December 2019 January, February 2020

EVERY 1st Friday of the month from January 2020 Speak to your Local Councillor at the St Augustine’s Church Community Coffee Morning from 10am to 12 noon (Coffee mornings run on every 1st and 3rd Friday) Welcome to the Downside Magazine Dear Readers, Christmas is just around the corner and the nights are getting longer, why not snuggle under a cosy blanket with a hot drink and read this edition of the Downside magazine. It is with sadness that we remember Tony Cootes who passed away as we were preparing this edition, see page 3. A lot has happened since the last edition, read on to find out what the scouts have been up to, the community planting event, Downside’s Dunstable in Bloom involvement, the remembrance parade and an article about the English Civil war by Paul Heley. We hope you enjoy the read. Your Downside magazine team

If you would like to advertise or write an article for the next edition, please contact: Dunstable South Children’s Centre, Oakwood Avenue, LU5 4AS You can call us on 0300 300 8104, pop in, write to us or send us your article and photos on an email: [email protected] If you require any help writing your article, we’ll be happy to assist. DEADLINE FOR MARCH 2020 EDITION IS 31ST JANUARY 2020 Visit facebook.com/DownsideMagazineDunstable The magazine is also available free in digital form on our website downsidemagazinedunstable.co.uk Downside Magazine Volunteers: Mary Cuckson, Amanda Evans, Emma Gibson, Linda Nash, Jana Veyres, Moira Wollington, Kim Woodland, Silvie French

Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) St Augustine’s Academy 0300 300 8000 01582 661 778 CBC REPAIRS (e.g. Potholes) Downside Pre-School 0300 300 8049 01582 660 833 STREET LIGHT – report a problem The Wildlife Trust (lamp identification number on the lamp post) [email protected] 0300 300 8049 07540 669 907 Police Contact Non-emergencies 101 Cllr Philip Crawley DTC & CBC [email protected] 01582 515 890 01582 666 403 Cllr Wendy Anne Bater DTC Dunstable Town Council Cllr Mark Richard Cant DTC 01582 513 000, [email protected] Key Contacts Key Dunstable Town Mayor Citizens Advice Bureau Cllr Sidney Abbott 01582 891404 01582 670 003 Any opinion expressed in these articles is not necessarily the opinion of the editor.

2 www.downsidemagazinedunstable.co.uk Tony Cootes † 9.11.2019 It is a very sad time right now for Downside residents who knew Tony Cootes. Sadly, he is not with us anymore and is greatly missed by many. He has made a difference for the Downside estate. His enthusiasm, energy and love for community will never be forgotten. While being the chairman of the Woodfield Green & Downside Residents’ Association for many years he has organised events for residents including Summer trips, Fun Days, Big Lunches and Senior Citizens Christmas Lunches to name a few. He always had ideas how we could improve Downside and get people together. He was an inspiration for me and his legacy will hopefully live on. Jana Veyres

It was with great sadness I received a phone call on Sunday morning from Hermione telling us of Tony’s passing. I first met Tony when we both moved onto New Woodfield Green and joined the Residents’ Association committee. The Residents’ Association went through many changes finally evolving into the Woodfield Green and Downside Residents’ Association. Tony became Chair and it was through Tony’s passion, foresight and hard work that many popular events took place and problems on the estate were solved. Unfortunately last year when Tony was diagnosed with Cancer he decided to stand down from many of the committees he was so passionately involved with. St Augustine’s Academy On a more personal level Tony and I became close friends, first through the Residents’ 01582 661 778 Association, then through many shared interests, spending time gardening, chatting Downside Pre-School and putting the world in order. We, that is Tony, Hermione, Eileen and I enjoyed each 01582 660 833 other’s company, going out and even sharing Christmas together in Coleshill. Eileen The Wildlife Trust and I remember shared laughter, humour and that feeling you get when in like-minded [email protected] good company. 07540 669 907 When we moved to Norfolk 3 years ago, one of the highlights during our regular visits to Cllr Philip Crawley DTC & CBC Dunstable was meeting up with Tony and Hermione and continuing the conservation just 01582 515 890 where we had left off several months earlier. Cllr Wendy Anne Bater DTC Throughout his illness it seemed that Tony was invincible, having bad spells but always coming through the other side with the same positive attitude, we were even starting to Cllr Mark Richard Cant DTC make plans for this Christmas, this made his death so much more of a shock. Dunstable Town Mayor We will miss Tony, our thoughts are with Hermione, Tony’s family and all his friends who Cllr Sidney Abbott 01582 891404 his life touched in so many ways. Clive & Eileen 3 Dunstable Town Council Friends of Dunstable Cemetery Friends of Dunstable Cemetery has grown from a twinkle of an idea into an assured group of active volunteers. They are making a real difference to the area and aim to keep on making an impact! The Cemetery has grown over the years and has a rich history. The older part of the cemetery is the last resting place of some notable local people along with some The group will also be launching an adopt a beautiful old memorial stones. The Cemetery grave scheme, were relatives of buried ones is also home to a wide variety of wildlife can donate to the group to help look after including over 25 species of birds. their graves if they are unable to do so. The Friends are a lovely bunch of local If you are interested and would like to find out people who enjoy coming together for more or sign up, please contact: volunteer workdays and meetings. Going [email protected] forward the group would like to fundraise to 01582 891428 repair some of the older memorials. They have already held two presentation The group have their own Facebook page, evenings entitled ‘Headlines behind the if you would like to keep up to Headstones’ which relayed a brief history of date of their activities then search the cemetery, information about the group, ‘Friends of Dunstable Cemetery’ the difference they make, and the telling of and like the page! interesting stories around the notable people buried there.

Dunstable Town Council offer free Tuesday 4 February 2020 10.00 am to 12.00 noon Grove coffee mornings for those aged Corner, 76A High St N, Dunstable, LU6 1NF 55+ to provide the opportunity for Tuesday 17 March 2020 10.00 am to 12.00 noon United people to come together in a safe Services Club, 160 High St S, Dunstable LU6 3HS space to enjoy a social activity. The coffee mornings also invite If you would like more information on these or any local organisations to offer free other activities for Older People in the Dunstable support, advice and guidance for area, please contact anyone that needs it. These will Jack Adams-Rimmer on: 01582 513000 continue across the Dunstable [email protected] area and there may be more to To keep up to date on additional coffee mornings come! The following dates have please visit our website www.dunstable.gov.uk or like us on Facebook!

Free over 55’s coffee mornings Free over 55’s been confirmed:

4 www.downsidemagazinedunstable.co.uk Rock & a Roll Safer Internet Day Dunstable Town Council’s first Rock Tuesday 11 February 2020 & a Roll event for the over 50’s took place in October at Creasey Park Whether you are an avid, occasional or once Community Football Centre. A 50’s in a blue moon internet user, the truth is that 60’s live music tea dance it is the fastest growing communication extravaganza, which was a great medium in the world. What does all that sell-out success. communication generate? Singer Joe Corrigan had them ‘rockin in the aisles’ or more accurately Big data ‘boppin on the dance floor’ and singing What is big data? It is the collection, storing and along to a selection of great tunes from analysis of very large, unorganised masses of the rock and roll era. To keep up their information. It is information that is generated and stamina participants also enjoyed a spread very rapidly. lovely afternoon tea of sandwiches and Who makes all this Big data and how? We all do, cakes washed down with plenty of tea every time we log on to Facebook, shop online, do or something stronger from the bar! homework, visit a blog, twitter or Instagram account, Sadly, it all ended to soon with echoes book on-line tickets or holidays or even look up of ‘more’ and who are we to disappoint! remedies for a sore throat. The data we create and So, we have planned to do it all again share is growing constantly, in fact the International on Tuesday 11 February 2020, Data Corporation (IDC) estimates that the amount 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm at Creasey Park of data accumulated by 2020 will be so large that Community Football Centre. Tickets storing it would require such an enormous number are £10 each and early booking is of tablet computers that, when stacked on top of essential. There will be a different live each other, they would reach the Moon more than act and a nod given to the upcoming 6.5 times! Valentine’s Day, but it will still be tunes How is this Big data used? Like all information it from these iconic eras. can be used in both a good and bad way. It can be used to predict health epidemics, to target individuals with adverts for products and services that might To book your place please appeal to them, to promote special offers etc. It can contact the following: also be used to steal your identity for illegal purposes and get individuals into a heap of trouble! Telephone: 01582 513000 So next time you give your personal details when you Or visit Creasey Park shop online, then go on Facebook and accept a Community Football Centre friends request from someone who is loosely and speak to a member of staff! connected to someone you might know, then share Feel free to bring a raffle prize details of you and your families life, just stop and and all donations will be given think. Would I stand in the middle of the supermarket to a local charity. with a microphone and share all this information with a shop full of strangers? 5 6 www.downsidemagazinedunstable.co.uk 7 Dunstable In Bloom Awards Evening Dunstable In Bloom held its annual Awards The shield winners in each category were: Evening at The Vale Academy on Thursday The Old Palace Lodge for its Walled Garden, 26th September 2019. We were proud to Commercial Premises; Tudor House, Care for welcome our Town Mayor, Councillor Sid the Elderly; Lianne Read, Allotments; Tudor Abbott, who presented many certificates House, Wheelie Fantastic; Westfield Nursery, and shields. St. Augustine’s Academy and Lancot Challenger Academy, Schools; Joyce West and Eleanor’s Court, Community Garden; Lesley Ball, Best Hanging Basket, Pauline and John Greene, Best Container; Dorreen Herron, Best Front Garden. We also celebrate the fact that, in East Anglia, Priory View Roof Garden had been voted the best Community Garden; that Grove House Gardens were the best Small Park; that our cemetery was the best Large Cemetery and that Dunstable was the best Large Town. Thanks go to our Mayor, the judges and committee members, to Vale Academy for hosting the event and to everyone who came on the night to make it such an enjoyable experience. Dunstable won the best Large Town Hugh Garrod, of East Anglia Chairman of Dunstable In Bloom St Augustine’s Academy – winner of the Best Wheelie Fantastic Schools’ Floral Display participants – category for ‘Best St Augustine’s Church Imaginative Planting’ and Dunstable South Children’s Centre

Tony Cootes, 2nd place winner in the Best Front Garden category

8 www.downsidemagazinedunstable.co.uk DUNSTABLE LADIES CHOIR Dunstable FESTIVE AFTERNOON CONCERT Good Neighbours when: Saturday 7th December, 2:30pm Would you like to volunteer with Dunstable Good Neighbours or receive some help from us? Come and join us for a wonderful afternoon of Christmas music and Volunteers provide occasional help with small tasks carols around the house or garden, assistance with form - festive fun for everyone! filling, occasional lifts to the doctors, shops etc. or friendly visits to those who are lonely or isolated. where: St Augustine’s Church, … please call our Good Neighbours number Mayfield Road, Dunstable on 07491455777 between 9am and 5pm Tickets available on the door Adults £8, Under-12s £4, including All of our volunteers are police checked, and our delicious home-made visits are free. Supported by Bedfordshire refreshments Rural Communities Charity Serving communities across Bedfordshire

For those that may be interested: the WG&DRA meet monthly on the 3rd Wednesday at 7.15pm, at the Downside Community Centre, in Suffolk Rd and new people are very welcome. Please call our Secretary, Christine Reynolds on 07923 621079 or email [email protected] to get involved in the next event or for more information.

Downside Pre-school Places available at Downside Pre-school

Downside Pre-school believe that children learn through play in a safe and secure environment and with adults that understand their needs. Downside Pre-school offers high quality education and care for children from 2-5 years of age. We are open 5 days a week from 8.45am to 3.15pm and offer 15 hours funding for eligible 2 year old children. We also offer 30 hours funding for eligible 3 and 4 year olds. There is 15 hours of funding available for children of 3 and 4 years. If you are not eligible for 2 year old funding our prices are £4.30 per hour. Visitors are welcome at any time! Please contact Mrs Julie Russell, Downside Pre-School manager. Our telephone number is 01582 660 833 or visit www.downsidepreschool.com 9 The English Civil War - leading to Cromwell’s Republic Part 2 By Paul Heley

The English Civil War was in three parts and ultimately led to the defeat of Charles 1st and his the first part ran from 1642 to 1646 (covered subsequent trial and execution in 1649. in Part 1 of this article). Before continuing, After Naseby, Charles had been captured and held however, there are a number of interesting at Hampton Court. But he was determined that his quotes coming from these times which reflect campaign should not end in ignominy and he the different attitudes and anticipations held escaped - fleeing to Carisbrooke Castle on the by different people. For example, a statement Isle of Wight. From here he set up negotiations given at the outset of the First Civil War with the Scots whereby they would invade England suggested that “even if Parliament were to in return for certain Presbyterian concessions . win the war, it might well not win the peace since there would certainly be a struggle for At the time, it must be said, all was not well in power among rival groups ; and one fairly England regarding the strictness of Parliamentary confident prediction is that a Parliamentarian rule under Puritanism – especially after the victory would turn out to be truly pyrrhic”. abolition of Christmas in December 1647 – and How prophetic this turned out to be! riots and skirmishes broke out in Kent, Essex, Cumberland and South Wales in support of the Another quote by Cromwell when talking to his King. But each of these uprisings was put down General, Henry Ireton, commented “It is an odd either by Cromwell or Fairfax using the power of thing, Mr Ireton, that every man who wages war the New Model Army. However, they were thinks that God is on his side”. Hasn’t that always presages for the Scottish invasion to follow. been the case? And on another occasion he said “We thought we were fighting for the rights of man So in April 1648, a Scottish army moved into to speak and think freely. But, really, we were England and took the border town of Berwick fighting for our religion”. before going on to take Carlisle in July. A considerable army of many thousands of men Other quotes are from ordinary soldiers caught up had been amassed with every intention of moving in the fighting and reflect the fact that some had further south but delays in their preparations simply been dragooned into one side or the other enabled a Parliamentary force under Cromwell against their will ; some were truly fervent in the and General Lambert to meet them near Preston belief of their side ; whilst others were purely in Lancashire. Although Cromwell’s army was mercenary, had no moral conviction one way or heavily outnumbered two to one, they were much the other, and were there solely for what they better disciplined and after some bitter fighting, could gain. won the day. This Battle of Preston in 1648 saw Clearly, this war (which hadn’t finished in 1646) the end of the Second Civil War and the recapture had already torn the country apart and was largely of Charles 1st. driven by religious imperative. Although some sympathy for the idea of monarchy The Second Civil War was fought between May still persisted, it was decided that the various acts and August 1648 and, although having no major conducted by Charles against Parliament could no battle like Naseby, saw a number of individual longer be tolerated and that he must stand trial in skirmishes and one decisive battle which order to account for his actions. However, and by

10 www.downsidemagazinedunstable.co.uk still insisting on his “divine right” to rule, he refused to take the oath, refused to speak in his own defence, and refused to recognise the jurisdiction of the Court. Not surprisingly, he was found guilty and sentenced to death – the first and only time an English monarch has been so condemned by a Court. The date of his execution was 30th January, 1649 ; a bitterly cold day when Charles is said to a retaliation for the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and have worn two shirts so as not to shiver and to was seen by Cromwell as completely justified. appear afraid. However, Drogheda will forever be a subject of intense argument as to the violence meted out Execution of Charles 1st and, more recently, many historians have started Even though a king had been executed, the to look at the subject other than through purely English Civil War was still not yet over: there was emotional eyes. the Third Civil War still to come. Whatever its ultimate justification – and it was Charles had a son – also called Charles – who undoubtedly a slaughter – it served its purpose was determined to continue his father’s fight at the time and the Irish provinces of Ulster, against Parliament. In 1649, he worked on the Leinster and Munster were returned to the Scots’ antagonism against England and set parliamentary Commonwealth. himself up in Edinburgh. In the meantime, the English Parliament had devised the Council of Meanwhile, in Scotland, Charles (son of Charles State to rule in place of the monarchy and the 1st) had signed the Treaty of Breda in May 1650 House of Lords. However, this had not met with thereby securing an alliance with Scottish universal approval and a group of radicals called Presbyterians. Later, in July he took the Covenant the Levellers challenged Parliament and put (a form of Scottish home rule) which prompted an forward plans to democratise England and Wales. English determination to invade Scotland. Such plans were seen as a threat to Parliament Following his “success” in Ireland, Cromwell was and Cromwell was forced to crush Leveller appointed commander of this invading army and mutinies at places throughout southern England in September 1650, he heavily defeated the Scots such as Salisbury, Burford, and Bishopsgate. at the Battle of Dunbar. But in Ireland there was lingering opposition to Then in August 1651, Charles and his Covenanter the puritanism of the English Parliament so allies invaded England where they were finally Cromwell considered that this was yet another defeated at the Battle of Worcester. Reputedly problem which needed to be resolved. Charles, in order to evade capture, hid in a nearby Government in Ireland was held by a mix of oak tree giving birth to the hundreds of English Catholics and English Royalists ; both of whom pubs named “The Royal Oak”. were anathema to Cromwell. Consequently in This battle ended the Third and final episode of August 1649 he invaded Ireland with his New the English Civil War (which, ironically, had both Model Army on behalf of the English Parliament. started and ended with battles at Worcester) after In September 1649, Cromwell committed what to which Charles escaped to France during the many (especially the Irish) has been described as period of Cromwell’s Republic. He awaited his a war crime, namely the Massacre of Drogheda. recall to the monarchy in what is known as the This conflict was an inevitable conclusion to, and Restoration of 1660. (To be continued) 11 Looking for a job but need some help?

In 2020, Central Bedfordshire residents Dates to look out for in early 2020 will have the opportunity to meet local 25 February, 2pm-4pm: Dunstable job fair at the employers to talk about job options. Methodist Church (opposite Wilkinson). You do not During 2019, 475 people were helped to need to make an appointment; just come along and find a job by attending Housing Services meet up to 35 local companies, and organisations job fairs and other employment support offering training on how to find the right job. events. Help make 2020 your year! 18 March: there will be the chance for school leavers If you are looking for help straight and adults to visit our ‘Find Your Future’ event in the away, call our National Careers new Dunstable Leisure Centre (to be confirmed). Advisors on 0300 300 8110 who Visit https://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/ for will be able to help. more information.

Central Bedfordshire Council Are you a tenant of Central Bedfordshire Council? Did you know that you can report repairs, pay rent and report estate issues via the tenant app? It’s quick and easy to use, so save yourself a phone call and log in today. Find out more and download the app via www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

Central Bedfordshire Council www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

Talking to us has never been easier Join the online Central Bedfordshire Council Housing forum to see what we and other residents are talking about Take part at any time! Comment on open topics, start your own, and let us know your views. Help us shape how we move forwards as your housing service. To join, you need to be a Central Bedfordshire Council tenant, leaseholder or shared owner. Email: [email protected] to ask for details.

12 www.downsidemagazinedunstable.co.uk Looking for a job but need some help? Downside Community Centre Suffolk Rd, LU5 4ES For more information on the activities below please contact Teresa 07725 586390

Youth Club Monday 6pm - 8pm (12-18 yrs*)

Tuesday Scouts group 5.45pm - 8.30pm

Wednesday After school club 3.45pm - 5.30pm

Performing Arts Thursday (Christina 07525 6.15pm - 7.15pm Are You Looking To Improve 850232) Your Sugar Modelling Skills? Forever young Friday 11am - 1.30pm Join me in class at Seniors group Downside Community Centre and Church Service 11am - 1pm I will show you how to make these amazing sugar cake toppers which will Saturday Creative Church 11.30am - 1pm give your cakes that WOW! factor. Community Lunch 1pm - 2pm

BOOK YOUR CLASS NOW Performing Arts to avoid disappointment as spaces Sunday (Christina 07525 9am - 12noon are limited for this Sugar Modelling Class 850232) One on one sessions also available…. Call Leon for Monday to Leon Fitness For more info call times of day & www.anitascakebakery.com/smc Thursday (07446 824550) 07725 586390 evening classes *term time only

DOWNSIDE COMMUNITY CENTRE Youth Club Suffolk Road, Dunstable LU5 4ES Ages: 12-18 years old Meeting every Monday 6pm to 8pm Free for all!!

2019

A time for the whole family (especially kids!) to meet, learn, craft, share, make friends and eat! DON’T EVERY SATURDAY 11:30am - 1:00pm For more information, MISS (except school holidays) contact Mohammed Miah, FREE ENTRY Youth Worker on OUT! FREE LUNCH AT 1:00pm [email protected] For more information, please contact Teresa 07725 586390 or 07702 532328. 13 Dunstable South Children’s Centre

Monday Breastfeeding brasserie: 12.00 - 1.30pm Pop In: 1.00 - 3.00pm First Monday of every month Baby weighing and Health Visitor available for advice. Baby Play: 1.00 - 3.00pm Every Monday - Self baby weighing, explore & play Regular Programme Tuesday Monday to Friday Baby Maestros 10.30 - 11.30am 0-12 months Oakwood Ave, LU5 4AS Wednesday Tel: 0300 300 8104 Music Makers 10.00 - 11.00am (term time only) Thursday For more information, Budding Explorers 1.15 - 2.45pm please request a copy of Friday the What’s on Guide. Mini Movers 9.15 - 10.45am

Christmas opening: We close on Monday 23rd December at 4.30pm, opening again on Friday 27th December at 9am, we are closed on New Years Day. Although we will be open over the holidays there will be a reduced service, please contact us if you require further information.

February half term; on Wednesday 19th February we have “Building Big” from 12:30 to 2:30, there will be junk modelling, Lego, Duplo and more, activities will be suitable for children from 0 to 12 years, booking required.

14 www.downsidemagazinedunstable.co.uk We will remember Woodfield Green & Downside Residents’ Association members have laid two poppy wreaths on the War memorial in Priory garden on Remembrance Sunday. It was very nice to see so many people watching the parade and the ceremony.

The Residents’ Association was not the only organisation from Downside taking part. Representatives and children of St Augustine’s Academy and 9th Dunstable and Cubs were also there remembering all those who lost their lives for us to be able to live in peace.

Looking forward to the Spring!

9th Dunstable Beavers and Cubs together with local residents have taken part in Dunstable In Bloom Spring Bulbs Community Planting. Over 600 daffodils were donated by Dunstable In Bloom and Dunstable Town Council to the Downside community. The chosen location was the green opposite St Augustine’s Church and it only took an hour to plant all the bulbs. The weather was dry to start with but then it turned wet, despite this everyone kept planting until every single bulb was in the ground. Tea and biscuits were provided to everyone who took part and the children were rewarded with sweets. It was a great event and everyone enjoyed the digging, planting and getting muddy. Thanks go to all who participated. We are all looking forward to seeing the floral displays in the Spring.

15 9th Dunstable (St Augustine’s) Group

Gilwell Park Winnie-the-Pooh, Christopher Robin, An area of farming land then known as Eeyore, Piglet and their friends had Gyldiefords dates back to at least 1407, not Hundred Acre Wood to play in. Gilwell long after which a substantial dwelling known Park, a similarly-sized site located on the as Osborne Hall was erected. That building edge of Epping Forest in the Waltham was demolished in 1754 and replaced with a Abbey/Chingford area of north London, second Osborne Hall. The land and properties is the headquarters and spiritual home were sold many times over the years, of Scouting. It provides a good number eventually becoming dilapidated. The core of of camping grounds, indoor and outdoor the later Hall remains today on the Gilwell site activities, accommodation lodges, leader and is now called The White House, having training facilities and administrative offices been substantially remodelled in the 1980s. to members of The history of the present park dates to around the world. 1919, when a site about half its present size was bought for £7,000 and presented to the Scout Association, the money being donated by benefactor William de Bois Maclaren, a publisher, rubber industry businessman, and in his spare time, a Scouting Commissioner in Scotland. A programme of restoration by Boy Scouts – as the members of the movement were then called – started immediately. Subsequent land purchases have enlarged the park to its present size. Although originally intended for use by Boy Scouts from east London as a camping ground, the founder of the scouting movement, Lord Baden-Powell (pictured), immediately saw its potential as a training facility for adult Scout Leaders from anywhere. On completion of the first training course, led by B-P himself, each participant was given a wooden bead. This tradition continues to the present day; when a completes the required training for their role, they are presented with their and two ‘wooden’ beads on a simple cord necklace.

16 www.downsidemagazinedunstable.co.uk During WWII the Gilwell site was of strategic to which all leaders automatically become importance as its elevated position had (and members on award of their Wood Badge still has) a superb view over the Enfield Scarefest a spooky weekend for several reservoirs and (then) the armament factories. hundred Scouts and Guides at the end of This resulted in a 500lb German bomb falling, October creating what is now known has The Bomb As well as being the Scout Association’s Hole, a large pond used today by young administration centre, the White House is also visitors for water activities. a popular wedding venue. Capable of events for up to about 10,000 Scouting is open to all boys and girls, aged young people, hosts a number from 6 years upwards. Why not let your young of annual special events, including: person come along and try scouting for free for Wintercamp in January, a chilly experience for a couple of weeks to see if they like it. Scouts and Explorers We have no waiting lists so you can join Gilwell24 for Explorers aged 14-18. Over straight away. Subscription costs are £10 per a weekend in July and starting on Friday month. For more details do contact me at the evening, young people are challenged to email address shown below. stay awake and take part in 24 hours of adventurous activities from 9am on Saturday morning right through until 9am on Sunday. Happy but exhausted, many are often already Graham Webb asleep as their parents are driving out of the Group Scout Leader gates of Gilwell on their way home email: [email protected] Gilwell Reunion, an annual get together in September for 1st Gilwell Park Scout Group, We prepare young people with skills for life

17 St Augustine’s Academy News Community is very important to us at St. Augustine’s Academy. We enjoy celebrating our school’s diversity, and once again took part in European Day of Languages where children dressed up in the traditional costume or flag colours from a country of their choice. Each class researched information about a different European country; it was a wonderful day and all of us learnt something new about the world we live in. ‘Generosity’ is the value that we have been thinking about over the last few weeks, and as part of learning to give, we held a Harvest Festival at school. We were overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of our school community and were able to provide a wonderful donation of food to our local Foodbank. We also enjoy taking part in community Rev. Ricky with his cards for events and were delighted to win the shield ‘Thank your Vicar Week’ for ‘Best School’ in the Dunstable in Bloom event this year, for our imaginative planting. Our school Gardening Club are rightly very proud of their achievement. The people that help us in our community make it a special place to live. As a school, we took the opportunity to thank Rev. Ricky for all the kindness and support that he shows to us. As part of ‘Thank your Vicar Week’ Ricky received cards from all the children. As you can see from his face, he Dunstable in Bloom – Harvest Festival was delighted with the surprise. ‘Best School’ – Food being packaged If you would like to find out more about our for the Foodbank school, please visit our modern, vibrant website. The website provides a wealth of information about St. Augustine’s Academy and gives you a flavour of life and learning at our school. The website address is www.staugustinesacademy.co.uk.

European Day of Languages

The Downside magazine posts information about the events happening on the estate. Please ‘like’ the magazine Facebook page www.facebook.com/DownsideMagazineDunstable

18 www.downsidemagazinedunstable.co.uk St Augustine’s Academy News Advertise with us The only dedicated magazine for the Downside area, for hyperlocal news and events. 1300 copies are printed and delivered to homes and businesses on Downside at least 4 times per year. Be part of the community and contact us: Price: 1/4 page £15 per edition (size W 62mm x H 93mm) 1/2 page £20 per edition (size W 128mm x H 93mm) whole page £35 per edition (size W 128mm x H 188mm) Please note, adverts should be sent as PDF or JPG format in a high resolution. If you would like to advertise with us but are not sure how to design your advert, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected] and we will design it for you at no extra charge. Payment for any advert must be received by the magazine article deadline date to be included in the next magazine.

19 Dates For Your Diary Dunstable Town Council’s information - please see pages 4, 5. Community events at Caddington Grove - please see page 6 Downside Community Centre timetable - please see page 13 DECEMBER 2019 6 Christmas Bazaar 2pm – 5pm, St Augustine’s Church 6&20 Community Coffee Morning 10am – 12noon, St Augustine’s Church 7 Dunstable Ladies Choir, Christmas Concert 2.30pm, St Augustine’s church. 12 Budget Cooking 10.15am – 11.15am, St Augustine’s Church, see page 7 13 St Augustine’s Academy Christmas Fair, Friday 13th December 3.30pm – 5pm 18 Woodfield Green & Downside Residents’ Association Meeting 7.15pm, Downside Community Centre, Suffolk Rd, everyone is welcome 27 Christmas Ghost Walk 8pm, booking essential, see page 17

JANUARY 2020 3 Community Coffee Morning with a local Councillor 10am – 12noon, St Augustine’s Church 15 Woodfield Green & Downside Residents’ Association meeting 7.15pm, Downside Community Centre, Suffolk Rd, everyone is welcome 17 Community Coffee Morning 10am – 12noon, St Augustine’s Church

FEBRUARY 2020 7 Community Coffee Morning with a local Councillor 10am – 12noon, St Augustine’s Church 19 Building Big 12.30pm – 2.30pm, Dunstable South Children’s Centre, see page 14 19 Woodfield Green & Downside Residents’ Association meeting 7.15pm, Downside Community Centre, Suffolk Rd, everyone is welcome 21 Community Coffee Morning 10am – 12noon, St Augustine’s Church 25 Job Fair 2pm – 4pm, Methodist Church, see page 12

MARCH 2020 6 Community Coffee Morning with a local Councillor 10am – 12noon, St Augustine’s Church 18 Woodfield Green & Downside Residents’ Association meeting 7.15pm, Downside Community Centre, Suffolk Rd, everyone is welcome 20 Community Coffee Morning 10am – 12noon, St Augustine’s Church 25 ‘Find Your Future’ event, Dunstable Leisure Centre – to be confirmed, see page 12

We take great care to ensure all information in the Downside magazine is correct at the time of going to press. However, we would advise everyone to phone and check details prior to making a long trip ... or promise! Special thanks to the following sponsors for their contribution

This funding was awarded by the Bedfordshire & Luton Community Foundation as part of the Whitbread Chairman’s Fund.