TheDownSide DownmagazineSide JUNE / JULY / AUGUST 2018

Dunstable South Children's Centre

Teddy Bears' Fun Day Sunday 1st July 2018 2pm – 5pm Location: Playing Fields by the Downside Community Centre, Suffolk Rd, Attractions: Bouncy castle for toddlers Bouncy castle for up to 12 years olds Face Painting Free tea & coffee Just bring your own picnic! Free Soft Drinks Clown H W G & D All children must be accompanied Residents by a responsible adult. Association Welcome to the Downside Magazine!

Dear Readers,

Summer has finally arrived and longer days with shorter nights mean we can spend more time outside. There are lots of events planned for the upcoming months not only by Dunstable Town Council but also by voluntary organisations running on Downside. Woodfield Green & Downside Residents Association in partnership with the Creative Church are organising a Teddy Bears' Fun Day as featured on our front page on Sunday 1st July. And we mustn’t forget the very popular National Play Day on Wednesday 1st August (also on the front) run by Dunstable South Children’s Centre together with the Town Council. Playday sees more and more attendees each year whatever the weather! Don’t forget to check out our Dates for your Diaries and look at the Dunstable Town Council pages (4-5) as there are fun events planned for everyone.

Your Downside Magazine team Downside Magazine Volunteers Mary Cuckson, Amanda Evans, Visit facebook.com/DownsideMagazineDunstable Annmarie Fourmy, Emma Gibson, The magazine is also available free in digital form on Linda Nash, Jana Veyres, our website downsidemagazinedunstable.co.uk Moira Wollington, Kim Woodland, Jurgita Zizyte If you would like to advertise or write an article for the next edition, please contact: Downside Neighbourhood Centre, Oakwood Ave, LU5 4AS You can call us on 01582 666 403, pop in, write to us or send us your article and photos on an email: [email protected] If you require any help writing your article, we’ll be happy to assist. DEADLINE FOR SEPTEMBER 2018 EDITION IS 30TH AUGUST 2018

Key Contacts

Central Council (CBC) St Augustine’s 0300 300 8000 01582 661 778 CBC REPAIRS (e.g. Pot holes) Downside Pre-School 0300 300 8049 01582 660 833 STREET LIGHT - report a problem The Wildlife Trust (lamp identification number on the lamp post) [email protected] 0300 300 8049 07540 669 907 Police Contact Cllr Eugene Ghent DTC & CBC Non-emergencies 101 SNT. Tel: 01582 703 036 [email protected] Cllr Jessica Castle DTC 01582 666 403 Tel: 01582 931 632 Dunstable Town Council Cllr Philip Crawley 01582 513 000, [email protected] Tel: 01582 515 890

Any opinion expressed in these articles is not necessarily the opinion of the editor. 2 Dunstable South Children's Centre

Regular Programme Oakwood Ave LU5 4AS Monday - Friday Tel: 01582 666403

Monday %Breastfeeding brasserie 12:00 - 1:30pm %Weigh and Play 1:00 - 3pm Health Visitor & Family Support Worker available

Tuesday %Baby Maestros 10:30 - 11:30am 0-12months Wednesday We have a programme %Music Makers 10:00 - 11am (term time only) of activities for the summer holidays. Thursday Please check out our Facebook %Budding Explorers 1:15 - 2.45pm page or pop into the Centre Friday for more details %Mini Movers 9:15 - 10:45am

For more information, please request a copy of the What’s on Guide.

National Play Day 2018 is nearly here! Wednesday 1st August from 11 till 3. We will have bouncy castles, a dedicated toddler area, arts and crafts, side stalls, messy & water play, a football dart board, face painting and lots more free activities for everyone to enjoy. There will be a BBQ, hot & cold drinks and ice cream available (charge applicable) and space on the field if you would like to bring a picnic. We look forward to seeing you all and smashing our record of 1352 visitors last year!

3 Dunstable Town Council

Summer Activities 2018 Not long now before we can begin to Dunstable In Bloom plan for a long summer of fun with the If you would like to enter into any children when they have their six category for this year's week break! In Bloom please contact If this is filling you with dread about [email protected] how to avoid the “I'm bored” and “can by 6 July I have” then don't despair, help is at The theme for 2018 is hand. Dunstable Town Council will Remembrance and Peace once again have a programme of free and affordable activities suitable for all the family. Dates for your diary: Wednesday 1 August – National Play Day at St Augustine's school playing fields 11.00 am to 3.00 pm. In partnership with Dunstable South Children's Centre, This FREE event will include fun and games, arts and crafts and wet and messy play, so don't forget a change of clothes and plenty of wet wipes! Wednesday 8 August – Introduction to Wildlife Trust Rangers (13 to 19 year olds) and photography workshop on Blows Downs 1.00 pm to 3.30 pm Meet at Half Moon Lane entrance. Bring your own camera or phone (some cameras available) and snap away at the wonderful wildlife on display. This is a FREE event but these are limited places so don't delay, book today. Friday 10 August – Inflatable Day in Grove House Gardens 12 noon to 4.00 pm. Bring a picnic and enjoy the park while the children bounce away their energy. Unlimited use wrist bands £6 single use tickets £1.50 each. Suitable for children aged 4+. Sunday 12 August – Skate Jam at Dunstable Skate Park 12 noon to 4.00 pm. Calling all Boarders and BMX tricksters come and show your stuff. Music by DJ Big Man Craig and plenty of prizes to be won. Thursday 16 August – B-Fest at Beecroft school playing fields 11.00 am to 3.00 pm. In partnership with Beehive Children's Centre, FREE entrance to this family festival. Music, live band and entertainment, fun and games. Please note some activities may be chargeable. Monday 20 August – 'It's a Knock Out' inflatable team challenge game. Bennett Memorial Recreation Ground 12 noon to 4.00 pm. Mixed teams of 6 (children 5 to 16 adults 16+) for £5. Great family event which can't be beaten for good nostalgic fun. Be prepared to get wet so bring a change of clothes. Thursday 23 August – Art Attack in Priory Gardens 11.00 am to 3.00 pm. Loads of arts and crafts to make and take. Free for adults, £4 wrist band for children suitable for ages 5+

*For all activities children must be accompanied by an adult For more details please visit www.dunstable.gov.uk 4 Dunstable Town Council

LOVE PARKS WEEK 2018! Once again Dunstable Town Council will take part in the national campaign Love Parks Week. The purpose is to highlight the importance of our parks and green public spaces and it will take place from 13 to 20 July 2018. Plans are already underway to make this a very special week and encourage even more people to enjoy our town's wonderful parks and gardens. Friday 13 July, Pirates Picnic at Brewers Hill Recreation Ground 11.00 am to 12.30 pm. For families with children under 5. There are only 50 children's places available and the cost is £1 per child, adults free. The children will receive lunch and there will be lots of fun and games for all to enjoy, so don't delay book today! Visit the tab below to register and pay. Monday 16 July, BBQ and Jamming in Grove House Gardens 5.00 pm to 7.00 pm for 10 to 18 year olds. Plenty of FREE burgers to get the party started. Feel free to bring your own musical instruments or just bring yourself and enjoy the vibe. Tuesday 17 July, Over 55s Exercise in the Park, at Brewers Hill Recreation Ground 10.30 to 1.00 pm. Different types of light exercises to help keep you fit and active. No need to book or break out the lycra, just come along and have some fun. Wednesday 18 July, Discover the natural beauty of Dunstable West Street Cemetery and capture it through photography. Booking is essential as only 15 places are available, bring your own camera or phone. More activities will be added to this programme so please visit our website page www.dunstable.gov.uk or like our Dunstable Town Council Facebook page for up to date information. *If you are a group with a particular interest, which takes place or could take place in an open space and you would like to encourage new members or share then please contact Sandy Coyle (01582) 891408, [email protected]

Dunstable Town Council 55+ Coffee Mornings 2018 Tuesday 5 June Southwood Road Supported Housing Scheme, 214—262 Southwood Road, LU5 4NN

Tuesday 10 July Dunstable Cemetery Chapel, West Street, LU6 1PD Tuesday 7 August Holts Court Supported Housing Scheme, Edward Street, LU6 1HR FREE to attend 10.00 am to 12 noon

5 Downside Community Centre

Suffolk Rd, LU5 4ES. For more information on the activities below or to request information on renting the hall please contact Teresa 07725 586390 Monday: Youth Club 6pm – 8pm 12-18yrs* Hall for Hire The Community Centre Tuesday: After school Club 3.45pm-5.30pm * halls can be hired for a Scouts group 6pm – 8pm* variety of functions and needs, from small Thursday: Zumba 7pm-8pm (07778 676237) meetings and regular activity groups to Friday: Forever young 11am – 1.30pm * Seniors group children’s parties and special events. Saturday: Church Service 11am-1pm

Creative Church 11.30am – 1pm

Community Lunch 1pm – 2pm

Sunday: Performing Arts 9am-12noon (Christina 07525 850232) To request information 9.30am-10.30am please contact Teresa Monday Leon Fitness 6.30pm-7.30pm to Friday: (07446 824550) 7.30pm – 8.30pm 07725 586390 *term time only www.creativechurch.com

D O N T A time for the whole family M (especially kids!) I to meet, learn, craft, chat, S share, make friends and eat! S EVERY SATURDAY (except school holidays) O 11:30 am - 1:00 pm U FREE ENTRY, FREE LUNCH T! AT 1:00 pm (For more information please contact Teresa on 07725586390)

6 Clive and Eileen to retire in ‘Sunny’ Norfolk

We would like to use this edition of the retire? There’s no stopping them! magazine to thank one of our dedicated We are sad to see Clive leave our volunteers and committee member Clive committee as he will be truly missed. We Bates. He is stepping down from his role are very grateful that Clive was part of the as Treasurer of The Downside Magazine magazine team as his good spirit, to fully retire in Norfolk. unlimited energy and friendly nature Clive and his wife Eileen lived on helped the magazine grow and get better Downside for over 20 years and were very with each edition. active in the community; they can be seen It’s a shame there is such a distance in every picture taken at local events such between us, but we would like to wish Clive as Litter Picks, Big Lunches, Senior and Eileen many sunny days and long Citizens Christmas Lunches and more. enjoyable walks on the beach. We hope While still living on Downside Clive was not every day feels like a holiday for them! only involved with the magazine but he was also on the WG&D Residents Association committee and a chair of the Advisory Board at Dunstable South Children’s Centre. Around 18 months ago they decided to move to the seaside and found a home in Norfolk; and even from the distance of 133 miles Clive has continued his unwavering support for the magazine by proofreading, checking our accounts and fundraising for new funds. So, it’s no surprise that he has not only been helping us from a distance, but together with Eileen they have also taken part in their local beach cleans and recently visited the local Coast watch station run by volunteers. Are they thinking of helping there as well? Will they ever fully

7 9th Dunstable Scout Group

In mid-April the Summer Term started, the Scout Section problem being that nobody had told the Our Scout troop meets at the Ardley Heights weather. This is the term when we expect to scout hut in Buttercup Lane, sharing the be able to enjoy those outdoor pursuits that space, activities and Leaders with the 3rd the winter makes difficult, but so far this year Dunstable Scout Group, an arrangement the early evenings have been quite chilly that benefits both Groups. Sadly the and frequently damp. As I write we have just shooting competition that is one element of completed this year's St George's Day the District competition for all Scouts was parade through the town centre. The gods first postponed but then had to be omitted did smile on us a little. The drizzle on Sunday this year; we hope to restore it for next year's morning paused long enough for us to competition. The overall winners for 2017- parade in the dry, before resuming soon 18 were the 1st Eaton Bray & Edlesborough after we left St Mary's Church following the Scout Group, so congratulations to them. service. Boy, was it chilly! The 9th's Scouts' programme included Beaver Section sessions on Chinese New Year and One outdoor activity we did manage in the Hinduism, as well as Easter. dry was the joint Beavers and Cubs hike from the green at Caddington across How can my child join? country to our meeting place at the Scouting is open to all boys and girls Downside Community Centre. The between the ages of 6 and 18 years, and unusually cold Spring forced us to beyond. reschedule this from the beginning of March to the end of the month. The hike is quite Meeting places: Beavers and Cubs at the challenging for young Beavers but everyone Downside Community Centre, Suffolk Road; made it back, tired but unscathed. Scouting Scouts at the Ardley Heights Scout hut up is about challenging yourself to do things Buttercup Lane, off Canesworde Road. you might otherwise say are "too difficult for For more information please email Graham me." Our colony numbers are growing nicely on the email address below. with a couple of former Beavers returning to Looking forward us and also new starters; we welcome them. to some warmer weather. Cub Section Like the Beavers section, the number of Graham Webb young people in the Cubs pack is slowly Group Scout Leader growing with new ones joining, and two email: [email protected] current Beavers due to move on to Cubs in May when they are eight years old. This term we have two significant events for our Cubs: a District Survival Day in May at the Longrove camp ground in Studham. Here, Cubs try their hand at a range of skills such as shelter building and backwoods cooking, as well as some fun activity bases. Then in June we have the main event of the summer, the District Cub Camp, to be held this year over the weekend of 22-24 June at Phasels Wood Scout Campsite and Activity Centre in Kings Langley.

8 WG&D Residents’ Association

Yellow Lines around the Estate At present there are two main locations of concern 1. Outside the school in Oakwood Avenue as parking greatly reduces visibility with children and pedestrians having to walk between parked vehicles to see. Feasibility of yellow lines around the school to alleviate dangerous parking. 2.The junction of Southwood Road and Mountview Avenue as vehicles park on the corners of Mountview Avenue and block access to this road. Jill Cross from CBC said she would talk to the appropriate team member to see if these can be added to the schedule of works for this area. Wheelie Bin Hard Standing It has been agreed that CBC will install 4 hard standing areas for wheelie bins in Brive Road and Mountview Avenue, although 7 are urgently required. The remainder will be installed in the new financial year.

Great British Spring Clean on Downside The WG&D RA organised a litter pick to join others around the country for The Great British Spring Clean. A group of residents from the Residents’ Association and members of their families managed to fill more bags than on the previous Litter pick in 2017. The team of volunteers focussed on clearing three key areas on the estate including paths, hedgerows and alleyways. They managed to fill over fifteen sacks in just an hour, mainly consisting of plastic bottles, bags and paper. The bags of litter were collected by CBC for disposal. Teddy Bears' Fun Day Sunday 1stJuly 2018 from 2pm to 5pm at the Suffolk Road Recreation Ground / Community Centre. WG&D Residents’ Association Meetings Join the residents to discuss any issues or concerns you have at the monthly Residents' Association meetings held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month starting at 7.15pm at the Downside Community Centre, Suffolk Rd.

Dates of the summer meetings are: 20th June, 18th July & no meeting held in August due to holiday.

9 St Augustine’s Academy News

think about what it would have been like living through this tragic, historical event. Our value for this half term, at St. Augustine's, is 'friendship' and we are pleased that Rev. Ricky Turner is visiting our school each week to lead collective worship around this theme. We are also learning how to be self-motivated and to build up our own personal resilience and independence; especially in learning. If we The spring term at St. Augustine's was full persevere and see our challenges as of exciting opportunities for our pupils. We motivators to improve, then we can achieve have built a Curriculum that provides a amazing things. range of diverse experiences and which If you would like to find out more about our inspires children to love learning. school, our modern, vibrant website By working in collaboration with the provides a wealth of information about St. Children's Centre, we have been able to Augustine's and gives you a flavour of life deliver Forest School for our Reception and learning at our school. pupils. They have had a truly wonderful The website address is experience and in the photograph below www.staugustinesacademy.co.uk. you can see some of them proudly standing by their new 'Bug House'. Our Year 5 and 6 pupils were given the opportunity to learn about the justice system in the UK when they were visited by two local magistrates. This enhanced their learning about British Values and gave them the opportunity to discuss the impact that crime and punishment can have on everyday life. Also pictured below you can see the beautiful Roman mosaics made by our pupils in Year 3 and the cardboard, replica, London houses made by our Year 2 pupils as part of their learning about the Great Fire of London. Setting them alight and watching them burn helped them to really

10 Downside Pre School

www.downsidepreschool.com Visitors are welcome at any time!

Places available at Downside Pre-School Downside Pre-school offers high quality education and care for children from 2-5 years of age. We are open 5 days a week from 8.45am to 3.15pm and offer 15 hours funding for eligible 2 year old children. We also offer 30 hours funding for eligible 3 and 4 year olds. There is 15 hours of funding available for children of 3 and 4 years. If you are not eligible for the 2 year old funding our prices are £4.30 per hour. Please contact Mrs Julie Russell Downside Pre-School manager. Our telephone number is 01582 660833 Junior Wardens “Inspiring The Younger Generation” This fantastic group continue to make a difference within their community. Clare and Rigerta have, as always, been brilliant and have kept the group busy and engaged, with visits from Bedfordshire Police and the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire. This was all in aid of the group becoming dignity champions! Not only that, they created Easter crafts, and are learning all about Resilience and spoiler alert. They are even planning a dignity play! On top of all this they took part in the Great British Spring Clean litter pick around Downside and have signed up to two great schemes, hich include the road safety charity BRAKE kids walk and The Great Plastic Pick Up. The group meet at St Augustines Academy on a Wednesday after school (term-time only) 3:30 pm to 4:45 pm for 8 to 12 year olds who are pupils of the school. If you have young person who attends St. Augustines Academy who would be interested in joining then please contact the school office.

11 Weatherfield Academy

Ofsted praises Weatherfield Academy for the outstanding personal development, behaviour and welfare of its pupils. Weatherfield Academy in Dunstable is truly a special school, in every sense of the word. Not only do they cater solely for students with special educational needs, they have a special place in the heart of the local community, the pupils, parents and staff. Their recent Ofsted report highlights how they are excelling in their abilities and delivering on the school’s main ethos of “Become the Best Person They Can Be”. Ofsted rated Weatherfield Academy’s personal development, behaviour and welfare of students as outstanding with an overall good rating for the school. Head Teacher Mr Selmes explained “Our expectations are very high. We know that every single one of our pupils has great potential and it is our job to support them in realising that potential to the full. We are able to achieve this, thanks to the wonderful support and long- term commitment we have from businesses and the wider community in Dunstable. Thanks to them, our pupils now benefit directly from fantastic facilities and vastly improved resources.” Weatherfield Academy is a special school with 118 students. The Academy has an excellent learning environment looked after almost entirely by the students themselves. The Academy is for young people who find it difficult to maintain their progress in mainstream educational settings. All young people who attend Weatherfield Academy have an SEN Education Healthcare Plan (EHCP). The Academy is set up in the same way as a mainstream school. The small class groups linked to specialist teaching and support, give the young person an opportunity to work with peers and build a set of life skills from which to approach their future. The Academy's mission is to work together to place the young person at the centre of all we strive for by developing confidence, independence and life-long learning. Contacts: Mr Joe Selmes, Head Teacher. Ph 01582 605632, weatherfi[email protected]

12 St Augustine's Church

Our new All-Age Choir was set up at the end of February. We currently have 18 members ranging from age 7 to 70ish. We rehearse on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month at 10am and sing at our All- Age Service which is on the 4th Sunday of every month at 10:30am. Fun and friendship is at the heart of this choir. We enjoy singing a wide range of different musical styles. At our first service as a choir, which focused on the theme of prayer, we sang the South African song 'Woza Nomthwalo/Come, bring your burdens to God' in four part harmony. We also sang a John Bell chant based on Psalm 30:11 called 'Lord, you can turn all mourning into dancing'. This chant was accompanied by some boomwhackers (tuned percussion tubes) played by some of our younger members. From the wider congregation's feedback afterwards it was clear that the All-Age Choir had deeply enriched our church's worship. All are welcome to join our All-Age Choir. Here's a photo of us after our first service in February:: For important events: To arrange a christening (baptism), wedding or funeral at St Augustine's Church please contact Revd Ricky Turner on 01582 528485. Or to arrange a christening (baptism), wedding or funeral at The Priory Church please contact Jackie Roberts (the Parish Administrator) on 01582 477401

Looking for a party venue? Please join us for our New Special Children's Party regular services: Rates available!! Rooms for Hire Sunday 10.30am: St. Augustine's Church rooms and kitchen Sung Eucharist and Junior Church except can be hired for a variety of functions and on the 4th Sunday of each month needs, from small meetings and regular 4th Sunday of the month 10.30am: activity groups to larger parties and Family Service led by our Worship Group special events. We have what you need! Tuesdays and Thursdays 4.00pm: For more information about booking Evening Prayer Please contact Wednesdays 10.30am: Andrea Haughton tel: 01582 660974 Said Eucharist and tea/coffee or email [email protected].

We continue to support the Foodbank with a distribution centre every Thursday Summer Fayre Saturday 30th June morning from 9.30am – 11.30am. from 11am to 2pm Foodbank vouchers can be obtained from Lots of stalls, tombolas and raffle. the Downside Neighbourhood Centre Please come and support us by (next to St. Augustine's Academy). having fun and getting some bargains!

www.trusselltrust.org

For further information about news and events please visit our website: www.dunstableparish.org.uk/st-augustines-church 13 The Wildlife Trust

WALKING WARDENS – CONSERVATION WE NEED YOU! VOLUNTEERING TASKS Our Volunteer Walking Wardens act as another Help local wildlife, meet new set of eyes and ears for our reserves, protecting people, learn new skills and get them and encouraging responsible use of fresh air and exercise.We run the reserves. We are looking to recruit some conservation task days at more Volunteer Walking Wardens. If this is weekends and mid-week on nature something you would be interested in, reserves throughout the North please contact the Toddington Chilterns Chalk area including Office for more information Blow’s Downs, Totternhoe, Pegsdon and a role description. Hills, Chalk Pit and Contact details: Galley and Warden Hills. No 01525 874317 previous experience or skills [email protected] Youth Rangers (13-19 year olds) Young persons photography workshop Come and look at Blow’s Downs through the eye of a lens. Use your phone, own camera or borrow one of ours to take pictures on the reserve. Next you will have the opportunity to work on your favourites back at a computer before printing it to take home. Wednesday 8 August 1pm - 3.30pm Price £3 Blow’s Downs Reserve, LU5 4AE Booking required. For bookings and further information 01525 874317 [email protected]

Taken by Zsuzanna Bird 14 Would you like some help from Dunstable Good Neighbours ? We are a group of volunteers offering occasional help to Dunstable residents who do not have close family or friends nearby. We can offer friendship by way of a chat and a cup of tea, or we can help with small tasks around the house or garden, or provide lifts to the doctor’s, shops, etc. We can also assist with form filling, letter writing and emails. All our volunteers have had a criminal records check (DBS), and our visits are free. If any of you know of anyone who needs help from us or who would like to volunteer with us, then please pass the message on.

Our email address is Dunstable Road, Dunstable, LU1 4BB - on the [email protected] edge of Downside. Find out if your child is Our Helpline Number is 07491 455777 entitled to15 hours of free childcare a week.

15 Dates for Your Diary

Woodfield Green and Downside (WG&D) Residents Association meets at Downside Community Centre, Suffolk Road on the dates below. Everyone is welcome!

JUNE 5 55+ Coffee Morning 10am – 12noon, Southwood Rd Supported Housing, p.5 20 WG&D Residents' Association meeting – 7.15pm at Downside Community Centre 30 St Augustine's Church Summer Fayre 11am – 2pm, p.13 For full Dunstable Town Council events calendar please see pages 4 and 5 JULY 1 Teddy Bears' Fun Day 2pm – 5pm – see the front page for more info 6 End of Dunstable In Bloom competition entry, p.4 10 55+ Coffee Morning 10am – 12noon, Dunstable Cemetery Chapel, p.5 17 Over 55s Exercise 10.30am – 1pm, Brewers Hill Recreation Ground, p.5 18 WG&D Residents' Association meeting – 7.15pm at Downside Community Centre AUGUST 1 National Playday 11am-3pm – see the front page for more info 7 55+ Coffee Morning 10am – 12noon, Holts Court Supported Housing, p.5 8 Youth Rangers (13 – 19yrs) – Young persons photography workshop, p. 14

We take great care to ensure all information in the Police Contact Downside magazine is correct As always, if you need us: at the time of going to press. However, we would advise in emergency please dial 999 everyone to phone and check in non-emergencies call us on 101 details prior to making a long trip ... or promise! Email address: [email protected] Special thanks to the following sponsors for their contribution Funded by the Bedfordshire and Luton; Community Foundation’s London Luton Airport Operations Ltd Fund.