Clifton Chronicles - May 2023

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The Clifton Chronicles

May 2023

The Clifton Chronicles is published11 times a year and distributed to each of the 1650 houses in Clifton. The Chronicles is produced and distributedentirely by a friendly team of over60 volunteers.

We are delighted to have lots of information about the amazingcelebrations organisedto mark theCoronation of KingCharles III,we are proudof ourvillage and the way in which peoplework together in so many ways to make this a wonderful community to be part of.

All contributions andinformation from clubs,societies and general community interest items are welcome, the editor reserves the right to make decisions on content. Please e-mail contributions to: chronicles@clifton-beds.co.uk

As always the Chronicles is available on line: www.clifton-beds.co.uk

Kathy Blackmore, Editor

Next edition: June 2023

copy by: 14th May

Email: chronicles@clifton-beds.co.uk

Who’s Who in Clifton p1

Who’s Who in Clifton p2

DearFriends

Over the Easter weekend I watched the 1961 biblical epic film “King of Kings”, remembering that Jesus is King of all. We come this month to anoint our own earthly king of this nation, King Charles III. His coronation will be a historic moment for all of us at this time. Maybe we will find time to reflect on our history, celebrate who we are and look to our future.

Jesus was the servant King, and the late Queen Elizabeth II attempted to follow in his steps as a servant queen for her people. Here the person of Jesus Christ calls to each of us to serve others. Jesus says to us,“I,yourLord andteacher,have just washedyourfeet.” The queen understoodthat part of kingship is the calling to serve. Following in his mother’s footsteps, King Charles III is asking us to consider our neighbour on the Bank Holiday Monday of the coronation weekend, when we are being asked to volunteer for something in our community.

seek to serve others, connect with our neighbours, and give thanks to God for the wonderful unity we find in the great diversity of our nation.

I wonder what you will do?

There is a wide range of events that are taking place to help you pray, create, encounter, and mark this event in your own village. I hope you will take those opportunities as we celebrate the king’s coronation.

Please join with me in prayer for King Charles III and the royal family on this important occasion. Long live the king!

Every blessing,Revd Caren

John Derek Good May 1935—March 2023

My family and I would like to thank all who attended John's funeral, and also those who sent cards, flowers and kind thoughts.

Your support has been greatly appreciated by us all.

Ann Good and family

All Saints Church, Clifton From the Registers Memorial

Service

11th March Stan and Sheila Ashton

Funeral followed by North Herts Crematorium

15th March Judy Lanham

4th April John Good

Christenings

12th March Noah Parker

9th April Rachel Crewe

9th April Austin Powell

All Saints’ Church Clifton Services

Sundays:

11.00 am Parish Communion 1st, 3rd Family Communion, 2nd Morning Prayer, 4th

10.30 am Messy Church 4th Sunday (Church Hall)

6.30 pm Evensong, 3rd Sunday

10.00 am Benefice Service 5th Sunday at Clifton, Haynes or Southill (see opposite for details)

Mondays:

Toddler Church, 2nd and 4th Mondays, 2.00 pm

Wednesdays: 10.00 am Holy Communion or Morning Prayer

For details of church services see: https://www.clifton-beds.co.uk/

STEP UP - NOW!

Its not a command for an exercise in an aerobic class but an urgent request for volunteers.

CLIFTON GOOD NEIGHBOUR SCHEME

CLIFTON GOOD NEIGHBOUR SCHEME

STEP UP - NOW!

Its not a commandfor an exercise in an aerobic class but an urgent request forvolunteers. Disappointingly last month's request didn't elicit a single response. Andnow we have lost the services of 2 experienced'phone holders whose role is critical. They take and action requests. Without them theCGNSwillface real operating difficulties. We really do needyourhelpif the CGNS is to continue to helpand support the peopleof Clifton. Please give this request serious consideration.

If you think you can helpcontact the numberbelow andleave your details and wewill get back to you. Meanwhileif you needour help just call:

07817 614654

andto assist us in meeting requests please try and give at least 24 hours notice.

Tea & Chat on Wednesdays

Church Hall, Stanford Lane, 2.00 - 4.00

* 10th May

* 24 May

* 14th June

2nd & 4th Wednesdays each month

For help with transport ring: 07817 614654

PLANT SWAP

Saturday 20th May

2.00 - 3.00pm

Clifton Community Centre car park, Whiston Crescent

Do you have green fingers? (or even if you don’t). If you have spare plants, cuttings or seedlings, why not bring them along to our PLANT SWAP and swap them for something else? Not got any plants to trade?? Bring a few pennies to swap for plants! Need to fill your new garden?? Just come along and grab a bargain!

We look forward to seeing you.

Diana Talbot, Clifton Residents’ Association

WORKING TOGETHER FOR THE

COMMUNITY

For more details email: dianatalbot27@gmail.com or contact Bob Smith, Secretary CRA.

Happy Easter Everyone

For our April meeting, we had a fascinating “insight”, excuse the pun, into the world of stained glass, given by Anna Conti. Anna got into this world almost by default. A happy accident which has led to a successful business. She explained the process of making stained glass and also about how designs have changed. She showed lots of slides and also some of the commissions she has done for Churches and domestic properties and businesses. Her first commission was for Richard Branson, this led to others. Anna also does talks and workshops.

MAY

We will be running a Coronation Quiz, which we hope will be a challenge and fun too. A reminder to those helping with the Coronation teas and cake baking to gird your loins. Tea ladies for our May Meeting are, Sandra Spavins, Joyce Grey and Val Day

Visitors always welcome, Community Hall, 2 pm - 4 pm Lesley Burton 231657

Judy Catherine Lanham

September 1941

February 2023

Paul, Jo and Liz thank everyone for their love and support following Judy's death. Thanks to the many who attended the funeral at Clifton Church and to Caren and to Revd Ginni Dear (Vicar of St Ippolyts) who officiated. Donations in Judy's memory were given to the Addenbrookes Hospital Charitable Trust in Cambridge, in recognition of the exceptional care she received from the doctors and nurses in the hospital last year.

Toddler Church

MONDAYS 2pm-

1st May and 15th May

Numbers are limited, please book with RevdCaren on 078851 76079

Messy Church

Friday 28th May

Church Hall, 10:30 am

✓ Craft activities for all the family

✓ Stories and songs

✓ Hot lunch

✓ No fixed cost- donations welcome

✓ No need to book

Come and join the fun!

Always on 4th Sunday of the month

GOLDEN LION GOLF SOCIETY

Our first competition of the year was played at Abbey Hill Golf Club for the Parmar Shield. Although the weather was overcast those who took part enjoyed the day. Our winners were:

1st with 39 pts

2nd with 32 pts

3rd with 28 pts

Kevin Gray

Ian Saunders

John Wall

Nearest the Pin – Ian Saunders

Longest Drive – John Wall

Our next competition will be played at Knebworth GC on Tuesday, April 18th 2023.

If you are interested in joining us, please contact: John Wall on 01462 814097 or Brian Sapsed on 07399623543

DO YOU PLAY GOLF



 Ring 07968 303340

Clifton is getting ready for our

Coronation Celebrations

3 days of exciting events

A beacon has been erected near thepond

✓ Bunting down Church Street

✓ Signboards round the village

✓ Coronation Programmes delivered

✓ Children from All Saints Academy rehearsing

✓ Wristbands being distributed

Are YOU ready to:

? Bake a cake, or two

? Display your right royal craft

? Make a flower display

? Take the open mic on thebusking stage

Its not too late, come and join us as

Clifton Celebrates the Coronation

Details of what's on and how to join in on the following pages

Children’s rides & activities free with a wristband

Kathy

Blackmore

Chair, Clifton Special Events Committee2023

Contact: Pam Rogers

Swedish & Deep Tissue Massage: £30

Indian Head; Back, Neck & Shoulders Massage: £22

Ear Candling; Gel Nails: £22

Gift Vouchers available

O775 262 2269

clarenorman1@hotmail.com

Plumbing

Kitchen Refurbishments

Bathroom Refurbishments

Painting

Tiling

General Maintenance

Contact John on 07795 432607

jdspropertyservices@hotmail.com

Chris MacSweeney—Personal Estate Agent

Chris Lawrence MCIOB

Associate RICS

Building

07919 561987

www.wolfwoodconsulting.co.uk

Adverse

Telephone,

Email:

I

JW BAXTER

High class family butcher 01462 812263

 Free range Pork

 English Beef, Lamb, Poultry & Game

 Award winning Sausages

 Large range of Meats & Packs, both for BBQs & Freezing

 Home made Pies, Fruit Pies & Cakes

 Fresh local seasonal Vegetables

 A carefully selected range of Cheeses, Cooked Meats, Preserves & Pate

Local Deliveries available

Community Café

Friday 2nd June—12 noon—2.00 pm

Church Hall, Stanford Lane

The church is trialling a Community Cafe on Friday 2nd June in the Church Hall 12 noon to 2pm.Cakes, coffee or tea. All ages, comeand be refreshed!

Church Lighting

Would you like to sponsor our church lighting in memory of someone you have known and loved? We will be creating a memory book for those who will be prayed for on those days.

For more information contact the Rector on: rector4clifton@gmail.com

House Clearance Sale

Proceeds to Alzheimer's Society

20 & 21 May 12.00 - 4.00 pm

Almond House, 7a Grange Street

We are planning a house contents sale for my mother’s house who has been in the village for over 30 years with proceeds going to the Alzheimer's Society.

There are many items available including: furniture, toys, books, jewellery and many other things.

We would appreciate a donation at the gate

Refreshments available

Dementia Action Week, 15-21 May

This has certainly been a truly memorable term for the Academy with several notable high points.

Last week, we had our annual Spring Concert, including: bands, choirs, percussion, orchestras and several solo performances. The array of talent on display was amazing and a fitting tribute to many of our Y11 and Y13 students who are moving on to University and Performing Arts colleges next year, to continue their studies of the Arts. I would like to thank Mrs Meadows and the team for all their hard work in putting on such an impressive evening.

This week, we had an evening of Dance, where several of our GCSE and A Level dance students performed their exam pieces for family and friends. The Theatre had a fantastic atmosphere and beautiful pieces were shared and admired by the audience.

Last week we also had our Year 9 Achievement & Celebration Evening, featuring our first ever Poetry Slam, which was so successful that I suspect it will become an annual event.

At the event, we also celebrated the impressive results of the debating teams, which have improved year on year under Dr Haynes, and this term narrowly missed out on the final.

For a number of years, a key target of the PE department has been to have teams in national finals in Rugby, Football and Netball all in the same year. This aim was realised this week with the U16 football team travelling all the way up to Newcastle and staying overnight, before winning 2-1 and gaining a place in the national final. The final will be played at Stoke City stadium in May and will be a fitting end to an unbelievable few months for PE at SWA, which also included a fantastic performance at Rosslyn Park 7s, particularly by the girls again this year. We couldn't be any prouder of our athletes - who are now regularly performing at a national level and further building the school’s reputation for sport.

Nick Martin, Principal

Red Diesel—Thank you

A huge thankyou to everyone that came along to our fundraising gig on the 18th March. As you know it was in aid of Henlow/Clifton Scout Troops trip to the Jamborette in Haarlem. Everyone who came along helped to raise a whopping £2,000! We are thrilled!

We have some special thank yous to say to those who really helped the event be such a success:

 The fantastic band, Red Diesel

 Brian Pigram at Tapped Mobile Bars for ice, ice buckets & measures

 Kevin, The Clifton Community Centre Caretaker

 Daniel Batchelett and Daniel Forrester your help on the night

 Andy Claypole for helping behind the bar

 Tesco Clifton for a very generous raffle prize

 Shefford Building Supplies, for donating the builders’ buckets

 Kerrie Cope for designing the poster

 Chai Stall for the most delicious food. (Those Pakoras really are the best I’ve ever had!)

Churchyard Working Parties

This year we are repeating our new approach! We are going to have regular Working Parties on the morning of the second Saturday of each month between March and October. Next one:

Saturday 13th May 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

Do comealong to help,bring tools ifyou can, enjoy working together and refreshments will be served!

Clifton Planning Applications Update

Central Beds Decisions at 12th April 2023

CB/23/01021/FULL – 2th March – 32, Clifton Road, SG17 5AE. Two storey side extension, single storey front extension and loft extension. Consultation Period.

CB/23/00962/FULL – 22nd March – The Willows, Stanford Lane, SG17 5EU. Single storey rear extension, front porch and conversation of garage to create larger first floor. Consultation period.

CB/23/00930/FULL – 20th March – 11, Shefford Lane, SG17 5RG. Single storey rear extension and removal of existing conservatory. Consultation Period.

CB/23/00787/FULL – 7th March – 2, Broad Walk, SG17 5HP. New front entrance, glazed canopy and part garage conversion. Consultation Period.

CB/23/00689/FUILL – 3rd March – 29, Shefford Road SG17 7RG. Change of use from hairdressers to residential flat. Awaiting Decision.

CB/23/00501/FULL – 16th February – 67, Stockbridge Road SG17 5HH. Single storey side extension & garage conversion. Awaiting Decision.

CB/23/00277/FULL – 27th January – 55, Stockbridge Road, SG17 5HH. 2 storey side extension with roof lights. Front canopy. Decided.

CB/22/03825/FULL – 29th September – Railway Steamer SG17 5AH. Demolition of existing building. Erection of single retail unit with front parking. Awaiting Decision.

Shefford Bowls Club

Want to try Bowling?

We are looking for new members to join us. Irrespective of age, gender, experience or ability. Free, no obligation coaching available for novices.

New members reduced rate only £10 for 1st season

Contact club secretary: on 07708 640396 or secretarysheffordbowlsclub@gmail.com

The Club is situated within the grounds of the Shefford Town Memorial Association, which is just off Hitchin Road. The entrance is opposite the Woolpack Public House.

Tony Hyde – Clifton Residents Association

HATS

Drama Group present the murder mystery

‘Murder Afloat’ by Christine Woodhead

Meppershall Village Hall, Shefford SG17 5AB, 18th, 19th & 20th May @7.30 pm.

Tickets £16, or £90 for Table of 6, includes supper from www.ticketsource.co.uk/hats-drama or phone 0333 666 3366 (booking fees apply).

Crime Statistics for MARCH 2023

ASSAULT WITHOUT INJURY 06/03/2023

CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO A VEHICLE 06/03/2023

PUBLIC FEAR ALARM OR DISTRESS 08/03/2023

HARASSMENT 11/03/2023

OTHER CRMINAL DAMAGE

13/03/2023 Yew Tree Walk

OTHER THEFT

SEXUAL 20/03/2023

PERVERTING THE COURSE OF JUSTICE

THEFT OR UNAUTH TAKING OF A MOTOR VEHICLE 25/03/2023

ASSAULT WITH INJURY

30/03/2023 Shefford Road

Volunteering Opportunities

Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity

Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity have a wide range of projects and services that benefit local communities across Bedfordshire. Many of these wouldn’t be able to run without our fantastic volunteers.

We’re always looking for more volunteers, and we’d love to have you join us for one (or more!) of our opportunities below. To find out how to get involved, visit bedsrcc.org.uk.

Wellbeing Walks are a great way to meet new people, get out in nature, and get some exercise – and they are free and open to all. If you love the outdoors and want to make a difference to others, become a trained walk leader for your local area.

You Can Do IT! is a digital inclusion project working to improve people’s lives by getting them online and accessing services that will improve their wellbeing. People learn skills such as joining an online activity group, using email, booking GP appointments and making video calls. The sessions are run by volunteers who offer the one-to-one support which makes a real difference to people’s lives.

Good Neighbour Groups are run by residents to benefit their local community. Volunteers help out with things such as shopping, walking the dog, or gardening - anything one neighbour might do for another. Find out if your local community has a Good Neighbour group on our website. If not, why not get in touch about setting one up?

Warden Abbey Vineyard is a community vineyard nestled between Old Warden and Cardington. Beds RCC has leased the vineyard since 2010, and developed it as a unique resource for the local community. The vineyard is cared for by volunteers and it’s a great way to get outdoors, meet new people, and learn new skills.

Ivel Valley Conservation Volunteers carry out conservation tasks including tree planting, pond creation, and installing benches, which has made a real difference to the environment and communities in Bedfordshire.

Do you want to get involved and help out your local community?

Find out more about Beds RCC’s volunteering opportunities by visiting bedsrcc.org.uk, calling 01234 838771 or emailing info@bedsrcc.org.uk.

Clifton Community Centre

We are fortunate in Clifton to have a modern, spacious, well-equipped community centre with floodlit parking for 60 cars. For information on the facilities available, and to see just how easy and inexpensive it is to use this hall see:

www.clifton-beds.co.uk/halls for hire/Community Centre

To check availability and make a booking, please contact:

parish-council@clifton-beds.co.uk

Kerri Kilby 07547 129038 or Kevin Warren on 07546 239784

Booking forms and conditions of hire can be downloaded from the website.

Providence Baptist Church – Clifton

Sunday Services

*10.30 a.m. and 6.00 p.m. A warm welcome is assured to all. Communion is held during the 6.00 p.m. service on the 3rd Sunday in the month.

*The 10.30 a.m. Sunday morning service will continue to held at the Community Centre, Whiston Crescent, Clifton.

Mondays (term time)

Mums & Tots 10 a.m. – 11.30 a.m. at the Church

Explorers 5.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. (for Reception to Year 4) at Church

Wednesdays (term time)

Coffeepot 12.00 noon - 1.30 pm at the Church

Fridays (term time)

Mums & Tots 10 a.m. – 11.30 a.m. at the Church

Website: www.cliftonpbchurch.org.uk

Contact: cliftonpbchurch@gmail.com

ABOUT OUR FRIENDS

St Francis of Assisi, Roman Catholic Church, Shefford

Father Canon Bennie Noonan 813436 Deacon Rev Peter Hyde 711702 Parish Secretary Rose Boulton 811547

Sunday Services

St Francis 9.00 am 5.15 pm

Saturday Service St Francis 11.00 am

Shefford Methodist Church

Minister: Revd Lorna Valentine 813284

Bookings: Chris & Peter 815069

Sunday Service

9.30 am Worship for all, plus Junior Church, crèche facilities & refreshments afterwards.

Other activities see the notice-board & www.sheffordmethodist.org.uk

Salvation Army,

Stotfold

Church Leaders: Captains Adrian & Gemma Allen

Contact: 01462-731072

Sunday Services: 10.30 am

Alphabetic Index of Advertisers May 2020

Letters indicate the pages on the yellow sheets

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