PARISH NEWS

covering SHILLINGTON, & HIGHAM GOBION www.shillington.org.uk

Issue 122 – February 2016 Deadline for April edition – 31 March 2016 PARISH COUNCIL

FACEBOOK !

Some councillors have access to the Shillington Village Facebook page, mainly to gauge local concerns. Occasionally responses are posted either by Chair of the Council or Clerk where some of the content of the posts is uninformed and can receive immediate clarification. However, where some of the issues are more deeply rooted and require a Council discussion/decision, then concerned residents are welcome to attend our regular monthly meetings where they are invited to make comment at a specific point in the agenda. Alternatively please contact the Clerk by phone or e-mail and she will ensure items are brought to the Council’s attention. Councillors are often out and about in the parish and pleased to receive your comments, which they can also bring back to the main monthly meetings as required on your behalf.

HIGH ROAD GRASS VERGE:

It has been noted that a couple of horse riders are regularly riding over the grass verge fronting High Road (“along the bottom”). This verge is very soft at this time of year and this regular churning up is starting to look very messy. Once the ground starts to dry out, the hoof indentations will make seasonal mowing more difficult and will take much longer to restore. Our contractor might even need to add soil and seed and some rolling to make the ground level. It would therefore be really appreciated if these riders could refrain from riding here.

ELECTRIC SCOOTERS:

A resident in Bury Road has raised concerns about a young lad doing his paper round on an electric scooter towing a small trailer on the highway. Not only is this illegal and a dangerous practice, but he is travelling at speed and not wearing any high-viz clothing, so elderly or infirm walkers, mums with toddlers and other road users may well not spot him until a nasty accident occurs. Hopefully his parents or neighbours may read this and know the young person and let him know how concerned we are for his safety and others.

HIGHAM GOBION – SPEED RESTRICTIONS:

The reduction of speed limit will now be reviewed again for inclusion in next year’s programme by CBC following a recent serious road accident on Higham Road.

LED LIGHTING – HILLFOOT ROAD:

Changes have now been made to the new LED lights in Hillfoot Road addressing concerns regarding dark spots.

For all Parish Council issues please contact: Mrs. K. Cousins, Clerk to the Parish Council 20A Vicarage Close, Shillington, Hitchin, Herts, SG5 3LS.  01462 713567. email: [email protected] website: www.shillington.bedsparishes.gov.uk

ANNOUNCEMENTS / ITEMS / NEWS IN BRIEF

I have always loved swimming, my mother pushed me hard and I get the bug from time to time to do different years of swimming and everyone asking what I was training for and I always said, ‘’for fun’’ Last year I did my first competitive race for 32 years with an Iron Man swim on the South coast, in the River Arun, coming 120th out of 350 that completed the race. It got me thinking. I then looked up charities that involved swimming and came across ‘Aspire’. A charity for those with spinal injury. I raised £800 and swam the Solent from mainland UK to the Isle of Wight. It was an amazing experience. I loved it all. I applied for the Channel Relay Swim, six in a team and need to raise a minimum of £2,000. I had to be interviewed and my swimming technique examined and I qualified. It will be really tough. Swimming three hours in cold water (no wet suits allowed), fighting off other boats, rubbish, jelly fish and now whales! Apparently everyone gets sea sickness. Sixteen hours to get to France and that last few swimming in the dark and then the four hour boat back.

Please can you sponsor me?

http://www.justgiving.com/James-Carboni1

James, 3 New Walk, Shillington 07768 445 294

The funeral took place for Mr. Ron Fisher on 19th January 2016 and I would like to thank his friends and neighbours for their kind donations. The sum of £140 was collected and sent to Diabetes UK. Thank you all once again. Pat Cook (Ron’s niece)

Positive Movement – coming to a venue near you

A local healthy living centre is looking for 150 older people of all physical abilities to take part in a specially designed wellbeing programme to be held at venues in Stevenage, Hitchin, Letchworth, Baldock, Royston and villages.

The friendly, weekly classes will combine gentle exercise and movement with time to socialise over tea.

Thanks to funding from Hertfordshire County Council, the cost to participants will be a nominal £2.50 per session.

Contact the Letchworth Centre for Healthy Living on 01462 678804, email [email protected] or visit www.letchworthcentre.org to enrol or for further details.

ALL SAINTS NEWS www.allsaintsshillington.org.uk

Parish Priest: Rev’d Richard Winslade ( 01462-713311) (Day off on Fridays)

Church Wardens

Liz Allan ( 01462–711084) Peter Farmer ( 01462–711306)

Church Services:

 9.30am - every Sunday.  On 5th Sunday some services are held jointly with the Congregational Church.  First Sunday of the month: 9.30 am - Family service. 6.00 pm - Choral Evensong

Sunday Club:

Unfortunately, at present, we are not running a Sunday Club.

LENT, HOLY WEEK AND EASTER SERVICES

Wednesday 10th February – 7.30 pm - Choral Eucharist for Ash Wednesday. Please note that this service will be held at All Saints Church, Upper

Sunday 6th March – 9.30 am - Family Service for Mothering Sunday. A service particularly for parents and children but not forgetting their grandparents, friends and all who care for them.

Sunday 20th March – 9.30am - Family Service for Palm Sunday The service will begin with a procession with a donkey through the churchyard, representing Christ’s last journey into Jerusalem.

Tuesday 22nd March – 7.30 pm - The service of Compline A choral service of quiet contemplation.

Wednesday 23rd March – 7.30 pm - Service of “The Way of the Cross”. Please note that this service will be held at All Saints Church, .

Thursday 24th March – 7.30 pm - Maundy Thursday Eucharist. This will be followed by the stripping of the altar and church watch.

Friday 25th March – 2pm - Good Friday Service of Prayers at the foot of the cross.

Saturday 26th March - Easter Saturday - 7.30 pm - Easter Vigil A short spoken service including lighting of the Easter flame.

Sunday 27th March - Easter Day - 9.30 am - Family service Particularly for children and all their family. The most important and joyful of all Christian festivals.

From the Registers:

Burials

2nd December 2015 Francis Leslie Simkins Aged 89 (Burial of Ashes)

24th December 2015 Elizabeth Grundon Aged 88 (Burial)

4th January 2016 Elsie Alice Eliza Nash Aged 92 (Burial)

Forthcoming Events:

 Saturday 12th March - Quiz with Supper – 7.30 pm - Village Hall.

 One Sunday in May - Safari Lunch – details to be confirmed later.

 Saturday 25th June - Church Fete – Time and venue to be confirmed.

200 CLUB WINNERS

December 2015 January 2016

1st £50 No. 115 Angela Smith 1st £50 No. 066 Jill Hunter

2nd £25 No. 098 Brenda Hutty 2nd £25 No. 150 Sarah Simkins

3rd £10 No. 065 Harry Scleater 3rd £10 No. 046 Liz Carboni

An Easter present with a difference……

…………Which will help us maintain our beautiful village church.

200 club tickets for April 2016 to March 2017 are still on sale, priced £15 each. They can be purchased from Tony Bird on 01462–711124.

Tickets are entered into every monthly draw, which has 3 prizes.

This means that every ticket you buy has 36 chances of winning a cash prize. All profits go directly towards the upkeep of All Saints Church.

Letter from the Vicar

Richard Winslade The Vicarage, Shillington  01462-713311 [email protected]

Dear Friends

I used to consider myself as an organised person, however since my week off after Christmas I am beginning to wonder if that is still correct. Let me explain. Some of you will know that I am a collector of all things Scouting and Guiding. I decided in my week off to sort our loft and display the ‘few’ items that I have been buying and just putting to one side till I have time.

It was a real shock to me just how much had piled up. I found more and more items that I had just put to one side to deal with later. The ‘few’ bits had piled up to such an extent that it’s going to take me months of days off to organise it. It will be an enjoyable experience for me but it will take a long time and I will need to cut down on the purchases until I am more sorted.

Life can be like my collection. Internally we put things to one side and allow things to pile up. Sometimes we need to step back and take along look at our lives and all the piles of events, feelings, hurts and pains that we are going to deal with later. Of course the bigger the piles get the harder it is to deal with them and the longer it takes to sort them out. For some of us the task of an internal de-clutter gets to the point where it seems impossible to cope with it.

Easter is early this year and therefore Lent begins on 10th February. Lent can be a great time to step back and take a long look at our lives and try and tackle the piles that have built up. It is never easy to go back and fully and properly deal with all those things we have put aside to deal with later. I encourage you to use this Lent as a time to tackle those internal piles and to allow God to help us in the process.

Richard

ALL SAINTS’ ILLUMINATED

To celebrate or commemorate your special occasion please contact:

 01462-711850 (Catherine)

It only costs £25 to sponsor a whole week’s illumination – a perfect way to commemorate a special family occasion or loved one’s anniversary. The ideal gift for the person who has everything.

Sponsor Message From To

Jim West, On the occasion of Julia’s 74th birthday. Sunday Saturday Pamela & In our thoughts every day 14 Feb 20 Feb Darren

12 years ago our son, brother and grandchild was born on 22nd February, but left us soon Sunday Saturday The Family after. You are missed every single day. Love 21 Feb 27 Feb Mummy, Daddy, Jamie-Leigh and both sets of grandparents.

David & Fiona Margaret Howarth – remembering your Sunday Saturday Howarth birthday on 11th March 6 March 12 March

In memory of Mavis Ingram who died 10 years Catherine ago on the 4th April and in celebration of your Sunday Saturday Scleater & birthday on 13th April. Always in our thoughts 10 April 16 April Family and missed so much every day.

Mavis & Neil With fond memories of David – 14 April 1996 Sunday Saturday Purves and Audrey – 14 April 2010 from Mavis & Neil. 10 April 16 April

David & Fiona Kathleen MacKinnon – remembering your Sunday Saturday Howarth birthday on 30th April 30 April 7 May

SHILLINGTON MEN’S CLUB (now in its 11th Year)

Our AGM was held on 27th January at the Congregational Church at which 28 members attended. Our President Angus McCormick welcomed all those present. Apart from the normal business, a pre circulated Constitution was voted on and adopted for the Club

Ken Phillips and Derek Lewison stood down from the Committee. Ken has served for over 10 years as treasurer and as appreciation for his services was made an Honorary Life Member, Derek had served 3 years as Secretary. Both Ken and Derek were presented with gift vouchers for their services to the Club. Two new committee members were voted onto the Management team, Rob East was appointed as Treasurer and Trevor Knight as Secretary.

The AGM was followed by sandwiches provided by Tom and Diane Rainey. Following the break we had a very interesting talk from a local journalist, Terry Knight, on his career and experiences working with local newspapers in the area.

Our annual Christmas bash in December was held at The Crown at which 30 members attended. The food was superb; we had a visit from Father Christmas (alias Mike Cowan) who handed out a gift to each member. A very enjoyable evening was had by all.

On the 13th January 25 members attended the Green Man at Stanford and as a change enjoyed a 3 course meal of Pate, Beer Battered Fish and Chips followed by Sticky Toffee Pudding. As usual excellent food and service, I am sure we will be back again in 2016.

Planned forthcoming events:

February Boeuf Bourguinon at Stondon Golf Club. British Schools Museum visit in Hitchin.

March Rib of Beef at the Dog and Badger in . The National Stud in Newmarket.

April Jolly Coopers in Wardhedges for Steak Pie and trimmings. The Intelligence Musuem

Why not come along to one of our events for a sampler, you will be made most welcome and there is no obligation to join. See below for contact details. It only costs £5 to join with an annual membership fee of £10.

For further information please contact :

The Events Co-ordinator – Michael Bradley  01462 711162, email [email protected] Chairman - Graham Williams  01462 713468, email [email protected]

SHILLINGTON SHORT MAT BOWLS

Christmas was celebrated at the Congregational Church in December with a great buffet and entertainment by ‘The Last of the Summer Ukes’ - a ukulele group who play to support their chosen charities.

Our first ‘friendly’ of the year was with the Bromham bowlers on their home ground as it were. Unfortunately we were not winners this time but, as always, we were made very welcome and after the match a generous tea and raffle was enjoyed.

The competition element in our club continues to attract good attendances for club nights and friendly and charity events around the county. Our two teams ‘The Scarecrows’ and ‘The Wickers‘ competing in the Beds and Herts winter league at Wilstead, are playing well, and are currently in 2nd and 4th place.

Club nights are normally Mondays and Fridays 7-10p.m. in the Village Hall throughout the year with the exception of the first 2 Fridays in February and March when we play 1-4p.m. So, if you’d like to see how it’s done, please look in - we’ll be pleased to see you.

Further info from Jeff Rix (01462-711298)

PLAYING FIELDS MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE FIREWORKS EVENT – 5TH NOVEMBER 2016

Everyone thought what a shame it was that we didn’t have what had become our ‘annual’ fireworks event last year. Much appreciation to the PTFA for all their efforts over the years they organized it for the enjoyment of many.

Bearing in mind that this is probably the last year we will have the old Pavilion/Social Club in situ, the PFMC and Social Club committee felt that the building should go out with a ‘BANG’. This being the case, the PFMC have very kindly agreed to an event on the Playing Field/Hornes Pasture this year and to sponsor the cost of the fireworks (recovering costs through ticket sales) through the professional firework company who provided them before.

This year November 5th falls on a Saturday, so the idea is that there could be various activities going on at the Playing Field during the afternoon – stalls, sideshows, etc., leading up to the fireworks early evening – then a live band in the Social Club to round off the day.

If you would like to be involved in the organizing committee, help in any way on the day or have a fund raising stall or sideshow during the afternoon, there will be an initial meeting at the Social Club on Monday evening, 15th February at 8pm. If unable to attend but would like to register an interest, please e-mail [email protected] and your details will be noted for further contact.

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

Shillington WI had a lovely Christmas meal at The Swan in Bedford with a great view of the river and all thoroughly enjoyed this social opportunity. Our last meeting of 2015 we enjoyed a mince pie and mulled wine and listened to a great talk by Marion Maule on “Christmas Past” – a thoroughly amusing, informative and entertaining experience!

Our first meeting of the New Year was our AGM which started with a delicious buffet supper provided by Angela Corbett and her team. This gave everyone a great opportunity to catch up with each other after the Festive Period. The meeting reflected on 2015 and then went ahead with planning the next Committee:

Jenny Kingsnorth was re-elected as President and the new committee are as follows:

Nola McCormick Liz Brewer Ros Lewison Ginny Hands Sheila Taylor Sandra Hare Jill Russell Jo Carroll

Our first committee meeting brought up a lot of exciting new ideas for the coming year and plans for celebrating the Queen’s birthday so we are looking forward to good things for 2016.

Our February meeting will be a talk on “Quilting through the ages” by Margaret Johnson and our Sales table will be books and magazines.

For March we have Robert Parker talking about “Tracing your Family History” and our Sales Table will be cosmetics/bath items.

Lunch Club are going to Stondon Golf Club in February and planning a trip to Luton Hoo on March 16th.

Jenny is starting up a “Walking for Health” group, which will meet up on the first Wednesday of each month. So the first excursion is planned for March 2nd. (It is planned to walk for about an hour). Walkers to gather at the Noah’s Ark at 11.00 a.m. All welcome to join her. Please keep dogs on a lead.

Book Club and Craft Club are still popular so there is plenty to interest everyone in the coming months.

We meet on the first Thursday of each month at 8.00 p.m. at the Congregational Church and as always welcome new members. If you would like to come and give us a try as a Visitor, please come and join us, and if you would like someone to come along with you please call Jenny on 711205 and we will arrange for one of the committee to accompany you.

CBC WARD MEMBER’S REPORT for Shillington, Higham Gobion and Pegsdon Residents

Well the daffodils came and went, in Higham Gobion - in December! However the village green is looking healthy and Rowan Homes should complete their grass re-seeding now the ground is beginning to dry out. There has been little to report over Christmas and New Year, on the local front. Since no decision on the Hanscombe End Road application has yet been made, I am holding a watching brief!

As I have reported before, the CBC Highways subcontractors – Amey - end their contract at the end of March this year and Ringway Jacobs will take over the new one in April. CBC has taken this opportunity to make changes in two areas. First, it is bringing more control in house so that the new contractors have less authority to make their own decisions. Secondly, CBC is instituting a new policy regarding road works. This will be a permit only system. Any organisation – which includes all utility services such as BT or Anglian Water - will have to apply for a permit to disturb the road surface. This also includes pavements. The intention is, when planned in advance, to group works together so that, for example, digging up a new road surface to put in new water pipes the following week, won’t happen – and so that in the future traffic disruption can be reduced as much as possible. Seems an idea whose time has come!

AS CBC is now beginning to redraft its Local Plan, up to the year 2036, a request for new land has gone out, to run from January till October, while a review of the Green Belt boundaries will begin now and end in May. (We need to remember that Green Belt is not necessarily the same as green fields – which are agricultural.) Luton is also devising its Local Plan and is still requesting that CBC accommodates at least part of Luton’s unmet housing needs.

Central government now expects local government council taxes to rise by 1.75% - just under the 2% cap, with the addition to the 2% rise, ring fenced for social care. That makes a 3.75% council tax rise. We can expect a 1.99% Police precept rise and also a probable Fire & Rescue precept rise. The CBC council tax rises, 3.75%, could be repeated annually for a further four years so that in practice local taxpayers will increasingly be funding their own government in the future, while central funding decreases rapidly.

To end on a positive note – I hope Derek Turner and I can soon be cutting back the growth along the brook behind the village green, so that people can sit on the new bench facing the fields, to enjoy the sunshine and watch the lambs, in a few weeks’ time.

If you need me, I’m on [email protected] or ring me on 01462 713543, or catch me on a Friday, early evening, in The Crown! Best wishes, Alison Graham.

SOLD By Revd. Angus McCormick  01462- 712096 Minister of Shillington Congregationalist Church

So up goes another sign saying ‘sold’ and Peter L. is on the move. So many comings and goings. So many new houses built in our village and of course there are more to come. They will enhance our community. There will be more people to get to know, more possibilities for enriching our common life together. More business for our local shops, more opportunities for bigger and/or new events in the village; more income for the Council.

Those moving are moving their home not just moving to another dwelling. I’ve moved many times both personally and with my family and all that that involves. So many people have to move with their work or lack of it, their vocation, and for other reasons. Our military personnel, Church personnel, students, business people, charity workers and many more besides.

Prejudices, cultural differences, economic values and legal requirements are just some of the issues facing people who are on the move – for better or for worse.

‘NO COLD CALLING’ is a well established policy with the many signs to inform us around our area. Well, what about some ‘WARM-HEARTED CALLING’ - welcome signs or even just ‘WELCOME’. That good old fashioned neighbourly call is still valuable and has long held our communities together through good and hard times. It has often been an invitation to have a coffee or just a chat to sort the world out. It doesn’t have to mean invading your neighbour’s privacy or being nosey and wanting to know everyone’s business for no good reason. So often I’ve been grateful for the response of the ordinary goodwill of that neighbour; recently I got my car stuck in what was a ‘bendy’ situation and calling on David K, I was soon sorted out; he said “you’d do the same for me” and so we all have a common sense of helpfulness and community spirit.

Jesus did go to quiet places to reflect on how to do his work and indeed to see if he would stick at it or maybe be led into other more selfish ways. We all need that time to reflect about who we are as a community while we live together. Jesus did talk to people on the roadside and asked for hospitality; I certainly do welcome that cup of tea any time !

Of course we’re told by the experts that sugar is bad for us but we do need some sweetness in life. So I say take time to reflect and add some sweetness to your own and other’s life as you travel on.

Every blessing, Angus

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH NEWS 47 Church Street, Shillington www.shillingtoncong-church.org.uk

Sunday Worship:

Our Church is open each Sunday for worship at 10.30am. A warm welcome is extended to everyone who wishes to join in worship with us. Details of those conducting worship are in the village calendar.

Socials:

The dates for the next 3 Socials are:  13th February - Valentine's Dinner with Romantic Music.  19th March - St. Patrick's Night Celebration.  23rd April - Guitar and vocal with Merv.

All Socials are on a Saturday evening and begin at 7pm. At the beginning of each social there is a meal so if you want to know the menu you can ring Angela for full details.

Women's World Day of Prayer Service:

This service will be in our Church on Friday, 4th March at 7.30pm. All Ladies and Gentlemen are welcome at this service. For more details please contact our Minister's wife - Mrs. Nola McCormick.

Lunch Club:

You are invited to have Lunch with us. We meet every 2 weeks, always on a Thursday. The dates for February are 4th & 18th; in March 3rd, 17th and 31st and in April 14th and 28th. The menu changes every time so you can ring Angela on 01462 850266 to find out what's cooking and to book your seat.

Used Stamps:

We still collect used stamps so if you have any please just post them in the Church letter box, preferably in a used envelope please.

Community Cash Points:

We WILL be collecting the cash points from the Chronicle again this year, so if you take this paper, please cut out the points token for our Church. You can post these in the Church letter box also, please again in a used envelope and please mark the envelope.

CRAFT CLUB - CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

Our next meeting dates are as follows: 2 & 16 February 1 & 15 March 5 &19 April between 2.00pm and 4.00pm.

Drop in for a cup of tea - visitors welcome.

For further details contact Janet Worley : 01582 881824.

Shillington Under Fives & High Fives Before/After School Clubs Registered Charity 1030391

Our team of professional, highly qualified and trained staff provide childcare from 7.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday in term time for children from 2 years to 9 years old.

We take funded 2, 3 and 4 year olds and have very flexible session times. Holiday Clubs run throughout the year for children up to 12 years old. Prices are £4 per hour with sibling discounts.

Located in the grounds of Shillington Lower School.

Visit our website www.shillingtonunderfives.ik.org or call us on 07769 866286 for more information.

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 now 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, which normally starts the term after the child’s 3rd birthday. 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 01462 713638 [email protected] Kim Lear 01462 713562 [email protected] Katie Brettell 01462 713054 [email protected] Jo Wright 01462 713999 [email protected] Simone Barnby 01462 712120 [email protected] Carli Mauger 01462 339260 [email protected]

Editor’s note: The following letter unfortunately missed the December magazine, but I felt it worth including in this edition if only to raise a smile and restore faith in the spirit of Christmas….!

CHRISTMAS CAROLS IN NOVEMBER !

Knee deep in Saturday’s washing, a neighbour’s boisterous dog and making dinner, the doorbell ringing was an unwelcome distraction. Add to that three young carollers singing at the top of their voices “We wish you a Merry Christmas” only added to my amusement. Upon pointing out that they were a little early (the 14th November!), the three cheeky faces managed to charm me into parting with £1.50 adding to their lucky pot of £2.50.

One of the boys, George, enthused that he hoped I’d receive everything I wanted for Christmas, to which I replied with a wry smile - “I won’t get nothing“.

Off they trotted, 10 minutes later returning with a lovely Christmas card and a bag of goodies, including chocolates and a big bag of Werther’s Originals.

One can only assume the dear chaps had taken pity on ‘Mrs. Owner of Number 44’ and spent the entire loot on me! Proclaiming my diabetes I declined the sweets so hope they enjoyed them themselves.

“Have a lovely Christmas” the card read, from the Three Carol Singers – Mason, Freddie, George.

So if you get a knock on your door from 3 unlikely lads, treat them with kindness, if anyone understands the true meaning of Christmas they do! Their parents should be very proud! Mrs. Penny, The Owner of Number 44.

ODE to THE ROOFER By Mrs. Margaret Johnson

To passers bye through This contract could take Concerning comments have Apsley End some some time to complete but been told

scaffolding from the would not let them admit At last we have a brand neighbour did send. defeat. new roof and no more tiles This leaky roof needed With piles of rubble on the that are going to get loose.

some attention and ground, the roof was So all of you of a certain apparently gave neighbours stripped from all around. age everything is possible some apprehension. New tiles were fixed and up to a grade.

With contact managers laid to rest, the roof will So well done Dennis for doing their surveying with now put through its test. aiming ‘high’ at least you some discussion they were The ‘highs’ and lows of this had a darn good try. displaying roofing ‘ode’

SHILLINGTON BABY AND TODDLER GROUP REGISTERED CHARITY 1054966

We would like to welcome you to join us on Fridays in

term-time at the Village Hall, High Road, Shillington from 9.30am to 11.30am

We provide toys, books and crafts, for children from 0 to 4 years as well as a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Great for parents & carers to meet others and enjoy a tea or coffee while their children socialise! We also often tell a story or sing rhymes with the children if they want to join in.

£1 per adult and £1 per child aged over 6 months Cost, includes refreshments – drink, healthy snacks & biscuit!

You can find us on Facebook ‘Shillington Baby & Toddler Group’. We know it can be daunting to come to a group where you don’t know anybody so please feel free to add to the group and one of the committee could arrange to meet you first

Please note, we have toddler sized tables, chairs, ride on bikes, plastic slides, rockers and soft blocks – should you wish to hire them for birthday parties and other occasions

SHILLINGTON BABY AND TODDLER GROUP

REGISTERED CHARITY 1054966

Hello! We are currently in the process of improving our toddler group. If you have previously visited us and have any ideas on how you would like our group to run, please come along to one of our sessions and have your say! This is a Toddler session run by volunteers for children of Shillington and surrounding villages

Due to running at low numbers recently, we would really love to welcome more children, parents and carers to keep the group going!

So if you or anyone you know, have or look after children 0-4, come and say ‘Hi’ and enjoy a free cup of Tea/Coffee

We would also like to just say a huge thank you to the Shillington Men’s Club for their recent kind donation. It really does help keep the group going!

All Saints Church, Shillington

GRAND CHARITY AUCTION

Saturday 2nd April, 2016 at 2pm

To be held at All Saints Church, Shillington

Viewing: 2nd April 9:30 am – 1:30pm

No VAT : No Commission Cash sales only

Catalogue available to view shortly at http://www.allsaintsshillington.org/

ACCEPTING DONATIONS TO AUCTION NOW!!!

Please contact Richard or Jo Winslade on 01462 713311 Or e-mail [email protected]

RAMBLING ON Derek Turner – 01462-712462. [email protected]

It was gratifying to see the amount of interest generated on the walk looking at the history of some of the buildings in the village after Christmas. Over 20 people joined me as we went past what often appear to be unremarkable houses these days but which a little research reveals were shops, pubs, farms or had other uses at some point in the past. In Shillington, we have two places of worship still in use these days - All Saints Church on the hill and the Congregational Church half way up Church Street, but there are five other premises that have been used for religious purposes in the parish.

To find out why, we have to go back to the 1530s, prior to which All Saints Church was Roman Catholic - the dominant religion throughout much of Europe. However, campaigners protesting against its power, complacency and corruption, established new Protestant religions and after falling out with the Pope, Henry VIII set up his own - the Church of . This stirred up a great deal of controversy and after his death, his eldest daughter, Elizabeth I, sought to reunite the fraying strands of Christianity with the Act of Uniformity of 1558 which set out a standard format for church services and ordered everyone to attend church once a week. However, the Catholics fought back and the situation remained volatile for over a century. More Protestant religious groups formed, such as the Puritan, Congregationalist and Baptist Churches, and all provided stiff competition for the Church of England.

In the meanwhile, religious divisions were mirrored by political turmoil. MPs, who were also large landowners, and the king jostled for power, leading to the Civil War between Parliamentarians and Royalists. boy, John Bunyan, born in 1628, served in the Parliamentary army and took a deep interest in religion after marrying. He attended the Bedford Meeting, a non-conformist group and decided to become a preacher, travelling throughout Bedfordshire and beyond to promote his beliefs. After the Civil War ended with the Royalists supreme and the king reinstated, the freedom of Dissenters was curtailed and Bunyan was arrested, tried and imprisoned. He used his time inside profitably to write stories based on his beliefs. After his release, his books became increasingly popular in a changing world.

Another early advocate for the Baptists in this area is Henry Denne, vicar of Pirton in the 1630s, who was expelled from the Church of England and - like Bunyan - imprisoned for his views. Such martyrdom seems only to have helped the Baptists and their ilk to garner further support and the Act of Toleration in 1689 finally acknowledged the right of “dissenters” to indulge in different forms of worship. Nevertheless, the Church of England remained dominant, its power continuing to be bolstered by various pieces of legislation in a Parliament dominated by Church of England supporters.

After 1700, the industrial revolution caused many people to move from the countryside into towns, initially in the Midlands and the north of England, where the new urban poor were very receptive to the messages emanating from the non-conformists.

Their influence spread and in the early 1800s, more and more chapels were under construction. In 1825, Rev. Stoper from Hitchin started to preach regularly in Shillington, a place that had been “notorious for the wickedness of its inhabitants”. It is likely that he was, perhaps rather cheekily, using a room close to All Saints in the grounds of the Old Post Office. This building still stands and is now used as a summerhouse. By 1840 and with support and funds continuing to grow, a permanent building was required and the Union Chapel was built at 47 Church Street. We now know it as the Congregational Church and it was very popular from day one. In a national survey of church attendance carried out on Sunday 30 March 1851, 159 people attended the afternoon service and 190 turned up in the evening, comparing favourably with the 152 at afternoon worship in All Saints.

This wasn’t the only new church to open here in 1840 though. Just a few doors from the Union Chapel, Wesleyan Methodists opened their own chapel at 31 Church Street, and the three services there attracted a total attendance of 500 according to the 1851 survey. Before long, Shillington’s population had swelled as labourers moved in to dig up coprolites and the building was no longer adequate. In 1870 after raising £720, its supporters acquired a plot round the corner in High Rd and constructed a new chapel which opened two years later and acquired a Sunday School in 1879. These closed in 1996 and became a large domestic building and the shop/post office respectively. So what happened to the earlier building in Church Street. It’s not easy to recognise today, largely hidden by neighbouring houses and the porch showing only its later name, the Liberal Hall. After a century of community use, the building stood derelict for some time but was converted into a dwelling about 20 years ago. I know little else about its past and would be pleased to hear from anyone who can tell me more about its history or who remembers attending events there.

With Shillington being such a large parish and the non-conformist religions faring so well here, it is not surprising that two other chapels were built away from the village centre. The Wesleyan Methodists were on a roll in the mid 19th century and built another, much smaller chapel that opened in 1854 for the inhabitants of Pegsdon. Standing next to the Live & Let Live, it survives incognito, having been de-registered in 1977, since when its shell has been used as a garage by the residents of Chapel Cottage. The final chapel stands near the top of Bury Rd at 101. This was a Primitive Methodist chapel of 1887 which was open until 1996 and is now a spacious residence. in the 500 years since many of the oldest survivors were built in the decades around 1600, hundreds of buildings have been constructed in Shillington but disappeared later and without trace, due to ever-changing tastes and calamities like fire. However, some of Shillington’s old buildings have shown remarkable resilience and proved adaptable for varying uses as conditions have necessitated. Even the least remarkable buildings provide local landmarks for us as we return to the village every time we've been out. Treasure them while they last. And look out for more walks about the history of our buildings later this year.

PLOUGHING ON……….A Farmer’s Perspective ! by Whizz – T. C. Shaw & Sons

I failed. I stated that my mission in December was to pick some sloes ready to make a great big batch of sloe gin. Armed with a large bag, I headed up the farm track a few weeks ago, only to find that the entire sloe population had been eaten by the birds! So, a change of tack and we’re going to have to create some raspberry gin (a firm favourite anyway) and perhaps something new. Any suggestions most welcome!

On the farm, we have wet and muddy wellies. It has rained a great deal recently and although we had a brief cold snap last week, it is still unseasonably mild. The snow soon disappeared (not before Millie had time to hurtle about on her sledge though!) and the forecast is for more double figure temperatures during the coming days.

As is always the case in winter, we are loading lorries most days. This morning it was oilseed rape and tomorrow it is malting barley. The latter is currently going to Boortmalt in Bury St. Edmunds and one of the beers made from this is the rather tasty Adnams. Each lorry is loaded with the telehandler, using the grain bucket which can hold just over one tonne of grain. Inevitably a few grains are spilt and this afternoon our farmyard was full of goldfinches, nipping about in a multi- coloured flock, eating the rapeseeds. A really beautiful sight.

In the office we are becoming more technical and up to date and have bought an iPad for the fertiliser and chemical applications. We have an advisor, called an agronomist, who comes to the farm approximately once a week. They walk the fields and then let us know about levels and locations of weeds, disease and the general state and condition of the crops. Depending on what they find, they then recommend which fertilisers or chemicals we need to apply. At the moment each recommendation is printed off, given to the sprayer operator, filled in appropriately with the date, weather conditions and quantities of chemical used, then handed back to me in the office. I confirm the work done on my computer and then file the sheet of paper. Each season there are hundreds of sheets, so the paperwork is incredibly time-consuming.

With the iPad, we will be able to download the recommendation automatically from an email. Once the sprayer operator has told the iPad he is going to start a particular field or block, it logs the time and date itself and then all he has to do is tap in the information about what has been applied. When he comes back to the farm I can download the information straight to my computer and that is it. This should save hours of data input, reams of paper and make the whole process a lot more efficient. It is ideal for our well-established LEAF (“Linking Environment and Farming”) scheme on the farm, as one of the main focuses is efficiency both in and out of the office.

We have discovered that one-year-old George has a new skill. From within the house, even with music playing in the background, he can hear a tractor coming before any of us. Quick as a flash, he crawls over to the sofa, clambers up onto it and leans on the back, looking out of the window into the yard, yelling “trac-tooooooor”! It’s such a stereotype of a boy, but he really is obsessed with machinery. It bodes well for a few years’ time though, when we can make use of this and get him doing some corn-carting!

www.shawfarming.com www.mrsmiddleton.co.uk

A BETTER WAY TO PROVIDE CARE? Ron Bradstreet ( 01462-711486) E-mail: [email protected]

The average parents know that they cannot send their children to a private school, such as Harrow or Eton, because of the crippling cost. But they most likely do not realise that full time care, including nursing, in a care home is rapidly becoming just as expensive. As if the cost of residential care is not eye-watering enough at an average of £676 a week, families are being warned of a 10% rise in 2016, increasing the weekly cost to £747.

Anyone who heard the “you and yours” radio programme this week, dealing with this subject, would almost certainly have finished up depressed having listened to the extremes people went to in order to find money to pay for care for their relatives.

Because of these difficulties, those involved in organising and promoting ways of caring for the elderly in the community are now looking at new ideas, because the present ways do not seem fit for purpose. Organisations, like the Connected Care Network, are promoting alternative ways of dealing with care using technology. In a similar way the car manufacturing industry has been transformed by robots, they want to use robots to provide care for the elderly.

In the USA there is a system called Elder Cohousing. This creates a community which is planned, owned and managed by the residents. There are six defining activities of cohousing which must be present.

1. Future residents participate in the design so that it meets their needs. 2. The physical layout and orientation of the buildings encourage a sense of community. 3. Common facilities 4. Resident management 5. Classless based decision making 6. No shared-community economy.

There are also age considerations for new residents.

The Cotswold village of Woodchester is a specialist retirement village. It was run by a commercial firm that went bankrupt in 2011. There had been criticism of the way the village had been run previously so the residents decided to buy the village themselves. The residents are proud that all the profits go back into the community, not into the pockets of landlords. They are no longer powerless pawns but active members. There are shopping trips to the nearby town, coffee mornings, games afternoons, chess and whist groups and meals on wheels. Some cleaning is provided but care costs are extra. There is a village shop but no care home. The residents cannot see why others cannot follow their example.

In 2020 the Government plans to cap total care costs to the individual at £72000………….. let’s wait and see.

Slow down, Think! 30 and save a life

This is a message sent via Beds Alert. This information has been sent on behalf of

Motorists are being urged to slow down, THINK! 30 and save a life.

Speed remains a contributory factor in serious and fatal collisions across the country.

Nationally in 2014, the total number of people killed where speed was a contributory factor was 1,651. The total number of those seriously injured in an accident where speed was a contributory factor was 20,120.*

Last year, 72,366 people were issued with tickets for speeding on 30mph roads across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire (BCH), with speeds as high as 90mph being clocked.

The BCH Road Policing Unit is urging people to slow down and help reduce the number of people killed or injured on the roads by 'thinking 30'.

Inspector Phil Bloor said: "When driving on built-up roads, assume the limit is 30mph until you see a sign saying otherwise. Remember the limit could also be 20mph. "You are four times more likely to die if you are hit by a vehicle at 40mph as opposed to 30mph.

"While I'm sure the majority of motorists have heard this saying, the fact remains that it is true - it's 30 for a reason.

"If you kill someone while speeding, you will have to live with the long-term emotional consequences. Remember that speed limits are there for a reason”.

Top Tips from RoSPA

 Check your speedometer regularly  Know the limits - look for signs  Assume lamp posts mean 30mph  Speed limits are a maximum  20's plenty when kids are about  Slow down when entering villages  Give yourself time

Police urge caution after spate of RTCs in wintery weather

This is a message sent via Beds Alert. This information has been sent on behalf of Bedfordshire Police

Police are reminding people to take extra caution on the roads in adverse weather conditions after a large number of collisions this morning (Friday). In total police dealt with 33 road traffic collisions between midnight and 10am and with weather conditions due to worsen into next week, officers are urging people to follow their road safety advice.

A/Insp Richard Barker, of the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Roads Policing Unit, said: "Poor weather conditions can lead to an increased risk of crashing, so it’s important that people respect the roads and take additional care when driving. It may look nice and sunny outside but the freezing temperatures can lead to ice on the road, which you may not always be able to see. We’ve had several cars which have ended up in a ditch this morning, as well as several motorcyclists that have come off their bikes. Although it’s too early to say if the weather is a factor in these incidents, we do know that icy roads can make for treacherous driving conditions and that’s why I’m urging people to follow our advice”.

Some of the incidents attended by Bedfordshire Police in mid-January included:

 Officers were alerted at 6.50am to a car which had left the Dunton Road, and ended up in a ditch.  A woman was taken to hospital with minor injuries after her car left the A422 near Stagsden at approximately 7.15am.  At 7.25am police were called to reports of a two vehicle collision on the A6 northbound near Barton. The road was temporarily closed while vehicles were recovered. No-one was injured.  A woman was taken to hospital with what were believed to be minor injuries after her vehicle ended up in a ditch on The Ridgeway, .  At approximately 8.20am, police were called to reports that a man had come off his motorbike in Green Lane, Stewartby. He was taken to hospital but was not believed to be seriously hurt.  A Renault Clio came off the Road, at approximately 8.50am. No injuries were reported.

Top tips for driving in wintery weather

Allow extra time for your journey, so that you can drive at a slower speed

Ensure that your windscreens are completely clear of ice, snow, and condensation before setting off

If you use a higher gear than normal it could help to avoid wheel spin on a slippery surface

Accelerate and brake gently to avoid skidding.

Make sure you leave plenty of space between yourself and the vehicle in front of you, so that you have space to stop if they break suddenly.

Use lights in poor visibility, not just at night, so that other road users can see you in plenty of time

Stick to main roads where possible if it’s particularly icy and snowy, as more minor roads may not be gritted and could be more dangerous

USEFUL CONTACT NUMBERS

Central Bedfordshire Council, Priory House, Monks Walk, Chicksands, Shefford Bedfordshire, SG17 5TQ. (www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk) General enquiries ...... 0300 300 8000 ([email protected])

Highways Helpline ………………………………………….…0300-300-8049 (pavements, potholes, road maintenance, gritting, street lights) [email protected]

Waste collections/recycling/fly tipping/abandoned vehicles/dog warden services ………….….…………………………………..……..0300-300-8631/0300-300-8632

Planning ...... 0300-300-8692/0300-300-8670

Police (Emergency) ………………………………………………999 Bedfordshire Police ……………………………………….……..101 (non emergency calls, but to report incidents) Police SNT & .…………………………….…. 01234-842613

Bus Information ………………….………..……0870-608-2608 or 01234-228337

Parish Councillors – contact details:

John Clark Tracey Forsyth Alison Graham Tony Howells Ben Jepps 01462 711446 via the Clerk 01462 713543 01582 881611 01462 711430 Angus McCormick David Mott David Simkins Sally Stapleton Derek Turner 01462- 712096 01462 711222 01462 711209 07711 504489 01462 712462

PLANNING APPLICATIONS

DECISIONS from COUNCIL:

CB/15/03238/FULL. Mr S D Bolton, 84 Hanscombe End Road, Demolish existing single storey rear extension & erect 2 storey rear extension APPROVED 05.01.16

CB/15/03677/FULL. Mr & Mrs D Thwaite, The Old Rectory, Higham Road, Higham Gobion Erection of summer house/bothy APPROVED 31.12.15

CB/15/03678/LB. Mr & Mrs D Thwaite, The Old Rectory, Higham Road, Higham Gobion Listed Building: Erection of summer house/bothy APPLICATION WITHDRAWN 04.01.16

CB/15/04559/FULL. Davies Veterinary Specialists Ltd, Unit 5 Manor Farm Business Park, Higham Road, Higham Gobion. Three velux windows. APPROVED 21.01.16

NEW/REVISED APPLICATIONS:

CB/TCA/15/00507. Mrs Jackson, 20 Church Street Works to trees within a Conservation Area: Fell one Cherry tree on the garden boundary with Church Street and prune various other trees within the garden. (Due to time constraints this application has already been considered by the Parish Council who supported the application.

CB/15/04895/FULL & CB/15/04896/LB – Mr & Mrs D Thwaite, The Old Rectory, Higham Road, Higham Gobion. Demolition of attached single storey garage & utility room. Two storey front and side extensions (over part of existing footprint at side); single storey rear extension and second floor alterations. New garden wall and gates.

APPEALS:

CB/15/00713/FULL. Mr & Mrs D P Crowley, Site at Upton End Farm, Upton End Road, Proposed dwelling at Upton End Farm, Upton End Road Notification received that appeal has been lodged in respect of the refusal on 30 April 2015 to grant planning permission for proposed dwelling.

 USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS  ENERGY/WATER COMPANIES

CBC’s trading standards department has provided the following numbers, which will assist residents to identify doorstep cold callers, who purport to be from energy or water companies, and enable checks with the relevant organisation, where there is any reason for concern.

British Gas General Enquiries 0800 048 0202 British Gas Energy efficiency advice helpline 0800 072 8629 British Gas Support to vulnerable customers 0800 072 8625 British Gas Complaints Team 0800 072 8632 E.ON Energy efficiency advice 0333 202 4650 E.ON Complaints Team 0333 202 4606 EDF Energy Customer services 0800 096 9000 EDF Energy Complaints Resolution Team 0800 051 1643 EDF Energy Energy efficiency helpline 0800 096 9966 EDF Energy Priority Services helpline 0800 269 450 National Gas Emergency Service Helpline 0800-111-999 npower General Enquiries (landline) 0800 073 3000 General Enquiries (mobile) 0330 100 3000 npower Electricity and gas complaints (landline) 0800 316 9328 Electricity and gas complaints (mobile) 0330 100 8628 Boiler and heating complaints (landline) 0845 155 0060 npower Energy efficiency (landline) 0800 022 220 Energy efficiency (mobile) 0330 100 8620 ScottishPower General Customer Service (landline) 0800 027 0072 General Customer Service (mobile) 0345 270 0700 ScottishPower Electricity and gas complaints 0800 040 7005 ScottishPower Priority Services Register (Carefree) 0800 027 1122 SSE General Enquiries 0800 980 8831 SSE Complaints helpline 0800 975 0485 SSE Priority Services: Careline (info on services 0800 622 838 for elderly, disabled or chronically sick) Energyline (info and advice on using energy) 0800 072 7201 Anglian Water 0800 145 145 VILLAGE FACILITIES

SHILLINGTON FOOTBALL & SOCIAL CLUB Greenfields, Shillington (FREE WiFi to Club Members) Sarah Finch (Club Secretary) [email protected] Mobile: 07467-191799 (Mobile phone will be on 6pm-9pm Monday to Friday and all day Saturday/Sunday).

Usual Opening Hours: Mon – 7.30 pm : Fri – 8.00 pm : Sat – arranged evenings : Sun – 12 til 4 pm find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/shillingtonsocialclub

 Licensed bar with variety of beers at social club prices – £1 a pint less than most public houses.  FREE MUSIC – book parties – birthdays – christenings - anniversaries - reunions, etc.  Regular Artistes and Fund Raising Events and a great Pool Table  Fresh filter coffee while you are passing, or for a warm up after watching a football match.  The Club is a village amenity, why not pop in for a drink or even better - become a MEMBER.

SHILLINGTON VILLAGE HALL

All enquiries please contact the BOOKING CLERK on  01462 711772 (answerphone facility available) or e-mail: [email protected]

Stage - Small Committee Room –Kitchen and Bar Facilities Disabled access & toilet.

 Children’s Parties  Discos/Dances  Meetings   Table Top Sales  Exhibitions  Keep Fit 

Occasional Separate Use of Car Park by Prior Arrangement only.

Looking for an evening venue for your organisation ?

SHILLINGTON SCHOOL

has a large hall available for hire on weekday evenings.

For further information and an opportunity to view the facility, telephone the School on 01462-711637

VILLAGE CALENDAR

FEBRUARY

6 Friends of All Saints - Skittles Evening - Village Hall from 7.30pm 7 Congregational Church Service – Revd. Angus McCormick – 10.30am 8 Playing Field Management Committee Meeting – Social Club – 8.00pm 13 Congregational Church – Social – Valentine’s Night – 7.00pm 14 Congregational Church Service – Mr. Roger Eaves – 10.30am 15 Firework Event Meeting – Social Club – 8.00pm 18 Congregational Church – Lunch Club – 12.30pm 21 Congregational Church Service – Mr. Chris Clark – 10.30am 28 Congregational Church Service – Revd. Angus McCormick – 10.30am

MARCH

1 Parish Council Meeting – Congregational Church – 7.45pm 2 WI - Walking for Health Group – Noah’s Ark at 11.00am 3 Congregational Church – Lunch Club – 12.30pm 3 WI – “Tracing Your Family History” by Robert Parker – Congr.Church – 8.00pm 4 Women’s World Day of Prayer – Congregational Church – 7.30pm 6 All Saints Church – Family Service – Mothering Sunday – 9.30am 6 Congregational Church Service – Revd. Angus McCormick – 10.30am 12 All Saints Church – Grand Quiz & Supper – Village Hall – 7.30pm 13 Congregational Church Service – To be arranged – 10.30am 16 Village Hall Management Committee – Jubilee Room – 8.00pm 17 Congregational Church – Lunch Club – 12.30pm 19 Congregational Church – Social – St. Patrick’s Night – 7.00pm 20 All Saints Church – Family Service for Palm Sunday – 9.30am 20 Congregational Church Service – Mr. Geoff Kingsnorth – Palm Sunday – 10.30am 22 All Saints Church – Service of Compline – 7.30pm 24 All Saints Church – Maundy Thursday Eucharist – 7.30pm 25 Congregational Church Service – Mrs. Sally Metianu – Good Friday - 10.30am 25 All Saints Church – Good Friday Service of Prayers – 2pm 26 All Saints Church – Easter Saturday – Easter Vigil – 7.30pm 27 All Saints Church – Family Service for Easter Da – 9.30am 27 Congregational Church Service – Revd. Angus McCormick – Easter Sunday - 10.30am 31 Congregational Church – Lunch Club – 12.30pm

APRIL

2 All Saints Church – Grand Charity Auction at the Church – 2.00pm 3 Congregational Church Service – Revd. Angus McCormick -10.30am 4 Playing Field Management Committee Meeting – Social Club – 8.00pm 5 Parish Council Meeting – Congregational Church – 7.45pm 10 Congregational Church Service – Revd. Lionel Albon - 10.30am 14 Congregational Church – Lunch Club – 12.30pm 17 Congregational Church Service – Mrs. Hazel Beadle - 10.30am 23 Congregational Church – Social – Guitar & Vocal with Merv – 7.00pm 24 Congregational Church Service – Revd. Angus McCormick -10.30am