Local News

Bishop, MP, to join public in chalk river pilgrimage to protect River Ivel

The public is invited to join a chalk river pilgrimage starting at Ivel Springs Local Nature Reserve in Baldock, along the River Ivel, and ending at All Saints Church in Radwell, on Sunday 11 September. The walk is being organised by All Saints Church, Radwell and the RevIvel Association, which was formed in 2019 to protect the Ivel’s future. The river runs through Baldock, Radwell, Stotfold, Arlesey and Henlow and is one of just 250 chalk streams in the world. “We all have a responsibility to be good stewards to care for and help protect our local environment, ” said Revd Bill Britt, the Vicar of Radwell, Stotfold and Fairfield.

If they wish, those taking part in the walk can join in prayers at various points on the route, led by the Bishop of Bedford, the Rt Revd Richard Atkinson. After the walk, everyone is invited to a short church service at Radwell’s fourteenth century church, to pray for the stewardship of the River Ivel and that a healthy flow be restored so that it can provide a unique habitat in which special plants, invertebrates, fish, birds, and mammals can thrive. North East Herts MP Sir Oliver Heald, who helped set up an All-Party Parliamentary Group on Chalk Streams, will be joining the walk.

Historically, the Ivel was deep enough to be filled with fish while supporting four watermills, breweries and a watercress industry, but it is now a trickle. RevIvel believes that the upper reaches of the River Ivel are drying up because Affinity Water is taking too much water from the source of the river or from the aquifer.

The two-mile walk will begin at Ivel Springs Local Nature Reserve, north of Baldock at 2.00pm, followed by a short service at All Saint Church, Radwell at 3.30pm. We will leave at 2.00pm from the parking lot on Norton Road for the The Arena postcode - SG7 5AU (please check the route before arriving)

There will be refreshments in Radwell, where there are toilets at the campground.

RevIvel has worked with North East Herts MP Sir Oliver Heald, and are currently seeking investment to develop a range of alternative water sources, or significantly reduce water wastage.

The extremely dry river bed in the River Ivel.

Can you help us? We are keen to find a delivery volunteer to help us with our deliveries in Gothic Way and the surrounding roads. If you have half an hour once a month to spare and enjoy helping to keep the community connected then we want to hear from you! Call us on 01462 731986 or email us at arlesey.news@yahoo.com

News from Arlesey Town Football Club

If you haven’t visited the club for a while you would not have seen the new decking area recently finished outside the front of the club. The new area serves as the ideal place to have a drink and catch up with friends while celebrating (hopefully) many match day wins in the process.

The club has been celebrating its Youth teams of late, with the Under 14 team winning the County Cup earlier this month with a 2-1 win against a very strong Bedford team.

We are incredibly excited to continue the successes of our Youth teams throughout next season.

The new decking area recently finished at the club.

Arlesey Town Football Club Under 14 Team - County Cup winners.

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