December 2020 EWSLETTER Nincluding Parish Council News PUBLISHED BY WILSTEAD NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH, PART OF & DISTRICT NW ASSOCIATION Memory II Crime Recorded for I Wilstead Tree At the time this Newsletter was compiled, the latest In memory of Sue Huckle and all lost loved ones we crime information covering the period since 27th will, once again, be making Memory Hearts and October was not available. Stars for a Memorial Tree in Wilstead Burial Ground at Up-to-date details should be included in the Wilstead Church (with thanks to Wilstead Parish Council January Newsletter. for their permission).

Last year's display was amazing and so many people joined us in writing on a heart or star to hang from the dedicated tree. This year, due to Covid-19 and to keep Wilstead Newsletter is looking everyone safe we need to do things slightly differently for a Volunteer to prepare and are therefore posting this a little earlier to give us time to get them ready. Artworkfor printing our publication each month If anyone would like a heart or star in memory of their loved one please send me a pm or email me This will involve some preparation of adverts and [email protected] fitting copy around a master layout already being with the message that you would like written and we will used. We have volunteers who format the copy. write the message and then hang the hearts or stars from the tree for everyone to see as they walk past. If you If you have these skills and would like to get would like more than one heart or star then this is involved with this enterprise, please contact the perfectly fine, just let me know how many and the Editorial Teamon message to go on each one. We will upload photos onto Facebook too. [email protected] Wilstead Newsletter has been circulated in our We plan to start displaying them from the first week in village for many years, and has the full support of December. the Parish Council and our Borough Councillor. It is The hearts and stars will be supplied and decorated free of an important tool in keeping the residents up-to- charge again but if anyone would like to make a donation date with clubs and Council affairs, local crime toSt John's Hospice then please feel free to do so. The information together with crime prevention advice just giving page is: from the Police. www.JustGiving.com/fundraising/Joanna-bampton Please contact us if you can help. Many thanks. All enclosed articles are subject to current Covid19 restrictions The Editorial Team Contents this month include Your Co-ordinator is Parish Council ...... pg 4 All Saints Church ...... pg 9 Patricks Parcels ...... pg11 VillageHall ...... pg 12 Borough Councillor Report ...... pg 15 ! Fit window locks - burglars won't risk climbing Shed Security through broken glass if they can easily reach through and open the window instead. Get Sheducated There are plenty of alarms suitable for outbuildings, Unfortunately, if offenders have easy access to your ranging from fully wired systems connected to your shed, they also have access to the tools they need to house alarm to stand-alone battery operated units. break into your house. When you've finished in the garden, make time to: Police ! Lock away your digging implements. ! Secure your power.

When you add up the value of the contents of the average shed, it can work out to several hundred Stay three steps ahead of pounds, so you need to make sure your shed is also secure: cybercrime ! There is a sea of information available on how to best Is your padlock adequate? It should be made of protect yourself online. Everyone has heard the hardened steel and comply with British Standards. horror stories of hacking, online scams and identity ! It's no use having a good padlock when the hasp is theft. But what are the three quickest, most important of poor quality - make sure you fit one that covers things for you to do today to ensure it doesn't happen the screw heads when it is in the closed position. to you? ! Some outbuildings may have doors thick enough to fit a 5 lever mortice lock. ! Create a different password for your email address(es) ! Exposed door hinges would benefit from using ! coach bolts or clutch head screws so that thieves Use three random words can't remove them. ! Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA)

INTRUDER ALARMS, ACCESS CONTROL, CCTV, SAFES, DOOR & WINDOW LOCKS, KEY CUTTING

HERTS – BEDS – BUCKS Your Local Approved 01462 422500 Alarm Company www.southeastsecurity.co.ukwww.southeastsecurity.co.uk

UNIT 6, STATION APPROACH HITCHIN, HERTS, SG4 9UW

A family business established for 30 years in thearea. Systems designed and installed to PD6662:2010 and BS8243:2010. Insurance companyrecognised.

Key clients include… Central Bedfordshire Council Bedford Borough Council Bedfordshire Schools

2 Borough Councillors Bad Hair Day? Christmas Wishes Lets make it a Good Hair Day GAYE WILLIAMSON As we head towards the end of the year, we will 30 yrs Experience, Home Based Local Salon always remember 2020 as having been distinctly For All Your Hairdressing and Barbering Needs odd. Since March we've found ourselves in the Offering the Latest Colours and Styling. midst of a global health pandemic that has placed all Using Professional and Exclusive Products kinds of restrictions and impositions on our daily Redken and Brazilian Blowout Smoothing System to name but a few lives: not going out; wearing face masks and gloves; New Clients Welcome. no shaking hands; standing 2m apart; queuing to book an appointment call me on outside supermarkets for sanitised trollies; working 07899 864510 from home; and vastly reduced socialising in pubs please note that a skin test and hair consultation is required before a treatment and restaurants.

Christmas is likely to be no different. Usually a time spent with family, a very significant date for Fencing & Gates Christians. For others a chance to relax after a busy year. We are likely be out of lockdown, but still with Landscaping & Gardens limits on how we interact, unable to meet in large groups. Supplied-Installed-Repaired

However, Christmas is also a time of hope. As we www.useful-bloke.co.uk look to 2021, we hope for a better year, with the Mark Brooks possibility held out of a vaccine that can protect us and allow us to try and return to a more normal way Office: 01234 958064 of life. Mobile: 07836 597938 Whitworth Way, Wilstead, Bedford MK45 3EF Special thanks this year go to all of you who have been at the front line, protecting the nation's health, caring for the sick and elderly, teachers in schools, those making sure our essential services continued, and volunteers helping others. You too NAO Cleaning have had an unusual year and many of you will carry on working over the holiday period, so a very big 07411 136691 'Thank You' from all of us. [email protected] Hate housework? We love it! However you spend your Christmas this year, whether it's a special and meaningful time for you, Domestic, Regular & Spring Cleans, Tenancy Beginning & End, Builder's Cleans, Commercial & Contract. or you just want the chance to relax and wind down, my very best wishes. Free Estimates Bramble Lodge, 29 Oakley Road, Clapham, MK4I 6AN Cllr. Graeme S. Coombes www.naocleaningservices.co.uk Wilshamstead Ward

Wilstead Neighbourhood Watch Wilstead Haulage Ltd At Wilstead Haulage, we make a promise to all our customers Editorial Team to provide a reliable and affordable service. As a local, would like to wish all our professional and independent skip hire company in Bedford, we are your first-choice for same or next day skip hire across Reader’s and Advertisers Bedfordshire. Our specialized team always focus on customer satisfaction. Whether you are looking for skip hire, aggregates or grab hire, we will deliver a quality service and handle your waste A Merry Christmas management with efficiency. We provide an array of skip sizes to & suit your budget and specific needs A Happy New Year Call us now on: 01234 740916

3 Wilshamstead Parish Council

Highly Qualified Staff, Fun & Safe Surroundings, Healthy & Nutritious Food Bedford Borough Council Planned Morning Sessions: 9.15am - 11.45 Highways Works in Wilstead Afternoon sessions: 12.45pm - 3.15pm Breakfast, Lunch, After School and Holiday Club Following the use of Bedford Road and Luton Road We take children from 2 ½ years old as the diversion route while the A6 was being As we are an in demand setting we encourage parents to register resurfaced, the Borough Council did agree to a place for their child as soon as possible undertake a number of remedial works to the Contact 01234 742546 highways in the parish. The Parish Council or [email protected] appreciate the frustration residents have endured with the poor conditions over recent months. The Borough Council have now confirmed that these highways improvements will be commencing Washing Machines in the New Year, some time in January/February. It is understood that along with resurfacing parts of Dryers, Dishwashers the highways the work will also include installation of a mini roundabout at the Crossroads, some Repairs, Servicing & Sales yellow lining to prevent parking near the A local family business offering a quality roundabout and reshaping of the Luton Road at the service at a competitive price pedestrian crossing near Briar Bank to provide a Established 1981 safer crossing by residents. Tel: Clophill (01525) 860148 As and when a more specific start date is known the or Tim Downing direct on Parish Council will alert residents. 07969 545 276 A Member of the White Goods Trade Association. Fully Insured Average Speed Cameras and Cotton End Road

The Parish Council would like to reassure residents Driveway that there has been a number of communications recently with the Borough Council and Bedfordshire Rejuvenation Ltd Police to again highlight the significant problem with speeding along this stretch of road. Council Contractor The Borough Council have been clear that any such scheme along this road, would require full funding All aspects of Surfacing by the Parish Council, projected to be in the region and Civil Engineering of £90k. The Parish Council have asked for assistance with Tarmac this funding. We have also asked the Borough Council if the existing speed cameras could be Blocks moved from the other village locations but have been told moving the camera from either of the Gravel locations in Luton or Bedford Roads would require an additional column at the Crossroads.

Experts in transforming This has been strongly challenged by the Parish your existing drive to new Council and Borough Councillor Coombes has been asked to intervene in an attempt to speed up a decision and reduce the projected cost.

01234 742662 Reminder of Dog Control Areas in the 07912 444621 Parish Following incidents of dogs being allowed to run 193 Cotton End Road, Wilstead around on the Jubilee Playing Field the Parish Card payments accepted Council would like to remind residents that there are

4 certain areas in the village where there are restrictions on dog access. The Jubilee Playing Field and the School Playing Field are'Dog Exclusion ' Areas where a person in charge of a dog shall be guilty of an offence if at any time he takes the dog onto or permits the dog to enter or to remain in any land subject to a Dog Exclusion order. The Churchyard, Burial Ground and Allotments are 'Dogs on Leads' Areas where a person in charge of a dog shall be guilty of an offence if at any time he does not keep a dog on a lead. These offences can attract a £75 fixed penalty fine.

Christmas Decorations

A group of dedicated village residents have been collecting donations for Christmas decorations in the village this year. The Parish Council agreed to pay for electrical installation and tree lighting and the donations have been used to finance a large tree and decorations around street lamps in the Crossroads area. Hopefully, by the time of the distribution of this Newsletter, the tree and decorations will have been installed and the lighting switched on. We look forward to at least some cheer after the gloom of past months and congratulate all those people involved with the arrangements and donations. EMPIRE CARS Reminder Consultation Closes Shortly BEDFORD Regarding Proposed Changes to BEDFORD Borough Ward Boundaries MOTS Now On Site SAVE when booked with Full Service Please remember to submit your comments by FREE pick up/drop off Monday 7th December to: Servicing & Repairs https://www.lgbce.org.uk/all- Quality Used Car Sales reviews/eastern/bedfordshire/bedford 0% Deposit Finance Available The proposal is for Wilstead village to be combined 1 Cotton End Road, Wilstead, MK45 3BT with Cotton End, and Cardington and have 01234 741002or 07727 258633 one Borough Councillor to represent the 3,400 www.empirecarsbedford.co.uk residents. This is very different from the current Borough Ward and the Parish Council's preference for a Fully Insured combined Ward with as the village shares many facilities with Wixams. Fully Qualified

Update on Safety Cameras in the Village

The Parish Council resolved to accept a quotation ! No Hot Water or Heating? for extending the CCTV in the village to encompass ! Dripping Tap? further village facilities and locations. ! Radiators not Working? All Aspects of Plumbing Undertaken [email protected] www.blissplumbing.co.uk continued on page 7 07805 540432

5 continued from page 5

Parish Council Vacancies Update The Parish Council would like to welcome Andy Collins as a new member of Wilshamstead Parish Full Bathroom Installation, Central Heating Installation, Council following his recent co-option at the All Plumbing Aspects, Competitive Rates, November meeting. No VAT, Emergency Call Out Please remember the Council still have some vacancies, so if you are interested in making a James Darmody difference then do get in contact with the Clerk, Your Local Plumber Lizzie, or one of the Parish Councillors to express Tel: 01234 965769 Mobile: 07832 236678 an interest or just to find out more.

How Do I Contact The Parish Council? The best way to do is this via email by sending a communication to: [email protected] This is a new email address so please save it to your contact list, as it is part of moving the Parish Council communications all over to one cloud- based system. Part of the work done to move the Parish Council forwards also includes document storage and information handling to make the Parish Council more efficient with one of the items linked to this being the new stand-alone website. This continues to be updated and it is worth taking a look at the site as we would welcome input and feedback. The site can be found at: Caroline’s Childcare www.wilsteadparishcouncil.org A Safe & Friendly Environment As previously advised, the Parish Council office is not open at present, so the best way to contact the Caring for Individual Needs Clerk is via email as indicated above. Qualified with NVQ2&3inEarly Years in Education CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Home Based Childcare Ofsted Registered Childminder Registered to PACEY Bowls Club Now offering Free Government Funded Places for 2,3&4year olds Some of us had been enjoying short mats on 01234 742770 Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons and Friday [email protected] evenings before we had to stop due to Covid 19. Hopefully we will be able to begin again when we come out of lockdown. Towards the end of October Terry Hutton was able to have our tall hedge cut alongside the car park, which now looks very neat and tidy. He also has been busy all season keeping the bank outside our fence along the playing field cut when he is able, and has planted daffodils along the boundary, which is very much appreciated by our members. Thanks to all members who have helped to keep our club running smoothly in these difficult times. Hopefully we will be back to normal by next summer. Jean Ward, Secretary 6 Sorry Gardeners, Quiz has been Cancelled

With much discussion and consideration, 6. Who introduced the practice of decorating we have decided we have to cancel the Quiz Christmas trees to this country? Night this year. The reasons are that we cannot 7. Where was the Wollemi Pine discovered? be sure if restrictions will allow the Group to 8. Which fruit do we use to make Perry? meet. We don't know whether the Village Hall 9. Frankincense and myrrh are created from will be open and, most importantly, to make sure the bark, sap or roots of these rare trees? that everyone stays as COVID free as possible so 10.Are the bright colours on poinsettias leaves everyone can have some kind of Christmas with bracts or flowers? loved ones. We are truly sorry,but we are sure you understand. We have everything crossed that 2021 will be more normal and our first planned meeting is The good news is that questions don't go off. 19th Tuesday January at 2.30pm, the subject is Mary has a big book of them and she gives you 'Willow Weaving' with Guy Lambourne. these to keep you on your toes. Answers next The Committee would like to wish everyone a month, sorry no prizes. Merry Christmas and a Safe, Happy and Healthy New Year. 1. Albertine, Rambling Rector and Crimson Maralyn, Mary,Viv and Lynda Shower are all varieties of what type of plant? 2. Which county is home to RHS garden To All Newsletter Rosemoor? Co-ordinatorsPlease note & Distributors 3. Early Purple Wight is a variety of what? If you need to contact the Editorial or Distribution team because of a 4. You would grow nymphaea where? problem with delivery, please could you contact 5. Are we being asked to stop using sand, loam [email protected] in the first instance. All members or peat when planting? of the team have access to this and you will get a speedier reply. Age UK Bedfordshire is the largest older peoples' charity in the County We have been helping older people for over 30 Ÿ In depth advice and support for vulnerable years with confidential advice and support. We older people who otherwise would suffer work with Bedfordshire residents over the age of from living in cold homes. 50, their families, friends and carers, focusing on Ÿ Telephone Befriending Network supported the individual client to ensuring their needs and by the Harpur Trust in Bedford Borough. wishes are prioritised. Ÿ We can provide: Our services are delivered in a caring, friendly Ÿ Practical assistance around the home and and professional manner, through our team of gardent hrough our home help and fully trained, dedicated staff and volunteers. gardening service. Ÿ If you or anyone you know would like more Information and Advice on Benefit information, please contact us Entitlement, Health and Housing issues, on the number below or visit our website Personal Budgets, Legal Matters and www.ageukbedfordshire.org.uk virtually any other matter relating to older people. Remember, we are a County wide service! Ÿ Home visits to help complete benefit application forms for people who are unable 01234 360510 to visit our office. Ÿ Community Support Workers who will work Age UK Bedfordshire – the name you long term with clients who have more can trust! complex needs.

7 Melody Makers! Wilstead WI Like everyone else in the country, we're Music for Babies just waiting for December, hoping that the crisis will ease a little and we can and Pre-schoolers see our families over Christmas. So with nothing much to report, I on Thursdays thought I'd do some research and share at Wilstead Village Hall with you a few of the more interesting and unexpected 9.30am things I discovered about the WI, or National For more information call Federation of Women's Institutes to give it its proper Jennie on 01234 930386 Mobile 07882 501715 name. e-mail: [email protected] ! The WI didn't start in , or even in the . The first Women's Institute was set up in Ontario, Canada, in 1897. And the first WI Foot Health Professional meeting on British soil took place on Angelsey, in Samantha Skelton BSc MCFHP MAFHP Wales, in 1915 and was organised by a Canadian WI Registered Member of The British Association of Foot Health Professionals member who moved there from British Columbia. I provide a friendly visiting service to individuals in and around ! the South of Bedford. I also have a Thursday Clinic available The song ‘Jerusalem’ isn't officially the WI's at Toddington Medical Centre anthem, but the organisation actually owned the An initial visit includes a full medical history, copyright to the song from 1928 to 1968. This is foot health assessment, advice and treatment. because Sir Hubert Parry, who wrote the music to the Mobile: 07900 432321 poem by William Blake, had assigned the copyright to Home: 01525 840116 the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies to Email: [email protected] be used as the Women Voters hymn and, when that Website: www.yourfoothealth.co.uk organisation was wound up, the copyright passed to the WI.

! The WI has always strived to be apolitical, so getting involved in the 'war effort’ during World Maskells M.O.T War II was a tricky proposition. But in 1938 it Class4&7MOT’s Under New found its niche when the Government asked WIs to Management Your Local, Friendly MOT Test help organise the evacuation of children from the Centre. No Repairs, just an cities to the countryside. They were also involved in honest and fair test producing food, especially preserves in vast quantities, ensuring that WI ladies would be seen as H Maskell & Son Ltd champion jam makers for generations to come. The Works, Duck End Lane Wilstead, Beds, MK45 3HP ! The WI has been campaigning for women's [email protected] rights from the very beginning. In its early years, Tel: 01234 740 213 supporters of the women's suffrage movement were instrumental in setting up and running WIs. The organisation also started a campaign for 'equal pay for equal work' as early as 1943 and kept up the pressure on successive Governments until the Equal Pay Act was passed in 1970. Hello, I am a local Independent Personal Travel Counsellor with over 30 years of experience in the travel industry, coming from a well known high street agent. ! In 1986, a year before the Government's famous I can take the time to arrange the perfect trip for you 'AIDS: Don't Die of Ignorance' campaign, the WI from a UK break, flight only, family holiday, city break, beach break, cruise, or a more bespoketailor-made passed a resolution 'to inform the general public of the itinerary most things travel related. true facts concerning the disease AIDS' and used its hug network to do just that, including collaborating Travel Counsellor with the Terrence Higgins Trust on the leaflet 'Women T 01234 490 066 and AIDS'. E [email protected] W www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/vicky.howe ! Have you ever bought bananas or coffee with a 'Fairtrade' logo on it? You may know that this is the mark of the Fairtrade Foundation and that it signifies 8 that the farmers who produce are paid a fair price which ensures they can make a living and support their families. But were you aware that the WI was Grafted Gardener one of the organisations that established the Foundation in 1992? A Full Professional ! Gardening Service for The National Federation of Women's Institutes really people who truly care about does have a fascinating history, and if you want to learn their gardens more about it, go to the website at www.thewi.org.uk. Weeding, Pruning, Hedges, Lawns also Garden Restoration, Design and Advice Wilstead WI has been an integral part of the village community for 89 years now. Its members have many A Gardener with 40 years Professional Experience stories to tell about their activities in the past and the changes they've witnessed, but maybe we'll save those for Call Max 07502 999252 another time. Leah Batham

All Saints WILSTEAD VILLAGE HALL [email protected] Church Available for hire during Contact Roisin the day and evenings for Whittle, the The word 'frustration' is very much in Children's Parties, Booking Secretary our thoughts at this very difficult Family Gatherings, Tea on 01234 740935 Parties and Club time. We were just getting ourselves for availability Meetings back together after the 6 month lockdown. Services were taking place If you need to hire the Weekdays 8am - 6pm hall at short notice, please FROM and congregation numbers were just getting back to £ 9.15 p/hour something like normal. telephone the Booking Secretary to confirm Weekends 8am - 6pm Suddenly out of the blue we were told that we would have availability and full hire FROM to shut the doors once again for a month. We had already charges £12.95 p/hour accepted that our Christmas events - Advent Fair, Christmas Tree Festival, Carol Service and Christingle service - would not happen. Do your feet need someTLC? A meeting was scheduled for 15th November to discuss Home visits for corns, verrucas & feet Christmas Services and that also was cancelled. that are painful or uncomfortable. It has been left to the Vicar and churchwardens to sort Please phone Foothealth Professionals out. The decision we have made is that there will be a service of Midnight Eucharist on Christmas Eve - Julie Boscher on 01234 740866 or December 24th - at 11.30 pm. We will be limited to Hannah Cooke something like 40 people to allow for social distancing. It 01234 930662 would be helpful if people contacted us in the week before Christmas Eve to say that they would wish to attend . Ow!! It hurts 07940 738107 Please ring Revd Stephen Toze on 740423 or Robert Just there! and by email at Heley on 740927. [email protected] OnChristmas Day there will be a morning service at 11.00 am. This will be a Family themed Communion Service. Again please let us know if you would like to attend. Tel: 01234 404096 Of course all this planning depends totally on the MNS Mobile: 07876528260 situation as regards the state of the lockdown after 2nd December. We are in the hands of the powers that be and there is not much we can do except to pray for a Internal work External Work satisfactory solution so that we can enjoy Christmas with Alterations & General Building Fascia Soffit & Guttering our families and friends at home as well as at church. It is Plastering (Artex Removal) Garage Doors (Remote Control) hoped that Church Services will begin again on December Bathroom & Kitchens Patios Refurbishment Fencing 6th provided that the lockdown has ended and we are Tiling Block Paving allowed to open our churches once again. This will be at Painting & Decorating Decking 11.00 am. May we wish you a Happy and Peaceful Christmas from MNS Property Maintenance all at All Saints Pollards Close, Wilstead, Bedford MK45 3HA Robert Heley 9 Shotgun Security With some people returning to work, homes that were occupied throughout the first lockdown are being left empty more often, giving shotgun thieves the opportunity to recommence offending.

If you're a licensed shotgun holder, make sure to secure your home against theft.

Shotgun holders should review current security arrangements for the safe storage and movement of firearms, including:

! Ensure weapons are locked away at all times when not being used. NAO Catteries ! Keys to the gun safe are secured away from safe itself and the location of these kept 07411 136691 discreet. [email protected] ! Ensure windows and doors are locked when out ! or in the garden. ! Fully Licensed & Approved ! ! Heated Pens with Individual Outside Runs Ensure alarm systems are maintained and ! Mon-Fri 9-11 to 6-7 Sat 9-11 serviced and provide appropriate coverage. Collection & Delivery Service Available ! Be aware of any suspicious activity such as Bramble Lodge, 29 Oakley Road, people watching your property, or following you Clapham, Bedford MK41 6AN back from places where the shotgun may have www.naocatteryservices.co.uk been used/seen. ! Be aware of open talk about firearms ownership in public places which could lead to you being targeted by criminals. ! Be discreet about who you tell that you own firearms. ! Vehicles in which weapons are being carried should not be left unattended. ! Weapons carried should be secured to the vehicle chassis to prevent opportunist theft.

If you see anything suspicious please contact your local police force on 101. In an emergency please call 999.

Bedfordshire Police

Award Winning Interactive Musical Fun Show for Pre-School Children CHACHARCHIMPS is an established award winning musical fun show for Pre-school children We have a show at Email: [email protected] Wilstead Village Hall, Wilstead Web: www.liftrightaccess.com every Tuesday from 10 - 11am

Booking is essential, so please do contact to book a place. For more information, contact Katrina on 07563 925956 [email protected] www.facebook.com/CCCBedford www.ccchimps.com

10 Patricks Thefts from a doorstep Parcels Don't let someone ruin your Christmas (RTNR CIC number 12098880) Thefts from a doorstep are when a parcel that has in Silsoe, require your help and support to aid us in been delivered to your home or business address is delivering 50 parcels to families in need this Christmas. stolen from where it was left by the delivery driver.

These families have been identified as not qualifying for This is a growing trend across the country, as thieves regular food banks, they may have lost their jobs recently take advantage of the opportunity to steal unattended or have Universal Credit issues. parcels.

If you can contribute anything from the list below or Preventing theft from your doorstep would like to sponsor towards a family Christmas dinner Here are some things you could do to reduce the risk up to £15 please contact us. of doorstep theft: Long life milk, long life juice, crackers, cereal, Yorkshire pudding mix, stew mix, dumpling mix, gravy, breakfast bars, crisps, ! Track your parcel to ensure you or someone soup, pasta, rice, tinned tomatoes, tinned beans, tinned else is at home for the delivery meat/fish, tinned vegetables, tinned fruit, tea & coffee, biscuits, ! Install a video doorbell; this can be connected chocolate. to your mobile so you are notified immediately of any delivery, and is easier to install than a full We are setting up a drop off point at the Herrings Green CCTV system Farm shop where the villagers can drop off any items. ! Install a security light Thank you ! Delivery to a trusted neighbour, or family members who will be at home Emma ! Use an off-site locker service for frequent The English School of Falconry deliveries Herrings Green Farm, Cotton End Road Wilstead, Beds MK45 3DT 01234 742362 / 01234 742766 PC Amanda Harvey

ACE PEST LIMITED

As an independent, family owned travel agency, we're more than Fast, efficient, friendly service available just travel agents; we're travel specialists. 7 days a week with very competitive rates Genuine local company, established 1988 specialising in all pest problems www.selecttravelholidays.co.uk Whether you want a beach break, [email protected] a honeymoon, golfing holiday, Phone: 01234 838391 safari trip, cruise, escorted tour, Make an appointment to visit us in Mill Street, Bedford short break or tailor make Book with confidence, ABTA & ATOL protected www.acepestcontrolbeds.co.uk something that's bespoke to your needs, just ask us!

11 Wilstead Village Hall Village P3 Footpath Group

As you are no doubt aware, Wilstead Village Hall Meetings successfully reopened after the first lockdown earlier this year with all the required Covid-19 The November meeting was cancelled. However precautions in place as given in the government the group members surveyed their allocated path guidelines. and reported any problems/issues. Each member gets a different path every four months so reports Unfortunately, this proved a little short-lived and on it twice before getting a new path. If you fancy the hall had to close again on 5th November for the helping to look after the paths either by surveying second lockdown. and then possibly helping with vegetation clearance and installing new posts and gates please contact the number below. It would be nice to think it will open (has reopened) on 3rd December, but at the time of writing, we Surveying may sound technical but in reality it have no way of knowing what the Government will means ticking boxes on a form, which you would decide. The hall is being monitored daily to ensure it be sent along with a map showing the where the is in good repair and ready to open ASAP and as soon various form reference points are, plus writing a as the committee has the go ahead to do so, all regular hirers will be informed. few words on any problems. The next meeting is planned for Saturday 9th Thank you to all our hirers for their patience in these January starting at 10.00am. If we can't have a difficult times and we hope to see you again soon. face to face meeting, which is uncertain, we will try As always, any queries please contact the secretary. a virtual meeting.

Angela Fosbrook All are welcome so if you are thinking of joining us [email protected] and would like to'see us in action' please send me 01234 294692 your email address and an invite can be sent to you.

For further information or to arrange an estimate Tel: 01234 219753 or call John 07976 828311 or Tom 07792 934224 Sineway Services Ltd, 11 Risborough Road, Bedford MK41 9QS Email:[email protected] Web: www.sinewayservices.co.uk

12 Below are the rest of the provisional dates for next year's meetings.

Saturdays: 13th March, 8th May, 10th July, 11th September, 13th November. Footpath Work Most of the paths around the village are walkable though the recent weather and more people using the paths (a good thing) has meant that there are some muddy bits.

There are also a few way mark posts which need replacing either because they are broken or have gone rotten. Also some of the way mark discs have become faded and need replacing.

If you spot any problems with the path surface or overgrowth or stiles/way mark posts etc then please contact the number below and the group will try and address it.

Bridleways and Footpaths Vegetables Fresh Fruit Free Range Eggs Floristry Below are a few notes on these Rights of Way. Bridleways. There are bridleways running from Cotton End Road to (via Hooked Lane and just east of Elms Lane) and Haynes (via Elms Lane). These are the only Rights of Way in the village that you are Herrings Green Farm Cotton End Road Wilstead MK45 3DT allowed to cycle and ride a horse along. Bridleways have blue way mark discs to indicate their route.

Footpaths. The majority of the paths around the village are footpaths and are restricted to pedestrians. Wilstead Post Office Their routes are indicated by yellow way mark discs. These paths can take you to Houghton Conquest, Elstow and Haynes or form part of various circular & Stores walks around the village. Top-ups for Electricity and Gas, Map Lottery, Grocer, Newsagents, Fresh Produce, Fresh Bakery Daily, Photocopying, If you would like a map which shows where these Dry Cleaning, Health Lottery, Car Tax, Footpaths and Bridleways are please contact the Money Gram, number below. Foreign Currency Commission Free, National Express Tickets, Walks iTunes and 'phone top-ups, The November walk was cancelled because of the Free Cash Withdrawals (All Banks) virus. It is doubtful whether the New Year's Day walk All Banking Facilities now available at the Post Office along some of the footpaths and bridleways which All other Post Office Services Available surround the village will be able to go ahead but keep an eye on the village noticeboards outside the Village Store Opening Hours: Hall and at the Crossroads in case things change. Monday to Saturday 7.00am until 7.00pm Below are provisional dates for rest of the walks in 2021 Sunday 7.30am until 6.00pm Sundays: 7th February am, 7th March pm, We are happy to take Telephone 11th April pm, orders and deliver to your home Saturday: 8th May evening, Fridays: 18th June evening, 16th July evening, Tel: 01234 740210 6th August evening, Sundays: 5th Sept pm, 10th October am, Mobile: 07802 608380 21st November am. 33 Cotton End Road, MK45 3BX Nigel Jacobs P3 Contact 01234 400733 13 Update from Wilstead Village Agent

Village Agents provide a free, confidential service and are here to help people over 60 with a variety of issues – large or small. We are funded by Bedford Borough Council. We are all DBS checked and operate in the strictest confidence. Andrea is the Village Agent for Wilstead. St John’s Hospital Trust – a small quarterly payment of £75 can be given to people on a low Reflections income who have little or no savings. That’s £300 per year. To qualify, you must be over 60, not PROFESSIONAL CLEANING SERVICE working and have lived in Bedford Borough for at least 15 years. Contact Andrea for more details. Domestic & Commercial Window Cleaning Free items for the over 65s – do you need a carbon Sofit & Facias, Gutters, Conservatory Roofs monoxide alarm (an essential for properties with Pressure Washing & Soft Washing gas, LPG, wood, coal or oil heating) or a disabled toilet key or a personal alarm (handy for those who Patio, Driveway and Decking Cleaned jog or dog walk on these dark nights) Andrea has a few useful items to give away free, but be quick Tel/Fax: 01234 743026 Mobile: 07738 983320 before they all go! Foodbank vouchers – if you are struggling to keep yourself fed properly due to a temporary change in income such as a benefits issue or unemployment then Andrea can issue a Foodbank voucher to tide you over. Do you, or someone you know, need support following bereavement? Bedford Daycare Hospice is providing a free counselling / bereavement support service, not just for Hospice patients, but available to all communities in Bedford and surrounding areas. Call01234 352015 or email linda.byer@bdc- hospice.org.uk to arrange confidential weekly sessions of up to an hour via phone or video link. Face to face support will be available once lockdown is lifted. Please note Help with form filling – many older people aren’t claiming the benefits they are entitled to. Andrea No part of this newsletter may be reproduced, by any means, can help identify which benefits you can claim by without the prior permission of a member of the editorial team. doing a confidential benefits check. She can also This newsletter is published by Wilstead Neighbourhood Watch, help you fill in those complicated forms such as Blue part of Bedford & District NWAssociation Badge, Housing Benefit and Attendance Allowance forms. Wilstead Website Please call Andrea, your Village Agent on can be found at Freephone 0800 039 1234 This is an answerphone service, so please leave your www.wilsteadvillage.org.uk name address & telephone number, and we aim to call you back within 48 hours 14 Bedford Borough Councillor Newsletter Report DEADLINE for any copy, new advertisements or changes to existing advertisements Coronavirus in Bedford Borough Friday 18th December As of 11th November there had been 2,673 cases of Coronavirus in Bedford Borough with 43,033 The next newsletter will be published on Friday 8th Jan individual tests. This was a positive test rate of 6.2%. In the preceding 7 days there had been 211 new cases Please send items and articles for inclusion in the of Coronavirus in the Borough. Wilstead Newsletter to our dedicated e-mail address: During October and November, there was a spike in cases in Wilshamstead ward, with 12 cases for the week ending 28th October and 20 cases during the [email protected] week ending 4th November, after having been below three cases the week before that. Please Note that requests for NEW ADVERTS and Advert Changes should now be sent toMaxine Hendry, as should Payments. After discussions with the Borough Chief Officer for Public Health I am confident and satisfied that the Next Co-ordinators’ Meeting appropriate authorities and agencies were dealing with the Wilshamstead ward cases and there had Date and venue to be advised of the next been a drop to nine cases in Wilshamstead ward for co-ordinators’ meeting. the week ending 11th November. Telephone Number List Regardless of the number of cases in the ward and the Telephone Number List Borough, it remains important for everyone to follow to cut out and keep by your telephone the'hands, face, space' mantra and to observe the requirements of the current lockdown. When the EMERGENCY ...... 999 lockdown ends, the Government has stated that we CRIME IN PROGRESS ...... 999 will revert to the tiered system and from discussion with the Mayor it remains important to keep figures as Non Emergency Police ...... 101 low as possible, so that we exit lockdown in Tier 1, Police Headquarters ...... 01234 841212 rather than a higher tier. At time of writing the Borough PC5324KerryJones ...... 101 ext 2865/2864/2862 was very close to the threshold for Tier 2, therefore getting the numbers lower by the end of lockdown was Crime Stoppers ...... 0800 555 111 a priority. Abandoned Vehicles ...... 01234 221768 As always, advice from the Borough Council is Borough Councillor, Graeme Coombes ...... 07815 302318 available here: Neighbourhood Watch Central Office ...... 01234 842043 https://www.bedford.gov.uk/social-care-health- Wilstead Good Neighbours ...... 07807 408928 and-community/public-health/coronavirus/ “Who’s Who” Remembrance Day Neighbourhood Watch, Wilstead

I attended the annual Remembrance Day service at Advertisements & Accounts the war memorial in Wilstead on Sunday 8th MAXINE HENDRY, 17 Hampton Close, Wilstead MK45 3DA November and laid a wreath. The service this year [email protected] Telephone 407998 was considerably reduced in size, owing to the distancing measures currently in place. Nonetheless, Editors it is always an important day of the year for me. Crime Prevention News/Information BRIAN JONES, 16 Hooked Lane, Wilstead MK45 3DL Planning department admit they are [email protected] Telephone 741931 performing poorly Local Village News & Information JACKIE LLOYD, 41A Luton Road, Wilstead MK45 3ER Jon Shortland the Chief Officer for Planning admitted [email protected] Telephone 742757 that the department was keeping its heads above water. He also said the Government had released NW Area Co-ordinator performance figures and they were currently ranked at GERALD GALE, 149A Cotton End Road, Wilstead MK45 3DD 337 out of 353. [email protected] Telephone 740972

Continued on next page Printed by White Hart Press, 58A York Street, Bedford 15 continued from page 15 Wilstead Tandoori SchoolAdmissions

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT Bedford Borough Council's online admissions system 10% Discount for Collections is now open to all parents and carers whose children Orders over £20 are due to transfer to secondary or upper school in ! Curries Open 7 Days A Week September 2021. ! Fried Chicken & Chips ! 4pm-10pm Burger Meal Deals including Bank Holidays For further information go to: ! Pizzas 01234 742 386 or 740 904 www.bedford.gov.uk/onlineadmissions www.wilsteadtandoori.co.uk New COVID-19 Marshals Operating in 2 Cross Road, Wilstead, Bedfordshire MK45 3HJ Bedford Borough In October the first COVID-19 marshals took to the streets in Bedford town centre, providing advice and information about how to stay safe and slow the Z Z spread of coronavirus locally. However, it must be Z Z noted they do not have the power to make arrests or Z WhiteZ Hart Press break up any activity. Z Z whp Funding has been provided by the Government to Z Z support and encourage the public and businesses to Z Z follow coronavirus measures to keep themselves and Z Z our communities safe. The marshals will be working with the public, shops, businesses and partners to provide advice and information about the situation locallyPlease and action to take note to tackle the virus. Cllr. Graeme Coombes

providing Quality Building Work in Wilstead, Wixams and surrounding areas From Small Extensions to New Builds Garage Conversions and Loft Conversions Telephone: 01234 742598 Mobile: Richard 07710 446881 Jess 07794 480440 www.rwbbuilders.co.uk [email protected]

16