June%202013

Vol 35 | No.5

FREE

JUNE 2013

FIND OUT

WHAT’S ON TO SEE, DO AND ENJOY

FEATURING

CLOPHILL FETE IN PICTURES

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Tel: (01525) 860292 Tel: (01525) 404919 208 Clophill Road, Maulden, Bedfordshire MK45 2AF 89 Oliver Street, Ampthill, Bedfordshire MK45 2SA

CAR AND COMMERCIAL VEHICLES ALSO CLASSIC & AMERICAN CARS 1 SERVICING – REPAIRS – BREAKDOWN SPRAYING – M.O.T. Stuart Benson Building Projects Design, Build and Maintenance including Interior Refurbishments, Kitchen / Bathroom fitting, Tiling, Flooring, Skirting boards, Doors Garage conversions. Exterior Decking, Patios, Driveways Garden Offices/ Sheds

Tel: 07946 579862 or 01525 403083 Email: benson.stuart@ googlemail.com

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A word from the Editor...

At the risk of turning into a weather bore, I have to report that as I’m writing this, just a couple of days away from the start of June, it’s raining. Not a light drizzle, you understand – it’s pelting down!

Luckily it stayed dry for Clophill’s annual fete, which was another great opportunity for the community to come together. And this year it had a bit of everything – yummy cakes, plants for sale, a BBQ and, er, a snake.

We’ve got some great pictures of the event in this issue.

Did everyone enjoy May’s National Walking Month? Well there’s more activity afoot – well, on a saddle actually – because it’s Bike Week on 15-23rd June.

So dust off those stabilisers, pop a picnic in your basket and get cycling.

The deadline for the July issue is June 20th.

And don’t forget that Spotlight takes a break in August and returns again in September.

The magazine staff

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EDITOR

Helen Gent, 25 Mill Lane email: clophillspotlight1@hotmail.co.uk

DESIGN MANAGER

Chris Abrahams email: cmabrahams@yahoo.co.uk

ADVERTISING MANAGER

Leon Emirali email: leon.emirali@me.com

869104

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Steve Smith

860216

TREASURER

Richard Pearson

861110

COPY DEADLINE

20th of the month

ER COV RE TU PIC

A scene from this year’s fete With thanks to Jane Breed for taking our cover photo – and the rest of the fete pictures inside this issue 1

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ZigZag Pre-School News www.zigzagpreschool.org.uk

ZigZag is closing It is a time for Zig Zag to close and this summer term will be our final term, with our last day being 18th July. Zig Zag has been delivering a quality preschool in Clophill for over 17 years. We’ve seen many children come through our doors and have even welcomed some of their children. It’s been a wholesome and rewarding place for all involved and we’re greatly saddened to close our doors but we do so with great promise and look forward to seeing the little acorns at St Mary’s Lower School.

While it’s sad to see the end of an era we’re positive about the new start at St Mary’s. We hope your children will have a great time there and enjoy a comfortable transition into the main school when the time comes. Thank you to the mums who came along to the coffee morning hosted at St Mary’s to get a first taste of what promises to be the best Nursery class Clophill has ever seen.

Ailbe Mantini learning to feed the lambs with Chris Martin

Many thanks to all the parents for supporting us through these years, with special thanks to the staff who’ve put in a tremendous effort to make Zig Zag Preschool the most fantastic and magical time. Our team today is headed by Chris Martin, with Laura Cowan, Alex Price, Julie Steadman and Rachel Cartwright (providing one-to-one support) and not forgetting our newest member Imogen Godfrey. We’d also like to thank Central Bedfordshire Council for the various liaison officers who’ve been supporting our SENCO and providing invaluable insight into educational psychology over the years.

All the children explored the noises

Little hands with Zills 2

We’ve been supported by many in our community including the Village Hall and Toddlers and are grateful for all your efforts and hope you’ll continue to support our children in the new nursery.

So while September holds a new beginning for the village we’re firmly focused in delivering a final term with a bang. The Ampthill Fire Brigade is our guest on 20th June and we’re planning an end of term packed full of games and fun. Over the past few weeks we’ve seen some amazing things at Zig Zag. Chris brought up a lamb from the farm for the children to see, touch and feed. He was a thirsty mite. Julie showed the children how to bang African drums, dance with finger cymbals, or zills, and mesmerized the children with a parade around the playground in true festival style. This was all part of our Julie Steadman showing the sharp ting learning outcome of a zill while twirling on making and listening to different sounds and instruments. We’ve been pirates and knights and searched for treasure and got to know our 2D and 3D shapes as well as creating a map of places we know in Clophill.

Our thanks again to the community of Clophill.

Zig Zag Committee

Justin Steadman showing the children the different noises of an East African Drum

TOP TIP FROM PLAY LEADER CHRIS Entertaining your children doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Summer holidays are approaching and the dreaded car journeys.

Try having some talking books in the car – guaranteed to silence any child over 3. They can be borrowed from the library. Or look around at the beautiful countryside we live in, go off with a picnic, enjoy the water at Barton Springs, catch fish and shrimps at Ashwell Springs, go and see the carvings at Campton Woods. And if it’s raining there’s always homemade play dough to be made, or making cakes and cookies.

Aoife Mantini, Chair of Zig Zag Preschool

Zig Zag Preschool Registered Charity No. 294572 3

St Mary’s Church Church fete ‘Thank You’ The Church Wardens would like to thank everyone for the support at the Church Fete and Village Event. We had an excellent range of stalls and sideshows from local organisations, and the total raised during the afternoon was approximately £3,000.

Our aim was to create a traditional Fete for the village and we were delighted with the number of visitors and the friendly community atmosphere (and everyone was relieved that the weather stayed dry). All the visitors enjoyed the afternoon and were happy to spend time meeting friends, visiting the stalls and sideshows and watching the entertainment. The children from St Mary’s School gave another excellent Maypole dancing display and Safari Stu attracted lots of people, both young and older. Some were brave enough to have a 7ft Boa around their shoulders and a large chameleon on their arm.

We are very grateful to Vaughan Wilton for all his hard work helping to organise the Fete and are sorry that he’s unable to assist next year. This is an established Village Event and the next one will be on 17th May 2014.

Carolyn Cranswick Open Church Sunday Once again we’re taking part in Open Church Sunday on 23rd June, 2pm-4pm.

We welcome visitors to come along and browse through our Parish Registers and admire the many features of our lovely church while enjoying a cup of tea or coffee.

Or why not just come along for a chat and learn about the history of St Mary’s.

Liz and Gill, Churchwardens

14th & 15th September If you are interested in entering a scarecow or if you would like to help with the organisation please contact Carolyn 01462 815433 Gill Jones 01525 861058 4

All the fun of the Fete With thanks to Jane Breed for capturing this year’s event

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Clophill Friends of the Bedfordshire Cheshire Home The Clophill Support Group or ‘Friends’ has been in existence for more than 35 years and during this period we’ve been raising funds to directly support the Residents of the home, which is now at Agate House, Woburn Street, Ampthill.

Our fund-raising activities have usually been the twiceyearly Jumble Sales that are held at the Village Hall but we’ve recently been supplementing these using other methods.

The Clophill Village Fete has meant that we’ve been able to have an extra chance of helping the Residents by having a stall. We have valued assistance from a gentleman who sells our books on the internet and we also have access to Ebay, trade sales and fairs through some of our Volunteers from the village. In addition to our fundraising activities we’ve been taking Residents shopping in Bedford once a fortnight for the 35 years and more of our existence.

Thanks to the support that we’ve received from you, the residents of Clophill, and the many others who’ve donated items and Residents make use of the purchased at our Jumble Sales, we recently donated £3,000 to new physio bike Agate House. This was to provide a major portion of the funds required for the purchase of a physio bike, which will be used by nearly all of the residents of Agate House. It’s used to strengthen both leg and arm muscles and greatly assists the valuable work of the physiotherapists who are employed there.

The photographs alongside this article show residents making use of the new bike.

We hope that they convey just how much they enjoy their new “toy”.

In the past we’ve provided funds for the transport fleet at Agate House to enable the residents to get into the community. We’ve also purchased other physiotherapy equipment as well as items for entertainment and other leisure activities. If you’d like to help us in any of our activities then, please, give us a call on 861110.

Many thanks to everyone who helped or supported us at our Jumble Sale on 26th April at the Village Hall. We’re pleased to have raised £376.61. The proceeds will directly benefit the residents of the Leonard Cheshire Home at Ampthill.

Thank you again for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you at our next Jumble Sale on 4th October 2013. If you have some good-quality jumble to spare, we’ll be happy to store it for you. If you could help at our next sale or would be interested in finding out more about our group’s activities, including our shopping trips for residents, or if you’d like to visit the Home, just call 861110.

Richard Pearson, Chairman, Clophill Friends of the Bedfordshire Cheshire Home 6

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St Mary’s School News

Our Value for June is

Humility and Service

We’ll be exploring this through stories and discussions in school. Words relating to ‘servant’ and ‘service’ are central in Christian theology and there are many stories in the Bible that exemplify this. We’ll be exploring how children are encouraged to aspire to serve others by recognising their own particular gifts and find ways of using them for the benefit of all so that the community becomes all that it could be. Humility is being proud of achievements but not showing off. A person with humility accepts and listens to others unconditionally; they offer help because they want to, not because they want to be praised. They don’t boast about what they have or what they can do but quietly accept their achievements.

Opening of Acorn Nursery Class Plans are proceeding well with the opening in September of our new Nursery class, Acorn. Registration forms are available on the website or from Sharon in the office.

We’re now taking bookings for all children up to Reception age and will discuss with you when a place will be made available for your child.

The nursery will open between 8am and 5.30pm, offering ‘wrap around’ care for nursery pupils so please get in touch with us as soon as you can to ensure that your child is registered. We’re currently recruiting staff for the nursery class and will let you know when the appointments have been finalised.

Important dates for your diary in 2013 June Monday 17th Saturday 22nd Saturday 29th July Friday 5th Thursday 11th/9.30am Thursday 18th/1.15pm Friday 19th/1.15pm

Y4 go to France Y4 return from France Football tournament at the Rec All day Transfer day to new school or class Sports Day Leavers service in school (The children’s memories of their time at St Mary’s) Leavers’ service: Oak, in the church (Year 4 children will receive their Bibles) Break-up 8

St Mary’s School News Continued Maypole at the Church Fete We’ve had many compliments about how well the children danced at the Village fete in May and how much people enjoyed their performance. We’re very proud of the children and would like to thank them, Mrs Burraway and Miss Grassi for all their time and effort in attending all the classes required to make the dance so special.

Clophill United Charities The trustees of Clophill United Charities are keen to support families in times of hardship to ensure that all children have access to school activities and trips. This support is provided in total confidence and further information is available from Sharon or directly from the Clophill Charities Clerk, Gillian Hill, on 01525 860539.

The charity in the past has helped families towards the cost of the Y4 French trip, the residential trip offered to Y3 /4 and other such activities. They are very approachable and any help provided is totally confidential.

Nikki, from Principles in Flitwick, shaves off Charlotte’s hair

Going, going, gone!

You may remember that in our April issue we reported on Charlotte Edwards, who was having her hair cut off and donating it to The Little Princess Trust, which makes wigs for children going through chemotherapy. And after her ponytail came off, Charlotte was having the rest of her hair shaved off for charity.

Well the fabulous Charlotte has currently raised around £2,300 for Cancer Research UK – and wants to thank everyone who so generously donated.

If you’d like to make a donation, you’ve still got time. Just go to Charlotte’s online sponsorship page at http://www.justgiving.com/CharlotteEdwards1003 9

Clophill & District Flower Club If you weren’t at Clophill Flower Club on Thursday 2nd May then you missed a rare treat. National Demonstrator Margaret Rumens came down from Solihull and truly intoxicated us all with her demonstration entitled ‘Summer Wine’. We knew we would see some beautiful flowers and designs – she’d been to Clophill four years ago at Christmas time – but Margaret excelled herself.

A lovely lady with good repartee and a sense of humour, Margaret arrived two hours before the doors opened and worked hard behind the scenes preparing arrangements that would be added to and compliment each of those that she produced on stage.

An amazing array of top-quality, well-conditioned flowers – roses, lilies, carnations, gerberas, larkspur, camelias, antirrhinum, September flower, gypsophila, and many more – all contributed to her many and varied superb creations which depicted either occasions where summer wine might be enjoyed, or the actual wines themselves.

Nobody wanted the evening to end, but eventually the finale arrived. What Margaret referred to as a ‘simple’ arrangement was a huge, but glorious, white extravaganza, to which long arching sprays of spiraea and masses of frothy ‘million stars’ gypsophila were added, providing us all with a taste of sparkling champagne! The stage was ablaze with colour and cameras were snapping all over the place. A fitting end to a really great evening.

We have a demonstrator almost every month at Clophill Flower Club – National Demonstrators come twice a year (if funds allow). In between, we look forward to enjoying the expertise and ability of some excellent Area Demonstrators, a great number of whom have become, as Brucie would say, ‘our favourite’.

So come and join our flower club. It’s not necessary to be a flower arranger, just come for the pleasure and the company. The first Thursday of the month is what we all look forward to – we’d love to see you too.

Joan Palmer, Club Secretary On July 4th we have Glenis Smith with ‘Colourful Comedians’

Your letters...

Dear Editor

Re: naming of new road to the side and rear of 122a High Street We’d like to put forward for consideration the name of a new housing development which is in the process of being built behind 122a High Street, Clophill, and would suggest the name of ‘Cora’s Meadow’. Cora Sheppard has lived in Clophill for over 50 years and the development is being built on what was part of her rear garden. Cora is well known in the village for her charity work and has contributed to village life in Clophill over many, many years. We hope that ‘Cora’s Meadow’ will be considered as a fitting name for this new road.

Yours sincerely

Rachel and Alan Vincent 10

News from Clophill Heritage Trust The Eco-lodge Building works on the site of the old gault pit continued throughout April and early May with the installation of the piling and steel ring-beam foundations, and by the time this issue of Spotlight reaches your doorstep the new timber lodges should be in place. The timber units, which are being manufactured by SS Marine of Andover, Hants, should be ‘craned in’ over Whitsun. Once they’re in position it’ll be a matter of connecting in the various services, including power and water supplies.

James Breed, Ali Bradbury, Richard Hudson and John Wright measuring foundations and drainage trenches on Monday 20th May.

In the meantime, further grading and sculpting of the site has been completed by Material Movements Ltd ,who are based in Clophill and who have greatly assisted us with the project, and Peter Sharpe Builders who have put in a small retaining wall, and who are also based locally.

The new car park for the Lodge which will also be for the benefit of visitors to the Church graveyard has also taken shape, as can be seen from Old Church Path.

An outline Planting regime for the site is also being put in place and we would welcome suggestions and assistance from any residents in this regard.

Old Church The proposed works to the Old church are out to tender and it’s hoped these will commence in July.

Clophill Parish Action and Heritage Trust The opposite photo shows Michael Robotham (far right) with Heritage Building Skills students plus supervisors from Bedford College. Michael generously sponsored the recently completed repairs to the brickwork of the lock-up and The Pound, as well as donating the Teak Bench seat overlooking the River Flit. The smiles matched the sunny weather.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Volunteers are needed for all manner of help on a longer-term basis, whether assisting with physical tasks or IT/website skills etc. This may appeal to school leavers or students for CV purposes or for those temporarily without employment who have some spare time for work within the village. We’ve had a positive response to our initial appeal, especially from younger people but are still looking for more helpers – you’re neither too young nor too old!

If you can help, please contact Ali Bradbury (07894 710001), John Wright (07860 839845) or Barry Breed (01525 860834).

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Clophill through the years

by Colin Watt

The many shops of Clophill This month I interviewed Clophill resident Doris Pitts (b.1916) about her memories of the village shops and here’s the transcription...

2 Bedford Road There was a white hut, a little shed in garden. John Smith ran it. He sold sweets and groceries. The sweets were in jars and were sold loose in paper cornets. Before I went to school I had to go up there with a list for my mum. And he always said to me, “Doris, would you like a few sweets this morning?” I said “I know what I’ve got to do.

Take a mouse out of the trap.” He daren’t do it.

15 The Green C1910-20 15 The Green The Juffs family baked bread on the premises. The bakery was through the double gates at the left side and at the back. The two sons drove the vans delivering the bread. They baked the bread and went all round with it. If you could afford a chicken or a turkey for Christmas, for a shilling they would cook it for you in the bread oven. That little room there (right-hand window) they used to let to Bill Smith. He used to come from Luton and cut men’s hair for a shilling.

1a The High Street (Groom’s Hair Design) Bert Diggins ran a cycle shop. He did bike repairs and mended punctures for tuppence.

Old Forge Arthur Cakebread was the blacksmith and he lived next to the forge at what’s now called The Old Forge. We used to stand there watching the blacksmith shoeing the horses. They made the shoes. They came out red hot.

9 High Street This was Fossey’s. There was a shed at the back where he mended shoes. His wife sold sweets and things from one of her rooms.

35 High Street Garrets had it as a fish shop then it changed to Townsend’s butchers.

35 High Street 1961

46 High Street (Wootton House) Mr Wootton ran the Post Office and sold groceries. His son Linden Wootton was a tailor who made men’s tailored suits. Linden’s wife, Edith, was so good.

If you went in and she had some cheese, she would give you a little bite to try. “Doris. This is a new cheese. Try a bit.” The same with sweets.

The children loved her. She used to let people have stuff on tick. She gave her profit away.

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53 High Street It was a Post Office run by the Mead family. They had a daughter my age. I was friends with her. I used to go there to play with her.

104 High Street This was Shepard’s before it was Stoke’s shop. One Friday we had a terrible storm and they said it got hit by a thunderbolt. It went down the chimney.

After they closed at six they were washing up. I know it was a very bad storm cos I was down at a friend’s to show her the 53 High Street C1910-20 new bike I had for my birthday. When I got as far as that the lightening was terrible. I threw my bike down and ran home. I lived in Mill Lane.

Mum and Dad said “Where is that new bike?” It was back in the High Street. Dad had to go and fetch it. I was frightened to death. They said you wouldn’t have hurt on rubber.

Kings Cottage, Great Lane The left-hand cottage (demolished) was Mrs Widdowson’s grocery shop. She used to sell sweets and groceries. In the middle lived Mrs King who used to open her living room for a doctor to come in and hold his surgery for an hour or two once a week.

104 High Street 1905

Franklin’s delivered coal at 2s 4d a sack.

Reading Room (demolished) We used to have to walk down there twice a year when the dentist came. We had a form to give King’s Cottage C1900-10 our parents to say we could have our teeth done. It cost a shilling. I hated the dentist. I got in the chair once and got out. I didn’t stop to have it done. We were supposed to go back to school but I ran home.

Jacques Lane Mrs Simpson lived at the first house on the left-hand side (demolished) at the back of the Rising Sun. She sold sweets and biscuits from her back door.

Demolished cottage (now 72, 74 & 76 High Street) Mrs Dunham sold sweets and biscuits. More or less as a hobby. You would perhaps call there if you had a penny to spend.

The Slade Frank Gobey went round with his horse and cart, hawking. He sold candles, matches, paraffin, soap and powder. They delivered to Clophill, Gravenhurst, Shillington and Meppershall. Jack (my husband), when he left school at 14, went there as a Saturday boy for a year or two.

Peck’s of Ampthill came round with a case of clothes and household goods to your doorstep. If you couldn’t afford it, you had a card and paid weekly.

• Find out more about Clophill’s history at www.clophillhistory.org.uk 13

Clophill Village Hall Annual Report

May 2013

Summary of 2012-2013 The year-ending May 2013 has by and large been a relatively stable period for the management committee of the hall. However, in the last few days we’ve received notice that the Zigzag Playgroup will terminate their hiring contract with the Village Hall in July this year, but more of that later.

The Committee can report an excellent year in terms of its financial performance.

Reducing costs was a key part of the strategy for the Committee in 2012-2013, and the accounts bear witness to the significant successes in terms of substantially reducing utility costs and insurance costs by negotiating more favourable contracts in these areas, and a tight cap on capital expenditure has made a good contribution After some years of uncertainty regarding the long-term plan for Zigzag Playgroup, we somewhat unexpectedly received formal notice last week that the Playgroup will no longer operate from the Village Hall. Notwithstanding the rights and wrongs of the decision to provide this service at St Mary’s Lower School, it does see us lose our biggest hirer and certainly takes the edge off a very good set of financial figures for this last year. Indeed, if we extracted the Playgroup income from this year’s figure the Hall would be running at a loss, despite our excellent cost control initiatives. We’ll have to carefully review the budget for 2013-2014, but given we have made most of the cost savings already, the financial outlook isn’t too optimistic and we may well have to enter into discussions with the Parish Council to understand what support they might be able to offer.

On a brighter note, again the Committee staged a number of social events in the year, both to drive extra income and, maybe more importantly, to bring the village together in a social setting. We’ve had some notable success this year featuring live bands – these have been extremely well attended and proved a very useful source of income for the hall.

A customary thank you goes to all members of the Village Hall Management Committee for all their hard work and personal time devoted to the upkeep of the hall.

Finally, we sadly say goodbye to Janice Catton this year. She’s decided to step down from her role on the Committee, after years of being cajoled into doing ‘just one more year’. Janice has made a huge contribution to the Village Hall, both new and old, over many years, most of that time with her husband Roger, who stepped down a couple of years ago. Janice will be sorely missed for her commitment, passion and personality and the Committee meetings will be just a little duller without her presence.

Key Issues for 2013-2014 • Setting a budget to reflect our reduced hiring profile • Maintaining the quality of the fabric of the hall at least cost • Creating new hiring opportunities to fill the revenue • Maintaining a good fund-raising calendar Steve Langhorn, Chair, Clophill Village Hall Management Committee 14

Come into the kitchen with Christine Fellini

Oven-fresh Ciabatta This month we’ve got a genius recipe for homemade Ciabatta – the results are fantastic, so give it a try.

CIABATTA

(courtesy of Nicky James)

• 500g strong white bread flour, plus extra for dusting • 10g salt • 10g instant yeast • Fine semolina for dusting (optional) 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

• 4ml olive oil • 400ml tepid water

Lightly oil a 2-3 litre plastic container (it’s important to use a square tub as it helps shape the dough).

Put the flour, salt and yeast into the bowl of a mixer fitted with a dough hook (don’t put the salt directly on top of the yeast). Add the olive oil and ¾ of the water and begin mixing on a slow speed. As the dough starts to come together, slowly add the remaining water Then mix for a further 5-8 mins on a medium speed until the dough is smooth and stretchy.

Tip the dough into the prepared tub, cover with a tea towel and leave until the dough is at least doubled, even trebled in size – 1-2 hours or longer.

Heat your oven to 220° and line 2 baking trays with baking parchment or silicone paper.

Dust your work surface heavily with flour – add some semolina, too, if you have some.

Carefully tip out the dough (it will be very wet) onto the work surface, trying to retain a rough square shape. Rather than knocking it back, handle it gently so you keep as much air in the dough as possible. Coat the top of the dough with more flour and/or semolina. Cut the dough lengthways to obtain 4 pieces of dough. Stretch each piece of dough lengthways a little and place on the prepared baking trays.

Leave the ciabatta dough to rest for a further 10 mins then bake for 25 mins or until the ciabatta are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the base. Cool on a wire rack.

THE CHEAT’S GUIDE TO BEING A DOMESTIC GODDESS Clingfilm When you’ve cleaned the tops of the cupboards in the kitchen – or indeed had new ones installed – cover them with clingfilm so that the next time they need cleaning just dispose of the old clingfilm and cover with new!

Candle wax To remove candle wax from your tablecloth just put a double layer of kitchen paper onto your ironing board, put the stained part of the table cloth on top then cover the patch of wax with another couple of sheets of kitchen paper. Go over with a hot iron – the heat from the iron will melt the wax and the paper will absorb it.

Laundry soap Some time ago I extolled the use of old-fashioned laundry soap for removing stains without resorting to expensive chemicals. Several people have told me that they’ve had difficulty in finding the soap, so I’m pleased to tell you that Lakeland now stock it. It costs £4.99, which is quite steep for a bar of soap, but I can assure you that it will last a long time.

DO YOU HAVE ANY TRIED-AND-TESTED RECIPES OR HOUSEHOLD TIPS TO SHARE? We would love to have your input so please get in touch at christine@casafellini.co.uk or call me on 861912 15

Permissive Path over Pine Hill The proposed Permissive Path (PP) from Church Path up and over Pine Hill down to Shefford Road came a step nearer with the installation of wooden steps up the steep bank leading from Church Path. This work was done on behalf of the Parish Council by a team of two volunteers and a supervisor from the Greensand Trust.

Although this circular route has been regularly walked for many years it’s only recently that the wheels have been set in motion to formalise it as a PP. This is similar to a Public Footpath (PF) except that the landowner, in this case the Parish Council, makes an agreement with the Local Authority, namely Central Beds Council, for public access over a specific route. The legal process to bring this about is on-going. A PP is not for all time like a PF and may be withdrawn but the likelihood of this happening here is remote.

When the PP paperwork is finalised, waymarking signs will guide walkers over its length.

Meanwhile, it has to be stressed that the field to the North, between the PP route and the Old Church site, is private land and may not be used for walking or for dog exercising.

Pine Hill is so named after the small group of tall trees, probably Scots Pine, at the centre of a circle of Oak trees standing on a base of about 35m diameter. This feature on the skyline, thought to have been planted about 1850, is badly in need of restoration. The creation and use of the Permitted Path will, hopefully, engender interest in this landmark and lead to a plan for revitalising Pine Hill in conjunction with CBC’s Countryside Access team and the Greensand Trust.

David Myers, Parish Paths Co-ordinator (P3)

The proposed Permissive Path route

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Clophill Parish Council Notes from the Parish Council and the Annual Parish Meetings held on 28th May 2013 (Readers are reminded that these notes are a resume only, official minutes are available both on the internet and notice boards. All official correspondence should be sent to the parish clerk and not individual councillors.)

Election of key posts Peter Clarke was elected Chairman of the Parish Council and Roland Browne as Vice Chairman. Bob Parker-Eaton was elected Chairman of the Planning Sub Committee, Janice Catton, Chairman of the Lands (Infrastructure) Sub Committee and Ralph Brough, Chairman of the Lands (Open spaces, etc) Sub Committee.

Automatic External Defibulator Delivery of an Automatic External Defibulator has been received by Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service. Within the next few weeks arrangements will be made for this equipment to be installed within the village.

Flitabus and Link A Ride The parish council has made a donation of £50 to both the Flitabus and Link A Ride services.

These buses, run on a non-commercial basis, provide a valuable service for the village and the council are happy to make a small contribution to assist with the ongoing running costs.

The Lands Committees Quotations for the removal (by specialist firms) of the old footbridge at The Green are expected at the end of this month. Once a decision is made, it’s hoped the footbridge will be removed later this year.

The work at The Pound, repairing the walls etc, commenced on 29th April. We’re grateful for the co-ordinated effort by the CPA and the workers that completed this task. The parish council would also like to publicly thank Michael Robotham for the generous donation used to pay for the work.

The permissive footpath through Pine Hill onto Church Path has had the construction of steps from the wood completed. The parish council is grateful for the assistance of the Greensand Trust volunteer group who made this possible and to David Myers (our Footpaths Officer) for overseeing the project. We’re still awaiting the legal formalities to be completed by Central Bedfordshire County Council however.

Planning – May 2013 Applications Received by Central Bedfordshire CB/13/01574/FULL Location: 8 Warren Barns, Warren Lane Proposal: Single-storey front extension and alterations to window and door positions and insertion of velux-style windows Applicant: Mr A Bailey Proposal is, effectively, to replace existing conservatory with larger, permanent room and make various internal changes.

SUPPORT 17

Clophill Parish Council Continued CB/13/01782/FULL Location: Land behind 122A High Street Proposal: Variation of design for currently approved dwelling (Plot 1) with detached garage Applicant: Tilsworth Developments Ltd This dwelling (one of five) was planned and approved as ‘affordable’. Unfortunately, no housing association is prepared to take on one dwelling in isolation. Thus the developer has made the required capital donation to CBC and now seeks to enlarge the property, more in line with the other four and provide a garage. The plan is in keeping with the site.

The need to change is understood and legal, albeit disappointing (more affordable houses are needed in the village).

SUPPORT Applications Approved by Central Bedfordshire CB/13/00851/FULL Location: 3 Back Street Proposal: Single-storey rear extension Applicant: Mr S Dear Proposal is to extend ground floor at rear of house to improve the interior layout and create a modern kitchen/diner. The extension won’t be visible from the road and there is no impact on neighbours. PC had supported.

CB/13/01574/FULL Location: Pedley Wood Farm, Church Path Proposal: Erection of single-storey timber-framed infill orangery replacing existing structure Applicant: Mrs B Skipper The proposed work is in sympathy with existing building and there are no neighbours near the location. PC had supported.

Application Decision Deferred by Central Bedfordshire Council CB/13/00985/FULL Location: Plot 1, Paradise Farm (Gypsy site) Proposal: Change of use for the stationing of one residential static caravan and two touring caravans and parking for two associated vehicles and a portaloo Applicant: Mr N Gumble The application had been recommended for Approval by officials, but had been ‘called-in’ by our ward councillor Mike Blair for decision by the (elected) Development Management Committee on 22nd May. Around 20 residents attended the meeting to help demonstrate their opposition. Parish Councillor Bob Parker-Eaton and resident Gillian Hill each made a three-minute statement detailing opposition. The Committee then debated the issue and each of our three ward councillors, Mike Blair, Paul Duckett and Mark Smith, argued 18

Clophill Parish Council Continued strongly for Refusal. A vote was indecisive and the Chairman deferred a final decision until the next meeting (19th June at 10am at Chicksands) following a site visit (possibly on 17th June) and valid planning objections detailed. The PC hopes that as many residents as possible will attend to show their opposition. This is important as the applicant is arguing that the small number of written objections from residents mean that the village has become happy with the presence. Opposition is against the site, not the people concerned.

Tree Works in a Conservation Area (info) CB/TPO/13/00124 Location: 3 Hawthorne Close Proposal: Clean crowns of 2 oak trees and 1 ash tree and thin by 10%. Crown raise to approx. 4.5m and reduce any laterals growing over property Applicant: Mr J Dimmock Trees are at rear of property facing Jacques Lane.

The next Parish Council meeting will take place at 7.45pm on Tuesday 25th June 2013. There will be the usual surgery at 7.30pm for any parishioner that may want a private consultation.

UM...WHICH WAY? Photo taken on the A6 outside the Flying Horse by Michael Brooks 19

Parish registers for June 1863

1963

Baptisms June 7th

Baptisms June 2nd

Arthur Thomas Bottoms ? Page No marriages or burials recorded

June 9th June 26th Marriages June 29th

1913 Baptisms June 8th Burials June 5th

Algernon John Peat

Burials June 20th

Susan Grummitt, 71

Timothy Roberts Janet Elizabeth Keens Christina Fowler Anthony Gerald Whittaker Derek John Kay, 24, to Freya Johanna Riess, 24 Henry Charles Stimson, 61

ST. MARY’S CHURCH REGISTERS FOR MAY 2013 Funeral May15th Walter (Wally) Trudgill, 78

Wildlife walks & talks Invertebrate Day on Flitwick Moor Saturday 22nd June, 10am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-4pm, Folly Wood car park Join Colin Carpenter and experts from the Beds Natural History Society to investigate the great variety of insects, snails and other small creatures on this magical wetland.

Families especially welcome. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Nature Walk Saturday 27th July, 10am-12pm, Houghton Regis Quarry Join Rebecca Pitman, Reserves Officer Chalk Grasslands Bedfordshire. Houghton Regis Quarry is a site in rebuild. See the work to take precious remnants found at this old industrial site, restoring it to a vibrant living landscape. Please note that local parking is limited. Suggested donation, £1 per adult.

To reserve a space, or for additional information, please email flitvale.info@gmail.com or ring Kathy on 07890 347327 after 6pm or at weekends

LOTS OF TOYS, SPACE AND FRIENDS FOR BABIES AND TODDLERS UNDER 3.

FRIDAYS 10-11.30am at theatVillage HallHall the Village 10 – 11.30am FRIDAYS See ‘Village Groups’ for contact name & phone number No phone & name See ‘Village Groups’ for contact 20

What’s on in and around Clophill JUNE

22

23

JULY

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Saturday 22nd Live music at The Stone Jug, 9pm. Come listen to talented local band ‘Cover Your Tracks’ (last seen supporting at the Ska night at the Village Hall) 9pm Sunday 23rd Open Sunday at St Mary’s Church Clophill. Parish Registers available for viewing 2pm-4pm Saturday 29th St Mary’s School Football Tournament, 9.30am-2pm, Recreation Ground, Clophill Thursday 25th Morris Men performing at The Stone Jug, 8pm. Traditional fun for the whole family.

Every Wednesday • ‘Tea and Chat’ in Clophill Methodist Church Schoolroom, 10.30am-noon • Celtic Evening Prayer, Clophill Methodist Church, 7.15pm. All are welcome

Every Friday • Clophill Toddler Group Clophill Village Hall, 10-11.30am See ‘Village Groups’ for contact details

If you have any diary dates that you would like included on this page, please email clophillspotlight1@hotmail.co.uk

Village groups Beverley Court Brownies Christians Together in Clophill Clophill Community Care Clophill Parish Action Clophill Toddler Group Clophill United Charities Conservation Group Flower Club Friends of the Cheshire Home Funzone After School Club Indoor Carpet Bowls Neighbourhood Watch Pre-school Leader St Mary’s PTA Scouts and Cubs Tuesday Club Village Hall Booking Secretary

Sharon Soper 860920 https://enquiryym.girlguiding.org.uk Fergus Milne 860894 Duty Contact 07791 773705 Ali Bradbury 07894 710001 Louisa Sherry 861039 Gillian Hill 860539 Brian Adams 862297 Gillian Hill 860539 Sue Pearson 861110 Rosemary Ilett 860274 Tony Meredith 860754 Mick Everitt 861049 07906 573471 Charlotte Benjamin 861185 Ralph Rayner 403956 Betty Hampson 860750 Marilyn Browning 07821 643936 21

Useful numbers Gas (Emergency) Electricity (Emergency) Emergency Fire/Police/Ambulance Water/Sewage (Anglian Water) Telephone (Customer Services) 150 Highways Department (Central Bedfordshire Council) Benefits Agency (Bedford office) Registrar’s Office (Births/deaths/marriages) Rail (Bedford) 01234 269686 Buses 01234 262151 (Link A Ride) 01525 840511 Luton Airport Swimming (Flitwick) 01525 717744 LIBRARIES

Bedford Barton

01234 350931 01582 881101

LOCAL GOVERNMENT Central Beds Offices (Chicksands) Mid-Beds MP Central Bedfordshire Councillors Paul Duckett 07988 184061 Clophill Parish Council (Clerk) HOSPITALS Bedford (North & South)

Ampthill Flitwick

01525 402278 01525 715268

Nadine Dorries Michael Blair Mark Smith Peter Clarke Mrs Lyn Lyman

0300 300 8000 01462 811992 01525 404513 01525 402560 01525 861179 01908 584159

01234 355122

Admissions Appointments

01234 261150 01234 359012 0845 1270127

(Houghton Close) 0844 8151055

(Oliver Street) (Greensands) Appointments Flitwick

01525 631395 01525 631390 01462 810034 0844 4996928

Non Emergency

101 01234 841212 01234 842627 01234 842613

Luton & Dunstable DOCTOR’S CLINICS Ampthill

0800 111999 0800 7838838 999 0845 7145145 (Faults) 151 0300 3008049 01234 361500 0300 3008089 (Flitwick) 01582 27612 (Flittabus) 01582 406561 01582 405100 (Robinson Pool) 01234 212479

Shefford Barton 01582 528700

Enquiries 01462 818620

POLICE County Police HQ Ampthill Station Clophill Local Policing Team CHURCHES St Mary’s Parish Church St Francis of Assisi Shefford Clophill Methodist Church

(Gill Jones) 01525 861058

SCHOOLS St Mary’s School, Clophill Harlington Upper School, Harlington Redborne Upper School, Ampthill Robert Bloomfield Middle School, Shefford

or (Liz Henman) 01525 860108 01462 813436 (Mr Jim Davies) 01525 860829 01525 860206 01525 755100 01525 404462 01462 628800

22

Gravenhurst Saddlery FOR ALL YOUR: SADDLERY, RIDING WEAR & COUNTRY CLOTHING. HORSE & PET FEEDS DEPARTMENT SADDLERY REPAIR SERVICE AVAILABLE. AT

ION FARM, LOWER GRAVENHURST

OPEN (MON - SAT 9a.m. - 5.30) TEL: 01525 861687 Telephone 01525 860526

The Stone Jug

A Free House BACK STREET, CLOPHILL

It’s time to accept the fact that we are in the 21st century. So with this in mind we will be moving with the times this year and installing a chip and pin machine and joining the world-wide web!

All in good time though, after all Rome wasn’t built in a day!

Some things don’t change though – we still offer good quality, fairly priced home cooked lunches, a proper pub atmosphere, real ales and dogs welcome.

So if you haven’t tried us yet make 2013 the year to make that change.

Once again, thank you for your support So for now it’s business as usual………………

REMEMBER OUR MOTTO “A VISIT TO THE JUG IS BETTER THAN GOING TO A PUB” CHEERS JOYCE & VIKKI

117 CLOPHILL ROAD, MAULDEN – Telephone: (01525) 860366 Fine Selection of Quality Cut Flowers Helium Balloons Available We deliver within a ten mile radius OPENING HOURS:9am – 5.00pm Mon – Fri 9am – 4.00pm Sat 23

Situated around a private lake within 8 acres of Bedfordshire countryside, this stunning and peaceful setting is exclusively for cats Inspection visits most welcome Open 7 days a week except Public Holidays Highest standard of hygiene & cleanliness observed Heated accommodation with large covered external runs Shared boarding available to cats from the same household All ages of cats welcome Collection and delivery service available Established for over 30 years, the highly competent team of staff at Sealawn look forward to welcoming your cat for the ultimate care experience whilst you are away from home Contact us for a full colour brochure Telephone: 01525 860585 Email: sealawn@btinternet.com Visit our website: www.sealawn.com

Contact: ANDY WOOD 150A CLOPHILL ROAD MAULDEN BEDFORD MK45 2AE

07796 272539 or 01582 536944

24

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QUALITY QUALITY RANGE RANGE OF OF HOT HOT & & COLD COLD FOOD FOOD FOR FOR YOU YOU TO TO ENJOY ENJOY FROM FROM THE THE GREEN GREEN CAFÉ CAFÉ AT AT CLOPHILL CLOPHILL POST POST OFFICE OFFICE DRINKS DRINKS –– Coffees, Coffees, teas, teas, hot hot chocolate, chocolate, soft soft drinks… drinks…

SNACKS SNACKS –– Soup Soup & & roll, roll, Toasties, Toasties, Jacket Jacket Potatoes, Potatoes, Butties, Butties, Pasties, Pasties, Hot Hot Dogs…

Dogs…

SWEETS SWEETS –– Scones, Scones, Muffins, Muffins, Pastries, Pastries, ice ice creams… creams…

Relax Relax & & enjoy enjoy your your food food at at the the Green Green or or Take Take Away Away Phone Phone in in to to pre-order pre-order for for parties, parties, business business lunches, lunches, office office snacks, snacks, special special occasions occasions School School Lunchboxes Lunchboxes for for children children by by arrangement arrangement Give Give us us aa ring ring to to see see ifif we we can can meet meet your your needs:needs:-

01525 860988

STUART DR EW ELECTR I CAL SER VI CES MEMBER MEMBER OF OF THE THE ECA ECA PART PART PP CERTIFIED CERTIFIED QUALIFIED QUALIFIED TO TO 17TH 17TH EDITION EDITION From From extra extra lights lights & & sockets, sockets, to to re-wires. re-wires. Fault Fault finding finding and and electrical electrical safety safety For a professional, courteous service with free estimates certification. & all all work work certification. For a professional, courteous service with free estimates & guaranteed, guaranteed, please please call call me me

29 29 Lincoln Lincoln Way Way Harlington Harlington Beds Beds LU5 LU5 6NG 6NG

Fully Fully qualified qualified & & insured insured 30 30 years years experience experience

Telephone: Telephone: 01525 01525 875965 875965 07941 07941 812662 812662

Markham Architectural Salvage www.markhamreclaimed.co.uk www.markhamreclaimed.co.uk

Reclaimed Timber Specialists Oak Oak Beams Beams –– Doors Doors –– Flooring Flooring –– Bricks Bricks Bespoke Furniture – Landscaping Materials Bespoke Furniture – Landscaping Materials Mirrors Mirrors –– Roofing Roofing Materials Materials

Opening Opening Hours: Hours: Monday Monday Friday Friday 9am 9am –– 5pm 5pm Saturday Saturday 9am 9am –– 1pm 1pm

Tel: 01525 876428 or Mobile: 07766 051307

Upper Upper East East End End Farm, Farm, Goswell Goswell End End Road, Road, Harlington, Harlington, Bedfordshire, Bedfordshire, LU5 LU5 6NU 6NU 26

55

Offers Bio Sculpture which is a permanent nail colour that lasts for weeks without wearing or chipping. Strengthens and promotes the growth of your natural nail.

Gel overlay £25 Extensions £35 Gel on toes £15 You can now have beautiful strong nails that look natural !

01525 860688 117 Clophill Road, Maulden

Opening Hours: 9am – 10.30pm Mon – Fri

Sat – Sun 9am – 5pm

City & Guilds Qualified

• • • •

Over 65 years Combined Experience Interior & Exterior Domestic & Commercial Professional & Reliable All aspects of wallpapering New & refurbishment work Insurance work welcome Clean & conscientious Free estimates & advice

Call Shamus or Alan M: 07972 622305 / 07903 564834 T: 01767 680762 / 01767 681099 27

25

In an uncertain financial world you can be certain of good advice.

We can offer you complete financial advice with a friendly and professional service at your home or our office.

Hills-Howson Independent Financial Services

Including:Investments

The Old Post Office 53 High Street Clophill Beds MK45 4BE

Pensions Protection

Tel: 01525 861803 www.hills-howson.co.uk hills.howson@btconnect.com

Inheritance Tax planning

Hills-Howson Independent Financial Services is an appointed representative of Sesame Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority The FSA does not regulate some forms of Inheritance Tax Planning 28

R.G.S. TILING

Bathrooms, Kitchens, Conservatories - Walls & Floors Specialist in all aspects of ceramic tiling 30 Years experience

Tel: 01525 860849

Mob: 07900 249810

Email: simzie64@hotmail.com

Lady Gardener

Lady Gardener

Do you need help to keep your garden looking good allkeep year your round.

Do you need help to garden looking good Would you like to plan and plant a new all year round. existing Would youor like to planborder. and plant a new For regular or maintenance or a one off visit existing border. phone Julie on 01525 861864 ForPlease regular maintenance or a one off visit Please phone Julie on 01525 861864

14, The Slade, 14, The Slade, Clophill, Clophill, Beds., Beds., MK45 4BZ MK45 4BZ 01525 860517 01525 860517

R. A. Oliphant

R. A. Oliphant

10 29

AIMS ♦ Professional service providing for all your accounting and tax needs ♦ Practical advice based on 20 years experience in running businesses ♦ Personal approach with fixed fees relevant to the work you need ♦ Friendly, local accountant supporting the community for over 20 years

Tim Kemp BA FCA Top Barn Rectory Road Steppingly MK45 5AT TEL/FAX : 01525 717141 MOBILE : 07900 823 012 www.aims.co.uk e-mail: timk@aims.co.uk

Please call for a free, no-obligation initial meeting

ACCOUNTANTS FOR business

30

Established 1901

AUCTION EVERY SATURDAY Viewing every Friday 8.30am - 8.00pm and morning of sale

• Monthly Antique & Collectors’ Auction • Commercial & Specialist Auctions • Regular Valuation Days • Collection Service • Live Online Auctions • Insolvency Specialists • Timed Auctions • Valuations • Onsite Sales W&H Peacock have been conducting weekly auction sales in and around Bedford for over a century.

Our Newnham Street salerooms are among the largest in the country and sell anything from a tray of bedding plants to a flat screen TV, JCB’s to Georgian chairs.

ENTRIES INVITED MONDAY - WEDNESDAY Please contact us for further details

Bedford Auction Centre, 26 Newnham Street, Bedford MK40 3JR

01234 266 366

www.peacockauction.co.uk 31

ROGER STOREY

YOUR LOCAL PAINTER AND DECORATOR Friendly and Reliable Service Many Years Experience 1 Please phone: 01525 861253 or 07800 777615

CTP CONSTRUCTION Local Building Company Established for over 25 years U.K. Trades Approved No job too small - Competitive prices Free estimates given on all Building Work Tel: Silsoe 01525 860105 www.ctpconstruction.co.uk

32

Foot Health Practitioner Corns, Hard Skin, Verruca, Fungal Nail Infection, In-growing Toe Nails, Diabetic Foot Care, Athlete's Foot, Pedicure, General Nail Cutting etc.

In the comfort of your home or at my clinic

Ann Gibbons

MCFHP. MBAFHP.

Competitive Rates Tel: 01462 813252 Mob: 07872 315763 Web: www.shamrockclinic.co.uk For opening hours and other details please refer to my website Baths, Toilets & Showers Sinks and Taps Guttering Leaks and Burst Pipes Drainage Handyman jobs also

Silsoe based No call out fee – free estimates Fully insured and guaranteed No job too small 07720 723653 01525 864859 info@betaplumbing.co.uk www.betaplumbing.co.uk

Silsoe Newsagency 24 High Street, Silsoe, Beds.

Telephone: Silsoe 861522

HOURS OF OPENING

• • • • • • • • • •

NEWSPAPERS & MAGAZINES FRESH BREAD & DAIRY PRODUCE CONFECTIONARY, TOBACCO CARDS & STATIONERY WINES, BEERS & SPIRITS FRUIT, VEGETABLES & GROCERIES HOUSEHOLD GOODS, DRY CLEANING CASHPOINT MACHINE, PHOTOCOPYING NATIONAL LOTTERY PAYPOINT AGENT

6.30AM - 9.00PM 8.00AM - 9.00PM 8.00AM - 5.00PM

MONDAY TO FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

All major Credit/Debit Cards accepted 33

THE COMPUTER MAN Got a problem with your computer and don’t know what

to do? Suffering with a virus or spam?

Don’t hesitate! Ring your local computer expert Remote repairs or home visits (Day, evening & weekend)

Lap top/desk top loan

(Free pick up & drop off in local area) Comprehensive health check from £35 (Special Offer £35 - normally £40) Refurbished fl at screen available from £15 • Refurbished base units available from £99

Contact Stephen Amos

07976 718567

the.computerman@ntlworld.com

34

15

HIGH QUALITY CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

Ring Steve

01582 882620 TREE SURGERY, HEDGE TRIMMING, TURFING, FENCE MAINTENANCE, DECKING, PATIO CLEANING Qualified, Fully Insured, Competitive Rates Free Estimates

TEL: 01582 518954

MOB: 07828 490360

Web Site: www.adaminyourgarden.co.uk 35

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Ampthill and and Flitwick Flitwick Ampthill Physiotherapy Clinic Clinic Physiotherapy

The very best physiotherapy care from a friendly The very best physiotherapy care from a friendly approachable clinic with ten highly trained approachable clinic with ten highly trained Chartered physiotherapists Chartered physiotherapists Daytime, Saturday and evening appointments Daytime, Saturday and evening appointments We also offer: Reflexlology ~ Pilates ~ Nutrition We also offer: Reflexlology ~ Pilates ~ Nutrition ~ Homeopathy ~ Counselling ~ Fitness Training ~ ~ Homeopathy ~ Counselling ~ Fitness Training ~ 7 Station Square - Flitwick - Beds - MK45 1 DP 7 Station Square - Flitwick - Beds - MK45 1 DP Telephone: 01525 720882 Telephone: 01525 720882 Fax 01525 720886 Fax 01525 720886 www.chartered-physiotherapy.co.uk www.chartered-physiotherapy.co.uk

FREE Quotations Quotations and and FREE FREE Fitting Fitting FREE FREE Vibration Vibration Sensor Sensor (electric (electric awnings) awnings) FREE GREAT Discounts on quality made to measure measure GREAT Discounts on quality made to blinds and and shutters shutters -- FREE FREE advice. advice. blinds We are a local business established over 7 7 years, years, so so why why not not We are a local business established over call Bob today for your free quote, and see our full range? call Bob today for your free quote, and see our full range?

www.insideoutblinds.co.uk www.insideoutblinds.co.uk 36

17 17

PETER SHARPE BUILDING SERVICES LTD Call us first for ALL your building works and get reliability, quality & sensible prices.

Domestic extensions Design & build service General building works, drives, patios Carpentry, kitchen fitting, wall & floor tiling Laminate flooring & hardwood flooring Mini digger and driver hire Electrical installations including Building Regulation part P certification Roofing repairs carried out Conservatories, UPVC windows ‘BEDFORDSHIRE’S PROFESSIONAL BUILDER’

01525 872762 / 07850 803021 email: psbsltd@btconnect.com 37

18

Unit 6, 6, Woodside Woodside Farm, Farm, Clophill Clophill Road, Road, Maulden, Maulden,Beds, Beds,MK45 MK452AE 2AE Unit Feeds for for Dogs, Dogs, Cats, Cats, Rabbits, Rabbits, Horses, Horses,Ponies, Ponies, Feeds Poultry, Goats, Sheep, Birds Poultry, Goats, Sheep, Birds

Tel: 01525 01525 860150 860150 Tel: ‘For all all creatures creatures great and and small small 1 great ‘For serving the local community for over 30years’ years’ serving the local community for over 30

Residential & Commercial Locksmiths If you’re locked out or need replacement locks call AB Locks for a fast reliable local service in Clophill and surrounding areas.

All work guaranteed and at competitive prices: • • • •

Emergency entry (Lock outs) 24hr coverage Insurance approved replacement locks New Home movers replacement lock packages

Email: ‐ andy@ablocks.co.uk Web: ‐ www.ablocks.co.uk

Call now: - 07527 209045

Chapman apman & Kirby Heating Heating Ch & Kirby Chapman Gas, Oil, Plumbing & Heating Installations Gas, Plumbing & Heating Installations Gas Safe Registered Gas Safe Registered Boiler Servicing & Maintenance BoilerRegistered Servicing & Maintenance Plumbers Call us now Call us now

Tel:Tel/Fax: 01525 861255 07831 132308 (01525)Mob: 861032 / 861255 23 Goodhall Beds.MK45 MK454AR 4AH 1C, Old SilsoeCres., Road, Clophill, Clophill, Beds., 38

19 19

39

EST. 1989

•

Suppliers of traditional and modern equipment

•

Working whirlpool & spa baths, power & steam shower systems on display

•

Over 40 settings on display

•

Complete required

•

Personal friendly service from a family run business

installation

service

if

•

Wall and floor tiles

•

Accessories

•

Mirrors

•

Bathroom furniture

•

Heated towel rails

•

Saunas

•

Bathroom cabinets

SHEFFORD 01462 627002 www.bathroomvogue.com

Unit 4A, Shefford Industrial Park, St Francis Way, Shefford SG17 5DZ 40

8

Woburn Country Foods

BUTCHERS & FARM SHOP

Specialists in Bedfordshire Meat UNBEATABLE QUALITY REASONABLY PRICED Plus...Fresh Bread, Free Range Eggs, Cheese, Homemade Cakes, Jam, Chutney, Fruit Juices, Cooking Sauces, Plants, Gifts, Cards & More!

Local Fresh Fruit & Veg LOCAL MEAT FROM LOCAL FARMERS

West End Farm, London Lane, Haynes West End (Left off A6 towards Bedford) MK45 3RA Tel: 01234 740300 Open Tues to Sunday

Silsoe Newsagency 24 High Street, Silsoe, Beds.

Telephone: Silsoe 861522 • • • • • • • • • •

HOURS OF OPENING

NEWSPAPERS & MAGAZINES FRESH BREAD & DAIRY PRODUCE CONFECTIONARY, TOBACCO CARDS & STATIONERY WINES, BEERS & SPIRITS FRUIT, VEGETABLES & GROCERIES HOUSEHOLD GOODS, DRY CLEANING CASHPOINT MACHINE, PHOTOCOPYING NATIONAL LOTTERY PAYPOINT AGENT

6.30AM - 9.00PM 8.00AM - 9.00PM 8.00AM - 5.00PM

MONDAY TO FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

All major Credit/Debit Cards accepted 41

20

1

RICHARDSONS OF AMPTHILL LTD ESTABLISHED 1944

Y|Çx ]xãxÄÄxÜç TÇà|Öâx VÄÉv~ VÄÉv~ exáàÉÜtà|ÉÇ ZÉÄw Uâç|Çz VxÇàÜx The Market House, 6 Church Street, Ampthill, Bedfordshire, MK45 2EH

Telephone: 01525 403474 www.richardsonsofampthill.co.uk

Stephen’s Plants The Magazine Staff

EDITOR

Helen Gent, 25 Mill Lane

864836

at Maulden Garden CentreE-mail: on the A507 bypass (near A6 / Clophill) clophillspotlight1@hotmail.co.uk

for your DIARY & SOCIAL EDITOR ADVERTISING MANAGER DISTRIBUTION ENQUIRIES PRODUCTION MANAGER

Seasonal and hardy plants 860759 David Liu, “Glenside”, Vegetable seedsGreat and Lane plants 860381 Davidliu58@btinternet.com Steve Smith baskets and tubs 860216 Hanging plus composts and fertilisers 860497 Mike Benson, 72 High Street all with EXPERT ADVICE d a861110 Richard Pearson smile Sharon Meredith, 23 Cainhoe Road

an

TREASURER DELIVERY POINTS FOR COPY

55 High Street Telephone: 01525 861696 or to the Editors listed above

COPY DEADLINE

20th OF THE MONTH

LOTS OF TOYS, SPACE AND FOR BABIES AND THEFRIENDS CAUSEWAY CLOPHILL TODDLERS UNDER 3.

TELEPHONE 01525 860339

FRIDAYS 10-11.30am at the Village Hall See `Village Groups' for contact name & phone No

The home of

LYRENSTAN STANDARD LONG HAIRED DACHSHUNDS

HEATED KENNELS & CAT CHALETS WITH INDIVIDUAL RUNS INSPECTION WELCOME ANYTIME 42

Our staff are always available to help and advise on all aspects of funeral arrangements.

TELEPHONE

01462 813258

24 CLIFTON ROAD SHEFFORD SG17 5AE Email: enquiries@nevillefuneralservice.com www.nevillefuneralservice.com

43

SIMON SIMON BISCOE BISCOE LANDSCAPES LANDSCAPES Decking-Fencing-Raised Vegetable Beds-Turfing-Maintenance-Paving-Planting Decking-Fencing-Raised Vegetable Beds-Turfing-Maintenance-Paving-Planting

Complete Garden Design and Build Service Complete Garden Design and Build Service

Tel: 279 1993 Tel: 0770 0770 279 1993

email:sblandscapes@live.co.uk email:sblandscapes@live.co.uk

Washing Machines Dishwashers Dryers Repairs Servicing Sales A local family business offering a quality service at a competitive price Est. 1981

Tel: CLOPHILL 860148 or Tim Downing direct on 07969 545 276 A member of the White Goods Trade Association Fully Insured

44

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Serving the people of Bedfordshire for 138 years

Our trained and sympathetic staff are always available to provide help and reassurance when you need it most TELEPHONE

01525 406132 THE OLD CHURCH FLITWICK ROAD AMPTHILL MK45 2NT Email: enquiries@nevillefuneralservice.com www.nevillefuneralservice.com

45

Root n Branch Ad (126x31).pdf

1

14/03/2013

14:15

ANDREW BAKER WINDOWS

9 SHEFFORD ROAD CLOPHILL BEDS MK45 4BT

SPECIALISING IN UPVC WINDOWS, DOORS , CONSERVATORIES, FASCIA , SOFFITS , GUTTERS AND CLADDING. ALSO AVAILABLE FOR CARPENTRY WORK. NO JOB TOO SMALL OR LARGE. 20 Years experience.

Free local quotes.

Fensa Registered FIVE YEAR GUARANTEE

Contact Andrew: 01525862804 / 07825017855 Email: abakerwindows@gmail.com 29

This advertising space is still available!

To see your business advertised here, please contact our Advertising Manager Leon Emirali on 01525 869104 or leon.emirali@me.com

46

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SHEFFORD BUILDING SUPPLIES LTD 44 HIGH STREET, SHEFFORD, BEDS

Key Cutting Tools Timber Sheet Materials Gardening Paint

Gas Electrical Plumbing Sand & Cement Domestic Ironmongery

Tel: 01462 813381

1 TRULY AN ALADDIN’S CAVE Free delivery

TREVOR’S GARDENING SERVICES ALL GARDEN WORK UNDERTAKEN ~ REGULAR OR ONE-OFF JOBS NO JOB TOO SMALL ~ FREE QUOTES Call: 07930 617858

69 High Street, Clophill, MK45 4BE 48

On the Green beside the Post Office every Friday 3.30-7.30pm We are your local mobile fish and chip van, we have been parked on the green every Friday for the past 6 years.

We serve only the highest quality produce, cooked fresh to order and served to you by our friendly staff.

Why don’t you pop down and come and Try Our Fry! To avoid waiting in the cold, give us a call to

place your order on: 07833 786108 A big thank you to all our customers who have loyally supported us over the past couple of years.

49

OSTEOPATHY Deborah Pedley BSc (Hons) Ost. Registered Osteopath The Clophill Centre for Complementary Therapy Clophill Fruit Farm, Shefford Road Clophill

• • • •

• • •

Cranial & Structural Osteopathy Neck & Low Back Pain Infant Feeding & Sleeping Problems Muscle Tension Sports Injuries Arthritic aches & pains Headaches

To book appointments call:

07969 921112

M B ACCOUNTING SERVICES accounting solutions for the

Self–Employed and Small Business including

Bookkeeping ♦ Accounts ♦ Tax returns ♦ Cash flows For a totally confidential service at very competitive rates contact Richard Fairholm T: 01525 861087 M: 07714189994 E: mbaccounts@btinternet.com 50

Exam Examtechniques techniquesand andpreparation, preparation,revision revisionand andpractice practicepapers. papers.

Spanish Spanishfor forbusiness businessor orpleasure, pleasure,all alllevels. levels.Skills Skillsdevelopment. development.

Maths Mathsall alllevels: levels:KS1, KS1,KS2, KS2,KS3; KS3;SATs SATsand andGCSE GCSEpractice practicepapers papers CRBcertified certified& &references references –– Reasonable Reasonablerates rates CRB 01525860743 860743 -- 07952 07952667814 667814 01525 rincontuition@aol.com rincontuition@aol.com

COSY HOLIDAY COTTAGE IN NORTH NORFOLK •

Available for weeks or weekend breaks

•

Sleeps 5

•

All modern comforts and amenities

•

7 miles from the coast, in the picturesque village of South Creake

Contact Tim or Nicky Kemp On 01525 712285 or visit our website at www.cosynorfolkcottage.co.uk

SPECIALISTS IN KITCHEN & BATHROOM FITTING FLOOR & WALL TILING FREE DESIGN, ADVICE &

NO OBLIGATION QUOTES “Our success is your satisfaction” Tel: Darren – 01234 307753 Mob: 07866 699822

e-mail: darrenmeyern@googlemail.com 51

4

Advertisers index Auctioneers & Valuers W&H Peacock

31

Bathroom Services Bathroom Vogue

40

Bed & Breakfast R.A. Oliphant

29

Builders & Carpenters CTP Construction McCaffrey Build Peter Sharpe Building Services Stuart Benson Building Projects

32 IBC 37 IFC

Building Supplies Shefford Building Supplies Ltd

48

Cafe/Restaurants The Cafe at Clophill Post Office

26

Carpet Services Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

35

Car Services/Repairs A&F Motors Ltd Mint Alloys TC Coomber Car Services

IFC 41 BC

Chimney Sweep Poppins Chimney Sweep

29

Computer Services Compu-Doc The Computer Man

48 34

Electrical Services Stuart Drew Electrical Services

26

Equestrian Services Gravenhurst Saddlery

23

Financial Services AIMS Accountants ET Accountancy Services Hills-Howson Financial Services MB Accounting Services

30 38 28 50

Florists Jack Burgoine Florist

23

Food Suppliers Woburn Country Foods

41

Funeral Services AL&G Abbott, Funeral Directors 39 Neville Funeral Service 43/45 Garden Services Adam in your Garden Garden Doctor Garden Services for Mid Beds Green Thumb Lawn Treatment Lady Gardener Root ‘n Branch Simon Biscoe Landscapes Stephen’s Plants Trevor’s Gardening Services Health & Beauty Ampthill & Flitwick Physiotherapy Deborah Pedley Osteopathy Gentle Touch Healing Neways Independent Distributor Shamrock Clinic - Foot Health The Clophill Centre The Tanning Salon

35 27 50 40 29 46 44 42 48 36 50 47 32 33 28 IBC

Holidays Holiday Cottage in North Norfolk

51

Home Improvements Dome Interiors Inside Out Blinds JJ Whelan Decorators Markham Architectural Salvage RGS Tiling Roger Storey - Painter & Decorator Spindler Burtenshaw Decorating

51 36 35 26 29 32 27

Jewellers Richardsons of Ampthill Ltd

42

Mobile Discos Party Sounds Mobile Disco

49

Music Lessons Susan York Music Tuition The School of Music Flitwick

32 25

Newsagents Silsoe Newsagency

33

Pest Control PPM Limited

30

Pet Services Chapel Feeds Conifer Kennels & Cattery Sealawn Boarding Cattery The Pet Au Pair

38 42 24 34

Plumbing Services Beta Plumbing Chapman & Kirby Heating

33 38

Post Offices Mace Post Office & Stores

BC

Print Services Ampthill Print Centre

IFC

Public Houses The Stone Jug

23

Removals & Storage Stephens

47

Repair Services Tim Downing Repair Services

44

Security Services Maximum Security Systems

43

Take-aways The Happy Plaice

49

Tuition Services Rincon Tuition (Spanish & Maths)

51

Village Hall Clophill Village Hall

36

Windows/Replacement Andrew Baker Windows AW Windows Misty Double Glazing

46 24 44

IFC = Inside Front Cover IBC = Inside Back Cover BC = Back Cover

UNBEATABLE ADVERTISING RATES!

Ads from as little as £50 per year For further information about advertising in Spotlight, please contact our Advertising Manager Leon Emirali on 01525 869104 or leon.emirali@me.com 52

The Tanning Station & Pebbles Beauty • Sunbeds

• Facials

• Massage

• HD Brows

• Eyelash Extensions

• LCN Nail Extensions

• Bio Sculpture

• Manicure

• Pedicure

• Hot Stone massage

• Spray Tans

• Waxing

• Footcare Specialist

• Jessica GELeration

• LVL

• Threading

Opening Times Monday - Tuesday Wednesday - Thursday Friday Saturday Sundays & Bank Holidays

2 Steppingley Road, Flitwick, Bedfordshire MK45 1AJ

01525 720 095

www.tanningstation.co.uk

09.00 -19.00 09.00 -21.00 09.00 -19.00 10.00 -16.00 CLOSED

Your central resource for residential build, refurbishment and maintenance

General Building Works Extensions Internal Refurbishment/Alterations Garage Conversions Loft Conversions

Brickwork Carpentry Painting & Decorating Purpose made Joinery Bi - Folding Door Applications

T. 01525 861041 E. info@mccaffreybuild.co.uk W. www.mccaffreybuild.co.uk COMPANY NUMBER: 7240869

Plumbing and Heating Electrical installations UPVC/Timber Windows UPVC Conservatories

WEC, BUILDING 52, WREST PARK, SILSOE, BEDFORDSHIRE, MK45 4HS MCCAFFREY BUILDING CONTRACTORS LTD

Clophill

Mace

Po s t Of f i ce & Sto re s

• Fresh bread & dairy produce • Newspapers & magazines • Confectionery & tobacco • Wines, beers & spirits • Cards & stationery • Household goods • Baby products • Toys & gifts • Dry cleaning • Photocopying • Shoe repairs • Post office counter services Shop Hours Post Office Hours Mon - Sat 7.30 - 7.30 | Sun 8.00 - 1.00 Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri 9.00 - 1.00, 2.00 - 5.30 | Thu, Sat 9.00 - 1.00

THE GREEN, CLOPHILL 01525 860988

Proprietors: Deepak & Dakhsa Chandarana

T.C. COOMBER

Collection & Delivery

SERVICE AVAILABLE

Please ask

MOT’S CLASS 4/7 SERVICING & REPAIRS CAR & COMMERCIAL TYRES & EXHAUSTS AIR CONDITIONING DIAGNOSTIC CODE READING

AMPTHILL 01525 406330

UNIT F, AMPTHILL INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, STATION RD, AMPTHILL, MK45 2QY Locally printed by

Ampthill | Tel: 01525 300001. www.fidelityprint.co.uk