PPAARRIISSHH WWEELLCCOOMMEE PPAACCKK

covering Shillington, and .

WELCOME TO THE PARISH OF SHILLINGTON www.shillington.org.uk

During the current COVID-19 pandemic many of the listed businesses/organisations have had to suspend operating due to social distancing requirements, although some are still able to provide a service due to the nature of their businesses. Hopefully many will be able to resume once we come through the other side.

You have chosen to live in a friendly and thriving village.

Shillington occupies an attractive area of countryside but is close enough to many towns to enjoy their facilities and within easy reach of London. Shillington grew around a small hill where a Church has stood for a thousand years or more. The village has a distinct shape and is based on several clusters of houses, or ‘ends’, and hamlets. It is near the north eastern end of the Chiltern Hills and part of the Parish lies within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Here, there are extensive views and nature reserves with unusual plants and wildlife.

But a village isn’t just about its place in the world, it’s about its people. They make the village what it is by their actions. Shillington has plenty of history. From Scyttle - the Saxon after whom the village is named - through to its modern residents, Shillington is really the sum total of what its inhabitants have done or achieved. It will continue to be so in the future.

Now that you live in Shillington, you have an opportunity to contribute to the village and make it an even better place. There are many ways to do this. Playing in a sports team, sending a child to the village school, visiting a pub, attending events in the Village Hall or on the Playing Field, finding out more about the area, spending at the shops, joining one of organisations offering a wide range of activities - these are just a few of the ways of putting something back in return for the benefits of living here.

This directory gives information that will help you to settle in Shillington. By supporting the businesses, services and voluntary groups listed here, you can help them prosper. Without your help, they will die.

Shillington Parish Council has produced this guide and is committed to maintaining the character and vitality of the village. Please contact your Parish Councillors and tell them about your interests and ideas. These could make Shillington an even better place to be in years to come.

 May 2020 C O N T E N T S

1. Welcome

2. Index

3-4. Pubs & Restaurants

5-8 Local Trades People

9. Garages / Vehicle Services / Taxis

10-11 Village Stores / Post Office / Newsagents / Mobile Fish & Chips

12-13 Places of Worship

14. Places of Education

15-16. Sports, Leisure & Beauty

17. Computer Services

18. Other Services/Miscellaneous

19. Doctors / Dentists and aligned professional services

20. Vets / Kennels & Cattery

21. Library / Parish Newsletter / Annual Events

22-26. Local Organisations

27. Environmental

Please ‘contact us’ if details/information are out of date or if you are a local business/group and would like to be listed here. No charge for inclusion.

2

The Crown Inn -  01462-711667 – Although currently closed is offering Food & Drink Takeaway/Delivery Service & small shop. Landlord & Lady: Philip & Victoria Kelly www.crownshillington.co.uk 104 High Road, Shillington. SG5 3LP email: [email protected]

Opening hours: Mon-Thurs – midday to 11.00pm Fri-Sat – Midday-Midnight Sun – Midday-11.00pm

Food served: Monday-Friday: 12 noon to 3.00pm & 6.00pm to 10.00pm Saturday: 12 noon to 10.00pm Sunday: 12 noon to 9.00pm

After extensive work and refurbishment The Crown is now under the ownership of Philip and Victoria.

Serving quality food and drink within a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere for all. Pop in and try their fantastic menu or just to enjoy a pint, glass of wine or cup of coffee.

Family friendly, dog friendly, community friendly.

The Musgrave Arms -  01462-504115 www.MusgraveArms.co.uk reopened on 20 July 2019 Currently closed Landlord & Lady: Jackie Castle & Paul. 16 Apsley End Road, Shillington. SG5 3LX

Pub Opening Hours: Open 7 days a week for food Mon - Thurs: 12 noon - 11pm Mon – Fri: Lunch 12 noon - 3.00pm Friday - Saturday: 12 noon - 12pm Evenings – 5.30pm - 9.00pm Sunday: 12 noon - 10.30pm Sat: 12 noon-9.00pm/Sun: 12 noon-6.00pm

Jackie & Paul are delighted to welcome both old customers and new to their newly refurbished pub.

This will continue to be a family pub offering a warm welcome and friendly atmosphere; good fresh food locally sourced; real ales.

Large garden and play area. Kids and dogs welcome !

3 Shillington Social Club  01462-711795 Currently closed Greenfields, Shillington. SG5 3NX www.facebook.com/shillingtonsocialclub

Now offering SKY Sport & BT Sport – be sure not to miss those big matches !!

Opening hours: Monday, Thursday and Friday from 19:30 Saturday – 3.00pm to 7.30pm unless special arranged evening Sunday – 12 noon til 16:00

 Licensed bar with large variety of beers at social club prices. Beer £1 less than pub prices.  Pool, dominos, crib or darts  Regular artistes, fund raising events, family discos and race nights and a great pool table.  Free music nights with live bands  Available for private family parties, birthdays, christenings, anniversaries, reunions, wakes.  Fresh filter coffee for a nice warm up after watching a football match.  Free WIFI.

The club is a village amenity for the village, why not pop in for a drink

The Live & Let Live -  01582-881739 www.liveandletlive.uk Currently closed Pegsdon Way, Pegsdon. SG5 3JX Landlord & Lady: Eileen Taylor & Kevin Parram

Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 11.00am to 11.30pm Lunchtime menu served: 12 noon to 3.00pm Evening menu served: 6.00pm to 9.00pm

Saturday: 12 noon to 5.30pm – lunchtime menu served 5.30pm to 9.00pm – evening menu served

Sunday: Lunch from 12 noon to 5.00pm

The Live & Let Live Pub, Restaurant and B&B is located at the foot of Pegsdon Hills on Bedfordshire/Hertfordshire Border. The pub has stood on this landscaped site for over 300 years and was originally a coaching inn.

Completely refurbished with a country and wildlife theme, our restaurant and bar have stunning views overlooking Pegsdon Hills. The pub is a free house serving fine ales and an extensive list of world wines. Bed and breakfast accommodation has also been renovated and redesigned with new bathrooms, showers, furnishings, fixtures and fittings.

Perhaps a quick bite to eat overlooking the stunning views of Pegsdon Hills or maybe even join us for a relating evening of fine British foods in the restaurtant, freshly prepared by our team of talented chefs.

Clay Pigeon Shooting – Hexton: We are pleased to announce that we have teamed up with The Hexton Shoot and are now offering services to compliment shooting days.

4

PLUMBING :

Les Newton -  01462-712871 (Mobile: 07768-085021) Gravenhurst Plumbing & Heating Engineer. GasSafe registered.  Gas boilers, fires and cookers  Oil Boilers, Agas and other makes of range cookers  Servicing, Installation and Repairs – Oil & Gas  Heating System Upgrades.  Landlords’ reports.  Power flushing.  Bathrooms, WCs, Showers, Taps – repairs, installations, upgrades.  Free estimates.

Matthew B. Harris -  01462-857859 (Mobile: 07860-850583) Campton Plumbing & Heating. GasSafe & OFTEC registered.  All plumbing work undertaken – Servicing & Repairs  Boiler & Central Heating – Systems Installation & Repairs  Complete Bathroom – Installation & Tiling Service  Plumbing & Heating – Breakdown & Upgrades  30 years’ experience.

BUILDING SERVICES :

Dave Carpenter Building Services -  01582-881015 or mobile 07954-828695 Friendly, local craftsman and restorer, established 1986. Most building work undertaken including:  Carpentry and joinery  Bricklaying  Roofing  Plastering  Tiling and much more

Call me to arrange a visit to discuss your requirements. Free estimates. References available.

Martin Roe – Painting & Decorating  Mobile: 07973-532430  All aspects  Quality assured  Free estimates  Reasonable rates

5 Graham Evans Electrical Industrial, Commercial & Domestic Contractor  01462-711831/07774-457435 www.gevanselectrical.com A family run business established over 30 years in Shillington. All works certified and insured.  Fusebox upgrades  Extra sockets  TV outlets  Smoke Detectors  Complete rewires  External & Security Lighting  Garden Installations  Showers  Data Cabling  Testing & Inspection

CHIMNEY SWEEPS:

Jim The Sweep, Campton – for all your chimney sweeping needs Jim Turner –  07891-306566  All types of fireplaces and chimneys swept  Open fires, log burners, stoves and inglenooks  Evening and weekend appointments available  Insurance Certificate provided  Registered member of the Institute of Chimney Sweeps  Weddings attended !

Flints Chimney Sweep  01438-553023 or 01767-835034  Chimney liner clean and sweep  Birds nest removal  Cowls, bird guards and chimney pot caps fitted  Installation of carbon monoxide alarms  Installation of replacement fire rope and fire bricks  Advice on stoves, appliance installations and chimney repairs  Removal of tar/creosote  Arranging of CCTV camera surveys and chimney pressure testing  National Industry Standard Certificate issued

LOGS :

LOGMAN - Shaun Dewick (Shillington) -  07801-144555 Mixed, seasoned, hardwood or softwood and kindling.

COAL MERCHANTS :

J. Lawman & Sons (Ickleford) -  01462-451123  Best Quality British Coal  Large Stocks of Smokeless Fuels  Clean, Pre-Packed Fuel  Prompt, Personal Service  Competitive Prices.

6 PEST CONTROL :

Riddance Environmental Pest Control Specialists  07751-877457 or 07519-810119 [email protected]  Shillington based with over 20 years’ experience  Friendly, expert advice  Great rates  All pests covered

WINDOWS :

Barry Bolton Windows, Doors & Conservatories -  01582-484600/01234-739736 A FENSA registered company. A member of the UK Trades Confederation  In Upvc and Aluminium  Maintenance free facias and gutters  Over 30 years’ experience  Discounts for pensioners and the retired  Friendly, no pressure advice without obligation.  No deposit - payment on completion and satisfaction.  Ask to see some of our hundreds of letters of recommendation from satisfied, local customers.

CLEANING SERVICES :

SPARKLE OVENS Phil Channing  07557-773766 e-mail: [email protected] Professional Oven Cleaning Services

GARDENING SERVICES :

Modern Gardens -  07969-888422 e-mail: [email protected]  Create – Construct – Maintain A friendly garden maintenance company covering all aspects of work in domestic gardens as well as experience in Manor House grounds and farms. Call now for a free and no obligation quote from a local village resident.

Grangers - Grounds Maintenance –  01462-713020 www.mjgrangergrounds.co.uk  Tree surgery / Stump grinding  Hedge & Grass cutting  Fencing and gates supplied and fitted  Garden machinery and mini digger hire  Wood chippings and logs supplied  Fully Insured and qualified  Based in Shillington with over 30 years’ experience.

7 A & B Gardening Limited – Ben Jepps -  01462-711430 mobile 07821-155763 Shillington  Garden & Grounds Maintenance  Landscaping  Tree Surgery  Full insured  City & Guilds NPTC Qualified.

Stumpbusters – Tree Stump Grinding Specialists Roger Simkins, Shillington.  01462-713264 mobile 07788-888283  Minimum ground disturbance  Surface root removal  Competitive prices and prompt service  Trees do not grow again after grinding. We grind down 8-10 inches below ground level.  Our modern machinery only requires 36” wide access to your garden.

Donna’s Garden Designs -  07833-670934  Garden design  Maintenance

8

Bowles Garage & Accident Repair Centre, Shillington  01462-711247. Opening hours: Mon-Fri 08:00-18:00  MOT Testing Station  Servicing all makes  Courtesy Cars Available  Approved accident repairs and body shop  Tyre, exhaust and batteries  Smart repairs/alloy wheel refurbishments  Non-fault accident repair specialists  Diagnostics  Fuel / Retail Shop  New and used car sales  Celebrating 46 years of service – 1974-2020.

F. C. Dawes & Son Ltd, Shillington -  01462-711210 www.fcdawes.co.uk  Petrol/Diesel Forecourt Open for Card Payments 07:00 to 19:00 - 7 days a week.  Garage/shop.  Car sales

Bumps & Dings, Shillington -  07876-324240 Mobile Bodywork Paint Repair Solutions. Ring now for a free, no obligation quote. Quality repairs at a fraction of the cost of a conventional body shop at your convenience – home or workplace.  Bumper scuffs  Scratches  Minor dents  Machine polish  Mirror casings.

Anthony Bond Lawnmowers, Brookside, Campton -  01462-817379  Repairs & Servicing of All Types of Garden Machinery  Specialist in Petrol Mowers  Collection and delivery service  Cleaning and maintenance  Competitive rates

TAXIS/CAR HIRE :

Spacecruiser Travel, Shillington -  01462-711216  Specialises in Airport Travel, taking from home or workplace to Airport and collect from return flight.  Theatre and function work also undertaken.

Barton Taxis -  01582-584723

9

A & S Stores, 85 Bury Road -  01462-711665 Arjan & Raj & Sanjeev Mehmi  General grocery  Off licence with large selection of wines and spirits often at cheaper than supermarket prices.  Newsagent for local and national papers and magazines - delivery service to Shillington, Gravenhurst, Pegsdon, Hexton and Higham Gobion.  Shoe repairs - Laundry service  Notice board facility - For Sale / Services / Wanted. Opening hours : Monday to Saturday 7.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m., Sunday 8.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Hours subject to change during pandemic

Shillington Village Stores, 55 High Road -  01462-711676 Steve & Carolyn Ansell  Post office  Off licence – good range of wines, beers and spirits  Hot food counter and bread baking facility.  Home made sandwiches  Newspapers & Magazine rack  General grocery and dairy products  Dry Cleaning & Cobbler Service  Lottery tickets.  Notice board facility - For Sale / Services / Wanted  Photocopying – black & white and colour. Opening hours: SHOP: Mon to Fri - 6.30am to 7.30pm/Sat - 8.00am to 7.30pm/Sun & Bank Holidays: 8.00am to 1.00pm POST OFFICE: Mon to Fri - 9.00am to 1.00pm & 2.00pm to 5.30pm/Sat – 9.00am to 12.30pm

Lordship Farm Shop & Tea Room, 77 High Road, Shillington Currently closed, although offering fruit & veg delivery service  01462-712947 / 07484-765498 Toni Galleymore e-mail: [email protected] A little tea room in a hidden gem of a courtyard, where you can enjoy a peaceful cup of tea with a sweet or savoury treat, after which the farm shop offers an eclectic array of local produce, crafts and items of interest. Children, dogs and horses welcome! Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday – 9.30am to 5.00pm Also location of Prestige Pooches Dog Groomer and Charlotte Rose Floral Design.

Mobile Fish & Chip Van – THE HAPPY PLAICE www.thehappyplaice.co.uk Currently closed

 Quality Fish & Chips  Wednesday evenings – Village Hall Car Park, High Road  From 16:00 to 19:00

10 Roger’s Bakery Currently closed High Street, -  01462-813398 17 High Street, Shefford -  01462-813428 33 Bedford Road, Barton -  01582-881257

11

ALL SAINTS CHURCH, CHURCH STREET - (www.allsaintsshillington.org.uk) Currently closed

Parish Priest: Revd. Richard Winslade -  01462-713311 (day off on Fridays) [email protected]

Church wardens: Liz Brewer -  01462-711594 + Patricia Humphreys -  01462-711557

 Services: 9.30 am every Sunday.  Family services 1st Sunday of the month. Children’s play area available.  Choral Evensong: 6.00 pm - 1st Sunday of each month.  All other Sundays – 9.30am – Holy Communion

To illuminate the Church –  Catherine on 07710-823384 or e-mail: [email protected]. It only costs £25 to sponsor a whole week’s illumination.

“THE FRIENDS OF ALL SAINTS CHURCH” was founded in 1993 to raise funds for the maintenance of the fabric of the church.

All Saints’ Church – the church on the hill - a wonderful example of 14th century architecture, stands watch over us 24/7 and has done for 100s of years. It has seen Christenings, Weddings, Burials, numerous sermons (good and bad!) and more recently concerts - anything from rock & pop to classical.

We have laughed and cried in its warm (and frozen) body - it has had cuddly toys parachuted from its tower, donkeys led up and down its aisles and felt the joy and laughter of children at Christmas time. What ‘EVER’ would we do without it?

As a new member of our community, you will soon get a warm fuzzy feeling as you drive back to the village and spot the church lights indicating that you are almost home. “The Friends” spend tireless hours raising money to preserve this monument, whilst getting their brain cells around the very complex building regulations.

Would you please consider subscribing to be a member of “The Friends?” For (upwards of) £10 a year you will be making an invaluable contribution to our local heritage by helping to maintain our wonderful church. Your potential membership not only provides funds through your subscription but increases our chances of securing grants from charitable trusts due to high membership numbers.

Look out in the Parish Magazine – delivered FREE to your door every 2 months – for our fund-raising events.

Just this year we are hosting a 1970’s disco, a live rock band, summer lunch with live jazz, ‘Flying Teddies’ for the children and every Sunday afternoon from May to September we serve tea and home-made cakes in the church.

To become a member please complete and return the form below together with a cheque for your subscription. Or simply turn up to one of our events, meet new people and have some fun – there is ALWAYS a bar at our events!

12 You can rest assured that every penny of the money raised goes towards the upkeep of what is regarded to be one of the most important buildings in the area.

Greetings and welcome to Shillington. For more information please feel free to contact:

Peter Lambert 01462 713663 or Denise Randall 01462 237533

FRIENDS OF ALL SAINTS CHURCH, SHILLINGTON

To Friends of All Saints Church, Shillington

I/we enclose a donation of £……..…… as my/our subscription to Friends of All Saints, Shillington for the calendar year 2019

Name ………………….…………………………………………………………………………..

Home address …………………………………………………………….…………………….. email address ……………………………………………..……………..

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

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

Under tax legislation, the Friends can recover some of the income tax you pay on any of your taxable income. In allowing us to recover this tax, you must have paid, or be due to pay, an amount of income tax at least equal to that we will be able to reclaim on your donation, this being 25p for every £1 you give. In order for us to reclaim this very valuable bonus to our income, you need do nothing at all except sign the above to confirm that you are a taxpayer. We thank you in advance if you are able and prepared to do this.

Please return this form, signed as necessary, together with your donation, to the Membership Secretary of Friends of All Saints Church:

Joy Robertson, 18 Vicarage Close, Shillington SG5 3LS

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, CHURCH STREET - www.shillingtoncong-church.org.uk Currently closed – collections for Bedford Foodbank drop off to 1 Bells Close

Minister : Rev. Angus McCormick -  01462-712096

 Services: Sundays at 10.30 a.m. All welcome.  Craft Group  A variety of events and activities throughout the year

13

SHILLINGTON LOWER SCHOOL, GREENFIELDS Head Teacher: Miss Sarah Woodham Secretary: Mrs. M. Portess -  01462-711637

Pixie Pre-School Class now open for full and part time applications. Contact the school office on 01462-711637 or e-mail [email protected] for more info.

ROBERT BLOOMFIELD ACADEMY, BLOOMFIELD DRIVE, SHEFFORD  01462-813366

SAMUEL WHITBREAD ACADEMY, SHEFFORD ROAD, CLIFTON  01462-812798 Upper School with 6th form and evening classes

14

HALL HIRE

Village Hall, High Road Bookings Secretary: Margaret Johnson  07376-682935 e-mail: [email protected]

Congregational Church, Church Street Mrs. Janet Hall  01582-881824

Lower School Hall, Greenfields  01462-711637

GOLF - NEAREST CLUBS :

 Mount Pleasant Golf Club, - (2 miles east of Shillington)  Beadlow Manor - (3 miles north of Shillington)

HILLTOP SWIMMING POOL -  01525-861281 also HEALTH & BEAUTY, BACK STREET, .

 Comprehensive swimming programmes for pre-school children, parent and child/toddler lessons, adult lessons and private lessons. Private pool parties welcome.

PUBLIC POOLS

Hitchin : Swimming Centre  01462-441646 Letchworth : North Herts Leisure Centre  01462-679311 : Leisure Centre  01525-717744

HORSE RIDING:

Shillington Riding Club – Marquis Hill, Shillington -  01582-883203 www.shillingtonrc.co.uk “Local active riding club for people with their own horses”  Training Clinics  Demonstrations  Social Events  Team Competitions

PILATES CLASSES

Carly Circuitt  07834-231199 Every Wednesday 4:15pm - 5:15pm at Shillington Village Hall

15 PET CARE :

Happy Pets at Home – June  07950-704980 or 01582-881482 e-mail: [email protected]  Caring for your pets in your home when you can’t be there.  Tailor made pet visiting service for peace of mind when you are away, keeping your pets safe and well.  A purr-fect alternative to using a cattery.  You can relax knowing your home will have a lived in appearance by rotating your curtains, switching lights on/off, removing post, putting bins out and watering plants and garden.  You will receive regular text message updates and photos.  DBS and police checked  Fully insured.

SHILLINGTON CLAY CLUB :

We meet every other Sunday and organise competitions throughout the year, including our Charity Summer Shoot in September.

More information and contact details can be found on our Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/ShillingtonClayClub

BEAUTY :

Beauty Therapy, Shillington - Beverley Croft, MGPBT -  01462-711358 A range of beaty treatments for ladies, from a professional therapist with many years’ experience. Gift vouchers available. Call between 09.00 – 19:00 Monday to Friday for an appointment  Specialist facial using Galvanic Plus Facials with essential oils  Manicure/Pedicure  Waxing  Massage  Lash & Brow Tinting  Electrolysis  Make Up Advice

Hair by Milli, Shillington -  07909-694121 Over 20 years’ experience. Professional, friendly and reliable unisex hair stylist now local to you. To book an appointment or to discuss your requirements, simply call or message on above number.

Samantha Wuidart Art - Shillington -  07904-812333 [email protected]  Pet portrait drawings  Pet portraits engraved on mirrors  Glass work design engraving  Other commissions available on request.

ALL THINGS SWEET – Emma  07960-236270 – [email protected]  We offer a huge variety of sweet treats – brownies, truffles, fudge, cakes, torts, cookies & more!  Gift wrapping available.

16 COMPUTER SERVICES:

Frantik (Toby White) -  01462-888147 – www.frantik-web.co.uk  Freelance IT Support and Web Hosting for MAC and Windows.

42 Limited -  01462-711778 – www.42-limited.co.uk Email: [email protected]  Based in Shillington.  Established 1994  Sale, repair and servicing of PCs, Printers and Laptops  Specialist PCs built to order  Toner cartridges, Ink cartridges, Inkjet and Laser Paper  FREE installation and Data Transfer when you buy a new built to order PC.

Lazarus Data Recovery -  0845-257-4000 - www.lazarusdatarecovery.com Recovering lost data, photos, documents, music and emails from:  Laptops  External hard drives  PC/Macs  USB devices  SD cards  Tablets/IPads  Mobile Phones  Raid/NAS  Solid State Discs. Fixed pricing – no hidden costs. Free shipping. Over 30 years’ experience

17 OTHER SERVICES:

Auctioneers & Valuers: W & H Peacock –  01234-266366. www.peacockauction.co.uk Established 1901. Eastcotts Park, Wallis Way, Bedford, MK42 0PE. Valuation, collection and auction service of individual items through to complete property clearances.

 Open Monday to Thursday from 8.30am to 3.30pm. Extended opening on Friday to 7.00pm. Saturday from 8.30am to 4.00pm  Monthly antique and collectors’ auction.  Regular valuation days  Collection service – Valuations  Commercial and specialist auctions  Onsite sales. Live online auctions  Timed auctions. Insolvency specialists. Also now offer “The Café” where you can view the sale rooms for upcoming auctions, then relax with a coffee and cake. Seats over 100 customers and offers free wifi. Serves cooked breakfasts, paninis and sandwiches, light lunches and snacks plus a range of hot and cold drinks.

Zara’s Concierge Service – 2nd Pair of Hands, Shillington -  07817-593210  House Sitting / Pet Sitting  Repairs, Deliveries & Appointments  New baby support  Health & Patient Care  Cleaning Services  Ironing Services  CRB cleared and insured

Mrs. Middleton’s Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil -  07989-300959  This delicious cold-pressed Rapeseed Oil is produced from the highest quality seed, which is grown on the family farm on the Barton Hills in Bedfordshire, just 3 miles from Shillington.  Ideal for baking, roasting, frying or creating salad dressings and drizzles.  Naturally high in omega 3, 6 and 9, vitamin E and anti-oxidants. Contains half the saturated fats of olive oil.  Now available to buy online at www.mrsmiddleton.co.uk and from Ansell Stores in Shillington.  For FREE DELIVERY to Shillington, Higham Gobion and Pegsdon, please contact WHIZZ on the above number.

LOCAL B & B ACCOMMODATION :

Yew Tree House Bed & Breakfast -  01582-521592 (mob: 07768-398616) 19 Bedford Road, Barton Le Clay, Bedfordshire. MK45 4JX www.theyewtreehouse.co.uk

18

DOCTORS :

Stondon -  01462-850305 The Hawthorns, 109 Station Road,

Barton -  01582-528700 (appointments). Doctor Hughes & Associates, The Surgery, Hexton Road

DENTISTS :

Shefford -  01462-814020 D. Lakhani, Whitworth Chambers, 34-34A High Street

Barton -  01582-882600 David Raffery, 81 Bedford Road

OSTEOPATH :

Clare Richmond, Portmill Lane Treatment Centre, Hitchin  01462-713031 for an appointment. Osteopathy is beneficial for many conditions and suitable for people of all age groups. Special interests and experience in :  Sports injuries  Pregnancy related conditions  Babies & Children - birth and behavioural problems, glue ear, colic and related sleep conditions.

PHYSIOTHERAPIST :

Linda Allsop Daneway Granary, Rectory Farm Barns, Barton Road, Lower Gravenhurst, MK45 4JR  01462-711978 or 07989-257026 e-mail: [email protected] Chartered physiotherapist with over 30 years’ experience in both the private sector and NHS.  Back and neck pain / Sports injuries  Headaches / Whiplash  Sciatica / Post-op rehabilitation  Arthritis/joint pain and stiffness

19

Barton : Julia Boness -  01582-882761  24 hour emergency service.  Consultations by Appointment.

Henlow Veterinary Centre : 22 Bedford Road, Lower Stondon, , SG16 6EA  01462 416416 An independent Veterinary Practice dedicated to providing high quality care in a homely environment. Our small friendly team care for your pets as if they were our own.

Davies Veterinary Specialists Limited Manor Farm Business Park, Higham Gobion, Herts. SG5 3HR  01582-883950 www.vetspecialists.co.uk. E-mail: [email protected] Davies Veterinary Specialists is one of the largest and most diverse small animal veterinary referral hospitals in Europe. We were founded in 1998 by Dr Jerry Davies and his wife Olivia, and we now employ more than 35 specialist clinicians, 60 nurses and 30 client care and support team members.

Hanscombe Boarding Cattery -  01462-711333 Angela Nichols (Shillington) (Member of the Feline Advisory Bureau) Home of the Champion Yooneek Persian Cats.  Owned by championship winning exhibitor and breeder  Fully licensed and insured.  Set in 6 acres of garden and paddocks.  Open 7 days a week.  Heated chalets, covered exercise runs, special diets catered for,  Vets on call.  Special late night round.

Cats Country Club, Shillington -  01462-711064 Set in secluded grounds in a very tranquil and rural setting. Ample off road parking. Home collection and delivery service. Premises fully alarmed  Large luxury heated chalets with music and covered outside runs  Individual diets catered for – typically we feed Whiskas and Felix wet food with Iams, Hills Science and James Wellbeloved dried foods as a matter of course.  Fully licensed by Central Beds Council  Choice of aspect with garden or meadow view  Local vet hospital on 24 hour call if required  We can administer medications to your cats  Inclusive pet insurance with up to £1,250 cover per cat.

20

L I B R A R Y

SHEFFORD LIBRARY:

Opening hours -  Monday Closed  Thursday 9.00am to 6.00pm  Tuesday 9.00am to 6.00pm  Friday 9.00am to 6.00pm  Wednesday 9.00am to 6.00pm  Saturday 9.00am to 4.00pm

 Books of all sorts to borrow for adults, children and teenagers.  CDs and music cassettes. Also spoken word cassettes.  Large print books.  Videos.  National and local information.  Study area.  Newspapers and magazines.  Displays, exhibitions and activities.  Meeting room.  Photocopying facilities.  Free access to software and WiFi  Automatic doors and level entrance

Published every 2 months February – April – June – August – October – December Delivered free to parishioners and postal service to ex-patriots. Subsidised by the business advertisers with a donation from the Parish Council.

Articles, letters, personal adverts welcome - just pop details through the Village Hall letter box or contact the Editor - Sally Stapleton  07711-504489 e-mail: [email protected]

 Church Fete – 4th Saturday in June  Horticultural Show – 3rd Saturday in September – now folding after 40 years due to lack of new and enthusiastic committee.  Service of Remembrance – Congregational Church – Sunday nearest 11 November  All Saints Church – Xmas Bazaar – 1st Saturday in December  Congregational Church – Xmas Tree Festival – 1st Friday, Saturday & Sunday in December  In 2018 – the Scarecrows returned. Hopefully back in 2021 over the August Bank Holiday Weekend

21

SHILLINGTON CHILDMINDERS:

Childminders provide safe, friendly home environments for children to play and have fun whilst gently learning through their play. We are registered with Ofsted, have public liability insurance, follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, undertake regular training including Safeguarding and First Aid and receive regular newsletters and bulletins from professional organisations.

Here in Shillington, we meet up at least once a week to provide children with the opportunity to learn social skills and experience different play resources. The children get to know all the childminders and children, which enables us to offer the ability to cover holidays and other absences for each other. Some of us are able to provide up to 15 hours of free childcare a week for eligible 2 year olds, as soon as care starts, in the same way that nurseries and pre-schools can. We are also able to provide the free sessions for all 3 and 4 year olds; at least 15 hours per week up to 30 hours per week (for 38 weeks of the year) depending on parental eligibility and the childminder's policy. The free sessions normally start the term after the child's 3rd birthday. There may be additional charges to cover e.g. food and outings.

We each have differing childcare availability such as before and after school care, daytime childcare, overnight childcare, ad-hoc care or flexible care e.g. for shift workers. To find out more about each childminder and their availability, please contact us:

Laura Forgham Katie Brettell Deb Pateman 01462 713638 01462 713054 01462 338304 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Jo Wright Carli Mauger Laura Griffiths 01462 713999 01462 339260 07932 073339 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

22 WOMEN’S INSTITUTE : President: Julia Bruce -  01462-712412 Meets 1st Thursday in the month in the Congregational Church Hall at 20:00. Good programme of speakers, demonstrations, social evenings and outings. Book and Craft Groups, Walking for Health Group, Theatre Group and Lunch Club.

WIVES’ GROUP : Chairperson: Pauline Haley -  01462-711711 Meets every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month in the Congregational Church Hall at 19:45. Great programme of speakers, demonstrations, social evenings and outings. Ladies of any age and marital status welcome to come along.

MENS’ CLUB : Chairman: Graham Williams -  01462-713468 e-mail: [email protected]

The club now has a membership of 40 local men who meet on an ad hoc basis throughout the year. The only regular meeting is the Annual Meeting in January of each year. Formed in 2005 the Club has steadily grown and enjoys meals in local hostelries; visits to interesting places such as Bletchley Park, Duxford, etc; talks and family social nights.

A 'try before you join' plan operates so if any more information is required contact the Chairman.

SHORT MAT BOWLS CLUB Chair: John Clark -  01462-711446 or contact Toni Gearing -  01462-711871 Established in June 2008, now meets regularly on Monday afternoons from 14:00 to 17:00 and Friday evenings from 19:00 to 22:00 at the Village Hall.

HISTORY SOCIETY Contact: Derek Turner -  01462-712462. [email protected]

EXPLORERS: Contact: Pauline Goodman -  01462-711943 Meet on Wednesday evenings 18:00-20:30 at Shillington Village Hall.

SCOUTS: Leader: Ian Montgomery -  07729-353885

CUBS: Group Scout Leader: Mrs. Pauline Goodman -  01462-711943 Meet on Tuesday evenings 18:45– 20:15 at Shillington Village Hall.

BEAVERS: Leader : Amy Hanks -  01462-713763 Meet on Tuesday evenings 17:45-18:45 at Shillington Village Hall.

GUIDES: Leader : Carol Summerfield -  01462-711496 Meet on Tuesday evenings from 19:15 to 21:00 at Shillington Lower School.

BROWNIES:

Meet on Tuesday evenings from 18:00 to 19:15 at Shillington Lower School

23 RAINBOWS: Rainbows are for girls between the ages of 5-7 years old. We meet Tuesdays during term time in Shillington Register your daughter before her 5th birthday at www.girlguiding.org.uk

VILLAGE DESIGN ASSOCIATION: Chair – Richard Brettell –  01462-713054 The SVDA exists to promote the principles and use of the Village Design Statement to ensure that any further development will contribute positively to the future of Shillington and protect and enhance its special qualities. If you are interested in being kept informed, or want to get involved in current planning issues and new developments, please join us now. We welcome new members, and the Annual Subscription is only £2 per person. Both the Village Design Statement and Membership form can be downloaded from the Village Website Home page via the Village planning tab www.shillington.org.uk

VILLAGE CARE SCHEME:  07939-448360 Volunteer village residents here to help – transport to medical appointments and day centre/shopping, prescription collection; small household chores – form filling; sitting with a loved one whilst you have a short break. Just call the above number. Normally we will answer your call directly. If not there will be a message service where you can leave your name and number and we will call you back within 2 hours to see how we can help. If you would like to become a volunteer contact John -  01462 711084.

SHILLINGTON HELP GROUP:  01438-940160 – [email protected] Neighbours stepping up to provide additional support to vulnerable members of the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Picking up shopping, urgent supplies, collecting prescriptions, help with pets, a friendly phone call or posting mail. Just phone or e-mail and the Shillington Help WhatsApp Group will step up to help on a daily basis.

CRAFT CLUB: Janet Worley -  01582-881824 The club meets twice monthly on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays from 2.00 to 4.00pm at the Congregational Church. A variety of knitted and sewn items are produced and usually sold in aid of local charities.

MEMORIAL PLAYING FIELDS (Registered charity no: 300065) Chair & Treasurer – Sue Chalmers  07770-393121 Secretary – Sally Stapleton  07711-504489

During the war the villagers used to collect money into a “comfort fund” to send parcels to our boys at the front. After the war, with some of this fund remaining, it was decided to try and purchase a playing field with it. A village committee worked hard to raise the funds rather than put it on the rates. 4.5 acres of land were identified (numbered 330 on the ordnance survey map 1924 edition). Members of this committee were: Alan Harris, Stan Flint, Frank Ansell, Eric Day, Dick Bradley and Polly Aldridge.

Much fund raising took place including whist drives, auctions, boxing matches at ‘The Gables’, ladies football matches, annual fetes, fairground, etc. Where there was a shortfall in the funding several villagers contributed their own money, which was paid back, interest free, over time from ongoing fundraising events

The conveyance and trust deed were made between William Hammond Hanscombe and another of the one part and the Reverend Herbert William Cooper and six others of the other part. The trust deed was dated 25th March 1948 and the deed of transfer dated 1st April 1948. The object of the Charity “shall be the provision and maintenance of a recreation ground for the benefit of the inhabitants of Shillington, without distinction of political, religious or other opinions, with the object of improving the conditions of life for the said inhabitants”.

24 Originally the Shillington Football Team used to play in Ansell’s Field (High Road – behind council houses). Some time later this team split and “Shillington Rangers” continued on this ground with “Shillington Athletics” playing in Oscar’s Meadow (back of Stan Cole’s house in Bury Road).

The land sloped down from ‘The Gables’ field across to ‘Hornes Pastures’ and a firm from Clapham was brought in to turn the meadow field into a ‘football field’. Two large American Cleartrack Crawlers (ex-USAF for moving bombers) were used to level and smooth the existing playing field, with the excess soil being pushed down to form the slope into Hornes Pastures. A number of natural ponds stood in the area, so the field was always very wet as no proper drainage was put in.

The original play equipment was purchased from Kettering Park – comprising a huge metal slide, roundabout and rocking horse.

In 1984 the field came under the trusteeship of Shillington Parish Council and remains currently managed by a Playing Field Management Committee made up of 3 Parish Councillors, co-opted members and representative members from user groups.

VILLAGE HALL (Registered charity no: 300066) Chair – Sue Chalmers  07770-393121, Vice-Chair - Sally Stapleton  07711-504489 Treasurer – Denise Randall, Secretary – Katie Brettell

On the 29th January 1921 Mrs. Hanscombe and others donated a ‘Deed of Gift’ to the Trustees of the site of the Hanscombe Memorial Hall, Shillington in the county of Bedford. The Hall was called "Hanscombe Memorial Hall".

The hall is available for hire through the Booking Secretary – Mrs. Margaret Johnson – contact details:  07376-682935 or e-mail [email protected]

Facilities on offer: large hall – stage – small committee room – kitchen and bar area – disabled access and toilet. Occasional separate use of car park by prior arrangement.

25 POLICE:

Emergency :  999 To report incidents:  101

Central Bedfordshire Council - Public Protection - Trading Standards Priory House, Monks Walk, ,SG17 5BP t: Citizens Advice consumer helpline  0345 404 0506 e: [email protected] w: Council Trading Standards website

PARISH COUNCIL - www.shillington-pc.gov.uk Meet every first Tuesday of the month (apart from August) in the Congregational Church at 7.45pm. Doors open at 7.30 p.m. Currently meeting virtually by ZOOM meeting during the pandemic. Details available from our website for any members of the community wishing to participate, or contact the Clerk for more information.

Clerk to the Council: Mrs. Helen Smith -  01462-713224. E-mail: [email protected] to whom all Council business should be addressed.

Parish Councillors :

John Clark Alison Graham Tony Howells John Hyde Vice-Chair Tracey Petrie contact via Clerk  01462-713543  01582-881611  01462-711446  01462-711446 Angus McCormick David Mott Sally Stapleton Derek Turner Chair Mark Thyne  01462-712096  01462-711222 contact via Clerk  01462-712462  07711-504489

Central Bedfordshire Ward Councillor : Alison Graham (Independent) –  01462-713543. [email protected]

26

NEAREST HOUSEHOLD WASTE RECYCLING CENTRE : - Abbey Lane -  01525 403611 For more details on mid Bedfordshire recycling please visit: www.recycle-now.co.uk

RUBBISH BIN COLLECTIONS :

Households in mid Beds have waste collected weekly and are provided with 2 bins – one for household items (black) and one for recycled items (green) or orange bags. Collections are on alternate Wednesdays – once a fortnight for recyclables and garden rubbish and once a fortnight for household. Weekly collections for food waste go into small green bags supplied by Central Beds Council, which go into the small brown bins. Check to see which bins neighbours leave out to see which one should be left out when ! Upper Church Street works on alternate Wednesdays to the rest of the village due to smaller truck required due to narrowness of street.

RECYLING BINS FOR MIXED GLASS & CLOTHES : Nearest glass recycling bins are located in the car park at the top of Greenfields, Shillington (near Playing Field), as well as near to Morrisson’s Store in Shefford.

27