In the Stix

Charity Treecycling

Sue Ryder, the palliative, neurological and bereavement support charity, is encouraging residents to keep spreading the festive cheer into the new year by signing up to have their Christmas trees collected and recycled to raise vital funds for families needing their care.

After the festivities are over, Sue Ryder volunteers will be collecting real Christmas trees direct from people’s front door or driveway so that they can be chipped into mulch and recycled.

For a donation, people who live in MK40, MK42, MK43, MK44 and MK45 postcodes can have their trees collected between Saturday 7th and Tuesday 10th January 2023. All money raised will help Sue Ryder to continue o ering its compassionate palliative care and bereavement support – helping its teams be there when it matters.

Find out more about the environmentally friendly fundraising collection drive and book a collection by Tuesday 3rd January 2023 at

www.sueryder.org/bedfordshiretrees

Emmaus Welcomes New Trustees

Emmaus Village Carlton have announced four new trustees who will play a vital role volunteering their time and working together to support and steer the direction of the charity.

Simon Botterill, a qualifi ed accountant with over 40 years’ experience, joins the charity as Treasurer. He said: “I had visited Emmaus Village Carlton prior to my retirement and was impressed by the operation and the ethos of the community. So, after I retired, I o ered to help as a volunteer.”

Ian Henderson has over three decades of senior IT-management experience spanning fi nancial services, local government, education, retail, logistics and distribution, insurance, housing, airports, NHS, charities and the hospitality industries.

The pandemic was a time of re-evaluation for Emily Willis, who decided to step away from her retail career. Emily said: “I feel really privileged to have been chosen to be part of an organisation that makes such a di erence

Finally, Dominique Cox worked for her local police service for 13 years and then in family litigation. While on maternity leave, she ran a project for disadvantaged local families and later moved into charity management. Emily said: “It’s all about the companions. If I can channel my enthusiasm and experience into improving their day-to-day experience of being part of Emmaus Village Carlton, then my role as Trustee will be a worthwhile one.”

If you’d like to hear more about the role of a trustee and potential opportunities at Emmaus Village Carlton email office@emmausvc.org

Great Denham Primary Scoops Award

Bedford Borough Council has announced the winners of this year’s Bedford Borough Sport and Physical Activity Awards with Great Denham scooping the Primary School of the Year Award.

The awards ceremony returned to Bedford Corn Exchange on Monday 5 December where the awards were presented by the Bedford Borough Council Sports Development Unit on behalf of Active Bedford.

The awards recognise the achievements of individuals and groups performing in local sports with nominations invited from local clubs, schools, county governing bodies and members of the public.

The Primary School of the Year award aims to recognise schools that engage pupils in regular physical activity and increase the staff and school PE profile. Great Denham Primary has introduced daily activity for classes along with greater opportunities for increased physical activity at break and lunch times. There are sports fixtures 3-4 days a week for children in year 5/6 and the school brings in external coaches for more bespoke sports to offer children different opportunities such as boxing, street dance and rugby.

Further information about the awards, including nominations and winners, is available at

www.bedford.gov.uk/sportsawards

Youth Theatre – Have your Say!

Sharnbrook Mill Theatre is asking for input on the type of youth activities to be offered at the theatre over the next few years.

With popular activities, including their Youth Theatre Summer School and Young Playwrights’ Showcase, The Mill Theatre has long been committed to encouraging the next generation to learn about singing, dancing and acting. Projects are led by a mix of fully qualified teaching professionals, long-standing youth performers and experts in a range of technical fields to inspire younger members in all areas of theatre.

To build on this success, the theatre is now asking those interested in their Youth Programme to fill in a survey form so that they can gauge interest and plan for the future.

For more information about Sharnbrook Mill Theatre and to find a link to the form visit

www.sharnbrookmilltheatre.co.uk/youthprogramme-survey-2022

Do you have some village news to share?

Email jacqui@bedslifemagazine.co.uk Copy deadline for the February issue is 13 January