full April Bulletin - Biggleswade Rugby Club

Issue 4 Volume 3 APRIL 2012Delivered FREE

BiggleswadeTOWN COUNCILSUPPORT YOURLOCAL MARKETSWe currently have vacancies on the Farmers’Market, if you live within a 30 mile radius ofBiggleswade, and source your produce within thatarea, you could apply for a stall.The Market is held on 3rd Wednesday every month.FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACTSue on 01767 31313410am – 3pm Monday – FridayQUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEECELEBRATIONSIf you are planning to hold a Street Party to celebrate theQueen’s Diamond Jubilee, between 2 and 5 June 2012,you will need to contact Central Bedfordshire Councilfor a Temporary Road Closure.Please contact Hazel Potter – 0300 300 8000 orhazel.potter@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk for moreinformation.KNOW YOUR COUNCILLORSAlbone, Cllr David(Labour – Ivel)Bond, Cllr Ian J(Conservative – Ivel)Briars, Cllr Bernard V(Labour – Ivel)Lawrence, Cllr David J(Conservative – Stratton)Lawrence, Cllr Mrs Jane G(Conservative – Ivel)Mulchrone, Cllr Ms Sarah J(Conservative – Ivel)Ramsay, Cllr Mrs Hazel(Conservative – Stratton)Russell, Cllr Mrs Madeline A(Conservative – Ivel)Skinner, Cllr Rex G C(Labour – Ivel)Smith, Cllr Mrs Wendy PDEPUTY MAYOR(Conservative – Holme)Vickers, Cllr Peter F(Conservative – Holme)Watkins, Cllr Steven Watkins(Conservative – Stratton)Wilson, Cllr George E D(Conservative – Stratton)Woodward, Cllr Peter (Conservative – Stratton)Woodward Cllr Timothy P –MAYOR(Conservative – Holme)TOWN COUNCIL MEETING DATES:Tuesday 10 AprilPLANNING MEETINGTuesday 24 AprilCOUNCIL MEETINGTuesday 8 MayAnnual Statutory MeeingAll Meetings commence at 7.00pm in theCOUNCIL CHAMBER, SAFFRON ROAD,BIGGLESWADEALL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND PRESS AREWELCOME TO ATTENDDO YOU HAVE A FUNCTIONROOM FOR HIRE?We often receive enquiries for details of localfunction rooms for hire, if you let us have yourdetails, we will gladly pass them onto interestedparties.GENERAL MARKETSon the Market SquareTuesdays and Saturdays 8am-4pmFARMERS’ MARKETSWednesday 18 AprilWednesday 16 May9am-2pmSUPPORT YOUR LOCAL MARKETSBiggleswade Town CouncilThe Old Court House, 4 Saffron RoadBiggleswade SG18 8DLTel: 01767 313134 Fax: 01767 601188Email: enquiries@biggleswadetowncouncil.gov.ukwww.biggleswadetowncouncil.gov.uk

TEL: 01234 834700 ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk BULLETIN APRIL 2012 340 years on and still witha crystal clear vision!In 1972 Richard Headford and Peter Hutchinson formed a business partnership.H&H Electronics was born and a shop was opened on the bridge at 87 High Street,Biggleswade. With Richard’s technical background and Peter taking on the salesrole, the business was launched with a line-up of premium quality TV and audioproductstogether with an installation and back up service that was second to none.From the outset the businessplan was to offer only qualityproducts with quality service – theplan worked!The business flourished andembraced new technologies asthey came along: remote controls,stereo colour TV, satellite TVand Teletext were all expertlypromoted, professionally installedand widely enjoyed by an everincreasing customer base.Expansion was inevitable, and thebusiness moved into its currentpremises in Spring 1981, withmore space to show an everincreasing range of products. WithPeter retiring in 1992, Richardbecame sole proprietor and it wasvery much business as usual.Today having successfullyhandled the Digital Switchover forour customers, and havinglaunched a range of domesticappliances, new buzz words areappearing in our business: 3D,High Definition and Smart TV.Our much loved TV is set tobecome the hub of all our homeentertainment and all (eventually)without wires! As the very natureof the products we sell becomemore complex, the originalbusiness plan becomes moreimportant than ever- the bestcustomer service possible with thehighest quality products, just as itwas 40 years ago.Join us to celebrate this milestoneon Saturday 28th April andsee all the very latest technologywe have available in store, alongwith some promotional birthdayoffers and refreshments.We look forward to seeing allour customers past, present andfuturePublished monthly,hand delivered tohomes in Biggleswade,Sandy, Beeston andPotton.The editorial teamwelcome contributionsfrom the public but willuse its discretion andedit where appropriatewithoutreference to the author.The Bulletin accepts noliability for any of theviews expressed in thismagazine.The Bulletin is anindependent magazinewith no affiliation to anyother organisation.© Rosetta Publishing LtdBedford i-lab,Priory Business Park,Stannard Way,Bedford MK44 3RZTel: 01234 834700EDITORIAL:editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukADVERTISING:advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukPrinted by: Mortons Print LimitedNewspaper House, Morton Way,Boston Road, Horncastle,Lincolnshire LN9 6JRIssue 4 Volume 3 APRIL 2012Delivered FREEH & H Electronics, High Street, Biggleswade 1972.Biggy’s minis in a huddlegetting the pre match teammotivational talk.See page 23.Photography: Martin Harwood

4 BULLETIN APRIL 2012 TEL: 01234 834700 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukBig day for schoolsTHE 16th April is a BigDay for all Schools inBiggleswade! It’s the daybefore all students returnto school for the summerterm and Stratton UpperSchool is hosting the firstBCUS Conference Day forall 400 teaching staff andteaching assistants drawnfrom a total of 12 localschools.BCUS (BiggleswadeCommunity Union of Schools)has been in existence since2010/11. Head teachers in our12 schools are working togetherto develop a vision for educationfor our area. The idea is thatthis should include all children(0-19) in all settings includingChurch Schools. The aim is tosupport the needs of all our childrenthroughout their schoollives, developing better linksfor smooth transition betweenschools. The schools are workingfrom the perspective thatthey understand our geographyand demographic. They are alsoStop themigrainemadnessaware that we are using theresources of the TrainingSchool, established at Strattonfor the last nine years, toshare expertise across theBiggleswade Community ofschools.Headteacher Rob Watsonsaid: “We have a clear aspiration.We all want to support ourchildren and families moreeffectively. We all want ourchildren to achieve more.”The focus for the BCUSConference Day is to enable allphases to work together ondevelopment themes, to meeteach other and to develop a0better understanding of eachothers’ context. Educationalexperts covering a variety ofthemes will be working with thestaff to develop approaches toteaching and learning, studentengagement, literacy andnumeracy amongst otherthings.We all hope to be inspired bythe experience to take ourshared vision forward.Visit:www.bedfordmigraine.comHarrisonsAccountancyCHARTERED ACCOUNTANTSSave money on your accountancy costs.Year round support for a fixed fee.Accounts, Tax Returns, Payroll, Bookkeeping,VAT Returns and Management Accounts.Tel: 01767 312696Email: info@harrisons.netwww.harrisons.netReturning from winter holiday!APRIl is the month when mostof our summer birds will arriveback in the UK after their longmigrations and it’s always anexciting time at The lodge.We’ll be looking and listeningout for these birds as they startsinging to attract a mate almostas soon as they land! We havemany species of warblers thatcome to breed on the reserve;willow warblers, blackcaps,whitethroats and garden warblersand these will join the chiffchaffsthat have arrived earlierduring March.We hold a ‘What’s that warbler’walk in May, identifyingthese small birds as their songsare quite a challenge! One of themost eagerly anticipated migrationmoments is when the firstcuckoo is heard calling. Thesebirds are becoming increasinglyscarce, but we are fortunate tohave a few pairs spending thesummer here. They are oftenseen and heard on the new heathcalling their distinctive ‘cuckoo’‘cuckoo’ call, often from a hightree. There is an old rhyme thatdescribes the Cuckoo’s time inBritain:In April I open my billIn May I sing night and dayIn June I change my tuneIn July far I flyIn August away I mustRSPB is launching the SteppingUp for Nature awards to celebratelocal communities and individualsin the east who have donesomething amazing for wildlife.Aggie Rothon, awards managersaid: “we know that there arepeople out there working hard fornature, be it in their own back garden,their local green space or atwork. We think it’s time that theseEaster is a great time to havea visit as trees and plants arelooking terrific as they begin tobloom around the reserve. We’llhave an Easter trail set up forvisitors to enjoy during the busyBank Holiday weekend andthere’s always a good chance ofspotting the pair of ravens thathave been resident in the areasince around September.Over the last few years wehave found these trails to bereally popular, we have also hadwoodpecker and springwatchtrails and it’s a great way toencourage families to visit anddiscover the reserve and enjoynature and being outdoors. let’shope it’s a nice, sunny weekend!You can find more details ofall of our walks and events atwww.rspb.org.uk/thelodge, orpop into the RSPB shop andpick up a leaflet. The lodgereserve is open every day of theweek, from dawn to dusk, andthere are plenty of organisedevents: just ring to book.Entry is included in the carparking fee – £4 a car fornon-members, free if you aremembers or just visiting theshop. The shop (01767 680541)is open every day and haseverything for people who lovenature.Celebrating nature’s heroesheroes for nature got noticed andwere thanked for all their efforts.”With a judging panel includingthe naturalist and televisionpresenter Mike Dilger, RichardPowell regional director of theNational Trust and Matt Shardlow,Director of Buglife, the awardshave six categories that you canenter yourself or nominatesomeone.

TEL: 01234 834700 ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk BULLETIN APRIL 2012 5Scheme launched to help the communitylAUnCHIng a scheme forunemployed youngsters atSandy library last monthwere over 50 people including(pictured): Alistair Burt, MP;Andrew Slack, High Sheriffof Bedfordshire; SusanSutton, Mayor of Sandy, volunteersScott Dale-Mallory,lee James and Cllr Kenlynch.Ken has organisedthe Diamond Jubilee CentralBedfordshire CommunityTask Force to provide helpfor the older people in Sandy,Biggleswade and the surroundingvillages. Youngsterswho volunteer for the schemereceive help fromShuttleworth College, in theform of work experience andtraining.Also in attendancewas Ruth gammons, vicechairmanof Central BedsCouncil; Jo Richardson, JobCentre Manager; MoiraCaburn, ShuttleworthCollege; Diana Blackman,Social Care and Housing;David Hagger, Biggleswade& Sandy lions; RevDerwyne Williams; Stevenash, Aragon Housing andServiceman and Officersfrom RAF Henlow.local businesses have alsosupported the scheme,notably: Trade & DiscountSigns who supplied ‘Hi-Vis’vests; gilbeys Tools who subsidisedtools and gunnsBakery who supplied thecake for the launch cere -mony.Funds in support of thescheme have been donatedby The Police PartnershipTrust and Mr Peter Hollick,Chair of Central BedsCouncil.WITNESSES SOUGHTTO ASSAULTPOlICE are appealing for witnessesfollowing an assault in the earlyhours of Sunday February 19 whichleft a 23 year old man with facialinjuries. The incident happened justafter midnight in london Road,Biggleswade, as the victim waswalking home from a friend’s house.As he passed an alleyway, he wasstruck in the face with an unknownobject. Contact PC HayleyRobinson, in confidence, on 101, ortext to 07786 200011.Mead House, 34 Shortmead St, Biggleswade SG18 0APTel: 01767 601800Email: kipbiggleswade@yahoo.co.uk

6 BULLETIN APRIL 2012 TEL: 01234 834700 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukFinding excellent paceBEn Tuck’s two 2012 season opening races at Whilton Millfeatured a massive jump in his pace whilst being badlyaffected in others accidents. In late January, Ben opened hiscampaign in great style, finding excellent pace with the kart,but he was ultimately cheated by chance at the increasinglychaotic race meeting.In the freezing conditions andwith a packed grid of more than 40Junior Rotax karts, many driversfound it difficult to keep on theright side of grip limits and causedhuge accidents, rendering manyraces a complete lottery.Race day saw Ben recover tensof places after being taken out inother karts accidents, retiring withdamage after a heavy crash frombehind whilst posting top four laptimes. The days potential waseventually wrecked by another twobattling karts spinning into himand taking him out of the final.In February, the story was muchthe same. in his kart sportinggraphics supporting the badlyinjured Jake Dawson, Benachieved his personal best laptime, within tenths of the laprecord for the circuit, but the meetingwas marred with major injuriesand a visit by the Air Ambulance.In three separate races Ben wastaken out by other accidents, whilstin the remaining race he foughtclosely for the lead with Britain’stop National drivers.Now truly operating at BritishNational Championship pace, Benis rewarding the commitment ofhis team by delivering championshipwinning speed on a chassisand engine which is two years old.With such potential, Ben is set toprovide a superb return on anyinvestment that comes his way.Ben can be proud of his effortson both weekends as he perseveredand found another huge step up inpace - sadly the results of eitherrace did not reflect this progress.Ben currently sits ninth in thechampionship and is lookingforward to Round 3 at the end ofMarch.Mats CarsPotton BasedLocal and Long Distance Private iHireAirport/Stations/Nights Out etcCan now carry up to 7 passengers+ luggage in our new Luxury MPV.4 Passenger car also available.Airport Transfers From Luton £40,Stansted £65, Heathrow £80, Gatwick £130Tel: 01767 261871 Mob: 07983 218367www.mats-cars.co.ukAll major credit/debit cards acceptedceptedYouth counsellingby Dawn GibsonWE ARE in the process of settingup a drop-centre called Hear2listen in order to provide 13 to 25year olds with counselling, advice,support and guidance on a varietyof issues including addiction,pregnancy, self-harm, sexualhealth, housing, employment, education,relationships and manymore. This can be in the form ofone to one counselling and groupwork. We will also be offering a 12step drug programme.Our registered charityHear2listen is all set up and readyto go in Biggleswade and will bebased in High Street.Hear2listen will be made up ofqualified counsellors, volunteeryouth workers and volunteer/paidsupport staff such as receptionists,accounts and fund raisers. We havesuccessfully met with schoolswithin the Biggleswade andDistrict area who are very keen tosee this project put into place andfeel it will be very beneficial to all.Our counselling staff are all membersof the BACP and all staff arefully insured and CRB checked.Our objectives are to be able topart subsidise counselling withinschools in the Biggleswade andDistrict areas. This may beachieved by offering volunteerplacements for counsellors in theirlast year of training. They will befully supported throughout thisprocess in the way of supervision,with a view of paid employ mentpart subsidised by schools andHear2listen.With our wealth of informationand connections gained over 20years of experience this hasenabled us to form a solid platformfor Hear2listen, which will onlybenefit young people wanting toaccess this service. This will all bedone through our drop-in centre inBiggleswade which will be openMondays, Wednesdays andFridays 10am until 6pm andTuesdays and Thursdays eveningsfrom 4pm until 9pm and will beavailable to 13 to 25 year oldswithin the Biggleswade andDistrict areas.This project is a perfect exampleof how we can show the youthof today that we care, we understandand are willing to meet theirneeds. This can be achieved fromlocal government funding, grants,local support and sponsors. Butmost importantly from youthsthemselves. Their input is valuable.if you feel that you would liketo be part of this charity, help orhave any suggestions please contactus on the details provided.The above projects will only beable to develop with the support oflocal fundraising, sponsors andgrants and we are in the process ofputting these into place. If you feelyou are able to help in any way,please contact 01767 221621.

TEL: 01234 834700 ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk BULLETIN APRIL 2012 7Galloping ahead at Shuttleworth College,-.,. SHUTTlEWORTH College studentsjumped to first place at anEquine Inter-College competition.The event included showjumping and a theory quiz.Shuttleworth triumphed in bothareas over eight other colleges atthe event in Northants.The winning team were:lauren Cardines, Emily Stretch,Sophie Comar, Antonia Neal, IzzyBush, Michelle Ball, ChelseaBoschert and Sophie Ambrose.The Equine Inter-Collegetrophy now has pride of place inthe Shuttleworth Colelge EquineCentre, a nationally recognised(British Horse Society approved)Show Centre providing equestriantraining and staging competitiveevents each month of the yearincluding show jumping anddressage competitions.Shuttleworth College runs aYOUR LOCAL FAMILYBUSINESSA. J. DAYBUILDING MAINTENANCE• Plumbing• Tiling• Plastering• Painting &decorating• Carpentry• Alterations• Kitchens• Bathroomsrange of equine courses from threehour weekend courses to one andtwo year full time BTEC coursesin Horse Management whichcombine practical experience withtheory. The courses help studentsgain a range of skills includingriding, stable management, equinesciences and nutrition. The centrealso offers part-time eveningcourses of ten weeks, focusing onBritish Horse Society stageexams, and three hour weekendcourses which cover a range oftopics including horse massage,lower leg anatomy and showpreparation.Equine lecturer, Phil Wells,who accompanied the studentssaid: “We are delighted to havewon the Equine Inter-Collegecompetition and the trophyreflects the skills of our studentsand staff who were up against stiff• Insurance work• Free estimates• Free call out• Free adviceTel: 01767 314445 / 07802 530951competition from other colleges.Taking part in competitions givesstudents the chance to build skillsand confidence that will standthem in good stead as they begintheir careers.”We’re much more than just agreat TV shop!BOSCH WAA28168GBWASHING MACHINE*1400 RPM SPIN*A RATED*5.5 KG LOAD CAPACITY*2 YEAR WARRANTY*FREE LOCAL DELIVERYPanasonic NN-CF778SBPQ* Flatbed Combination oven* Family size 27L capacity* Fan assisted convection oven* 2 Shelf cooking* 1000w Microwave/1300w Quartz grill* Inverter technology- Energy saving design* FREE 5 YEAR WARRANTY!*Only £299.95 Incl. deliveryBlomberg KGM9640FROST FREE Fridge Freezer*A rated*175 Ltr Fridge/74 Ltr Freezer*Reversible Doors*’Ice Bank’ Facility* 3 YEAR Manufacturers Warranty46 High St, Biggleswade(01767) 312960www.HandHelectronics.co.uk!"##$%&'&'()%*'$&&*(+$)*&' Only£299.99Only£399.99

8 BULLETIN APRIL 2012 TEL: 01234 834700 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukOfficial opening of McMurdo CourtOn SATURDAY 3rd March2012 at ‘McMurdo Court’ (justoff Bedford Road), Sandy thefamily of the late Max McMurdojoined Cllr Mrs S. J. Sutton(Mayor), Sandy Town Council,Cllr C. Osborne (DeputyMayor), Sandy Town Council,Richard Broomfield, ExecutiveDirector of Development andnew Business, Aldwyck Housingand many other friends to commemorateMax’s contribution tothe Town over four decades andofficially named the road in arecently completed developmenton the former garage site, as‘McMurdo Court’.A Snip & A ScentCreative FloristryCONTEMPORARY & BESPOKE FLORAL DESIGNDaring to be different!Contemporary floral design,with influence from Europeancreative designers. Bespokecreations, corporate work,weddings, gift flowers.Uniquely styled and artisicallypresented for any occasion.Tel: 07970 699791www.asnipandascent-creativefloristry.co.ukinfo@asnipandascent-creativefloristry.co.ukThe family were delightedthat Sandy Town Council withother members of thecommunity, saw fit to recogniseMax’s efforts and rememberhim in this way – it was a proudmoment for all the family.Present at the ceremony wereAgnes (Max’s wife), Max (Jnr),gordon and Jennifer, Doug,Tricia and Katherine (granddaughter)– both laura andHeather (granddaughters) wereunable to attend due to traveldistances.Cllr Osborne made a speechwhich was very fitting to theoccasion, and Max’s eldest sonDoug thanked everyone forattending.Get behind KerryBCD001_01112011_ISS011_Layout 7 27/10/2011 15:52 Page 1Issue 11 Volume 2 NOVEMBER 2011 Delivered FREEBACK in november we featured Kerrylincoln, landlady of the Coach andHorses in Shortmead Street, Biggleswadeas she comtemplated running thelondon Marathon.Well she has been training hard and theday is fast approaching. Kerry is raisingmoney for the Sue Ryder Home atMoggerhanger. Please sponsor her atvirginmoneygiving.com/kerrylincoln, orcontact her on 07789 766363 and pledgeyour support.

TEL: 01234 834700 ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk BULLETIN APRIL 2012 9

10 BULLETIN APRIL 2012 TEL: 01234 834700 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukThe truth behind the allegeddental check-up scamWHY NOT JOIN US?Good Old Fashioned ServiceCall our professional team on 01525 713389centralbedfordshire@bluebirdcare.co.ukRecruitmentExcellent care workersare the lifeblood of ourbusiness and we aredetermined to recruitonly the most professionaland caring people.www.bluebirdcare.co.ukYOU MAY have recently readnewspaper articles, and I am surethere will be many more in futuremonths, about dentists andwhether the recommended sixmonthly check ups really are necessary.These articles appear tohave been leaked by the manygovernment ‘spin-doctors’, whoare constantly looking at newways to try to save money. Thearticles are based on the NationalInstitute for Clinical Excellence(NICE) guidelines. NICE is abody which has frequently been inthe news for refusing costly treatmenton the NHS, and in thesearticles they have carefully selectedtheir comments, and usually outof context, and claim that NICErecommend that patients onlyneed to a dental check-up everytwo years.This is absolute rubbish!In fact when you read theguidelines, they quite rightly saythat patient dental examinationintervals should be tailored to theindividual patient, ranging fromthree months to two years foradults and three months to oneyear for children. Ballard andTucker totally agree with this andyou can read the guidelines foryourself at www.guidance.nice.org.uk/CG19.At an examination, your dentistwill check the health of your teethand gums and all the surroundingtissues for signs of decay, infectionsor early abnormalities. Forsome patients, two years is far toolong a gap between visits. Ofcourse there are always exceptionsto the rule; if a patient has a full setof dentures or have excellent teethand healthy gums, then two yearsbetween examinations is fine, butthese patients are in the minority.Most of us, including us dentists,need to be seen more often tomaintain our oral health.In some cases patients are seenat varying intervals. For example,many patients suffer from gumdisease so will need frequent visitsto the hygienist as well as an annualcheck up with their dentist.Some may have active tooth decayand require a three monthly visitfor a time, or they may have a wisdomtooth that needs regularreviewing.It is also important that childrenare checked on a regularbasis. This is not just to maintainhealthy teeth and gums but also toget them used to the ‘visit to thedentist’. Sometimes children’spermanent teeth may growcrooked and a regular reviewhelps us assess whether they needan orthodontic brace so they willdevelop nice even teeth.So there is no hard and fastrule. Each patient is an individualand the frequency of dental checkupswill vary.I’ll never forget one patientwho said to me: “Mr Ballard, Iwould rather pay to have no dentaltreatment than pay to have treatmentdone.” A valid point, butunfortunately one that the governmentdoesn’t seem to share!For more information aboutoral hygiene and dental care visitwww.ballardandtucker.co.uk or toarrange an appointment callBallard and Tucker on 0844 5769888.TRADESMENA space this size is only£30 per month (in black and white).The Bulletin reaches 14,000 homes inBiggleswade, Sandy, Potton and Beeston.Call 01234 834700

SANDYTOWN COUNCILANNUAL TOWNMEETINGThe Annual Town Meeting for peoplewho live and work in Sandy will beheld onMonday 23rd April 2012 at JenkinsPavilion next to the Village Hall,Engayne Avenue starting at 7.30pm.EVERYONE IS WELCOME.MAYOR’SCIVIC SERVICESunday 29th April 2012 at 3pmSandy Baptist Chapel.Service of thanksgiving and celebration.ALL ARE WELCOME.MAYOR’SCHARITY CONCERTThis concert is in aid of the Mayor’s charitiesshowcasing Sandy’s musical talent.Saturday 5th May at 7pmSandy Baptist Church. Tickets £6Available from Sandy Tourist InformationCentre or The Music Room.EVENTSSunday 22nd April...................... Greensand Ridge Walking ToursMonday 23rd April ..................... Annual Town MeetingSunday 29th April....................... Mayor’s Civic ServiceSaturday 5th May........................ Mayor’s Charity ConcertMon/Wed 14th-16th May .......... Pinder’s CircusSaturday 16th June...................... Sandy CarnivalFARMER’S MARKETMarket Square 9am -1pmSaturday 7th AprilSaturday 5th MayTOWN COUNCIL MEETING DATESAll meetings commence at 7.30pm in theCouncil Chamber, 10 Cambridge Road,Sandy SG19 1JE – unless otherwise indicatedMonday 16th April 2012FINANCE & GENERAL PURPOSESCOMMITTEEMonday 23rd April 2012ANNUAL PARISH MEETING7.30pm Jenkins Pavilion, SunderlandRoad Recreation Ground.Monday 30th April 2012PLANNING PARKS & OPEN SPACESCOMMITTEEMonday 14th May 2012SANDY TOWN COUNCIL– ANNUAL MEETINGALL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AREWELCOME TO ATTEND.COUNCILLOR SURGERIESThese will be held in Sandy Library between10am – 12noon onSaturday 7th April 2012Saturday 5th May 2012Pop in and get to know your local councillor. Youcan raise issues or concerns, find out what theTown Council does or share your ideas about whatthe Council should do!Our councillors would like to talk to you!10 Cambridge Road, Sandy SG19 1JETel: 01767 681491 Fax: 01767 692527admin@sandytowncouncil.gov.uk www.sandytowncouncil.gov.uk

12 BULLETIN APRIL 2012 TEL: 01234 834700 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukCaldecote Lower School startcelebrating the Jubilee YearHome and Property MaintenanceNO JOB TOO SMALL – 24 HOUR PLUMBING AND DRAINSINTERIORS AND EXTERIORS – Painting – DecoratingFITTING – Kitchens – Bathrooms also Fencing and GardensFREE QUOTE NOW CALL GEOFF – NEW LOOK07837 499776 07799 23066425 years experience — Insured by Lloydswww.toyboxdaynurseries.co.ukCAlDECOTE lower School were delighted to welcome SirSimon Bowes lyon to the school to ‘cut the sod’ for theirJubilee Wood on 29th February. The children dressed in redwhite and blue to celebrate the occasion.Each child planted a tree as partof their sustainability project. Theaim is to help the children gain anunderstanding of sustainabilityand how the decisions that aremade impact upon the environment.last year they created a fantasticoutdoor learning environmentfor the children whichincluded a large decked area builtby N. J. Garden Services. In orderto help the children develop arespect for the natural environmentit was decided to offset theSANDYToybox Day Nursery7 Medusa Way, Sandy SG19 1TH01767 683602BIGGLESWADEToybox Day Nursery, The Saxon Centre,Kingsfield Road, Biggleswade SG18 8AT01767 313139STOTFOLDToybox Day Nursery70 High Street, Stotfold, SG5 4LD01462 734306wood usage by planting trees andmarking the Jubilee with a legacyfor future children. Once again thegarden company helped by organisingthe morning. This showedour children how planting treescan is one of the many ways theycan help to make a difference totheir world.The school is part of theBiggleswade Community Unionof Schools (BCUS) feedingEdward Peake and HolmemeadMiddle School who were bothrepresented along with StrattonUpper School. Trees were alsoplanted on behalf of the Diocese,All Saints Church, CentralBedfordshire Council and NorthillParish Council.The children really enjoyed themorning and are looking forwardto a special assembly later in theterm with their parents toconsecrate the wood. They havesent Her Majesty Queen ElizabethII a card and a photographshowing her the wonderfulcelebrations.See www.caldecotelowerschool.co.uk for photographstaken on the dayBITS AND BYTESYOUR bulletin March 2012edition, Page 13 (unlucky forsome) Superfast Broadbanddefined as 25Mbits/s. I think thisshould be Mbytes. There are 8 bitsto a byte, making 25Mbits/sec onequivalent to 3.125Mbytes whichis not very fast. Fred in Sandy

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14 BULLETIN APRIL 2012 TEL: 01234 834700 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukTHE GARDEN DOCTORThis month’s gardening tasksDid you know, many of the plantsus gardeners chose to brighten upour garden produce nothing of anyuse to the butterflies, the bees andthe other insects that sustain thenatural world. The very samenatural world that we humansdepend on for much of our food.Einstein famously stated that withoutbees, human beings will livefor only six years as the work theselittle creatures do at pollinating isthat crucial. The decline of insectsis a serious problem and requiresour urgent attention.The problem is, as certainplants have become bred to prioritiseparticular attributes it has beenat a cost; to lose the very parts ofthe plant that the insect worlddepends upon for their survival.Highly bred begonias are justone example. Despite their veryobvious beauty, they produce nopollen or nectar at all and socontribute nothing to the naturalworld.So what can be done? If youwant to make a huge contributionto this worrying problem, whenchoosing plants, look at them as ifyou were a discerning bee! Go forthose that 1. Have only a singleflower as these produce morepollen, 2. A range of flower shapesand heights is useful as it benefitsa variety of insects and, 3. Thoseplants that have a succession offlowers is also good, e.g.Foxglove. Remember, if you can’tsee the centre of a plant, where thenectar and pollen are usuallylocated, nor will the insect!The Garden DoctorTel: 01767 627 581Shuttleworth studentsscoop national awardSHUTTlEWORTH Collegestudents won a bronze medal inthe ‘Ideal Young Gardeners ofthe Year’ competition at the IdealHome Show at Earls Court inlondon.The students went head to headwith UK colleges, with a brief tocreate inspirational and sustainableshow gardens. The bronze medalwinninggarden, by studentWilliam Woodman, includedplantings of culinary herbs andfruit.Channel 5’s TV Gardener,David Domoney, joined forceswith The Prince’s Foundation for asecond year to officially launch the2012 ‘Ideal Young Gardeners ofthe Year’ competition, enthusingstudents with his expertise, knowledgeand guidance.The Prince’s Foundation setclear guidelines for the competitionbased on organic and sustainableprinciples. In addition, eachgarden was to inspire city dwellers,showing just what can be achievedin the most impossible of tighturban locations.David Domoney, organiser ofthe competition said: “The qualityof gardens this year has beenfantastic – over a quarter of a millionpeople entering the IdealHome Show will have taken inspirationfrom these gardens. Thiskind of exposure, with supportfrom The Prince’s Foundation forthe Built Environment, can prove agreat fuel injection for these youngpeople’s career paths and helpthem stand out from the competitionwhen they come to apply forwork.”William Woodman, student atShuttleworth College added: “Theexperience of doing my own showgarden at this level and on thisscale is fantastic. Designing andbuilding an actual show gardenwith the team was just so excitingand to win the award is incrediblyrewarding. I have never doneanything like this before.”Geoff Deeble, lecturer inHorticulture at ShuttleworthCollege, said: “This is a prestigiousaward for the College and thestudents who have worked hard toproduce a garden of a professionalstandard that impressed the judgesand the thousands of people visitingthe ‘Ideal Home Show’. Theywill take this experience with themas inspiration for their careers.”Left to rght: Shuttleworth College students Connor Barber, JackLannon, Jack Brown and William Woodman pictured with DavidDomoney (Channel 5 TV Gardener) and Geoff Deeble (HorticultureCourse Manager, Shuttleworth College). Student Ashley Bradhsaw waspart of the team but not pictured here.

TEL: 01234 834700 ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk BULLETIN APRIL 2012 15 A OAND POOL N AXSAXON POOL AND LEISURE CENTRE WILL NOT CHARGE YOU TO TAKE PART IN ANY OF OUR OPEN DAYS XOD LEISURE CENTRE WILL NS BENCOU ABUT ENNOT CHAH RGE YOY U TO TAEVENTS, BUT ENCOURAGE YOU TO HELP US RAISE MONEY FOR THE EAST ANGLIAN AIR AMBULANCEEVE ENTS, BR GE YORAY U TTO HELP US AE YORATTAR ISE MONETAKE PAP TEY FOR THE EAR IN ANY OF OUE ST ANGLIAAR OPEN DAYA EAN AIR AMBULANC BOOKING REQUIRED.TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY lifestyles @ saxonSaxonPool & LeisureCentreSaxon Drive, Biggleswade, Beds SG18 8SU03000 300 8076E. enquiries.saxon@stevenage-leisure.co.uke-leisure.co.ukwww.lifestylesatcentralbedfordshire.co.uklbedfordshire.co.uk24 hour Customer Information Line: 0300 012 0300

16 BULLETIN APRIL 2012 TEL: 01234 834700 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukPotton to Celebrate the Queen’s Diamond JubileePOTTON will join in with the restof the country to celebrate theQueen’s Diamond Jubilee in June.St Mary’s Church is organising afull programme of events over theweekend of June 2nd to 4th.Running all weekend in StMary’s Church, there will be aFlower and Arts Festival and adisplay by Potton History Societywhich will depict 60 Years of theQueen’s reign. Many local clubsand societies will be contributingto this display which promises tobe unique and very colourful.All the other events will takeplace on St Mary’s Church Field,or in the marquee on the field, orin the Church Hall. Pam Rhodeswill open the Church Fete, thefirst major event, on Saturdayafternoon starting at 2.00pm. Thiswill be traditional fete with aFancy Dress competition, facepainting, bouncy castle, TeddyBear parachuting from the churchtower, plus many other stalls andattractions and the big event of theafternoon, The Great Potton BakeOff baking competition. Therewill also be a special guestYour local cleaningcompanyHOMEBRIGHTFully vetted andinsured cleaners ataffordable rates■ Weekly house cleans■ One off spring cleans■ Ironing serviceCall Angela for aFREE quoteOffice 01767 222141Mob 07807 452974appearance by Peppa Pig.In the evening in the Marquee,there will be Choral Concert withmany of Potton’s musical societiesparticipating includingPhoenix ladies Barbershop,Shannon Express Men’sBarbershop, St Mary’s Singersand St Mary’s Church Choir and aspecial guest appearance ofGamlingay Village College Choir.On Sunday the celebrationscontinue with St Mary’s JubileeFamily Service in the marquee at10.30am. It is hoped many peoplewill come along to this celebrationwhich is for families withparticipation from the children.Potton’s Big Sunday lunchfollows at 12.30pm, a roastSunday lunch served in the marquee.Tours of the church towerwill be the concluding item for theafternoon so don’t forget to bringthe camera!In the evening commencing at7.30pm, there will be a BarnDance with the Ivel Valley Band.Barbecue food will be availableand a bar.The final day, Monday June 4,HOMEBRIGHTCARPET &UPHOLSTERYCLEANINGPrompt Reliable &Courteous ServiceWe use the very latestProfessional Equipment givingyou Cleaner Healthier FresherCarpets & UpholsteryAt home or at work● Carpet Cleaning● Upholstery Cleaning● Leather Cleaning● Specialist Spot & StainRemoval● Fully InsuredCall Jim for a FREE quoteOffice 01767 222141Mob 07807 452974will see three major events takingplace. The Royal Ascot Racescommence at 12.30pm withhobby horse races for all ages.Some hobby horses will be availablebut for those bringing theirown, there will be a prize for thebest one and for the best turnedout jockey! The lady with the best,most original hat will also win aprize! During the races, there willbe a Picnic with live music andthis will be followed by Potton’svery own Almost ABBA. There isa Widdershins Puppet Show in thechurch hall at 1.00pm.The final event of the weekendwill be Potton’s Got TalentAuditions starting at 7.00pm. Thisis run in collaboration with theParty on Potton committee and isan introduction to the main eventat the August Bank Holiday..Going on sale soon will be arange of souvenirs for the weekend,details will be on the website.However, there will also be a speciallimited edition pack of PottonTHE RECENT success of ‘WarHorse’ and ‘Birdsong’ has raisedinterest in the era of the First WorldWar, ahead of the centenary of thestart of the conflict in two years’time. The heroes who fought arenow all gone, but there are stillsome living links of other kindshere in Bedfordshire.Although horses were essentialto life in the trenches, they weresoon supplemented by a massivenetwork of light railways, whichtook supplies and men into and outof the battle zones. The tracks wereonly two feet wide--less than halfthe width of main-line railways--but they were no toys.Small steam engines were used,but they were easy targets forenemy fire, and so internal-combustiontechnology, specificallypetrol engines, got a big boost. Oneof the largest producers of petrolpoweredlocomotives for the WarDepartment was the Motor Rail &Tramcar Company, whose factoryin Bedford produced hundreds ofexamples.After the war, some of the surplusstock was sold to the leightonBuzzard light Railway, whichopened in 1919 to carry sand fromthe quarries north of the town, soBrewery Beers. Each of the fourbottles in the pack will have aspecial label covering a period ofthe Queen’s reign with a picture ofHer Majesty to match the period.These will be a real collectorsitem and will cost £50 a pack. Thenumber to be produced is 100.Full details on how to order willalso be on the website. Un-numberedsingle bottles with commemorativelabels will also be onsale throughout the weekend.Tickets will be available atTysoes and Camerons, both inPotton Market Square, or byphoning 01767 260782 or emailbobsmith.cam@virgin.net andthere is a bargain Diamond Ticketwhich will cover most of theevents. Watch out for posteradvertising with full details. Fulldetails will also be shown on thewebsite: www.pottonjubilee.org.ukThe programme may besubject to change, please see websitefor up to date information.Bedfordshire’s IronWar Horsesrelieving pressure on the localroads. Armour-plated petrolenginedlocomotives could be seenhauling sand trains until the 1950s,when they were replaced by moremodern designs.Fast-forwarding to the presentday, most of the former sand railwayis now operated as a non-profitworking museum, with a collectionthat includes several MotorRail machines, pride of placegoing to a pair of First World Wararmour-plated examples.Also resident on leightonBuzzard’s narrow-gauge railway isWar Department No 778, a steamlocomotive built in the USA for theBritish forces in 1917. The onlyone of its kind in the UK in workingorder, it is scheduled to haulpassenger trains on Easter Sundayand Monday, 8th and 9th April.Fun for all the family!THIS year Sue Ryder areholding their first Woofs andWellies event at TheShuttleworth Collection inOld Warden on Sunday 27thMay 2012 at 11am. This istheir newest edition to theevents calendar and a first ofits kind in Bedfordshire.

TEL: 01234 834700 ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk BULLETIN APRIL 2012 1720th birthday brings fine music to St Andrew’sTHE lOCRIAn ChamberChoir is celebrating its 20thanniversary this year withtwo major performances, thefirst of which takes place atSt Andrew’s Church,Biggleswade on Saturday21st April at 7.30pm.The Potton-based choir willbe joined by an invitationstring orchestra for a ‘Festivalof English Music’. As well asa range of choral works byPurcell, Holst, VaughanWilliams, Finzi and Hawes theorchestra will be will be playingElgar’s Serenade forStrings and pianist Tessa Woodwill be playing Finzi’s Ecloguefor solo piano and strings. Afull size grand piano is beingbrought in for the occasion.Conductor and MusicalDirector Justin Thomas has ledlocrian since its beginning in1992 and has been responsible forestablishing the choir’s reputationas one of the finest in the area.“Our 20th birthday is quite alandmark for us,” he said. “Well25 years of reptile rescueover half the choir are originalmembers and we decided weshould really pull the stops out toput on a top quality concert thatwe and our audience wouldremember for a long time. Itseemed right that it should be acelebration of the wealth of beautifulmusic by English composers.”He then went on: “TessaWood has been our wonderfulaccompanist since we began buther true talent has rarely had achance to shine through. She is anexceptional pianist . Her solo inthis concert will put that right atlast and will be enough reason onits own for people to come!” Theconcert will also feature the firstperformance of a piece for choirand orchestra written specially forthe occasion by Justin himself.The concert is being dedicatedto the memory of Arthur & BettyWarne and Peter Wall, three talentedand much loved locrian memberswho passed away in recentyears.Tickets for this fine musicalevent are £10 each (under 18s£8), including interval refreshment.They can be obtained from01767 226123 or any choir member.Numbers are limited andadvance booking is strongly recommended.On July 14th the choir will beconcluding its celebrations with aless formal concert at St Mary’sChurch, Potton at which it ishoped former locrian memberswill return to join the choir in alook back at some of the manyworks sung by the choir in the last20 years. Further detail will beavailable at the April concert.BEDFORD’S EXOTIC PET CENTREAWARDEDBEDFORD-based Zak Owens hasbeen looking after and rescuingreptiles for over 25 years. Herecently travelled to Crewe tobring home an abandoned reptile.Currently he is caring for 200 plusanimals at his home. His shop,Petzotix in Castle Road, Bedfordopened last year and whilst Zakhas found trade challenging thisyear, he is upbeat about the future.Speaking with The Bulletin, hesaid: “I am looking to the next fewmonths for an improvement intrade, which will reflect what happenedlast year.”Zak is actively marketing hisbusiness through his reptile sittingservice and giving talks to variousgroups, along with hosting phobiasessions.All the reptiles Zak suppliesare bred in the UK and he can alsosource birds and mammals toorder. If you are in the market forsomething exotic, give Zak a visit.25 year’s experienceof reptile rescue– distance no objectBirds and MammalssourcedAll UK bredBUSINESS OFTHE YEAR ANDCOMMITMENTTO EXCELLENCEOctober 2011–October 2012139 Castle RoadBedford MK40 3RS07787 190919

18 BULLETIN APRIL 2012 TEL: 01234 834700 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukWhat’s a cockapoo? A fluffy bundle of funby Shirley Fearnleyand Sarah WebbCOCKAPOOS are fantastic dogsand it's not only their name thatoften causes people to smile whenthey hear it mentioned. They arefriendly and fun and can make anideal family pet. This wonderfulcross breed has been growing inpopularity for some time andunfortunately with this has resultedin them often being bred byunscrupulous breeders who do nothave the dog’s welfare at heart butare just in it for the money.Unlike the Kennel Club andBreed clubs that people looking forpure breeds can go to there isn'tanything out there for Cockapoosin this country. Whist informationon good breeding practices andhealth tests can be found on theKennel Club website many peopleowning or looking for a crossbreeddon't realise this or think theKennel Club only represents purebreeds. There was a need for informationto be out there to the publicand this is where we step in.Kings Arms AC charity nightby Max Hill‘What a brilliant night’, ‘the bestyet’! Just two of the many glowingcomments about the latestKings Arms charity evening,held at the Holiday Inn GardenCourt in Sandy in aid of Stjohn’s Hospice in Mogger -hanger in February.Over two hundred anglers,many from some distance away,turned up to meet and listen to agalaxy of angling legends:renowned ‘grand master’ BobChurch was present for the sixthyear running to sign copies ofhis latest book as was MikeGreen, who interspersed photosof fly fishing for tarpon in theexotic scenery of Costa Ricawith a few ‘risqué’ jokes. WellknownTV presenter and journalistMatt Hayes was perhapsthe main draw this year and hegave his audience a wonderfulinsight into how photographyhas enhanced his passion forangling. The photographsshown were truly stunning andfeatured every kind of landscape,weather and sky pattern.The final celebrity was ChrisBall, carp historian and directorof the weekly Carp Talk, and hishour-long presentation was centredaround his obvious enthusiasmfor the legendary DickWalker, native of Bedfordshire,and the carp angler’s paradise,Redmire Pool.In addition to the presentations,those present had thechance to take part in an auctionof several days fishing innotable carp and pike venues,try their luck on the tombolawith a host of prizes or perusethe second-hand tackle sale.They could even purchase jamsand chutneys as a sweetener tothe other half!Both the tombola and theauction were hugely successfulfinancially and, a week after theevent, the total for the charitycurrently stands at over £3600with a bit more anticipated. Atruly magnificent effort.Roy Smith and GrahamInwood did much of the legworkbut many other club membersmade important contributionsand we would like to thank allthose who made major contributionsto the success of the event;the staff at the Garden CourtHotel, our four guest speakersand the representatives from StJohn’s. Special mention too ofHeathrow Bait Services whosponsored the event.We hope all those presenthad a great evening. See youagain next year!■ ■ ■We are Shirley and Sarah andwe met online, on a forum for petlovers, often having lively debateswith others on crossbreeds and inparticular Cockapoos. Throughthese discussions and realising ourshared passion for the Cockapoosand responsible breeding, arespected breeder of labradorssuggested that we put together awebsite for owners. From that dayour inspiration grew and evolvedinto The Cockapoo Owners Clubwebsite. We had not met each otherbut what we had was a commonaim to raise awareness of badbreeding practices and to help educatepeople and to assist them infinding the right type of breeder. Atthe start we were very busy emailingeach other ideas and writingarticles and it was often hectic as itwas just the two of us, but with thehelp of Helen, Sarah’s sister, whoput our website together, welaunched in Nov 2011. luckily weagreed on what our website shouldcontain, the hardest part waschoosing the colour scheme! Inaddition to helping prospectiveCockapoo owners we also providelots of information and advice tohelp existing owners with regardsto the everyday care of their dogs.We feel that people can come toour website and find lots of informationon Cockapoos all underone roof.■ ■ ■Our website is not just forCockapoos we do have a sectionfor other Poodle crosses especiallyCavapoos. Shirley owns aCavapoo and we agreed that wecould incorporate these as againpeople who own them havenowhere get advice and to sharetheir stories.Part of our clubs website is alsoorganising and advertisingCockapoo meets arranged by usand others and through one ofthese we are happy to report thatwe finally met! The meets are a funway to meet our members and ofcourse everyone’s lovelyCockapoosIn December 2011 we becamethe official Breed Advisors forCockapoos for Dogs Today magazine,again another positive stepforward for us and our dreams ofhelping more people.Since then membership isgrowing every day and we are sopleased with the support we havereceived. It's not just our Cockapoofriends but we have support fromrespected breeders of Pedigreeswho think we are inspirational ingetting something out to the publicfor crossbreeds. Support has alsocome from respected organisationssuch as The london Dog Forumand Puppy love campaigns andvarious dog related businesses.We have included a section forRescue and Rehoming on our website.It was a way that we couldhelp by advertising poodle crossesthat are looking to be re-homed.We are also in regular contact withthe labradoodle Trust who hasalso been supportive of ourendeavours. We have currentlybeen working together on rehominga Cockapoo that one of ourmembers saw advertised. Both theowner and the Cockapoo hadhealth problems and we quicklyintervened to help them both. Wegot in touch with the owner and thelabradoodle Trust kindly agreed tofoster her. We are pleased to reportthat the dog is doing very well.We also wanted to have a featureddog related business page.Here we advertise people whomake handmade items for dogs.We feel it is a way for us to supportsmall businesses that in this difficulteconomic climate need all thehelp they can. In return they giveour members small discounts orhave donated a competition prize.The Cockapoo Owners Clubwebsite has free membership andwe have free competitions for ourmembers to enter plus discountsfor products. Our third competitionis a photo competition in conjunctionwith Equafleece who makefleece coats for dogs and horses.The lucky winner will receive anew Equafleece dog coat and theirCockapoo will feature on the coverof their next catalogue. For childrenwe have a printable Cockapoocolouring page and we will beadding more items for children inthe near future. Alongside the funis the serious information on healthissues with stories from ownersabout their dogs illnesses. This notonly highlights the potential ofhealth problems but also helpsother owners who may feel theyare on their own.■ ■ ■We also have Twitter and aFacebook group. We are so pleasedwith the how our club has grownand have been overwhelmed by thesupport we have received. As twoordinary women with no experienceof running a website we neverimagined that we would be creatingsuch a big resource and that itwould be as popular as it is! Itshows if you share a common goaland dedication anything is possible.We continually update ourwebsite with information and areopen to ideas from our members.It's not just the two of us but awhole Cockapoo Community.So if you are Cockapoo crazylike us or wish to become a memberof The Cockapoo Owners Clubwe look forward to welcomingyou.Just go to the join us page onw w w . c o c k a p o o - o w n e r s -club.org.uk and we look forward tosharing all things Cockapoo withyou.

TEL: 01234 834700 ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk BULLETIN APRIL 2012 19MP welcomes budget that rewards aspirationCHAnCEllOR georgeOsborne has delivered a radical,reforming Budget which helpsBritain earn its way in the world.It is a Budget that rewards work.It unashamedly backs businessand benefits those who aspire todo better for themselves andtheir families.North East Bedfordshire MPAlistair Burt said: “I am delightedthat George Osborne has delivereda Budget that will directly benefithard working individuals and familiesin my constituency. The historicincrease in personal tax allowancesto £9205 will lift 75,000 people inthe East of England out of incomeCHEFS ARE HOT STUFF IN THE KITCHENA CUlINARY team of students from BedfordCollege and its subsidiary The Mansion Houseat Old Warden Park, swooped 21 awards at theBritish Open Cookery Championships held atthe Excel Exhibition Centre recently.The team competed against the top juniorsand seniors in the country and gained a rangeof medals. Marcus Riccio achieved aSilver medal and Best In Class for hiscelebration cake.tax and will benefit 2.2 million inthe region. A further 88,000 householdsin Bedfordshire and acrossthe East of England will also benefitfrom the welcomed adjustments tothe Child Benefit plan; with onlythose households where someoneearns over £60,000 losing benefitentirely.“I know many constituentshave been concerned, and contactedme previously, about theincreasing amount of tax avoidancetaking place by the wealthiestin our societies. I hope they will bereassured by the measures theChancellor has put in place to tacklethese morally repugnant evasions.Such mechanisms haveallowed the Chancellor to put inplace measures to benefit businesses,both large and small, in simplifyingthe tax system, and cuttingcorporation tax. I know this will bewelcomed by businesses in NorthEast Bedfordshire who are workinghard to competing in toughenvironments.“This Budget reaffirms ourunwavering commitment to dealwith Britain’s debts. Under labourthis country borrowed itself intotrouble, now we are going to earnour way out.”Get Your FREE Guide to...Learn How To Stop Back PainDead In Its TracksGot back pain? Tried Everything? Discover the best way to dealwith your back pain, even if you have tried everything eelse...To get your FREE guidewrite your name andaddress on a postcardand send it to:PO BOX 1476BedfordMK40 9BWGet Your FREE GuideA Guide to the MostEffective Back PainTreatmentsSDL LANDSCAPINGAND GROUNDWORK• DRIVEWAYS • GROUNDWORKS • DRAINAGE •• GATES & RAILINGS • DECKING • GARDEN CLEARANCE ••FENCING •PATIOS •BRICKWORK •PONDS •PERGOLAS •Tel: 01767 222516Mobile: 07760 414289Email: sdllandscaping@yahoo.co.ukWeb: www.sdllandscaping.co.ukMix it Creatively!At The Creative Mix we can turn yourcreative ideas into a creative reality!At The Creative Mix we are committed to creating excitingand inspiring communications that get your message acrosseffectively. We pride ourselves on finding the best creativesolution to a brief and will handle everything from startto finish. Whether you need new corporate ID, exhibitiondesign, brochures, leaflets, website design or cutting edgephotography, give us a call – 01767 627144or email info@creative-mix.co.uk.For more examples of what we can do, check out our websitewww.creative-mix.co.ukthecreativemix

20 BULLETIN APRIL 2012 TEL: 01234 834700 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukMeeting the spiritualand pastoral needsAS many of you may know I beganas the Chaplain to Bedford Hospitalin early January this year; taking thereins from the very competent andvery lovely Eddie Turner who hadserved as locum Chaplain there forabout six years.I am still finding my feet but as Iget to know the staff and find myway around the hospital my role isbecoming more and more defined.So what is my role as Chaplain?To quote from my licensingservice, the role of a chaplain is to“provide for the spiritual andpastoral needs of patients, relativesand staff. A chaplain’s care and dutyare to reflect the Church’s calling toembody Christ in this world of needand searching, working amongpeople with many skills, manystresses and great dedication”In other words I am there for thepatient who may need that extra bitof time to talk issues through or whoare feeling lonely and vulnerable. Orfor a relative who is in need ofsomeone to talk to when perhaps theanxiety and strain of seeing a lovedone ill or dying is proving hard tobear. I am also there for the staff whobear so much and who are themoment facing significant changeswithin the Hospital.I am also here to ensure that thereligious and spiritual needs ofpatients, relatives and staff are met.This includes the use of the Chapeland the Prayer Room; having shortacts of worship that can be accessedby those who wish to go to them.Being on hand to pray with people,conduct rites of passage such as baptismand acts of remembrance; andof course knowing who to call forpeople of other faiths.This is of course underpinned byregular prayer and reflection on thescriptures.All of this work could not bedone without the support and hardwork of the Chaplaincy volunteerswho meet every Tuesday Morningand visit all the wards. This is such avaluable work and is of real comfortto those they go to see. If this issomething you might like to beinvolved in then do get in contactwith me on 01234 355122Ext 5901, email: nicola.mcintosh@bedfordhospital.nhs.uk and we canhave a chat about what is involvedand the process of applying.Rev’d Nicola McIntosh, ChaplainBedford HospitalHome Help ServiceWe believe that Age UKBedfordshire’s Home Helpservice is second to none. Allof our home helps are fullyvetted and trained beforethey are allowed to visit anyof our customers. The servicehas been operating for nearly10 years and covers thewhole of the County. Ourhome helps visit on a regularbasis, usually once a week, for an hour or two and canclean, dust, polish, do the laundry, clean the inside ofwindows, prepare a light meal or go shopping for you.We feel that it is important that you have the same homehelp for each visit and strive to achieve this.If you would like to know more, please contact us usingthe details below, and ask for the Home Help service.Email: Debbie.spriggins@ageukbedfordshire.org.ukTelephone: 01234 360510Volunteers with Nigel Aldis, Sandy Town Councillor and Central BedsCllr and Geoff Comb, Trust Administrator Bedfordshire PolicePartnership Trust.Gardening help for the 60+THE Diamond Jubilee CentralBedfordshire Community TaskForce has secured the use of SandyBaptist Church to run itsoperations from.The Rev Beth Powney, Pastorof the Baptist church has givenover the use of the church rooms,to allow the Task Force to operate.The office is open from 9.30am to4pm on weekdays an has fulldisabled access, it is from here thatthe workers are dispatchedcomplete with their lunch boxes.local volunteers prepare thelunch boxes for the young workers.Residents who are over 60 ordisabled in Sandy, Biggleswadeand the surrounding villages cannow get their gardens tidied forfree by the Task Force.If you would like to have thishelp please contact: Ken lynch on01767 680737 or if you would liketo become involved with helpingthe young unemployed youngstersof the area please get in touch.Back to the 16th centuryICKWEll May Day Festival wasfirst documented in theChurchwarden’s accounts ofc1565 and has continued eversince, apart from a break at thetime of the Puritans. A permanentMaypole was first erected in 1872.The Festival this year will beon Monday 7th May. BiggleswadeSandy lions will be there as usualand plan to have their skittles, golfand duck games as well as a luckydip, books and bric a brac. Comeand have fun. The money we raisewill help us help the local community.Originally, Maypoles wereyoung trees cut down and stuck inthe ground. People danced aroundto celebrate the end of winter withthe start of the fine weather toallow planting to begin. Maypoleswere once common all overEngland and the tallest is said tohave been erected on The Strandin london in 1661 standing over143 feet high. It was felled in 1771when Sir Isaac Newton sent it to afriend in Wanstead to support thethen largest telescope in Europe.The name of St AndrewUndershaft in Cornhill derivesfrom a large Maypole set up infront of it.Biggleswade Sandy lions alsoplan on having a publicity stallonce again at this year’s IckwellFestival. Do come and have a chatand find out more about the lions.We are always looking for newmembers so we can do more tohelp in the community.All we ask for is some of yourspare time to help with fund raisingand community service pluswe have social events as well. Tofind out even more you can alsovisit our website – www.biggeswadesandylions.org.uk orcall 0845 8339749.Come and make some newfriends.

TEL: 01234 834700 ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk BULLETIN APRIL 2012 21Milton 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 during WorldWar II and a country househotel.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 good publictransport links.We have extremely spaciousall en-suite bedrooms andsuites, all fully furnished andtastefully decorated to a highstandard. All our rooms haveprivate direct-dial telephones,electric profiling beds, televisionpoints, a lockable facilityfor valuables, a nurse callalarm and 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 specifically recruitedfor their sensitivity, dedicationand professional expertise inthis area of care. All specialistequipment is available.All Majesticare’s Homes putResidents’ choices first, and atMilton Ernest Hall you are freeto eat your meals in our diningrooms or in your own room.We are happy to provide mealsfor visitors as well. Our freshhome-cooked food isnutritionally balanced and wecater for special requirementssuch as vegetarian or softfoods.At Milton Ernest Hall wehave a dedicated activitiesorganiser who arranges a livelysocial calendar including arts,entertainment, exercise, tripssuch as shopping, and events inthe Home. 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

22 BULLETIN APRIL 2012 TEL: 01234 834700 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukSandy Town Bowling ClubA BOWlING green was laid onthe sports complex adjacent toSandy Upper School in EngayneAvenue in1974. The land wasdonated by Sandy U.D.C. (nowSandy T.C.) and offered a leaseand equipment to a new bowlingclub to compliment that of SandyConservative Club’s.A group of enthusiasts formedSandy Town Bowling in 1974,elected a committee and wrote theclub’s constitution.There being no other facilitieson site, meetings were held atvarious venues including the Redlion pub, now the site of Budgensand took their after match ‘refreshments’in the Red lion or theQueens Head.In 1977, a pavilion was providedadjacent to the green to provideshared accommodation withSandy Cricket Club.Two teams were entered intothe East Beds. league and severalfriendly fixtures arranged.In 1977 Mrs. Darlow was electedSecretary/Treasurer. This wasmet with a certain amount of disapprovalby the County BowlingAssociation and it was agreed, infuture, she sign all correspondenceMr. D.V Darlow.The Club entered the Beds.County league in 1979 and a thirdteam in the E.B.l. in 1981.Meanwhile, the Sandy VillageHall was built and a dressing roomand tea-room was allocated to theClub in 1981.As all necessary facilities werein place, the Village Hall hasbecome our adopted ‘Clubhouse’.Over the years the Club haswon many County honours andhave had representatives competeat Worthing and leamington inBritish National Finals.Due to the dedicated work ofsome of our members we nowboast one of the finest Greens inthe County.The Club has a full fixtureschedule which includes Countyand East Beds competitions, several,mostly mixed, friendly gamesand mid-week over 60’s fixtures.Club membership is open toall, juniors 14+.This year’s signing-on nightwas at Sandy Village Hall onSunday, April 1st for the Mens’section and is at the same venue onApril 8th at 7.30pm for the ladies’If anyone wishes further informationplease contact Glen on01234 870488 and he will be onlytoo pleased to help.CLUB SECRETARIESSend your reports topat@rosettapublishing.comIvel Valley U3ADEPUTISING for the Chairman,who was on holiday, Ann Taylorwelcomed members and visitorsto the meeting of the Ivel ValleyU3A on Tuesday, 13th March atHolmemead School. Ann hopedthat the members had enjoyed TheSandye Singers last month asmuch as she had. Diane Keen hadattended the AGM of Age UKBedfordshire and she gave a shortreport of the meeting.She stressed that Age UK hadmany sections that could help theelderly if they had any problems.The secretary gave details of theNational AGM, which would takeplace on 12th September at theRoyal Agricultural College inCirencester. U3A members havebeen asked to show a presence atevery location of the OlympicTorch Relay as it travels round thecountry, publicising the movement.The Art Group held a verysuccessful meeting in March whenthey all attempted ‘ChineseBrushwork’. The next meetingwill be on 3rd April when thesubject will be ‘PatchworkMasterpiece’. The next meetingfor the Book Group 1 is at JeanWilliam’s house on 2nd April andfor Book Group 2 on 20th April at12 Bittern Drive.The Craft Group held a veryinteresting meeting in Marchwhen Hazel Warren demonstratedThe Art of Quilling. All the membersthoroughly enjoyed the experience.Four members had attendedThe Quilt Exhibition wherethey had been very impressed byBiggleswade Ivel EveningTownswomen GuildREPORT FOR MARCH 2012the display of quilts. The nextmeeting will be at Ann Taylor’s on19th April with UFO’s.Members were asked to signthe list for the outing to TheMossman Museum on 10th April.The tickets would cost £11.00.Members could take grand -children if they wished.Ann Taylor introduced thespeaker, Mr Bob Montgomery,whose subject was ‘Birds in yourGarden’. With a lovely display ofgarden birds, Bob began his talkby saying that we needed to have aholistic approach to care for thebirds in our gardens. The soil,water, air and food needed to becorrect.The water must be fresh andchanged daily. Feeders must becleansed regularly. The shrubs andCHAIRMAN Chris Davies welcomedmembers to theBiggleswade Ivel EveningTownswomen Guild AGM on 12thMarch.The walking group membershiphas now swelled to 14 peoplewho met at Sandy for a walkaround the RSPB lodge followedby lunch at the Guinea atMoggerhanger.liz Stirratt announced that atotal of £257 was raised from theSwimathon; half of the sponsorshipmoney will go to the RotaryClub and half to the AirAmbulance. Unfortunately onlytwo members were available toswim this year, liz herself andPauline Dover, however they werejoined by Pauline’s son Jeremy andJoy Cooper’s daughter Sarah and atotal of 76 lengths were completed.A very successful trip to theHouses of Parliament was enjoyedthis month, all concerned agreed itwas a very interesting and enjoyableouting. Mrs Davies read out areport of her recent quarterlyFederation meeting. Two lettershad been received from soldiers,who had received parcels fromTownswomen, expressing theirappreciation at the items sent.There will be a trip to the Globetheatre to see As You like It, ticketsto cost £15.00. The theatre tripto see The Jersey Boys will takeplace on 17th April.It is planned to hold a car bootsale during the summer and memberswere asked to bear this inmind when they are clearing anythingout. It is planned to celebratethe Queen’s Diamond Jubilee atour July meeting when a buffetwill be held and the theme will bered, white and blue and it is hopedto have a display of memorabilia.Mrs Davies gave an explanationof the guild structure for thebenefit of new members, andBobbie Ball read the StandingOrders.Ann Taylor gave her annualreport reminding members of themany speakers, activities and outingsthat members had enjoyedthroughout the last year. Ann alsogave the Treasurer’s report finishingwith thanks to Helen Sargeantfor auditing the accounts again thisyear. The officers will continue fora following year, and the onlychange to the Committee wasAnne Jones is to be replaced byJenny Talbot. The Chairman gaveher report thanking the committeefor supporting her where necessary.The award for the MonthlyCompetitions was to go to AnneJones.Following a break for refreshments,which included homemadecakes and biscuits, a noisy game ofBeetle was enjoyed by all. Thewinner was Chris Davies whoawarded herself an Easter egg.Raffle winners for the eveningwere Janet Trenholme, YvonneCrane, Jan Wilkins and WendyWalters.trees must be able to give shelterand enable the birds to build theirnests safely. If there are no suitablenest sites homemade nest boxeswere ideal. He encouragedmembers to make these from theinstructions he had available andencourage the grandchildren in themaking of them so that theybecame interested in the birds.The biggest predators in thegardens were cats and these killeda great many of our garden birds.After his talk there was astimulating question and answersession where many memberswere able to tell of theirexperiences with different speciesthey had seen in their gardens orlocally. Ann Taylor gave the voteof thanks for a most interestingafternoon.

TEL: 01234 834700 ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk BULLETIN APRIL 2012 23RUGBYBiggy Minis 2012 Family TourTOURIng is one of rugby’senduring features. Clubs havetoured in both the UK andworldwide since the game wasinvented and BiggleswadeRugby has a long history oftours and hosting visiting teams.The Mini section set out on oneof their most ambitious ‘familytours’ for many years when theleave for Burnham on Sea onFriday 20th April.Biggy Minis will be taking atouring party of in excess of 250players, parents and siblings for amassive weekend of rugby. BiggyMinis comprise of six teams fromU7 to U12 and will compete in theHornets RFC Festival on Saturdayand play both Weston andBracknell rugby clubs on theSunday at Weston’s ground. TheHornets rugby festival is consideredone of the best organised inthe country and has attractedteams from Wales and from allover England.This is not the first time thatBiggy Minis have stayed at theHaven holiday village in Burnhamon Sea as the first ‘family tour’some 12 years ago when theycompeted at the Bath Festival. TheMinis will be unveiling a newTour playing shirt for the occasionin early April which will be usedon Tour and as a playing shirt forthe U13s next season.First XV build onfantastic season!A heroic result away againstNorthampton BBOBs has all butsecured Biggy’s targeted top fivefinish in Midlands 3 East (South)Winning 10-12 against the leagueleaders took Biggy to within 2points of BBOBs, but there arestill two vital games to play.Unhelpful talk of promotion hasbeen kept to a minimum as theteam know that consolidation inMidlands Three will be anachievement in itself. The squadhave had a torrid time with injurieshad have been obliged to call onthe Second XV’s more experiencedplayers on a number ofoccasions.A loss to Dunstablians in theCounty Cup semi final was disappointingbut allows the squad toconcentrate on a top five finish inMidlands 3. It also shows howmuch this squad would need toimprove if the opportunity to bepromoted to Midlands 2 happens.This month see’s Biggy hostBedford Queens on Saturday April14th and finish their season withwhat could be a very importantgame against Rugby St Andrewsaway on Saturday 21st April.Games start at 3pm and entry isfree, with the Biggy back divisionbuilding a reputation for runningrugby, crowds are being wellentertained.Keep Fit with the BiggySummer Touch RugbyCompetitionThe summer touch rugby tournamentwill be starting in May, theclub have been approached by anumber of teams wishing to competeand have again secured backingfrom the Rugby FootballUnion. The two ‘training days’commence on Wednesday 9thMay with new teams being introducedto the rules of the game.The competition is open to allplayer both ladies and gentlemenover the age of 16 with teamshaving a minimum of six playerand maximum of 14 with rollingsubstitutions games last for 40minutes and the emphasis is ontechnique rather than the usualphysical aspect of the game.Following the inaugural tournamentlast season chairman StanMatthews suggests teams shouldtry and have at least 9 players.Clubs, pubs and works teams areencouraged to enter with an entryfee of £50 per team. More tofollow in the May column.Biggleswade Awards andPresentations DinnerThe club welcome Englandand Wasps legend Jeff Probyn tospeak at the annual awards dinneron Friday 18th May at 7pm. Jeffwill be on hand to present award tothe players who have achievedmuch over the past season as wellas coaches and off-pitch managersand support staff who have allcontributed to make this a greatseason for Biggy. Tickets are stillavailable to club members fromchairlman Steve Matthews.RBS Six Nations NewsYou would have thought thatlocal rugby had little to offer in theSix Nations championship butfour of the current England sidehave featured in Bedford side overrecent season, Moritz Botha,lAST month Kempston RUFChosted the Bedfordshire MiniRugby Festival, this is the firsttime the club has hosted such anevent. TClubs from all overBedfordshire attended includingAmpthill, Bedford, Biggleswade,Dunstable, leighton Buzzard andluton. Kempston hosted the U10,U11 and U12 age groups withBedford hosting the younger ages.U10: Only six clubs were able tofield an U10 squad, those beingAmpthill, Bedford, Biggleswade,leighton Buzzard, Kempston andluton. Bedford dominated the fieldfrom the start winning all of theirgames and scoring a total of 23 triesover five games. Bedford wereoverall winners of their age groupand took home the cupU11: This age group was splitinto two pools as both Ampthill andBedford entered two teams as permittedby the rules. Pool A consistedof Ampthill ‘B’, Bedford ‘A’,Biggleswade and leightonBuzzard. Bedford ‘A’ dominated byOwen Farrell, Karl Dickson andprop Dan Cole all are formerBedford players, with Farrell playingagainst the Biggleswade U15sside of a few seasons ago whilst atHarpenden RFCBeds Mini Rugby Festivalwinning their three games and comingtop of their pool putting themthrough to the cup semi final.Pool B contained Ampthill ‘A’,Bedford ‘B’, Dunstablians andluton. Ampthill ‘A’ dominated thisgroup by winning all three of theirgames and scoring a total of 75 intries and conversions. Plate semiwinners were Bedford ‘B’ andBiggleswade, these two then wenton to play each other in the platefinal. Bedford ‘B’ triumphed with awin of 14 points to nothing.Cup semi winners were Ampthill‘A’ and Bedford ‘A’ and they wenton to play each other in the cupfinal. Bedford ‘A’ triumphed and sowere crowned cup winners, meaningthat Bedford took both the plateand cup home.U12: In this age group only sixclubs were able to field squads,these were Ampthill, Bedford,Biggleswade, Dunstablians,Kempston and leighton Buzzard.Dunstablians took home the cupwith Biggleswade taking the plate.

24 BULLETIN APRIL 2012 TEL: 01234 834700 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukAnnouncements1. The Parish BoundaryBridge near Turnpike Farm. Weare pleased to note that, afterrepair works to this bridge overthe winter, the original boundarymarker keystone in the arch ofthe bridge has been preserved.When the re-rendering was donesome care was taken to avoidrendering over the keystone. It’sa relief that, having only discoveredthe inscription on the keystonelast May, we have not lostit under a layer of render! Thestone, dated 1879, is inscribedBIGGlESWADE to the left of acentral vertical line and SUT-TON to the right. The streamwhich flows under the bridgeforms the boundary between thetwo parishes.2. History Pin – New developmentsreported by ourWebmaster, Mike Strange.“On Sunday, 25 March newHistory Pin facilities are beingreleased and we are one of veryfew History Societies to be usingthem. There will be a dedicatedpage on our web site that enablesall of the images I have uploadedto be seen without the confusionof other photographs from otherpeople; this is called anEmbedded Channel. The otherquite exciting release will be aMobile App for smartphones(just Android, iPhone and thosethat are Windows-based). Thiswill enable the owners of suchphones to see nearby images thathave been uploaded in the contextof where they are.”Events & exhibitions1. library display. RoyChadwick’s window display ofbuilders’ plaques to be seenaround the town will be atBiggleswade library fromMonday, 2 April until Saturday, 28April.. Do come along and take apeek at the wealth of information,often unnoticed, to be found onBiggleswade’s buildings.2. Ken Page’s last slideshowof the season: ‘Millers &Merchants’, will take place at theConservative Club on Wed. 11April, starting at 8.00pm. Entryis free and open to all, and theClub’s bar will be available. Thenew Dan Albone hardback bookwill be on sale at the discountedprice of £20. Ken’s slideshowsBiggleswade History Societyat the Club will resume inSeptember.News from the archivesOur thanks for the followingaccessions:1. The photos mentioned lastmonth, donated earlier this year:a variety of original photos ofMethodist Sunday school childrenand of the Shortmead Streetchapel dating from circa 1911,from Eric lund and Jean Carrick(via Roy Kitchener).2. Photos and memorabilia ofthe Wakes family of HitchinStreet loaned for scanning byAlison Harper.3. Donated by Cassi &Antonio Romano, a large metalcontainer for heating water, andcast iron door and grate removedfrom their Rose lane washhouseoutbuilding for preservation inour archive.PublicationsThe Society’s publicationsare on sale at 50p below list priceimmediately before and after ourmeetings and may also be foundat local outlets: Howells ofHitchin Street, Jordans Mill shopand Simply Oak. Please contactus about orders for collection orposting. The book list is on ourwebsite. The Dan Albone hardbackis still available to membersand non-members at the discountedprice of £20. Contactthe Society’s Editor for details.Last meeting06 March - ‘The VictorianWay of Death’ presented bysocial historian, Tom Doig. Tomgave an audience of 47 a fascinatingintroduction to thislugubrious topic. For theVictorians death was not a taboo,but a constant companion, and awhole culture had grown uparound it. Infant mortality wasvery high, childbirth frequentlycaused the death of mothers, andfar fewer adults than todayreached their three score and tenyears. Tom described a typicalsequence of events after a deathin a rural area. A cottager wouldgo down the garden and tell thebees in their straw skep. If youdid not keep the bees informedabout family events they wouldleave you! The sexton wouldthen be told so that he could ringthe passing bell: nine strikes for amarried man, followed by onetoll of the bell for each year of hisage. The undertaker would bringthe carpenter to measure for acoffin - some parishes kept a setof reusable coffins for pauperburials. All doors and windowswould be opened to allow thespirit to escape then all would beclosed up, blinds drawn, clocksstopped and mirrors turned to thewall. The deceased would beprepared, dressed in a shroud andThe 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 toour indoor meetings at a charge of £2.00 per meeting.The Full Programme for 2012:Mark these dates on your new calendar!1 May: Biggleswade’s Old SteelBridge – a talk by PabloHaworth12 June: Members only– Visit to St Mary’s Church,Gamlingay. Decoding thegraffiti.3 July: Members only– Visit to the SignalsMuseum, RAF Henlow.7 August: Members only– Visit to Stondon TransportMuseum. CAnCEllEDInstead we are pleased toannounce that Dr DavidMcOmish will lead a walkon the Common.See right coloumn four.14 Aug Members only - TheArchaeology of BiggleswadeCommon – a walk withDavid McOmish.4 September: Pickwick’sBiggleswade Scrapbook – atalk with a difference, byMike Petty.2 October: The Rise and Fall ofthe Cardington Airships – atalk by David Fowler.laid in the coffin on the table, alighted candle at each end. Alinen shroud was consideredbest, because Christ was buriedin linen.Cremation was illegal before1885 and the first municipal crematoriumopened in 1901, so virtuallyall Victorians were buried.Taphephobia – the fear of beingburied alive – was very real andstrange devices were designed toenable the occupant of a coffin tosend distress signals. Tom toldthe true story of a narrow escape:Matthew Wall of Braughing inHertfordshire was pronounceddead and was on his way to beburied, when a bearer slipped onwet leaves on the path to thechurch and the coffin wasdropped. Matthew emerged andwent on to live another 15 years!Walking funerals were thenorm in Victorian times and atown could be brought to a haltby a large funeral procession.Glass hearses (Washingtons)were rarely used; more often ahorse-drawn funeral wagonwould carry the coffin or thechurch bier (a hand-cart) mightbe used. Many cross-countryprocessional paths from hamletsto village churches have survivedto this day as public footpaths.A very uncommon common!When David McOmish gavea talk on The Archaeology ofBiggleswade Common inFebruary he recommended abook. Impressed by his talk, Iafterwards obtained a copy: ‘AnArchaeology of Town Commonsin England’ by Mark Bowden,Graham Brown & Nicky Smith,published by English Heritage in2009. I wanted to know howimportant our common was andhow it measured up to other survivingtown commons inEngland. As part of an EnglishHeritage project begun in 2002nearly 350 towns were identifiedas having, or once having had,common lands and of these a variedsample of 60 or more survivingcommons were selected forsurveys. Biggleswade was one ofthose subjected to a level 1 (lessdetailed, lower technology)investigation. In short, at theback of the book, where the 350Continued on next pageFor further information contact: Jane Croot 01767 650340, editor@biggleswadehistory.org.uk www.biggleswadehistory.org.uk

TEL: 01234 834700 ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk BULLETIN APRIL 2012 25The Fraternytye of Bycleswade –a pre-reformation religious foundationThe following featurearticle by Jane Croot firstappeared in the Biggles -wade History Society’snewsletter in november1997. It has beenrewritten, with additionalmaterial, for this issue ofthe Biggleswade Bulletin.The founding of chantries toprovide daily or weekly sungmasses for the souls of particularindividuals began in the thirteenthcentury and became commonpractice. Wealthy persons oftenhad a special chantry chapel built,like the one on Bedford’smedieval town bridge, and providedan endowment for its upkeepand for that of the chantry priest,who would chant mass and reciteprayers for the souls of the chosendeparted. Sometimes an existingreligious house or church wasasked to provide such services, anendowment was provided for thepurpose and a special chantrypriest appointed.There are known to have beenat least seventeen chantries inBedfordshire by the fourteenthcentury and they continued to proliferatein the fifteenth century. Bythis time many towns and villageshas religious fraternities or guilds.These were associations of peoplewho pooled resources to help oneanother in spiritual matters. Manywere associations of local professionals,tradesmen, craftsmen,farmers and property owners,whilst others, like the one atluton, had among their membersA very uncommon common!towns are listed, the ones with themost promising evidence ofarchaeological survival aremarked using a star system, fourstars being the best. Biggleswadeis one of only eight on the list tohave been given four stars, alongwith the likes of York and lincoln!To quote from page 81: ‘AtBiggleswade we have merelynoted the existence of a potentiallyvery significant surviving segmentof prehistoric, Romano-Britishand medieval landscape; largescalesurvey work is required hereto analyse and understand thedetail of this remarkable multilayeredsurvival. Though rare, thisis unlikely to be a uniqueinstance.’ (Jane Croot)wealthy clergy and gentry. Theypaid for chantry priests, providedthe necessary vestments andequipment for them, attended tomembers’ funerals and obits(prayers on the anniversary of adeath). The prayers of the living,especially of a priest, for the soulsof the dead; charitable gifts anddonations to church, fraternity orpoor made in life or in a will; pilgrimagesmade by friends or relatives– all these, it was believed inmedieval times, were effectiveways of easing the soul’s passagethrough purgatory after death.Sometimes the chantry priest wasalso the teacher at a small charityschool provided out of funds. Forthe members of a fraternity orguild there was the added socialdimension of occasional feasts andcelebrations on holy days.■ ■ ■About twenty Bedfordshireparishes had pre-reformation fraternities.Biggleswade’s was foundedabout the year 1464, in the reign ofEdward IV, and set up a chantry withits own priest in St Andrew’s churchin honour of the Holy Trinity.In his will dated 18 August, 1530in the reign of Henry VIII, WilliamWesterdale, bachelor of canon lawand parson of Edworth church,bequeathed money and property tothe Biggleswade guild of the HolyTrinity, among other bequests to themother church (lincoln cathedral),his own parish church and certainnamed individuals. Interestingly,two further bequests reveal thatBiggleswade’s two hamlets – Holmeand Stratton – each had a chapel atthat time. The abstract that followskeeps the original spellings of theplace names and the original monetaryvalues (s.= shillings; d.= pence;12d.= 1s; 20s. = £1; 1 Mark = twothirds of a pound.)■ ■ ■…to the fraternity of the guild ofBekelliswade 20 marks, to be paid tothe guild priest as long as it lasts[this was to pay the priest to pray forWesterdale’s soul at regular intervals],on condition that the wardensof the guild maintain the farms andtenements belonging to the fraternityduring this time and give anaccount of them to testator’s executors.To the chapel of St Peter ofHolme 6s. 8d.; to the chapel ofStraton 13s. 4d.Various other bequests of money,property or goods then followed,mostly to named individuals, butone of them was a bequest to thefraternity ‘of Bekellswaide’ of ahouse, with the land belonging to it,‘in the Backe layne, sometimelangfords of Bekellswaide, next themessuage[house] once HenryCowper’s.’It was soon after WilliamWesterdale made his will that theDissolution of the Monasteriesbegan, in the mid-1530s. Henry VIIIbroke with Rome and established theChurch of England with himself, notthe Pope, at its head. Henrydestroyed the power of the oldchurch and stripped it of its wealth,its lands and buildings. In Bedford,Cauldwell Priory was dissolved in1536 and Newnham in 1539. TheFranciscan Friary [the Grey Friars]went at about the same time. WardenAbbey was dissolved in 1537,Chicksands Priory and WoburnAbbey in 1538. Monks were pensionedoff and the lands and buildingswere appropriated by theCrown and most were sold intoprivate ownership to raise revenue.The king then turned his attentionto the lesser religious foundations.The following is an extractfrom a survey of endowments forchantries, guilds and fraternities,carried out for Henry VIII in aboutthe year 1547. The spellings of theoriginal have been preserved…■ ■ ■‘The Fraternytye of Bycleswade.The landes belonging to the saidBrotherhedd… [There follows a listof lands, farms, tenants and rentswith a total valuation of 25s. 2d. perannum.] Md. that the saidFraternytye was lycenced to beerected founded and incorporate byKynd Edward the iiijth by the Nameof Wardens Brothers and Systers ofthe said Brotherhed and Guyld of theHoly Trynytie in the Churche ofSaynt Andrewe in Bicleswade aforesaidto thintent that there shold aprest syng there the dyvyne serviceand for to pray for the good estate ofthe sayd King Edward and QueneElizabeth then his wyfe and other theFounders and for the soules of thelate Duke of Yorke father to saidKyng Edward and for the soules ofall the brothern and systers of thesaid Brotherhed. Also there hath nogramar scole nor preacher ben keptthere syne Michmas last.Item, there hath no money norother proffet ben payd at any tymewithin this v.[5] yeres to any pooreperson out of the said Brotherhedintended to have continuance forever. Also there is in the said parisheof Bicleswade the number of ccccxl[440] houselyng people* and no moprestes but only the vicar and thisBrotherhed prest. Also there hathbeen no sale nor gifte of goodesspoyll voluntary wast or other distructyonin the said Brotherhed. AlsoHenry John is Incumbent there ofthage of xl [40] yere, but meanlylerned not able to serve a cure, andhath no lyving but this Brotherhed.’‘Houselyng people’ means communicants– persons who qualifiedto receive the ‘housel’, or host, atholy communion. Taking the numberquoted at a ratio of four to fivefor the population, this would giveBiggleswade parish a population ofat least 550 in 1547, compared withapproximately 500 for Dunstableand 1,000 for Bedford St Paul.■ ■ ■When the chantries were suppressedin 1553 Henry Johnson, thechantry priest for Biggleswade’sFraternity of the Holy Trinity,received a pension of £3 3s. 4d. Nodoubt, the fraternity would have hada guildhall or house in Biggleswadewhere they met, but we have norecord of where in the town thismight have been, and it would probablyhave been sold off by theCrown along with any other propertythe guild owned.The little stone carving above theentrance to the 15th century porch ofSt Andrew’s church is thought to bea medieval representation of theHoly Trinity, a reminder of the guildof townspeople who, some five hundredyears ago, lived in this parish inthe hope that when they died theirsouls might be saved, helped by thedevotions, gifts and prayers of themselvesand their fellows, and of theirchantry priest, who may well oncehave occupied the small priest’sroom above the porch, later used as aschoolroom.■ ■ ■Biggleswade parish had not beenshort of clergy before theReformation. An early poll taxreturn of 1379, which included anexperimental taxation of the clergy,listed under ‘Bykeleswade’-Mr. Robert de Stratton, rector;John the Vicar;Chaplains:Thomas Wendeye,Robert Body, John de Cornewaile,John Tanntoft, Thomas French, JohnYate, Roger Balle, StephenStevenes;Clerks: Thomas Edmund,Richard Buntyng, John Mustel,William Donton, William Child andJohn Halsted.

26 BULLETIN APRIL 2012 TEL: 01234 834700 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk‘Walkers are Welcome’ outcome awaitedYOU MAY recall from Februaryand March’s articles that we andSandy Town Council were seekingWalkers are Welcome status forSandy. There are over 70 Walkersare Welcome towns and villagesacross Britain and it brings a numberof benefits. It helps strengthen atown’s reputation as a place for visitorsto come to enjoy the outdoors,bringing useful benefits to the localeconomy. We needed the support ofthe community to help with ourapplication for this status and weasked you to sign a petition, as it wasa requirement that we had to have500 signatures endorsing this action.Thanks to all of you who signedthe petition and also to the Sandypubs, cafes and food outlets andaccommodation providers whokindly assisted us by having petitionson their premises. The signatureswere speedily obtained and thenumber of signatories far exceededthe number required.The application has now beenforwarded to the appropriate bodyand we eagerly wait to hear whetherSandy will become the first town inEast Anglia to gain this importantstatus.gREEnSAnD RIDgE WAlKFESTIVAl: On SUNDAY, 22ndAPRIl to mark the 25th anniversaryof the Greensand Ridge Walk weand Sandy Town Council are hostinga day of celebrations from 9.30amby Steve Purchasepress@sandy-history.org.ukOUR FIRST Open meeting in March wasresounding success, with well over 40 membersand guests attending a most interesting and entertainingpresentation from Stephen Nakonezcny,who the assembled audience a potted history ofthe railways in and around Sandy from earliestbeginnings until modern times. Stephen’s talk wasillustrated with some excellent slides, mostly incolour, showing some interesting historicalinsights into the landscape of yesteryear – much ofwhich has now disappeared due to ‘modernisation’.All in all, a tremendous journey down memorylane.Our programme for 2012 has had to change forlogistical reasons and therefore, please look at therevised events table as shown below and amendyour diaries as necessary.One important point to note: our Marchmeeting was well attended and the car park wasfull outside Quince Court, so please allow a littleextra time if you find you need to park furtherdown the road when our next event is held thereonwards. The Greensand RidgeWalk is Bedfordshire’s premier longdistance walk of some 40 miles andstarts in leighton Buzzard and finishesin Gamlingay.The day of celebrations will beheld in Sandy Town Car Park wherethere will be kiosks and stalls aboutthe countryside and Bedfordshirerural life, local refreshments andmuch much more. There will also beGuided Walks from 10am (Groupsof up to 30 will set off every 15 minutes)to areas of the GreensandRidge Walk within Sandy parish.Please note you will need to book.lEAFlET TO CElEBRATEDIAMOnD JUBIlEE Also on the22nd April, we hope to launch a newpublication to commemorate theDiamond Jubilee of Her MajestyThe Queen. This illustrated leafletwill contain six brand new Walksaround Sandy and its beautiful countryside.These will include aPushchair Walk and a Town Walkand all will vary in length.SUMMER WAlKS: The very popularSummer Guided Walks run bythe Tourist Information Centre arepresently being arranged.There will be three Walks thisyear, plus the Walk in April beingpart of the Greensand Ridge Walk25th anniversary (see above) and inSeptember a walk forming part ofthe Bedfordshire Walking Festival.The Walking Festival is organisedby local Ramblers Groups and therewill be around seventy walks thisyear and these are all free. This yearthe festival is to be held between theSaturday, 8th to Sunday 16thSeptember. like last year, we willlead one of the walks and this will bea new Walk, called ‘The lowfieldWalk’. look out for further detailsRETURnIng TO THE TICSUMMER gUIDED WAlKS:-The first of the three walks to be heldthis year is the very popular visit toSANDYE PlACEWe will visit the riversidegrounds and have a guided tour ofthe interior of this mid 18th centurymansion and hear the history ofSandy’s former manor house. Thiswill take place on Monday, 21st Mayat 7pm (Please see further detailsbelow). The second Walk is presentlybeing arranged. The third walk isa brand new one and we will visitand hear about the historic village ofCARDINGTON – with its connectionswith Whitbread family, theprison reformer, John Howard andits airship heritage. This Walk willtake place on Sunday, 19th August.The cost will be £5 per person.look out for further detailsAUTUMn – WInTER TAlKS: Inview of last years very successfulTalk about RAF Tempsford we willbe arranging three Autumn - WinterTalks this year.The first Talk will be THESandy Historical Research GroupRailways in and around Sandyand please try not to block anyone’s driveways!As you will see below, our next Open meetingis again at Quince Court, on Tuesday 8th May,when Steve Harris, the Blunham historian, will begiving us a presentation on ‘Wartime TempfordAirfield’. This promises to be a very interestingand informative talk and it comes recommendedby another local group who have already had thepleasure of receiving Steve’s talk. Appropriately,the date is the 67th anniversary of VE Day and allof the secret operations sent out from Tempsfordwere into the European theatre of war.We look forward to welcoming those of youwho can make it on the night. Entrance is £2 fornon-members (members FREE) and if you join onthe night, your entrance fee will be refunded. Asusual, refreshments will be available and allSHRG publications will be on sale during theevening. All proceeds from this and future eventsgo toward helping our group to achieve its goal ofa museum for the town – surely a vital element inattracting more visitors to Sandy, as well as providingadditional educational resources for ourstudents.WHITBREAD’S OF SOUTHIll.This fascinating talk will begiven by Sir Samuel Whitbread,who will speak about the history ofthis famous family, their public lifein Bedfordshire over two hundredand fifty years, the story of the breweryand of the family home, SouthillPark. (On one of the TIC SummerWalks held last year a large numberof people enjoyed a guided walk inthe beautiful ‘Capability’ Brownlandscaped parklands). This Talkwill take place on Thursday, 20thSeptember. The cost will be £5 perperson. look out for further detailsThe second talk will be about adifferent aspect of RAF TEMPS-FORD, the famous World War II airfieldwhich flew special agents tooccupied Europe to undertake variousdangerous missions. It will becalled ‘The Stately ‘Omes ofEngland – Buildings used by theSpecial Operations Executive inWorld War II’. like last years talkthis will be given by local historianand author, Bernard O’Connor. ThisTalk will take place on Thursday, 4thOctober. The cost will be £5 per person.look out for further detailsThe third talk is the story of theSANDY TO POTTON RAIlWAY,by local historian George Howe. Wewill hear how this private line wasbuilt by Sandy’s naval hero CaptainSir William Peel, RN, VC and thefestivities that occurred at it openingin 1857 and its subsequent history.This Talk will take place onThursday, 1st November. The costwill be £5 per person.SUMMER gUIDED WAlK -SAnDYE PlACE: Monday, 21stMay. The first of this years SummerGuided Walks will be a Guided Tourof the Grounds and the interior ofSandye Place. This will be held onMonday, 21st May. The GuidedWalk will start at 7.00 pm.We will walk to Sandye Place,now an Academy, but formerly themanor house of Sandy Manor. Thered brick mansion dates from the1750’s, and we will see the remainingparts of the original medievalstone manor house. On this rareoccasion we will be able to tour theinterior of this Georgian house withits delightful panelled rooms.We will then walk in the delightfulgrounds, which retain much oftheir charm as when they were a 35acre wooded park.Please note that booking for thiswalk is essential as numbers are limited.The cost will be £5 per personCHAngE OF OPEnIngHOURS From Monday 2nd April2012 the opening hours willchange to: MOnDAY TO FRI-DAY 10am – 3pm. SATURDAY10am – 2pm. SUnDAY Closed.

TEL: 01234 834700 ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk BULLETIN APRIL 2012 27Rockers are you ready for this?THE first ever all day Rock’n’rollevent held in Biggleswade is onBank Holiday Sunday May 6th.That’s eleven hours of 1950s music fromsome of Europe’s best known tribute bands.The event headed up by Biggles FM’s JimBrady, brings to Biggleswade thelennerockers from Germany, who are one themost active acts in Europe. They have been asupport act for many well-known artists, suchas: Fats Domino, Suzie Quattro, The Jets,Chris Andrews, Johnny and the Hurricances,Hot Chocolate to name just a few of the many,but the diversity of genres illustrates thebreadth of their experience.Also on the bill is Alan Mills andHucklebuck Band (below) and Buddy Hollytribute, Dan Bond. The day has a packed lineup, there will be also be jiving competitions,trade stalls and reasonably priced food anddrink. See page 31 for full details.

28 BULLETIN APRIL 2012 TEL: 01234 834700 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukOPEN EVENINGBiggleswade Air CadetsShortmead Street(Opposite Master Cars Garage and Junction of Sun Street)7.30 - 9.00pmTUESDAY 24th APRIL andTHURSDAY 26th APRILAged between 13-17years old?Pop in to meet new friendsWhat do you do at weekends?WE CAN OFFERFlying/Gliding – Shooting – Adventure WeekendsDuke of Edinburgh Award – and much more…ALL WELCOMEKathy Brown’s GardenSunday April 22nd 12-5pmThe Manor House garden,Church Road,Stevington MK43 7QBCalling All Children to‘Winnie The Pooh’s Picnic’ onSunday April 22nd at The ManorHouse Garden. Childrenare encouraged to bring theirfavourite teddy bear or softtoy along and enjoy honey sandwicheson the lawn along withtheir family and friends. There is aspecial Winnie the Pooh playhousefor them to explore.For the ‘grown ups’ there is asuper spring bulb show to seealong with early blossoms andherbaceous perennials. It will be abeautiful time of year in this lovelyfour acre garden which has notbeen open in spring time for anumber of years. All proceedsfrom the gate and delicious homemade teas going to the NationalGarden Scheme Charities whichsupport Macmillan Nursing andMarie Curie Cancer Care.Entrance for adults is £4.50.Monday June 4th 12-5pmWonderful floral displays areplanned for the Queen’s DiamondJubilee Weekend besides theancient Holy Well withStevington’s very own ‘WellDressing’, a tradition more oftenseen in Staffordshire andBOllYWOODnIgHTat the Viceroy Restaurant01767 312110Monday 16th Aprilin aid of Edward Peake SchoolContactMr Bofor on 07947227443for further informationFRIENDS OF BEDFORDHOSPITALA Flavour of IndiaYou are invited to a two courseThali Style Indian meal at the:Bengal Brasserie,9 The Broadway,Bedford MK40 2TJThursday 26th AprilWelcome drinks from 6.30pm,meals served from 7pmTickets cost £15.00 each,available from:www.aflavourofindia.eventbrite.com(Thali style meal and welcome drink included)Derbyshire. It is 750 years sincethe nuns welcomed pilgrims tostay at the Stevington Hospitiumto bathe their eyes in the crystalclear water; 750 years since theyestablished their vineyard andgarden.In all that time the Holy Wellhas never been known to run dry.The vineyard no longer exists butthe Garden has been revived, notin ancient form but as a moderncountry garden extending to overfour acres with swathes of rosesand clematis on its pergolas andwalls, a wild flower meadow,cottage garden, formal garden andwith colourful displays ofcontainers.Kathy and Simon Brownwould like to celebrate theQueen’s Diamond Jubilee byopening on Monday June 4th witha ‘sparkling’ fun filled garden.This is their 25th year of living inStevington and thus making thegarden, and on this happy occasionthey would like to welcomeas many friends and neighboursand villagers as possible in thehope of raising funds for the refurbishmentof the StevingtonChurch Rooms. Entrance foradults is £4.50, children are free.Don’t miss the delicious DiamondJubilee Cakes and Teas.www.kathybrownsgarden.comPRE-JUBIlEE PIAnOSOIREEA ‘Pig and Piano’ Soiree is beingarranged in the early summer, toraise funds for repairs andmaintenance ofAll Saints' Church, Sutton.The event, which will take placein the beautiful surroundings ofThe Old locomotive, Deepdale(just off the B1042 Potton toSandy road), will be held onSATURDAY 19th Mayso put the date in your diary now!Guests should arrive at 7 pm for7.30 pm and you can order yourlift home for 11 pm.For just £18 each, visitor canenjoy a pork roast (vegetarianoption available on request),followed by dessert.There will be a musicalaccompaniment, and a cash bar.Tickets are available fromFay, on 01767 2617422, orPippa, on 01767 260788

TEL: 01234 834700 ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk BULLETIN APRIL 2012 29The Shuttleworth Collection & Orchestrated ProductionsPresents The Original FlyingPRMSGiftVouchersAvailableBookOnlineSupported bySaturday 18th August 2012Early bird online bookings Adult £26 Child £15 (5-16yrs) until May 31stOnline bookings June 1st - August 17th Adult £29 Child £16 (5-16yrs)Telephone bookings up to the 17th August Adult £31 Child £18 (5-16yrs)On the day Adult £40 Child £25 (5-16yrs)10% discount for 10 persons or more (please telephone)Picnic hampers availableIncludes FREE entry to the Swiss Garden & Bird of Prey CentreAtrulyuniqueexperience-withsensationalflyingdisplaysequencesFull orchestra & spectacular firework finale!Book online - www.shuttleworth.org Save £’sTicket Hotline 01767 627933 / 01767 627927Evenings & Weekends 01223 894566Shuttleworth (Old Warden) Aerodrome Nr Biggleswade Beds SG18 9EP

30 BULLETIN APRIL 2012 TEL: 01234 834700 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.uknCT nEARlY nEW SAlEGrab a bargain at the Spring NCTSaturday 21st April from 2.15pm to 3.30pm atStratton Upper School, Biggleswade.Run by Biggleswade, Sandy & District NCT, the sale will include the usual fantasticrange of nearly new goods for babies and children, including clothes from0-5 years, maternity wear, prams, nursery furniture and equipment pluschildren’s books toys and games.Entrance is £1 per person, and NCT members will be allowed in from 2pm ifthey show their membership card.Cash and credit/debit cards are accepted - cheques can no longer be acceptedfor payment.For more information about selling or volunteering on the day call0844 243 6052 or email nearly_new_sales@biggleswade-nct.org.ukTo find out more about your local NCT - run by local parents for local parents- visit www.biggleswade-nct.org.uk or look us up on Facebook.Royal British legion Sandy BranchJoin the Poppy Appeal Walk around the RSPB Nature ReserveThe Sandy Branch of the Royal British legion raised over £18,000for the Poppy Appeal in 2011. Now walkers from Sandy and surroundingareas are invited to take part in a special sponsored walk to raise furtherfunds for the Poppy Appeal.SPOnSORED WAlKSunday 9th SeptemberWill be held in the beautiful grounds of the RSPB. Roughly six and ahalf miles in length the walk starts with registration at the Queen’s Headpub off the Market Square at 12 noon. Walkers then proceed up to theRSPB Nature Reserve and can then enjoy the beautiful scenery andwildlife on the extensive paths through woodlands and heathland.The walk will finish back at the Queen’s Head where walkers willhave the opportunity to enjoy a selection of tasty food at reasonableprices.Entry to the walk costs £1, payable at the start. More details andsponsor forms are available from the Organiser: Gerald Eva, 1 TheSlade, Wrestlingworth, Beds SG19 2ES,01767 631361 or at geraldeva@yahoo.comA wonderful opportunity for a healthy excursion through some of theCounty’s most beautiful countryside and the opportunity to raise vitalfunds for the Royal British legion Poppy Appeal.CHARITY DInnERWednesday 18th AprilChina Express Restaurant, SandyA CHARITY DINNER IN AID OF THE lEPROSY MISSION.Admission is by ticket only fromColin Osborne, Tel. 01767 682032Attention petrol headsJUST A reminder that the annual‘Classics at the Sharnbrook Hotel’takes place on Sunday 13 May.The event this year will becelebrating Jaguar cars, which arethe guest marque.Also there will be the usualwide selection of British andEuropean classics and Americanmetal to appreciate.If you are Formula One fan youneedn’t miss the Spanish GPeither, as this will be screened livein the Almalfi Suite (bookingrequired).Feeling peckish? There’sSunday lunch or the obligatory pigroast and the licensed bar.MOGGERHANGER PARK WElCOMES NEW FRIENDSThe Friends of Moggerhanger Park invite you to join them for specialCHEESE AnD WInE EVEnIngFriday 20th April at 7.30pm.Come and find out how to be a Friend and learn about the importance ofsupporting the development of this wonderful house and gardens for thegreater benefit of our community.There will be a lighthearted and entertaining talk from Jeremy Musson, thearchitectural historian, writer and broadcaster. Music will be provided by TheDe Parys Trio and there will be brief presentation regarding our excitingrenovation plans.Exclusive membership benefits for 2012 will also be available includingdiscounts on forthcoming special events.Annual Friends Membership Fees are: Individual - £30 and Family: £50(further details available on the evening)Admission to the evening is free but to assist us with catering plans pleaseconfirm your attendance by contacting us at:Email: friends@moggerhangerpark.comTel: 01767 641007D AT E F O R Y O U R D I A R YBIGGLESWADESPORTS MEETING62nd Annual Athletic &Grass Track & Cycle MeetingUNDER AAA RULES RULES – BCF LAWSFAIRFIELD, BIGGLESWADE1pm SATURDAY 14th JULY 2012TRACK EVENTS FOR ALL AGES MALE AND FEMALEFor more information:Des Ball, Event Secretary Tel: 01767 313790

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Bedfordshire’s Best Kept Wedding SecretTelephone: 01767 626244Email: weddings@themansionhouse.orgWeb: www.themansionhouse.orgThe Mansion HouseOld Warden ParkOld WardenBedfordshire SG18 9DX