England’s early trip homeserved to remind players that in theworld of instant video and CCTvyou cannot get away with tossing afew dwarves around, leaping offferries and having a ‘good time’with blondes. All of the Englandplayers have received intensivemedia training and should haveknown that they would be huntedby the worlds press. very few punditstipped England to get beyondthe Semi Finals but the quarter finaldemise to France was notpredicted, England were simply notgood enough!However, the strong Welshcontingent at Biggy had plenty tocheer about up until the Semi Finalas their boys played some of thebest rugby of the tournament.Having won over the media earlyon in the campaign, Wales were theneutrals favourites and disappointinglylost to France in the SemiFinals, the fallout will continue.Squash Club News.The club have recently renovatedcourts three and four bringingthem up to the highest standard.Squash revival continues withmany more players booking courts,please contact club steward Kara atthe rugby club for more details.Biggy U13s who have made an unbeaten start in the Saracens Herts and Middlesex leagues.

30 BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2011 TEL: 01234 843905 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukOUT AND ABOUTAnnual Craft FairBIGGLESWADEFLoWER CLuBpresents“THe MAGICOFCHrISTMAS”byMRS SuSAN PHILLIPSon THuRSDAY 24thNovEMBER 2011at THE WEATHERLEYCENTREBIGGLESWADEat 7.30pmTickets £8.00 includingwine and mince pieDoors open 6.45pmIn aid of Sue Ryder10-4pm Sunday 4th DecemberCOACH AnD HOrSeSShortmead Street, BiggleswadeCome and see Santa and his ElvesHot food, chesnuts, face painting, charity stallsThis event is being supported by:Christmas Creations, Ellie’s Art,Print up Look Sharp and All Things DoggyMARCH HARE,DuNToNQUIZnIGHTS7.30pm1st Sunday of the Month and2nd Wednesday of the monthBIGGLESWADE SANDY LIoNSCHArITY DAnCeBiggleswade Sandy Lions are holdingtheir annual Christmas Charity Dance atthe Weatherly Centre on10th December starting at 8pm.Dancing will be to the ever popular‘Rhythm and Rhapsody’ bandand there will be the traditional tombola withquality prizes as always.A bar is available with tickets costing £13 each whichincludes a plated supper. All profits from this event gotowards helping us provide around 250 Christmasparcels for the lonely and those who have hit hardtimes to bring them some festive cheer.Tickets are on sale now and can beobtained fromJudith Hagger on 01462 814693 orJulie Bonfield on 0777 1735 638.Christmas Shopping eveningFriday 2nd December 7-9pmLawnside Lower School in conjunction with The Lawns Nursery.£1 entrance with a free mince pieContact juliedennis999@btinternet.com for more details.Tel: 01767 640848 or01767 314371RED LIoN, BIGGLESWADEJAM AnDOPen MICnIGHTWednesdays8pm

TEL: 01234 843905 ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2011 31OUT AND ABOUTTRINITY METHoDIST CHuRCHThursday november 3rdThe monthly lunch commences at 12 noonThe concert will be given at 1pm byrose Forbes and her Gospel SingersAt this lunch tickets will be on sale for the December lunch onThursday December 1st. - which will be admission by ticket only.The concert will be given by The Sandye Singers.Saturday november 12th at 7pmAn evenInG OF FUn AnD GAMeSCome along and challenge your friends.To include a jacket potato supper.Contact for further details - is Margaret Pool 01767 312841.Sunday 20th november 10.30amOPerATIOn CHrISTMAS CHILD(shoeboxes for children in Kyrgyztan).Sunday 27th novemberCHUrCH AnnIverSArY10.30am The Rev. Joanne Sherwood from Flitwick.6pm The Rev. Andrew Hollins.Already we are getting into the season of goodwill so theChristmas dates herewith.Sunday 11th DecemberAnnual Gift Service. 10.30amSunday 18th DecemberThe rev. Stan Short will lead the Candlelit Carol service.Saturday 24th December 11pmCoffee and Mince pies followed by a midnight serviceled by rev. Andrew Hollins.Sunday 25th December 10am(note earlier time) Service led by rev. Andrew HollinsCome and join our Party!Earn money for Christmas selling award winningCosmetics and Jewellery with VIE at home.CHOOSE YOUR HOURS, GET FREE LOCAL TRAININGAND HAVE A LOT OF FUN ALONG THE WAY.Party bookings also being taken– only 8 free dates a month.Call me Joanne Surman on 07858 900778BEDFORD, BIGGLESWADE CATS PROTECTIONGRANDCHRISTMASBAZAAR2.30pm, 13 November 2011,Village Hall, Fishers Close, Green End Road,Great Barford.Entrance Adults 30p,Children Free.Children’s Entertainment starts at 2.45pm (50pentry), Tombola, Lucky Dip, Tarot, Manicures, GrandRaffle, Refreshments and lots of other stalls.CHArITYPICKLeD OnIOn COMPeTITIOnCoACH AND HoRSES, Shortmead StreetSunday 18th DecemberCome along with you entries

celebratethe festive season withThe Mansion HouseExcellence ❄ Experience ❄ Environment9TH DECEMBERChristmas three course mealwith a live band followed by disco£45.0016TH DECEMBERA Christmas Tribute Party with hot buffet,a live tribute and a disco£32.50Telephone: 01767 626200The Mansion House,Old Warden Park, Biggleswade,Bedfordshire, SG18 9DXenquiries@themansionhouse.orgFacebook: http://bit.ly/themansionhousefacebookTwitter: http://bit.ly/themansionhousetwitter