November 2007

November 2007

Lidlington Parish Plan Questionnaire

Index

A big ‘Thank You’ to all residents of Lidlington who responded to the Parish Plan Questionnaire. We have been very pleased with the number completed, indicating a high level of interest in the future of the village. We now have the task of taking all the data and formulating the Village Plan. This will take a little time, as there are about 800 Questionnaires to go through individually. It will be into the New Year before the results can be published and delivered to every household. These results will help to influence how Lidlington develops, by informing authorities what we really want. If you have a completed Questionnaire which has not yet been collected, please return it to 7 Lombard Street. There is still the opportunity to complete a Questionnaire, if you haven’t already done so. Please contact Jean on 405730.

Editor's letter Information file Local activities

02

News

03

Parish Council

04

Community

06

Local interest

12

Sports club

14

Contributors Editor

Shawn Haddaway

Design

Jess Williams Greensand Design

Proofreading Gill Haddaway Reporting/distribution Jean Peall Printing

Country Nuptials!

Next issue april 2008 copy deadline 10 march

The wedding of Phil Geisler and Anita Gallagher of Station Road, took place at St. Margaret’s Church, on September 8th. As the reception was held in the Village Hall, transportation for

We need your support to keep going. Please consider advertising your business with us - The Advertiser goes to around 600 homes so is a great opportunity to reach potential customers locally. To advertise call 01525 405515 or email [email protected]

the bride and groom was sourced locally. Wayne Creamer was called upon to be chauffeur and to provide the luxury of tractor and trailer, complete with straw bales to sit on. He is seen here in his best hat, while the groom lends a hand to his bride.

Fringes

Professional friendly service with over 20 years’ experience

Hair Salon

CopyKatz Tel 01234 840 125

Rolf Taggart

Christm as Many p special roducts half price

33 Church Street, Lidlington Tel 01525 403022

Senior Citizen rates Tuesday - Friday • Hair care products at realistic prices • Gents welcome Tuesday 9-5pm, Wednesday 9-2, Thursday 9-7, Friday 9-6, Saturday 9-2, Sunday, Monday - closed

The Lidlington Advertiser November 2007

01

Information

From the Editor Ho! Ho! Ho! Well, Christmas is almost upon us already, so a warm welcome to the Christmas edition of The Lidlington Advertiser! I would like to take this opportunity to wish my fellow residents of Lidlington and their extended families, a very happy Christmas and a healthy and prosperous 2008. However, I know that, for many, the Christmas season can bring an undercurrent of unwelcome pressure beneath the excitement. Businesses may be struggling, trying to maximise pre-Christmas profits, in preparation for the near-inevitable lull in January/February. Parents may feel pressured to exceed their budget to give their children everything they want at Christmas, or simply to keep up appearances. The elderly and disabled can feel isolated and left out at this time of year, particularly if they don’t have family, friends and good neighbours for care and company. Maybe the answer is to fully embrace village life and foster community spirit, not to allow ourselves to be overcome with material lust or feel in competition with our neighbours. Why not take what is to be the last opportunity to attend a Christmas Eve Service at St Margaret’s Church, or join in the Carol singing? Then check on any elderly or disabled neighbours and do what you can to help them through the Christmas period. At the very least, before you blow your entire Christmas budget in some huge chain store, consider the options available from your local businesses… perhaps a hair style Ambulance, Fire, Police (Emergency) 999 Bedfordshire Police (non-emergency number) or makeover, a relaxing massage or facial, a course of Pilates classes, a reflexology 01234 841212 Police Community Support Officer 01234 842622 treatment, some luxury Aloe Vera skincare and make-up, a special photograph or PC Neil Coles 01234 842614 portrait, flowers, plants, shrubs or gardening tools, a sponsored tree, a gourmet chilli [email protected] Childline 0800 1111 hamper/gift bag, or even a dog in need of a good home (provided you are committed Gas 01582 480884 enough). Call me for the relevant telephone numbers, if you can’t find them inside! Electricity 01234 270977 Water 01832 276000 There is a lot of time and hard work involved in keeping The Advertiser going. Mid-Beds DC, Ampthill 08452 304040 As its name suggests, we rely on advertising revenue to finance the printing and Beds County Council: County Hall, Cauldwell St, Bedford, MK42 9AP 01234 363222 production, so if you would like to advertise or know of any local businesses that Bedfordshire Police HQ: Woburn Rd, could benefit from advertising to a specific captive audience, please contact Shawn Kempston, Bedford, MK43 9AX 01234 841212 Bedfordshire Police, Woburn St, on 01525 405515, or email [email protected]. Meanwhile, when replying to an Ampthill 01525 404422 Bedford Hospital (South Wing) 01234 355122 advert, please remember to mention that you saw it in The Lidlington Advertiser! Milton Keynes General Hospital 01908 660033 As of next year, the Advertiser will be produced 4-monthly instead of quarterly; Ridgeway Veterinary Centre, Flitwick 01525 714892 the copy deadline for the next issue is 10th March, for distribution early April. Dr Lockley & Hague, Oliver St, A Merry Christmas to all… Ampthill 01525 631395/6

Information File

Shawn Haddaway, Editor

Lidlington Activities Monday Toddler Group Shell Club+ Dog training

+ Run by Lidlington Churches

9.30 - 11.30 am Village Hall (0 to pre-school) Cathy 01234 767456 Term time only 6.45 - 8pm Methodist Hall (9-12 years) Jackie 01525 280478 Term time only 6.30-9.30pm Village Hall All welcome ARAS 01525 840508

Tuesday Coffee morning 10 - 12 noon Methodist Hall All welcome Breakfast is served every third Tuesday Line dancing 7.30 - 9.30pm Village Hall All welcome

Lorraine 01525 280086

Wednesday Line dancing

Lorraine 01525 280086

7.30 - 9.30pm

Village Hall

All welcome

Thursday Thursday 9.15 - 11am Fellowship+ Line dancing 7.30 - 9.30pm

Methodist Hall

Jean 01525 405730

Village Hall

All welcome

Lorraine 01525 280086

Friday Rainbows Brownies Guides Karate

Methodist Hall Sports Pavilion Village Hall Village Hall

Girls 5 - 7 years Girls 7 - 10 yrs Girls 10 - 14 yrs 6+ yrs

Linda 01525 402647 Term time only Tina 01525 405527 Term time only Tina 01525 405527 Term time only

4.30 - 5.30pm 6 - 7.30pm 7.45 - 9.15pm 7-8pm

Term time only

Sunday Rock+ 11 - 12 noon Methodist Hall Age 5 - teens Held during most Sunday services CYAPOI + 4th Sundays (Christian Youth 7.15 - 8.45pm Methodist Hall 12 yrs+ Tess 01525 404938 Burning Devotions and Proud of It) at various venues Monthly Lunch Club Ladies’ Club

02

12.30 - 2.30pm Methodist Hall All welcome 8 - 10.30pm Methodist Hall All welcome


Jackie 01525 280478 1st Wednesday Linda 01525 402647 2nd Tuesday

Dr Aylward & Partners, Houghton Close, Ampthill 08448 151055 Flitwick Clinic, High St, Flitwick 01525 717771 Drs. Reddy & Thomas, Cranfield 01234 750234 St Margaret’s C of E Church Wardens: Linda Bulled 01525 402647 Siân Hiscocks 01525 405952 Methodist Chapel: Rev Rachel Larkinson 01234 354329 Debbie Galliford 01525 402667 Jonathan Peall 01525 405730 Bedford to Bletchley Rail Users Association: 23 Hatfield Crescent, Bedford, MK41 9RA 01234 351771 National Rail Enquiries 08457 484950 Thomas Johnson Lower School, Lidlington 01525 402377 Marston Vale Middle School, Stewartby 01234 768224 Wootton Upper School, Wootton 01234 767123 Ampthill Tidy Tip, Abbey Lane, Ampthill 01525 403611 Bottle Bank: Opposite Royal Oak pub, Church St, Lidlington. Citizens’ Advice Bureau, Ampthill 01525 404511 The Samaritans (24-Hour) 01234 211211 Methodist Hall Bookings: Tess Mason 01525 404938 Village Hall Bookings: Maureen or Dave 01525 403378 Official Lidlington website www.lidlington.org Lidlington Churches website www.lidlingtonchurch.org.uk

news

Update on St Margaret’s Church Here is the latest news we have from the Diocese regarding the closure procedure for St. Margaret’s Church. The initial consultation has been completed and all the information collected will now go before the Pastoral Committee at the Diocese. After due consideration, their conclusions will then be presented to the Bishop for approval. If the Bishop agrees with the recommendations of the Pastoral Committee, they will then be forwarded to the Church Commissioners, who will carry out their own consultation. At this stage, there will be further public consultation, involving all interested parties. Notices will be displayed and advertisements placed in the local papers. Any person may write to the Church Commissioners regarding the proposals. At the end of this process, the Church Commissioners may then decide to put together a scheme for closing the church for public worship. If that is their decision, another process will then be initiated to find an appropriate alternative use for the building, involving further consultation with all interested parties. It is difficult to put any time-scales on this process as there are so many different people involved, but it is likely that the building will become closed for public worship during the summer of 2008. The exact date will be dependent on whether there are any weddings booked around that time.

uchers Gift Vo al le - ide availab as gift Christm

For further information contact Linda Bulled, Churchwarden, on 01525 402647.

Attention! Ladies only! Are you running your own business from home? If so, please read on… There are often many challenges to be faced in setting up and running a business from home, not least, the wide range of skills required and keeping motivated! Dependent on the type of business, there can also be areas of particular concern to women, such as security and privacy. We have recently launched a group for women running their own businesses from home, local to the Lidlington/Marston area. The idea is to encompass a variety of different businesses, whilst avoiding too much direct competition and keeping the group to a manageable size. Current members are: Michele Young (Life Coaching), Jennie Humphrey (Beauty, Massage and Alternative Therapies), Jess Williams (Graphic Design), Veronica Day (McTimoney Chiropractic), Kadi Pariis (Pilates Instruction and Holistic Therapies), Gill Haddaway (‘Forever Living Products’ - Aloe Vera Health and Skincare/Network Marketing) and Eileen Martin (Catering). We aim to meet approximately every six weeks, informally, over tea/coffee, to discuss and exchange ideas and experiences and to explore other ways in which we might be able to help each other. Meetings will have a pre-agreed agenda/hot topic and will be limited to about an hour, but a member of the group might sometimes offer an additional business-specific demonstration or ‘taster’ session. At our next meeting, on January 14th, the key topic of discussion will be business planning. There will also be a skincare demonstration prior to the meeting, for those able to arrive early. Whether your business is new or well-established, if you feel you could contribute to, or benefit from joining the group, and would be interested in coming to our next meeting, please call Michele Young on 07756 878174 to find out more. Gill Haddaway

M&M Quality Foods - your local deli and general store Get your genuine Italian Panettone at M&M’s along with many other Christmas delights!

Church Street, Lidlington Tel 01525 402923 • Open 7am - 5pm Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri, 8am - noon Wed/Sat/Sun


03

news

Lidlington Parish Council

fast becoming a dogs’ toilet. The Council has written to the Rights of Way Officer regarding this and other matters to do with the

The Council

route, and at the same time the Council requests that dog owners

Chairman - Councillor Adele Moore, 9 Bye Road

have respect for people using the route as a pedestrian walkway,

Vice Chairman - Councillor Anita Eames, 19 Hurst Grove

and clear up the mess their dogs leave behind.

Councillor Carol Burrows, 2 Hudson Close Councillor Iain Clapham, 9 Hudson Close

Graffiti

Councillor Rob Fletcher, 5 Whitehall

It will have been noted that some ‘artist’ recently exhibited his

Councillor Shawn Haddaway, 8 Hudson Close

form of art and damaged a number of items of property including

Councillor John Ludford, 38 Whitehall

private walls and fences. The Council decided to have this graffiti

Councillor Tim Mason, 10 Bye Road

removed, at a considerable expense, in order to deter any future

Councillor Len Welsh, 26 Whitehall

additional artwork at the sites. If anybody witnessed the act or

Clerk - Colin West, 17 Lombard Street

is witness to any such misdemeanours in the future, they are encouraged to report the incidents to the police.

Planning applications Recent applications that have been considered by the Parish Council, having been consulted by Mid Beds District Council are:

Donations to various organisations and committees The Parish Council gives a variety of donations to a number of clubs

• Extension and Dormer Window, 11 Whitehall (second application).

and societies as a result of a request from that body and subject to

• Conservatory, 19 Butler Drive.

the request being bona fide. A recent donation has been made to

• Class B1(a) Office Development, The Lane.

the Road Victims’ Trust.

• Land adj. 43 Station Road.

Highways Planning applications have been determined by Mid Beds District

The Council continues to report highway problems, including

Council as follows:-

maintenance issues, but residents of the parish are reminded that they can call the Highways Helpline if they perceive there is a

• Front Extensions, 7 Hudson Close – approved.

highway problem. All calls are logged and appropriate action is

• Extension to Form Music Room, Thomas Johnson Lower School,

taken. The number is 01234 228661

Hurst Grove – approved. • Conservatory, 19 Butler Drive – approved.

No Cold Calling Zone

• Extension and Dormer Window, 11 Whitehall – refused.

Lidlington is now a No Cold Calling Zone. Although as yet there are

• Class B1 (a) Office Development, The Lane – approved.

no signs upon entering the village, the whole area is covered by the scheme. Every household should have received a leaflet and a door

Center Parcs, Warren Wood, Millbrook

sticker; the message is to be aware. If you have not received your

Now that Center Parcs is to become a reality, the Parish Council has

leaflet and/or door sticker, please contact the Clerk of the Council.

been consulted on proposals to extinguish certain rights of way through Warren Wood and create new ones. The Council has made

Confident Communities Fund

a number of comments and observations regarding the proposed

The Parish Council has been discussing this issue, in particular

right of way network.

how the County Council’s allocation can be best spent for the benefit of Lidlington, in reducing the fear of crime. A decision

A421 improvements

could be made in the near future.

As reported in the last Advertiser, the Parish Council objected to the proposed Draft Orders for the A421 improvements, M1 Junction

Highway Safety, Lombard Street

13 to Bedford. As a result of the objections from a number of

As a result of a representation from a resident of Lombard Street,

groups and individuals, a Public Inquiry will be held in December.

the Council is pursuing the possibility of waiting restrictions at

Councillor Clapham has already attended a Pre-Inquiry Meeting

the narrowest part of the street in order to improve safety and

and will represent the Parish Council at the Inquiry.

reduce the risk of damage to property. It has long been recognised that residents of other areas park in Lombard Street, thus causing

04

Multi-User route, The Grove to Marston Crossing

extreme difficulty on occasions for large vehicles, including buses,

The Council has been concerned about the multi-user route from

to negotiate the route. Those residents are not aware of the disrup-

the Grove to Marston crossing, in particular with regard to the use

tion caused by their actions, when the drivers of buses awaken

by dog lovers allowing their pets to defecate on the footpath. It is

residents in the locality at an early hour or the buses are seen to


news

reverse up Lombard Street to approach Church Street via High Street. A little more consideration by the offenders would be appreciated.

Royal Mail letter boxes There has still been no progress on the Parish Council’s efforts to secure an additional posting box in the village.

Goldyngton Brass Councillors were dismayed that there appeared to be moves to remove the Goldyngton brass from St Margaret’s Church, should the church close in the future. A new location, yet to be decided, would not necessarily be in the parish. The Goldyngton brass was originally situated in the old church, All Saints, which was demolished in the 1960’s. It was lost for many years, but some parts of it came to light, and it was then professionally restored. It is currently displayed in St Margaret’s.

Meetings Parish Council Meetings are open to the public and press, and parishioners are given the opportunity at the beginning of the Meeting to address the Council. They are not able to question the Council, but may be present during proceedings whilst the Council is conducting its business. Colin West, Clerk to the Council


05

community

ARAS Dog Training Academy Unfortunately, we were unable to hold our normal training session on 5th November. For obvious reasons, we decided it was unfair to the dogs to have to go out on that night, even though most of the fireworks would likely have gone off at the weekend. Our apologies go to anyone who missed the training classes at which we made the announcement, on 29th October, and came to the hall on Monday 5th, to find we weren’t there! We ran the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme awards on 3rd November. All 15 dogs passed the Bronze, three out of four passed the Silver and two out of three passed the Gold. (One of the Gold award winners was my dog, Tanner, so I was very pleased!) The dogs that failed only had difficulty with one of the exercises, but the examiner has to be very tough, and rightly so. I’m sure they’ll pass with flying colours next time. Our last club night this year will be held on 10th December, when we will be having our Christmas party - usually a really good night. Everyone brings a plate of food - for the humans not the dogs - and the club provides the drinks! We have a raffle, competitions for the dogs, a quiz sheet to take home to

complete over Christmas and a photo quiz on the night. This is our last chance before Christmas to raise funds for the ARAS Dog Rescue. Sadly, this is the time of year when more dogs than ever are thrown out, often to make way for a new puppy, so we need to raise as much money as possible to look after them over this season of ‘goodwill’. You are welcome to come along, even if you don’t have a dog - we would love to see you! The party will start at 7pm and finish at 9pm. Our Christmas break will last until Monday 7th January when we’ll be back to start training seriously, aiming towards the Good Citizen Awards on 9th February. Remember, with Christmas soon to be upon us, to be careful about what your dog is eating. Any type of chocolate, except that produced specifically for dogs, is toxic to canines, so please don’t share your edible Christmas goodies with your pet. Grapes can also be dangerous to dogs as can raisins and sultanas so keep any treats to dog ones. I would like to take this opportunity, albeit a little early, to wish all club members and future members a very happy and safe Christmas. If you have any enquiries about the club or the party, please call Lesley on 840508.

Beware! Bogus Callers

Boxing Day Walk

In July 2007, Beds Police launched a campaign called ‘Second Generation’, to get children, grandchildren, carers and neighbours thinking about older people and reminding them about the dangers of burglars and rogue traders. Posters and leaflets were distributed to relevant locations such as GP surgeries, nurseries, post offices, schools and parish councils. Bedfordshire residents, particularly older and vulnerable people, need to be on their guard after a spate of burglaries in the county. Offenders have been pretending to be from utility companies, eg water, gas, electricity and telephone, to bluff their way into your homes. They do this by keeping the occupier busy while an accomplice steals cash and valuables. Sometimes they even pose as Police Officers. Beds Police offer the following advice:

Other nuisance callers include:

• Use door chains and spy holes.

• Cold callers: sales reps who turn up

• Always ask to see identification before

without an appointment and won’t leave

letting someone into your home.

until you have signed a contract.

• Do not keep a lot of money at home.

• Rogue traders: unqualified workmen who

• Keep outside doors and windows locked.

often do jobs in your home badly and

• Call the Police if you are in doubt about

expensively. Victims are usually older

the identity of a caller.

people.

Anyone with information about bogus callers can contact Beds Police on 01234 841212, or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111. In an emergency dial 999.

Lidlington Welcome Pack

If you are new to the village, or know of a new neighbour, we offer a useful Welcome Pack with lots of local information. To receive a copy or for more details please call 01525 402647 or email [email protected] 06


Come and join in the annual Boxing Day walk around the footpaths of Lidlington, to burn off all those Christmas Day calories. We meet at the level crossing by the station at 11am and aim to finish by about 1pm, just in time for a nice drink in one of the village pubs! Last year there were over 20 of us with 4 dogs. Stout footwear is recommended, especially if the weather has been a bit damp. Hope to see many old and new faces.

Wootton Upper School Bus Service A bus runs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from Wootton Upper School to Lidlington (via Stewartby and Marston) leaving Wootton at 4.50pm. Please encourage your children to be independent and to do their bit for the environment by using this service which will only continue if enough students use it. Contact Tess Mason on 01525 404938 for more information.

community

Thomas Johnson Lower School Parents, Teachers and Friends Association

Tantalise your tastebuds with a range of chilli and wholefood products from

Christmas Craft Shopping Evening Our annual Christmas Craft Shopping Evening, held on Thursday 15th November in Lidlington Village Hall, proved as popular as ever. For those who missed it, make yourself a promise to join us next year! The ticket price included a choice of refreshments, and we had an array of beautifully presented stalls selling a variety of giftware, making a perfect, relaxed shopping evening. Our thanks go to the stallholders, helpers and everyone who came to support the event.

Confectionery

Christmas Raffle

•

The school’s new music room is now finished and needs furnishing

Rice, Pasta and Grains

•

with the essential instruments to help the children nurture their

Sauces and Seasonings

hidden talents. The PTFA will be running their Christmas Raffle with

•

the aim of raising much needed funds to meet this requirement.

Chutneys and Conserves

As in previous years, we have been lucky to have already received some generous prize donations, which include the 1st prize of £100

•

and 2nd prize of a helicopter ride for five people over the local area.

Gift sets available Ideal for any special occasion

Just some of the other prizes we have received so far include: • Tickets to a Luton Town home game • Family ticket to Woodside Animal Farm • Family ticket to Bletchley Park • Restaurant Vouchers for Donatellos and TGI Friday • Vouchers for Hair cuts and Facial

View our online catalogue at www.darnspice.com or call Shawn on 01525 406783

• Tickets to see Bedford ‘Blues’ Rugby Club • Family swim passes for Robinson Pool, Bedford If you fancy having a go at winning one of our wonderful prizes, make sure you get your tickets before the draw is made on 17th December! Tickets are available from the school or from any PTFA member. Also, if you would like to help us to raise funds and are able to donate an unwanted gift, eg bottles, chocolates, ‘smellies’, etc, or you or your company could provide a service, eg beauty treatments, hairdressing, gardening, photography, etc, then please

Mainstream IT Services Maintenance - 2 hour rapid response to 8 hour standard contract

contact us. All donations are very gratefully received.

NEW! Pre-paid engineer on stand-by for your business

On the Move?

Callouts from £50 usually scheduled same or next day All consultancy charges refunded if project is undertaken

If you have your house valued with Urban & Rural estate agents you will be entered into a draw to win a cash prize for the school. So,

From PC to servers, installed on site

if you are thinking of moving or just curious to find out the value of your property, please remember to mention Thomas Johnson Lower School.

From a single PC to multi-site rollout Cabling from single point to complete rewire. Free quotation and advice 50% off your first callout (terms and conditions apply)

Should you wish to contact us please either speak to a Committee Member, leave a message at school (01525 402377) or email [email protected] Amanda Clawson PTFA Committee Member

Contact us now on 01525 402 191 email [email protected] www.mainstreamsystems.com


07

community

Lidlington Beat

Would you like to learn new IT skills?

October brought a change of staff on the Lidlington beat, with the Community Support Officer now on maternity leave and a new Neighbourhood Police Officer, PC Neil Coles taking over the area. Lidlington has had a low crime year in comparison with other local areas but there have been problems with criminal damage and vehicle crime in recent weeks. Our advice is to report any crime-related incidents, however minor, to our call handlers on 01234 841212. They will take the details over the ‘phone and will either pass you to the crime-recording unit or allocate an officer to visit you. If you witness offences taking place at the time and there is risk of serious damage to property or harm to persons, don’t be afraid to dial 999. Opportunist thieves are operating in the Mid Beds area. They travel around and will try doors, particularly UPVC front doors. If these are not double locked, with the key turned to shoot the bolts, they are highly insecure and a frequent point of entry. Similarly, secure your cars and remove any items of value, including sat-nav cradles, or thieves may smash your window to check the glove compartment. PC Coles would like to be informed of any local issues or intelligence and can be contacted on 01234 842614, or by email at [email protected]

Lidlington Church Christmas Events Saturday 1st December Christmas Bazaar from 12.30pm in the Methodist Hall. Ploughman’s lunch, Santa’s Grotto, games, gifts and refreshments. PROCEEDS TO CHARITY

Thursday 20th December Carol singing around the village. Meet at the Hall, 6pm Sunday 23rd December Carols by Candlelight, 7pm in the Chapel Monday 24th December

Sunday 9th December

Christingle Service, 4pm.

Family Gift Service, 10.45am

Midnight Communion Service, 11.30pm.

at St Margaret’s

Both held at St Margaret’s

Sunday 16th December

Tuesday 25th December

Nativity, 4pm in the Hall.

Christmas Celebration, 10am in the Chapel

For more information, help with transport to any event or if you would like to receive our newsletter call Jean on 405730 or email [email protected]

BRCC’s E-Rural service provides a fully-equipped mobile IT training classroom with full disabled access. We currently have places available for our accredited courses starting in January 2008.For details of courses, and the locations where E-rural will be visiting please contact David Maxwell, Training Co-ordinator Tel 01767 626466 or email [email protected]. Places are limited, so to avoid disappointment please contact us as soon as possible.

Lidlington Toddler Group and Woburn Sands Band present

An Evening of Carols for All the Family Lidlington Village Hall Friday 21st December at 7.30pm

Raffle tickets and refreshments will be available during the interval Adults £2.50, OAPs £2, accompanied children free. Tickets available from:

Paula Stacey 01234 767345 Cathy Brighton 01234 767456

RT Photography For all your photographic needs at sensible prices

Weddings • Portraits • Pet studies Photos copied and restored Call Rolf on 01525 840508 Online portfolio at www.clikpic.com/rolftaggart 08


community

Village Hall Committee Appeal Improvements to Lidlington Village Hall over the last couple of years have included a kitchen make-over, disabled access/toilets, improved storage, air-conditioning and internal redecoration. Arguably, it now has one of the best village hall main floor spaces in the area. Weekly activities benefit many in the local area and include Dog Training, Line Dancing, a Toddler Group and Karate. The Hall is also regularly booked for children’s parties, providing plenty of space for the children to enjoy themselves in various activities. ‘One-off ’ hires have included adult parties, charity/ fund raising events, tea parties, Christening & Wedding Parties - even a group of friends watching the World Cup! There are currently four Committee members who manage the Hall, which is the bare minimum. Two of the

current members will be retiring in May 2008 and this will leave the Committee in a near unsustainable position. We urgently need new members, in particular, an individual (or couple) who can take over as Bookings Secretary. Unless this position is filled, the Committee can take no further ‘one-off ’ bookings beyond 1st May 2008. Regular bookings such as line dancing won’t immediately be affected, but two people alone cannot continue to manage the Hall indefinitely. The Committee also needs people to assist in the areas of Secretary, Health & Safety and Risk Assessment. Previous experience isn’t necessary, just the willingness to learn, apply and participate. The Committee meets about once a month, for 1 - 2 hours. If you’d like to come to our next meeting on 10th December at the Village Hall, please call James on 01525 403932, or Dave and Maureen on 01525 403378.

Bedfordshire P3/Getting Involved For You and Your Community

The aims of P3/Getting Involved are:

Since P3 started, local groups have worked

‘It is better to know a little bit of the world

• To improve the rights of way network and

installed over 190 bridges, 1500 way-mark

remarkably well than to know a great part

wider countryside access opportunities

posts and erected 741 stiles or gates. 700

remarkably little.’

in Bedfordshire through practical projects

km of Rights of Way are now being

with P3 groups.

promoted through P3 leaflets and several

• To let people know how they can get

thousand places have been filled on dozens

Bedfordshire County Council’s (BCC) Parish

into the countryside using leaflets, map

of training courses.

Paths Partnership scheme (P3) is a scheme

boards and guided walks developed by

that can improve your access to the local

community groups.

take as little or as much of your time as you

countryside and to enhance the local

• To enhance enjoyment/understanding of

like and it can be good fun. Several projects

environment. Bedfordshire P3 has been

the countryside by providing advice,

such as pond enhancement, woodland

running since 1993 and over 95 parishes

information, grants, materials and a bi-

planting, site management and school

and local groups have joined to take

annual programme of events and training.

ground enhancements have been

advantage of the support that is given in a

• To emphasise how getting into the

undertaken by P3/Getting Involved

whole range of activities, including setting

countryside links in to other rural sectors

groups over the years. Steve Halton and the

up and helping to run a group by providing

such as transport, local business, health

BRCC Environment Team have a wealth of

funding and training, as well as

and the environment.

knowledge and skills that they look forward

organising social events. BRCC has been

• To work in partnership with local

to sharing with the P3 communities of

helping Steve Halton (BCC P3/Getting

communities, authorities, landowners and

Bedfordshire.

Involved Co-ordinator) to deliver P3/

other local and national bodies to develop

Thomas Hardy

in the Bedfordshire countryside and

Becoming involved in the scheme can

If you would like to find out more about

Getting Involved in the Ivel and the North

countryside access projects.

improving your local community and

Area for over 7 years and will now also be

• To enable grant applications by P3 Groups

environment contact Carrie-Anne Rowley

helping Steve to support the P3 groups in

and other partners, increasing the

on 01767 626454 or email carrie-anner@

the South of the County.

resources available to the scheme.

bedsrcc.org.uk for further information

Lidlington Helping Hands

Helping Hands is an initiative run by villagers for villagers, offering voluntary help to all who need a ‘Good Neighbour’. Volunteers are available from 8am – 8pm any day. Messages may be left at any time. Help offered includes transport (mileage rate charged), errands, shopping, dog walking, form filling, minor household repairs plus much more. If you need help or can offer weekday transport please call 07817 258279.


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community

Lidlington Allotments Lidlington Allotments have seen a huge growth in interest over the

recipes with courgettes. (Ask Mim and Maria about deep fried

last few years, with, I believe, some 54 allotmenteers now doing

battered courgette flowers!)

battle against slugs, mud and bindweed. We succumbed in 2006

So, when you know you’ve only been partially successful and

and in late August took over a previously-used plot. We had some

you are frankly embarrassed about the size of your parsnips and

confusion when Mike (the allotment manager) asked the question

beetroot, what is the obvious thing to do? Enter the allotment

“how many poles do you want?” replying that we intended to do

show, of course, so that everyone in the village can witness just

the work ourselves and didn’t require the use of agricultural workers

how bad you are at this!

from Eastern Europe. Apparently, allotments are measured in poles. Our first task has now become the ongoing task of digging

Lidlington Allotments held a produce show on 15th September and, at the meeting to organise this event, it was soon clear that we

up the bindweed before it buries us! There appears to be no

weren’t the only yellow-fingered gardeners down there. It became

effective chemical or mechanical way of doing this; manual labour

apparent that we all wear our misshapen carrots and blight-ridden

is required, in a task that resembles the unknotting of spaghetti that

potatoes as a badge of honour and it was decided to hold the event

has been buried in semi-set concrete, in such a manner that ensures

as a fun-filled occasion, rather than a traditional show following

not a single millimetre breaks off to form a legion of bindweed roots

strict RHS guidelines.

the following year! Our next jobs were shed construction, fitting

The day was one of glorious September sunshine. There was no

water butts and spreading manure, along with the blood, sweat and

shortage of volunteers to set up tables, construct gazebos, bake for

tears of perpetual digging - and yet more digging.

the cake stall, barbecue and, most importantly, provide produce.

When we first took over the allotment we noticed that grown

There were the more traditional categories of onions, beetroot,

men could often be spied in huddles, ogling each other’s ancient

squash, courgette etc, but also competitions for the best dressed

and modern machinery in the form of rotavators, tillers and drills

scarecrow, biggest weed, largest pumpkin and (for those of you

(some of which looked as if they might have been used at the relief

who are old enough to remember this from ‘That’s Life’) the most

of Mafeking as military hardware). I immediately resolved that I

misshapen vegetable (won by a superb carrot resembling a foot

didn’t need such mechanical help as digging was good for me. So it

with all 5 toes!) Children were able to participate by entering craft

was with this steadfast resolve, that I caved in the following spring

and art work and produced some beautiful results. Refreshments

and started looking for our own petrol-driven piece of kit. We have

were available in the form of a barbecue and homemade cakes

not regretted this and look forward to joining the huddle.

and biscuits washed down with some very welcome cups of tea,

Our first year produced failures and yet more failures; tomatoes

provided by Sue. As the afternoon progressed, we all relaxed and

with blight, black fly on the broad beans, French beans that just

enjoyed the sunshine, accompanied by some allotment themed

poked their head above ground and then disappeared for ever and

songs, played by Tim and Adrian.

gooseberry plants that were defoliated within hours. However, all

We are very grateful to our judges, Geoff and Davina Barrett, and

was not lost; we had astounding success as slug farmers and

also to Frankie Baber who kindly judged the children’s and ‘fun’

produced a tremendous yield of these squishy creatures and at one

exhibits. Prizes were, of course, all well received but the real success

stage wondered how they would taste in a garlic sauce (if snails can

of the day showed in our faces as we all enjoyed the sunshine and

be eaten, why not…?) Joking apart, we did manage to grow some

sense of community. It was such a success, that we have voted to

very welcome crops of potatoes, garlic, onions, shallots and broad

do it all again next year!

beans. August was certainly the month of the culinary art of 101

Marston Appliance Repairs Washing machines, Tumble dryers, dishwashers, fridges, freezers and other small appliances repaired Second hand washing machines sold • Spares supplied for DIY

No callout charge Call John on 01234 767515 10


Adrian and Ruth Jay

advice

Enjoy the Christmas holiday Tips to simplify your life and reduce stress Leave the phone

Take responsibility

Finish your meal, conversation, magazine or task. Let the caller leave

You have control over your life and your time. Make sure you spend

a message and ring them back at a time that suits you. They will

it on what matters to you, eg family, friends, faith, or hobby.

have your full attention and you will not resent the interruption. See how many tips you can use and experience the difference.

Leave 5 minutes earlier

Happy Holidays! Michele Young

Walk, instead of driving, whenever you can. Drive in the middle or

MY Coach

slow lane and allow time for traffic jams. Enjoy your scenery or your stereo in peace.

Plan your TV viewing Decide what you really want to watch and when you want to watch it and record programmes. Make time to do other active things.

Start and end your day in a good mood Choose activities you find pleasant and relaxing to do when you first get up in the morning and before going to sleep at night. Get

Want to move on? If you always do what you do now you will always get what you have now…

the best out of your day and a good night’s sleep.

Clear out the clutter

Do you want something different?

Get rid of unwanted items from your home. It’s then easier to locate things you want and creates space for all your Christmas presents.

Choose your friends Spend time with people whose company you enjoy and let go of

If you really want to move on, contact me today and together we will take the first step

relationships that are not constructive or supportive. Contact MY Coach today and take the first step towards moving on

Keep your chin up Look up and smile to greet people. Tell yourself how happy you are. The more relaxed you act, the more relaxed you will be.

Tel 01525 404697 Mobile 07756 878174 Website www.moveonwithmycoach.com E-mail [email protected]

Thank you and well done Make use of these two words. When you’re busy, it is easy to forget to say them and likely to be when others most need to hear them.

Breakfast at Coffee Morning On every third Tuesday of the month we serve cooked breakfast at coffee morning with proceeds going to various charities. Coffee Mornings are held every Tuesday from 10am – 12 in the Methodist Hall.

ALL WELCOME


11

local interest

Who was Thomas Johnson?

the manner in which it was to be administered. The main change from the provisions of the original Will was that in future, after the

Thomas Johnson is very much a household name in the village,

deduction of any administration expenses, the residue of the annual

but who was he? Little is known about him, but he leaves a lasting

income was to be divided equally for the purpose of: The

legacy to the village.

advancement of the education of children who, or whose parents

He was first known in Lidlington when he had been travelling on

are bona fide resident in the parish of Lidlington; the benefit of

foot through Bedfordshire on his way to London, around the end of

deserving and necessitous persons resident in the said Parish

the sixteenth century. It is said he reached the cottage at Turnpike,

of Lidlington. It was further directed that the distribution of the

in the Parish of Lidlington. The

Charity funds should be at the

Turnpike was on a Toll road at

discretion of the Trustees from time

that time. He was offered food and

to time, acting as a body.

shelter by the people living there, a

An order of the Charity

kindness which he did not forget.

Commissioners dated 7 August

A tailor by trade, he became very

1903 confirmed the status of the

prosperous in London, as a member

education provision, under the

of the Worshipful Company of

Board of Education Act 1899, and

Merchant Tailors and, eventually, a

subsequently the 1881 order was

Freeman of the City of London.

again reviewed by an order dated 23

In 1618 he purchased Bellow’s Mill

September 1931, which the Board of

in Eaton Bray, Bedfordshire, together

Education made under the Charitable

with the Mill House and approximately eight acres of land. His Will

Trusts Acts 1853 to 1925, and thereby created the Thomas Johnson

dated 1634 bequeathed all the property and land to the poor of

Education Foundation with its own administrative structure.

Lidlington, vested in the Vicar and Churchwardens of Lidlington,

After protracted correspondence over a number of years, the

together with Sir Thomas Snagge and ten other trustees. Thomas

Charity Commissioners agreed on 7 December 1961, that the

Johnson appears to have been a very zealous churchman and

Trustees could sell the property Bellows Mill and adjacent land to

directed in considerable detail the manner in which the annual

the lessee, providing the sale was completed within one year. The

income should be distributed. Upon his death, the date of which

lease was due to expire on 29 September 1971 and at that time

is unknown, the charity of Thomas Johnson was created and was

the land was described as being 9.973 acres or thereabouts. The

administered in accordance with the terms of the Will, until a

Commissioners ruled that the capital realised should be invested

scheme under the title of Thomas Johnson’s Lidlington Charity

and only part of the annual income would be available for

was prepared by the Board of the Charity Commission and sealed

distribution. The sale was duly completed during 1962.

on 15 October 1881.

The use of the Charity has changed over the years to reflect the

It is thought that the Will, or a copy of it, was among various

needs at the time. From 1931, grants were made from the Charity

other documents which had been held in the Village Room safe

to help those from Lidlington who started work as apprentices in

for many years and were deposited at the County Records Office

local trade. Largely, boys would go into the building trade, requiring

during November 1949. More recent documents, covering roughly

grants for travel expenses and tools. Girls typically went to E P Rose

the years 1820 to 1967, were deposited at the County Records

in Bedford making curtains.

Office on 27 April 1970.

Today, residents of Lidlington still benefit from the Charity which

On 13 April 1881, a written application was submitted to the

has made contributions to Thomas Johnson Lower School, while

Charity Commission by the Vicar of Lidlington, the Rev Frederick

those going on to further education can apply for a grant, at the

Veasey and the eleven surviving Trustees, suggesting that ‘A scheme

Trustees’ discretion, for materials such as books. Residents of

should be established providing the appointment of Trustees to the

retirement age, and widows, who have lived in the village for more

said Charity, the vesting of the freehold heriditaments belonging

than three years can apply for a grant from the proceeds of the

thereto and for the future regulation of the said Charity’. This

Charity annually. This is given in the form of vouchers to be used

proposal was approved by the Charity Commission Board and a

at the local shops and dairy. Application forms are available in the

notice of the intention was published by fixing it near or on the

local shops. Unfortunately you will have missed the closing date for

principal outer door of Lidlington Parish Church on 25 June 1881.

this year!

As a result, ‘all real estate was vested in the Official Trustee of Charity Lands’, and ‘All stocks, shares, funds and securities

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With many thanks to Jim Trayling who, as a Trustee of the Charity,

belonging to or held in trust for the Charity were transferred to

has researched Thomas Johnson and provided much of this

the Official Trustees of Charitable Funds.’ The scheme of October

material. Additional information can be found in the Bedfordshire

1881, previously referred to, set out the objects of the Charity and

County Archives.


local interest

Do you remember the Crossing Keepers and the Village Bakers? The Crossing Keepers were ‘Old’ Bill Evans, who lived in Station Road, and Fred Ambler, who lived in the Station House itself. Four brickworks operated along the line in those days, at Kempston Hardwick, Stewartby, Marston Valley and Ridgmont, so the bricks were transported by rail day and night. The Crossing Keepers never missed a thing and were a wealth of information. The Old School at the top of the village was in use in those days, so all the children used the crossing – and if any of them played on the line, their parents

would hear about it! Just ask any of the forty to fifty-year-olds that remember those days – Bill and Fred were great chaps. After Fred retired from his crossing duties he took care of the school bus runs for the local children. When Bill retired, his son-in-law Fred Hart took charge of the crossing, and after he left, Ann Potts swung the gates and kept everyone safe. Great people, all of them. The first of the village bakers was Mr Bennett, who ran the village bakery in Lombard Street during the Second World War. The bakery produced the

finest smell of freshly baked bread, which wafted all over the village! After the war, Billy Wright came to work for Mr Bennett and fresh bread, cakes and buns were delivered to the door daily. A loaf in those days cost about seven old pence! When Mr Bennett retired, Billy and his wife took over the bakery and when they subsequently retired, the bakery, unfortunately, closed its ovens and doors for good. I’ve never tasted bread like it since. Ah, those ‘good old days’… and what lovely people they all were, too! Fond memories, from ‘A KC’


13

sports club

It was the best of seasons… it was the worst of seasons It is usual to talk about cricket and sunshine in the same sentence, but this season was very different. Due to the terrible summer, the cricket programme was severely hampered, with several fixtures being cancelled completely, or having to be abandoned. Regardless of this, we managed to finish a very credible 4th in the Second Division of the Beds and District League. As it was my first season as Captain (many thanks to former Captain, Steve), I approached it with much trepidation. Luckily, we welcomed back two key players, Mark Prior and Neil Hiscocks,

who had been long-term injury absentees, and also managed to retain the majority of last season’s team. Had we managed to play a little better in a few games, then promotion would have been a realistic prospect. There were still some excellent performances along the way, either with bat, ball or in the field, though unfortunately never all in the same game! I would like to thank Ali Gould (Secretary and Website Editor) for all his work in arranging the games and various on-field antics, and also Mick Eames (Groundsman, Teasman and Mr Clubman) for all his effort. Without these

contributions we would not be able to play each week, so THANK YOU! We play at the bottom of Hurst Grove on a very picturesque ground with excellent facilities. The social side of the team is very active, the vast majority of the team to be found in the local pub after a game, discussing the previous matches long into the night. So, if anyone would like to join the club, we hold net sessions at Marston Vale Middle School in April and play from May to September on most Saturdays. All very welcome. Mike Eames aka Fluff (Captain)

Christmas Tote Bonus Payment 2007

Christmas Dinner Dance

From this year, you will need to fill in a registration form in order to

Regrettably, due to unforeseen circumstances, the Sports Club

receive a bonus payment. Registration forms available from Brian

Christmas Dinner Dance has had to be cancelled. The £1000 prize

Shepherd, 22 Lombard St, M&M’s and your regular Tote collector or

tote draw will now take place at 9pm on Friday 14th December, in

complete your details below.

the Royal Oak. Do come and support the event and see if you are the lucky winner!

Pensioners’ and Widows’ Christmas Tote Bonus Payment 2007 From this year, we will only pay out the bonus to those who register, so you must fill in this form if you wish to receive the bonus payment. I/We confirm that, being in receipt of statutory retirement or widow’s pension, I/We wish to benefit from the annual Christmas bonus paid by Lidlington United Sports Club Please use BLOCK CAPITALS Full name (1)

As Delia Smith said “Where are you?” At the Club’s AGM in July, there were very few people present and certainly no new faces. “Nothing unusual about that” I hear you say, but only three of those there actually use, or have children who use, the sports club facilities. The rest of us have long since hung up our football boots etc! So why are we still on the committee? Good question! One reason is that the Pavilion, the football and cricket pitches, and the MUGA are there only as a result of some very hard work by Sports Club

Signature (1) Full name (2) Signature (2) Address

members past and present and it would be a great shame to see them become run down, or worse. The reality is that the future of the Sports Club, in its present form, is now in serious doubt. A number of the current committee members and Tote collectors will, after many years service, move on by the time of the next AGM. This, therefore, is an appeal to those of you who wish to get involved in village life, to come to our next meeting, at 8pm on Thursday 6th December, in the Royal Oak. If you can’t make the meeting but still wish to get involved, please contact

All registrations must be forwarded to Brian Shepherd, 22 Lombard Street, Lidlington, to M&M’s, Church Street, Lidlington, or handed to your Tote Collector, by Saturday 8th December 2007.

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Brian Shepherd on 01525 403616.

Quiz Night In the New Year we will be holding another of our popular Quiz Nights. Look out for notices when the date is confirmed.

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