Issue 130 Jun 2017

PARISH NEWS

covering SHILLINGTON, PEGSDON & HIGHAM GOBION www.shillington.org.uk

Issue 130 - June 2017 Deadline for August edition – Friday, 28th July 2017 PARISH COUNCIL

COMMUNITY BUILDING/DEVELOPMENT IN HIGH ROAD:

Following further meetings with Rowan/NHH Homes and Optimis Consulting, the revised planning applications for both the community building and additional homes on the site to the rear of the village hall are about to be submitted to CBC Planning as this magazine goes to press.

As mentioned in previous editions, and in the annual report accompanying this magazine, much work has gone in to provide a community building fit for purpose for both current Village Hall/Social Club users as well as the wider community. More homes have now been added to the High Road development site to help reduce any additional funding needed for the community building and include much needed bungalows for our elderly as well as homes for our youngsters. We have asked to be able to let the village know once these properties become available before they go out on the open market.

There will be a shortfall in funding for some of the internal fixtures and fittings of the community building and we are just awaiting confirmation of exactly what Rowan/NHH will be providing (i.e. fitted kitchen, furniture for the bar/lounge, white goods, etc.) so we can review what we have in various savings pots or go for funding elsewhere to cover this.

We have accumulated savings from various building projects around the village over recent years and are pleased to confirm that a substantial amount has been set aside for recreational open space for the new children’s play area as well as play equipment – the existing area will be moved to make room for a much improved car park. There is also a pot to be allocated for outdoor sport, which will go towards an improved MUGA (multi-user games area).

GREENFIELDS DEVELOPMENT:

Thanks to the vigilance of residents of Greenfields (Julia & Andrea) for keeping us informed (and providing videos) of activities on this building site. Recent activities by the developers have given grave cause for concern, which we have shared with Aragon management, including deliveries during school arrival/departure times, developer’s HGVs attempting to reverse into the narrow site entrance with large lorries towing trailers behind and noisy works starting at 6.20am. This is all totally unacceptable in a residential area and shows a total lack of consideration or compassion to existing residents. Jonathon Lord at Aragon was unaware of much of this activity and was grateful to have the above brought to his attention.

BONFIRES:

Why is it necessary on a nice sunny weekend for people to fire up bonfires, not only spoiling the enjoyment of people in their gardens, but also ruining the washing hanging out to dry? There have been some regular, large fires down Apsley End recently – huge billows of smoke wafting down this conservation area, with awful smells ruining our country air. Several residents have called about this. No sure what on earth is being burnt to create all the smoke and smell, which gives cause for concern to thatched or listed buildings in the area. The Environmental Officer at CBC has been advised and will be investigating.

For all Parish Council issues please contact: Mrs. K. Cousins, Clerk to the Parish Council 20A Vicarage Close, Shillington, Hitchin, Herts, SG5 3LS.  01462 713567 email: [email protected] website: www.shillington.bedsparishes.gov.uk ANNOUNCEMENTS / ITEMS / NEWS IN BRIEF

Sylvia & Ken Phillips wish to thank neighbours and friends (including the Queen) for their cards and good wishes on the occasion of their Diamond Wedding Anniversary.

Afternoon teas will be served by the Flower Team in All Saints Church on Monday, 28th August (bank holiday) from 1-5 pm. Hopefully there will be other treats in store during your visit !

WANTED – Donations for the TOMBOLA Stall at the All Saints Church Fete at the end of June. All contributions gratefully received. Please contact Margaret  01462-711635

IVOR JEPPS

28th February 1937 – 1st March 2017

The family of Ivor would like to thank everyone who attended his funeral service. A big thank you for all the cards and messages of condolence, but most of all the help and kindness that friends and neighbours showed when Ivor was poorly. It has been a great comfort to see how respected he was by so many. We thank all who donated to Cancer Research to the total of £808.

Bury Road Bench

A big THANK YOU to the bench fairy and his little helpers for sorting out the seat in Bury Road for our enjoyment….

Thanks to Derek Turner for organizing the short-notice litter pick last weekend. This was to remove the rubbish dredged up amongst the mud lining the back of the Village Green and ‘along the bottom’ (High Road). A great team of ‘pickers’ turned up to help, which was much appreciated. Once the grass seed breaks through, the regular grass cutting contractor will hopefully be able to get these areas back into a tidy shape. Sally S Letter from the Vicar

Richard Winslade The Vicarage, Shillington  01462-713311 [email protected]

Dear Friends

The horrific bombing in Manchester will have left us all stunned and wondering what could possibly make a person take part in such an evil act. We will never know the full story of background to this tragic act of evil but it reminds us that there is an ongoing battle between good and evil in this world.

I am sure you will join me over the next few weeks to pray for the victims of the bombing, their families, the emergency services and the people of Manchester as a whole.

Evil is however not always as obvious as it was this week. It will continue to work behind the scenes in Manchester and around this country. Evil is found in those people who will use the bombing to justify their own hatred and their own agenda.

It didn’t take long for Facebook to be filled with the evil ranting of people denouncing the Moslems of our country. Others decided to use the bombings as an excuse to create conspiracy theories and to denounce various political parties.

Evil loves division. It loves hatred and mistrust. The people of Manchester have a difficult task of rebuilding trust within their communities.

The gospel teaches us to ‘Love your neighbour’. Not just the neighbour is like us but everyone. This is probably one of the hardest teachings of the Bible to follow but just think how much better our village, country and world would be if we could all keep to this teaching.

So let us all pray we may all learn to look at our neighbours with love.

Richard ALL SAINTS NEWS www.allsaintsshillington.org.uk or follow us on Facebook

Parish Priest: Rev’d Richard Winslade ( 01462-713311) [email protected] (Day off on Fridays)

Churchwardens (from 30th April 2017)

Liz Brewer Tel: 01462-811074 Patricia Humphries Tel: 01462-711557 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected].

Church Services:

• 9.30am – Sung Eucharist - every 2nd, 3rd and 4th Sunday.

• On 5th Sunday some services are held jointly with the Congregational Church at alternate venues.

• 1st Sunday of the month: 9.30 am - Family Service. 6.00 pm - Choral Evensong

For details of all our services and for PCC members’ contact details, please see our website www.allsaintsshillington.org.uk or the church notice board.

Sunday Club:

Unfortunately, at present, we are not able to run a Sunday Club. We welcome children to all our services and have a play area available.

Special Services:

Tuesday 11th July: 7.30 pm. WW1 Remembrance Service for Bertram Larman of 6th Bn. Border Regiment, who died on 15th July 1917.

For details of all our services and for contact details of PCC members, please see our website www.allsaintsshillington.org.uk or the church notice board.

From the Registers:

Marriages

15th April 2017 Robert William Watkins and Lucy Pamela Ramsay

Burials

16th May 2017 David Henry Tullett Aged 94 (Burial)

200 Club Winners

April 2017 May 2017 1st £50 no. 164 Janet White 1st £50 no. 30 Alexandra Theaker 2nd £25 no. 178 Matilda Gurr 2nd £25 no. 164 Irene Brettell 3rd £10 no. 45 Nev Hanks 3rd £10 no. 41 Jon Brewer

Forthcoming Events:

24th June: Church Summer Fete 2pm to 4pm at Parsonage Farm - by kind permission of the Courjeon Family. Come and enjoy traditional summer fun for all the family.

2nd July: Summer lunch in Gravenhurst. Keep the date free, further details to be announced.

16th July: Strawberry Teas 3pm to 5pm at The Old Vicarage - by kind permission of the Martell Family

ALL SAINTS’ ILLUMINATED

To celebrate or commemorate your special occasion please contact:  01462-711850 (Catherine)

It only costs £25 to sponsor a whole week’s illumination – a perfect way to commemorate a special family occasion or loved one’s anniversary. The ideal gift for the person who has everything.

Sponsor Message From To

In loving memory of Eric West "Jim". Sunday Saturday Joan Hyde A good friend and neighbour 21 May 27 May

In loving memory of my husband, the late Denis Ansell, on the occasion of our Diamond Wedding Sunday Saturday Sylvia Ansell Anniversary on 8th June. 4 June 10 June Always in my thoughts Remembering a dear mother and grandmother The Layton (‘Oma’), Jennie Cook, who would have been 82 on Sunday Saturday Family the 22nd June. Miss you every day since you left us 18 June 25 June in October.

SHILLINGTON SHORT MAT BOWLS

The Club’s ‘Knock-out’ Trophy match finals were played on Saturday 20th May with the following results:

Fours winners: Brenda Hutty, Ros & Derek Lewison with Bill Gibson (deputizing for Mike Bristow). Runners up: Bill Gearing, Joyce Gibson, Jeff Rix and Tom Rainey.

Triples winners: Bill Gearing, Joyce Gibson and Sandra Hare. Runners up: Trevor Knight, Brenda Hutty and Tom Rainey.

Pairs winners: John Clark with Jan Rix. Runners up: Ros Lewison and Ken Phillips (deputizing for Mike Bristow).

Singles: Tom Rainey Runner up: Brenda Hutty

With the bowling completed 34 members retired to the Raven at Hexton for a really excellent dinner and drinks. Thanks to Toni Gearing and John Mann for organizing this for us.

At Gunton Hall in early April our short break saw well deserved success for two of our teams; Bill & Toni Gearing with Joyce Gibson won the Triples and Bill & Toni Gearing were runners-up in the Pairs losing by just one shot.

Sadly, with the passing of Peter Langridge in April, we have lost a valued member of the club.

Our AGM will be held in the Village Hall at 7.15pm on Friday 23rd June; Awards for the Club’s ‘Knock-out’ Trophy match will be made on completion of AGM business.

For further information:  Jeff Rix 01462 711298

WIVES GROUP

The Wives Group have enjoyed their 2016/2017 session with many varied speakers, demonstrations, social evenings and outings. We concluded our session on May 25th with our A.G.M. conducted by Pauline. Our Treasurer gave a healthy financial report.

Members voted unanimously to continue and to book speakers for the 2018/2019 session. Pauline was voted as Chairperson again as was the rest of the committee. Several items were discussed and approved.

A good programme of speakers has now been book for our next session which commences on September 14th when we hope to welcome back old and new members. We are an independent relaxed group of ‘young at heart’ ladies so why not join us on September 14th 2017 at the Congregational Church at 7.45 p.m.

If you want more information contact Pauline (711711) or Janet (711402).

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

We have enjoyed two excellent speakers over the past couple of months. David Longman came to talk to us about Churches in Bedfordshire – this proved to be really informative and showed us how to learn all kinds of aspects of Social History from things in Churches and Churchyards.

He told us how the first Steeple Chase was run from Harlington Church to the Obelisk that was in Wrest Park at that time and that was where the name of the race came from. He also made us aware of some of the very interesting facts about our own All Saints Church here in Shillington.

Gilly Pusey visited us in May and talked all about her experience with Hand Spinning and brought some beautiful things to show and sell to us. She explained how she had started out when her children were young and the story of how she is now an accomplished Spinner – buying the fleeces from the farmers, spinning them and then through to the dyeing and making of products. Each fleece having special qualities that make them suitable for different things.

Seventeen of us went for a light lunch to Luton Hoo and picked a really beautiful day to look round the gardens before lunch and in June we are looking forward to a Strawberry Tea in one of our Member’s garden. We also have our Summer Buffet to look forward to in July.

Our monthly meetings take place on the first Thursday evening of each month at the Congregational Church at 8.00 p.m. and on June 1st we have John Stirling’s talk – “Toytown to Buckingham Palace” - - His experiences as an ACTOR

We are all looking forward to our July meeting on Thursday, July 6th when Amanda Shipman will be talking to us about “Japanese Gardens” – this Speaker was postponed from last year and we have been eagerly awaiting her visit.

Do come along if you would enjoy one of these talks – the price is only £3 for visitors and you can come and see what we are all about as well as enjoying one of the talks before we break up for the Summer.

Reading Group – currently reading “The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake” by Aimee Bender

Lunch Club – planning a visit to The Raven in Hexton.

Craft Group – come and “do your own thing” but learn and get inspiration from each other at the same time!!

Walking Group who enjoy local walks on the first Wednesday of the month offering an even wider range of experiences for members who wish to partake.

For more information call: Liz Brewer – President on 711594 Jill Russell – Secretary on 711533

SHILLINGTON MEN’S CLUB (Now in its 12th Year)

April / May Events:

On the evening of 12th April 28 members attended Lower Stondon Golf Club. Members enjoyed a wonderful meal of Boeuf Bourguinon, roast potatoes and vegetables followed by a sweet course. This venue and its hospitality again went down well with the members.

Our planned visit to Frogmore Paper Mill in Hemel Hempstead took place on the 27th April and was attended by 15 members. Here members enjoyed an escorted tour of the mill with demonstrations on the art of making paper by hand and also saw a model sized industrial paper making machine in action, seeing all the process from pulp to paper! During the visit members also enjoyed a Fish & Chip lunch and a short trip up the river on a barge. Feedback was that it was educational and a good day out. On the evening of the 10th May 26 members and a guest attended our meal at the Cross Keys, Pulloxhill where we all enjoyed Steak & Ale Pie and vegetables followed by Rhubarb Crumble & Custard and some good ales. Again, feedback was good and a good night was had by all.

On the morning of the 15th May 14 members and 12 partners attended our visit to the Whitbread Estate at Southill Park and were escorted around the estate by a current member of the Whitbread Family. Members visited the house and gardens and enjoyed Coffee/Tea/Biscuits during the visit. This was our scheduled Partners’ Event and feedback was very good indeed.

A big thank you to Michael Bradley and Paul Bruce our Events & Meals co-ordinators respectively for their hard work in planning and negotiating these events.

Coming up:

14 June - Evening Meal The Raven in Hexton / 21 June - Visit Leighton Buzzard Light Railway. 12 July - Evening meal White Horse Southill / 19 July - Visit Royal Gunpowder Mills, Waltham Abbey. 9 August - Evening Barbeque Musgrave Arms / 16 August - Visit Henry Moore Foundation (Partners Event).

Other events and meals are presently being planned for our Autumn itinerary.

The Shillington Men’s Club now has a healthy membership of 37 members. Why not come along to one of our events as a sampler, you will be made most welcome and there is no obligation to join. Our members have a whole host of diverse interests and hobbies and good conversation is guaranteed. The club offers an opportunity to meet new people, form friendships, enjoy culture and good food in a friendly atmosphere, why not give us a try! Membership is only £5 to join with an annual fee of £10.

For further information please contact the Events Co-ordinator:

Michael Bradley  01462 711162 - email [email protected]

or Chairman: Graham Williams  01462 71346 - email [email protected]

c CHOICES By Revd. Angus McCormick  01462- 712096 Minister of Shillington Congregationalist Church

➢ To be or not to be ➢ To save the planet or to do as we wish ➢ To plant or dig up ➢ To share our wealth or hold on to it ➢ To love your neighbour or only yourself ➢ To say it’s not that simple or better to try and fail than not to try ➢ To say ‘I was here before you’ or ‘Welcome’ ➢ To refrain from apologising or admit we all make mistakes ➢ To forgive or seek retribution ➢ To be resolute of be willing to change your mind ➢ To announce your great experience or be happy to learn from others ➢ To take turns at listening ➢ To keep my friends happy or seek to uplift a stranger ➢ To say ‘I don’t know what you mean’ or seek a meaningful conversation ➢ To offer to serve or turn your back ➢ To live fully or hide away ➢ To be kind or hold back ➢ To take a day off or be available ➢ To blame someone or help sort out what you can ➢ To say, write, phone, text ‘thank you’ or say nothing ➢ To not grow weary in well-doing or say ‘I’ve done my bit’ ➢ To scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours or do some good for its own sake ➢ To go with the majority or keep your integrity ➢ To say we never did that before or try something new ➢ To agree to differ or insure I get my way ➢ To complain that nothing is good enough or be thankful for what you have ➢ To be the last or to be first ➢ To examine the evidence or go with the loudest opinion ➢ To be busy taking a rest or always show how busy you are ➢ To allow others to enjoy themselves or bemoan your own misery ➢ To accept that others have a faith or insure your own faith is all there is ➢ To hug someone that you do not like or hug only those you like ➢ To enjoy every breath or complain about what you can’t do ➢ To show off your trophies or help someone else gain success ➢ To love and not just to like those who you can serve

A blessing to all Every blessing ……. Angus CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH NEWS 47 Church Street, Shillington www.shillingtoncong-church.org.uk

Sunday Worship:

Our Church is open every Sunday for worship at 10.30am. A warm welcome is extended to everyone who wishes to join us on a Sunday morning. Details of who is leading the service each week can be found in the village calendar.

Socials:

The dates for the next Saturday Socials are as follows:

• 17 June Christine & Fred – musical entertainment • July & August No socials • 23 September Stotfold Christian Choir

All the socials start at 7.00pm so don’t be late! Each social starts with a meal and if you wish to know the menu or book a seat please contact Angela on 01462 850266.

Lunch Club:

The Lunch Club is suspended until further notice.

Craft Club:

The next meeting dates are as follows: 6 & 20 June / 4 & 18 July / 1 & 15 August - between 2pm and 4pm. Visitors always welcome.

For further information please contact Janet Worley. Tel: 01582 881824

Christian Aid Week 14-20 May 2017

The coffee morning held on Wednesday 17 May raised £100 for Christian Aid. Should anyone wish to make a donation the fund will remain open until 11 June.

Thank you to everyone who supported this event by making cakes, attending on the day and helping out, which was much appreciated.

CBC WARD MEMBER’S REPORT for Shillington, Higham Gobion and Pegsdon

[email protected]  01462 713543

Here's the good news - CBC has, officially, now achieved its five year deliverable housing supply, plus a statutory 5% excess. This means that all of CBC's own planning policies have now regained their full strength and come back into play against new applications; and the final date for an appeal against the Thomas's Meadow rejection has passed without an appeal being made.

On the local scene, Shillington's ditches were dredged this year as Highways had recognised that blocked ditches and gullies were causing problems, and the executive member secured some extra funding to enable a blitz on all our ditches. Also, the statutory review of CBC's flood areas strategy, shows that according to a revised definition of flood, we do not have a single Flood Risk Area within CBC. However, the evidence gained from parishes from their own local knowledge has been incorporated into the CBC overall strategy and is retained.

On to buses: the Luton no.79 has become the new no.78, which now goes through Upper Gravenhurst and takes longer to get to Luton. But it's still running! The 89 continues to connect us to Hitchin as before.

Libraries: a review of the policy for the next five years is underway. New opening hours will come into force this autumn. The changes already made mean that CBC retains its library provision, where many other authorities have closed theirs down.

The frustration with reporting anything, but especially potholes, to the Ringway Jacobs system is growing so fast, and I have nagged so much, that a major refresh is ongoing and there will be (I quote) 'significant changes by August'. Parish council clerks will be relieved.

With regards to matters already in the pipeline, the strategy for more, smaller, day centres, nearer to peoples' homes, is being progressed - the director is very keen to see this happen.

The Sustainable Transformation Plan (STP) is still looking to create localised 'spokes' of health clinics, to provide a range of provision to keep people fit and out of hospital. I'm pushing hard for one in this area, which would connect with its nearest 'hub' - probably Biggleswade. CBC's long term Local Plan, to the year 2036,, will be presented to CBC councillors in June and come out to consultation afterwards.

Test pitting is going on again under Derek Turner's guidance, and we've found pot sherds from the 1200's, in the High Road and Hanscombe End Road. It's all grey, and, oddly enough, called 'Grey Ware'.

Finally, congratulations to Shillington's Martin Granger, who has won CBC's new grasscutting contract for the whole authority. Now we can look forward to a professional service! If you wish to ask me about anything, please ring me on 01462 713543 or email me at [email protected] and I'll get back to you. RAMBLING ON Derek Turner – 01462-712462. [email protected]

Many parishioners have been upset by the eyesore that the Bedford and River Ivel Drainage Board had left in its wake after dredging the brook along High Road. As promised in the last edition of Parish News, the Board have been back to remove some of the debris and harrow and reseed the dried spoil from the brook. On the last Sunday in May, seven local volunteers removed the remaining rubbish. As long as Shillington gets enough regular rain for the grass to grow, the area should start to recover now.

I’ve been asked about the origins of the Drainage Boards. Numerous local boards were formed to deal with various matters that were in the public interest, but beyond the scope of individuals, particularly in the 1800s. The functions that many performed were absorbed by local authorities when they were established in the 1890s. Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs) date from 1930 when it was accepted that many people and livelihoods were threatened by flooding and it might be possible to engineer solutions that reduced the risk.

Each of the 112 IDBs in England covers a specific catchment area and some, including the Ivel Drainage Board, have amalgamated with their neighbours. Funding for them comes from the Environment Agency, local authorities and rates collected from owners of agricultural land. Some of the Governors are nominated by local authorities and others are referred to as elected members, although I don’t recall ever having been invited to cast my vote. It seems that many are dominated by farmers and other landowners and the work done locally suggests that the speedy drainage of farmland is their highest priority. Recent studies have questioned whether this is a good idea as it leads to water surging downstream which can cause flooding. When the upper parts of river catchments are managed to retain water after heavy rain, the flood risk goes down.

Historically, watercourses were much shallower than they are today. Typically, the width of a river or stream such as the brook flowing through Shillington would have been around ten times greater than the depth. Over eight decades of work by the drainage boards has deepened the channels and built up at least one of the banks such that the width is barely twice the depth nowadays. In the old days, heavy rain caused rivers to overflow into surrounding meadows where winter inundation could be beneficial as it encouraged early growth of grass in the spring. More water had a chance to sink into aquifers in underlying rocks and less surged downstream.

One of the few remaining examples of this is at the Purwell Meadows local nature reserve off Cambridge Road in Hitchin where the grassland merges into marsh along the banks of the infant River Purwell. You have to travel a long way from Shillington now to see a large river that hasn’t been modified by man.

The IDBs claim that they “further the conservation and enhancement of environmental sites, including 398 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs)” but to my eyes, their impact on the environment is largely negative in the wider countryside. Indeed, the changing profile of rivers has had a profound and detrimental effect on riverine wildlife. The wide, gently-sloping banks, that were immersed during the winter but provided a rich area for specialist native plants as they dried during the summer, also became fine habitat for the likes of birds and water voles.

Clumps of tall reeds and rushes would colonise some areas but regular grazing by cattle would keep down the more vigorous plants and create openings that attractive wildflowers such as Marsh Marigolds, Marsh Orchids and Purple Loosestrife could exploit.

Sadly, brutal interventions by the Drainage Board and its massive machines have removed many of these plants from our brook. The fragrant Meadowsweet plants that grew on the edge of the village green last year have been replaced, at least in the short term, by vigorous growth of Greater Willowherb and Stinging Nettles. We can only wait and see if they will return later.

SHILLINGTON LOWER AND PRE-SCHOOL INTRODUCING PIXIE CLASS

We are very pleased to inform you that Shillington Lower School will be extending their age-range to accommodate our new pre-school Pixie class from September 2017.

Initially, Pixie class will be offering morning sessions only (9am – 12 noon) and will be taking children from age 2-4 years. Hours will be reviewed termly and extended when demand is sufficient.

Should you be interested in registering your child to join Pixie class, please request an information pack and registration form from the school office. This information will also be put on the school website shortly.

If there is sufficient demand, consideration will be given to providing a lunch session between 12 noon and 1.00pm, for which there will be a charge at the normally hourly rate (£4.00 for 3-4 year olds and £5.50 for 2 year olds). Please let us know if you are interested in this.

The deadline for registration is Wednesday 14th June, however after that date we will still accept applications and allocate places if there is availability. The initial allocation of places will be announced on 19th June and those offered a place are invited to join our Early Years new intake evening on Thursday 22nd June at 6pm in the school hall.

Pixie Class will be located in the old Shillington Under Fives existing building which will be refurbished and renovated over the summer holidays.

Please pass on this information to anyone who you think would be interested. We look forward to welcoming children into Pixie class.

Holding on ……... to our precious church on the hill

A group of local residents was brought together in 1990 by the late John Hanscombe to help preserve the ancient building and village landmark of All Saints Church which has stood on the hill at the centre of the village since the 14th century.

John wanted to involve as many residents as possible, not just churchgoers, and supported by his wife Sue and Ida Winyard, set up ‘The Friends of All Saints’. When John died in 1992, Dick Allen and Bill Hunter kept it going and since then the Friends have continued to raise money through donations, social activities and grant applications to keep the church standing and in good repair. All the money raised goes on the building and not on administration, church salaries or running costs.

Repair and rebuilding has been a regular feature since the church was built in the 17th century: the East End collapsed in the 1350s; the Tower blew down in a storm in 1750; and the Porch was rebuilt in 1882. Hopefully we won’t need quite such major repairs soon, but our current major projects are to dry out and restore the crumbling stonework on the west wall at the back of the church and to continue restoration of the boundary wall which had become dangerous.

Everyone is welcome to attend the Friends’ events which are well advertised around the village – there is a Pig Roast and Barn Dance on June 10th, Flying Teddies for children on 24th September and a Race Night in the village hall on 11th November. Tea and cakes are served to visitors on Sunday afternoons from May to September. On 2nd July, there will also be music from Blue Reed, a local guitar/clarinet duo: they will be playing some gypsy jazz classics along with more familiar melodies from Gershwin to Bowie.

Whether or not the events are your cup of tea, you can support us by making a donation using the form below or drop me a line at the address below if you’d like to find out more. We will keep you informed about our activities and progress on the church, and your support will help increase our success in grant applications by demonstrating the number of people who care about the building.

With best wishes

Peter Lambert Chairman, Friends of All Saints Shillington 125 High Road, Shillington, SG5 3LU Email: [email protected]

FRIENDS of ALL SAINTS CHURCH, SHILLINGTON Registered Charity Number 1060329

I/we enclose a donation of £……..…… to Friends of All Saints, Shillington for the year 2017

Name (s) ………………………………………

Address……………………………………………………………….……… …………………………………………………………………………..……

Tel: ………………………………

Email: ………….………………………………………………………….….

Gift Aid Declaration:

If you are a UK Income Tax payer the Friends can reclaim 25p for every £1 you give at no extra cost to you.

I/we would like Friends of All Saints to be able to reclaim tax on my donation: Yes / No (delete as appropriate)

Signed ………………………………………………… Date ……………….

Please make cheques payable to ‘The Friends of All Saints Church’ and return this form, signed as necessary, together with your donation, to

P. M. Carroll Hon Treasurer Friends of All Saints 1 New Walk, Shillington, Hitchin, Herts. SG5 3LN, SHILLINGTON - WANDERBUS Bookings & Info Tel : 0300-123-3023 www.wanderbus.org.uk

Service open to EVERYONE. Cash Fares & Travel Passes accepted As of 1st MAY 2017 “Stops at all Bus Stops on Request” W2 BEDFORD - Every Wednesday OUT RETURN Marquis Hill (W bound) 09.20 RR Hillfoot Rd o/s Bells Close 09.23 RR Bury Rd, Woodmer End (N bound) 09.25 RR Bedford - Corn Exchange 09.55 12.10

W3 BIGGLESWADE - Every Monday OUT RETURN Bury Road, Woodmer End (S bound) 09.17 RR Hillfoot Rd., o/s Bells Close 09.19 RR Marquis Hill (E bound) 09.22 RR Biggleswade - Retail Park 10.10 11.40 Asda Superstore 10.14 11.36 Sainsbury’s (on request) 10.20 OR 11.25 OR

W10 ST NEOTS - 2nd Thursday of Month OUT RETURN Bury Road, Woodmer End (S bound) 09.16 RR Hillfoot o/s Bells Close 09.18 RR Marquis Hill (E bound) 09.21 RR Roxton Garden Centre 10.05 OR 12.40 OR St Neots - Market Place 10.15 12.30

W11 MILTON KEYNES - 3rd Thursday of Month OUT RETURN Marquis Hill (W bound) 09.18 RR Hillfoot opp Bells Close 09.21 RR Bury Rd, Woodmer End (N bound) 09.23 RR MK - Midsummer Blvd / Debenhams & M&S 10.10 / John Lewis 10.12 13.15

W12 HITCHIN - Every Tuesday OUT RETURN Marquis Hill (W bound) 09.46 RR High Rd o/s Post Office 09.48 RR High Rd opp Hanscombe End Rd 09.50 Hitchin – Bancroft Stop D - arrive 10.30 Hitchin – Bancroft Stop G - depart 12.30

EXCURSIONS – BOOKINGS ONLY 4TH THURSDAY OF MONTH - RING FOR DESTINATION DETAILS & BOOKINGS or EMAIL [email protected] £10.00 per person return – Sorry no travel passes can be accepted SHILLINGTON - WANDERBUS Bookings & Info Tel : 0300-123-3023 www.wanderbus.org.uk

W14 WELWYN GARDEN CITY - 1st Thursday of Month OUT RETURN Bury Rd, Woodmer End (S bound) 09.00 Hillfoot o/s Bells Close 09.02 High Rd – opp Village Hall 09.04 Marquis Hill (E bound) 09.05 WGC Central Bus Station 10.00 12.00 OR = Stops on Request RR = Return Stops on Request EXCURSIONS – BOOKINGS ONLY 4TH THURSDAY OF MONTH - RING FOR DESTINATION DETAILS & BOOKINGS or EMAIL [email protected] £10.00 per person return – Sorry no travel passes can be accepted

SHILLINGTON CHILDMINDERS

Childminders provide safe, friendly home environments for children to play and have fun whilst gently learning through their play. We take children on outings to farms, play centres, splash parks, museums and libraries as well as teach them life skills such as helping to do shopping, gardening and cooking.

We are registered with Ofsted, have public liability insurance, follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, undertake regular training including Safeguarding and First Aid and receive regular newsletters and bulletins from professional organisations.

Here in Shillington, we meet up at least once a week to provide children with the opportunity to learn social skills and experience different play resources. The children get to know all the childminders and children which enables us to offer the ability to cover holidays and other absences for each other.

Some of us are able to provide up to 15 hours of free childcare a week for eligible 2 year olds, as soon as care starts, in the same way that nurseries and pre-schools can. We are also able to provide the free sessions for all 3 and 4 year olds, which normally starts the term after the child’s 3rd birthday.

We each have differing childcare availability such as before and after school care, daytime childcare, overnight childcare, ad-hoc care or flexible care e.g. for shift workers.

To find out more about each childminder and their availability, please contact us:

Laura Forgham Katie Brettell Deb Pateman 01462 713638 01462 713054 01462 338304 [email protected] katie@[email protected] [email protected]

Jo Wright Carli Mauger 01462 713999 01462 339260 [email protected] [email protected]

LET’S TRY AGAIN Ron Bradstreet  01462-711486 E-mail: [email protected]

As the election approaches we are beginning to see the proposals from the various parties to deal with the major problems the country faces. We may be sure that care for the elderly will be high, if not top of the list. The plan put forward by the Prime Minister appears to be attracting the most attention, so a look at what she is saying would be timely.

Governments have used various approaches to deal with this problem, from kicking it under the carpet to setting up an independent review, like the Andrew Dilnot report. The Conservative plan unveiled made older people and their families pay more of the costs of social care.

Most folk will know that the present system lays down that those cared for in residential homes must pay for their care if they have assets worth £23,250 or more including their property. This means thousands of people every month are forced to sell their homes to pay for residential care. Those people, who were able to stay in their home receive domiciliary care and had to pay if their savings totalled more than £23,250, but their property was excluded. Care is free if a person’s savings falls below £14,250 with a sliding scale of contributions between the higher and lower limits. Under the Conservative proposals those people who receive residential and domiciliary care will face the same charging structure. If their combined savings and property are valued at more than £100,000 they will need to pay for their care. If they want to hang on to their home they can defer payment. The state will deduct the cost from their estate when they die.

Local authorities already have a Deferred Payment Agreement which allows people to secure care fees against their home once the property is sold, which can be on their death, or sooner if they choose. The cost includes interest payments charged by the council.

The scale of the problem is growing. Figures show that the number of adults over 65 grew in recent years by 11% and those over 85 by 24%. However, one of the main criticisms of the new proposals is that those people unlucky enough to lose out in the lottery of serious illnesses in old age are being penalised again by having all their assets above £100,000 sequestrated by the state. This has led to the move being called a “dementia tax” because someone with dementia, who stays at home or enters residential care, could find their suffering multiplied by state charges of between £200,000 to £300,000 after a four or five year stay.

The Dilnot report of 2011 proposed a general cap of £35,000 on the amount a person would pay for their own care during their lifetime. This would overcome the “dementia tax” problem. Andrew Dilnot expressed alarm at the new proposals claiming they showed a misunderstanding of the problem. He said that by excluding a cap, the proposals left people with no protection against care costs. Additionally, complications have arisen after investigation into how local authorities are using the deferred payments system mentioned earlier. Analysis has revealed that 10 local authorities do not have even one agreement in use. The whole business is a post code lottery as to whether people can exercise their legal right to defer their payments under the existing system, let alone the new system being proposed.

We now hear talk of a cap being introduced into the new proposals, but until more details emerge we can only concentrate on the original plan.

USEFUL CONTACT NUMBERS

Central Bedfordshire Council, Priory House, Monks Walk, Chicksands, Shefford Bedfordshire, SG17 5TQ. (www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk) General enquiries ...... 0300 300 8000 ([email protected])

Highways ……………………………………………………….…0300-300-8049

Dog Fouling/animal welfare ………………………………..……..0300-300-8302

Flooding ……………………………………….…………………… 0300-300-8049 Planning ...... 0300-300-8307

Recycling/Flytipping .…………………………………………….. 0300-300-8302 Police (Emergency) ……………………………….……………… 999 Bedfordshire Police ……………………………………..….…….. 101 (non emergency calls, but to report incidents) Police SNT Ampthill & Flitwick .…………………………………. 01234-842613

Bus Information ………………….………..……0870-608-2608 or 01234-228337

Parish Councillors – contact details: John Clark Tracey Forsyth Alison Graham Tony Howells Ben Jepps 01462 711446 via the Clerk 01462 713543 01582 881611 01462 711430 Angus McCormick David Mott David Simkins Sally Stapleton Derek Turner 01462- 712096 01462 711222 01462 711209 07711 504489 01462 712462

PLANNING APPLICATIONS

DECISIONS from CENTRAL BEDFORDSHIRE COUNCIL:

CB/16/05786/FULL. Mr & Mrs M Smith, Lindisfarne, 33A High Road Creation of first floor to bungalow with single storey front and side extension. Balcony over side extension and new detached garage following demolition of existing garage. Extension of existing crossover to High Road. APPROVED 04.05.17

CB/ /17/00276/FULL. GCK Developments Ltd, Land adjacent to129 Bury Road Creation of two detached 4 bedroom dwellings, carport structure, vehicular cross over and associated works. APPROVED 28.04.17

CB/17/01017/LB. Mr & Mrs P Meacher, 4 The Old School, Church Street Listed Building: Refurbishment of existing dormer window, replace all rotted timber sections and replace existing window frame with new double glazed timber frame. APPROVED 10.04.17

CB/17/01109/FULL. Mr & Mrs J Hislop, 29 Church Street Alterations to the windows & doors on the ground floor rear extension APPROVED 24.04.17

CB/17/01405/FULL. Mr & Mrs G Alner, 102 High Road Erection of two storey side extension. APPROVED 17.05.17

NEW/REVISED APPLICATIONS:

CB/TCA/17/00185. Mr Smith, 91 Church Street Notification of works to trees in a Conservation Area: Sycamore trees (shown on plan as T1 and T3) - reduce the canopy all round by 2-3m and remove major deadwood during climbing operations; and Mulberry (shown on plan as T2) - reduce canopy all round back to the previous reduction points.

CB/17/01909/FULL. Mr Goddard, 50 Apsley End Road Single storey rear extension and single storey outbuilding

CB/17/02058/RM. Status Homes, Land Between 30 & 48 East Of Hanscombe End Road, Reserved Matters pursuant to the Outline planning application CB/15/03329/OUT for layout, scale, appearance and landscaping

CB/17/02311/FULL. Mrs L Baker, 19A Church Street Erection of two storey side extension, basement and garage conversion.

CB/17/02201/FULL & CB/17/02202/LB. Mr & Mrs Thwaite, The Old Rectory, Higham Road, Higham Gobion Demolition of attached single storey garage & utility room; two storey front & side extensions (over part existing footprint at side); single storey rear extension; second floor alterations and construction of glass house in hidden valley; new garden wall and gates; residential oil tank boiler room behind garden wall. Addition of single storey side porch to eastern gable. Revision of approved applications CB/16/01441/FULL & CB/16/01442/LB

CB/17/02405/GPDE. Mr Jackson, 28 Hillfoot Road Prior Notification of Householder Extension: single storey rear extension 4.5m beyond the rear wall of the original dwelling, maximum height of 3m and 2.8m to the eaves.

INFORMATION:

Because of the general election happening on 8th June, the Executive will not now consider the Draft Local Plan until 20 June 2017. It is anticipated (subject to Executive approval) that the Plan will then be published for consultation from 4 July for 8 weeks.

 USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS  ENERGY/WATER COMPANIES

CBC’s trading standards department has provided the following numbers, which will assist residents to identify doorstep cold callers, who purport to be from energy or water companies, and enable checks with the relevant organisation, where there is any reason for concern.

British Gas General Enquiries 0800 048 0202 British Gas Energy efficiency advice helpline 0800 072 8629 British Gas Support to vulnerable customers 0800 072 8625 British Gas Complaints Team 0800 072 8632 E-ON Energy efficiency advice 0333 202 4650 E-ON Complaints Team 0333 202 4606 EDF Energy Customer services 0800 096 9000 EDF Energy Complaints Resolution Team 0800 051 1643 EDF Energy Energy efficiency helpline 0800 096 9966 EDF Energy Priority Services helpline 0800 269 450 National Gas Emergency Service Helpline 0800-111-999 npower General Enquiries (landline) 0800 073 3000 General Enquiries (mobile) 0330 100 3000 npower Electricity and gas complaints (landline) 0800 316 9328 Electricity and gas complaints (mobile) 0330 100 8628 Boiler and heating complaints (landline) 0845 155 0060 npower Energy efficiency (landline) 0800 022 220 Energy efficiency (mobile) 0330 100 8620 ScottishPower General Customer Service (landline) 0800 027 0072 General Customer Service (mobile) 0345 270 0700 ScottishPower Electricity and gas complaints 0800 040 7005 ScottishPower Priority Services Register (Carefree) 0800 027 1122 SSE General Enquiries 0800 980 8831 SSE Complaints helpline 0800 975 0485 SSE Priority Services: Careline (info on services 0800 622 838 for elderly, disabled or chronically sick) Energyline (info and advice on using energy) 0800 072 7201 Anglian Water 0800 145 145 UK Power To report or get info on power cuts National number Networks Text POWER and your postcode to 80876 105 VILLAGE FACILITIES

Looking for an evening venue for your organisation ?

SHILLINGTON SCHOOL

has a large hall available for hire on weekday evenings.

For further information and an opportunity to view the facility, telephone the School on 01462-711637

SHILLINGTON FOOTBALL & SOCIAL CLUB Greenfields, Shillington (FREE WiFi to Club Members)  01462-711795

Usual Opening Hours: Mon–7.30pm : Fri–7.30pm : Sat–arranged evenings : Sun–12 til 4 pm find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/shillingtonsocialclub

☺ Licensed bar with variety of beers at social club prices – £1 a pint less than most pubs. ☺ FREE MUSIC. ☺ Regular Artistes and Fund Raising Events and a great Pool Table ☺ Fresh filter coffee while you are passing, or for a warm up after a football match. ☺ The Club is a village amenity - why not pop in for a drink or even better - become a MEMBER.

SHILLINGTON VILLAGE HALL

All enquiries please contact the BOOKING CLERK on  01462 711772 (answerphone facility available) or e-mail: [email protected]

Stage - Small Committee Room - Kitchen and Bar Facilities Disabled access & toilet.

 Children’s Parties  Discos/Dances  Meetings   Table Top Sales  Exhibitions  Keep Fit 

Occasional Separate Use of Car Park by Prior Arrangement only

VILLAGE CALENDAR

JUNE

4 Congregational Church Anniversary – Revd. Angus McCormick – 10.30am 6 Parish Council Meeting – Congregational Church – 7.45pm 10 Barn Dance and Pig Roast at College Farm, Gravenhurst - 7 for 7.30pm supper 11 Congregational Church Service – Mr. Neville Jephcote – 10.30am 14 Lower/Pre-School Registration Deadline for Pixie Class 14 Men’s Club – Evening Meal at The Raven, Hexton 17 Congregational Church Social – Christine & Fred – 7.00pm 18 Congregational Church Service – Mrs. Sandra Galton – 10.30pm 19 Classic Car Meet at The Crown from 6.00pm 23 AGM of Bowls Club – Village Hall – 7.15pm 24 All Saints Church Summer Fete - Parsonage Farm - 2.00 until 4.00pm 25 Congregational Church Service – Mrs. Nola McCormick – 10.30am

JULY

2 Congregational Church Service – Revd. Angus McCormick – 10.30am 2 All Saints’ Summer Lunch in Gravenhurst – further details to be announced 3 Playing Field Management Committee Meeting – Social Club – 8.00pm 4 Parish Council Meeting – Congregational Church – 7.45pm 6 WI Monthly Meeting – Japanese Gardens by Amanda Shipman – 8.00pm 9 Congregational Church Service – Dr. Clifford Hill – 10.30am 11 WW1 Commemoration Service at All Saints Church for Pte. Bertram Larman – 7.30pm 12 Men’s Club – Evening Meal at The White Horse, Southill 16 Congregational Church Service – Mr. Arthur Devlin – 10.30am 16 All Saints’ Strawberry Teas at the Old Vicarage - 3.00 until 5.00pm 17 Classic Car Meet at The Crown from 6.00pm 19 Men’s Club – Visit to Royal Gunpowder Mills, Waltham Abbey 23 Congregational Church Service – Mrs. Sandra Hare 10.30am 26 AGM of Village Hall Management Committee – Jubilee Room – 8.00pm 28/29 Social Club – Fun Day/Vehicle Show – Playing Fields from 12 noon 30 United Church Service at All Saints – 9.30am

AUGUST

6 Congregational Church Service – Mr. Roger Eaves – 10.30am 9 Men’s Club – Evening Meal at The Musgrave Arms 13 Congregational Church Service – Mrs. Sally Metianu – 10.30am 16 Men’s Club – Visit to The Henry Moore Foundation 20 Congregational Church Service – Revd. Angus McCormick – 10.30am 21 Classic Car Meet at The Crown from 6.00pm 21 Playing Fields Management Committee Meeting – Social Club – 8.00pm 27 Congregational Church Service – Mrs. Christine Warren 28 All Saints’ Flower Team – Afternoon Teas at The Church – 1.00-5.00pm

SEPTEMBER

3 Congregational Harvest Festival Service – Revd. Angus McCormick – 10.30am 5 Parish Council Meeting – Congregational Church – 7.45pm