Lockdown combined Issue May 2020 Stotfold

NEWS

stotfold IncorporatinG the Arlesey News Magazine..

SPECIAL LOCKDOWN ISSUE * SPECIAL LOCKDOWN ISSUE * SPECIAL LOCKDOWN ISSUE *

Keira age 7

Isabelle age 3

Noah age 9 & Lenny age 5

Inaya age 4

Rosa age 4

Keyworker @ St Mary’s

Monty the cockapoo

Riley age 6

Finley age 5

Lily age 8

Emilia age 4

Serina age 5

Stotfold News Magazine

Amelia Flexton age 6

Grace age 4

Gracie age 10

SPECIAL LOCKDOWN ISSUE * SPECIAL LOCKDOWN ISSUE * SPECIAL LOCKDOWN ISSUE *

Poppy age 4

Leila,Olivia & Evie Rainbow

Marie-Claire Duggan

Zack age 8

Olivia age 3

Jack age 6

Lily,Megan & Jeanne

Corrine Carter

Florence 7, Amelia 11

Jason age 4

Paul Straker

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Young Teddy waves mum Abby of to work for the NHS

Nikki Gifford

Amelie 7 Aiden 5

Penny & Teddy age 4

Amelia 8, Areya 3 Lizzy 30

Winne & Flo

Sarah Scoot

Noah & Olivia age 6

Isla age 2

Jamie age 6

From the Editor Welcome to our special online lockdown issue!

This special issue is our way of celebrating the wonderful ways in which both Stotfold & Arlesey have pulled together throughout these strangest of times. Inside you will find articles on the various groups and organisations that have been formed to help our community throughout the coronavirus pandemic. You can also read about the ways in which our local schools are dealing with their new routines, lockdown puzzles to keep you and the children occupied, together with a special lockdown history quiz - and not forgetting over 150 rainbow pictures (we tried to include all we were sent, our apologies to anyone we missed!) and 50 special lockdown birthday messages. It has certainly kept us busy these last few weeks!

We would like to thank everyone involved in helping us pull together this unique edition - It made complete sense to us to compile a joint issue for May, we hope you enjoy the opportunity to read about news from the wider community.

At the point of publishing we are still unsure as to how much longer we will live in these uncertain times. Our priority is the safety of our delivery volunteers and following the guidelines in place that protect us all. As soon as we are able to, we shall resume our door to door delivery service but until that time arises please STAY SAFE and look out for each other.

Until next month!

Jack 10 Isabelle 8

Michelle Wright

Claire Evans

Charlotte age 8

Robyn age 5

Leo & Albie Smith

Annie age 13

Beverley Burrows

Vicky Hare

Elle Rose

Claire Broadribb

Laura Wheatley

To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

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Thank you * Thank you * Thank you * Thank you * Thank you * Thank you * Thank you * Thank you * Over the last few weeks we have been asking you for messages of thanks for individuals and businesses within Arlesey & Stotfold that have played such a huge part in helping our community through this difficult time. We hope you agree, never before has community been so important and we thank each and every person that contributed in some way. We also asked for your personal ‘thank you’s,’ to family members and friends that have helped us through.. Here are a selection.

Following our plea on social media, we received several nominations for the staff of Beale Bros Butchers, Stotfold. Pictured to the right are familiar faces Tom & Sandra Snelling who, with their family, constructed an ordering and delivery service to ensure that local residents have been able to access foods that they need. THANK YOU.

Secondly, we received several messages of thanks for Gordon Hamilton and the team at the NEED Project who have selflessly kept the cogs turning within the project during this extremely difficult time. If you follow the project on social media, you will already be aware of the issues faced by Gordon and his team before the coronavius pandemic Left to right Tom & Sandra Snelling took hold. The knock-on effect of the virus has meant that more families have struggled to meet their basic needs and have required intervention from Gordon and The Need Project. During March referrals to the project reached 378 -a massive 50% increase on the start of 2020 with these issues showing no sign changing over the forthcoming weeks and months ahead. To Gordon and everyone involved in this amazing lifeline to many THANK YOU.

Many people messaged to thank the staff of Arlesey Pharmacy for the way in which they have helped provide and protect the local community. Alison Biggs commented ‘Our thanks go out to all of you. You are doing such a wonderful service for our community. You are all stars & very much appreciated.’ Pharmacy owner Sam and his team have gone above and beyond to make sure people have received their medication on time and in some cases have delivered it to their door if they have been unable to get out.

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Stotfold News Magazine

Thank you * Thank you * Thank you * Thank you * Thank you * Thank you * Thank you * Thank you * Pictured left to right are; Anne, Sam, Lindsay and James the temporary delivery driver at Arlesey Pharmacy THANK YOU.

Anne, Sam, Lindsay and James.

Staff at the One-Stop Stotfold have fully embraced the social distancing rules and taken special measures to ensure the safety of their customers at all times. Pictured below are Caroline, Marissa and Lynn.

The staff have even been delivering food and papers to those customers unable to get out and about and have gone above and beyond to keep their customers smiling. THANK YOU.

Branch Manager of the One Stop Marissa Cameron also received special mention for not missing a single day off work though out this time. ‘She has been there for all staff when the customers have been frustrated, she has been there for all of the local customers and also helped with shopping deliveries.

Marissa has always got a smile on her face despite the fact she has a few health issues herself - She is amazing and would do anything for anyone’ staff member Caroline told the Stotfold News Magazine. THANK YOU Marissa to both you and your team.

Heather Ilett, a Matron in our NHS

Heather Ilett.

doing an amazing job in our local hospital. She received thanks for collecting shoe racks/clothing rails and baby monitors to help the staff keep safe during this time. Thank you to all those people that assisted via our Caroline, Marissa & Lynn outside the Stotfold One-Stop. social media to collect these items and THANK YOU and your amazing team Heather.

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Thank you * Thank you * Thank you * Thank you * Thank you * Thank you * Thank you * Thank you *

Being part of the long line of shoppers waiting to enter the Stotfold Co-op has fast become the norm, with staff members on hand to oversee the system and to ensure we are all kept as safe as possible. With special opening hours and the constant replenish of stock, Stotfold have been looked after with the upmost care and attention by the Co-op and it’s dedicated team members.

Manager Mark Jepps has taken to social media over the last few weeks to ask for patience and to thank the community for their support. Now it it the turn of our community to thank the Co-op in return. THANK YOU.

Staff at Days Bakery have greeted customers with a smile over these last Staff at the Stotfold Co-op Store. few weeks and enjoyed helping to keep people cheery during the imposed lockdown. With a steady stream of freshly baked goods, the bakers have been open throughout this time with guidelines implemented inside the shop to maintain the safety of their customers. Pictured below are familiar faces Anna & Jane, ready as always to serve the local community.THANK YOU

Anna & Jane ready to serve in Days Bakery.

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If you fancy lunch delivered or have been kind enough to send a lunch to somebody unable to get out and about then Box Of Cakes have been at your service. Cafe owner Emma has been baking daily to keep up with local customers demands and delivering to isolated customers in the area with freshly made sandwiches, breakfast rolls, hot & cold drinks, hot sausage rolls, crisps, baked potatoes and cakes. Receiving one of Emma’s special lunches has brightened the day of many local people throughout this time with her "Drop & Knock" Delivery box for the elderly and vulnerable who are unable to leave the house. THANK YOU.

To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

Emma from Box Of Cakes

Thank you * Thank you * Thank you * Thank you * Thank you * Thank you * Thank you * Thank you *

Special mention to Leanne Izzard for being a hero and helping the public in Lister Hospital Accident and Emergency Department - this message was sent to us with lots of love from from De maya and Elijah who are both very proud of the work you have been doing. We also received a message from Lauren Turner for Mum Louise, also working hard for our NHS. ‘Thank you to our Mum, Louise Turner, working hard as a nurse! We are so proud, love Lauren, Carly and Connor x’.THANK YOU

Melanie Herlihy messaged us to thank her children Aaron (8) Eoin (6) and Abigail (4) for being absolute superstars whilst she has had to continue working, supporting people affected by Dementia. Melanie would also like to thank any Charity workers working tirelessly to ensure that services can support those that need it at this time, often the forgotten key workers who are working alongside the health services, police and Leanne Izzard working at Lister Hospital other statutory & voluntary organisations to keep people as safe and well as they possibly can. If anyone out there is affected by Dementia you can call the support helpline: 0333 150 3456

ROECROFT LOWER SCHOOL recevied a special message this week ‘Thank

you to all the teachers and LSA’s at Roecroft Lower school for keeping the school open for the key worker children, keeping the children safe and entertained, and help making this the new normal for them. Thank you to all my fellow Roecroft family for keeping me going and making me smile. #roecroftrocks.’ from Donna Kelly, herself a worker at the school. pictured to the right is the fantastic window decoration sent to the Stotfold News Magazine by Miss Gallagher, just amazing! THANK YOU The window of Roecroft Lower School

Mr & Mrs Owen of LBTKD & Stotfold Taekwon-do received a mention for working tirelessly to navigate their way through new ways to provide students with content and resources online to support their training through this difficult period. THANK YOU from The Lacey Family.

We look forward to seeing you for a drink in our garden very soon....

STAY SAFE & STAY HOME @theChequers 33 Queen Street, Stotfold, T:01462 732333 www.stotfoldnews.co.uk

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Thank you * Thank you * Thank you * Thank you * Thank you * Thank you * Thank you * Thank you *

Staff at Stotfold Chemist received many requests for a special mention for the way in which they have continued to work through such difficult times. Fiona Gaskell was just one of the people to nominate the Chemist staff for ‘continuing to operate with their same personalised level of service and care’ throughout the lock down period. THANK YOU to all the Chemist and Pharmacy staff. Special mention to Stotfold Pharmacy worker Jo Brember who got a special mention from Kim Jackman for the extra hours she has worked to ensure people are able to collect their prescriptions.

Together with some of her staff at The Stag Pub, Jan Gale has been serving up hot meals and arranging delivery to the doorsteps of many local Staff at the Stotfold Chemist residents in Stotfold. Pictured below with staff member Barb Evans, Jan designed a special takeaway menu, alongside an essential shopping list service where Stotfold residents are able to pre-order shopping items and arrange collection or delivery. With a special ‘takeaway’ menu on Friday and Saturday evenings between 5-8pm, fruit and vegetable boxes made to order and even online quizzes to take part in, The Stag have been very busy over these last few weeks.

Many people emailed in to thank them for their hard work. THANK YOU.

Etonbury Academy received special thanks from several people for providing

excellent care and provision for the children of keyworker staff throughout the last few weeks. ‘While the school has remained open for our keyworker’s children, our design technology department have been making visors for the carers and NHS workers in our community. We have donated all our goggles to a local hospital, and supplied our food to the local NEED project. Many of our staff have put themselves forward as volunteers, and supported their own communities where they live in the times they are not in school, or planning their online lessons. We are very proud that our talented and committed staff can support Barb and Jan from The Stag Pub. others at this challenging time.’ Victoria Lockey, School Manager informed us.

Temporarily closed

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To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

Thank you * Thank you * Thank you * Thank you * Thank you * Thank you * Thank you * Thank you *

Pictured to the right are Mr Reeves and Mrs Hilsden from Etonbury Academy with their fantastic visors and masks made for NHS staff. Special thanks also to Mrs Allan for helping with this project.

We received this special message from one family in Stotfold having been isolating for the previous three months. ‘Abigail, Tom, Katie and Ben would like to thank our amazing friends and neighbours who have been supporting and looking after us while we are in our 12 week isolation. You've been fantastic and we really appreciate everything you have done’. THANK YOU. Barry Rainbow would like to mention his three daughters Leila, Olivia and Evie.

Given that Leila has some special complex disability needs, she has been extremely Mr Revves & Mrs Hilsden good and both her sisters have done fantastic in helping out at home and keeping her occupied over the last few weeks. Both Mum & Dad would like to say THANK YOU girls!

The team at Saunders and Buckdale recevied a mention for recovering/repairing vehicles 24 hours a day, working in the garage or in the Administration team. A special thank you was also made for brightening up the clap for carers with their weekly procession through Stotfold THANK YOU

Nhs hero Jade Young a nurse (Matron) at Lister Hospital received a special message. Jade has two small children and deserves a huge THANK YOU for the work she is doing on our frontline. This message was sent in by friend Carly who thinks you are simply amazing. On a similar note, Harry Doherty, a Senior Team Member in the ICU department at UCH London has been St Mary’s Academy Key workers and children. tirelessly working on the frontline -Harry is a father to two young children and lives with his key worker wife in Stotfold..THANK YOU. Finally, to all key workers and staff at St Mary’s Academy a huge thank you was sent in for you for caring for the children of Stotfold key workers during this time.

THANK YOU.

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Stay safe. Stay home. Protect the NHS. Save lives To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

Letters to the Editor Dear Editor,

Dear Editor,

Late in the afternoon on the Sunday before Easter during a quick trip to the Co-op in Stotfold to buy a couple of items, I noticed there were chocolate rabbits for sale. An ideal Easter present for my three grandchildren I thought and put them in my basket. When I went to the cash desk, I was told that I was only permitted to purchase two of any item. As I contemplated the ethics of taking two and returning back round as a 'new customer' to buy a third, a young man queueing behind me offered to add it to his shopping. Grateful for his kind consideration I passed it over with thanks, but my real surprise came when I went after him to pay as he left the store. Declining my offer, he replied 'That's my good turn for the day!' I do not know who he was but his kind act of generosity did not just brighten my trip out of 'lock down', but gave me a memory to recall each Easter to come.

Thank you - Name witheld.

Dear Editor,

I hope when this terrible coronavirus is behind us, the honours all go to the NHS, Military, and all the wonderful people that gave there all to save lives and get us through it. Please dont let us find out that, an actor, singer, business person, or former footballer, has received a honour. One such footballer and his wife have been trying to get honoured for a number of years now.

Richard Bircumshaw.

Dear Editor, A HUGE thank you to the lovely man that helped my dad recently. Dad fell over whilst trying to get up a kerb back into his garden after walking his dog, he couldn’t himself up so was left laying in the car park for a while.

He was assisted by a kind gentleman that heard dad shouting. The very kind man helped dad up and got him back into this house and later returned to check he was ok and returned his hat that he had found in the carpark.

Dad didn’t get your name just said you were “a nice man, a big man” so whoever you are from me and my family..

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH. Mandy McCracken

As a local care agency we are currently providing over 300 visits a week in Stotfold to elderly and frail clients (mostly on behalf of Social Services) and another 280 visits a week in Arlesey.

I would like to say how lovely it was to hear that one of our care staff was applauded by a family she walked past in Stotfold as she carried out her duties, and another had her shopping paid for by a stranger when she popped into the shops for some essential foodstuff. It makes a real difference to our care staff to know that their essential work is being appreciated.

We are trying so hard to ensure that we protect all our vulnerable clients from the risk of infection, and also appreciate the support of the families of some clients as they understand the vital importance of the shielding guidance issued by Public Health England, so keep visits to elderly relatives to only those that are essential (deliver food or medication).

Robert Tucker Helpers Homecare.

Dear Editor,

Yesterday I was fortunate to receive one of the lovely lunches provided by Box of Cakes to members of our local community. The lunch was delicious and was such a lovely and very welcome surprise. I was nominated by my family to receive the lunch (it even contained millionaire’s shortbread which is my favourite!).

I would like to thank Emma and her staff for delivering these lunches - in these testing times it is so nice to know that we are all being thought of and cared for. Angela Jolly.

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To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

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News from

Arlesey Community Events It's all very quiet with the Arlesey Community Events Group at the moment - lockdown and social distancing means we aren't allowed out to socialise as we normally would do. In the light of this we decided to run a virtual Easter bunny hunt over the Easter weekend. We uploaded a series of photos to our Facebook page of our Easter bunny in various locations around Arlesey. Residents were asked to work out where the bunny had been from the comfort and safety of their own homes. We had a great response and Helen Davies and her family were crowned 2020 Bunny Hunt winners. The family have won a stay at home afternoon tea provided by Amanda Burns.

If you would like to test your Arlesey knowledge you can find the photos on our facebook page.

The only other activity by the group has been our AGM - held the week before the lockdown! A report on the 2019/20 events was given by the Chair - Sam Ward and a financial report by the treasurer, Sandra Sarll. Andy Ward asked to join the committee, taking the number of members back up to 6, after the resignation of Joe Reid. We're very grateful to Joe for his help and support since the Group was set up in 2016, and we wish him only the very best for the future. The Committee for the following year is: Sam Ward (Chair), Kerry Hazelwood (secretary), Sandra Sarll (treasurer), Sylvia Welch, Kevin Welch and Andy Ward. If anyone else would like to get involved please get in touch!

With the future still looking uncertain we will endeavour to keep residents informed of any changes to the dates of upcoming events.

Our Party in the Park was due to take place on June 6th, planning had already started for this event - we may need to postpone or cancel the event.

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Arlesey Good Neighbours – How It All Came Together.

Written for the Arlesey News magazine by Sally Abbott I started Arlesey Good Neighbours an hour after I heard Boris Johnson’s speech on Tuesday 17th March. It was clear to me that as a community we had to mobilise immediately to look after each other. I set up Arlesey Good Neighbours on Facebook. I didn’t mean to spear head anything, but with over 150 people joining the group in a matter of hours asking “what now?” I did. I couldn’t have done it without the incredible individuals who volunteered that same night to be Admins with me. They’ve been one of the best teams I’ve ever worked with – volunteer or otherwise. The same night, I met Arlesey Town Council who agreed to do any photocopying we needed. Our plan was to use the scouts to drop leaflets to every house.

On day two we started getting organised. The Facebook group had grown to over 250 people. It was filled with people wanting to help or be helped. And people who wanted to say thank you. As an Admin group, we became very busy working out what structures we would need. Messaging between Admins and people wanting to help became intense. For the first 8 days of setting up AGN, we were dealing with well over five hundred messages a day (the most for me was 800 messages in 24 hours!). It was a full-time job. Two of the other Admins and I met with Geoffrey Boult, Arlesey’s vicar.

He enabled us to clarify what we were. By firmly being a community group, it enabled us to avoid red tape and act immediately. But safeguarding was emerging as the dominant issue for us. People needed to be able to trust us. The vicar (a technical whizz) designed a website, gave us an email and also a dedicated phone line for Arlesey Good Neighbours.

He did all three things within 24 hours.

On day three, Arlesey Town Council printed 3,000 fliers ready to be dropped. We were about to drop the fliers using Arlesey Scouts and their parents when we heard that there had been some serious safeguarding issues around similar fliers.

We now needed to know exactly who was dropping fliers where. Everyone had to be trusted. We had sixty people willing to be active volunteers for us. Each sub-group would have around 8 volunteers and look after specific roads. Nowhere was to be left out. We also needed two more subgroup leaders. Fortunately, we found an ex-Army Major and a retired Headteacher! It was getting too hard to keep up with the volume of messages on Facebook, so we moved to a WhatsApp group. It was like getting ready for a battle.

Day four, we started preparing for the drop. I had a map pinned up on my office wall for the whole of Arlesey. More volunteers were signing up. We had 100 which felt momentous. That night, my family and I separated the fliers into stacks of 30. Every time we touched the fliers, we had to make sure our hands were clean. A call out on the AGN Facebook group had people delivering plastic wallets to me at eleven pm, to ensure the fliers were kept clean. One of our Admins had created a volunteer policy that placed safeguarding at its heart. We could help with shopping, prescription collecting, walking a dog or being a listening ear. We knew lockdown would be imminent, we couldn’t have people in our community feeling isolated. Being there on the end of a phone for them, could make all the difference.

On Saturday morning, day five, the sub-group leaders, Vicar and I met at Arlesey WI. A large enough space to accommodate us with social distancing. Incredibly, it was the first time we’d all met each other in real life..

We all had our list of volunteers, the lists of roads we would be responsible for as subgroup leaders and hundreds of fliers in plastic wallets. They were distributed over the next few days. Having the longest high street in the country is quite challenging during a pandemic!

As a result of the pandemic, our community has pulled together. We have around 550 members in our Facebook group and over 140 active volunteers. I couldn’t be prouder of Arlesey.

With thanks to our brilliant Admins and Subgroup Leaders – Sarah Colley, Sarah Brignull, James Kapp, Chris Gravett, Bron Martin, Louise Colley and Sam Ward. And of course, our amazing team of volunteers.

Arlesey Good Neighbours 01462 416100

To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

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Arlesey Good Neighbour Scheme -a volunteer's perspective. written by Jodie Chillery

Since lockdown each day feels like a desert landscape of a timetable - I've lost my job, my son's school is closed, my husband's routine has changed significantly and like everyone we're adjusting to a very new and limiting routine. Signing up to the Arlesey Good Neighbour scheme seemed like the obvious opportunity to give us some purpose each day, a little oasis in the desert of not knowing and not doing.

Our first job was to deliver information cards to our "patch". Husband and Son enjoyed playing the role of postman, relishing the excitement of using excessive amounts of hand sanitiser legitimately after each letterbox was touched and learning which neighbours had the seemingly most deadly dogs! Of course the real big moment of joy was when one neighbour, a teacher currently stuck working from home and clearly missing her class, replied to our card with a "Well Done for Good Community Spirit" certificate for our son. Its mounted proudly on the fridge with various other school certificates achieved in what feels like a lifetime ago.

Slowly the requests started to roll in. We are now supporting a self isolating couple, who I'll call Tom and Sally, (not real names) who due to complex medical circumstances are on a strict diet, can not leave home, need regular pick ups from the pharmacy and most importantly really miss receiving the local paper. What an education for us! We are now experts in local stockists of certain types of butter and are rather enjoying our new found paper round. But perhaps most rewarding, is the new friends we've made, talking to Sally through the glass and receiving a Happy Easter text message from Tom who two weeks ago, we'd never met, had nothing in common with and were unlikely to ever encounter. Arlesey Pharmacy is now my new favourite destination. Not particularly because of its exciting stock, great deals or atheistic retail experience but its welcoming and friendly staff, the fact they are open and working with a smile under their masks, even giving craft ideas to our son ... how to make your own face mask out of an old vest!

Our Arlesey Good Neighbour sub group of volunteers who cover a similar area and work to help each other out if one of us is unavailable or finds themselves self isolating, has for me replaced the office water-cooler moments. Made up of a detective, a Sainsbury's employee, communications workers and various others and each playing to their strengths. We're working pretty well in our new found volunteer roles I think. Covering the immediate shopping needs, pharmacy needs and for those living on their own and most vulnerable providing a bit of social contact over the phone, we've all made new friends.

One day last week en route to the pharmacy to pick up a prescription for a neighbour, I aimlessly looked into the window of a house I was passing. To my horror what looked like a ghost of an elderly man was sitting in the window looking right back at me. I stopped to stare some more, reassured he was indeed alive, I did a thumbs up to double check, he did one back so I did a rather exuberant double wave in reply. He waved back. Then we both laughed out loud! In times gone by I wouldn’t have even noticed him. In times gone by I wouldn’t have been picking up a prescription for a neighbour I’ve never actually met.

But its not all about joy and congratulation. We've come in to contact with some heart breaking situations, people who've actually been isolated for years with no family and until now no one to call on. People who've been recently bereaved or become unwell and the usual avenues of help or their regular social network has been destroyed under lockdown. I've learned to listen to what is important to those we are trying to support, the lifeline that is the local paper may seem insignificant to those of us online, or a nice cake to someone on a special diet could be the last thing they need. Without the Good Neighbour Scheme, we risk getting lost in that desert, so while we have our own health and for as long as those around us need we'll continue to contribute to the oasis that is the Arlesey Good Neighbour Scheme I think we need it as much as those it formally supports.

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If you are self isolating and need something from the shop or pharmacy or just would like a chat, email goodneighbours@arlesey.org.uk or call 01462 416100 to be put in touch with your closest volunteer.

To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

Manning The Arlesey Good Neighbours Phoneline

Written for the Arlesey News Magazine by Chris Gravett.

The main Good Neighbour phone comes through to my home landline. Calls usually go direct to volunteers but the main number is there as a catch all. A couple of weeks ago I took a call from what sounded like an elderly lady who explained that she was the sister of an 85 year old man, George, who lives with his wife who suffers from dementia in an isolated house on the extremity of the village. George has become disabled following a series of operations over the last couple of years so life for him and his wife is a struggle. His sister said that she has been getting their shopping as she lives in the centre of the village but she herself is feeling vulnerable going out and in fact should really be isolating. So she enquired could George ring this number if he needed anything. The next day George phoned. He was obviously very proud and did not like having to call. He also came across as very frustrated with his situation and also quite lonely. He said he didn’t need anything at the moment but was just checking the line worked. As the main line cannot be manned at all times I gave him my mobile number where he could be sure to always get an answer.

Last Wednesday morning George called my mobile. He said he was phoning to apologise that he hadn’t needed to call me, we talked a little and he happened to almost casually mention that when he had gone out to his chest freezer in an outside shed that morning he found it was broken and all the food thawed and no doubt useless. My mind raced as to how his situation could be dealt with whilst observing social distancing and our golden rule of not entering people’s houses.

George insisted he hadn’t called about the freezer and that he could cope and didn’t need anything. Never the less I said I would try to get something sorted for him. Not having a clue what that could possibly be. Then I realised I knew where I could get hold of a small chest freezer that was not being used I tried phoning George to discuss options with him but could not get an answer. I collected the freezer, phoned George again but no reply. I drove to his house, it is quite isolated, and knocked the door, stepping straight back to well in excess of 2 metres. A quite frail looking gent appeared at the door. From a distance I introduced myself and told him I had a freezer in the car. He slowly took me to the shed where the broken freezer was.

Using social distancing at all times, I installed the freezer. George was very pleased and somewhat surprised that a stranger would do this for him. I was now looking at the rear garden area of the house, it was very big and totally overrun.

The ‘lawn’ would have come above my knees. George explained that with his legs not working he could not maintain it and now he and his wife would never get to enjoy it.

I told him I would see what I could do about the lawn. I put out a shout on our Facebook group looking for someone with access to professional strimming and mowing equipment without giving details of who it was for. I sifted through the many replies and in the end a local builder who lived quite close to George, but did not know him agreed to do it. I set things up with George by phone making sure he was comfortable. By the Thursday evening the work was complete plus the builder had offered to come back every couple of weeks through the summer. On Friday morning I took one of the ‘goody bags’ to Georges house. I put it on the doorstep and phoned George to explain. He thanked me for getting the lawn and freezer sorted and as I explained the goody bag George broke down in tears. He couldn’t stop crying. I hadn’t a clue how to console him, eventually the line cut off. An hour or so later George called me he apologised profusely for his emotions getting the better of him. I suspect that through his life he has not been one for showing his emotions.

Later on Friday I took a call on the mainline from a lady who introduced herself as Ada. Ada is 95 years old and she has received a cream tea, scones, sponge and sandwiches she was phoning to thank whoever had arranged this (it was another one of the Arlesey Good Neighbours) . Ada explained that she was born in the house she still lives in and had never experienced such a kind act from a stranger in all her life, even in the war. I called Ada earlier today to ask if she would like some bags of veg and a wholemeal loaf we had been donated. Ada exclaimed she would love some veg but that I should give the loaf to someone more needy.

To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

15

Local Dance School Dance Their Way Through Lockdown

Rebecca and Lucie Gifford are determined to keep their dancers fit and active during lockdown and have been teaching dance from their back garden in Stotfold using a combination of live classes and YouTube videos. The beauty of the live classes is that dancers can connect online enabling Rebecca and Lucie to see how well the dancers are picking up the routines and to offer advice and help. The YouTube videos are especially good for practice as they can be played time and time again if there is something the dancer is finding hard to master.

The girls have even invested in a new gazebo so that classes can continue when the weather is not so good. It can be a bit cold but after four hours of classes the sisters soon warm up. The sisters Sisters Rebecca & Lucie of Gifford Dance Academy. are doing their best to cheer everyone up and keep them moving, including weekly competitions on their facebook page, some of which aimed at getting the whole family involved!

If you find yourself looking for something to watch then there are plenty of dances on the Gifford Dance Academy YouTube channel including the Disneyland Paris performance and the recent performance at Liverpool Arena. GDA are still busy planning routines so the dancers can all get back on track as soon as possible when they are able to dance together again. With many competitions ahead including some overseas, the girls are hoping that normal classes can resume in the not too distant future. In the meantime, the dance school are enjoying keeping their dancers fit and active as well as providing support and encouragement to young people during this difficult time.

James’s Carpentry & General Handyman Service

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16

To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

Do You Know Someone Who Cannot Get To The Shops?

Churches Together in Stotfold have launched the Covid-19 Support Group to help those who cannot pick up their shopping from local stores and don’t have local family, friends or neighbours to help them.

Individuals who have money for groceries but are unable to shop because they are self-isolating, can call 07401 220349 or email stotfoldchurchestogether@gmail.com. Payment can be made on delivery of the shopping by either cash, cheque or online transfer to Churches Together in Stotfold. Not everyone has local family or friends, which is why Churches Together is offering this free delivery service. All of our volunteers have been checked for criminal records using the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

After a user registers with the service, he or she can phone or email a shopping list to the contact details above and a volunteer will purchase items if they are available. Volunteers will follow hygiene guidelines to deliver the shopping and take payment. Our volunteers will be issued with ID badges plus a password to share when organising a delivery.

The helpline will be open from 9.00am to 3.00pm, Monday to Saturday, although deliveries can be made outside those times.

Churches Together is working alongside The Need Project, which provides food for those who cannot afford it, The Good Neighbour Group, The Stotfold Town Council, and NHS Volunteer Responders, who will be delivering government food parcels to those who are “shielding”.

PLEASE URGE NEIGHBOURS & FRIENDS TO CALL 07404 220349 IF THEY REQUIRE ASSISTANCE STOTFOLD GARDEN CLUB Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month.

St. Mary’s Church Hall, Church Road.

Wednesday 13th May Coach trip – Cancelled Wednesday 10th June Meeting – Cancelled Wednesday 7th October Re-arranged trip to Fullers Mill gardens, Bury St.Edmunds.

For more information, contact Peter on: (01462) 834854 or 07758649721

The world maybe in turmoil, but remember…

We are still here for you.

In need of a new appliance? TV broken down?

Give us a call!

To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

17

Stotfold Library Hitchin Road, Stotfold SG5 4HP Tel. 0300 300 8068 Opening times:

Monday CLOSED Tuesday 9am-1pm Wednesday 2pm - 6pm Thursday 9am -1pm Friday 9am -1pm 2pm - 6pm Saturday 9am - 4pm Sunday CLOSED

Bookings now being taken for Spring 2020

Following the announcement made by the Government on 20th March 2020 to tackle the spread of the Coronavirus, all libraries are now closed. To help library customers over the coming weeks, we are extending the due dates on borrowed items and will be pausing charges on any items that are already overdue. Items already on loan, and not overdue on Friday 20th March 2020, have been extended by 12 weeks. Items renewed online using Arena or the Bedfordshire Libraries app will be renewed until the week beyond the 12th June 2020.

No charges will be incurred during the closure period.

Customer requests will be kept until the libraries re-open.

Please do not attempt to return your library items during the closure period - we ask that you keep hold of these until the libraries re-open.

dow and door repairs and installations * Misted/broken units * Handles * Mechanisms * Door barrels

pply and fit windows and doors Soffits and fascias

y Garside

79 Regent Street, Stotfold

462 732248 or 07951 473505

Anyone can join the library, you don’t have to be an existing library member and no proof of identification is required visit www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/libraries. If you already have a library card but not your PIN, this can be emailed or posted to you using the "Forgotten your PIN" link on the log in page of our website. With your library card number and PIN you can also make good use of our e-resources from home such as - RB Digital, download the app to gain free access to thousands of e-books, e-audio and e-magazines! - Freegal, download the app to download and stream music - Press Reader, download the app to gain access to thousands of enewspapers and e-magazines for free! - Ancestry Library Edition, previously only available in the Library, it has now been opened up for all library customers to use it from home during lockdown for free!

SCOTT GEEKIE Storytime and Rhymetime - Every Thursday 3.30pm, LIVE on

our Facebook page. Lego Club - Every Saturday 11am there GENERAL BUILDER will be weekly building challenges on Facebook and PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Instagram.Photo Challenge ELECTRICAL DEPARTMENT - Every Thursday there will be a weekly #LibraryBookPhotoChallenge released on Instagram.

GUTTERING REPAIRS Read and Recommend - Every Wednesday on Facebook.

PLASTERING #BearHunt2020 - we don't have any windows, but can you

see any teddyWELCOME bears on any of our social media posts for the SMALL JOBS VERY

TEL: 01462 732396 MOB: 07860 192689

We are working on many more projects to keep our library

users occupied at home so please stay tuned for more deb.geekie.dg@gmail.com updates.

To contact the Arlesey News Magazine please call 01462 731986

18

Bear Hunt?

Email: info@stotfoldnews.co.uk

Stay home and stay safe everyone!

Rachel Willoughby, Stotfold Library Manager.

News from

Roecroft Lower School.

A thank you from Roecroft Lower School The last few months have been incredibly challenging and I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to lots of groups of people. Firstly, to our incredible pupils, you dealt with this huge change with utter understanding and grace. You were calm and patient and helped ensure that we could make difficult,grown up decisions together, for the school and our community.

To my staff, I am so proud. You all stepped forward and went above and beyond your duties, ensuring our children were happy and free from worry, even when the world around you felt strange. Between you, you are now supporting the children of keyworkers, ensuring their families can still work.

Finally, to our families, who have shown nothing but support and have shown us daily how much we are cared for. This has helped us all more than you will know.

I miss you all and cannot wait to see you all back where you belong. Roecroft family, please stay safe and look after each other.

Mrs Cross

Please mention the Stotfold News Magazine when responding to adverts

19

News from

Etonbury Academy.

After our fantastic news following our OFSTED inspection and becoming a Good provider, COVID 19 has really challenged our people, systems and processes further. Thanks to our dedicated team of staff, and the technical systems that were already in place and used by students and staff, we have been able to continue providing learning materials with relative ease. As we settle in to new routines, working practices and continuing to keep the school open throughout this time, including the Easter holidays, we are absolutely overwhelmed by the generosity and understanding within our community. Parents/carers, staff and students have also worked incredibly well together to make the transition to home working in such a short space of time.

While the school has remained open for our keyworker’s children, our design technology department have been making visors for the carers and NHS workers in our community, we have donated all our goggles to a local hospital, and supplied our food to the local NEED project. Many of our staff have put themselves forward as volunteers, and supported their own communities where they live in the times they are not in school, or planning their online lessons. We are very proud that our talented and committed staff can support others at this challenging time.

We have been delighted to see our students and parents/carers take on this testing time with such energy. We would love you to take up the poster challenge and have a go colouring in our ‘Together we care’ poster which you can download from our website, and place in your window. Thank you to our very talented student, Dylan, for designing this poster.

The abrupt end for our GCSE students was sad for us all, but our students were able to sign shirts and say their fond farewells. We are looking forward to hearing how they progress in their next steps. For those feeling anxious or worried, we have been listing supporting organisations and information on our website under the Parents’ Area should you need to refer to any. We will continue to keep this updated for the benefit of our whole community. Don’t forget to post your home school pictures on twitter @EtonburyAcademy using #etahomeschool, we love seeing what you are up to!

Once again, thank you for continued loyalty and support to our school, we really do appreciate it. Stay safe.

20

Please mention the Stotfold News Magazine when responding to adverts

News from

St Mary’s CE Academy St Mary’s Academy have kindly sent us this lovely childrens Mr Men & Little Miss competition..

Can you name each of the characters? You can find the answers at the back of this issue. Good Luck!!

Name the Mr Man or Little Miss

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

NORTH HERTS ROAD RUNNERS All our events and training have been cancelled for the near future. We hope to continue with the Standalone 10k in October. WE WILL BE BACK Our club details are still on our website www.nhrr.org.uk or call Ian on 01462 639215

To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

21

Family Announcements Evie Rainbow 30th May Happy 7th Birthday Love Mummy,Daddy, Leila & Olivia xx

Lianna Happy 6th Birthday!

Love Mummy, Daddy & Harley xxx

Madeline Balch I've never missed a birthday mum This year will be different but my love for you will be the same Love Jemma & Family xx

Pippa

Happy 8th Birthday 19th May Love all the family x

Nathaniel Parry!

11th Birthday 15th May 2020 Love of love Mum, Dad, Rufus & All the family xxx

John Bracken Happy 60th Birthday Have a great day, all my love Sue xxxx Harriet Happy 9th Birthday Love Mummy, Daddy, Big sister Elizabeth & all your family x

Caitlin Padfield, Happy 16th Birthday.

So proud of you!

Love Mum, Wesley, Nanny & Grandad.x

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Amelie Happy 8th Birthday Love from Mummy, Daddy, Aiden & Toby xx

Natasha Happy 43rd Birthday Love Gary Megan, Harry & Toby

Ashton Howard Happy 14th Birthday!

Love Mum, Dad, Lauren & Ted x Michael Happy 1st Birthday 28th May Love Mummy & Daddy x

Mel Plowman-Cobb Happy Birthday.

Love Jemma & Lucy x

Jake Ambler.

Happy 18th Birthday to our very special son.

Lots of Love from Mummy & Daddy XXX Phillip Parkin Happy Birthday!

Gemma Chris & the grandchildren Kyla Rose Currell We love you so much Love from Mummy, Daddy, Luna and Skippy xx

Bobby Simons Happy 5th Birthday Pickle Love from Mummy & Daddy x x

Sophia Jane Happy 12th Birthday We will make it special1 Love Mum & Cammy x Hope Caley

Happy 6th Birthday

Love from all the family xx Lenny Tiplady.

Happy 6th Birthday

Love Mummy Daddy Noah, Grandad & Elvis xxx Ella

Happy 9th Birthday, Love Mummy, Daddy and Fred x

Finley Bell

Happy 11th Birthday

Love Mum, Dad, Lucas & all the Family xx

Olivia Happy 4th Birthday Love Mummy, Daddy & Zack x Colin Gilchrist Happy Birthday Dad/Grandpa Love Alex Lizzy Amelia & Areya x Scarlett & Ashton Happy 10th birthday!

Love all the family x

Jan McGuire

Happy Birthday

Love Kerrie Jason Jake & Jamie xxxx Debbie Randall

Happy Birthday Love all the family xx

Lauryn West

Cruz Happy 8th Birthday Love Mummy and Daddy

Isla True Happy 10th Birthday!

Love Mum, Dad & Joseph

Olivia Walker Happy 9th Birthday with Love Mum, Dad & Amber

Rachel O’Neill Happy Birthday 1st May Love Mum xx

Grace & Jasmine Happy 18th & 15th Birthdays!

Love all the family x

Ella & Matt Wood Happy Birthday to you both!

Love from all the family xx

Poppy Happy 5th Birthday!

Love all the family xx

Happy 15th Birthday Love Mum, Dad, Ben, Nan & Grandad x

Josh Richards Happy 15th Birthday Mum, Daniel & Amy! x

Steve Tremain

HappyBirthday!

Denise Casey

6th May

Happy 65th

Birthday

To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

Love all the family xx

Jason & Mya Happy Birthday to you both!

Love all the

family xx

Pauline Beresford Happy Birthday!

Ray

Happy Birthday

Love Sharon and Hollie! xx Kaden Page Happy 10th Birthday!

Love Nanny x

Family Announcements Grace Gibb Happy belated (sorry Grace!)

10th Birthday Gorgeous Girl!!

Welcome to double figures!

Love you more! Mum, Dad, Lawrence, Claudia & Rapunzel xxxx Kevin How Happy Birthday 4th May Love Patricia x Chris Happy Birthday 8th May Love Mum x Laura Smith Happy Birthday!

Love Ian, Keira, Finn,Leo &Albie

Veronica Elizabeth Couzens

Happy 75th Birthday!

Love all the family xx

Derek Croucher

Happy Birthday Husband, Dad, Grandad & Great Grandad Love all the family xx

ALAN JOHN SMITH

of Stotfold passed away peacefully on 24th March, at Bedford Hospital age 77 years.

A much loved Husband of Bridie/Bridget, Father to Sean & Paula, Granddad to Mollie, Jamie, Jessica & Jake, Father-in-Law to Paul & Sally.

He will be missed dreadfully Service was held on Thursday 9th April at North Herts Crematorium, Bedford Road, Holwell.

A Church Service will be arranged at a later date to celebrate his life for all Family and Friends to attend to share their memories.

Evelyn Restall Happy 1st Birthday 6th May!

Rebecca Gifford Happy Birthday!

With love from your GDA dancers!

To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

Afternoon Tea ÂŁ12.50pp Takeaway and

DeliveryAvailable.

Box of Cakes

Box of Cakes Cafe & Cake Shop Hallworth Drive, Stotfold Tel: 07812 055587

23

News from

Stotfold Watermill

Y Ind

Establishe

It is very strange not to be open to the public at this time of year.

Hopefully we will be able to open later in the season and welcome the public to come and visit our lovely Mill. Just before the total lockdown and on what should have been our first opening we held a pop-up shop in the entrance to the Mill. This was very successful and we raised £800 for Mill funds, although our primary aim had been to provide a service to the local community. Many thanks to all the volunteers who turned out on a Sunday afternoon to assist with car parking and martialling the queue so that the event could be carried out with necessary personal security.

Since then our miller, Ray Kilby, has been busy milling flour every day to supply our wholesale customers.

Stotfold Nature Reserve It is an interesting way of self-isolating and good exercise going up and down the many flights of stairs.

We decided that due to restrictions it was probably not a good idea to have another pop-up shop at the moment but we will review this if the situation changes. In the meantime you can buy Stotfold Watermill flour from Beales Butchers and Adore Nature in Stotfold and Bamboo Turtle in Letchworth. Please check their websites for ordering and delivery.

We are pleased that many of you are still taking advantage of a walk round the nature reserve as your daily exercise opportunity. We will be keeping the car park locked for the time being and apologise for any inconvenience caused but it enables our volunteers who open and close the gates to observe the ‘lock down’ instructions. Can we urge when you walk round the reserve that you: •Please keep dogs on a lead and pick up their poo •Do not disturb the wildlife and nesting birds •Do not drop litter – there is a bin by the entrance but if it is full take your litter home •Remember the safe distance rule when encountering other people, but most of all enjoy visiting our local asset!

YOUR LOCAL Independent Agent Client Focused, Results Driven

ARLESEY & STOTFOLD

24

Call us today on: T: 01462 487 877 www.isabelleestates.com 45 Station Road, Letchworth, Hertfordshire SG6 3BQ To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

A

To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

25

S TA Y S A F E IN AN ELEGANT ENVIRONMENT

RESPITE CARE IN BEDFORDSHIRE & HERTFORDSHIRE In these unsettling times, we are all facing our own challenges. We understand what you’re going through, and are here to make sure you’re not going through it alone.

The uncertainty presented by coronavirus is extraordinary and daunting. At Baycroft, we provide exceptional respite services, where a loved one feeling isolated can spend some time within a safe community, or make a pleasant transition from hospital before going home.

Our friendly staff are dedicated to your needs and will safely support your individual wishes, helping to navigate technology to keep you in touch with the people who matter to you. We will find the courage and comfort we all need to get through this, together.

FACILITIES INCLUDE: • • • •

A safe and secure environment for your rest and relaxation Contemporary and commodious en suite bedrooms Experienced and approachable care staff Stunning and satisfying menus to suit all tastes and dietary needs

For more information, including virtual tours of our homes, please contact us

01462 530465

26

yrolfe@baycroft.co.uk

baycroft.co.uk

To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

Hertfordshire Roofing Ltd

Assuring you of a professional and reliable service at all times ROOF TILING, SLATING, LEADWORK, NEW BUILDS, RE-ROOFING, REPAIRS, SKY LIGHTS, CHIMNEYS, RE-POINTING AND FLAT ROOFING

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67 Vaughan Rd, Stotfold, Hitchin, Herts, SG5 4EJ Please mention the Stotfold News Magazine when responding to adverts

27

Flower Festival

Flower Festival

in St. Mary’s Church

in St. Mary’s Church

Saturday 9th September 10.00am- 4.00pm Sunday 10th September 12.00 – 4.00pm Followed by Songs of Praise at 4.30pm

Saturday 9th September 10.00am- 4.00pm Sunday 10th September 12.00 – 4.00pm Followed by Songs of Praise at 4.30pm

Charity No: 1131275

From this

* Hertfordshire based * Over 10 years experience * Friendly service

To this.

Don’t take our word for it...’Thanks Tony, Gary and team.

We are pleased with the exceptional high standard of work. Would have no hesitation in recommending you all’ - Stephanie Elliott

FREE site survey and guaranteed competitive prices Call: 07773 209773 or 01438 222574

Charity No: 1131275

News from Stotfold Football Club

From this

* Hertfordshire based * Over 10 years experience * Friendly service

To this.

Don’t take our word for it...’Thanks Tony, Gary and team.

We are pleased with the exceptional high standard of work. Would have no hesitation in recommending you all’ - Stephanie Elliott

FREE site survey and guaranteed competitive prices

Call: 07773 209773 or 01438 222574

What Would You Do With Some Extra Space?

What Would You Do With Some Extra Space?

Following ratification by the FA our season has been declared null and void, so we have been denied the opportunity to get promoted back to the Premier Division of the Spartan South Midlands League a huge disappointment. However, before the season ended abruptly, the 1st team won the Beds Senior Trophy defeating Stevington 2-0 with both goals coming from Kim Forsythe. In truth it was a well -deserved victory in front of a large crowd so if that match proves to be the last of this season, we will have fond memories. Well done to the lads.

Hertfordshire’s Garage Conversion Specialists

Hertfordshire’s Garage Conversion Specialists

We believe there are exciting times ahead for the club and we are now looking to recruit volunteers to join us in particular a Commercial Manager, a Media Officer and additional people to help man the turnstiles, steward matches and serve teas and food. If you feel that you can spare a few hours a week and could fill any of these roles, please contact us on the email address below.

As many of you will know we lost our long serving Match Secretary Margaret Richardson in March one of the many roles she performed for the club. She was a treasured member of our “football” family and we give thanks for her life and all that she gave to the club. Rest in Peace Margaret you will be much missed.

JSJ Stadium New Roker Park Arlesey Road Stotfold, Bedfordshire, SG5 4HE T: 01462 539297 www.stotfoldfc.co.uk Twitter @stotfoldfc Email enquiries info@stotfoldfc.co.uk

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Call Ken Haskell on 01462 732960 or 07774 669603 28

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To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

Challenge The Teacher

With Our Lockdown History Quiz..

With thanks to Miss Young from Etonbury Academy.

1) How many of Henry VII’s wives were called Catherine?

2) What event started on the 1st July 1916?

3) How many Kings have been called Edward?

4) Add the date of the Battle of Hastings to the date of the Act of Union 5) What was Francis Drake the second person to do?

6) Who is the odd one out – Crick, Watson, Franklin, Wilkins?

7) What is Mary Anning famous for collecting?

8) What were the first type of castles called?

9) According to myth, what would happen if a certain type of bird left the Tower of London?

10) Where was the body of King Richard III discovered?

11) What year were women first granted the right to vote?

12) What happened between July and October 1940?

13) Who was known as the lady with the lamp?

14) Which London lane saw the start of the Great Fire of 1666?

15) What year was the NHS established?

Answers can be found on page 41 of this issue! - GOOD LUCK! Let us transform your home with beautiful curtains, wallpapers, blinds, shutters, flooring & upholstery

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To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

29

Fantastic Start To The Year For Local Twirlers.

Stotfold Twirlers have had a fantastic start to the year and have so far competed in 5 competitions. The thirteen members from age 5-19 have competed in regional, area and England selection competitions as far away as Portsmouth and Nottingham.

Five girls - Mila, Lottie, Grace, Eleanor and Rheanna have all qualified for the National championships which was to take place at K2 Crawley at the beginning of April, this has now been postponed until September 2020. All girls in the club have performed to their very best and have all picked up top three awards in the competitions so far.

Stotfold Twirlers, picture courtesy of Marriage Photography.

Mila Crook, 19 and Grace Endersby, 13, competed in the Selections for the England Twirling team at Luton and have both been selected to compete for England. This was to be in Spain this July but has now been postponed until 2021. The girls have also had their region Freestyle competition cancelled and the British Open postponed. They are busy working at home on their routines so they can perform their best when the time comes.

All girls put in so much hard work and are continually improve with each competition. Whilst it is disappointing that so many events are postponed due to the lockdown, the girls undrestand it is for the best and will soon be back out on the competition floor.

Our showroom is temporarily closed Please see our Facebook page for further details

30

sales@bewselectricalltd.com www.bewselectricalltd.co.uk To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

Domestic Appliances

News from Arlesey Town Council Address from the Chairman of Arlesey Town Council, Councillor Ian Dalgarno.

I would like to extend thanks to the residents of Arlesey for continued co-operation and compliance with Government and Public Health England guidelines during these unprecedented times. This temporary, new way of life is not easy and when the sun is shining it is tempting to go out, but I urge you all to continue with your great effort and support of guidelines issued on social distancing, hand washing and self-isolation when any member of your household display coronavirus symptoms, and express overwhelming gratitude and thanks to all individuals working tirelessly in frontline roles and the NHS. The Council have had to close play facilities and appreciate co-operation from residents in adhering to these closures. The Recreation Ground remains open however, residents are reminded of the Government advice- to stay at home- and when participating in an hour daily exercise to ensure that a safe distance of 2 metres is maintained at all times.

During this time community spirit rises and we have seen a great local support Flying the flag for our NHS network that has been established, Arlesey’s very own Good Neighbours project is co-ordinated by a wonderful group of volunteers assisting those vulnerable, self-isolating or in need please visit goodneighbour.arlesey.org.uk and Central Bedfordshire Council provides regular updates and contact numbers for support and guidance centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/info/26/public_health/737/coronavirus_-_covid-19 Whilst the Town Council office is currently closed to the public, staff continue to work and are still contactable via adminassistant@arleseytc.co.uk or assistantclerk@arleseytc.co.uk and by calling 01462 733722 with voicemail messages being monitored along with the website arleseytc.co.uk and Facebook pages providing information. The Town Council continues to closely monitor Government advice on COVID-19 in order to keep our residents, staff and volunteers safe and healthy during this time.

Open for high risk patients & emergency appointments only

We are all experiencing extraordinary circumstances and we thank you for your continued understanding and commitment to observing restrictions.

Stay home, Stay Safe,

Protect the NHS, Save lives.

LOOKING FOR LEGAL ADVICE?

craig@cisma.co.uk

Expert legal advice for personal and business matters

WE’RE HERE TO HELP

We can discuss your needs via email, telephone and video conference.

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COMPANY & COMMERCIAL • COMMERCIAL PROPERTY • CONVEYANCING • FAMILY • LITIGATION • WILLS, TRUSTS & PROBATE

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To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

Local Stotfold Singer Releases EP Local singer songwriter Sam Gifford has a new EP out on 6th July called 'Man Made'. He has been working on this for quite a while and spent a lot of time in the recording studio last Summer to make this possible. The first song was released today 'Something Else' and the video for this will be out in a few weeks.

This particular video may be of interest to the readers as quite a lot of it was filmed in the Stotfold Memorial Hall with the help of local people.

Handy Henr y Stotfoldd based handyman who can help you with those jobs you never get to!

The next single from the EP will be 'Leave With Nothing' out on 25th May. Sam hopes that the positive themes in his music will inspire, uplift and encourage people over the coming months while times are hard. His music can be found on all major platforms and his videos are on You Tube.

Sam told the Stotfold & Arlesey News Magazine ‘I am so excited to be releasing the EP after many months of hard work. I hope people enjoy listening to our music as much as we have enjoyed putting it together.’

More details on Sams music can be found by visiting www.samgiffordmusic.com

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To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

33

Anagrams

LONDON Places Courtesy of St Mary’s Academy.

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Email: stotfold.news@yahoo.co.uk

Answers on page

41

News from Arlesey & Stotfold Methodist Church Inside Out Church

Arlesey and Stotfold Methodist Churches have to remain closed during the crisis. We’re sad we can't meet together, but we're sad for all the groups that are restricted, such as the Brownies at Arlesey, and the Monday Club and the Carer’s group at Stotfold Methodist Church. We're looking forward to when we can safely gather on Sunday mornings, and our Saturday coffee mornings (I'm eating a lot less cake, but then I think the Easter Egg supplies have compensated). But, for now, things are a bit inside out.

Like a lot of organisations, the telephone and Internet have become a lifeline: we've been online to worship together and pray and meet with God. This is through a combination of Zoom, Facebook, email, WhatsApp, YouTube and Vimeo. We're praying a lot, for the world, for loved ones, for our government and especially the NHS and all the many different key workers. Also prayers for the volunteers. It’s so encouraging to see the many volunteering for Arlesey Good Neighbours.

And it's been a privilege to be involved in the Stotfold Covid 19 Support Group with Churches Together in Stotfold with help and encouragement from local and county councils, the Stotfold & Arlesey News, Good Neighbours and the Need Project. Please do support them.

Faith is becoming a great help to many in these troubled times.

One person told me today that she's saying Psalm 91 every day to keep her going: “When they call to me, I will answer them; Give your garden a modern, contemporary I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honour look with beautiful porcelain paving. them.” Church is a bit inside out at the moment. But if we can at least encourage one another then we're doing something For a FREE quotation call Robin on right. Keep safe.

(01462) 815968 or 07785 530558 www.thegardenrobin.co.uk

Revd Graham Claydon-Knights 07340857386 Minister for Arlesey and Stotfold Methodist Churches.

Business development assistant Award winning Absolute Signs and Graphics Ltd are looking to recruit a marketing business development assistant.

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The Candidate Excellent phone manner/ communication skills. Organised/reliable/self- motivating.

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CV’s to Jonathan@absoluteSG.co.uk

absolutesg.co.uk www.stotfoldnews.co.uk

35

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Happy Little Yogi is a Arlesey-based business that was established over 10 years ago. Over the years, Jane established a strong presence in the local community and especially surrounding schools, offering day-time and afterschool club classes to children. Since the start of the lock down, she has been recording live classes every day on their YouTube channel: Happy Little Yogi UK. See below for the schedule of classes:

Tots (2-4years old) – Tuesdays Happy Little Yogis (4-11 yrs old) Mon / Wed / Fri Teens (11yrs + ) – Thursdays Wednesday is a special edition as it’s mindful Wednesday.

Various instructors take the classes and themes vary day by day.

To find out more simply find them on their Youtube channel ‘Happy Little Yoga UK’

36

Email: stotfold.news@yahoo.co.uk

Saunders Celebrate NHS Workers Stotfold based Saunders Recovery took to the roads during the recent Thursday night ‘Clap for carers’ to thank the wonderful NHS and other keyworkers in the town.

A convoy of eight recovery trucks made its way through the streets of Stotfold with lights flashing and horns beeping, much to the delight of local residents.

The final truck in the convoy displayed a huge banner thanking local NHS workers for their dedication and care.

Local resident Jermayne Vincent joined many people on social media thanking Saunders for their display ‘Saunders we salute you! Amazing lights, air horn and NHS boards - Keep safe everyone!’

Saunders procession taken by Amber King

Over 8,000 shared the video on our Stotfold News Magazine facebook page featuring the tail end of the convoy with many local facebook pages showing footage of the convoy leading its way through the town. Huge thanks to Saunders Garage for echoing the thoughts of many residents and for thanking the many services working hard to keep our community safe.

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To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

37

A Huge Thank You

During the last few weeks the Stotfold & Arlesey News Magazine have received many requests for help through the facebook pages that we currently run. Reaching thousands of people every week, our social media has been an invaluable tool during lockdown enabling us to help both members of our community and groups and organisations during this time. Here are a few of the instances where we have been able to involve our facebook audience and the way in which you, our amazing followers have been able to help...

Baby monitors became a useful tool to our local hospital for communicating between makeshift wards. Our facebook plea reached hundreds of CLAIRE’S people, resulting in many monitors collected, PAT tested CAT SITTING and handed to Lister Hospital Ward Manager Yaow.

Stotfold based Thank you to everyone that donated, collected and cat sitting service responded to our plea!

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Lister ward Manager Yaow with one of the monitors

Shoe racks became the next item on our list, with many racks needed for nursing staff to use before and after their shifts to protect against contamination. A further plea on our facebook page saw racks collected from residents of Arlesey, Stotfold, Letchworth & Henlow. Heather Ilett, Stotfold resident and one of the nursing staff at Lister informed us ‘one message and within 24hrs you have pulled it out the bag - these shoes racks are going with me to work today for our nurses shoes prior to going into wards - please pass on my thanks to those who donated’.Thank you Shoe racks loaded up and ready to go!

To Our Facebook Community

Plastic and vinyl were our next plea used by NHS staff to make name badges for staff on the front line. Aimed at making the uniform of mask and gown more personable to patients, large badges are pinned to the outside of PPE to ease anxiety of those they treat.

Andrew Hall, cordinating the collection in Stotfold and Arlesey asked us to request materials and within 24 hours this was delivered to the Lister Hospital after several local people came forward with donations. Thank you.

Local business Box of Cakes asked us to advertise through our social media for elderley or vulnerable residents that may enjoy a delicious lunch delivered free of charge coutesy of the generosity of local residents. We placed a message on our Stotfold page and within hours received a record number of nominations.

Tuesday 21st April saw 21 lunches delivered to residents fitting this criteria with many people being overwhelmed at the prospect of people caring within the local community. This was the second time Box of Cakes had provided these take away lunches Thank you to those who took the time to nominate and thank you to Emma & staff once again for the amazing gesture.

You can read one of the recipients letters Delicious lunch at the beginning of this special lockdown edition - we know how important it has been for residents to feel as if they are being cared for during this time.

Thank you

CHIMNEY SWEEP

Emergency staff with name badges

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39

Springtime In The Countryside

written especially for the Stotfold & Arlesey News Magazine by Acorn/Teasel In these challenging times, there is nothing like a walk in the local countryside to provide exercise for the body and raise the spirits. The footpaths and green spaces around Arlesey and Stotfold have been coming alive with glorious displays of wild flowers, and new leaves and blossom sprouting on the trees and hedges. Cowslips and Celandines have been everywhere. Other flowers are more fussy about where they grow – Cuckooflower (in a marshy area of Arlesey Mill Pits); the strange Butterbur (on the river bank near the Ford Bridge in Malthouse Lane). The clever Celandine closes up its petals at night and when it is cloudy and cold – scientists think it is to protect the flower from rain damage or being eaten by slugs etc, but don’t know for sure!

Late April / early May is the time for Bluebells to put on a show. Most of the ones you see around (including Centenary Wood, Stotfold) are the (non-native) “Spanish” variety. The stem

of the native English Bluebell droops to one side with dark blue flowers on just one side. Sadly this year we wont be able to visit the ancient woodlands further afield, which will be carpeted with these traditional Bluebells about now.

From the end of May, look out for Yellow Rattle in Arlesey Glebe Meadows and Stotfold Nature Reserve (middle meadow). These flowers have a vital role to play – taking nutrients from the vigorous growing grasses, and giving other wildflowers a better chance. Later in Summer they produce small seed pods. As they dry out, you can hear the seeds “rattle” in the pod; eventually it pops open, flinging the seeds out to make more plants the following year.

Around the same time we are hoping to see the return of Bee Orchids to the Glebe Meadows – in the past they have put on a good display, but not for a few years now. You may also spot a few on the banks of underpasses at the A507; and on the edge of Etonbury Wood, near the A507 entrance.

So see what you can spot as you walk around. But don’t forget the government guidance still applies. Look well ahead for anybody coming in the opposite direction, so you have time to find a safe spot to step aside as they pass (especially if crossing one of the railway footbridges, west of Arlesey).

Use your foot or elbow to open the wooden kissing gates, to minimise contact.

And remember the Country Code – take litter home, and keep dogs under close control.

Wishing you all good health -please enjoy the outdoors and stay safe.

40

ACORN / Teasel

For this special lockdown issue we thought we would use this picture from Etonbury circa 1967-69.

Thank you to ken Haskell for providing this image.Can you name anyone in this picture.

Have you any pictures you could lend us for this feature?

Quiz answers: Mr Men & Little Miss competition. (Page 21).

Mr Bump, Mr Happy, Little Miss Shy, Little Miss Somersault, Mr Messy, Mr Nosey, Little Miss Stubborn, Mr Tickle, Little Miss Chatterbox, Mr Grumpy, Mr Topsy Turvy, Mr Uppity, Little Miss Neat, Little Miss Sunshine, Mr Cool, Mr Impossible, Little Miss Tiny, Mr Fussy, Little Miss Magic, Little Miss Lucky, Little Miss Scatterbrain, Little Miss Bossy, Mr Snow, Little Miss Dotty, Mr Christmas, Little Miss Trouble, Mr Brave, Little Miss Busy, Mr Quiet, Little Mis Fickle.

History Quiz Answers (Page 29).

1) 3 – Catherin of Aragon, Catherine Howard, Catherine Parr 2) Battle of the Somme 3) 8 4) 1066 + 1707= 27735) Circumnavigate the globe 6) Franklin – she was the only person who is credited for discovering DNA who was not awarded a Nobel Prize 7) Fossils 8) Motte and bailey 9) If ravens left,the Tower would fall down 10) Under a carpark in Leicester 11) 1918 12) Battle of Britain 13) Florence Nightingale 14) Pudding Lane 15)1948

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DIRECTORY. Accountancy & Tax Sue Matejtschuk (SCM Accountancy) Abery Motor Centre AD Garden Rooms AJB Fencing AJ Day Builders AJ Premier Cloud Accounting Services Alfie’s Barbers Andy Leonard Painter & Decorator Arlesey Ladies Football Club Arlesey Pharmacy Arlesey Walk Groups Aquarius Garden Design Ashwell Software / Sigma Office Barn Hair Studio Bal & Co Motor Care Bathroom Services (Stotfold) Beale Bros Butchers Bews Electrical Bickerdikes Garden Centre Big Minibus Hire Bookks Bookkeeping services Box Of Cakes Cafe & Cake Shop Brian McInally - Gas & Heating Engineer Broadband Communications BSH Glazing (Windows & Doors) Bugs ‘n’ Things Pest Control C J Flooring Carpet Cleaning - ACCS Ltd Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning - Steam 2 Clean Carpets & Flooring - Letchworth Carpet Centre Carpets & Flooring - Paul Faulkner Catsitter - Claire Centroheat Domestic Boiler & Heating Services Chequers Pub Chimney Sweep (Jesel Heat) Cleaning, Home Help & Errands Cole’s Decor Painter & Decorator Computer Services & Repair - Nick Saunders The Cooker Buddy Oven Cleaning Chris Webster, Stotfold (Correspondent for The Comet ) DK Home Improvement Darren Peters Property Maintenance Dennison’s - House & Garden Clearance DMC Tiling Dog walking & cat sitting - Smiley Pets Dog boarding, walking and pet care -insured Electrician - Terry C Seymour Switched On Electrical Services Fairfield Bowls Club - Stella Wilson Fairfield Players Fencing (AJB) First Step Estate Agents Foot Health Professional - Vicki Eagles Foot Pro Podiatry Forget Me Not Florist Garden Robin Gifford Dance Academy Graham Smith Brickwork & Paving Greenacre Transfers Airports & Chauffeur Services www.greenacretransfers.co.uk Guides - Stotfold Guide Association Hair Room - Hitchin HB Decorators Helpers Homecare Henlow Vets Heritage Paving Hertfordshire Roofing Ltd

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Joshua Flexton age 9

Daisy Pike age 9

Jemma Jones

Amanda @ Cre-Art-Ivity

Arthur age 3

Toby age 1

Joanna Turton

Mia 8 & Aiden 5

Moat family

Riley age 4

Harrison age 8

Kelcee age 10

Troy age 7

Danielle Jackson

Silverbirch Avenue

Jacob age 7

Luca age 6

Melanie Herlihy

Pippa Lawrence

Karen Tunnicliffe

Ella and Fred, age 7 and 8

Rebecca Thurlby

Rebecca Feeley

Emilia age 4

To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

43

Scarlett age 6

Zack age 8

Victor age 3

Amelie 7 & Aiden 5

Amy age 28

Ethan age 8

Woody (woof woof)

Ben age 12

Jason age 4

Mylo & Luca 9 & 7

Florence 7 & Amelia 11

Roecroft key worker children decorate the school window

Paul age 37

Michael & Ollie 26 & 21

Amelia 8, Areya 3 Lizzy 30

Michelle Wright

The Brooks family

The Mercer Family

Isla age 2

Jamie age 6

Scarlett age 6

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