Arlesey NEWS
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From the Edi
Welcome to May!
As we write this month’s Editor ’s No enjoying what has been the warmest day of the year so far! at 20 degrees it feel positively tropical in comparison to recent weeks - long may it continue!
Our May issue is once again a busy one, with lots for you to read and to enjoy. You’ll find an update from Cllr Jodie Chiller y inside this edition touching on two ver y impor tant and topical subjects relevant to Arlesey residents right now We’d like to publically thank Jodie for the comprehensive level of communication and engagement she offers to Arlesey residents We know it is ver y much appreciated
Our Memor y Lane ar ticle this month features the stor y behind one of Arlesey’s most visual memorials in the churchyard and the histor y behind this Thank you to Sam Ward for submitting this to us for us to share.
If you have any thing you wish for us to include inside a future issue of the Arlesey News magazine then we always love to hear from you - please do drop us a line or give us a call!
Until next time!
Joanne - Editor
With thanks to this month’s contributors: Kelly Staniford (FRONT COVER) Cllr Jodie Chiller y, Sam Ward, Jo Loach, Local schools, groups, organisations, The Need Project, Nathan Brown (Local LIfe) St Peter ’s Church, Arlesey W I,
Update from Cllr Jodie Chiller y Family Announcements Update from ACORN News from Gothic Mede Academy News from Etonbur y Academy News from Pix Brook Academy Local Life - Stotfold Fencing Mental Health Matters
Update from ATFC Local Church News
NEW - Memor y Lane special Update from the Need Project
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All this alongside all our usual news from our local churches groups, clubs & organisations..
Down memory Lane Page 19
Lo cal Life - Nathan fro m Stotfol d fe ncnig Page
A Busy Month For Arlesey Brownies
We’ve been so busy this term!
James’s Carpentry & General Handyman Service
Exterior & Interior
Property Maintenance
* Decorating
* Furniture Building
We’ve done our charities badge, inviting the Falcon Beavers on a sponsored torch trail for the Bliss baby charity Together we raised a whopping £398 06! On our walk we dropped some wildflower seeds bombs that we made so look out for some flowers near the Old Oak later in the year. We’ve also made some spring crafts, cooked some Easter treats and painted bunting for Arlesey’s VE celebrations
* Painting
* Carpentry & more
T: (01462) 234292 or 07887 871212
We have also recycled bottles to play glow bowling, enjoyed a mindfulness session with Allie and were honoured to be mascots at Arlesey Town!
Brownies is for girls aged 7 to 10, so if you like to tr y new things, make brilliant friends and have fun, come for a taster evening!
* Carpet Cleaning FREE QUOTATIONS S15%OFF
Check out our Facebook page to see all the things we do and DM us or email us at arlesey.brownies@hotmail.co.uk to find out more about joining. The Brownies enjoyed so many fun activities this month!
Arlesey welcomes Bites & Breeze!
Arlesey welcomed Bites & Breeze to the High Street in April as it was finally able to open it’s doors for business
Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, the cafe pride themselves on offering quality food at reasonable prices
Open Monday - Saturday: 7am-7pm and Sundays: 9am-4pm you can be assured of a ver y warm welcome.
You’ll find them at 3, High Street If you are looking for somewhere new to tr y why not pop in and show your suppor t for our local businesses!
FOR SALE:
Quingo mobility scooter, used only a handful of times.
Excellent condition
Please call 01767 601053 or 07305 688492 for more details
ARLESEY WI ALL WELCOME
Come along and join us on Tuesday 13th May 6.45 for 7.00pm
Arlesey WI Hall
Evening enter tainment with Lisa Garrity on her Musical Travels
We are also combining this evening with an Indoor Street Par ty to commemorate VE Day Tickets are £7.00pp to include food, with optional patriotic dress of Red, White and Blue
Please let Rita know if you’d like to attend 01462 638347
CRIME FIGURES FOR ARLESEY
Febr uar y 2025
The most recent crime figures from the Poilce national website:
Vehicle crime - 16
Violence & sexual offences - 12
Anti- social behaviour - 3
Burglar y - 1
Criminal damage & arson - 1
Other crime - 11
Remember in an emergency call 999. To repor t a crime online contact www.police.co.uk
Call us on 01462 731986 Email: arlesey.news @yahoo com Find us on facebook.
Update From Cllr Jodie Chiller y NEWS
Dear Arlesey,
RHINO R AMPS - SPEED HUMPS
- R AISED TABLESCall them what you like, but I think we can all agree while the speed humps in the High Street either side of Bates Avenue successfully limit the speed of traffic passing over them, they have become rather a talking point!
A petition for their removal, organised by a resident which gained over 300 signatures and even with some input from our MP was discussed and resolved at the Traffic Management Committee back in Februar y. The complete removal is not viable, for several reasons; their allocation was a Masterplan planning principle for the effective development of the area, and the planning application for what we now know as the Cala Homes estate (Bates Avenue et al) was assessed against these masterplan principles.
The Masterplan included specific upgrades to the High Street, including TR AFFIC CALMING MEASURES such as the Speed Humps These measures were required to be installed at the completion of the development and funded by s106 contribution from the developer Also the complete removal would be at the cost of the Highways Budget and there is no contingency for this type of work (Its not an emergency for example)
HOWEVER - I strongly argued at the meeting that their construction does not meet the high quality required in the master plan and the associated issues with this, excessive noise and vibration from HGVS, cars bottoming out and passengers jarring their backs all evidence this According to the Masterplan the traffic calming measures are supposed to dissuade traffic from the using the High Street and encourage them to use the Western side relief road instead! Well obviously I pointed out to the committee THERE IS NO WESTERN SIDE RELIEF ROAD And therefore the humps weren't able to encourage an alternative route and consequently subject to a far greater volume of traffic than ever intended hence local residents subjected to far more noise and vibration than ever intended. The Chairman agreed with me and has concluded that I work with Highways Officers later this year to sur vey and consider
options for mitigation of the issue by remedial work to the humps and for that work to be factored in to next year's annual highways plan So a compromise I think has been struck, but we have to wait until next year to see any work
TIDY TIP BOOKING SYSTEM
All residents are now required to book a 20-minute time slot before they visit a Central Bedfordshire Tidy Tip (our closest is Biggleswade) Bookings are free of charge and can be made up to two weeks in advance of your planned visit
The booking system is in place to:
•Ensure the sites are for Central Bedfordshire residents only
•Reduce queues and waiting times
•Provide staff assistance on- site
•Boost recycling effor ts, with staff available to help customers reuse and recycle more
•Control commercial waste disposal
You can book online, once you’ve done it once it saves your details and will take less than two minutes in the future. Or if you don’t have access to the internet you can call 0300 300 8000 - The council have already taken approx. 15,000 bookings (71% made by mobile phone app, and less than 1% on the actual phone!) Some Parish Councils and residents have expressed concerns that the booking system will lead to fly tipping
A similar system was put in place during COVID and there was no increase in fly tipping However data suggests public perception is skewed as people notice fly tipping when they’re looking for it! Fly tipping can increase this time of year also A fair amount of work has gone in to assessing this risk and the outcome is it shouldn't be an issue If you witness any fly tipping people repor t it via Fix My Street or call customer ser vices
& PAVING
Cllr Jodie Chiller y.
Cllr Jodie Chiller y
w w w justgiving com/gardenhousehospice
Announcements: We are happy to accept family announcements by post, telephone, email or through our facebook page If you would like to make a donation in return for your announcement then please visit the website above. Please mention that the donation has been made on behalf of the Arlesey News Magazine Why not surprise someone with an announcement in the Arlesey News? All we need is Email us at arlesey.news@yahoo.com
Happy 80th Bir thday
IAN SARLL
20th May & Happy 75th Bir thday
SANDR A SARLL
29th May. Lots of love
Paulette, Geoff, Joseph, Lucy, Bonnie and Chester. xxx
THOMAS
Happy 3rd Bir thday to our special boy love Mum and Dad xx
ELLA WOOD 1st May
Happy 7th Bir thday Love from
LYN (our Lynnie) Happy bir thday to you!
We love you! From Emma, Nath & William XXXX
TOMI J! Happy 30th Bir thday!
BEN HOWES 10th April
Happy Big 40th Bir thday! Love from your family xx
KAYLA & JOSH
Congratulations on your wedding, day - May 27th. Wishing you a lifetime of happiness & God’s richest blessings as you star t your lives together. With love from all of the family xx
VERONICA COUZENS & MONICA SAUNDERS
Wishing you both a ver y Happy Bir thday!
(Especially Veronica on your 80th!) Peter, Lucy, Alex, Nancy, Olivia, Oliver & Frank xx
News from A corn (Arlesey
ACORN has had a productive star t to 2025 We continue to actively manage the Glebe Meadows and Arlesey Old Moat Nature Reser ves in par tnership with the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Nor thants Wildlife Trust ( WT ); so far, pollarding trees, cutting brambles in the meadow, clearing the Moat and cutting access to the Western bank
The Trust also recently removed the large fallen trees from the River Hiz using specialist equipment to access the wooded area This continues to be achieved through the long standing and effective par tnership and a core group of around 8 volunteers, who have been ably suppor ted by two local students completing the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award. Both have volunteered many Sunday mornings over the last 3 months and their enthusiasm and energy has made it easy to evidence the volunteering element of this wor thy award.
A significant project in the last month has been the works under taken on West Drive, Arlesey. Last year we were approached by Arlesey Town Councillor, Neil Stevenson, to join in a par tnership project to address a range of issues on this valued countr y thoroughfare West Drive links Arlesey to Fair field Hall and is a key section of the Etonbur y Green Wheel, a circular walking and cycling route connecting local communities This stretch of tree lined path is used by hundreds of people a day on foot, bike and horseback
Unfor tunately it had been a little neglected by users and Arlesey Town Council (ATC) identified the need for maintenance works to be under taken and sought the suppor t of ACORN volunteers to;
•Clear verges of brush, seeding and dead trees and shrubs
•Improve sight lines
•Clear and widen the path sur face
•Remove litter and fly tipped waste
Working with Arlesey Town Council, Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity (BRCC), the Women's Institute and local volunteers from Arlesey and Fair field the work has promoted; improved Access, feelings of Safety, Protection of the natural environment and a continued Pride in Arlesey; all meeting ACORN’s aims related to wildlife and nature.
At the time of writing the work par ties continue but ever yone is thanked for this joint achievement which has drawn many positive messages of suppor t both in person and via our social media pages Special mention has to go to Jason from local company, Canopy Tree Care, who, after a busy working week, volunteered his time, exper tise and equipment Suppor ted by ATC, he proactively raised the crown of trees in and around the street lights, identified and removed trees at risk of coming down in a future storm and removed much of the wood chip and logs from site benefiting Arlesey Scouts
On the wider path network we are still benefiting from the final cuts of last year and Winter suppressing the growth, but we know that Spring will keep us busy, so if you frequent a par ticular route, feel free to take your secateurs along to tackle any overhanging branch or bramble!
Other recent projects have included a S 137 Grant Application to Arlesey Town Council for replacement tools which we are pleased has been suppor ted in recognition of ACORN's contribution to maintaining our wildlife corridors
aTo hear our latest news, repor t areas of concern or submit a ‘Picture of the Month’ entr y follow our updates on the Arlesey Conser vation for Nature Facebook page If you’d like to suppor t our work in the community, as an individual member or local business please contact us at arlesey acorn@gmail com Richard Liversidge ACORN Chair
The recent work at West Drive.
Recent clearing work under taken by the volunteers a ACORN
News from Gothic Mede A c ademy
MOTHERS DAY BREAKFAST
We are delighted to share that our Mother ’s Day Breakfast was a fantastic success! A huge thank you to ever yone who attended and helped make this event so special. A big THANK YOU to our kitchen staff who did an amazing job. We love putting on events in school and appreciate our families’ suppor t which enables us to continue running these celebrations.
We are absolutely thrilled to share some amazing news our Dance Squad has won GOLD and been crowned County Champions!
The team delivered an outstanding per formance at Bedford Academy,
impressing the judges with their routine inspired by the word ‘Diversity’ Their dedication, hard work, and passion truly shone on stage, and we could not be prouder of them!
A huge congratulations to all the dancers and a special thank you to Bex for her guidance and suppor t, and to Mrs Glindon for planning ever y detail that went into making it such a success!
Also, thank you to our parents and school community for cheering them on ever y step of the way!
We look for ward to updating you on our news next month as incredibly we approach our final term of the academic year!
DANCE SQUAD COUNTY CHAMPIONS
Mothers Day breakfast was a huge success Our dance squad return as County Champions
News from Pixbrook A c ademy
It is with a variety of thoughts that I write this piece from Pix Brook Academy
As a local resident of Stotfold and inaugural Principal of the first Free school in Central Bedfordshire I have been uniquely placed to consider the impact of a new school in a town such as Stotfold From next term the situation will be different, a new Principal will be in place to take the school for ward over the next few years While it is extremely odd to imagine not arriving at the school ever y morning, I am pleased to say that a great deal of work has been under taken this term to ensure that as much as possible is in place for September
Next year we will have a school with pupils in all seven year groups, over 1000 pupils and a commensurate number of staff, both teaching and suppor t. Pupils in our oldest year group will be well under way with their GCSE preparations, including mock examinations and development of coursework requirements. Our primar y colleagues are also continuing with the usual SATs preparations and pupils have been working extremely hard.
In terms of other activities, it was great to see so many of our year 9 & 10 pupils under take the practice for the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award The award includes a variety of elements including community work and it is fantastic that so many of our pupils want to be involved
We have also star ted our programme of trips and visits for GCSE pupils including the Geography trip to Walton on the Naze and the trip to the Tate Modern for our GCSE Ar t pupils Next year we have been able to expand our GCSE offer and will include GCSE Music and Philosophy and Ethics to our current offer
The per formance of “She kills monsters”, was per formed during the last week of the spring term and huge congratulations must go to the pupils and staff involved I PE our focus has been on maximum engagement so that those pupils who train get to represent the school doing something they enjoy
It’s been a really busy time at school, not just over the last month but over the last few years, but this is as it should be The responsibility of educating the future generations is not something that can be done in a half-hear ted way and I am so immensely proud of the work under taken by all staff and pupils at PBA
Next term will be different in so many ways, but what I know will be the same, is the commitment and effor ts of this community: staff, pupils, Trust and parents to continue to do ever y thing possible to educate the socially responsible citizens of the future.
Steve Adams PBA Principal
News from Etonbur y A c ademy
Summer term is one of our busiest terms with the final push towards Year 6 SATS, GCSE’s and A Levels. Inter ventions and suppor t are running ever y night after school, across multiple subjects and year groups as the staff suppor t learners in the last few weeks before the examination series begins.
We wish them ever y success and look for ward to celebrating their achievements with them
Our students are now enjoying the school field at break and lunchtimes and we have also released the summer term extracurricular clubs schedule, as always, it's full of activities for the children to enjoy during lunchtimes and after school
With the recent introduction of our new cloud-based system Bromcom, all club details should now be published in one place which allows our students to also sign up for the clubs via the app too.
We are delighted to share that applications for enrolment at Etonbur y Sixth Form for September 2025 are still open on our website If you have any questions, please do contact our Head of Sixth Form via email cdowden@bestacademies org uk
The children joining us in Year 5 this September have now received confirmation of their place here at Etonbur y Academy and we are looking for ward to welcoming them to our school and community If you are still considering your child’s school please do get in contact with us
Did you know we have the best GCSE results in Central Bedfordshire for two consecutive years? If you are looking for a Year 9 place for your child please call the School Office to book a tour.
We are always happy to show prospective parents, carers, and pupils around our academy We also welcome in year admission enquiries for all school years Please call our main reception for fur ther details and to speak to our admissions team If you would like to book a school tour, please get in touch with us at 01462 730391 or via email at etaoffice@bestacademies org uk
We believe we offer a small, compassionate, and exceptional educational community, and we invite you to come and see for yourself what makes Etonbur y special.
Please continue to share in our values, Ever yone is respectful, Together we care and Always aim higher.
Mrs J Young – Principal Etonbur y Academy www etonbur y org uk
2024 GCSE Results were the best in Central Bedfordshire for the second consecutive year
LOCAL life..
1 Nathan, you have adver tised with us for many yearshow long have you lived in Stotfold now?
I have lived with my family in Stotfold for 26 years now, originally coming from Battersea at a ver y young age (6) with my parents to letchwor th in 1979 then to Stotfold in 1999
2. It looks as if the better weather is on it's way (fingers crossed) we are guessing that working outside must come with it's own perks at this time of year! We'd love to know what your choice of listening material when the sun is shining? This is a difficult one for me to answer, simply because I love most types of music and I am often caught having a boogie while working!
3. For those people that enjoy their garden and keeping it in tip-top condition have you picked up any handy tips for keeping our decking fresh and in it's best condition throughout the year? The Best thing to keep decking in good condition is to keep it clean so there is no build up of algae which can make it slipper y and dangerous also regularly check for damage and treat it regularly.
4 We like to find out about the people behind our local businesses and how they came to do what it is they do? Were you always interested in this as a career choice or did you (like most of us) come to do this by accident? Like most people I came to do this rather by accident! I used to do proper ty maintenance, then kind of fell into this I love doing what I do as I really do enjoy being outside and meeting new people all the time
5. We're guessing your job is made harder for you once the great British weather decides to turn bad!..If you could choose to spend the colder days in nicer climates where would you pick and why?
If I could go anywhere I would probably go to Spain or somewhere warmer than the uk (which often isn’t hard! it would only be for the winter months however as I would miss home. I do love the UK just not in winter! You can contact Nathan on 07490 715009 (or see the adver t below)
Arlesey N ews Magazine advertisers this month we are talking to Nathan from Stotfold fencing!
Nathan - St ot fold Fenci ng
Mental Health Matters
The sun may or may not shine in May
As we enter the warmer, sometimes sunnier seasons, the sensation of sun upon our warmth star ved selves can feel like absolute MAGIC! Yet, like most things in life, we cannot guarantee the presence of sun irrespective of season Or rather, the sun is always present but not always visible. And when it is not, those with the most sensitive of systems may feel its absence more keenly.
Will we whine when the sun does not shine, or will we cultivate the sunshine within? While this sounds super cheesy, it is nonetheless true that the more we commit to creating lives that we want to live fully, the more our internal light will keep us lifted.
There is much we cannot control in life whether externally or the way our internal systems are programmed with their own par ticular sensitivities But what each of us can do is to nur ture that which nourishes us at the deeper levels Whatever makes our system breathe a sigh of relief/release, lightens our spirit and shifts the energy in our body That which makes us feel lighter helps us manage all that leaves us feeling heavy
These lighter, longer days of May can remind and refresh our ability to notice what lifts or lowers our moods, for the simplest of treats can transform our experience For me, being under the expanse of sky, watching the wildlife and listening to birdsong helps me to stop and be The sight of new shoots of life appearing in the garden or flowers opening inside the house, evokes great excitement in me! And the bird app Merlin provides a whole new world of wonder; it listens then identifies the local winged singers by name and image. What lights you up?
Jo is a BACP Accredited Psychodynamic Counsellor and an Integrative Super visor with an MA in Contemporar y Therapeutic Counselling.E: jo.loach@gmail.com.
WELLBEING WALKS
g g p y
welcome Walks star t at 10 45am May 1st/ 8th The Crown PH, The Green, Stotfold. 15th, 22nd, 29th - Arlesey Station Contact Beth Over field on 01462 815672
Nor th Her ts Road Runners
Entries are now open for the Greenway Challenge on 11th May. The star t will be at Standalone Farm and details are on our website www nhrr org uk Greenway Challenge The 1st Sat of the month 5k at Letchwor th Common will be 3rd May and this is open to runners of all abilities
Established 1971
Entr y is free so just turn up on the day We continue our training sessions on Tues and Thurs with qualified coaches and meet in Letchwor th at 7pm We welcome runners of all abilities so come along for a taster session Our details are on nhrr.org.uk or contact Ian 07506429928
Nor th Her ts Road Runners would like to wish all marathon runners good luck for their chosen marathons this year!
Update From Arlesey Town FC
Things could not be more exciting here at ATFC At the time of writing, we are sitting in 5th place in the league, which for those not familiar with the format, means a place in the playoffs 2nd-5th place will then enter a knock out stage, post season competition, with a promotion being the ultimate prize
We have had a ver y strong few games over the last couple of weeks We kept four clean sheets on the bounce, and are undefeated in seven games With just two games to go, it has put us right on the cusp of something ver y special By the time this goes to print and finds it’s way through to you, we will know our fate, but either way, it’s a campaign that the whole village should be proud of
One of the key goals for the club this season, was to fur ther develop its local community engagement We were delighted to welcome Arlesey Brownies for our game against Dunstable Town, and Arlesey Rainbows for the Kempston Rovers match Both ser ved as amazing matchday mascots and VIP guests for the day, it was a pleasure to have their families enjoy the afternoon
Finally, a special mention for Arlesey Town Youth, who have been leading the way this season with titles and accolades a plenty! The Under 18’s have already won their league, with the Under 16’s going into their final game of the season with the league title within their grasp.
Both sides have qualified for their respective Bedfordshire County Cups which provides them with the oppor tunity of a sensational “double” It bodes well for the future of Arlesey Town, as a few of these players have already made their 1st Team debuts Well done lads!
Matchday tickets, club events, and Membership can be purchased online from our website www.arlesey townfc.co.uk or scan this QR Code:
BARRY HAYLES EVENT
On Saturday 17th May, Arlesey Town Football Club invites you to join us for a ver y special evening with our former player and friend of the club, Barr y Hayles
Barr y has graced the game at almost ever y level there is, from non-league, to Premier League and is a 10-cap international
Don't miss this unique, one time only oppor tunity to hear Barr y share tales of his League Titles, Promotions and Inter toto-Cup win, amongst anecdotes with the many of the incredible spor ting personalities he has crossed paths with throughout his illustrious career
Tickets are just £20.00 and are available via our website and our Ticket Shop at www.ticketsource.co.uk/arleseytown-football-club
Arlesey U18’s have enjoyed a fantastic season - which bodes well for the future of the club
Hello from St Peter ’s Church!
News from St Peter ’s Church.
I really love the month of May when it really feels like summer is here The buds that have been forming and revealing themselves in April are bursting for th with life and colour. The days are longer and lighter and nature is blooming all around reminding us that new life keeps coming, and there is a lush, richness to our surroundings. Living in Arlesey means you don’t have to go ver y far to see the glor y of the countr yside, or hear the choir of birdsong and feel the sunshine on your face There is much to be thankful for in the newness of nature that surrounds us.
In the church calendar, having celebrated Easter Sunday in April, the joy of Jesus rising again, we continue in the season of Easter for several weeks. Easter is not confined to one day and Christians are reminded that the joy of the resurrection is continuous. It is an event that permeates who we are, bringing new life, a freshness and hope to our lives, all of the time. Easter time is a time to enjoy the joy! To enjoy the joy of God’s love for humanity.
Kitchens & Bedrooms
Windows
Internal/External Doors
Skir tings -Architraves -Dados
Stairs -Handles -Balustrades
Handle & Lock Replacements
Loft Hatches
Flat Pack Furniture All
of carpentr y
So maybe this May, why not think about how you can enjoy the joy What brings goodness and freshness to our lives and what can we be thankful for? And let’s keep celebrating all that is good about Easter!
St Peter ’s Church is open ever y day and ever yone is welcome to come into the church to enjoy the space, a place of peace and prayer or join in any of the Sunday ser vices. We look for ward to seeing you.
All are welcome to Ser vices at St Peter ’s in May 2025
4 May at 9.30 am Holy Communion
11 May at 10.00 am All Age Worship
18 May at 9.30 am Holy Communion
25 May at 9.30 am Holy Communion
Weekdays in Church in May
Coffee Morning – Ever y Tuesday at 10 30 am Afternoon Tea – Wednesday 7 May from 2pm to 4pm
The church is open ever y day for visitors – do come in and sit a while, read a book in the Book Nook, or write a prayer and hang it on the prayer tree
Plant Sale – Saturday 18 May 2025 – 10 am until 12 30 pm
Come and buy a new plant! There will be a variety of annuals, perennials, shrubs and even some used, but usable pots on sale Refreshments will be ser ved all morning All Welcome!
Ever y Blessing
Revd Jenna Dearden
Revd Jenna Dearden Email: revjennadearden@gmail.com
Mobile: 07708 666612
Church Landline: 01462 731227
Down Memory Lane
Dr Adam Argo 1856 – 1901
Dr Argo knew he had the revolver, a suggestion the Doctor denied Mr Searle then claimed that Dr Argo had been in possession of the revolver for a week, a claim Dr Argo again denied This incident appears to have greatly troubled Dr Argo
In the churchyard at St Peter ’s Church, Arlesey stands a polished red granite obelisk memorial stone to Dr Adam Argo, who was the Arlesey village GP from 1894 to his untimely death in 1901. The monument was bought and paid for by his patients and friends, but what was it about this man that lead his patients to remember him in this way?
Adam was born at Belhelvie, Aberdeenshire and studied medicine at Aberdeen University, being awarded an MB in 1881 Dr Adam Argo MRCS was appointed medical officer for Arlesey & Stotfold District, moving to Arlesey in 1894 and living in ‘The Cottage”, Church End
On Wednesday October 23rd 1901, Adam was found dead by his housekeeper, Sarah, under mysterious circumstances The circumstances leading to Dr Argo’s death seem to be related to a cour t case involving one of his patients, a Mr Frank Searle who was charged with shooting his wife with intent to murder her During the hearing Mr Searle was allowed to ask questions of Dr Argo with respect to the revolver he had used to shoot his wife. Mr Searle indicated that
Sarah Summer ford gave a repor t of what had happened on 23rd October Dr Argo had gone in to his surger y at 10am, and then upstairs at 10 30am He then came down and went into the front room, shor tly after wards she heard a moan and ran into the front room The door was wide open and Sarah saw Dr Argo lying at full length on the rug in front of the unlit fire. He drew one breath as she entered the room and then was gone. Dr Shannon (of Edgewor th House) was called for. Sarah picked a bottle up off the floor it was uncorked and lying on its side. The bottle had contained Hydrocyanic acid, commonly known as Prussic acid. It was a 1oz bottle, which when full, would contain several fatal doses of the poison
Local Police sergeant Williams arrived at Dr Argo’s house at mid-day and found the Doctor ’s body in the front room In the drawer of the room he found an envelope marked “Last will and testament of Adam Argo” Dr Shannon per formed a post-mor tem and gave the cause of death as prussic acid poisoning
Dr Adam Argo’s funeral took place on a Saturday 26th October at St Peter ’s Church, Arlesey with record attendance of nearly 3-400 people Many of Dr Argo’s patients and friends decided to erect a memorial stone for Dr Argo, with donations received from many. On Sunday May 25th 1902 the monument in memor y of Dr Argo was erected in the churchyard at St Peter ’s. Dr Sam Ward Arlesey
Update From The Need Project
saying it but that really was a busy month We were able to distribute some 818 food parcels and 400 top up bags of food, that other wise would get binned The estimated total of food is valued at over £55,000 which is massive.
None of it would be possible, without the amazing help we get from our suppor ters and as I’ve said before the brilliant volunteers, who work tirelessly for the project throughout Central Bedfordshire, at our hubs and best before points. We really couldn’t manage without them.
We are continually tr ying to to source food and have made some great contacts but are always seeking more Our followers on Facebook are always quick to answer our call and never let us down, thank you all
Now, moving onto our move All I can say is we are ver y close to exchanging and then we will be able to star t work on, God willing, our permanent home Our priority has and always will be first and foremost, our food provision and in the future,
space and cafe area upstairs (which we are ver y excited about, and the drawings look incredible!)
Because people are aware of our future plans in Stotfold, it has been amazing the suppor t we are getting,with people asking and small organisations and individuals raising money for the future development of the new building
That suppor t and genuine kindness makes us ver y grateful and ver y optimistic about the future
We are shor t of the total funds we need to completely finish the building work, but have more than enough to move our food operation and get that par t finished completely, so we have a smooth transition between the old space and the new, as we cannot stop our daily food operation.
We feel so blessed that we can complete this phase of our plan and the future development will come later.In closing, I know I say it a lot, but we are so so grateful for ever yone who buys into what we are doing and if you want to know more please ask us, it will be good to talk to you
Blessings and praise God always - Gordon
Useful Telephone Numbers
Citizen’s Advice Bureau
01525 402742
01525 841217
Trading Standards Advice Line 0300 300 8136
Churches
St Peter ’s Church, 01462 731227
Arlesey Methodist Church
Rev'd Emmanuel Onabanjo
07464 881751
Fair field Community Church 07376 740410
Kings Baptist Church 01462 730521
Salvation Army Stotfold Corps 01462 731072
Council
Arlesey Town Council Town Council Office
Arlesey Community Centre, High Street, Arlesey, Beds
SG15 6SN Phone: 01462 733722
Email: clerk@arlesey-tc gov uk
Central Bedfordshire Council, Prior y House, Chicksands, Shefford SG17 5TQ 0300 300 8000
Email customers@centralbedfordshire gov.uk
Web www.centralbedfordshire.gov uk
Waste Collection / Recycling / Dog Warden / Fly tipping / Grass Cutting / Street Cleaning / Abandoned Vehicles
0300 300 8631 or 0300 300 8632
Doctor
Arlesey Medical Centre
www arleseymedicalcentre nhs uk
01462 732144
Larksfield Surger y Stotfold: 01462 732200
Out of Hours Ser vice 111
Emergencies
Electricity Emergencies
Gas Emergencies
Helplines
Alcoholics Anonymous
0800 7 838 838
0800 111999
01438 747475
Childline 0800 1111
National Menengitis Trust
0845 6000800
Samaritans 08457 909090
NSPCC 0800 800 5000
Housing
First Garden City Homes 01462 683307
Pioneer House, Nor ton Way South, Letchwor th Garden City, Her ts, SG6 1NY Grand Union Housing - all enquiries 0300 123 5544
Miscellaneous
Arlesey Community Larder
07427 650080. Arlesey Good Neighbours 01462 732210
ACORN - Arlesey Conser vation For Nature
Mick Jackson 07970 734416 ( Treasurer)
arlesey acorn@gmail com
Beds Rural Communities Charity 01234 838771
Bir ths, Deaths & Marriages 0300 300 8089
Police
Beds Police (Crime repor ting) 01234 841212
Crimestoppers 0800 555111
Hospitals
Bedford Hospital 01234 355122
Lister Hospital 01438 314333
NHS Direct 0845 464700 300 8068
Librar y
Arlesey Resource Centre & Librar y 01462 731469
Stotfold Librar y 0300 300 8068
Pubs
The White Horse 01462 621118
The Old Oak 01462 612536
The True Britton 07494 563496
Schools & Nurseries
Etonbur y Academy 01462 730391
Pix Brook Academy 01462 416243
Gothic Mede Lower School 01462 732002
BEST Nurser y (Arlesey) 01462 732168
Arlesey Preschool @ WI Hall 07815 293670
Children’s Centre
Stotfold and District Children's Centre 01462 730623
Transpor t
Trains (National Enquiries) 08457 484950
Whitbread Wanderbus 0300 123 3023
Boxall Taxis 01462 433 333
Greenacre Transfers
Airpor ts & Chauffeur Ser vices 07555 70 78 48 www.greenacretransfers.co.uk
Business Directory
ACORN Arlesey Conser vation For Nature
AD Garden Rooms
A JB Fencing
Alfie’s Barbers
All Wrapped Up - Balloons and Florist
07970 734416
01438 313765
07837 791365
01462 658449
07886 569134
Andy Leonard Painter & Decorator 07889 903283
Arlesey Community Larder
Arlesey Walking Group
Arlesey Pharmacy
Arlesey Social Club
07427 650080
01462 638286
01462 731200
01462 731361
Ask Phil - Windows, Driveways, Garden Rooms 01462 545729
Aquarius Garden Design
01462 731292
Barn Hair Studio 01462 835611
Bal & Co Motor Care
Bews Electrical
Big Minibus Hire
BK Electrical / Brian Kelly
01462 731500
01462 834488
07817 766997
07817545314
Box Of Cakes Celebration Cakes to order 07812 055587
Broadband Communications
BSH Glazing ( Windows & Doors)
Bugs ‘n’ Things Pest Control
Builders - SJ Brock
Carpentr y by Ray
Carpet Cleaning - ACCS Ltd
Carpets & Flooring - Paul Faulkner
Cascade Water Ser vices
Catsitter - Claire
01462 732628
01462 730884
01462 735999
01462 231257
01462 732814
01462 629302
01462 731674
07887 531034
07984 344997
Computer Repairs - 0777 7113107
The Cooker Buddy Oven Cleaning
Chris Webster, Stotfold
(Correspondent for The Comet )
Darren Peters Proper ty Maintenance
Dennison’s - House & Garden Clearance
Do It All Dan
Electrician - Terr y C Seymour
Fair field Bowls Club
Fencing (A JB)
Finesse Interiors
First Step Estate Agents
Foot Health Professional - Vicki Eagles
01462 810065
01462 834108
01462 733322
07522 354141
07908 674890
01462 236559
07811 738599
07837 791365
01462 896046
01462 659730
07812 399659
Foot Pro Podiatr y 07377 536685
FullFlow Pressure Washing/Cleaning
Gifford Dance Academy
Graham Smith Brickwork & Paving
Greenacre Transfers Airpor ts & Chauffeur Ser vices www.greenacretransfers.co.uk
Green Door Proper ty Management
Guides - Stotfold Guide Association
Henlow Vets
House of Fitness Pole fitness
07306 085207
07585 221513
01462 731829
07555 707848
01462 510765
01462 235273
01462 416416
07840 268099
Hypnotherapy - Pathway Hypnotherapy Rooms 07497157531
James’s Carpentr y & Handyman Ser vice
Jar vis Footcare
Locksmith Ser vices
Loved Gardens
Maintenance Ser vices - SHMS
MJ Ryall 01462 730169
Mow & Weedit Garden Ser vices 07765 495200
New Kitchens 01462 812826
Nor th Her ts Road Runners 01462 639215
Orange Henn Travel 01707 913761
Oven Clean & Repair Ser vices 07878 444559
Painter/Decorator - Paul A Robinson 07761 751634
01462 232642
Paul Eley Tiling 07818 000508
Paws & Claws Pet Grooming 07913 005268
Piano Lessons - Christine Walker 01462 731357
Piano Lessons - Elmitt Piano Academy
Pilates - Zanna Newton 07719 862371
Plumbing - ALM Plumbing 07950 311963 Plumbing - C Plumb
Saunders Garage 01462 730222
SHA Care Ser vices 0333 0062644
Sheldon Electricals 01767 448188
Shel's Shabby Chic, Vintage painted furniture & workshops 01462 234228
Solicitors - HR J Foreman Laws 01462 458711
Tally Bookkeeping 01462 506144 The Arlesey
261401 Waste Removal (Josas Waste) 07739 488472
- Repairs & Installations (J Garside) 07951 473505 Window Cleaning - ACCS Ltd 01462 629302 Yoga - Freda Dodswor th 01767 627611
01462 234292
07816 329363
01462 290226
07981 275663
