April 2021 Arlesey News Magazine

April Arlesey News 2020_Layout 1 16/03/2021 11:54 Page 1

Arlesey

NEWS

Town News Magazine Issue 22 April 2021

Delivered FREE to 2,700 homes in Arlesey

News Information Your letters

April Arlesey News 2020_Layout 1 16/03/2021 11:54 Page 2

We’re Back!!

Call in & see us from April 12th for a GREAT deal!

15a Hitchin St BIGGLESWADE (01767) 448188

2

April Arlesey News 2020_Layout 1 16/03/2021 11:54 Page 3

From the Editor Welcome to our April edition.

April 2021

Thank you to Tony Di-michele who sent us in some beautiful pictures taken while out enjoying his lock down walks. We loved the colours in the shot we chose as our front cover for April - we hope you do too.

Remember, if you enjoy taking photographs of local scenery then we would love to hear from you! We are always on the look out for potential front cover photographs so please do send them in!

There is lots to read inside your April issue of the Arlesey News Magazine, plenty of residents letters, news from your local schools and lots more besides...We look forward to the day when we can once again start bringing you news on local events - we are keeping everything crossed that those days are not too far away! In the meantime, there are some fantastic virtual events taking place, organised by Arlesey Community Events - you can find more details of two of these inside your April edition!

We have particularly enjoyed talking to Jodie Chillery this month who kindly updated us on the latest developments regarding the Arlesey Rail Users Group. You can find out more on pages 6 & 7 of this month’s issue. Huge thanks to everyone that contacted us to let us know how much they enjoyed last month’s feature on the Arlesey Pram Race and the look back on some of the infamous Arlesey characters and events of days gone by - we thoroughly loved collating it all and reminiscing ourselves!

Until next month stay safe everyone!

Joanne

Contents

CONTENTS

Articles:

Editors Letters Page 4-5 News from Arlesey Rail Users Group Page 6-7 Special tribute Page 9 Update from Larksfield Surgery Page 14 Family announcements Page 15 1st Arlesey Scout Group News Page 19

Church news:

Arlesey Methodist Church News from St Peter’s Church

Page 16

News from Pix Brook Academy News from Etonbury Academy News from Gothic Mede Academy

Page 10 Page 11 Page 12

Local school news:

Editoral: Please email your letters or articles to stotfold.news@yahoo.co.uk or write to us at: Arlesey News Magazine, 78 Hitchin Road, Stotfold, Hertfordshire, SG5

4HT You can also call us on 01462 731986 (Mon - Fri, 9.30am to 5pm) You can also contact us via our facebook page.

Advertising: It’s easy to advertise in the Arlesey News.

Our deadline is always 6th of every month preceding publication.

Deliveries: We have over 30 volunteers that deliver the Arlesey News Magazine. If for any reason you do not receive your copy of the magazine please contact us

to let us know.

Announcements: We are happy to accept birthday announcements by post, telephone, email or through

our facebook page. If you would like to make a donation in return for your announcement or please visit: www.justgiving.com/gardenhousehospice or send a

cheque made payable to Garden House Hospice to: Garden House Hospice, Gillison Close, Letchworth Garden City, Herts SG6 1QU Please mention that the donation has been made on behalf of the Arlesey News Magazine.

Published by Arlesey News Ltd in association with Woodbury Printing Services.

To contact the Arlesey News Magazine please call 01462 731986

3

April Arlesey News 2020_Layout 1 16/03/2021 11:54 Page 4

Letters to the Editor Dear Editor, I am a keen dog owner ansd have been walking my dogs for a few years. We hear in the news that dog napping is now becoming a really big problem.

I can only suggest dog walkers carry a whistle as most dog walkers will come flocking if a whistle is blown long and hard.

It would break my heart if one of my dogs was taken, so please carry a loud whistle and don’t be afraid to use it.

M Davies.

4

Dear Editor, We recently needed to have some work done to our motor vehicle and used your magazine to find a suitable garage nearby that might be able to assist us.

We were delighted to find that Abery Motor Centre in Arlesey were offering a collection service and after speaking to Jayne at the garage and being impressed with their customer service we booked our car in with her for the following week.

Our car was collected by Jayne and the work completed to a very high standard and within the time frame they had promised. We were extremely pleased with the service we received and so thought we would write them a letter of recommendation so that we could inform other local people just how efficient they are. We would recommend Abery Motors to anyone looking to have their car looked after by a highly professional and well skilled local garage with great customer service!

Our thanks again. Mr G K.

Contact us on (01462) 731986

April Arlesey News 2020_Layout 1 16/03/2021 11:54 Page 5

Letters to the Editor Dear Editor, My name is Niamh and I am a Sixth Form student conducting academic research for my Extended Project Qualification. The topic of my essay for the qualification is “To What Extent Are Vaccines Effective?”. I chose this question because I want to work in pharmaceuticals when I am older, developing treatments for illnesses. I am driven by my own medical condition which went undiagnosed for years and doesn’t have a cure. I remember how I felt as a child, when I found out ‘they couldn’t fix me’, and I was discharged from the hospital for the last time. I don’t want anyone else to have to feel like that, and so I decided to take it into my own hands and make a difference. I am reaching out to anyone who reads this letter to participate in my study, which is anonymous and quick. The results will be discussed in my essay.

The questions are as follows: Have you, or will you be taking the COVID vaccine? (yes/no/undecided) Do you have any concerns regarding the COVID vaccine? (yes/no) Please expand on the above questions/ provide reasons for your opinion.

To respond please either email your answers to the following address, or fill in the online survey which can be found on the Arlesey News Magazine social media in the following few days.

Email: VaccineStudyReplies@gmail.com (email is not case sensitive) Thank you.

Niamh Allen.

Dear Editor, I would like to thank some wonderful local people. I had been with a doctors surgery in Letchworth since I was born (I am now 80 years old) and was very nervous about changing doctor. I needn’t have been, I relocated to Larksfield Surgery and they welcomed us so well, (especially nurses Karen, Dawn and Dale who looked after my husband wonderfully when he suffered a fall.)

We also want to thank Andy from AJB Fencing who’s details we found in your magazine as we had a broken fence post and phoned Andy to ask if he could help. The job was completed all within a couple of days of calling him - excellent service, thank you Andy.

With our thanks to everyone.

Eileen and Ray Minnis.

ARLESEY PHARMACY

FREE Prescription delivery service to ALL Arlesey and Stotfold residents

FREE Repeat prescription "drop-off" and collection service from Arlesey Medical Centre and Larksfield (Stotfold) Surgery.

Mon to Fri 8.45am - 1pm & 2.00pm - 6.15pm Saturday & Sunday - Closed

Tel. 01462 731200

www.arleseypharmacy.co.uk 31 High Street, Arlesey, Beds SG15 6RA

To contact the Arlesey News Magazine please call 01462 731986

5

?

April Arlesey News 2020_Layout 1 16/03/2021 11:54 Page 6

Update from

Arlesey Rail User Group

Arlesey Rail User Group Update. (RUG) Station improvements and a new May timetable.

The first round of station improvements as a result of the Passenger Benefit Fund have started. You may well see additional platform seating being installed over the coming weeks, and the station has had a general face lift the station has received in the last weeks which includes a full repaint of the railings, fences, footbridge and ticket office and the installation of two new platform shelters. Arlesey station is also now the site of brand new Amazon lockers should you need to receive an amazon delivery outside of the times you're available to receive at home.

I can confirm we have also been awarded improvements to the cycle storage Arlesey rail station currently experincing considerably less traffic and security and the Arlesey side car park will undergo some improvement works as a result of the Passenger Benefit Fund. I will report details in due course.

The Arlesey RUG is now working with the Bedfordshire Rail Access Network team to improve station accessibility through the DfT and Network Rail five year funding round. We are putting a case together to bid for some of this money to enable a useable and effective plan for step free access to both platforms and between platforms, that doesn't involve a half mile walk over a busy A507 fly over.

Representatives from the Arlesey RUG attended a virtual GOVIA THAMESLINK RAILWAY (GTR) event in March putting questions to its executive board, here is a summary of information from the event. The current passenger rate is 20% of what it was this time last year across the whole network and despite lockdown easing, working practices have changed and as such the rail industry is not likely to return to what it was, it will look different for all of us. For the first time ever the rail industry is discussing the need to “market itself”!

Tidy Time Cleaning Services

We are a local established business of 15 years based in Arlesey.

We offer all types of cleaning services to meet your requirements. * Builders Cleans * Sparkle Cleans * Commercial & Domestic Cleans * End of Tenancy Cleans * Office Cleans * Moving in/out Cleans

FARES ANDE TICKETS

The long awaited Williams review is due to report in the next couple of months regarding fare reform. Given the changing landscape due to the pandemic, the issue of flexible ticketing and revised off-peak parameters is likely to see huge change. This means I can’t give you immediate Arlesey specific answers on ticketing and prices only that huge change is coming and I suspect will create a fairer and more flexible ticketing system.

Delivering 7,500 magazines EVERY month to EVERY home in Stotfold & Arlesey...

To advertise your business call 01462 731986.

For more details please call 07856 205 626 6

tidytime@btinternet.com To contact the Arlesey News Magazine please call 01462 731986

April Arlesey News 2020_Layout 1 16/03/2021 11:54 Page 7

TIME TABLE CHANGES

There will be a further timetable change in May which will reflect the government’s roadmap out of lockdown but ultimately this new timetable should build resilience for us. Weekends are likely to see an increase in services (although Arlesey is due to be affected by a lot of engineering works in the coming months so please always check before you travel) as the leisure passenger is now a focus given the expected increase in domestic holidays this summer. This will also help those working on weekends.

The MD of GTR Tom Moran, confirmed GTR's commitment to Arlesey to halt its practice of skip stopping. You’ll remember we made a big fuss about this and largely we haven’t been skipped since.

Please note this is not the same as entire cancelled services but it does mean when a train is timetabled to stop at Arlesey even if the service is affected by disruption it will still stop at Arlesey despite incurred delay. Some of you may remember this was a trial we campaigned hard for and it is to our credit the trial is now a permanent feature and has continued through the pandemic. (Of course the policy could change in the future so we need to remain vigilant on it, please report any Arlesey skip stops to me!)

Additionally the May timetable should enable the ROC (control centre) to add Arlesey as an additional stop on services it currently can’t. For example where there’s been a cancellation affecting one of our services, Arlesey can be added to the next fast train during the evenings.

This is something we’ve long asked for and does occasionally happen but often we struggle with the dispatcher issue in the evenings.

Although it wasn’t explicit, my guess is this means roll out of new stock on our line that won’t require a dispatcher. I’m double checking with GTR on this but whatever the reasoning it’s good news to know we can request Arlesey as an additional stop if the ROC haven’t already thought of it !

SUICIDE

One of the most alarming pieces of info to come out of the event was to learn that across the GTR network (from Bedford, Peterborough and Cambridge in the north to Brighton in the south including the London core) there are three suicide hotspots which have increased significantly during the pandemic. Two of those are Stevenage and St Neots where there has been an “incident” around once a week over the last year. I don’t need to point out to anyone we are placed equidistant from those two places. It’s a rather sobering thought. GTR are currently trialling some technology which alerts a member of staff in real time if someone leaves the platform from the end or wonders over the yellow line for a certain period of time. There are a number of other community liaison projects and GTR do work with the Samaritans and station Chaplains.

There are two points here. Firstly look after yourselves and your loved ones and other passengers. Given we’re in the middle of the hotspot I think we probably have a duty of care to ourselves and our fellow passengers, don’t just ignore it if you see someone wavering too close to the track. Secondly at least once a week our service has faced disruption because of an incident where someone has attempted to use the railway to end their own life. This is no one’s fault and we know it can take at least 90 minutes for service to resume after an incident like this.

DRIVERS

There are currently 100 drivers in training. There are further training programmes to deliver as part of the East Coast mainline upgrade. To cope with driver absence due to COIVD 19 there is now lateral flow testing in place and an on-call driver system set up in the case of the positive tests or the need for drivers to isolate. This is some learning born out of the absence created by the pandemic late last year. They gave the example of losing 20 drivers over one night to self-isolation requirements or positive tests. The new system in place to deal with this should eliminate such problems going forward but as with every business staff absence during the pandemic has been an issue and train drivers can’t work from home.

If you require any further info regard the Arlesey RUG please contact Jodie Chillery at jodie.gravett@btinternet.com or join our Facebook page.

Please mention the ArleseyNews Magazine when responding to adverts

7

April Arlesey News 2020_Layout 1 16/03/2021 11:54 Page 8

Butchers Blog

Latest news from from Beale Bros

ry is unique.

“

“

Spring is in the air, the birds are singing and the future is looking far more hopeful.

i s n ' t j u s t y o u r s t a n d a rd s t a t i o n e r y he service was so personal and the range of ucts was vast, any idea we had they could quickly mock up something to fit the theme and the day.

We had so much more than just invitations and it made our day and venue decorations completely co-ordinated, something lots of people commented on.

Tom & Hannah Contact:

Geoff on 07907137051 Diane on 07702 995095

For all your design & printed requirements.

TRUSTED CARE IN YOUR OWN HOME

We can support you to stay safe at home or accompany you outdoors * Photography taken pre-pandemic Our services include: • Companionship • Meal preparation • Personal care • Live-in care • Running errands • Dementia care We follow Public Health England guidelines on using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

01462 559159 rightathomeuk.co.uk/stevenage-letchworth-hitchin

8

It’s been a tough time for our community, but it has been a pleasure as always to provide a valuable service locally.

It has been some time since we wrote a blog, and a challenging one, especially since we have limited staff.

Christmas saw us busier than ever, and due to the circumstances and current restriction there were some long queues outside the shop. Customers were cheerful and even said that they had the opportunity to talk to people they would not have normally met!

January and February remained busy and we have welcomed some new customers during this time.

We still strive as always to offer a wide range of quality meat and additional products and if you cannot see what you are looking for, we can usually get it for you.

As yet we have not problems sourcing products from our suppliers, although sometimes things are a bit slower due to some companies furloughing staff, but hopefully this will improve as people get back to the workplace.

We are busy in the background carrying out upgrades to the backrooms in the shop, and this will be ongoing for a while. It will create a better working space for preparation and production.

Easter is just around the corner, and lamb is always a tasty treat at this time. Who knows the weather may even be kind to us and we will be able to fire up the BBQ quite soon.

We are all looking forward to being able to meet up with our nearest and dearest in gardens at first, and to visit them in other parts of the country as the situation improves.

As always we have lots of specials on offer in the shop, our Facebook page is the place to watch, where you can keep up to date with what is going on. ‘Like’ us and follow us to get the latest.

We will be open from 8.30 until 1 p.m. on Good Friday 2nd April.

8.00 until 1 p.m. on Saturday 3rd April.

Closed Sunday 4th and Easter Monday 5th.

Normal opening times Tuesday 6th April.

To contact the Arlesey News Magazine please call 01462 731986

April Arlesey News 2020_Layout 1 16/03/2021 11:54 Page 9

Special Tribute

Death of Former Magistrate and Town Councillor

Doreen Rix

She loved her birthplace of Arlesey! A caring and dedicated member of the local community, Doreen Rix, wife of the late Councillor John Rix, passed away peacefully after a short illness, at Swiss Cottage Nursing Home, Leighton Buzzard on Wednesday 3rd March, aged 97.

She was a member of the Civil Defence and subsequently employed making parachutes at Irvins in Letchworth post war. However, many will remember Doreen as a Parish and latterly Town Councillor for Arlesey, over a period spanning many years. She was also a Justice of the Peace.

Doreen saw many changes in the village over this period and was instrumental in lobbying Parliament and acquiring the land for the planning and building of the Community Centre Mrs Doreen Rix, a well respected Arlesey resident for many years. which opened in 1971. She also secured funding from the National Lottery Association for the construction of the MUGA (Multi Use Games Area); campaigned for the Arlesey, Stotfold by-pass and the re-opening of the Railway Station. She was a Governor of both Gothic Mede Lower School and Arlesey Nursery School and cared intensely about the Youth of Arlesey being treasurer of Arlesey Youth Club for many years.

Doreen was a founder member of Arlesey Holiday playscheme and the Kaleidoscope Group; a member of Arlesey Sports Association, Glebe Meadows Management Committee and Arlesey Village Amenity Association. She was also a founder member and Chairman of the Arlesey Branch of Save the Children and a very keen member of the Short Mat Bowls team in which she played until COVID in March 2020.

Her funeral will take place at North Herts Memorial Park and Crematorium, Holwell, at a date to be advised.

Donations if desired to: RNIB via MemoryGiving.com page For people unable to donate in this way - donations/cheques may be forwarded to the family – (V. Bull – 31 Stotfold Road – 01462-730549) to pass on to RNIB. Funeral Directors: Neville Funeral Services, Shefford Tel: 01462 813258 Due to COVID restrictions we are only allowed 30 people maximum.

Sadly, unfortunately, we have reached our capacity.

The family would dearly love people (if they so wish) to ‘pay their respects/wave her goodbye as the hearse makes its way through the village.

Michelle’s Nails

Qualified & insured Calgel nail technician based in Arlesey.

Gel extensions and natural gel overlays on hands & feet.

Michelles Nails michelles_nails81

07837 746204

Handy Henr y Stotfoldd based handyman who can help you with those jobs you never get to!

Flat-pa pack furniture Put up shelves Hang art / mirrors Change light fittings Fence & Decking painting

New lig ligh ht fitting

Patio Cleaning Light gardening work Lawn Mowing « DQG PRUH

Lawn levelled

Furniture assembled

Get in touch for a fast, free quote.

To contact the Arlesey News Magazine please call 01462 731986

07957 626314 / 01462 730244 handyhenry2019@gmail.com

9

April Arlesey News 2020_Layout 1 16/03/2021 11:54 Page 10

News from

Pix Brook Academy

Welcome to Spring. This is a great time to be a resident of Stotfold, not only can we watch the world come back to life but finally pupils are able to return to school! As I write our pupils are in their lessons, meeting their classmates and working on their projects on what they learnt during those long cold months of lockdown in January and February.

As a school we are mindful that about a quarter of the year has been missed and while great efforts at remote learning have been made by all concerned it is just not the same as being in school. We can now start again and I have been delighted by the positivity and simply happiness shown by pupils on returning to school. Schools need children and children need school!

We were able to finish out last week of lockdown with our Pix Brooks got talent show. This was no mean feat and while not all elements of the technology worked seamlessly we were able to see talents shared by those at home and in school. It was almost impossible to choose a winner with such a range of abilities on show. Ultimately it was just a great way of bringing our pupils together virtually and have a celebration of the exciting and diverse range of talents at the school.

We now start to think about the possibilities for after Easter. Everyone is hoping that the Pandemic will continue to diminish and we are able to provide the range of experiences and opportunities we want. For us that will include an opportunity to have visits to the school, (we have yet to have our grand opening) and provide our parents with the chance to see where their children are working. We are hoping that the usual events of awards evenings, parent consultations, sports days and other events will not be pushed back by government guidelines.

Everyone has everything crossed that the road map can be followed.

For us in school it does feel like a new beginning in many ways and while we are all very aware that the guidelines must be followed we have become somewhat used to that. We look to the future with positivity and a sense of reflection. There have been and will be many consequences of this period on the lives of our children.

It is important that we are mindful of that while not losing sight of the need to provide “normal experiences” for young people. Books must be read, maths must be done and playing with friends at breaktime are all part of the school experience.

For PBA our priority continues to be to make sure school provides all those experiences in a calm and engaging way.

YOUR magazine - YOUR views - YOUR news Contact us at arlesesy.news@yahoo.co.uk to have your say......

10

Find us on Facebook ‘Arlesey News Magazine

April Arlesey News 2020_Layout 1 16/03/2021 11:54 Page 11

News from

Etonbury Academy

We have just received the fantastic news that our children can return to school. This brings a whole host of emotions, with excitement and relief at the top of the list. We also realise this is going to come with further challenges for our parents and children, and have a strong pastoral team on hand to help them transition back into school.

Mrs Elissa Hilsden, led the school for our successful STEM Week, promoting Science,Technology, Engineering and Maths subjects. We are fortunate to have such dedicated and experienced staff who committed their time to make it such a success. It was great to have so many of our Etonbury families joining in with the activities, providing learning away from technology too. Next year will be bigger and hopefully the children will be able to participate in school rather than at home. It was incredibly hard to decide on the winners of our STEM week, but congratulations to Xavier, Elouise and Riley in Year 7, Zarah, Mio and Emma in Year 8, and Jack, Rebecca and Harry in Year 9.

Mr Matthew Pullinger, Etonbury Head of PE and Year 8, has been out running through the streets of Arlesey, Stotfold and Fairfield Park, training for an incredible 7 Marathons in 7 Days in support of Motor Neurone Disease which has sadly affected his family. If you see him, please give him a cheer as he continues to train for the big event in November. Mrs Alice Wagstaff-Sherwood, Head of English and High Attainer Lead, has been forming a partnership with Oxford University, Brilliant Club, The Scholars Programme and The Wadham Project to enhance our student’s learning experiences. We will be sharing more news about these in the weeks to come.

Whilst the school has been quieter, we have taken the opportunity to keep improving and updating our traditional area of the school, which with all our new buildings is now just a small part of our school! Our children will be arriving to freshly decorated classrooms, new google chromebooks, interactive whiteboards and bright new furniture. Our bike sheds will also be having some new roofs with thanks to the support of Taylor Wimpey. We are sure that our community will benefit from all the work our fantastic site and technology teams have done to complete such a significant amount of work in these past few weeks.

Mr Ian Evason, Principal, took on the PE Challenge, and received 150 likes on the Facebook page. He is really looking forward to playing football with the students again at l unchtime. Did you know he played professionally in the USA before he went into teaching.

Mrs Emily Hardy, Etonbury Head of Music, made the press following her release of ‘The BEST Song’ she wrote and directed with our Etonbury Juniors, Gothic Mede Academy and Robert Bloomfield Academy children. You can see and hear this on our Facebook page.

We can’t wait to have our children back in school, we have made lots of plans for day trips, residential trips at home and abroad, events, fixtures, music and drama performances, achievement breaks with the Principal, careers days, celebration evenings and much more.

We realise it has been a very difficult decision for those of you who have had to choose a school for your child without seeing it. So, if you are still considering a place for your child starting in September 2021 in years 5 to 9 we have a few spaces available and will be opening up for tours very soon. We can also help you with the admissions process.

Call us on 01462 730391 or email vlockey@bestacademies.org.uk for more details and register your interest for a tour.

Letchworth Carpet Centre

Number ONE for Price Quality and Service O Free Estimates - Free Measuring YLOCAL .1 NO Full Fitting - Expert Advice Carpets, Laminates, Vinyls and Woods Insurance and Contract Work UR

Open Monday to Wednesday 09.00 to 16.30 Thursday 9.00 to 19.00 Friday 9.00 to 16.30 CLOSED Saturday & Sunday

Tel: 01462 481312

1 Such Close, Works Road,Letchworth, Herts SG6 1JF

www.letchworthcarpetcentre.co.uk Email orders@letchworthcarpetcentre.co.uk

All New Plumbing & Heating Installations Installations Bathroom & Shower Installations Boiler & Gas Cooker Installations & Servicing Servicing Power Flushing & Heating Upgrades Andy Martini 07950 311963 | 01462 835617 835617 almplumbing17@gmail.com almplumbing17@gmail.com www.almplumbingandheating.co.uk www.almplumbingandheating.co.uk 25 Marigold Way, Stotfold Stotfold SG5 4HQ 4HQ

To contact the Arlesey News Magazine please call 01462 731986

208308

11

April Arlesey News 2020_Layout 1 16/03/2021 11:54 Page 12

News from

Gothic Mede Academy

Science Week at Gothic Mede!

The children have had great fun taking part in Science Week. Year 3 have been investigating chemical reactions, including creating raisin lava lamps!

Beech class enjoyed listening to the story of the Three Billy Goats Gruff! They became architects, engineers and material scientists when planning and building a model of a bridge. The most popular choice was the suspension bridge instead of the stone bridge that the mean troll was hiding under. The following day, they learned about the importance of disposing of rubbish properly and recycling, so they dismantled the bridges so that their components could be used in other projects.

Beech Class enjoying building their bridge

Then we got to dress up! The children came in dressed up as some fantastic scientists from Marie Curie, to Albert Einstein, to Jane Goodall and Chris Whitty. We had a great week at Gothic Mede learning and discovering Science.

We look forward to updatingyou om more of our news in the next issue of the Arlesey News Magazine.

The children enjoying dress up!

Hopton Holiday Village UK Holiday Parks are re-opening!

Enjoy our luxury 8 berth caravan on this well established and fully secure holiday park in Hopton.

Outdoor and indoor swimming pools, 9 hole golf course and many other amenities to enjoy Walking distance to the beach.

BOOK NOW!

12

Fully double glazed with central heating.

Call Bernie for details on 07860 462244

To contact the Arlesey News Magazine please call 01462 731986

April Arlesey News 2020_Layout 1 16/03/2021 11:54 Page 13

To contact the Arlesey News Magazine please call 01462 731986

13

April Arlesey News 2020_Layout 1 16/03/2021 11:54 Page 14

News One One from H Hundred unLarksfield dred Pounds PounSurgery ds and and

a Pig! Pig!

Stotfold News Magazine ne Facebook ac ook Post Post Sparks Sparks HUGE HUGE Response!

Response!

would ha o fu n r Stotfold ws Ma ine fa bok a !

Patient Participation Group. ht it wouldProvided by Larksfield t q .

r our heading, courtesy of John Hyde) we are still trawling through the facebook followers. We hope you enjoyed the post if you took part - it Larksfield Surgery NOT closed to new Patients. own memories from days gone by.

Following recent social media reports that Larksfield is closed to new patients, the management have issued the following statement: ‘ We can categorically say that the surgery is not closed to new patients and we are in fact working with our colleagues in Bedfordshire to ity shared with us.... ensure that we have the appropriate capacity for the number of additional patients the (new) developments may bring.

We have just appointed two additional nurses and are in the process of taking an additional GP. ’ n ht co at r Oa ” - Jane Britten t a oc ut! at m PC En ” - Bernie Grey “ e o co-op an s ir ”s Ba ”- Anne THANK YOU! on e Rec at Hi hin We would like to announce that two local businessmen have donated £1,500 each to Larksfield Surgery to purchase a much needed new o ng e ne ECG machine! This is a vital piece of diagnostic kit to have in the surgery and we would like to say a massive THANK YOU to Kevin Heaney ge” - Andy CEO of ukland.com and our other beneficiary who wishes to remain anonymous.

Ba and n Bi h e ha h at Inbound telephone calls and e-consults and NSS b Please see below the statistics of how many inbound telephone calls and Econsults the Surgery receive in one month: INBOUND CALLS: o - a o ca hing December: 6,919 January: 7,214 February to 23rd: 6,475 ECONSULTS: December: 715 January 957 February up until 24th 868 g and s mming at the & tle” Scrivens hearing appointments. s ll names sc hed Are you over 55? Do you think your hearing has changed? At Larksfield Surgery we offer free over 55’s hearing screening appointments.

These appointments are fortnightly on a Tuesday and Friday. Please call the Surgery to book.

- Ian Carter m hs tmas and e ”g milk a und e e ndi nb e b s e and sh mps do the ntha King oing

BANK HOLIDAY CLOSURES Please note the upcoming Bank Holiday closures: Friday 2nd April – CLOSED Monday 5th April – CLOSED Monday 3rd May – CLOSED Monday 31st May – CLOSED

Larksfield Surgery, Arlesey Road, Stotfold, Herts.

Phone for Appointments: 01462 732244 (Option 1) Phone for Test Results: 01462 732200 (Option 2) OPENING HOURS Monday: 8.00-13.00; 14.00-18.30.

Tuesday/Friday: 8.00-18.30 Saturday/Sunday: Closed

Established 1971

STOTFOLD FENCING FOR A AL LL YOUR FENCING & DECKING NEEDS Call Nath

07490 715009 stotfoldfencing@gmail.com 14

Please mention contacthe t theArlesey StotfoldNews NewsMagazine Magazinewhen pleasresponding e call 0146to 2 7adverts 31986

9

April Arlesey News 2020_Layout 1 16/03/2021 11:54 Page 15

Family announcements Its easy to include an announcemnt in the Arlesey News Magazine! Simply email us at arlesey.news@yahoo.com or call us on 01462 731986.

We do not charge for these announcements - we simply ask you make a donation to the Garden House Hospice completely at your discretion.

Maxine Bland

John & Barbara Hockley

28th April Happy 40th Birthday!

Sending all our love from Mum, Dad, Luke, Roman, Milo, Nick, Kirsty, Esme & Amber. X

Karen Rogers

15th April Happy 18th Birthday!

All our love, Mum and Dad xxxx

Warmest congratulations on your Diamond Anniversary!

Lots of love from all of your family xx

Amber King

27th April Happy 16th Birthday!

We are so proud of the beautiful girl you are.

Lots of love from All the family xx

GRACE GIBB

Happy 15th Birthday to our gorgeous girl.

You've been a star this last year, we're proud of you x Lots of love Mum, Dad, Lawrence, Claudia &your noisy night-time pal, Peanut xxxxx

Anna Reeve

28th April Happy 16th Birthday!

Lots of love from Mum, Dad Katie & Joe xxxx

Tash

2nd April.

Happy Birthday! With all our love and thanks for your help home schooling.

Always our star.

Your Fone Family xx

Freddie Spicer

Penny & Teddy

20th April Happy 10th Birthday to our fabulous boy!

We love you so much, Mummy and Daddy xx

23rd April Happy 5th Birthday Lots of love Mummy, Daddy, Alfie & Chester xxxx

Adam Wood

14th April Happy 18th Birthday!

Have a lovely day Love from us all x

Nanny Janny,

Karen Rogers

Happy 60th Birthday!

Lots of love from us all xxx

Have a very Happy 18th Birthday Love from Aunty Keryle and Neil xxx

North Herts Road Runners

Our small group training sessions start this month with the details on our website www.nhrr.org.uk. we are currently planning this years events which will be confirmed during the year.

Our qualified coaches help runners of all abilities from the novice to the experienced runners. if you are new to the area and would like tojoin us our details are on www.nhrr.org.uk or Call Ian 07506429928

Ellie Glover 22nd April.

Wishing you a very Happy 5th Birthday With all our love Mummy, Daddy & Milo xx

Nicole Smythe

Wishing you a very Happy 40th Birthday With all our love Jerry, Annabel & George xx Looking forward to celebrating very soon xx

Window and door repairs and installations * Misted/broken units * Handles * Mechanisms * Door barrels

Supply and fit windows and doors Soffits and fascias

Jonny Garside

79 Regent Street, Stotfold

01462 732248 or 07951 473505

To contact the Arlesey News Magazine please call 01462 731986

15

April Arlesey News 2020_Layout 1 16/03/2021 11:54 Page 16

News from

Arlesey Methodist Church

Where is our Methodist Church Deacon?

Easter is a season during which Christians stop and reflect on the ultimate and unconditional Love of Jesus Christ, a saviour who didn't come to be served but to serve. Serve to the point of death on the cross. Methodist Church Diaconal ministry takes its roots in Jesus's examples. During his ministry, Jesus walked along the Seaside where fishermen lived and worked; he walked in the streets amongst the people. Jesus was serious about meeting, eating, and drinking with people in their communities and homes. While living everyday life like any ordinally person, Jesus worked to spread the message of love through action: healing the sick, feeding the hungry, teaching and standing for the truth and challenging injustice wherever he went. As a follower of Jesus, called by God and sent by the Church, my Deaconship in Arlesey aims to imitate Jesus' example-both efficiently and wisely by being foremost and present where I am needed and welcomed most. The aim is to take the Church to the community by sharing the unconditional love of Jesus with people who do not usually encounter the Church and, where possible, guide the community to the Church.

On a practical level, during Covid-19, Deacons exist to be attentive listeners; visit those who live on their own, shop for those who cannot shop, call and pray for and with those who need prayers, those who have lost their loved ones, or merely having a simple chat about life.

Your Methodist Church Deacon is out there in the community to love and serve others! When the circumstance allows, I am keen to share a cup of tea, a cupcake, a meal, and a drink with you. If you need a chat about anything, all in confidentiality, the help is out there; please, get in touch! It is my prayer that as you read through this, you experience God's unconditional love through Jesus Christ, who died for us all.

Happy Easter to you all! Deacon Marcianne Arlesey Methodist Church-Ministry Team contact details: Revd. Graham 07340857386 Graham.ClaydonKnights@methodist.org.uk Deacon Marciane 07818370435 Marcianne.uwimana@methodist.org.uk Property enquiries: Ann Archer 07796148142 Donations through our friends Baldock Methodist Church: Sort Code:20-41-12 Acc: 00132632

16

Email: arlesey.news@yahoo.com

April Arlesey News 2020_Layout 1 16/03/2021 11:54 Page 17

From Field To Fork At

Lower Wilbury Farm

Dean and Katie Whybrow have been at Lower Wilbury Farm for five and a half years. In that time, the shop has grown from strength to strength and is now open Thursday to Saturday, 9am till 4:30pm and Sundays 10am till 1pm.

Regular visitors to the shop will know, the shop has recently undergone a refit and expansion to allow them to expand their product range and fresh meats on display. To compliment this they have also a ful time butcher Andy, who is looking forward to meeting and getting to know all the Lower Wilbury Farm customers.

High Animal Welfare is a top priority at the farm with zero antibiotics used to produce top quality slow grown meat. The beef, pork and lamb is all reared on the family farm. The beef is Traditional Herefords and reared out on grass until 30 months then hung for a minimum of 21 days to increase the flavour. The lamb is all grass fed and reared organically, while the pork is rare breed and also outdoor reared to increase maximum flavour.

Lower Wilbury Farm butcher Andy alongside Farm Shop assistant Amy.

Alongside the fresh selection of fruit and vegtables on offer in the farm shop, you will also find free range eggs, jams, chutneys, oils and mayonaises.

Lower Wilbury Farm are open Thursday through to Sunday and can be found just past the turn for Fairfield heading towards Letchworth. They all look forward to welcoming you soon!

Lower Wilbury Farm Shop Open thursday - saturday 9am-4.30pm Sunday 10am-1pm

visit our newly refurbished farm shop & Fresh Meat Counter

fresh eggs & local produce

Beef: All our beef is a native breed, grass fed

and organically raised. Hung for a minimum of three weeks for maximum flavour.

Lamb: Slow grown, grass fed lamb all born and raised on our family farm with the highest welfare and attention

Pork: Our rare breed pigs are born and raised on our farm on a natural cereal diet for perfect flavour and the highest quality.

Stotfold Road, Letchworth, Herts SG5 4 JS

Tel: 07988 771107

info@lowerwilburyfarm.com www.lowerwilburyfarm.com

Please mention the Arlesey News Magazine when responding to adverts

17

April Arlesey News 2020_Layout 1 16/03/2021 11:54 Page 18

St Peter’s Church News Services and events in April 2021 Sundays

Sunday 4th 9.30am Easter Parish Communion Sunday 11th 10:00am AAWsome Worship (All Age worship) Sunday 18th 9.30am Parish Communion Sunday 25th 9.30am Parish Communion Palm Sunday

Weekdays Online Coffee Morning/Evenings • Tuesdays 10.30am • Thursdays 7.30pm Please use this link to join our Zoom sessions; https://qrsecured.com/gisbyr

St Peter’s Church in the snow earlier this year

Online Great St Peter’s Quiz - Friday 19th 7.30pm Please see our website for tickets; http://www.arlesey.org.uk/OnlineShop.aspx

Remembering Loved Ones There is a white cross in St Peter’s Churchyard on which you are invited to write the names of loved ones who have passed away in the past year. (Please bring your own pen – needs to be water-proof marker.)

Covid 19 Regulations At the time of writing we are still permitted to hold Sunday Services and to keep the Church open during weekdays. We will continue to record our services and make them available via our website. If you would like to be added to our weekly email newsletter then please email me at the address below.

Telephone Prayers The national church Daily Hope phone line is available 24 hours a day 0800 804 8044 This free national phone line is designed especially for those who do not have access to the internet.

For more information about St Peter’s Church please see www.arlesey.org.uk Contact; Vicar, Rev Geoffrey Boult 01462 731227, vicar@arlesey.org.uk

PLANNING

HOME IMPROVEMENTS OR AN EXTENSION? Providing architectural design and planning services for residential building, extension and conversion projects,

S & S Coates Surveying & Design

18

Call: 07960215053 or 01525 862457 stevecoates72@gmail.com Find us on facebook

To contact the Arlesey News Magazine please call 01462 731986

April Arlesey News 2020_Layout 1 16/03/2021 11:54 Page 19

News from 1st

Arlesey Scout Group

1st Arlesey Scouts are pleased to announce that we will be returning to face-to-face on Monday 12th April.

Just like everyone else, the scouting movement has been limited to what we can do, which has meant a vast majority of the last 12 months has been spent online, trying to keep our young people engaged, connected, and focused on better times. Our leaders and their teams have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make virtual scouting as interesting and as organised as possible and our young members have been able to complete their badges, learn new skills and partake in some brilliant challenges and we could not be prouder of how the beavers, cubs, scouts, and explorers taken this in their stride!

We are also incredibly grateful for the support the Arlesey community has given to our group, we were overwhelmed by the generosity you showed during December when we were raising funds with our Annual Christmas Raffle, to win the famous Arlesey Scouts Hamper as well as host of other prizes, you helped us raise over £1300. You then outdid yourselves with your support of our 24h Fitness Fundraiser, which saw our young people and leaders undertake the mammoth task of doing exercise over 24 hours and we saw rowing, cycling, running, skateboarding, scootering, martial arts, rugby, football, basketball, hiking and so much more! These funds have allowed us to maintain our hut and equipment, as well as helping us to replace old and broken camping equipment so we can continue to support the younger generations of Arlesey – Thank-you!

If you would like to join 1st Arlesey Scout Group our sections are: Beavers for age 6 – 8-year-olds Monday 5:45pm – 7.00pm Tuesday 5:30pm – 6:45pm Cubs for age 8 – 10½ year olds Monday 7.00pm – 8.30pm Wednesday 6.30pm – 8.00pm Scouts for age 10½ - 14-year olds Tuesday 7.15pm – 9pm Explorers for ages 14 – 18 year olds Thursday 7.00pm – 9.00pm

Please see our facebook page www.facebook.com/arleseyscoutgroup or contact 1arleseyscouts@gmail.com for more information or to sign up.www.arleseyscouts.org.uk

Email us at: arlesey.news@yahoo.com

19

April Arlesey News 2020_Layout 1 16/03/2021 11:54 Page 20

Down Memory

Lane...

This picture of students from Etonbury School was sent to us by Dave Kearns. Thank you Dave for allowing us to use this picture.

We have the names of (most) of the students pictured here: You’ll find them in the box below.

If you have any old photographs you would be willing to lend the Arlesey News Magazine please email us at arlesey.news@yahoo.com or call us on 01462 731986. We would be delighted to hear from you!

ACCS Window Cleaning 25 years experience Reliable and efficient

Fully Insured & Uniformed staff 01462 629302 or 07970 406926 152 Hitchin Road, Stotfold

20

Etonbury Photograph Class of 1969 L-R

B Row: D Mc Kenzie, J Trelis, S Church, A Gentle, K Webb, M Parker, R Beaumont, P Hare, A Holton 3rd row: ?, R Bean, C Gates, M Bone, M Alban, ? , R Lockhart, V Seabrook, S Willis, R Forde, J Weir ?

2nd row:D Hilditch, D Farrow, N Read, S Nutkins Mr Waller, S Willis, A Packer, M Prutton, D Preston F Row: W Byrne, D Appleby, J Wright, A Farrington, D Kearns, ?

Contact us vis our Facebook Page - Arlesey News Magazine

April Arlesey News 2020_Layout 1 16/03/2021 11:54 Page 21

Useful Telephone Numbers Citizen’s Advice Bureau

Trading Standards Advice Line

Churches

St Peter’s Church, Arlesey Methodist Church Rev Graham Claydon-Knights Fairfield Community Church Kings Baptist Church Salvation Army Stotfold Corps

Council

01525 402742 01525 841217 0300 300 8136 01462 731227 01438 01462 01462 01462

721674 733230 730521 731072

Arlesey Town Council Town Council Office Arlesey Community Centre High Street Arlesey, Beds SG15 6SN Phone: 01462 733722 Email: deputyclerk@arleseytc.co.uk Central Bedfordshire Council, Priory House, Chicksands, Shefford SG17 5TQ 0300 300 8000 Email customer.services@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk Web www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk Waste Collection / Recycling / Dog Warden / Flytipping / Grass Cutting / Street Cleaning / Abandoned Vehicles 0300 300 8631 or 0300 300 8632

Doctor

Arlesey Medical Centre www.arleseymedicalcentre.nhs.uk Larksfield Surgery Stotfold: Out of Hours Service

01462 732144

Electricity Emergencies Gas Emergencies

0800 7 838 838 0800 111999

Childline National Menengitis Trust Samaritans NSPCC

0800 1111 0845 6000800 08457 909090 0800 800 5000

Howard Cottage Housing Association, Pioneer House, Norton Way South, Letchworth Garden City, Herts, SG6 1NY

01462 683307

Emergencies Helplines

Housing

01462 732200 111

Grand Union Housing - all enquiries

0300 123 5544

Beds Police (Crime reporting) Community issues (Not crime reporting or emergency) Crimestoppers

01234 841212 01234 842515

Police

Hospitals

Bedford Hospital Lister Hospital NHS Direct

Library

Arlesey Resource Centre & Library Stotfold Library

Police

Beds Police (Crime reporting) Community issues (Not crime reporting or emergency) Crimestoppers

01234 841212 01234 842515

The White Horse The Old Oak The Vicar’s Inn The True Britton

01462 01462 01462 07983

621118 612536 731215 397000

Etonbury Academy Pix Brook Academy Gothic Mede Lower School BEST Nursery (Arlesey) Arlesey Preschool @ WI Hall

01462 01462 01462 01462 07815

730391 416243 732002 732168 293670

Pubs

Schools & Nurseries

Children’s Centre

0800 555111

Stotfold and District Children's Centre

01462 730623

Trains (National Enquiries)

08457 484950

Boxall Taxis

01462 433 333

Transport

Whitbread Wanderbus

Greenacre Transfers Airports & Chauffeur Services www.greenacretransfers.co.uk"

Miscellaneous

Beds Rural Communities Charity Letchworth MS Unit Births, Deaths & Marriages

0300 123 3023

07555 70 78 48 01234 838771 01462 487172 0300 300 8089

0800 555111

01234 355122 01438 314333 08 45 46 47

01462 731469 0300 300 8068

Please mention the Arlesey News Magazine when responding to adverts

21

April Arlesey News 2020_Layout 1 16/03/2021 11:54 Page 22

DIRECTORY. Accountancy & Tax Sue Matejtschuk (SCM Accountancy) Abery Motor Centre Acre Wood Day Nursery AD Garden Rooms AJ Premier Cloud Accounting Services AJB Fencing Alfie’s Barbers All Wrapped Up - Balloons and Florist Andy Leonard Painter & Decorator Arlesey Ladies Football Club Arlesey Pharmacy Arlesey Walk Groups Aquarius Garden Design Barn Hair Studio Stotfold Bal & Co Motor Care Beale Bros Butchers, Stotfold Bews Electrical Bickerdikes Garden Centre Big Minibus Hire Bookks Bookkeeping services Box Of Cakes Cafe & Cake Shop Boxall Taxis Brian McInally - Gas & Heating Engineer Broadband Communications BSH Glazing (Windows & Doors) Bugs ‘n’ Things Pest Control C J Flooring Carpet Cleaning - ACCS Ltd Carpets & Flooring - Letchworth Carpet Centre Carpets & Flooring - Paul Faulkner Catsitter - Claire Centroheat Domestic Boiler & Heating Services Chequers Pub Chimney Sweep (Jesel Heat) Cleaning, Home Help & Errands The Cooker Buddy Oven Cleaning Darren Peters Property Maintenance Dennison’s - House & Garden Clearance DMC Tiling Electrician - Terry C Seymour Switched On Electrical Services Fairfield Bowls Club - Stella Wilson Fairfield Players Fencing (AJB) First Step Estate Agents Foot Health Professional - Vicki Eagles Foot Pro Podiatry Garden Robin Gifford Dance Academy Graham Smith Brickwork & Paving Greenacre Transfers Airports & Chauffeur Services www.greenacretransfers.co.uk HB Decorators Hello Flower Florists Helpers Homecare Henlow Vets Heritage Paving Hertfordshire Roofing Ltd Hybrid Pest Control & Garden Services James’s Carpentry & Handyman Service Jo Jingles Ken Seaby Carpets Kip McGrath Education Centre Kitchen Ergonomics Kumari Chiropractic Locksmith Services New Kitchens

22

01462 624926 01462 733246 01462 835550 01438 313765 01462 539266 07837 791365 01462 658449 07886 569134 07889 903283 07981 432798 01462 731200 01462 638286 01462 731292 01462 835611 01462 731500 01462 730392 01462 834488 01462 673333 07817 766997 01462 734623 07812 055587 01462 433333 01462 337218 01462 732628 01462 730884 0800 026 8823 01462 732665 01462 629302 01462 481312 01462 731674 07984 344997 07885 415363 01462 732333 01462 733406 07913 005268 01462 810065 01462 733322 07522 354141 01462 231459 01462 236559 01462 730895 07811 738599 01462 624369 07837 791365 01462 659730 07812 399659 07377 536685 01462 815968 07585 221513 01462 731829

New Kitchens North Herts Road Runners Painter/Decorator-Paul A Robinson

01462 812826 01462 639215 07761 751634 01462 232642 Paul Thomas Landscaping 07889 811065 Pendletons Sports Centre 01462 341114 Piano Lessons - Christine Walker 01462 731357 Pilates - Zanna Newton 07719 862371 Plastering - Sam’s Plastering 07856 428261 Plastering - Stotfold Plastering 01462 732600 Plumbing - A D Taylor Plumbing 01462 834713 Plumbing - ALM Plumbing 07950 311963 Plumbing - C Plumb 01462 700862 Plumbing & Heating - GSP Heating & Plumbing 01462 615922 Plumbing - J D Heating & Plumbing Services LTD 07474 444288 Plum-tek 01462 618058 Podiatry - FootPro 07377 536685 RH Gardens 01462 612033 Stotfold & Arlesey Royal British Legion 01462 734133 Samaritans 01462 455333 Satchells Estate Agents 01462 733730 Saunders Garage 01462 730222 Sheldon Electricals 01767 448188 Simply Sorted-decluttering and organising homes 07792 405246 Solicitors - HRJ Foreman Laws 01462 458711 St John Badgers (6-10yrs) & Cadets (10-18yrs) 01438 218058 Stephens Estate Agents 01462 732121 Stotfold Junior Football Club 07706 951263 Stotfold Mill 01462 734541 Tree Surgeon - 4 Seasons 01462 834136 Warrens Windows 01462 261401 Windows - Repairs & Installations (J Garside) 07951 473505 Window Cleaning - ACCS Ltd 01462 629302

WE WANT YOUR PICTURES!

Are you interested in photography?

We are looking for future front cover pictures for your Arlesey News Magazine!

07555707848

01462 732960 01462 621507 01462 896853 01462 416416 01462 730682 01462 894089 01462 733271 01462 234292 01462 456777 01462 733203 01462 672227 01438 222929 07479 945995 01462 290226 01462 812826

Arlesey

News

Send your photographs to: arlesey.news@yahoo.com for your chance to have your photograph featured on the front cover of a future issue!

The picture must be taken in Arlesey and be suitable for a front cover shot!

To contact the Arlesey News Magazine please call 01462 731986

April Arlesey News 2020_Layout 1 16/03/2021 11:54 Page 23

Arlesey Pre-School Children from 2-5yrs Funding available OFSTED registered.

Open Mon-Fri

8.55am- 11.55am and 12noon-3.00pm If you wish your child to stay at the Pre-school until 3.15pm charges apply.

Lunch sessions available (food not provided) Breakfast Club 8am (with discount for siblings)

Tel: 07815 293670

www.arleseypreschool.co.uk E::staff@arleseypreschool.co.uk

Arlesey W.I Hall, High Street, Arlesey SG15 6SN

To contact the Arlesey News Magazine please call 01462 731986

23

April Arlesey News 2020_Layout 1 16/03/2021 11:54 Page 24

Looking to sell your home?

Come and talk to your local property experts, We’re all ears..

Satchells are the agent that goes that eggstra mile.

For your free no obligation valuation call Kevin Duff on 01462 733730 47b High Street, Stotfold SG5 4LD www.satchells.co.uk