Bulletin Oct 2011 - Biggleswade Rugby Club

Issue 10 Volume 2 OCTOBER 2011 Delivered FREE

TEL: 01234 843905 ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN OCTOBER 2011 3 

Who are you Andy? 

From our Hunstanton correspondent 

ANDY (we don’t have his 

last name) running for 

Biggleswade Athletics 

Club in the Round 

Norfolk Relay on 

Saturday 17th September. 

He is just finishing his 17 

mile King's Lynn to 

Hunstanton section of the 

relay and is about to hand 

the baton to his team mate 

whose run is from 

Hunstanton to Brancaster 

Staithe. 2011 is the 25th 

year of this race which 

attracts teams from all 

over the UK. With 57 

teams competing in male, 

female and mixed teams, 

there are 17 runners in 

each team who share the 

193 miles of the race. 

Getting ready for 2012 

THE end of July marked one year until the opening of the London 2012 Olympic and 

Paralympic Games. As the excitement builds, activities are being planned for in and around 

North East Bedfordshire and everyone can get involved. 

As the Olympic Torch makes it 

way down to Luton from 

Cambridge, Alistair Burt, MP, has 

expressed his support for Richard 

Fuller’s (MP Bedford and 

Kempston) efforts to allow the 

Torch Relay to visit Bedfordshire. 

Mr Burt presented his wishes for 

the torch to stop in his constituency 

on its journey by writing to 

Lord Sebastian Coe and the 

Organising Committee. 

Many schools have also signed 

up to the School Games 

programme, which aims to boost 

the existing work in school sport to 

create a year-round calendar of 

competition for pupils of all 

abilities. 

Mr Burt said: “With less than a 

year to go until one of the biggest 

sporting events in this country’s 

history, the excitement is definitely 

building. I know Parish and 

Town Councils across the 

constituency are already busy 

planning and organising events so 

I hope everyone will have the 

opportunity to be involved in the 

celebrations and events at some 

stage. 

“The participation of our 

schools is important and by signing 

up to the School Games 

programme it means that talented 

athletes within our schools can set 

their sights on becoming among 

the first to compete in the main 

2012 venues next year. 

“I am also delighted that the 

Ivorian Paralympic Federation 

have chosen Bedford Borough as 

the location to set up their training 

camp, they will be very warmly 

welcomed by the communities in 

and around Bedfordshire. 

“And of course we must not 

forget our own local cycling 

champion, Victoria Pendleton. I 

know we would all like to wish her 

every success and that we will do 

what we can to ensure we create 

that crucial home team advantage 

during 2012.” 

The Biggleswade branch of The Royal British Legion and Biggleswade Town 

Council extend a cordial invitation to the residents of Biggleswade to attend these 

special events: 

REMEMBRANCE DAY 2011 

SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE 

– FRIDAY 11 NOVEMBER 

PARADE & SERVICE – SUNDAY 13 NOVEMBER 

THE WAR MEMORIAL, MARKET SQUARE 

both commencing at 10.45am 

Members of the Parade should assembly at the Railway Station forecourt at 10.15am 

Published monthly, hand 

delivered to homes in 

Biggleswade, and selected drops 

in Wrestlingworth, Sandy, Potton, 

Langford, Gamlingay, Sutton and 

Dunton. 

The editorial team welcome 

contributions from the public 

but will use its discretion and 

edit where appropriate without 

reference to the author. 

Biggleswade Bulletin accepts no 

liability for any of the views 

expressed in this magazine. 

Biggleswade Bulletin is an 

independent magazine with no 

affiliation to any other 

organisation. 

Published by 

© Rosetta Publishing Ltd 

1 Union Park, 

Triumph Way, 

Kempston, MK42 7QB. 

Tel: 01234 843905 

Fax: 01234 843901 

EDITORIAL: 

editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk 

ADVERTISING: 

advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk 

Origination by LG Digital Ltd, 

1 Union Park, Triumph Way, 

Kempston MK42 7QB 

Printed by: Mortons Print Limited 

Newspaper House, Morton Way, 

Boston Road, Horncastle, 

Lincolnshire LN9 6JR 

Issue 10 Volume 2 OCTOBER 2011 Delivered FREE 

FRONT COVER PICTURE: 

Elvis appeared at the 

Shuttleworth Proms back 

in August, along with 

Abba, Queen, Duran 

Duran, Elton John, 

Wham, Phil Collins and 

the Blues Brothers – all 

tribute bands! 

Photo: 

Newton Maxwell-Harris

Biggleswade 

KNOW YOUR COUNCILLORS 

Albone, 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 


Ramsay, Cllr Mrs Hazel 


Russell, Cllr Mrs Madeline A 


Skinner, Cllr Rex G C (Labour – Ivel) 

Smith, Cllr Mrs Wendy P DEPUTY MAYOR 

(Conservative – Holme) 

Vickers, Cllr Peter F (Conservative – Holme) 

Watkins, Cllr Steven Watkins 


Wilson, Cllr George E D 


Woodward, Cllr Peter ( 

Conservative – Stratton) 

Woodward Cllr Timothy P – MAYOR 

(Conservative – Holme) 

TOWN COUNCIL 

MEETING DATES: 

TOWN COUNCIL 

Tuesday 11 October 2011 – Planning Meeting 

Tuesday 25 October 2011 – Council Meeting 

All Meetings commence at 7.00pm in the COUNCIL 

CHAMBER, SAFFRON ROAD, BIGGLESWADE 

ALL MEMBERS OFTHE PUBLIC ARE WELCOMETO ATTEND 

BIGGLESWADE TOWN 

COUNCIL OPEN DAY 

Saturday 29 October – commencing at 10am 

Come and have a look around the Old Court House 

building and meet you local Councillor. 

REFRESHMENTS WILL BE PROVIDED. 

BiggleswadeTown Council is redeveloping 

its website and needs your help! 

We would like your input into what you would like to see on the Town 

Council’s website. Please send your ideas to 

enquiries@biggleswadetowncouncil.gov.uk 

or write to: Biggleswade Town Council 

The Old Court House 

4 Saffron Road 

Biggleswade, Beds SG18 8DL 

All input to be received by 31st October 2011 and will be used to create 

the website, we will then have a second round of consultations to help 

decide on the final design. 

If you are a company or individual who would like to bid for this project 

please contact the Council by email or at the postal address above. 

GENERAL MARKETS 

on the Market Square 

Tuesdays and Saturdays — 8am-4pm 

FARMERS’ MARKET 

Wednesday 19 October, 9am-2pm 

SUPPORTYOUR LOCAL MARKETS 

BiggleswadeTown Council 

The Old Court House, 4 Saffron Road 

Biggleswade SG18 8DL 

Tel: 01767 313134 Fax: 01767 601188 

Email: enquiries@biggleswadetowncouncil.gov.uk 

www.biggleswadetowncouncil.gov.uk


Mixed weekend for local karter 

BEN TUCK competed in the 

annual Brazilian Cup event at 

Whilton Mill, which lined up 

under a less than Brazilian sky 

in late August. Throughout the 

three day race weekend, 

constantly strong and variable 

winds, cold temperatures and 

showery weather wreaked havoc 

with much of the grid. 

Sporting a new Saturn 

Ssystems graphics scheme, Ben 

had mixed fortunes, retiring from 

one heat after being caught up in a 

first corner accident, whilst in 

another, he set a blistering pace, 

streaking from 26th place to 

seventh. Weather and temperature 

combined to make the race 

meeting chaotic, with Ben 

eventually sustaining serious 

damage to the kart in another 

accident. 

Reflecting on a long weekend 

of mixed results, Ben had still 

done enough to lift himself back to 

ninth in the championship. He can 

be consoled that, with three 

missed rounds due to other team 

commitments, he is the only driver 

in the top nine with more than one 

race missed and he currently holds 

the second highest average points 

per race total. 

Proposed boundary changes to 

carve up MP’s constituency 

FOLLOWING the publication of 

the Boundary Commission Initial 

proposals, Alistair Burt, MP for 

NE Bedfordshire said: “I am sorry 

about the possible loss of any part 

of my constituency, where I have 

hugely enjoyed representing people 

who have been so supportive 

and generous. I was also shocked 

to see the plans to break up the 

Mid Beds constituency. 

“The principle of reducing 

numbers of MPs and costs is right, 

and in accordance with the mood 

of the country. But this is still early 

days in respect of details, so we 

will wait and see what the consultation 

brings.” 

YOUR LOCAL FAMILY 

BUSINESS 

A. J. DAY 

BUILDING MAINTENANCE 

• Plumbing 

• Tiling 

• Plastering 

• Painting & 

decorating 

• Carpentry 

• Alterations 

• Kitchens 

• Bathrooms 

• Insurance work 

• Free estimates 

• Free call out 

• Free advice 

Tel: 01767 314445 / 07802 530951 

Bartlett Tree Experts Ltd 

UK’s leading tree and shrub management company 

All aspects of Tree and shrub management 

FREE ADVICE AND QUOTATIONS 

Contact Bedford@bartlettuk.com or 01234 354673 

DOG GROOMING 

by qualified groomer (est 1998) 

● Grooming Brushes, Combs & Shampoos 

(free advice given) 

● Stockist of Burns foods and most other 

brands available with FREE local delivery 

● Treats, toys, collars, leads and 

identification tags 

● Dorwest Herbs Stockist (come in for 

information on Dorwest’s natural remedy 

for firework phobias). 

● Dog coats, jumpers and reflective wear. 

58 King Street, Potton, Beds SG19 2QZ

6 BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN OCTOBER 2011 TEL: 01234 843905 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk 

Gaining work experience in Biggleswade 

BETWEEN the 14th and 26th August, Biggleswade was the 

temporary home for ten students from our German twin 

town Erlensee. The 14 and 15 year old students were all here 

on the annual work experience programme. Beforehand, 

arrangements are made for work placements with local 

businesses and organisations, from which there has always 

been loyal support, some of them taking students year after 

year. Over the last two years, placements have been secured 

with the following diverse organisations: The Surfin Café, 

The Lounge at the Old Maltings, Shoe Co, Snappy Snaps, 

Pedals Cycle Shop, The Flower Shop, Motley and Hope 

Solicitors, Biggleswade Town Council, Shortmead House, 

Biggleswade library, The Lawns Nursery and BBW 

solicitors. Meanwhile Town Councillors Rex Skinner, Ian 

Bond and others have been busily working in the 

background supporting the cause by establishing further 

opportunities for the students. 

This is the twelfth year that 

students from Erlensee have come 

to Biggleswade for work 

experience. In all 113 students 

have come over from Germany. 

The scheme in fact pre-dates the 

formal twinning arrangement 

between the two towns by a year. It 

first came about when the 

headmaster Heribert Becker and 

Tobias Michel from the Georg- 

Büchner school came over with a 

by Andrew Doherty 

group of councillors in 1999. 

While here they met in the Crown 

Hotel with David and Norma 

Eastwood, who were to be instrumental 

in the formation of the 

Biggleswade Twinning Association. 

David and Norma always 

had an interest in children as foster 

carers, and were enthusiastic 

Marcus Thom (the German school's Deputy Headmaster) with Alan 

Waring at Biggles FM. 

about the idea of the work experience 

scheme for the Erlensee 

students. I’m told that Tobias in 

particular was very recognisable 

thanks to his height, outgoing 

personality and colourful dress 

sense. Their modern day counterparts, 

deputy headmaster Marcus 

Thom and teacher Jenne 

Hochgürtel, dress more soberly 

but are just as enthusiastic as their 

predecessors. It is Jenne who 

makes the initial arrangements 

each year for the work placements 

and host families. Jenne remains 

on hand throughout the two weeks 

to oversee the students’ welfare 

and to make sure that the employers 

and hosts are happy with the 

arrangements. The fact that many 

of the employers and hosts have 

remained the same speaks for 

itself. 

■ ■ ■ 

As a host myself with my wife 

Celine for the past three years, I 

am amazed at what is being 

achieved. What I have seen each 

year is a happy group of 14 and 15 

year olds arriving in England, 

many of them for the first time, 

and developing personal skills in 

the short space of two weeks. First 

of all, they are introduced to the 

unfamiliar environment and 

language of their host families. On 

the first morning, Jenne gives 

them a tour of the town. They are 

then introduced to their employers 

who set about integrating them 

into the world of work, whether 

it’s satisfying customers with one 

of the many types of coffee on 

offer, processing wedding photographs, 

fixing bicycles or taking 

part in manual or office tasks. In 

each of the three years I have been 

close to the scheme, I have noticed 

the same transformation from 

understandably nervous beginnings 

into confident young people 

who have developed interpersonal 

skills and a fluency in a foreign 

language which they may not 

realise they had. Within the world 

of work there are a number of disciplines 

and Jenne checks that the 

students meet those required standards 

in terms of timekeeping, 

appearance and behaviour. Each of 

the students must take responsibility 

for themselves. They are all 

assessed and they all submit a 

detailed report at the end of the 

stay. The students meet up each 

day with Jenne at 'HQ', the Surfin 

Café, to discuss progress and compare 

notes with their colleagues. 

To get to the stage of coming to 

Biggleswade, the students must 

first apply and satisfy a set of criteria 

which lead to the selection of 

the most willing and deserving 

candidates. It is evident that word 

gets back to the Georg-Büchner 

school what a great time can be 

had in Biggleswade, and this leads 

to the next batch of enthusiastic 

applicants. Jenne and Marcus 

make sure that the trip is as affordable 

as possible, and in any case 

there are scholarships for students 

so that no-one is excluded. 

One thing which is very limited 

at present is contact with fellow 

students of a similar age from 

Biggleswade. No such programme 

exists from Biggleswade to 

Erlensee. In fact I am not aware of 

Continued on next page


any such scheme within the UK in 

which pre-university students go 

abroad to work. Last year, Jenne 

and Marcus made inroads into 

establishing links with local 

schools. A cultural exchange 

would surely be mutually 

beneficial in whatever form. This 

happens between the adults in the 

Biggleswade Twinning Assoc - 

iation and its Erlensee equivalent, 

the Freundeskreis. 

■ ■ ■ 

If there is a missing link, it’s 

that the students who come over 

don’t get the chance to interact 

with their counterparts here, 

explore common interests and 

develop the lasting friendships 

which have been made between 

the adults in the two towns. It 

would also be a good opportunity 

for a British student learning 

German to practice and develop 

their linguistic skill. For now the 

relationship is mainly between the 

work experience students and the 

UK hosts, and it’s fantastic that so 

many of the students keep in touch 

with their 'adopted UK family', as 

Anna, whom Celine and I hosted 

last year, calls us. 

This year the students arrived 

on Sunday 14th August, a day earlier 

than normal. Before beginning 

their work placements, they spent 

a day together at Shortmead 

House with their teachers and 

other volunteers, including two 

students from Stratton Upper 

School, cutting back the hedges 

along the driveway and clearing 

the weeds. Marilyn and Ian Bond 

directed operations, rotated the 

workforce, fed and watered the 

troops and made it a fun day as 

well. As a reward in the evening, 

Marilyn and Ian hosted a barbeque, 

to which the hosts were 

invited. 

It’s not all work for the students. 

On the Saturday, Jenne 

takes them on a sightseeing tour of 

London. The following day is a 

'family' day, so the hosts, who so 

far have only seen the students in 

the evening and in the morning 

before they go to work, can decide 

what they want to do together. 

Some of the students like to rest 

while others are keen to explore 

the local area with their hosts or 

even go back to London. It has 

become a tradition for the 

Biggleswade Twinning Assoc - 

iation to organise a Beetle Drive 

on the Sunday evening for the students, 

twinning members and 

friends. This is great fun for 

everyone. After three days back at 

work with the odd impromptu 

evening activity thrown in, it’s off 

to Cambridge for the day. 

■ ■ ■ 

Twinning members provide the 

transport. This year twinning 

member Phil Brown organised a 

tour of Emmanuel College, before 

the students had a look round the 

university city and indulged in the 

serious business of shopping! 

Then the tired and happy students 

head back to Biggleswade for a 

final evening with the hosts before 

catching the 0947 train to King’s 

Cross and the underground the following 

morning to Heathrow for 

the plane to take them back to 

Germany. It’s a sad moment 

because the students become part 

of the family for two weeks, but 

also a happy occasion because so 

much has been achieved in such a 

short space of time, and so many 

friendships have been made. 

What of the future? Well, there 

seems to be no sign of the students’ 

enthusiasm abating as 

there’s so much to be gained from 

their work experience in 

Biggleswade. The employers have 

been magnificent and speaking as 

a member of the Twinning 

Association whose aim is to foster 

friendships and relations with 

Erlensee, I am so grateful to them. 

In fact there is a great deal of local 

support and this year Alan Waring 

was kind enough to invite Jenne, 

Marcus and me onto his morning 

show on Biggles FM for a chat 

about the scheme. The one area we 

are keen to develop is hosting. We 

do have a small pool of hosts, but 

one or two have stopped because 

of age or relocation, and we do 

need more. Ideally, but not necessarily, 

we are looking for hosts 

with children of a similar age to 

the students. 

Although I have given a flavour 

above of what’s involved, if you 

are interested in being a host, 

Jenne, Marcus and I would like to 

explain in more detail how it 

works, what the host does and the 

support we give. It is of course 

important that as well as the student 

being comfortable with the 

host family, the host is 

comfortable with the student and 

most importantly is suitable. To 

this end, we have a contact e-mail 

address for initial enquiries and 

expressions of interest. It is: 

biggleswadehosting@yahoo.com. 

We would love to hear from you if 

you are interested in being a host. 

At the same time, if you are 

interested in joining the activities 

of the Twinning Association, you 

can see what we do by looking at 

our web site: www.biggleswade 

twinning.org.uk. There is a contact 

link at the bottom of the site’s front 

page. 

Over 12,000 homes in 

Biggleswade and Sandy 

see the Bulletin – have 

you got something to say? 

Call Pat on 01234 843905


Residents at the Maythorns get social networking 

RESIDENTS living at a new 

homes development in 

Biggleswade are embracing the 

social networking revolution 

after turning to Facebook to help 

to get to know their new neighbours. 

Households at David Wilson 

South Midlands’ The Maythorns 

development on Potton Road are 

using the popular social networking 

site to share useful information 

and to organise social events. 

The private group is exclusive to 

those living at the new homes 

development and was set up by residents 

Toby Eager and Sara Hindry 

in a bid to get to their new neighbours. 

Sara comments: “After the 

success of our Royal Wedding 

Street Party, Toby and I decided to 

set up the Facebook group as a way 

of getting to know our new neigh- 

bours even further. 

“So far, the group has proven 

really successful and we’re currently 

up to 65 members. Through the 

group I organised a trip for 15 of us 

to Henlow dog races and we’ve 

recently set up a girls only film 

club. The men however didn’t want 

to be outdone and organised a night 

in to watch David Haye’s boxing 

match. Karaoke night was also a 

huge success! 

“Another resident is an Avon 

Lady and she is using the group to 

organise parties whilst another is a 

beautician and she posts exclusive 

deals for members which has gone 

down very well indeed. 

“A running and cycling club has 

also been set up and people are also 

using the group to borrow various 

household items such as lawnmowers 

or even to share useful contact 

details for plumbers or taxi firms. 

Mead House, 34 Shortmead St, Biggleswade SG18 0AP 

Tel: 01767 601800 

Email: kipbiggleswade@yahoo.co.uk 

GLENN 

SPEARING 

PLUMBING AND BATHROOM 

INSTALLATIONS 

Restaurant and take away reviews 

are also a regular feature! 

“All in all Facebook has been a 

great place for the new residents of 

The Maythorns to share funny 

stories and useful information, not 

to mention social gatherings! And 

we’re already planning our next 

few community events which will 

hopefully be a bonfire night BBQ 

and a New Year’s Eve party.” 

Jackie Day, Sales Director at 

David Wilson, comments: “It’s 

fantastic to see that the residents at 

The Maythorns are going to such 

great lengths to help nurture the 

thriving new community there and 

I must commend both Sara and 

Toby on their efforts to date. 

“Social networking is becoming 

an increasingly important part of 

our lives with 26 million people in 

the UK using Facebook alone so 

it’s great to see residents embracing 

modern technology to get to know 

their neighbours. 

“As a housebuilder, we strive to 

develop friendly communities 

where people aspire to live and so 

we whole heartedly support this 

new group which can only serve to 

enhance the new community at The 

Maythorns.” 

The Maythorns on Potton Road 

currently offers a range of two- to 

five-bedroom homes that offer 

housing solutions for everyone 

from first time buyers to expanding 

families and even downsizers. 

David Wilson South Midlands 

was given a five star rating in this 

year’s HBF Customer Satisfaction 

Survey, in which consumers are 

asked if they are satisfied with the 

quality of their new home and 

whether they would recommend 

their builder to a friend. 

For added peace of mind, 

buyers can also benefit from David 

Wilson’s new five year guarantee 

on fixtures and fittings in their new 

home at the time of purchase. 

Items covered at no extra cost to the 

buyer will include appliances such 

as washing machines and refrigerators, 

kitchen units, wardrobes, the 

central heating system, fires, doors, 

windows, drainage, the hot and 

cold plumbing system and even the 

driveway. 

● All Domestic Plumbing 

● Radiators 

● Complete Bathroom 

Installations/Re-furbishments 

● Disabled Adaptions 

● Tiling 

● Plastering 

Tel: 01767 317948 or 07786 783486 E-mail: glenn.spearing@ntlworld.com 

FRIENDLY ● LOCAL ● RELIABLE ● FREE QUOTATION

TEL: 01234 843905 ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN OCTOBER 2011 9


…next week United Nations 

FOREIGN Minister and 

Bedfordshire MP Alistair Burt 

took time out from a hectic week 

in Parliament to visit SMEs at 

the Beacon Business Breakfast at 

Wyboston Lakes on Thursday 

September 15th. 

Alistair talked a little about his 

international duties – phone calls 

with Hillary Clinton, meetings in 

Middle East, the United Nations 

next week ( wc Sept 19th) then 

listened and took notes as local 

businesses told him about the 

challenges they faced – most them 

seemed to concern the 

Government’s Her Majesty’s 

Revenue and Customs. 

Complaints were made and 

reinforced about a new aggressive 

approach from HMRC in chasing 

and fining small firms for innocent 

mistakes over accounting – where 

they backed off when faced with 

expensive lawyers from larger 

companies. 

“It think our members believe 

they are an easy target,” voiced 

Beacon boss Pam Woods. 

Alistair will be passing these 

comments on to colleagues who 

run HMRC and promised would 

report back to the Business 

Beacon. 

Bedfordshire’s Business 

Beacon is the only local business 

group which combines networking 

and support and advice, with 

pulling in top speakers. 

“People can attend as many 

events as often as they wish – 

without the pressure of having to 

attend every week or bring in a 

handful of proposals for the 

carpet-fitting fellow member,” 

explained Pam, 

“This is a forum to share ideas 

and experiences and learn, free of 

charge from experts. Our next 

seminar on October 14th will 

involve Jacquie Manners MD of 

Manners PR giving people the 

benefit of her 35 years experience 

in the media world – including 

how social media can help your 

business thrive.” 

Look after your teeth 

Some like it hot 

THE first Sue Ryder home opened 

in Suffolk in 1953 and we are lucky 

to have one near us at St John’s, 

Moggerhanger, providing expert 

and compassionate care for 

Bedford and the surrounding area. 

Relief is provided for illnesses such 

as cancer, heart, lung and liver diseases, 

MS and end of life illnesses 

for patients 18 years and over. 

Support is also there for their families. 

This costs money, far more 

than that provided by statutory 

authorities, so they rely heavily on 

donations and on outside funding. 

A member of Biggleswade 

Sandy Lions, Jeanette Taylor, is 

setting off on 28th October on a 

100Km Sahara Trek from 

M’hamid, a village in the Zagora 

region of Morrocco on the edge of 

the desert. They will trek over sand 

dunes and salt flats for 6 – 7 hours 

each day to reach Marrakech in 

temperatures up to 40°C, spending 

the nights in tents or under the 

stars! The journey by car would 

only take 7 – 8 hours! Marrakech 

WE’VE ALL 

been taught that 

regular brushing 

means healthy 

teeth, but not 

many people 

know that if you 

look after your 

teeth and gums properly it could 

save your life. 

It might sound a bit far fetched, 

but leading scientists from London 

University have found that people 

who you don’t brush their teeth 

regularly are 70% more likely to 

suffer a heart attack. It doesn’t 

matter how fit and healthy you are, 

and it’s in addition to other factors 

such as obesity or smoking. If 

your gums tend to bleed, you may 

have gum disease and this significantly 

increases your risk of developing 

heart disease. 

It may surprise you to know 

that your mouth can be home to up 

to 700 types of bacteria. 

Fortunately most of them are 

harmless, but if you have gum disease, 

and your gums bleed, the 

bacteria can get into your bloodstream. 

Scientists believe that the 

body may then try to combat the 

bacteria by activating the immune 

system, which can cause the artery 

walls to become inflamed or narrow. 

Most of us already have fatty 

deposits, or plaque, in our arteries, 

which the bacteria can adhere to 

causing even further narrowing. 

Regular brushing helps, but 

is the second largest city in 

Morocco near the foot hills of the 

snow capped Atlas Mountains and 

the trek ends there on 6th 

November, where the party of 21 

will enjoy some well earned sightseeing. 

Biggleswade Sandy Lions are 

supporting Jeanette and are seeking 

your support please. You can 

sponsor her by calling 01767 680 

943 or email: b_m_taylor@ 

yahoo.com Please support 

Jeanette and St Johns. 

Nearer home and in cooler 

climes, Biggleswade Sandy Lions 

are holding their annual Christmas 

Charity Dance at the Weatherly 

Centre, Biggleswade on 10th 

December, starting at 8pm. 

Dancing will be to the ever popular 

‘Rhythm and Rhapsody’ and 

there will be the traditional tombola. 

Tickets are £13 each, includes a 

plated supper, can be obtained 

from Judith Hagger 01462 814693 

or Julie Bonfield on 07771 

735638. 

often it’s not the complete solution. 

We all have dental plaque, 

which is a film that builds up naturally 

on the teeth. It’s caused by 

bacteria and initially it’s quite soft 

and easy to remove. However, the 

last UK Adult Health Survey 

showed that people who brush 

their teeth twice a day can still 

have dental plaque on 69% of their 

teeth, and if they brush less than 

once a day, this rises to 89%. 

So even brushing teeth regularly 

won’t necessarily remove all the 

plaque. If it isn’t removed, within 

48 hours, plaque starts to harden 

and in a few days it becomes tartar 

or scale. Tartar is rock hard and 

normal home brushing won’t 

remove it. A build up of plaque 

and tartar can lead to tooth decay 

and gum disease, and gum disease 

increases the risk of heart disease… 

do you see my point? 

The only way this build up of 

plaque and tartar can be removed 

is by a visit to a dental surgery to 

be professionally removed by a 

dentist or hygienist. Dental 

hygienists are not only trained to 

remove the tartar safely but they 

can show you how to clean your 

teeth and gums properly and prevent 

any build-up. 

For more information about 

oral hygiene and dental care visit 

www.ballardandtucker.co.uk or to 

arrange an appointment call 

Ballard and Tucker on 0844 576 

9888


Mount Kilimanjaro beckons 

LAST MONTH the annual village 

fete was held in Old Warden, 

organised by the Village Hall committee, 

this has become a regular 

date for the diary over the last few 

years, and a growing success with 

high numbers of villagers, locals 

and visitors to the area calling in to 

see what was on offer. 

There was a good variety of 

stalls, selling a whole range of 

WANTED 

POSTCARDS 

of 

BIGGLESWADE 

and local area 

by collector 

BEST 

PRICES 

PAID 

Tel: 

01767 220397 

Mob: 

07952 241877 

items including local produce, 

tombola, books and games as well 

as more specialised stalls offering 

a wide array of crafts, jewellery 

and other articles. As the sun 

shone, the ice cream stall was a 

welcome sight for many, and in 

addition to the stalls there was also 

children’s entertainment, a ‘guess 

the weight of the pig’ contest and 

many other offerings for the more 

competitive with traditional 

games, competitions and children’s 

fairground amusements. 

Amongst the stall-holders, was 

local Rebecca Quenby, who is 

climbing mount Kilimanjaro, 

Africa’s highest mountain this 

month, to raise money for 

Macmillan Cancer Nurses. The 

ten day challenge will be undertaken 

with 20 other people from 

all walks of life, all raising money 

for the same excellent cause, many 

of whom have had direct experience 

of the amazing work the 

Macmillan nurses do often under 

the most trying of circumstances. 

With a target of £4300, she has 

£1000 to go, and has been overwhelmed 

by the amount of support 

received from people she has met 

during her fundraising campaign. 

If you would like to sponsor 

Rebecca, go to Just Giving page – 

www.justgiving.com/Rebecca 

Quenby, or contact her on 01767- 

627291. The £4300 she is aiming 

for will enable a Macmillan nurse 

to carry out their vital work for one 

month, caring for someone with 

cancer and supporting their family 

at a difficult and anxious time. Any 

contribution to her cause will be 

very gratefully received. 

Old Warden Village fete is 

planned for the first Saturday in 

September of next year, and promises 

to be a triumph again. 

Seeking views on Childrens’ Centres 

A COUNCIL consultation started 

on 14 September to seek people’s 

views about the future provision of 

children’s centres in Central 

Bedfordshire. 

Whilst there are no plans to 

reduce the amount of money spent 

on children’s centres, the council 

is reviewing how money is allocated 

between centres in order to target 

resources on families who are 

most in need of support. 

With contracts for all children’s 

centres due to end in March 2012, 

the council is taking the opportunity 

of re-tendering contracts to 

make sure that future provision 

reflects government thinking. 

Government guidance says that 

while children’s centres should 

offer a universal service support 

should be targeted on the most 

deprived children and families. 

The consultation, which runs 

until 26 October, is asking for 

comments on a range of options 

ranging from rearranging all 22 

existing centres into nine clusters 

to closing some centres that serve 

more wealthy communities. 

Councillor Mark Versallion, 

Executive Member for Children’s 

Services at Central Bedfordshire 

Council says: “These centres are a 

key part of our early intervention 

work to improve the life chances 

for children across Central 

Bedfordshire. By supporting families 

early on, either through parenting 

advice or signposting to 

benefits, health and other services, 

we can help tackle issues such as 

poverty, ill-health and low educational 

achievement. 

“We’re keen to hear people’s 

views on the extent to which we 

should arrange resources to particularly 

help the most vulnerable 

families. Although we have put a 

range of options on the table we 

are keeping an open mind about 

future provision and the decision 

will not be made finally until all 

the responses to the consultation 

have been fully considered. 

“None of the options will 

impact on the provision of early 

years education and childcare as 

these services are not delivered 

through our children’s centres.” 

To find out more and to take 

part in the consultation, go to 

www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/ 

consultations.


Milton Ernest Hall Care Home 

MILTON ERNEST 

HALL was built in 

1856 and is the only 

country house designed and 

built by the noted architect 

Sir William Butterfield. An 

impressive Grade I Listed 

former Home to the Starey 

family, it is now beautifully 

refurbished to retain its 

character. As well as many 

years as a private residence, the 

house has been a base for US 

Armed forces during World 

War II and a country house 

hotel. 

The Hall stands in sixteen 

acres of landscaped grounds 

within the picturesque village 

of Milton Ernest, five miles 

north of Bedford, Milton 

Ernest Hall is accessible, with 

convenient access to the A6 

trunk road and has good public 

transport links. 

We have extremely spacious 

all en-suite bedrooms and 

suites, all fully furnished and 

tastefully decorated to a high 

standard. All our rooms have 

private direct-dial telephones, 

electric profiling beds, television 

points, a lockable facility 

for valuables, a nurse call 

alarm and smoke detectors. 

We provide personal and 

nursing care on a long term, 

convalescent and short stay 

basis. Twenty-four hour cover 

is provided by a qualified, 

experienced and committed 

care team specifically recruited 

for their sensitivity, dedication 

and professional expertise in 

this area of care. All specialist 

equipment is available. 

All Majesticare’s Homes put 

Residents’ choices first, and at 

Milton Ernest Hall you are free 

to eat your meals in our dining 

rooms or in your own room. 

We are happy to provide meals 

for visitors as well. Our fresh 

home-cooked food is 

nutritionally balanced and we 

cater for special requirements 

such as vegetarian or soft 

foods. 

At Milton Ernest Hall we 

have a dedicated activities 

organiser who arranges a lively 

social calendar including arts, 

entertainment, exercise, trips 

such as shopping, and events in 

the Home. We also arrange 

regular visits from 

hairdressers, chiropodists, 

dentists, opticians, local GP’s 

and a range of other 

professionals. 

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 other 

care homes across the country. For further information visit www.majesticare.co.uk


Creepy crawlies and 

slippery snakes 

Young visitor, Thomas, with tarantula 

spider. 

THE Animal Fun Day at 

Shuttleworth College at the end of 

October gives young people the 

chance to peer into the lives of 

creepy crawlies and slippery 

snakes. They also get the chance to 

put questions to the expert staff at 

Shuttleworth College. 

Carl Groombridge (Animal 

Centre Manager/Lecture) said: 

“The Animal Fun Day is a chance 

for young people to get up close 

small furry animals that they may 

otherwise only see on the TV. 

“The Animal Fun Day offers 

young people a unique opportunity 

to learn about animal welfare 

and conservation – but with the 

magic ingredient of fun. It's a 

chance to have a close up experience 

with creepy crawlies and 

slippery snakes and discover the 

secrets of these exotic creatures.” 

Animal Fun Day 

Creepy Crawlies and Slippery 

Snakes: Saturday 29 October 

(9.30am-12.30pm) 

More Animal Fun Days in 

2012 include Exotic Encounters 

and Lambing Sunday. 

In a flap over giant moths 

GIANT Atlas Moths, probably the largest moth in the 

world with an incredible 32 cm wing span, were 

hatched recently at Shuttleworth College. From 

Southeast Asia, this amazing species spends most of 

its life as a larva and once it changes from caterpillar 

to chrysalis the adult moth will breed and then die 

within a few days. 

Students at Shuttleworth College have a unique 

opportunity to study these giant moths. Their anatomical 

design is fascinating as they have no mouth parts 

to feed and after mating the female lays eggs and then 

dies. The moths fly very majestically during moonlight 

hours with their incredible 32cm wingspan. 

Carl Groombridge (Animal Centre Manager/ 

Lecture) said: “These moths have created enthusiasm 

for a group of flying invertebrates that are often disliked! 

But the value of observing such a species is 

truly inspiring to say the least! Many learners are in 

awe of such beauty – every centimetre of these animals 

is magnificently decorated with vivid colours.” 

The Animal Centre at Shuttleworth College is 

home to just about every family of species in the 

world and habitats include a topical rainforest setting 

Harrisons 

Accountancy 

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS 

Save money on your accountancy costs. 

Year round support for a fixed fee. 

www.toyboxdaynurseries.co.uk 

– complete with soundtrack. 

Shuttleworth College offers a range of courses for 

those who want to learn more about animals, from 

Saturday morning sessions for children and adults to 

full time courses leading to Animal Science 

qualifications. 

Gemma Douch (Year one student, Extended Diploma 

in Animal Management) pictured with the Atlas 

Moths (Attacus Atlas). 

SANDY 

Toybox Day Nursery 

7 Medusa Way, Sandy SG19 1TH 

01767 683602 

BIGGLESWADE 

Toybox Day Nursery, The Saxon Centre, 

Kingsfield Road, Biggleswade SG18 8AT 

01767 313139 

STOTFOLD 

Toybox Day Nursery 

70 High Street, Stotfold, SG5 4LD 

01462 734306


5 GREAT REASONS TO INSTALL 

SOLAR PHOTOVOLTIC PANELS 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

GET PAID UP TO £1600 TAX FREE PER 

YEAR, INDEXED LINKED FOR 25 YEARS! 

Since April 1st 2010 the U.K’s Government 

F.I.T.S scheme guarantees payments to 

consumers who generate electricity via solar, 

tax-free and index linked to inflation for the 

next 25 years. 

CUT YOUR ENERGY BILLS IN HALF 

An average system will generate 

approximately 50% of the energy demand of 

a typical consumer. 

YOU CAN EARN ADDITIONAL 

PAYMENTS FROM THE NATIONAL GRID 

You are paid for all electricity generated, 

whether you use it or not. However any 

unused units are automatically fed back to 

the national grid and you receive additional 

payments. 

PROTECT YOUR FAMILY FROM EVER 

RISING ENERGY COSTS 

If you generate your own energy there is 

less to worry about the predicted 14% - 25% 

increase in energy costs by 2020. 

SAVE OVER A TONNE OF CO2 

EMISSIONS EVERY YEAR 

Create a safer environment for your children, 

grandchildren and all future generations. 

❝ Very impressed 

with the companys 

dedication and the 

system so far! 

Mrs Edwards, ❞ 

Blunham, Beds 

This System Includes: 

■ Free 10 year CPA endorsed 

independent warranty. 

■ 16 Fully MCS Approved 240watt 

black on black panels. 

■ Aurora Power-One Inverter. 

■ All Roof Hooks. 

■ All Coach Bolts. 

■ All Mounting Rails. 

■ All Rubbers. 

■ All End Clamps. 

■ All Mid Clamps. 

■ Installation of roof anchors and 

module mounting rails. 

■ Mechanical and electrical 

connection of PV array. 

■ Supply and installation of DC 

cabling between array and inverter. 

■ Supply and installation of AC spur 

cabling from a spare way on 

consumer unit to location of inverter. 

For a free survey and an estimate of your financial 

rewards simply visit - www.global-renewable.com 

or call 0800 008 7609 (no obligation) 

RUGBY 

WORLD CUP 

SPECIAL OFFER 

Our 3.84KW system 

is more powerful and energy efficient 

than Jonah Lomu at his peak 

Don’t make a Haka out of this offer! Only 

applies while England or Wales are in the 

World Cup Finals 

INSTALLED & COMMISSIONED FOR THE AMAZING PRICE OF 

£9,999.00 

Call us today to join the 

Green Revolution 

■ Supply and installation of AC 

isolator at inverter and connection to 

AC spur. 

■ Full programming of the inverter. 

■ Testing & commissioning of 

system. 

■ Liaison with Distribution Network 

Operator (if required). 

■ Guaranteed on whole fitting. 

PLUS: Any customers signing up 

prior to Oct 1st will get a £500.00 

rebate of the contracted price 

should England go on to lift the 

Webb Ellis trophy. 

With over 300 install we can assure you we know 

what it takes to make your roof work for you! 

❝ Very happy with 

the high output in 

such a short 

period of time 

Mr James 

Clapham, Beds 

❞


Saint Andrew’s 

Country Fayre 

Pictured left is Geoff Lipscombe who rounded off a perfect day 

with a £200 cash prize and Gerald Eva celebrated with a bottle 

of single malt Whisky. 

STEAM AND 

COUNTRY FAIR 

Our roving shutterman, Newton 

Maxwell-Harris was out and 

about over the weekend of 

September 24-25th at St 

Andrews Country Fayre and at 

Shuttleworth, capturing you all having fun.

Photograph: Martin Quince 

High quality cards 

at great prices 

direct to you 

Phoenix Trading publish an 

exclusive range of high quality 

greeting cards and related products 

at well below high street prices! 

FOR MORE INFO CONTACT: 

TASH BURRETT 

Independent Phoenix Trader 28152 

07816 844155 

tash@burretts.co.uk 

www.phoenix-trading.eu/web/tashb 

Facebook: Tash Burrett – Independent Phoenix Trader 

…shop locally this Christmas, support your independent traders in 

Tina’s Cake shop offers a complete bespoke 

service for celebration and novelty cakes from 

design to delivery, for all occasions. 

Christmas is just around the corner, so its never too early 

to order your Christmas cakes, cupcakes and 

decorations. 

We offer fruit or sponge, made to order, as well as fruit 

cake cupcakes – and remember, we make cakes for 

birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, Hallowe’en... 

or just because. 

Please contact us on 01767 660839 or 

e-mail tina@tinascakeshop.co.uk 

Or come and see us on Biggleswade Market on Saturdays for 

cakes and bakes, cake orders and cake decorations. 

Follow us on Twitter (tinascakeshopuk) or find us on Facebook (Tinas cake shop) 

Biggleswade 

Christmas 

cards and 

gifts now in 

stock 

Why travel miles, 

wasting time and 

fuel, use your local 

businesses this 

Christmas 

Gorgeous 

Gifts for all occasions. Wedding, Baby, Christening... 

Stockist of Spaceform, Willow Tree, Yankee Candles and Lily Flame Candles 

Gift Vouchers Available 

Opening times: Mon to Fri 9.30am to 6pm, Sat 9am to 5.00pm, Sun - Closed 

Ample Free Parking 

Tel: 01767 600150 

Gift & Card Company 

Join us on facebook 

DOG GROOMING 

by qualified groomer (est 1998) 

● Grooming Brushes, Combs & Shampoos 

(free advice given) 

● Stockist of Burns foods and most other 

brands available with FREE local delivery 

● Treats, toys, collars, leads and 

identification tags 

● Dorwest Herbs Stockist (come in for 

information on Dorwest’s natural remedy 

for firework phobias). 

● Dog coats, jumpers and reflective wear. 

58 King Street, Potton, Beds SG19 2QZ


Minister ‘flies in’ to launch extension to Pronto Plumber business 

FOREIGN Minister Alistair Burt 

MP took time out his day overseeing 

the liberation of Libya, talking 

to PM David Cameron and US 

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton 

101 Non-Emergency Number 

BEDFORDSHIRE Police have 

launched a new number providing 

people with a new way to get in 

touch about non-emergency 

issues. 101 is now the main number 

to call Bedfordshire Police 

when it is less urgent than 999 

As well as making the police 

more accessible to communities, it 

is intended that 101 will reduce the 

number of inappropriate 999 calls. 

There will be a single flat charge 

of 15p per call, regardless of the 

duration, time of day, mobile or 

landline. 

You should call 101 to report 

crime and other concerns that do 

not require an emergency 

response. For example: 

Stolen cars; If you suspect drug 

dealing/taking; To give us 

information about crime in 

your area; To speak to your 

Local Policing Team 

to launch Pronto Services, a 

handyman extension to Pronto 

Plumber. The successful Great 

Barford-based business is now 

offer building related services to 

In an emergency, always call 

999 when you need an immediate 

response. For example: 

Because a crime is in progress; 

Someone suspected of a crime is 

nearby; When there is danger to 

life; When violence is being used 

or threatened. 

101 will not: Change the way 

in which we respond to non emergency 

calls. Connect people to a 

large national call centre. Result in 

calls receiving a lower priority 

than if 999 had been called for a 

non emergency issue. 

101 should not be used to 

report: Fly tipping, Noise pollution, 

Stray dogs. These should initially 

be reported to your local 

council: 

Central Bedfordshire Council: 

0300 300 8000 

Bedford Borough Council: 

01234 267422 

clients who like the quality of 

service and workmanship offered 

by Pronto Plumber. Alistair was 

joined at the event by local 

councillor Carole Ellis who both 

congratulated business owner 

David Lambert on his plans. 

“I am keen to support local 

enterprise and especially because 

Pronto Plumber is taking on 

apprentices offering jobs to young 

people,” said Alistair. 

Said David: “This idea of the 

Handyman Service has come 

about because so often our team 

find a client who want a new shelf 

put in the bathroom, or even a 

decorating make-over but are 

reluctant to invite someone new, 

who they don’t know into their 

home. They trust our team. 

“It was an honour to have 

Alistair to visit us and launch our 

new business.” 

David Lambert, left with Alistair Burt, centre and one of the Pronto 

Plumber team right.


Saving lives with time-critical help 

THE East Anglia Air 

Ambulance is a charity operating 

the 365 day a year life-saving 

air ambulance service across the 

four counties of Bedfordshire, 

Cambridge shire, Norfolk and 

Suffolk. Since our formation in 

2000, the dedicated and highly 

skilled medical crews aboard 

our two specially equipped 

aircraft have helped to save the 

lives of hundreds of people 

unfortunate enough to be caught 

up in accidents or medical 

emergencies. 

For those caught in an emergency 

situation, the likelihood of 

full recovery – perhaps even of 

survival – depends on the level of 

specialist medical care they 

receive and how quickly they 

receive it. 

The four counties we serve 

form 11% of the total landmass of 

England and Wales – a huge area, 

much of it rural with inaccessible 

and remote places and a long coast 

line. Add to this a poor road infrastructure 

with few motorways and 

frequent congestion and a journey 

by road for some seriously ill 

patients can take more than an 

hour. This is where we come in, 

working in partnership with the 

East of England Ambulance 

Service NHS Trust and its fleet of 

road-based ambulance crews. 

From their bases our two aircraft 

can reach a patient anywhere in 

the region in around 20 minutes. 

TIME CRITICAL 

The range of time-critical procedures 

our medical crews can 

perform means they can offer a 

standard of emergency care usually 

found only in a hospital. For 

instance, a patient can be anaesthetised 

at the incident site – or a 

patient suffering a heart attack can 

be given a blood clot busting drug. 

While the level of care given by 

our crew at the accident scene 

often enables the patient to be stabilised 

so that they can then be 

conveyed by road ambulance to 

hospital, when necessary, they will 

fly the patient either to the closest 

A&E department, if appropriate, 

or to the specialist hospital in the 

region most suited to treat them. 

For instance, patients requiring 

neurosurgery are taken directly to 

Addenbrooke’s Hospital in 

Cambridge while patients with 

serious burns are taken to 

Broomfield Hospital in 

Chelmsford. 

It’s this combination of defini- 

tive care at the accident site and 

rapid onward transfer to hospital 

which is often so vital in saving 

lives or at least improving patients’ 

prospects of making a full recovery. 

Naturally, the advanced skills, 

drugs and equipment and the cost 

of operation make the call out cost 

for our aircraft higher than that of a 

road ambulance so we are primarily 

tasked to assist at life-threatening 

incidents or where accidents 

happen in remote or inaccessible 

locations. 

At all times we collaborate 

with our colleagues in the road 

ambulance service, bringing our 

skills and expertise to the patients 

by Philip Randell 

OAKLEY Motorcycle Club 

regularly attends village fetes and 

carnivals throughout the summer 

months. We do this for several 

reasons: primarily to promote our 

Club and motorcycling in general, 

and to raise money for our chosen 

charity, which this year is the 

EAAA. 

It all started on a lazy Saturday 

afternoon on the 2nd July when one 

of our committee was approached by 

a member of the Bedford public and 

was given a motorcycle to dispose of 

to raise money for the EAAA. The 

2010 Sinnis 125cc motorcycle was 

collected from the donor’s house on 

the following Monday morning, 

together with all his nearly new 

motorcycle clothing and helmets etc 

which he also wanted us to dispose 

of. 

We held discussions with Paul 

Airton (the EAAA Area Fund 

who need them most. Working 

together, we aim to offer the best 

level of care to our patients and are 

constantly working to improve the 

service we offer and to deliver ever 

higher levels of pre-hospital critical 

care to the people of our 

region. 

It costs us £4.2 million every 

year to keep our aircraft flying. 

This covers their operating costs, 

fuel, all the specialised medical 

equipment they carry and the costs 

of our doctors. The East of 

England Ambulance Service NHS 

Trust employs Critical Care 

Paramedics who serve aboard. We 

receive no direct government 

Oakley Motorcycle Club raises £6000 

Raising Manager) on how best to dispose 

of the asset which was worth in 

the region of £1000 to maximise the 

extremely generous gift. 

We decided to raffle the bike to 

OMC members and friends of the 

club at £5 per ticket, with the draw 

taking place on Thursday, 8th 

September. We were also given a pair 

of tyres to the value of £280 from 

Bedford Wheels in College Street, 

Kempston, a Track Day by the MSV 

(the owners of Bedford Autodrome 

in Thurleigh) who also donated a pair 

if VIP tickets to the British 

Superbikes in Silverstone, as raffle 

prizes. 

It was also decided to complement 

the evening of the raffle with an 

auction of promises and good quality 

motorcycle related items to raise 

even more money for the EAAA. 

The evening was a phenomenal 

success with Oakley Sports and 

Social Club being packed. Our auction 

of thirty-one items included 

everything from a pair of VIP tickets 

funding or National Lottery funding 

and therefore every penny 

which is donated by the public 

makes a real difference. 

To donate £1.50 to the East 

Anglian Air Ambulance text 

‘EAAA’ to 70777. Alternatively, if 

you would like help with 

organising an event visit 

www.eaaa.org.uk for the contact 

details of your local fundraising 

manager who will be happy to 

help. They can also give you 

details of how to join our lottery 

which has a top prize of £1,000 

each week, as well as 17 other 

prizes. Details of this can also be 

found on the website. 

to the Northampton Saints kindly 

donated by Travis Perkins, to a £50 

voucher kindly donated by Ruby’s 

Lingerie shop in Olney, and raised 

nearly £3000, in addition to the 

£3150 raised in the raffle. 

Through this extremely successful 

event, and the additional OMC 

Easter appeal and other fund raising 

events we have had and plan to have, 

we are confident that our annual fund 

raising total will exceed £10,000. 

Oakley Motorcycle Club meets 

every Thursday evening from 7pm at 

Oakley Sports and Social Club in 

Church Lane Oakley. It doesn’t matter 

what you ride; classic or modern, 

sports or cruiser or even if you only 

have an interest in bikes come along 

or visit www.oakleymc.net. 

Membership of the Club is just 

£15 a year, which includes membership 

of Oakley Sports and Social 

Club. This is not a fly by night Club. 

Oakley Motorcycle Club is the 

premier Club in Bedfordshire and the 

surrounding counties.


Chestnuts and Apples 

by Dean Cartwright and 

Maryla Hart of Sylva Arborists. 

DEAN Cartwright has been 

involved in Arboriculture and 

woodland management since 1997. 

Dean studied Conservation and 

Countryside Skills at Capel Manor 

College, then worked as a tree surgeon 

for a large contractor whilst 

studying Arboriculture part time. 

He worked for two years as an 

Arboricultural practical instructor 

and for the last seven years has run 

his own tree surgery company 

based in Biggleswade, Beds and 

Herts. Dean’s company has 

rebranded as Sylva Arborists. Each 

month Dean will be writing about 

trees of interest and what to look 

out for at this time of year. 

Tree of the Month: Sweet 

Chestnuts – Castanea sativa 

Though neither the Sweet 

Chestnut, nor the Horse Chestnut 

(Conker tree), is native to Britain, 

they have been here long enough 

(the former since Roman times, the 

latter since the 17th century) to 

become rooted in our psyche, 

traditions and celebrations. In the 

childhood of today, in the childhood 

of living and written memory, 

autumn meant collecting conkers 

and playing conkers. As for the 

roast chestnut seller on those cold, 

dark winter streets, the image conjures 

up Dickensian London yes, 

but the twenty-first century also. 

The European variety of sweet 

chestnuts, or Castanea sativa originated 

in Greece and are thought to 

have been brought over to Britain 

by the Romans. Unlike the horse 

chestnut, sweet chestnuts are edible 

and the two main uses for the tree 

are food and for timber. The sweet 

chestnut is a magnificent tree, within 

twenty years it may reach a 

height and spread of ten metres, 

and may eventually grow to 20 or 

30m. For this reason it is not great 

for small gardens, unless you plan 

to coppice it. It is also self-infertile, 

i.e. needs a second tree to pollinate 

it. 

In France, Spain and Italy, the 

seeds or chestnuts grow larger than 

British ones, because of the warmer 

climate. However, as the weather 

on our shores is getting warmer due 

to climate change, so the size of our 

chestnuts is getting bigger also, 

meaning they could conceivably 

form a larger proportion of our diet 

in the future. So, apart from chestnuts 

roasted in the oven or on an 

open fire, how could we include 

them into our diet, and would this 

be a viable, healthy option? 

It turns out that chestnuts are 

nutritionally similar to grains such 

as rice. Unlike other nuts, they contain 

only about 10% protein, and 

are mainly composed of starchy 

carbohydrates. 

People with allergies to peanuts 

and other nuts will not necessarily 

be allergic to sweet chestnuts as 

they are not related to tree nuts or 

peanuts. Chestnut allergy does 

exist, but this allergy comes under 

latex-fruit syndrome allergy, rather 

than peanut allergy. Some people 

do have both, so if you think there’s 

a chance you may be allergic, either 

avoid sweet chestnuts or get tested 

before eating. 

Chestnuts can be eaten fresh 

when harvested, or dried and 

ground down into flour. The flour 

can be used for bread making, 

polenta, or to replace grain through 

out the year. In this vain “During 

the 16th century a population living 

in the highlands of Tuscany is said 

to have subsisted largely on chestnuts 

for half the year.” 

Roman soldiers used to be given 

chestnut porridge before battle and 

in parts of Europe chestnuts are still 

used as a substitute for pasta and 

potatoes. Chestnuts can also be 

made into stuffings, used in baking, 

soup thickeners and stocks and in 

the US are a popular ingredient in 

deserts. 

In England, the season for harvesting 

chestnuts is now 

(September and October). If you 

can’t get any off a tree you can 

always buy some. I will now give 

some basic chestnut recipes. 

Roast Chestnuts 

If you have picked your own 

chestnuts, they come in thorny 

shells (up to three per shell) so use 

gloves to get them out. 

Cut a 1cm (1/2 in) cross on the 

flat side of each chestnut or pierce 

each chestnut with a skewer. Be 

sure to pierce the chestnut's shell to 

prevent the chestnut from exploding. 

Place the chestnuts in a shallow 

roasting tin and roast for 25 to 30 

minutes in an preheated oven at 

190C/gas mark 5. Alternatively 

roast over an open fire or place in a 

covered pyrex dish on the hot plate 

of your wood burner. 

Allow to cool and peel off the 

chestnuts' shells. The chestnuts are 

now ready to eat. 

Or, for a real treat you can place 

the roasted, peeled chestnuts in a 

frying pan with butter and saute 

over high heat until the butter is 

melted and the chestnuts are well 

coated. Place pan in oven and roast 

until they are golden on top. 

Sprinkle with salt and cinnamon. 

Boiled Chestnuts 

Cut a crisscross through the 

shell of each chestnut. Put in a 

saucepan and cover with 2-3 inches 

cold water. Bring to boil over high 

heat, reduce heat slightly and boil 

for 20-25 mins. Cool slightly and 

peel with sharp knife. Make sure to 

remove inner skin as well. The 

shells and inner skin are easier to 

remove when the chestnuts are 

quite warm. For that reason it's best 

to work with only a few chestnuts at 

a time while the rest stay warm in 

the cooking water. When the chestnuts 

become difficult to peel, you 

may have to add more water to the 

pan, and heat them again. You can 

now use the chestnuts in a variety 

of savoury or sweet dishes. 

Different Apple Varieties 

It is not uncommon to move into 

a house and be unsure about 

whether the fruit off the garden 

trees is edible. Apples for example 

may always taste unripe or unpleasant 

to eat even when, or just before 

they fall off the tree. If you find this 

is the case, it is possible they may 

be cooking apples or crab apples, or 

a variety that only ripen in storage. 

The most commonly grown cooking 

apples in the UK of course are 

the Bramley, but many others exist. 

Crab apples are small, and, save 

some exceptions, not sweet tasting. 

They can be made into jellies and 

preserves. The Royal Horticultural 

Society holds shows around the 

country where you can take fruit 

and foliage samples to have your 

fruit tree identified by experts. 

Apple varieties and their 

harvesting 

Apples have the longest picking 

season of any temperate fruit, followed 

by pears. The earliest varieties 

are desert apples are ready to 

pick in August and early 

September, followed by those that 

ripen through September. The 

above will only keep for two-three 

weeks maximum. Next come 

apples that ripen in October. 

Different kinds will keep for different 

time periods. Late autumn varieties 

are ripe or nearly ripe when 

picked. They may keep until 

November or December. The later, 

longest keeping varieties are picked 

whilst unripe and ripen in storage. 

If stored correctly, different late 

varieties will ripen in storage 

between November and March. 

(Information taken from 

Whitefield, P. How to Make a 

Forest Garden. Permanent 

Publications: 2002.) 

How to pick and store Apples 

Not all apples on the tree will be 

ready at the same time. Apples near 

the top of the tree tend to ripen first. 

To gage whether an apple is ready, 

hold it in your hand and gently 

twist it. If it comes off in your hand, 

it is ready. 

If windfalls or picked apples are 

part rotten, part bruised or contain a 

maggot, you can cut out the bad bit 

and the rest of the apple is fine for 

eating, cooking or stewing. Only 

apples in perfect condition however 

are suitable for storage. Be extra 

careful when handling. 

It is best to store apples in a 

room with a low, even temperature, 

ideally of around 4°C. You want 

good ventilation and a moist atmosphere. 

Cellars are better than attics. 

If no such place is available, store 

apples at the north side of your 

home. Wrapping them individually 

in paper stops rot spreading from 

apple to apple, or make sure they 

are not touching. You can store 

apples on dimpled cardboard trays, 

available from your green grocer or 

the market. Alternatively use trays 

with slats or chicken wire bases to 

allow air to circulate. In the absence 

of an ideal storing room, put your 

apples in boxes and cover with 

insulation e.g. straw, or polystyrene 

sheets. Then cover the whole box 

with polythene. 

LETTERS TO 

THE EDITOR 

OLD COMPS NEVER DIE 

CONGRATULATIONS on 

your brilliant production from 

an ‘old style comp’ – hot metal! 

It is one of the most attactive 

magazines I have seen. The design 

and layout are very good. Keep up 

the good work! 

Peter Waring (age 85) 

The Editor welcomes your 

correspondence but reserves the 

absolute right to edit any submitted 

material without reference to the 

author. Please send your letters to: 

Biggleswade Bulletin, 1 Union Park, 

Triumph Way, Kempston MK42 

7QB or email to: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk 

or if you 

would like to discuss a future 

editorial please call 01234 843905.


Business Women raise £3016 for Keech Hospice 

AFTER a successful AGM held 

at The Bedford Swan in 

September, I am delighted to 

take on the role of President of 

Bedfordshire Business Women 

(BBW) for the coming year. 

BBW is a not for profit network 

organisation. Established 

since1988 it attracts like minded 

professional business women 

across Bedfordshire. Our focus 

is to help women get ahead in 

business, meet new contacts and 

create potential new business. 

We host our networking lunches 

and big events every third 

Thursday of the month for 

members and their guests. 

In August a farewell lunch was 

held for outgoing President, Paula 

Muller. Our members would like 

to thank Paula for a wonderful 

year and all her hard work. She 

has made the year a success and 

hosted some fantastic occasions. 

Her chosen charity for the year 

was Keech Hospice. A cheque for 

£3016.57 was presented to 

Barbara Farrow representing 

Keech at our AGM (pictured 

above). We look forward to seeing 

Paula at our future monthly 

networks. 

Focus on networking is at the 

heart of BBW success, and as 

President for 2011-12 I’m 

determined to create awareness of 

what’s on offer in Bedfordshire 

and continue to develop my 

business and promote other 

Bedfordshire businesses around 

me. Membership must continue to 

grow and development is essential 

within the group to meet our 

–member’s needs. We have 

already gained 30 new members 

for the membership year which 

will commence on the 1st October 

2011 but always looking for more 

businesses to come on board and 

(l-r) Bev Taylor Baker, Gillian Ormston, Kerry Cash, Amanda Murrell, 

Deborah Rupping and Paula Priestley. 

Wedding 

Photographs 

Would you like to see your special day 

in this magazine – then get your 

photographer to send a picture and 

a short report to: 

editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk 

IT’S FREE! 

join us. 

Our events calendar is already 

action packed with lots of great 

new ideas for this year. 

Bedfordshire Business Women 

Awards aimed to salute women 

who do well in business and 

deserve recognition. They will be 

held at Bedford Blues Rugby Club 

marquee on 17th November. 

Network & Pamper at Champneys 

Henlow on 19th January, 

International Women’s Day with 

Ruth Badger from The Apprentice 

Your local cleaning 

company 

HOMEBRIGHT 

Fully vetted and 

insured cleaners at 

affordable rates 

■ Weekly house cleans 

■ One off spring cleans 

■ Ironing service 

Call Angela for a 

FREE quote 

Office 01767 222141 

Mob 07807 452974 

at Bedford College on 16th 

February 2012 and Network & 

Fashion Show at Elms BMW on 

15th March 2012 plus many more 

all featured on our website. 

Our new nominated charity of 

the year will be St Johns Hospice, 

Moggerhanger. 

Success at our awards 

ceremony will generate publicity 

for your business and individual 

winners and finalists will be seen 

as role models in their field. If you 

have what takes or know someone 

worthy of recognition fill out our 

award application form on our 

website. Men are also invited to 

attend the awards and bookings 

can be taken on line. 

Whether you are confident or 

shy you’ll always feel welcome at 

BBW. An investment of £80 

membership will give you 

unlimited potential for a whole 

year. 

For more information please 

visit our website: www.bedsbusinesswomen.org 

We look forward to networking 

with you soon! 

Kerry & the Bedfordshire 

Business Women Committee. 

HOMEBRIGHT 

CARPET & 

UPHOLSTERY 

CLEANING 

Prompt Reliable & 

Courteous Service 

We use the very latest 

Professional Equipment giving 

you Cleaner Healthier Fresher 

Carpets & Upholstery 

At home or at work 

● Carpet Cleaning 

● Upholstery Cleaning 

● Stain Protection 

● Specialist Spot & Stain 

Removal 

● Fully Insured 

Call Jim for a FREE quote 

Office 01767 222141 

Mob 07807 452974


1. For those who missed seeing 

‘ Thorney’, the 1908 

Shand Mason steam fire 

engine, at Biggleswade Fire 

Station in July – and for those 

who would like to see her 

again – she will be on show at 

Stotfold Mill’s Working 

Steam Weekend next month, 

on 8th and 9th October, 

10.30am – 5.00pm. 

www.stotfoldmill.com Tel: 

01462 734541 

2. We have heard from members 

Madeline and Archie 

Russell, who took part in the 

Beds & Herts Historic 

Churches Trust ‘Bike and 

Hike’ fundraising event on 

Saturday, 10 September, that 

they raised an amazing £950 

in sponsorship. Madeline and 

Archie cycled over thirty 

miles and visited us at Drove 

Road Cemetery Chapel, one 

of twenty churches on their 

itinerary. Well done, 

Madeline and Archie! We 

hope you had a good lie down 

afterwards! 

3. Amendments have been 

made to the plans for the proposed 

new building to replace 

the former Memorial Hall in 

Shortmead Street. As these 

amendments now have to be 

approved it buys a little more 

time for interested parties to 

register any objections in 

writing. 

Events and 

Exhibitions 

English Heritage Open Days 

at Drove Road Cemetery 

Chapel on Saturday and 

Sunday, 10-11 September. 

The weather stayed fine for 

most of the weekend and we 

had a steady procession of 

more than eighty visitors On 

the Saturday morning we 

were very pleased to welcome 

Mayor Tim Woodward, 

with his son Henry, and 

Deputy Mayor Wendy Smith 

with David, her husband. 

Many visitors had never seen 

Biggleswade History Society 

inside the chapel before and 

most stayed a long time to 

enjoy the exhibition and the 

peacefulness of the well kept 

cemetery, and there was no 

shortage of volunteers to try 

their hand at ringing the bell! 

Thanks go to the stalwarts on 

the Committee for organising 

and overseeing the event and 

special thanks to Ken Page 

and Eric Lund and the band of 

members who responded to 

our appeal for stewards - Ken 

Gallichan, Mick Croot, Vic 

Brunt, Alan Battson, Jim 

Fowler and Anne Skinner – 

without whom we would 

have struggled to make it a 

success. 

News form the archives 

Accessions: 

1. From Ray Miller for the 

Dan Albone Archive: copies 

of census pages recording 

Dan Albone with his family in 

Biggleswade, 1861-1901. 

Also, photocopies from an 

original: ‘Cycling Celebrities 

– No. 35 – Mr Dan Albone’ 

from ‘The Cycle Record, 

Athletic Review and Diary’ 

dated 27 Apr 1889. 

2. From Jane and Mick Croot: 

two Greene King Brewery 

items – a heavy glass ashtray 

and metal tray. 

3. From Dave Loveridge: a 

Toc H sign and an insurance 

certificate for the Toc H 

building. 

4. Loaned for scanning via 

Gwyneth Lawton, a copy 

belonging to Ray Snell of 

‘The Names of the Nobility, 

Gentry, and Others, who contributed 

to the Defence of this 

Country at the Time of the 

Spanish Invasion of 1588.’ 

5. Donated at Drove Road 

Cemetery Chapel by Des 

Ball, four items which he rescued 

many years ago from 

being scrapped - a photograph 

by a Cambridge studio, 

showing Charles S. Lindsell 

of Holme Court, Master of 

the Cambridgeshire Hunt; a 

small unframed watercolour 

painting thought to be of 

George (Toey) Race of Road 

Farm, Master of the 

Biggleswade Harriers; a photograph 

showing the ox-roast 

on the Market Square in 1911 

as part of the celebrations 

marking the coronation of 

George V; a framed photograph 

of 1938 showing the 

Remembrance Day service 

around the War Memorial in 

front of Whiteman’s building. 

Last Meeting: 

At the first indoor meeting of 

the season on 6 September 

forty members and guests 

went on a fascinating 

slideshow journey into the 

history of Biggleswade’s 

travelling showmen, narrated 

by our very own acknowledged 

expert in the field, Ken 

Page, author of ‘The Story of 

Harris’s Fun Fairs’. Based on 

a selection of wonderful old 

The Biggleswade History Society meets monthly at Millennium 

House, Shortmead Street, Biggleswade. Doors open at 7.45pm for an 

8.00pm start on the first Tuesday of the month unless notified. 

Meetings are free to members; visitors will usually be welcome to 

our indoor meetings at a charge of £2.00 per meeting. 

1 Nov: Death Clouds a talk by 

Geoff Sewell on the use of 

mustard gas in WW1. 

Forthcoming Programme (2011-12) 

6 Dec: Members’ Christmas Event 

to be held at the Conservative 

Club. Details to follow nearer 

the time. 

Please note in your diaries that our 

first meeting of the New Year – The 

Dan Albone Archive for 

Biggleswade Display – will be on 

the second Tuesday of the month, 

that is, on 10 January 2012. This is to 

allow you a little more recovery time 

after Christmas and New Year! 

photographs of the family and 

the fairs dating from the late 

Victorian era and the heyday 

of travelling steam fairs, Ken 

traced the progress of the 

Harris family from 

Gamlingay in 1774 to 

Biggleswade and elsewhere 

today. He explained how 

their lives and fortunes 

became intertwined through 

marriage with other wellknown 

travelling families like 

the Thurstons, the Biddalls 

and Pat Collins - England’s 

largest showman – and even 

managed to have one of the 

current Harris generation in 

the room to answer questions 

at the end of the presentation. 

The ‘grandfather’ of the 

Biggleswade fairs was James 

Harris of Gamlingay, born in 

1856. His traditional fair, 

complete with brand new 

steam powered galloping 

horses, was the first to set up 

on Biggleswade Market 

Square in 1897 after the 

Shambles fire of 1896 had 

freed up the space. James 

Harris’s nephew, Charles 

Thurston, was the first to travel 

with a bioscope show – a 

travelling cinema – before the 

First World War. The Empire 

Cinema, which used to stand 

in Hitchin Street, was built for 

Charles Thurston in 1912. By 

1920 James Harris had 

moved his base permanently 

from Gamlimgay to the 

Dolphin Meadow in 

Biggleswade, and after his 

death in 1925 his widow 

Sarah, known as ‘The Boss’, 

continued to travel with their 

three sons as ‘James Harris & 

Sons’. Sarah died in 1939 

then, after the war, the depot 

moved to the Sun Street Yard 

and the family also acquired 

the riverside site in Mill Lane, 

where they hold a fair each 

year in the spring. Today 

James W. Harris, a greatgrandson 

of James and Sarah, 

runs the family fair. 

For further information contact: Jane Croot 01767 650340, editor@biggleswadehistory.org.uk www.biggleswadehistory.org.uk


To Biggleswade by road and canal in the 18th Century 

THE eighteenth century was the 

great age of the canals. 

Biggleswade became linked into 

this spreading network when the 

river Ivel was canalized between 

Biggleswade and the Ouse 

Navigation at Tempsford. The 

work was completed by 1758, 

enabling goods to be conveyed by 

water from the port of Kings Lynn. 

Coal was shipped along the coast 

from Newcastle to King’s Lynn, 

then transported by lighter along 

the Ouse and Ivel Navigations to 

be unloaded at the wharves behind 

Shortmead Street, whence it could 

be carried by waggon to Shefford, 

Hitchin and the surrounding villages. 

The canal was to be extended 

as far as Shefford sixty-five 

years later. 

The fast-growing canal system 

was essential to the success of 

Britain’s industrial revolution. 

Goods which were too heavy, 

cumbersome or fragile to be carried 

great distances very efficiently 

by waggon could now reach 

eager markets all over the country. 

Coal, iron, bricks, timber, bales of 

cloth, Staffordshire pottery, like 

the decorative ware produced by 

the Wedgwood factory from the 

1760s onward, could now be produced 

on a large scale in the 

knowledge that there were ready 

outlets for them. 

As time went on small local 

craftsmen like spinners, weavers, 

potters and braziers, unable to 

compete with the cheaper mass 

produced goods, began to disappear 

from small towns and villages. 

The age of centres of industry, 

of machines and mass markets 

was dawning and would reach 

new heights with the arrival of the 

railways in the nineteenth century. 

Then, of course, the canals would 

be unable to compete and would 

go into decline. 

Biggleswade’s position on the 

Great North Road afforded another 

huge advantage to the town, and 

traffic increased enormously during 

the eighteenth century. The 

condition of the road had 

improved since the setting up of 

turnpike trusts in 1725 and 1730. 

Tolls were paid at Biggleswade 

Bridge and at the various gates 

along the road and the revenue was 

used for repairs and maintenance. 

There were others who also took 

their rake-off: highwaymen and 

robbers took advantage of unfortunate 

travellers on unlit roads, and it 

was not until the advent of police 

forces around 1840 that this problem 

began to come under control. 

This feature written by Jane Croot first appeared in 

the February1995 issue of Biggleswade History 

Society Newsletter 

The Sun Inn above and its mounting block. 

The horse was vital to transport 

and communications. Express 

travel was afforded by the mail 

and stage coaches, and 

Biggleswade was an important 

staging post on the Great North 

Road, its larger inns offering good 

stabling facilities and suitable 

accommodation and refreshment 

for the many drivers and passengers 

on the road night and day. 

The scale of operations of 

Biggleswade’s largest and most 

prosperous coaching inn of the 

time is well illustrated by a property 

auction notice which appeared 

in the Northampton Mercury 

newspaper in September 

1787…………..[ The style and 

spelling of the original have been 

reproduced here.} 

All that Valuable and Oldaccustomed 

INN, called the SUN, 

most eligibly situated on the High 

North Road, at BIGGLESWADE, 

being now in full Trade, and frequented 

by the first Company in 

the Kingdom; with all the LANDS 

and APPURTENANCES thereto 

belonging. 

The Premises comprise the 

Mansion-House, replete with 

Eating Rooms, Parlours, Guest 

and Servants Bed-Chambers, Bar- 

Room, Kitchen, complete 

Brewhouse, with large Wine and 

Beer Cellars; handsome Garden in 

front of the House well fenced and 

planted; double Yard, which contains 

good Stables for near 80 

Horses; Tap-Room, Hostlers, Post 

Boys and Soldiers Rooms; Chaise 

and Harness Houses; annexed is 

the Back Yard, containing a Corn- 

Barn, Butcher’s Shop, Granaries, 

extensive and warm Hovel, 

Drying-Ground and Stack Yard, 

Kitchen Garden, Fish Pond and 

Tool House; annexed is the 

Bowling Green and Summer- 

House, which opens on three 

pieces of rich inclosed Arable and 

Pasture Ground of 29 Acres, 

Statute-Measure. The Whole of 

the Premises are a very desirable 

Purchase, the Land rich and fertile, 

are Copyhold, held of the Manor 

of Biggleswade. Fine certain of 

10s.4d moderately assessed; in the 

Occupation of Mr. William Knight 

on a Lease which expires on the 

23rd. of April 1791; at the low 

Rent of 140l. [£140] per Annum, 

and is presumed to be improvable 

at least 60l. [£60] per Annum. 

…For Particulars, and a View 

of the Premises, apply to John 

French, Sworn Broker, on the 

Market-Hill [now Market Square], 

Biggleswade. 

Individuals with the means and 

the stabling could travel on horseback 

or in their private carriages, 

and there were always tradesmen’s 

vehicles and plenty of farm carts to 

be seen. Those without means 

would think nothing of walking 

long distances between towns and 

villages and, if they were lucky, 

might be offered a ride on a passing 

cart or waggon. Drovers were 

regularly seen, walking their herds 

and flocks to nearby or far-distant 

markets. The waggoners were the 

equivalent of today’s truck drivers; 

some carriers ran quite modest 

concerns locally, while others 

were in business in a big way, 

operating regular long-haul services 

to all parts of the country. 

There were occasional road 

accidents in Biggleswade, of 

course. The Parish Register of 

Burials tells us that Rob Bowley 

was killed by a waggon in 1771, 

and eight-year-old Ann 

Richardson by a horse in 1786. 

There was a spectacular accident 

in 1787 when one of Hunt’s heavy 

waggons, major hauliers operating 

out of Stamford, overturned on the 

bridge on its way out of 

Biggleswade. Incredibly, the team 

of eight horses survived, but the 

load was ruined in the river. The 

following is a contemporary report 

from the Northampton Mercury: 

Saturday,7th. July 1787. 

Monday Morning last the following 

Accident happened;- the 

Driver of Hunt’s Stamford 

Waggon having been bit by a Dog 

supposed to be mad, soon after 

Day-break he employed a Man 

who had frequently acted for him 

in the same Capacity, to go forward 

with the Carriage while he 

went to Potton to procure a 

Medicine for preventing any ill 

Effects from his Wound. Either 

through Carelessness, or some 

Accident (which is not known, as 

the occasional Driver has absconded) 

the Waggon was overset upon 

Biggleswade Bridge, and went 

into the River, together with the 

eight Horses. The Horses were 

recovered with little Hurt; but the 

Loss is considerable, the Waggon 

being chiefly loaded with Tea, 

Hogsheads of Sugar, and other 

Goods particularly liable to be 

injured by Water. 

Tea and sugar were very expensive 

commodities in the eighteenth 

century. No wonder the driver 

made himself scarce!


Ivel Evening Townswomen Guild 

VICE Chairman Bobbie Ball welcomed 

members to the 

Biggleswade Ivel Evening 

Townswomen Guild Meeting on 

12th September. 

The mystery trip in July saw us 

visiting Flaxbourne Garden at 

Aspley Guise followed by a pub 

supper and was enjoyed by all 

those attending. The Guild entered 

three teams into the federation 

quiz evening in August. All three 

teams finished on the same 

number of points although 

collusion was denied by all those 

attending. The August walk from 

Wimpole Hall to the Folly 

followed by afternoon tea was 

well attended. During the summer 

a car boot was held raising 

valuable funds to help with the 

running expenses of the guild. 

This was deemed to be a success 

and easier than running a market 

stall. A total of 826 Chronicle 

points were handed in during 

September, members are urged to 

keep on saving. 

The guild annual dinner will 

hopefully be at the Five Bells on 

Thursday 17th November. 

Members were reminded that 

leaflets were available for 

Operation Christmas Child. Anne 

Jones reported that she had been to 

visit Alex Armstrong, a long 

serving guild member and former 

Biggleswade Councillor, now 

living in Canterbury. The evening 

then continued with the traditional 

harvest supper followed by a quiz 

the winning teams being, first 

Angela Williamson, Wendy 

Walters, Jackie Harris, Janet 

Millard, Elaine Webb and Marian 

Todd, second Diane Keen, Pauline 

Dover, Anne Jones, Viv Palmer 

and Rosemary Badley. The 

competition for a decorated apple 

was won by Anne Jones the runner 

up was Angela Williamson. 

The evening closed with the 

Vice Chairman’s thanks to the 

committee for their hard work and 

a reminder that the next meeting 

will be on the 10th October when 

the speaker Mrs Dodd will give a 

talk entitled ‘History and Legend 

of Flowers’. The competition will 

be ‘Prettiest flower’. The guild 

meets on the second Monday of 

the month 7.30 pm at the 

Weatherley Centre new member 

and visitors are very welcome. 

Ex-players and fans of 

Kempston Rovers, this 

is the ideal Christmas 

present to yourself 

or to a friend! 

Written by Roger Wood and 

Peter Burnage this 140 plus 

page book with its wealth of old 

team photographs and reports 

will give you hours of nostalgic 

pleasure. 

The book measures 245mm x 

155mm approx. Order yours 

now in time for Christmas. 

Only £8.95 

+ £3.50pp UK only. 

ROSETTA PUBLISHING LIMITED 

1 Union Park, Triumph Way, Kempston, Bedfordshire MK42 7QB 

Telephone: 01234 843905 Email: martin@rosettapublishing.com 

Ivel Valley U3A 

SECRETARY Ann Taylor welcomed 

members of the Ivel Valley 

U3A to their meeting on Tuesday, 

13th September at Holmemead 

School canteen, apologising for the 

Chairman’s absence as she had 

been called away to take her sister 

to hospital. 

She asked that members consider 

coming on committee and 

being the Chairman as Anne 

wished to retire. 

The next meeting for the Book 

Group one is at Jean Williams on 

10th October and on 14th October 

for Book Group 2. There has been 

an amendment to the programme 

for the 25th October, when the 

school is closed for half term, 

when lunch will be at The 

Riverside Grill, next to the Swan 

Hotel, Bedford. There is a varied 

menu and it has had favourable 

reports. 

Anne Taylor then introduced 

Tim Sheppard from the Southend 

on Sea Branch of the RNLI. He 

began his presentation by telling 

members that the RNLI was started 

in 1824. With the assistance of 

slides and films he gave an interesting 

and absorbing account of the 

RNLI. 

They are a totally independent 

charity with no government funding 

and rely on charitable donations 

and sales from their shops. 

They are not part of the Coastguard 

although they are requested by the 

Coastguard to launch boats to save 

lives. They have 235 Lifeboats and 

165 lifeguard beaches with 4600 

crewmembers, 3000 shore based 

personnel and 900 lifeguards offering 

a 24/7 service. In fact last 

Christmas day they answered 15 

calls and four on New Years Day. 

Last year they attended 8713 incidents 

saving 8313 people. This was 

the highest number recorded in 

RNLI history. All the members are 

volunteers from all walks of life 

and only one in ten has a maritime 

occupation. 

In 2010 there were 16500 incidents 

on the beaches involving 

some 19000 people, which were 

saved by the lifeguards. Following 

the Marchioness disaster in 1992 

there are now four boats on the 

River Thames, which aim to have a 

response time from call to launching 

of ninety seconds. 

All training is undertaken in 

Poole to world class standard and 

the volunteers are making a big 

commitment when they join. The 

motto ‘Train one to save many’ is 

tantamount with people’s perception 

of the RNLI service. Their 

training and crew’s courage 

undoubtedly save lives. Jean 

Curwen thanked Tim and his team 

for a most interesting and fascinating 

talk. 

Anne Taylor closed the meeting, 

asking members to think about 

joining the committee.


SPORT 

The World in Union! 

WITH the Rugby World Cup 

in full swing, Biggleswade 

Rugby Club continue to 

attract new players and 

members to the club via the 

excellent buzz and enthusiasm 

that the World Cup 

Biggy Big Breakfast has generated! 

The club is open for 

all of the Saturday and 

Sunday games with the 

matches showing on the Big 

Screen and with chairman 

Stan cooking breakfast the 

plan is to continue right up to 

the final. 

Stan said: “All rugby fans are 

welcome, no need to book a breakfast, 

just turn up and join us for a 

fry-up, the atmosphere for the 

opening games has been great.” 

Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th 

October: Quarter Finals, at 

6am and 8.30am 

Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th 

October: Semi Finals at 9am 

Sunday 23rd October. The 

Rugby World Cup Final at 9am 

UK time 

The club website will carry all 

details, come and enjoy the fun! 

Impressive 

start in first 

home game 

BIGGY FIRST XV made an 

impressive home start by beating 

Rugby St Andrews 25 – 0 in 

their Midlands Three East 

(South) debut. Once again the 

young Biggy side out gunned a 

more experienced opposition. 

Head coach Paul Raitt said: 

“We have a young squad and it 

has been good to see our style of 

rugby attracting new players 

into the side.” 

The squad next travelled to 

Stewart & Lloyds in Corby for 

what looked like a tough game, 

however tries from Luke Haverly, 

Sasha Heath and Ash Dunn gave 

Biggleswade a 13 – 26 win against 

another of the physical 

Northamptonshire sides, who 

were playing in Midlands Two last 

season. 

Biggleswade have recruited 

Biggleswade Third XV following their game to raise money for Breast Cancer Care and wearing their special 

pink shirts, which will double as a change strip. 

well over the summer and a number 

of new faces are forcing their 

way into the First XV. 

If you want exciting, running 

rugby then Biggy is the place to 

be! 

The following Senior games 

are at home, with the Rugby World 

Cup games showing on the Big 

Screen. 

Biggleswade First XV 

Saturday 1st October v Bedford 

Swifts at 3pm 

Saturday 22nd October v 

Rushden & Higham at 3pm 

Biggleswade Second XV 

(Pirates) 

Saturday 1st October v March 

Bears at 3pm 

Biggleswade Third XV 

Saturday 8th October Poblenou 

Engineers at 3pm 

Saturday 22nd v St Neots 2s 

at 3pm 

Bob Bakewell Memorial Game 

on Sunday 30th October 

at 1pm. 

Biggleswade vs Bristol Saracens 

To commemorate and remember 

a great character and servant to 

both clubs. The game will be 

preceded by a buffet for visiting 

players and supporters and friends 

of Bob. 

So everything in the 

Biggy garden is rosy? 

Well maybe not, both the 

Second XV and Third XV have 

struggled in difficult leagues at the 

start of this season. New players 

are needed to continue the progression 

and the step up for the 

Second XV (Pirates) is proving a 

tough challenge whilst the Third 

XV have been on the end of some 

thumping’s so far. However, as 

with the First XV, new players are 

arriving. 

The Mini Section start their 

home games with a visit from 

Cambridge Rugby Club Minis on 

Sunday 9th October. The games 

will start at 11am with training 

from 10am. Cambridge’s off-field 

financial troubles have not effected 

the Mini section and Biggy cam 

expect to be up against a very 

strong side.This is followed on 

16th October with the short trip to 

Hitchin with the month finishing 

with Luton at home, joined by fen 

boys Thorney on 30th October. 

As always, new players to both 

Mini and Youth sections are 

welcome. Biggy are a progressive 

club, just look at where the First 

XV are at the moment, and more 

importantly where most of the 

players developed from. 

Meanwhile the Youth section 

have started their Saracens Herts 

& Middlesex League games, all 

details of the Youth fixtures are on 

the Biggy club website. Most 

Youth games start at 11am on a 

Sunday but some are scheduled to 

start at 1pm to avoid congestion in 

the changing rooms, spectators are 

advised to check the website. 

The Breast Cancer Care day 

raised £1600 for the charity with 

Biggy Third XV playing the 

Fourth XV & Guest players preceded 

by a Bikini car wash and 

raffles. Many thanks go to those 

businesses who help by donating 

raffle prizes. So far, in the past 

twelve months the club have generously 

supported Keech Hospice 

Care, The Addenbrookes Neo 

Natal Baby Unit and the East 

Anglian Air Ambulance as well as 

the tremendous effort for Breast 

Cancer Care.


Bedfordshire Tourists visit Weston-super-Mare 

THURSDAY 8th September saw a group of bowlers from 

more than eight different bowls clubs in Bedfordshire go on 

tour to Weston-super-Mare for five days of fun and bowls. 

Arriving at the hotel by early afternoon, all were sat down 

for a sandwich and refreshments while the suitcases and 

bowls bags were taken to the rooms by the porter. 

On Friday 9th, thirteen mixed 

triples enjoyed a pleasant sunny 

morning/afternoon of bowls and 

good company on the green with 

some very good bowling at 

Portishead, the result went in 

Portishead favour 189-232. 

Top rink of the day was S 

Fuller, M Regan and D Endersby 

and the highest losing rink M 

Harper, G Broomfield and P 

Gilbert. 

On Saturday 10th, the bowlers 

played at two venues after 

Clarence Park were only able to 

field seven triples. The other six 

triples went to Victoria BC when 

once again the bowlers enjoyed a 

fine afternoon of bowls which 

came to an end with a couple of 

ends to play due to a sudden 

downpour. By the time the players 

had changed and were refreshed in 

Fairfield Club’s repeat win 

at St Andrew’s Open Day 

IN A wet and cold August, St 

Andrew’s Bowls Club once again 

selected one of the better days of 

the summer to hold their annual 

open day, when clubs from as far 

apart as Newport Pagnall and West 

Ham joined with another twenty 

sides to battle for the Tom James 

Trophy. Having just completed 

Phase 1 of their pavilion refurbishment, 

the Open Day was an important 

fund raising event for St 

The winning Fairfield Team presented with their awards by Tom James 

and Peter Moss 

Andrew’s and there was a magnificent 

show of support from all their 

members to provide such an excellent 

day for all the players and supporters. 

With a recent influx of new 

members to the bowls club, the 

future is looking brighter, especially 

as the build up towards their 

Centenary in 2013 begins. 

Paying their first visit to St 

Andrew’s, the Newport Pagnall 

team of John Foster, Jim 

Ingarfield, Chris Cole (The Kings) 

looked unstoppable in the early 

rounds. However, in the play-off 

final, they went into battle with 

Fairfield ‘A’, and a royal performance 

from the Bedfordshire side, 

saw Clive Breacher, Stan Lambert, 

Keith Young retain the Tom James 

Trophy for their Club. The second 

winning Fairfield side in the past 

two years. 

In the third and fourth place 

final, the Flitwick team skipped by 

Stuart Jennings gained victory 

over Christine Saunders ‘Lucky 

Girls’ from St Neots. 

the bar the sun was once again 

shinning. At Victoria BC the opposition 

proved too good and the 

Tourists went down by 54 shots. 

Top rink at Victoria was R Bailey, 

N Doggett and T Butt and the 

highest losing rink was L 

Broomfield, R Oldfield and A 

Nutting. 

Over at Clarence Park the game 

was a close thing which ended in a 

100-111 defeat. Top rink at 

Clarence was V Shaw, M Buck 

and B Humberstone and the highest 

losing rink was M Acland, B 

Whitbread and D Endersby. 

Sunday 11th saw the tourists 

head off along the road to 

Ashcombe Park Bowls Club with 

twelve triples enjoying another 

sunny afternoon of bowls. Very 

good company at a lovely bowls 

club saw some very good bowling 

and laughter on the green. As 

everyone gathered in the 

Clubhouse afterwards for refreshments 

and conversations the 

anoucment of another defeat was 

made this time 150-218. The top 

triple of the day was V Shaw, W 

Cheesbrough and D Sherriffs and 

the highest losing triple M Acland, 

G Broomfield and A Thompson. 

On Monday 12th the tourists 

woke up to see the sun shinning as 

they had breakfast but as they were 

about to depart the hotel for home 

via Oxford the rain began to fall. 

As the Tourists arrived at 

Oxford City & County Bowls 

Club the rain had stopped, and by 

the time the ten mixed rinks took 

to the green the sun was out again, 

but with strong winds the green 

proved very tricky not only for the 

Tourists but also the Host’s. The 

Tourists went down again this time 

167-214, Top rink of the day was L 

Continued on next page


Bedfordshire Tourists 

Broomfield, L Butt, D Gray and A 

Thompson and the highest losing 

rink B Whitbread, D Regan, S 

Harris and A Gilbert. 

After the match the Tourist and 

guests all sat down to a splendid 

warm meal. 

This was followed by several 

presentations these being as follows, 

Top Female Bowler – V Shaw 

runner-up J Gatwood. 

Top Male Bowler – B 

Humberstone runner-up S Fuller. 

Bonus ball winner – J 

Gatwood. Each day a tote was run 

for the top rink on the day and 

again this proved very popular 

with many people picking up winnings 

each day. 

Many thanks to all that supported 

us on tour again this year 

and we look forward to seeing you 

all again for the 2012 Tour. 

Results 

Bowlers On Tour 189 

Portishead Bowls Club 232 

H Clouston, D Gray, D 

Sherriffs 16 Portishead 18 

J Gatwood, C Rowlands, A 

Nutting 21 Portishead 11 

L Broomfield, B Whitbread, J 

Cheesbrough 17 Portishead 21 

M Fuller, M Buck, W 

Cheesbrough 15 Portishead 20 

B Rowlands, J Sherriffs, A 

Thompson 11 Portishead 27 

S Fuller, M Regan, D Endersby 

25 Portishead 15 

M Acland, R Oldfield, B 

Humberstone 18 Portishead 17 

L Butt, D Regan, D Nutting 14 

Portishead 22 

R Bailey, S McGuire, S Harris 

7 Portishead 23 

S Bailey, J Humberstone, T 

Butt 9 Portishead 16 

V Shaw, J Harris, A Gilbert 17 

Portishead 18 

R Shaw, N Doggett, C Buck 10 

Portishead 14 

M Harper, G Broomfield, P 

Gilbert 9 Portishead 30 

Bowlers On Tour 59 Victoria 

Bowls Club 113 

L Broomfield, R Oldfield, A 

Nutting 6 Victoria 23 

R Shaw, S Harris, J 

Humberstone 8 Victoria 21 

S Fuller, G Broomfield, C 

Buck 8 Victoria 17 

M Fuller, S McGuire, M Regan 

12 Victoria 15 

S Bailey, W Cheesbrough, P 

Gilbert 10 Victoria 24 

R Bailey, N Doggett, T Butt 15 

Victoria 13 

Bowlers On Tour 100 Clarence 

Park Bowls Club 111 

M Acland, B Whitbread, D 

Endersby 6 Clarence 27 

V Shaw, M Buck, B 

Humberstone 22 Clarence 8 

M Harper, C Rowlands, A 

Gilbert 9 Clarence 15 

B Rowlands, D Gray, J 

Cheesbrough 14 Clarence 19 

D Gray, J Harris, D Sherriffs 16 

Clarence 22 

H Clouston, D Regan, A 

Thompson 20 Clarence 9 

J Gatwood, J Sherriffs, D 

Nutting 13 Clarence 11 

Bowlers On Tour 150 

Ashcombe Park Bowls Club 218 

L Butt, R Oldfield, C Buck 7 

Ashcombe 21 

V Shaw, W Cheesbrough, D 

Sherriffs 22 Ashcombe 9 

M Acland, G Broomfield, A 

Thompson 4 Ashcombe 27 

H Clouston, J Harris, J 

Humberstone 7 Ashcombe 27 

M Harper, M Regan, D Nutting 

12 Ashcombe 11 

S Bailey, S Harris, B 

Humberstone 19 Ashcombe 12 

B Rowlands, B Whitbread, A 

Nutting 6 Ashcombe 24 

R Bailey, J Sherriffs, J 

Cheesbrough 8 Ashcombe 15 

L Staniforth, R Shaw, D Gray 

12 Ashcombe 20 

L Broomfield, C Rowlands, P 

Gilbert 16 Ashcombe 15 

S Fuller, M Buck, N Doggett 

16 Ashcombe 8 

M Fuller, D Regan, T Butt 15 

Ashcombe 29 

Bowlers On Tour 167 Oxford 

City & County Bowls Club 214 

L Broomfield, L Butt, D Gray, 

A Thompson 20 Oxford 16 

B Rowlands, D Endersby,R 

Oldfield, P Gilbert 13 Oxford 28 

M Harper, S Bailey, M Buck, D 

Nutting 17 Oxford 28 

S McGuire, A Nutting,G 

Broomfield, B Humberstone 22 

Oxford 22 

H Clouston, R Shaw, W 

Cheesbrough, T Butt 19 Oxford 

18 

M Acland, M Regan, C 

Rowlands, D Sherriffs 17 Oxford 

15 

J Gatwood, V Shaw, N 

Doggett, J Cheesbrough 17 

Oxford 16 

S Fuller, D Gray, J Sherriffs, J 

Humberstone 16 Oxford 17 

B Whitbread, D Regan, S 

Harris, A Gilbert 13 Oxford 30 

M Fuller, R Bailey, J Harris, C 

Buck 13 Oxford 24 

Modern Jive comes 

to Biggleswade! 

Mick’s Mix will be opening at the 

Biggleswade Working Man’s 

club on the 13th October, with an 

opening ‘try it and see’ offer of 

just £4 for the night. The club 

can be found in Church Street. 

Mick’s Mix is affiliated to 

Just Jivin’, which has been 

established for over 12 years 

teaching modern jive classes, 

running workshops and regular 

dance events. 

Modern jive is a partner 

social dance for all ages – 

(‘though over 18 please) and is 

taught in a friendly welcoming 

atmosphere. But you don’t need 

a partner! You can dance with 

anybody in the room. To keep 

you on the floor, the music will 

range from the fifties to the latest 

chart hits. It’s easy to learn and 

will keep you fit. And it’s just a 

brilliant way to make new 

friends! 

With a UKA qualified 

teacher, you will be taught 

professionally, correctly and 

safely. 

Give us a call or e-mail if you 

need further info – or just come 

along. You WILL enjoy yourself! 

Hope to meet you soon. 

Mick: 01462 733882 email: 

j u s t j i v i n @ j u s t e m a i l . n e t 

www.justjivin.co.uk 

The D-Day Darlings return 

WICKSTEED Park have invited 

the D-Day Darlings back to sing 

the songs that won the war with all 

profits being kindly donated to the 

Royal British Legion. 

Songs to be sung include hits 

from the ‘Forces Sweetheart’ herself, 

Dame Vera Lynn. 

When asked about the D-Day 

Darlings events, Dame Vera Lynn 

said: “I am very pleased to support 

these unique nostalgic events”. 

John Roberts, Managing 

Director of Wicksteed Park, says: 

“The fact that Dame Vera Lynn 

commented personally on one of 

our events and shown her support 

is wonderful. It goes to show what 

a great cause the Royal British 

Legion’s Poppy Appeal is.” 

Katie Ashby from the D-Day 

Darlings says: “This event means 

so much to us and we are proud 

that we are able to raise money for 

the British Legion which helps 

supports veterans of not only 

World War II but the soldiers who 

are fighting today. It will be lovely 

to return to Wicksteed Park on a 

special day like Remembrance 

Sunday”. 

The event will be held at 

Wicksteed Park Pavilion on 

Sunday 13th November at 7pm for 

7.30pm.

28 BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2011 TEL: 01234 843905 EDITORIAL: editorial@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk 

OUT AND ABOUT 

RAF Tempsford and its links with Violette Szabo 

A Talk by Bernard O’Connor 

IN SEPTEMBER, as part of the 

Sandy Tourist Information 

Centre Summer Walks, we had 

hoped to hold a walk telling the 

story and visiting the local places 

associated with the famous 

Second World War Airfield – 

RAF Tempsford. We were unable 

to arrange a visit to one of the 

important sites on the walk and 

we have therefore reluctantly 

decided that we cannot proceed 

with the walk as planned, which 

is unfortunate. 

Such was the interest that we 

had for this walk, that we have a list 

of nearly 80 people who were interested 

in coming. 

Therefore, instead of the walk, 

we have arranged for a Talk to be 

given by local historian and author 

Bernard O Connor, who has recently 

published the book „RAF 

Tempsford – Churchill s most 

secret airfield and other books 

about the airfield over the years. 

The Talk is called ‘RAF 

TEMPSFORD and its links with 

Violette Szabo’. 

Mr O Connor will tell the history 

of the airfield at Tempsford and 

the remarkable story of one of the 

most famous SOE agents to fly 

from there – the fiery Violette 

Szabo. 

RAF Tempsford was perhaps 

the most secret RAF airfield in the 

Second World War. As early as 

1936 the area around Sandy had 

been pinpointed as a strategic site 

for the country s defences in the 

case of war. Leslie Ruthven Pym, 

heir apparent to The Hazells Hall 

estate in Sandy and father of the 

Bernard Shaw’s classic play 

Eliza, Higgins and Pickering – played by Sheryl Hunter, Richard 

Duncombe and Bryan Gedney 

PHONETICS professor Henry 

Higgins agrees to a wager that he 

can take a cockney flower girl, 

Eliza Doolittle, and make her 

presentable in high society. 

He succeeds in achieving an 

amazing transformation in her 

speech, language and manners but 

seems blissfully unaware of the 

effect of the change to Eliza’s 

emotions and her feelings. 

The successful Broadway 

musical and Oscar winner film 

'My Fair Lady' were closely based 

on this Bernard Shaw play that has 

all the wit, satire and a social 

awareness which we associate 

with the great GBS. 

The characters of Henry 

Higgins, Eliza, Colonel Pickering 

and Albert Doolittle are played by 

Richard Duncombe, Sheryl 

Hunter, Bryan Gedney and Keith 

Pendall. 

Pygmalion runs from 

Tuesday 11 to Saturday 15 

October 2011 - at 7.30pm at The 

Place, Bradgate Road, Bedford. 

late Lord Pym, wrote to The 

Hazells agent – “I „m not quite sure 

what compulsory powers the Air 

Ministry has, but I believe they are 

pretty extensive”. 

In early 1941, the Air Ministry 

finally took the action suggested in 

1936 and began to build an airfield 

on The Hazells estate. Although in 

the parish of Everton, the airfield 

was called Tempsford, after the 

nearest railway station. 

The RAF requisitioned Hazells 

Hall as the headquarters of the two 

Squadrons based at the airfield, 

which had been assigned to work 

with the underground movement. 

The airfield was home to the 

Special Duties Squadrons which 

supported resistance groups across 

occupied Europe by dropping supplies, 

parachuting agents and picking 

up personnel to be brought back 

to safety in Britain. The main aircraft 

used for the ‘heavy duty work’ 

of dropping containers and packages, 

were the Halifax and Stirling 

bombers and for the highly daring 

work of landing at night to pick up 

and drop off agents were the 

Hudson and the ‘Lizzie’, (Westland 

Lysander) undoubtedly the most 

famous aircraft involved in this 

secret work, because it was robust 

and could land and take off in very 

short distances. 

Many SOE agents spent their 

last days at The Hazells as recorded:- 

“by the bar in the large lounge 

and also at the tables in the dining 

room were a number of men, commandoes, 

RAF pilots and special 

forces officers going out on various 

dangerous missions.” 

The many agents who left from 

Tempsford included Andrée Borrel, 

Lise de Biassac, Yolande Beekman, 

and Violette Szabo. 

Violette Szabo was born in 1921 

to an English father and French 

mother. Her husband was killed at 

El Alamein and devastated by his 

death, Violette willingly volunteered 

for duty in France. On her 

first mission she left Tempsford by 

Lysander to a spot near Paris and 

her task was to make a study of 

Resistance possibilities in the 

Rouen area. She completed this 

task notwithstanding being arrested 

by French police. She was freed 

and made her way back to England. 

Her second drop into France 

took place on 8th June near 

Limoges immediately after the 

Normandy landings and on 10th 

June whilst giving covering fire to a 

French Maquis leader she fought in 

a gun battle against the Germans 

until her ammunition was exhausted. 

She was captured and taken by 

the Gestapo firstly to Limoges and 

then to Paris from where, in early 

August 1944, she was taken to the 

concentration camp at Ravens - 

bruck and after horrifying experiences 

was, with others, shot in 

1945. Violette was posthumously 

awarded the George Cross in 1946. 

A film of her heroic life and 

exploits was made in 1958 and was 

called ‘Carve her name with 

Pride’. 

This fascinating talk will take 

place in the Council Chamber of 

Sandy Town Council, 10 

Cambridge Road, Sandy (next to 

the TIC) on Tuesday, 18th October 

at 7.30pm. The cost for the Talk is 

£5 each and booking is essential as 

numbers are limited to 50 people.To 

book your place either call in 

or contact: SANDY TOURIST 

INFORMATION CENTRE, 10 

CAMBRIDGE ROAD, SANDY. 

Tel 01767 682728 Email 

tourism@sandytowncouncil. 

gov.uk 

Movie Monday’s 

at The Lounge, Biggleswade 

10th Oct Burlesque 

31st Oct HALLOWEEN SPECIAL 

‘Sweeney Todd’ Demon Barber of Fleet 

Street 

Bookings being taken now 

01767 221063


At Christmas 

For those of you that are 

familiar with the lounge, 

few words are necessary 

for you to appreciate the 

difference which the lounge 

can make to your Chrismas party. 

Should this be your first visit, a new 

experience awaits you in a lively and 

contemporary environment. 

It’s the perfect place to party! 

The Lounge is a unique 300 year old Malting Barn that has 

been tastefully transformed into a luxurious coffee lounge and 

bistro by day and a Wine & Tapas bar at night till 11pm. 

Serving full breakfast from 9am everyday, weekend 

breakfast & brunch till 1pm and lunch from 12 till 3 everyday 

If you need some help or advice planning your party, 

please call or email John or Arika on 01767 221063 

We are located behind The Crown Hotel, Next door to ASDA, 

Church Street - Biggleswade - Beds info@loungbiggleswade.co.uk 

Reservations: 0870 760 5019 / 01767 221063 

We are open all week 9am - 11pm Monday to Saturday 10am - 6pm Sunday 

Weekend evening and brunch reservations advisable 

Christmas Menu’s now available online www.loungebiggleswade.co.uk


Let’s Talk Together in 

Sandy and Biggleswade 

If you want to see something done about issues in your area 

come the next Let’s Talk Together meeting and be part of the 

solution.The Central Bedfordshire Together partnership 

urges local residents to tell them about the issues that 

matter most. 

The partnership includes Central Bedfordshire Council, 

Rescue Service, Town and Parish Councils and other 

organisations who play an active role in the community, and 

will be at the meetings in each of Central Bedfordshire’s 

seven Police Safer Neighbourhood Areas. 

• Date: Thursday 20 October 

• Time: 7 – 9pm 

• Location: Potton Sports & Social Club, The Hollow, 

Biggleswade Road, Potton, SG19 2LU 

Visit the market stalls anytime between 7 - 7.45pm to talk 

to a range of public service providers, meet your local 

policing team and your Parish and Ward Councillors. 

From 8pm join the conversation with other residents to 

decide the community safety priorities for the area, discuss 

local topical issues and what can be done together to make 

things work better. 

The meeting will be chaired by a Council Executive 

Member. 

DJ’s David and Viv present more 

AFTERNOON AND 

EVENING SUNDAY 

DANCES 

at THE KEEP, KEMPSTON 

Bedford Rd, Kempston, MK42 8SX 

Entrance in Walcourt Road 

30 OCTOBER 2011 

(featuring the Rumba Deargo) 

Fancy an 

AFTERNOON TEA 

DANCE? 

Join us for Sequence and Ballroom 

Dancing 

2:00 pm - 4:30 pm. £3.00 pp 

Coffee and tea provided. 

Prefer an 

EVENING DANCE? 

Join us for Ballroom and Latin and 

Sequence Dancing. 

7:00 pm - 10:00 pm. £5.00 pp 

Licensed Bar Raffle 

The Keep is an Elegant and Cosy 

Venue with seating for 60 in the 

dance room, or you can listen to our 

music while you relax and converse 

in the adjoining Stuart Lounge. 

BYO Snacks Lift Access 

Ample Free Parking on Site 

Call 01234 300 179 

BIGGLESWADE 

FLOWER CLUB 

presents 

“THE MAGIC 

OF 

CHRISTMAS” 

by 

MRS SUSAN PHILLIPS 

on THURSDAY 24th 

NOVEMBER 2011 

at THE WEATHERLEY 

CENTRE 

BIGGLESWADE 

at 7.30pm 

Tickets £8.00 including 

wine and mince pie 

Doors open 6.45pm 

Tel: 01767 640848 or 

01767 314371 

SHARNBROOK WARD CONSERVATIVES 

Sharnbrook, Souldrop, Felmersham, Radwell and Milton Ernest 

welcome you to 

The Secret History 

of Codebreaking at 

Bletchley Park 

A special talk and video 

presentation 

by Simon Greenish 

DIRECTOR OF BLETCHLEY PARK TRUST 

7.30pm, Friday 28th October 

Bletsoe Village Hall, 

Memorial Lane, Bletsoe, MK44 1QJ 

Full Licensed Bar – Raffle 

Ticket £6 per person, available from: 

Theo Gibbs ..............................(01234) 782377 

Tess Ferriman: ..........................07756 763958 

Michael Hurley: .....................(01234) 782389 

Martin Quince:..........................07894 935952 

FREE learn to sing day 

Shannon Express will be holding a FREE Learn to 

Sing Day on Sunday October 16th The workshop 

will run from 10 am to 4 pm and will be for men of all 

ages. The venue will be the 

Holme Mead School Biggleswade 

Light refreshments will be provided, but it is suggested 

you bring some extra sustinance. This event is being 

supported by a National Music Education Charity and the 

course is designed to encourage more men to take up 

singing. It is a fun day aimed at both newcomers and those 

that have not sung for a while. Interested guys please visit 

LTS@shannonexpress.org.uk to register.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ONLY 

£20 

PER CAR* 

*15 in advance 

Tickets & further information available online or call 01234 782828 

Learn to Jive - Modern Style!! 

A perfect fusion of: JIVE, SWING, 

LATIN & ROCK ‘N’ ROLL!! 

* Friendly Classes with Qualified Teacher * Great Fun 

* Easy to Learn * No partner needed * Superb Music 

* Make new friends * Helps keep you fit 

Every Thursday 

Biggleswade United Working Mens Club 

Church Street, Biggleswade 

Bedfordshire SG18 0JS 

7.45 p.m. – 10.45 p.m. 

Only £4 on opening night - 13 th October 

Mick’s Mix - Modern Jive at its best! 

01462 733882; www.justjivin.co.uk 

(Over 18 yrs. only please) 

SUPERB SUPERB SUPERB SUPERB FAMILY FAMILY FAMILY FAMILY 

ENTERTAINMENT 

ENTERTAINMENT 

ENTERTAINMENT 

ENTERTAINMENT 

WITH WITH WITH WITH FIREWORKS FIREWORKS FIREWORKS FIREWORKS (6PM), (6PM), (6PM), (6PM), 

BONFIRE, BONFIRE, BONFIRE, BONFIRE, MONSTER MONSTER MONSTER MONSTER TRUCK, TRUCK, TRUCK, TRUCK, 

JET JET JET JET VEHICLES, VEHICLES, VEHICLES, VEHICLES, DRIFTING, 

DRIFTING, 

DRIFTING, 

DRIFTING, 

LIVE LIVE LIVE LIVE STUNTS STUNTS STUNTS STUNTS & & & & DISPLAYS, 

DISPLAYS, 

DISPLAYS, 

DISPLAYS, 

FUNFAIR FUNFAIR FUNFAIR FUNFAIR & & & & MORE! MORE! MORE! MORE! 

WWW.SANTAPOD.COM 

Main show 4pm - 6pm. FREE grandstand seats. Gates open 2pm. *Excluding vans and buses. **ADV tickets until Fri 28/10/11 

Santa Pod Raceway, Airfield Road, Podington, Nr. Wellingborough, Northants NN29 7XA. Signposted from J14/15 M1.

Bulletin Oct 2011 - Biggleswade Rugby Club

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?