PARISH NEWS

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SHILLINGTON, PEGSDON & HIGHAM GOBION wwwwww..sshhiilllliinnggttoonn..oorrgg..uukk

Issue 137 – August 2018 Deadline for October edition - Friday, 28th September 2018

PARISH COUNCIL

NEW COMMUNITY BUILDING/DEVELOPMENT TO REAR OF VILLAGE

HALL

Since the last edition of the magazine a further meeting has taken place with the developers,

their consultant and solicitors. We were advised that NHH will be changing its name to “Settle

Group” from the end of July.

We have now received detailed documents from our solicitors with regard to dissolving the two

charities (Village Hall and Playing Fields) and forming a new Charitable Incorporated

Organisation with associated constitution. A name needs to be agreed for this new charity and

the suggestion is “Shillington Community Centre”. It will need to have a management

committee, made up of representatives of user organisations – around 10 people in total. As

mentioned earlier, the existing Village Hall will remain in use until the new Community Centre

is ready for occupation.

Settle Group are now preparing a traffic management plan for site access into High Road as

well as for Greenfields/Playing Fields and confirm that deliveries to site will be restricted to

between 9am and 3pm daily. A construction methodology is also being prepared and Settle

Group have appointed their project manager - full contact details to be provided shortly.

Cllr. Sally Stapleton and Chair of Village Hall Sue Chalmers have interviewed a project

manager from our perspective, but found his costs to be prohibitive, so are contacting

neighbouring parishes to see who they may have used on their development projects. If anyone

in the village has project management skills and would be interested in getting involved on our

behalf to make sure things proceed as they should, we would be pleased to hear from you for an

initial interview – please contact Sally or Clerk to Council.

Parish Council will need to apply for planning permission for a new MUGA (Multi User Games

Area) as the existing tennis/netball court is not large enough, also we will need to apply to move

footpath 64.

We have written to Central Bedfordshire Council regarding S106 monies due to Shillington for

the various developments we have had over recent years. We want to ensure we get the

maximum available for the various improvements to facilities like the new MUGA, new Play

Area, other equipment for the older children, traffic calming, etc. Following on from our letter

Cllrs. Stapleton and John Clark will be attending a meeting with relevant officers early in

August and will also see if there are any other pots of money available to help with internal fit

out for the Community Centre.

ASSETS OF COMMUNITY VALUE:

Following on from the closure of The Crown last year we agreed to apply to get both The

Crown and Musgrave Arms listed as important community assets. We understand this has

already happened for The Live and Let Live. The application form for The Crown was

submitted, however Central Bedfordshire Council asked for photographic proof of the various

activities and events that took place in the pub when it was open. We will be asking Philip and

Victoria for any photos (as noted on Facebook recently) and would be pleased to hear from

anyone who has any family or social events recorded in there before it closed (thank you Jill for

yours!).

The application form for The Musgrave is now complete and just awaiting photos from Lilly to

be able to send off. If these applications get this listing it will assist us in preserving buildings

or land which are of importance to our community’s social well-being.

We were sorry to hear that Damon & Lilly will be leaving “The Muzzy” in September, they

have worked hard to keep the pub running well, providing good food and drink, particularly

when they were “the only pub in the village”. We wish them well in future endeavours.

HEDGEROWS !!

As we walk, jog or drive around the village, the ever expanding hedgerows are proving to be a

nightmare for both walkers or runners who have to step into the road to avoid being struck by

branches and brambles, or nettles if you’re in a wheelchair or baby pushchair. With all the

large farm vehicles currently racing round the village getting in the harvest, car drivers are

frequently faced with either collision or vehicles being badly scratched by taking evasive action

- our roads are not wide enough for both vehicles.

We have had several calls from residents over ‘near misses’ and there are some really

dangerous areas now requiring urgent attention. We would ask for anyone with a hedge

adjoining a pavement or footpath to please cut it to an acceptable level to ensure the safety of

our residents.

There are a couple of ‘hedges’ that require a lot more than ‘just a trim’ and we will be writing to

the relevant landowners asking for action. We are happy to obtain quotations on their behalf

from local contractors to ensure the work is done professionally and promptly.

STONDON SURGERY

Following an approach for support from Dr. Carragher of the Stondon Surgery, to try and obtain

S106 monies from all the development in Stondon to help improve the Surgery facilities there,

Cllr. John Clark and Parish Clerk Helen Smith attended a meeting with Dr. Carragher,

representatives from Henlow, Stondon and Meppershall Parish Councils and the Bedfordshire

Clinical Commissioning Group on 17th July at Chicksands, to add our voice with our

neighbours.

The BCC Group were given a full picture of how many parishes actually used the Stondon

Surgery, which they had no prior knowledge of and agreement has now been received from

them for Dr. Carragher to take on an architect to draw up plans for improvements at Stondon.

BUGLAR FOUND !

Thank you to all the kind offers to help us find someone to play at our Remembrance Service in

November. Kathy Carroll has come to the rescue (thanks Kathy!) with a member of her family.

For all Parish Council issues please contact:

Mrs. Helen Smith, Clerk to the Parish Council 11 Hillside Close, Shillington, Hitchin, Herts, SG5 3NN. 01462-713224

email: clerk.shillingtonparishcouncil@gmail.com website: www.shillington.bedsparishes.gov.uk

ANNOUNCEMENTS / ITEMS / NEWS IN BRIEF

Liz Brewer would like to thank all those who

contributed to the success of the Safari Lunch

that took place on the 13th May.

Especially to the hostesses who donated time, food

and hospitality.

The event raised much needed funds to keep our

beautiful church up and running

CHURCH HILL ALLOTMENTS: The Rents are due for the Church Hill Allotments at the end of

September. Anyone wishing to become an Allotment holder, or anyone

wishing to cancel, please contact

David Simkins (Rosehill Farm) 711209

A message of appreciation and thanks from Sandra Hare, following her recent fall,

resulting in a shattered femur and major surgery.

“A huge thank you to all my lovely family, friends and neighbours for all your love, care, cards,

visits and practical support. It’s wonderful to have once again experienced the kindness of so

many people. I’m sure that all of you have helped in my recovery in keeping me cheerful and

I’m so pleased to be literally getting back on my feet!

It’s amazing how far you can travel on crutches and I’m finding them very useful to poke, prod

and do all kind of things with, BUT it will be great to throw them away as soon as possible!

The Floral Demonstration /Cheese and Wine evening for Cancer Research and

Bedford Primrose Unit, postponed in June because of my accident will now take

place on Tuesday 25th September at

Shillington Congregational Church, 7.30pm. Tickets only.

Thanks to all who have bought tickets, offered help and donated gifts for the auction. All the

floral arrangements will be raffled on the night.

We look forward to a fun evening to support wonderful organisations”.

Details from Sandra 01462 711589. xxx

I recently had contact via our Shillington website page from a young lady who will be getting married next year to the grandson of Dick Wales (he used to be

our village chimney sweep “Dick The Sweep” and lived in Bryants Close with wife Molly).

Becky is desperately trying to find any old photos of Dick which could be displayed at the wedding as his grandson always looked up to him. Wonder if any older members of

the village might have any photos of Dick tucked away somewhere? There aren’t any in “The Village Collection” as held by Peter & Jan Watts.

If you could help – please let me know…. Sally Stapleton

ALL SAINTS NEWS www.allsaintsshillington.org.uk or follow us on Facebook

Parish Priest: Rev’d Richard Winslade ( 01462-713311)

richardrev@btinternet.com (Day off on Fridays)

Churchwardens

Liz Brewer : 01462-711594 Patricia Humphreys text: 07754-760073 E-mail: lizbrewer313@gmail.com E-mail: patricia.humphreys4@hotmail.co.uk.

Church Services:

• 9.30am - Sung Eucharist - every 2nd, 3rd and 4th Sunday.

• On some fifth Sundays services are held jointly with the Congregational Church at alternate venues.

• First Sunday of the month: 9.30am - Family Service 6.00pm - Choral Evensong.

• All other Sundays: 9.30am – Holy Communion

For details of all our services and for PCC members’ contact details, please see our website www.allsaintsshillington.org.uk or the church notice board.

All Saints Church Rector, The Reverend Richard Winslade and the Church Wardens welcome your prayer requests.

Rev. Winslade is currently taking extended study leave until 30th September 2018. If you need support from a member of the clergy, please contact the church wardens and

they will advise you.

Burials – Rest In Peace

7th June 2018 - Mr. Kenneth Hare

20th July 2018 - Mr. Rex and Mrs. Shirley Stapleton

Baptism

17th June 2018 - Nathan Brown

30th June 2018 - Elspeth Daniel

30th June 2018 - Henrietia Daniel

200 Club Winners June July

1st £50 027 Dick Brewer 1st £50 189 Diane Rainey

2nd £25 199 A. E. Wilson 2nd £25 070 Kevin Lee

3rd £10 064 Henry Dryden 3rd £10 172 Karl Foster

ALL SAINTS’ ILLUMINATED

To celebrate or commemorate your special occasion please

contact: 01462-711850 (Catherine)

It only costs £25 to sponsor a whole week’s illumination – a perfect way to commemorate a

special family occasion or loved one’s anniversary.

The ideal gift for the person who has everything.

Sponsor Message From To Maureen,

Cheryl, Kevin, Brad, Alexi,

Elaine & Leah

In memory of Trevor Jones, a loving husband, father and grandfather, who would have

celebrated his 80th birthday on 8th July this year. You are always in our thoughts and

missed so very much.

Sunday 1 July

Sunday 8 July

Paul & Ros Taylor

On the occasion of their granddaughter Emma’s 3rd birthday

Sunday 12 August

Saturday 18 August

Pamela & Darren

Bakewell

On the occasion of Eric (Jim) West’s birthday on 19th September. Remembered every day.

Love Pamela & Darren.

Sunday 16 Sept.

Saturday 22 Sept.

Mick & Sue Barton

To celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary on 28th September. 50 golden years of happy

marriage

Sunday 23 Sept.

Saturday 29 Sept.

POPPY WALK FOR HONOUR 2018

Calling families, dog walkers and ramblers! Get walking and raise funds for The

Royal British Legion, Bedfordshire’s Poppy Walk for Honour.

The Poppy Walk returns to commemorate the end of the First World War and to say thank you to

the First World War generation - all who served, sacrificed and changed our world. Come to

Bedford Priory Country Park in Bedford, Barkers Lane, Bedford MK41 9SH on Sunday 12th

August, 2018. Join the Poppy Walk Squad and be part of the fun! Register online at

bedspoppywalkforhonour.co.uk or upon arrival on the day.

We will be gathering at Visitor Centre at Priory Country Park Bedford from 11.00am to embark upon a choice of two routes, 2km, which is wheel chair and push chair friendly or 10km for those that really want to stretch their legs.

As well as the walk there will be live music and activities with refreshments available at the Cloverdale Retreat - the Parks Café. A wonderful day out for the whole family to enjoy while raising funds for our wounded, injured, sick members of our Armed Forces and their families. Why not come and join us?

VILLAGE DESIGN ASSOCIATION

Following on from David Bartholomew’s article in the last edition of the Parish News I would like to let you know a little more about the Association’s activities over the last year and how you can get involved and be kept informed.

Last year we looked in detail at 34 planning applications primarily for alterations or extensions to existing buildings in the village. However, we also used the principles within the Village Design Statement to consider applications for new developments, including those where a number of new homes are proposed and these should be of interest to everyone living in Shillington who wants to preserve the character and unique features of our local environment.

We are not opposed to new development but want it to be of an appropriate design, size and most importantly in a suitable location.

Last June, for example we supported an application for 13 houses in the High Road, and although not within what is termed the Settlement Envelope, it was on the periphery of the village, (This was subsequently turned down by Central Bedfordshire Council).

In November we objected to a revised application for 35 houses on Thomas’s Meadow and we strongly supported residents in the Hillfoot Road area against any development on this site. This is because this is designated as a significant landscape space, and it is in the Conservation Area in the middle of the village, where we do not want to see any development, and has considerable existing parking and access problems. Thankfully this application was rejected this year.

In January we took part in the Consultation for the Draft Local Plan, which is going to be developed in order to deliver an additional 20-30,000 houses in the county over the next 20 years.

A very positive part of the plan was that it identified Important Countryside Gaps (ICGs) as a rationale for not allowing development, and a policy on Preventing Coalescence of “ends” which was illustrated in Shillington with land between Woodmer End and Upton End being designated as an ICG. We have tried to use both these principles to make a case for no further joining up of ‘ends’ in Shillington by proposing that all undeveloped land outside the Settlement Envelope but within the figure of eight layout of the village be designated as ICGs.

A number of proposed development sites in Shillington had been identified throughout this process but finally the Plan proposed an allocation of 42 houses on land to the south and east of the High Road adjacent to Dawes Garage and this has our support, as it is far preferable to sites around The Gables, New walk and Thomas’s Meadow.

We have so far been extremely fortunate in recent times not to have the large scale developments experienced in other villages nearby including Stondon and Shefford, and now planned for Barton-le- Clay and Henlow. However, developers will continue to apply for planning permission locally and individuals will want to extend and alter their properties and we will need people, who would be willing to join our Planning Teams and be kept informed, to ensure that Shillington retains some of its unique qualities and design features be they old or new.

If you are interested in the future development of Shillington please join us now. Membership is open to all residents and only costs £2 per year.

Please contact the Secretary, Treasurer or Chairman for further information and copies of the Design Statement.

Tim Theaker

David Bartholomew Secretary 711436

dcbart2@outlook.com

Sue Andrews Treasurer & Membership

Secretary 712160

Tim Theaker Chairman 712834

tim.theaker@btinternet.com

WIVES GROUP

The 2018/2019 session of the Wives Group commences on September 13th at 7.45pm in

the Congregational Church.

This meeting will be a Social Evening with a Buffet when we hope to

welcome back new and existing members.

We have a very exciting session planned with talks, demonstrations, social

evenings & outings. All our meetings are shown in the Parish News in the Village

Calendar.

We would love to welcome some more ladies of any age & status to our Group so come

along and give us a try on September 13th when you can then decide if you would like to

become a member.

If you would like to know more about us please contact:

Pauline 711711 or Janet 711402

SHORT MAT BOWLS

Our “In house” Triples League Competition, which concluded at the end

of March, was extremely competitive with nine teams competing. The

overall winners were: Bill & Toni Gearing with Paul Bruce, and runners

up: Jeff Redman, Ken Phillips and Derek Wilson.

The final matches of the Club’s Knock-out Trophy were played at the end of May with

the following results:

Fours winners: Brenda Hutty, Julia Bruce, Tom Still, Bill Gearing

Runners up: Joyce Gibson, Carol Still, Alan Hutty, John Clark

Triples winners: Tom Still, John Clark, Ros Lewison

Runners up: Brenda Hutty, Jan Rix, Mike Bristow

Pairs winners: Carol Still, Bill Gearing

Runners up: Toni Gearing, Mike Bristow

Mens’ Singles: Derek Lewison

Runner up: John Clark

Ladies’ Singles: Brenda Hutty

Runner up: Joyce Gibson

Club Singles: Brenda Hutty

Runner up: Ros Lewison

Trophy winners received their trophies from Sally Stapleton at the AGM.

Having completed the bowling, members and partners then enjoyed a well organised

celebratory dinner at The Raven in Hexton. Thanks to Jen, Julia and Paul for a very

slick operation.

At our AGM on June 22nd, we celebrated our 10th Anniversary and the progress we

have made over those years. We are now recognised as one of the most well known

Short Mat Clubs in the area, especially since we chose to be affiliated to, and compete

within, the Hertfordshire SMBA.

This in fact led us to enter one team: Bill & Toni Gearing with Brenda Hutty, under the

Herts banner, in the National Triples competition held at Melton Mowbray in April. We

didn’t get through, but it was a fine experience and, of course, helped to get the club

recognised on the circuit.

Once the main business and trophy presentations were concluded,

each member received a celebratory towel following the unveiling

of a magnificent cake made by Julia Bruce, enjoyed by all with

drinks and nibbles.

Success: One of our three teams entered for the Roy

Everitt Triples Trophy played at March on June 30th and

won all eight of their matches to record an outstanding

victory against strong opposition. Well done to Bill, Toni

and Brenda.

Our summer recess will extend through July and August

with club sessions resuming on Monday, September 3rd.

Note that sessions will continue as previously i.e.

Monday afternoons 2-5pm and Fridays 7-10pm.

For further information: Jeff Rix 01462 711298

VILLAGE FIREWORK EVENT SATURDAY, 3rd NOVEMBER 2018

MEMORIAL PLAYING FIELDS, GREENFIELDS, SHILLINGTON

The Playing Field Committee has once again agreed to sponsor this event, which is enjoyed by so many members of the community.

Make sure you have the date in your diary !

The initial deposit for the professional firework company to provide another fantastic display has been paid and the total cost is £3,500.

Last year we made a loss of around £500, although attendance was good, so will be asking for donations from local businesses/organisations to help offset the cost as we want to

keep admission tickets to an acceptable level for village families and their friends.

The Social Club have kindly agreed to make a donation from their Fun Day held on 28th July and we will be pleased to receive any donated raffle prizes.

We hope to have more stalls at this event and will be contacting those who provided refreshments last year, which were enjoyed by all.

We are planning a children’s event during the afternoon leading up to the fireworks, which will be set off at 7.00pm. There may well be a car boot/garage sale during the morning for anyone wanting to join in and the Social Club will again be providing a live band to round

off the evening. More details to follow.

If you would like to book a stall for the early evening (4.00-7.00pm), or a join a car boot/garage sale morning event (10.00am to 2.00pm)

please contact Sally on 07711-504489

All proceeds from this event will go towards our new Community Building

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

First of all, thank you to everyone who supported us at our Cake & Plant Sale in

June – it was a great success!

At our June meeting, we had the pleasure of listening to Bill Hamilton (BBC

Correspondent) and his talk entitled “Man on the Spot”.

Then in July we all had a splendid time reminiscing at our social event “Back

to the 50’s” – complete with our own memorabilia, dressing up, doing a 50’s

quiz and all accompanied by Tizer, ice cream soda, old style sweeties and

popcorn!

Many of our members and friends and partners went off to Southwold in July for a very

enjoyable day out.

Now we have our Summer Break but are meeting up for a picnic at Ascot House later in

August.

Our meetings resume on Thursday, 6th September at 8.00 p.m. at the Congregational

Church. We will be welcoming Michael Peachey who will be giving us a “Painting

Demonstration with Humour” – a great way to start back!

How about coming along to join us and find out more about your local WI?

We welcome visitors at only £3 per session complete with drinks and biscuits!

OUR VILLAGE MARKET WILL BE ON AGAIN ON

SATURDAY, 17th NOVEMBER

PLEASE CONTACT US AS SOON AS YOU CAN IF YOU WOULD LIKE

TO BOOK A TABLE OR TWO

only £6 each or £10 for a double

Jill on 01462 711533 or Jo on 01462 711051

This was a great success last year so please come and join us and tell all your

friends and family – a perfect opportunity to start getting ready for Christmas

– there will be something for ALL THE FAMILY!

SHILLINGTON MEN’S CLUB (Inaugurated in 2004)

Past Events:

Our June event was to the Tring Brewery. To avoid any Members having to drink and drive

we hired the Wanderbus. This was a very interesting guided tour and plenty of beer tasting

with a fish and chip supper.

On July 11th we had our Annual BQ at the Musgrave Arms. Thanks go to Lilly and Damon

for putting on a super spread. The weather was perfect (last year it poured down with rain).

In July we visited the British Motor Museum at Gaydon near Warwick. We

had two guided tours of this huge museum. It certainly brought back past

memories of cars that members had owned or remember from the past.

Thanks to Paul Bruce and Michael Bradley for organising these events.

Coming Up:

Our summer / autumn events are all planned and will include meals at The Greyhound in

Haynes, The Star and Garter in Silsoe, The Red Lion in Offley, The Crown in Shillington

and our Xmas party at the Mount Pleasant Golf Cub.

Other events will be visits to the Cambridge Botanical Gardens, the RAF Museum in

Hendon, the Mullard Radio Astronomy Observatory and the Henlow Dog Racing

Track.

The Men’s Club will also be displaying a theme for the Shillington Scarecrows on

the August Bank Holiday.

About the Club:

The Club has a membership of 39. There are 6 elected Committee Members who meet every

12 weeks to review and evaluate past events, plan future events and review the Club’s

Finances.

Why not come along to one of our future events for a sampler, you will be made most

welcome and there will be no obligation to join. The Club offers an opportunity to make

new friends, stimulating conversation with other members, who have a vast array of hobbies

and interests to talk about over a good pub meal and of course some good Ale.

It also offers a monthly visit to a place of Culture, Interest or History. Membership is just

£5 to join with an annual Membership fee of £10.

How to contact us for further information:

Events Co-ordinator - Michael Bradley (01462 711162)

Email michael894bradley@btinternet.com Or

Chairman - Graham Williams (01462 713468)

Email grahamw59@btinternet.com

Local Meetings for Classic Cars, Sports Cars and all Sorts of

Interesting Vehicles

Venue for 2018: The Musgrave Arms, 16 Apsley End Road, Shillington

Remaining dates for 2018: Monday, 20 August and Monday, 17 September from 6pm

All are welcome at our meetings - no fee is charged to attend. Bring along 'something interesting' or just turn up to have a look.

Watch out for children in the car park Please keep the revs down when bringing something sporty.

Dave Malins

TornadoRegistrar@aol.com 07899-003642

New Bus Launch for Wanderbus 17th July 2018

The Mayors of Stotfold & Shefford, along with Councillors from local Town & Parish Councils and Trustees from several charitable organisations that provided financial support, were at Mount Pleasant Golf Club with the Wanderbus Committee and several of the volunteer drivers, for the formal launch of their new bus.

Reverend Roni Goodman, of Meppershall Parish, gave a speech and offered a prayer before pressing the ‘open’

button to bring the new bus into full service.

Wanderbus, based in Meppershall, provides fixed route Community Bus Services to all residents of the villages around Stotfold and Shefford. Run entirely by volunteers, they operate two Orion 16-seater buses providing services to the local villages where CBC contracted bus operators either offer infrequent services, unsuitable timings or no service at all.

In existence since 1989, Wanderbus is open to all passengers and accepts cash fares and concessionary travel passes in the same way as the main bus services. They provide services to Baldock, Bedford, Biggleswade, Hitchin, Letchworth, Milton Keynes, St Neots & Welwyn Garden City.

For timetable information visit www.wanderbus.org.uk or call 0300-123-3023.

HOLDING ON…….. TO OUR PRECIOUS CHURCH

We moved to Shillington almost 20 years ago – time has flown! We were completely new to the 3 counties so rented before taking the purchase plunge! We spent several weekends driving around in an effort to at least pin point an area/village to re-plant our roots.

The letterbox was jammed with estate agent literature daily – “Oh - there’s a nice house in Shillington” said my husband one weekend, “where’s that?” he continued, “It is the lovely village with the big church on the hill” says I!! The rest, as they say, is history........... except for the fact that I made a promise to myself that when I had time and I had finished with PTA’s, etc., I would find out about the church – find out how ever it is funded - do what I could (however small) to preserve this wonderful building.

There is an amazing set of people called ‘The Friends of All Saints’ who are basically responsible for the continued glory of this awe inspiring historical structure. I became “a friend” several years ago and I expect that my massive financial contribution has bought a few rolls of toilet paper!! (every little helps). Recently I joined the Friends committee and put my shoulder against the fund raising wheel.

Our latest fund raiser was “The 1960’s Disco” – what a glorious night – 100 fabulously dressed folk danced the night away in the village hall without a hymn book in sight!! I say this because strangely enough, as soon as one mentions “a church” fund raiser (most) people stop listening.

So – if you are interested in the church on the hill and get a warm fuzzy feeling as you drive back to the village and spot the church lights indicating that you are almost home – have a think about what it might be like if it wasn’t there or started to crumble. Why not be like me: become a Friend or just turn up to one of our events and dig deep.

Thanks for reading, Greetings, Joy Robertson

FRIENDS of ALL SAINTS CHURCH, SHILLINGTON Registered Charity Number 1060329

I/we enclose a donation of £……..…… to Friends of All Saints, Shillington for the year 2018

Name (s) ………………………………………

Address ………………………………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Tel ………………………………….…

Email ………………………………………………………………………………………………….….

Gift Aid Declaration:

(If you are a UK Income Tax payer the Friends can reclaim 25p for every £1 you give at no extra cost to you.)

I am a UK income tax payer would like Friends of All Saints to be able to reclaim tax on my donation: (Yes / No ) (Delete as appropriate)

Signed ………………………………………………… Date ……………….

Please make cheques payable to ‘The Friends of All Saints Church’ and return this form, signed as necessary, together

with your donation, to

P. M. Carroll,

Hon Treasurer Friends of All Saints, 1 New Walk, Shillington, Hitchin SG5 3LN

c FROM THE GREATEST TO THE LEAST

By Revd. Angus McCormick 01462- 712096 Minister of Shillington Congregationalist Church

A walk round Kew Gardens in London at any time is good. The treetop walk and the upper gallery in the Temperate house, as well as up on the lofty heights of the Great Pagoda, give an uplifting sense of the sheer beauty, variety and size of the gardens.

Poor King George lll and his family all went to live in the little palace which is hardly noticed by many visitors, but is well worth a look. The greatest of plants, the tallest of trees to the tiny stone flowers – all is magnificent.

Then there is the sculpture with those words – from the greatest to the least – in Latin, allowing the imagination of each interpreter to express itself. Do great things inspire the least of us? Is the least thing overwhelmed by the greatest? Is there some affinity with ‘all creatures great and small’? is the least cog in a mighty engine just as vital as the whole monstrous machine? It’s back to protecting just one insect as it plays its part in the ecology of our world. We are only as strong as our weakest link, we say. The greatest teacher in my experience had an influence on the least of us at school; he challenged us, and more importantly, he motivated us for good.

Where do we look for the greatest to inspire and encourage the least of us? I remember a boxer who claimed he was the greatest, and indeed he did entertain us and give us humour, though I personally had no interest in boxing. It’s so important for me to see

words being matched by deeds – integrity. Maybe an example still alive for me is in Mother Theresa, who among other things, did what she said: “Be kind and merciful. Let no-one ever come to you without coming away better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting. To children, to the poor, to all who suffer and are lonely, give always a happy smile. Give them not only your care, but also your heart”.

Every blessing Angus

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH NEWS 47 Church Street, Shillington

www.shillingtoncong-church.org.uk

Sunday Worship:

Our Church is open every Sunday for worship at 10.30am. A warm

welcome is extended to everyone who wishes to join us.

Details of who is leading the service each week can be found in the village

calendar. Visitors always welcome.

Food Bank

The collection of items for the food bank continues and any donations of non-

perishable goods would be appreciated. The next deliver to the collecting point

will be mid-August to cover the school holiday period when the demand increases,

and then towards the end of September following our Harvest Festival.

Annual Christmas Tree Festival:

Just at the hottest time of the year, a reminder that we will be holding our

Christmas Tree Festival again this year between Friday 7th and Sunday 9th

December. This year, our chosen charity is Alzheimer’s Research UK, a

charity which is working to look into the causes and possible treatments of

all types of dementia, and support those who care for those with the

condition.

Unfortunately, as our population ages, more people are being diagnosed with the

different types of dementia and the effect on themselves and their families is life

changing. Alzheimer’s Research UK helps those who help others by providing help,

information and local support groups.

Hopefully you can help us to raise funds by visiting us during the weekend. Admission is

free, and ALL the proceeds go to the charity. If you would like to help us by entering a

tree or donating a raffle prize, please contact Nola McCormick on 01462 712096.

Thank you.

CRAFT CLUB:

The next meeting dates are as follows:

• 14 August 4 & 18 September

• 2 & 16 October

between 2pm and 4pm

For further details please contact Janet Worley.

01582 881824

CBC WARD MEMBER’S REPORT for Shillington, Higham Gobion and Pegsdon

alison.graham@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk 01462 713543

I hope we are all safely enjoying this amazing summertime! Bit of a pain for me, after the hip operation, to have to wear ultra tight knee length thick elastic stockings for six weeks, though.

There is very little local change to report. Road resurfacing in Apsley End Road and Hanscombe End Road- which did need it – is now complete. The Rowan Homes application for Reserved Matters for 27 houses behind the High Road (which means everything else, after the outline planning approval) will be heard at the August Development and Management committee meeting. This is, at last, a step forward. The new houses on Hanscombe End Road are going up fast. I had to miss the last Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny committee meeting, as I was recuperating, but there was nothing contentious on the agenda. Summer ennui has struck, it seems.

This heat and drought means I'm going to find out what happened to the CBC water retention policy I asked for at Executive some time ago. I find that, far from there being a draft policy in hand, there is not one single officer responsible for any of this! CBC passes the onus onto the water boards and drainage boards. But if CBC really

means to ensure that we have a 'great place to live and work', then it must shoulder the responsibility for the distribution of water between the agricultural, business, and residential needs in this authority. With a clear forward plan, we need to collaborate with the other relevant boards. I am having a meeting with a senior officer, who agrees with me completely, the week after this article is submitted. I am backed by the Environmental Audit Committee's report that says 'ministers need to stop playing pass the parcel' with local government and ensure that future homes, roads, transport systems - and WATER SUPPLIES- can cope with the temperature rises, predicted up to the 2040s. I'll keep you updated.

You may have heard on TV lately about local governments' responsibilities for social care. There is a funding shortfall of £1.3 billion at the moment. The Local Government Association (LGA) says social care is probably every council's greatest financial challenge, especially here in the South East. Private care homes continue to close, as councils cannot afford to increase the fees paid for council residents up to the actual cost of the care. The care homes then struggle to pay for well qualified staff, and close. It is clear, say the LGA, that the central government Department of Health and Social Care is not doing enough to support a sustainable system. Hospitals can't discharge patients, if local councils don't have sufficient appropriate housing. Good adult social care improves people's quality of life and, in turn, our communities. The key question is, how far would we be prepared to fund this, through ringfenced taxation?

Lastly, I would like to thank all my lovely neighbours and friends, not forgetting my equally lovely daughter, for their wonderful care while I have been housebound. I am gearing up for a half marathon before Christmas, but in the meantime, I can now make it as far as the Crown!

Meanwhile I wish us all a very relaxing and fruitful summer, but if you do need me please don't hesitate to contact me (details as above) and I'll respond.

Best wishes, Alison Graham

RAMBLING ON with DEREK TURNER 01462-712462 derek.turner@phonecoop.coop

On many previous occasions, I’ve described walks through the fields around Shillington. However, there are always new people moving to the village (welcome!) and those who may not have done much walking in the past but want to do more, perhaps to improve fitness or upon reaching retirement. For you, an easy 3km (2 miles) long walk to

start with uses the footpath up to Meppershall. This route has the bonus of offering extensive views of the locality. First, you’ll need to get to the top end of Bury Road where it meets Upton End Road and the road to Gravenhurst. I realise that reaching here could be quite a trek in itself from some parts of the village although you could cheat and drive here (but see below).

Start off along the tree-lined drive to Shillington Bury, which is an intriguing building but you won’t spot much of it from here as the tall, brick, garden wall conceals its frontage. Never mind, you’ll see more on the way back. The path leaves the drive on the left where the public right of way is marked with yellow arrows on plastic discs and takes you through a couple of narrow ‘squeezes’. After crossing the wooden bridge, turn right along a farm track climbing gently. Where the hedge on the right ends, take the path diagonally across the field on the left and the view unfolds. The village across the valley to the left is Upper Gravenhurst with the squat church dedicated to St Giles nestling in its centre. The hills beyond there and ahead are the Greensand Ridge where dark brown sandstone has resisted erosion and yielded the building stone used in many churches around here, including St Giles and All Saints here in Shillington.

Cross the narrow bridge made of old wooden railway sleepers and turn right uphill again along the grassy margin at the edge of the field. At the double bend on the path, several bee orchids were present at the end of June across by the ditch that forms the field boundary. Further on, the grass margin widens and you may just see through the hedge the mound of

a Norman motte and bailey castle (“The Hills”) now landscaped and incorporated into a garden of the first house in Meppershall. A little further on, go through the metal kissing gate on the right into a small pasture that often contains friendly horses. Keep right and another gate brings you out by St Mary’s church which was heavily restored in Victorian times. Pass it on the left side and leave the churchyard through another gate. Follow the path round to the right initially and then towards the far left corner of the meadow where it goes through a hedge which also marks the parish boundary. When the official footpath maps were being compiled in the 1950s, this point was referred to as the “Hello”- the place where you greeted residents from the adjoining parish.

The views open up on the left across the North Herts towns with the light coloured tower block of the Lister Hospital, 13km (8 miles) away in Stevenage, often visible. To its right and much nearer, the north-eastern end of the Chiltern hills rise beyond Pirton then extend to the right (south-westwards) via the Pegsdon, Hexton and Barton Hills and across to the distinctive outline of Sharpenhoe Clappers. Your path follows a hedgerow on the right for a while and then runs between arable fields where the views become even more panoramic. Rejoining the hedge (now on the left) where you veered off earlier, take the first footpath over a bridge on the left and you start to get glimpses of the rear elevation of Shillington Bury.

The oldest part of this rambling building probably dates from the 16th century and it stands on or close to the site of Shillington Manor before a new manor house was built at the other end of the village in Apsley End. The path enters the grounds via another kissing gate on the right and across the end of the orchard and a second gate opens into a small pasture where undulations represent long, narrow strips ploughed in medieval times.

If you go through here at dusk, you might just hear a tawny owl hooting at its partner. The next gate leads you under a belt of trees and down and up through a substantial ditch. This is one of Shillington’s great archaeological enigmas. It could be part of a now dry moat that was intended to encircle the long-gone manor house in medieval times. There may another explanation though and if you have a theory, please let me know. The path emerges on a

grassy path beside an arable field and takes you down to Upton End Road. Turn right and it’s just a few paces back to the road junction where the walk began. It should take you 45 minutes at a brisk pace but double that if you saunter and enjoy the views.

Local history update

Amateur archaeologists have dug three more test pits so far this year as

Shillington History Society continues its quest to work out how the village evolved. The first dig of 2018 near the former windmill site at the top of the hill on the road to Meppershall yielded little pottery dating evidence, but subsequent digs at either end of Hanscombe End Road have proved

considerably more fruitful. The central part of Hanscombe End remains high on the list of areas warranting further exploration as do the remoter parts of the village.

With this in mind, the August test pit will be dug in the vicinity of Shillington Mill, off the Gravenhurst Road where a watermill operated until about 1900. If you’d like to help out at any time during the weekend of 11-12 August, please get in touch with me. I’m also on the look out for potential places where we can dig next year. For the first time, l’m willing to consider sites anywhere in Pegsdon or Higham Gobion, as well as in Shillington itself. Please get in touch for a no-obligation consultation.

Enjoying the heat?

I hope that you’re enjoying the hot weather because it looks like it could occur far more frequently in future. That the intense heat has also been experienced in

Japan, north America and beyond as well as in Europe suggests that this really is global warming. Some climate change sceptics (mainly people with a vested interest in big oil) will claim that this year is exceptional and we shouldn’t be concerned. Indeed, it may be that these conditions will not occur every year.

Nevertheless, we shouldn’t be complacent and as well as preparing to cope with them (e.g. get more water butts), we need to cut our own carbon footprints drastically (e.g. use the car less).

As I write at the end of July, we’ve just had our first rain for two months but it looks as if August will be another hot dry month. When the summer

does end, it could occur abruptly. After a scorching July and August in 1976, it rained every day for six weeks. You have been warned!

PLOUGHING ON……… A Farmer’s Perspective ! By Whizz – T.C. Shaw & Sons

www.shawfarming.com www.mrsmiddleton.co.uk

It’s impossible to start this article without talking about the weather. As you are well aware, we seem to be in the middle of a heatwave. We

have a thermometer in the farmyard which is positioned in the shade and it rarely reaches much higher than about 28 or so. Yesterday (27 July) and the day before, however, it soared up to 35.5 degrees and was still up to 30 at 9pm. With my farmer hat on it’s quite tough but with my parent hat on it is glorious!

With the doors and windows all flung open it is such wonderful weather for the children. They have been in and out of the sandpit, sprinkler and paddling pool non-stop for the last few weeks and we have had endless cricket matches in the garden (the dogs being the most efficient fielders).

We finished combining the oilseed rape and winter barley a couple of weeks ago, in mid-July. It came in with good yields and quality and the barley produced plenty of bright, fluffy straw which was baled by a local farmer and removed from the farm for their livestock. We would normally now be getting

ready to sow the next crop of oilseed rape, but with conditions so dry and with the ground significantly cracked, we are unsure whether we will grow any next year. The seed will not only disappear down the cracks, never to be seen again, but unless we get a decent amount of rainfall soon, those seeds that do sit on the top will probably not grow anyway.

The other issue with the large cracks in the fields (up to about 3 inches wide in places) is that ground-nesting birds will struggle to raise a brood of chicks without losing some. It is a sad fact that once a chick falls down one of these cracks it is

unlikely that it will be able to get out. We saw an English partridge here at Barton Hill Farm recently with just one chick scurrying along behind it. Hopefully the others were tucked away somewhere safely but it could be that that is the only one that has survived.

The application for Countryside Stewardship is back in full swing again now. We are aiming to get it in before the end of August, which means if successful, the work will begin on the farm as of January 2019. The Wildlife Trust did a survey at the start of July and confirmed that we have quite a few very rare plants at Barton Hill Farm. This means we can include some “arable reversion” margins.

These are strips of land around the edges of certain fields, that are cultivated as if they are part of the field, but they have no inputs i.e seed, fertiliser or spray. The arable weeds then grow undisturbed, from seeds that have been in the seed bank

for years. One example of this is the beautiful vipers bugloss, which until we began creating these habitats, we had never seen on the farm before. It now grows in vast numbers, all along the margins and is spreading onto our grassland. With its vivid blue flower, it looks like a river, winding its way around the field edges. It is a superb plant for bumblebees which links to our voluntary LEAF

(“Linking Environment and Farming”) work as the bumblebee is one of our target species. We began harvesting the winter wheat this week and the yields and quality are reasonable considering the tough growing conditions this season. We have gone

from a harsh, cold winter to a hot, dry summer without much of a spring in between. Again, we are leaving the straw in rows so that it can be baled. This creates one of my favourite types of scenery – golden fields, freshly harvested, with tiny bales dotted around, as if they’ve been dropped from the sky.

In between combining we are looking after the newly planted hedges that we put in in Shillington a few months ago. In total there are 220 metres of native plants and they have been thriving thanks to this warm sunshine. We have to take the bowser around the farm and water them thoroughly to ensure that they don’t suffer in the drought. Unfortunately, our job has been made a little harder by a not-very-helpful person deciding to pull several of them out of the ground; they were not removed completely (i.e the person didn’t want it to be obvious that they had done it) but just enough that the plants died. It is this mindless vandalism that makes me so cross; not only is it ridiculously petty to remove some small hedge plants but it is a waste of time and money. We might have to get our handy little trail cameras out to make sure that if they do it again we can watch it back on video!

Thanks to the sprinkler, our vegetable patch is also doing very well in this heat. The courgettes have been comically successful (we haven’t had a meal without them for weeks…) and the broad beans have been amazing. The children have discovered the joys of podding, so I’ve been making the most of having some help!

Come Along To Beds Fire & Rescue Station Open Days

This Summer

Ever wanted to see around fire station or have a go with a fire hose? Want to know what it takes to be a firefighter or find out how to protect your family from everyday risks?

Every year Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service throw open the doors of our Community Fire Stations to our local communities so everyone can come along and meet their local firefighters and find out more about what they do. These events provide something for the whole family to enjoy while raising money for worthy causes like the Firefighters’ Charity

Come along for the chance to look around your local fire station, see all the fire appliances and other equipment we use to protect you and rescue you from fires, road traffic collisions and other emergencies and learn about how to prevent incidents and protect yourself and your family. There’s a lot more to do with many stations giving adults the opportunity to see what it takes to be a firefighter while children can have a go at using a fire hose or picking up an egg with our special equipment used to extricating casualties from vehicles. There’s also the opportunity to see demonstrations by our firefighters and Fire Cadets. These events are free and there’s no need to book. Just come along and enjoy a day of fun and facts: Bedford - Sunday 5 August, 12pm to 4pm Barkers Lane, Bedford, MK41 9SB

Biggleswade - Saturday 8 September, 10am to 2pm Chestnut Avenue, Biggleswade, SG18 0LL

Biggleswade Engine Pull - Sunday 30 September In and around Biggleswade

Dunstable - Sunday 2 September, 12pm to 3pm Brewers Hill Road, Dunstable, LU6 1AA

Luton - Saturday 11 August, 12pm to 4pm Studley Road, Luton, LU3 1BB

Potton - Saturday 25 August, 1pm to 3pm Bury Hill, Potton, SG19 2RS

Sandy - Sunday 23 September, 10am to 2pm Ivel Road, Sandy SG19 1AX

Shefford - Saturday 1 September, 12pm to 4pm Ivel Road, Shefford, SG17 5JU

Stopsley - Sunday 29 July, 1pm to 3pm Stopsley Way, Luton, LU2 9AD

Toddington - Saturday 22 September, 12pm to 3pm Dunstable Road, Toddington, Dunstable LU5 6DR

Woburn - Saturday 25 August, 1pm to 4pm George Street, Woburn, Milton Keynes MK17 9PX For more information visit our new website: www.bedsfire.gov.uk/Events

Message Sent By: Mark Hustwitt (Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, Interim PRO, Bedfordshire)

THE

SHILLINGTON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

ANNUAL FLOWER & VEGETABLE SHOW Will be held on

15th SEPTEMBER 2018 in

SHILLINGTON VILLAGE HALL

Exhibitors’ Schedules are now available from

THE SECRETARY: PETER WATTS

30 CHURCH STREET, SHILLINGTON, SG5 3LH

01462-712080

THE DOORS WILL OPEN AT 2.30pm

By popular demand, Shillington WI

presents:

Please phone to book your table as soon as possible!

Only £6 per table or £10 for a double

Tables are already being booked so –

Don’t miss this opportunity to show off your local crafts,

products and food items at this very popular event

Jill on 01462 711533 or Jo on 01462 711051

Just in time for Christmas!

SHILLINGTON CHILDMINDERS

Childminders provide safe, friendly home environments for children to play and have fun whilst gently learning through their play. We take children on outings to farms, play centres, splash parks, museums and libraries as well as teach them life skills such as helping to do

shopping, gardening and cooking.

We are registered with Ofsted, have public liability insurance, follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, undertake regular training including Safeguarding and First

Aid and receive regular newsletters and bulletins from professional organisations.

Here in Shillington, we meet up at least once a week to provide children with the opportunity to learn social skills and experience different play resources. The children get to know all the childminders and children which enables us to offer the ability to cover holidays and

other absences for each other.

Some of us are able to provide up to 15 hours of free childcare a week for eligible 2 year olds, as soon as care starts, in the same way that nurseries and pre-schools can. We are also able to provide the free sessions for all 3 and 4 year olds; at least 15 hours per week

up to 30 hours per week (for 38 weeks of the year) depending on parental eligibility and the childminder's policy. The free sessions normally start the term after the child's 3rd birthday.

There may be additional charges to cover e.g. food and outings.

We each have differing childcare availability such as before and after school care, daytime childcare, overnight childcare, ad-hoc care or flexible care e.g. for shift workers.

To find out more about each childminder and their availability, please contact us:

Laura Forgham 01462 713638

lauraforgham@btinternet.com

Katie Brettell 01462 713054

katiebrettell@icloud.com

Deb Pateman 01462 338304

debpateman@msn.com

Jo Wright 01462 713999

johannewright@hotmail.com

Carli Mauger 01462 339260

carlimauger@gmail.com

PLANNING APPLICATIONS

The next Development Management Committee meeting at CBC, Chicksands will be held on 15 August 2018:

DECISIONS from CENTRAL BEDFORDSHIRE COUNCIL:

CB/18/01290/FULL. Mr & Mrs Brown, Two Ways, Pegsdon Way, Pegsdon. Raise roof height to form dormer bedroom and bathroom with dormers to rear and velux to front. Alterations to openings. New weatherboard cladding and render finish to facades. New roof tiles to all roofs. Velux windows to single storey roof.

WITHDRAWN 11/06/18

CB/18/01296/FULL Mr & Mrs G Evans, 23 Upton End Road Single storey side extension to form garden room.

APPROVED 23/05/18

NEW/REVISED APPLICATIONS: (Discussed at Parish Council Meeting on 3rd July 2018 – PC comments in italics)

CB/18/01965/FULL Mr & Mrs Thwaite, The Old Rectory, Higham Road, Higham Gobion. Demolition of attached single storey garage; two storey front & side extensions (over part existing footprint at side); single storey rear front, side & rear extensions; first & second floor alterations; new garden wall and gates; & residential oil tank and boiler store behind garden wall.

SUPPORT – unanimous.

CB/18/01966/LB Mr & Mrs Thwaite, The Old Rectory, Higham Road, Higham Gobion. Listed Building: Demolition of attached single storey garage; two storey front & side extensions (over part existing footprint at side); single storey rear front, side & rear extensions; first & second floor alterations; new garden wall and gates; & residential oil tank and boiler store behind garden wall.

SUPPORT – unanimous.

CB/18/02265/FULL Mr & Mrs S Goaman, 37 Bury Road Conversion of loft to form a new bedroom with dormer window.

SUPPORT – unanimous

NEW APPLICATIONS RECEIVED OUTSIDE OF PC MEETING: CB/18/02343/FULL Mrs Brown, Two Ways, Pegsdon Way, Pegsdon First floor side extension over existing single storey pitched roof utility space. K-Render finish to property and timber weatherboarding to upper section of dwelling.

CB/18/02463/FULL Ms Parry, 16 Vicarage Close Flat roof extension replaced with lean to roof to front and rear elevations

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS

CBC’s trading standards department has provided the following numbers, to assist

residents in identifying doorstep cold callers, purporting to be from energy or water

companies, and enable checks with these organization if any reason for concern.

British Gas General Enquiries 0800 048 0202

EDF Energy Customer services 0800 096 9000

National Gas Emergency Service Helpline 0800-111-999

npower General Enquiries (landline)

General Enquiries (mobile)

0800 073 3000

0330 100 3000

ScottishPower General Customer Service (landline)

General Customer Service (mobile)

0800 027 0072

0345 270 0700

SSE General Enquiries 0800 980 8831

Anglian Water 0800 145 145

UK Power

Networks

To report or get info on power cuts

Text POWER and your postcode to 80876

National number

105

Central Bedfordshire Council, Priory House, Monks Walk, Chicksands, Shefford Bedfordshire, SG17 5TQ. (www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk) General enquiries .....................................................................0300 300 8000 (customer.services@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk)

Highways ……………………………………………………….…0300-300-8049

Dog Fouling/animal welfare ………………………………..……..0300-300-8302

Flooding ……………………………………….…………………… 0300-300-8049 Planning ................................................................................... 0300-300-8307

Recycling/Flytipping .…………………………………………….. 0300-300-8302 Police (Emergency) ……………………………….……………… 999 Bedfordshire Police ……………………………………..….…….. 101 (non emergency calls, but to report incidents)

Bus Information ………………….………..…. 0870-608-2608 or 01234-228337 Shillington Services (Martin Brogan) for washing machine repairs, etc. 07975-944394

Parish Councillors – contact details:

John Clark 01462 711446

Tracey Forsyth via the Clerk

Alison Graham 01462 713543

Tony Howells 01582 881611

Ben Jepps 01462 711430

Angus McCormick 01462- 712096

David Mott 01462 711222

David Simkins 01462 711209

Sally Stapleton 07711 504489

Derek Turner 01462 712462

VILLAGE FACILITIES

SHILLINGTON SOCIAL CLUB Greenfields, Shillington

01462-711795

(FREE WiFi to Club Members)

Usual Opening Hours: Monday, Thursday and Friday from 7.30pm to closing time.

Saturday - 3.00pm to 7.30pm unless special evening function / Sunday - 12 til 4 pm

find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/shillingtonsocialclub

✓ Licensed bar with variety of beers at social club prices – £1 a pint less than

most pubs.

✓ Regular Artistes and Fund Raising Events and a great Pool Table

✓ Fresh filter coffee while you are passing, or for a warm up after a football

match.

✓ The Club is a village amenity - why not pop in for a drink or, even better, become a

MEMBER.

SSHHIILLLLIINNGGTTOONN VVIILLLLAAGGEE HHAALLLL

All enquiries please contact the BOOKING CLERK on

07376-682935 (answerphone facility available) ee--mmaaiill:: shillingtonvillagehall@yahoo.com

Large Hall - Stage - Small Committee Room

Kitchen and Bar Facilities

Disabled access & toilet.

Children’s Parties Discos/Dances Meetings Table Top Sales Exhibitions Zumba Pilates

Occasional Separate Use of Car Park by Prior Arrangement only

Looking for an evening venue for your organisation ?

SHILLINGTON SCHOOL

has a large hall available for hire on weekday evenings.

For further information and an opportunity to view the facility, telephone the School on 01462-711637

VILLAGE CALENDAR

AUGUST

5 Congregational Church Service – Mrs. Sally Metianu – 10.30am

9 RNLI – Vintage/Classic Car Meet – Pirton Sports Ground from 4.00pm

12 Congregational Church Service – Mrs. Hazel Beadle – 10.30am

12 British Legion – Poppy Walk for Honour – Bedford - 11.00am to 4.00pm

19 Congregational Church Service – Revd. Angus McCormick – 10.30am

19 Live Music at All Saints Sunday Teas with the Verne Trio. Light classical music

from 3.30pm

20 Classic Car Meet – Musgrave Arms – from 6.00pm

25 Musgrave Arms – Beer Festival & Fun Day with live bands – from 2.30pm

25-27 Scarecrow Festival – Start at Village Hall from 10am daily. More details inside.

26 Congregational Church Service – Mr. T. Wilson joined by Pirton MC – 10.30am

SEPTEMBER

2 Congregational Church Harvest Festival – Revd. Angus McCormick – 10.30am

3 Playing Field Management Committee Meeting – Social Club – 8.00pm

4 Parish Council Meeting – Congregational Church – 7.45pm

6 WI Monthly Meeting – “Painting Demo with Humour” – Cong. Church – 8.00pm

8 Bike and Hike - cycling and walking routes start from All Saints Church at 10.00am. See inside for details

8 Fynnius Fogg - A concert of live music at All Saints. 7.00 for 7.30 start. See inside

for details.

9 Congregational Church Service – Mr. Trevor Wilson – 10.30am

13 Wives Group – Buffet & Social Evening to welcome new & existing members –

Congr.Ch.- 7.45pm 15 Annual Horticultural Show – Village Hall – Doors open at 2.30pm

16 Congregational Church Service – Revd. Lionel Albon – 10.30am

17 Classic Car Meet – Musgrave Arms – from 6.00pm

23 Congregational Church Service – Revd. Dr. Christopher Hill – 10.30am

23 Live music at All Saints Sunday Teas with 'Blue Reed'. Jazz and folk music from

3.30pm.

25 Floral Demo/Cheese & Wine Evening – Congregational Church – 7.30pm

26 Village Hall Management Committee Meeting – Jubilee Room – 8.00pm

27 Wives Group – “The Story of Grasse Perfume” – Congregational Ch. – 7.45pm

30 Congregational Church Service – Mr. Chris Clarke – 10.30am

OCTOBER

2 Parish Council Meeting – Congregational Church – 7.45pm

7 Congregational Church Service – Revd. Angus McCormick – 10.30am

11 Wives Group – “Talk on Cromer Windmill” – Congregational Church – 7.45pm

14 Congregational Church Service – Dr. Martin Pulbrook – 10.30am

21 Congregational Church Service – Mrs. Brenda Ballentine – 10.30am

25 Wives Group – Cheese & Wine Party – Congregational Church – 7.45pm

28 Congregational Church Service – Revd. Dr. Christopher Hill – 10.30am

29 Playing Field Management Committee Meeting – Social Club – 8.00pm