BB Jan 2011.pdf - Biggleswade Rugby Club

Issue 1 Volume 2 JANUARY 2011 10,000 Delivered FREE

2 BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN JANUARY 2011 TELEPHONE: 01234 843905 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukBiggleswadeTOWN COUNCILTOWN MAYOR’SENGAGEMENTS:18 January – Road Victims TrustAnniversary Gala Concert.21 January – Talking Newspaper,Abbotsbury Day Centre.?Do you know yourlocal Councillor?WARDCllr David Albone ..................................IvelCllr Mrs Rose Forbes ..................StrattonCllr Mrs Sheila Grayston ...............HolmeCllr Ms Rebecca Kerfoot ............StrattonCllr David Lawrence ...................StrattonCllr Mrs Jane Lawrence........................IvelCllr Peter Rook......................................IvelCllr Rex Skinner.....................................IvelCllr David Smith ..............................HolmeCllr Mrs Wendy Smith ..........................IvelCllr Peter Vickers.............................HolmeCllr Steven Watkins.........................HolmeCllr George Wilson......................StrattonCllr Peter Woodward ..................StrattonCllr Tim Woodward...............................IvelBIGGLESWADE TOWN COUNCILMEETING DATES:COUNCIL MEETING–Tuesday 25 January 2011PLANNING–Tuesday 8 February 2011COUNCIL MEETING–Tuesday 22 February 2011All Meetings commence at 7.00pm in theCOUNCIL CHAMBER, SAFFRON ROAD,BIGGLESWADEAll members of the public arewelcome to attendGENERAL MARKETSon the Market SquareTuesdays and Saturdays — 8am-4pmFARMERS’ MARKETSWednesday 16 FebruaryWednesday 16 MarchWednesday 20 AprilMarket Square9am – 2pm.(For Farmers’ Market informationcontact: Sue 01767 313134)Biggleswade Town CouncilThe Old Court House, 4 Saffron RoadBiggleswade SG18 8DLTel: 01767 313134 Fax: 01767 601188Email: enquiries@biggleswadetowncouncil.gov.ukwww.biggleswadetowncouncil.gov.uk

TELEPHONE: 01234 843905ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukTalking Newspaperlaunches its new websiteCHAIRMAN Nick Gurney explains:“We are delighted to have launchedour new website www.biggleswadetalkingnewspaper.org.uk this is partof the management committee’spush to make people more aware ofthis free service.“The website explains who theservice is for and has point of contactdetails, to enquire about the service.We hope that the website will bringmore new listeners who can receivethe weekly tape recordings takenfrom the ‘Biggleswade Chronicle’newspaper.“The website is only part ofraising the profile of theBiggleswade Talking NewspaperService to partially sighted people inthe Biggleswade and District Area,a poster campaign is planned in thenext few months as well.”Christmas cheer from ToyboxA GROUP of children from the afterschool club at Toybox Day Nurseryin Biggleswade made a visit to theresidents at the BiggleswadeHospital on Potton Road inDecember. The children had collectedbiscuits, sweets, fruit and squashto make up two large hampers to giveto the ladies and gentlemen forChristmas. Along with this they hadalso made a Christmas card of anangel made from their handprints.We took the hampers to the hospitalafter school and presented them tothe residents and nursing staff.Before the children left they sang‘We wish you a merry Christmas’before we bid them Merry Christmasand left then to investigate thehampers.Thanks go to all those whohelped sponsor the hampers.NUMBER PLATES TAKENRegistration plates were removedfrom a vehicle in Church Street,overnight on 1st January. The vehiclewas a Blue, R registered,Peugeot.A second set of plates were takenfrom a vehicle in Church Street, onMonday the 3rd January. The vehiclewas a Beige, S registered, Astra.BLUES CLUBCHANGESNIGHTSTHE continuing popularity ofBiggy Blues Club has promptedthe club organisers to move the gignights to the first Friday in themonth, allowing more people toattend. The club has also got itsown Facebook page where forthcomingevents can be seen.London based five piece bandBig Mamma’s Door are appearing atBiggleswade Rugby Club on Friday4th February, with doors opening at8pm. Writing in Blues In London,Paul Atkinson said: “Fiona McElroywhipped the crazy crowd into aclamour. Her gutsy vocals werematched by playful Irish banterbetween numbers and she ably frontsthe band and engages the crowd.Sharing a few songs with Malcolmgives Big Mamma’s Door breadthand interest and the crowd had nochoice but to enjoy things enormously.“The Friday 4th March showpromises a very different style whenThe Paul Garner Band play.The band will be playing tracksfrom their new album ‘What ColourWill You See’, having had anexhaustive 2010 playing around theworld including in France, Japan andAustralasia. Once again, doors atBiggleswade Rugby Club open at8pm and organiser John Thoday canbe contacted on 07920 863913.Many, manythanksBIGGLESWADE Sandy Lionswould like to say a very big ‘thankyou’to all who helped and supportedour tin shakes, sleigh runs and ourhugely successful Christmas dance –we’ve already booked the same bandfor this year. The weather put a stopto one tin shake and the secondBiggleswade sleigh run, but we stilldistributed a record 250 parcels tothe lonely and needy. We are gratefulto Langford Garden Centre forSanta’s Grotto and to Asda andSainsburys for the tin shakes. Manythanks too to G&M Growerswho also with Aldi, Jordans,Bedfordshire Growers and theGuides provided the food, notforgetting Rainbow Rentals for theuse of a van.Our next event is our annualJumble Sale at Clifton CommunityCentre on 19th February when thedoors will open at 1.30pm. This isthe only Jumble Sale we do eachyear, so we make sure it is a big onewith plenty of clothes, bric a brac,books and jigsaws. So, make a notein your diary now, please.For more information aboutBiggleswade Sandy Lions telephoneRoger Wolburn on 01462 814967.BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN JANUARY 2011 3Published monthly, with acirculation of 10,000 – handdelivered to homes inBiggleswade, and selecteddrops in Wrestlingworth,Sandy, Potton, Langford,Gamlingay, Sutton andDunton.The editorial team welcomecontributions from thepublic but will use itsdiscretion and edit whereappropriate withoutreference to the author.Biggleswade Bulletinaccepts no liability for anyof the views expressed inthis magazine. BiggleswadeBulletin is an independentmagazine with no affiliationto any other organisation.Published by© Biggleswade Bulletin,1 Union Park,Triumph Way,Kempston, MK42 7QB.Tel: 01234 843905Fax: 01234 843901EDITORIAL:editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukADVERTISING:advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukOrigination by LG Digital Ltd,1 Union Park, Triumph Way,Kempston MK42 7QBPrinted by The Nuffield Press21 Nuffield Way, Abingdon,Oxfordshire.Issue 1 Volume 2 JANUARY 2011 10,000 Delivered FREEFRONT COVER PICTURE:St Andrew’s Church lookingmagnificent in the recentsnow.Photo: Keith Mayhew

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

TELEPHONE: 01234 843905BIGGLESWADE Sea Cadets hasbeen in existence as a uniformedyouth organisation since 1936,offering opportunities and a hugeamount of fun for childrenbetween the ages of 10-18yrs.Cadets get to join in with our vastarray of boating activities, fromcanoeing, pulling (like rowing) topower-boating, sailing and windsurfing along with shooting, cooking,communications and rope-work,amongst many other aspects, gainingnationally recognised qualificationsand knowledge which benefits eachcadet everyday. The unit also likes toHOMEBRIGHTADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukencourage the cadets to join in withother activities including RemembranceParade, led by the unit andunit band, Go-karting, AdventureTraining and Assault courses.In the last six months cadets havehad many exciting opportunities forexample sailing The Sea CadetCorps own Tall Ship, TS Royalist, onboard which they get a taste of whatit was like to sail during Nelson’stime including climbing the rigging,pulling up sails, climbing up to thecrows nest as well as steering theship. Similar experiences can be hadon board the Sea Cadet Corps othersmall yachts and power vessels withinthe offshore fleet. During the voyages(often going abroad) the Cadetshave the opportunity to gain internationallyrecognised Royal YachtingAssociation (RYA) or British CanoeUnion (BCU) Qualifications. TheCadets have also been up to Scotlandto gain experience and awards firingthe SA80 rifle, the UK Armedforces’ assault rifle. This experienceis conducted on UK Forces approvedrifle ranges by qualified rangeinstructors. We also take part in severalcompetitions during the year,most recently our junior boys footballteam beat all the other teams inthe District to get to the Eastern Area5-a-side tournament next month.Our Parents and Friends committeeare continually busy preparingfor our monthly (1st Saturday of theYour local cleaningcompanyHOMEBRIGHTFully vetted andinsured cleaners ataffordable ratesmonth) Coffee Morning, join us on aSaturday morning between 10-12,for coffee, cake and a chance tobrowse around the various stalls. Ifyour interested in helping ourParents and Friends committeeplease contact us.2011 is looking to be an evenmore successful year than 2010, withBIGGLESWADE BULLETIN JANUARY 2011 5Sea Cadets offer youngsters huge amounts of funCARPET &UPHOLSTERYCLEANINGPrompt Reliable &Courteous ServiceWe use the very latestProfessional Equipment givingyou Cleaner Healthier FresherCarpets & UpholsteryAt home or at workmore boating, shooting, expeditiontraining, competitions and fun. Wehave something for everyone and ifyou’re interested in seeing what weare about please join us on a Tuesdayevening at 1900 at TS Duchess, 4Station Road, Biggleswade orcontact us on biggleswade.scc@btinternet.com.Biggleswade Health Centre:working harder to serve patientsTHE rising number of patients registeringwith the Practice has led to anincreased demand for appointmentsover the past few years.In order to address this, we havechanged the way appointments can bebooked. Patients can now bookappointments with their chosen doctorup to four weeks in advance, subject tothe doctors’ availability. It is no longernecessary to telephone at 8.00am tosecure an appointment, unless the individualwould like to be seen on thesame day. We would encouragepatients who wish to book ahead totelephone from 11.00am onwards sothat they can be served more quickly.The computer system has also beenupgraded to make appointment bookinga more rapid process.To improve our service to patientswho work and have to commute, wehave also been providing early and lateweekday appointments for the lasttwelve months. Appointments areavailable from 7am to 8am, and alsofrom 6.30pm to 8.00pm. These canalso now be booked up to four weeks inadvance.In addition, we have increased thenumber of staff answering the telephoneat peak times, and madeimprovements to our reception andwaiting areas.We are also delighted to announcethat a new lady doctor will be joiningour partnership in March of this year.She will be working four days a week,thus further increasing the availablenumber of appointments.This is a brief resume of our effortsso far, and we will be continuing thiswork with a clear focus on furtherimproving services provided to ourpatients. To this end, we would verymuch welcome patients’ feedback andin particular are looking for patients tojoin our Patient Participation Group.Please contact our practice managerJenny Morley if you are interested.COMPREHENSIVEACCOUNTANCY SERVICESWith 15 years experience of advisingBiggleswade; contact us for advice on:■ Self Assessment■ Accounts preparation■ VAT■ PAYEFor a free initial meeting at a time to suit you call01767 600646 or Email: bb-post@hyde-lewis.co.uk● Carpet Cleaning● Upholstery Cleaning● Stain Protection● Specialist Spot & StainRemoval● Fully InsuredCall Jim for a FREE quoteOffice 01767 222141Mob 07807 452974■ Weekly house cleans■ One off spring cleans■ Ironing serviceCall Angela for aFREE quoteOffice 01767 222141Mob 07807 452974Chartered Certified Accountants – Registered Auditors45 Shortmead Street, Biggleswade, Beds SG18 0ATTel: 01767 600646 Fax: 01767 600630www.hyde-lewis.co.ukEmail: bb-post@hyde-lewis.co.uk

6 BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2010 TELEPHONE: 01234 843905 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukBIGGLESWADE IVEL EVENING TOWNSWOMEN GUILDCHAIRMAN Chris Davies welcomedmembers to the Christmas meeting ofthe Biggleswade Ivel EveningTownswomen Guild Meeting on 13thDecember. Birthday greetings weregiven to Joan Chelley and PaulineDover.The evening commenced with aminutes silence in remembrance ofAnn Fox, a member of the guild forseveral years, and who passed awayrecently. A donation in her memory,has been sent to Cancer Care UK.Several members attended theRemembrance Day Parade and laid awreath on behalf of guild members.The Anniversary dinner at the FiveBells at Henlow was very well attendedand enjoyed by all. The Novemberwalk which was also held at Henlow,with lunch, once again, at the FiveBells. Members were reminded tocomplete and hand to the secretary aquestionnaire about their use ofcheques. The questionnaire has beenorganised by Federation as part oftheir ongoing concerns regarding theproposed abolition of cheques.The Chairman reported that shehad been to see Joyce Gauge, a formermember who was now housebound,and who would welcome a visit fromany of her old friends. AlexArmstrong, for many years aChairman of the guild, has now movedout of the area and the guild have senther a Christmas card.Liz Stirratt called for volunteers inorder that we could enter a team in thisyears Swimathon to be held inFebruary.The Chairman reported on therecent Federation Meeting she attended.The Arts & Crafts Festival on the30th October was very successful.Eight guilds took part and theyreceived a hundred entries. MrsDavies came third overall and she hasbeen invited to show her AustrianSpice Work to other guilds. A trip hasbeen arranged to see Legally Blonde atthe Savoy Theatre on the 31st March.The summer special will feature a decoratedgarden boot and the CarolService had been held in Hitchin onthe 11th December. The FederationAGM has been arranged for the 29thApril, but as this clashes with theRoyal wedding it will probably be rearranged.Further appeals were madefor the ‘Treats for the Troops’, in additionto knitted hats and gloves, they arenow requiring socks and toiletries. TheS hamusB urtenshawD ecoratingS ervicestoiletries should be no bigger than250ml. Federation no longer wantblankets for the fistular appeal as theynow have 2,700 in storage.The meeting over members werethen able to partake of the very substantialbuffet all provided by themembers themselves. Bobby Ballorganised two very funny sketches, thefirst entitled ‘Cinderella’ was read byBobby, Anne Jones, Pam Peacock,Ann Taylor and Gwyneth Lawton. Thesecond entitled ‘The Failures’ wasread by Bobby, Anne Jones and PamPeacock. There ensued a great deal oflaughter.As in previous years membersbrought a present for the patients ofPotton Road Hospital and these wouldbe delivered soon.Two quizzes ran during theevening, the first was won by BobbyBall, Viv Palmer, Gwyneth Lawton,Joyce Bilcock, Joan Chelley and thesecond by Brenda Brown, BrendaCameron, Maeve O’Malley, JoanStump and Barbara Rowlands.The competition for the evening,‘decorated sweets’ was won by BobbyBall, second Chris Davies and thirdAnne Jones. The sweets were to beincluded in the Christmas presents forPotton Road Hospital. There weremany raffle winners as the tabledecorations, provided by Chris Daviesand Diane Keen, were included in theraffle, winners were: Pat Saunders,Joan Stump, Pam Peacock, RosemaryBadley, Diane Keen, MargaretHennegan, Joy Cooper, YvonneCrane, Sheila Mills, Margaret Harper,Joyce Bilcock, Ann Taylor and JoanChelley.STATION GETS THETHUMBS UP FROM MPALISTAIR Burt, MP, has offered hiscongratulations to Biggleswade railstation after it was accredited under theSecure Stations Scheme.Alistair said: “I would like to congratulateBiggleswade rail station fortheir hard work in conjunction with theBritish Transport Police in securinghigh security standards. It is essentialthat both passengers and railway stafffeel safe in using train station facilities,and that individual stations work hardto prevent crime and manage it in away that minimises its impact on victims.I am delighted that Biggleswaderail station has succeeded in implementingeffective security measures.”Shamus BurtenshawTel: 01767 680762M: 07972 622305Alan SpindlerTel: 01767 681099M: 07903 564834• Over 65 years combined experience• City and Guilds Qualified• Interior and Exterior• Domestic and commercial• All Aspects of Wallpapering• New & Refurbishment Work• Insurance Work Welcome• Clean & Conscientious • Professional & Friendly• Reliable Service • Free Estimates & AdviceIVEL VALLEY U3ACHAIRMAN Anne Jones welcomedmembers of the Ivel ValleyU3A meeting on Tuesday, 14thDecember at Holmemead Schoolcanteen. She announced thatPresident Alex Armstrong hadmoved near to Canterbury to be nearher family. A signed Christmas cardhad been sent. The secretary haddetails of the National SummerSchools for members to peruse. Thetreasurer reminded members thatthe subscriptions were due. The nextart group meeting will be inFebruary.Anne Jones introduced thespeaker, Wendy Walters, who was totalk about Places we’ve visited andpeople we’ve met. She began bysaying that so many of her memoriesinvolved visiting churches and talkingto various people attached tothem. She had spent a lovely holidayin Wales where they had spoken topeople who had connections withthe Bedfordshire area. She had visitedKent where an entire evensonghad been organised around them andthey had been made to feel the mostwelcome of visitors. Prague and theBook of Remembrance had broughtback the most poignant memories oftheir son Matthew. Even visitingAustralia had introduced them toprevious inhabitants of our region.They had been lucky enough to takepart in the Service of Remembrancefor Dame Thora Hird where theyhad celebrated her life with the greatand the good (according to RogerRoyal) to whom they had spokenafter the service. She urged themembers to go to London on anopen day where public buildingswere open for inspection. She suggestedthat you travel the smallalleyways and courtyards and openyour minds to the different aspectsof life that can be found. Anne Jonesgave the vote of thanks for a veryinteresting and unusual talk.Closing the meeting, Anne Joneswished all a very Merry Christmasand Happy NewYear.Sandy Tourist Information CentreWINTER is a time for cold, often wetand sometimes even snowy days andnights.On these dark days why not perusethe vast range of holiday brochures andattraction leaflets which we stock forevery part of the United Kingdom andplan a spring, summer or autumnbreak, a weekend away or a day out.At your Tourist Information Centrein Sandy we are now beginning toreceive new brochures for 2011.The brochures we hold here inSandy TIC cover the whole country –all points north including the majesticmountains and glens of Scotland, to themoors, hills and coasts of Yorkshireand the great cities of Liverpool andYork. Or head westwards to thePrincipality of Wales with its wonderfulscenery, coasts and ancient castles.Visit the western counties of Englandand see the Georgian city of Bath or thedramatic coasts of Devon andCornwall, or head south with theseaside towns of Hastings andBournemouth or the cathedral cities ofWinchester and Canterbury. Soak upthe peace of Eastern England with thesmall towns and villages of Suffolk orsuch bird spotting paradises as Cley onthe coast of North Norfolk or enjoy thepleasures of the great holiday resort ofGreatYarmouth.In the centre of England see thewarmth of the golden stone villages ofthe Cotswolds and tour historic‘Shakespeare Country’. There are somany other places just waiting for youto visit.Why not leave the car at home andtravel by coach. We act as bookingagents for local coach companies,Safford’s and Barfordian for both theirday trips and holidays and both companiespick up in Biggleswade andSandy.We will soon be receiving theirbrochures for this year so call in andpick up a holiday brochure and bookthat holiday in Great Britain or inEurope or pick up the day excursionleaflet and enjoy a day trip to the manyattractions, towns and cities in thiscountry.If you enjoy a train journey – whynot buy a Daysave ticket and travelfrom Bedford to enjoy the delights ofthe seaside city of Brighton with itsfamous antique shops and the grandeurof the Royal Pavilion, etc.The off peak tickets can only bepurchased here or at certain otherTourist Information Centres. On itsway to Brighton the train stops at anumber of stations, including GatwickAirport and many people buy this ticketto give themselves a cheaper andeasier journey to and from the airport.Please note that there is a timerestriction on journeys between 10amand midnight from Monday to Friday.At the time of writing this articlethe prices are £15 for an adult dayreturn, £2 for a child (up to 4 years) anda group ticket for four people is £40.There is also a ticket called a Flyaway,which is an alternative ticket for use onjourneys to or from Gatwick. TheFlyaway allows four people to travelduring peak times and is valid for onemonth – the cost is £75. Please notethat the ticket prices normally increasein January and no doubt will this yearand so please call in or contact us forup to date information and details.One of our many visitors called theCentre ‘an Aladdin’s cave’ – come andsee for yourself – call into SandyTourist Information Centre, Rear of 10Cambridge Road, Sandy.Opening times: Monday andFriday, 9.45am-4.30pm; Tuesday,Wednesday and Saturday, 9.45am-3.00pm. Cosed: Thursday and Sunday.Lloyd’s Evening Post: London– Monday, June 22, 1795A farmer at Biggleswade, inBedfordshire, has arrived atperfection in the art of hatchingducks. He places the eggs uponwool, in a kind of stove erectedfor the purpose, the heat ofwhich is carefully regulated by athermometer. From the eggs laidby seventeen ducks he last yearraised near five hundred youngones.

TELEPHONE: 01234 843905ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukBIGGLESWADE BULLETIN JANUARY 2011 7VALENTINE’SDAYBOOKINGSNow beingtakenThursday 10thto Monday 14th kept secretA unique 300 year old Malting Barn that has been tastefully transformed into a luxurious coffee lounge, Wine bar and BistroWe are open all week9am to 11pm Monday through Saturday10am to 10pm Sunday -diners)Weekend reservations advisableTea & Coffee Breakfast Brunch & Lunch Afternoon & Cream Tea Deli & Cold TapasBistro & Hot Tapas Fine Wines & Premium Spirits Champagne & Cocktails Continental BeersExperience the relaxed atmosphere in our tranquil courtyard or on our balcony while we serve you with a glass of wine or mayb e a glass of champagneLocated on Church Street next door to ASDA, behind The Crown Hotel, Biggleswade - Bedswww.loungebiggleswade.co.uk Reservations: 01767 221063 / 0870 760 5019 BREAKFASTBISTRO & LUNCHHOT & COLD TAPASTRADITIONAL BREAKFAST 6.95GORMET BURGERSCLASSIC OLIVESOPENING HOURS9am to 11pmMonday – Saturday10am to 10pmSundayFood served all DayThe Lounge has free high speedWiFi.VEGETARIAN BREAKFAST 5.95EGGS BENEDICT 6.95EGGS FLORENTINE 6.95OMELETTE 4.95DIPPY EGGS 4.95BACON SANDWICH 3.95SAUSAGE SANDWICH 3.95TOASTED BREAKFAST CLUB 5.45TOASTED ENGLISH MUFFIN 2.40BAGELSMultigrain, Cinnamon or plain with butter 2.00preserves, marmite, or cream cheese 2.50with Smoked salmon and cream cheese 5.50ITALIAN PANATONE 2.40ORGANIC MUESLi 3.25PORRIDGE 3.00FRESH FRUIT SALAD 3.95CHAMPAGNE BREAKFASTSmoked salmon, scrambled eggs on toastedciabatta and fresh strawberries with organicyoghurt served with a glass ofVeuve Clicquot Brut 12.00 Veuve Clicquot Rose 14.00Pre booking advisedUpcoming celebrationor special eventMaltings Classic 6.45Avocado Bacon 8.45Chicken 6.45Camembert & Cranberry 8.20VegetarianMushroom 7.25Veggie & Camembert 7.85Organic Moroccan Lamb 7.95Ostrich 7.95Buffalo 8.95WINTER WARMERSHomemade Maltings Soup 3.95Beef Chilli 5.95Welsh Rarebit 4.95PASTALasagne 5.95Ask about today's choice.Pasta of the Day 5.95Ask about today's specialPenne Bufala 7.95PLATTERSPloughman's Lunch 8.95Maltings Meat Platter 9.95CLASSIC SANDWICHESMature Cheddar 4.75Wiltshire Ploughman's 5.50Atlantic Prawn 6.00Vinci OlivesHot Chilli OlivesSpecial OlivesMEDITERRANEAN SPECIALITIESStuffed Vine LeavesSun Blushed TomatoesGrilled MushroomsGrilled Zucchini & AuberginesMix It Up Meze1 for 2.95 2 for 5.50 3 for 7.95 4 for 9.95FISHMarinated AnchoviesTuna Bell PeppersSweet Chilli King PrawnsMix It Up Meze1 for 3.55 2 for 6.50 3 for 9.25 4 for 11.75MEATJamón Serranno or Parma Ham 5.95TO COMPLIMENTDipping Breads 3.95Bread and Alioli 2.45Hummus 3.55VEGETARIANRoast Baby Potatoes 3.50Creamed Spinach Croquetas 3.90Mediterranean Vegetables 3.90Green Beans with Pine Kernels 3.90Mushrooms 3.90Balsamic Tomato 3.60Broccoli Picanto 3.90Mixed leaf side salad 3.75Greek Salad 4.25Coronation Chicken 5.50MEATWhy not organise your event atTuna Mayonnaise 5.00Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato 5.75Maltings Club 8.00GOURMET BAGELSLamb Cutlets 7.50Croquetas 3.90Meatballs 3.85Chorizo al Vino 4.95Chicken and Chorizo Skewers 4.50CANAPÉ RECEPTIONS BIRTHDAYSANNIVERASRIES BUSINESS MEETINGS The Classic 5.50Manhattan Club 4.95Stars & Stripes 4.95Cream Cheese classic 2.95Lamb Kofta meatballs 4.95Croquetas Mixtas 6.50FISHPrawn Skewers 5.95Please ask for Arika or John for informationCall 01767 221063 for detailsinfo@loungebiggleswade.co.ukwww.facebook.com : the lounge, biggleswadeBAKED JACKET POTATOPlain with butter 4.50Choice of fillings from 6.00Prices include VAT and are subject to changeCod Piquillos & Croqueta 4.50Tiger Prawns in Sherry 6.50Fresh Fish Cakes 4.95Paella 6.95A service charge is applied to tables of 6 or more

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

TELEPHONE: 01234 843905ABE award forSCARE partnersBEDFORDSHIRE and Luton Fireand Rescue Service (BLFRS) haswon a national award for its groundbreaking work in reducing schoolfires by 75%.The Association of BuildingEngineers (ABE) Fire SafetyAwards2010 acknowledges the work carriedout by BLFRS in promoting thefitting of sprinklers in schools. Inparticular the judges praised thepartnership work with the threeunitary authorities who helped providevaluable data that led to BLFRSin conjunction with Beds Police toassess the real risk of arson inschools. That activity resulted in thecreation of the School Crime andArson Risk Evaluation (SCARE)project and a Memorandum ofUnderstanding supporting the installationof sprinklers in new schools.Representatives of all the organisationsinvolved were invited to anawards ceremony in London at theDocklands Hilton Hotel.Chief Fire Officer Paul Fullersaid: “This is an excellent demonstrationof how an effective partnershipcan deliver significant results.”The lessons learnt during theproject are being shared with Fireand Rescue Services across the UK.‘Posties’ getMP’s voteTHE snowy conditions in Decemberfound Alistair Burt, MP, using asledge and a small helper in theshape of his grand-daughter toensure that Christmas cards made itto the post box.Alistair said: ‘I am immenselygrateful for all the hard work andeffort put in by the local postal teamsto get post both collected anddelivered at this busy time of year, insome very challenging circumstancesdue to the cold snap. I knowmany are working extra shifts andhours to ensure all the letters andparcels arrive in time for Christmas,and that will make all the differenceto my constituents in north eastBedfordshire.’ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukBIGGLESWADE BULLETIN JANUARY 2011 9Christmas lights switch onLARGE crowds attended the annual Christmaslights ‘switch-on’ last month, they braved theextreme cold to ‘count down’ and see the lightsswitched on by the Mayor, Cllr Wendy Smith.Photography by: Rowland WhiteYOUR LOCAL FAMILYBUSINESSA. J. DAYBUILDING MAINTENANCE• Plumbing• Tiling• Plastering• Painting &decorating• Carpentry• Alterations• Kitchens• Bathrooms• Insurance work• Free estimates• Free call out• Free adviceTel: 01767 314445/07802 530951

10 BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN JANUARY 2011 TELEPHONE: 01234 843905 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk

12 BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN JANUARY 2011 TELEPHONE: 01234 843905 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukBusy year at John O’Gaunt – continued from last monthSUNDAY 4th July was Captain’s Dayat John O’Gaunt Golf Club. More than400 club members and Captain’sGuests contributed to making ClubCaptain Phil Pentelow’s big day a greatsuccess. 4 Ball Better Ball competitionswere played on both courses whichwere presented in great conditiondespite the continued hot dry weatherguaranteed to make the job of HeadGreenkeeper Nigel Broad with and hishard working team even more difficult.Captain Phil oversaw events throughoutthe day touring the courses on boardhis suitably adorned buggy accompaniedby different members of his familydispensing refreshment and ensuringcorrect use of the Mulligans purchasedby the players with the funds goingtowards Phil’s chosen charities.Prize winners on the day were: JohnO’Gaunt Course. 1st Bill Hunter andJohn Seed with 43 points on count backahead of in 2nd place StephenRollinson and Jon Lichfield and in 3rdplace with the same score John Holdenand Richard Harris. 4th were RichardBurton and Ian Dilley with 42 pointsand one point further back Neil Brownand Andy Fage. Nearest the Line on the17th Hole was John Lichfield andNearest the Pin on the 10th and 16thHoles respectively were Ian McAinshand Jim Harrington. On the CarthagenaCourse the Winners were RyanFlorence and Stuart Hutchinson with46 points two in front of Jim Kerr andJoseph Ogunremi who were second oncount back ahead of Lorna Jerome andCarolyn Hawker with Andy and JoyStepney 4th all with 44 points. 5th wereIan and Chris Billington with 43 points.Nearest the Line on the 10th Fairwaywas Rose Wrench and nearest the Pinon he 2nd and 13th Greens respectivelywere Colin Fox and Jim Kerr. TheJuniors played an 11 hole StablefordCompetition as part of Captains daywhich was won by Harry Warmouthwith 36 points ahead of Daniel Haughwho was 2nd with 31 points. The winnersof The three putting competitionswere: Best Lady, Laura Collin, BestMan, Steve Hillier and the Best Juniorwas won by Mark Slater.It was a fairly safe bet that LadiesCaptains Day on Sunday 25 July wouldbe pink but no-one could have predictedjust how fantastic the pink extravaganzacreated byVice Captain, CarolynWaters, for Cess Holden’s day wouldbe. Carolyn and the Ladies Committeeworked really hard before the day toturn the clubhouse into a pink palace,and Cess and her family were greetedby a guard of honour wearing pinksparkly Stetsons. After a champagnebreakfast, Cess and Carolyn toured thecourse despatching refreshments in thepinkest, sparkliest buggy ever, designedby Jacqui Davidson and Kay Partridge,whilst puppies, Smokey [no] andBandit, waited at the half way house toensure that every player received acomplimentary lick.The format of the day was a teamstableford pink ball (what else?!) andthe winners were Emma Stevenson,Laura Collin, Rosemary Kimber andChris Billington. After the prize giving,the Ladies Captain was escorted to thefirst tee for some fun and frolics and theall-important “Drive In”. The LadiesCommittee had put together a song forthe occasion and were all in fine voicegiving a modified rendition of an oldclassic “Lily The Pink”. Keeping themusical theme going MartinStackemann had constructed “TheWall” (Pink Floyd) and Cess had to hita series of shots over and through thepink wall. Successfully negotiated itcame down to the final shot of theday… the drive in. Cess launched oneof her best drives of the year some 265yards down the fairway. Many of themen in the crowd looked envious. Itwas the perfect end to a perfect day.On Saturday 14 August MichaelRoad, Mark Wharton, Richard Harrisand Nigel Tarn represented the Club inthe Leslie Randall Team Trophy eventat South Beds Golf Club. The team triumphedin first place ahead of the hostclub’s team while Michael Road tookthe individual prize with rounds of 67and 68.On Friday 20 August JohnO’Gaunt’s junior team came frombehind to make a successful defence ofthe Bedfordshire County TavistockTrophy. Because they were the holders,JOG hosted the final and hoped thathome advantage would help againstsome very low handicap players fromtheir rivals, Stockwood Park, Tilsworthand Leighton Buzzard. In the event, theaway players recorded the better grossscores, withAdam Bartlett of Tilsworthshooting a superb gross 73 in verywindy conditions. By the time fourplayers were home from each club,JOG were 10 strokes behind Tilsworthand 6 behind Stockwood, with grossscores of 82 from Hugo Christie and 79from Shaun Allin. This left everythingdown to the nett scores of the final twoplayers from each club. While theTilsworth and Stockwood teams foundtrouble on almost every hole, WillWorboys and Josh Pearson hit fairwayafter fairway and finished with nettscores of 71 and 69 respectively. Thisturned the tables in a big way, with JohnO’Gaunt recording a final total of 301,ahead of Tilsworth on 309, StockwoodPark on 312 and Leighton Buzzard on328. Of course, this means anotherhome final – but there is the significantmatter of qualifying from the groupstages to deal with first!Earlier in theweek, the annual Bogey Putter competitionwas supported by 30 juniors andproduced a really close finish. HugoChristie recorded an excellent score of3 up, one behind Josh Pearson.However, 3 boys managed to get to 5 upwith the result being decided on countback.Mark Slater’s better back 9 relegatedNick Carragher to third, but Markwas himself outdone by Peter Rogan,whose par on the final hole earned hima win in his first singles competitionsince joining the club earlier this summer.John O’Gaunt’s Junior Section celebratedtheir annual Captain’s Day onMonday 23 August when almost 50 ofthe playing membership had the run ofthe courses for the day. There wereexcellent performances throughout. Inthe morning, Harry Warmoth securedhis fourth win of the year, scoring 18Stableford points in 10 holes to win theJunior Captain’s Jug by a single pointfrom Ben Trosser and Ben Williams.While he was doing this, NickCunningham recaptured his early seasonform in a round of 71 gross, to winthe Junior Captain’s Shield. TheCaptain’s Cup for the best nett scorewas won by Catherine Sparrow with anoutstanding nett 53, reducing her handicapby 10 strokes in a single round.Catherine has now achieved a fullLadies’ handicap within eight monthsof becoming a junior member. Secondplace in the Cup was won by AndrewBage on 61, with Olivia Cornick thirdon 66In the afternoon, the players wereput into mixed handicap teams for a 9hole Texas Scramble competition.Although severely hampered by twoheavy showers, two teams recordedidentical scores of 29.8, with HugoChristie, WillAllwright, Chris Corriganand Josh Scandrett edging out NickCunningham, Will Worboys, HarryBoyd and Harrison Bedford on countback.Afterthe competition, the playersgathered for a meal and the prize giving,where Junior Captain Josh Billingsand Club Captain Phil Pentelow presentedprizes to all competitors, thesehaving been kindly donated by JOGmembers and parents of existing juniors.Two days lateralter it proved to bethe year for home players to dominatethe winners’ lists at the Junior Opencompetitions. A high quality field fromseventeen clubs, some travelling fromas far away as Edinburgh and Cumbriaarrived to find a damp course playingvery long and steady rain setting in forthe afternoon, which gave the latestarters a tough time.The girls’ competitionrapidly resolved itself into a battlebetween Katherine Carragher of JOGand Dulcie Sverdloff of Thorpe Hall.Eventually Dulcie prevailed by twostrokes with a thirty-six hole total of160. Katherine won the prize for bestnett performance with a score of 142.Her morning round (gross 79) won thequalifying competition for the DailyTelegraph’s Abu Dhabi Championship.The boys’ Trophy was even moreclosely fought, with two JOG playersleaving the rest of the field trailing 14strokes behind. At lunchtime, NickCunningham held a three stroke leadover Hugo Christie, having securedhimself the Abu Dhabi prize with a twounder par 69. Midway through theafternoon round, Nick had stretched hislead to four, but Hugo stormed backwith three consecutive birdies from the14th hole. The pair tied on 143 gross for36 holes and entered a sudden deathplay-off. After two long tee shots, Nickcurled his approach around a tree togive himself a comfortable par, whileHugo’s pitch clipped a branch, leavinghim in a difficult position from whichhe could not quite manage the necessarychip and putt to extend the play-offto a second hole. The under-15 scratchprize went to Connor Haynes of StNeots, with a creditable total of 159,whilst Finbar Dalton of Loretto Collegewon the 36 hole nett prize on 137.Gross scores of 76 won prizes for JackMcRea of Workington (morning) andAaron Roberts of Pavenham Park(afternoon). The nett prizes went toJOG players Will Worboys (morning)and Harry Ball (afternoon), for a scoreof 69 in each case.Visiting players werevery complimentary about the challengesposed by an excellently preparedcourse, which stood up to the rain verywell. We hope to see plenty of themreturn for the 2011 competitions.Sunday 5 September saw the Cluband Junior Championship both playedover 36 holes and the Division 1Handicap Trophy which takes placeover one round on the John O’Gauntcourse. The winner of the JuniorChampionship with a gross score of152, 78 in the morning and 74 in theafternoon was Hugo Christie sevenshots ahead of his nearest challengerNick Cunningham on 159 with morningand afternoon gross rounds of 78and 81.The winner of the Division 1Handicap Trophy with a gross score of73 and a net score of 69 was DeanCarroll ahead of Hugo Christie with anet score of 71.The Club Championship was wonby Michael Round who followed a fantasticopening morning round on TheCarthagena Course of 65 with a solidand workmanlike round of 76 on TheJohn O’Gaunt Course in the afternoonfor a combined score of 141. DefendingChampion Mark Wharton finished secondthis year with scores of 71 and 72with Alex Harris in third place withrounds of 71 and 75 and Dean Carrollin fourth with scores of 75 and 73.Club Captain Phil Pentelow’sCharity Golf Day was held on Tuesday7 September. Teams of 4 players tookpart in this years fund raising event inaid of the Captain’s nominated charities.In addition members and visitorsalike were remarkably generous in buyingtickets for the tombola and to winthe furniture which was kindly donatedby Charles Barr Furniture. The golf wasplayed in a medal format with the besttwo scores from each fourball to count.The eventual winners were TheBuckden Boys comprising KeithBenson, Darryl Hall, Darrell May andNeil Page with a net score of 127 justone shot ahead of runners up on countback, Scarbrow Golf led by ClubProfessional Lee Scarbrow along withNeil Brown, Richard Daniels andGraham Hall. In third place with thesame score of 128 were The Winos featuringPhil Farrow, Chris Farrow,Danny Bryan and Bob Jackson and infourth place Team Merley made up ofAllan Dyson, Barry Jones, DominicDrew and Ben Jones with a score of130. The Nearest the Pin prize on the4th hole was won by Head GreenkeeperNigel Broadwith and the Longest Driveon the 17th was won by Carl Billings.The furniture was won by Steve Clarke.At the prizegiving the Captain thankedsincerely all those who had worked sohard and contributed so much time,effort and money to make the day a successin helping to raise an estimated£8k towards his chosen good causes.The finals of 7 of The ClubsSummer Match Play Knockout competitionswere played on Sunday 17October, all on the main John O’Gauntcourse. The weather could not havebeen better for mid October with warmsunshine and the gentlest of breezesalbeit with a destinct autumn chill in theair. The competitors in these matchesbegan their paths to the finals back inCONTINUED ON PAGE 14

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14 BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN JANUARY 2011 TELEPHONE: 01234 843905 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukBIGGLESWADE WIAT THE end of 2008 an advertisementwas placed in The BiggleswadeChronicle inviting interested parties toform the Biggleswade WI at a meetingto be held at The Crown Public House.The initial response was poor, only twoor three ladies attended but they wereenthusiastic and it was decided to tryagain after Christmas.This time the response was good andBiggleswade WI was born.The Bedfordshire Federation ofWomen’s Institute Adviser, Dot Wiggwas a tower of strength guiding usthrough the formation of Committeesetc. which was invaluable as we had noprevious experience and has enabled usto build our membership to 55.With the increase of members wehad to move our venue quite quicklyand were lucky enough to find TheBaptist Church in London Road,Biggleswade.The image of the WI has changedconsiderably since 1915 but continueswith the beliefs and goals to improveSociety. This is achieved at The AnnualConference with resolutions offered byWIs all over the Country.The Bedfordshire Group have theirown Annual Conference with up-dateson all the WIs in the County followed bya Speaker. This year we were entertainedand very amused by Rev. CannonRoger Royle.The Biggleswade WI have now heldthree market stalls in Biggleswade, twoautumn and one spring. These proved tobe very successful, selling cakes, jams,marmalades and crafts, all the things theWI are renowned for.The programme of speakers hasbeen very varied including, ‘Safety inthe Home’from the Police, The Historyof the Swiss Gardens, Old Warden,bee-keeping which was followed by ademonstration the following monthfrom Sinead Fox, Sainsbury’s, cookingwith honey.Next year is already planned with aORDERS OF SERVICEThe MarriageofSusie and SteveChurch of St Margaret of AntiochSaxlingham2nd October 2010 at 1.30pmgreat variety of speakers and demonstrationsto entertain our members andattract new ones. Visitors are alwayswelcome.There have been many outings onoffer, trip down the River Ousefrom The Danish Camp, Willington,afternoon tea at Granchester, planting aherb garden demonstration at Frostsfollowed by a cream tea, all reasonablypriced.Bedfordshire Federation of WIsarrange outings during the year, onebeing to Denman House, Oxfordshire,our college where we can study andlearn everything from cookery, flowerarranging, decor, even DIY and some ofthe courses are residential.Within the Biggleswade WI we havea knitting and stitching group, plus abook club, theatre group ladies wholunch and perhaps a walking group inthe new year.Gillian Gauntlett, the Greenhouseand Gourmet programme on BBCThree Counties Radio interviewed twocommittee members in October andagain in December.Meetings are held on the thirdMonday of every month 10am-12noon, at the Baptist Church, LondonRoad. For further information callAnita Odam 01767 640692, HeatherTurnbull 017657 317771 or Pat Cant01767 221986.PROGRAMME17 January – Sandra Barker, TheWonderful World of Willow.21 February – Mike Knight, History ofMilestones.21 March – AGM and committee entertains.18 April – Beverly Lenox, Fruit andFlowers.16 May – Swiss Gardens’Tour.20 June – Sheila Parker, The Tiller Girl toVernon Girl.18 July – Rachel Corby, The MedicineGarden.15 August – no meeting.We produce those ‘wanted in a hurry’documents. A typical order of service willcomprise of a colour cover and eight pagesof proceedings in black. 100 copies £125from your Word files (we will format asrequired) guaranteed ready for collectionwithin two working days or they are free.Printed on StoraEnso 4CC 250gsm and 120gsm1 Union Park, Triumph Way, Woburn Road IndustrialEstate, Kempston, Bedford MK42 7QBTel: 01234 843900A TO B LIGHT REMOVALSFriendly, professional local service – testimonials available■ Light removals■ Emergency service available■ Deliveries all areas covered ■ Single items■ Leaflet & catalogue deliveries ■ Reasonable rates101 POTTON ROAD, BIGGLESWADECall Chris 01767 315279Young Person of the YearBEDFORDSHIRE’S Young Person ofthe Year award was won by JoannaMayes, of Biggleswade. Joanna waspresented with her prize of £1,000 byAssistant Chief Constable AndrewRicher at a ceremony held at TheMansion House recently. The Mayorof Biggleswade, Cllr. Wendy Smith,said: “Joanna overcame many personalproblems but developed the strengthand enthusiasm to work long and hardto help others. She went through a verydifficult time but found an innerCONTINUED FROM PAGE 12April and in some cases had triumphedthrough as many as 7 previous roundsto reach this stage.The Captains Cup, a 36 hole eventteed off first at 8.30am and resulted in a6 and 5 victory for Eric McIntyre overRobert Bage.The second 36 hole competitionfinal was for the Wale Cup presented toThe Club by Mr H. Wale in 1973. Thefinalists this year were Neil Gregoryand Simon Kensall with Neil edgingpast his opponent to a narrow 2 and 1victory.The Vice-Captains Cup which isplayed over one round was finally wonby Graham McKay when he overcamehis opponent Jim Kerr at the first extrahole. At the post match presentation ofthis trophy the present Vice-Captain .The last singles Final was hestrength that now supports her in herlife of volunteering. I was delighted tohave been at the presentations and seeher receive a well deserved prize. Iwish her all the very best for the future,she is an inspiration.’’ Joanna wasnominated by Nicola King, a youthworkerfrom Ampthill-based AragonHousing.Pictured with Joanna is Cllrs WendySmith and Cllr Paul Mackin, Mayorof Shefford.Veterans Cup in which Club SeniorsCaptain Fergus Moynihan overcameJohn Allender 4 and 2.The Fletcher Cup Final, a MixedFoursomes competition was playedbetween Jackie Lansdown and partnerJohn Mills against Penny Fletcher andher partner Jeff Buffenbarger. A keenlyfought match resulted in a victory forJackie and John.The Presidents Cup saw Rob andNikki Jackson victorious over RickyMcKay and Sandra Buffenbarger.Finally the final of the FamilyFoursomes Cup, presented to the Clubby Mr B Ginn was played between PhilWhite and Jackie Lansdown who lostnarrowly to Guy and Mary Warmouthin what was again a match played in thevery best of spirits.The Annual Medals Final and theTo be continued next month

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16 BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN JANUARY 2011 TELEPHONE: 01234 843905 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukA water scheme for Biggleswade Part one, to be continuedBEFORE THE WATER SCHEMEIN THE 19th century Biggleswade, incommon with other towns, had no propersanitation until the coming of pipedwater, but Biggleswade seems to havebeen worse than most. Some of the largehouses had pumps, but most people hadto depend on wells for their water. Therewere public wells on the square andnear the church. Most of the houses, orone bedroom cottages, were clusteredaround yards with one well near the oneprivy.A report of 1866 states there werethree cases of 45 people to one privy,and people had to wait their turn. Theprivies were generally filthy, and overflowedinto the well. Pigsties andheaped manure were often found nearthe yard, and it is not surprising that diseasewas rife.The drainage system consisted ofsmall brick drains close to the footpath,originally intended for surface water,but for many years used as sewers. WithFirst published in BiggleswadeHistory Society NewsletterNumber 255, July 2006.by Mike Strange, July 2006the coming of the railway (1850) part ofthe town was cut off, and the drainage ofthis part was diverted and carried alongthe east side of the railway to an openditch. When this overflowed, it waspumped out and left to dry beside theline. The drainage from the larger partof the town went into the river at twoplaces.Related to the Gas Works inLangford Road (Hitchin Street), a reportsaid, “The wells there are so impregnatedwith tarry matter that people neitherdrink the water nor wash with it. Thepeople of the neighbourhood have tofetch their water from a well some distanceaway”.It was clear from many public investigationsand reports over thesubsequent years that the sources fromwhich the population was supplied mustin the nature of things tend to becomeworse as time passes. Having had urbanpowers since 1894 it was the responsibilityof the local authorities to effect themuch needed improvements. Indeed theLocal Government Board and theBedfordshire County council had drawnattention to the UDC and RDC to thepoor condition of the water in theirrespective areas and in 1897 the St.Neots Water Company applied for parliamentarypowers to supply Sandy andBiggleswade with water. Their schemewas not deemed satisfactory and wassuccessfully opposed. 1The problems could no longer beignored and, to address assurancesgiven to the investigating ParliamentaryCommittee that the matter would beresolved, the UDC and RDC undertookto provide a scheme of their own. Theyacquired the services of Mr GeorgeFrederick Deacon. M.I.C.E., LL.D, ofBinnie, Deacon & Goulay, consultingEngineers of Westminster to investigate.His conclusion was that the best meansof obtaining pure water for the districtsLaying the first water pipeline in about 1904 to Biggleswade from the lower reservoir on Topplers Hill. The water tower,that is most visible, was built later. The meaning of ‘Topplers’; it is ‘Top Leas’or ‘Top Meadows’.was by sinking a well into the lowergreensand.COMMITTEES & REPORTSOn 28th September 1900 a Conferenceof the Representatives of the CountyCouncil of Bedford and the Urban andRural District Councils of Biggleswadeappointed a committee to report on astudy for the Biggleswade WaterSupply. The Committee, chaired bySam Whitbread, considered the reportof Mr Deacon of 22nd March 1900 andhe was commissioned to supply adetailed estimate for a joint scheme forthe supply of the Biggleswade UrbanDistrict and part of the BiggleswadeRural District, excluding the parishes ofStotfold and Meppershall. This he dulycompleted and submitted to theConference on 4th December 1900 2.The estimate for the joint Districtsupply, with a reservoir on the highground at Topler s Hill, was £61,691(£4,447,996 at 2005 using Retail PriceIndex of 72.10; see http://eh.net/hmit/ppowerbp). It was considered thatthis would ably provide for the estimatedaverage quantity of water requiredper head of population of less than 20gallons per day.A significant finding was that theonly satisfactory source of supply foundfor the Urban and Rural Districts wasthat contained in the lower greensandunderlying the gault in the high groundto the east and south-east ofBiggleswade. The most convenient siteidentified for the well and pumping station,which had been selected as a sitefor trial boring in the spring of 1900,was opposite New Spring Farm sometwo miles south of Biggleswade whichlies to the east of the Great North Road.Under direction of Mr Deacon, the trialborehole was sunk to a depth of 169ftand furnished the evidence that thequality of water on analysis to be excellentand the quantity, in Mr Deacon’sopinion, was found to be abundant forthe District.The report addressed, in some detail,the capital cost apportionment betweenUrban and District for the well, pumpingstation and reservoir and that runningcosts should be apportionedaccording to the relative amount ofwater drawn.The Committee identified that theestimated cost of purchase of necessaryland to be £400.The Committee also identified thatthe estimated costs of the Act ofParliament would be £1000 and that themost important reasons why theybelieved it necessary to obtain an Actwere that by that means they hoped thata loan may be obtained “upon moreadvantageous terms and also it wouldgreatly facilitate all arrangementsbetween the two Districts”.The report recommended that thewell be finished opposite New SpringFarm to prove the quantity as well as thequality of the supply and so strengthentheir position before Parliament. Thecost of sinking this test well was met bySam Whitbread at a cost of £6,000.The conclusion was that once theboon of pure water being brought totheir doors that the people would bewilling to pay the moderate chargerequired by the scheme.BIGGLESWADE WATERACT 1901 3In preparation the Urban Council meton 3rd April 1901 and by unanimousvote resolved that it was expedient topromote the bill for anAct of Parliamentunder the auspices of meeting therequirements of the Public Health Act1875. Ten days notice had been given inthe ‘Biggleswade Chronicle’. The subsequentdecision was also publishedhere in the two subsequent weeks andmet with the approval of the LocalGovernment Board. The bill was confirmedby a special meeting of theUrban Council on 3rd July 1901.The Act reads: “To constitute a JointBoard representative of theBiggleswade Urban and Rural DistrictCouncils with power to construct waterworksand to make provision for thesupply of water within the districts ofthose Councils and for other purposes”;this received Royal Assent on 9thAugust 1901 by King Edward VII.The Act incorporated the BiggleswadeWater Board which it defined asconsisting of twelve members, six ofwhom were to be appointed by theUrban Council and a further six by theRural Council with the latitude that theChairman could be independent of bothmaking the number up to thirteen. Theappointment of the first Board memberswere required to be made at a meeting tobe held within three weeks after 30thSeptember 1901 or within such furthertime as allowed by the LocalGovernment Board. Those appointedwere permitted to remain in office untilthe first Wednesday of May 1904 whena further meeting of appointment was totake place for members to remain inpost for a further three years; this to berepeated every three years. The firstmeeting of the newly formed Board wasto take place at the Town Hall on thefirst Wednesday in November 1901 at 3o clock in the afternoon and then atmonthly intervals in accordance withthe Commissioners Clauses Act 1847.The first Chairman was nominatedto be Samuel Whitbread, Esq., ofSouthill; he had been largely instrumentalin initiating the scheme and bringingabout the unanimous working for thatobject between the respective councils.

TELEPHONE: 01234 843905IT IS WITH sadness that we reportthat our Society and Committeemember Barbara June Elsworth diedon 23rd November 2010 at the age ofjust 62.Left to our Society by ‘Babs’ aretwo framed maps of Biggleswade:1. Marked 1834 but showing theroute of the railway which had yet tobe built sixteen years later. It alsoshows some road amendmentswhich must surely have come aboutas part of the railway development.An interesting feature which is rarelyseen is the hamlet of Holme Greenshowing all of the cottages that madeup this remote part of theBiggleswade parish.2. Marked Surveyed 1801(Revised 1900, Published 1902)On Thursday, 14th April 2011 theLibrary are staging an Out-Reach Daywhere groups are invited to take theopportunity to display their activities.Our involvement with the BBC‘sseries ‘Hands on History’ project -Turn Back Time – The High Streetculminated on 27th November in ajoint workshop with the library.Sadly, only Philip Gale brought photographsand memories to share withus during the entire day’s event. Allof his material related to the businessof H. Gale so we have some newmaterial that I scanned for ourarchives. Only a handful of peoplecame to have a go at the mysteryADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukBiggleswade History Societyobject quiz, none of those wereSociety members, we did have awinner. Not one person entered theHigh Street quiz despite some 40forms being taken away during themonth it was running in the library.The Biggleswade History Societymeets monthly at Millennium House,Shortmead Street, Biggleswade.Doors open at 7.45 for an 8.00pm.starton the first Tuesday of the monthunless notified. Meetings are free tomembers; visitors will usually bewelcome to our indoor meetings at acharge of £2.00 per meeting.Back in December we held ‘ANostalgia Evening’ SocietyChristmas Party. This was attendedby 47 members and their guests. Aspeople arrived they were greeted tothe strains of Joe Loss playing GlennMiller accompanying a slide show ofHollywood Nostalgia – Ladies of theSilver Screen by Mike. Revd AllanBliss called for a few moments silenceto reflect on the passing of ‘Babs’Elsworth before saying grace, Our fishand chip supper from Johnny’s Plaice,and trifles, proved to be a substantialand enjoyable meal during which theThe Biggleswade History Society meets monthly at MillenniumHouse, Shortmead Street, Biggleswade. Doors open at 7.45pm for an8.00pm start on the first Tuesday of the month unless notified.Meetings are free to members; visitors will usually be welcome to ourindoor meetings at a charge of £2.00 per meeting.Forthcoming Programme (2010/2011)1 Feb: Thatching – a talk by PaulLewis1 Mar Maps and Mapping – a talkby Eric Lund5 Apr: AGM and ‘The History ofBiggleswade’, an alternativeapproach by Mike Strange3 May: The Women’s RoyalVoluntary Service, a talk byPatricia Sherwood-King7 Jun: Visit to Ashwell village andMuseum5 Jul: Visit to Biggleswade FireStation2 Aug: Visit to ShuttleworthAircraft Collection for privatemembers evening guided tour.6 Sep: Harris’s Fun Fairs – A slideshow presentation by Ken Page.4 Oct: TBA1 Nov: Death Clouds a talk byGeoff Sewell on the use ofmustard gas in WW1.BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN JANUARY 2011 17nostalgic theme continued. “Two-Way Family Favourites” BBC radiotheme tunes from the 1950s, and someWWII songs including White Cliffs ofDover played in the background. Aslide show produced by ChrisJohannesen entitled Remember Whentook us all back to a time when everythingwas far less complicated, whennearly everyone’s Mum was homewhen the kids arrived back fromschool and no one ever asked wherethe car keys were because they werealways in the car, in the ignition, andthe doors were never locked. TimHaddow’s excellent quiz had everyonedelving back into the past of bothlocal and national events.Mike Strange launched theSociety’s new book, Townsfolk ofBiggleswade Volume 4 and thankedthe publications team of ChrisJohannesen, Jennifer Lawrence, EricLund, Ken Page and Mollie Stocker.Some hilarious videos and radiorecordings played whilst those whowanted to avail themselves eagerlymade their purchases. The raffle wastruly bumper with a prize for almosteveryone who attended; gratefulthanks to those who donated prizes forthe mystery Santa’s Sack. The eveningcontinued with sketches from SomeMothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em and concludedwith Vera Lynn singing Up theWooden Hill to Bedfordshire.For further information contact: Jean Strange, 01767 315075, secretary@biggleswadehistory.org.uk www.biggleswadehistory.org.ukThe Water Board was charged withthe responsibility for construction of thewell at a place 2¾ miles south ofBiggleswade (identified as field No 12on the 1/2500 Ordnance Survey Map of1882), the necessary pumping with arising main and reservoir at Topler sHill, and for the trunk main necessaryfor distribution of water in the parish ofBiggleswade and for maintenance andupkeep of these works. The Board waspermitted to borrow £85,800 for thespecified work.Distribution of the water throughoutthe urban district and the PrescribedParishes was the duty of the respectivecouncils.The Act continues with 51 pagescontaining 90 main Sections coveringsuch matters as Works and Lands,Apportionment and Supply of Water byBoard, Supply of Water by ConstituentAuthorities and Financial Provisions.THE PLANNING PHASEThe Biggleswade Water Board dulyheld its first meeting at BiggleswadeTown Hall on 6th November 1901.In 1902 plans were completed andtenders were invited for the constructionof a well to be sunk through the gaultand boulder clay, which provides a capat 112ft to the lower greensand of some250ft. The well continued 64ft belowthe clay. This lower greensand forms alarge reservoir holding an immensequantity of water and sits on a bed ofimpermeable bed of Oxford clay of considerablethickness.The water catchment for this lowergreensand is a greensand outcrop ofabout 10,000 acres within ten miles ofBiggleswade. Ignoring the wateralready held by the greensand, fourinches of rain were estimated to bemore than sufficient to provide a yieldtwo million gallons per day throughoutthe year; the rainfall in this part ofthe country then was over 20 inchesevery year.There were of course sceptics as theviability of the project, not least becausethis was to be the first well of its sort fora large supply of water. They alsodoubted the purity of the water and citedthe failure of a similar scheme inHuntingdonshire which experts counteredwith their doubts as to whetherthat well actually reached the lowergreensand.Again Sir Thomas Stevenson,F.R.C.P. analysed the water and found itto be: “a pure and excellent water with16.4 degrees of temporary hardness andonly two degrees of permanent hardness”.WORK STARTSThe population of Biggleswade UrbanDistrict at this time was about 5,200people covering some eight squaremiles. The rural district accommodated21,000 and an area of 90 square milesembracing 27 parishes. At the outset 13parishes had a fair supply of water anddeclined to become associated with thewater scheme; remaining dependenton their public and private wells.However, owing to the gravelly natureof the soil and the unsanitary surroundingsof many of the wells the waterobtained from them was found to be of avery unsatisfactory character havingsuffered from surface contamination.The remaining 14 became known as thePrescribed Parishes for water supply.Providing water to such a large area wasto be quite a significant achievement for100 years ago.Construction of the well commencedin 1902. The clay was excavatedfor a depth of nine feet and a timbercurb was constructed to contain thediameter of the brickwork of the well.When the brickwork was firm moreclay was excavated enabling the brickworkto depress a cutting edge cradleand for more brickwork to be addedabove. This process continued until adepth of 65 feet had been reached wherea foundation for the brickwork wasmade. Excavation continued throughthe clay to the lower greensand wherewater broke through at 112 feet from thesurface and rose 70 feet in the well.Twenty seven, four foot cast-ironcylinders of nine feet 7¾ inches internaldiameter were forced through the greensandto the required depth, each beingbolted to the next as work progressed.Acast-iron cone was used for sealing thebottom of the well after the cylinderswere in position.A total of 720 strainerswith plugs were installed in the sides ofthe cylinders. When the plugs were tobe removed to allow the water in a diverhad to be employed as the water came inso fast it was impossible to undertakethe work by other means. Stairs andplatforms are provided down the well towater-level for inspection purposes.The strata passed through wereAmpthill clay, 78 feet; boulder clay, 16feet, gault clay, 18 feet and lower greensand,64 feet. It was noted that a numberof septarian 4 nodules occurred in theclay; they caused some difficulty as theywere of some 20 square feet andweighed up to two tons. On the upperlevel of the greensand a quantity ofdriftwood was found.The RDC considered no less than 18tenders against the specification of 29thMarch 1904 that had been prepared byMr Deacon. It was not until 2nd May1904 that a contract 5 was placed withFrank Hodson of Nottingham by theRDC for construction of the reservoiron Topler’s Hill; the contract value was£21,496 9s. 5d. Payments didn’t startuntil the following year; the last paymentto Hodson wasn’t until June 1908.Unfortunately there are insufficientrecords to determine what paymentswere made against which activities.Although there is a complete MinuteBook for the Water Board’s meetings 6(and these are faithfully recorded in theBiggleswade Chronicle) they concernthemselves mainly with new businessand new actions rather than offeringdiscussion about the ongoing activities.For lifting the water from the well tothe reservoir two sets of Ashley pumpswere provided, each set consisting ofthree buckets worked from a threethrowcrankshaft at the top of the well.Each bucket, five feet, nine inches inlength, had to be lowered through 90feet of 11½ inch pipes to the workingbarrel. Ten feet below the well head the15 inch rising main is connected bymeans of a ‘Y’ pipe with both sets ofpumps.The pumps are driven via a spur geararrangement reducing the engine revolutionsfrom 190rpm to 26rpm ThereCONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

18 BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN JANUARY 2011 TELEPHONE: 01234 843905 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk‘Fathers bring them up in the fearand nurture of The Lord Hossanah’THIS is the inscription that greets allchildren when they arrive at StondonLower School along with the date thebuilding was begun, 1861, making itour 150th birthday in 2011!Plans are in place to celebrate thisspecial occasion and a Living HistoryGroup has been established to collect asmany memories and photographs aspossible. CAN YOU HELP? If youhave had connections with the school inthe past, do come to visit us and shareyour memories on 14th January 10 –11.30 or 20th January 20th 1.30 –3.30pm.If you would like to come in butthese dates are not convenient, docontact the school.Stondon Lower School is a smallrural school serving Stondon, withsome children travelling fromsurrounding villages. It is a Valuesschool, offering ‘wrap around care’andlast year the school became the base forthe Flying Start Children’s Centre supportingfamilies in Shillington,Langford, Henlow and Henlow Campas well as Stondon.CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGEare three engines arranged through thegearing such that any two engines candrive the pumps. The engines could berun on any low-grade oil very efficientlyand with great economy. Connectedwith the cylinders of each are one smalland two larger sealed vessels; these arecharged with air at high pressure (some1000lb. per square inch) by an enginedrivenair pump. The large vessels arefor starting the engine against full loadwhilst the small one maintains the airpressure when running.To prevent the reservoir from overflowinga float at the reservoir closes avalve on the rising main which causesthe pressure to rise in the main whichoperates a release valve discharging aquantity of water into a bucket. Theweighted bucket drops and operates twolevers that shut off the oil supply to theengine.The buildings shall consist of theengine-house and the attendant s houseseparated by a paved yard. It was specifiedthat the outer walls of the buildingswere to be built of greensand stoneobtained from the Waddground quarry,near Silsoe in the appearance ofEgyptian architecture.The reservoir is 1¼ miles south fromthe engine-house; four miles fromBiggleswade, on a ridge of Ampthilland Oxford clay at 265 O.D (feet aboveOrdnance Datum). It was to be 122 feetin diameter, 22 feet deep and having acapacity of 1½ million gallons. Theconcrete walls are three feet, six inchesThe School has undergone atransformation in the last three yearsand our latest project, a largeextension, is nearing completion. Wehave planted a time capsule in thefoundations; perhaps in will bediscovered in another 150 years!We would love to welcome you intoour school the weekend of 18th and19th June to view an exhibition of thehistory of Stondon Lower. We wouldalso like to produce our own book tocommemorate this special occasion – isthere anyone who would be able to helpus with the printing and production?Do look at our website for moreinformation www.stondonls.beds.sch.uk or contact us by email: stondon@deal.bedfordshire.gov.ukStondon Lower is a school with aproud history. While enjoying the manymemories of the past, we continue tolook to the future. We intend to supportthe children and families of Stondonfor many years to come and providethem with an excellent education andpreparing them for life in the 21stCentury.thick lined with blue bricks bonded tothe concrete. Provision was made forthe possible installation of a roof; thiswas subsequently found to be necessary.The water passes into two 10 inchmetered mains; one going north supplyingBiggleswade and the northern partof the rural district, including Sandy, theother runs south. Each district is dividedinto sub-districts and are individuallymetered to assist with location of leaks.To improve daytime pressures at highpoints two balancing tanks have beenconstructed; these are filled at nightThe lengths of pipes laid are: WaterBoard, 13½ miles; UDC, 7 miles, RDC,50 miles – a total of 70½ miles.1 The Biggleswade Water Scheme (markedPrivate – Not for Circulation); Henry Carne,Waterworks Engineer of the BiggleswadeWater Board and Biggleswade RuralDistrict Council; January 1907. Originalheld by BHS.2 Biggleswade Water Supply, Report of theCommittee Appointed by the Conferenceheld on the 28th September, 1900; dated 9thJanuary 1901; printed by Spong & Son,High Street. An original is held by BHS &BLARS X613/2/3.3 Biggleswade Water Act 1901; an original isheld by BHS.4 An irregular polygonal system of calcite-filledcracks occurring in certain rock concretionsformed during the Cretaceous period, 50 to70 million years ago. If they investigatedthem some beautiful crystalline structures orfossils may have been revealed.5 Contract Hodson & BRDC, 2nd May, 1904;BLARS X613/3/16 Minute Book for the Water Board , 6thNovember 1901 to 6th December 1911;BLARS X471/6SPORTBIGGLESWADE RUGBY CLUB£820 raised for baby unitSANTA NIGHT 2010 raised £820for the Addenbrookes NeonatalBaby Unit and Acute NeonatalTransport Service!Held on the coldest night of theyear and in five inches of snow, thepubs were quieter that normal but theassorted Santa’s, Elves, Reindeer,Penguins (?) and a Snowman touredthe pubs of Biggleswade. OrganisersTeri Taylor and Vicki Marshallthanked all those who came alongand also the generous drinkers ofBiggleswade. Thanks also go to clubphysiotherapist Megan Higgs whoraised £70 from her Dance Group.The Santa Night tour usually goes toSandy, but delays’ with the trainsmeant that the Santa’s concentratedon Biggleswade“Some of The Best Bits 2011Calendar” is into its third print runwith proceeds’ going to KeechHospice Care, a charity that the clubhave supported for a number ofseasons. The Hospice cares forchildren with life limiting conditionsand provides respite care for thechildren and their parents. TheChristmas Eve Market saw Biggyplayers selling the calendar will theentire stock being sold! A big thanksmust go to Vicki and Karl Marshallfor leading the calendar project.New Year FixturesCome and watch an exciting brandof rugby at Biggy, with both FirstXV and Second XV, now carryingthe ‘Pirates’ nickname, topping theirrespective League tables. Kick-off is2.15pm.The 2010/11 season has startedvery well with a number of youngplayers progressing through fromthe Youth set up being joined byplayers moving into the area andchoosing Biggy for their rugby.Head Coach Paul Raitt, formerly ofLondon Welsh Academy had thedifficult task of building team confidencefollowing the unexpectedresignation of former coach LukeBass. Despite this, Biggy havebounced back with eight wins fromthe first nine League starts and havescored bonus points in all of them.The club had a difficult run intothe Christmas period with gamesbeing postponed due to the freezingweather. The First XV game vsStoneygate and the Second XVgame vs Upper Clapton both had tobe rearranged.The game vs Vauxhall (League &Bedfordshire Cup) has been provisionallyrescheduled for SaturdayFebruary 26th.Postponements play havoc withthe fixture list, and cash flow alike.Groundsman Mike Adams hopes fora gradual thaw so that the floodlitPitch can be opened up for use again.Biggy were fortunate to be able tohost the visit of Huntingdon Minisplus two Youth games just beforeChristmas when the majority ofclubs were forced to cancel.The policy of leaving the grass‘long’ paid off as the pitches did notfreeze as hard and the club can rotatepitch use so that only the floodlitpitch gets excessive wear. Having sixfull size adult pitches is a luxury thatmany clubs can only dream off, buttheir maintenance on a limited budgetstretches the ingenuity of groundsman Mike, and it is sometimes a finebalance between playing the games,and maybe damaging the surfaceuntil the ground can be re-seeded inthe spring.HOME GAMES.First XV (Midlands 4 East South)January 15th vs WestwoodJanuary 22nd vs OundleFebruary 5th St NeotsFebruary 12th StoneygateSecond XV Biggy Pirates (GreeneKing X.X Super Deuxieme)January 22nd vs Wendens AmboFebruary 5th vs Upper Clapton(TBA)What does 2011 hold for Biggy?Confidence is high among playersand members at the club, but the ‘P’word (promotion) is barely mentionedas with half the season still togo, anything can (and probably will)happen. Fixtures in January andFebruary should see the return ofclub captain Ross Taylor from ashoulder injury, Nathan Thoday andLewis Gunn (injury) and youngMichael Hall from a knee operation.All will make welcome returns as theinevitable injury count will rise asthe season progresses.The Second XV (Pirates) are alsoconfident of making the GreeneKing Finals in April. As mentionedbefore, the club have managed tofield a Fourth XV on a couple ofoccasions and, but for a lack of oppositionwould have turned out on atleast three other occasions. One ofthe RFU projects for 2011 is called‘One More Team’ which encouragesclubs to try and get another teamplaying, which should help clubsfind opposition.The club have just completed anRFU audit which will address theplaying, financial and managementof the club throughout. From thisaudit, the RFU will identify areas inwhich the club excels and areaswhich could be improved.2011 is a Rugby World Cup yearand the RFU have a number of ambitiousprojects to involve more communityparticipation in rugby overthe summer in the build up to theworld cup. The World cup starts inSeptember in New Zealand andBiggy will be involved in promotingthe game at all levels, from MinisCONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

TELEPHONE: 01234 843905ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.ukBIGGLESWADE BULLETIN JANUARY 2011 19Stratton Record BreakersLAST month Y9 pupils at StrattonUpper School took part in theNational Number Day attempt tobreak the World record for the largestmaths lesson ever. They had greatfun taking part in the NSPCC mathslesson. However with many schoolsclosed due to poor weatherconditions across the country, theywere not hopeful of breakingany records this year.In addition to this pupils put on abake sale, school quiz and are competingto ‘Beat Mr Bloomfield’, theirrenowned mathematical teachingbrain to raise funds for the NSPCC.The day was enjoyable, it raisedawareness of Childline work, theNSPCC and pupils learnt aboutnumber patterns and sequences.through to Vets and maybe Ladiesrugby.2011 finds Biggleswade in goodform on the pitch, in a reasonablyhealthy financial state with MiniRugby numbers continuing to rise.This will only improve as the wouldcup fever builds.ALTERNATIVE STRIPFATHER Christmas has broughtBiggleswade RUFC senior squadsa new Alternative strip to replacethe rather tatty old white set whichhave been around for manyseasons. The new ‘Terminator’’strip is made from modernmaterials and is easily washable,the strip is predominantly whitewith blue and red flashes and hasbeen paid for by contributionsfrom Biggy Minis, GrahamHaddow, Mike Williams, MartinHarwood and Richard Phipps.Team manager Richard said:“There have been a couple of timeswhen we have needed to play in adifferent strip due to kit clashes,this new strip gives us much betteroptions.”OUT AND ABOUTALTERATIONS & REPAIRSZIPS REPLACED – EVENING WEARPick up and delivery for elderly non-driversFAST, INEXPENSIVE SERVICEMens, Womens, Childrens, new and nearly new clothes101 POTTON ROAD, BIGGLESWADECall 01767 315279NO needto book inadvanceNO needto bring apartnerLearn to dance in Bedford, St Neots,Letchworth, Luton and many more.For venues and more information see our websitewww.ceroccentral.comThe dance has evolved enormously in the UK over the last 25 years,and it now takes moves from many other popular dance forms suchas Ballroom, Salsa, Jive, Hip Hop and Tango. Essentially Ceroc is amethod of making dance easy to learn.Tel: 01234 378946 or 07801 734268Michaella Walker (aka Mick)Email mick.walker@ceroccentral.comAMICI SINGERS PRESENTS“AN ANTIQUES ROAD SHOWSTYLE EVENING”QUIZ AND FUN AUCTION ATSIMPLY OAK, POTTON ROAD BIGGLESWADE7.00PM TUESDAY 25TH JANUARY 2011BRINGYOURTREASURESTO BEVALUED BY OURANTIQUES EXPERT SEAN McILROYTHEREWILL BEANANTIQUESAND GENERAL KNOWLEDGE QUIZWITH PRIZES FORTHEWINNERS.ANDA FUNAUCTION OF SMALL ITEMSAND PROMISES.THEREWILL BEA LICENSED BARCOMEAND JOIN INTHE FUN.YOU MAY FINDYOUR FAMILY HEIRLOOM ISWORTHA FORTUNE!!!TICKETS ARE £6.00 ON THE NIGHT AND £5.00 IN ADVANCE. Priceincludes one valuation and quiz entry.TO BOOK YOUR TICKETS OR FOR FURTHER DETAILS ‘PHONE01767 601559 OR 01767 260815ALL PROCEEDS GO TO THE AMICI SINGERS TRAVEL FUND.

20 BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN JANUARY 2011 TELEPHONE: 01234 843905 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk