The photos shows 1st Langford Scout Group with their Chief Scout Awards. Bronze recipients Archie, Jack, Josh and Thomas, Silver – Jonathan and Daniel and Gold – Ryan and Jay with 1st Langford section leaders Darren, Jo and Andy and DC Rob Pullinger. 1st Langford Scout Group Overview of the Year At our recent summer celebration,District Commissioner Rob Pullinger presented Chief Scout Awards to several of our members.We were especially proud of the Gold awards to scouts Jay and Ryan which are the first awarded in 1st Langford for many years. (see front cover for photos). During the year, the Beavers have had an enjoyable and hopefully challenging and educational time in a fun environment. In addition to the regular meetings, we also completed at least 2 hikes, visits to Baulk Wood and Fire Station and a visit from Police. The Colony has been working very hard on badges and we have seen a total of 117 badges awarded, with 6 Chief Scout Bronze Awards, 38 Challenge Awards, 56 activity/staged badges, 9 Membership Awards and 10 1st Year Joining In Awards and 2 2ndYear Joining In Awards. At the end of this term we will have 5 Beavers swimming up to Cubs and a total of 9 for the year. After a packed programme of events throughout the year the Beavers took time to relax at Summer Camp 2018, and the best activity they did was either the powder paint fight or the paddle boarding! Beaver Leader Darren and Asst Leader Matt would like to thank all of the parents who regularly contribute and help towards the running of the Group as well as help at Beaver events. Six Chief Scout’s Silver Awards have been awarded to the Cubs this year.The Pack has earned over 50 Challenge Awards and around 150 Activity and Staged Activity badges. Our Cubs programme is always eclectic, aiming to have something for everyone while also working towards badges and having fun.Activities have ranged from science night, to first aid training, climbing, conker fights, athletics, nature spotting and hiking.We went to the Panto (oh yes we did!), had a water safety session in Saxon Pool, raced down an artificial ski slope on tubes and went to FairlandsValley park as well as parading for Remembrance Sunday and St Georges Day, and presenting our colours in St Andrews, Langford for Harvest Festival. The Cubs were offered two chances this year for residential experiences. In March we took Cubs and Scouts,to Paccar Scout Camp for a two night indoor camp. This was great fun – the weather was very mild and the cubs tried lots of different activities, including many involving heights.This was made possible by funds raised during the previous year, including a donation from the Raft Race. The Group Summer camp at Boyd Field at the end of June was also blessed with good weather. Over 40 young people from all three sections came to camp and took part in lots of fun activities including cooking their own lunch over the fire, outdoor cinema, pedal karting and Stand Up Paddleboarding.The weather also necessitated programming in a water fight (immediately after the powder paint war – which meant a lot of the participants ended up dyed orange or pink!).The two lots of water activities led to a record breaking quantity of lost property. Cub Leader Jo would like to thank Asst leaders Becca and Darren and Young Leaders Cassie, Jonathan and Katie for their help and support during the year.

2 Looking forward to 2019/20 we have our amazing trip to France in August that we will be fundraising towards all year.

Beavers are aged 6-8 and meet Tuesdays 6-7pm Cubs are 8-10.5 and meet Wednesday 6.30-8pm Scouts are 10-14 and meet Monday 7.30-9pm.

All sections meet in term time only at Scout Headquarters on Langford Playing Fields (next to theVillage Hall).

Jo Smith - Group Scout Leader, 1st Langford Scout Group [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Rainbows, Brownies and Guides 1st Langford Rainbows In the summer term we completed our Explore Skill Builder Stage 1 Badge by making birds nests and making maps of our local area. We visited Rowney Warren Woods where we built shelters and played hide and seek. We attended district Rainbow Sports Day and won the trophy for the second year running!We finished the term by having ice lollies and playing games in the sunshine. 1st Langford Brownies We finished off the summer term by going on a local walk, learning how to look after our feet and playing lots of games.We attended district Brownie Sports Day and we won the trophy!We had a badge ceremony on our last meeting where we had so many badges given out for activities and guiding anniversaries.We will be camping over the summer at Boyd Field and are looking forward to rock climbing and pedal karts. 1st Langford Guides Over the summer term we did activities from our ‘Have Adventures’ theme including travelling the world using different transport and learning about cities and the countryside.We visited RowneyWarrenWoods and Cre-Art-Ivity in where we painted pottery for Fathers Day. Over the holidays we will be camping with the brownies and doing rifle shooting.

3 A Letter from the Editor

Recently I walked to meetings of the Playing Field Committee and Village Hall Committee. It was a pleasant walk, I admired the gardens alongThe High Street with the glorious lavender and beautifully tended flower gardens.The river looked at its best, the swans seemed to be protecting their cygnets, and there was no sign of any debris from the most successful raft race and all was peaceful.Well done to those who cleared up so efficiently. The Playing Field was alive with adults and children enjoying the amenities, including cricket practice.After the meetings I walked through the new wildflower meadow which is the recent addition to our playing field. It seems to be developing well. The new restaurant looked quite busy.So, I felt all’s well with Langford! Taya, who was the main organiser of the Playing Field fete is already planning next year’s Fete and other events later this year, including a quiz in October. Gill and John are planning new play equipment for the village. Please take a look at the proposed new facilities for the children on page 22 and let Gill Clarke know your reviews. In this edition we have included the riverside walk from Langford through to Biggleswade, which, if you haven’t already done, you may find enjoyable. There are plenty of organisations in Langford, so why not take a look at our Weekly Meetings pages and see if there is something there you would enjoy. Some organisations meet monthly and their details are on What’s on in the Autumn page. In this edition our Focus on Langford Business there are details of the Hideaway café in The High Street.Why not make a visit! The Langford Diary is also published on the Parish Council website bedsparishes.gov.uk/langford-parish-council Trudy Emery [email protected] 01462 636638 Friday Morning Coffee Shop The Church Hall 10.30am to 12 noon This enterprise was started in 1990 by Biggleswade Adult Training Centre (ATC) when they used to serve lunches, but in 2010 things changed and it was agreed to run a weekly coffee shop as a joint venture with the ATC and village volunteers. There are now four groups taking part:ATC, Flower Guild, and two mixed groups made up of church and village volunteers.The money made from the other two groups goes into a general fund for replenishing the provisions and supplements the Flower Guild when needed so we can have displays, so admired, in the church.We have also funded replacement vestments and altar cloths, a flower stand, a gate banner, a Chasuble scarf, a blind for the church hall kitchen, two communion decanters, carpet for the Lady Chapel, toaster, two ring plate for heating mulled wine and other items too many to mention! The organisers of the Coffee Shop offer a warm welcome to all. The cakes are wonderful! If you require transport remember Langford Friends is there to help. Please ring the Langford Friends on 07884046741 a few days before. Audrey Searle.

4 A Riverside Walk of about 3 miles from Langford to Biggleswade via Jordan’s Mill ……. Cut out and Keep.

From the Chapel Hill bridge head north alongside the River Ivel, keeping the river on your right. Pass through a kissing gate and continue to follow the river.The common will be on your left.Various species of wildlife will be seen according to time of day and season.You might see sparrow hawks, kestrels, buzzards, red kites and if you’re really lucky a barn owl or a kingfisher.White ibis and herons are regular visitors to the common and river margins.As you pass the rear of the playing field and village hall you may see a pair of swans with their nest on the riverbank. In the tall trees, black poplars, you might hear a sparrow hawk or the common grey squirrel. Passing the weir, the footpath arrives at a kissing gate next to the Mill. Cross the wooden planked bridge and continue in front of the mill and follow the riverside, on your left. This is the mill pond at the end of Mill Lane. You will then reach a small kissing gate which marks the start of a permissive footpath which crosses several properties. More swans may be here and otters have been observed. This footpath could be muddy and wet as the path crosses an area which is intended to flood after high levels of rain.As you pass through the next kissing gate (past the last house) note on your left the junction of the river with the canal that goes to Shefford. Continuing north with the river on your left, and keeping to the footpath, you may see muntjac deer on your right in the wooded areas, particularly at dusk or dawn.This permissive footpath continues to follow the river until it terminates at Holme Mill where, after crossing the road, one might purchase a welcome cup of coffee and a cake at Jordan’s Mill. If you wish to continue to Biggleswade cross the road bridge and follow the footpath which takes you under the A1 and through to Biggleswade Recreation Ground and former mill. There are plenty of places to enjoy refreshment in Biggleswade. Please respect the landowners’ property and do not deviate from the footpath. Hourly buses (188 or190) for Langford leave the Market Square at approximately 10 minutes past the hour but please check the timetable.Buses do not run in the evening or on Sunday.See www.centrebus.info John Shipman and members of Langford Walking Group.

Langford Gardening Club Langford Gardening Club would like to extend a warm welcome to any green fingered or just interested Langfordians! We hold a monthly meeting on the first Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm in the Church hall as well as visiting gardens of interest.Annual subscription is £ 25 single or £35 for double membership.Visitors are always very welcome -£3. Please see Whats on in Summer on p18 for details of meetings and visits.

5 Weekly Auctions Visit the Auction Centre to enjoy the excitement of a live auction. Antique & Modern Furniture • Clocks • Books • Ceramics & Glassware Pictures & Prints • Bicycles • Jewellery & Watches • Collectables Garage Tools & Equipment • Household Electrical Items 6MÄJL -\YUP[\YL ,X\PWTLU[ ‹ 9L[HPS 7YVK\J[Z :[VJR Vehicles • Horticultural & Commercial Equipment Building Materials • Garden Furniture & Effects

Eastcotts Park, Wallis Way, Bedford MK42 0PE 01234 266 366 peacockauction.co.uk

6 Unisex Hair Therapy 7B High Street Langford Bedfordshire SG18 9RP 01462 701256 07710 733110

7 8 UINCE Q STONEWORKS Granite & Quartz

for new kitchensWorktops and replacement tops

Tel:Fax: 01767 01767 600872 314180 83 Highwww.Qstoneworks.co.uk Street Biggleswade Bedfordshire SG18 0LA

9 FUNERALFUNERAL FLOWERS FLOOWEWERS FROM FROM THETHE FLOWER FLOOWEWWERH HUTUT

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10 11 Langford History Society The 5th of June saw the first of our visits, this time to Stotfold Mill where our members had a full tour and tea and cakes. On 3rd July we visited the British Schools Museum at to learn more about education in the past. Our September meeting sees us ‘take off’ with the stories of the women pilots of the Air Transport Auxiliary in the Second World War. Then the aviation theme continues in October with an account of Percy Pilcher, the first man to attempt to fly.Our last talk of the season will look at Bedford’s transport heritage and we round off the year with our Social Evening. Our website contains the ‘Langford Index of Names’, which is a source for family historians and those with roots in our village.You can download this 16-page index to people referred to in the Society’s three books and also in the Parish Council’s Millennium publication, Langford:AVillage Walk free of charge.The names on the two village war memorials are also included in the index with an indication of which memorial contains the name. We will give a warm welcome to you, either as a new member or visitor, and we are certain you will enjoy our talks.The meetings are informal and visitors pay only £4 at the door. Meetings are held on the firstWednesday of the month at 8pm in the Church Hall, except for January and August, and we have two visits in the summer.There is a raffle at each meeting and the tea, coffee and biscuits are free. Annual membership is currently £5 per person. Our website at www.langfordhistorysociety.org.uk has lots of information about Langford’s past.Through the website, we have been able to answer many queries from family historians with roots in Langford. If you need further information about us, please phone 01767 699040. Langford History Books Our books on village history contain lots of photos preserving the knowledge of the families, homes and businesses of old Langford. The following publications are available: Langford Then and Now 2006 – This book of 40 pages plus cover has two photographs on nearly every page of well-known places in the village showing how they looked then and how they look now. Some of the old photographs were taken from 80 to over 100 years ago. Price £4. Langford through the Lens Volume 1 – This book in 73 pages delves into Langford’s past with photographs of personalities and events explained in extensive captions.The reprint has the advantage of incorporating amendments and discoveries made since original publication by means of an errata list in the title pages. Price £5. Langford through the Lens, Volume 2 (published 1992) –This book in 80 pages offers a selection of old photographs (some with extensive captions) showing all aspects of village life and the personalities involved over the years. Price £3. To purchase these books contact Rowena Wolfe by phone or email: 01767 312556 or [email protected] Book orders can be collected in the village.

12 Ralph Turner 1923 to 2019 We have lost ‘Mr Langford’. Ralph Turner lived his whole life, apart from war service, in our village. He was born on 6 November 1923 in The Leys where his parents ran a newsagents. His working life was in market gardening but his leisure time was spent in serving the village in so many different ways. He edited the Langford Diary for 22 years and also served as its advertising manager.As Chairman of the Parish Council and a Churchwarden he made a great contribution to village life. He married Ingrid in 1955 and had two sons. Ralph was Langford’s historian and he started to do this before local history was fashionable and was driven solely by his love for his village. He was uniquely qualified to record Langford’s history because he was born here, was the grandson of one of the village blacksmiths and spent all his life here, apart from his service in the Second World War. Ralph helped to found the Langford & District History Society and was its President. He was occasionally able to come to meetings for some years before his death at 95. One of his contributions to a meeting I remember well. He had passed out from the Army Military Driving School aged 19 and found himself in 1944 driving a 3-ton Bedford Truck in Normandy.Another truck approached him and he thought he recognised the driver.It was Gerry Seward a long-time friend from Langford and they had time for a quick chat! On 20 March 2019 Ralph’s war service was recognised by the French Government by appointing him as a Chevalier in Le Ordre National de la Legion d’Honneur. Ralph’s contribution to the history of Langford was immense. He has left us his Langford: A Village Walk, published by the Parish Council for the Millennium, which guides you round the village as it was in 2000. His descriptions of buildings are interspersed by the stories of some of the people who lived in them, because he knew many of these people. He was a major contributor to the History Society’s books on Langford’s past and in 1984 scripted and presented a film about Langford in which his comfortable Bedfordshire accent brought alive the history of our village. He also wrote the history of our parish church. In the last few years Ralph donated his collection of photographs, carefully annotated with the details, and his 35mm slides, all with accompanying scripts, to the History Society,so this is one of his major legacies. If there was an inquiry which the Society could not answer we would always say, ‘Ask Ralph’.We can’t do that now but he has left us enough to try to find the answer. Ralph was always friendly and helpful to those wanting information about Langford and, before his mobility was impaired, would bring it to your door! Ralph had only a few months to enjoy being a Chevalier of the Legion d’Honneur and sadly died on 19 May 2019 having lived a long life to the full serving both his country and his village to the utmost. It was fitting that, after a touching funeral service in a Church packed with his family and friends, he was interred in the churchyard to be with his wife again in the middle of the village he loved. Edward Martin

13 Langford Bowls Club The Langford Playing Field Bowls Club is a friendly and welcoming club with both ladies and gentleman members competing in numerous district and county competitions, as well as friendly matches within the club, and with other clubs, during week days, evenings and weekends.These include mixed friendly matches for the over 60’s on Wednesday afternoons. We would love to see some new members from the village and surrounding areas. There are lots of opportunities to get involved. If you have never tried your hand before or are a well-seasoned bowler, everyone is always welcome to come along, watch the proceedings and get involved. If you are interested or would like to find out more, why not come along any Friday afternoon from 2pm to try the game at our open sessions or pop along to see us at the Bowling Green whenever we are on the green.All you need to get started is flat soled shoes. Alternatively,please get in touch with our President Iris Roberts on 01462 700748 or our General Secretary Melanie Andrews on 01462 628912. Useful Telephone Numbers & Websites 01234 841212 Citizen Advice Bureau 0844 4771600 Emergency Services my.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk Gas 0800 111 999 Samaritans 0845 790 9090 Electricity 0800 072 7282 01462 455333 Power Cuts 105 Childline 0800 1111 or text 80876 POWER & postcode www.childline.org.uk priority services for people in need Silverline 0800 470 8090 www.ofgem.gov.uk Refuge 0808 2000 247 Water 0800 169 3630 Central Beds Council 0300 300 8301 Langford Surgery 01767 316346 Out of Hours Contact Numbers Ivel Medical Centre 01767 312441 Social Services 0300 300 8123 Langford Pharmacy 01462 701518 Housing Repairs and Noise 0300 300 8098 Langford Village Academy 01462 629000 Highways 0300 300 8049 Langford Friends 0788 4046741 Dangerous Structures 0300 300 8098 Central Beds Councillors Steven Dixon - Stotfold, Langford, Fairfield & Ward 0300 300 8524 - [email protected] Brian Saunders - 107 Hitchin Road, Stotfold SG5 4JE 01462 626722 - [email protected]

14 Langford Parish Council

Chairman Gill Clarke 11 Mill Meadow SG18 9UR 01462 629440 [email protected] Councillors Richard Arnott 01462 700466 Joan Rutt 01462 700451 20 Close, Langford SG18 9SH 18 Windsor Way,SG18 9PB [email protected] [email protected] Mick Beazley 01767 223849 John Shipman 01462 700650 20 Tithe Farm Close, Langford SG18 9NE 3 Old Mill Close SG18 9QY [email protected] [email protected] Barb Hammond 01462 701070 Debbie Wilson 01462 485714 2 Manor Close, Langford SG18 9PU 1 King George Close, Langford SG18 9QD [email protected] [email protected] Binanti Cuzner 01462 700018 Jane Wright 01767 601789 103 Church Street Langford SG18 9QA 1 Running Water Cottages, Langford Road [email protected] SG18 9RA [email protected] Mike Kalaher 01767 227869 79 East Road, Langford SG18 9QP [email protected]

Clerk of the Council Mrs. M Albone 75 Wilsheres Road, Biggleswade SG18 0DN [email protected] 07482 276173

Dates of Parish Council Meetings Monday 2nd September, 2019 Monday, 7th October, 2019 Monday, 4th November, 2019

The Parish Council has a website where useful information and details of meetings may be found.

Please go to https://www.bedsparishes.gov.uk/langford-parish-council

There is also a Facebook page with some other limited information.

15 Weekly Meetings

Please keep me up to date with the meetings. If there are any changes, please let me know at [email protected] or 01462 636638. Sunday St. Andrews Parish Services: Vicar Rev. Shaun Speller 01462 700248 Parish Eucharist 9.15am (1st, 2nd and 4th Sundays each month) Family Service 9.30am (3rd Sunday each month) Benefice Eucharist 9.15am (5th Sunday) 3.00pm Holy Baptism (2nd Sunday each month) Holy Communion Wednesday 10.00am (2nd and 4th Wednesdays) Methodist Services: Minister: Rev. LornaValentine Service 9.30am: (last Sunday each month) Service 10.45am Sunday Club 10.40am: (term time only) last Sunday of month Dog Training 9.00am-1.30pm LangfordVillage Hall - Contact Gary 07738 683854 Youth Football Winter Monday Owlets Pre-school 9am-12.00 morning session & 9.00-3.00pm full day - 07935 784567 - email [email protected] Langford Methodist Chapel Room Contact 07790 763078 Pilates 9.30am-10.30am Church Hall Contact 07891 752906 Rainbows 4.30pm-5.30pm Church Hall Contact 07866 395739 1st Langford Brownies 5.45pm to 7.00pm Church Hall (term time only) - Contact 07866 395739 Karate 6.00pm-8.00pm LangfordVillage Hall Contact Richard 01462 629707 1st Langford Scouts (boys and girls aged 10-14 years) 7.30pm-9.00pm (term time only) Please contact [email protected] Tuesday Owlets Pre-school 9am-12.00 morning session Langford Methodist Chapel Room - 07935 784567 - email [email protected] Yoga - 9.45am - 11.45 LangfordVillage Hall Contact Caroline 07752 222542 Walking Group meet 10am at Chapel Hill Bridge. For details and of walks further afield on 1st Tuesday of month contactVal Henley 01462 626502 Dance Class Over 65’s Church Hall 11.00am-12 noon - Tel 07714 378887 Langford Lollipops Toddler Group (term time only) 1.15pm-2.45pmVillage Hall - See Facebook page Langford Lollipops Toddler Group Langford Beavers (boys and girls aged 6-8 years) 6.00pm-7.00pm (term time only) Please contact [email protected] Dog Training 6.30pm-9.30pm LangfordVillage Hall Contact Gary 07738 683854 Yoga 7.30pm-8.30pm Church Hall Contact 07891 752906 Fitness Class 7.45pm-8.45pm Aerobics/Body Tone Langford Academy Contact - 01462 701289

16 Wednesday Owlets Pre-school 9am-12.00 morning session & 9.00-3.00pm full day - 07935 784567 - email [email protected] Langford Methodist Chapel Room Contact 07790 763078 Pilates 9.30am-10.30am Church Hall Contact 07891 752906 Full Bottle Fitness Bootcamp 10.00am-11.00am on the Playing Fields Contact - 07758 812789 Oasis Coffee Shop 10.30am to 11.30am Methodist Chapel (first Wednesday in month only) The Ivy Leaf Welcome Club Ivy Leaf Club Station Road 2.00pm-4.00pm Fit and Fabulous Church Hall 1.45pm-2.45pm 01462 620740 or 07741 453533 Children’s Dancing - Pirouettes & Pullbacks - 4.30pm-6.15pm LangfordVillage Hall - Contact Danielle 07866 395739 Langford Cubs (boys and girls aged 8-10 years) 6.300pm-8.00pm (term time only) Please contact [email protected] Tennis Club Social Sessions - 9.30am and 7.30pm Contact Paul Metcalfe 01462 700001 [email protected] www.langfordtennisclub.org.uk Adult Dancing - Argentine Tango/Salsa 7.00pm-9.00pm LangfordVillage Hall - Esme Castle 01767 601604 Thursday Owlets Pre-school 9am-12.00 morning session Langford Methodist Chapel Room - 07935 784567 - email [email protected] Langford Morning Meditation 10.30am-11.30am -Village Hall - Sukh Parmar - [email protected] WEA from 26th September 10.00am for 10 weeks - Church Hall - Islam and Muslims in UK and Modern World - Contact Jean Chapman 700306 1st Langford Guides 7.00pm Langford Scout Hut Contact 07866 395739 Friday Owlets Pre-school 9am-12.00 morning session Langford Methodist Chapel Room - 07935 784567 - email [email protected] Line Dancing 9.45am-10.45am absolute beginners - 10.45am-12.15 beginners/ improvers -Village Hall £5.00 Contact Suzanne 07902 495602 [email protected] Morning Coffee Shop - 10.30am-12.00 midday - St.Andrew’s Church Hall Adult Dancing - Ballroom/Latin 1.30pm-3.00pm LangfordVillage Hall - Esme Castle 01767 601604 Bowls Club 2.00pm - 4.00pm - Barbara Dickson 700355 or Iris Roberts 700748 Saturday Cricket, Bowls, Tennis Summer Tennis Club Social Sessions - 2.00pm Contact Paul Metcalfe 01462 700001 [email protected] www.langfordtennisclub.org.uk

17 What’s On in the Autumn! September 2 Parish Council Meeting - Church Room - 7.30pm 3 Gardening Club - Talk from Green Fingers Charity - Church Room - 7.30pm 4 Oasis Coffee Morning - Chapel 10.30-11.30am 4 History Society - The Women Pilots of Air Transport Auxillary in WW2 Ted Martin - 8.00pm - Church Room 5 Parchment Craft - Church Room - 1.00pm 11 Langford WI - Harvest Evening - 7.15pm - Chapel Schoolroom 14 Tidy Up Langford - All Welcome - Church Room - 9.45am to 12.00 17 Langford Car Club - The Plough - 7.00pm 19 Parchment Craft - Church Room - 1.00pm 29 Chapel Walk - 11.00am - for more details Joan 700451 October 1 Gardening Club - Flower Festival in Columbia - Rowena Wolfe - Church Room - 7.30pm 2 Oasis Coffee Morning - Chapel 10.30-11.30am 2 History Society - Another Icarus - The rise and Fall of Percy Pilcher and the Art of Flight - Roy Smart - 8.00pm - Church Room 3 Parchment Craft - Church Room - 1.00pm 5 An Evening of Songs from the Shows - East Beds Youth Choir - 7.00pm - St.Andrew’s Church - Tickets £10.00 incl. Refreshments - SheilaVidler 01462 701750 7 Parish Council Meeting - Church Room - 7.30pm 9 Langford WI - Recycling with a Difference - Sue Draper - Chapel Schoolroom - 7.15pm 15 Langford Car Club - The Plough - 7.00pm 17 Parchment Craft - Church Room - 1.00pm November 4 Parish Council Meeting - Church Room - 7.30pm 5 Gardening Club - The Wonderful World of Willow - Sandra Barker - Church Room - 7.30pm 6 Oasis Coffee Morning and Christmas Fair Trade Stall - Chapel 10.30-11.30am 6 History Society - Bedford’sTransport Heritage - David Fowler - 8.00pm - Church Room 7 Parchment Craft - Church Room - 1.00pm 10 Remembrance Service - Revd LornaValentine 10am Methodist Chapel United Service - 10.50am War Memorial 11 Remembrance Day (Armistice Day) - Short Act of Remembrance at War Memorial - 11.00am - Revd Shaun Speller 13 Langford WI - Moscow to St. Petersburg by Boat - David Whittome - 7.15pm - Chapel Schoolroom 19 Langford Car Club - The Plough - 7.00pm 21 Parchment Craft - Church Room - 1.00pm

18 Changes at Langford Friends It has been a busy year for Langford Friends with an increase in jobs carried out for the community and changes in the committee. Our Chair JeanWilliams and SecretaryVal Henley have resigned their posts after 18 years of sterling service to the village. Jean is moving back toWales so we are losing her completely but Val is remaining on the committee. They have created a well respected and valuable service for the village and I'm sure villagers would want to join me in thanking them for their contribution to village life.The committee made presentations to Jean and Val at the AGM in recognition of their years of service. The new Chair is Maggie Wood and the Secretary is Christine Tight. We will endeavour to keep the service at the level that Jean andVal set. I must also pay tribute to the volunteers who run the service. They are an excellent, caring group of people. Many of our clients say that they do not what they would do without the Friends service. We have been the recipient of a very generous donation of £800 by the North Bedfordshire Football Charity Cup. Langford Friends were nominated by Langford Football club and as a result of this donation and others we will be offering our regular clients free trips from 1st December to 31st February. Support like this encourages Langford Friends continued commitment to what is a worthwhile and rewarding voluntary work supporting the adult population of our village. On the 15th July we held our Annual Summer Tea party at the coffee shop of Langford Garden Centre.The coffee shop laid on a lovely spread of sandwiches and cakes. Approximately forty clients and volunteers attended and it was a very enjoyable afternoon. Our guests were Mick and Margaret Quinlan. Mick is Chairman of The North Beds Football Charity Cup competition. We also presented bouquets to Jean andVal as a thank you for their many years of service. Margaret Wood

19 SPRING 19 NEWS AND UPDATES

It seems like no time at all since the Spring update and now it's time for the summer news! The Neighbourhood Plan group, who are all volunteers, has been very busy in the last 3 months and we have a lot of progress to report. • Academy Pupils: We met with Langford students at Henlow Academy to get their views on the village.The group clearly disliked the drug users, litter and the continual building in the village.They liked the friendly village atmosphere, the skate park and the river and amongst their ideas they wanted a Youth Club, better recycling facilities with a bottle bank, a larger skate park and a countryside conservation area.We're grateful to them and their teachers for their time and thoughtfulness. • Funding Request Successful! Our application to CBC has been approved and we have the funds for the outside help and facilities we need to bring the Plan to successful acceptance.Thanks again to Langford Parish Council for their support to get the Plan preparation off to such a good start. • Business Views Needed!! We'd like a lot more views from businesses in Langford, especially from sole traders, trades men & women and the self-employed.You can find our quick questionnaire on the website (see below for details). Please take a minute or two to let us know what you think and what you need in the village to prosper!! • Photos of the Village and its Issues: We want to illustrate the Plan with lots of good quality clear photos of the village, the good bits and the issues you want addressed. Possible subjects include wonky footpaths, poor road surfaces, parking on pavements, overgrown footpaths, badly signed access to communal areas, littering hotspots, anything that you do like and anything you don't!! Please send them to: [email protected] • Policies for the Plan: Our 4 sub-groups, Environment, Infrastructure, Planning & Development and Transport & Movement have been busy writing Policies for the Plan, all derived from the questionnaires that you've completed for us. These are coming along really well but we can still use your help if you want to join our volunteer group. • Council Local Plan: As you may be aware this Plan, which is very important for the future direction of the Council and our home area, has been examined again recently and the Parish Council have told us:- " The Parish Council made representation to the Inspectors Hearing in June when the CBC Local Plan was examined.The parish council commented and objected to the proposed sites for circa 150 dwellings off Cambridge Road.These sites were selected by CBC for inclusion in the Local Plan.The outcome of the Hearing and the fate of the Local Plan will not be known for some months. For copies of the parish council comments please contact the clerk." Her details are shown at end of this article. • Housing Needs Survey: Thanks to all of you that completed the Survey. We know that some found it lacking in certain aspects but it was done to a standard format for us by the local charity BRCC.We have the quality and quantity of data we need for the Plan and one of the key results were that 78% of the respondents would support a small development (up to 12 houses) of affordable homes specifically for local people. 54 respondents said their current home is not suitable for their household needs and 24 respondents are in need of affordable housing. We'll make sure these findings are properly reflected in the final Plan.

20 Data from Rightmove.co.uk clearly shows the trend in house sales in the village over the last 3 years, prices that have been the subject of much village comment:

• Langford Village Fete:

The Steering Group had a well-manned display at the Fete and had lots of interesting discussions with residents about the progress of the Plan and issues that are important to them. Hot topics included housing, speeding, overdevelopment, transport and infrastructure. Encouragingly,seven new people voiced an interest in joining the Group to help us bring the Plan to a successful conclusion. • TheNextSteps: Once the Plan writing is finished, with the help of an outside consultant, CBC will comment on it before it goes to the vote among villagers.We hope it will be ready for the village vote early next year. Hopefully you'll approve it and then any future applicants for planning permission will have to conform to the Plan and its Policies. Keep up to date via our website https://langfordneighbourhoodplan.org.uk or Facebook (search: Langford Village Neighbourhood Plan). Email us on [email protected] or phone us via the Parish Clerk, Michelle Albone, on 07482 276173.

21 King George Playing Field

The Playing Field Management Committee is looking to enhance facilities at the play area, and replace the existing trim trail due to wear and tear. Below are proposals put forwards by a local Play Equipment Company. These ideas are in the planning stage and we would very much like to receive responses from residents on what you think is good/not so good, plus any other viable suggestions.There is very limited space as we only have the perimeter of the field, including existing equipment in which to put in anything new. The table tennis table and shelter suggested to be placed near to the fencing by C h u r c h Street - it is envisaged there would be one shelter, this would be good for protection against the weather - either sun or rain. The trim trail to replace the existing trim trail and the children's road track where the original basket swing was. Please send your comments to [email protected]. Langford Village Hall

TheVillage Hall is looking very good at the moment. The air-to-air system has kept the temperature at a very comfortable level over both summer and the winter, the foyer now looks very welcoming, and all our hirers are very pleased with the standards of appearance and cleanliness.We are now close to having the Hall fully booked, and have unfortunately had to turn down some possible new bookings.The weekend bookings have increased considerably,thanks to both good publicity and word-of-mouth. We have had some incidents of anti-social behaviour around the outside of the hall, but these have been dealt with as they arose. and we have recently upgraded the CCTV system to give much better coverage and image quality in the event of anything that needs investigating. The appearance of the front of the Hall has recently been considerably enhanced by the fitting of new external doors to the changing rooms. As always, our thanks go to the Parish Council, for their continued support financially, and to our team of Gill, Michelle, Nikki, and Mike for their important work in the day-to-day running of the Hall. Colin Carroll (Chairman)

22 Langford Car Club

If you have a passion for cars – old or new,fast or slow – the Langford Car Club would love to see you on the thirdTuesday of each month atThe Plough.You never know what will show up, from a cool Triumph Vitesse to an absurdly powerful twin-turbocharged AMG SL63 Mercedes, not to mention a smattering of motorcycles and the occasional customized van. When Peter Elwood, Peter Saunders, Rod Russell and Stuart Saunders launched the club six years ago, they wanted to hold a gathering late in the month that would be inclusive. Peter Elwood said ‘We wanted to have an open club, with no subscription fees, no vetting for membership, just a place for anyone with an interest in any type of transport.’ Until last year the Langford Car Club didn’t actually meet in Langford explains Peter Elwood,‘We used to meet at the Fox and Duck at Stotfold because Rod lived there and it had space to hold events.’World order prevailed when the club relocated to the Plough in Langford last spring, and since then has attracted more people who live in the village. Funny that. To join our friendly group, all you have to do is pop down to one of our Plough meetings, with or without a car, we meet every third Thursday at The Plough, Langford, or why not join our Facebook group, catchily called Langford Car Club. I know there are lots of interesting cars tucked away on the driveways and in the garages of Langford. Let’s see how many of them we can bring together. Phil Bell Small Building Jobs in Langford

Langford Parish Council occasionally has the need for small building jobs in the village (repairs to benches and fences, plumbing work etc).We would prefer to use local trades- people for these works as often the larger companies can't do the work as quick as we need them to and their costs are comparable with the size of their company. Are you a small outfit that may be interested? (trades required include: handyman, builder, carpenter, electrician, plumber etc).We would like to get together a list of experienced trades in the village who we can potentially use in the future. You would need to be able to supply an invoice and have your own insurance. If you are interested please contact the Parish Clerk. Email: [email protected] or Mobile: 07482 276173

23 St. Andrew’s Church In our modern world of electronic media we are increasingly used to receiving communication from others by text and social media. It’s convenient and instant, and when we need to contact someone quickly or urgently,it is invaluable. I don’t know if you find though that sometimes it can be a bit impersonal? It's not quite the same as receiving a letter, or a card in the post for example, that has taken time to convey something you want to communicate. Now, most of my post consists of bills, or letters relating to work. But there are occasions when I receive something unexpected. So I was delighted to receive this letter in the post at the end of the last school year. For the past year a small ‘Open The Book’ team from St Andrews and the Methodist Chapel have been presenting dramatised bible stories during assemblies at Langford Academy.We have enjoyed doing them and the children have also enjoyed, not just listening to them,but being part of them. One of the other things that we have enjoyed being able to do, is to welcome the children into church for services, at important times throughout the year. At our Family Service on Sunday 15 September @ 9.30 we will be presenting an Open The Book story on a Harvest theme.We know that the children love these stories and we hope to see you then, to celebrate and give thanks for God's goodness to each of us. Shaun Speller Remembrance Day Revd LornaValentine will taking the Remembrance Day Service at Langford Methodist Chapel on 10th November at 10.00am followed by Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial at 10.50 a.m. The Revd Shaun Speller will perform a short Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial at 11.00am on Monday 11th November.

24 St. Andrew’s Church Reordering Appeal

What a brilliant weekend we had at St Andrew’s Church on the weekend of July 20/21st July when we hosted The Beds & Herts Fuchsia Societies annual display.The Church looked amazing and it was lovely to see so many people coming to view the flowers.All were welcome, dogs included. This was also a fundraiser for St Andrew’s as we continue with our programme of events to raise money to moderniseYOUR Church. Our next event will be a concert by East Bedfordshire Youth Choir on Saturday October 5th. See advert below. Open to everyone to join. Please ring me SheilaVidler on 01462 701750 if you are interested in coming along.

East Beds Youth Choir presents An Evening of Songs from the Shows St Andrew’s Church, Langford Saturday 5th October 2019 - 7pm Tickets £10 includes interval refreshments. Contact SheilaVidler 01462 701750 Raising Funds to Modernise Langford Tennis Club We held a very successful social evening earlier in the year consisting of contributions of delicious food, live music from some of our talented members and a general knowledge quiz. As a result of the charity raffle held during this event, our Chair, Secretary and Treasurer visited Garden House Hospice in Letchworth to present a cheque for the proceeds.We are keen to continue to support this fantastic local facility. Our courts have recently been repainted and our club Summer Championship is well under way with singles, doubles and veteran’s competitions taking place. Court space is in high demand as players battle it out to reach the finals. Finals day will be held on 21st September. Some of our members were lucky enough to win tickets to Wimbledon from the LTA ballot and ended up witnessing some amazing matches. We continue to have many teams playing matches in the Bedfordshire league summer fixtures. Congratulations to the Ladies C team who have already won all their matches and are due for promotion. For more information about the club please see http://langfordtennisclub.org.uk/

25 Langford Cricket Club Mid-Season Update At the time of writing, the cricket season for Langford Cricket Club Adult teams is well over halfway through.The Youth teams seasons are are nearly complete, and we are all still basking in the glow of the Men’s breath taking victory in the Cricket World Cup Final. The 2019 season at Langford got off to a slow start, especially for the Youth teams.With several teams dropping out, this left some fixture dates with no opposition, and the matches that did have a fixture cancelled due to the rain. Once the season did got going, the youth coaching sessions on a Thursday evening continued to have a great turnout. On Sundays the U9’s and U11’s play matches against local teams.The Under 9’s format changed this year, and this allowed a greater number of younger players to experience matches.The Under 11 team struggled for opposition,but when they did have matches, they acquitted themselves very well.The Under 13 team at the end of July are sitting mid table in the Bedfordshire U13 Development East League.The Under 15 team started slowly, but by the end of July had put some great performances together, and were placed 3rd in their division.The future of Cricket in Langford looks in good hands! The Langford First XI are comfortably mid table at the halfway point of the season in the Bedfordshire Counties Premier Division.The Langford Second XI team, newly promoted to the Beds Counties Div 5, have not yet lost a game and are sitting well clear at the top of the division. The Langford Ladies Cricket team continue to join forces with Ladies to play their matches. In the season’s opening competition, a Super 8’s, the ladies topped their group, recording only 1 loss! In the Home CountiesWomen’s Cricket League, our team have a great chance to finish runners up behind a very strong Berkhamsted team. We hope, along with us, you all enjoyed what was a very well organised village fete this year.The Cricket Club loved organising the barbecue, and we hope that if you had chance to sample our wares, then you enjoyed the meat procured from The Old Butchers Shop, formally of the village. 26 In June the Club organised a match to allow the parents of theYouth section players to show their charges how it should be done. It was great fun, but I’m sure there were some bruised bodies, and an ego or two the next morning! Also in June, the now annualWomen’s softball cricket (known as Prosecco Cricket) took place.A game of Youngsters v Not quite so Youngsters broke out, with the not so youngsters definitely drinking more Prosecco and taking the win. The Club continue welcome new players, so whether you are young, or a bit more mature, there is cricket at Langford Cricket Club for everyone, so please do come along and join us. Please ensure you keep up to date on what is happening via the Langford Cricket Club Facebook page (www.facebook.com/LangfordCC) and team fixtures, results and player statistics on the Langford Play Cricket Website (langfordcc.play-cricket.com). Andy Watson, Chairman, Langford Cricket Club. Focus on Langford Business The Hideaway Eat, Meet and Greet

Opening a cafe has been a goal of mine for 20years. I have always loved to cook and had a career as a chef.At the café all food is homemade and made from the raw ingredients. I wouldn’t have started the business without the support of the village and my friends. The Hideaway provides a place for the village that is affordable and welcoming. We offer drinks which include barista coffee, milkshakes and smoothies. Savoury food includes cooked English Breakfasts, baguettes,sandwiches and sausage rolls and we offer homemade cakes, cookies and bread.We have more, so why not call in and enjoy some homemade fayre. You will find us in the centre of the village almost opposite Langford Service Garage in The High Street.We are open Monday to Friday 7am to 3pm and Saturday 8am to 1pm. Nikki Sicillano Tel.01462 70111

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31 32 Langford Diary Copy Dates and Advertising PLEASE NOTE - IMPORTANT All Copy and Advertising for inclusion in NEXT Diary Winter Edition by 22nd October for events in December, January and February. 2020 Submission Dates Spring Issue 22nd January - Summer Edition 22nd April. All Copy for the next Diary to be emailed to both [email protected] - [email protected] All Adverts and Advertising Material to be emailed to [email protected] IMPORTANT Please let us know if there are any changes to the details of your meeting. Are the times and contact information the same? ADVERTISING RATES Cost of Adverts in Langford Diary 2019 – ALL COLOUR ADVERTS SIZE - One sixth page SIZE - Half page Single issue - £30 plus vat (£36 inc VAT) Single issue - £60 plus vat (£72 inc VAT) Full year (four issues) - £80 plus vat Full year (four issues) - £170 plus vat (£96 inc VAT) (£204 inc VAT) SIZE - One third page SIZE - Whole page Single issue - £40 plus vat (£48 inc VAT) Single issue - £110 plus vat (£132 inc VAT) Full year (four issues) - £120 plus vat Full year (four issues) - £340 plus vat (£144 inc VAT) (£408 inc VAT) Editor’s Reservation This Diary is as complete and correct as possible at the time of going to press. While any Inaccuracies and Omissions in any Articles or Adverts supplied to the Editor and Parish Council for publication are regretted, the Editor and the Parish Council accept no responsibility for any such occurrences. All articles are copyright and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission of the Editor or the Parish Council. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the Editor or the Parish Council.

33 Langford Community Fete

Langford Community Fete was on Saturday July 6th. this year.Weather-wise, the day turned out to be cloudier than expected following the hot and sunny day before it – but still OK, and not hot enough to drive people into the shade!

This year we had decided to make an earlier start, so at 11 a.m. in the arena the Hitchin and Biggleswade Sea Cadets promptly struck up the band to give us a stirring display of marching and playing some familiar tunes, which they repeated for us later on.This was followed later by a demonstration of Rugby skills from the Biggleswade Rugby Club offering boys and girls the chance to take part. At 1 pm the bedraggled and flour-covered participants of the Raft Race arrived to collect their awards, and then it was the turn of our regular Belly-Dancing troupe Arabia, with their exotic costumes and music as always. Danielle Ellis’ young dance group Pirouettes and Pullbacks followed immediately after, and there was more hi-energy activity from Kathryn of SosaFitness.Then we slowed things down to a gentler pace with two ladies’ choirs: Singtastic from Dunton (whom we saw last in our Christmas show) and the well known Phoenix harmony group from , both of which gave us some beautiful renditions of songs old and new. In the Hall we were entertained by Len Stuart and his keyboard, plus the DreamsTheatre for children and another performance from Phoenix singers.We had a record number of stalls on the field, many of them attending for the first time; there was a Fun Dog Show; and the Scouts provided a spectacular Climbing Wall. Our two funfairs kept young and old entertained, the Cricket club’s barbecue kept them fed, and the licensed Bar and the Tea and Coffee in the Hall quenched their thirst. So once again thanks to everyone who organised or helped to run the event, to all who ran a stall or took part in any capacity, to our valued Sponsors (who are listed below), and of course to all of you who turned up to enjoy the day.You will no doubt be pleased to know that including the Raffle we made a whopping £2,221 profit to help support our various projects for theVillage Hall and Playing Field! Christine and Colin Carroll

34 Thanks to all our Sponsors of this year’s Fete

35 Langford Methodist Church September 4 Oasis Coffee Morning - Chapel - 10.30am-11.30am 8 Chapel Harvest Festival - Chapel - 10.45am - Helen Boshier 8 Harvest Lunch - Chapel Schoolroom - 12.30pm - £6 contact Muriel 700594 19 Sisterhood - Chapel Schoolroom - 2.30pm 26 Sisterhood - Chapel Schoolroom - 2.30pm 29 Chapel Walk - 11.00am - contact Joan 700451 October 2 Oasis Coffee Morning and Christmas Fair Trade Stall - Chapel - 10.30am-11.30am 3 Sisterhood - Chapel Schoolroom - 2.30pm 7 Harvest Service - Elizabeth House - 2.30pm - Rev. LornaValentine 10 Sisterhood - Chapel Schoolroom - 2.30pm 17 Sisterhood - Chapel Schoolroom - 2.30pm 20 Start of Prayer Week - Chapel - Chapel open 1 hour daily - details later 21-26 Prayer Week - 24 East Road - 7.45pm 24 Sisterhood - Chapel Schoolroom - 2.30pm - Jenny Broadbridge 27 End of Prayer Week - Chapel - 9.30am 30 Methodist Church Council - Chapel - 7.30pm 31 Sisterhood - Chapel Schoolroom - 2.30pm November 6 Oasis Coffee Morning and Christmas Fair Trade Stall - Chapel - 10.30am-11.30am 7 Sisterhood - Chapel Schoolroom - 2.30pm 10 United Service - Chapel - 10.00am - Rev. LornaValentine 14 Sisterhood - Chapel Schoolroom - 2.30pm 21 Sisterhood - Chapel Schoolroom - 2.30pm 28 Sisterhood - Chapel Schoolroom - 2.30pm 30 Christmas Fayre - Chapel Schoolroom -12.00 noon - 2.00pm Worship and Activities at the Methodist Church We are always pleased when our minister, Rev.LornaValentine, leads our service and she inspires and uplifts us each time she comes, but we are also blessed to have other gifted preachers in the North Bedford Methodist Circuit, who give us varied and interesting services each Sunday.The early “Last Sunday” Informal services have been inspirational, and a couple of times a year they are preceded by breakfast, which gives physical as well as spiritual nourishment.Attendances fluctuate, but usually number between 15 and 24, and the friendship and fellowship we all enjoy is something special.Visitors are warmly welcomed and hopefully they,along with our visiting preachers, can sense the depth of love and faith which fills our little chapel.Two Worship Leaders help with services from time to time.The Multi media facilities we have are being used to good effect, and we thank Chris, Joan and Colin for their expertise. Once a Quarter there is a Joint Service, when members of all Lorna’s five churches meet together, and it is a bonus to worship with a much larger congregation. Chapel Anniversary in March was followed by lunch - another opportunity for socialising and fellowship. On the last Sunday of every month at 10.45 am in termtime the Sunday Club meets, for children aged 4 and upwards. Pam

36 and Brenda arrange enjoyable and fun-filled sessions, and would welcome some new faces. Wednesday evenings are also times of fellowship.Three times a month Bible Studies are held at the home of Lawrence and Brenda Love.Attendance is small, and we would love to welcome others.The thirdWednesday is Prayer Group, when we pray for people who are ill or have other problems.We also have a week of prayer in October, when all homes in Langford are circulated asking for prayer requests.Although we get little response from people unknown to us, we feel it is important to let the village know that we are here, and a praying community.Don’t miss your opportunity to ask for prayer for yourself or others this year. Sisterhood meets in the Schoolroom on Thursday afternoons between September and June. Over the past year we averaged an attendance of around 12, and enjoyed a varied diet of speakers and activities.Whatever the subject, we begin with a prayer, and some afternoons are more devotional than others.We have enjoyed music, flower arranging, slide shows and armchair aerobics.There is no membership. Come when you want to. We begin with a cup of tea and biscuit, and pay 50 pence each time we attend. Oasis Coffee Shop on the first Wednesday of each month is also well attended, and a good first step into the Chapel, if you are a little unsure. Jenny Broadbridge - Senior Steward

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37 The Battle of Langford Shots fired from rifles! - by John Shipman The Biggleswade Chronicle carried a report of a gun battle in Langford. The year was 1912 and it was real enough by all accounts. Can anyone recall their parents re-telling the story? The government decided that the British Army should take part in a large military exercise to practice strategy and tactics and no doubt to detect the strengths and weaknesses in moving large numbers of troops and supplies to support fighting troops. The forces of an imaginary country (Red) had crossed the frontier dividing Red from Britain (Blue). Red forces were pushing south as quickly as possible. Blue had ordered a general mobilisation and its prime goal was to stop Red forces entering : Blue forces were based around Cambridge.Time was of the essence for both sides.The forces were nearly equal in size. Each consisted of a cavalry division, two infantry divisions, army troops, two aeroplane flights, and an airship. In the manoeuvres, Sir James Grierson decisively beat Douglas Haig, calling into question Haig's abilities as a field commander.The Biggleswade Chronicle takes up the story with the conflict between the two armies: 6th Sept 1912 Friday was a great day in the district and great excitement prevailed in consequence of the military manoeuvres which extended over many miles of countryside from Caldecote, Stanford, Shefford, and Langford. The 4th Cavalry Brigade arrived at Shefford overnight and were billeted at various farms for several miles around. There were about 1200 men and horses belonging to the 20th Hussars and Scots Greys and Lancers with guns and waggons.The headquarters of the general and staff being at the White Hart hotel in Shefford.These troops were the Red army that were retreating back to Royston and were closely pursued by the Blue army. They arrived much fatigued by the long 38-mile march fromTring and the various fighting actions on the way.The troops were up early next morning and the chief incidents were at Caldecote, Stanford, Langford and Toplers Hill.The main body of the brigade with a great number of waggons stretching hundreds of yards moved out of Shefford along the road to Langford via Clifton.There was already a line of waggons along the road between Clifton Church and Langford.There they stood under cover of the hedge, screened from view from the opposing forces operating from and Stotfold.Their goal was to avoid or fight the Blue army at Langford and then regroup at Wimpole Hall marching via Road, Dunton, and . Upwards of 130 men and horses stayed on 5th Sept Thursday night at Broom, and .In the morning a constant stream of soldiers and their transport proceeded towards Langford and Henlow, several skirmishes taking place on the way.At 6.50am on 6th Sept Friday a monoplane passed over Langford and Biggleswade and a biplane came into range at 7.10am. Both returned to Baldock after circling Langford. It is thought these planes were identifying the location of the various detachments. Several squadrons with their baggage carts and a few cyclists passed through Biggleswade on Friday and about 80 men and horses belonging to the Red army partook of their midday meal in the market place. A good number of people cycled over to Langford when it became known that fighting was taking place at Langford.The Scots Greys were defending the River Ivel against a strong force of mounted men belonging to the Lancers, Hussars etc. who were trying to get through from Shefford to Cambridge. The first shot was fired before 6.00am and the enemy was repulsed after a couple of hours hard fighting.Three times the oncoming army, assisted by maxim machine guns, were repulsed during the morning, the victory being awarded to the Scots Greys by the umpire. The latter also held up the Blues again at the Langford railway bridge in Edworth Road and again at Toplers Hill where the prolonged fighting at Langford ended.Very little work was done in the village on Friday morning as large, interested crowds watched the battles. One horse from the Blue army got stuck in the river as the rider was trying to out flank the troops holding the river bridge. Source: Biggleswade Chronicle archives

38 Langford Football Club

SPARTAN SOUTH MIDLANDS LEAGUE - FIRST DIVISION New Season 2019-20 HOME FIXTURES AT FORDE PARK Our new season for the senior Date Kick-off Comp Opponents Saturday 3rd August 2019 3-00pm ONE Winslow United FC men’s team kicks-off with a Saturday 17th August 2019 3-00pm ONE Enfield Borough FC Saturday 24th August 2019 3-00pm ONE Buckingham Athletic FC home match with Winslow Saturday 14th September 2019 3-00pm FAV Hackney Wick FC or May & Baker FC United FC on Saturday 3rd Saturday 28th September 2019 3-00pm ONE New Salamis FC Tuesday 1st October 2019 7-45pm D1C Stotfold FC August 2019. Below is the Saturday 5th October "#$% 3-00pm ONE Shefford Town & Campton FC fixture list for the next season’s Saturday 19th October 2019 3-00pm ONE Milton Keynes Robins FC Saturday 2nd November 2019 3-00pm ONE London Tigers FC home matches. We welcome Saturday 9th November "#$% 3-00pm ONE Wodson Park FC anyone from Langford and the Saturday 16th November "#$% 3-00pm ONE St Panteleimon FC Tuesday - Date to be Confirmed 7-45pm NBCC Biggleswade FC surrounding areas to visit us at Saturday 30th November "#$% 3-00pm ONE Hillingdon Borough FC Forde Park, to provide your Saturday 21st December "#$% 3-00pm ONE Stotfold FC Saturday 28th December "#$% 3-00pm ONE Bedford FC support and enthusiasm. Like Saturday 1st February "#"# 3-00pm ONE London Lions FC any long-term fixtures, these Saturday 15th February 2020 3-00pm ONE FC Broxbourne Borough Saturday 7th March "#"# 3-00pm ONE Rayners Lane FC dates are subject to change, Saturday 14th March "#"# 3-00pm ONE Park View FC depending upon various cup Saturday 28th March "#"# 3-00pm ONE Amersham Town FC run results and of course, the Saturday 18th April "#"# 3-00pm ONE Town FC Saturday 25th April "#"# 3-00pm ONE Brimsdown FC weather.

Charity Match On Sunday 14 July 2019, our ladies team took part in a charity match at Forde Park against Hitchin Belles FC. Unfortunately,our ladies team were soundly beaten 0 - 6 by a strong and experienced Hitchin Belles side. However, the two teams are to be applauded as the match raised £581 which will go to Macmillan Cancer Support. Below, the two teams are shown together prior to the kick-off; Langford in Red, Hitchin in White.

Chairman Required Unfortunately, our recent Chairman has recently had to resign due to work and family commitments. We therefore have an urgent need for a new Chairman to take us forward over the coming seasons. If you are someone that can spare a few hours a week, have some experience or ideas on how the club may prosper in the future and, hopefully, a passing interest in football and the Langford community,then please contact Dave Boswell on 01462 628427 for an informal chat. We also have a requirement for someone to take on a new role of Commercial Manager to help organise events and fund-raising. If your could help us in this role, please contact Dave Boswell on the same number.

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