1st Langford Rainbows, Brownies and Guides 1st Langford Rainbows: In the Spring term, we have completed our Seasons Roundabout badge which included making marshmallow igloos, having an indoor snowball fight, making grass heads and toasting marshmallows over tea lights; all of these activities we voted on and chose ourselves. We also had a bingo night, decorated candles for Mother’s Day and learned games that other Rainbows like to play in India, Kenya, Guyana and Canada.We finished off the term by having an Easter Egg Hunt in the church yard, although we managed to lose one egg somewhere! In the summer term, we will be playing parachute games, having a teddy bear’s picnic and celebrating the Rainbows 30th Birthday with an Under The Sea Theme!

2 1st Langford Brownies: Our main focus over the Spring term was our Grow £1 Challenge! Each girl was given £1 to take home and come back at the end of term with a profit. They did lots of fun activities such as having cake sales, selling old toys and unwanted gifts, doing chores around the house and even picking up dog poo round the village as you may have seen in the last issue. Altogether the girls managed to raise a total of £177.40 which is brilliant! This will be going towards some exciting Brownie holidays we have planned over the next couple of years. Alongside this, the girls also completed their Brownie Traditions badge, learned first aid and did some karate! In the summer term we will be having a Hawaiian party, having an indoor cinema and going shelter building at Woods. In the Easter holidays, 15 girls attended Pack Holiday at Molliver’s Activity Centre in Bromham, where we had a Beauty and the Beast theme and went caving! 1st Langford Guides: In the Spring Term, we had a board game night, played some team games and designed a pair of shoes.We celebrated both Chinese NewYear and Pancake Day with lots of food as requested by the girls! We also had a Pamper and PJ evening where the girls gave makeovers and painted each other’s nails whilst relaxing. We had visitors in to show us martial arts and flower arranging for Mother’s Day. In the summer term, we will be learning some belly dancing, having a masquerade party, playing silly sports and having visits to both Jordan’s Mill for a tour and Boyd field for outdoor cooking and activities. In the summer, we are planning a sleepover in .We currently have spaces for girls to join the unit, aged 10 – 16; contact Danielle on 07866 395739 to arrange a visit. The Rainbow and Brownies would like to thank the Parish Council for their grant donation which has already helped towards the Brownies Pack Holiday at Easter and will also go towards our joint sleepover at the Sea Life Centre in Great Yarmouth in October.

3 Langford Village Academy We had a very busy Spring Term and the children had lots of opportunities to take part in numerous different activities and would like to share a few with you.

Early Years Foundations Stage The children have been learning about dinosaurs. We had a dinosaur cave in the classroom as a role play and learnt lots of interesting dinosaur facts. We painted pictures of dinosaurs, made models out of clay and Lego and took photographs of our wonderful creations! The second half term Jellyfish and Pearl have been learning about Spring and Easter. We went on a Spring walk around the school grounds to look at signs of Spring.We have planted seeds/bulbs and will be watching them grow (if we remember to water them!) and were fascinated with the frog spawn that was brought in. Foundation Stage children were also delighted to welcome Jack (the rabbit) and Chocolate (the guinea pig) in the classroom for a visit.

Key Stage 1 This half term, the children in Key Stage 1 have been learning about famous nurses. They explored the lives of Mary Seacole, Florence Nightingale and JenniferWorth.They also examined the role of nurses today and found out what qualities are needed to become a nurse. The children discovered how to avoid being ill through healthy eating and exercise. They worked with a partner to create a collage of a healthy food plate.

Key Stage 2 Key Stage Two took part in a Creative Prayer afternoon with Mrs Jo Gaunt. They reflected on the world, appreciating it's beauty, sharing their worries on global issues and counted their blessings. They also drafted e-mails sharing their thoughts and worries, and were guided in understanding the meaning of the Lords Prayer. It was a peaceful afternoon which taught the children to consider others and the world around them.

World Book Day The children and staff dressed up as their favourite story character and spoke about their favourite stories. Reading for enjoyment is very important in building confidence and developing a love for books. We loved seeing everyone in their favourite characters.

4 A Letter from the Editor Since becoming editor of The Langford Diary I have become more aware of the work done by the volunteers which make up the Parish Council.Their knowledge of planning, organisation, and finance is considerable. Tony Fisher, who was both vice-chair of the Parish Council and Chair of Finance and Planning, was extremely knowledgeable and efficient in a quiet way. Gill Clarke, our Chair of the Parish Council, has paid tribute to his work in her report. For the second year the Parish Council organised another successful Tidy up Langford morning. When I am doing this job I often think of my father-in-law who used to say “Someone ought to explain to smokers that discarded filter tips don’t grow into trees!” By the same token I refused to pick the black bag of dog poo hanging from a branch in Mill Lane! Smokers and Dog owners please be more considerate! However, there was a great community atmosphere and we enjoyed wonderful refreshments donated by The Rapid ReliefTeam.Thanks to Gill Clarke and Michelle Albone for organising the event, and of course, to the willing helpers. Let’s look forward to a good summer, and your photos of the village and village events are always welcome. Trudy Emery [email protected] 01462 636638 Playing Field & Village Hall Management Committe Annual General Meeting The Annual General Meeting of the Playing Field and Village Hall Management Committee will be held on Thursday 15 June 2017 at 7.30pm in theVillage Hall. Residents are invited to join the meeting to hear what plans are afoot for the Playing Field andVillage Hall. Cheese and wine following the meeting. Please contact: Gill Clarke - email: [email protected] The Welcome Club

At theWelcome Club we enjoy our regular weekly meetings and our numbers are going up.We have had a fish and chip lunch and we have a river trip to look forward to in June. We are going on the River Cam and will enjoy a boatman's lunch with tea coffee and a glass of wine. It might bring back a few memories because that was the very first river trip we went on when the club first started fifteen years ago (how time flies; it just seems like yesterday!). We will have had our birthday party in May and hopefully a trip to a garden centre. So, if you feel like joining us you might enjoy yourself . Stella Hill

5 Langford Parish Council It is with the utmost sadness that I must report that our highly respected fellow Councillor Tony Fisher has died. Tony was Chairman of both Planning and Finance and a tremendous support to the whole council. He fought tirelessly against the seemingly unfair amount of development in the village.

Tony was closely involved with a great many aspects of the Parish Council’s work. As an inaugural Member of the Wind Farm Committee, he was very wise in his agreement for grant funding. He also supported the Scouts venture to refurbish the Scout Hut, new classroom at the school, and had also been a Governor at Langford School.

Tony will be greatly missed.

The Village “Clean Up” held on April 8th was again a great success. Thank you to all residents who came along, adults and children. Thanks to Michelle for organising the event and the Rapid Relief Team for the wonderful refreshments.

Our Emergency Plan is nearly completed and I hope to include a copy in the next issue of the Langford Diary.

Thank you to residents who identified areas for our “Village Wish List” we would be pleased to receive more suggestions. When new building takes place in the village, developers are obliged under law to set up a Section 106 fund. Often the Parish Council are given very limited time to come up with ideas for the use of the funds. It has been agreed in Council that we have a prepared “wish list” of priced projects within the village that can be produced and sent over to CBC as necessary. The Parish Council would be interested to have residents’ views on what they would like to see in the village – be it small or large. Not everything is possible but it would be good to know what you think. Please let us have your written ideas – either by email: [email protected] or you can drop a note through any Councillor’s door – addresses in Langford Diary.

The Council meetings are held on the first Monday of the month except for Bank Holidays and August, at St Andrew’s Church Hall at 7.30pm. Details are on the Langford Parish Council website, which is full of very useful information relating to Langford. My fellow Parish Councillors welcome you to come along and see what we are trying to do for the village. Perhaps we could encourage you to join us.

Gill Clarke Chairman

12 The Langford Welfare Trust

Every year the Langford Welfare Trust makes disbursements in the community to assist families who are in financial difficulty. If you live in Langford and are having difficulty with paying for something that is important to you and your family why not see if a payment can help you out? The trust can provide funds for such things as basic items of furniture, school uniforms, books, travel costs, tools, equipment, training costs, or any welfare related item. Historically the proceeds were distributed to the needy in Langford in the form of bread and coal. In 1899 2cwt (101kg) of coal was given to every family in the village and one loaf of bread was given to each child attending the village school. Since 2009 an average of 4 disbursements per year have been made to successful applicants. Today the proceeds are available for the general welfare and educational purposes of residents of Langford. To enquire about a grant or to enquire for eligibility, please write to the Trust, c/o 3 Old Mill Close, Langford, , Beds., SG18 9QY, or ‘phone 01462 700650. Wanderbus Services We wish to advise that following an extensive transport review by Central Council, there will be changes to bus routes and timetables that may affect your local residents. At Wanderbus we will need to revise our own timetables to try to minimise any loss of bus services offered by contracted operators and we will try to minimise the impact on our existing services. We will need to issue a new timetable that will become effective from 2nd May 2017 in line with overall changes. CBC also displays revised timetables at most bus stops but this may take time to complete. Clive Lester - Committee Member Wanderbus Ltd. www.wanderbus.org.uk email: [email protected] Bookings and Info: Tel 0300 123 3023

13 1st Langford Scout Group Beavers The Beavers have enjoyed being ‘home', although none of the current group had ever had a session in the Scout Hut, so a new experience for them ! Now we are back in the Scout Hut we are looking to increase our Beaver numbers once again. If you have an energetic child who likes a challenge and enjoys being noisy, then look no further ! We offer fun and some education to 6 to 8 year olds, we meet on Tuesday evenings between 6:30pm and 7:30pm. If your child would like to join please e-mail me, [email protected] and we’ll get them started as soon as possible. We offer a great variety of fun and education. The Spring term has seen the Beavers make paper aeroplanes, break a code and write in code, learn about healthy eating, how to light a camp fire safely and how to tie a reef knot. We’ve also had some fun and games and made lego models. Please get in touch Les Soden (Brown Bear)

Cubs The Spring term was another busy one for Langford Cubs. We tried Scottish dancing for Burns Night (and tested the floor of the revamped Scout HQ to its limits); cooked pancakes; learned about Australia and about the history of Scouting, refreshed our emergency aid training, and made presents for Mums for Mothering Sunday. We were also very proud of the pack’s performance at the District Bowling Competition and particularly of Alfie with the highest score of the competition. We had an indoor camp at The Leslie Sell Activity Centre in Bromham and were, for once, lucky with the weather that allowed us to do archery, pedal karts, rifle shooting and indoor caving in glorious Spring sunshine. At the end of term we were proud to present Adam, Finlay, Oliver and Charlie with their Chief Scout’s Silver Award – the highest award in the Cub Scout Section. The summer term is the one where we have too many ideas and not enough evenings! We’ve organised a visit to the RAF Museum at Hendon and a District evening of golf in Letchworth, as well as a water sports activity day in Luton and our Group Camp at Boyd Field in June. Also in June, we’re hosting all the Cubs in Biggleswade District for our annual District Sports. We’re also hoping to finish off more Silver Awards for our older cubs and run some joint events with scouts. Of course, our more traditional scouting activities like hiking, backwoods cooking and climbing will all be on the programme. I’d like to extend my thanks to the parents of all our Cubs who support our activities and offer their help when necessary. Scouting is not like other youth activities – we depend on family involvement – and all our Langford Cub families are brilliant!

14 Useful Telephone Numbers 01234 841212 Langford Friends 0788 4046741 Emergency Services Samaritans 0845 790 9090 Gas 0800 111 999 01462 455333 Electricity 0845 770 8090 Childline 0800 1111 Water 0845 602 1724 Silverline 0800 470 8090 Central Beds Council 0300 300 8301 Refuge 0808 2000 247 Langford Surgery 01767 316346 Out of Hours Contact Numbers Ivel Medical Centre 01767 312441 Social Services 0300 300 8123 Langford Village Academy 01462 629000 Housing Repairs and Noise 0300 300 8098 Langford Pharmacy 01462 701518 Highways 0300 300 8049 Citizen Advice Bureau 0844 4771600 Dangerous Structures 0300 300 8098

Central Beds Councillor Steven Dixon - , Langford, Fairfield & Ward 0300 300 8524 - [email protected] Langford Parish Council website: bedsparishes.gov.uk Chairman Gill Clarke 11 Mill Meadow SG18 9UR 01462 629440 [email protected] Councillors Richard Arnott 20 Close, Langford SG18 9SH [email protected] 01462 700466 Mick Beazley 20 Tithe Farm Close, Langford SG18 9NE [email protected] 01767 223849 Barb Hammond 2 Manor Close, Langford SG18 9PU 01462 701070 [email protected] Mike Kalaher 79 East Road, Langford SG18 9QP [email protected] 01767 227869 Joan Rutt 18 Windsor Way, SG18 9PB 01462 700451 [email protected] John Shipman 3 Old Mill Close SG18 9QY 01462 700650 [email protected] Jane Wright 1 Running Water Cottages, Langford Road SG18 9RA [email protected] 01767 601789

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

15 Weekly Meetings Sunday St. Andrews Parish Services: Vicar Rev. Shaun Speller 01462 700248 Parish Eucharist 9.15am (1st, 2nd and 4th Sundays each month) Family Service 9.30am (3rd Sunday each month) Benefice Eucharist 9.15am (5th Sunday) 3.00pm Holy Baptism (2nd Sunday each month) Holy Communion Wednesday 10.00am (2nd and 4th Wednesdays) Methodist Services: Minister: Rev. Lorna Valentine Service 9.30am: (last Sunday each month) Service 10.45am Sunday Club 10.40am: (term time only) last Sunday of month Dog Training 9.00am-1.30pm Langford Village Hall Contact Gary Belemy 07738 683854 Youth Football Winter Monday Owlets Pre-school 9am-12.00 morning session & 9.00-3.00pm full day - 07935 784567 - email [email protected] Langford Methodist Chapel Room Contact 07790 763078 Pilates 9.30am-10.30am Church Hall Contact 07891 752906 Rainbows 4.30pm-5.30pm Church Hall Contact 07866 395739 1st Langford Brownies 5.45pm to 7.00pm Church Hall (term time only) Karate 6.00pm-8.00pm Langford Village Hall Contact Richard 01462 629707 1st Langford Scouts 7.30pm-9.00pm Scout HQ (term time only) Full Bottle Fitness Bootcamp 8.00pm-9.00pm on the Playing Fields 07758 812789 Tuesday Owlets Pre-school 9am-12.00 morning session Langford Methodist Chapel Room - 07935 784567 - email [email protected] Yoga - 9.45am - 11.45 Langford Village Hall Contact Les 07841 862975 Walking Group meet 10am at Chapel Hill Bridge. For details of walks further afield on 1st Tuesday of month contact Val Henley 01462 626502 Langford Lollipops Toddler Group (term time only) 1.00pm-3.00pm Village Hall Contact Jo 07968 624363 Langford Beavers 6.30pm-7.30pm Contact 07737 014349 (term time only) Dog Training 6.30pm-9.30pm Langford Village Hall Contact Gary 07738 683854 Fitness Class 7.45pm-8.45pm Aerobics/Body Tone Langford Academy 01462 701289 Wednesday Owlets Pre-school 9am-12.00 morning session & 9.00-3.00pm full day - 07935 784567 - email [email protected] Langford Methodist Chapel Room Contact 07790 763078 Pilates 9.30am-10.30am Church Hall Contact 07891 752906 Full Bottle Fitness Bootcamp 10.00am-11.00am on the Playing Fields 07758 812789 Oasis Coffee Shop 10.30am to 11.30am Methodist Chapel (first Wednesday in month only) The Ivy Leaf Welcome Club Ivy Leaf Club Station Road 2.00pm-4.00pm Fit and Fabulous Church Hall 1.45pm-2.45pm 01462 620740 or 07741 453533 Children’s Dancing 4.30pm-6.15pm Langford Village Hall Contact Danielle 07866 395739 16 Langford Cubs 6.30pm-8.00pm Scout HQ Contact [email protected] (term time only) Tennis Club Social Sessions - 8.00pm Contact Paul Metcalfe 01462 700001 [email protected] www.langfordtennisclub.org.uk Thursday Owlets Pre-school 9am-12.00 morning session Langford Methodist Chapel Room - 07935 784567 - email [email protected] Metafit 9.30am-10.15am Langford Village Hall - Tina Sales 01234 381926 07952 648682 Langford WEA 10.00am-11.30am Church Hall Spring and Autumn Contact 700306 1st Langford Guides 7.00pm Langford Academy Contact 701164 Kwik Cricket 6.00pm - 7.00pm (Les Soden) - Langford Village Hall Boxercise (Full Bottle Fitness) 7.30pm - 8.30pm - Langford Village Hall Friday Owlets Pre-school 9am-12.00 morning session Langford Methodist Chapel Room - 07935 784567 - email [email protected] Line Dancing 10.00am-12.00pm Village Hall Contact Barbara 07795 552861 Morning Coffee Shop - 10.30am-12.00 midday - St. Andrew’s Church Hall Adult Dancing - Ballroom/Latin 1.30pm-3.00pm Langford Village Hall - Esme Castle 01767 601604 Bowls Club 2.00pm - 4.00pm Melanie Andrews Saturday Cricket, Bowls, Tennis Summer Tennis Club Social Sessions - 2.00pm Contact Paul Metcalfe 01462 700001 [email protected] www.langfordtennisclub.org.uk All Copy and Advertising for inclusion in future Diaries by: Summer Issue 22nd April - Autumn Issue 22nd July Winter Issue 22nd October - Spring Issue 22nd January

All Copy for the next Diary to be emailed to both [email protected] [email protected]

All Adverts and Advertising Material to be emailed to [email protected] Editor’s Reservation This Diary is as complete and correct as possible at the time of going to press. While any Inaccuracies and Omissions in any Articles or Adverts supplied to the Editor and Parish Council for publication are regretted, the Editor and the Parish Council accept no responsibility for any such occurrences. All articles are copyright and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission of the Editor or the Parish Council. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the Editor or the Parish Council. Please let us know if there are any changes to the details of your meeting. Are the times and contact information the same?

17 What’s On In The Summer! June 1 Pergamo/Parchment Craft Church Room 1.00pm 5 Parish Council Meeting Church Room 7.30pm 7 History Society - Visit to Shuttleworth 10 St. Andrew’s Church Fete 14 Langford WI Lifetime of Children 's Entertainment - Ernie Almond - Chapel Schoolroom 7.15pm 15 Pergamo/Parchment Craft Church Room 1.00pm 17 Langford Academy Fete

July 1 Raft Race River Bridge - 12 noon 1 Langford Summer Fete Playing Field - 1.00pm 3 Parish Council Meeting Church Room 7.30pm 7 History Society - Visit to Roman Baths, Welwyn 6 Pergamo/Parchment Craft Church Room 1.00pm 12 Langford WI - Lowdown on Fraud - Paul Taylor - 7.15pm Chapel Schoolroom 20 Pergamo/Parchment Craft Church Room 1.00pm

August 3 Pergamo/Parchment Craft Church Room 1.00pm 6 Cream Teas - 18 Windsor Way - 3.00pm - 5.00pm 9 Langford WI - 90th Birthday Celebrations - Lunchtime Event 17 Pergamo/Parchment Craft Church Room 1.00pm

18 Ivy Leaf Club Visitors are welcome up to 5 times per year at a cost of £1 per visit or you can join at any time as a couple (£25), single (£17), Senior Citizen (£8) or junior 15-18yrs (£8). Well behaved dogs and their owners are welcome too! Children under the age of 15 are welcome in the family lounge bar if accompanied by an adult where they can stay till 20.00 hours unless they are attending a private function when this can be later. You can play darts, have a game of snooker at £1.50 per half hour, play pool for free on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 50p a game at other times.Dominoes is played on Thursday evenings and Sunday lunchtimes. There are skittle and pool teams if you fancy trying your hand.Sky Sports is shown on a wide screen in the main bar and a large TV in the lounge so all major sporting events are screened. If you are a member and looking for a venue for a function (not 18th birthday parties) you can hire the lounge, which holds 50 - 70 persons, for a donation of £50 or more. The main bar holds up to 200 people and is also available for functions, bands and discos etc. although please be aware that other club members may be present. For fur - ther information ring or pop in to speak to Sharon or one of our friendly members of staff.

Entertainment:

May 6th - '360', soul and disco music non-members £3

June 3rd - Scooted 'n' Booted, ska music non-members £5

July 8th - El Bronson , rock music non-members £3

Aug 27th - Cheezy and the Hellmits, our local rock, punk and ska band non-members £3

Sept 2nd - Soul Enforcement Bureau, mix of soul music members £3 non-members £6

Sept 30th - DDs Disco

Nov 11th - Deaf Shephard, soft rock music non-members £3

Dec 2nd - The Dekkertones, ska music non-members £5

Find us on Facebook Ivy Leaf Club Langford for latest updates and news.

Lynn Reynolds (on behalf of the Ivy Leaf Club committee)

19 St. Andrew’s Church

As you may know I arrived in the village as the new vicar at the end of January. Firstly thank you to everyone I have met for your welcome and good wishes. I hope to meet more of you in time.

Back in January of course we were still in the midst of winter with its dark mornings and evenings which can make it hard to think of much to look forward to. Then as we travel through spring the promise of warmer and longer days beckons, with all of the events that we look forward to each summer.

Most summers there is at least one big sporting event on the calendar - an Olympics or a World Cup maybe. There aren’t any of those this year (although I personally will be looking forward to the British Lions tour of New Zealand). However there are always annual events which we will look forward to. I am told the raft race is a sight to behold and St Andrews will have its annual fete on 10 June so please put that in your diary.

One of the things I have noticed about the village is the number of cyclists who regularly pass through. And that reminds me of one of the significant summer events each year that I look forward to - the Tour De France. Its just so evocative of summer. 150 cyclists rolling through the idyllic French countryside resplendent with sunflower fields, passing through quaint villages, and over the breathtaking splendour of the Pyrenees and Alps, completing 3000 kilometres in a three week period. Why? Because they are in pursuit of the Maillot Jaune - the yellow jersey - which will be awarded to the winner when Le Tour is completed in Paris on the final Sunday of the race.

Yet that achievement would never be realised but for some unsung heroes - the humble domestique - riders who will rarely glimpse individual glory. They ride simply for their team - their community.

Its a picture of what the church should be for. A humble domestique not existing purely for itself but for the community in which it is set.

I would love to hear from you, our community, to know how you think your parish church might best serve you. What is that one thing I wonder that you would like us to be doing?

Rev. Shaun Speller (Vicar) Tel. 01462 700248

20 Fete - Hope you’re feeling keen, it’s Twenty-seventeen Summer’s on it’s way, and here’s your invitation to one of it’s highlights!

Langford Family Fete will be on Saturday, July 1st. at 1 p.m., following the Raft Race, which this year has the theme of “Musicals” – perhaps “South Pacific” and “Pirates of Penzance” come to mind! We extend a warm welcome to all community groups who would like to help to raise funds for the upkeep of the Playing Field and Village Hall, sports facilities and play equipment - and have fun at the same time. Hopefully if you are part of a local club or organisation you will want to run a stall – it is a good opportunity to raise money, and let people know about your activity.

This year Luke and Hayley Newman will be coming on board to help us make the Fete even better. Many of you will already know Luke – at the Fete he is usually to be seen in disguise, as one of the Minions! Luke supports a very worthwhile charity which is building schools in Kenya, and we have agreed that the Fete will support this charity, as well as our existing aim of purchasing a defibrillator for the Playing Field site. So there will be an international dimension to our event!

We are always looking for people to run stalls or sideshows and assist with other tasks on the day. We already have many of the attractions planned and there will be the usual mixture of sports events, stalls, displays, children’s rides, refreshments, etc. – so we need people to help set up and take down, sell raffle tickets and help with the admin.

All your favourites will be there - The Alabama Hayriders, Arabia, Vanessa’s Fun Dog Show, many fairground Attractions, Pirouettes and Pullbacks, Shefford Majorettes, Magic Show with Gemma – so you had better be there too!

Last year was a good one and we had a record number of attractions on the field, but we also spent a lot of money. Help us to make it even better this year! New ideas, donations and offers of sponsorship are always welcome. We can offer a good publicity opportunity to our sponsors, and they always know that their generosity is helping the community.

Please contact Colin or Christine Carroll on 01462 700421 or e-mail us at [email protected] if you can help. Watch out for our Facebook page - just search for “Langford 2017” and you will find it – and you can message us. Everything to do with the Fete is on our Website, too – Just Google “Langford Family Fete”. You can email us from there, too.

COLIN and CHRISTINE CARROLL

21 Langford History Society Our programme for 2017 is now on our website and 2017 is proving to be very interesting year. On 1 March we had an excellent talk and presentation on the flamboyant First World War naval hero Sir David Beatty of Battle of Jutland fame. Our popular Village Memories evening followed on 5 April with a showing of slides from our village historian, Ralph Turner, with a commentary from a memoir written by a 19th century emigrant from Langford to the USA. Aspects of Bedford’s hidden history with blue badge guide David Fowler was the talk on 3 May and the first of our visits followed on 7 June when we had a guided afternoon tour of the Shuttleworth Mansion followed by refreshments. The second visit is an evening visit to the Roman Baths at Welwyn on 5 July. There is no meeting in August but in September there is the third talk on Noel Park children of the 1940s and how they got on in the Swinging Sixties. Warden Abbey is the subject of more ancient history on 4 October and we have another wartime talk but this time on the Second conflict when the history of the RAF’s Pathfinder Force 1942–1945 will be the subject on 1 November and then we finish the year with our Christmas social evening on 6 December. Our website has the Langford Index of Names, which is helpful for family historians and those with roots in our village. You can download free of charge this 16-page index to people referred to in the Society’s three books and also in the Parish Council’s Millennium publication, Langford: A Village Walk. Because of the many photos in our three books (see below) it is possible that researchers could find a photo of their ancestors as well as a reference to them. The names recorded on the two village war memorials are also included in the index with an indication of which memorial contains the name. We always give a warm welcome to new members and visitors and we are certain you will enjoy our talks. We usually meet on the first Wednesday of every month (except for January and August), at 8pm at St Andrew’s Church Hall. Our meetings are informal and visitors pay only £3 at the door. There is a raffle at each meeting and the tea, coffee and biscuits are free. Annual membership is currently £5 per person. Our website at www.langfordhistorysociety.org.uk has lots of information about Langford’s past. Through the website, we have been able to answer many queries from family historians with roots in Langford. If you need further information about us, please phone 01462 701096. Langford History Books Our books on village history contain lots of photos preserving the knowledge of the families, homes and businesses of old Langford. The following publications are available: Langford Then and Now 2006 – This book of 40 pages plus cover has two photographs on nearly every page of well-known places in the village showing how they looked then and how they look now. Some of the old photographs were taken from 80 to over 100 years ago. Price £4. Langford through the Lens Volume 1 – This book in 73 pages delves into Langford’s past with photographs of personalities and events explained in extensive captions. The reprint has the advantage of incorporating amendments and discoveries made since original publication by means of an errata list in the title pages. Price £5. Langford through the Lens, Volume 2 (published 1992) – This book in 80 pages offers a selection of old photographs (some with extensive captions) showing all aspects of village life and the personalities involved over the years. Price £3. To purchase these books contact Rowena Wolfe by phone or email: 01767 312556 or [email protected]

22 Langford Cricket Club Chairman’s Letter The season is now well under way and there’s loads of cricket being played at Langford at so many different levels: Youth Cricket (for both boys and girls) has been very strong at Langford for a number of years and we have teams competing all over the County at Under 9, Under 11, Under 13 and Under 15 levels. Training takes place weekly and anyone passing the playing fields early on a Thursday evening will have noticed just how many youngsters are actively involved in the game. Any boys or girls who want to come along, please just turn up and make yourself known to one the Coaches. Langford Ladies continue to grow in numbers and strength and have this year joined forces with . For the first time, the Ladies are now competing in the North Herts League and the addition of a competitive element will undoubtedly help to improve their enjoyment of the game. Men’s League cricket started at the end of April and with three men’s teams there is cricket being played most Saturdays and Sundays through until the end of August. And there’s even a ‘Legends’ XI who have a series of Friday evening matches arranged. So much cricket! In total, nearly 60 matches are due to be played this season over a period of less than 19 weeks meaning that there is plenty of opportunity to come and watch. It is always good to see people at games, sitting on the benches around the ground or wandering around the boundary chatting to the players. So if you’ve not already done so, do come down one afternoon (or evening); the Playing Field really has become a wonderful setting, a lovely place to sit and enjoy the great outdoors and the English summer (ahem!) … But that amount of cricket cannot happen without a tremendous amount of off the field support and it would be remiss of me to not thank everyone who supports us; those who prepare the wicket, those who run and select the teams, those who prepare the ground, those who prepare and serve the teas and of course those who provide sponsorship and advertise in this booklet … To everyone who supports the Club in whatever way – a big ‘thankyou’. Full details of all of our fixtures – and results – can be found on our web-site (see below), as can the contact details for anyone (age 8-80!) interested in coming along and getting playing. Enjoy the cricket … Graeme Down - Chairman, Langford Cricket Club E-Mail … [email protected] Web-site … http://langfordcc.play-cricket.com/ 27 The Field That Was Where once there was a field, The earth has moved, And in its place Machines on wheels, Lifting and carrying, Delving and scooping, Rumbling and bleeping. No green thing grows. Instead Tarmac spreads, Scaffolding intertwines, And red bricks grow.

Not long ago, Walking down our street, We'd pass a field, Separated from the street By a broken wooden fence And a row of Rowan trees. There was a field, Whose life was measured By the rhythm of the seasons, Ploughing and sowing, Growing and reaping. We heard the song of skylarks, The wind making waves in the wheat, The chattering of seagulls In the wake of the plough.

I hope among the hundred houses Each with several bathrooms And parking space for many cars, There will be trees, Green spaces where children play. That bird song will be heard again Where once there was a field.

Audrey Evelyn.

28 Langford and The Black Death By John Shipman

In 1348-1349 a terrible and very infectious disease swept through the country. This plague, known as the Black Death, was spread by rats and their fleas. In Bedfordshire the disease reached its peak between March and August of 1349. The first known case in was a seaman who arrived at Weymouth in Dorset from Gascony in June 1348. By autumn, the plague had reached London, and by summer 1349 it covered the entire country.

Little is known about the effects it had on Bedfordshire but it is estimated that up to a third of the population may have died. In Langford, the vicar, Richard de Geynesburgh died and it is recorded that at least another 54 vicars in Bedfordshire also died of the plague. John de Kerebrook was the next vicar of Langford and he survived until 1364. As a general rule the survival of the Lords of the Manor was better than that of the common people due to their better living standards. Isabella Wahull held the manor of Langford and she might have witnessed the de-population 29 of the village from her manor house which was probably sited close to the church. Her principal manor was at Odell.

The blackened, stinking bodies of the afflicted were carried to the churchyard and red crosses were painted on the doors of the victims.. The shock and terror in the small Langford community of about 175 people is unimaginable. Farmers and cottagers in Langford died in their houses and in the fields. There were vacant and uncultivated farms, sheep and cattle ran loose. Cattle died in the ditches and were “so putrid that neither beast nor bird would touch them”. The churchyard probably had a plague pit to accommodate about one third of the population that died between 1349 and 1369. At nearby Ashwell an unknown scribe cut on a stone with the words “only the dregs of the people remain”.

People had little idea of the cause of the inflammation of the lungs, the shivering and retching, the foul smelling breath, and the ominous scarlet blotches and hard, black boils in the armpits and groin. The latter were often called “Gods tokens”. There had been three working mills in Langford fifty years before the Black Death but in 1368 records show that “two mills are in ruins and worth nothing for want of repair”.

A further pandemic of the plague in 1369 probably claimed the lives of two more Langford vicars – John Lucas and Richard Stoghton.

The Black Death greatly impoverished the county of Bedfordshire. Labour was scarce and wages rose rapidly. There were not enough people to cultivate the land or to construct new buildings. This decline lasted well into the next century. The plague and the subsequent economic depression was the beginning of the end of the feudal over-lords and the system of repressive serfdom.

In 1361–62 the plague returned to England, this time causing the death of around 20% of the population. After this the plague continued to return intermittently throughout the 14th and 15th centuries, in local or national outbreaks. From this point on its effect became less severe, and one of the last outbreaks of the plague in England was the Great Plague of London in 1665–66.

Source: The People of the Long Ford by Michael Rutt; History of Bedfordshire 1066-1888 by Joyce Godber (Bedfordshire County Council, 1969).

30 Tidy Up Langford Morning

Some of the Village Volunteers. Organised by Langford Parish Council. Summer Preparations

The end of April brings a flurry of activity when we spend a busy day checking over all the equipment for the season ahead. Painting, hammering and cleaning fill the time! As usual we plan to support as many local summer fetes and galas as possible around our area. May 1st should see us at then Broom, supporting Jordans and the Ivel Rotary day on 6th May. June takes us to Sandy Carnival on 17th and Summer Fair on the 24th. July is busier still with Langford on the 1st, Shefford on 16th and Letchworth Lions Fun Day 22nd. But come August, there’s a respite, all seems to be quiet on the fete scene, probably whilst people holiday and September brings the season to a close with maybe and then on September 3rd. So you should have plenty of opportunities to see the Flying Chickens in action and even have a go! We really have a lot of fun providing this entertainment for the community. We try very hard to do as much as we can throughout the year, but often struggle because we need more members. Please, do think about joining us and make that phone call to Judith or Dave – and find out more. We really would love to welcome new members to swell our numbers and help more people have fun in the community or obtain the help and sup - port that Lions can give those in need when they are struggling wanting practical help to improve their lives and that of their families. Visit our website on www.biggleswadesandylions.org.uk and facebook page to see what we are doing! But, please do ring Judith or Dave on 01462 814693 and talk to them about how you can help make a difference to the community we live in!

31 Langford Methodist Church Dates June 1 Methodist Church AGM Methodist Schoolroom 7.30pm 7 Oasis Chapel 10.30am-11.30am 7 Praise & Pray Chapel 8.00pm-9.00pm 8 Sisterhood Summer Meeting Methodist Church 2.30pm 10 Methodist Coffee Morning Church House, Hoitchin 9.00am-12 noon 14 Bible Study 24 East Road 7.45pm 17 Coffee Morning and Gift Day Chapel 10.00am-12 noon 21 Prayer Group 11 Riverside Gardens 7.45pm 22 Cream Teas for Chapel Funds 2 Cambridge Gardens 2.30pm 25 Informal Service Chapel - Geoff Talbott 9.30am 25 Sunday Club Methodist Schoolroom 10.45am 28 Bible Study 24 East Road 7.45pm July 5 Oasis Chapel 10.30am-11.30am 5 Praise & Pray Chapel 8.00pm-9.00pm 6 Church Council Chapel 7.30pm 6 Sisterhood Methodist Schoolroom 2.30pm Mr & Mrs Anthony Smith 12 Bible Study 24 East Road 7.45pm 15 Stall on Biggleswade Market For Chapel Funds from 8.30am 19 Prayer Group 11 Riverside Gardens 7.45pm 26 Bible Study 24 East Road 7.45pm 30 Four Churches Together Service St. Mary’s Henlow followed by finger buffet lunch 30 Sunday Club Methodist Schoolroom 10.45am August 2 Oasis Chapel 10.30am-11.30am 2 Praise & Pray Chapel 8.00pm-9.00pm 6 Cream Teas 18 Windsor Way 3.00pm-5.00pm 27 Breakfast followed by Informal Service Chapel 9.30am September 6 Oasis Chapel 10.30am-11.30am 6 Praise & Pray Chapel 8.00pm-9.00pm 10 Chapel Harvest Festival Rev. Andrew Hollins 10.45am 10 Harvest Lunch Methodist Schoolroom 12.30pm 13 Bible Study 24 East Road 7.45pm 18 Harvest Service at Elizabeth House Rev. Lorna Valentine 2.30pm 20 Prayer Group 11 Riverside Gardens 7.45pm 24 Back to Church Sunday - Informal Service Chapel Rev. Lorna Valentine 9.30am 24 Sunday Club Methodist Schoolroom 10.45am 27 Bible Study 24 East Road 7.45pm

32 Langford Methodist Church At the moment our minister, Rev. Lorna Valentine, is still recuperating after major surgery. We hope that by the time this is published she will be well on the road to full recovery and back at work. She has been greatly missed, and we sincerely hope that it will not be long before she is feeling strong enough to resume at least some of her duties. As the better weather comes along we are ready for our normal summer activities. Our Gift Day Coffee Morning is on Saturday 17th June from 10 - 12 noon. Before that on 10th June we have booked to have a coffee morning and sale of goods at St. Mary’s Church Hall in Hitchin. Members of the Chapel will be serving refreshments at the Village Fete on Saturday 1st July. Joan and Chris Rutt will once more open their garden for a cream tea on Sunday 6th August between 3 & 5 pm. Everyone is very welcome to attend. Harvest Festival will be on Sunday September 10th, when the service will be taken by Rev. Andrew Hollins, our Methodist Circuit Superintendent. This will be followed by lunch in the Schoolroom. We are a friendly and welcoming congregation and would be delighted to see new faces at our regular services. Why not give it a try? Jenny Broadbridge

Cream Tea in Joan and Chris Rutt’s Garden - August 2016

33 Be Aware of the Millpond Dangers

The evenings are getting lighter and we all are looking forward to the summer. Let's hope it's good none this year. The better weather attracts people to the millpond in front of the mill. I would like to draw people's attention to the dangers here. I have no wish to be a killjoy but forewarned is forearmed. The water levels vary a great deal in the millpond. It varies from a few inches at the edge to approximately 12 - 14 feet in the centre. We have seen some young children (approximately 7 - 8 years) playing unsupervised in the millpond and it is very worrying. They also climb up the culverts under the mill. There are sluice gates under the mill which are automatically controlled so this is a very dangerous thing to do. The sluice gates have no fail safe mechanism so could move suddenly and trap a child which doesn't bear thinking about. So parents please if you are not going to accompany your children when they come down to the river make them aware of the dangers here. We would like to see a life belt here by the millpond as at the moment the nearest one is behind the village hall.

34 Local Community Service New Iveco Mini Bus - Ivel Sprinter After many months of hard work the Ivel Sprinter volunteers' team effort to obtain funds for the purchase of a new vehicle have come to fruition.The aim of the organisation is to provide for those in the community within an approximate 20 miles radius of Biggleswade who have no or limited transport options a timetabled “hail & ride” mini bus service covering the local villages. The service includes transport to Sandy, Bedford, Cambridge & St. Neots to enable shopping, medical appointments, the library etc. We also have a second vehicle as a back-up and is available to local organisations to hire. Thanks are due to the generous support from local town and parish councils including Biggleswade, Sandy, , Langford, , and charities including Wixham Tree Trust, Consolidated Charities and the Provincial Grand Lodge of Bedfordshire Trust to say nothing of several local organisations gifts which have enabled us to take delivery of the new bus – A real boost to us all in meeting local needs. In the most recent Asda ”Chosen by You” green chip scheme which supports local good causes, The Ivel Sprinter won first prize of £500. Judith Blackman & Hayley Kingsbury past & present Community Champions presented the funds to Graham Barbet, Hire Manager, Ivel Sprinter, who thanked Asda & all its customers for their overwhelming support. The donation has enabled the purchase of monogrammed fleece jackets for all 32 current volunteer drivers. Graham said “A wonderful gesture to ensure we all look smart as our new bus takes to the road”. Timetables are available from the bus, local libraries, some doctors surgeries etc or tel 01767 317683 & we will send you a copy. We are always looking for additional volunteer drivers, able to offer us one morning a month. Contact 01767 317103. The picture show Mark Beetlestone Sales Manager of Guest Trucks Peterborough (Supplier) handing the keys to Gerry Amsden, General Secretary of The Ivel Sprinter, together with Councillor Michael North Deputy Major of Biggleswade, Councillor Ann Lovesey from & the Ivel Sprinter Drivers. Peter Davies Publicity Manager Ivel Sprinter 24 Foxglove Drive Biggleswade SG18 8SP Tel 01767 317683

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