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2 BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2011 TELEPHONE: 01234 843905 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukBiggleswadeTOWN COUNCILTOWN MAYOR’S CIVIC SERVICEwill be held at St Andrews Parish Church,Biggleswade on Sunday 27 March at 3pm.EVERYONE WELCOME TO ATTENDTOWN MAYOR’SENGAGEMENTS:Sunday 6 March - Ampthill TownCouncil Civic ServiceSunday 20 March - StotfoldTown Council Civic Service?Do you know yourlocal Councillor?WARDCllr David Albone.........................................IvelCllr Mrs Rose Forbes.........................StrattonCllr Mrs Sheila Grayston......................HolmeCllr Ms Rebecca Kerfoot...................StrattonCllr David Lawrence ..........................StrattonCllr Mrs Jane Lawrence...............................IvelCllr Peter Rook.............................................IvelCllr Rex Skinner ...........................................IvelCllr David Smith .....................................HolmeCllr Mrs Wendy Smith.................................IvelCllr Peter Vickers ...................................HolmeCllr Steven Watkins ...............................HolmeCllr George Wilson.............................StrattonCllr Peter Woodward.........................StrattonCllr Tim Woodward .....................................IvelBIGGLESWADE TOWN COUNCILMEETING DATES:PLANNING MEETING–Tuesday 8 March 2011COUNCIL MEETING–Tuesday 22 March 2011PLANNING MEETING–Tuesday 12 April 2011All Meetings commence at 7.00pm in theCOUNCIL CHAMBER, SAFFRON ROAD, BIGGLESWADEAll members of the public are welcome to attendGENERAL MARKETSon the Market SquareTuesdays and Saturdays — 8am-4pmFARMERS’ MARKETSWednesday 23 MarchWednesday 20 AprilMarket Square9am – 2pm.(For Farmers’ Market informationcontact: Sue 01767 313134)Biggleswade Town CouncilThe Old Court House, 4 Saffron RoadBiggleswade SG18 8DLTel: 01767 313134 Fax: 01767 601188Email: enquiries@biggleswadetowncouncil.gov.ukwww.biggleswadetowncouncil.gov.uk

4 BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2011 TELEPHONE: 01234 843905 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk

TELEPHONE: 01234 843905ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukBIGGLESWADE BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2011 5Band mixes upthe genres!OBITUARYRodney GeeTHE funeral took place lastThursday of former Site Agentand and Exams Invigilator,Mr Rodney Gee. Rod joinedStratton as a Site Agent inFebruary 1984 and served foran impressive 24 years. Heretired from the post atChristmas in 2008 but soonreturned to the school in thenew role of ExaminationsInvigilator in January 2009.His wife, Christine, was alreadyan Invigilator at the school andtogether the couple were stalwartsof Stratton’s exam seasoneach year, working closely withExams Officers Mrs LizStirrattt and Mrs Joan Gibbs.Having moved to Haynes,Rod pursued a diverse rangeof interests. He particularlyenjoyed everything andanything to do with aircraftand flying as well as pictureframing, cross stitch andmaking jewellery.Rod is survived by his wife,son and daughter and will besadly missed by all his familyand his many friends both atStratton and in the widercommunity.LETTERS TOTHE EDITORBENEVOLENT FUNDTHANK you to all those localpeople who have attended mytalks about a Battle of Britain pilotwho is described in the book “One ofThe Few”. The monies raised fromthe talks and the sales of the bookhave been passed onto the RAFBenevolent Fund. Further talks areplanned in 2010 which will describehow a famers boy, fed up withhoeing turnips, learnt to fly in owntime and then flew Spitfires in theBattle of Britain. The story has ahappy ending as his Luftwaffe adversarylater became a good friend.John Shipman, LangfordCONTRIBUTIONSThe Editor welcomes letters onrelevant topics, but reserves theright to edit or omit materialwithout reference to the author.Please email to editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk orpost to: The Editor, BiggleswadeBulletin, 1 Union Park, TriumphWay, Kempston, Beds MK427QB.Or if you have an idea for anarticle please call 01234 843905to discuss.FOR nearly 40 years, the EastBedfordshire Concert Band hasbrought together wind, brass andpercussion players of all ages toshare their love of music. Foundedin 1972 by Jim Hibbert, EBCBcontinues to provide an invaluableopportunity for young players torehearse and perform alongsidemore experienced players. Indeed,the current conductors of EBCB,Elizabeth Schofield and AndrewKershaw, are both former membersof the band who have gone on topursue musical careers.The band performs a number ofpublic concerts each year. The nextconcert is at Holmemead Middle onSaturday 2nd April with aSummer Picnic Concert in thebeautiful grounds of MoggerhangerPark in July.They play music from a range ofgenres, from traditional wind bandmusic to classical, popular and filmmusic. The band has a tradition ofworking with other local ensemblesand on 10th June this year they willbe joining with Bedford Town Bandin a concert at Bedford CornExchange.The band rehearses at StrattonUpper School on Monday nights7.15-9.15pm. If you are a wind,brass or percussion player of grade 4standard or above and would like tojoin EBCB, please contact ChrisParker on 07702 250776.S hamusB urtenshawD ecoratingS ervicesShamus BurtenshawTel: 01767 680762M: 07972 622305Alan SpindlerTel: 01767 681099M: 07903 564834• Over 65 years combined experience• City and Guilds Qualified• Interior and Exterior• Domestic and commercial• All Aspects of Wallpapering• New & Refurbishment Work• Insurance Work Welcome• Clean & Conscientious • Professional & Friendly• Reliable Service • Free Estimates & AdviceVENUE FOR HIREBiggleswade United FC Clubhouse isavailable to hire for your function.Can accommodate up to 120 people.Go to our website for more details atwww.biggleswadeunited.co.ukOR TELEPHONE:Tracey James on 01767 316270

6 BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2010 TELEPHONE: 01234 843905 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukStudents enjoy the high spots of Italyby Fran BoveON New Years Day 26 studentsand three staff from ShuttleworthCollege began what was to be afantastic week of snow sports.E v e r y y e a r t h e O u t d o o rEducation department organisesa trip to give students theopportunity to experience quitewhat the winter sports industrycould offer them in terms ofemployment. It also allows allwho travel the opportunity to tryout snowboarding or skiing forthe first time and those who haveexperienced the mountainsbefore get to hone their skillsunder the guidance of Interski’sfinest instructors.This year was the first time thatwe’d chosen to visit La Thuile, oneof Italy’s highest resorts, where wehad the benefit of the slopes endingno more than 50 metres from thedoor to our hotel. Our arrival at thehotel was preceded with an 18 hourcoach ride during which some managedto get more sleep than others!Our first day in resort was spentsettling in, collecting all the hireequipment (that had been includedwithin the cost of the trip) andNHS breaks for carersDENISE from Biggleswade is one ofmany Central Bedfordshire residentswho has been successful in securinga break from her caring role byapplying for a NHS Carers choicesbreak.Denise is the main carer for her18 year old son who has quadriplegiccerebral palsy, epilepsy and iswheelchair bound. She provides 24hour care for her son except when heis at respite or at school anddescribes her caring role as bothmentally and physically demanding.She applied for a grant from theCarers Choices Breaks in order forher to take a break from her caringresponsibilities. She was successfulin securing a week long break inNorfolk where she was able to totallyrest, to think straight, regroup herthoughts and rest physically andmentally. The break also enabled herYOUR LOCAL FAMILYBUSINESSA. J. DAYBUILDING MAINTENANCE• Plumbing• Tiling• Plastering• Painting &decorating• Carpentry• Alterations• Kitchens• Bathroomsto regain her strength in order tocope with her caring role when shereturned. She describes her break asa lifesaver and does not know howshe would have coped without it.Lianne Bowskill the PublicHealth Coordinator for carers atNHS Bedfordshire says: “carersfocus so much on ensuring the caredfor is looked after that they oftenneglect their own needs, it istherefore vital for carers to have abreak from their caring role in orderfor them to maintain their ownphysical and mental health and wellbeing”.If you are a carer and your healthhas been affected by your caring rolethen you may be able to apply for aNHS Carers Choices Break. Pleasecontact Linda Di Michele at Carersin Bedfordshire on 01767 315079for further information.• Insurance work• Free estimates• Free call out• Free adviceTel: 01767 314445 /07802 530951settling in to our apartments. After adinner and a short social most of usretired to bed still tired from thecoach journey and excited for theweek ahead.Monday morning saw studentsbeing introduced to their Interskiinstructors and the start of lessons.The resort was fairly quiet whichmeant that the more advancedgroups were able to dash around themountain making the best of theempty lifts.JUMPS AND TURNSThe ski groups took the opportunityto travel over the border into theFrench resort of Le Rosierre whilstthe boarders worked on their jumpsand turns.During the evenings we werekept busy with activities like iceskating and snow tubing which hadall been organised by Interski.By the end of the week everyonewas tackling red runs with ease andmost of the beginners were able totry their first black run.All of the students saw animprovement in their own personalskills during the week thanks to theInstructors and the amount of timethat we got to spend on the slopes.The prize giving on Friday night wasa real testament to this with allparticipants being awarded gradesby their instructors according to theirability. The students were obviouslygrateful for the time and attentiongiven by the instructors and each wasgiven a present from their group.We were thankful that there wereonly two injuries of note – a bruisedback and a displaced wrist (a vastimprovement on last year!) and onSaturday evening after giving ourrep Rich his present we got onboard the bus for the long journeyhome.Overall we had a fantastic weekof snow sports and the studentsbehaved in a manner that made usproud (even prompting positivecomments from a head-teacher whowas staying on our floor with hisfamily). Thanks must be given to JonGoodwin and Charlie Whewell fortheir help in managing the studentswhilst we were away, especiallywhen I was suffering from the earlyonslaught of flu!

TELEPHONE: 01234 843905ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukBIGGLESWADE BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2011 7Rotary Day – celebrating community support forprojects impacting the Parish and the Planet!IT IS almost certainly the casethat most readers will beoblivious of the fact thatWednesday 23rd February is‘Rotary Day’. While this may beof passing interest to many, itwill perhaps explain why thereseem to be a number of eventsorganised by or featuring theRotary Clubs of Biggleswade(and Rotary Clubs elsewhere intheir home towns) during themonth of February.Rotary Day, together with theweek in which it falls, is intended toencourage Rotary Clubs to publiclycelebrate their activities and whatthey get up to – something that theyfreely admit they are not normallyvery good at! This is possibly whyRotary is sometimes considered aslightly mysterious organisation andoften misunderstood as far aspurpose and activity are concerned.SERVICE ORGANISATIONRotary is a service organisation –not simply a charity as the BBC triedto tell everybody in their two recentradio programmes featuring theorganisation. Over past months,articles in this journal have offeredinformation as to what Rotary Clubsget up to. In most cases Rotarians getinvolved in various projects that benefitthe community at local, nationalor international level. This mayinvolve support to some charities –but in many cases, while such projectsare always ‘deserving’, they arenot necessarily registered charities.While Rotary has its own charity(known as Rotary Foundation), thisis entirely separate from the mainday to day activities of Rotarians andtheir Clubs.It so happens that the twoBiggleswade Rotary Clubs are bothmarking Rotary Day in Februarywith two very different examples oftheir activities. Interestingly, whileboth Clubs’events are very different,both reflect the often seen characteristicof Rotary Clubs; setting up anevent that appeals to otherorganisations. In other wordsRotarians use their organisationalskills to arrange an event to attractothers in the community to jointogether to the benefit of all.The Rotary Club of BiggleswadeIvel is following up its Big BulbPlanting event held on Saturday 2ndOctober last year and reported,together with many photos of participants,in our October Bulletin.Readers might recall that this was allto do with ‘Focus on the Crocus’ – anational event sponsored and organisedby Rotary, throughout the UK,and part of an ongoing campaignspearheaded by Rotary to eliminatepolio from our planet. Happily this isnearing a successful conclusion andmoney is currently being raised byRotary and others to fund the finalcompletion of the project.The Big Bulb Planting event inBiggleswade was an attempt at aworld-record for planting crocusbulbs in the Dan Albone car parkarea at the north end of ShortmeadStreet. Although that record attemptwas not successful, the fact that somany people participated meant thatRotary definitely succeeded inraising awareness of the need toeradicate polio from the world andthe huge efforts being made toachieve this. Additionally thecampaign also raised welcome fundsto assist that work.Another facet of that same campaignwas the local competitioninvolving people planting crocusesin – or around – their own gardens.Having planted them last autumnthey should shortly be coming intobloom – weather allowing! TheBiggleswade Ivel Rotary Club competitionhas two elements – firstly aprize for the best display, and secondlyanother prize for the mostimaginative planting.Those who bought crocuses fromthe Rotary Club last autumn willhave had details of both elements ofthe competition given to them at thetime of their purchase. Any readerwho wishes to enter the competitionshould contact the Rotary Club ofBiggleswade Ivel (contact details areon the packet that contained thecrocus bulbs). Entries will requirephotographs and a short writtendescription. Judging will take placeover the next few weeks and theresults and prize winners will beannounced in the BiggleswadeBulletin, so do make sure you keepan eye out for that announcement.Readers can still help support thecampaign to eliminate polio – or justfind out more about what Rotary do– by coming along to a Rotary Clubof Biggleswade Ivel market stall onSaturday 26th February. Rotarianswill be delighted to explain moreabout the polio eradication campaignand will be happy to talk aboutwhat Rotary is and what theorganisation does.SWIMATHONThe other Rotary Club in thetown, the Rotary Club ofBiggleswade, is holding its annual‘Swimathon’ over the weekend of19th/20th February at The SaxonPool and Leisure Centre. About 30teams of swimmers from differingorganisations and clubs are alreadyentered for this fun event – but theremight still be time to join in if someonewants to raise some funds fortheir particular projects (contactFrank Smith on 01767 312792).The Swimathon is arranged bythe Biggleswade Rotary Club whoinvite local organisations such asyouth groups, nursery schools andthe like, charities, clubs, firms,companies – and even pubs – to entera team of up to six to swim as manylengths of the Saxon Pool as they canin 50 minutes and to raise money fortheir causes etc by attracting sponsorshipfor their efforts.DESERVING CAUSESOf the sums raised, half isretained by the participating team fortheir own projects or charity and theremainder goes to the Rotary Club ofBiggleswade for their projectslocally or further afield. Typically,with costs covered by the Jordansand Ryvita Co and the BiggleswadeChronicle, the two main sponsors,and with the support of CentralBeds Council and the managementof the Saxon Pool, net proceeds ofsomething close to £7,000 are raisedin total each year, this bringing muchneeded support to deserving causesin the locality and elsewhere.Frank Smith, organiser of theSwimathon for the Rotary Club ofBiggleswade commented: “TheSwimathon is a great example ofwhat Rotary can do. We set up theorganisation and run the event,attracting teams from organisations,some very small and which mightnormally have difficulty in arrangingtheir own fund raising functions.”Frank continued: “We are inmany ways a facilitator that encouragesand enables other groups toraise money by simply joining in afunction that we originate. By doingthings in this way, we contribute ourorganisational abilities and allowthose clubs and others who enterteams to concentrate their efforts onobtaining financial support throughsponsorship rather than having toarrange the whole event as well. It isa true collaborative effort fromwhich all benefit.”WIDER COMMUNITYSo within one month, both RotaryClubs within the Town are, bychance, illustrating the width ofRotary projects. Both examples ofthe organisation’s activities showthat, together with involvement fromthe wider community, Rotary bringshelp to causes large and small –ranging from needs identified withinthe Parish on a local basis rightthrough to impacting upon virtuallyall of the people of our Planet… andit doesn’t get more varied than that!Davidson-Smith & CoSolicitorsWE SPECIALISE IN:✔ Matrimonial & Family✔ Finance & Children✔ Legal Aid✔ Residential Conveyancing withcase tracking facilities✔ Wills & Probate✔ Court of Protection✔ Variable private rates available✔ Lasting Powers of AttorneyCall us now on:01234 351971or email oninfo@davidson-smith.comFor your FREE initialappointment

10 BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2011 TELEPHONE: 01234 843905 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukSaxon Pool &Leisure Centrelifestyles @ saxon...be healthyVisit the Lifestyles Caféat Saxon Pool& Leisure Centre Costa Coffeee Quality home-made food Exceptional valueTake away options available Open to thepublic from 8am Every daylifestyles @ saxon@SaxonPool & LeisureCentreSaxon Drive, Biggleswade, Beds SG18 8SU03000 300 8076E. enquiries.saxon@stevenage-leisure.co.ukwww.lifestylesatcentralbedfordshire.co.uke.co.ukSLL 24 hour Customer Information Line: 03000 012 0300

TELEPHONE: 01234 843905WeddingPhotographsWould you like to see your specialday in this magazine – then getyour photographer to send a pictureand a short report to:editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukIT’S FREE!ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukStratton Upper School toconsider Academy statusSTRATTON Upper School is to consider becoming anAcademy, new Head, Rob Watson, (above left) statedrecently: “We are carefully considering how Academystatus could help Stratton Upper School better supportthe needs of students across the town and surroundingvillages.”He went on to explain that: “Inessence the conversion to Academystatus will allow our school to havegreater flexibility to respond quicklyto the changing demands of the communitywe serve.”“Our focus is on improving thelife chances of all our students, byhelping them to attain the highestpossible academic outcomes andalso to prepare them to take theirplace confidently in the adult world.”Mr Watson continued, “If we determinethat the best way of achievingour goal is through becoming anAcademy then that will be our wayforward.”Madeline Russell, Chairman ofthe Governors (pictured aboveright), stressed that fullconsideration of the advantages anddisadvantages of such a changeneeds to be made. “All members ofour community must have the opportunityto contribute to our thinkingand we will consult widely over thecoming months. We are particularlykeen to explore how we can preserveand enhance still further our closelinks with our middle and lowerschool colleagues through theBiggleswade Community Union ofSchools, to say nothing of oursuccessful liaison with the IvelSchool and The Lawns EarlyExcellence Centre.”“There is a possibility thatAcademy status may provide theideal vehicle through which we canfurther our aim of prompting thejoint development of educationacross the area we serve.”“There are some things that arenon-negotiable,” Mr Watson added.“We are and will remain an inclusiveschool, proud to support all levels ofacademic ability and proud to be atthe heart of our community.”BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2011 11Little and often is less painful foryour teeth and your pocket!UNLESS you have become the latesteuro millionaire, the current round ofspending cuts is affecting everybody.We are all looking at ways tosave money, whether it is cuttingdown our shopping bill or restrictingcar journeys to save on petrol, everybodyis tightening their belt a fewnotches. But some short-term cutscan affect more than just our pockets;they can also harm our health.It’s a fact of life that nobody lovesgoing to the dentist. One of the mostcommon excuses for avoiding a dentalcheck up is that it is ‘too expensive’.Many patients believe that ifthey are not in pain, then they don’tneed to see the dentist or hygienist,and they justify this action by sayingit saves them money, time, and stress.But this is far from the case.Cutting your regular check up withyour dentist and dental hygienist is afalse economy, because not onlydoes this visit ensure that your teethand gums remain healthy, but anyproblems can be detected and treatedat the earliest stage so they don’tbecome more serious.If you only visit your dentalsurgery very occasionally then anydental problems you develop mayhave escalated to the point wheremore drastic treatment is needed. Acavity, which could have been filledas soon as it appeared, may havedegraded the tooth to such an extentthat the only option is expensive rootcanal work, crowns or bridgework.Untreated gum disease can leadto some very serious problems,aggravating conditions such as heartdisease, respiratory, kidney diseases,infections and loss of teeth. Anysavings you made by missing outyour regular appointment will bedwarfed by the cost in the long-run,both in terms of your pocket andyour health.But your dental fees give youmore than just your time in the chair.At Ballard and Tucker we continuallyinvest in our staff developmentand training, and our surgery isequipped to the highest standards sothat our patients will benefit from themost up-to-date treatments that areavailable.Your whole body can be affectedby the health of your teeth. Makesure that you maintain healthy teethand gums by thoroughly brushingtwice a day and see your dentist orhygienist for regular check ups.Modern dentistry is all about preventionrather than cure – we want tosave your teeth, not extract them.For more information about oralhygiene and dental care visitwww.ballardandtucker.co.uk or toarrange an appointment call Ballardand Tucker on 0844 576 9888.

12 BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2011 TELEPHONE: 01234 843905 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukSaxon Pool and Leisure Centre joins‘the world’s biggest fundraising swim’SWIMMERS in Biggleswade willmake a splash for charity onSaturday 9th April as they completethe Swimathon 2011 challenge atSaxon Pool and Leisure Centre helpingto raise money for Marie CurieCancer Care and the SwimathonFoundation. Saxon Pool is one ofover 580 pools taking part nationwidein Swimathon 2011.The world’s biggest fundraisingswim is the perfect way to start theNew Year on a healthy note.Swimming is proven to be a greatform of exercise whatever your ability,relaxing for mind and body, andhelps to build endurance, musclestrength and cardio-vascular fitness.TV presenter and keen swimmerGail Porter and Olympic goldmedallist Duncan Goodhewannounced the opening ofSwimathon 2011. Between 8-10April 2011 22,000 swimmers willraise more than £2 million for MarieCurie Cancer Care and theSwimathon Foundation. Funds willhelp support Marie Curie Nurseswho provide free nursing care topeople with terminal cancer andother terminal illnesses, in the placeof their choice.Gail Porter said: “LaunchingSwimathon this year gives me hugepleasure. The challenge is idealmotivation for everyone to pull ontheir swimsuits, get in the pool andenjoy a much-needed New Yearhealth boost. I find swimming a greatway to keep fit, especially as it’s anactivity I enjoy with my child. Goingdown to your local pool and gettingthem used to being in the water isjust the start of the fun. Once mydaughter was up and paddling, therewas no stopping us!“What’s more – the money raisedwill help Marie Curie Cancer Care toprovide free nursing care to terminallyill people. I know what a differencethis care can make as both mymum and my grandmother died fromcancer and received care at homefrom a Marie Curie Nurse. Caringfor a loved one at the end of their lifeis never going to be an easy time forfamilies but it was made much morebearable for us by the skill and careof these amazing nurses.”Duncan adds: “As we approach aquarter of a century of Swimathons,I’m delighted to report that lastyear’s event enjoyed an astonishing38 per cent rise in swimmers, andwhat’s really exciting is that around2,500 of those who dived in told usthat they only started swimmingagain because they entered the event.From these grass roots right up to ouroverflowing international trophycabinet, it seems that Britain’s loveaffair with swimming really is backto stay.”Individual and team entries toSwimathon 2011 are open until 6April 2011. To enter go online towww.swimathon.org or call 084536 700 36.Fuel thefts onincrease asprices riseWITH the ever increasing price ofpetrol and diesel, thieves have beenstealing fuel. They have been makingholes in the bottoms of tanks anddraining the fuel out. Cars or commercialsthat sit either on roads orlaybys have been hit, but it couldhappen anywhere but particularly inthe hours of darkness. Because of thequantity of fuel involved, especiallydiesel from lorries, it is thought thatthe thieves will be using a transittype vehicle to remove the fuel,police urge anybody who see anythingsuspicious to get registrationnumbers and call them on 01234841212, calls will be handled in thestrictest confidence.NUMBER PLATE THEFTSSomething else to watch out for is aspate of number plate thefts, if yourplates go missing report it straightaway, as they could be used in driveaway petrol theft.Registration plates were takenfrom a Vauxhall Astra in the HighStreet, on Wednesday 19th January,between 9.00am and 3.30pm.The police are offering anti theftnumber plate advice – give them acall.

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14 BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2011 TELEPHONE: 01234 843905 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukBBC TVsuccessfortheatricalschoolBEDFORD Stagecoach TheatreArt schools have been in Bedfordfor fourteen years and is part ofthe largest part-time theatreschools in the UK with nearly40,000 students attending acrossover 600 schools in the UK andoverseas every weekend. InBedford we operate fromNewnham Middle School everyweekend. There are two schools,the main school runs on a Fridayevening and Saturdays morningsfor 7-18 year olds. We also runearly stages on the same days for4 to 7 year oldsThe Principal, Clare says: “Weare about building self esteem andconfidence in young people and nottrying to put people on stage. We dohowever look for opportunities forstudents to perform and try hard tomake that available to those studentswho wish to pursue performance.”Recent opportunities have includedthe following;Students on TVJonathan Malindine (11) ofBedford Stagecoach and his teamrecently had great fun in the auditionand subsequent filming of CBBC’sflagship programme – ‘Copycats’!His team included his brotherMatthew Malindine (12) and friendEmily Duchenne (11) – who bothalso attend Bedford Stagecoach –and his mum, dad and Auntie Tessa.They enjoyed meeting Sam andMark of X-Factor fame, who hostCopycats, and had a fabulous timebattling it out against another familyin a range of hilarious games!Jonathan’s team were triumphantand returned home with CopycatsT-shirts and, most importantly, theCopycats Trophy!They were very pleased thatStagecoach was able to provide theopportunity. They will appear in theAutumn Series of Copycats – don’tforget to look out for them!Student in the West EndAnother stagecoach student hasbeen performing in Oliver in theWest End. Ashley Miles was put forwardby the Stagecoach Agency andwas chosen after a number of auditions.He played one of Fagin’s gangand is also the understudy to Oliver.Television AdvertsWe also have had students takepart in television commercials andshort listed for major televisionplays. This is all good experienceand can be a lot of fun for thoseinvolved.Whilst we have students who goonto other opportunities, we arepredominately about helping buildconfidence and self esteem in youngpeople.In the summer 1st to 5th Augustwe are also running our workshops.FIXAHOME07719 47223201767 220497Kitchens – Bathrooms – Unblocking DrainsBurst Pipes – Guttering – Garden WorkGeneral Building MaintenanceFor a FREE ESTIMATE call MelIf you have a child aged betweenfour and 18 and would like to knowmore then please visit our websitewww.stagecoach.co.uk/bedford ore-mail: bedford@stagecoach.co.ukor ring 01234 350799.MP backs government’scrackdown on scrap metal theftALISTAIR Burt, the MP for NorthEast Bedfordshire has welcomedHome Office plans to target scrapmetal theft by introducing a newcrime prevention strategy.Mr Burt recently contacted theMinister for Crime Prevention tovoice the concerns of Potton TownCouncil and other constituents whohave experienced a large number ofdevastating scrap metal thefts. In hisresponse, James Brokenshire MPstated that the Government will beimplementing measures that aredesigned to reduce the opportunitiesthat criminals have to exploit thescrap metal trade.Alistair said: “I was pleased tohear from the Minister that the HomeOffice is considering a range ofmeasures to deal with the problem ofmetal theft. Mr Brokenshire is verykeen for police forces to tackle thisproblem head on by working withscrap metal dealers and raise awarenessof the problem throughincreased publicity.“The Minister has also told methat the Home Office is looking toexpand a code of practice across theindustry to ensure that details oftransactions are recorded by scrapmetal dealers.“I am aware that this issue hashad a terrible impact upon the peopleof Potton and across North EastBedfordshire and have raised it withthe previous Government. It isextremely important that the policemake it known to thieves that suchbehaviour is not acceptable. I willtherefore ensure that I discuss theconcerns that my constituents haveregarding this matter at my firstmeeting with the new ChiefConstable of Bedfordshire Police.”www.fixahome.net

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16 BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2011 TELEPHONE: 01234 843905 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukMilton Ernest Hall Care HomeMILTON ERNESTHALL was built in1856 and is the onlycountry house designed andbuilt by the noted architectSir William Butterfield. Animpressive Grade I Listedformer Home to the Stareyfamily, it is now beautifullyrefurbished to retain itscharacter. As well as manyyears as a private residence,the house has been a base forUS Armed forces duringWorld War II and a countryhouse hotel.The Hall stands in sixteenacres of landscaped groundswithin the picturesque villageof Milton Ernest, five milesnorth of Bedford, MiltonErnest Hall is accessible, withconvenient access to the A6trunk road and has goodpublic transport links.We have extremelyspacious all en-suitebedrooms and suites, all fullyfurnished and tastefullydecorated to a high standard.All our rooms have privatedirect-dial telephones, electricprofiling beds, televisionpoints, a lockable facility forvaluables, a nurse call alarmand smoke detectors.We provide personal andnursing care on a long term,convalescent and short staybasis. Twenty-four hour coveris provided by a qualified,experienced and committedcare team specificallyrecruited for their sensitivity,dedication and professionalexpertise in this area of care.All specialist equipment isavailable.All Majesticare’s Homesput Residents’ choices first,and at Milton Ernest Hall youare free to eat your meals inour dining rooms or in yourown room. We are happy toprovide meals for visitors aswell. Our fresh home-cookedfood is nutritionally balancedand we cater for specialrequirements such asvegetarian or soft foods.At Milton Ernest Hall wehave a dedicated activitiesorganiser who arranges alively social calendarincluding arts, entertainment,exercise, trips such asshopping, and events in theHome. We also arrangeregular visits fromhairdressers, chiropodists,dentists, opticians, local GP’sand a range of otherprofessionals.For more information on Milton Ernest Care Home please contact the Home Manager on 01234 825305.Milton Ernest is a 2 star care home and is part the Majesticare home group which has 16 othercare homes across the country. For further information visit www.majesticare.co.uk

TELEPHONE: 01234 843905ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukBIGGLESWADE BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2011 17GASTRONOMICALLY gifted pupils from schools in North Hertsand South Beds did battle on Saturday, 15th January, in the localround of the Rotary Young Chef of the Year Competition held atNorth Herts College (Hitchin Campus).Competitors had two hours towhip-up a healthy three coursemeal costing no more than £15. Ina very closely fought contest, JoeColebrook a Year 11 pupil fromStratton Upper School inBiggleswade was judged thewinner by experts Andrew Turner,Executive Chef at Wilton’s restaurantin London, and Michel Maria.Joe's mouthwatering menu consistedof wild mushroom and spinachtart with a tomato salsa as a starter,followed by a main of pan fried herbcrusted pork with caramelisedapples and cider sauce, and wasrounded off with a truly divinemolten chocolate cake with brandycream and fresh raspberries.“They all did fantastically well”,said Kate Robinson, Head of FoodTechnology at Stratton UpperSchool, “it’s a great competition,and we'll all be looking forward tosupporting Joe in the District Heaton February 19th”.Local organiser Sue Manning,Youth Opportunities Coordinatorfor the Rotary Club of HitchinTilehouse said: “This event hasbecome a regular on the Rotarycalendar, and we’d like to thankSimon Kirbyshire from Waitrose inHitchin for their continued supportfor the competition.”The Rotary Young ChefCompetition is just one of the manyyouth related schemes run by RIBI(Rotary International in GreatBritain & Ireland).(Above l-r) Judges Michel Mariaand Andrew Turner, winner JoeColebrook, and The Rotary Club ofHitchin Tilehouse President SteveDawson.Ivel Valley U3A reportCHAIRMAN Anne Jones greetedmembers of the Ivel Valley U3A totheir January meeting at HolmemeadSchool canteen. She gave a specialwelcome to the many visitors.The secretary, Ann Taylor, haddetails of the National SummerSchools for members to peruse. Sheread an invitation from BiggleswadeLibrary inviting the group toparticipate in their Big Open Day on14th April, which was agreed by themembers.Diane Keen gave details of theIvel Evening Townswomen Guild updateCHAIRMAN Chris Davies welcomedmembers to the meeting of theBiggleswade Ivel Evening TownswomenGuild Meeting on 10thJanuary 2011. Birthday greetingswere given to Janet Trenholme,Margaret Harper and Bobbie Ball andgolden wedding anniversary congratulationswere given to Wendy andJack Walters.Certificates were awarded to allmembers who entered the FederationArts and Crafts exhibition last year.A letter of thanks for the 39 Christmaspresents donated by guild membershad been received from BiggleswadeHospital.Liz Stirratt announced that shewould be entering a team into theSwimathon on the weekend of the19th/20th February. A sponsorshipform was available and memberswere requested to sponsor this event,which would bring in much neededincome for the guild as well as contributingto the Rotary Club charities.Further fund raising is planned for thesummer when it is proposed to run acar boot sale. Members were asked tobear that in mind when doing theirspring cleaning and from now untilthe summer to keep anything thatcould be sold at a car boot. The outing’ssecretary gave details of a trip inApril to the Gordon Craig Theatre tosee the 5 Star Irish Magic dance show.During the last quarter the Chairmanhanded in a total of 1300 communitypoints to the Biggleswade Chronicleand members were urged to keep oncollecting them.The speakers for the evening,Fiona and Rose from the BedfordSamaritans gave a very interestingand factual talk about their work.They gave a short history into how theSamaritans was started in 1953 inLondon by a young vicar called ChadVarah, who worked in the city parishof St Stephen, Walbrook in the City.During his career he had offeredcounselling to his parishioners, andhe increasingly wanted to do somethingspecific to help people indistress who had no one to turn to. Hisfirst job as a curate was to bury a 14year old girl in unconsecrated ground,as she had committed suicide whichwas an illegal act at that time. Hisaim was to provide a service whensomeone in distress could pick up atelephone and another human beingwould be able to listen to them. Chadhad the support of helpers who wouldmake cups of tea for the people whowere waiting to see him and in 1954he handed over the task of supportingthe callers to the volunteers.Gradually the service expandedaround the country with more andmore branches being opened, theycurrently have 201 branches. In 1993they started an outreach service goinginto prisons and in 2002 an emailservice was added to the way inwhich they could communicate.Every six seconds someone will calltheir number, every 12 seconds theLocal pupils cook-up a feastvolunteers will talk to someone whocalls and every minute a caller willexpress suicidal feelings. Theyreceive over five million calls in a 12month period.The charity is running a nationalcampaign working with NetworkRail targeting railway lines wherethere is a danger, together with supportingand training railway staff.They visit schools to promote awarenessof their organisation. Bedfordbranch currently has over 70 volunteersfrom all walks of life and fromthe ages of 23 to 80. They work fourhour shifts and always have twopeople per shift. The aim of theSamaritans is to offer a distressedperson the opportunity to talk toanother human being at any time, dayor night, and to offer emotionalsupport by phone, email, text or faceto face in a completely confidentialmanner.The competition for the evening,‘The Prettiest Plate’ was won by GillHibbert, second was Audrey Purkissand in third place Bobbie Ball. Rafflewinners were Elaine Webb, BobbieBall and Pam Peacock.The next meeting will be held onthe 14th February, 7.30pm at theWeatherly Centre when members willhave a fish and chip supper. Thecompetition will be for a hand madeValentine Card.Snowdrop Walk and Lunch duringthe half term on 22nd February whenthe school was unavailable for theSocial Meeting. The walk could betaken before or after lunch at 1pm.There was a list for those interested.Anne Jones reported that theChairman’s Charity Fund wouldcontinue this year and any contributionsof books, cards, games,puzzles, cakes would be appreciated.Anne Jones introduced thespeaker, Mel Blackshaw, who was totalk about Royal Doulton. He set outa row of ornaments, which heexplained was a timeline of the storyof Royal Doulton. Beginning with asalt glazed ink bottle he told how theLambeth Pottery had commencedproducing kitchen utensils and afterten years Henry Doulton had thebrilliant idea of branching out intosewer pipes as the salt glaze potterywas very durable and the sewers inthe city of London were in dire needof remedial work. This brought in agreat deal of money to the potteryand it then branched out withcoloured earthenware, which wasfirst produced by students, and theDoulton Lambeth Art Studio wasestablished.He wanted to branch out intoStoke but to get a foothold he wasforced to purchase a half share in apottery and this was at Burslam. Thispottery was so successful that he wasable to purchase the rest of thepottery after a year. He was verysuccessful at finding designers andhe brought in Charles Noake whointroduced new, brighter colours.They launched their first six figuresin 1913 after a visit by Queen Marywho fell in love with one particularfigure, which she purchased for herfriends and family. The line wasassured of success. The various sampleswere passed round the memberswho handled them with great care.Mr Blackshaw was able to value theitems that members had brought andexplained that the market had fallenand prices were now very low. DianeKeen thanked Mel for an extremelyinteresting and enjoyable talk.

18 BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2010 TELEPHONE: 01234 843905 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukThe G.R.E.E.N. way to energy savingsIN April 2010 the UKGovernment passed laws thatallowed domestic and commercialelectricity customers togenerate their own electricity andsell this back to the National Gridand in November 2010Global Renewable ElectricalEnergy Network (G.R.E.E.N. Ltd)opened their showroom in HitchinStreet, Biggleswade, to show theirclients how this can be achieved.G.R.E.E.N. can help customerswade through the literature and tellthem in plain English what it willcost and how much they will save infinancial benefits and CO2 production.They are an MCS ApprovedInstaller.Solar Photovoltaic MicrogenerationSystems generate cheap,green electricity from sunlight. Solarelectricity systems capture the sun’senergy using photovoltaic (PV)cells. The cells convert the sunlightinto electricity, which can be used torun household appliances and lighting.PV cells don’t need directsunlight to work – you can stillgenerate electricity on a cloudy day.PV cells are panels can beattached to a roof or walls. Each cellis made from one or two layers ofsemiconducting material, usuallysilicon. When light shines on the cellit creates an electric field across thelayers. The stronger the sunshine, the“Photovoltaic cells generatecheap, green electricityfrom sunlight”more electricity is produced. Atypical home PV system could savearound 1200 kg of CO2 per year–that’s around 30 tonnes over itslifetime.Once you have paid for the initialinstallation your electricity costs willbe greatly reduced. If your system isproducing more electricity than youneed, you can make money onexcess electricity by selling it back tothe Grid.In England and Scotland, youdon’t need planning permission formost home solar electricity systems,as long as they’re below a certainsize – but you should check withyour local planning officer if yourhome is a listed building, or is in aconservation area or World HeritageSite. Commercial premises will needplanning permission.Costs for installing a solarelectricity system vary a lot – anaverage system costs between£8,000 and £14,000, depending onits size and type but you can expect a10-15% annual return on yourinvestment. The more electricity thesystem can generate, the more itcosts but the more it could save. A2 kWp system could provide around40% of a household’s yearlyelectricity needs.G.R.E.E.N. was established inJanuary 2010 by Paul Shiels and hisbrother Adrian, who saw anopportunity in a developing industry.They now employ fifteen salespeople who cover mainly the HomeCounties. Their tax free systems arean investment opportunity whichwill last for at least twenty five yearsand the tariff is index linked.

TELEPHONE: 01234 843905ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukSearch and rescue in Bedfordshire!THERE really is a search and rescueunit based locally. It has been on callto Bedfordshire and Hertfordshirepolice all day, every day for morethan 10 years. Midshires Search andRescue are your local lowland volunteersearch and rescue team. Theirtraining includes radio work, mapreading, compass work and firstaid, in addition to search techniques.Many more people go missingthan make the headlines. If the policefeel that a missing person is at risk,they can call on Midshires to assist inthe search. Midshires aim to havefully equipped teams of trainedsearchers ‘on the road’responding toany callout within 30 to 45 minutesno matter what time of day (ornight!) the call is received.Anyone can ‘go missing’ andbecome at risk, perhaps because ofbeing elderly, confused, depressed,without their vital medication or as aresult of unfavourable weatherconditions.No special skills are required toBIGGLESWADE BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2011 19become a searcher as full training isgiven, but being comfortable out andabout in countryside or town at anytime of the day or night is essential.To find out more, visit their websitewww.midshires.org.uk or contactthem at membership@midshires.org.uk. Your help will be gratefullyappreciated.Ivel Valley walkersFOR THOSE of us battling with theneed to keep fit and mobile whilstneeding to watch the pennies, IvelValley Walkers present an idealsolution. Arranging on average fourdifferent walks per week, thedistances walked are five miles orless, six to seven miles, or ten totwelve miles, catering for people ofdiffering walking abilities.Joining a walk could not be simpler,all that you need to do is to turnup at the allotted time and place, noneed to book in advance, justannounce yourself and you will bemade most welcome. A programmeof walks may be had by telephoningthe secretary 01234 781220 or it isavailable on line at www.ivelvalleywalkers.co.ukOne final point, please wear suitableclothing and footwear for offroad walking in rural areas.Wed 16th Feb 10:00am Bartonle-Clay.Park by church. TL0853046.5 miles. Carol 01582 882628Thu 17th Feb 10:00am WeekdayAmble. Meppershall, by the ChurchTL134359 5 miles. Carol 01582882628Sun 20th Feb 10:00am & 1:45pmAshwell High Street near CamSprings/Three Tuns pub TL270398 7& 5 miles. Please park consideratelyin the village. No dogs please.Pauline 01480 477188Tue 22nd Feb 10:00am GreatStaughton, Sundial in villageTL131646 11 miles. Sue & Bob01234 823974 Mobile: 07849827049Wed 23rd Feb10:00am RadwellMeadows Country Park car park (offNortonbury Lane nr Letchworth)TL234349 7 miles. Antony 01767601969Sun 27th Feb 10:00am Woburn,Car park opposite Church SP95033211.5 miles. Laurie 01525 403950Wed 2nd Mar 10:00am Hexton,park in main street TL106307 7.5miles. Laurie 01525 403950Thu 3rd Mar 10:00am WeekdayAmble. Ridgmont. Near Rose &Crown PH SP978363 4.5 miles.Walkers having lunch in pub mayuse the car park. Cheryle 01234751841Sun 6th Mar 10:00am & 1:45pmWeston, Herts. (near A1M Jn 9).Maiden Street near duck pond.TL259301 7 & 5 miles. Mike 01462491032Tue 8th Mar 10:00am CopleChurch TL103484 11 miles. Parkcarefully in village. Laurie 01525403950Wed 9th Mar 10:00am LettyGreen Picnic Site, S.E. of WelwynGarden City TL285111 6.5 miles.Tony 01234 831388Sun 13th Mar 8:20am LondonLoop (penultimate section)Whyteleafe – Belmont. BedfordRailway Station TL041497 10 miles.For 8.38 train (Flitwick 8:48).Cost for Group Re: ‘BiggleswadeBulletin’ Save is £9.75 each forgroups of 4 (2010 price). Tony01234 83138801763 288049www.pippasblinds.comTo advertise call 01234 843905

20 BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2011 TELEPHONE: 01234 843905 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukCARS BOUGHTFOR CASH28 YEARS OF SERVICE FROMA BUSINESS YOU CAN TRUSTCARS BOUGHTFOR CASHwww.KingEdwardCars.comSTAR CAR2007 (57) MEGANE PRIVILEGE AUTOMATIC ESTATE, this1600 Automatic gold estate is complimented by 14, 000miles only, climate control, half leather upholstery alloywheels, CD, full electric pack, one owner, excellent example£5995SOMETHING SPECIAL2010 (10) RENAULT CLIO EXTREME 1.2 3 DOOR, black incolour with matching trim, 2, 000 miles from new one owner.....................................................................................£6, 995FORDS2007 (07) FORD FOCUS 1.6 LX 5 DOOR HATCH ‘NEWSHAPE’, silver model with matching cloth trim, CD, air con,47, 000 miles with service history, great looking example.....................................................................................£6, 2952006 (56) FORD FOCUS 1.6 ZETEC CLIMATE, finished insea grey with dark cloth 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22 BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2011 TELEPHONE: 01234 843905 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukTake a walk in the Bedfordshire countrysideFEBRUARY is a month that is usuallywet and cold, sometimes with snowand ice, but there are also some wonderfulsunny winter days.There is some consolation thatspring is round the corner and in thecountryside the buds on trees andhedges form and in the fields younglambs are often seen.Don’t hibernate this month –take a walk in the Bedfordshire countryside– fresh air is good for the souland the body.The Tourist Information Centrehere in Sandy has a large and diverserange of local walks. So call in andcollect a copy of a walk leaflet and seewhat this county has to offer to thewalker and those who love thecountryside with its wildlife, villagesand historic buildingsThis month we highlight on theThornton Walk, a delightful 5.8 milewalk through the villages ofMoggerhanger and Blunham.The Walk is named after theThornton family who resided atMoggerhanger Park from 1777 to1857. (We will say more about theThornton family and MoggerhangerPark later in this article).Until the middle of the 19th centuryMoggerhanger was a hamlet withinthe parish of Blunham. It became aseparate ecclesiastical parish in 1860and a civil parish in 1866.The Walk starts at St John’sChurch in Moggerhanger. This buildingwas erected in 1861 by ElizabethDawkins as a memorial to herhusband. The Dawkins family hadbought Moggerhanger Park from theThornton family in 1857. The churchis built of Kempston stone and redsandstone from Silsoe, and wasdesigned by William Slater in an earlyNorman style. Inside the church thereis a community shop.Golden girl off to SwedenOTTILIE Morgan a teacher atBarnfield College, received the‘Champion Award’at a presentationceremony in December.Ottilie a recent recipient of akidney transplant, won threegold medals at the BritishTransplant Games, for cyclinglast year. This year she is representingher country in WorldTransplant Games in Sweden.Presenting the award ChiefExecutive of the College, PeteBirkett (pictured left with Ottiliecentre). said: “I’m so proud ofOttilie.“Competing at world level isquite a feat, especially after amajor operation.“She’s an inspiration toeveryone here at Barnfield andI wish her the best of luck inbringing back a gold.”Units 2-6 Shannon Place, Potton SG19 2SPENERGY EFFICIENTWINDOWSSPECIALIST FITTERSCOMPETITIVE PRICES10 YEAR GUARANTEEWe are a small family owned and run business who havebeen producing, over the last 25 years, energy efficientwindows and doors which all comply to Secured by Designstandards which are approved by the Police Authorities andmeet all British Standards from our premises in Potton.With experienced specialist fitters and very competitiveprices we are pleased to offer free quotations and all workbacked by our 10 year guarantee. To discuss yourrequirements please call: 01767 260626e-mail: sales@pottonwindows.co.uk– WE WILL BE VERY PLEASED TO HEAR FROM YOUFrom the church walk to the crossroadsand turn right at the Guineapublic house. Continue along the footpathof this busy road (A603) towardsBedford and shortly there is a publicfootpath sign on the right. Take thispath which runs downhill and whichaffords wonderful views over theOuse valley. The Walk follows a pathnorthwards across open fields untilone reaches the hamlet of Chalton. Ofparticular interest is the 18th centurydovecote in the grounds of ChaltonManor Farmhouse.Leaving Chalton one follows theroad and continues northwards alonga footpath crossing open fieldstowards a little tunnel which you gothrough. For centuries until 1861, thiswas the direct route for worshippers toget from Moggerhanger and Chaltonto get to their parish church inBlunham. Here you go under theNational Cycle Path, called Route 51.This well used route used both bycyclists and walkers goes from MiltonKeynes to Sandy (you can purchase acopy of a leaflet detailing Route 51from the TIC). This part of the cyclepath from Sandy to Bedford was oncethe route of the former Bedford toCambridge Railway line.After passing through the tunnelone soon reaches the Kingfisher Way,a riverside walk which goes fromBaldock to Tempsford (the leaflet forthis Walk is also available from theTIC). Walking along the banks of theRiver Ivel one may see water vole,damsel flies, kingfishers and one ofour rarest mammals, the otter.One crosses the weir bridge, continuingto follow the river until youreach the main road with it’s two smallbridges.One can either walk turn left andfollow the road to the village ofBlunham or continue along theKingfisher Way following the riverupstream.In Blunham itself there are a numberof historic buildings, including theOld Rectory and the former ManorHouse.The village is dominated by thelarge ironstone tower of the parishchurch of St Edmund or St James,which dates back to the 11th century.One 17th century rector was thefamous preacher and poet JohnDonne, who wrote the well knownlines:‘No man is an island,Entire of itself…...For I am involved in mankind.Therefore, send not to knowFor whom the bell tolls,It tolls for thee.The village’s thatched school isnamed after John Donne. Donne wasalso a former Dean of St Paul’sCathedral, and if in London you cansee his magnificent monument in thecathedral - the only memorial that survivedthe Great Fire.At the side of the church is therecently restored building – theThornton Mausoleum. It was built in1805 as a burial place for the Thorntonfamily of Moggerhanger Park. Insidethere are chambers for six coffins onthree sides, and on the door side fourchambers. Each radiate from the wallsoutwards underneath the grounds outside.In all there are 19 chambers inuse and three are spare. Some of thetablets have their inscriptions intactand others seemed to be damaged bywater.The visitor can see a number ofmemorials to the family inside thechurch.Pass through the churchyard,retrace your steps along the rivertowards Chalton and Moggerhanger.To extend your walk fromMoggerhanger pay a visit toMoggerhanger Park.Cross the A603 and go along StJohn’s Road and thence Park Road.Over the past fourteen years thisGeorgian Grade I listed historic househas undergone an extensive restorationprogramme and has been restoredin keeping with the original design ofits architect, Sir John Soane. Soanewas one of the foremost architects ofhis day and his achievements includedesigning the Bank of England, interiorsof 10 and 11 Downing Street andDulwich College. There are 33 acresof parkland and woodland surroundingthe mansion, which were originallylandscaped by the famous landscapegardener, Humphry Repton andwhich are open all year round.Full tours of the grounds areoffered to pre-booked groups and thehouse is open for guided tours onSundays and Mondays throughout theyear.Moggerhanger Park also offersconference facilities and it is an idealvenue for conferences, promotions,corporate entertainment and other privatefunctions. It has wonderful awardwinning Tea rooms and a Restaurant.Pick up a leaflet about the Park inthe Sandy Tourist Information Centre,Rear of 10 Cambridge Road, Sandy.Telephone 01767 682728.ALTERATIONS & REPAIRSZIPS REPLACED – EVENING WEARPick up and delivery for elderly non-driversFAST, INEXPENSIVE SERVICEMens, Womens, Childrens, new and nearly new clothes101 POTTON ROAD, BIGGLESWADECall 01767 315279

TELEPHONE: 01234 843905A car side window was broken inHolme Crescent in Biggleswade, onADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukMP’S New Year visit to AfganistanNORTH East Bedfordshire MPAlistair Burt has returned from aNew Year visit to Afghanistan. MrBurt, the Foreign Office Ministerresponsible for Afghanistan, was inthree areas of the country includingKabul and Helmand province, whereBritish forces are engaged in some ofthe country’s fiercest fighting. MrBurt was there to see UK personneli nv o l v e d i n a l l a s p e c t s o fAfghanistan’s future developmentand security and to assess progresstowards the country’s aims of selfsufficiency in security and politicalaffairs.Quite rightly we tend to think ofAfghanistan primarily in terms ofour forces extraordinary commitmentat present, and we can neverappreciate their quality sufficiently. Iwas pleased to convey that appreciationof all my constituents to those Imet.But there is much more toAfghanistan than the securitysituation, and I was able to meet withCrime Watchlocal and national politicians, civilsociety leaders and NGO’s and thoseUK nationals involved in trainingand development throughout thecountry. Cities like Lashkar-Gah inHelmand are unrecognisable interms of trade bustle and growthfrom a couple of years ago, and fromagriculture to mines and mineralsI was able to see UK influence atwork.Our aim is clear. We are inAfghanistan for the sake of our nationalsecurity. A politically stable andsecure Afghanistan, where Afghansthemselves are responsible for thearmy and policing, will help ensurethat it is not the haven it once was forthose who would launch terroristattacks on this country and others.Political and economic developmentof the country is absolutely vital to itsfuture, and we can be very proud of allthose from the UK who are doingexceptional work in the toughest ofcircumstances to help Afghanistanand all of us back home."Monday the 31st of January, nothingwas taken.A burglary took place in HolmeCourt Avenue, on Tuesday 25thJanuary, a garden spade was used toforce open a patio door. A laptop,wallet, digital camera, and jewellerywere taken.A garage burglary took place inPotton Road, on Tuesday 25thJanuary. The garage doors wereforced and two lawn mowers weretaken.An incident of arson took place inRipon Court, on Friday 21stJanuary. Childrens play equipmenthas been set alight in the garden.A TO B LIGHT REMOVALSFriendly, professional local service – testimonials available■ Light removals■ Emergency service available■ Deliveries all areas covered ■ Single items■ Leaflet & catalogue deliveries ■ Reasonable rates101 POTTON ROAD, BIGGLESWADECall Chris 01767 315279THE next Census will take place on27th March 2011. Every household inEngland and Wales needs to completea questionnaire so that statistics aboutthe population can be produced.Government money for health,police, councils and other public serviceproviders is allocated according tothe population of an area, so it is vitalthat everyone is counted. Make sureyour area gets its fair share ofGovernment money. Questionnaireswill be delivered from 7th March solook out for the purple logo, and completeand return the form as soon asyou can.Who needs to be included on theform?Everyone who lives at youraddress. This includes family, newbornbabies, lodgers, and studentswho live somewhere else during termtime. People who are staying in thecountry for three months or moremust be included. The number ofvisitors staying overnight on 27thMarch can also be included.Why should I take part?All citizens have a duty tocomplete the census questionnaire.Businesses and local services need toknow how many people live in theirarea, and other important informationabout your gender, age, ethnicity andabout your housing. This ensures thatthe right services are available in theright place. It is also a legal requirement,and refusal to complete thequestionnaire may result in prosecutionand a fine.How do I complete my questionnaire?You can choose whether to completethe questionnaire on-line or byhand. Every questionnaire has aunique code to enable completion atwww.census.gov.uk. The questionnairepack contains a prepaid returnenvelope if you prefer to post it back.The questionnaire has enough roomfor six people. It takes only ten minutesfor each adult, and much less for eachchild. If you have more than six peoplein your household, request additionalindividual questionnaires from thewebsite or telephone 0300 0201 101.BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2011 232011 Census –What do I need to do?I don’t have a computer, but Iwant to complete on-lineNo problem. You can use thecomputers at public libraries, or youcan visit one of the completion eventsthat are taking place at variouslocations in your area. Check withyour local council where and whenthese are happening. Some events areshown below.I need help or someone I knowneeds help to complete the questionnaire?There is lots of help available.From 4th March you can telephone0300 0201 101 to request guidance inover 50 languages and in accessibleformats such as large print, Braille andBritish Sign language. You can alsorequest a personal visit from a CensusCollector who will come to yourhome. The number for text relay forhard of hearing is 18001 0300 0201160. Many community groups areholding events to help local peoplecomplete their questionnaires. Checkthe location, dates and times with yourlocal council. The Census websitecontains lots of information about theCensus at www.census.gov.ukWhat happens if I don't returnmy questionnaire?From 6th April Census Collectorswill visit households that have notreturned their questionnaire. Theywill carry identification and will offerhelp and assistance, or answer yourquestions about the census questionnaire.To avoid a Census Collectorknocking on your door, just returnyour questionnaire promptly after27th March.People who refuse to complete acensus questionnaire will beinvestigated, and this may lead toprosecution and a fine.Useful informationInformation about the census, andcensus events in your area can befound on the Bedford Borough andthe Central Bedfordshire websites:www.bedford.gov.uk or www.centralbedfordshire.gov.ukYou can alsocontact the CensusArea Manager, JanEsson on 07801 331386 or emailG106@census.gov.uk

TELEPHONE: 01234 843905ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukBIGGLESWADE BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2011 25Listed building becomes new destination restaurantTHE 18th century listed building (1703), formerly theHardwicke Arms, in Church Street, Gamlingay hasbeen recently renovated and transformed into astylish restaurant bythe Ahmed family.Now called theJannah, the restaurantwhich opened at theend of July, offersan expansivecontemporary menuof Indian cuisine.OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEKLunch 12pm–2.30pmEvening 6pm–11pmA takeaway service (to collect) is available.Telephone: 01767 6521171 Church Street, GamlingayBedfordshire SG19 3JH

26 BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2011 TELEPHONE: 01234 843905 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukA water scheme for Biggleswade Part two, to be continuedContinuing the article inwhich I detail the bringingof a pure mains watersupply to Biggleswade fromthe well at New Spring andthe reservoir on Topler’sHill.1906 – PUMPING BEGINSFrom BiggleswadeWater Board Minutes 1These are just selected highlights froma year in the life of the BiggleswadeWater Board from the BiggleswadeChronicle of 100 years ago. I haveascertained that they are almostverbatim from the Minute Book.Throughout the minutes there arestatements that reports were read outeither by the resident engineer or byMr Deacon; unfortunately the contentis never recorded.January 1906226 applications for job of workingengineer; short list of three for interviewfrom Worcester, Bilston andLeeds. Mr Carn from Bilston WaterWorks appointed at a, salary of £150 ayear.The third engine was at the railwaystation.Mr Home, resident engineer, toldFirst published in BiggleswadeHistory Society NewsletterNumber 256, July 2006.by Mike Strange, August 2006that as the work was nearing the endthe RDC felt his services might bedispensed with – a committee wasappointed to decide.Mr Home reported that it will besome time before the mains arecharged but that Biggleswade ought tohave water by March; he expected theengines to be fully installed by the endof February.The cottage for the residentengineer was not expected to becompleted until summer.February 1906Mr Home’s engagement to ceaseon 31st March.The estimated cost of running thepumping engines was considered, 5deach per hour.Remaining pipe laying atBiggleswade Bridge to be concludedin the coming week.March 1906A letter was read from theBiggleswade Trade and AgriculturalAssociation regretting the delay incompletion of the work.Mr Home reported that progress inerecting the engines was extremelyslow; Hodson’s still hadn’t got onerunning; their representative, MrBumpus, offered excuses for the delay.Mr Whitbread, addressing MrBumpus, said he could not find wordsstrong enough to express his dissatisfaction.Mr Home agreed to stay on to seethe job through without furtherremuneration.…Somewhat belatedly… Thequestion of an engine driver wasconsidered; they decided to advertisefor one at a salary of 30s a week – asub-committee was appointed to dealwith it.April 1906One engine practically complete,foundations for the others were ready.Discovered that it was in thecontract that Hodson’s had to providean engineer for 12 months from completionand that Hodson’s already hada sub-contract with the DieselCompany.Mr Fields-Clarke said the questionhe would like to ask was, “When arewe going to get the water?”, (hear,hear), Mr Soundy, “Next Year”Mr Home withdrew his offer ofstaying on gratuitously because of thetime being taken by Hodson’s and theDiesel Company to complete theirwork.The Diesel Company found thatNo 1 engine was out of parallel withthe pump and that it would be necessaryto take it down and re-erect it.They decided to proceed with No 2engine and that the mains would becharged within a month from date ofletter (4th April).According to 1 pumping started inApril of 1906 and was deemed to be asuccess; it doesn’t state when themains were charged from the reservoir.May 1906Diesel Company reports that itcannot complete installation of theother two engines when one is running;It appeared that they wereinduced to start the first engine bygreat pressure from the Board andHodson’s; they asked for £1 per daycompensation and got it!A Clerk of the Works, MrTwelvetrees, to be appointed to buildthe engine house (so what were theengines in then?)The Clerk explained that thefigures given in the report showed the

TELEPHONE: 01234 843905THANKS to Roy Chadwick’sinvolvement, member MickCroot’s story of his time in ParkHospital at Moggerhanger has beenpublished on the MoggerhangerHouse website www.moggerhangerpark.com/hospital.asp.Moggerhanger would welcomeinformation or reminiscences thatother people might have about ParkHospital; please talk to Roy.The Committee decided that,resources permitting, the Societywill have a display promoting theSociety at Biggleswade Library onThursday, 14th April 2011 for their‘Out Reach Day’.Accessions:From Neville Spriggs two photographsof 120 Drove Road when itwas a shop, one circa 1926 and theother about 1950.From Bernard Newman fiveitems found behind panellingduring refurbishment of the TrinityMethodist Hall. These are ArmyForm C.398 envelopes and areADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukBiggleswade History Societydated May 1916; each has date andtime of despatch and receipt alongwith respective names or initials.Identified are Cpl Irvine (initialspossibly A.L.) and the O.C., Adj.and Quartermaster BiggleswadeSW. Unfortunately none have anycontents. One does have somenames on the reverse in no apparentorder.From Lee Irvine via Ray Millerfurther ephemera and photographsconnected with DanAlbone includinga priced sale catalogue copy,with purchasers’ names, for theexecutors of the late Mrs E.The Biggleswade History Society meets monthly at MillenniumHouse, Shortmead Street, Biggleswade. Doors open at 7.45pm for an8.00pm start on the first Tuesday of the month unless notified.Meetings are free to members; visitors will usually be welcome to ourindoor meetings at a charge of £2.00 per meeting.1 Mar Maps and Mapping (part 1)– a talk by Eric Lund5 Apr: AGM and ‘The History ofBiggleswade’, an alternativeapproach by Mike Strange3 May: The Women’s RoyalVoluntary Service, a talk byPatricia Sherwood-King7 Jun: Visit to Ashwell village andMuseum5 Jul: Visit to Biggleswade FireStationForthcoming Programme (2011)2 Aug: Visit to ShuttleworthAircraft Collection for privatemembers evening guided tour.6 Sep: Harris’s Fun Fairs – A slideshow presentation by Ken Page.4 Oct: Maps and Mapping (Part 2)– a talk by Eric Lund1 Nov: Death Clouds a talk byGeoff Sewell on the use ofmustard gas in WW1.BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2011 27Albone, 1883 (Dan’s mother Edithnee Gilbert), various high qualitycopies of Ivel Cycles cataloguesand photographs and original printsof Dan in 1902 and of his sonStanley in 1891 and 1899.In January Stella Gibbs gave aninsightful talk about the developmentand spread of Non-Conformism in North and EastBedfordshire explaining that untilCharles II issued a Declaration ofTolerance in 1672 heavy fines orimprisonment were imposed onpeople gathering to worship otherthan in theAnglican church.AnActof 1689 allowed people to registerplaces where worship or meetingswere to be held. This brought agreat freedom to the people andthey gathered and listened topreachers such as John Bunyan andJohn Wesley who travelled thecountry on horseback; an estimated5,000 miles a year. Stella’sresearch covered meeting housesand free churches over a large areaof Bedfordshire.For further information contact: Jean Strange, 01767 315075, secretary@biggleswadehistory.org.uk www.biggleswadehistory.org.ukheight of the water was 69 feet belowthe suction pipe and 42 feet abovewhen they began pumping.Mr Deacon reported that out of the55 miles of mains laid only one pipehad burst and that water in both thenorthern and southern mains had forthe greater part been supplied to themfrom the Topler’s Hill Reservoir.The Chairman and Mr Ewbankmade mention of the disparagingremarks recently made in high quartersrelative to the Water Board, andthe members then proceeded to thewell by conveyance to inspect theengines and the progress of the work.So the system was workingalthough far from completed –Biggleswade was receiving pure waterat last - but the Board did not seem tobe at all elated – “at last” was perhapsnot what they would have wanted tohear.June 1906There were 99 applicants for theengine and pump attendant’s job; theywere passed on to the DieselCompany.Engines No 2 and 3 installed butnot quite completed.The attendant’s house was up to 13feet built.General site finishing and tidyinghas some way to go at the pumpingstation and reservoir.Meters are being installed atTopler’s Hill and Biggleswade Bridge.Water to the whole district was cut offagain to test them and there weredelays in finishing the work.A letter was to be written to theContractor to ask when it was likelythat water would be available forevery day use.July 1906People outside the PrescribedParishes were starting to apply to beconnected; a scheme was beingdevised to enable individuals to payfor connection.Mr Polhill (owner of Renholdexcepting for the Church andVicarage) had asked for water supplyfor his 414 inhabitants; the Boardagreed to supply at a good charge (6d.per 1000 gallons) but he would have topay for all pipe laying from the districtmain.During the month No 1 engine andpump had worked for 60 hours; waterlevels in the well were up to expectations.No 3 engine had been started withNo 2 set of pumps and are now pumpinginto the reservoir.A million gallons was run off thereservoir to enable the floor and wallsto be thoroughly cleaned. The pumpssupplied the mains direct during thetwo days needed but the reservoir wasnow refilled.Grass seed is on the reservoir waterbut no confervoid (algae) growthobserved.The meters are working; Hodson’sadditional payment agreed for unspecifiedmetal fencing around them.Mr Twelvetrees reported goodprogress on the house despite thedifficulty in obtaining the specifiedsandstone.August 1906Kempston and Mr Polhill hit on theidea that might sell water on tounconnected people outside their ownvillages – a clause was to be introducedinto supply contracts to controlthis practice.Mr Twelvetrees reported that theroof will go on the house in the nextthree weeks.All machinery was workingreliably and pumping was meetingexpectations.September 1906Supplies outside the originalPrescribed Parishes were beingprogressively connected.House roof still not finished, MrFields-Clarke complained strongly toMr Twelvetrees – it had taken sixmonths so far and the Board had to payfor another house for the caretaker inthe meantime.October 1906Everything working reliably.New Spring Pumping Station c1910.CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

28 BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2011 TELEPHONE: 01234 843905 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukOUT AND ABOUTWhat goes on at TrinityTRINITY Methodist Church,Biggleswade has much to offeras can be seen below.On Saturday March 19th ‘TheMagic of Gilbert and Sullivan’willbe presented by the WanderingMinstrels. This will include songsand scenes from Gilbert and Sullivanoperas. Tickets are £10 (includingrefreshments) from BernardNewman (01767 313798).Sunday services are held at10.30am and 6pm and once amonth two people take a shortservice at Beaumont Nursing homeat 3pm.On the first Sunday of the montha ‘Bring & Share’ lunch is heldafter the morning service.On the first Thursday of eachmonth (except January) a lunch followedby a concert is held. Lunch isat noon, (three courses are usually onoffer for a very reasonable price)with the concert at 1.05 till 1.45pm.The church premises are used byvarious groups,Mums and Toddlers: Monday andWednesday at 10a.m.Calligraphy: Wednesday at 10a.m.Sing and Sign for babies: Saturdayat 9.30a.m.Indoor Bowls: Monday at 2.30p.m.During the evenings the dramagroup (B.A.T.S.) rehearse onMonday at 8pm.The Gospel singers also on aMonday at 7.30p.m.Brownies: Monday at 6pm.Brownies and Guides: Tuesday at6pm.The Choral Society meetsTuesday at 8pm.The Wesley Guild meets fortnightlyat 7.30pm. between Octoberand April.Quite often the church holds aquiz or sometimes a Beetle drivewith a supper. (Sausage and jacketpotatoes or similar).The Minister is the ReverendAndrew Hollins, who can be contactedon 01767 312156.A warm welcome is given to allwho visit Trinity.Biggleswade WI Diary19 September – Bob Jones,Laughter in the Village.21 October – Sandra Barker, Willowand Straw Workshop.21 November – Jeff Davis, IdleWoman.19 December – Christmas PartyNorthill Parish markstwo great occasionsTO ARRANGE a ten-day Arts Festival is perhapsambitious for a village parish in Bedfordshire, but to timeit to coincide with a Royal Wedding must surely seemmiraculous !On that day, Friday 29thApril,to celebrate these two events afull peal will be rung from theNorthill Church tower. The nextday, Saturday, a matinee andevening performance of theParish Pageant Spectacular, aneight-scene dramatic depictionof the notable occasions of localhistory, featuring over 100 localactors will take place in theChurch.During the next week therewill be the traditional May DayFestival on Ickwell Green, threeConcerts of differing styles ofmusic in the Church, twoExhibitions of crafts and of localheritage in the Church Hall, anArt Exhibition in Northill VillageHall, a Flower and HobbiesFestival in the Church, two ledwalks by a local historian, twoshows of local historic film inIckwell Village Hall and aPresentation on the work of ourmost famous son, ThomasTompion.The Festival is aimed toattract as many people as possible.The ticket prices will bemodest. For the Pageant and theTompion Presentation Adultticket will be £5-00, Under 16£2-50. For the Concerts, Adult£7-50, Under 16 £3-00. TheConcerts and Tompion ticketswill include a programme andrefreshment.All the other events will befree of charge. From 1st Marchtickets will be bookable on-lineat www.northillartsfestival.comor by telephone Box Office on01767 627494. After 1st Marchanyone may receive a freeProgramme by sending an s.a.e.to N.A.F. 8, Caldecote RoadIckwell SG18 9EH.So find your 2011 diary nowand mark it in - April 29 toMay 8!MUSIC DRAMAARTCRAFTS HISTORYVisit www.northillartsfestival.comor send SAE toN.A.F. 8 Caldecote Road, Ickwell SG18 9EH

TELEPHONE: 01234 843905ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukChance to visit the FlixBIGGLESWADE has not had acinema for some time. However itdoes have a community group thatshows films each month fromSeptember until May. It is run byvolunteers and is a ‘not for profit’venture. The group are seeking morepeople to help with planning,administration and showing films.Costs are covered by an admissioncharge of £3 per person plussales of refreshments and DVDs.This charge has not increased forMartins Wine ClubIn a new venture, wine drinkerswill soon have an opportunity tosocialise in Biggleswade whilst –s a m p l i n g a n d d i s c u s s i n gwines. There will be informalmonthly ‘fun’ tastings with localexpert Martin Straus. These are idealfor anyone who would like to learnmore about wine and comparedifferent styles.For more information please seewww.martinswineclub.co.uk orphone 0845 2707730several years but can only be maintainedif audience figures (currentlyabout 40) improve. All welcome.Please spread the word.Saturday, March 12Creation (PG13)Arts and Drama centre,Holmemead School, Mead EndFor more information contactAlan Dansey on 01767 310163 orsee www.ivelflix.org.ukChurches TogetherBiggleswade Churches meetregularly to plan events and otheractivities. One current project is theproduction of a ‘welcome pack’which will be distributed to newresidents in the town. As usual therewill be a ‘Walk of Witness’ and openair service in The Market square onGood Friday. Looking ahead aFamily Funday is planned forSaturday July 2.For More information please seewww.biggleswade.org/churchesSATURDAY, MARCH 12Fairtrade Association BiggleswadeThink As You ShopInformation, stalls, children’s activitiesand lunches. Plus helping in anattempt to beat a world record!St Andrew’s Church 10am-2pmSee www.fabweb.org.ukMONDAY, MARCH 21Launch of Martin’s Wine Club,‘Fun’TastingsStratton House Hotel 7.30-10.00pm,See www.martinswineclub.co.ukOr Call 0845 2707730WEDNESDAY MARCH 30Dunton Community GardenGroup AGMDunton Church 7.30pmA great chance to learn about thislocal community garden charity.www.duntoncommunitygarden.orgOr call 01767 313898BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2011 29BIGGLESWADE AND DISTRICTCAMERA CLUBare pleased to welcome backMIKE FULLER, who willpresenting digitally-projected talkentitledPractical Monochrome inthe Digital DarkroomMike’s talk is a practicaldemonstration of techniques toachieve the highest qualitymonochrome output from the digitaldarkroom.Thursday, 24th February 2011 at7:45 for 8pm, The ConservativeClub, St. Andrew’s StreetFor further details telephone01767 316176,email: secretary@biggleswadecameraclub.co.ukwww.biggleswadecameraclub.co.ukALL WELCOMEBiggleswade & District Choral Society is running aQuiz NightSaturday 12 Marchat St Andrew’s Church, Biggleswadein the newly extended and refurbished Chapter House starting at7.30pm. Entries from other groups and organisations in the area will bevery welcome.The format will be for a combined team response to several rounds ofquestions on various topics. Teams should be a maximum of six peopleand the cost is £7.00 per head which will include refreshments. Teamsshould bring their own drinks. Prizes will be awarded to the winningteam and there will be a raffle.Put in a team and come along for a sociable and fun evening. Pleasecontact Val Heaps 01462 700462 or John Cleghorn 01767 316098 foran entry form. The deadline for entries is Tuesday 8th March but wewould like your entry as soon as possible.The Society is also preparing for a Spring Bring & Sing concert onSaturday 26 March at St Andrew’s Church, Langford featuring theVivaldi ‘Gloria’ and Purcell’s ‘Come ye Sons of Art’. All singers will bewelcome to join us for the rehearsal from 4pm. The performance will beat 7.30pm. See www.biggleschoral.org.uk for more detail.NO needto book inadvanceNO needto bring apartnerLearn to dance in Bedford, St Neots,Letchworth, Luton and many more.For venues and more information see our websitewww.ceroccentral.comThe dance has evolved enormously in the UK over the last 25 years,and it now takes moves from many other popular dance forms suchas Ballroom, Salsa, Jive, Hip Hop and Tango. Essentially Ceroc is amethod of making dance easy to learn.Tel: 01234 378946 or 07801 734268Michaella Walker (aka Mick)Email mick.walker@ceroccentral.comD AT E F O R Y O U R D I A R YBIGGLESWADESPORTS MEETING61st Annual Athletic &Grass Track & Cycle MeetingUNDER AAA RULES RULES – BCF LAWSFAIRFIELD, BIGGLESWADE1pm SATURDAY 9th JULY 2011TRACK EVENTS FOR ALL AGES MALE AND FEMALEFor more information:Des Ball, Event Secretary Tel: 01767 313790BEDFORD ORGAN ANDKEYBOARD CLUB(Formerly Bedford Electronic Organ Society)Forthcoming Concerts atTHE ADDISON CENTRE, KEMPSTONMATTHEWBASONPlaying for Addison Centre Charity onWEDNESDAY23rd FEBRUARY 2011ELIZABETHHARRISONPlaying onWEDNESDAY30th MARCH 20118.00 - 10.30pm8.00 – 10.30pmNon-Members £5 Members £4.00 Pay at doorFor more information contact: 01234 344423

30 BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2011 TELEPHONE: 01234 843905 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukCONTINUED FROM PAGE 27The house should be completedwithin three weeks said Twelvetrees.November 1906Supply over the last month hadexceeded 2 million gallons.All test results excellent and couldnot have been better said Mr Deacon,the engineer.Loss due to evaporation from thereservoir had been measured as 10gallons per hour.Leakage in the mains fromTopler’s Hill to the Bridge was twogallons per hour and 15 on theBlunham and Morehanger district.The house? No mention.INITIAL WORK COMESTO A CLOSEDecember 1906The Clerk receives a bonus of £100for the additional work required tobring about the Act of Parliament andan annual salary increase from £65 to£75 – the Clerk was most grateful!Mr Ewbank called attention to thegreat waste of water in some placesdue to taps being left on – theInspector to take action.The house is finished bar makinggood some deficiencies.Water consumption dropped to 1.5million gallons in monthCongratulations were exchangedacknowledging the various individualcontributions made; the Chairmandeclared that it was the combinedefforts that had brought about successand that most members had to shoulderthe additional burden of livingamongst the ratepayers and fendingoff their complaints concerningdelays.Mr Ewbank proposed, seconded byMr Soundy and resolved, that a publicluncheon be held at two o’clock onThursday 31st January 1907 atBiggleswade Town Hall and that LordPeel be asked to preside over a formalopening and the luncheon. Also theSwan Hotel was to provide theluncheon at 3s 6d per head. A committeewas to make the necessaryarrangements. (I have not yet located aprogramme for the official opening ora report of events.)Throughout 1906, with just one setof pumps working, it is only possibleto reduce the level of the water in thewell by 22 feet which recovers its levelto within an inch or two within 12hours; 95% recovery having beenmade within two hours.The well continues to supply itsoriginal customer base and much morebesides, putting to rest the scepticsconcerns.The number of households suppliedin the two districts up to this timewas approximately 2000 and the costof making the connection and supplyingthe material, including stop cocks,was paid by the Councils during 1906;the consumer having to pay for hisconnection after December 1906.The engine house was completedin January 1907 and a bronze tabletwas to be affixed with an inscriptionbeing set out by Mr Deacon.Agreements had already beenreached to supply Kempston andRenhold during 1906. Kempston wasalmost complete by this time, an auxiliaryreservoir having been constructedat the nearest suitable point toKempston on the boundary of theBiggleswade RDC, Kempston had topay for the pipe laying from this reservoir.Renhold was scheduled to becompleted in the early part of 1907.In February 1907 the full statementof account was given showing thatagainst the original loan of £82,800granted by the Act the probable totalexpenditure would be £77,444 showingthat Mr Deacon’s original estimatewas well founded and that sensiblebudgetary control had ensured thatoverspend did not occur despite theeventual length of the project.Henry Carne recorded 1 in January1907: “In conclusion amongst the personsresponsible for the successfulundertaking of the work are G.F.Deacon, Esq., civil engineer, whodesigned and carried out the scheme;S. Whitbread, Esq., chairman of theWater Board; E.T. Leeds Smith, Esq.,chairman of the Water Committee,consisting of members of the prescribedparishes in the rural district;C.S. Lindsell, Esq., chairman of theRural and Urban Councils; F.W.Conquest, Esq., vice-chairman of theUrban Council; the late T.J. Hooper,Esq., the former clerk; and H.Chaundler, Esq., the present clerk tothe Water Board and the two Councils.The resident engineer was H. Home,Esq., and the writer (who holds theappointment of waterworks engineerto the Water Board and the RuralDistrict Council) acted as residentengineer during the nine months previousto the completion of the works.T. Cockrill, Esq., surveyor of theUrban Council, acted as residentengineer for work under that authority.The contractor for the constructionof the well was J. Moffat, Esq., ofManchester. The remaining contracts,including the reservoir for Kempstonsupply, were obtained by J. Hodson andSon, Limited, of Nottingham, and wereconscientiously carried out under thesupervision of their engineer, A.W.Bumpus, Esq. The estimated cost of thewhole scheme, as mentioned before,was under £62,000, and it is satisfactoryto note that up to present datethis cost has not been exceeded, therestill being a good balance in hand.The success up to the present datehas undoubtedly repaid all those whointerested themselves in the scheme,and there is every reason to believethat the future working will proveequally successful and fulfill the mostsanguine expectations of the gentlemento whom this success is due, sothat the undertaking will prove to be awork which the local authorities canbe justly proud.”PART 3 (CONCLUDING) -NEXT MONTH––––––––––––––––––––––1 Biggleswade Chronicle – BiggleswadeLibrary microfilm.MOTORCYCLES WANTEDWanted your British orEuropean motorcycleeither complete orin bits!Anything considered– cash waitingTel: 07894 935952SPORTJohn O’Gaunt – concludingthe annual reviewTHE Annual Medals Final andthe Scratch MatchplayChampionship Final wereplayed on Sunday 24 October.The Medals Final was won byRobin Christie with a gross 86 net 74on count back ahead of Andrew Tryewho returned a gross score of 90.Malcolm Waters was in third placewith a net score of 81. The ScratchMatchplay Trophy which was presentedto the club by past ClubCaptain Mr Ray Stokes is played forannually between the eight top playersin that years Club Championship.This year the finallists were MarkWharton and the ‘young pretender’Alex Harris. Mark eventuallytriumphed at the fifth extra hole andin his post match presentationspeech the current Club Captain PhilPentelow remarked on the very highstandard of the play throughout. Inhis response Mark paid tribute to hisopponent and stated that the resulthad really hinged on just one missedputt.The Bedfordshire Mid HandicapLeague Trophy reached it’s conclusionat John O’Gaunt GC onSaturday 30 October. 21 golf clubsfrom across the county entered thecompetition this year and set out ontheir campaigns some six monthsago. The five man teams were drawninto four divisions with each clubplaying home and away against theother clubs in their group. Followingthe initial round robin stage of thecompetition The John O’Gaunt GCteam topped Division 1 with the sidefrom Aspley Guise and WoburnSands GC coming out as winners ofDivision 4. The two clubs won theirrespective quarter and semi finals toset up a two stage final the first leghaving been played at Aspley GuiseORDERS OF SERVICEThe MarriageofSusie and SteveChurch of St Margaret of AntiochSaxlingham2nd October 2010 at 1.30pmGC on 24 October with the visitingteam from John O’Gaunt comprisingGuy Warmouth, Clive Bassindale,Steve Barber, Paul Adams and AndyFage coming out on top convincingwinners by four matches to one. Thereturn leg was played at JohnO’Gaunt GC on Saturday 30October with Tim Price and AndyStepney stepping in for CliveBassindale and Paul Adams from theprevious weeks team. It was a muchcloser affair with the sides halvingthis second leg match but leaving theJohn O’Gaunt side overall winnerswith scores of six and a half to threeand a half. The trophy was presentedto the Team Captain CliveBassindale by Mr Clive Allen VicePresident of The BedfordshireCounty Golf Union. Mr Allen can beseen in the photograph with thewinning team. In his acceptancespeach Clive Bassindale said hewished to thank all of the JohnO’Gaunt GC members who hadplayed in and supported the teamthroughout the season.As should be evident from theabove the Club diary is packed fullof events both on and off the courseand whether you are an experiencedgolfer or a beginner John O’GauntGolf Club welcomes applicationsfor new members of all ages andability. You are always guaranteed awarm and friendly welcome and willsoon make new friends among theexisting membership. If youare interested and would like to visitthe club to be shown around andto discuss membership opportunitiesplease feel free to contact theGeneral Manager Simon Davis;Telephone 01767 260360 or Email:simon@johnogauntgolfclub.co.ukWe produce those ‘wanted in a hurry’documents. A typical order of servicewill comprise of a colour cover andeight pages of proceedings in black.100 copies £125 from your Word files(we will format as required) guaranteedready for collection within twoworking days or they are free.Printed on StoraEnso 4CC 250gsm and 120gsm1 Union Park, Triumph Way, Woburn RoadIndustrial Estate, Kempston, Bedford MK42 7QBTel: 01234 843900

TELEPHONE: 01234 843905THIS is arguably the best time of theyear for rugby fans as the RBS SixNations Championship kicks-off.Very few sporting fixtures share thepassion of the Six Nations which hasproduced some epic battles in pastseasons.Biggleswade Rugby Club will beshowing the Six Nations games onthe big screen in the clubhouse with anumber of guest beers on tap to addto the atmosphere.RBS Six Nations ChampionshipSaturday 26th February.Italy v WalesStadio Flaminio. 2.30pmSaturday 26th February.England v FranceTwickenham. 5pmSunday 27th February.Scotland v IrelandMurrayfield. 3pmSaturday 12th March.Italy v FranceStadio Flaminio. 2.30pmSaturday 12th March.Wales v FranceMillennium Stadium. 5pmSunday 13th March.England v ScotlandTwickenham. 3pmSaturday 19th March.Scotland v ItalyMurrayfield. 2.30pmSaturday 19th March.Ireland v EnglandLandsdown Rd (Aviva Stadium) 5pmSaturday 19th March.France v WalesStade de France. 7.45pmMany of the Six Nations fixturescoincide with Biggleswade homegames which include:First XVSaturday 26th February vs Vauxhall,KO 2pm(league & Cup double header)Saturday 5th March vs StamfordCollege Old Boys KO 3pmBiggleswade PiratesSaturday 26th FebruaryGreene King CupThird XVSaturday 26th February vsBiddenhamThe incredibly tight Midlands 4East (South) league looks to comedown to a battle between Biggleswade,Stamford, Stoneygate andOundle, with St Neots in fifth place.Biggy have a tough run with visits toStamford (the only League side to getthe better of Biggy this season) andStoneygate both home and away.However, no team will relish a visit toLangford Road while the home teamare on such good form.Biggy should be spurred on by thenews that some independent punditswho follow this League are predictingStamford as league winners.Bedfordshire rivals Vauxhall aredue to visit Biggy at the end of theADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukShare the ‘passion’ on our big screenmonth but have sadly failed to fulfiltheir two away games to Stamfordand Stamford College Old Boys.All of the top sides have beenpicking up bonus points with somebig scores against the Leaguesstrugglers.Biggy Pirates continue to head theGreene King League and are providingthe spectators with some greatentertainment, just because the FirstXV may be away, it does not meanthat you will not see some top classrugby at Biggy!Biggleswade Rugby would not becomplete without the Youth section,the pick of the crop this year havebeen the U15s who play in the Hertsand Middlesex League division two.Recent victories have includes thesignificant scalp of Saracens U15s,who are the amateur section of thepremiership giants.Biggleswade club have also beenthe venue for the Bedfordshire U15scounty home matches with no fewerthat eight Biggleswade players in thecounty squad. “The club have alwaystried to support a county age group asit is a stepping stone to bigger things”said county coach Neil Gregory,adding that the U15s team alsohosted a game against SamuelWhitbread Community College yearBIGGLESWADE BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2011 3110s in preparation for the schoolschampionships.In addition to this theBedfordshire County schools year 3and 4 Tag rugby finals will be held atthe club on Friday 25th March,Biggleswade being chosen again asthe county hosts.Biggleswade U17s have struggledfor numbers this season butclaimed a big win over Wasps awayat Acton in January. Again, this is theamateur arm of a huge premiershipclub with all of the trapping andcoaching expertise that it brings.For all the latest Biggy news go towww.biggleswaderugby.co.uk

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