News Events Information Stotfold NEWS
From the Editor
You may well be receiving this edition before Christmas, if so, then let us be the first to wish you a ver y Happy New Year!
2025 - it seems surreal that we have reached the quar ter of centur y milestone already! Speaking of which, this year marks our 20th Anniversar y (you might notice the new logo below!) - we are excited to be celebrating this amazing bir thday and look for ward to bringing you all along for the ride We have some exciting plans for the publication, alongside some extra special surprises along the way!
Inside this month’s issue, we are incredibly proud to announce the winner of this year ’s Christmas Hero for 2024 (page 10) - a most wor thy winner who the judges felt really epitomised the essence of what the Hero award is all about..we’ll let you discover who the winner is by taking a look Thank you to Satchells once again for running this competition through our magazine.
We’d like to highlight a couple of features inside our Januar y issue - these include an ar ticle written by Stotfold News reader David, who has star ted a walking group specifically for men It’s an oppor tunity for men to ‘walk and talk’ - we’ll leave it to David to explain why this is so impor tant to him on page 17. You’ll also notice, our monthly quiz has had a makeover! We are always so grateful to David (another David!) for compiling this for us each month - see what you think to the change, we’d love to know!
Happy New Year!
Joanne Editor
With thanks to this month’s c Patricia Clegg (FRONT COVER) Rober t from Footpro, Stotfold Town Council, Stotfold Mill, Stotfold Football Club, Our local schools, David Stedman (Quiz,) Stotfold Ar t Group, Stotfold Librar y, Our local Churches & local organisations, The Need Project, Jo Loach, NHRR, Teasal, JKSK Karate Stotfold Jujitsu, Stotfold Runners
Contact: stotfold news@yahoo co uk or write to us at Stotfold News Magazine, 78 Hitchin Road, Stotfold, Her tfordshire, SG5 4HT Tel: 01462 731986
Stotfold calendar! Page 4 Slimming W orld brings C hris tams chee r Page 13
Lo cal s ports ro und-up Page 33
Fee t First w ith Robert from Foo tPro Page 11
Stotfold’s new mens walking gro up Page 17
Light Switch On Picture special Page 13
Page 4 -8
Page 9
Christmas Hero 2024 Local Life Update from Stotfold Town Council Mental Health Matters News from Stotfold Mill Update from Teasel NEW Mens Walking Group Update from Stotfold Librar y Update from The Need Project Family Announcements
NEW LOOK Monthly Fun Quiz! Ask the Exper ts News from Stotfold Football Club Local Spor ts News Local Church News
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Page 11
Page 12-13
Page 14
Page 15
Page 16
Page 17
Page 18
Page 19
Page 20
Page 29
Page 31
Page 32
Page 33
Page 34-35
All this, alongside all our usual news and events from our local schools, groups & organisations..
NEXT ISSUE - FEBRUARY Please note: our adver tising deadline will be the 6th Januar yCall us for detals 01462 731986
Crime Figures Stotfold & Fair field
October 2024
The most recent crime figures available from the Police national website:
Violence & sexual offences - 11
Antisocial behaviour - 8
Criminal damage & arson - 4
Other theft & crime 9
Drugs 1
Source: www police co uk You can repor t crimes online
REMEMBER - PLEASE REPORT NON URGENT TO OUR LOCAL POLICE USING THE 101 NUMBER. In a emergency always call 999.
Stotfold Calendar 2025!
Have you seen this year ’s Stotfold calendar? This year ’s calendar features twelve stunning shots of Stotfold, all taken by local photography enthusiasts As usual, the calendars have space for you to write in those all impor tant dates and make wonder ful Christmas gifts!
The calendars are priced at £6 00 per copy and are available to buy from the Town Council offices
All proceeds from the calendar will go towards the Stotfold Christmas Lights fund for future years.
GR AB YOUR COPY NOW!
Congratulations to ever yone that has a photograph featured this year
Winning entries were received from: Adrian Hopkins, Nikki Lane, Jane Evans, Christopher Lamming, Dave Skinner, Julia Green & Tamsyn Cur tis The front cover shot this year was taken by Stephen McKenna
Christmas Light Switch On 2024!
This year ’s Christmas light switch on proved a great success once again, with hundreds of people turning out to suppor t the event held in the centre of town. Enter tainment was provided by the Stotfold Salvation Army band, Roecroft school choir, The Stotfold Singers and DJ Dan Allen.
The countdown to Christmas was conducted by Stotfold Town Mayor Cllr Steve Buck. This year ’s tree was sponsored by The Rooms, the stage kindly sponsored by Satchells Estate Agents and the event programme
sponsored by the Stotfold News Magazine. Special thanks go to our High Street shops and businesses for opening up and providing a superbly festive atmosphere for the whole event. For more pictures, see the Stotfold Town Council pages in this month’s issue.
Crowds gathered to enjoy the festivities along The Parade
Cllr Steve Buck & DJ Dan Allen greeting the crowds!
The big switch on assisted by tree sponsors Zoe & Zoe from the Rooms!
STOTFOLD Diary Of Events..
Saturday 25th – Book Sale & Coffee Morning St. Mar y’s Church Hall 10-12
Saturday 15th – Jigsaw Sale, St Mar y’s Church Hall 10-12
Saturday 15th – Table Top Sale
St. Mar y’s Church Hall 10-12
Saturday 17th – Plant Sale
St. Mar y’s Church Hall – 10-12
Saturday 14th – Book Sale & Coffee Morning –St. Mar y’s Church Hall – 10-12
Saturday 5th – Summer Fete –Vicarage Garden, Church Road –2–4pm
Saturday 6th Cream Tea
Afternoon –St. Mar y’s Church Hall 2-5pm
Saturday 11th – Jigsaw Sale
St. Mar y’s Church Hall 10-12
Saturday 8th – Winter Fair
St Mar y’s Church Hall 2 - 4pm
Saturday & Sunday 6th/7th –Christmas Tree Festival –St. Mar y’s Church
LIST YOUR 2025 EVENTS HERE!
Simply drop us a line at stotfold.news@yahoo.co.uk
Update from Stotfold Guides
Stotfold Girl Guiding has had a brilliant star t to the 2024/25 year. We have welcomed new Rainbows and Brownies with girls continuing their journeys by moving up to Brownies/ Guides Our girls have completed many activities this term and have also been out and about on pack holidays, to the Adventure Golf and Gravity in Stevenage and to the Krafty Shed in Biggleswade Some of the units also took par t this term in the Reverse Advent Calendar badge, which involved learning all about the Need Project and bringing in lots of donations to suppor t those in our local community If you want to make a real difference to help more girls know they can do any thing, build their confidence, create lifelong friendships and learn new things, join our likeminded community. We are in par ticular need of volunteers on Mondays and Wednesday evenings but please reach out if you are interested in helping at all: stotfolddistrict@girlguidingher tfordshire.org.uk
Warm Up This Januar
Ziggy’s Kitchen (based at Stotfold Football Club) are offering FREE hot drinks to anyone collecting a ticket from The Need Project during Januar y This initiative is aimed at helping vulnerable people in need of a winter warm up
y
Stotfold Ar t Group
Firstly, thank you to ever yone who called in to see our ar t and craft work in the Roecroft Centre earlier this month! We thoroughly enjoyed having the oppor tunity to showcase some of the work we do and we hope you enjoyed looking at it There's a touch of red in this month's paintings, to brighten dull days. Barbara Hook's wonder ful train is steaming through a wintr y landscape and Carolyn Monaghan has featured the red sails of vintage Thames Sailing barges. These beautiful craft are seen here racing off the sunny Essex coast near Maldon Both paintings are in watercolour
Wishing ever yone a ver y Happy New Year! Carolyn for Stotfold Ar t groupWe are a friendly group,why not call us on 07821 502367 to find out more!
Fair field W.I
8TH JANUARY 2025 - 7.00PM
SPEAKER - LUCY LEWIS
First female Bomb Disposal Officer
Lucy Lewis reveals the hidden world of bomb disposal training and how she became the UK’s first female bomb disposal exper t From joining Sandhurst to rushing to her first bomb disposal call out
Never been along to our group before? You do not need to live on Fair fied to come along and enjoy our meetings. Ever yone is welcome - for more information please contact: fair fieldbedswi@gmail.com
Stotfold Slimming World Give The Gift O f Christmas
Stotfold Slimming World members collected lots of festive food items over the last few week and kindly donated them to The Need Project as par t of their Christmas campaign. Pictured below are Gordon Hamilton from the Need Project (left) and Slimming World Stotfold’s Dawn Breacher
Dawn told the Stotfold News Magazine “it is so impor tant to us as a group that we continue to be able to help people in need at this time of year ” “I was thrilled at how much we were able to collect and thank my members for all suppor ting this so amazingly.
01438 571332 carllane.digital@gmail.com
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Stotfold Memorial Hall
Hallworth Drive SG5 4 HR Tuesday 4pm, 5.30pm & 7pm
For more information
Call Dawn on 07515 557803
If you would like to join Dawn at her group held at Stotfold Memorial Hall on Tuesdays 4pm, 5.30 or 7pm - a warm welcome awaits you Call Dawn 07515557803 for details
The donations provided by Stotfold Slimming World members
Gordon, pictured left and Slimming World Group Leader Dawn Breacher (right )
Gordon (left) and Dawn (right) with the festive food collected
Dear Editor,
I would like to thank ever yone that suppor ted the recent Table Top Sale which raised £219 50 for St Mar ys Church funds
The event went ver y well..all tables were sold and we saw lots of customers A huge thank you to ever yone who suppor ted the event in any way….the Stallholders, helpers, and local businesses who donated raffle prizes It is ver y much appreciated
Chris Webster
Dear Editor,
Fur ther to the request for missing names on the photograph pictured in your Memor y Lane (December 2024) I am able to supply the missing name of the player pictured bottom rightthis is Harr y Triplow Harr y still lives in Stotfold to this day Kind regards Ken Bygrave
Dear Editor,
I would to take the oppor tunity to write a letter to thank ever yone involved in the recent Christmas Light Switch on event for Stotfold
We moved to Stotfold in 2022 and have thoroughly enjoyed getting involved in the community The Switch On was a wonder ful oppor tunity to see the Stotfold community come together and must have taken a great deal of organising!
Thank you once again
Melissa Stonely
Dear Editor,
Memor y Lane (Dec 24) Back left is my father in law Harold Scoot He played for Stotfold then was their trainer My husband recalls seeing this team playing on many an occasion
Regards, Lesley Scoot
Your HERO WINNER for 2024
In association with Satchells Estate Agents
We are delighted to announce the winner of ou CHRISTMAS HERO Competition for 2024!
In association with Satchells Estate Agents, the Stotfold News Magazine are proud to announce the winner of the Christmas Hero award for 2024 We were amazed at how many entries we received once again this year and would like to thank ever yone who took the time to send in their nominations
This year ’s Hero winner for Stotfold is KAROLINA MOORE. Karolina was nominated by her neighbour Lucy Brown Lucy told us “ Karolina takes it upon herself to help so many. Over the years she has looked after several of our elderly neighbours” “We live next door to Karolina and her husband Steve, and they will help anyone out if they can ” “In par ticular, the suppor t we’ve seen Karolina give to two of our elderly neighbours has been so kind and generous - we thoroughly believe she is a deser ved winner of this award.” The Christmas Hero was once again proudly sponsored by Satchells Estate AgentsAt the heart of you r commu nity
Thank you to ever ybody that took the time to nominate their Christmas Hero th it was a ver y tough decision for our judges to make The judges decided that Karolina deser ved the Hero award for 2024 as it is intended to recognise a ember of our community that goes above and beyond for others MANY CONGR ATULATIONS KAROLINA!
Kevin Duff, with our Christmas Hero winner Karolina Moore
LOCAL life..
Rober t, You have suppor ted our magazines for many years which has been fantastic!How long has your business actually been around? I established FootPro Podiatr y in 2018 and it’s been great to have this oppor tunity to pause and look back to see how much the clinic has grown over the years. I love working with patients from this area, but also feel proud that patients travel from long distances to have treatment at my clinic in Arlesey. I have patients that come from Her tfordshire, Cambridgeshire, London and even patients who come on the train from Brighton!
Foot health is ver y often underrated We know that many people often never think about the health of their feet until they come across an issue - what would be your three top tips for maintaining healthy feet for ever yone? Feet seem to be the most ignored par t of the body, yet they play a huge role in ever y thing that we do My first tip is to check them regularly for new things such as swelling, hard skin development, cuts and wounds and for alterations in skin colour If something has changed, a Podiatrist can help you The second is not to ignore pain in your feet The earlier you have any pain assessed, the easier it can be to treat The third is choose footwear wisely By simply wearing suppor tive, well fitted footwear, foot pain can improve alongside the overall condition of your feet This is ver y impor tant for children, who can suffer from foot and leg pains, which Podiatrists like me can help to treat successfully
By the time people read this we shall be in to the Christmas holiday...How are you planning to celebrate Christmas this year and how do you choose to relax over the festive break?
I am ver y excited to experience this Christmas with my one -year-old daughter, Calla Having a child makes Christmas so much more exciting, as I get to see it through her eyes I plan to socialise with friends and family in the weeks leading up to Christmas, before hosting sixteen for Christmas Dinner which will make for a ver y busy day! I will make sure to relax and put my feet up by watching all the football on Boxing Day, as a big Newcastle United fan
Sticking with the festive theme - we always like to dig a bit deeper to find out a bit more about the people behind our local businesses. It is said that you can tell a lot about people by the type of Christmas films they enjoy - Which films would make your ultimate Christmas Film list and why?
I am a massive fan of the original Home Alone films (with Macaulay Culkin!) especially Lost in New York. Watching it always takes me back to being a child, belly laughing at the television. I love the film Elf – it always makes me laugh even though I have heard the jokes many, many times, but Will Ferrell is great in it. My guilty pleasure Christmas film is Love Actually, it is always on as we put up the Christmas decorations and makes me feel Christmassy.
Finally it seems fitting we ask you about New Year Resolutions - All hype or something you are planning to do for 2025?
I am not really a believer in New Year resolutions as such but think that the star t of the year is a great time to make new goals to work towards personally and professionally I think that having goals and pushing yourself to achieve them, often makes you feel more positive and creates a better version of you I am working on some goals right now, ready for next year I am excited for the year ahead and continuing to grow FootPro Podiatr y, whilst also working hard for all my current and future patients
We love to learn more about our
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Snow Angels
A frosty initiative is coming to Stotfold for the winter season, where Stotfold Town Council are encouraging local households in the area to volunteer to clear snow and ice from pedestrian routes during a cold snap
In the winter many older people or those with mobility issues stop getting out for fear of slipping on icy or snowy paths, simple acts of kindness like helping keep local paths clear can make a huge difference
Stotfold Snow Angels are a group of local residents who contribute to the safety of their local community, especially in areas the typically don’t receive as much attention as the main high street and pedestrian routes In return, we’ll supply grit, snow shovel, protective gloves and a hi-vis vest
If you’re interested in becoming a Snow Angel, please email enquiries@stotfoldtowncouncil.gov.uk or call 01462 730064
We want to hear from you!
We are conducting a resident sur vey to gather feedback on your experiences and hear your ideas for improvements that will make our community even better.
The sur vey is quick, anonymous, and your responses will be kept confidential By par ticipating, you’ll be helping us understand your needs, preferences, and how we can make Stotfold the best it can be for ever yone
Please scan the QR Code to complete the sur vey online (inser t QR code) or if you prefer, there will be a paper copy of the sur vey in the Februar y issue of Stotfold News
The deadline for getting the sur vey back to us will be 28 Februar y 2025 If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us
Citizens Advice drop in
The Citizens Advice drop-in clinics are going ver y well and will continue in the New Year Please see social media and notice boards for upcoming dates If you need suppor t at other times, you can contact the Citizens Advice directly on 01525 402742
Librar y Works
Due to the ongoing works on the new librar y, Stotfold Town Council’s offices at The Greenacre Centre will be closed to visitors for the week commencing 6 Januar y 2025. You can still get hold of us by phone and email using the details at the top of this page.
Snow Angel equipment - Can you help?
Christmas Light Switch On event 2024
Thank you to ever yone involved with making the Christmas lights switch on, such a fabulous occasion It was wonder ful to see so many people enjoying themselves If you want to share your pictures online then please use #StotfoldChristmas so we can all see them
Stotfold Town Council would like to wish you all a Merr y Christmas and a prosperous 2025
Mental Health Matters - with Jo Loach
Break taking
A key Januar y job to suppor t mental health, is the booking of breaks. Some of you may be thinking, ‘we’ve only just had Christmas’. However, Januar y often see’s us immersing ourselves into the rhy thms of life, with or without resolutions, until before we know it, Easter is upon us. Life moves fast. And if we’re not intentional, our schedules become filled with commitments whether for work or play This is ok unless we fail to schedule sufficient break times to sustain and replenish our resources to keep up with, cope with and enjoy life where possible Whenever I forget to go through my diar y marking out protected break times, life picks up such a pace that I then struggle to slow it down to squeeze in breaks
While we are all in different life stages, with different responsibilities, the taking of breaks is not some optional extra for the self-indulgent It is a universally non-negotiable necessity that empowers us to continue adulting Without this, we may become increasingly fatigued, experience declining mental or physical health or at the extreme end, burn out or break down As humans, we all have limitations When we refuse to live within them, our body’s may shout louder or in increasingly disabling ways to stop us and get our attention Breaks do not have to involve going away or investing huge sums of money The impor tant thing is to have a break from the norm This could be unchaining ourselves from the to-dolist, catching up with cherished friends, day trips or gifting ourselves with any thing we love but don’t usually get or prioritise time for; leisurely walks, reading, listening to music or simply being A break to redress the balance between being and doing can seriously refresh energy and enthusiasm for all things adulting!
Jo is a BACP Accredited Psychodynamic Counsellor and an Integrative Super visor with an MA in Contemporar y Therapeutic Counselling .You can read more from Jo in her blog at joloach.com. Email: Jo.loach@gmail.com.
News from the Mill. Update from
Stotfold Watermi ll
Well, here we are in Januar y (where did December go?!) and I’m still tr ying to remember to write the correct year in the date line for ever y thing. I can’t quite believe we’ve reached 2025 – a quar ter of the way through this centur y. What will the next twelve months bring us, I wonder?
For the Mill, the next year will bring a lot of planning. It doesn’t seem possible that this time next year we’ll be celebrating twenty years since the Mill star ted grinding corn again, after years of painstaking rebuilding. So, in addition to our regular Sunday open days, special Steam events and other activities, we’ll be planning other ways to celebrate our anniversar y. Do you have plans for this year? Maybe some New Year ’s Resolutions to fulfil? One of them might be to come and join the Mill as a volunteer Volunteering is a wonder ful way to meet new people, make new friends, learn different skills and gain a new outlook – all in exchange for an hour or two once a week or once a month
There are so many oppor tunities in the Mill, whether you like talking to lots of people and sharing your interest in histor y (be a Mill Guide), or working with machiner y (be a Miller), or planning large or small events ( join the Events team!) There are also volunteer roles in the Tea Room, the Kingfisher Shop, with our Volunteer Suppor t Team (who look after all the other volunteers!) and with our team of Trustees who help to oversee the Mill
If you think you might like to make the Mill par t of your life for 2025, do get in touch We’d love to hear from you! The best way to reach us is via our website: www stotfoldmill com
We’re busy preparing for the star t of the 2025 opening season (it’ll be here before you know it!) and also for our Steam Fair (10th and 11th May) as well as Live@TheMill, our popular Friday night live music event on the 9th of May, this year featuring Hot Mess and Delorean Tickets will be on sale soon, so keep an eye on our social media for updates
For now, let me wish you all a Happy New Year. It’s going to be a wonder ful year, and we can’t wait to see you at the Mill in the spring.
Update from TEASEL.
Over the last couple of months our for tnightly work par ties have put a lot of effor t into “Autumn Cleaning” the Nature Reser ve, the Reser ve is relatively small, but has a great variety of different habitats Clearing at least some of these of more vigorous plants like nettles creates oppor tunities for wild flowers to emerge in Spring It also allows us to get in to check the trees for dead branches etc Fallen or cut branches we stack up to create “dead hedges” which provide shelter for smaller wildlife, and create boundaries for paths / copses etc
Unfor tunately the mild weather has allowed the grass to keep growing well after it’s annual “end of season” cut, and the damp conditions meant we couldn’t go over it with our ride -on mower So that could make it difficult for wild flowers Perhaps we could “borrow” some of the sheep from the surrounding fields!
As anyone who has tried to circumnavigate the reser ve this year will know, the paths in the third “meadow” (wetland) have barely dried out, and are now “in a right old state” But the wildlife will generally thrive – and actually benefit from reduced impact of people (and dogs) Hopefully the Mill will be able to fund fur ther boardwalk replacement work too We also had volunteers clearing the undergrowth in Jubilee Wood (the copse on the edge of Millenium Green adjoining St Mar ys Academy) Planted in honour of the late Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012, this is now 12 years old, with an interesting mix of varieties now well established
Over the years Teasel has benefitted from many dedicated volunteers Geoff Bounds was one of our regulars over many years, and it was a great loss to family, friends and the community when he suddenly passed away. In recognition of his long association with Teasel, the Nature Reser ve and Mill, his wife Shirley arranged to have a tree planted in his memor y.
Kitchens & Bedrooms
Windows
Internal/External Doors
Skir tings -Architraves -Dados
Stairs -Handles -Balustrades
Handle & Lock Replacements
Loft Hatches
Flat Pack Furniture
All aspects of carpentr y N o job too small
Call 07885 020895 or 01462 732814 Over 25 Years Experience
Finally, as we look towards another challenging year in 2025, we will be holding a Winter Social for our volunteers – by kind permission of the Mill. Why not make a resolution to brave the weather and see what you can spot on a walk through Nature?And if you need any help burning off those Christmas calories, just get in touch via the volunteering page on the Mill web site
Happy New Year - Teasel.
Teasal volnteers hard at work
The tree planted in memor y of Geoff
NEW! Men’s Walk & Talk Group
My name is David and on 1st November, I lost my one of closest friends, Tomek. He was only 46 years old when he died, leaving behind his par tner and six month old baby daughter. We had been good friends since the first day of university and this loss has left a huge hole in my hear t. This tragedy has opened my eyes to the silent struggles many men face with their mental health. To honour my friend’s life and to provide a lifeline for others, I have decided to create a group in Stotfold called MEN’S WALK AND TALK. This group aims to suppor t men by just showing up, being in a safe space, where t they can open up if they want to, and share any thing.
Together we walk (dogs included!)
In addition to our walks and regular meet ups, I have been offered access to professional help through local dedicated therapists and coaches, whom are suppor tive of this group and accessible to anyone who needs them I have personally been on a journey to find the strength to suppor t ever yone I love, and I know firsthand how difficult it can be to open up
No matter what you are going through or how hard it gets, never give up Your life is invaluable not only to yourself but to ever yone who loves you Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, and this group is here any time you need us
If you or someone you know is struggling, please join our facebook group MENS WALK AND TALK - David
News from Stotfold Librar y
EVENT FOR ADULTS
Ever y Friday Knit and Knatter 10 30am-12pm (still on during Christmas and New Year) Have a cuppa & meet new friends
ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN
School Holidays~ Saturday 21st December to Saturday 4th Januar y – Reindeer Hunt Santa has lost his 9 reindeer in Stotfold Librar y, find all of them to win a little prize!
Saturday 21st December – Pokémon GO Community weekend! get your Pokémon themed activity packs and pack of cards!
Tuesday 24th & 31st December – Stor y and Rhyme Time, 10 30am and 11:15am Please note: Sessions are now limited to 10 children maximum, on a first come, first ser ve basis (recommended for children aged 0-5)
Thursday 2nd Januar y 9am-12pm – Hama Beads (recommended for children aged 5+)
Friday 27th December & 3rd Januar y 2pm-5pm – Winter Crafts (recommended for children aged 3+)
Saturday 21st, 28th December & 4th Januar y 10am-12pm – Pokémon Club (recommended for 6+)
Saturday 21st, 28th December & 4th Januar y 10am-3pm – Lego Club (recommended for all ages)
Ever y Tuesday
Stor y and Rhyme Time, 10.30am and 11:15am.
Ever y Saturday, 10am-12pm~Pokémon Club! (recommended for children aged 6+)
Ever y Saturday 10-3pm~Lego Club! Come along to build with our Lego and Duplo! (recommended for all ages)
EVENTS FOR ALL THE FAMILY
Ever y 2nd Monday of the month~ *In par tnership with the Children’s Centre*
Monday 13th Januar y 1pm-3pm - Stotfold Family Drop-in. For parents, carers, babies, and children Free cuppa and play Suppor t, advice, and signposting for all aspects of parenting Self-weigh scales available (recommended for families with children aged 0-12 years)
We would like to take the oppor tunity to wish ever yone a ver y Happy New Year - we look for ward to welcoming you all back to the librar y in 2025
Update from The Need Project
• 747 parcels provided in 22 working days • 388 top- up-bags collected from our Pop- up sites • £52,435 estimated value of the food for the month • £6,602 50, the average monthly cost to run the charity • Helping 1669 adults, 1362 children & 286 pensioners in November.
These months seem to come round so fast now, but here we go For November, as usual, sadly it’s a ver y, ver y busy month for us We are spending plenty of money and hopefully helping a lot of people l, who are struggling This month it’s been 750 again l, ver y similar to last month and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down Obviously, as we get closer to Christmas it will get busier
We are so ver y blessed with the people who suppor t us in so many different ways, be it prayer (without this nothing is possible and with it all is possible), those who drop food off, financial suppor t , or just a smile and saying hello, as we tr y to make a difference in the other people’s lives
We continue to get rid of best before food at our venues We are averaging 400 bags of best before items a month, which would normally, if we didn’t give it away, go in the bin, so for that we with your help are making a difference to food waste
Our plans for moving are still ongoing, nothing much to say really about that, but hopefully things will happen in the New Year. But for the moment, we are just concentrating totally on food. December is the big one for us, so please pray for us. Our system of how we operate our Christmas packing has been developed over 20 years and now has had to change, purely because we haven’t got the place to make the parcels up like we used to and as we haven’t moved into the new building, which we hoped we would be, with the space we needed, things are a little bit tight to say the least, but we will manage I’m sure and look back next month and know that it’s been a successful time.
In closing, as always thank you all so much for your suppor t, without it we would just be a bit of a noise, really making no difference at all To all the volunteers who work so so hard for the project, I can’t thank you enough for all you continue to do, you are such a blessing to us
Thank you all PR AISE GOD ALWAYS,
GORDON
Family announcements
KIRSTY WOOD 5th Januar y Happy 30th bir thday Love from us all X xxxxx
PHILLIP PARKIN
8/5/47 - 2/12/24
Phillip lost his battle and passed away peacefully on 2nd December surrounded by his family.
A loving husband to Val of nearly 55 years, proud father to Justin, Sarah, and Gemma, father-in-law to Al, Chris, and Kr ystyna Grandfather to Louise, Ella, Jack, Harr y, Dexter, Tom, and Louie He was also a loving brother and uncle to many.
Phillip had a great number of clients and friends from his time at Hair by Phillip Funeral details yet to be arranged at time of print but will be shared on the Hair by Phillip salon social media once they are released
JACKLYN ILIEVA 4th Januar y
Wishing you a Happy Bir thday! From family & friends x
News from Pippin Pre -School
Happy New Year! The Pre -School reopens on Tuesday 7th Januar y 2025 after the Christmas break, we look for ward to welcoming the children back and hearing about all their Christmas celebrations and activities they encountered during the holidays.
Holiday club will be open for Februar y half term 17th to 21st Februar y 2025. We will offer two sessions, the first 8am to 6pm at £40 per day and the second option will be 9am to 3pm charged at £25. The booking system will open from 7th Januar y 2025. To book a place please visit members.pippinpreschool.co.uk As mentioned last month you can now suppor t us from the comfor t of your own home while shopping online! We've par tnered with easyfundraising, allowing you to raise free donations with 8000+ retailers. Are you ready to make a difference to our fundraising target for next year? Please sign up now, your ongoing suppor t is gratefully received. www.easyfundraising.org.uk/cause/pippin-pre - school/
We continue to collect donations of plastic bottle tops, unwanted fabric, small yogur t pots, buttons for our gluing station. All donations welcome, please drop off at the office
Thank you for your interest in our Pre -School
We look for ward to sharing more of our news with you again next month Wishing you all a ver y Happy New Year
News from St Mar y’s COE A cademy
2024 was another busy year for St Mar y’s. All staff and children have worked extremely hard and we are looking for ward to an even more successful 2025! Highlights of the past year include our Year 4 Young Voices Concer t at the O2 and residential trip to ROCK UK, Creative Ar ts week, the SMSA fun events, the whole school trip to Whipsnade Zoo, Skipping Ninja day, Spor ts Week and the whole school end of year Fun Day. We finished 2024 with our much anticipated Concer ts entitled ‘Winter Tales’ As always, the children did us proud and through donations from family and friends, we raised much needed funds for our chosen local Charity ‘The Need Project’ We also thoroughly enjoyed Elf Day, our Christmas lunches, class par ties and pantomime ‘Dick Whittington
In early Februar y our Year 4 children will be par ticipating in the 2025 Young Voices Concer t involving over 6000 school children within the O2 London This is such an exciting and fulfilling experience for them There is also a Young Voices Worldwide Singalong we plan to join celebrating the legendar y Bob Marley’s 80th bir thday!
There are also planned SMSA events including our ever popular ‘Break the Rules’ Day on Friday 17th Januar y and a Happy Bags pre -loved unwanted clothing appeal on Monday 27th (donations from the community gladly accepted).
We will continue to suppor t the many charities that we do each year. We are par t of a ver y generous and caring community and had a fantastic response to our collections last year which included Children in Need, The Royal British Legion, The Need Project, Save the Children and Comic Relief.
There has also been continued suppor t for the SMSA fundraising events which all goes to benefit the children in school Thank you to ever yone as always
Please remember you can still talk to us if you are applying for a place in our school for September 2025! The deadline for applications through Central Bedfordshire admissions is 15th Januar y 2025 so there is still time to view our school with our Headteacher if you have any questions
Please look out for our monthly Newsletter here in the Stotfold News or visit www stmar ysacademystotfold co uk for fur ther up-coming events and information!
We hope you all have a wonder ful Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Happy New Year from St Mar y’s Academy
Fair field Park Lower School
Fair field enjoyed our Christmas celebrations including Christmas per formances of Santa is on Strike in Year 1 and 2, Straw and Order in Year and 4 and A Miracle in Town in Reception The children sang wonder fully, projected their voices and used instruments beautifully The choir sang carols at Fair field Manor and the children made wreaths and cards for the residents
The children enjoyed Christmas lunch, with Christmas songs and games There was even a visit from a special someone dressed in red! We finished the term with Nurser y singing songs around the Christmas tree and the whole school carol ser vice Januar y will be a busy month as we welcome the children back to school on Tuesday 7th Januar y 2025 We will be taking par t in Redborne events such as, Dance and Athletics!
During the Spring term the topics that are being covered by all classes are:
Nurser y - The Sky
Reception – Traditional Tales
Year 1 - Wonder ful Weather
Year 2 - Ice Worlds
Year 3 - Law & Order
Year 4 - Fast Fashion
Value of the Half Term: Trust
Fair field Park Lower School, Dickens Boulevard & Ruskin Drive
Email: office@fair fieldparklower.uk 01462 830000
News fro Roecroft Lower School
I am not sure how we are welcoming in 2025 already, time really does fly, especially when you work in a busy school that has terms that whizz by I hope all of the Stotfold community had a restful break over the festive period and were able to welcome in the New Year with loved ones nearby
Ever y year I think I share with you all how Spring term is one of our favourites in school, it is the term that gives the most time to immersive teaching and learning, the children are settled in their classes now, rested from the two weeks break and ready to dive into learning. This has been ver y much the case from our Key Stage 1 children, their update is below;
Wow, what a wonder ful first school term Key Stage 1 have had! We were ver y busy finishing our Autumn topics of learning; Year 1 were exploring ‘A Toy Stor y’ and Year 2 were looking at the theme of ‘Fire and Ice’. Both year groups had exciting topic days which included Year 1 investigating materials that could make a waterproof spaceship for Buzz and also joining in with games from the past such as marbles and pick up sticks
Year 2 welcomed in an external company and took par t in role play to show the events of The Great Fire of London and they also handled ar tefacts to find out about life at this time
Year 2 were also for tunate enough to have the local fire
ser vice visit and discuss how to stay safe in the event of a fire
Full Christmas craziness was also in full swing by December which we all ver y much enjoyed The children took par t in Christmas Jumper Day and we also had class Christmas par ties! Our Christmas lunch together in the hall then brought our school term to a special festive close
Now that we have reached the Spring term, we have some interesting new topics to explore. Year 1 will be looking at ‘A Knight’s Tale’ and we have some exciting learning planned around the book ‘How to Catch a Dragon’. In Year 2, we will be exploring the topic ‘Kings and Queens’ by comparing different monarchs from the past and present.
All of our curriculum information is available on our website if you would like to see more detail about what we are covering.
It is going to be another exciting term ahead, and we are looking for ward to embracing our new topics, joining in with Easter celebrations at the end of the term and welcoming some much-needed sunshine!
Wishing you all a healthy and kind 2025
With warmest wishes from Mrs Cross and the team
Year 1 enjoyed the Toy Stor y topic!
News from Pix Brook A cademy
The year has flown by! At PBA I can already see that this year is going to be no different from the previous in that we are once again managing a significant growth in pupils and staff. During the last few months we have successfully recruited new staff to extend our upper school provision. As a school that was always designed to be a secondar y school, albeit with an extension to include year 5 and 6 we have been for tunate to be able to plan for the key stage four curriculum we want to deliver.
For pupils the curriculum continues. Books are being read in English, calculations under taken in Maths, experiments in science, activities in PE and the host of normal school experiences are played out each and ever y day at school. The busyness of a normal school day is all par t of the process of being at school and all the more reason why it is so impor tant that all pupils attend as regularly as possible
While this long - term work continues, we are also determined to develop our pupil experience Young voices will per form at the 02 and we have launched our PGL trip for this year and the ski trip for next year D of E has star ted and we have had some great suppor t from our parent and staff body to make this a great experience Of course, our pupils continue to per form magnificently in terms of their engagement with clubs and our spor ts teams have competed across the county and beyond with great success Seeing the school develop so quickly has been exciting and a little challenging at times but the commitment of staff and suppor t from pupils and parents has been outstanding Beyond these events lessons continue to be delivered in a consistent and thoughtful way Our model of collegiate planning means that all pupils, regardless of their teacher is provided with a consistent diet of lesson experiences that is not dependent on the person delivering the lesson We look to develop our curriculum in a way that can take its inspiration from the best available We are not constrained by school histor y or resources and instead can work with colleagues excited by the prospect of developing their subject area to enthuse our pupils to achieve. School is about extending and improving life chances and by having a large body of staff who have joined the school to take advantage of the oppor tunity to make a difference we are in an excellent place to do just that.
As always, we look to the next year with optimism, there is much to look for ward to and much more to be done, but this is always the case in schools!
Happy New Year from all at Etonbur y and welcome back to the Spring Term This time of the school year always brings optimism and hope as many of us are desperately tr ying to stick to our new year ’s resolutions and the days begin to get just a little longer and brighter
We are thrilled to announce that we have achieved the best GCSE results in central Bedfordshire for the second consecutive year This success is a testament to our student’s hard work and dedication, as well as the commitment of our exceptional teachers, and the suppor t of our families
At school, we begin to star t the countdown to the examinations in the summer! There will be much work for our pupils to do in this time including beginning to plan their revision timetables and focusing on the impor tance of these exams for their futures We will of course suppor t them as much as possible at school with revision sessions, recap lessons and inter vention work, so that they can achieve the best possible outcomes We are now in our seventh year of GCSE’s and our first year of A -Level examinations at Etonbur y We are really proud of our school and our achievements and for tunate to be based on such a large, open beautiful green site
Positivity and achievements in the school are a real focus throughout all years Our students are rewarded daily with praise points Our children are incredibly responsive to our positive ethos and our staff enjoy interacting with them and acknowledging individuals’ achievements. We also share school news, celebrations and more on our social media platforms, Facebook and X .
We are continuing to show prospective parents, carers and pupils around Etonbur y Academy. Please do get in touch with us on 01462 730391 or via email eta -office@bestacademies. org.uk to book. School tours for prospective parents provide a real sense of what we offer here at Etonbur y To learn more about admissions simply scan our QR code
Applications for a place in year 5 close on 15th Januar y, via Central Bedfordshire School Admissions Sixth Form applications are now open for September 2025 – please apply via https://www etonbur y org uk/sixth-form/applications
We believe we are a small, compassionate and exceptional educational community Our children are happy and achieve their full potential, come and see for yourself what makes Etonbur y special
Mrs J Young Principal Etonbur y Academy
Your Health Matters with Amber Health
Who Are Amber Health?
We are a team of highly qualified health professionals ser ving the local community in Nor th Her ts At Amber Health we aim to help patients understand the cause of their complaints and provide the appropriate treatment and advice to enable them to live pain free and optimise their health We see babies who are weeks old and all the way through to people in later life
Louise leads the team of five osteopaths – Tim, Louise, Tom, Adam and Hermione We all treat a wide range of conditions including ar thritic pain, frozen shoulder, joint pain, headaches arising from neck issues, neck pain, acute and chronic back pain, lower back pain, sciatica, minor spor ts injuries, neuralgia, circulator y problems, cramp, digestive problems, and fibromyalgia
Mandy leads our reception team of Kay, Diane, Heather and Tess They are here to help you make appointments, give you information and keep ever y thing running like clockwork
What We Offer at Amber Health
Our ser vices include - Osteopathy, Cranial Osteopathy, Shockwave Therapy, Diagnostic Ultrasound Scanning and Online Pilates
Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy which takes a whole -body approach to healthcare, it uses diagnostic and therapeutic techniques aiding the body’s own healing mechanisms, to improve health across the body’s system. Shockwave Therapy is the application of high energy sound waves that are used to help stimulate healing in soft tissue structures, reduce inflammation and de - sensitise ner ves. Diagnostic Ultrasound Scanning can be used to help identify injuries and confirm diagnoses for tendonitis, spor ts injuries, muscle tears and joint pain.
Pilates is a method of whole -body exercise with an emphasis on strengthening muscle group to develop function and sustain movement patterns throughout the body
If you do have any aches and pains or would like some advice on how to improve your health, then please call the clinic on 01462 490141 to see one of our specialists
The Amber Health Team
19 High Street, Baldock, Her ts SG7 6A Z
Adver tising Feature
YOU SPOKE AND WE LISTENED...
So, it seemed that our FUN QUIZ was taxing our brains perhaps a little harder than it should! We’ve decided to mix things up a bit this year and tr y a slightly different format with fewer, less tricky questions and even some picture quizzes thrown in from time to time for good measure! As ever, we are truly grateful to Stotfold resident David who ver y kindly compiles this quiz for us each month in his own time - we really do appreciate it David! GOOD LUCK!
So, here goes!
1 I don’t believe it! The two characters pictured right, looking unusually happy, featured in which British TV comedy series?
2 “The Chain” was a track used on British television as the introductor y music to coverage of Formula One motor racing and is taken from which immensely successful 1970s album by rock group Fleetwood Mac?
3 What is the surname of Adrian, the fictional British teenage boy whose secret diar y and later works was created by author Sue Townsend during the 1980s?
4 According to a book featuring the famous literar y character pictured at the top of the page, “second star on the left and straight on ‘ til morning” are the directions to where?
5 A currently League Two football team playing home matches at Priestfield Stadium and nicknamed the Gills, represent which English town in Kent?
6 Perhaps best known in the UK as a garage sale, by what name is the same sor t of event more popularly known in the USA?
7 One of the largest exhibition centres in the UK, Kelvin Hall spor ts and ar ts centre, pictured below is situated in which Scottish city?
8 What three -letter word, the Latin for ‘Light’, is the SI unit of illuminance and is also the brand name of a soap bar made by Unilever?
9 Give the title of the British television police series of the 1960s which featured such characters as DCI Charlie Barlow and DS John Watt?
10 The 20th centur y British actor Rober t Newton vir tually invented the image of the eye -rolling pirate when he played the character pictured right in a 1950s film Name the character?
For more fascinating facts and to download and read my novels, completely free of charge visit davidstedman.co.uk
Thinking about divorce…
Thinking about life after a divorce or relationship breakdown can be an emotional rollercoaster It is normal to feel ner vous, anxious, and confused
Here are some tips from Family Solicitor Katharine Scoot at HR J Foreman Laws Solicitors to help you through the process
Be prepared
To make your first meeting as productive as possible, it is helpful to have all your essential documents to hand These will include photographic ID, utility bills with your current address and any legal documents from your par tner's solicitor Also, jot down impor tant dates like when you married, when you separated, dates of bir th of your children
Child arrangements
Ever y situation is unique, so our team of family solicitors will work closely with you to reach an agreement that is in the best interests of your children
Check your finances
Prepare a list of assets and debts that need consideration in your divorce settlement. This may include your home, additional proper ties, vehicles, stocks, business interests, trusts, insurance policies, pensions, and savings.
Plan for life after divorce
Once a settlement has been agreed it is impor tant that this is drawn up into a cour t Order and approved by the cour t so that you have a legally binding settlement. This is impor tant because even though divorced, either spouse may have a claim on the other ’s income, assets, or future inheritance unless you have an approved cour t Order
To schedule an appointment email info@hrjforemanlaws co uk or call 01462 458711
Our experienced team of specialists in family and matrimonial law will help you focus on nding the most amicable resolution for your situation
• Relationship breakdown
• Divorce
• Dissolving a Civil Partnership
• Separation
• Matrimonial nances • Children • Pre-nup/Post-nup Agreements • Cohabitee disputes • Living together Agreements
Stotfold Football Club
in November. The Reser ve Team won three and drew one of their November fixtures. Unfor tunately they went out of the Division 1 cup with a 4-0 loss at home to Langford. The Women’s Team won their only league fixture but progressed in the Beds Women’s Junior Cup with a 1-0 win over Real Bedford Ladies and Girls Development. They also progressed in the League Cup with a walk over after Flitwick Blues could not raise a team. The Club wishes ever yone a ver y Happy New Year.
Fixtures
1st team 1st Januar y 3pm Away Real Bedford
Reser ves 4th Januar y 3pm Home AFC Welwyn
Women 5th Januar y 2pm Away St Margaretsbur y Ladies First
1st team 7th Januar y 7.45 Away Nor th Leigh
1st team 11th Januar y 3pm Away Aylesbur y Utd
Reser ves 11th Januar y 3pm Home Cranfield Utd
Women 12th Januar y 2pm Away Ware Utd Ladies
1st team 18th Januar y 3pm Home Beaconsfield Town
Reser ves 18th Januar y Away Rushden and Higham Utd
Women 19th Januar y 2pm Away Biggleswade Utd ( Women Development -Beds
Women’s Junior Cup S/F)
1st team 25th Januar y 3pm Home Bar ton Rovers
Reser ves 25th Januar y 3pm Away Huntingdon Town
Women 26th Januar y 2pm Home St Margaretsbur y Ladies First
CAN YOU HELP WE NEED MORE VOLUNTEERS TO HELP OUR GROWING CLUB? JSJ Stadium New Roker Park Arlesey Road Stotfold 01462 539297
SHOWE R S AFELY W IT H A B MA S B ATHROOM
Featuring Stotfold Runners, NHRR, JK
Jujitsu Club & Wellbeing walks
JKSK Karate Update.
Local Spor ts News
Calling all dance clubs, gym clubs, judo clubs... whatever your spor t - WE WANT YOUR SPORTS NEWS! stotfold.news@yahoo.co.uk
Stotfold Runners News.
Introducing to you our new Black Belt 1st Dan - Idunn
Strong and our 2nd Dan are Henr y Barrance, Adam Cur tin and Amanda Cur tin. Tough grading but their sheer determination, tenacity and skills got them there in the end. All their hard work paid off. Awesome guys. Osu!
Contact 07742 820956 or info@jksk.co.uk
WELLBEING
WALKS
Are you looking to make new friends?
Wellbeing Walks are a local walking group where ever yone is welcome.
Walks star t at 10.45am Januar y 2nd, 9th,16th, Corner of Hospital Rd/ High St Arlesey Thursday 23rd, 30th. Scout Hut, Baldock Rd Stotfold
For more details contact Beth Over field on 01462 815672
Nor th Her ts
Road Runners
We star t off the New Year with the first Sat of the month 5k at Letchwor th Common on 7th Jan at 9am.. this is open to runners of all abilities and the entr y is free. We have a thriving club with over 250 members and we meet at 7pm on Tues and Thurs. Our training sessions are with qualified coaches. We welcome runners of all abilities so come along for a taster session. We are based in Letchwor th www nhrr org uk or call Ian 07506429928
JANUARY FUN QUIZ ANSWERS: (Page 29.) 1) “One FOOT in the Grave”; 2) “Rumours”; 3) MOLE; 4) Neverland; 5) Gillingham; 6) YARD sale; 7) Glasgow; 8) LUX; 9) “Z Cars”; 10) Long John Silver
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 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
In other news, Last month, Stotfold Runners, held a Pub Quiz & Raffle at The Chequers - we raised around £600 for the charity Eight of us then took par t in the Bassingbourn 10 mile race on 24th November All of us finished the race and we had some excellent Personal Bests recorded too See our picture top left!!
Stotfold
Jujitsu Club News
Congratulations to John Nutley on passing his adult yellow belt
Fantastic grading and great effor t from a ver y talented young man. www.totalselfdefence.co.uk
Window and door 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
News from Our Local Churches.
Salvation Army Fellowship
20th Januar y SAFARIS, SUMMITS & SCHOOL SHOES
Tony & Caren Street
Enquiries: 01462 731072 ALL WELCOME
Sunday Ser vices
5 Januar y: All Age Ser vice at 10 30am
12 Januar y: Communion Ser vice at 10 30am King’s Kids and Youth will run and creche will be available with parental responsibility
19 Januar y: Ser vice at 10.30am. King’s Kids and Youth will run and creche will be available with parental responsibility.
26 Januar y: Communion Ser vice at 10.30am. King’s Kids and Youth will run and creche will be available with parental responsibility.
Tots & Toddlers term time only (Ages 0 to Pre - school and their Carers) Mondays: 9.15am – 11.00am
Accelerate for Children 10-13 term time Tuesdays: 6.00pm – 7.00pm
Home from Home: Free, all welcome: join us for soup, tea, coffee, cake, biscuits, games, puzzles, ar ts & crafts
Wednesdays: 1 00pm – 3 00pm Prayer Meetings
Sundays: 6 00pm – 7 30pm
Wednesdays: 10 00am – 12 00 noon
King’s Baptist Church, The Green. SG5 4AN www.kingsbaptistchurch.co.uk
HOPE Strict Baptist Chapel
Mill Lane, Stotfold.
NEW YEAR PR AYER MEETING
Wednesday 1st @ 10.00 a.m.
SERVICES OF WORSHIP
Ever y Sunday 10 30 a m & 2 15 p m
Wednesdays 8;22;29 7 15 p m
PR AYER MEETINGS
Wednesday 15th 7 15 p m
YOUNG PEOPLE’S MEETING (age 15+)
Saturday 4th 7 00 p m
BIBLE CLASS
Sunday 12th 7:00 p m
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Ever y Sunday 9:15 a m –10 00 a m
ALL ARE MOST WELCOME. Minister:Mr. G.E.Hadley. Tel: 01462 686803 hopechapelstotfold.org
News from St Guthlac’s, Astwick
New Year can be a time of personal reflection, to make resolutions or commit ourselves to something new In the church calendar we enter the season of Epiphany as we recall the majestic arrival of the Magi or Wise Men to the crib of Christ They come bearing gifts in offering and acknowledgement of who Jesus is and his future So, maybe it is also a time to consider what we can offer, whatever and however that looks. To par ticipate in something bigger and to offer ourselves, knowing that for God, offering ourselves, just as we are, is always enough.
St Guthlac’s have a ser vice ever y first Sunday of the month at 11:15am
Have a ver y Blessed New Year! Rev’d Jane Wheatley and Rev’d Jenna Dearden
News from Our Local Churches.
News from St Mar y’s
Special events in Januar y
Church
In Januar y the Community Coffee Morning will not be on the first Wednesday of the month, instead it will 10 30am Wednesday 8 Januar y
Let’s talk about your questions over a meal
Do you have questions you’d like to ask about who Jesus is and what his followers believe? Star ting on Tuesday evenings in Januar y, St Mar y’s Church will be holding a series of informal meals at the Roecroft Centre for people who are curious about faith For more information contact Revd Bill on 730218
Worship Ser vices
1st Sunday of Jan: 8 00am Communion; 9 00am Sunday Morning Prayer; 10 00am Parish Communion; 4 00pm Tea Time Praise for young families
2nd,4th & 5th Sundays: 9am Sunday Morning Prayer; 10am Parish Communion
Third Sunday 9am Communion; 10am Parish Praise (ser vice without Holy Communion); 5.30-7.00pm Youth Gathering in Vicarage Sunday School 10.00am Second & Four th Sundays
Wednesday Ser vice: 9.45am Parish Communion
Hymns for Fun, 2.00pm on the 2nd Wednesday of the month Monday – Saturday: 9.00am Morning Prayer.
Christenings held on the 4th Sunday of each month. Please contact Sara Clark on 01462 625270 . Funerals. The church is available for local funerals. For information speak to your funeral director or telephone Revd Bill Britt on 01462 730218
Weddings: To be married in your parish Church contact Revd Billl www stotfoldchurch org uk,
Down Memory Lane
This picture was kindly loaned to us by Kath at the Stotfold Launderette - she thinks it’s a spor ts team from the Queens Head? We might need some help with this one? Can you shed any light or name anyone pictured here? Kath’s father Ted ( Webb) and Uncle Sid ( Webb) are pictured - Can you name anyone else? 01462 731986 or stotfold news@yahoo co uk
STOTFOLD GARDEN CLUB
Meetings and Trips
Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month at St Mar y’s Church Hall, Church Road Wednesday 8th Januar y 2025 AGM and Quiz Tea and Coffee ser ved For more information, contact Peter on: (01462) 834854 or 07758649721
ARLESEY
PHARMACY
FREE Pr escription deliver y ser vice to “housebound and vulner able” patients.
FREE Repeat pr escription "dr op-of f" and collection ser vice fr om Ar lesey Medical Centr e and Lar ksfield (Stotfold) Sur ger y.
Mon to Fri 8.45am - 1pm & 2.00pm - 6.15pm
Useful Telephone Numbers
General Helplines:
Citizen’s Advice Bureau
01525 402742
Trading Standards Advice Line 0300 300 8136
Samaritans 01462 455333
Bir ths, Deaths & Marriages 0300 300 8089
Stotfold Good Neighbour Group 07599 925587
Churches
Hope Chapel 01462 686803
King’s Baptist Church 01462 730521
Methodist Church 01462 731167
Salvation Army Hall 01462 731072
St Mar y’s Church 01462 730218
St Mar y's Church Hall 07727 688877
Friends of St Mar y’s 01462 834108
Fair field Community Church 07376 740410
Local Council
Stotfold Town Council 01462 730064
Email:enquiries@stotfoldtowncouncil gov uk
Central Bedfordshire Council 0300 300 8000
Email: customers@centralbedfordshire gov uk
www centralbedfordshire gov uk
Doctor
Larksfield Surger y Appointments
01462 732200
Enquiries 01462 732200
Out of Hours Ser vice: Call 111
Arlesey Medical Centre 01462 732144
Household Emergencies
Electricity Emergencies
0800 783 8838
Gas Emergencies 0800 111999
Housing
First Garden City Homes 01462 683307
Grand Union Housing - all enquiries 0300 123 5544
Cafe
Box of Cakes Cafe & Cake Shop 07812 055587
Health/Social Helplines
Alcoholics Anonymous 01438 747475
Childline 0800 1111
National Menengitis Trust 0845 6000800
Samaritans 08457 909090
NSPCC 0800 800 5000
Hospitals
Bedford Hospital
01234 355122
Lister Hospital 01438 314333
NHS Direct 0845 46 47
Librar y
Stotfold Librar y
0300 300 8068
Arlesey Resource Centre & Librar y 01462 731469.
Police
Beds Police (Crime repor ting) 01234 841212
Crimestoppers 0800 555111
Pubs
Coach & Horses
01462 734135
Fox & Duck 01462 732434
The Crown 01462 731061
The Stag Tavern 01462 731098
Transpor t
Trains (National Enquiries) 08457 484950
Whitbread Wanderbus 0300 123 3023
Schools
Etonbur y Academy 01462 730391
Pix Brook Academy 01462 416243
Fair field Park Lower School 01462 830000
Roecroft Lower School 01462 730336
St Mar y’s Academy 01462 730343
Samuel Whitbread Academy 01462 629900
Nurseries
Pippin Pre -School
01462 834897
Poppies Nurser y 07833 927906
Poppyfields Nurser y 01462 830008
Busy Bees 01462 734306
Taxi Ser vice Greenacre Transfers
Airpor ts & Chauffeur Ser vices 07555 70 78 48 www.greenacretransfers.co.uk
Local Adver tiser Director y
AD Garden Rooms
A JB Fencing
A J Day Builders
Alfie’s Barbers
All Wrapped Up - Balloons and Florist
Amber ’s Alterations
Andy Leonard Painter & Decorator
Arlesey Walking Group
Arlesey Pharmacy
01438 313765
07837 791365
01767 314445
01462 658449
07886 569134
07941 010447
07889 903283
01462 638286
01462 731200
Arlesey Social Club 01462 731361
Ask Phil (Garden Rooms, Driveways, Windows) 01462 545729
Aquarius Garden Design
Barn Hair Studio
Bal & Co Motor Care
Bandits Pet Shop
Bews Electrical
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
Carpet Cleaning - ACCS Ltd
Carpet Cleaning - The Cleaning Hub
Carpets & Flooring - Paul Faulkner
Cascade Water Ser vices
Catsitter - Claire
Computer Repairs - Nick Saunders
The Cooker Buddy Oven Cleaning
Chris Webster, Stotfold
(Correspondent for The Comet )
Darren Peters Proper ty Maintenance
Dennison’s - House & Garden Clearance
Drain Doctor
Electrician - Terr y C Seymour
Fair field Bowls Club
Fencing (A JB)
Finesse Interiors
First Step Estate Agents
Foot Health Professional - Vicki Eagles
01462 731292
01462 835611
01462 731500
07787 502906
01462 834488
07817 766997
07817545314
07812 055587
01462 732628
01462 730884
01462 735999
01462 231257
01462 629302
07990 297297
01462 731674
07887 531034
07984 344997
07521 279960
01462 810065
01462 834108
01462 733322
07522 354141
01462 730769
01462 236559
07811 738599
07837 791365
01462 896046
01462 659730
07812 399659
Foot Pro Podiatr y 07377 536685
FullFlow Pressure Washing
Gifford Dance Academy
Graham Smith Brickwork & Paving
Green Door Lettings Management
Greenacre Transfers Airpor ts & Chauffeur Ser vices
www greenacretransfers co uk
Guides - Stotfold Guide Association
Henlow Vets
House of Fitness Pole fitness
Hypnotherapy - Pathway Hypnotherapy Rooms
James’s Carpentr y & Handyman Ser vice
Jar vis Footcare
Kumari Chiropractic
Liams Butchers
Locksmith Ser vices
Lower Wilbur y Farm
07306 085207
07585 221513
07703 171857
01462 510765
07555 707848
01462 235273
01462 416416
07840 268099
07497157531
01462 234292
07816 329363
07479 945995
07584 979361
01462 290226
07988 771107
Maintenance Ser vices - SHMS 01462 887366
Mice & Tidy 07835 983807
Mow & Weedit Garden Ser vices 07765 495200
New Kitchens 01462 812826
Nicky’s Nails 07747 042239
Nor th Her ts Road Runners 01462 639215
Orange Hen Travel 01707 903761
Oven Clean & Repair Ser vices 07878 444559
Painter/Decorator - Paul A Robinson 07761 751634
01462 232642
Paul Eley Tiling 07818 000508
Paul Williams Home Repairs & Maintenance 07881 289161
Piano Lessons - Christine Walker 01462 731357
Piano Lessons - Elmitt Piano Academy 07449 461465
Pilates - Zanna Newton 07719 862371
Pet Grooming - Paws & Claws 07913 005268
Plumbing - ALM Plumbing 07950 311963
Plumbing - C Plumb 01462 700862
Plumbing & Heating - GSP Heating & Plumbing 01462 615922
Plumbing - J D Heating & Plumbing Ser vices LTD 07474 444288
Plum-tek 01462 618058
Ray The Carpenter 07885 020895
RH Gardens 01462 612033
Roecroft Centre - Maureen Winters 07727 688877
Regency Flowers 01462 732616
Stotfold & Arlesey Royal British Legion 01462 734133
Satchells Estate Agents 01462 733730
Saunders Garage 01462 730222
Sheldon Electricals 01767 448188
Shel's Shabby Chic, Vintage painted furniture & workshops 01462 234228
Sigma Computer Ser vices 01462 742783
Slimming World 07515 557803
Solicitors - HR J Foreman Laws 01462 458711
St Mar y's Church Hall 07727 688877
Stotfold Ar t Group 07821 502367
Stotfold Bowls Club 07739 760719
Stotfold Conser vative Club 01462 730534
Stotfold Football Club 01462 539297
Stotfold Gardening Club 01462 834854
Stotfold Good Neighbour Group 07599 925587
Stotfold Junior Football Club 07706 951263
Stotfold Judo Club 07872 594499
Stotfold Twirlers 07732 505614
Stotfold Mill 01462 734541
Stotfold News Magazine 01462 731986
Stotfold Pharmacy 01462 730249
Stotfold Shor t Mat Bowls Club 01462 629575
Tailoring Ser vice 07575 417217
The Rooms Hair and Beauty 01462 835538
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 Ltd
Window Cleaning (Jacks)
01462 629302
07950 510589
Yoga - Freda Dodswor th 01767 627611
