From the Editor
Welcome to July!
We have lots of interesting ar ticles inside this issue, with various up and coming events and a ver y special Stotfold bir thday to boot Speaking of events, by the time you read this, Stotfest will be upon us! We are so looking for ward to this and hope that by then the better weather has arrived and we can enjoy a great day together as a community
Speaking of community, we are hoping that ever yone is able to get behind this year ’s Stotfold Challenge which has found it’s place firmly back on the Stotfold calendar for 2025. This year, all funds raised will be donated to DKMS - find out why this charity has been chosen on page 5 of this month’s issue We are so proud to be one of the sponsors of this event, and truly hope ever yone will come along to show thier suppor t and have a great time
Our Local Life feature this month takes a slightly different spin as we have the pleasure of inter viewing one of Stotfold’s best known faces - Mr Ray Kilby. We hope you enjoy spending ‘a day in the life of Ray’ (although he doesn’t share his secret for having the best kept gaden in Stotfold sadly!)
We hope you all have a wonder ful month of July! School is officially out for summer - for those parents with small people to enter tain, we wish you luck! (turn to page 10 for some great ideas on keeping them busy!
Until next month,
Joanne - Editor
With thanks to this month’s contributors:
Nikki Lane (FRONT COVER) Stotfold Town Council, ray Kilby (Local Life) Stotfold Mill, Stotfold Football Club, Our local schools, Stotfold Ar t Group, Our local Churches, The Need Project, Jo Loach, NHRR, Stotfold Runners & all our usual regular contributors.
News from Stotfold Town Council
Local Life Special
Update from Stotfold Librar y Letters
Mental Health Matters
Update from The Need Project Family Announcements
July Fun QUIZ
News from Stotfold Football Club
Local Spor ts News
Church Ser vices & News
Down Memor y Lane - Shop Special II
Page 5-11
Page 8
Page 13
Page 14
Page 15
Page 16
Page 17
Page 18
Page 26
Page 27
Page 28-29
Page 30-31
Page 32-33
NEXT ISSUE AUGUST Please note: our adver tising deadline will be the 6th
Stotfold C halle nge Page 5
Sto tfo ld Walking Mark et 2025 Page 7
Sto tfo ld Li brary Ope n Day Page 11
Local Life with Ray Kil by Page 13
Ce ntenary C elebrations For Edward Page 18
Down M emo ry Lane Pages 32-33
STOTFOLD Diary Of Events..
CHANGE OF DATE
St Mar y’s Church Summer Fete
Saturday 12th July
Saturday 9th - Cars on The Green 1pm onwards, live music & food
Parking on Millenium Green (as Mill) Fun for all the family - In aid of MND Association & Garden House Hospice Monday 25th Stotfold Walking Market
Vicarage Garden Church Road 2-4pm SEPTEMBER
JULY
Saturday 12th – (NEW DATE)
Summer Fete – Vicarage Garden, Church Road 2–4pm
Saturday & Sunday 19th & 20th
Stotfold Ar t Group
Exhibition and craft sale - Stotfold Mill
Sunday 27th
Stotfold Challenge (see details on P5)
Fun for all the family - Charity fun run plus refreshments & enter tainment! We hope to see you there!
Saturday 6th Cream Tea Afternoon –
St Mar y’s Church Hall 2-5pm Saturday 27th - Stotfold Town Council Outdoor Cinema event
OCTOBER
Saturday 11th – Jigsaw Sale
St Mar y’s Church Hall 10-12
NOVEMBER
Saturday 8th – Winter Fair
St Mar y’s Church Hall 2-4pm Sunday 9th - Remembrance Sunday ser vice & parade
Saturday 15th - Table Top Sale
St Mar y’s Church Hall 10-12
Saturday 22nd Stotfold Community Chrismas Fair (more details to follow) Saturday 29th - Stotfold Town Council Christmas Light Switch On event.
DECEMBER
Saturday & Sunday 6th/7th –
St Mar y’s Church - Christmas Tree Festival
Fair field W.I NEXT MEETING
2nd JULY 7.00PM
EYES DOWN for our BINGO NIGHT!
Join us for an evening of fun! Email fair fieldbedswi@gmail.com for fur ther details
Useful Telephone Numbers
Citizen s Advice Bureau
Samaritans
01525 402742
01462 455333
Register 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
Fair field Community Church 07376 740410
Local Council
Stotfold Town Council
01462 730064
Central Bedfordshire Council 0300 300 8000
Doctor
Larksfield Surger y Enquiries
01462 732200
Out of Hours Ser vice: Call 111
Arlesey Medical Centre 01462 732144
Hospitals
Bedford Hospital
01234 355122
Lister Hospital 01438 314333
Transpor t
Whitbread Wanderbus
0300 123 3023
Electricity Emergencies
0800 783 8838
Gas Emergencies 0800
Librar y Stotfold Librar y
Beds Police (Crime repor ting) 01234 841212 Crimestoppers 0800 555111
Hall Hire
St Mar y's Church Hall 07727 688877
Roecroft Centre 07727 688877
Stotfold Memorial Hall 01462 730064
St Mar y’s Church Hall 07727 688877
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 Taxi Ser vice
Greenacre Transfers Airpor
NEWS
Stotfold Challenge A Fun Day For All The Family!
This year ’s Stotfold Challenge takes place on SUNDAY 27th JULY and is looking to be a fantastically fun day out for all the family! This year a wonder ful team of fundraisers from Stotfold are organising the event to raise money for DKMS UK in honour of Amelie, a brave local girl who has fought leukaemia an incredible four times
This year ’s challenge suppor ts DKMS in their mission to find lifesaving stem cell donors and give more people, like Amelie, a second chance at life.
This event would only be possible with the hard work of the fantastic fundraising team, together with event sponsors Pendleton Gym, Countr y Proper ties, JSJ Roofing, Bookers, Fairhaven Foods and Lower Wilbur y Farm Shop
The Stotfold News Magazine are also delighted to get onboard to help this wonder ful cause.
The day itself is looking like a fun day for all the family. Alongside the fun run itself, there is also a BBQ, great live music and refreshments at Stotfold Football Club on Arlesey Road. Ever y runner will receive a goody bag and a special Stotfold Challenge medal to mark their achievement! (A huge thank you to JSJ Roofing who sponsored this years medals - they really do look special!) All runners taking par t wearing their Stotfold Juniors football kit will receive half price entr y on the day so be sure to show your colours and grab the discount! Registration star ts at 8 30am
If you haven’t signed up to take par t yet there is still timethe link is as follows You can also find this on the Stotfold Challenge facebook page and the Stotfold News Magazine facebook page www ticketsource co uk/milesformiracles
Do come along and show your suppor t - even if you are not running there is still a fun day to be had and money to be raised! We hope that Stotfold will get behind this wonder ful event and show their suppor t - Lets all have fun whilst giving back to an amazing cause at the same timeWe look for ward to seeing you there!
Stotfold Football Club - Arlesey Road
Registration 8.30am Runners star t 9.30am Walkers & fun runners 10.30am
BBQ
Stotfold’s Amelie who was recently helped by the charity DKMS
Gold Duke O f Edinburgh
Award for Neve.
Buckingham Palace welcomed young people from all over the countr y last month to celebrate them achieving their Gold Duke Of Edinburgh's Awards. Among them was Neve Church from Stotfold.
Neve attended the palace alongside her ver y proud family who wanted to thank staff and volunteers at our local schools, spor ts clubs and voluntar y organisations, for helping Neve achieve her award. In par ticular, they were keen to express their thanks to Mr McGee at Etonbur y Academy, Charmaine and Danielle at Fifth Stotfold Rainbows, Vicky at Stotfold District Girlguiding and Aim4spor t Archer y Club. Congratulations Neve!
Stotfold Ar t Group Summer Exhibition.
Ever y year Stotfold Watermill kindly hosts our Summer Exhibition in the Ivel room This year's event is being held on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th July from 12 30pm to 5pm on both days
Looking at pictures is thirsty work, so a visit to the tea room is essential, where you can see more of our work There's plenty of retail oppor tunity too as the Kingfisher shop will also be opening on Saturday
As many of our members are keen crafters and card makers, there will be plenty of tempting crafts and jeweller y. for sale. We look for ward to seeing you there!
In the Ivel Room at Stotfold Watermill
Saturday 19th & Sun 20th July From 12 30-5 pm Original Art, Cards and Crafts
The Mill Tea Room and Shop are open both days for refreshments - Free entry. We look forward to welcoming you!
www.facebook.com/stotfoldartgroup
Email us at stotfoldar tgroup@outlook com or visit our facebook page - Stotfold Ar t Group
Neve pictured at the ceremony at Buckingham Palace in May
NEWS
Stotfold Walking Market
Are You Planning On Taking Par t?
The plans for this year ’s Stotfold Walking Market are rapidly taking shape, with entr y now open to register your stalls The event - organised jointly between the Stotfold News Magazine and Stotfold Town Council takes place on Bank Holiday Monday 25th August and has become a firm favourite on the Stotfold calendar, with more and more stalls added to the map each year! Last year we registered over 140!
For anyone not familiar with how the Walking Market works, it is exactly what you would expect it to be - a day for anyone and ever yone to have a stall on their driveway or in their garage, selling unwanted household items, bric a brac, bikes and any thing else besides! We are ver y for tunate that in Stotfold we have quite a few crafters and local small independent businesses, so these will be featured too Refreshment stops will also be available.
To help those wishing to walk around the trail, there will be a Walking Market map once again, which you will be able to access online (a few printed copies will be available for collection for those that would prefer.) The Stotfold Salvation Army have ver y kindly agreed once again to open their facilities for anyone wishing to have their stall inside their hall, as opposed to their own home - this is ideal for anyone slightly ‘off the beaten track.’ The hall will also ser ve as a refreshment stop and map collection point We thank them for their suppor t once again For details on this please email:stotfold@salvationarmy org uk and they will come back to you
Do keep your eyes on both the Stotfold Town Council facebook page and our own facebook page for fur ther updates There is also a Stotfold Walking Market event page on facebook which we would encourage you to join if you are able to do so!
Registration for the Walking Market can be done by filling in the online form accessed via the QR code to the right if for any reason you are unable to do this yourself, you can call us at the Stotfold News Magazine and we will happily fill the form in with you over the phone
We are looking for ward to making this year ’s event bigger & better than ever before! It is always lovely to see the town busy and bustling on the day
Get your stall booked for the day today and make sure you sign up to the facebook page for more info!
One of the stalls at last years Stotfold Walking Market
Stotfold Town Council News from
THE GREENACRE CENTRE
With the new Stotfold librar y now open and looking fantastic we’re looking to make the Greenacre Centre into a welcoming community hub for ever yone
As par t of this transformation, the Council Chamber has been renamed the Community Room, and it’s available for hire The room already hosts a range of regular local groups, and we’re looking for ward to welcoming even more activities, workshops, and community events in the months ahead
We can accommodate up to 20 people around a table for a seated meeting, and up to 60 people theatre style Think about us the next time you’re looking for a venue for a meeting or training session
In addition to the Community Room, we also have the Maple Room for groups of up to six people Whether you’re planning a working from home day, team catch- up, a club meeting, or just need a quiet space, the Maple Room is ideal
Both rooms come equipped with free Wi-Fi and a large screen you can connect your device to To enquire about availability or make a booking, just give us a call or send us an email
Diar y of Events:
July / August Summer holiday activities - to be confirmed
25-Aug Stotfold Walking Market
27-Sep Outdoor Cinema
31-Oct Halloween Event
09-Nov Remembrance Sunday Parade and Ser vice
29-Nov Christmas Light Switch On
Keep an eye on our social media for fur ther updates.
CITIZENS ADVICE
First and third Thursday of the month, 10:00 – 13:00 Free, confidential advice on benefits, employment, housing, debt, relationships and other issues
SHEFFORD & STOTFOLD CHILDREN’S
CENTRE Free Drop in session.
Wednesdays, 09:15 – 11:00 (term time only)
A nur turing place to meet other local families with antenatal bumps and babies under 10mths old Different aspects of your baby's development covered each week
WHEELED SPORTS FACILITY
We’re excited to share the updated design for the new wheeled spor ts facility! The revised plans reflect the feedback received through the consultation, from our visits to the local schools and from our user group of local skaters There are more images available for you to view on our website and a detailed explanation from Betongpark outlining the key changes and the reasons behind them The next step is to present this the design to planning officers from Central Bedfordshire Council We’ll keep you informed as things progress
STOTFEST
We are now in the final stages of planning Stotfest and by the time this magazine is published it will be just around the corner Keep an eye out for a full write - up and plenty of photos in the next issue, capturing all the highlights from what’s sure to be a fantastic community celebration
The Greenacre Centre, Valerian Way, Stotfold Her ts SG5 4HG Tel: 01462 730064 Email: enquiries@stotfoldtowncouncil.gov.uk www.stotfoldtowncouncil.gov.uk
Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm Wednesdays 1pm - 5pm
Pictured: Rachel Willoughby (Stotfold Librar y, alongside CBC Cllr Tracey Wye and pupils from Roecroft School
Lola Receives Her Rainbow Gold Award
Congratulations to Lola Evans who has successfully completed her Rainbows Gold Award. Lola has worked incredibly hard to earn over 20 badges inorder to achieve this award. These badges include First Aid, Explorer, Book Lover, Agility and many more.
Stotfold Rainbows are helped by a great team of volunteer leaders and young helpers, including Charmaine, Imogen, Izzy, Isla and Kloe Huge congratulations to Lola on such a fantastic achievement
For more information on Stotfold Rainbows - either to join or to maybe help out contact stotfolddistrict@ girlguidingher tfordshire.org.uk
* fencing * decking * pergolas
* summer houses
For a FREE quotation call Andy on 07837 791365 or (01462) 628388
Established 20 years
Lola with Rainbow helper Charmaine Grainger in the background
Holiday A ctivities At
Stotfold Mill
With the summer holidays just around the corner, finding activities to occupy the children can often be tough, not to mind expensive! Stotfold Watermill have a summer holiday programme varied enough to appeal to any interests, including science, ar t, map reading and even pond dipping
For just £5 per child you can keep them enter tained and get them out and about, enjoying being out and about in our local nature reser ve and the Mill
Places are limited and will be offered on a first come first ser ved basis More details can be found on the website on the poster. All activities are suitable for Years 1-6 - with both morning and afternoon sessions available for all dates Get those dates booked in and star t filing in your summer activity calendar!
Children’s Holiday Activities 2025
STOTFOLD DEFIBRILLATOR LOCATIONS
Defibrillator Locations:
Greenacre Centre • The Co-op • The Barn • Kings Baptist Church • Stotfold Conser vative Club • Stotfold Football Club • Stotfold Memorial Hall • Roecroft School • Hitchin Road Recreational Ground • Pippin Pre -School • Etonbur y Academy • St Mar y’s Academy • Pix Brook Academy • Stotfold Salvation Army Hall • The Mossman Centre •The Rooms• Stotfold Mill • MJ Ryalls (Baldock Road)
Please check individual accessibility as some of these facilities may have their own individual opening hours.
Crime Figures Stotfold & Fair field APRIL 2025
( The most recent crime figures available from the Police national website)
Violence & sexual offences - 22 Antisocial behaviour - 9 Other theft -2 Other crime - 8
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 Librar y Communit y Open Day
Residents were invited to step inside the brand new Stotfold Librar y on Saturday 14th June as they hosted their community Open Day Event During the day librar y staff were able to showcase their new facility, with the oppor tunity for ever yone to take a walk around the building and see ever y thing it has to offer. Children were able to enjoy various activities, including facepainting and stor y time with Princess Belle, alongside some outdoor play.
The librar y was officially opened on Wednesday June 11th Librar y open hours will remain the same as previously, The times are as follows: Monday - CLOSED
Tuesday - 9am to 1pm Wednesday - 2pm to 6pm
Thursday - 9am to 1pm Friday - 9am to 1pm 2pm to 6pm
Saturday - 9am to 4pm Sunday - CLOSED
The new address of the librar y is:
Stotfold Librbar y, The Oak Hall, Greenacre Centre, Valerian Way, Stotfold, Hitchin SG5 4HG
The doors of the new Stotfold librar y facility
Ray Kil by -Head Mi ll er
LOCAL life..
We inter viewed Stotfold Mill’s Head of w he three es to future n
preparing the Mill for a Sunday open day or a group visit. First I clear the weed from the mill race, check the water levels and feed the swans and ducks I put the opening times and Tea Room boards out at the entrance and put the car park sign out
11 00am I return to the Mill to see the two Tea Room volunteers arrive to set up – There is a long list of checks, adjustments and activations to go through, star ting at the ver y top of the building with the activation of the sack hoist mechanism, opening hatches and switching on flood lights Next floor down I put the grain in the system and oats for the oat roller Next I check machiner y belts and that our barriers are safe and operational both for our Milling Team of volunteers and for the General Public who can visit the Mill free -of-charge when it opens at 12 30
Up on the first floor I then add sluice paddles to achieve 4”- 5” of water above the water wheel. Next I prepare Samuel and George, (our two operational millstones) which will be used for three milling demonstrations during the afternoon. Lastly I put bags on the boulter chutes, check our four querns for grain, bags etc. and check the dressing - up station in the Ivel Room - A must do activity for younger visitors! In the engine room I remove
the viewing window shutter which stops birds coming in and unlock the sluice wheel
I remember the many hours spent as par t of a skilled and enthusiastic team of volunteers restoring this equipment after the devastating fire in 1992. Time to get it ready – flood lights on, covers and bags on Samuel’s and George’s flour chutes (to prevent flour puffing out and covering our visitors in flour!) During the afternoon we run both stones alternately Sam is 200 years old and weighs 1½ tons George is 15 and weighs in at 2 tons
12 15pm It’s time to get the ball rolling The Water wheel weighs around five tonnes and is about 150 years old – it’s a bit stiff and takes a while to get going We open the sluice, let the water star t to fill the water wheel buckets and put the Mill into action, wheels turning, gears meshing, machines working and belts flapping The Mill comes alive It’s on with the bowler hat, waistcoat and neckerchief
12.30pm The doors are opened and hopefully many visitors enter, greeted by our volunteer staff to guide and inform With the help of our milling team, three demonstrations are given on the hour lasting 20 minutes, giving me time to chat to ever yone about how it all works and how flour is produced.
I enjoy informing visitors of the Mill’s histor y, stories of the past, at times inviting old and young to have a go. Our grain is a high protein bread-making grain called ‘Skyfall’ which is sold in the Mill shop, and in local outlets, along with our rolled
We love to learn more about the people that mak e S totfold suc h a wonde rful co mmunity to live in If you know somebody who would like to par ticipate in a future LOCAL LIFE feature then get in touch!
oats Mr Shaw of Bar ton Hills Farm supplies us with two- three tonnes of wheat throughout the year The rest of his crop goes to Weetabix!
15.30pm Our three milling sessions completed, the machiner y is idled until 5pm when the set- up system is reversed and Samuel and George are put to sleep. It is time to go home – a long day but good fun – perhaps to watch Columbo on TV or to tinker with vintage vehicles or work on the latest project During the War, the Mill was used to power radios so that people could listen to Churchill’s speeches I’m currently working on a dynamo installation to show the Mill’s ser vice of charging radio accumulators - I always have a project going on!
If you would like to learn more about Stotfold Mill and Nature Reser ve, are interested in joining us as a volunteer, or you would like to book a visit/tour for your organisation or group, we would love to hear from you! Please contact us at enquiries@stotfoldmill.com
News from Stotfold Librar y
EVENT FOR ADULTS
Ever y Friday
Knit and Knatter 10.30am-12pm
Ever yone is welcome no matter your skill level! Whether you’re already a master crafter or want to learn something new, come and join our friendly knitting and crochet group. Have a cuppa, meet new friends who are always willing to lend a hand and help teach you how to hone your skills.
ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN
***The Summer Reading Challenge 2025***
Friday 18th July to Saturday 6th September
This year ’s theme is “Stor y Garden – Adventure in Nature and the Great Outdoors” It’s free to take par t, all you need is a librar y membership Sign up to the challenge of reading at least 6 books during this year ’s summer holidays and you can win yourself the chance to take par t in the librar y treasure hunt, stickers, a cer tificate, and a medal! There will be crafts or activities available ever y day the librar y is open during the summer holidays, please check our website and social media platforms for more updates
Saturday 19th July, 9am-4pm
Launch Par ty! Come along to our first Saturday of the reading challenge to sign up!
Ever y Tuesday Morning
Stor y and Rhyme Time. *Time to be confirmed, please contact the librar y, or check our website* (aged 0-5)
Ever y Saturday, 10am-12pm
Pokémon Club! Come along to trade your own cards and play the trading game we have at the librar y! Beginners are welcome (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)
Visit us in our new home!
Stotfold Librar y, The Oak Hall, The Greenacre Centre, Valerian Way, Stotfold, Hitchin SG5 4HG
Our opening hours remain the same as beforeSee our website for details.
Dear Editor,
Your LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Each month between now and December, our letter of the month will WIN one if our 20th Anniversar y tote -bags! Email us your letters to stotfold.news@yahoo.co.uk
The Eleemosynar y Charity of William Field Applications are invited from individuals or local voluntar y organisations that will directly benefit a resident or residents in the ecclesiastical parish of Stotfold which include Fair field. The next submission date for applications is 30th June 2025 Please note that individuals wishing to apply for grants towards the cost of fur ther education should apply to Roe's Educational Charity and the next submission date for those applications is 30th September 2025
Application forms for both charities are available from billsonjean8@gmail.co or in person from 17 Pix Road, Stotfold SG5 4HY
* LETTER OF THE MONTH *
Dear Editor,
Many thanks to Paul Dennison of Dennisons Ltd House Clearance and Waste Removal, as adver tised in the Stotfold News Magazine
He has completed several jobs for us and other family members, always promptly, efficiently and with good humour
We shall be using his ser vices again and can thoroughly recommend him. Regards, Sue Wor thington.
THE ONLY LEGAL ADVICE YOU’LL EVER NEED
We’ve built our rm around a core team of specialists to support your legal needs today and into the future These include: for your business or personal matters
• 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
• 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
We provide experienced and bespoke legal advice for businesses and individuals. Since 1591.
Mental Health Matters
with Jo Loach
Cultivate compassion
When we find ourselves in an experience we don’t want to be in, seeing things we don’t want to see, we may also feel things we don’t like feeling This may be in response to
Exterior & Interior Property Maintenance
* Decorating
* Furniture Building
* Painting
* Carpentry & more
* Carpet Cleaning T: (01462) 234292 or 07887 871212
James’s Carpentry & General Handyman Service FREE QUOTATIONS
what is going on in the world around, or within us Typically, us humans dislike feeling; powerless/helpless/out of control /frightened /alone /uncer tain This is tricksy as life can often evoke these While we may not be able to make cer tain realities change, our ability to cultivate compassion for self and others, can help It is easy to feel fantastic, over flowing with gratitude and full of the joys of life in good times. But unfor tunately, tough times come to all. During these, it is helpful to acknowledge where we are and what we are struggling with. Then, we may be able to cut ourselves some slack by reducing the expectations we put upon ourselves. We all have responsibilities we must maintain but there is usually some wiggle room to reduce the load where possible
If we are kind to be realistic about
what we can manage when our capacity is diminished, without judgement, we work with, rather than against ourselves Sometimes when we most need our own understanding, we can lack self-compassion by continuing to expect huge amounts of ourselves irrespective of the challenges we face This can compound the struggle by leading to feelings of failure if we cannot keep up.
When we combine compassion with realistic expectations, we may also recognise a need for help. We may feel we should be able to cope and hesitate to reach out to reveal our reality.
But it is through the connection and suppor t of others that we are strengthened to come through our challenges
It is a sign of strength, not weakness, to ask for help
Jo is a BACP Accredited Psychodynamic Counsellor and an Integrative Super visor with an MA in Contemporar y Therapeutic Counselling. Email: jo.loach@gmail.com.
Update From The Need Project
Well, what can I say, we are still ver y busy with numbers are as high as ever We are so so blessed by our amazing suppor ters, who make it possible for us to do what we are called to do
That help comes in so many ways It could be food or financial, maybe a positive comment or a hello at the centre It’s all encouraging The greatest gift for us is prayer, as we seek Gods guidance, stepping for ward in this ministr y
We have, as you know, got the keys for our permanent home and the work is going ver y well, but as with ever y thing, there are issues that arise and we must deal with. We are on target to complete phase one on time and on budget, so that means all the lower-level work, which is our food operation, can move from where we are now to the chapel and it won’t affect our daily work. We intend to have an open day when phase one is complete, so people can see what we do and ask our volunteers about the project and phase two
Phase two of the project is taking shape We want the space to be multifunctional, to cover as much as is possible and to be for the community and a place of Christian worship on a regular basis This is the bit which we don’t have total funding for, but we are actively seeking advice on this and are in the process of applying for some funds It’s incredible that we have, through God’s grace and mercy, from a conversation with the minister and not being in the financial position to do any thing about it but felt that it was right to purchase the church The rest is God’s plan for us and his building.
We have a mor tgage and sufficient funds, to finish the lower level, which is a miracle in itself. Phase two will need funding of approximately £250,000 more to complete.
For this, we would value your prayers, as it a lot of money, but we know when it is completed, it
671 parcels provided in 20 working days • 417 top- up-bags collected from our Pop- up sites • £47,785 estimated value of the food for the month • £6,602.50, the average monthly cost to run the charity 1594 adults,1267 children & 364 pensioners helped (includes best before food that we give away.)
will be an amazing multifunctional space and a real asset to our local community (plans and ideas to follow)
Once again, I will never get tired of saying it, thank you so much for all the amazing, people who work tirelessly for the project and thank you for your fantastic suppor t
Praise God always - Gordon
All types of electrical work under taken. Installation, Fault finding, Heating controls Test and inspection, EV charge points, NICEIC approved contractor.
Tel: 07817 545314
E:bk electrical@outlook com
Our family announcements are FR
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 Stotfold News Magazine?
All we need is your chosen wording and a photograph and we’ll do the rest! E:stotfold.news@yahoo.co.uk
BARRY WEBSTER
19th July
Happy 75th Bir thday!
Love from all your 2 legged & 4 legged friends x x
ERICA 24th July
Happy 8th Bir thday!
Love Mummy, Daddy & Gregor y! xx
Happy 50th Bir thday!
Cllr Steve Buck
A little bird told us that someone is celebrating a rather big bir thday this month!
Many happy returns!
From your friends & residents of Stotfold.
EDWARD HYDE TURNS 100!
Edward Ernest Hyde will be celebrating his 100th bir thday on July 12th Edward, or Ted as known to some, was born on 12th July 1925 He grew up and lived in Stotfold his whole life Born in The Avenue, and moving to The Green with his family, sisters, Glenys and Dorothy Edward met Joyce Guest who became his wife They lived in Vaughan Road, with children, Christine and Julian Then they moved to their final family home in Regent Street Edward worked at K&L, then Jones Cranes Ltd from the age of 14, working there for his whole working life He enjoyed keeping chickens in the garden from the age of 8 and riding his bike to the many different shops, drawing and painting all sor ts of Stotfold scenes and tending to his vegetable patch!
Edward loved being invited to Etonbur y school on several occasions to talk to pupils about Stotfold histor y! Many Stotfold residents that know him will know he likes to talk! Often Edward could be found in his front garden on Regent Street chatting to anyone and ever yone walking past, making many friends and acquaintances Sadly losing his wife Joyce in 2013 meant that life changed but Edward managed to stay living in his home until late 2023. Edward currently resides at Chase house in Arlesey and has a variety of visitors from Great Grandchildren to old friends Wishing you a ver y Happy 100th bir thday and par ty. Love from all of your children, grandchildren and Great Grandchildren; Christine and Malcolm, Julian and Anne, Dan, Amy, Harr y and Emmie, Ross, Laura, Owen, Tui and Kai, Lauren, Adam, Harley, Lennon & Roxie
ENGAGEMENT CONGR ATULATIONS
Sarah and Tom
So thrilled you have got engaged! Lots of love Mum and Dad XX x
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!
GARY 23rd July
Happy Bir thday
Love from us all xx
We hope you have the best day! Love C J, Alex, Taylor & Charlie xx
JJ Happy bir thday to the handsome!
Hope you have an amazing day love Mia xx
ELSIE CHANDLER
24th July
Happy 9th bir thday
Love you always, Mum, Dad & Lottie x x
ALIZA 2nd July
Happy 6th Bir thday love from all your family xx
News from Pippin Pre -School
As we approach the end of the academic year we would like to wish all the children leaving us to move up
to big school all the ver y best as they begin their next exciting adventure! The last few weeks of term will be packed with fun as we enjoy all the children’s favourite activities from their time at Pippin and celebrate with a Madhatters Tea Par ty We are also expecting a visit from Animal Edge with their mobile Farm, kindly sponsored by Above Scaffolding
At the beginning of June, children par ticipated in Pippin’s Toddle The children went on a sponsored walk around Greenacres to raise funds for our new outdoor play equipment The children enjoyed spotting house numbers, colours of cars and some wildlife on the way They even had an encounter with Dino our resident dinosaur! We wish to thank all our families for their generous sponsorship monies.
Our next Holiday club will be during the Summer Holidays, Monday 21st July until Thursday 14th August. Places are available to book on a first come, first ser ved basis via our parent por tal
members pippinpreschool co uk/login We offer two time slots, 8 00am6 00pm at a cost of £40 and a second slot 9 00am - 3 00 pm at a cost of
£25 Please direct any queries to the office via email info@pippinpreschool co uk
We continue to collect bottle tops, old buttons, yoghur t pots, cardboard egg boxes and old children friendly magazines for our gluing station, if you have any that you wish to recycle please donate them via our office.
Thank you for your interest in our PreSchool, enjoy the summer break and we look for ward to opening our doors for the new term on Tuesday 2nd September 2025
The Animal Edge mobile farm!
June was another eventful month for us
All of our children enjoyed a number of themed assemblies, year group trips and class spor ting events! Some of our children also sang as par t of our choir at the Town Council Stotfest Celebration event The choir will also per form at the St Mar y’s Church Fete on 12th July
Our Parent’s Association, the SMSA organised a special Science Workshop and a ver y successful Father ’s Day Gift Shop which allowed the children to choose their own personal gift They also have a Happy Bags Collection planned for Tuesday 8th July, so any and all donations are ver y welcome The fundraising and continued generosity of our community is inspiring
It is amazing how quickly July comes round each year, but, being St Mar y’s we still have a lot going on before the end of the school year! Our transition arrangements for our new children due to star t school with us in September begin in the first week of July with the families joining us for a fun stay and play session. This has given ever yone the chance to meet class friends, our teaching team and other families, as well as get a feel of our fantastic Foundation areas.
There will also be a number of transition events for our older children as they experience school life in their chosen Middle Schools as well as a ‘Step Up’ for all years planned for Friday 4th July. All of our children are excited to take par t in Spor ts Week which will include our parents on Tuesday 8th July, in school, if the weather is kind to us!
The end of term (and year!) wouldn’t be complete without our whole school fun day on Tuesday 15th July, hopefully including a visit from the ice -cream van!
Year 4s will have their leaver ’s disco par ty, church ser vice, talent show and assembly on the last few days of the term - Thursday 17th and Friday 18th July All special memories and a chance to reminisce, have fun and wish ever yone well for the future as they leave for big school!! As with all events and news please visit our website for up to date pictures and information!
So to end we take this oppor tunity to wish ever yone a pleasant summer break The new school year begins on Wednesday 3rd September with a Pop- up Uniform Shop in school on Tuesday 2nd September between 11.00am and 2.00pm.
BAL & CO. MOTOR CARE
Quality used cars & vans supplied Excellent after sales care, our warrantees cover both parts & labour
Motor vehicle servicing and general repair work undertaken, any make or model.
News from Roecroft Lower School
We are in the final week of the academic year for 202425, I am sure I say this ever y year, but I cannot believe how quickly the year has gone. The school has thrived this year and I am so proud of the whole Roecroft community. July is a time of change in schools, so this month we wave a farewell to our Year 4 leavers and are planning to welcome our new star ters in September.
To my incredible Year 4s, be yourselves, remember that what you do matters and the choices you make count. Do things always with kindness and be brave! You will be incredibly missed, but you are ready now for the next step in your learning journey.
This month we have an end of year update from Mrs Harrington, our KS1 leader and Head of Curriculum: KS1 have had a fantastic Summer term with lots of exciting activities and trips to complement their learning Year 1 had their first school trip to Her tfordshire Zoo to consolidate their spring term unit for ‘Animals including Humans’
The children were ver y excited to spot different animal groups such as mammals, reptiles, birds etc and could not believe how big one of the snakes were! In addition to this, the children were able to spend some time exploring the dinosaur attraction and said it was their best day!
As par t of their ‘Boats and Beaches’ topic, Year 1 also enjoyed making some interesting ar twork. They looked at a famous photographer and created silhouette pieces to resemble a sunset within a coastal scene. The children also created a clay relief of a boat and were ver y excited to take these home!
Elsewhere in KS1, Year 2 took par t in a local walk This was for their unit of Histor y which focused on the changes to Roecroft Lower School over time They then went on a walk around the local area to see how much Stotfold has expanded in recent years and so suppor t their understanding of why Roecroft needed to move to a larger site The children really enjoyed this and built up a clear understanding of local histor y that has directly affected them
Year 2 also had a school trip by coach! The children visited Knebwor th House and had an exciting day out investigating 'How Plants Grow' to suppor t their Summer term unit. In the afternoon, the children enjoyed their packed lunches and despite the rain, still loved exploring the Knebwor th for t adventure area!
We have ver y much enjoyed this term and are now looking for ward to finding out about our new classes and joining in with the end of term celebrations!
Year 2 enjoying their local histor y walk
Year 2 enjoying the for t adventure at Knebwor th Park!
News from Fair field Park Lower School
We had a ver y successful summer fete which was ver y well attended by parents and the community. There was a wide range of stalls and activities and we saw per formances from the school choir and dance club The Father ’s Day and Loved one’s breakfast was ver y popular and children and family enjoyed breakfast together and then sharing their classrooms
The children enjoyed our Diversity themed week ‘Amazing me, Amazing you’ where the children dressed up as something that is amazing about them We saw lots of amazing hairstyles, clothing, hobbies and spor ts! During the week we learnt about ways we can celebrate our differences and considered how we are all amazing in our own way
We enjoyed meeting our new families who will be joining us in September and we also say goodbye to many families who have been with us for many years
We wish all our year 4 children lots of luck as they move on to their new middle schools
We look for ward to welcoming ever yone back in September
News from Pixbrook A c ademy
Message from Mrs Linehan
As we bathe in the warmer weather and welcome the month of July, the energy at Pix Brook Academy is absolutely electrifying We are not only making final preparations to finish another successful academic year, but we are also in the throes of strategically planning for PBA’s first year as a vibrant, fully extended secondar y school, educating socially responsible citizens of the future from Year 5 to Year 11 Before looking ahead too far though, it is impor tant to reflect on some of the positive and memorable moments of the summer term so far
For me, the absolute highlight has to be our inaugural elections for Heads of School! Witnessing our confident, committed students step up to represent the voice of their peers was truly inspiring. I simply couldn't be prouder of their incredible maturity and am genuinely excited to collaborate with this exceptional group of pupils next academic year.
This week, Pix Brook Academy is absolutely thrilled to host a series of pivotal events for the families and pupils who will be joining our community from September To all of you who have chosen Pix Brook Academy, I extend the most hear tfelt and enthusiastic welcome Spor ts Day continues to be an electrifying, unparalleled celebration of enthusiasm, energy, and excellence! Our phenomenal PE depar tment orchestrated an inclusive and truly unforgettable event The opening and closing ceremonies were nothing shor t of spectacular, It was also a fitting occasion to bid a fond, hear tfelt farewell to Mr Steve Adams, who has worked tirelessly, leading PBA with unwavering dedication these past seven years From the bottom of our hear ts, on behalf of all our staff and students, I want to say a huge Pix Brook thank you to Steve for his incredible commitment and inspiring leadership over the years It is only right and fitting that he brings this PBA round- up to a close
It is quite difficult to put into words the scale and complexity of the emotions associated with the end of my time at PBA and the end of my teaching career
For thir ty years I have spent my working days interacting with students, navigating the frustrating, inspiring, sometimes crazy world of young people as they grow into the adults they are going to be. It is an overused phrase but it has been a privilege. My career star ted just before Oasis released Wonder wall and it’s ending just as they star t their reunion tour, an unexpected but interesting parallel that does give some insight into the length of time I’ve been in the classroom.
Amongst many highlights my time at Pix Brook Academy will perhaps be considered the peak I have been amazingly privileged to work in many schools but the point at which I was appointed as the inaugural Principal of the first Free school in Central Bedfordshire will be something I look back on with immense pride As a Stotfold resident of many years it was amazing to have this oppor tunity and I am so grateful that Dr Lee, the CEO of BEST Multi Academy Trust saw fit to appoint me to this post in 2018 I had no idea just how wide ranging and impor tant this work was going to be but from the ver y star t I was for tunate to receive huge suppor t from our parents, staff and the Stotfold community Within six months of the school opening COVID hit, the school was built through that crazy period but over the next six years the school has gone from strength to strength: oversubscribed, fully staffed, highly successful OFSTED and outstanding results None of this could have been achieved without the suppor t of our community for which I am immensely grateful
It is now time for new leadership and I am excited to see the next chapter in the life of the school. Running a school requires energy, imagination and integrity and I know that Mrs Linehan and her team have this in abundance. I have absolutely no doubt that the school will continue to grow and achieve new heights and I look for ward to seeing this from afar, perhaps as I walk my dog past the school in the morning!
Thank you again and have a great summer ever yone.
Steve Adams completes his final term as Principal of PBA
A final word from Mr Adams
Last term we had our scheduled Ofsted inspection, Ofsted Inspectors praised Etonbur y Academy as ‘a welcoming and nur turing place to learn’ Inspectors were impressed with all areas of provision, describing how much pupils enjoy attending their school and the high expectations teachers have, which pupils rise to meet
As we celebrate the end of another wonder fully successful academic year we look back and reflect on the last year We have had Year 6 SATS, GCSE’s, A Level and BTEC exams, workshops and in school visits and activity days, trips and educational visits across all years, along with the many PE clubs and spor ting fixtures and over 70 extra curricular clubs and offerings as referenced in our recent Ofsted repor t below.
‘They benefit from a wide range of oppor tunities to develop their interests and skills. Many build their critical thinking and confidence through oppor tunities, such as debating club Pupils also enjoy popular spor ts clubs, such as netball and rounders, as well as activities like chess, gardening and coding club ’
Our year 6 pupils are preparing for their transition to year 7 in our Secondar y school Our first Sixth Form cohor t, who have now finished all of their A Level exams are eagerly awaiting their results and excited about their future plans Our year 11 students have now attended their prom at The Letchwor th Hall Hotel Their final celebration and farewellThey have put in tremendous effor t and achieved academically, emotionally and socially We look for ward to welcoming back those that have chosen to attend our Sixth Form in September and wish you all the best of luck with your future endeavours.
News from Etonbur y A c ademy
Our year 5 pupils will be moving into year 6, they have all settled in beautifully and experienced some wonder ful topic days, school trips and extracurricular activities Mr Sale, Head of Juniors and his team are looking for ward to welcoming our new year 5 pupils in September
Some of our pupils in ETA Juniors have completed the three day Bikeability course at the end of the summer term They took to the local roads to put into practice what they had learnt on school site
We have recently been recognised for our excellent attendance this academic year, and received the National School Attendance Award. We are in the top 25% of all FFT (Fischer Family Foundation) Secondar y Schools in England, something we are proud of and are ver y grateful to our families who suppor t us to achieve this national recognition. We have also been awarded the Spor ts Mark Gold Awards for the four th consecutive year We are extremely proud of our pupils for their dedication to all aspects of school spor t, including those young volunteers, leaders and officials who made our competitions possible Thank you to our PE Team for your hard work, commitment and dedication which has helped us to achieve this award
Finally, after the summer break we look for ward to welcoming staff and students back for the new academic year We have our open evening to look for ward to on Thursday 2nd October
If you would like a personal tour, please do get in touch with us on 01462 730391 or via email etaoffice@bestacademies.org.uk to book
Each and ever y year is different and we are excited for the next! Please continue to share in our values, Ever yone is respectful,
Together we care and always aim higher
Mrs Young – Principal Etonbur y Academy
JULY Fun Quiz!
1 Patti Labelle, pictured top right, together with her group Labelle had a US number one hit in 1974 with “Lady…“. What breakfast treat completes that title!?
2 In the name AMSTR AD, the British company manufacturing computer and electronic products, for whose surname does the letter ‘S’ stand (see picture clue below)
3 What word means America’s most popular brand of potato crisps, which are also popular in the UK, and an indispenable device in British kitchens!?
4 The Maluku Islands, once known as the Spice Islands, form par t of which countr y?
5 A major venue for rock bands such as The Rolling Stones,
The Who and The Yardbirds during the 1960s, in which river is Eel Pie Island situated?
6 Sue Cleaver, pictured right, is a British actress who, since 2000, has played the par t of Eileen Grimshaw in which television soap series?
7 The hymn Cwm Rhondda (Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer) is often referred to by which three word title derived from a repeated line within the hymn?
8 What is the popular common name of the London building on top of which stands Lady Justice (pictured) holding up a sword and the Scales of Justice?
9 The works of which 19th-20th centur y American-British writer include Lady”, “The Turn of the Screw” and “The Golden Bowl”?
10 What was the name of the 20th centur y potter and ceramicist who popularised colour ful bright crocker y with her Bizarre (pictured right) and Crocus ranges, amongst many others?
For more fascinating facts and to download and read my novels, completely free of charge, visit my website at davidstedman.co.uk or Google David Stedman author.
more fascinating facts and to download our quizmaster David’s novels completely free of charge visit davidstedman.co.uk
i t i o n P a i n o f t e n d e v e l o p s a s p a r t o f a l a r g e r p a t t e r n e i t h e r a s a c o m p e n s a t i o n f o r a p a s t i n j u r y o r b e c a u s e o t h e r a r e a s o f t h e b o d y h a v e b e e n a f f e c t e d o v e r t i m e T h a t ’ s w h y I t a k e a w h o l e - b o d y a p p r o a c h a d d r e s s i n g t h e r o o t c a u s e r a t h e r t h a n j u s t t h e s y m p t o m s
A p p o i n t m e n t s & F e e s : I n i t i a l C o n s u l t a t i o n ( u p t o 1 h o u r ) £ 6 8
F o l l o w - u p A p p o i n t m e n t ( 3 0 m i n u t e s ) £ 6 0
H o m e V i s i t : A d d i t i o n a l ( d e p e n d i n g o n d i s t a n c e ) £ 1 0
C o n c e s s i o n s a v a i l a b l e Call us on 01462 731986 E: stotfold.news@yahoo.co.uk Find us on facebook.
News from Stotfold Football Club
The awards for the 24/25 season were as follows ou Women’s Player of the Year - Leigh Burrows -Hall, Wo y y , Women’s Leading Goal Scorer - Charlie Peters, Women’s Suppor ters Player of the Year - Charlotte Ryan
Reser ves Player of the Year - Aaron Hector, Reser ves Players Player of the Year - Rober t Wilcock Reser ves Leading Goal Scorer - Charlie Mallett, Reser ves Suppor ter ’s Player of the Year - Billy Little
1st x1 Player of the Year
Haroon Merial,
1st x1 Players Player of the Year
Mitchell Gooch
1st x1 Leading Goal Scorer
Haroon Merial,
1st x1 Suppor ter ’s Player of the Year
Mitchell Gooch
Young Club Player of the Year
(Margaret Richardson Memorial Trophy)
Jack Brown
Ar thur George Trophy - Callum Tearle, Club Person of the Year - Ben Nightingale
Thanks for all of your great suppor t. COME AND JOIN US CAN YOU
GROWING CLUB? Please suppor t the club by taking up our sponsorship and adver tising promotions. Details are on the club website. Come on you Eagles. Up the Fold.
JSJ Stadium New Roker Park Arlesey Road Stotfold SG5 4HE 01462 539297www.stotfoldfc.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. Wednesday 9th July 2025
Outing to Elton Hall with Garden Centre
Coach depar ts from the bus stop on Hitchin Road 10:00am
For more information, contact Peter on: (01462) 834854 or 07758649721 E:stotfoldgc@gmail.com
Spider-Runners – Our
Local Spor ts News
1000%
Inclusive Fair field Running & Walking Group.
I’m Mike Bullock (Papa Spider) and with my Par tner Susan Mansfield (Mama Spider) 3 years ago, we decided to set up SPIDER RUNNERS, as a 1000% Inclusive and FREE Run Community, based in Fair field. Our Values as Spider Runners are simply to include & suppor t ANYONE & EVERYONE! I’ve run for over 25 years, and whilst I’ve had many positive experiences, I’ve also experienced negativity & exclusion for ‘not fitting the norm’ I’ve met so many people who want star t running but are ner vous about joining a Running Club - they don’t think they fit the perceived norm of ‘a runner ’…in our view there is no norm EVERYONE can be a Runner ! Initially a Facebook Group, but now a (ver y) real Run Community, with 4,000 members, aged from 18-80, who meet regularly to run beautiful places, chat about running, and where to get the best cakes!
A bit about me...(Papa Spider)
I hit 30, 18 stone, seriously unhealthy, suffering from depression, drinking too much and eating bad food…not a great role model for my kids I committed to change my life, so I could run around with my kids as they grew up. I tried Gyms, ran in the cover of darkness as I was ashamed of my weight I then got lucky and joined a run community with a fantastic ethos, who turned me into a decent club runner Then it all went wrong, and I (literally) fell off a cliff in the Peak District, suffered a serious spinal injur y, and was told I’d never run another step I guess most of us experience setbacks, but a great way to overcome setbacks, is to have friends who truly care, who will look after you..
3 Years On - What Have We Done
This Januar y, we were awarded Running Club of the Year by England Athletics - an emotional moment, considering we don’t charge a penny, and don’t have the backing of the established Run Clubs We have also
• Provided a suppor tive Community for many people facing tricky life situations, helping them to get through their individual challenges
• Organised FREE running holidays in the Peak District
• Met ever y week at a local parkrun
• Organised our regular Last Sunday of The Season - where we inevitable end up at a beer garden or cafe!
• Raised many thousands for multiple charities
Our most impor tant mission is to create a safe community to help each other finish ever y day in a happy & safe place We’d love you to join us - join our Spider Runners Facebook Group and get to know the community; come for a run, or just meet us for a cuppa using this link www.bit.ly/spiderrunners
ANSWERS TO JULY FUN QUIZ .(Page 26)
1 MARMALADE; 2 SUGAR (Sir Alan, who founded Amstrad); 3 KETTLE; 4 Indonesia; 5 River Thames; 6 “Coronation Street”; 7 “BREAD of Heaven”; 8 Old Bailey (Central Criminal Cour t); 9 Henr y James; 10 Clarice Cliff
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
July 3rd Corner of Hospital Rd, Arlesey
July 10th & 17th Scout Hut, Baldock Rd, Stotfold
July 24th 31st The Crown PH, The Green, Stotfold.
Contact Beth Over field on 01462 815672
Spider Runners, providing an inclusive and free running community
Local Spor ts News
Calling all local WE WANT YOUR SPORTS NEWS! Email us at: stotfold.news@yahoo.co.uk
Stotfold Twirlers have had a busy few months with the ver y first United Twirl England Open and National competitions Darcey Lane, aged 10, has excelled this year winning Solo at the Open and 2 National Champion titles in Solo and Dance Skye Castle, aged 15, won in the Dance section at the Open 2nd places in the competitions were awarded to Poppy Collins and Layla Stafford, with another 3rd place going to Skye The other members, Phoebe Elley, Evie Eldridge, D’Amelia Ramodhin and Thea Hosler per formed in ver y tough groups and came away with medals from 4th to 7th place
Our Bellettes members have been busy preparing for International competitions with Mila Crook (pictured top right) taking a 3rd place at the Dutch Open and Grace Endersby attending Europeans and Nations cup in Spain and Italy this summer
We are ver y proud of our athletes, the training they do and their dedication to twirling shows with their ver y well deser ved results. They are now getting ready for some displays at local events as well as another competition in July.
Anyone wishing to join the club can message us through our Facebook page or email Sonia crook@hotmail com We look for ward to hearing from you!
Mini Athletics Bring Home The Medals!
Local group Mini Athletics recently took a team of athletes (five from Stotfold) to Twickenham to compete against other mini athletic groups and successfully bought home some medals!
Mini athletics provides a fun enviroment for young children to enjoy getting to grips with various athletic activities
For more details please contact Harriet on 07972 865 511 or email harriet@miniathletics.com
Nor th Her ts Road Runners
Entries are now open for the Standalone 10k on 5th Oct. with entr y details on www nhrr org uk/standalone 10k
The 1st of the month at Letchwor th Common will be on 5th July at 9am and is open to runners of all abilities with free entr y We continue our training sessions on Tues and Thurs with qualified coaches and meet in Letchwor th at 7pm
We welcome runners of all abilities so come along for a taster session Our details are on nhrr org uk or contact Ian 07506 429928
The Stotfold Twirlers competition team
Mini Athletes bring home the medals!
July Church Ser vices
ST GUTHLAC’S ASTWICK
Astwick Road, SG5 4BH
July Ser vice:
Sunday 6th St Guthlac’s holds a ser vice ever y first Sunday of the month The Communion Ser vice is at 11:15am, followed by refreshments and cake! We look for ward to welcoming you.
Rev'd Jenna Dearden 07708 666612 revjennadearden@gmail.com
KINGS BAPTIST CHURCH
The Green, Stotfold. SG5 4AN
July Ser vices:
Sunday 6th
10 30am All-age family ser vice
Sunday 13th
10 30am Ser vice with communion
Sunday 20th
10 30am Sunday ser vice
Sunday 27th
10 30am Ser vice with communion
If you are not able to come to our Sunday morning ser vice, you can use Zoom software on your smar t-phone or computer to watch it The meeting ID is 826 978 3610 passcode 730521
Prayer meetings:
Wednesday mornings at 10am
Sunday evenings at 6pm 01462 730521 www.kingsbaptistchurch.co.uk
STOTFOLD SALVATION ARMY
10 Church Road, Stotfold SG5 4LX
July Ser vices:
Prayer Meeting Ever y Sunday –10:00–10:15am
Family Friendly Worship 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th 10:30am
Home League Women’s Meeting
2-3pm
Tue 1st led by John Street
Tue 8th led by Catherine Lacey
Tue 15th led by Pam Smith
Tue 22nd led by Irene Howard
Tue 29th led by Wendy Rowlands
Captains Adrian & Gemma Allen, 01462 731072 (Office)
www.stotfoldsalvationarmy.org.uk
STOTFOLD METHODISTS 5 Hitchin Road, Stotfold SG5 4HP
July Ser vices:
Sunday 6th No Ser vice
Sunday 13th 10am Rev Emmanuel Onabanjo (Holy Communion)
Sunday 20th 10am
Rev Zdzisiu Hendzel
Sunday 27th 10am Peter Rogers
Minister Rev Emmanuel Onabanjo 07464 881751
FAIRFIELD COMMUNITY CHURCH Community Hall, SG5 4JJ
July Ser vices:
Sunday 6th Morning Ser vice 10:30am
Sunday 13th Connect Sunday Ser vice, 10am True Vine Fellowship Luton, TVF House, 85 Park Street, Luton, Beds, LU1 3HG
Sunday 20th Morning Ser vice 10:30am
Sunday 27th Morning Ser vice 10:30am
Contact 07351 514457
Email info@fair fieldcc.org.uk www fair fieldcc org uk
HOPE STRICT BAPTIST CHAPEL Mill Lane, Stotfold SG5 4NU
July Ser vices:
Sunday 6th; 13th; 20th; 27th.
Sunday School 9 15am
Morning Worship 10 30am
Afternoon Worship 2 15pm
Wednesday 2nd; 16th; Prayer Meeting 7 15pm
Wednesday 9th, 23rd; 30th
Evening Worship 7 15pm
Sunday 20th
Bible Class 7pm
See chapel Notice Board for full details
Minister Mr G E Hadley 01462 686803
www hopechapelstotfold org
ST MARY’S CHURCH
61 Church Road, Stotfold SG5 4NE
July Ser vices:
Morning Prayer Monday-Saturday ever y week: 9am
Wednesday 2nd 9.45am Parish
Communion
Sunday 6th 8am Parish Communion
9am Morning Prayer
10am Parish Communion
4pm Tea Time Praise Family Ser vice
Wednesday 9th
9 45am Parish Communion
Sunday 13th
9am Morning Prayer
10am Parish Communion with Sunday School
6pm Evensong
Wednesday 16th
9.45am Parish Communion
2pm Hymns for Fun
Sunday 20th
9am Parish Communion
10am Parish Praise Ser vice
Wednesday 23rd
9 45am Parish Communion
Sunday 27 July
Sunday 20th
9am Parish Communion
10am Parish Praise Ser vice
Wednesday 23th
9 45am Parish Communion
Sunday 27th
9am Morning Prayer 10am Parish Communion with Sunday School
Wednesday 30th
9 45am Parish Communion
Revd Bill Britt on 01462 730218
www stotfoldchurch org uk
R ADWELL
July Ser vices
Sunday 13th
9am Parish Communion
Sunday 27th
3 00pm Songs of Praise
Revd. Bill Britt on 01462 730218 www.radwellchurch.org.uk
ALL SAINTS CHURCH,
Church News & For thcoming Events
STOTFOLD METHODIST CHURCH
Stotfold Methodist Church welcome you to come aong and enjoy their Scrabble Club. Why not pop along ever y Monday from 2pm for a cup of tea and a chat.
ST MARY’S CHURCH
The annual Church Summer Fete will held in the St Mar y’s Church Vicarage Gardens, 61 Church Road (next to the Church Hall) at 2 00pm on Saturday 12th July Community Coffee 10 30-12 noon on Wednesday 2nd July The Women’s Fellowship Group will meet at 2 30pm on Wednesday 16th July to hear a talk on the Letchwor th Garden Hospice by Laura Lester & Dr Tom The Friendship Lunch will be held at The Stag on Wednesday 30th July. To book contact carolyn.bleach@sky.com
Do think about joining our friendly Whist Club, which meets in the Church Hall on alternate Tuesdays at 2pm. Contact Elaine Drur y 07925 192007. A VJ Day Ser vice will be held at St Mar y’s Church at 7.30pm on Friday 15th August, with music provided by the Salvation Army Band. Contacts for Life Events in your Parish Church: Christenings: Sara Clark on 01462 625270 (4th Sunday)
Marriages: Revd. Bill on 01462 730218
Funerals: Please speak to your funeral director or telephone Revd Bill on 01462 730218 for any suppor t regarding a local person’s funeral
Please check our website www stotfoldchurch org uk Email: stotfoldparishchurch@gmail com
ALL SAINTS CHURCH, R ADWELL
Get ready to dance. Radwell Church is hosting a Ceilidh from 2.30pm-7pm on Sunday 13 July at the Radwell Mill gardens SG7 5ET. Live music from “The Ouzel Valley Ranters”. Tickets: £15 adults, under 16s £5, which includes Ploughman’s. Drinks available to purchase from licensed bar. For tickets call 07731 626948.
KINGS BAPTIST CHURCH
Monday 7th July - Works of Hear t @ 08:00 pm
Works Of Hear t is a chilled group to 'have a go' at craftsThis Months Topic: Freeplay
Tots & Toddlers runs on Mondays from 9:15am–11:00am, during term time A friendly group for pre school children and their carers, free play with craft, song and stor y time, refreshments ser ved free of charge All welcome Wednesday afternoons we host Home from Home, in par tnership with The NEED Project, from 1pm to 3pm Drop in for tea, coffee, cake, and biscuits Bring your knitting, or sit and chat, play games, do a jigsaw, or maybe take par t in a fun quiz! All ages welcome 01462 730521
www.kingsbaptistchurch.co.uk
ST GUTHLAC’S CHURCH, ASTWICK
July marks the true beginning of summer Many of us are looking for ward to holidays, time with family, and for our children, the end of another school year Here in Astwick, it also signals the beginning of har vest time - a season of growth gathering, and gratitude
The Bible speaks often about the har vest In Mathew 9:37, Jesus says, “The har vest is plentiful, but the labourers are few ” This verse reminds us of the urgency and impor tance of God’s work in the world We are called to pray for more workers - for hear ts willing to ser ve, share the Gospel, and care for one another. This call remains just as relevant today as when Jesus first spoke those words. Generation after generation has faithfully passed this message on, and now it is entrusted to us.
In that spirit of gathering and welcome, we are pleased to announce that star ting 6th July, St. Guthlac’s Church will be open on the first Sunday of ever y month throughout the summer. Whether you’re drawn by curiosity, tradition, or simply the desire to find a quiet place of peace, we invite you to come in and rest awhile, Ever yone is welcome
We have a Holy Communion Ser vice ever y 1st Sunday of the month at 11:15am, followed by refreshments
All are welcome Bernadette Church Warden - St Guthlac’s, Astwick
STOTFOLD SALVATION ARMY
We’d love to welcome you at Stotfold Salvation Army: Ever y Tuesday (2:15–3:45pm), Music 4 Memor y, ( Tibbs Dementia) brings the power of music to those with dementia and their Carers Wednesdays Little Stars Baby & Toddler Group ( Term time) We run two sessions : 9 30 -11 00am and 1 00-2 30pm Thursdays: 3rd July - Hobby Hub (10:30–12:30), a comfor table space to craft, and enjoy a drink 10th July - Toast of the Town (10:30–12:00) drinks, toast, and friendly faces.
24th July – Connect (10:30–12:30): Youth Club for adults, a chance to relax chat with refreshments available. July 21st (7pm) The theme for our Fellowship gathering is ‘Tales from Bedfordshire Churches’
Several Bible Discussion (Lyfe) Groups meet throughout the week at different times and different locations. Contact us for more information.
SALVATION ARMY FELLOWSHIP
21st July - Tales from Bedfordshire Churches David Longman.
Our meetings are open to all - All meetings held at The Salvation Army Church Road, Stotfold Telephone: 01462 731072
Down Memory Lane
Thank you so much for the feedback we received on our feature on local shops last month. This month we are taking a look back at some of our older shops and businesses - do you remember these? Once again, thank you to Michael Everitt for sharing his wonder ful photos with us.
The Pork Shop -The Green
Fish Shop - Common Rd
Dears Cycle shop, Arlesey Road
E Saunderson - Hitchin Road (close to Hallwor th Drive)
Along the Stotfold High Street
A E Brown Greengrocer - Top of Brook Street
Regent Street
Stotfold’s Shops Of The Past..
STOTFOLD HISTORY - Do you have an interest in local histor y? We would love to hear your memories, see your photographs and find out more about the histor y of our town - get in touch with us by calling 01462 731986 or email us at stotfold.news@yahoo.co.uk
To give you some idea of where these shops and businesses were once based, we have tried our best to give a brief description of each locationAs you can see, there are a vast amount of them to fit in! The histor y of Stotfold’s shops could quite easily fill the magazine, as there have been so many businesses located in and around the town over the years We hope you enjoy looking at this selection
Do you have any memories you’d like to share with us? Do you have any old photographs that you think our readers would like to see as par t of this feature We always enjoy hearing your stories and memories
Please get in touch with us at stotfold.news@yahoo.co.uk or call us on 01462 731986
Stotfold’s first shop - Now known as the Crofts.
The old Co-op site - Stotfold crossroads
The familiar sight of the Flitton Brewer y deliver y - Flitton Brewer y based in Rooktree Lane/Home Close
Brook Street (now Days baker y)
J Woodhouse - Brook Street
Brook Street
Saunders Fish & Chips
Business Directory
AD Garden Rooms
Adams Osteopathy
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 Social Club
Ask Phil (Garden Rooms, Driveways, Windows)
Aquarius Garden Design
Barn Hair Studio
Bal & Co Motor Care
Bandits Pet Shop
Bews Electrical
Big Minibus Hire
BK Electrical / Brian Kelly
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
Catsitter - Claire
Computer Repairs
The Cooker Buddy Oven Cleaning
Chris Webster, Stotfold
(Correspondent for The Comet )
Crown Sweeps
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
01438 313765
07498 670345
07837 791365
01767 314445
01462 658449
07886 569134
07941 010447
07889 903283
01462 638286
01462 731361
01462 545729
01462 731292
01462 835611
01462 731500
07787 502906
01462 834488
07817 766997
07817 545314
01462 732628
01462 730884
01462 735999
01462 231257
01462 629302
07990 297297
01462 731674
07984 344997
0777 7113107
01462 810065
01462 834108
07838 916915
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
07306 085207
07585 221513
Graham Smith Brickwork & Paving 07703 171857
Green Door Lettings Management 01462 510765
Greenacre Transfers Airpor ts & Chauffeur Ser vices
www.greenacretransfers.co.uk
Guides - Stotfold Guide Association
Henlow Vets
Mow & Weedit Garden Ser vices
07555 707848
01462 235273
01462 416416
Hypnotherapy - Pathway Hypnotherapy Rooms 07497157531
James’s Carpentr y & Handyman Ser vice
Jar vis Footcare
Kumari Chiropractic
Liams Butchers
Locksmith Ser vices
Lower Wilbur y Farm
Maintenance Ser vices - SHMS
Mice & Tidy
07765 495200
New Kitchens 01462 812826
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
Pippin Pre -School 01462 834897
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
Poppies Nurser y 07833 927906
Poppyfields Nurser y 01462 830008
Ray The Carpenter 07885 020895
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
Sha Care Ser vices 03330 062644
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
01462 234292
07816 329363
07479 945995
07584 979361
01462 290226
07988 771107
01462 887366
07835 983807
The Rooms Holistic and Beauty Academy 07946 521266
Warrens Windows 01462 261401
Waste Removal (Josas Waste) 07739 488472
Wellco Heating Ser vices
07783 190780
Windows - Repairs & Installations (J Garside) 07951 473505
Window Cleaning - ACCS Ltd
Window Cleaning (Jacks)
01462 629302
07950 510589
Yoga - Freda Dodswor th 01767 627611
