Stagsden Village Newsletter Issue 181 February 2019 – March 2019

In this Months Issue

News from St Keep it local - check Parish Council Village events - Dates Leonard’s our advertisers Update for the diary

From Catherine Wilson

It’s That Time again! All the Anglican Churches in have to do it; it’s six years since the last time it happened, and so we must do it again. It is quite a major undertaking for the Church, but thankfully we are provided with the resources we need to help it go smoothly, and it doesn’t take too long.

What is it? It’s the creation of the new Church Electoral Roll (not to be confused with the Government’s Electoral Roll which lists all those entitles to vote in political elections). Every six years the Church of England scraps its Electoral Roll, and everyone has to sign up all over again, even if you’ve been on the Roll before.

Being on the Electoral Roll of the Church implies a sense of membership – this is your local church and you feel you belong to it. You might not come along every week, and you might not even agree with everything that is said and done, locally or by the Church nationally, but nevertheless you want to be part of it. With membership comes both the right to help choose Parish Church Council (PCC) members, and the responsibility to support the church through prayer and giving of time, money and talents.

Membership is particularly in the news at the moment as politicians endeavour to work out the best way to end our country’s membership of the EU, but there are many different organisations that we can join individually. The youngsters might belong to sports teams or to the Scout and Guide movements, while adults belong to a gym, or a professional body through their work – most of us have signed up to belong to something. It brings a sense of involvement and hopefully commitment to the group you choose.

St Paul uses the picture of a body to describe the church in one of his letters – every part is important and has its own role within the whole, however insignificant it may appear. Our daughter has just suffered a broken toe – a tiny digit, on the end of her foot and a very long way from her head, it is still having a considerable impact on her well-being and her mobility. When one small part is not working as it should, the whole body is affected.

If you want to say that you belong to one of our churches, and are willing to play your part in supporting the church’s mission and ministry, then we’d be very glad to add you to that church’s Electoral Roll. You need to be baptised, and live in the parish or attend church regularly. Electoral Roll forms are available in all the churches – do come and join us!

Catherine Wilson

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Newsletter Information Accuracy We try to be accurate but please remember we are Publication Dates amateurs so there will be errors. Every effort is The Stagsden Village Newsletter is produced taken to make sure the Village Diary is correct but, every other month on or around the 1st of Oct, Dec, if a date is important to you, please double check Feb, Apr, Jun, and Aug. before you plan to attend. Deadlines Contacts Please submit all contributions by the 20th of the To contact the Village Newsletter please email, the month preceding the publication date. appropriate person below:- Contributions Editor ~ Simon Berrington The Newsletter seeks to provide information, news [email protected] items, reports on recent events and to support / build up the village community. Treasurer & Adverts ~ Simon Berrington We reserve the right to decline to publish articles which are of a personal or critical nature which do not uphold its values and ethos. Distribution ~ Lesley Brown [email protected] Distribution The Stagsden Village Newsletter is distributed by Editorial volunteers to every household in the Parish and some beyond. If you can help with delivery, or Thank you everyone for your article contributions. would like an electronic version of the newsletter, If you see a contributor in the village please do please let us know. express your thanks, we wouldn’t have a newsletter without them. Advertisements

The advertisements help to pay for the Newsletter Simon Berrington with any excess going to the Friends of St.

Leonard’s. Please support your local businesses.

Costs of placing advertisements for all 6 editions

(covering 12 months) are as follows;

¼ Page - £18 ⅓ Page - £24 ½ Page – £36 Full Page - £72

Thanks Thanks to all our many contributors, distributors, readers and the NFU for the printing

Stagsden Village Hall

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Coming in the March Fun Quiz and Curry Night Stagsden Village Hall

Look out for fliers with full information and ticket booking form.

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MICK BRUMMELL

It was with great sadness to hear on December 5th we lost a much-loved village friend. He was a founder member of the TOADS. The driving force and first chairman of the allotments. Our lasting memories of Mick will live on in Stagsden. It was a privilege to have had him as a friend and neighbour. He will be greatly missed.

Blunham Giant Book Sale Saturday 16th February 10:00 to 3:00pm

Come to our Browse and Buy Second Hand Giant Book Sale at Blunham Parish Church, (St Edmunds or St James, Park Lane, Beds, MK44 3NQ) Selection of second hand/nearly new books, Homemade cakes, teas and coffees, homemade soup and a raffle. All proceeds to Blunham Church Fabric Fund.

Toads 50+ Draw Winners

Village Hall Donation £58 per draw!

Aug 1st L Mackness £58 2nd J Hodson £29 Sep 1st L Mackness £58 2nd C Moss £29 Oct 1st R Jacobs £58 2nd S Hodson £29 Nov 1st M Fensom £58 2nd F Wilson £29 Dec 1st R Heron £58 2nd J Haywood £29

If anybody would like to join the daw please contact Joanne (823454). The draw takes place at the Coffee Pot.

Parish Council News

Street Lighting

It has been brought to the attention of the Parish Council that the upgraded street lights are too bright and have been causing a nuisance to many residents. Other surrounding villages have taken the decision to turn them down to a more suitable level and have turned them off during part of the night (from midnight to 5am). There are several benefits to doing this, firstly it is more environmentally friendly, as it will use less energy. Secondly it will reduce the cost of running lighting when there is very little or no demand for them and thirdly, it has been shown to be much better for wildlife in the local area, including bats, as well as migrating birds and lastly it will reduce the light pollution that we as a village produce. There has been a campaign nationally geared towards helping to create a more natural dark sky that rural areas should be able to enjoy, as opposed to bright urban area's and we would be helping support this.

We understand that there may be concerns about an increase in crime, but there has been no reports of increased crime, either locally or nationally when the street lights have been dimmed and turned off.

Please feel free to come and talk to the Parish Council (in particular Ashley Kenlock who is heading this up) during the Neighbourhood Plan Event on the 16th Feb, if you would like to know more.

Gypsy and Traveller Site Appeal – Ref.APP/K0235/W/18/3195889 LOCATION : Bromham Nurseries Bromham Bypass Bromham MK43 8RG An Informal Hearing will be held in the Committee Room 2 Borough Hall, Cauldwell Street, Bedford, commencing at 10:00am on 05.02.2019. Any interested parties may attend and, at the Inspector’s discretion, give their views. Correction to Parish Council update in Dec. to Jan. Newsletter

The wording in relation to Update on Current Issues should have read:- Martin Page from Brown & Co, spoke about the planning application for 6 new houses and a new village green area at Spring Lane. A planning application is still being prepared. We indicated the open space needed to be larger and the houses hopefully will not encroach on this area. The open space could be used for village events and also an orchard, wildlife area and pond are being considered. This area is a preferred site for the Village Green which fits with the vision of the Neighbourhood Plan. It should be noted that this is part of the current Policy Map for Stagsden and is part of the current Bedford Borough Local Plan. Speed Watch Update

Stagsden Speed Watch team appear live on BBC 3 Counties Radio during their live treasure quest in December. (See Below). Despite Santa’s little helper telling listeners we were conducting a speed watch, we still had 4 motorists that were registered speeding out of a total of 16 vehicles in a 30 minute period. Please be aware of your speed and keep within the 30 mph speed limit and encourage your visitors to do the same.

Car Parking

The Parish Council has received complaints about inconsiderate parking in the village, this will be monitored on an ongoing basis. Please park considerately, so as not to cause a hazard to either other road uses or pedestrians by not parking on the pavements, verges or too close to road junctions. Christmas Lunch On Thursday 20th December, 23 Stagsden villagers in their golden years sat down to a traditional Christmas lunch in the village hall. This was cooked, served and cleared up by members of the Parish Council and also Nic and Jane. The feedback this year has again been very positive with everybody saying that they had eaten too much. The Parish Council hope to be able to offer an invitation to this event again this year. Watch out for the date!!

Dog Fouling The usual gripe about dog fouling has not gone away. The path around by the church is particularly bad, also the bottom half of Bedford Rd. I do not enjoy picking up other peoples dogs mess!!!!

Play Area In early January we had a meeting with BPHA at the play area. They have agreed to spend some money on upgrading the area and the equipment. At this time they are drawing up plans for us to discuss. Hopefully this will be carried out by late Spring.

Parish Councillor Vacancy

We still have a Parish Council vacancy if anybody is interested please come to the next meeting to express an interest. Contact details on any issues: Chair Person- Joanne Hodson 01234 823454 Vice chair-Peter Brown Next Meeting: Monday 18th March 7.30pm

SELF CONTAINED STUDIO IN STAGSDEN Is anybody interested in renting this space? Newly decorated,all bills included. Come and have a viewing and a chat if curious. Contact: Joanne or Shane (823454)

News from St Leonard’s Church

It was wonderful to see so many of the village community gathered in the church to celebrate Christmas and staying for the get-together over refreshments afterwards. With the church decorated and candles flickering on the window sills it looked lovely. It was good to see an increased number of children there to enjoy all that was going on. Our thanks, as usual, to all those who set up the Christmas tree, decorated the church with flowers, provided the refreshments, and covered all the other small jobs that needed doing. Our thanks too, to Ian Craig for providing the Christmas tree again this year.

Future Programme This year we plan to hold a few more mid-morning services with music and hymn singing, which will be more suitable for families with children, and easier for those who don’t like to get up early on a Sunday. (There is a children’s activity area at the back, with toys, but we don’t mind the little ones wandering round) Easter Day Service will be at the later time of 10.30 with an Easter egg hunt at the end – mainly for the children, but refreshments will be available for the adults

Building Projects This year we hope to get quite a few projects underway. The new sound system, complete with a hearing loop, will be installed this year and we have the finance ready for it. The first exploratory phase of excavation of a trench along the outside of the south wall will begin late spring, which will considerably lower the ground level against the old wall which is causing damp problems. This will involve archaeology work and will also include the replacing the old drains moving rainwater from the roof downpipes and gullies away from the church building. (We also hope to be able to tackle the re -decorating of the vestry which was identified as a priority when the church was inspected).

Friends of St Leonard’s Church We are indebted to our regular supporters without whom we could not maintain and improve this ancient building and meet the annual running costs of its ministry to a community. We must keep it open to continue to serve the village. (£2, 5 or 10 per month) means a great deal to us. If there are others who could pledge a regular amount, I will be leaving forms at the Farm Shop by next weekend, and envelopes so that the completed form may be returned sealed for confidentially. Alternatively, phone me: Tel 918691

Neighbourhood watch on the Church There have been more thefts of lead from the rooves of Bedfordshire churches, and they have recently begun to target churches in the centre of a village as well as the isolated buildings. It was reassuring to find that last November when the local firm (Kinns – father and son) were up on our church roof clearing the gutters and checking the roof etc, we had four phone calls and at least three other people who went to speak to them. Thank you all for your vigilance. We don’t mind being phoned to check if this is an authorised visit. In the past we had been advised that we were unlikely to be targeted as the church was at the village centre. We are reconsidering this. Di Harpham

FOUND A KEY I found a single Yale type door key on Frossells track last week,(opposite allotment entrance) if it may be yours contact Joanne (823454)

NEWS FROM THE STAGSDEN ALLOTMENT AND LEISURE ASSOCIATION (SAALA)

I would like to start with a thank you to the two previous Chairmen of SAALA. Jim Watson who held the position for nine years. So thank you for all your hard work that you have put in over that time. A special mention for Mick Brummell who is sadly no longer with us, Mick played a major part in getting the allotments up and running, sometimes with opposition but managed to sort out things amicably, we will always be forever grateful to him. During the last ten years the plot has gone from a field to a matured looking allotment & I think a very attractive green space where it is a pleasure to be. Despite last years difficult weather every one managed to get something from their plots. I am sure this year will be much kinder to us, happy digging for 2019. This year as well as offering full & half plots, we are going to offer quarter plots, these plots are to give people who would like to try growing vegetables but are worried about taking on a large plot. These plots will be offered at £20 rent per year including membership, so come & give it a try. As well as growing vegetables and fruit, SAALA have had a number of social events throughout the year. Barbeques, meals out, garden visits, fireworks, Sun flower painting competition & apple pressing. If you would like a plot & join us socially please call me on 01234 823454 or 07885439164. Many thanks

Shane Hodson

Oakley Rural Day Centre Oakley Rural, The Old School, Lovell Road, Oakley, Beds, MK43 7RX Tel: 01234 824935 Mobile: 07733 227374 Web: www.oakleyrural.org.uk Registered Charity No: 1060283

WELCOME Oakley Rural Day Centre was established in 1998 and we are still going from strength to strength. Our elderly clients look forward every week to a fun packed day in a safe and friendly environment. The creative use of space ensures that small groups can sit together to ensure that clients and staff can interact on a human scale. The Centre is situated in the Old School House, a lovely building in a beautiful setting. The centre is run by three members of staff, backed by thirteen volunteers and a team of volunteer trustees.

WHAT WE DO The centre is open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday with a start time of 10am. Our clients come from Bedford and surrounding villages. The day starts off with tea, coffee and toast which gives everyone a chance to catch up with their friends about their previous week. We offer a wide variety of mentally and physically stimulating activities, including various craft activities, quizzes, puzzles and games. Alternatively clients can choose to chat or read - it’s their day! We also hold exercise classes on Wednesday morning provided by a qualified trainer. The exercises are chair based and again clients can choose whether to take part. Weather permitting we can go for short walks in the village or just sit in the beautiful peaceful garden which surrounds the old school. We also have entertainers and guest speakers who give their precious time to perform for us. Hammers Choir are regular visitors to the centre. They provided a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon of entertainment. Angela our cook prepares a delicious two course freshly cooked lunch with seasonable vegetables and locally sourced meat. A traditional roast lunch and apple crumble is always a favourite. Sometimes our clients help to make cakes etc for our Autumn Fair and other events. We hold an environment health hygiene food rating of 5 and cater for various dietary needs. The centre relies on grants and donations and the good will of our band of volunteers. The cost of the sessions to individuals compares well with other service providers in the Borough. The differential between the cost to the client and to the Charity in providing the service is met through fundraising.

PLACES AVAILABLE We have places available for our elderly clients on all three days, so if anyone is interested to come and have a fun packed enjoyable day with good company please call the number below. We can also give advice on possible transport options. The Centre is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. For more information contact Lynne on 01234 824935 or 07733 227374

The Garden Rooms 10 Bedford Road Stagsden 01234 823454 www.gardenrooms-bandb.co.uk

We offer our guests a high standard of accomodation, with special homely touches

All 3 bedrooms have ensuite shower rooms with bathrobes Homemade cake and tea tray on arrival Homemade biscuits on hospitality trays in rooms.

A choice of full cooked breakfast, using our own eggs, or other breakfast selections from the breakfast buffet. All diets catered for with prior notice.

Please contact Joanne or Shane for more information and tariffs. You are more than welcome to come and have a look round.

ALL STITCHES Hand Knitting & Needlecrafts ______Briar Bank Park Beds MK45 3ES Tues – Sat 9.30 – 16.30 ______01234 740099 Info @allstitches.co.uk

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FUTURE DIARY DATES Event and Time Venue Contact

Please double check any date that is important to you VILLAGE DIARY FOR FEBRUARY 2019 Event and Time Venue Contact Fri 1st Feb Sat 2nd Feb Sun 3rd Feb No Service St Leonard’s Benefice admin 825454 Mon 4th Feb Yoga 7.00 p.m. Village Hall Fiona Gibson 269711 Tue 5th Feb Stagsden Historical Society 7.30 p.m. Village Hall Margaret 825459 Wed 6th Feb Tower Bell Ringing 8.00 p.m. St Leonard’s Richard Brown 07713 074464 Thu 7th Feb Coffee Pot 10.30 a.m. Village Hall Monica Moss 826529 Yoga 1.00 p.m. Village Hall Fiona Gibson 269711 Fri 8th Feb Sat 9th Feb Sun 10th Feb Parish Eucharist 9.00 a.m. St Leonard’s Benefice admin 825454 Mon 11th Feb Yoga 7.00 p.m. Village Hall Fiona Gibson 269711 Tue 12th Feb Wed 13th Feb Tower Bell Ringing 8.00 p.m. St Leonard’s Richard Brown 07713 074464 Thu 14th Feb Coffee Pot 10.30 a.m. Village Hall Monica Moss 826529 Yoga 1.00 p.m. Village Hall Fiona Gibson 269711 Fri 15th Feb Sat 16th Feb Sun 17th Feb No Service St Leonard’s Benefice admin 825454 Mon 18th Feb Yoga 7.00 p.m. Village Hall Fiona Gibson 269711 Tue 19th Feb Wed 20th Feb Tower Bell Ringing 8.00 p.m. St Leonard’s Richard Brown 07713 074464 Thu 21st Feb Coffee Pot 10.30 a.m. Village Hall Monica Moss 826529 Yoga 1.00 p.m. Village Hall Fiona Gibson 269711 Fri 22nd Feb Sat 23rd Feb Sun 24th Feb Parish Eucharist 9.00 a.m. St Leonard’s Benefice admin 825454 Mon 25th Feb Tue 26th Feb Wed 27th Feb Tower Bell Ringing 8.00 p.m. St Leonard’s Richard Brown 07713 074464 Thu 28th Feb Coffee Pot 10.30 a.m. Village Hall Monica Moss 826529 Yoga 1.00 p.m. Village Hall Fiona Gibson 269711

Service details are available on the Benefice website – www.bromhambenefice.org

VILLAGE DIARY FOR MARCH 2019 Event and Time Venue Contact Fri 1st Mar Sat 2nd Mar Sun 3rd Mar No Service St Leonard’s Benefice admin 825454 Mon 4th Mar Yoga 7.00 p.m. Village Hall Fiona Gibson 269711 Tue 5th Mar Stagsden Historical Society 7.30 p.m. Village Hal Margaret 825459 Wed 6th Mar Tower Bell Ringing 8.00 p.m. St Leonard’s Richard Brown 07713 074464 Thu 7th Mar Coffee Pot 10.30 a.m. Village Hall Monica Moss 826529 Yoga 1.00 p.m. Village Hall Fiona Gibson 269711 Fri 8th Mar Sat 9th Mar . Sun 10th Mar Parish Eucharist 9.00 a.m. St Leonard’s Benefice admin 825454 Mon 11th Mar Yoga 7.00 p.m. Village Hall Fiona Gibson 269711 Tue 12th Mar Wed 13th Mar Tower Bell Ringing 8.00 p.m. St Leonard’s Richard Brown 07713 074464 Thu 14th Mar Coffee Pot 10.30 a.m. Village Hall Monica Moss 826529 Yoga 1.00 p.m. Village Hall Fiona Gibson 269711 Fri 15th Mar Sat 16th Mar . Sun 17th Mar No Service St Leonard’s Benefice admin 825454 Mon 18th Mar Yoga 7.00 p.m. Village Hall Fiona Gibson 269711 Tue 19th Mar Wed 20th Mar Tower Bell Ringing 8.00 p.m. St Leonard’s Richard Brown 07713 074464 Thu 21st Mar Coffee Pot 10.30 a.m. Village Hall Monica Moss 826529 Yoga 1.00 p.m. Village Hall Fiona Gibson 269711 Fri 22nd Mar Sat 23rd Mar Village Litter Pick 10.00 a.m. 2019 Millennium Dick Thompson T 824477 Green Sun 24th Mar Parish Eucharist 9.00 a.m. St Leonard’s Benefice admin 825454 Mon 25th Mar Yoga 7.00 p.m. Village Hall Fiona Gibson 269711 Tue 26th Mar Wed 27th Mar Tower Bell Ringing 8.00 p.m. St Leonard’s Richard Brown 07713 074464 Thu 28th Mar Coffee Pot 10.30 a.m. Village Hall Monica Moss 826529 Yoga 1.00 p.m. Village Hall Fiona Gibson 269711 Fri 29th Mar Sat 30th Mar Sun 31st Mar Benefice Songs of Praise 6.00 p.m. St Leonard’s Benefice admin 825454