BB_Sept 11.pdf - Biggleswade Rugby Club

Issue 9 Volume 2 SEPTEMBER 2011 Delivered FREE

TEL: 01234 843905 ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2011 3Bike prize for quiz winnerA DELIGHTED Mrs Marshallof Oak Crescent, Biggleswaderecently won the H & HElectronics ‘Tour de France’quiz competition. She ispictured being presentedwith her prize, an 18 speedmountain bike with her sonKarl by Proprietor RichardHeadford (second from left) andPhil Sheldon, shop manager(left) To win the prize she notonly answered all the questionscorrectly but also submitted thebest ‘tie break’ answer – ‘I shopat H & H Electronics because…the staff are helpful, knowledgeable,friendly and courteous andnever make you feel like anidiot’. CONGRATULATIONS!Equine Centre reins in horse riding expertiseWHETHER you have just startedhorse riding or are an experiencedenthusiast there is always more tolearn and the Equine Centre atShuttleworth College offers a widerange of courses from horse massageto BHS (British HorseSociety) qualifications. Coursesfrom three hours to three yearsstart from September 2012 offeringtop tips on every aspect ofhorse grooming, care, show preparationand riding.Shuttleworth College’s EquineCentre is a nationally recognisedHorse jumping lessons at the Equine Centre.(British Horse Society approved)Show Centre providing equestriantraining and holding competitiveevents each month of the year. TheEquine Centre boasts two indoorarenas and purpose built stablingwith a range of quality horses.Kate Shannon (Equine YardManager) said: “The College has awide range of horses to encouragefurther development of rider’sskills with experienced staff alongsideour excellent facilities, includingtwo indoor schools. Themonthly competitions in showjumping and dressage are run bystudents, who also have the opportunityto compete in these events.Our students gain excellent handson experience of work in the industryand many go on to higher educationor careers in the industry.“Shuttleworth College offershorse enthusiasts of all abilities thechance to brush up on their skills,take part in competitions or studytowards nationally recognisedqualifications. With a wide rangeof courses on offer from three hourto three year study, there is somethinghere for everyone”.Car washON Saturday 17thSeptember the Air Cadetsare doing a car wash atBiggleswade Fire Station (bythe Library) from 10.30am to3pm.The cost is to beconfirmed, but all vehiclesare welcome All moniesraised will enable the cadetsto purchase an essential ‘fieldkitchen’ 2065 BiggleswadeSquadron Air Cadets isactively recruiting newcadets.All young people aged13–18 are welcome to join.Parade nights are Tuesdayand Thursday 1900–2130hours at the Cadet HQ inShortmead Street.If you are interested, allare welcome to visit onparade nights or call 01767314558 or e-mail bwade2000-aircadets@yahoo. co.ukPublished 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 9 Volume 2 SEPTEMBER 2011 Delivered FREEFRONT COVER PICTURE:Tina of Tina’s Cake Shopshows off her cake makingskills and helps us celebrateour first year. We would liketo thank everybody who hassupported us over the pastyear, and we are extremelyencouraged by the responseour advertisers are getting.Photo: Martin Quince

BiggleswadeKNOW 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 P DEPUTY 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)COUNCIL CHAMBEROPEN DAYYour chance to look around theCouncil Chamber, meet your localCouncillors and find out exactly whatthe Town Council does for yourcommunity – Date TBCENGLISH HERITAGEOPEN DAYSaturday 10 and Sunday 11 September– See inside Cemetery Chapel,Drove Road – 10am to 4pmTOWN COUNCILMEETING DATES:13 September .................Planning Meetingfollowed by Off Street Car Parking Meeting27 September .................Council MeetingTOWN COUNCILMeet the Deputy MayorCllr Wendy SmithAll Meetings commence at 7.00pm in the COUNCILCHAMBER, SAFFRON ROAD, BIGGLESWADEALL MEMBERS OFTHE PUBLIC ARE WELCOMETO ATTENDI HAVE lived inBiggleswade all my lifeand have always beencomfortable and happyhere. I have goodmemories of mychildhood spent in RowanCrescent, Biggleswade,where I was born andlived until my teens.My parents thenmoved to The Dellsand I stayed with them until my marriage.My education started at Rose Lane School,known locally as Hix Pits College. (Thankfully,this building has been retained, renovated andis now residential accommodation.)St Andrew’s School in Shortmead Streetfollowed on that building though wasdemolished many years ago. Later I passed my11 plus examination and was able to attendStratton School, Biggleswade.I have been employed in various types ofwork, mainly office based. My first job was atwhat was then Wells and Winch Brewery (laterGreene King, now Asda is on the site!) After afew years at home I resumed work, initially as aWelfare Officer at Hitchmead School,Biggleswade. Later I returned to office workand was fortunate to have been employed insome really interesting positions and projects.GENERAL MARKETSon the Market SquareTuesdays and Saturdays — 8am-4pmFARMERS’ MARKETWednesday 21 Sept, 9am-2pmSUPPORTYOUR LOCAL MARKETSBiggleswadeTown CouncilThe Old Court House, 4 Saffron RoadBiggleswade SG18 8DLTel: 01767 313134 Fax: 01767 601188Email: enquiries@biggleswadetowncouncil.gov.ukwww.biggleswadetowncouncil.gov.ukMy final post was as a PA to the MarketingDirector of a large Conservation Organisation.Within the period of time mentioned, Imarried David, a Project Engineer in the motorindustry and a local person. We have two sons,and in more recent years so pleased to be ableto welcome the addition of two granddaughtersto the family.I seem always to have been involved withvoluntary work. When my children were youngI worked mainly for the National DeafChildren’s Society. I also worked for SALP(Special Adult Learning Programme). Later Ibecame involved with Macmillan Cancer Reliefand was until a couple of years ago. I have beenassociated with the Royal British Legion forover 25 years and honoured to be President ofthe local Branch. I am currently a Governor atSt Andrew’s School, Biggleswade and amember of St Andrew’s PCC, all of which Ienjoy.I have, and do, enjoy being a TownCouncillor too, including the time I was a MidBeds District Councillor. I was Town Mayorfrom 2005/2007 and 2010/11 and I was sopleased to be given the opportunity to representand work for our town in this role. Being aCouncillor is rewarding at times, frustrating atothers, but always busy. This was particularlythe case in those years I spent asChairman/Mayor. For me though, this work isa way or returning something to thecommunity in which I have always lived.

TEL: 01234 843905 ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2011 5St Andrew’s Country Fayre goes NauticalTHIS year’s Fayre at St Andrew’sChurch, Biggleswade is going allnautical as it raises money for theRNLI and the Mission to Seafarers.There will be an array of stalls andsideshows as well as an exhilaratingand entertaining arena programmethroughout the day.In addition, Biggles FM will beconducting a live broadcast atthe Fayre and there will even bethe opportunity to see an RNLILifeboat on the day.The theme of the supporting exhibitionin the church is on ‘Life on the OceanWaves’. All proceeds from this year’sCountry Fayre will be donated to TheRNLI and The Mission to Seafarersto support and save lives at sea.It’s free so come along andenjoy the fun of the fayreAdmission is free and it’s going tobe a great day. Please come and enjoythe excellent arena events, have a teaor coffee in our fabulous new churchhall and make sure you visit theinteresting exhibition exploring ‘Lifeon the Ocean Waves’.

Scouts return from Jamboree with amazing storiesELEVEN Scouts from Biggleswade district were among 36 fromthe county who have just returned from a record-breaking WorldJamboree with stories to last a lifetime. For 12 days they lived in atented city set in a Swedish forest next to the Baltic Sea along with40,196 other Scouts from 156 countries. To round off the experiencethey flew to Croatia to spend six days within sight of the ancient cityof Zagreb as guests of the Croatian Scouts.This world camp was as farremoved from a normal holiday asa space flight is from a trip onEasyjet. A convoy of 136 coachesmade 336 trips from Kristianstadtto bring all the participants to theWorld War II airfield near the tinyvillage of Rinkaby nine kilometresaway. Explorer Scout JamesJackman said: “I got off the coachand I was stunned by the sheer sizeof the site. It stretched for miles.There were tents and people fromevery corner of the globe. It was anamazing sight.”Their camp site was up andrunning by 9am on day one beforeany of the other Scouts had gotstarted. Almost two years of traininggave them a head start with aJamboree landmark of the TowerBridge. Constructed of Swedishpine logs secured with twine, thestructure stood 25 feet above thesurrounding tents. FourBiggleswade Scouts and reporterNick Gurney shinned up one of thecolumns to put the final finishingtouches in place.Nick, a Scout Leader fromBiggleswade, paid a special visitto the Jamboree and talked withScouts from around the county.Matthew Panton from Henlowsaid: “The activities were mindblowing. Today we were in theEarth Forest where we divertedstreams, built dams and tried outvarious environmental experiments.”James Jackman fromStotfold chipped in: “And theideas were good. They reallyhelped us to understand how wewere affecting the world and whatwe could do to improve things.”Jemma Clark and Emma Warnerfrom Biggleswade agreed. Theysaid: “We spent time looking atwhat we could do about globalwarming and how to deal with theJamboree Scouting FactsOver 40,000 Scouts campedin a 12 square mile oldairfield156 countries took partThe UK was the largestcontingent with 4,285participantsThe Fiji contingent travelledover 5,613 km to reach theJamboree136 coaches made 336 tripsto the campsite to deliver theScouts150 bus trips were made tothe camp site every day5,000 Scouts took daily busesto the Baltic Sea forswimmingParticipants were fed onchicken, carrots, cabbage,minced meat, onions, pasta,bananas, butter, yoghurt,milk, cornflakes andporridge weighing over 2,000tons.limited fuel resources we havearound the world. It was an eyeopener for all of us to meet up withScouts from other countries andsee how many things we had incommon.”Chelsea Duffin from UpperCaldicote said: “It was awesome. Inever expected anything this size.Next door we have NorwegianScouts and there are Chinese,Americans andAfrican Scouts justdown the road. The opening ceremonywas just so cool. We all wentwild when Bear Grylls abseiledinto the arena.” Other ExplorerScouts from the district wereMatthew Brember, AnthonyBrown, Robert Lines, ClareRoshier and James Gray.During one of many entertainmentsessions, Biggleswade ScoutJason Latimer played the accordionwhile his colleagues performedMorris Dancing completewith bells, ribbons and sticks for avast army of cheering Scouts. “Itwas awesome”, he said.After the opening ceremonythe Scouts took part in variousactivities. They journeyed to theQuest Zone where they facedphysical and intellectual challengessimilar to the TV programme‘Crystal Maze’. They hadto complete cryptic puzzles thatstretched the mind and showedhow good they were at solvingthings.In the Dream Forest they wereasked to journey backwards to bereborn with a fund of new ideas tomake them a better person. Part ofthe adventure was to walk througha dark forest with only the lightfrom a lantern to guide them.During blindfold activities theyreflected on their life and theirfamilies. The journey ended in anarea of giant toys where they couldsee the world as a toddler again.One Scout said: “It was eerie but itmade you think about things in adifferent way.”Chief Scout Bear Grylls said:“This is an awe inspiring campwith over 40,000 Scouts from 156countries all sharing one commontheme, ‘To live in peace and harmony’.It’s a wonderful adventurethat will change their lives.”After this mind blowing experiencethe Scouts flew to Croatia tostay near Zagreb as guests ofCroatian Scouts. Robert Linesfrom Shefford said: “It was amazing.There was even an A1 motorwayrunning past the city built onan old Roman road. Just likehome!” He added, “The foodlooked English but tasted different.There were spicy meat ballsfrom a fast food place that lookedlike Wimpy’s which came with asalad and bread. But the ice creamwas out of this world.” He added:“Mostly we talked in English but Imanaged a couple of Croatianwords such as Molim for pleaseand Hvala for thank you.”All the Scouts agreed that thiswas one memorable experiencethat will stay with them for ever. Itwill provide them with a fund ofstories for years to come and arange of world wide contacts thatwould make even pop singersenvious.

TEL: 01234 843905 ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2011 7Darts celebrities put on exhibitionDART madness was at theBiggleswade Working MensClub on Sunday August 14th.Bobby George, Eric BristowDennis Priestley and MartinAdams were the legends at thisyear’s darts exhibition. After sixmonths in the waiting the dayfinally arrived where the peopleof the community had the chanceto challenge these professionalplayers who between them haveover 21 world titles.Winners of the tournamentsheld before the day includingDexter, Harry Lovell, BobbyTuthill and Andy Fage all took ontheir selected pro’s along with thepairs winners, winners of the ninedart competition and raffle winners.Plenty of pictures were takenand autographs signed. The eventwas hosted by Dunton’s ownprofessional darts M.C and referee‘Little Richard Ashdown’ andorganised by the Working MensClub Steward, Shane Walker.Shane said: “We were reallypleased with how popular the eventwas, in the end tickets actually soldout, I have also heard from all theprofessional players that appearedand they too commented on what abrilliant night they had. It was aOffenders to face full week ofhard work and job-seekingALISTAIR Burt, MP for NorthEast Bedfordshire, has welcomedGovernment proposalsfor tougher community sentencesthat will see offendersmade to do a full five-day weekof hard work and job-seeking.The work will include manuallabour, improving public areasby clearing up litter, cleaninggraffiti and maintaining parksand other green spaces.The new rules will see unemployedcriminals forced to work aminimum of 28 hours over fourdays, with the fifth day spent lookingfor full-time employment.These proposals are part of theGovernment’s plans to reform sentencingand tackle the root causesof offending. As well as givingsomething back to communitiesaffected by crime, they will helpbring structure to offenders’ lives.This will encourage them backinto the routine of hard andmeaningful work.Mr Burt said: “People want tosee offenders punished for theircrimes as well as giving back tothe community. They should bemade to work the full five-dayweek that decent, law-abidingcitizens do, rather than idly wastetheir lives on street corners.“The introduction of a regular,meaningful working week willhelp break the cycle of crime andtackle the appalling rate ofreoffending we inherited fromLabour. We will then see fewercriminals, fewer victims of crimeand big savings for the taxpayer –a thoroughly positive result forsociety and the local communityhere in Bedfordshire.”HarrisonsAccountancyCHARTERED ACCOUNTANTSSave money on your accountancy costs.Year round support for a fixed fee.great atmosphere and a greatcrowd… roll on next year”.This is the third consecutiveyear Shane has run exhibitions atthe club and each time the turnouthas increased. The club wishes tothank all appearing players, a specialmention is also deservingtowards Richard Ashdown for allthe extra support he gives theevents. Special thanks also goes toBiggleswade Bulletin, BigglesFM, Red Dragon darts, A190 andthe Darts Monthly magazine.Is there a dart player you wouldlike to see come to Biggleswade?Why not let Shane know throughthe club’s new website www.biggleswadewmc.com and selectthe darts exhibition page. The clubalso hosts regular darts and poolknock out competitions and hastwo pool teams and two dart teams,again visit our website for details.

8 BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2011 TEL: 01234 843905 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukBikers celebrating Sheene raise £1400 for charityNEARLY 200 motorcycliststook part in a run to celebratethe 35th Anniversary of motorcyclinglegend Barry Sheenewinning his first 500cc WorldChampionship – raising£1411,43 for charity.Using Biggleswade RugbyUnion Football Club as the startand finish line, the 88 mile ridelooped through the rural roads,towns and villages of CentralBedfordshire following the ScenicRoute. Organiser Joe Airton, 19,planned the event as part of hisDuke of Edinburgh Award activitieswhilst in the air cadets, withthe charities chosen as beneficiariesbeing East Anglian AirAmbulance and CLIC Sargent.Joe said: “Barry Sheene is amotorcycling legend, a BritishWorld Champion twice over,whose personality and abilitymade him a hero amongst manymotorcyclists. Sadly no longerwith us, I wanted to mark the 35thClaire Shovelton (CLIC Sargent), John O’Grady (Oakley MC) Jo Harris (EAAA).The late Barry Sheene.Photograph: Martin QuincePC 747 Chris Leah, Paul Crane (Driving Instructor), PS 1372 Colin Bonner, PC 568 Adrian Smith, FireOfficer: Martin Smith and Fire Officer, Andy Ellans.Anniversary of his first World Titleby raising funds for his chosencharity, CLIC Sargent, whichcares for children and youngpeople with cancer, and my localair ambulance, East Anglian AirAmbulance. I had hoped 500motorcycles to attend, but the badweather throughout the morningput paid to that! I am thrilled thatthose who attended were sogenerous towards the charities,and gave over £1400. The goodnews is that most want us to dosomething similar next year – the35th Anniversary of his secondWorld Title!”Joe went on to add: “I wouldlike to thank everyone who helpedme on the day, with special mentionto CMG Rescue Services whokindly lent us their hospitalitytrailer to act as a registration pointand coffee stop; Costa Coffee whogenerously provided us withenough ingredients and cups tomake everyone a coffee manytimes over; Hein Gericke who providedus with Gift Cards for all theriders; CLIC Sargent and EAAAwho brought display stands;Oakley Motorcycle Club; 5Counties Motorcycle Club; SERVBloodrunners; Honda OwnersClub (Bedfordshire); Beds &Herts Institute of AdvancedMotorcyclists; Print465.com forsponsoring our maps;Biggleswade Rugby UnionFootball Club for their hospitality,and for every motorcyclist whosupported us on a very wet day toremember a great sports personality.Without them we could nothave honoured Barry in the waywe have.”

TEL: 01234 843905 ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2011 9Ben Tuck looking for more sponsorsJUST a quick update to let youknow that ahead of competingfor the prestigious and wellknown Brazilian Cup at WhiltonMill in late August, Ben got severalhundred more practice lapsunder his belt with another day’stesting at the end of July. Withteam constraints resulting in Benhaving only taken part in four ofthe seven races so far in theWhilton Mill Club Championship,test days such as these arean important way for Ben togather race style experience in acost effective manner. They are akey reason why Ben demonstratespace that would normallytake several years to develop.Despite missing the February,June and July rounds due to teamcommitments at the BritishNational Championships, Ben hasthe second highest points averageof the Whilton Mill Championshipand still sits in eleventh place in thechampionship standings. Buildingon those results was the aim of thetest day. Taking part in test days is atypical demonstration of thecommitment Ben is showing to hiscareer and to his current sponsors.Ben now needs significantcommercial input to make good onthis drive and commitment afterdemonstrating that with very little‘seat time’ he has already shownpace beyond his experience. Therecan be fewer better places tocommit marketing money withthis interesting and headlinegrabbing potential.Bens team 3DR, had a numberof objectives planned for the testday. Top of the list was to gathersome extra experience of closewheel to wheel fighting. Ben progresseda huge amount during thedays training and posted BritishNational comparable lap timesalongside his team mates, showingthat although he races at a far moreinfrequent rate than most otherdrivers, there is far more talent tobe shown given the right budget.

10 BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2011 TEL: 01234 843905 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukChristmas & NewYearParty CelebrationsBookings now being taken01480 474000sales@abbotsley.comChristmas Party NightsABBsolutely FABulous party nights include a four coursemeal, disco dancing, special prices on drinks and anoption to ditch the taxi and stay over. Prices start at just£26.95 per person.Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from25th November.Festive LunchesTreat your friends or work colleagues to one of ourChristmas lunches from just £19.95 per person. Choosefrom traditional fayre with all the trimmings and somemouth watering desserts followed by coffee & mince pies.Available every day and at weekends from 25thNovember call 01480 474000 to reserve your table.Tee & TurkeyBook a round of golf at the Abbotsley course and enjoy atwo course Christmas lunch after your game for just £35per person. November – December 2011(Monday - Friday). Call the pro shop on 01480 474000to book your tee time.Christmas DayTreat the family to a stress free Christmas Day, let ourfriendly staff look after it all for you.Welcome drinkfollowed by a sumptuous 5 course meal, with all thetrimmings in our fabulous Mill Restaurant.At £39.95per head, you’ll think it’s Christmas!NewYear’s EveOut with the old and in with the new the Abbotsley way.Meet up with your friends for canapés and champagne,followed by a 4 course black tie dinner and dancing tolive music.Tickets available at £65 per person. Make anight of it, stay in one of our comfortable rooms andenjoy your first breakfast of 2012 served in style for justan extra £34.Abbotsley Golf HotelPotton Road, St Neots, CambsPE19 6XN01480 474000www.abbotsley.comFlu season is only justaround the cornerSADLY the summer will soon beover and preparations are well underway at GP surgeries to help patientsdeal with any influenza outbreak.If you are a patient at Dr Kirkhamand Partners you can visit our websiteat www. drkirkhamandpartners.nhs.ukfor details of our flu clinicsduring October and November atour main surgery and our branch surgeryat Langford. If you do not haveaccess to our website please call intothe surgery to pick up a leaflet.These are walk-in clinics for allpatients over 65, anyone with achronic medical condition such asasthma, diabetes, heart conditions,pregnant women and registered carers.From January 2012 any sparevaccines will be offered to anypatient who does not come into oneof the above groups. Please do notask before then as we really mustvaccinate our most vulnerablepatients first.Our walk-in clinics are alwaysvery popular and I am delighted tosay that this year representatives ofour Patient Participation Group willbe joining us. This will be an opportunityto chat with them and put forwardany suggestions you may have.Patients never have to wait longto be seen and this year we are alsooffering you the opportunity to haveyour weight and blood pressurechecked.You can also use these sessions tobook for our very popular onlinebooking service. You will need tobring in photo ID and the processonly takes a few minutes. FromSeptember we will also be able toregister under 12s , registered carers,anyone with power of attorney andanyone who lacks capacity and iscared for by another person.You willneed to bring in photo id for theapplicant and proof of identity for thepatient.If you are unlucky to get the flumedical advice is to rest, take plentyof fluids and the recommended dosesof Paracetamol – your localPharmacist can advise you on this.As this is a virus antibiotics will notwork and we will not prescribe them.Please don’t come straight to thedoctor – you could spread the virus toother patients. You may experiencesymptoms of aches, temperature,runny nose and a cough and thesewill last for several days at least.YOU CAN NOW JOIN OURVIRTUAL PATIENT GROUP ANDTAKE PART IN OUR FEEDBACKSURVEYS ON WHAT SERVICESYOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE ATTHE SURGERYIf you would like to make anycomments on the services we offerplease contact Mrs Jenny Morley,Practice Manager, Dr Kirkham &Partners, Saffron Road, Biggleswade.Telephone 08445 769041.P J Private HireCOMPETITIVE RATES FORLOCAL RUNS, AIRPORTSAND LONG DISTANCETEL:PLEASE CONTACTNumber plate eventTHERE is a growing crime trendwhereby car number plates are beingstolen to be used in crime. This maybe: To evade speeding/parking fines, tosell a stolen car, to carry out illegalactivities i.e. not paying for petrol andavoiding ANPR (automatic numberplate recognition) cameras.Protect your number plates andcome along to one of our number platesecuring events. This is a free serviceto secure your car number plates.The next one in your area will beheld on:Tuesday 20th SeptemberCommunity Centre Brook End Potton10:00 am to 11:00 amJohn O’Gaunt PH car park Sutton11:30 am to 12:30 pmVillage Green Everton2:00 pm to 2:45 pmChequers PH car park Wrestlingworth3:00 pm to 3:45 pmThe Guinea PH car park Moggerhanger4:30 pm and 5:30 pmMOB:01767 262415 – 07895 744891

TEL: 01234 843905 ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2011 11BATS – 25 years and going strongBIGGLESWADE AmateurTheatrical Society (BATS) hasbeen bringing drama, tragedy andlaughter to the Biggleswade areafor over 25 years. Founded in1984, the group produces showsfor all tastes, and all ages, includingplays, comedies, musicals andvariety shows.In the last year, BATS’steenage members won threeawards (best youth production,Bikes and barber shopON the third Monday of eachmonth the Ivel Stroke Club meet atQuince Court, Sandy and someBiggleswade Sandy Lions helpwith transport.One of our members, IanWilliamson, together with his sisterAvril and her husband Simon,are doing a sponsored cycle ridefrom Lands End to John O’Groatsto raise money for the club. Theystart on 6th September and finishon 28th September.The Stroke Club was formed in1993 and it provides support tothose who have had a stroketogether with their relativesthrough social, recreational andtherapeutic activities, which allneed money. They have some 40 –50 members coming fromBiggleswade, Sandy and local villages.To join or find out more, callBarry Johnson on 01767 226138 orMargaret Kempton on 01462628657. Please sponsor Ian andcall him on 01767 221587 or emailianwill@ntlworld.comOn Saturday 15th October thereis a concert by Shannon Express atHolmemead Middle School,Biggleswade, starting at 7.30pm.Profits are being split betweenBedford District HandicappedRiders Association (BDHRA) andthe Lions. Shannon Express startedin 1978 and the members agesrange from teenagers to the moresenior citizens. Twice gold medalbest dressed play, and best maleyouth actor) at the 2011Befordshire Drama Festival, andwere invited to take the productionon to the national competitions.BATS also produced ‘Murdered toDeath’, a hilariousAgatha Christiespoof, featuring everyone fromfounder members to youngsters intheir first ever BATS production.The BATS pantomime has longbeen an annual highpoint for thewinners as Chorus Champions atannual conventions and twicerepresenting Great Britain at internationallevel in the USA, thisBarbershop choir always gives apolished and professional performance.Two Lions, Peter Patmoreand Peter Twigg are members.BDHRA is an independentcharity, run wholly by 30 volunteersat a purpose built centre inWillington, giving riding therapyto the physically and mentallydisabled. During term times onWednesdays it takes 40 or so childrenplus a few adult riders, plus asmall group on Thursday evenings.The Association is entirely selffunding and all money donatedgoes directly to the upkeep of theriding centre and for the benefit ofthe riders. Tickets for the Concertare only £8 and can be obtained bytelephoning Linda Dodgson on01767 226419 of Dave and JudithHagger on 01462 814693.group, and for the children ofBiggleswade, whether they’re inthe audience, or up on stage. Thisyear’s pantomime will be ‘Puss inBoots’, and will be staged inJanuary. Auditions will be onMonday the 5th and Wednesdaythe 7th of September, at 8pm in theTrinity Methodist Church Hall,Shortmead Street, Biggleswade.The pantomime is a great time toget involved in BATS – it’s lots of‘A Cappella’ WorkshopSATURDAY 24th Sept, 10am –4pm – back by popular demand,Phoenix Chorus are holdinganother A Cappella Workshop dayat Potton Lower School.Open to female singers of allabilities, the day costs £10 foradults, £5 for under 18’s. You willYOUR LOCAL FAMILYBUSINESSA. J. DAYBUILDING MAINTENANCE• Plumbing• Tiling• Plastering• Painting &decorating• Carpentry• Alterations• Kitchens• Bathroomsfun with a big cast, and the mostappreciative audience you couldask for!There are parts for children andadults, of all ages. If getting up onstage isn’t your thing, there arelots of opportunities to getinvolved with sets, costumes,lighting and sound. We alwayswelcome new members, so if youhaven’t been down yet, we hope tosee you soon!be sent music and teach tracks tolearn ‘Get Happy’, the fingersnappingsong made famous byJudy Garland among others.Places are limited so emailpro@phoenixladies.co. uk to bookyours or ring Anna for moredetails: 07790 895561.• Insurance work• Free estimates• Free call out• Free adviceTel: 01767 314445 / 07802 530951Mead House, 34 Shortmead St, Biggleswade SG18 0APTel: 01767 601800Email: kipbiggleswade@yahoo.co.uk

12 BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2011 TEL: 01234 843905 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukLETTERS TO THE EDITORIMPLICATIONS OFTHE DEFICITWhat happens if nothingchanges?This answer isn’t as simple as itmight seem, but I will put it to youin such a way that everyone canunderstand.In the very short term, verylittle happens if we don’t addressthe problem. So we had 30 goodyears where global deficit wasfinanced by borrowing.That is in fact part of the problem,because it helps us remaincomplacent. In the short term,your taxes won’t go up, because alot of politicians are dead setagainst tax increases. But largerand larger portions of your taxmoney will go to pay interest onthe debt, rather than currentexpenses. Interest rates will continueto rise. The government is aWHEN we leavethe house, mostof us will look inthe mirror tomake sure ourhair is tidy andour teeth areclean. But howmany of us think about inspectingour gums on a regular basis? Youmay have gleaming white teethand a big confident smile, but it isactually the state of our gums, notour teeth that tells the real story ofour overall health.At some point in our lives, gumdisease, or to give it its correctterm periodontal disease, willaffect about 80% of Britons. If leftuntreated the consequences can besevere. Gum disease nor onlycauses bad breath and problemswith your teeth, but research isalso linking this disease to otherconditions ranging from heart diseaseright through to rheumatoidarthritis and diabetes and can evencause problems in conception!Gum disease occurs whenplaque forms on the teeth and thebacterium irritates the gums. Thiscauses the gums to bleed andbecome inflamed and swollen,which is known as gingivitis. Ifthe symptoms are not spotted theresult can be a loss of teeth causedby the inflammation eating the ligaments,which attach the teeth tothe bones, and in some cases candestroy the actual bone itself.Although gum disease affectsWhat your gums say about your overall healthall ages, it is particularly prevalentin the elderly population becausethey produce less saliva and so thehuge borrower, getting biggerevery month. The amount weborrow impacts interest ratessignificantly. Rising interest rateswill increase deficits. Increaseddeficits necessarily increase thedebt.Increased debt means higherinterest payments.Higher interestpayments create higher deficits.Asthis cycle continues, interest ratesmust rise further.The problem worsensexponentially. At some point thereis a critical mass effect; the government’sappetite for borrowingwill exceed the world economy’ssupply. Then interest rates willsoar, and the entire house of cardsmay well collapse — that’s financialcollapse — worldwide. If thatcollapse can somehow be avoided,at the very least, we will all have topay sharply higher taxes than wehave ever paid, and for a very longtime, have no health care, no pensionsand no subsidised educationand certainly no social care inorder to restore worldwide financialstability.Our children and grandchildrenwill pay for this. We haveborrowed our present and as wecontinue to gamble, we borrowour future, the future of ourchildren and grandchildren, beforethey are even born.Do not expect any governmentto solve this, they can’t. They areafter all, the ones that created theproblem.I can’t make it any simpler thanthis!George Konstantinidis– SandyREFRESHINGI read your August Bulletinyesterday and am writing to sayhow refreshing it was that yourjelly like bacteria can cling to theteeth more easily. A recent surveycarried out by the British Dentalarticles were all reporting somethingpositive. My reaction is notcoloured by all the 'bad' thingsgoing on lately in the country as Ihave felt strongly for years that ifwe reported more of the goodthings going on, the country wouldbe much better off as it would havea more balanced view of the stateof things. So thank you, and withoutwanting to sound in the leastpatronising, keep up the very goodwork.Judith Mooney, – MoggerhangerThe 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.Foundation showed that 47% of usdon’t clean our teeth on a regularbasis which is why so many of usfall foul of this distressing disease.Once you get gum disease itdoesn’t just settle in the mouth; thebacteria which has entered theblood stream is then able to travelaround your whole body, leadingto inflammation and damage inother areas including the womb. Astudy in Australia has discoveredthat women with gum disease arelikely to take two months longer toconceive than women with healthyteeth and gums. This is becausethe bacteria from the gum diseasecan cause the lining of the wombto become inflamed which makesit harder for the fertilised egg toimplant itself.The good news is that we don’thave to suffer from gum disease.By establishing a regular oralhealth programme which includesbrushing our teeth twice a day fortwo minutes and flossing we canensure that the bacteria doesn’t getthe opportunity to take hold of ourteeth. Follow this with regular visitsto your dental hygienist to monitoryour oral health and keep yourteeth clean and healthy, you can beconfident that your teeth and gumswill remain in the best of health.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 SEPTEMBER 2011 13…shop locallythis Christmas,support yourindependenttraders inBiggleswadeIT’S NOT THATFAR AWAY!From the October edition (next month)we will be publishing‘A SHOP LOCALLY THISCHRISTMAS FEATURE’Please call Pat on 01234 843905to book your space

14 BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 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, thehouse has been a base for USArmed 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 SEPTEMBER 2011 15Toybox Day Nursery – Early Years GraduatesAS PART of Toybox’s commitmentto the Early Years, we havebeen developing a programme forgraduates to join us as part of thegovernment’s commitment toNurseries. We have gained greatbenefit as a group from the impactHannah Street has been able tomake since she achieved her EarlyYears Professional Status (EYP) in2010. The results are clear withour excellent Ofsted results andindustry recognition.Thanks to the success of thenurseries over the past year we arenow able to bring in three morestaff who will look to completetheir EYPS over the next 18 or somonths, this is the equivalent tobeing a QTS – but specifically forthe Under Fives. The three, allgraduates, with Early Years backgroundswill work directly withHannah to ensure we deliver realquality in every age range in everynursery. The three are not replacementsfor our managers who havea very different role to play in oursuccess.To illustrate what we are lookingfor our EYPS to achieve, wehave copied visions from governmentdocuments about this role,and then added our own interpretationto reflect the uniqueness ofToybox.Early Years ProfessionalStatusGovernment’s view:We all want the best for ourchildren. That’s why we need thebest people to help them developand why we and our partners havecreated Early Years ProfessionalStatus (EYPS). EYPS enablespeople working with childrenunder the age of five to demonstratethe excellence of their personalpractice and their ability tolead the practice of others.EarlyYears Professional Status(EYPS) is the gold standard forthose working with children underthe age of five.Having a highly skilled workforceis vital to all early yearschildcare. In fact, research hasshown that the development ofyoung children is directly linked tothe qualifications held by the earlyyear’s workers around them.An EYP will: Take responsibilityfor leading and managing play,care and learning.Develop, introduce, lead andsupervise development work.Act as a team leader /coach andinspire others.Possess up-to-date knowledgePEN PORTRAIT OF OUR NEW EARLY YEARS GRADUATESJennifer Blezard – Jennifer has adegree in Early ChildhoodStudies from Anglian RuskinUniversity. During her time inCambridge she worked in a localpre-school where she influencedthe planning and implementationof best practice. She moves to thewith Triple Distinction (NorthHerts College).Kayleigh since graduating inJuly has been working in a localsupermarket, she list her interestsas reading autobiographies aboutpeoples childhoods, swimmingand Zumba.area from Preston.Jennifer considers herself tobe outgoing and very approachableand lists her interests asReading, Sports – Netball,Football, Running, Scuba Divingand Snow Boarding, Music –Saxophone & Clarinet and alsofilms and danceKayleigh Gilbert – Kayleigh hasa degree in Psychology fromNottingham Trent University,where she specialised in areassuch as Infant Development,Emily Hearth – Emily has aPGCE in Primary Education fromUniversity of Bedfordshire and adegree in Psychology fromAnglian Ruskin. She also holds aBTEC National Diploma in EarlyYears with Triple Distinction(North Herts College).Emily’s most recent job wasas a teacher in the Foundationstage at a local school, she alsohas undertaken courses inAutism. Emily wants to beLanguage and Literacy considered as a fun, energetic,Development in Children andEducational Support Needs andInclusion. She also holds a BTECNational Diploma in Early Yearscaring and a dedicated personwho is well organised and a goodteam player, she lists her interestsas art/painting and netballand understanding of early yearspractices.Help colleagues to develop andimprove their practice.Toybox’s ViewOur three new EYPs andHannah Street in her dual role willmentor and coach the staff in ourgroup of nurseries to ensure thatquality is delivered every day toevery child. They will be focusedsolely on this area; they will not beable to help with invoice queries,extra sessions or any general management.We want our excellentteam of managers to continue tosupport our parents in all generalquestions and the day to day runningof our settings. The manager’swill retain the overall responsibilityof the nurseries and theEYPs will work for them to ensureeach nursery is outstanding inwww.toyboxdaynurseries.co.ukeverything they do. The managerswill check progress of the qualityteam (EYPs) by continuing to bein the rooms to see for themselveswhat is actually being achievedand the benefits to each child.The Role out of theProgramme: To ensure the newstaff settle in as quickly as possiblewe have spread out the start datesover a four week period. Jenniferstarted with us on Monday 8thAugust, Kayleigh on Monday22nd and Emily 5th September.By doing this it ensures each of thegraduates gets time to read andunderstand our policies and procedurescomplete a full personalinduction and get to know thestaff.We anticipate that fromMonday 19th September the teamof EYPs will be have completedtheir personal inductions and beready to start reviewing our practice,we will be able to give furtherdetails of how the team will operateand give best value to the children.It is important to make clear wedo not believe we have failed inour practice to date, far from it aswe have said earlier, but we dowant to live up to the Outstandinggrades we have achieved all day,every day. The aim of these newroles is to ensure that we can confidentlyexpect all our nurseries tobe viewed by everyone as the bestin its location. We believe there isContinued on page 18SANDYToybox Day Nursery7 Medusa Way, Sandy SG19 1TH01767 683602BIGGLESWADEToybox Day Nursery, The Saxon Centre,Kingsfield Road, Biggleswade SG18 8AT01767 313139STOTFOLDToybox Day Nursery70 High Street, Stotfold, SG5 4LD01462 734306

16 BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2011 TEL: 01234 843905 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk’RODDINGAT OLDWABack in July – remember this weekend – it was our swas home to the NSRA annual get together, with caabundance, you had to be there to b

TEL: 01234 843905 ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2011 17RDENummer. Old Warden Parkrs and hot rod culture inelieve it.PHOTOGRAPHS:MARTIN QUINCE ANDNEWTON MAXWELL-HARRIS

18 BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2011 TEL: 01234 843905 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukToybox Day NurseryTina’s Cake shop offers a complete bespoke servicefor celebration and novelty cakes from design todelivery, for all occasions.We would like to wish Biggleswade Bulletin a veryhappy first birthday.Kids are back to school, so ’tis the season to startthinking about your Christmas cakes.We offer fruitor sponge, made to order, as well as fruit cakecupcakes.And remember, we make cakes forbirthdays, weddings, anniversaries, Hallowe’en... orjust because.Please contact us on 01767 660839 ore-mail tina@tinascakeshop.co.ukor see us on Bigglewade market on SaturdaysFollow us on Twitter (tinascakeshopuk) or find us onFacebook (Tinas cake shop)Continued from page 15no other nursery or group of nurseriesthat have both achieved ourresults and are investing in thefuture as we are.We recognise that these newposts will not have huge initialimpact but will over time deliver abackbone for us to work from toensure we are outstanding everyday. Please do take the time to sayhello to these new staff as youmeet them.The Nursery World Awards2011The Nursery World Awardsrecognise and highlight the bestthat is being achieved throughoutthe UK early years sector. Theyshine a light on the hard work,innovation and dedication of thosein early years education and childcare,communicating aspects ofbest practice and helping to raisethe profile of the sector. TheAwards highlight best practicewithin the sector. If you reach theshort list, you will be seen as beingone of the best in early years educationand care.Toybox is proud to announcethat we have made it through to thefinal 5 in the category of NurseryChain of theYear for 2011.To get to this stage we havebeaten off challengers from thewhole country with the categoryopen to UK nursery groups withthree or more settings. We havehad to demonstrate:What makes your nurserychain a successful business?How we ensure high-qualitycare and education across thegroup?Our approach to staff developmentOur group’s plans for developmentThe strengths of your organisationWe have also had to provideSupporting evidence by:Providing our most recent inspectionreportsProviding brief supporting statementsfrom parents who useour provisionsWe have been invited toattend a Gala Evening onFriday, 30 September 2011, atthe Lancaster London,Lancaster Gate, W2 2TY, wherewe might be lucky enough tocarry off the award.● All Domestic Plumbing● Radiators● Complete BathroomInstallations/Re-furbishments● Disabled Adaptions● Tiling● PlasteringTel: 01767 317948 or 07786 783486 E-mail: glenn.spearing@ntlworld.comGLENNSPEARINGPLUMBING AND BATHROOMINSTALLATIONSFRIENDLY ● LOCAL ● RELIABLE ● FREE QUOTATION

TEL: 01234 843905 ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2011 19Local people – Sam NeighbourHI, MY name is Sam Neighbour Iam 16 years old and a student atSandy Upper School, and I havebeen asked to contact you by mylocal councillor, Ken Lynch inregard to some of the charity workthat I have been doing and will betaking part in later this year.I will start by giving you a briefprofile about who I am and what Ihave achieved so far.I finished my GCSEs beforethe summer break and I am aboutto go back to sixth form to start myA Levels in Drama, History,Philosophy & Ethics, Music andGeneral studies.I am also a member of theSandy 22 air cadets where I holdthe rank of Master Cadet, and I amcurrently doing a B TEC in PublicServices and the Duke ofEdinburgh’s awards , and justrecently I have been put forwardfor a place on the Music B TECwith them as well.Earlier this year I was fortunateenough to be awarded a Glider flyingscolarship with the air cadets.The course generally takes 13weeks, but I completed it in fiveweeks and became the first cadetin the history of our squadron toearn my silver wings which culminatedin doing a solo flight in apowered glider, this then qualifiedme as a Glider pilot.Once I have gained the rank ofCorporal I will be able to go formy Gold wings which in turn willqualify me to teach other cadets.I have a great love of music andI have started to play some smallgigs and enter a few competitions,and have placed second and thirdin the two that I have entered.At the last competition whichwas the Sandy battle of the bands Iwas approached by Ken lynch whoasked if I would be interested inplaying a benefit gig to raisemoney for the Great Ormond sthospital appeal to which I immediatelysaid yes.After much thought I decidedthat I would try other ways of raisingmoney for the appeal and Ihave now made a five track CDwhich I have paid for out of myown savings and it is selling for £3a copy, half of which is going tothe appeal, the other half will begoing to pay for the sky dive that Iwill be taking part in later this yearwhich is also in aid of raisingmoney for not only Great OrmondSt , but also the following as well,Help for Heroes, Sue Ryder StJohns Hospice, and the RAFHenlow Afghanistan Christmaswelfare package appeals.I have been asked to sit on thelocal Great Ormond St Hospitalappeal committee as the first everyouth member, and I will also begoing to the hospital later this yearto present the final cheque andplay a gig for the children andstaff, which I am really lookingforward to.One of the reasons for writingto you is to show that in light ofcurrent events and the youth participationin the recent riots, someof us still care about other thingsthan our selves, and what we canget, and instead show that it is farmore rewarding to give back andhelp those that are less fortunatethan us.You can see some of my musicon my youtube page and also onon my Facebook page. If you wishto contact me you can do so byemailing this address or call me on01767 691890. Sam Neighbour25 % DiscountOFF GARDEN TOOLS!Receive 25% on Joseph Bentley StainlessSteel and Yeoman Carbon Tools throughoutSeptemberOffer only available on selected ranges.✁THE LOCAL APPROACHTHE COUNTRY STOREBEDFORDSHIRE GROWERSPlease fill in your details to claim your discounts and bring this couponalong with you to our store:NO CONTRACTS,NO PREPAYMENTDELIVERED TO 7900LETTERBOXES INBIGGLESWADEIf 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 BulletinName: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Address: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Email: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Are you a new customer YES / NOPlease tick if you are not interested in hearing about our special offers ■For terms and conditions please visit our website www.bedgrow.co.ukPotton Road, Biggleswade. SG18 0ERTel: 01767 319208Bartlett Tree Experts LtdUK’s leading tree and shrub management companyAll aspects of Tree and shrub managementFREE ADVICE AND QUOTATIONSContact Bedford@bartlettuk.com or 01234 354673

20 BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2011 TEL: 01234 843905 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukDEADLINESFOR ALLCOPYWe publishat the end ofthe firstweek of themonth –deliveriescommenceat that timeand can takeup to twoweeks.If you havedated copyplease ensureyou book andget you copyto us in time– to makesure yournotice gets infront of 7900homes inBiggleswade.Call01234843905WeddingPhotographsWould you like to see your special dayin this magazine – then get yourphotographer to send a picture anda short report to:editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukIT’S FREE!SandyweddingThe marriage took place at StSwithuns Church in Sandy on16 of July between Miss LauraJane Jeffs and Mr MathewTetley both of Sandy. The couplehoneymooned in Turkey.Old WardenceremonyLesley and Barry Cook’s weddingwhich was held at OldWarden recently, where theentire wedding ceremony fromthe actual signing of the register,to the reception all took placewithin the grounds of OldWarden. The wedding was retrothemed in American GI style.Photograph: Newton Maxwell-Harris

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

22 BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2011 TEL: 01234 843905 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukAutumn wild foodsby Dean Cartwrightof Sylva Arborists.DEAN Cartwright has beeninvolved in Arboriculture andwoodland management since1997. Dean studied Conservationand Countryside Skills at CapelManor College, then worked as atree surgeon for a large contractorwhilst studying Arboriculture parttime. He worked for two years asan Arboricultural practical instructorand for the last seven years hasrun his own tree surgery companybased in Biggleswade, Beds andHerts. Dean’s company hasrebranded as Sylva Arborists.Each month Dean will be writingabout trees of interest and what tolook out for at this time of year.To contact Sylva Arborists call07937 574237 or 01767 313615 oremail treedoctor1980@ yahoo.co.uk. The website is at www.sustrees.co.ukAutumn Wild foodsIt is difficult to imagine lifeprior to imported foods that wenow take for granted as formingpart of our year round diet. Whenasked which foods provide vitaminC, most people would mentionTEL: 01234 843905 ADVERTISING: advertising@kempstoncalling.co.uk KEMPSTON CALLING SEPTEMBER 2011 41___________ I AM ___________THE ONLYTHINGATYOU’RELOOKINGRIGHTNOWI am the power of print. By picking up a magazine,you are investing your time and attention into seekinginformation. The printed media is an effective meansof engaging your potential customers.Call us now to find out how we can help you meetyour marketing targets. 01234 843905.oranges and other citrus fruits andtheir juices. When asked whichBritish foods provide vitamin C, itseems a challenge to come up witha dietary staple, save perhaps potatoes.Yet potatoes weren’t actuallyintroduced to Britain until around1590, and our ancestors beforethen did not all die of scurvybrought on my vitamin C deficiency.Their wild larder provided themwith any variety of fruits andberries that supplemented their dietwith the nutrients they needed. Inthis article I shall write about someseasonal wild foods that can befound, eaten and preserved aroundBiggleswade at this time of year.The most obvious autumn wildfood is surely the blackberry.There are domesticated speciesthat have been adapted to producelarger fruits and lose their thorns,but, as blackberry bushes, alsoknown as brambles grow so quicklyand can take over your gardenlike wild fire, I would favour plantingother fruits at home and do myblackberry picking onBiggleswade Common, in woodlandsand in hedgerows.Unripe blackberries start offgreen, then go red and finally blackonce they ripen. They may be largeron one bush, smaller on theneighbouring bush, sweeter, orjuicier on one bush than another.The variations to be discovered arepart of the fun of the autumn ritualof blackberrying. Blackberries canbe eaten fresh or made into jamsand jellies and used in pies, crumblesand many other deserts.Blackberries are notable for theirhigh nutritional contents of dietaryfiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, folicacid - a B vitamin, and the essentialmineral magnesium. Amongstfruit, blackberries rank highly forcancer-preventing anti-oxidantsand phytoestrogens.Sea BuckthornHippophae rhamnoidesSea buckthorn (pictured) is areal super food. It is a deciduouswoody shrub whose edible berriescontain one of the highest concentrationsof vitamin C of any plant:on average 15 times more vitaminC per weight than oranges. Seabuckthorn has rough brown orblack bark and a thick grayishgreencrown. It’s leaves are narrowand silvery, they alternate on thestem. In the autumn it producesdense clusters of orange berries.Although the plant is thawny, thisis one wild food I would definitelyrecommend planting in your garden.It makes a pretty ornamentalthat is good for wildlife, and willgrow in poor soils. Sea buckthorncan control soil erosion and waterloss effectively and it’s thornsmean it makes a good intruderproofhedge. You will need to plantboth a male and female shrub sothey can cross pollinate and produceberries. And with the berriesyou can make your very own nutritiousjellies, juices and syrups tosupply your family with vitaminsthrough the winter months. Seabuckthorn contains “flavonoids,omega 3 and 6, DHA and numeroustrace elements. […Also]arotenoids, vitamins B (FolicAcid), B1, B2, B6, B12, B15, K,amino acids, dietary minerals, -sitosterol and polyphenolicacids.Seabuckthorn naturally hasserotonin, a neurotransmitter thathelps to regulate emotions.”(http://seabuckthorn.co.uk/health.html)In addition to this, sea bucktornpreperations, when applied to theskin, are used around the world fortreating a wide range of skin disordersfrom burns and ulcers to dryskin conditions and the berries areused in sunblocks. For more informationon all aspects of sea buckthorncheck out www.seabuckthorn.co.uk/As with all wild foods makesure you consult a reliable identbook before indulging.Tree of the Month: WildService TreeThe wild service tree (Latinname Sorbus torminalis) is abroadleaf and one of our rarestnative British trees. It is also sometimesknown as the Chequers/Checkers tree and its fruit, whichwill soon be ripening and ready toeat is also called chequers.The wild service tree is rarelyfound in gardens and is a usefulindicator of native British woodlandsand hedgerows. It likes togrow in soils containing limestoneor clay. In the early 1990s it wasnoted that: “There are five WildService locations along the LowerGreensand ridge that runs fromsouth western Cambridgeshire toLeighton Buzzard inBedfordshire.” (1) The LowerGreensand Ridge, of course, runsthrough Sandy. We can see thetrees influence in the name ofnumerous Chequers Pubs andChequers Inns around Bedford -shire as well as the rest of the country.Ray Mears has described thewild service tree as a “woodsmanstree”. The leaves, similar to that ofa Maple leaf (think the Canadianflag), turn red in the autumn,resembling the flames of the firesthat traditionally kept us warmthrough the winter months. Theberries grow in clusters, starting offgreen in October and ripening to areddish brown. The taste is similarto dates or Medlars and likeMedlars the berries are best eatenafter the first frost once they haveContinued on next pagePhotographe by Hans Hillewaert

TEL: 01234 843905 ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2011 23The bigger KingAutumn wild foodsstarted to blet (go a bit rotten).Chequers fruits used to be sold inmarkets, eaten like sweets by childrenand were also used to makealcoholic drinks. It is important tospit out the pips as they containcyanide.Wild service trees produce hardwood that does not split. One ofthe earliest records of its use datesfrom 1260 when “two WildService trees … were brought from[Havering] park to the Tower ofLondon for the manufacture andrepair of crossbows, a purpose forwhich the wood was renowned”(1). Wild service trees are the woodof choice for “harpsichord jacksand, perhaps, for cross-bow andgun stocks, the striking portion ofcorn flails and mill machinery” (2).As with all wild foods makesure you consult a reliable identbook before indulging.(1) P. Roper 1993http://www.watsonia.org.uk/Wats19p209.pdf(2) P. Roper 2010http://tinyurl.com/3mpsw2dBIGGLESWADE Baptist Churchwas put on the map for 2011 whenit hosted this year’s Holiday BibleClub from 25 – 29 July.Children (all 240 of them)came from far and wide to attendThe Bigger King event centeringaround Jesus, the biggest King ofall. Ages ranged from 4 to 13, witha dedicated and hard working crewon board to keep them in orderamid all the noise and excitement.The mornings just flew by andincluded making toys, playinggames, puppetry, singing and notleast of all decorating donuts. TheMcFlurries ice cream and beanbag games were also firmfavourites.The highlight of the week wasthe BBQ and Family Fun Night onThursday 28 July attended by over320 lively children and parents toenjoy food and fun fair attractionsas well as giving parents an opportunityto see and hear what thechildren had learnt about theBigger King during the week.Burgers and hot dogs went down atreat and even runners (known inthe trade for getting the food outon time) were on hand to makesure of a smooth and safe deliveryto every guest.Talking of runners, dig outyour trainers and get set for ourown Olympic-styled actionpackedHoliday Bible Club in2012, when we will Go for Gold oreven Go for God. With your helpit’s sure to be a winner!Pastor Phil Campion talkedabout how God is always touchingour lives in ways that we are notalways aware of (Psalm 34). Hesaid that “Jesus Christ is the kingthat we can know.” He emphasizedthat Jesus said that: “I am thebread of life” and “I am the way,the truth and the life.” (JohnChapter 14 verse 6). Phil referredto the writings of the NineteenthCentury Missionary Dr. WilliamCarey, who said “expect greatthings from God; attempt greatthings for God.” The congregationwas asked for examples of thingsthat they would expect to receivefrom God and also what they feltthey could attempt forGod. Morning serviceThe young people had justreturned from their visit to SoulSurvivor camp and showed everyonea film they had made of theirexperiences. They all had a greattime and spoke about how Godwas changing them. The maintheme of Pastor Stuart Earl’s talkwas that we, as Christians, shouldhave faith that God will give us thestrength to overcome the manychallenges we face in life. Hereferred the congregation to a passagein John 6, where Jesus fed acrowd of five thousand peoplewith only five barley loaves andtwo fishes. The key aspect of thispassage that he emphasised to uswas: “For it is my Father’s will thateveryone who looks upon the Sonand puts his faith in him shall possesseternal life; and I will raisehim up on the last day.”Students blossom atShuttleworth CollegeClaire McGoldrick pictured at Shuttleworth College.SHUTTLEWORTH Collegeoffers budding florists the chanceto blossom and gain qualificationswhich could improve their workopportunities or allow them to starttheir own businesses.A range of courses start inSeptember 2011 which run fromten weeks to two years, with day orevening study. Those wanting tobloom in floristry now have a realchance to make the best of theirskills and gain more experienceand qualifications.Claire McGoldrick opened herown floristry business ‘HelloFlower’ in Arlesey after studying atthe college for four years fromevening classes through to dayclasses and all whilst still workingfull time.Claire explains: “It is a joy tostudy here in the absolutely beautifulsurroundings of ShuttleworthCollege and with expert guidanceand support from tutors. It is hardwork, especially when workingfull time, but worth every second.“Shuttleworth College offersthe best in outdoor and active educationand all within spectaculargrounds. It was a privilege to studythere.”Anne Pugh, Floristry CourseManager, added: “Claire is anexample of the success thatstudents can achieve from studyingat Shuttleworth. We offer floristrycourses for the complete beginnerto the more advanced and givepeople the chance to study in theevenings, or day courses, part andfull time. Students go on to careersin floristry, set up their own businessesor use their skills personallyfor their own pleasure and delight.”

24 BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2011 TEL: 01234 843905 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukArmy Cadets declare war on boredomYOUNG PEOPLE from acrossNorth Bedfordshire declare war onboredom this summer joining morethan 500 other Army Cadets atSummer Camp. The action packedmilitary and adventurous camp istailored to instill virtues of leadership,honesty and always puttingthe team first.So far they have trained for andcompleted a two day combat exerciseagainst their fictional enemy‘Dr Dan Druff’, the notoriousleader of a rebel group. During theexercise they built temporary shelters,patrolled to gather intelligenceon the enemy and took part inadrenaline filled ambushes andattacks on the enemy positions.Cadets also get the chance toenjoy their free time at the end of ahard days training, with their newfriends from across Bedfordshire &Hertfordshire. A programme ofsports competitions includingfootball, volleyball, tug of war,swimming and more is laid on sothe excitement never stops. Campconcludes with a disco as a closingcelebration of all we achieved inour ten days.The Army Cadets are stillYour local cleaningcompanyHOMEBRIGHTFully vetted andinsured cleaners ataffordable rates■ Weekly house cleans■ One off spring cleans■ Ironing serviceCall Angela for aFREE quoteOffice 01767 222141Mob 07807 452974Cadet Sergeant Chris Anstee, 17from Bedford is on a routine waterreplenishment patrol, providingfresh water for his troops at theirfield head quarters.currently away at camp for anotherfour days. In the remaining time thecadets still have to practice shooting,learn ceremonial drill and firstaid skills.We spoke with the junior cadetsHOMEBRIGHTCARPET &UPHOLSTERYCLEANINGPrompt Reliable &Courteous ServiceWe use the very latestProfessional Equipment givingyou Cleaner Healthier FresherCarpets & UpholsteryAt home or at work● Carpet Cleaning● Upholstery Cleaning● Stain Protection● Specialist Spot & StainRemoval● Fully InsuredCall Jim for a FREE quoteOffice 01767 222141Mob 07807 452974most around aged 13-14, who formost camp it is their first time awayfrom home. We asked them abouttheir favourite parts of camp so farthey said, “Firing in the ambush”,“Taking cover when the flares wentup”, “Going swimming”,“Patrolling in the dark” and“Taking out Dr. Dan Druff”.The ten day camp costs cadetsjust £60 each for all food, travel,accommodation and training. Thecamp is operated by volunteer adultinstructors who are speciallytrained to deliver safe militarytraining.For more information on how tojoin the Army Cadets as a Cadet orVolunteer Adult Instructor visitbeds-herts-ack.co.ukRed Hat LadiesLADIES, if you are over fifty andfeel your social life is in the doldrums,then this could be just thething for you. There is a localchapter of The Red Hat Societytaking in new members right now.Forget the old ‘red hat, no knickers’that is often quoted in Britain,this is a social group for ladies overfifty who want some fun and fellowshipwith other lively women ata local, national and even internationallevel. There are now overone hundred chapters in the UK,several in Europe and SouthAfrica, hundreds in Australia andCanada and thousands in USAwhere it all started.It all began in California when alady named Sue Ellen thought itwould be a bit of a wheeze to giveher friend who was turning fifty ared hat and a copy of the poem‘Warning’ by the English writerJenny Joseph. This is the welllovedpoem that starts ‘When I aman old woman I shall wear purplewith a red hat which doesn't go,and doesn't suit me.’ (Unusuallythis poem has been voted Poem ofthe Year twice in the UK). SueEllen’s friends all liked the ideaand started giving out red hats andpoems to their friends turningfifty. They even started to wear thehats on outings with purple outfitsto complete the picture visualisedin the poem. Naturally, the localpress took an interest and then thenational press and women all overAmerica took it to heart and triedto join up. The Red Hat Societywas born!If you feel you would like tojoin the local group, email myfairladies@ymail.comor leave a messageon 01462 834112.Sandy & District SeniorCitizens CommunitySupport GroupKEN Lynch, project co-ordinatoris looking for members to join theabove group aimed at the over 50’swhich will launch in September.Meetings will take place at HanleyCourt, Sandy.If you become a member of thegroup you could benefit from discountedswimming and free snowclearing in the winter.For further information pleasecontact Ken Lynch on 01767681739.Summer schoolTHE 15th annual programme ofEnglish summer schools tookplace in the first two weeks of July.Twenty three year 13 and ex studentsfrom Stratton Upper Schoolvolunteered to travel to Poland andmanage the classes which wereheld in the towns of Starogard andSandy’s link town of Skarszewy.More than 100 Polish youngstersaged from 6-20 attended theclasses which were held everyweekday morning . The studentsthemselves were accommodatedfree in local hotels and had theafternoons and weekends free toexplore and go sightseeing. Twoexcursions were organised as wellas an American-style barbecue.The students had a day visiting thecathedral town of Pelplin and thethe castle at Gniew and anotherday at the theme park at Symbark.The Skarszewy students were alsointerviewed by regional televisionKarsuby and filmed working withtheir groups.This initiative is viewed by thePoles as the cornerstone of the linkwith Sandy and early indicationsare that this year’s classes wereevery bit as successful as those ofprevious years.ALARMINGA burglary took place in BluebellClose, off Foxglove Drive,Tuesday 23rd August. Access wasgained to the rear garden. A scooterfrom the garden was used tosmash a window in the conservatory.The alarm system frightenedthe offenders away.FOUR ARSONISTSARRESTED AT PARKThe skate park, in Saxon Gate wasvandalised on Sunday 21stAugust. Litter at the park has beenpiled on the ramp and set ablaze.Four were arrested youths at thescene. The newly built skate rampshave been damaged by the fire.

TEL: 01234 843905 ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2011 25SPORTBig weekend of rugby lies aheadFROM modest beginningsin1987 the Rugby World Cuphas grown to be one of thebiggest sporting occasions inthe world. In a few days timethe competition starts in NewZealand with the hosts nailedon favourites.In recent world cups the AllBlacks have had a good build upbut failed on the biggest stage, thiscould be the year to change that.Biggleswade Club President,Mike Williams says that afterwatching on TV the Tri Nationsand England v Wales matches hefeels that as generally predictedthen the World Cup winners willbe either the All Blacks orAustralia Both have looked sharpand as it is the end of their seasonshave looked match fit and settled.Their game is fast with excellentsupport play and both forwardsand backs look very comfortablewith the ball in hand— they alsomake very few mistakes andpunish opposition errors. TheSpringboks have so far notimpressed, but have been withoutmany of their better players. Of thehome nations England with a bigstrong pack could cause someproblems by denying theopposition the ball. Francealthough having some great talentwill probably be as unpredictableas ever!The Biggy Big BreakfastBiggleswade Rugby Club willbe celebrating the world cup withselected games being shown onthe big screen and the famedBiggy Big Breakfast being servedto early morning fans. Some of theEngland games will kick off at9.30am UK time starting with thegame against Argentina onSaturday 10th September.The club are inviting all rugbyfans and their guests to come andenjoy the game, have breakfastand a beer!Opposition supporters areespecially welcome, so it would begreat to see any local Argentineansat the club for the openingEngland game on Saturday 10thSeptember… and no, being Welshin a Puma’s shirt does not count!The Biggy Big Breakfast WorldCup GamesSaturday 10th September:England vs Argentina at9.30amSunday 11th September: SouthArica vs Wales at 9.30amSunday 18th September: Englandvs Georgia (recorded) at 9amSaturday 24th September: NewZealand vs France at 9.30amSaturday 1st October England vsScotland at 8.30amOther games will be showing,along with selected quarter andsemi finals and the Final. Checkout the club website www.biggleswaderugby.co.uk fordetails of the Biggy world cupevents.Biggy First XV start with ahome gameBiggleswade kick-off the newseason with a home games againstRugby St Andrews at 3pm onSaturday 10th September givingavid supporters a chance to watchthe England game and thenBiggy’s first home match. Life inMidlands Three will be tough,team manager Richard Phipps isunder no illusion that the boys willneed to be at their best every weekto be able to compete with theopposition who include old friendsRushden & Higham and BedfordQueens.All of last season squad havereturned to training and the clubhave welcomed a couple of additionalplayers who have movedinto the area and will be pushingfor a First XV place.Home games as followsSaturday 10th September vsRugby St Andrews KO at 3pmSaturday 1st October vs BedfordSwifts KO at 3pmBiggleswade Second XV (ThePirates) start their League gamesin the Greene King SuperPremiere table with a home game,also on September 10th againstShelford 3s, kick-off is 3pm. Theteam will run out in new kitsponsored by long time supportersfor the club A.D.I, the Henlowbased aircraft componentssupplier and The Health & SafetyPeople from Sandy.Sunday 11th September isBreast Cancer Care DayCome along to watch a charitygame at the club at 1pm where twoguest sides will play in a gamededicated to raising funds for thisvaluable charity. GroundsmanMike has promised to paint pinklines on the pitch and the colourpink will be the order of the day onshirts etc.The day starts in spectacularfashion with a Bikini car wash atthe club at 10.00 am by some ofthe club wives and mums and theirfriends.Biggy player Mark ‘Potton’Peace came up with the idea ofraining funds for this importantcharity. The match will kick-off at1pm and be between BiggleswadeThird XV and a Biggy invitationside, with the nucleus from theMini’s dads who played in theTouch Rugby tournament.A raffle, with some excellentprizes donated by local businessesand barbecue will be held alongwith a pole dancing fitness demonstration.Biggy in the communityThe club were proud to host theEast Anglian Air Ambulance/CLIC Sargent charity motorcycleride out to celebrate 35 year sincethe great Barry Sheene won hisworld championship. The eventattracted over 200 bikers onAugust 13th and also a number ofclubs and motorcycle groups,including the police and emergencyservices. The bikers paid£10 to take part in the ride-outaround eighty miles ofBedfordshire countryside.Saracens Coaching CampPlayers attending the Saracensrugby coaching camp at Biggywere surprised to receive a visitfrom the Aviva Premiership Cup,won by Saracens in May. The twoday camp started in pouring rainbut finished in warm sunshine andthe thirty players attending got thechance to have their photographtaken with the cup. England U20sprop Maku Vunipola visited theplayers on Friday and helped bringhis considerable bulk to the coaching.Tongan born Maku has justsigned for Saracens and is on aduel registration with BedfordBlues. The Saracens coachingteam selected two players, HenryFrancis and Luke Yexley whowere outstanding over the twodays and showed promise. Thecoaching camp attracted playersfrom other local clubs and is partof the ongoing partnershipbetween the two clubs.Biggy Minis & Youth.In the previous edition of theBulletin, we mentioned the MiniSection which cater for the club’syounger players from the age ofsix to twelve. Biggy Minis havefour weeks of training before theirtraditional season opener againstRushden & Higham for the R & HJubilee Cup. Biggleswade arerunning teams in all age groupsfrom U7s through to U12s andfrom U13 to U16s and ColtsBoth Biggy Minis and theBiggleswade Youth teams havecommenced training with theYouth teams getting ready for lifein the Saracens Herts & MiddlesexLeagues. Toughest task falls to theU16s who are in the top divisionand play Old Albanians, BishopStortford, big name side Wasps,and Bedford Blues who won thecounty final last season againstBiggy. The first game of the seasonkicks-off at home againstHitchin on Sunday 25thSeptember followed a fortnightlater with Teddington also athome.

26 BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2011 TEL: 01234 843905 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukBiggleswade History SocietyTHE Biggleswade 1911) and click on it to go Oak have sold 25 of our publicationsin the past two months and we see today. Colonel Franksion and built the replica whichCongregation of Jehovah’s through to the nearby photos, andWitnesses has submitted a click on ‘See on Map’ to view all a further five have been sold via Shuttleworth inherited from hisplanning application to 181 images that Mike Strange other outlets. 27 have been deliveredto Howell’s. A list of thefather in 1883 and died in 1913has uploaded to the site. EnjoyCentral Bedfordshire Councilwhen his only son and heir,exploring!Society’s publications is availableon our website.was four years old. RichardRichard Ormonde Shuttleworth,to demolish the KingdomHall in Shortmead Street, in Events and exhibitionsnever married. His first love wasthe town’s conservation area, English Heritage Open Days: Membership motor racing, but after a nearand replace it with a modern Drove Road Cemetery Chapel – A warm welcome to two new fatal accident in South Africa hesingle storey place of worship.What some readers may September, 10am-4pm Entrance has returned to us after a gap of love – flying and collecting air-Saturday & Sunday, 10-11 members: Michael Brett, who turned his attention to his othernot know is that the Kingdom is free and we hope that as many some years, and Jacqui craft. When war came he joinedHall was originally the Stvisitors as possible will come Meriwether, who is currently our the RAF as a pilot officer andalong to support this event at our only overseas member. Jacqui,Andrew’s Church Memorialdied tragically in 1940, aged 31,Victorian municipal cemetery. born and bred in Illinois, nowHall, built partly by publicin a night flying exercise. TheThere will be an exhibition inside lives in Arizona USA and has a estate reverted to Dorothy, hissubscription in 1924 in memoryof Biggleswade’s fallen in help visitors find the war graves would love to know more about Red Cross hospital then, after thethe chapel and information to daughter in the UK. Jacqui mother, who ran the mansion as athe 1914-18 War.and the resting places of various the family of her ancestor, James war, founded the AgriculturalUnfortunately the hall is prominent townspeople of the Norman, who was born to College and Aircraft Collectionnot a listed building and it past.Thomas and Susan Norman in in Richard’s memory.was purchased by theNorthill circa 1821 and married The collection contains manyJehovah’s Witnesses after the News from the archives Elizabeth Tingey in Northill in unique and rare survivals: a 1909Accessions. Our thanks for thebuilding of the Chapter1851. It is believed he then lived Bleriot XI, the oldest flying aeroplanein the world, and the woodfollowing items:in the Peterborough area beforeHouse for St Andrew’s 1. Loaned by Graham Williams, arriving in Illinois circa 1854.Church meant that a churchand fabric planes of the 1914-18via member Dennis Green, a Please contact the editor if youhall was no longer required.war, like the 1917 Bristol fighterBiggleswade Potton Road wish to help with research. with the oldest working RollsNevertheless, the hall Laundry price list dated 1929.Royce engine in the world, andremains a significant part of 2. Donation from HeatherMeetingsthe 1916 Sopwith triplane withBiggleswade’s heritage and Catterfeld of Harpenden, via Biggleswade History Societyits 94-year old engine still goinghas meaning for a great many Mike Strange, of a folder of familyhistory from Victorian times House, Shortmead Street,meets monthly at Millenniumstrong. We were reminded thatpeople. Clearly, the loss ofWW1 British pilots had no parachutes,their average age wasin Southill & Biggleswade,some 200 young men in theBiggleswade. Doors open atincluding newpaper cuttings and 7.45 for an 8.00 pm start on theFirst World War had a major19½ and their life expectancy inlocal photos 1892-1920s. first Tuesday of the month,impact on the town and its Also, two copper alloy 1911service was six weeks. Betweenunless notified. Meetings areinhabitants.commemorative coronationthe wars metal was used increasinglyin aircraft construction andfree to members, and visitors areIn three years’ time, when the medals with ribbons, inscribed welcome at our indoor meetingsworld marks the centenary of the ‘Henry Franklin’ - of the typethe biplane was graduallyfor £2.00 per meeting at the door.beginning of the First World War, presented to schoolchildren. Membership subscriptions arereplaced by monoplanes. Thewill Biggleswade’s Memorial 3. Donation from Linda Butcher £6.50 per annum.collection maintains and fliesHall also be one of the fallen? of brewery related items, includinga Wells & Winch enamelled Last Meeting:several legendary WW2 aircraft.The Town Council and ourThe Spitfire fighter was the firstHistory Society have registered badge, two Greene King enamelledbadges, a Greene King pot-guests were joined by ten mem-02 August – 38 members andall metal aeroplane, renownedtheir opposition to the proposalfor its speed, positive handlingbut the decision will be made by tery tankard and1½ pint IPA bers of Eltisley History Societyand manoeuvrability. TheCentral Beds Council planning glass.for a private guided tour of the Hawker Hurricane fighters,committee – and time is runningShuttleworth Collection. Joseph which outnumbered the Spitfiresout. To comment on a planning Publications Shuttleworth bought the Old by two to one in the Battle ofapplication call 0300 300 8692, Sales and orders. Chris Warden estate from the Ongleys Britain, were still partly of woodemail planning@central bedfordshire.gov.ukor write to:made them easier and quicker toJohannesen reports that Simply in 1872, demolished the old man-and fabric construction, whichNorth Developmentrepair and return to service. TheManagement Office, PrioryThe Biggleswade History Society meets monthly at Millennium collection’s 1941 Hawker SeaHouse, Monks Walk,House, Shortmead Street, Biggleswade. Doors open at 7.45pm for Hurricane is the oldest flyingChicksands, Shefford, SG17an 8.00pm start on the first Tuesday of the month unless notified. Hurricane in the world. Finally,5TQ.Meetings are free to members; visitors will usually be welcome to let us not forget the less dashingHistory Pin has now changedour indoor meetings at a charge of £2.00 per meeting.but no less wonderful Westlandover to its full production softwareversion and BiggleswadeTempsford airfield to drop andLysanders, which flew fromForthcoming Programme (2011)has been honoured by being 4 Oct: Maps and Mapping (Part 2) – 6 Dec: Members’ Christmas Event to pick up male and female agentsretained on the front page! Ona talk by Eric Lundbe held at the Conservative Club. by night in fields in occupiedthe website www.historypin.com 1 Nov: Death Clouds a talk by Geoff Details to follow nearer the time.Europe. We are privileged tosee the photo second from right Sewell on the use of mustard gas The programme for 2012 is now have such a superb collection so(King George V Coronation in WW1.available on the website. close to home.For 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 SEPTEMBER 2011 27Sheriffs, Barons & Biggleswade in the time of Richard ‘The Lionheart’B U C K I N G H A M S H I R EArchaeological Society published thePipe Rolls for Buckinghamshire andBedfordshire for the years 1189 –1198, the reign of Richard I(Lionheart). These great rolls wereaccounts presented each Michaelmas(September) to the Exchequer by thesheriffs of the shires. The earliest survivingPipe Roll is for the year 1130 inthe reign of Henry I.Sheriffs were responsible for thekeeping of the peace in their shires.They also collected money from localbarons in lieu of rendering services orproviding knights for the King – thiswas known as scutage. Sheriffs couldcall up local men to fight, if need be,for the protection of the shire or therealm. They were responsible for thefinancial management of Crown landsin their area, and they collected revenuefrom judicial fines and taxes, likeinheritance tax. Furthermore, theywere responsible for the holding ofshire and hundred courts. The Sheriffof Bucks and Beds in 1190 – 1194 wasWilliam Ruffus, in 1194 – 1197 SimonII de Beauchamp, baron of Bedford,and from 1198 William d’Albini, baronof Belvoir, who had lands also inBuckinghamshire.Richard ‘Lionheart’ was crownedon 3rd September 1189. He was anabsentee monarch, a soldier-adventurer,much more interested in crusadesand military campaigning to safeguardhis extensive lands in France than inrunning his Kingdom of England,which he left in the capable hands ofhis Archbishop of Canterbury, HubertWalter. Just before Richard’s reignbegan, the Saracen Saladin had recapturedJerusalem (1187). Richard set outon the Third Crusade, to Palestine, in1190. Little was achieved, but Saladindid promise pilgrims access to theHoly City. Richard left for England in1192 but was shipwrecked in theAdriatic and attempted to return overlandthrough Almain (Germany) in disguise.He was captured and handedover to the Holy Roman Emperor, whodemanded a ransom for Richard’srelease. The Pipe Rolls refer to the raisingof these funds. In 1194 Richardreturned to England, but only for a fewmonths. Next, he left to fight inNormandy. The French King, PhilippeAuguste, and Richard’s own youngerbrother John (‘Lackland’, later KingJohn) had conspired to prolongRichard’s imprisonment for their owngain. Richard forgave his brother butresolved to have his revenge onPhilippe Auguste, who was now threateningEnglish territories in Normandy.King Richard spent the remainder ofhis reign in Normandy and Francefighting the French king, and eventuallywas killed by an archer when he wasbesieging Châlus. His heart was buriedin the cathedral at Rouen, capital ofNormandy, and his body in the AbbeyThis article by Jane Croot first appeared in BiggleswadeHistory Society Newsletter in November 1998, exactly eighthundred years after Richard the Lionheart’s reign ended.at Fontevrault, beside his father, HenryII, with whom he had never been fullyreconciled since rebelling against him.The entries in the Pipe Rolls reflectthe fortunes of the three Bedfordshirebarons of Norman origin and the majorevents of Richard’s reign as they affectedthese barons and their knights. Alsothey highlight some local ordinary peoplewho perhaps had committed anoffence, and finally, they point to otherevents threatening the peace or thesmooth running of the local area. Hereare some extracts from the rolls.1189: (Accounts presented for theprevious year.) The rolls record twooutstanding fines: a fine of 12s 8d overduefrom Biggleswade Hundred for amurder dating back to 1185. (Where nomurderer was arrested all the citizensof the hundred were held collectivelyresponsible and had to pay a fine.)Also, one Lawrence of Biggleswadeowed 6s 8d because his surety failed topay up when Lawrence defaulted onhis fine for an offence.1190: The good news:Biggleswade was pardoned by RoyalCharter, and its murder fine annulled.The bad news: Biggleswade Hundredwas fined 2s 6d for presenting falseinformation – presumably about taxableassets!Scutage of £12 10s for a militarycampaign in Wales was due fromRobert d’Albini, baron of Cainhoe(near present day Clophill), for hisknights, at 10s per knight. In return forhis baronial lands Albini owed theservice of 25 armed knights to theCrown. The payment of scutage was inlieu of service. Albini did not pay anythingthis year, so the amount was carriedforward. The other twoBedfordshire barons from whom scutagewas due were Simon deBeauchamp, baron of Bedford (£2217s 10d) and Simon de Wahull of Odell(£13 10s). The three barons were topay these sums off gradually over anumber of years.Furthermore, Simon deBeauchamp was required to pay £100for custody of Bedford Castle, ownedby the Crown. The castle mound canstill be seen today beside theEmbankment, near Bedford Museumand Art Gallery.Each year in the Pipe Rolls thereare several entries of monies due fromJews, who were heavily taxed on theprofits from their money lending. TheJews had long been regarded with contemptand suspicion and in 1190 therewere several massacres of Jews inEnglish towns and cities. They were tosuffer oppression for another hundredyears until Edward I gave orders fortheir expulsion from England in 1290.1191: Lawrence of Biggleswadepaid his fine.Robert II, son of Robert d’Albini,was taxed £100 on inheriting hisfather’s barony of Cainhoe. He paid £36s 8d this year. The impressive earthworksof d’Albini’s motte and baileycastle can be seen today beside theA507 road between Shefford andClophill. Nearby was a small priory atBeaulieu (now known as Beadlow),founded by Robert I. The family werebenefactors of St Albans Abbey, wheretheir kinsman, Richard d’Albini, hadbeen Abbot a hundred years previously.Richard is buried in front of theabbey’s high altar, together with theother early abbots whose remains werediscovered when a new chapter housewas built on the site of the original onein the 1970s.1192: The three Bedfordshirebarons paid off some of the scutage forWales, and Robert d’Albini paid another£4 10s of his inheritance tax. It wasnoted that several of de Beauchamp’sknights were on the Crusade with theKing, so an allowance was madeagainst his scutage owing.1193: None of the barons paid anythingtowards their overdue scutage ortaxes. It must have been a lean year!1194: Biggleswade had still notpaid the 2s 6d fine for presenting falseinformation.Double trouble: with scutage stilloutstanding for the Welsh campaign,there was now a demand for scutagefrom knights for King Richard’s ransom!Eleven Bedfordshire knightswere listed and six from Bucking -hamshire. However, Robert d’Albini ofCainhoe appeared on a list of twentysixmen excused the ransom scutagebecause “with the King in the Army ofNormandy”.Simon de Beauchamp paid £30 3sof his £45 15s ransom scutage, and afurther £13 6s 8d for permission toremain in England instead of serving inNormandy. Furthermore, he was to beappointed Sheriff for a term of threeyears in the Michaelmas of 1194 afterthe King’s release from Almain. Forthis position of power and advantage hewas required to pay a fee of £133 6s 8d.1195: Simon de Beauchamp, baronof Bedford, was now Sheriff.No further payments of scutage forWales nor for the ransom were madeby any of the Bedfordshire barons. TheSheriff offered to pay £66 13s 4d toavoid going with the second army toNormandy and to be excused furtherscutage payments for forty-fourknights.1196: Once more Biggleswade wasfined for a murder. Nine shillings of the£1 fine was paid.Scutages were mounting up. DeBeauchamp finally paid off his scutagefor Wales and all but 16s of what heowed for the King’s ransom, but theother barons were still no nearer toclearing their debts. There was now yetanother scutage assessed in the previousyear for the second army toNormandy. De Beauchamp wasexcused because he had already paidhis substantial fine to the Archbishopof Canterbury. A further scutageassessed this year for the third army toNormandy resulted in the threeBedfordshire barons attracting yetanother tax in lieu of service. Robertd’Albini still owed £69 13s 4d inheritancetax!Since Simon de Wahull had diedand his heir was under-age, theArchbishop of Canterbury took temporarycustody of the Wahull lands. Forthis the archbishop had a tax bill of£333, of which he paid half this year.1197: De Wahull’s scutage debtswere written off since the archbishophad custody of his lands during hisminority.1198: Biggleswade paid twoshillings of the fine for murder. Elevenshillings remained outstanding.William d’Albini of Belvoir (notrelated to the Albinis of Cainhoe), nowSheriff, was granted permission tomarry a wealthy heiress, AgathaTrussebut, and to receive her inheritance.Another opportunity for the taxman!For this William received a taxbill for £400 and he paid £106 13s 4dof it this year.So we see that King Richard hadmade heavy demands on his subjects tofund his campaigns and get himself outof trouble. Under his brother and successor,King John, the barons were torebel and seek to curb the monarch’sexcesses. The country would beplunged into civil war. The deBeauchamps lost their castle to Falkesde Breauté, a ruthless mercenary captainin the pay of King John, who heldBedford Castle for nine years andbecame a law unto himself, terrorisingall the country round about, until in1224 the castle was besieged for eightweeks and captured by the young KingHenry III, who had succeeded on thedeath of his father, King John. Thedefenders were hanged, de Breautéoutlawed and the castle restored to thede Beauchamps on condition that theouter defences were demolished, theinner bailey walls were reduced to halftheir height and an unfortified residencebuilt on the site. It was forbiddenthat Bedford should ever again have afortified castle. William d’Albini, ourSheriff in 1198, held Rochester Castleagainst King John, was besieged andeventually captured, likewise his castleat Belvoir. These were troubled timesindeed!

28 BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2011 TEL: 01234 843905 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukOUT AND ABOUTSANDY TOURIST INFORMATION CENTREIF YOU travel to any part of thecountry and people ask you where doyou live and you mention “Sandy, ornear Sandy in Bedfordshire”, theywill often respond “Ah, the RSPB”.The RSPB (Royal Society for theProtection of Birds) has had its headquartersin Sandy since 1961 whenthe Society moved from EcclestonSquare in London to the Elizabethanstyle mansion standing in beautifulwooded grounds in the Bedfordshirecountryside.This year therefore marks the50th anniversary of the Society havingits home in Sandy and a numberof events are being held to mark this.Please see posters and flyers displayedin the Tourist InformationCentre.The Lodge reserve has manythousands of visitors a year. Perhapsyou are local and enjoy a walk in thelovely landscape or a meander in thegardens that surround the house, or avisitor from this country or abroadenjoying the same simple pleasure.You might be someone with aninterest in seeing the wildlife there orthe expert ornithologist armed withtelescopes, cameras, etc.Whoever you are, The Lodge isone of Bedfordshire main attractions.A. Do you know about The Lodgeand its fascinating history?Did you know that it was built byfor one of the most importantSpeaker’s of the House ofCommons?Did you know that in the 1930’s,large shooting parties were held atThe Lodge and one of the guests wasVon Ribbentrop, then GermanAmbassador – later a leading Nazi?The Peel family purchased theSandy Warren estate in 1851. It wasbought by William, third son SirRobert Peel the famous PrimeMinister and founder of the modernpolice force. William was a famousnaval hero and one of the first recipientsof the Victoria Cross. He builtthe Swiss Cottage (now the RSPBGatehouse) and also built his ownrailway line from Sandy to Potton.During the Indian Muting in 1858 hewas wounded and contracted smallpoxand died aged 33.Three marble statues were erectedto his memory in Sandy ParishChurch, at Greenwich and in India.All were carved by Queen Victoria’sfavourite sculptor, William Theed.His youngest brother, ArthurWellesley Peel inherited the estate in1862 and lived at the Swiss Cottagewith his family. He was a Liberalpolitician and was a famous Speakerof the House of Commons. In 1870he commissioned the architect,Henry Clutton to build a large mansionin the Elizabethan style closer tothe edge of the greensand ridge, thusgiving far reaching views over theBedfordshire countryside. Cluttonalso designed Woburn Church andOld Warden Park for theShuttleworth family. The Peel familylived at The Lodge until 1934 whenthe house, grounds and estate weresold to Sir Malcolm Stewart,Chairman of the London BrickCompany.Sir Malcolm had the gardens relandscapedin a classical but simpleItalian style, including the buildingof a large concrete swimming poolon the main lawns. The Stewartsfilled the house with treasures,including paintings byGainsborough, Reynolds, etcmedieval and Georgian tapestriesand fine furniture. The Stewart’s soldthe estate in 1960 and it was purchasedby a commercial forestrycompany. The following year, theRSPB moved its offices to Sandy,purchasing the mansion, gardens and24 acres of grounds from a commercialforestry company, for the sum of£25,000.Originally, the staff not onlyworked but lived in the house. Overthe years a number of new buildingshave been erected and now over 400people work at The Lodge, thus makingit Sandy’s main employer.B Do you know about the RSPB?The RSPB was formed to counterthe barbarous trade in plumes forwomen’s hats, a fashion responsiblefor the destruction of many thousandsof egrets, birds of paradise andother species whose plumes hadbecome fashionable in the lateVictorian era. The Society’s work isdriven by a passionate belief that weall have a responsibility to protectbirds and the environment. Bird populationsreflect the health of the planeton which our future depends.The nature reserve at the Lodgehas grown, along with the Society,which had 10,000 members in 1961but now has over a million. TheSociety manages four times moreland here than they did 10 years ago.There are new trails (which now total5 miles) to enjoy and the Society arerestoring 100 hectares of formerconifer woodland to a heath landlandscape. Plans for visitors in thefuture include a café, wildlife gardenand a children‘s discovery zone at theGatehouse.If you require more details aboutthe historic town of Sandy, TheLodge and the many events heldthere during the year, call in fordetails at the Tourist InformationCentre.Also we have details of walks thatpass through or close to the reserve,and many other local walk leaflets.We have so much information aboutthe locality and the whole country –call in and see us.

TEL: 01234 843905 ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2011 29OUT AND ABOUTPro Mods in action at the PodPhotograph: Martin QuinceTHE National Drag RacingChampionships return to SantaPod Raceway from the 24th tothe 25th of September for the VPRacing Fuels National Finalswhich sees the exciting conclusionof this year’s nationalchampionships, as over 200hundred race teams battle it outin the bid to be crownedchampion!Expect to see wild action fromthe fastest door cars on the planetin the form of the Pro Modifieds,cars which are capable of hittingspeeds in excess of 200mph in sixseconds, that’s in addition toracing from Top MethanolDragsters and Funny Cars as wellas action from the Nostalgia FuelAltered Association. Throw in aCraft FairGreat Barford Church, WI andthe Cricket Club will be holdinga Craft Fair in theVillage Hall,Fishers Close, Green EndRoad,Great BarfordSaturday 8th October2011, from 10am to 4pm.There will be a variety of stalls,including a homemade cake stall,tombola and also a raffle.Refreshments, hot and cold, willbe available all day.Entrance 50p, accompaniedchildren aged under 10 free.whole host of sportsman racingfrom various national classes andit all adds up to one action packedweekend at the track.As if that wasn’t enough therewill also be car crushing monstertruck action from Santa Pod’s veryown monster truck Podzilla, aswell as demonstration runs fromthe amazing 270mph FireForce JetCar, not to mention free weekendcamping, free evening entertainmentand fun fair.Advanced day tickets areavailable until the 16th ofSeptember for as little as £14, withweekend tickets costing just £25and don’t forget kids go free! Tobook your tickets please visitwww.santapod.com or call theteam on 01234 782828.Nearly New SaleGrab a bargain at the next NCTNearly New Sale onSaturday 1st October from2.15pm–3.30pm at StrattonUpper School.Run by Biggleswade, Sandy &District NCT, the sale will include theusual fantastic range of nearly newgoods for babies and children, includingclothes from 0-5 years, maternitywear, nursery furniture and equipmentand toys and games.Entrance is 50p per person, andNCT members will be allowed in from2pm if they show their membershipcard.Cheques will no longer be accepted,but cash and credit/debit cards are.Card payments will be charged anextra 50p to cover costs.For more information about thesale, or of you'd like to volunteer tohelp on the day, call 0844 243 6052.£5 PERSESSIONPAY ON THEDOORNo danceexperienceneeded... justfollow mylead!EVERY MONDAY7 - 8pm or 8.10 - 9.10pmTHE WEATHERLEY CENTREEagle Farm Road, Biggleswade,Beds SG18 8JHEVERY TUESDAY7 - 8pm or 8.05 - 9.05pmTHE HIGHFIELD SCHOOL(Off Highfield Rd) LetchworthSG6 3QAEVERY WEDNESDAY7pm - 8pmTHE HEATHCOTE SCHOOLShephall Green, Stevenage,Herts SG2 9XTZUMBA FITNESS FUSES LATINRHYTHMS & EASY-TO-FOLLOWMOVES TO CREATE A ONE-OF-A-KIND FITNESS PROGRAM THATWILL BLOW YOU AWAYDITCH THE WORKOUT & JOINTHE PARTY!Tel: 07966 988802www.lisaszumba.co.uk

30 BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2011 TEL: 01234 843905 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukNew Methodist arrangementsAS FROM September this year theMethodist Church at this presenttime in the Beds, Essex & HertsDistrict, will be in a new circuitcalled North Bedfordshire Circuitand will be launched on Saturday3rd September 2011 at Kings HouseComplex 245 Ampthill RoadBedford. from 2pm to includeFamily Fun, Barn Dance, AfternoonTea, Informal Worship and theLaunch at 4.50pm.The monthly lunches at Trinitywill re-commence on Thursday 1stSeptember at 12 noon to be followedby a concert at 1.10pm for about halfan hour. Then on the first Thursdayof each month but not in January.There will be concert byChurches together entitled ‘Rose’sin Bloom’ on Saturday 1st Octoberat Trinity. A tea will be provided,concert at 7pm.The Wesley Guild sessions recommence on Sunday October 2nd(this being Guild Sunday) and willbe led by Rev. Andrew Hollins at10.30 and by Rev. Amos Salisbury at6pm.New Volunteer CentreEVERY Friday from 10am –1.30pm at the Citizens AdviceBureau (CAB) office in the centreof town (at the bus station).If you are looking for somethingto fill your spare time and fillthose gaps in your CV why notcome along on Friday and discoverwho needs volunteers in yourarea. You may want to volunteerin an office or maybe you wouldprefer to volunteer with childrenor adults with disabilities. We havelots of voluntary roles that needfilling even if you can only sparetwo hours a week. Volunteeringdoes not affect your benefits andmost organisations will pay yourexpenses.The Guild meets fortnightly on aWednesday starting at 7.30 and theprogramme is as follows:Wed. Oct. 5th Rev, Guy Scott –atalk on his time in the ScillyIsles.Wed. Oct 19th still to be confirmed.Wed. Nov. 2nd Sandye Singers.Wed. Nov. 16th still to beconfirmed.Wed. Nov. 30th Ross Abington.Talk on the Polish Mission.Wed. Dec. 14th. Eric Lund. Talk onthe KIng James bible.2012.Wed.Jan 18th Rev. Andrew Hollins.Wed. Feb. 1st. Mr. Peter Vickers.Wed. Feb 15th. Mr. GerryLawrence.Wed. Feb 29th Rev. Clive Larret.Wed. Mar. 14th Potton SalvationArmy.Wed. Mar. 28th Madeliene Phillips.on being a guide round WoburnAbbey.Margot Alston– Press representative forBiggleswade Trinity Methodistchurch.You do not need a CRB checkfor all of the opportunities.Are you a local charities orcommunity group?Do you need more volunteers?Volunteer Centre Biggleswadeis looking for good quality volunteeringopportunities from localcharities and community groups.Having a base in Biggleswade willbe sure to attract more local peoplewho prefer not to travel to Bedfordto enquire about volunteering. Weoffer support with VolunteerManagement, training, advice andguidance on all aspects of recruitingand retaining volunteers.Please call Rebecca or Deniseon 01234 213100 and let us help.BIGGLESWADE SPIRITUAL CHURCHWe are holding anotherPsychic & Holistic FayreWeatherley Centre in BiggleswadeSATURDAY10th SEPTEMBER 10am - 4pmfurther information please emailbrianlloyd27@hotmail.com or telephone him on07944 700821//01234 406 915THE COUNTRY PLAYERSpresentTHE DARLINGBUDS OF MAYThe Place Theatre, Bedford.Wednesday September 21, 7.30pmThursday September 22, 7.30pmFriday September 23, 7.30pmSaturday September 24, 2.30pmSaturday September 24, 7.30pmTickets: £7.50 (£6.50 conc.)from The Place onlinewww.theplacebedford.org.uk/WhatsOn/Shows.shtml orBedford Box Office:01234 269519or Graham Pavey 07950 923051www.countryplayers.org.ukWALK THEROUTEin association with theBedfordshire Walking Festivalorganised by the Ramblers,Bedfordshire Area and Bedford &Milton Keynes Waterway Trust.Saturday10th Septemberstarting 10:30amMeet at Ridgmont Station, BedsMK43 0XPLearn about the restoration ofRidgmont Station buildings.Trace the route of a 5 mile sectionof the planned Bedford & MiltonKeynes Waterway from the cattlecreep beneath the M1 motorwayvia Brogborough Hill to the Forestof Marston Vale Centre (deliciousrefreshments available).Getting there: As parking is exceedinglylimited at Ridgmont station, werecommend travelling by train; fromBedford St. Johns (9:36am arrives9:58am) or from Bletchley(10:01am arrives 10:18am).ST. ANDREW’S CHURCHCountry Fayre and ExhibitionShortmead St. Biggleswadeon Saturday, 24th Septemberfrom 10.30am to 3.30pmFree AdmissionAll proceeds from this year’s Country Fayre willbe donated to The RNLI and The Mission toSeafarers to support and save lives at sea. Thetheme of the supporting exhibition in the churchis on exploring ‘Life on the Ocean Waves’.www.biggleswadeparishchurch.co.uk

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