February 2018

P Contents (Alphabetic) P Contents ctd No space Advertising Index 26 Parish Council 5,8,28 All Saints Church Services 20 Planning 9-10 All Saints 26 Providence Baptist Chapel 13 Care Scheme 7 Registers 6 Clergy Column 12 Residents Association 4 Forward Planner 17-18 Samuel Whitbread Academy 15 Friends All Saints Church 12, 17 Street/Speed/Neigh. Watches 18 ,24 Lions 2/3 Who’s Who in Clifton 8 Messy Church 16 WI 27 Other Churches 11 Woodlands The Clifton Chronicles

The Clifton Chronicles is published 11 times a year and distributed to each of the 1450 houses in Clifton. We are the longest continuously running village magazine in (possibly in the country). The Chronicles is produced and distributed entirely by a friendly team of over 40 volunteers. If you want to help with this amazing local enterprise please get in touch or if you have any suggestions we would also like to hear from you.

Our revenue comes primarily from: local businesses who advertise, donations from local clubs and societies who regularly contribute and grants from Parish Council and All Saints Church.

All contributions and information from clubs, societies and general community interest items are welcome, the editor reserves the right to make decisions on content. Please e-mail contributions to: [email protected] Next edition: March 2018 Copy deadline: February 10th Kathy Blackmore 646371, Clifton on the Web—www.clifton-beds.co.uk 1

Rector Revd Caren Topley, 8 Rectory Close, 01462 Clifton. [email protected] 615499 Churchwardens Peter Blackmore, 47 Church Street 646371 Linda Dawes, 58 Church Street 816074

All Church Saints’ Reader Robin Welsford, 13 Pedley Lane 811303 Organist & Choirmaster PCC Treasurer Frank Rivett 851816 27 Purcell Way, Shefford PCC Secretary Philippa Whittington 27 Purcell Way 851816 Church Hall Dorothy Brown 628982

Bookings 1 Lychmead, Clifton Bell-ringing Cpt Philippa Whittington 27 Purcell Way 851816 Mothers’ Union Betsy Gray, 18 Hitchin Lane, Clifton 629690 Messy Church Suzanne Stapleton, 811929; Ruth Gray 812820

Academy Head-teacher Mrs Carol Ward 628444

Saints’ Saints’

All School Chair: Philippa Whittington 851816 Governors Vice-chair: Peter Blackmore 646371

School Bookings Justine McCarthy, 628444

Parish Council 811385 Elected Representatives Chairman Barry Livesey, 75 Shefford Road, 07547 129038 Clerk (Community Kerri Kilby Centre bookings) [email protected] MP Constituency Office, St Michael’s 811992 Nadine Dorries, Close, High Street, Shefford Councillors Richard Wenham, 2 Jordan Close, 0300 Henlow, , Henlow SG16 6PH, 300 Henlow Camp & 8563 Stondon Ian Dalgarno, 172 High Street, Arlesey SG15 6TB, 735510

2

Chronicles Editor Kathy Blackmore, Hawarden Cottage, 646371 47 Church Street, Clifton Advertising Advertising year runs May to April 629690 [email protected] Distribution John Good, Pedley Lane, Clifton 812596

Biggleswade Mr A Gray 01767 Gardening Club www.biggleswade.gardenclub.care4free.net 221428 Brownies Email: [email protected] www.girlguiding.org.uk Care Scheme 07817 614654 Cricket Club Chair: Ricky Monaghan, 07528 [email protected] 445888 Vice Chairman Julian Boothy Friends All Keith Pledger, 2 Chapel Close 629020 Other village organisations village Other Saints Church [email protected] Football Club Jason Shacklock, 816881 Guides www.girlguiding.org.uk Langford www.langfordtennisclub.org.uk 700991 Tennis Club Contact; Paul Metcalfe Police Contact The snr community officer: 01234 Sgt Ruth Connelly, Based in Biggleswade 842531 Providence Ron Cook 850643 Baptist Church Rainbows girlguiding.org.uk Residents BobSmith, Secretary 812336 Association 30 New Road Scouts Mrs Georgina Oxton (Membership Officer) 08456 (All ages) 046848 Toddlers [email protected] WI Pat Wisby 816451 Woodlands Pre-School, Breakfast & After School Clubs 811486 www.thewoodlandspreschool.co.uk [email protected] 3

February

2 Cricket Club Race Night, Club Opens 7:30pm, 1st Race 8pm

6 Happy School Bags, Woodlands

Toddler Church, 9.00, Church 7 WI Craft Evening - Church Hall at 7.30pm

10 Pre-Lent Supper, Church Hall, 6.30

12-16 Half Term

14 Tea & Chat, Church, 2.00 pm—4.00 pm

17 Model Railway Exhibition, Stratton School, 10.00am – 4.30pm

21-22 Open Afternoons, Woodlands,

25 Messy Church, 10.30, Church Hall

28 Tea & Chat, Church, 2.00 pm—4.00 pm

March

3 Lions Jumble Sale, Community Centre, 1.30

7 WI Annual Meeting in the Church Hall at 7.30pm

All Age Worship, Homemade cookies and coffee, 10:15 am 11 Friends, Mothering Sunday Afternoon Teas in the Church Hall

14 Tea & Chat, Church, 2.00 pm—4.00 pm

April

14 Showtime with Kieran Sutcliffe, All Saints, Southill, 7pm

21/22 Friends Garage Sales around the Village 4

All Saints’ Church Services

See also: Church Services and Rotas, (at back of magazine for dates)

Sundays: 8.00 2nd Sunday Communion Book of Common Prayer 4th Sunday Communion Common Worship

10.30am Parish Communion 1st, 3rd and 4th Sunday All Age Worship (Non-communion) 2nd Sunday Messy Church 4th Sunday (Church Hall)

10.00am Joint Service with Southill every 5th Sunday alternating between the churches.

6.30pm Evensong: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Sundays

Wednesdays: 10.00am Holy Communion

Following the repair and restoration work on the East Window the church is now open during daylight hours.

ALL SAINTS' CHOIR NEEDS YOU!

All Saints' Church Choir is seeking to recruit new singers who would help lead end enhance the worship at All Saints, particularly those who would be able to sing soprano. We are a friendly group and our music making together is enjoyable and rewarding.

Choir practices are on Thursdays during school term time, in church between 8.00 and 9.15 p.m. If you are interested, please telephone the Acting Choirmaster and Organist, Peter Maundrell: 01767 314621.

5

Dear Friends,

Now in February we stand looking towards Ash Wednesday, which falls on 14th February. For some of us this date will mean Valentine’s Day! We can link these anniversaries with the theme of Love and new beginnings. Ash Wednesday leads us into the start of Lent, a time when we prepare for Easter, in the knowledge, love and grace of a God who loves us. Love isn’t always an easy path to tread. Recently a friend shared this poem with me:

THE SNOWDROP: By Louise Gluck

Do you know what I was, how I lived? You know what despair is; then winter should have meaning for you.

I did not expect to survive, earth suppressing me. I didn't expect to waken again, to feel in damp earth my body able to respond again, remembering after so long how to open again in the cold light of earliest spring afraid, yes, but among you again crying yes risk joy in the raw wind of the new world.

I hope you might find this poem helpful when life is difficult or seemingly loveless, to push upwards and seek light once again. When love seems far away we can look for God's creative spirit in us and ask for courage to risk living and being loving. For life is a risk and there are no easy promises or answers. But God promises that in that journey from dark to light, he is with us always.

I pray as we approach this time of Lent, whatever individual difficulties we are asked to overcome or whatever sadness sometimes holds us, or whatever joy and happiness already exists in our hearts, may we know the breaking dawn of God's light and love washing into our world, and calling us on to greater life, greater joy, in the abundance God longs for us to have.

With my very best wishes, Revd Caren 6

All Saints’ Church From the Registers

Funeral and Burial in the graveyard at Langford: 27th November Matthew Gage

Burial of Ashes in the Garden of Remembrance 2nd December Jean Reed

Cremation 11th December Lorna Graves Crem:

Burial of Ashes in Graveyard 18th December Christopher Albon

Funeral and Burial in the graveyard: 21st December Olive Margaret Jefferies

All Saints’ Christmas Fayre Success

The Christmas Fayre Committee would like to thank everyone who made the above event such a resounding success including the following local businesses for donating prizes:  Duck Lane, Shefford  Five Bells  One Stop  Lloyds,Shefford  Clifton Cuisine  M & S  360 play Stevenage  Baxters Butchers  John Lewis  Felorian Fitness  The Loft, Shefford  Wilko  Shuttleworth  Morrisons  Family Photoshoot  Beauty Cabin Clifton Mothers’ Union Group

Next Meeting February 20th 18 Hitchin Lane, 2.00 pm

7

Toddler Church Wednesday 7th February All Saints Church Clifton 9:00-10:15am Toddlers bring your adult. Come and enjoy songs, stories, Messy activities and Refreshments! Come and join the fun! All Age Worship Come and join us on 11th February 2018 Homemade cookies and coffee 10:15 am onwards Songs, short talks, Interactive worship

All Saints Clifton Sunday 25 February Church Hall, Stanford Lane, Clifton 10:30 am  Craft activities for all the family  Stories and songs  Hot lunch  No fixed cost- donations welcome  No need to book Come and join the fun! Ruth Gray (01462 812820) or Suzanne Stapleton (01462 811929) for more info if required 8

Clifton All Saints Academy

Happy New Year Although Christmas seems a very long time ago now we would like to thank everybody for all their hard work and support over the festive season. The school plays were well attended and our collection raised £272 which was split between the school and our charity `The Philip Veale Children’s Centre. Unfortunately, on a negative note we were very disappointed with the dangerous and inconsiderate parking by attendees of the Christmas shows. We had to delay the start of one show to get some cars moved due to the amount of complaints received at the school office. Cars were double parked and you could only just get a family sized car through with millimetres to spare each side! Luckily no emergency vehicles needed to attend the site!

Many children and adults enjoyed Christmas dinner in the last week of term cooked by our wonderful staff in the kitchen, lots of hard work but well worth it!

We would also like to say a HUGE thank you to Mr & Mrs Brace who provided the school with a wonderful Christmas tree. They have done this for many years and delivered it to the school in time to decorate for the Christmas Fayre. Mr Brace and Mr Wall’s generosity and time putting the tree up is greatly appreciated. his year was quite a challenge getting the tree to stay up as it was such a good size and beautiful shape, we had many comments on how lovely it looked.

Once again, thank you to all our volunteers and helpers, without whom the school would be unable to offer such a wide range of activities and support. You are greatly appreciated. If you have a skill or expertise that could be shared with our children, please get in touch with the school office or Head Teacher, we are always open to new ideas.

January Events The English School of Falconry visited our school on Wednesday 17th January. This was a fantastic experience for our pupils (and staff) to see these beautiful birds close up and learn all about them.

On 26th January Don Rae Performing Arts came in for the day for `The Chinese New Year Workshop`. All the classes had chance to experience the wonderful props and colours used in this workshop. (Continued on page 10) 9

Don Rae has been coming to us for many years and is fantastic with the children and great fun is had by all. The children have a wonderful time taking part as this is a very colourful workshop with a huge Chinese dragon!

Clerk to the Governors at Clifton All Saints Academy Clifton All Saints Academy is looking for a Clerk to the Governors to start as soon as possible. Hours are worked during term time and mainly in evening meetings. There is a small remuneration with this position. If you would like further information, please contact Philippa Whittington on 01462 851816 or email: [email protected].

FSM – Free School Meals Your family may be entitled to Free School Meals (FSM) through due to income support etc. please make sure you apply on 0300 300 8306 between 8.30am - 5.30pm. You will need your national insurance number to hand and your child’s date of birth.

Please DO NOT confuse the government initiative of free school meals for key stage one pupils implemented on 1st September 2014 with FSM that all key stage pupils are entitled to if your family meets the criteria. The school receives extra funds known as pupil premium for all registered FSM children which was over £15,000 last year!

If you think you may be entitled to this benefit, then please contact the school office for putting in your claim. It could mean additional funding for the school, and additional support for your child.

You may qualify if you are in receipt of any of the following:

 Income Support  Income Based Job Seekers Allowance  Employment and Support Allowance (income related)  Guarantee Element of the State Pension Credit  National Asylum Seekers Support  Child Tax Credit (but not Working Tax Credit)

10

We would like to wish all the parents and children of Woodlands a Happy New Year. Also a warm welcome to all the new children and their families, some of who have had their home visit and settling in sessions. We have a fun term to look forward to, Bluebirds has begun for the children due to leave us for school in September 2018. At Bluebirds the children will be extending their learning through free play activities and resources, designed to prepare them for starting school. We focus on phonics, learning to write our names and becoming more independent. Children are able to choose a book to take home and are asked to bring in an object that relates to our phonics letter of the week for show and tell. From April, children who will be attending All Saints Academy are able to have lunch in the school hall. Our Christmas concert ‘Jesus Christmas Party’ was a huge success. We put on two performances, the children dressed up as stars, angels, guests at the inn, various animals, kings and shepherds. Our Innkeepers performed wonderfully and the children’s singing and dancing was amazing. They practised very hard throughout December and we were really pleased with their performance. We had lots of fun at the children’s party on the last day of term and the children were visited by Father Christmas and received a present each. This term our open afternoons are on Wednesday 21st and Thursday 22nd February. These are available to any families interested in starting their child at preschool in the near future. For more information please visit our website or email us for a registration form. Our first Happy School Bags collection of the year is on Tuesday 6th February. Please bring any clean, reusable clothing in bags to the collection point by 9am that you wish to donate. We receive fundraising money in return for the clothing which we put towards resourcing preschool. We would like to remind you that we are a nut free setting. This includes peanut butter and Nutella. We also ask you do not pack any chocolate items in packed lunches. This includes chocolate cake bars, (Continued on page 12) 11 chocolate cereal bars, chocolate yoghurts etc. We understand this can sometimes be a ‘grey area’ but appreciate your co-operation on this matter. We would like to remind you that if your child is suffering from sickness or diarrhoea, we have a 48 hour exclusion period from the last episode, before they can return to school. I am sure you will understand that this is to reduce the risk of infecting others. If you have any questions regarding this please contact the office.

Half Term: 12th – 16th February. The Woodlands Team

Clifton Resident's Association would like to thank the following local people without whose help and generosity 'Light Up Clifton' would not have been possible:  Adept fabrications  Clifton Cuisine  Langford Garden  Admiral Public House  Clifton Parish Council Centre  All Saints school  Clifton Park  Biggleswade & Sandy  All Saints school Choir  Kevin Fiddick Lions Club  Clifton One Stop shop  All Saints school PTA  Dave Hagger  Ian Pacey  Aragon Housing  Julie-Anne Clark  Rosebud tea rooms  Avon Cosmetics (Heather  Steve Hatton  Ryalls building supplies Wilkinson)  The Crown Henlow  Sears Close Residents  Baxters the Butcher  The Five Bells Henlow  John Wall  Boots Biggleswade  Henlow Fish Bar  Shefford Hand Car  Don & Val Brace  Victoria Hyde Wash  Capelli Ladies Hairdresser  Nicola King  Shefford Town Council  Capelli Men’s Hairdresser  Jordan's Mill  Shefford Post Office  Clifton Residents’  Wayne Morgan  Thornes Garden Centre Association committee  Steve Nott members  Morrisons Shefford

A big thank you goes to all who came along. We were amazed by the turn out. This was our first attempt at a reasonable size community project and to put it bluntly, we were 'Over the Moon'!!

Discussion has taken place with regards to expanding the Resident's Association involvement with events in the community, watch this space.

Wishing you all the best for 2018, Stay lucky, Den Fensome

12

CLIFTON CARE SCHEME GOT A PROBLEM? The Clifton Care Scheme was created by a group of friendly neighbours with the aim of helping local people who were experiencing difficulties. We know that those who use the scheme appreciate the help we offer but there is always the worry that we may not be reaching others whose lives could be improved by using us. We don’t only provide transport for elderly or disabled residents who need to get to hospital or the doctors; although the bulk of our help is transportation as that is what we are asked to do. However our objective is to try and meet any reasonable request from any resident regardless of age, ability and background. The only limitation is whether we have a volunteer who is able and willing to meet the request. An opportunity to find out more about what we do or indeed share a problem is to come along to one of our tea and chat afternoons held at All Saints Church on 14th February, 28th February, 14th March & 28th March. NEED OUR HELP? Remember we are here: if you need help just call ...... 07817 614654 Finally a belated Happy New Year from all of us at the Clifton Care Scheme. Tea & Chat

 14th February  28th February  14th March

Church, 2.00 pm—4.00 pm

Ring the Care Scheme if you require transport: 07817 614654

13

Pre-Lent Supper

10th February 2018

‘Oranges and Lemons Say the bells of St Clement’s’

Please wear something orange or lemon

Tickets £10.00

Includes canapés and 2 course meal, please discuss dietary requirements on buying ticket

Licensed Bar

Entertainment by Biddenham Hand-bell Ringers

6.30 for canapés, 7.00 meal All proceeds to All Saints’ Church

Ring Kathy Blackmore 646371 for tickets.

14

Friends of Clifton Church Events for 2018

11th March – Mothering Sunday Afternoon Teas in the Church Hall at either 3pm or 4pm. No fixed cost – donations welcome. Tickets will be available at Messy Church on January 21st, inside the Library of Clifton All Saints Academy after school on Tuesday January 30th, at Messy Church on February 25th or telephone either Keith Pledger (629020) or Pat Wisby (816451) for tickets.

21st and 22nd April – Garage Sales around the Village. Registration forms, £5, are available from Keith Pledger (629020)

21st July – Afternoon Tea and Games for All in the Garden. Further details later in the year.

Showtime with Kieran Sutcliffe and special guests

Saturday 14th April, 2018 All Saints Church, Southill, Beds

Tickets £15

Show starts at 7pm (doors open 6.30pm)

The Man with the Golden Voice! BBC award winning international classical crossover and musical theatre star Kieran Sutcliffe brings his powerhouse vocals to opera classics and the best West End hits.

All profits go to All Saints Churches, Southill & Clifton

To book your tickets call Terry Sullivan on 01462 817491 or Nico Rodenburg on 01462 811927

15

Clifton W.I.

In December we held our annual Christmas Party for members and invited guests with a turkey, potatoes and salad buffet with wine or a soft drink, followed by delicious desserts and tea/coffee. There followed the drawing of a large raffle and a Singalong with Shirley Hale This started off our Christmas festivities and ended the year on a high.

At our January meeting Pat welcomed everyone and wished them a Happy New Year. The minutes of the two previous meetings were read, agreed and signed. Pat gave thanks to Linda for organising the Christmas lunch and to the Committee for the Christmas Party. Iris Smyrk will be our delegate at the NFWI Annual Meeting in Cardiff in June.

News from County includes that Diane Sanbrook is Cycling for Denman in March and is seeking sponsors/fellow cyclists; On March 12 there is an Afternoon with Gyles Brandreth at King’s House and at the Annual Council Meeting at King’s House on April 30 the speaker will be David Whiteley, Presenter of ‘Inside Out-East’ and Stewart White’s stand-in on ‘Look East’. There are many future events with full details in W-EYE.

Voting took place for 2018’s five Resolutions.

The next proposed theatre trip is ‘Crazy for You’ on March 22 and ‘The Play that goes wrong’ on April 25, names of people interested to be submitted at the next meeting.

Two committee members will be standing down at the Annual Meeting in March so members are asked to please consider joining the Committee.

Birthday cards for December were distributed by Jackie and the raffle was drawn. Everyone then settled down to join in their craft group of Painting, Making a Patchwork Bag, Making a Christmas Table Runner, Scrapbooking and Prick ‘n’ Stitch cards. The items were started at this session and will be finished at the next meeting on February 7 commencing 7.30pm when the tea ladies are Mary Morgan, Jane Hoeksma and Joice Williams. Katherine Edwards 816334 16

Samuel Whitbread Academy

As we start the term it's always a good time to look back at the key events, and what an amazing autumn term we had at Samuel Whitbread. We came back after the summer break to the best GCSE and A Level results the school had ever achieved. Two months later we had the call from Ofsted and were judged as Good in every category with many areas of strength including lots of praise for our amazing students. We've also had many individual triumphs with Miles Elliot running the Beachy Head marathon and Ewan Watts and Caitlin Sedgwick winning awards for show jumping. We managed to collect more shoe boxes for the Rotary Club Christmas Shoe Box Appeal than any other school in Bedfordshire and I've just received an email from the Headteacher of our sister school in Jambo, Kenya, thanking us for our non-uniform day donation which they used to mend their roof.

We said goodbye to Mrs Ward who has been our school nurse for over 10 years and is moving to be closer to her family. Mrs Ward has helped countless students in her time at SWA and will be greatly missed.

Last week, whilst driving home from an event at school, I was listening to Radio 2 and the presenter played his highlights for the year which included performances from both the CC Smugglers and the Shires. I wondered how many schools in the country could boast of having ex-students in two successful bands. To add to this, one of the top films this Christmas is Paddington 2, which received 5 Stars from lots of critics and stars ex-student as Paddington.

In December Performing Arts were in full swing with a monumental four performances in one week. The Christmas Concert, which was well attended despite the snow, was a fantastic celebration of music at SWA. Music has gone from strength to strength over the last few years and one of our peripatetics mentioned to me this week that she feels we are now one of the strongest schools in Central Beds for music which was great to hear. We also had our Christmas Panto, Jack and the Beanstalk, which was truly amazing.

Samuel Whitbread Academy held its first ever Christmas Fair and

(Continued on page 18) 17 raised nearly £500 for the various different house charities, which include one charity in the UK and one international charity. This was a new event for SWA and organised by the student leadership group. It was well received by staff and students and I'm sure it will become an annual event on the Christmas calendar. The Christmas jumper non uniform day, on the last day of term, also raised an impressive £600 which the students chose to donate to a local charity.

Sport has been incredible this term and we are now County or District champions in U14 and U16 Girls Basketball, U14 Boys Basketball, U14 Boys Rugby. There was an incredibly close 22-13 win against Loughborough Boys Grammar school by the 1st XV rugby boys to take them into the quarter finals of the National Bowl. However, the next game against Ashville College from Harrogate was a different story. The home advantage meant we had over 500 students, parents and staff watching the game and it finished 67-0 with a hat-trick from Charlie Stevens. The semi-final against King Henry VIII school, Coventry, is away on the 1st March. We've also had success in hockey, where we are U15 girls county state school champions. Nick Martin, Principal Looking for a Cleaner?

Good, reliable cleaner has availability on Wednesdays or Thursdays, can supply references.

Ring Joan on 07704 494021 Biggleswade Sandy Lions Club Annual Grand Jumble Sale March 3rd 2018 Clifton Community Centre Doors open at 1.30 pm There is a change of jumble collection point this year. It has moved to outside the front door of 13 Fairfax Close, (in the porch if wet!), but please don’t leave it at the previous Shefford Road drop off point this year. We shall be pleased to accept jumble from the beginning of February, and we will be very pleased to see you at the Jumble sale on March 3rd. Do call Dave or Judith on 01462 814693, or Keith on 01767 262433 or visit www.biggeswadesandylions.org.uk. 18

Speedwatch

I was reading a study carried out by the Dutch government (as you do), regarding pedestrian injuries relative to vehicle speed. At 20, injuries can be serious but not life threatening. At just over 26 the data begins to show evidence of fatalities. This is shocking and I should tell you why. This is Kmph!

You can imagine our concern when we regularly see vehicles in excess of 75 Kmph in Church Street, Broad Street, Stockbridge Rd etc just after school closing and when many children and/or parents are walking or cycling home.

It’s impressive to see social media posts about dog fouling, litter, petty crime etc., all serious issues, but not much about speeding. There has to be a serious incident before people are moved to give it their full attention. I nearly used the normal term, accident. But it’s not quite accurate is it? Dropping a fine piece of crystal glass may be an accident, but not being able to brake in time to avoid a sudden situation owing to excessive speed, is avoidable.

Your speedwatch team will be out and about to remind you of this and as always trying to make our roads safe for all.

A Happy and Safe New Year to you all, Kenneth Smith Poppy Appeal, Clifton 2017

£2231.02

This amazing amount was raised by the residents of Clifton for the Poppy Appeal.

Many, many thanks to everyone who volunteered to sell the Poppies, either by doing a door to door collection or having a box in their shop, pub, restaurant, garage and of course to all our young residents who donated money at All Saints Lower School.

To enable us to carry on doing a door to door collection in 2018 we need more volunteers. If anyone could spare a few hours to do this please contact me on 01462 632754. Many Thanks, Denise Panton 19

Clifton Planning Applications Update Central Beds Decisions to 8th January 2018

CB/17/06060/FULL – 21 December 2017 – 12 The Joint SG17 5RR. Erection of single story side and rear extensions and balcony over rear kitchen. Consultation period

CB/17/06041/FULL – 21 December 2017 – 12 Jubilee Close SG17 5JW. Single storey rear extension. Consultation period.

CB/17/05771/FULL – 6 December 2017 – 13 Fairfax Close SG17 5RH. Proposed first floor side/rear extension with demolition of rear conservatory and its rebuilding on same footprint with raised solid roof. Consultation period.

CB/17/05723/FULL – 4 December 2017 – 66 Newis Crescent SG17 5HU. Single storey front extension including alterations to the existing roof & garage conversion. Awaiting Decision.

CB/17/05643/FULL – 30 November 2017 – Land adjacent. to 67 Stockbridge Road SG17 5HH. Development of 20 new dwellings consisting of a mixture of 1 and 2 storey buildings on existing land. Consultation period

CB/17/05618/FULL – 28 November 2017 – Land rear of 104 Shefford Road SG17 5RF. Retrospective planning for erection of garage. Consultation period

CB/17/05300/FULL - 3 November 2017 – 3 Brickle Place SG17 5HL. Erection of Front Porch. Application Granted

CB/17/05291/FULL – 2 Stockbridge Road SG17 5HA. Side Extension and front porch. Replacement of existing flat roof with pitched roof to rear and reconfiguration of parking provision. Application Granted Toys for Children Appeal Salvation Army,

Grateful thanks for the gifts left under the Christmas Tree in Church. These were delivered to the Salvation Army just before Christmas.

Thanks again, Glad Dawson

20

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH REPORT http://www.street-watch.org/CliftonNHW/ CARD MINDER RFID These continue to be popular with residents. As a reminder, they shield your ‘contactless’ credit/debit cards from unwanted ‘snooping’. I am pleased to say that I can now obtain these from an alternative supplier and make them available at 4 for £1. The same supplier offers Passport sized ones at £1 each so if anybody is interested please let me know as below.

Do you know how best to protect your young family members from the less pleasant side of the Internet? Beds Police School liaison team have published an excellent article on this subject. It was initially available on BedsAlert and I have now been given permission to re- publish it. You will find it on our website as above or I can print one off for you if you would like to collect it.

CRIME STATS November & December “Crime Statistics” for Clifton showed there were a number of Criminal Damage reports in November, involving damage to vehicles in Bilberry Road together with damage to a dwelling in Pedley Lane. Theft from vehicles also occurred in Chapel Close, early morning 20.11.17 and four further offences in December in New Road, Broad Street & Shefford Road. All these attacks on our vehicles warn our residents to take note of excellent advice on how to protect your vehicles see www.bedfordshire.police.uk/A-Z/Vehicle- security.

In addition to the above crimes, towards the end of November, a very distressing burglary occurred in Broad Street. A thief using bolt croppers, broke into a workshop, stealing a lifetime collection of valued fishing equipment which cannot be replaced! Another similar burglary happened 3rd December in New Road, when a shed was broken into to remove valued contents. Any information regarding either of these two upsetting incidents would be much appreciated.

There have been a couple of incidents of harassment, sending letters to cause stress/anxiety and assault, causing actual bodily harm. Also, not for the first time, another a pedal cycle was stolen in Shefford Road at 5.30 pm 14th December. Hopefully, with help from our residents, we can keep Clifton safe from potential thieves by reporting any concerns to our Police colleagues on 101.

Terry Whiffen 07482790269 Gary Edwards 01462 816334

21

Saturday 17th February 2018 East Beds Model Railway Society Annual Exhibition

Stratton School, Biggleswade, SG18 8JB

10.00am – 4.30pm

17+ layouts plus full trade and society support Wheelchair access to all areas except raised stage in main hall Free parking. Light refreshments available all day Adults £5.50, Seniors £4.50, Children £3, Family (2+2) £14

For more information contact: John Wakeman 01767 315783, Dick Sulch 01626 864942 or see our website at www.ebmrs.org.uk

New Year Fitness Resolutions aren’t just for the young getting fitter is not limited to the young; in fact I would argue that it becomes considerably more important as we age. Exercising in old age has been linked strongly to the following benefits:

 Living longer  Reducing the risk of dementia  Preventing falls  Preventing or delaying disease  Reducing risk of stroke or heart attack  Building confidence and  Better bone density independence

The NHS have some really great information on their website – just search ‘Activities for the elderly’ on their NHS choices website.

Or why not come along to Seated Exercise/Pilates class Clifton Community Centre?

Tuesdays,10.45am - 11.45am or Fridays 3.30pm - 4.30pm £5 per person, which includes a cuppa and a chat afterwards

Improving strength and balance to aid everyday living Everyone is welcome and the class is especially suited to people with mobility issues.

To book or get more information please call me (Tessa) on 01462 629972 or email [email protected] 22

Clifton Leisure Society

Bedford - contact [email protected] Wellbeing table-tennis Bedford Central Library Wednesdays 2 15 – 3 15 £2 Wellbeing Swimming Robinson Pool Mondays 3 – 4 Wellbeing yoga Bedford Central Library Wednesdays 1 – 2 Walking Football Saxon Centre, Biggleswade Tuesdays 1 30 – 2 30 Book Club The book club, hold their meeting in each other’s homes about every 6 weeks. A book is chosen to read and discussed at the next meeting. For more information, contact Michelle Ryan [email protected] Clifton Elder People’s Club Every two weeks, contact Gladys Dawson 01462 629822 Bridge Club We now have 10 members who meet on a Wednesday afternoon for a friendly game of Rubber bridge. If you are interested in joining, please contact Pat on 811575 for more information Clifton Care Scheme holds a cuppa, cake and chat couple of hours every fortnight, on a Wednesday afternoon in Clifton Church. 2-4pm. A very warm welcome is extended to anyone living in the village, and who either lives alone, is recently bereaved, a carer and their dependent or just in need of a little friendship. For more information, call 07817 614654. Clifton Computer Group Anyone who has expertise and are willing to share it as well as problems with their laptops, computers or iPads are very welcome to join our group. For more information, please contact Sue Cross [email protected] or 07768 105570 Craft and Chat Every Monday morning 10 – 12 (except bank holidays) in All Saints Church, Clifton, everyone welcome please contact Chris Killick 01462 647669 Shefford library contact 0300 300 8067. Self help family history group first Tuesday in month 10am Card making 1st Wednesday in month 2 30 Over 50s walkers Thursdays 10am Gardening club Saturday fortnightly 10 30 Colour-me-calm Adult Colouring Club Thursdays 4 15 – 5 45 Singing Night Singing night for everyone and anyone, 6.30 - 7.30 pm First and Third Mondays of the month at St Michaels church, Shefford. Pick up a leaflet at the church or at the Health Centre. Looking forward to seeing you. Contact Judy on 07973 159593 (Continued on page 24) 23

Walking Group We meet most working day evenings and do about an hour's walk around the Clifton area. Of course, most of us aren’t free every day so we text or email each other the day before to see who is free and what time to meet. For more information, contact Sue Cross [email protected] or 07768105570 Wine Tasting Group The wine tasting group meet every 6 weeks and the group take turns to hold the event in each other’s homes. Wellbeing walk Bedford Central Library Fridays 11 – 12

Useful information Respite at HOME volunteers: can we help you and someone you care for who has a life limiting illness with some free time and support Respite at HOME volunteers West Mid Beds and Ivel Valley: 10 Dene Lane, Wilstead, Bedfordshire, MK45 3HT, phone 01234 743063, email: [email protected] (24 hour answering)."

Please contact me if you spot any omissions or errors, thanks so much Sue Cross [email protected] or 07768105570

Biggleswade Sandy Lions Club

Reindeer Earn a Rest

Well the reindeer are safely tucked up in their stable enjoying a well earned rest after doing the numerous sleigh runs and tin shakes at various venues and streets around Biggleswade, Sandy and surrounding villages. Biggleswade and Sandy Lions would like to thank all those who gave generously around the routes and at our tin shakes at various shops and supermarkets over the Christmas period. Just before Christmas we distributed approximately 150 food parcels to those in need as well as Christmas plants.

A date for your diary, we will be holding a quiz night including a fish and chip supper in aid of Macmillan Cancer Saturday 24 March 7pm at Biggleswade Sea Cadets.

We really need you to think hard, please , about whether you could find a little time in your busy lives to come along and meet us and find out what being a Lion is all about and consider joining Biggleswade and Sandy Lions. It’s a good feeling helping others and putting something back into this community of ours. So please ………..

Do call Keith on 01767 262433 or www.biggleswadesandylions.org.uk 24

VOLUNTEER DRIVERS REQUIRED

We urgently require additional volunteer drivers for as little as 1 morning per month!

Wanderbus, based out of , is run entirely by volunteers. We operate two 16-seater buses on weekdays (mainly mornings) with fixed routes collecting passengers in the rural villages around Shefford & Stotfold and going to local & regional Shopping & Town centres. There we park up and wait for 2/2.5 hours before returning. This is of course your free time as well!

What Do You Need to Drive?

 Group D1 on your Driving Licence – older licences will automatically have this grouping that allows you to drive a 16 seater bus.  Aged 25 – 70  A free weekday morning – bus departure times are around 08.45/09.00 and you will be back in Meppershall between 12.00 & 13.30 (latest). We can allocate routes to suit if you need the earlier return time.  A desire to help our local communities. Whilst we are a fixed route bus service open to all passengers the majority are elderly who rely on our services to get out and about and enjoy the social interaction of fellow regular passengers.

Full training will be given (classroom & practical - MIDAS) and you will can be accompanied by one of our regular drivers until you are totally happy to ‘go solo’. Don’t worry about routes – the passengers will tell you where to go if you are unsure!!

If you want to spend a very rewarding morning PLEASE contact us for more info on 0300-123-3023 or e mail [email protected]

25

Clifton Community Centre We are fortunate in Clifton to have a new, spacious, well-equipped community centre with floodlit parking for 60 cars. For information on the facilities available, and to see just how easy and inexpensive it is to use this hall see: www.clifton-beds.co.uk/halls for hire/Community Centre To check availability and make a booking, please contact: [email protected] Kerri Kilby 07547 129038 or Bob Anderson on 07546 239784 Booking forms and conditions of hire can be downloaded from the website.

Providence Baptist Church – Clifton

Sunday Services *10.30 a.m. and 6.00 p.m. A warm welcome is assured to all. Communion is held during the 6.00 p.m. service on the 3rd Sun- day in the month. *The 10.30 a.m. Sunday morning service will continue to held at the Community Centre, Whiston Crescent, Clifton.

Mondays (term time) Mums & Tots 10 a.m. – 11.30 a.m. at the Church 5-Up Club 7.00 p.m. – 8.00 p.m. at All Saints Lower School Explorers 5.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. (for Reception to Year 4) at the Church

Fridays (term time) Mums & Tots 10 a.m. – 11.30 a.m. at the Church

Secretary: Ron Cook 01462 850643

26

ABOUT OUR FRIENDS

St Francis of Assisi, Roman Catholic Church, Shefford

Father Canon Bennie Noonan 813436 Deacon Rev Peter Hyde 711702 Parish Secretary Rose Boulton 811547 Sister Margaret 814079 Sunday Services St Francis 9.00 am 5.15 pm

Saturday Service St Francis 11.00 am

Shefford Methodist Church

Minister: Revd Lorna Valentine is temporary unavailable and Revd Charlie Connor is covering for the moment 01234 851987. Steward Elspeth 817199 Bookings Chris & Peter 815069

Sunday Service 9.30 am Worship for all, plus Junior Church, crèche facilities & refreshments afterwards Other activities see the notice-board & www.sheffordmethodist.org.uk

Salvation Army, Stotfold

Captain Nicola Brooksbank 01462-731072 Sunday Services: 10.30 am, 6 pm Sunday School 11.15

27

Crucifer

.

omeone else and

h h s

beds.co.uk

-

ChaliceAss’s

Mr K Pledger MrK MrR Welsford MrsJ Pavey Mrs S Collins Gray MrK Good MrA Blackmore MrP MrsBlackmore K MrsJ Pavey

www.clifton

Intercessors

Mr B Livesey MrB Officiate MrsWhittington P Caren Rev MrsWelsford S Officiate MrR Parker Mrs R Wagner Officiate

25

-

14

20 6:10

-

- -

end

-

end end

- -

35 end

- -

Readers

Mr K Pledger MrK Colossians1:15 MrsM Cakebread Luke 8:22 MinistryTeam Padgett MrB 1:16 2 Peter MrsBlackmore K 2 Corinth. 5:20b MrD Brace 3:18 1 Peter MrsBlackmore K John 4:43 Good MrA Romans4:13 Livesey MrB 1 Corinthians1:18 MrsWhittington P Philippians.3:4b

Church Services Church Rotas February

Welcomers

Mrs S Collins MrD Brace MrsM Cakebread MrM Richardson MrsJ Cooper MrsJ Wyer MrsGifford N MrsL Burton MrsBlackmore K Mrs Mr& D Killick Mrs C Killick MrsWhitcher K MrC Brown MrsBlackmore K MrsL Burton MrsWisby P MrsKendall F

6:30 8:00 6:30 6:30 8:00 6:30

Time 10:30 10:15 10:30 10:30 10:30

8:00pm

th th th

Ash

th th

4 4

11 18 25 th

Date

Weds. March

All Age All

14

A copy A of this rota is on the Vestrynotice board.If you areunable toparticipate on thedate given,please try to swap wit informa Churchwarden and the webmasteror amend the Vestrycopy. This rota is also available at:

28