News from Arlesey Town Council

Arlesey Town Council would like to wish all Arlesey residents a Happy New Year!

During December 2021 residents enjoyed an extended Christmas lights display provided by council with sponsorship of 5 individual lamp post decorations being provided by Abery Motor Centre, The Arlesey News Magazine, First Step, Gothic Estates and the Norton Way Group, thanks are extended to these sponsors, and again next year the sponsorship opportunity will be extended to all, with a dedication being attached to the sponsored decoration in recognition of donations received. Sponsorship contributes to the ability to continue to increase the lighting display year on year and is greatly welcomed and appreciated.

At this time of year as the New Year begins and resolutions are set, a reminder that there remains opportunities to represent fellow residents and contribute to delivery of projects and setting objectives for your community, by applying to be co-opted onto the council – 5 opportunities currently exist waiting to be filled, forms and application packs are available from the town council office or via email: clerk@arlesey-tc.gov.uk

Celebrations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee are already being considered by many organisations and groups within the village, and council would like to remind all that small financial assistance grants are available throughout the year to support these groups. So, if you are looking for some additional funding to help purchase some equipment/items or to assist in commemorating the Queen’s Jubilee please visit the website to download an application form or contact clerk@arlesey-tc.co.uk to request more information – submission by the end of March 2022 for requests relating to the Jubilee, will assist consideration and distribution of all successful awards in time for the celebrations. Council have already set aside funds to assist the Arlesey Community Events Group’s delivery of a village event to mark this momentous occasion.

Town Council members have been working on the budget and precept for the coming financial year 2022/2023 and are committed to the continued delivery of improved services and facilities for residents whilst ensuring a balanced budget that does not increase the financial burden on residents during these times in which increases in charges are being widely experienced. Further details will be announced upon finalisation of budget.

Website: arlesey-tc.gov.uk

Arlesey Town Council - Enquiries contact: 01462 733722 Email:clerk@arlesey-tc.gov.uk

Special Feature

This month we have the wonderful opportunity to meet with Iris, the wife of the late George Arnold who sadly passed away on the 18th October aged 91 George may undoubtably be a familiar face to some local residents having once co-owned a hardware shop in Stotfold ‘Arnolds. ’ George was born in Hitchin where his family owned several shops in and around the town. One of five children, he went on to open the shop in Brook Street alongside his brother Frank.

On meeting Stotfold girl Iris, the shop eventually closed and the couple built two houses set back from the road on the site of the shop, which they lived in for a few years before moving away.. George enjoyed nothing more than spending his time turning wood, some of which originated from the fire at the Stotfold Mill many years ago. George could always be found in his workshop creating many a wonderful piece of woodwork, some of which he sold at the Stotfold Mill at various events and open days.

George and Iris had two children, Gary and Joanne and went on to have two grandchildren and one great grandchild Ella, born just before George passed away.

Iris and George were married for 56 years, settling in Stotfold in The Gardens back in 1995 where Iris still lives today. Sitting in the lounge of their home surrounded by countless pieces of furniture handcrafted by George, including tables, cabinets, candlesticks and even a wooden hat (pictured above) it is clear to see show what a talented craftsman George was. George was exceptionally proud to have made a wooden cover for the Stotfold Mill stone (pictured below) which is still used in the Mill today. Without doubt that he was an extremley skilled woodturner as well as a fine tuned engineer.

Last year, the couple managed well throughout lock down until George’s health finally deteriorated and he moved in to Chase House Nursing home, Arlesey where he was very well cared for until he passed away. We would like to dedicate this tribute to George in his memory. He will be very missed by all that knew him. Pictured below: George with some of the wonderful handcrafted woodwork and the wooden stone cover at the Stotfold Mill.

The late George Arnold in his unique wooden hat