News Events Information Arlesey NEWS
From the Editor
Welcome to December!
We’re here! Yes, as Noddy Holder so rightly said...It’s Christmas! (anyone else still waiting on Summer?) Huge thank you to Dave Boyce for sharing this lovely photograph with us of the Robin which we chose to use as our Christmas front cover - we hope you agree it is simply stunning
Next month will be our Januar y issue, which we like to get out before Christmas to give our volunteers plenty of time to get them delivered before the festivities are in full swing 2025 marks the 6th year of the Arlesey News Magazine being delivered to Arlesey residents, a milestone we are par ticularly proud of We could not do this without our wonder ful deliver y volunteers - we NEVER take for granted the help we receive from our team of 25 helpers across Arlesey who all help us out, come rain or shine - You are all just amazing!
Lastly, a reminder that the Arlesey News is YOUR publication, we cannot stress enough the impor tance of sending us in all of your news and notices for us to adver tise for you We do not charge a fee to adver tise editorially - we are also free to use for any non-profit making organisation or group that may need help to publicise themselves Why not add us to your email list next year?
All that’s left to say is we hope you have a lovely Christmas! Until next time...
Joanne - Editor
With thanks to this month’s contributors: Stephen Wood SHSS, Jo Loach, Our local schools, groups and organisations, ACORN, The Need Project, Garden House Hospice, St Peter ’s Church, NHRR, Arlesey W I, Arlesey Community Events, ATFC, & all of our contributors
arlesey
5
fro m AC ORN Page 11 Page 4,5
Local Life feature Mental Health Matters Your Letters Update from ACORN News from Arlesey W I Update from the Need Project Family Announcements
Christmas Fun Quiz
Local Church News
Local Spor ts News Update from Arlesey Town FC Memor y Lane
Page 6
Page 7
Page 8
Page 9
Page 11
Page 12
Page 13
Page 14
Page 19
Page 21
Page 22
Page 23
Page 24
All this alongside all our usual news from our local churches groups, clubs & organisations.. Bro wnies enjo ying a great time at Bo nfi re Nig ht! Page 5 Update from Gothi c Me de Academy Page 15
www justgiving com/g ardenh ouseh ospice
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 Stotfold & Arlesey News Magazine
Memor y & Dementia Awareness & Suppor t Events.
Ivel Valley South PCN invites you to join an online webinar for anyone interested in finding out more about dementia suppor t in our area The PCN are coproducing this event with local suppor t groups, giving you the oppor tunity to learn more and ask questions. With specialist talks, the webinar takes place on Wednesday 4th December from 6.00pm-8.00pm. Booking is not required, just join us using a laptop or desktop To obtain access to this event please email: blmkicb.carecoordinator.ivs@nhs.net
Our specialist par tners and talks include contributoins from: Alzheimer ’s Society, Dementia UK Admiral Nurse, Headway Bedford, Carers in Bedfordshire, Age UK Bedford, Ivel Valley South PCN, and more Topics will include, spotting the signs of memor y impairment, what to do, what to expect when you contact your surger y, what happens in a memor y assessment and after - through to information and suppor t available for those with a dementia diagnosis, their carers and families Please get in touch today to join
Ivel Valley South Primar y Care Network is an NHS ser vice, suppor ting both Larksfield and Arlesey Surgeries.
CRIME FIGURES ARLESEY September 2024
The most recent crime figures from the Poilce national website: Violence & sexual offences - 21 Anti social behaviour - 3
Burglary - 2
Other theft - 1
Other crime 4
Remember in an emergency call 999. To report a crime online contact www police co uk or call 101 Statistics taken from www.police.uk
News From Arlesey Brownies
The Brownies have had a really busy term so far We’ve ‘flown’ to Italy as par t of our aviation badge, made delicious pizza and of course had ‘just one cornetto’. Had a Halloween festival bobbing for apples and running a pumpkin relay race. And, joined with the Falcon beaver colony to celebrate Guy Fawkes night with a campfire, s’mores, hot chocolate and of course some campfire singing
Follow our Facebook page to find out more Brownies offers girls (aged 7 to 10) exciting oppor tunities to tr y new things, take on challenges, discover their potential, make brilliant friends and above all have fun! So, if you’re 7 and would like to join us (or put your name on the waiting list if you’re not quite old enough) then register at www girlguiding org uk/joinus, email us at arlesey.brownies@hotmail.co.uk or DM us through Facebook
We’re also looking for adult volunteers to help with our busy unit If you’ve got plenty of energy and a sense of humour, find out more by dropping us a line at the email address above
We look for ward to updating you on more of our news next month!
Fair field W.I
4TH DECEMBER - 7 00PM
CHRISTMAS PARTY & LINE DANCING
Our Christmas get together with food, Prosecco and Music/Line Dancing
All welcome - for info please contact: fair fieldbedswi@gmail com
Christmas Tree -Cycling
Help Raise Funds For Your Local Hospice!
For the seventh consecutive year, the Garden House Hospice will be running their annual Christmas Treecycling ser vice in the new year A team of volunteers will collect and recycle real trees in exchange for a donation toward the Hospice’s work Bookings must be made by Wednesday 1st Januar y and collections will take place Saturday 4th to Thursday 9th Januar y 2025 will then be shredded and used in local community projects. The Hospice aims to collect more than 1,5 trees and raise more than £30,000. To prep your tree for collection, please remove all decorations and leave outside in a specifie location For fur ther information and to book your tree for collection visit www.ghhospicecare.org.uk/trees.
Brownies enjoy the fireworks and halloween activities and events.
News from - Arlesey Communit y Events
LOCAL life..
Stephen, you have lived in this area for quite some time now, what are the things you enjoy about living here and why? We love living here as it’s a per fect location for bringin a large family, and our Grandchildren (two more on the way!!) It’s great to be around the y range of green spaces and facilities, community events, shops, businesses and generally friendly people with a wonder ful community spirit
A few years ago you decided to star t your own business - Stotfold Home Maintenance Ser vices How did you find the transition from employee to being your own boss? After working for a multi national business for over 32 years I found myself evaluating my lifestyle, constraints, health and mental wellbeing The transition and the inception of the 'home maintenance role' was born from my passion for this type of work Although the transition from being an employee to being self employed was a ver y scar y time financially, mentally and emotionally, it has also been a ver y exciting challenge I have slowly built up a reputation of providing consistent, quality solutions for my customers, having previously worked as a customer ser vice engineer It felt natural to continue offering my skills in order to provide my customers with solutions to any problems they may have Alongside all of this, I have been studying and obtaining extra skills within the last 2 years in City and Guilds 18th Edition electrical, followed by City and Guilds in air conditioning.
Being your own boss means you never really get time off! - How do you choose to spend your free time (when it comes along!) Family time is precious, going out for meals, occasional festivals, concer ts, shows, music events and even pilates and the gym. Most recently since becoming self employed and always having taken UK holidays (I never had a passpor t until 4 years ago) I have now got the desire to take in holidays abroad with Benidorm, Malaga, Mallorca and Cor fu now ticked off the list! I am hoping to do Ibiza, Turkey and New York in the near future.
If you could give some advice to any of our readers in regards to star ting and running your own local business, what would it be and why? Communication, respect, consideration, quality, reliability are all key elements to any business My motto is 'Adapt and overcome' Look for gaps in the market listen to customers and understand your customers needs Network, communicate with other businesses, promote others, recommend others and they hopefully recommend you
Finally, with Christmas literally a few weeks away, how will you be choosing to spend it and what are your favourite family traditions this time of year? As usual, we will be the hosts, with extra chairs squeezed around the table, par ty games, arguments, laughter and hopefully some nice presents! Two extra special presents this year will be the arrival of our second grandchild just before christmas and our third just after! Spending time with our first Grandchild who is now 6 is also special - the best age for Christmas!
Looking for more business leads?
Search “Carl Lane Digital” on Google
Get seen by the right people at the right time and secure more leads with Google Ads. 01438 571332 carllane.digital@gmail.com
We love to learn more ab ou t ou r wonderfu l magazine ad vertisers!
If you have a local business and would like to par ticipate in a future LOCAL LIFE feature then get in touch!
Mental Health Matters - with Jo Loach
Tis the season to be jolly ... but what if you’re not?
Christmas for those of us with Christian beliefs is ultimately a reminder to celebrate the life and lessons of Jesus This may get lost amidst the increasingly early star t of the consumeristic approach Or the festivities, par ties, feasting and more However, many would agree it is a time to prioritise being with those we love More so following the covid years Whatever our belief system or focus, Christmas reminds us of the gift (and challenge!) of being together And yet, this can evoke all manner of emotions, not all of which are jolly, as these celebrator y holidays can remind us of those we have loved and lost, or those for whom time is running out The emotions of these losses may feel especially heightened during times of celebrations where the cultural pressure is to be happy regardless.
Christmas evokes something different for ever yone depending on circumstance. But wherever we find ourselves, we are reminded of the need for each other; to belong to community, be it family/friends/neighbours/churches/other groups.
So, whether we’re riding high as we approach Christmas, dreading it, or anywhere in between, it is by joining with others that celebrations take on meaning and losses became more bearable. Fur thermore, whether celebrating, grieving, both, or just ticking over, it helps to acknowledge these different emotional states, rather than suppress them And it is impor tant to spend time with those with whom we can share our hear ts without having to feign ok-ness Equally impor tant is limiting time with those for whom we cannot be real
ARLESEY PHARMAC Y
This practice of self-acceptance and kindness, without selfcondemnation, allows us to receive the main Christmas ingredient of ‘love’, ourselves, then to give and receive it within our capacity and community
Window
and door
& 2.00pm - 6.15pm
repairs and installations
* Misted/broken units
* Handles
* Mechanisms
* Door barrels
Supply and fit windows and doors Soffits and fascias
Jonny Garside 79 Regent Street, Stotfold 01462 732248 or 07951 473505
Dear Editor,
My Aunt, Sheila Hyde from Arlesey passed the magazine to me as my Mum was in the line up of your ‘Down Memor y Lane’ feature. I just thought I would let you know that my Mum is the 2nd from right in the photograph and here are her details:
Barbara Anne Allen (as was then), she lived with her family in Jubilee Crescent, senior family member was Ranji Allen, who I think was quite well known in the village There are still a few relatives around.
She married my Father in 1954, his name was John Earl from Henlow and that is where she lived for the whole of her married life. Sadly she died in June 2022 aged 89
Hope this information is of interest
Kind Regards
Sandra Escott (nee Earl)
Dear Editor,
I’ve just had an electric fire fitted by Brian of BK Electrical whose name I found adver tised in the Arlesey News Magazine and I’d just like to say how efficient and tidy he is.
I can thoroughly recommend his ser vices Regards,
Wendy Ford
Nominate your HERO for 2024
We all know somebody that we think is super special - Maybe it’s somebody that you see regularly in your favourite shop? Maybe it’s a neighbour who’s always willing to lend a hand?
Maybe it’s a favourite teacher or simply a friend who goes the extra mile
on with the Arlesey & Stotfold News Magazines, Estate Agents are once again on the lookout for this TMAS HERO 2024
This year it’s even easier to enter: Simply tell us who you’d like to nominate and why by messaging your nominations via facebook messenger to either Satchells Estate Agents or The Stotfold News Magazine. You are also welcome to email your entries to arlesey.news@yahoo.com or drop them in to Satchells Estate Agents 47b High Street, Stotfold - the last date for this year ’s entries will be 1st December 2024.
We want to hear your stories - we have such a fantastic communit y with wonder ful people around us Help us to celebrate them all by sending us in your nominations. The winner will receive an extra special Christmas surprise with ever yone receiving recognition just for being nominated!
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY SATCHELLS ESTATE AGENTS.
News from ACORN (Arlesey Conser vation For Nature)
In the last month we have arranged three formal Work Par ties ranging from groups of 6 to 10 volunteers at a time. This added up to a total of 25 volunteering sessions and well over 50 hours of work in the local area. There are more planned into November and December.
Recent ACORN activity has included volunteers planting trees, hedging, litter picking, maintaining and clearing paths mainly cutting back the encroaching brambles
Littering continues to be a concern due to it’s visual impact, but more impor tantly its effect on the natural environment As a result our small teams take steps to recover and remove waste deposited in our green spaces ranging from dog waste bags left by irresponsible owners to clothing or lunch wrappers! It is good to hear of the for thcoming ban on ‘disposable’ vapes which often feature in our litter picking locally ‘Disposable’ is used to market such devices as if it is a benefit to society, when in reality it means send to land fill (nature) after they run out As we went into November there was other activity by members; we attended the quar terly Etonbur y Green Wheel meeting to continue to engage in wider plans for the path network by meeting with local councillors, our Rights of Way officers and Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity (BRCC) representatives. This meeting allowed us to understand recent developments and make fur ther representations about the bridges along the Hicca Way, which we hope to see maintained soon.
Looking towards Christmas, we have identified a new volunteer to continue ACORN’S involvement in the Christmas Tree Festival at St Peter ’s Church to be held in December. Also on the social front, we fielded a team of six members at St Peter ’s Church Quiz Night! This was a ver y well attended event and it was great to see so many local people getting involved Well done to Keith Hirst who captained the ‘Acorn Questnuts’ for getting the team together and for his all round Geography knowledge!
On Thursday 28th November we were back in church for our Annual General Meeting ensuring we are able to continue as a group, suppor ted by the Committee and confirming our aims and objectives for the year ahead We extend our warm thanks to St Peter ’s Church, Arlesey, Helen Bardell (Church Warden) and Revd Jenna Dearden for making the church available to us for our meeting Details of this meeting will be shared with members in early December
Thank you to all our volunteers and ever yone who keeps the paths open by just walking them. Keep it up!
Richard Liversidge - ACORN Chair
Wishing our customers a Happy Christmas & New Year
Update From Arlesey W.I
Here at Arlesey WI we are looking for ward to Christmas
We are hosting our annual Christmas Par ty on Tuesday 10 December, WI Hall, doors open 6 45 for 7 00 star t There will be hot food, plus desser ts, cost £8 00 per person Soft drinks provided but you’re welcome to bring your own wine There will be music by Muskrat If you would like to drag out your par ty gear or snazzy Christmas jumper and come along ring Rita on 01462 638347 You will ver y welcome and the more the merrier! As you all know WIs are famous for food so in the meantime tr y this Christmas recipe
MINCE PIES WITH A BIT OF A TWIST
For the shor tcrust pastr y: (8 oz) plain flour/(4 oz) butter or margarine/pinch salt/ 4 tablespoons water. Rub fat into flour and add enough water to make a dough. Roll out thinly and stamp out 24 rounds to line tar t tins. Put teaspoon of mincemeat in each one, Cake topping: 2 eggs, plus their weight each in margarine, sugar, self raising flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder and 1 rounded tablespoon ground almonds. Mix together till smooth. Put a good desser tspoon of cake mix on top of mincemeat. Bake at 200C, 180C Fan or Gas 6 for around 20 mins. Dust with icing or castor sugar to ser ve. Now put feet up, pour glass of sherr y or cup of tea and enjoy Merr y Christmas and a happy new year from Arlesey WI
Update from The Need Project
768 parcels provided in 23 working days • 452 top- up-bags collected from our Pop- up sites • £54,440 estimated value of the food for the month • £6,602 50, the average monthly cost to run the charity • Helping 1778 adults, 1530 children & 320 pensioners in October
Well, that month went really fast. It’s been so so busy. It has sadly been the second busiest month we’ve ever had since we star ted. It’s a sad reflection on how hard people are finding it. The best before situation in front of the shop and in Shefford and Sandy is ver y ver y busy as well. Ever y thing seems to be winding up for Christmas, which has its own additional pressures.
The 30,000 can appeal for restocking for Christmas, went so well that we stopped counting at about 34,000 and it’s still coming in. I picked up 750 tins from a school in Sandy yesterday and hopefully it will help us to restock and get us through Christmas, although we still have to spend quite a lot of money I honestly have been so so amazed by the sheer amount of foods that you have given us We thought that 30,000 was a big figure, so it’s a lot of food, but it’s been passed by a long way, and I don’t know what to say, it’s just so so moving that people care about what we do We have had people coming with just five tins and so many schools giving hundreds of tins Ever y single tin is so impor tant to us, because it means that people buy into what we’re tr ying to do, which is to make life easier for those people who are really, really struggling
I’ll never get bored of saying that we are so so grateful for all our volunteers or our suppor ters Those who suppor t us financially or through prayer or just smiling, as it makes it all wor thwhile
Our move is still pending, whatever that means, hopefully we will find out soon!
Please check out our Facebook page and keep up with all that we’re up to and need for Christmas. Our monthly repor t is also available on our website, to anyone who wishes to read it.
If you need to know any thing else about what we do and why we do it, please call in or call me. Thank you again for all that you do, and we praise God always
Gordon
Family announcements
www 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 Stotfold & Arlesey News Magazine
Why not surprise someone with an announcement in the Arlesey News Magazine?
All we need is your chosen wording and a photograph (if you would like) and we’ll do the rest! Email us at arlesey.news@yahoo.com
HOLLIE WOOD
Happy 15th Bir thday! Love from us all X xxxx
TAR
CLEANING SERVICES LTD
All cleaning services provided - products supplied or we can use your own!
Tel: 07727 104230 tarcleaningservicesltd@yahoo.com
DAWN BELL
Happy Bir thday!
With love from Ian, Jackson and Penny xxx
IMOGEN BELL
Happy 13th Bir thday!
With love from Ian, Jackson and Penny xxx
ANTHONY WEST
Anthony West passed away on the 16 July 2024 he will be interred into his mum’s grave on the 16th December at 1pm at Arlesey Cemeter y
Ever yone is welcome to this shor t ser vice to show their respects of his passing but ther no wake on this day. Antony’s wake the 21st August in Brighton
Antony will be missed and was much loved by all of his family
Happy 1st bir thday SER APHINA 10th December
With love from Mummy, Daddy, Callum, Scottie, Sephora, Pandy & Sky xx R AY MINNIS IN MEMORIAM
CHRISTMAS GREETINGS!
from Stotfold Bowls Club! Thank you to ever yone for your suppor t in 2024!
We look for ward to seeing you all on the green in 2025!
December 8th 2021
Loved & missed ever y day love from Eileen, Steve, Sandra, Laura, Sophie & Linda Love you always xxxx
ELLIOTT FARMER
Happy 10th Bir thday!
Love from Mum, Dad and Lawrence
News from Gothic Mede A cademy
October was Black Histor y Month At Gothic Mede Academy the children spent time learning about the achievements, histor y, and contributions of black individuals and communities across the world, as well as their impor tant role in shaping our shared histor y The children completed activities and listened to presentations about lots of truly influential people
In Birch Class, we have been learning about Black Histor y Month and why it is so impor tant to recognise the achievements of black men and women who have helped inspire others
In celebration of Black Histor y Month, Year 1 created ar t work inspired by African American ar tist Alma Thomas Alma Thomas was known as the godmother of colour and the children were excited to recreate her famous ar t piece called 'The Eclipse".
Year 3 have been learning more about the origins and purpose of Black Histor y Month and were surprised to learn that it dates back to 1926 We discussed influential people from histor y and thought about our contemporar y black role models We have also discovered the long histor y of black music and some of the famous figures that have influenced the music that we enjoy today
As we write this we are looking for ward to our Christmas celebrations and will bring you an update on how this all went in next month’s issue of the Arlesey News Magazine.
Year 1 created ar twork in celebration of Black Histor y month
Pictured left, some of the lovely ‘Eclipse’ ar twork made
News from Pix Brook A cademy
December always holds a special place in the thoughts of teachers Working with young people at this time of year is exciting and their sense of anticipation and excitement is contagious As always we look to manage those natural excited emotions with a continued focus on the teaching and learning so necessar y in lessons
The last few weeks have included so much great stuff it is sometimes hard to keep track of it all For our new year 5 it has been great to get to know these new pupils in school Having over 180 new pupils in year 5 in six classes cer tainly adds a buzz to the school and they will add great life and vigour to our school over the next few years I know they enjoyed the traditional visit to Cadbur y’s world last month and the year 6 will also enjoy their visit to the Victorian Museum in Hitchin We are also looking for ward to another quickly established tradition of our visit to the pantomime at the end of term as par t of our Christmas celebrations for year 5.
As I consider the last month I was par ticularly pleased with Our Remembrance Day this year that included a live playing of the Last Post and the laying of a wreath. Pupils attended school in their cadet and scout uniforms and were superb in their conduct during the two minutes silence. A par ticularly relevant activity given the international unrest that is happening around the world. As a school we are once again suppor ting the Need Project in suppor ting less for tunate families and collecting selection boxes and Christmas puddings. Christmas Jumper day will mark the official beginning of the festive period at school and the senior team will be ser ving the Christmas dinner to pupils at lunchtime, enjoying the festive tunes and hats!
I’d like to take this oppor tunity to wish all a ver y Merr y Christmas. It has been a really busy year but as always we look to the future with optimism.
Stephen
Adams - Principal
News From Etonbur y A cademy
It’s hard to believe we’ve already reached December, and the festive spirit is alive and well at Etonbur y Academy Our reception area and key locations around the school are beautifully decorated, and various activities and celebrations are taking place, creating a warm Christmas atmosphere
Mrs Brahmachari-Limb, Head of Drama has been rehearsing with our talented pupils for our latest Production, ‘Christmas Around the World’ The show will be per formed on 17 December, tickets are available to purchase via ParentMail
This term, we hosted a Sixth Form Taster Week for our Year 11 students, and they cer tainly seem to have matured Many of them expressed their enjoyment of the week, exploring Sixth Form study options and par ticipating in trial lessons We recently welcomed prospective parents and students to our Sixth Form open evening, showcasing our fantastic year 12 and 13 facilities Families had the chance to explore the Sixth Form area, meet with specialist subject teachers, and listen to insights from Mrs Dowden, our Head of Sixth Form and learn more about the wide variety of A Level and BTEC course options on offer
Meet the Tutor events saw a huge number of parents and teachers working together to suppor t the children As always, thank you for your suppor t and engaging with us, it really makes a difference to our children’s futures
We would like to take this oppor tunity to thank ever yone who has helped and suppor ted the work of the school this year. It's only when parents and schools work closely together that young people fully achieve their potential. Our ETA PE Oddball hats have been extremely popular and raised a considerable amount for the testicular charity - thank you ever yone who has suppor ted this initiative. As a whole school community, we are extremely grateful for your suppor t with The Need Project Christmas Appeal, we donated a substantial number of chocolate selection boxes to the charity for their Christmas hampers this year - a hear tfelt thank you to ever yone for your generosity
As we look for ward to the new year, we are excited to continue building on the successes of this past term Our commitment to providing a nur turing and stimulating environment for our students remains unwavering We have many exciting projects and initiatives planned for the coming months, and we are eager to share these with our school community
Lastly, if you're interested in learning more or scheduling a personal tour, please feel free to contact us at 01462 730391 or via email at etaoffice@bestacademies org uk Come and see for yourself what makes Etonbur y special Tours are available for all year groups, including Sixth Form
Wishing all of our families a wonder ful Christmas and a restful break, ver y best wishes for the New Year.
Mrs Young - Principal
News from Fair field Park Lower School
At Fair field we ha y onment following our bespoke golden thread curriculum They dived into the painting ‘Surprised’ by Henri Rousseau The children were encouraged to ask questions about the ar twork, give their opinions, use their imaginations to explore the emotions attached to the piece and use the piece of ar t as inspiration for their own creations through ar t, drama, music, computing and dance In addition to this, there was an oppor tunity for them to explore the environmental issue of tigers being endangered The week included an Ar t Galler y that was created with the children’s ar twork mounted and framed and all the children got to explore what a real Ar t Galler y looks and feels like
This term our Year 1s have explored chronology and learnt about how toys of nowadays compare with toys of the past and our Year 3s have learnt about local histor y Year 4 explored and compared our local area with Campania in Italy Year 2 learnt the histor y of the Gunpowder Plot Our Early Years classes have explored celebrations from different religions, culminating in a nativity per formance
We are ver y proud of all the per formances that our children worked hard to deliver; we think they were the best way to kick star t the festive season this year! We wish all our families a ver y happy Christmas. Value of the Half Term: Independence
Fair field Park Lower School, Dickens Boulevard & Ruskin Drive
Kitchens &
Windows Internal/External Doors
Skir tings -Architraves -Dados
Stairs -Handles -Balustrades
Handle & Lock Replacements
Loft Hatches
Flat Pack Furniture
All aspects of carpentr y
CHRISTMAS Fun Quiz
FAMILY AND FRIENDS, with appropriate clues contained in each question or answer. (Answers on page 21) - Watch this space for a new style quiz in 2025!!
1 Which US pop group pictured right had a huge international hit in 1979 with the song “We Are Family”
2 Give the title of the US television comedy series with a theme song entitled “I’ll Be There For You” by the Rembrandts?
3 “The Wife of Bath’s Tale” is one of the sections of which great early English literar y work?
4 Name the British pop group pictured right who won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1976 with “Save Your Kisses For Me”?
5 What is the more familiar term for a longcase clock?
6 1950: Spencer Tracy and Elizabeth Taylor. 1991: Steve Mar tin and Kimberley Williams. 2022: Andy Garcia and Adria Arjona. What four-word title is shared by all three of these cinema films?
7 What happened during a per formance of the play “Our American Cousin” on the evening of April 14th, 1865 at Ford’s Theatre, Washington D.C.?
8 The sea bird pictured right was called “Mother Carey’s Chicken” by sailors but its common name suggests you might fill your tank with it! What name?
9 1888: the first deodorant was developed in Philadelphia 1952: the first roll-on deodorant was introduced by the same company still going strong today- What is the threeletter brand name of these products?
10 In Cockney rhyming slang, if you refer to your “china”, what does it mean?
11 Top football star Son Heung -min, pictured top left, is the captain of Spurs and also the captain of which nation?
12 What four-letter word means small pieces of fish or bait thrown overboard to attract bigger fish, and is also a popular brand of dog food in the UK?
13 Systems known by the acronyms PAL, NTSC and SECAM were early development systems in the histor y of which ubiquitous electrical device?
14 During World War Two which major world leader was referred to as “Uncle Joe”, especially by US media?
15 The works of which British novelist pictured right, include “The Honorar y Consul”, “Brighton Rock” and “Travels with my Aunt”?
16 In computers, what eleven letter name is applied to the main printed circuit board which allows communication between various devices?
17 Name the 1998 film starring Lindsay Lohan playing twin sisters plotting to reunite their mum and dad
18 The oddly named Husband E Kimmel, a 19th-20th centur y admiral, was the commander-in-chief of the US Pacific Fleet and was, perhaps unfairly, dismissed after which tragic event of December 1941?
19 What is the seven-letter name of the Japanese company founded in 1908 by siblings Masayoshi and Jitsuichi Yasui, now a world leader in the manufacture of sewing machines, printers, desktop computers and other electronics?
20 Give the stage name of the highly successful actress pictured left in a scene from “The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor ”?
For more fascinating facts and to download and r ead my novels, completely free of charge, please visit my website at davidstedman.co.uk or Google David Stedman author.
News from Our Local Churches.
December news from St Peter ’s Church!
Ser vices at St Peter ’s All are welcome to our Christmas Ser vices!
Sunday 8 December at 10.00 am All Age Worship – Carols for All!
Sunday 15 December at 4.00 pm Christingle
Thursday 19 December at 7.30 pm Village Carol Ser vice
Christmas Eve at 4 00 pm Nativity Ser vice (come dressed as your favourite Nativity Character!)
Christmas Eve at 11 30 pm Midnight Mass
Christmas Day at 10 00 am Christmas Holy Communion
All are welcome to our usual pattern of Sunday ser vices in December
Sunday 1 December at 9 30 am Holy Communion for Advent Sunday
Sunday 8 December at 10 00 am All Age Worship – Carols for All!
Sunday 15 December at 9 30 am Holy Communion
Sunday 22 December at 9 30 am Holy Communion
Events at St Peter ’s
St Peter ’s Christmas Tree Festival – 7th and 8th December 2024
Opens on Saturday 7 from 10 30am to 5 30pm and on Sunday 8 from 11 30am to 5 30pm
Homemade preser ves, jams, jellies, and pickles Small gift stall and seasonal refreshments
Admission: Adult £2 50 - Children up to 16 Free - Card payments accepted
For more information, contact Bernadette on 07850 572984 arlesey treefestival@aol com
Christmas Concer t – Saturday 7 December at 7pm Tickets are £10, which includes a buffet and wine/soft drinks Tickets are available from Helen on 07967 144571
Weekdays in Church in December
Coffee Morning – Ever y Tuesday at 10.30 am
Toddler/Children and Parent/Carer Group - Tuesdays 10.30 am to 12 noon
Christmas Afternoon Tea - Wednesday 4 December 2.00 – 4.00 pm Please book your place by contacting Helen on 07967 144571 or helen.bardell@gmail.com
Find the church mice! Hidden around the church are ten church mice. Come have a look for them but do leave them where you find them as they are ver y happy in the church! The church is also open ever y day for visitors!
IMPORTANT CHURCHYARD NOTICE
During November and December, as par t of the maintenance of the churchyard we will be ‘ topple testing’ memorials (headstones) to ensure their safety. This involves checking for the stability of the headstones and laying down any that are deemed to be unstable and/or at risk of falling Where possible, we will seek to contact the family to involve them in this process If you have any questions about this or are aware of any unstable headstones please do get in touch
Christmas Blessings, Revd Jenna Dearden
Email: revjennadearden@gmail com
Mobile: 07708 666612 & Church Landline: 01462 731227
Painting
Carpentry & more
Carpet Cleaning
(01462) 234292 or 07887 871212
Local Spor ts News
Calling all dance clubs, gym clubs, judo clubs... whatever your spor t - WE WANT YOUR SPORTS NEWS! arlesey.news@yahoo.com
Local Runners - we need you!
Stotfold Jujitsu Club News
Ever thought about joining a running club? Look no fur ther, Stotfold Runners meets four times a week, welcomes all abilities, and is a great place to make long lasting friendships in the community! We meet ever y Monday/ Wednesday/ Thursday at 7pm & Sundays at 10:30am just along Arlesey Road so not far to come! Check our Facebook page for meeting points, run distances, and seeing the planned route on the day!
Scan the QR code or visit facebook.com/groups/stotfoldrunners
Shor t Mat Bowls & Social Club
We are a friendly social group open to all persons over the age of 60 who reside in Arlesey, Stotfold or the neighbouring area
We meet in the Stotfold Memorial Hall ever y Monday afternoon from 2 pm to 4 pm, playing bowls for the fun of it We just enjoy the game, the chat and the tea A few times a year we go out to lunch at one of the local pubs
All equipment is provided
The first meeting in the new year will be on the 6th of Januar y 2025
For fur ther information contact Ann Watmough, Secretar y, 01462 629575
We look for ward to seeing you there!
WELLBEING WALKS
Dec 5th, 12th, 19th - Arlesey train station. Dec 26th - Etonbur y Woods (meet at the entrance by the school)
For more details contact Beth Over field on 01462 815672
We recently held our grading at Pix Brook Academy. We successfully graded 6 new Orange belts in the Adults class and all the Juniors passed their gradings up to blue stripe belt We welcome new members, please get in touch for details
For more information contact 07970 329761 sensei@totalselfdefence.co.uk
Nor th Her ts Road Runners
The Santa Canta will be on 7th Dec, 9am on Letchwor th Common and is open to all runners and children who can dress up in their christmas outfits
This is a fun run for ever yone. Entr y is free and there will be mince pies. We have a thriving club with over 250 members and our training sessions with qualified coaches are on Tues & Thurs at 7pm We welcome runners of all abilities so come along for a taster we are based in Letchwor th
Visit website www nhrr org uk or call Ian 07506 429928
Featuring Local Runners, NHRR, Stotfold Jujitsu, Shor t Mat Bowls Club & Wellbeing Walks
Update From Arlesey Town FC
It’s the dawn of a new era at Arlesey Town, as we welcome Mr Mohammad Kabir to the club Kabir has a wealth of football and business contacts both on home soil, as well as internationally, and boasts an impressive track record of project deliver y in spor t His profile and what he can offer ATFC at this crucial juncture, makes this an exciting appointment for now, and the future
We welcomed Arlesey Brownies to the club this month, as the girls were put through their paces by our 1st Team and Youth Team coaches. The girls did incredibly well, taking par t in some dribbling drills, demonstrated their skills in a hotly contested 6 a side match, and finishing the session off with a tense penalty shootout. We can’t wait to welcome them all back again to a match ver y soon.
On the pitch, October has proven to be another ver y successful month, as The Blues make their push for promotion this campaign. Wins against Harpenden Town and Winslow United in the league have cer tainly done their chances no harm at all. Cup wins against FC Romania in the Premier Division Cup and Buckingham FC in the Gladwish Challenge Trophy have made it extra fruitful A loss to Rayleigh Town in the Isuzu FA Vase the only blemish of note to speak of November has been below par by their high standards so far, but crucial games lie ahead in the run up to Christmas, for which we really need your suppor t!
Saturday 16th November 15:00 – Tring Athletic (Home) – Gladwish Challenge Trophy
Saturday 23rd November 15:00 – Tring Athletic (Home) – League
Saturday 30th November 15:00 – Cockfosters (Away) - League
Saturday 7th December 15:00 – Winslow (Home) – League
Saturday 14th December 15:00 – FC Romania (Away) – League
Saturday 21st December 15:00 – Shefford & Compton (Away) – League
Saturday 28th December 15:00 – Baldock (Home) – League
Fixtures correct at the time of submission and are subject to change
Discounted home game tickets and club Membership can be purchased online from our website www arlesey townfc co uk or by scanning the QR Code below
Mohammad Kabir takes over as the new Arlesey Town Chairman
Arlesey Town Football Club in action
Pictured left: Arlesey Brownies enjoying their recent visit
the club
Down Memory Lane
This magnificent picture was sent to us some time ago and features the chefs at Fair field Hospital ( Three Counties Asylum) - our apologies as we can’t recall who sent it in to us! Can you help place the names to faces? We’d love to know them if you can If you have any photographs that you would be willing to lend us, please do get in touch at arlesey.news@yahoo.com
for your business or personal matters
We’ve built our rm around a core team of specialists to support your legal needs today and into the future
These include:
• advising on business or commercial property a airs
• providing specialist property development and business sale services
• planning for your family’s future with a Will or Trust
We provide experienced and bespoke legal advice for businesses and individuals. Since 1591. THE ONLY LEGAL ADVICE YOU’LL EVER NEED
• working with you to resolve family matters such as divorce, separation or child residence
• helping you to move house or extend your lease
• resolving legal disputes
Contact us: info@hrjforemanlaws co uk Hitchin 01462 458711
25 Bancroft, Hitchin, SG5 1JW
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
0800 7 838 838
Gas Emergencies 0800 111999
Helplines
Alcoholics Anonymous
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
NHS
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
Local Adver tiser Director y
It’s just £30 per year to adver tise your business here! Call us on 01462 731986 or email arlesey news@yahoo com
ACORN Arlesey Conser vation For Nature
AD Garden Rooms
A JB Fencing
Alfie’s Barbers
07970 734416
01438 313765
07837 791365
01462 658449
All Wrapped Up - Balloons and Florist 07886 569134
Andy Leonard Painter & Decorator 07889 903283
Arlesey Community Larder 07427 650080
Arlesey Walking Group 01462 638286
Arlesey Pharmacy
Arlesey Social Club
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
01462 731500
Bews Electrical 01462 834488
Big Minibus Hire
BK Electrical / Brian Kelly
Box Of Cakes Cafe & Cake Shop
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
Computer Repairs - NIck Saunders
The Cooker Buddy Oven Cleaning
07817 766997
07817545314
07812 055587
01462 732628
01462 730884
01462 735999
01462 231257
01462 732814
01462 629302
01462 731674
07887 531034
07984 344997
07521 279960
01462 810065
Chris Webster, Stotfold 01462 834108
(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 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
01462 234292
07816 329363
01462 290226
07981 275663
Maintenance Ser vices - SHMS
887366 Mow & Weedit Garden Ser vices 07765 495200
New Kitchens
812826 Nor th Her ts Road Runners
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 07449 461465
Pilates - Zanna Newton 07719 862371 Plumbing - ALM Plumbing
Tally Bookkeeping
The Rooms Hair and Beauty
The Rooms Holistic and Beauty Academy 07946 521266
Warrens Windows 01462 261401
Waste Removal (Josas Waste) 07739 488472
Windows - Repairs & Installations (J Garside) 07951 473505
Window Cleaning - ACCS
