Stotfold News Magazine March 2021

Stotfold

NEWS

Town News Magazine Issue 191 March 2021

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From the Editor Welcome to our March issue..

March 2021

It’s official! Springtime begins at the latter end of March (tying in nicely with this month’s front cover picture sent to us by Jack Cooper age 11) meaning we can all look forward to longer, brighter days ahead.

Indications also show that as our vaccination programme increases, we can slowly look forward to much brighter days in more ways than one. We have loved hearing about your experiences of receiving the Coronavirus vaccination - you can find a couple of the stories shared with us on page 13 of this month’s issue.

Speaking of things we have heard - did you catch our facebook post earlier in February regarding the things you remember about growing up in Stotfold? If you weren’t one of the 800 people that responded (yes 800!!) to our post, then you can read about some of the things discussed on page 9 of your March edition. We are so glad that you all enjoyed reminiscing about days gone by- it made for some entertaining reading! (and if you aren’t familiar with the saying £100 and a pig you’d best catch up with John Hyde and ask!)

If you need a feel-good story to cheer you up, then our story on page 8 will most certainly do just that. We were so proud to have been involved with helping raise funds for a very deserving young Stotfold Junior footballer Teddy. We would like to thank each and every person that joined us in helping Teddy and his family in raising money for this amazing cause - what a courageous boy he is!. We look forward to bringing you updates on Teddy’s progress as the months go on.

We hope you enjoy our March edition - as usual, you will find the usual round-up of news from our local schools, churches and more. Fingers crossed, it won’t be too long until we can start to bring you some local events to go with it!

Keep safe and well.

Joanne

Contents

CONTENTS

Articles:

Your letters Huge support for Teddy One hundred pounds & a pig News from Stotfold Mill Vaccination joy for residents Recipe with Trace Buggins Family Announcements News from Stotfold Library Larksfield Surgery News Stotfold Football Club News

Page 4,5,6 Page 8 Page 9 Page 11 Page 13 Page 15 Page 23 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31

Church news:

Stotfold Methodist Church St Mary’s Church

Page 24 Page 28

News from Poppies/Poppyfields News from Roecroft Lower School News from Pippin Pre-School News from St Mary’s Academy News from Etonbury Academy News from Pix Brrok Academy

Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22

Local school/nursery news:

Editorial: Please email your letters or articles to stotfold.news@yahoo.co.uk or write to us at: Stotfold News Magazine, 78 Hitchin Road, Stotfold, Hertfordshire,

SG5 4HT You can also call us on 01462 731986 (Mon - Fri, 9.30am to 5pm) You can also contact us via our facebook page.

Advertising: It’s easy to advertise in the Stotfold News You’ll find all you need to know at: www.stotfoldnews.co.uk - Our deadline is always 6th of every month

preceding publication.

Deliveries: We have over 100 volunteers that deliver the Stotfold News Magazine. If for any reason you do not receive your copy of the magazine please contact

us to let us know.

Announcements: We are happy to accept birthday announcements by post, telephone, email or through our facebook page. If you would like to make a donation

in return for your announcement or please visit: www.justgiving.com/gardenhousehospice or send a cheque made payable to Garden House Hospice to: Garden

House Hospice, Gillison Close, Letchworth Garden City, Herts SG6 1QU Please mention that the donation has been made on behalf of the Stotfold News Magazine.

Published by Stotfold News Ltd in association with Woodbury Printing Services.

Printed in memory of Roy West.

To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

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Letters to the Editor Dear Editor, Stotfold Garden Club Update Hope those of you needing the jab have been seen to !! If not, patience is a virtue. We got our call today and will go to Stevenage on 1st Feb. As far as future events are concerned, I have put back Geoff Hodges to the same time next year, which he has confirmed.

Our Clematis Lady in May will, I think. be another casualty.

April and June were to be outings but, until we are given more guidance, I can do nothing. Our second jab is at the end of April,which is a long way away and much can happen in the meantime If there is a breakthrough, I shall move heaven and earth to get something going, even if it is just a meeting in the Church Hall.

Stay safe and regards, Peter

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Dear Editor, Your monthly magazine is a great way of reaching everybody in our community. I should like to use the opportunity to thank the Trustees of the Eleemosynary Charity of William Field for awarding Stotfold Good Neighbour Group (SGNG) a grant to purchase a new Defibrillator for the outside of the Memorial Hall.

The Hall is well used by community groups of all ages. There are many entertainments, dance and exercise classes, sports clubs, short mat bowls, badminton, Chair-based Exercises etc. The Simpson Centre next door houses the Library and also hosts regular events such as the Wednesday afternoon club, a reading group, coffee mornings and a variety of children’s clubs and events.

The hall is quite close to the Bowls club, the football pitches and the children’s play areas on Hitchin Road. Close by there are also busy businesses and of course the Methodist Church and residential property, all within easy reach of the Memorial Hall.

Working alongside the Town Council, SGNG applied to the Eleemosynary Charity for funds to purchase the Defibrillator for the Memorial Hall as we felt there is so much activity in this part of Stotfold with a significant potential for medical emergencies. We know that there are other machines around Stotfold, but many are closed inside buildings or too distant from this area to be of any practical use in the saving of lives.

So, thanks to the Eleemosynary Charity for the grant to purchase the Defibrillator and to the Town Council who have said that they are willing to take on the maintenance and routine checking of a new machine for this area of Stotfold. Hopefully it will be very rarely used but having another defibrillator in this location is potentially of real benefit to our community.

Wendy Craig - On behalf of SGNG

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Letters to the Editor Dear Editor,

Many thanks to everybody who has donated jigsaws to help us in our fundraising.

If anybody still has any jigsaws that they could donate please contact Ann Scarr. Tel: 01462 834844.” –

St. Mary’s Church Social & Fundraising Committee.

Dear Editor,

At the end of January, Stotfold Good Neighbour Group was contacted by one of our elderly clients who had a disaster with his fence. The post nearest his front gate had completely rotted away, with the result that the gate and the first fence panel were lying in wet frosty puddles on the ground. One of our volunteers went around to look at the problem but decided it was not something that we could easily deal with.

Andy at AJB fencing to the rescue!

We love receiving your letters!

Email them to stotfold.news@yahoo.co.uk or pop them to us by post using the address on page 3 of the magazine!

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Andy came and checked out the damage, assured our client that he could fix it and a week later mended fence, gate and posts.

Our client is very happy with the result and wishes to thank Andy for his help and the great job he did. SGNG would also like to thank Andy and recommend his service.

Editors note: It is always lovely to hear of our advertisers giving a great service to our local community - Great job Andy!

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Dear Editor, During the 1st lockdown free Bibles were available each day outside Hope Chapel in Mill Lane. Nearly fifty Bibles were taken by passers by during that period. The offer is being repeated in these difficult days where there is much fear continuing from the effects of the Covid 19 virus.

A leaflet entitled 'Words of Comfort' give references to verses found in the Bible which could be of help to anyone in varying times of trouble and concern. The Bibles are in a waterproof box mounted on the outside wall of the chapel inside the chapel gate. Bibles can be taken during daylight hours. Anyone who has not a Bible, but would wish to possess one, are welcome to take one from the box.

Hope Baptist Church.

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Letters to the Editor Dear Editor,

I would like to recommend Darren Peters Property Maintenance services.

Darren has transformed a dowdy cupboard into a beautiful cloakroom for us. Darren practices Covid safety. He is professional, reliable, hardworking and flexible in finding the best solution to any problems. I thoroughly recommend Darren for any household jobs. Darren has fixed our decking and fencing in the past and is very reasonably priced too. Sharon Marks Dear Editor,

Last Saturday myself and my husband picked up my Mum to take her for her Covid Jab. When we got there she wasn't wearing her glasses as one of the arms had come off. She only recently broken her spare pair so we called into Paul Adler Opticians on the High Street. A lovely lady fixed them for us and wouldn't take any money.

This was very kind, especially as we are not customers there. Thank you very much! Also would like to say a big thank you to all the staff and volunteers at Shefford Health Centre where we took Mum for her Covid Jab. It was so well organized, no waiting around and everyone was very friendly. Vicki Di Michele

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Stotfold Dance School -

Helps Local Children To Express Themselves During Lockdown.

Children's Mental Health Week took place during the first week of February. The theme for this year was ‘Express Yourself.’.. The Stotfold News Magazine took the opportunity to speak to the teachers of local dance school Gifford Dance Academy about the positive impact their online dance classes are having on so many local children and how they are encouraging all of their pupils to do just that...

It is no secret that lockdown has been tough on everyone and it can be hard to find positivity at times. However, dancers at Gifford Dance Academy in Stotfold have been doing just that and are determined not to let lockdown stop them from dancing together. All classes at Gifford Dance Academy have continued to run online, bringing vital happiness and engagement to all of their pupils. "It has been amazing to see the level of commitment from all of the dancers and how they have continued to adapt and persevere whilst learning online. We are both incredibly proud of them" Rebecca and Lucie Gifford both told the Stotfold News Magazine.

Dance teachers Rebecca (left) and Lucie Gifford

Being in the midst of our third lockdown can feel totally overwhelming for many young children and teenagers however, getting up and just moving to some music is proven has been proven to greatly benefit mental health. When we exercise, our bodies release endorphins, triggering a positive feeling, which in turn helps combat both anxiety and depression. Exercise is a great way of helping children deal Pupils enjoying their usual dance classes from home with these issues as often, they struggle to articulate exactly how they are feeling.

As well as all of the mental health benefits, online classes at the dance school are also a great help in burning off all that extra energy and tiring the children out - something that is drastically needed when we are all stuck inside all the time! Online dance classes help create a sense of routine in a world where all order has been disrupted, some dancers even attend up to nine classes a week from home!

Dance classes with Gifford Dance Academy are open to everyone and can be great for children looking to join something new, especially those who are a little reserved or nervous as they can join from the comfort of their own home whilst getting to know the teachers and other pupils at their own pace. The dance school has been lucky to welcome lots of new faces to their screens over the past year.

Throughout the lockdown, the coaches at Gifford have endeavoured to hold on to creativity and come up with different ideas to keep the dancers inspired to train from home. This half term the dancers have enjoyed lots of guest workshops from industry experts and cast members from popular West End shows.

Rebecca told us “It is a great opportunity for the dancers to learn from these talented people whilst we are online, as guests can log in from anywhere in the world to teach them.” “It is also our way of supporting the arts and those professional dancers who are out of work while the theatres are closed.” “It is essential for our industry, that we all help each other where we can and the dancers have absolutely loved it!”

To find out more about the Academy and all it has to offer take a look at their website www.gifforddanceacademy.com To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

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Huge Support For

Stotfold Junior’s Teddy

For Stotfold Junior’s Teddy, life pretty much revolved around his love for football During the first lockdown Teddy’s parents noticed a lump on his chest and he was swiftly referred for chest x-rays and ultrasounds of his heart by his GP. After numerous tests, Teddy was diagnosed with Pectus Carinatum - a deformity of the chest wall. Pectus carinatum is a genetic disorder involving the unusual growth of the rib and breastbone (sternum) cartilage. making the chest jut out, The condition is more common in boys from 12 -18 years old.

Teddy was given two options for treatment, surgery or a chest brace. Whilst surgery would be free on the NHS, recovery time is incredibly slow. Although surgery would fix the problem immediately, Teddy would not be able to play sport or football, his absolute passion for at least 12 months. The Brace on the other hand, is worn up to 23 hours per day and applies pressure to the deformity forcing it to grow back inwards and correctly. A much slower process, the brace is worn for upto 18 months.

Stotfold Junior Under 13 player Teddy

Teddy’s Mum Melanie told the Stotfold News Magazine ‘As a family, we felt that the brace was the best option for Teddy’s mental well-being.

We honestly don’t believe he would cope with the surgery, the slow recovery time and not being able to be play with his friends.’ The cost of the brace had to be self-funded and Mum Melanie got to work setting up a crowdfunding page to help assist with financing the almost £5000 cost of the brace itself and necessary follow up treatment. ‘We honestly thought we might be able to raise a few hundred pounds from friends and family to help with the cost, however through social media and the assistance of the Stotfold News Magazine’s facebook page we were able to reach so many other people including the fantastic local community of Stotfold and our local footballing family.’ ‘Within the space of 48 hours we were astounded to had reached our target, enabling us to start Teddy’s treatment plans far sooner than we ever could have dreamed possible.’ Teddy’s parents were incredibly touched by every donation they received, from strangers that had never even met Teddy and also from organisations such as Stotfold Junior Football Club, Stotfold JOG’s (connected to the football club) and even other Stotfold Junior football teams, donating their tea money to help them reach their goal.

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Teddy has now started his treatment and has attended his initial consultation for the brace which took place in London’s Harley Street a couple of weeks ago. Meanwhile, Teddy remains optimistic and extremely positive about the road ahead, something which his parents are incredibly proud of him for.

‘We are so proud of Teddy, his positivity throughout all of this has been inspiring for us all as a family. We remain hugely grateful to every single person that has helped us on our journey, especially as we are all facing such tough times at present.’

Editors Note: We look forward to updating you all on Teddy’s journey over the next few months and we thank everyone that helped Teddy and his family through our facebook post a few weeks ago. Our appeal reached over 10,000 people which was just incredible.

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31 High Street, Arlesey, Beds SG15 6RA To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

One Hundred Pounds and a Pig! Stotfold News Magazine Facebook Post Sparks HUGE Response!

On a cold damp day back at the beginning of February we thought we would have some fun on our Stotfold News Magazine facebok page!

After having seen similar posts evoke interesting responses, we thought it would be fun to ask this simple question.....

‘What’s one thing you will only understand if you grew up in Stotfold?’

A staggering 800 responses later, (including the one we have used for our heading, courtesy of John Hyde) we are still trawling through the replies and laughing at many of the memories shared by many of our facebook followers. We hope you enjoyed the post if you took part - it certainly brightened our day and took us back to re-visit some of our own memories from days gone by.

Here are just a few of the more popular things our facebook community shared with us....

“The very big slide in the green”- Davina Mason * “The under 18 Monday night disco at Tudor Oaks” - Jane Britten * “It’s a knockout! at Carnival Week” - Elaine Marie Gregory * “Getting a clip round the ear from PC Endersby” - Bernie Grey * “The old co-op with an upstairs”Amanda S Howard * “Marshall’s Newsagents on the High Street and Wakes Bakery”- Anne Sobek * “Carnival Week every year and the afternoon of fun afterwards on the Rec at Hitchin Road” - Jackie Gentle * “Mrs Hurst’s Nursery School” Emma Harwood * “Knowing everyone living on your street” - Darren Flanagan * “Fireworks at St Mary’s vicarage” - Andy Bainbridge * “Stotfold Feast on The Green” - Martin Bygrave * “Kings Bakery and Stan’s Bike Shop” - Sharon Houghton * “Wheelie bin races, carnival floats, sweets through the hatch at The Crown, buying clothes at Costa’s” - Karen Weir * “Cards & Crafts and NSS to buy penny sweets” - Roxanne Ryan * “Riding Dobbin bareback and falling off - also catching sticklebacks and bullheads at the forebridge” - Nigel Tookey * “Time playing and swimming down the splash and stone wall” - Michael Patrick * “The Jug & Bottle at the Pig & Whistle” - Charlotte Mathieson * “Youth Club at the Roecroft Centre - there are still names scratched on the bricks!” - Jamie Beckett.

“Flittons, the small DIY store by the entrance to the old football club” - Ian Carter * “Smiths shop in Regent Street, loved it when they decorated the shop at Christmas and the toys”Gina Straker * “Miss Brick, the milk lady with her horse and cart delivering milk around the village in the late 40' s and well into the late 50's....” - Janet Green * “The van driven by the gentlemen in his brown apron coming down Vaughan Road. we used to buy sweets and pop when l was at my grandparents house.” - Dina Bee * “Fishing for shrimps down the riverside and cutting your feet on the stones under the bridge” - Samantha King * “Going to the old Co-op at Christmas time upstairs to see Santa!” - Sandra Bailey * “Bandys in Regent Street and Old Man Smiths in Regent Street, the shop was in his kitchen!” - Kim Chamberlain.

“The big white Stotfold Working Mens Club on Arlesey Road, good on a weekend night!” Jan Mitchell * “Mr Hyde’s little saddlery shop” Margaret Crampton * “Little paper shop up Regents Street, Saunders Shoe Shop at the traffic lights and Barclays Bank to so many have gone!” - Gillian Brown * “ I remember the mobile fish man going to my grandads house in Vaughan Road, probably 30+ years ago now.” Gareth Brown * “Buying your first car radio off anyone who worked at Motorola!” - Julian Hyde * “The gorgeous smell from King’s Bakery on The Green. I used to walk past on my way to Roecroft School in around 1978 and could smell the freshly baked bread and the steam from the bakery chimney.” - Sarah Panter.

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To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

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Spring News from

Teasal

March is traditionally seen as the start of Spring, when Nature awakens from its winter sleep. In the plant kingdom there is competition on the ground for wildflowers like Primroses, Celandines and Daffodils to reach the sun before grasses and nettles crowd them out. First prize as always goes to the snowdrops – Most of the daffodils you see around are cultivated (garden) varieties that have “escaped” to the wild or been planted by well-meaning folk – still lovely to see, of course.

First to show off amongst the trees is the Blackthorn which produces a dazzling display of white blossom. On Hazel and Willow trees, look for the catkins. On warmer days, listen out for birdsong as they seek to attract partners and stake out their territory; and look for birds collecting twigs and moss to build their new nests. Insects and amphibians are also coming out of hibernation. On sunny days look out for early butterflies – Comma (ragged orange wings with black spots), Brimstone (pale yellow) and the brightly coloured Peacock, with it two blue “eye spots”.

There is so much happening in the natural world at this time of year. So when you are out on your daily exercise walk – remember to take your time and look around.

Roger Watson - on behalf of Teasal, Stotfold.

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To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

News from

Stotfold Watermill

We very much regret ……

Sadly, as most of you have probably anticipated, we must announce that we will not be able to go ahead with our Steam Fair and Country Show in May this year. The event takes some months to plan and make bookings with the traders, exhibitors and attractions that make the weekend such a great success. It also means we have to make a large financial commitment in advance of the event that would be lost if we ultimately had to cancel. Whilst we would like to think that the ‘lockdown’ might be eased by May, the Major Events team decided we could not confidently proceed at this time. We however do hope that by May we might be able to open the mill to Sunday visitors and the tea room has already been set out to permit controlled numbers of customers in a Covid-free environment. Please look out for any announcements on social media, our website and local public noticeboards.

Meanwhile …. …why not visit our website www.stotfoldmill.com and see if you can find the answers to this quiz, set just for fun. Answers will appear next month.

Stotfold Mill Quiz.

1. What type of wheat is milled by us?

2. Where is it grown?

3. How are our oats treated before they arrive at the mill?

4. What types of flour do we produce?

5. What is the name of our gift shop?

6. What are displayed on the walls of the tea room for you to buy?

7. Which three social media sites enable you to find out all the recent news from the mill?

8. Take a Virtual Tour of the mill. What time does the second milling session start?

9. Visit the Archive Collection 2017 Accessions and find out who J Randall ordered 40qrs of wheat from on 30th November 1985.

10. From the 2015 Accessions, how much did G Hyde get paid as a workman in 1891?

11. How much did Ebenezer pay for Wrayfields brickworks in January 1922? (2014 Accession) 12. What is the year of the earliest document unearthed by the mill Archive Group?

13. What are the buttons on the miller’s smock made from?

14. According to the Mill History, what rent was at one time paid to Hugh de Beauchamp?

15. Who owned the mill in at the time of the battle of Waterloo?

16. Which three millers went bankrupt?

17. What is the e-mail address to find out more about booking a guided group visit?

18. Culture, Wildlife Explorer, Science Explorer and which other Activity Badge might a Brownie gain by a booked Group Visit to the mill and nature reserve?

19. What is the area of the nature reserve?

20. In the nature reserve, which butterfly are you likely to see as the first of the year?

We hope this encourages you to find out more about Stotfold Watermill and all it has to offer. We look forward to seeing you as soon as we can open again.

To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

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STOTFOLD TOWN COUNCIL

The Greenacre Centre Valerian Way, Stotfold Hitchin, Herts, SG5 4HG Telephone number: 01462 730064

Email address: enquiries@stotfoldtowncouncil.gov.uk Website: www.stotfoldtowncouncil.gov.uk

Office closed due to the Coronavirus pandemic You can still contact us by email on enquiries@stotfoldtowncouncil.gov.uk or by telephoning 01462 730064 Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm. An answer machine operates outside these hours.

There are no scheduled Council or committee meetings at this time During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic period, we are not meeting in our usual face-to-face manner. Should we need to meet, it will be via a virtual platform, currently using Zoom. We are trying to follow our previously published schedule of meetings, but at this time it cannot be guaranteed. Notices of meetings with agendas, supporting papers and joining instructions will be published on our website and Greenacre Centre noticeboard.

WHO TO CONTACT Whilst our office reception is closed, you can still contact us on enquiries@stotfoldtowncouncil.gov.uk or 01462 730064. If your query relates to council tax, housing, benefits, education, street lighting, waste collection, planning, fly-tipping and litter please contact Central Bedfordshire Council on 0300 3008301. You can also report faults such as street lighting, potholes, etc through ‘Fix My Street’ TOWN COUNCILLOR VACANCY We are currently looking for a new member to join our council membership. Details on what the role of Town Council entails and what we do as a council can be found on our website and on page 25 in this edition of the Stotfold News Magazine.. Our website also contains lots of information on our activities and services. If you are interested in becoming a councillor and being co-opted onto Stotfold Town Council, please contact us on enquiries@stotfoldtowncouncil.gov.uk or phone 01462 730064 for an application form and further information.

Deadline for applications is 31st March 2021.

GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR COMMUNITY GROUPS Local voluntary organisations are invited to make application for grants that will directly benefit Stotfold, or part of it, or all or some of its inhabitants. Applications from individuals will not be considered. Please contact the Council offices for an application form and guidance notes. Completed applications must be received in the Town Council office no later than Wednesday 14th April 2021.

ANNUAL TOWN MEETING This year, we will be unable to hold our usual in-person Annual Town Meeting, however we are currently making plans to arrange a virtual meeting to be held on Thursday 22nd April 2021, at 7pm. At this meeting, residents will have an opportunity to bring matters of concern to the council, and you will hear about the council’s activities over the last year and projects in the coming year. We will also be announcing this year’s Citizens Award recipient/s.

COMMONWEALTH DAY Unfortunately, due to the current coronavirus pandemic, we will be unable to hold our usual gathering and flag raising ceremony outside the Greenacre Centre to mark 2021 Commonwealth Day on Monday 8th March. We will still raise the flag, but with no gathering, and by taking part in Commonwealth Day, we affirm our commitment to serve one another in a spirit of respect and understanding, and advancing development, democracy and cooperation locally, nationally and internationally.

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To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

Residents Give Their

Vaccinations The Thumbs Up!

As more and more members of our community are receiving their vaccinations against Coronavirus, we wanted to share a couple of the experiences shared with us by our Stotfold News readers.

If you don’t know Bert personally then you may remember him from our story back in the summer regarding the missing chair from outside his home. Bert’s daughter Mandy shared the following letter with us regarding their own experience of Bert being vaccinated at Robertson House in Stevenage.

“We just wanted to share some reassurances with your readers, Dad had his covid jab yesterday at Robertson house, it really was amazing and a bit overwhelming - He was booked in for 3.40pm, we were allowed in 5 minutes early and we were leaving by 3.43pm!” daughter Mandy told the Stotfold News Magazine. “It was amazing, staff were brilliant with such a positive and uplifting attitude, they were very calm, very reassuring, very organised and very safe.” “There was lots of information shared - Dad just had a slightly aching arm next day but has been all good since. All in all, we found it to be a very, very positive experience.”

“For those people maybe a bit fretful, please don’t be as it was great, very organised and left us with a sense of positivity and the knowledge we are on the road to a better place.” - Thank you Mandy for sharing this with us.

Stotfold News Magazine reader Ann Fowler also took the time to write to us to tell us her experience of receiving her Covid-19 vaccination: “I spoke to a receptionist at Larksfield Surgery yesterday regarding vaccination and told her that I had already had the jab at Robertson House in Stevenage. The nurses informed me that a number of their patients were nervous of going to Robertson House for various reasons, but through the Stotfold News Magazine I would like to reassure people that there really is nothing to worry about.” Ann told the Stotfold Magazine.

“It is fantastically well organised and you are guided all the way through by an army of volunteer marshals who do a splendid job.”

Ann wanted us to stress to our readers “If you receive a letter inviting you to book there, please do it, is very easy online and I'm a computer idiot - if I can do it anyone can!.

Bert giving his vaccination at Robertson House the thumbs up!

Thank you to Ann and to Mandy for sharing their experiences with us! - let’s hope the vaccinations bring us all closer to being together again soon.

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Although as we write this we are currently unable to sing at St Mary’s Church in Stotfold we are still holding our services of public worship.

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Be Part Of Our Calendar

Competition!

WE WANT YOUR PHOTOS...

You often hear us asking for your local photographs - only this time, we are looking for those EXTRA SPECIAL shots of Stotfold taken throughout the year.

Next year, in partnership with Stotfold Town Council, The Stotfold News Magazine are delighted to be launching the official annual Stotfold Calendar entitled ‘Stotfold in Pictures.’ We are on the hunt for 12 stunning photographs depicting the wonderful town we live in. The calendar will be on sale during late 2021, with all profits made going towards the Stotfold Christmas Lights Appeal.

TRUSTED CARE IN YOUR OWN HOME

We can support you to stay safe at home or accompany you outdoors * Photography taken pre-pandemic Our services include:

Each month, the chosen picture should reflect the relevant season which is why we are asking you to start sending us your photographs NOW. If you are planning on getting out and about over the lock down period then please take along your iphone or your camera and see if you can capture us the perfect shot. - what better way to spend an afternoon!

No.1 • Companionship • Meal preparation • Personal care • Live-in care • Running errands • Dementia care

We follow Public Health England guidelines on using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

What are you waiting for? We welcome pictures from any of our local residents, you do not have to be an expert to take part!

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Photos should be sent to stotfold.news@yahoo.co.uk and captioned Calendar Competition.

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To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

March Recipe- Soft and fluffy pancakes with Trace Buggins, Head Chef at Mount Pleasant Golf Club Mother’s Day 2021

Well it’s that time again guys, when we say thank you to our Mums. Under these trying times it’s a little bit harder than the normal potted plant and dinner at the local hostelry lol!

So this month the dish is aimed at the young Stotfoldian Chefs . They can be made … with the help of a parent (sorry dads!!) ……and served up to the Mums of the world who shop , cook and feed us 364 days of the year so one little breakfast won’t hurt .

I would like to use these pages to wish all Mums a great day , and to my own mum who’s been on lockdown since last March …. I will have that hug sooner rather than later...

Soft and fluffy pancakes with crispy bacon, blueberries and maple syrup.

Dry mix 280 g plain flour 3tsp sugar 1tsp salt 1tsp baking powder ½ tsp baking soda Wet mix 4tbs melted butter 2 egg yolks 500ml buttermilk 2 egg whites

Local chef Trace Buggins

Stir all the dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Mix the yolks with melted butter. Add the buttermilk to the egg whites and whisk gently. Now add the two mixes together and leave to rest. Lay the streaky bacon on an oven tray and cook at 180c/gas mark 4 until crispy .

Slightly oil your frying pan and ladle some pancake mix in .Let it cook until nice and brown and then turn over and cook the other side To keep warm, stack in a warm oven until ready to serve Place pancakes on a plate with crispy bacon in between , pour over maple syrup and sprinkle with blueberries .

Serve on a tray to Mum with your love .... oh and don’t forget that potted plant!!

Trace.

Treat your Mum this Mothers Day!

To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

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Poppies &Poppyfields Nursery News Poppies and Poppyfields Nurseries and After Hours Club We are continuing to remain open, providing care to nursery and after school children and their families at St Marys and Fairfield Lower School during these tricky times!

Firstly, we would like to thank our families for being so supportive and understanding, working with us to ensure we provide as safe an environment as we can. We would also like to thank St Mary’s Academy and Fairfield Park Lower School for their continued support as we work in partnership with them to provide after school care for their keyworker families.

This month children have been enjoying the outdoors, looking for signs of spring. We have been focussing on their well-being as life must seem very strange to little minds right now! Activities have included yoga, tuning in to nature and building friendships.

Children have also been caring for birds by making ‘fat bread’ and enjoying bird tally charts, spotting all the different birds brave enough, with all those little wellingtons running around, to land in our outdoor space!

As the weather warms, we will be starting planting projects!

Any enquiries, please contact us on billpoppies@gmail.com or billpoppyfields@gmail.com.

Take care and keep safe everyone!

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To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

News from

Roecroft Lower School

This half term we have been raising awareness for Children’s Mental Health Week in school. Now, more than ever, it is important to support the wellbeing of our children and young people. We are encouraging our families to talk about mental health. We are trying to spread kindness, being kind to ourselves and kind to others.

At Roecroft, we work closely with CHUMS, a charity that supports mental health and improving lives for young people. On Friday 5th February, we asked our children at home and in school to ‘Shine Bright, Wear Bright’ to express themselves in a way that makes them feel good. We loved seeing the children in their array of colours, shining bright for their classmates to see. We continue to highlight the 5 ways to well-being to our families and try to support them in finding ways to be present and in the moment. Connect – with the people around you; with family, friends, colleagues and neighbours.

Be Active – Discover a physical activity you enjoy that suits your level of fitness.

Take Notice – Be curious. Be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling.

Keep Learning – Try something new. Set a challenge you will enjoy achieving.

Give – Do something nice for a friend -Carry out a random act of kindness.

Update from our Early Year Team Over the first half of the Spring term in Reception we have been learning about Space through our exciting topic 'To Infinity and Beyond'. This is always one of our favourite topics and both our virtual learners at home as well as our critical workers in school have thoroughly enjoyed our space-themed activities.

We began the term by reading the story 'Whatever Next' and helping baby bear plan for his next adventure to Mars. We wrote lists for Baby Bear of things he could take to space with him on his mission, made our own rockets and some wonderful space helmets. We have been designing our own aliens and making identification cards for them where we had to write descriptions, making alien dens and flying saucers as well as finding out lots of information and writing fact files and models of the planets in space.

During the second half of the spring term we will be basing our learning around the topic 'Let's Explore'. We will be doing some exciting science experiments including discovering objects that float and sink and why this happens. Children will also be thinking about the fun they could have if the dinosaurs came back as well as celebrating Easter at the end of the term.

We are so incredibly proud of how all our youngest children have adapted to the new ways of learning this term and taken the changes of routines in their stride. Everyone has been doing a fantastic job at home and we all look forward to seeing and commenting on children's home learning every day.

Warmest wishes, Mrs Cross Email: info@stotfoldnews.co.uk

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News from

Pippin Pre-School

The children will be participating in some fun events this month when we support World Book Day and Comic Relief. For World Book Day (4th March) children are invited to come to Pre-School dressed as a character from their favourite book, we look forward to seeing the children in their chosen outfits!

Comic Relief day is on the 19th March, the children will be encouraged to come to Pre-School wearing something red and participate in different activities throughout the day.

During March, the children will be learning about baby animals and will have the opportunity to watch ducklings hatch in the week leading up to Easter. This is a very exciting time for the children, they choose the ducklings names, help them grow, hold them and watch them swim. The ducklings then leave us to live on a farm.

Each month the children learn about a different country, including trying their traditional cuisine, learning about their culture and beliefs. This month they are learning about the British Isles, from trying welsh cakes and cucumber sandwiches, to folk dancing and joining in highland games.

Thank you for your interest in our Pre-School. We look forward to sharing more of our news with you again next month.

Pippin now has its own Facebook page so if you haven’t already ‘liked’ us please do so to keep up to date with what is happening here at Pippin.

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To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

19

News from

St Mary’s Academy

Who would believe it has been a year since our successful Ofsted Inspection and the Coronavirus Pandemic all started to take effect... what a year so far!

The month of March always brings optimism that Spring, warmer weather and brighter days are just around the corner. This and the new date of 8th March when hopefully schools can open their doors and welcome more children back in! We will be sharing ideas once again this year to celebrate World Book Day on Thursday 4th March. This is something we really look forward to and each child whether in school or not will receive a free £1.00 World Book Day Voucher, potentially in digital form!

Remote Learning continues to work well with ongoing communication with our families through Dojo, Tapestry, Zoom and Loom.

For those critical worker children in school, life is almost as before but of course working within their ‘bubbles’. They are happy but obviously miss their classmates!

As always, we urge anyone in our community to contact us whatever the method, if they have a query or concern, we are always here to help.

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Parent/Teacher Consultations are usually planned for early March alongside class photographs. At this time, depending on the pandemic and government guidelines, we are hoping these will still go ahead but maybe delayed to the end of this term or early in the Summer Term.

We will once again be supporting Red Nose Day on Friday 19th March and are inviting our children to come in non-uniform clothes. We are sure we will find something fun to do on the day to raise money for this very worthwhile cause.

Please look out for our donations page!

The holidays will then be upon us as we break up on Friday 26th Easter break. We will return for the Summer Term on Tuesday 13th April - As always please do visit our website www.stmarysacademystotfold.co.uk for further information and updates on our news and information.

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To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

208308

News from

Etonbury Academy

Another month of learning for our children and staff. A huge well done to all the children and parents who have risen to the challenge of remote learning, we do understand this is becoming increasingly difficult as the time goes on. The teachers have joined them in the challenge, and embraced the new technologies too.

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Our Heads of Year have enjoyed joining the live lessons for their year groups, and for some improving on their Maths, English and Science! They have also introduced a series of assemblies which started with ‘Wellbeing, it’s important we all look after ourselves and get in touch if you need any support. We have an excellent and experienced pastoral team that has been supporting our vulnerable families throughout this time. We have held a live parent consultation day, meet the mentor day and our bi-weekly phone calls continue to go home to discuss how the learning is progressing.

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Tan & Deliver (Stotfold)

The Key Stage Four prospectus has been shared with our Year 9 students preparing for their GCSEs. Having such a broad range of subjects, it will be hard to choose but an equally exciting time to be able to focus on the areas they enjoy the most. Photography, Engineering Design, Psychology, Languages, BTEC Sport, BTEC Children’s Play, so much to choose from and to discuss this with their Form Tutors, Mentors and Subject Teachers.

Huge congratulations to Lauryn who won the KS4 Beds and Luton Cultural Triathlon, and to Clea who got through to the finals for KS3. We are incredibly proud of their achievements.

Many of you in the Stotfold and Arlesey community have joined in with our PE Challenge, and we have enjoyed seeing the photos and videos. Praise texts go out every week, and during February we reached our record number of messages going out to our parents commending their children for the work they are producing and returning to their teachers.

Our links with our community are important and it has been a pleasure to offer our lateral flow testing to our lower schools in January. Mrs Emily Hardy, Head of Music, has continued to share her musical talent by leading singing lessons in our local feeder and middle schools. Mrs Elissa Hilsden is leading on Etonbury STEM Week, increasing awareness of the opportunities in Science, English, Maths and Technology. You will no doubt have seen children launching parachutes out of their windows, and wondering why!

So much work was put in to engage our children in such important subjects, thank you Mrs Hilsden.

If you are still considering your child joining Etonbury in September, it’s not too late. Please get in touch by emailing etaoffice@bestacademies.org.uk or call 01462 730391.

As soon as we are able to, we will be opening the school back up for tours, we will get back in contact with you when we can safely arrange them. In the meantime, please follow us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with what’s happening at Etonbury.

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To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

21

News from

Pix Brook Academy

Another half term has flown by, incredibly we have completed another period of lockdown. For PBA this has felt quite different from the first lockdown, school has been open throughout with a significant number of pupils in school and our remote learning kicked off immediately. Its remarkable how something really unfamiliar, Loom lessons, Zoom tutor meetings, Mote verbal marking and a host of other “virtual” platforms have become the norm in schools. Suddenly Google classroom is really pretty old hat! I cannot deny this has taken a bit of getting used to but the energy, enthusiasm and determination shown by pupils, parents and teachers has been fantastic to see. I’m pretty sure we have seen the last of the traditional snow days!

Pix Brook Academy pupils enjoying being together.

I continue to be really pleased by the efforts of all pupils working in school and at home. We have introduced a screen free day which has been great fun. As a parent myself, I am all too aware of the amount of time young people are being asked to work in front of a screen.

While the use of the internet and other online platforms has been critical in this lockdown period, it is not the only way to learn and to move away from this, even for just a day per week is definitely helpful.

The uncertainty about school return continues and while we are still in such a state of flux, I believe it is crucial that we remember to focus on those elements of learning that are necessary for now and the future. When working at home with young people it is vital to try to remember to focus on the effort more than the outcome, children are being asked to work in way that was never anticipated and we must be cognisant of the challenge of this for young people. This period is about resilience and if at the end of the lockdown young people have improved their persistence and the ability to keep trying then they will have taken something invaluable from this period.

For those children in school we have tried to keep some “normality”. Of course, it’s not the same but we have taken advantage of the facilities to do some cooking, dance lessons, PE lessons, “school disco” and generally try to make the experience as close to normal as possible. It is not the same, and speaking as an adult I know how difficult it is to look at the days seeming to repeat day after day. For young people this is even more frustrating but we know this will end at some point and as John Lennon said: “It will be okay in the end, if it’s not okay it’s not the end”.

Steve Adams Principal - Pix Brook Academy.

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To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

Family announcements Davina Mason

Happy BELATED 50th BIRTHDAY!

Alexander Haslett-Saunders

29th March Happy 21st Birthday!

Hope you had a great day!

Love Richard x

Have a fabulous day!

Love Mum, Tony, Harrison and Deefa xx

Ronnie King

Emily McCann

Happy 13th Birthday, All our love Mummy, Daddy, and Tommy xxxx

25th March Happy 16th Birthday!

Isa Traill

8th March.

Happy 4th Birthday Lots of love Mummy, Daddy, Margot, Granny, Jim and Buster xxx

With lots of love Amber xx

Hopton

Cameron Wood

8th March Happy 15th birthday Love from us all x

Scarlett Jukes

4th March Happy 10th Birthday Love Mum, Dad Morgan and Avocado x

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To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

23

News from Stotfold

Methodist Church

Something that Methodist have always done is create plans.

Every three months plan our Sunday services for the next quarter, listing which preachers will be at which churches, and what kind of services we want to have on those Sundays: Baptisms, holy communions, anniversaries, even renewal of wedding vows. It is the beginning of February as I write this and I am already setting out services for the end of May. All this is done in hope. As Christian people, at our best times, in our best moments, we live in hope.

The Bible describes hope as believing in something as yet unseen. No one dares predict even the nearest future at the moment, but our hope in Jesus Christ is one of certainty in the overwhelming love of our maker, demonstrated in his historical death and resurrection. I was really grateful to celebrate worship at Stotfold Methodist Church at the beginning of January. However, within the week we'd decided to suspend in-person worship services at the chapel. At the time of writing, our plans say that we are hoping to resume worship services at 10am on Sunday 21st March.

We're also looking forward to the time when we can safely host groups such as the Monday Club and the Carer's Group. I am heartened to hear that people are doing their best to stay in contact by phone. We are hoping that the support and encouragement of Church life will soon be “in-person”, albeit in a restricted form. May the hope for each day that can be found in Jesus guide our way forward.

North Herts Road Runners

Although we are unable to have group training runs we can still offer training schedules on our website www.nhrr.org.uk.

If you are new to the area and would like to join our club you can find all our details on our website or call Ian on 01462 639215 We welcome runners of all abilities so why not contact us today.

Plans to join together in person are hopeful for March

Revd. Graham Stotfold Methodist Church

Revd. Graham 07340 857386 Graham.Claydon-Knights@methodist.org.uk

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www.stotfoldnews.co.uk

Stotfold Town Council

We are looking to co-opt a new Town Council member

Who are Stotfold Town Council, and what do they do?

There is no difference between and town and parish councils, other than name and size. Stotfold Town Council is the first tier of local government, at ‘grass roots’ level, providing local information for the next tier (Central Beds Council), comments on planning applications, the local knowledge to highlight matters of concern and report service failure, etc. In addition to providing various amenities, including benches, bins, bus shelters, public conveniences and some street lighting, Stotfold Town Council manages and maintains numerous public open spaces in the town, play areas, allotments and community buildings. Please see our website for more information on our activities and services www.stotfoldtowncouncil.gov.uk.

What is co-option?

Local Government elections take place every four years. Outside of that time, whenever there is a vacant seat, and after a set period of public notification, eligible persons are invited to apply (in writing or by email) for co-option to the council. In this process, the Town Council itself chooses the new councillors.

Why become a councillor?

Stotfold Town Council needs councillors from all walks of life, with a wide range of skills and experience. It is a great opportunity to help to shape the community and improve life for the people of your neighbourhood. You will also benefit from support and training, helping you to gain new skills and confidence.

What does a councillor do?

Councillors are the champions of their community, investing time in local projects and issues to the benefit of residents. Their role is to speak on behalf of the people they represent, and to help resolve and promote local issues.

It is a common misconception that councillors just attend council meetings - nothing could be further from the truth. The duties and pleasure of being a local councillor are many and varied, however it is the ordinary day to day contact with local people in their own community that is the most important part of being a councillor.

Who can be a councillor?

If you wish to become a councillor, you must satisfy these requirements: • Be over the age of 18, • Be a British citizen, or of the Commonwealth or of the European Union, • Be on the electoral role for the parish of Stotfold; or a person who during the whole of the twelve months before application for co-option occupied land or other premises as owner or tenant in the parish. Or has, during the same period, resided in that area or within three miles (4.8km) thereof, or has during the same period, had a principal or only place of work in that area How much time will it take up?

The amount of time being a councillor takes up will, to some extent, be up to you, but it is a commitment that you should consider carefully.

There will be a number of meetings that you will be required to attend which are usually held in the evenings. You will have to spend time talking to people in your community and resolving any issues they may have.

What skills do I need?

You don’t need any professional or formal qualifications to be a councillor but the knowledge and experience you have picked up through your work and personal life could be useful. The following skills could help you in your role: • Communication skills – the ability to listen and talk to people, to understand people’s points of view • Problem solving – you will need to get to the bottom of an issue and to think of different ways to resolve it • Team working – you will need to work with others in meetings and on committees • Organisational skills – being able to plan and manage your time and keep appointments • Ability to engage with your local community – you will have to make yourself available to your community Councillors work as a team, considering information gathered by themselves or provided by the Town Clerk to make a group decision. No individual councillor is responsible for any single decision. This is democracy at its best.

Will I get paid?

Councillors are not paid; the role is voluntary. Travel expenses are available, by request, for any authorised meeting or training event that is held outside of the parish.

What about my job?

Most of the meetings councillors attend are in the evening. By law, your employer must allow you to take a reasonable amount of time off during working hours to perform your duties as a councillor. This will depend on your responsibilities and the impact it will have on your employer. Many employers recognise that the skills people develop in their role as councillor can be useful in the workplace.

How do I find out more or apply for the vacancy?

If you would like more information on becoming a councillor, or to obtain an application pack, please contact the Town Clerk.

Deadline for applications 31st March 2021. enquiries@stotfoldtowncouncil.gov.uk 01462 730064 Stotfold Town Council, The Greenacre Centre, Valerian Way, Stotfold, Hitchin, Herts, SG5 4HG 25 To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

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To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

Stotfold Art Group News..

Welcome to the next instalment from Stotfold Art Group..

Here we feature recent work from two of our members: Ann Wells is a member of both Stotfold and Arlesey Art Groups. She uses acrylic paints and favours strong colours and bold designs. This sunny beach scene painting below, taken from a photo of her granddaughter's trip to Mauritius, is a typical example.

Joyce Bell is our treasurer and travels from Stevenage for painting sessions. She prefers watercolours and has a wide range of subject matter. Flowers are a favourite topic, as seen with this vase of lilies for Mother's day.

For further details on Stotfold Art Group please contact 07734 304590.

Artwork by Ann Wells and Joyce Wells of Stotfold Art Group

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27

News from

St Mary’s Parish Church Easter will soon be here and we look forward to welcoming worshippers to Holy Week and Easter services. Due to current restrictions on the size of congregations, we will have a booking system in place for the service on Easter morning, April 4th. To reserve places for you and your family please email stotfoldparishchurch@gmail.com

St Mary’s Church continues to offer public worship to God both physically in the church and online.

We have added a new online service: each week we are recording a video of Sunday Morning Prayer which includes a sermon. The service can be found at our website, www.stotfoldchurch.org.uk.

We continue to hold communal worship services in church in a Covid-secure environment adhering to our risk assessments.

Every Sunday we offer a short, reflective service of prayer at 9.00am which does not include Holy Communion, followed by the 10.00am Parish Communion Service, to which everyone is welcomed.

We continue to hold a 20-minute service of Morning Prayer in church at 9.00am Monday to Saturday. A short midweek service of Holy Communion takes place each Wednesday at 9.45am.

Our church is also open to anyone in the parish for private prayer and reflection on Sundays from 11.00am to 12 noon and on Wednesdays from 4.00pm to 6.00pm.

This year Holy Week begins on Sunday 28 March. Please check our website for details about services taking place in church and online each day during Holy Week.

t

You are warmly welcomed to all our services but please first make your own assessment of whether or not to attend in person at this time. If you do attend, please wear a face covering throughout the service and follow the hygiene and social distancing guidelines which are displayed as you come into church. There are hand sanitiser stations at both entrances and a sidesperson will guide you to where you can sit to allow for social distancing.

If you would like to receive St Mary’s weekly newsletter, the Weekly Messenger, and a link to our online services, please email stotfoldparishchurch@gmail.com

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To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

Stotfold Library Hitchin Road, Stotfold

SG5 4HP

0300 3008068

Have you used the Library “Select and Collect” service yet?

If you have then we’d love to hear your feedback! Feel free to leave us a note with your book returns or give us a like and leave us a comment on any of our social media platforms = Facebook - @CBCLibraries, Instagram - @CentralBedsLibraries, Twitter @CBC_Libraries. We look forward to hearing from you! The Stotfold Library staff are still available to provide you with book bundles to keep you busy during these uncertain times.

Why not ask us for a children’s bundle for some fun bedtime reading or to help with home schooling? Each child can also get a FREE craft pack in their collection bag to keep them entertained indoors too!

How it works: Order your books for FREE from home either online (www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/libraries) via our Bedfordshire Libraries App, or over the phone (0300 300 8068): - Either choose a genre based book bundle selected by our staff by going online or over the phone, or - Reserve individual titles via “Arena” our online library catalogue, or by using our Bedfordshire Libraries App or over the phone. Collect your books from the library when they are ready. Return the library books you have at home to our front door during our Select and Collect opening hours using the returns boxes under the welcome table provided. *Please note* We cannot take any form of payment, so there are no fee’s or charges during this time. All requests are FREE and there will be no overdue charges added to your account from 20th March 2020. Strictly NO ACCESS into the building will be given to the public at this time so we’re afraid you will not be able to browse, use the public computers or photocopier services.

Not able to come to the library to pick up a bundle?

Monthly delivery to your door is available!

In partnership with the Stotfold Good Neighbour Group, the Library Outreach Service is designed for anyone who wants to read or listen to books and has no one else to choose and collect them from a library. It is also available to carers who may be housebound due to the nature of their caring duties. The service means that you will receive a delivery, once every month, of a bundle of items specifically catered to what you like to read. You can choose to get a delivery of up to 10 items which can be any combination of regular print books, large print books or spoken word CD’s. Please contact Stotfold Library if you are interested in joining this service and to find out if you’re eligible on 0300 300 8068 or email us on Stotfold.library@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.

Visit the library from the comfort of your sofa!

Discover the wide range of online services and resources available through the Virtual Library www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/libraries, including e-books, audio books and e-magazines. Not a member?

Don’t worry you can register or request a PIN online. Other resources including newspapers, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Credo reference sources, are available online by logging in with library card number and pin. Visit the Virtual Library today and check out the following: ·BorrowBox - downloadable audiobooks ·RB Digital - downloadable e-books, audiobooks and magazines ·PressReader - Thousands of national papers and magazines online ·Freegal - Millions of tracks to be streamed for up to 5 hours a day or download 5 tracks a day to keep Thank you for your understanding and patience during this time.

The Stotfold Library Staff

To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

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News from

Larksfield Surgery

Provided by Larksfield Patient Participation Group.

Covid Vaccinations Programme 2021 Update As you are all probably aware there are a few centres in the area to receive your vaccine. You may get an invitation from multiple places; you have the choice to attend which centre is more convenient for you. If we invite you it will usually be via a phone call when you are within the cohort we are working on.

We are starting to invite some people by sending a link to book online via a text message. The text message title is ‘GPSurgery’. The link will read, Book.nhs..........’. and it will be from the Shefford Surgery. If you are unable to book via the link please call Larksfield surgery, NOT Shefford, and we will help you. If you are 80 + and have not been invited yet – please call the surgery and we will add you to a waiting list where you will become priority for our next available clinic. Please note you cannot have the vaccine if you have been Covid Positive in the previous 4 weeks. Currently we are giving the Oxford Astrazeneca vaccination at the PCH HUB at The Shefford Surgery.

Gerry Amias The Larksfield PPG are saddened to report that one of our best loved members has passed away. Gerry became a Committee Member in 2016 and early the following year suggested that we should produce a monthly Larksfield newsletter. In March 2017 the first issue of The Larksfield News was published. Drawing on his lifetime experience in the printing industry, Gerry became editor, a role that he fulfilled with skill and enthusiasm. Gerry will be sadly missed. The PPG team send their heartfelt condolences to Gerry’s family.

Medicines Management Help Us Help You We kindly ask you not to ring reception for medication queries/ prescription queries unless it is your ONLY option. Our Reception Team are inundated with calls at this particularly busy time. Our new interactive website is manned from 8am – 6pm Monday to Friday and by using this facility directly it can help speed up the process of dealing with your queries/prescription requests.

Below is a list of what we can help you with and the most effective route to solving your problem. If you would like to register for System One online access please send in some photo ID to reception723@nhs.net and ask to be registered.

If your query is in the following list, please use the following NEW INTERACTIVE WEBSITE www.larksfieldsurgery.co.uk Regular repeat request • Urgent prescription request • Change your allocated Pharmacy • Item missing from repeat? • I will run out of my medication before due date?

• The system will not allow me to order my medication? • I need more than a month supply of medication for holiday? • I have had my medication review but still unable to order? • Prescription not at the Pharmacy (allow 5 days before collecting)?

• Medication changes from hospital

LARKSFIELD SURGERY CONTACT INFORMATION Larksfield Surgery, Arlesey Road, Stotfold, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG5 4HB Phone for Appointments: 01462 732244 (Option 1) Test Results: 01462 732200 Option 2

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

Supply and fit windows and doors Soffits and fascias

Jonny Garside

79 Regent Street, Stotfold

01462 732248 or 07951 473505

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To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

News from

Stotfold Football Club

Our leagues are in dialogue with the FA and clubs have received questionnaires and attended Zoom meetings with the leagues to consider all the options available if football is able to re-commence in the spring. It is increasingly likely however that season 20/21 may well follow last season and be declared null and void.

With the vaccine roll out gathering pace we hope that some restrictions will be lifted this month and life can return to some sort of normality. In the meantime keep safe everyone and we look forward to when football can return.

CLAIRE’S CAT SITTING Stotfold based cat sitting service

Your cats looked after in your own home while you are away, giving you complete peace of mind.I am fully insured & can feed your cats once or twice a day. Other small animals can also be catered for.

The new stand at Stotfold Football Club ready and waiting for fans..

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

Now in our 9th year!

Please call Claire

07984 344 997

Established 1971

Email: stotfold.news@yahoo.co.uk

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Down Memory

Lane...

Following on from our trip down memory lane on page 9 of this month’s issue we came across this picture of Bill Cutler and his sister enjoying time down at ‘the splash’ during one summer during the 1930’s..Do you recognise anyone else pictured here?

We dedicate this photograph to the memory of Cyril & Doug Charles as it comes from the collection they donated to us some time ago.

‘Thank you so much Stotfold News Magazine!’

‘My advert in your February issue was brilliant!!

I had so many calls and follow ups!’

Steve W - Stotfold Home Maintenance Services

Advertising your business in the Stotfold News Magazine WORKS Don’t just take our word for it!

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Call us on 01462 731986 to see how your business can reach every home in Stotfold from as little as just £30 per year! www.stotfoldnews.co.uk

Useful Telephone Numbers Hospitals Citizen’s Advice Bureau

Trading Standards Advice Line

01525 402742 01525 841217 0300 300 8136

Hope Chapel King’s Baptist Church Methodist Church Salvation Army Hall Ladies Fellowship St Mary’s Church Friends of St Mary’s Fairfield Community Church

01462 01462 01462 01462 01462 01462 01462 01462

Churches

Council

686803 730521 646562 731072 730739 730218 834108 733230

Stotfold Town Council 01462 730064 Email: enquiries@stotfoldtowncouncil.gov.uk Central Bedfordshire Council, Priory House, Chicksands, Shefford SG17 5TQ 0300 300 8000 Email customer.services@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk Web www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk Waste Collection / Recycling / Dog Warden / Flytipping / Grass Cutting / Street Cleaning / Abandoned Vehicles 0300 300 8631 or 0300 300 8632 More Central Bedfordshire Council telephone numbers can be found listed at www.stotfoldnews.co.uk

Doctor

Larksfield Surgery Appointments Enquiries Out of Hours Service: MDoc Physiotherapy & Spinal Injury Clinic Arlesey Medical Centre www.arleseymedicalcentre.nhs.uk

01462 732244 01462 732200 Call 111 01462 735700 01462 732144

Ashwell Dental Stotfold Dental Surgery

01462 742353 01462 731938

Electricity Emergencies Gas Emergencies

0800 7 838 838 0800 111999

Childline National Menengitis Trust Samaritans NSPCC

0800 1111 0845 6000800 08457 909090 0800 800 5000

Howard Cottage Housing Association, Pioneer House, Norton Way South, Letchworth Garden City, Herts, SG6 1NY Grand Union Housing - all enquiries

01462 683307

Beds Police (Crime reporting) Community issues (Not crime reporting or emergency) Crimestoppers

01234 841212 01234 842515

Dentist

Emergencies Helplines

Housing

Police

0300 123 5544

0800 555111

Bedford Hospital Lister Hospital NHS Direct

01234 355122 01438 314333 08 45 46 47

Stotfold Library Arlesey Resource Centre & Library

0300 300 8068 01462 731469.

Beds Police (Crime reporting) Community issues (Not crime reporting or emergency) Crimestoppers

01234 841212

Coach & Horses Fox & Duck The Chequers Pub The Crown The Stag Tavern

01462 01462 01462 01462 01462

Box of Cakes Cafe & Cake Shop

07812 055587

Etonbury Academy Pix Brook Academy Fairfield Park Lower School Roecroft Lower School St Mary’s Academy Samuel Whitbread Academy

01462 01462 01462 01462 01462 01462

Pippin Pre-School SMASH, St Mary’s School

01462 834897 07971 354093

Tiddleywinks

01462 731072

Library Police

Pubs

Cafe

Schools

After School Clubs Toddler Groups Nurseries

0800 555111 734135 732434 732333 731061 731098

730391 416243 830000 730336 730343 629900

Pippin Pre-School Poppies Nursery Poppyfields Nursery Treetops Day Nursery Stotfold and District Children's Centre

01462 834897 07833 927906 01462 830008 01462 734306 01462 730623

Trains (National Enquiries)

08457 484950

Boxall Taxis

01462 433333

Transport

Whitbread Wanderbus

Greenacre Transfers Airports & Chauffeur Services www.greenacretransfers.co.uk

Miscellaneous

Beds Rural Communities Charity Letchworth MS Unit Births, Deaths & Marriages Stotfold Good Neighbour Group

To contact the Stotfold News Magazine please call 01462 731986

0300 123 3023

07555 70 78 48 01234 838771 01462 487172 0300 300 8089 07599 925587

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DIRECTORY. Accountancy & Tax Sue Matejtschuk (SCM Accountancy) Abery Motor Centre AD Garden Rooms AJB Fencing AJ Day Builders Alfie’s Barbers All Wrapped Up - Balloons and Florist Andy Leonard Painter & Decorator Arlesey Ladies Football Club Arlesey Pharmacy Arlesey Walk Groups Aqua Sensation Water Softeners Aquarius Garden Design Ashwell Software / Sigma Office Barn Hair Studio Bal & Co Motor Care Baycroft Care Home Beale Bros Butchers Bews Electrical Big Minibus Hire BK electrical / Brian Kelly Bookks Bookkeeping services Boxall Taxis 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 Carpets & Flooring - Letchworth Carpet Centre Carpets & Flooring - Paul Faulkner Catsitter - Claire Centroheat Domestic Boiler & Heating Services Chequers Pub Chimney Sweep (Jesel Heat) Cole’s Decor Painter & Decorator 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 Electrician - Terry C Seymour Switched On Electrical Services Fairfield Bowls Club - Stella Wilson Fairfield Players Fencing (AJB) Finesse Interiors First Step Estate Agents Foot Health Professional - Vicki Eagles Foot Pro Podiatry The Garden Robin Limited Gifford Dance Academy Graham Smith Brickwork & Paving Greenacre Transfers Airports & Chauffeur Services www.greenacretransfers.co.uk GoEVCharge Guides - Stotfold Guide Association HB Decorators Helpers Homecare Henlow Vets Heritage Paving James’s Carpentry & Handyman Service

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01462 624926 01462 733246 01438 313765 07837 791365 01767 314445 01462 658449 07886 569134 07889 903283 07981 432798 01462 731200 01462 638286 01462 835693 01462 731292 01462 742783 01462 835611 01462 731500 01462 530465 01462 730392 01462 834488 07817 766997 07817545314 01462 734623 01462 433333 07812 055587 01462 337218 01462 732628 01462 730884 0800 026 8823 01462 732665 01462 629302 01462 481312 01462 731674 07984 344997 07885 415363 01462 732333 01462 733406 01767 310475 01462 810065 01462 834108

01462 701214 01462 733322 07522 354141 01462 231459 07894 561765 01462 236559 01462 730895 07811 738599 01462 624369 07837 791365 01462 896046 01462 659730 07812 399659 07377 536685 01462 815968 07585 221513 01462 731829

07555 70 78 48 07960 979229 01462 733322 01462 732960 01462 896853 01462 416416 01462 730682 01462 234292

Jo Jingles Ken Seaby Carpets Kip McGrath Education Centre Kumari Chiropractic Leigh Skelding Counselling www.ls-counselling.com Locksmith Services New Kitchens Nick Sayer Plumbing & Heating North Herts Road Runners Ovenclean Painter/Decorator - Paul A Robinson

01462 456777 01462 733203 01462 672227 07479 945995 07876 826880 01462 290226 01462 812826 07456 559756 01462 639215 07954 300043 07761 751634 01462 232642 Paul Thomas Landscaping 07889 811065 Piano Lessons - Christine Walker 01462 731357 Pilates - Zanna Newton 07719 862371 Plastering - Sam’s Plastering 07856 428261 Plumbing - A D Taylor Plumbing 01462 834713 Plumbing - ALM Plumbing 07950 311963 Plumbing - C Plumb 01462 700862 Plumbing & Heating - GSP Heating & Plumbing 01462 615922 Plumbing - J D Heating & Plumbing Services LTD 07474 444288 Plum-tek 01462 618058 Podiatry - FootPro 07377 536685 RH Gardens 01462 612033 Right @ Home Care 01462 559159 Roecroft Centre - Maureen Winters 01462 730264 Stotfold & Arlesey Royal British Legion 01462 734133 Samaritans 01462 455333 Satchells Estate Agents 01462 733730 Saunders Garage 01462 730222 Scott Geekie Building Contractor 01462 732396 Sharp Security Systems 01462 734766 Sheldon Electricals 01767 448188 Simply Sorted Professional decluttering/organising 07792 405246 Slimming World 01354 462322 Solicitors - HRJ Foreman Laws 01462 458711 St John Badgers (6-10yrs) & Cadets (10-18yrs) 01438 218058 Stephens Estate Agents 01462 732121 Stag Public House 01462 731098 Stotfold Art Group 07734 304590 Stotfold Bowls Club 01462 628204 Stotfold Christian Choir 01462 731142 Stotfold Conservative Club 01462 730534 Stotfold Football Club 01462 539297 Stotfold Gardening Club 01462 834854 Stotfold Golf Society 07909 983956 Stotfold Good Neighbour Group 07599 925587 Stotfold Jujitsu Club 07970 329761 Stotfold Junior Football Club 07706 951263 Stotfold Judo Club 07734 563970.

Stotfold Karate Club (JKSK Karate) 07742 820 956 Stotfold Twirlers 07732 505614 Stotfold Mill 01462 734541 Stotfold News Magazine 01462 731986 Stotfold Parents Association 01462 730570 Stotfold Pharmacy 01462 730249 Stotfold Short Mat Bowls Club 01462 730841 Stotfold Women’s Institute 01462 730751 The Rooms 01462 835538 TidyTime Cleaning Services 07856 205626 Tree Surgeon - 4 Seasons 01462 834136 Warrens Windows 01462 261401 Windows - Repairs & Installations (J Garside) 07951 473505 Window Cleaning - ACCS Ltd 01462 629302

List your business here for just £30 per year.

Complete garden design and build service Porcelain and sandstone paving specialists Quality block paving driveways & all types of fencing

For a FREE quotation call Robin on

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

“

“

ry is unique.

i s n ' t j u s t y o u r s t a n d a rd s t a t i o n e r y he service was so personal and the range of ucts was vast, any idea we had they could quickly mock up something to fit the theme and the day.

We had so much more than just invitations and it made our day and venue decorations completely co-ordinated, something lots of people commented on.

Contact:

Geoff on 07907137051 Diane on 07702 995095

Tom & Hannah

For all your design & printed requirements.

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