july 2010 special - slip end · friendship club, off to weston-super-mare! also pictured is the...
TRANSCRIPT
PARISH NEWS July 2010
VILLAGE FUN DAY SPECIAL
It’s Village Fun Day
come on down!
it’s all
happening on 31st at
the playing field
10 to 5 Be There!
It’s Village Fun Day
come on down!
it’s all
happening on 31st at
the playing field
10 to 5 Be There!
It’s all happening here in the Parish!
Big local events recently included the visit of the
Bishop of Bedford which contrasted with the Darts Marathon. Bishop Richard looks splendid
with a more laid back Tom Shutler, whose team
did such a fine job on the roof at St Andrew‟s.
Celebrity Esther Rantzen is seen with Isaiah,
Lily‟s grand son, both suitably attired for darting at the Rising Sun. And it‟s „All Aboard‟ for the
Friendship Club, off to Weston-Super-Mare!
Also pictured is the Callow Family: Matthew is
rather more relaxed than in the picture inside this
issue! Finally a floral reminder of Open Gardens
on the 11th.
Slip End & District Community Projects Group Welcome you to Village Day
31st July 2010 at the Playing Field
Here we are again, one year on, ready to enjoy our third annual Village Day.
In keeping with tradition, Hilda Keens & May King, two of the Parish’s more senior ladies, will be there to open the proceedings at 11am, accompanied by Cllr Ken
Crossett, our Parish Council Chairman.
This year we have introduced some new aspects to the day, so alongside our usual bouncy castles, provided by Steve and his team at ‘Huff ‘n’ Puff’, there’s the new assault course, the largest and only one in Europe! ‘Banned’ and our resident DJ Martin will entertain us throughout the day. Pepperstock Archers are at the back of the field ready to teach you how to fire an arrow, and this year we welcome Pat Coffey of
Go-Karts Party with his go-kart track for the 4 to 9 year olds.
Along with the craft stalls, our parish watering holes will refresh us with beer, cider and Pimm’s. Along with the traditional BBQ, we have the Ruchi Indian Restaurant offering traditional Indian food. The ladies from St Andrew’s church are offering tea, coffee and cakes in the Peter Edwards Hall. For a little calm and quiet, St Andrew’s church is
open for cream teas too with ‘Storytime & Singalong for the under 5’s.
Last year we raised £5,000 and this money has been distributed to the various groups and organizations in the parish including The Gardening Club, The Playing Fields Committee, Brownies, Playgroup, SEADA and BADRA. Let’s hope we can raise even
more money this year to put back into this great community!
As always, thanks for your support. I hope you have a really enjoyable day!
Sarah and the Slip End & District Community Projects Group
Village Fun Day, 1950’s style!
Andy Prothero
Anil - Slip End General Store
Barry Keech
Bookers and Kes Day
Carol Brennan
Cllr Richard Stay
Cllr Ruth Gammons
Cyril Keech
Dawn & Steve Grainger
Derek Worsley
DGK Engineering Ltd
Doug Coburn
Eileen Crawley
Gordon Burton
Harpenden Scout Group
Hilda & May
Holdsworth Food Service
Janet & Steve Crawley
J & P Scaffolding
Kev & Lainey - Slip End Social Club
Lily & Dave - The Rising Sun
London Luton Airport
Martin Allen
Pam Crawley
Parish News Team
Paul Cooper - The Frog & Rhubarb
Paul & Janet Jefferies
Slip End Cub Pack - Jon Barker
Slip End Garage Ltd
Slip End Lower School
Slip End Playing Fields Committee
Slip End Scout Group - Russell Head
Slip End United Football Team
St Andrew‟s Church
Steve & Martin – Music
Banned - The Band!
The Chatty Club
The Gardening Club
THANK YOU’S! We are, as always, extremely grateful for the support, both physically and financially, from
the following people, who we really couldn‟t have done without in one way or another…
MAIN ARENA TIMETABLE
11.00am
Grand Opening Hilda Keens, May King & Ken Crossett
11.15am
Live Music from ‘Banned’
12.15pm (in the Hall) Judging of the Seed Tray Gardens for the Children’s Competition
Judges: Derek Worsley & Gordon Burton of the Allotment Association
& Rosemary Wickens of The Gardening Club
1.00pm
Children’s Competition Prize Giving
Kindly Sponsored by Councillors Richard Stay & Ruth Gammons
1.30pm Live music from ‘Banned’
2.30pm
Tug of War Competition
4.30pm Raffle Draw
Craft Stalls
Aley Green Methodist Church Jams, Marmalades, Chutneys, Produce
Lorraine Law 484719 [email protected]
‘All Wrapped Up’ from Basketcase Gifts, Gift Baskets, Handmade Crafts, Sweet Gifts
Angie Heath 502303
Brian Fox Childrens Ceramics to Paint
Brian Fox 615511
Dream Jewelz Costume & Fashion Jewellery for adults & children
Julie Koch 475034 [email protected]
Feline Cat Rescue Tombola, Children’s Pocket Money Toys, Bric-A-Brac
Pam Price 612257 [email protected]
Gill Plummer Knitted Toys, Cards, Items made by the Children at
The Thursday Project Club at Slip End School
Gill Plummer 723109
Harpenden Salvation Army Craft Group Jams, Jewellery, Knitting, Cards, Toys
Rosemary Capehorn 650965 – Salvation Army 469399
Honey & Hive Products Honey bee display, Honey, Candles
Wally Thrale 01767 255846 [email protected]
Layla’s Cupcakes Cup Cakes for All Occasions
Natalie & Sue 605411 [email protected]
LKT Jewellery Costume Jewellery, Hair Accessories, Scarves
Lynn Turner 536782 [email protected]
Motor Neurone Disease Association Charity Stall, Bric-A-Brac, Games
Ann Murphy 521604 [email protected]
Vera Jordan Handmade Costume Jewllery
Vera Jordan 391 675
Phoenix Cards Greeting Cards, Wrapping, Gift Bags, Jotters, Invitations
Paula Baird 738205 [email protected]
Slip End & District Association Mystery Tombola
Barbara Ray 414796
Slip End Friendship Club Tombola
Pam King 452978
Slip End Playgroup & Toddler Group Hook A Duck, Unlock the Choc, Find The Wine etc
Julie 724888 & Jill 728865 [email protected]
The Book Tree Children’s Books and Traditional Toys
Jo Baxter 526380 [email protected]
The Lemon Tree Candles, Lanterns, Wind chimes, Garden Flames
Sue Guess 653151 [email protected]
Trish Fuell Handmade Jewellery, Bracelets, Keyrings, Cards
417 792 [email protected]
Water Aid Charity Tombola & Gifts
Sue Briggs 733 507 [email protected]
Other Stalls
Beds Bat Group - Bat Rescue Charity Kelly Robinson 07903756477
CaSE4 Information on the Proposed Bushwood Development
Rob Swetman [email protected]
Parish News Sign up for the a monthly copy of our Parish Magazine
Slip End Cub Pack and Slip End Scout Group
Lucky Dip, Tattoo’s, Treasure Hunt, etc
Scouts: Russell 733681 [email protected]
Cubs: Jon Barker [email protected]
The Raptor Foundation
Owl Foundation Charity with Live Bird display
Pauline Law [email protected]
Michael Smith [email protected]
HALLS
Village Hall: 723109
Peter Edwards Hall: 767916
COMMUNITY
Brownies: 723109
Beavers: 0795 6833488
Cubs: 414157
Fly Tipping (CBC): 0300 300 8000
Friendship Club: 452978
Slip End Assoc: 414796
Mother‟s Union: 738435
Playgroup: 728865
Toddler Group 405931
Allotments: 736892
FoSELS (PTA):
Tracey Burgess 07767731187
Women‟s Institute: 421034
Police: 473462
Aircraft noise: 395382
Water leaks: 0845 7823333
SPORT
Bowling Club: 412506
Tennis: 733253
Darts League: 425323
Football: 418494
Cricket: 414157
CHURCHES
St Andrew’s Church Rev Joy Daniel 01582 424363
Wardens: Tony Willson 482681
Susan Wiltshire 727477
Aley Green Methodist Church Minister: Rev Philip Horner
Senior Steward: Ann Meader 733668
SHOPS & SERVICES At the Crossroads, telephone 401069
Monday to Friday 6.30 to 21.00 Saturday 7.00 to 21.00 - Sunday 7.30 to 21.00
Garage: Slip End Garage, Markyate Road, telephone 456888
The Parish @ Large
Website: slipend.co.uk
SCHOOLS Slip End Lower: 720152
Caddington Village School: 726058
Streetfield: 613421
Ashton: 663511
Manshead: 608641
PARISH COUNCILLORS Stephen Fuell: 417792
Philip Penman: 455185
Ken Crossett 414168
Janet Crawley: 07752 902070
Sarah Minnighan
Paul Cooper
CLERK TO THE PARISH COUNCIL
Peter Segal: 526594
(9am to noon weekdays)
CENTRAL BEDS COUNCIL: 0300 300 8000
CENTRAL BEDS COUNCILLORS Richard Stay: 0300 300 4230
Ruth Gammons 01582 738398
MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT
Gavin Shuker
020 7219 500 or 07505 738666
PARISH COUNCIL REPORT 2009-10
The key aim of the Council is to improve the
quality of life for everyone in the parish, from
our youngest to our oldest members. This
report sets out to describe the work of the
Council over the last twelve months towards
achieving that objective.
Background
The Parish Councillors are: Paul Cooper (Vice
Chairman), Janet Crawley, Ken Crossett
(Chairman) Geoff Daniel, Steve Fuell, Sarah
Minnighan and Philip Penman. During the year
we were supported by the Parish Clerks, Nikki
West then Peter Segal. The Council much
appreciates the hard work and support Nikki and
Peter have given.
The principal organisations that have helped are:
Airparks, Balfour Beatty Skanska Joint Venture,
Central Beds Council, Bedfordshire Rural
Communities Charity, Country Gardens,
London Luton Airport, the Police and St
Margaret‟s School Bushey. The Council is also
grateful to Councillors Richard Stay and Ruth
Gammons, for their assistance and, to a number
of residents who have provided their time and
specialist knowledge.
Roads
M1: The snagging works identified by the
Council under the M1 widening programme
were largely completed in the early part of last
summer as a result of the close liaison Cllr Fuel
had developed with the main contractor Balfour
Beatty Skanska Joint Venture.
Work is currently underway in connection with
the Hard Shoulder Running Project and contact
has been made with the national Highways
Agency to establish if the project will involve
carriageway closures which could involve
vehicles diverting through the Parish. We are
concerned that damage to roads caused by
higher traffic volumes be repaired by the
Highways Agency.
In relation to this scheme and the alterations to
junctions 11 & 12, objectors have submitted
proposals for five new alternative routes, two of
which pass through the Parish. The Council has
raised objections to both these routes for
consideration at the forthcoming public enquiry.
A1081: For several years the Council has been
concerned with the high number of accidents at
both the Newlands Road and Half Moon Lane
junctions with the A1081. Cllr Fuell and
resident Mike Sanders had a number of
meetings and discussions with Central Beds
Highways. This led to new street furniture and
signs being installed at both junctions. While
these additions still have room for improvement,
there has been a reduction in the number of
serious accidents at both junctions.
The position at Newlands Road could be eased
further under the Kidney Wood roundabout
proposals. The Council took part in the
consultation process, and, of the two options put
forward, its preference was for the proposal
which would involve the construction of a
roundabout at the Newlands Road junction with
the A1081. The proposal included construction
of a further roundabout in Newlands Road on
the Park side of the Newlands Road Bridge with
a new road running up the side of Stockwood
Park to the A1081, M1 roundabout. It is
understood that this project has not yet been
decided as additional alternatives were
submitted in the consultation process.
Pepperstock Junction: This is another junction
which has safety issues for residents. After
many years of campaigning, Cllr Fuell in
consultation with Cllr Penman and Chris
Warren of BADRA, have been in discussions
with Central Beds Highways. Highways decided
to close, for a trial period initially, the short
section of road extending from Pepsal End Lane
to its junction with Half Moon adjacent to the
house opposite the Half Moon. It was thought
that this closure would reduce the potential for
accidents caused by reduced visibility at this
junction. Sadly, this experiment was
unsuccessful and the road has been reopened.
The Council is awaiting further proposals from
Central Beds to make this junction safer.
Road Repairs & Resurfacing: Following
complaints received from residents living in
Church Road about traffic noise, particularly
through the night, Cllr Fuell took up the issue
with Highways. Resurfacing works were
brought forward from their scheduled time of
2011/12 to reduce surface noise. Cllr Fuel also
made a successful approach to Airparks for
them to request their drivers to restrict speeds to
20 mph when passing the cottages in Church
Road and replace busses with quieter running
models at the end of their time in service.
Other areas where resurfacing took place were
Markyate Road, Woodside and Grove Roads.
Throughout the year the Council immediately
notified Highways of defects and ensured they
were quickly repaired particularly after this
winter‟s big freeze. Generally the roads in the
Parish are in good condition and remain a high
priority to ensure that position is maintained.
Road Safety: The subject raised the most
number of concerns received from residents
throughout the year. The principle concerns
were: speeding, illegal and inconsiderate
parking at road junctions and in close proximity
to the school.
The Council requested speeding surveys to be
carried out in a number of roads in the Parish
and has established the extent of the problem to
enable it to consider various speed reduction
measures; so far this has resulted in an extension
of the 30mph speed limit in Church Road
followed by a reduction from the national speed
limit to 40mph down to Newlands Road.
Presently, the Council is pursuing a request it
made to Highways for a reduction in the speed
limit to 40mph from the Pepperstock Bridge to
the 30 limit in Front Street. It is also pursuing a
request made to Highways for a survey in Upper
Woodside to determine if a speed limit
reduction can be obtained there.
New „gateways‟ have been installed at the
entrances to Slip End on the four roads.
Residents views on these have been mixed and
range from an aesthetic improvement to having
made no difference to drivers reducing their
speed. Experts tell us the gates lead to driver
perception of the road narrowing leading them
to slow down. However, it is accepted they will
be disregarded by some determined speeders.
Proposals were submitted to Highways for a
pedestrian crossing and speed cushions in
Church Road to slow traffic down and provide a
safer crossing for those using the playing fields
and Church. Again Highways are being
followed up regarding their acceptance and
implementation of these proposals.
Meetings and correspondence with residents
have taken place to review the parking issues
around the school and the inconvenience to the
school‟s neighbours. To date the Council has
not been able to identify a viable way ahead.
While some steps can be taken, funding is the
principal problem as the Slip End situation is
much less of an issue than others elsewhere in
the County. This issue remains open and a way
ahead, such as paving over verges and grass
areas, may emerge from the Parish Plan once
residents views are known.
Footpaths
The Council is grateful to resident Don Burford
for his monthly reports on the condition of our
local public footpaths.
Improvements and repairs were carried out
around the Manor and Woodside Road junctions
and in Pepperstock from the mobile home park
to the Half Moon. In previous years much of the
repair work and cutting back of grass and
vegetation to our footpaths have been funded by
a Parish Partnership grant of £6000 per annum
from Central Beds. Unfortunately, this grant has
been discontinued for the coming year and there
has been no indication of when it may be
reinstated.
Drainage
The work carried out to improve the drainage at
the bend in Woodside last year did not
completely resolve the problem. Cllr Fuell has
followed this up with Highways and further
work is to be undertaken to drain the water from
the ditch preventing it from flooding onto the
road. This will avoid the possibility of road
closure as occurred once last year after a
prolonged period of heavy rain.
Work has been undertaken in Grove Road to
alleviate the problem there. Overall this has
been successful; however, work remains
outstanding to repair the potholes at the side of
the road where the excavation works took place.
Street Lighting
The Council believes there are areas in the
Parish where street lighting is sub-standard. Last
year an approach was made to Central Beds for
a lighting survey to be conducted and its
recommendations implemented. This report is
still outstanding and is being followed up.
Aley Green Cemetery
Two Councillors from this Parish, which holds
the Chair, sit on the management committee
along with Councillors from Caddington and
Markyate. The Council contributes £997 per
year towards the upkeep of the cemetery which
is one of Cllr Daniel‟s responsibilities.
Cllr Daniel reports the cemetery is in good
condition for its rustic rural setting and no
problems have been experienced over the last
twelve months.
In January of this year the Clerk of the
Cemetery, Mrs June LeCoq retired after twenty
seven years service and Lesley Jeffs was
appointed to replace her. The Council is very
grateful to Mrs LeCoq for her long and
dedicated service and wishes her and her
husband Dave a long and happy retirement.
Features & Gardens
The Rossway garden feature, Coronation
Gardens, the play ground at the Village Hall and
the lawn in Crawley Close in front of the
bungalows have been maintained by the Council
with the assistance of Andy and Debbie
Prothero of Country Gardens. The Council
appreciates the hard work Andy and Debbie put
in to keep these areas in good condition.
Grass Cutting
Some problems emerged when the service was
taken over by Central Beds. Cllr Fuell has
worked closely, with Council officers. This has
resulted in some areas not previously included
in the contract being added to improve the
overall appearance and safety at road junctions
where visibility was obscured by the long grass.
While this was being dealt with last summer,
Cllr Fuell and Mike Sanders voluntarily cut
back the grass themselves at these junctions.
The Council is very grateful to Steve and Mike
for doing this.
Policing
The Safer Neighbourhood
Police Team, who look after the
Parish, comprise of PC Wesley
Hall, PCSO Paul Clark and
PCSO Claire Young. The
working relationship remains
excellent and the work of all the
officers is very much
appreciated.
The Priority Policing Initiative
was introduced in September
2009 whereby residents are able
to request officers to target their
activity to a particular issue over
a three month period. Over the
last twelve months the priorities
have been speeding and illegal
parking.
In addition to the regular camera van visits,
radar enforcement has also taken place by the
SNT team and members of the Road Policing
Unit, which has resulted in a number of
convictions. The Council appreciates that the
time which can be spent in the parish by the
local police team is limited and, while, helpful is
not making a serious reduction in the number of
offences being committed.
With this in mind a meeting was set up with the
Traffic Management Team at Bedfordshire
Police to consider what could be done to
improve enforcement levels. The Council put
forward a proposal whereby it would pay for
Officers to attend the Parish outside their
normal duty hours. Apparently, this has not
been done in Bedfordshire before and the police
felt able to introduce a pilot scheme.
From both the Council and police perspective
this would be in addition to our normal policing.
The cost is approximately £265 for a five hour
shift and the Council will be able to specify the
dates, times and locations where enforcement
activity can take place. Locations will include
the four main roads in Slip End together with
locations in Mancroft, Manor and Woodside
Roads.
The Council believed this pilot could be
improved if neighbouring parishes were invited
to join the scheme. Invitations have been made
and, so far, Caddington Council have accepted.
Housing Development Proposals
A public meeting was called to inform residents
about the proposals for the Bushwood
Development Scheme. The residents at the
meeting, decided to join with those of
Caddington and formed a joint action group
which was subsequently named CaSE4. The
Council contributed £1000 to help this new
group get underway. I have been co-opted to the
committee, which is Chaired by Rob Swetman
and Vice Chaired by Mike Barnes, both of
whom are residents of the Parish. You can keep
up date with the activities of CaSE4 by checking
regularly on their web site www.case4.org.uk
The website is well maintained and kept up to
date by Trefor Hooker who lives in Woodside.
Since Bushwood was announced, another
development proposal has been put forward
which is known as Luton Gateway. This will be
part built on the fields behind Summer Street
extending to Pepperstock should it succeed.
CaSe4 will also be opposing this proposal.
Luton Spreading our way?
Finance
The Councils financial base remains in a strong
position and continues to operate within budget
under the control of Cllr Penman. This year the
Council decided to change its practice slightly
and formally set up a General Reserve of
£15000 which comes from the monies the
Council already holds. It is estimated the reserve
at the end of the current financial year will reach
£21000 and so this amount will be drawn down
over the next two financial years. It is
anticipated this will allow the Council to
increase its spending over the next three years at
the rate of 3% per annum but limit the Parish
Council Tax increase to 2% per year.
Previously the Council had not specified an
amount for the general fund and so this new
procedure will improve overall financial
management.
The Council received in Council Tax £37878
for 2009/10. At the end of the last financial
year, £25000 was carried forward and
earmarked for expenditure on capital projects
identified in the forthcoming Parish Plan.
The Council‟s expenditure for 2009/10 was:
Administration, including staff cost: £21552
Highways & Amenity Areas: £5333
Crawley Playground: £1161
Subscriptions: £455
Aley Green Cemetery: £997
Grants: £2549
Crime Prevention: £1800
Community Projects Group: £3500
Total: £37347
N.B these are estimated figures to give an
indication of expenditure and will be confirmed
on completion of the accounts.
The Parish Council transferred its
responsibilities for awarding grants to local
organisations and Christmas presents to senior
residents to the Community Projects Group.
Community
The Council has given its full support to the
Community Projects Group which it set up last
year. Cllrs Cooper, Minnighan and Crawley
have given at lot of their time to ensure the
successful launch of the new organisation and
the growth of Village Day and the Youth Club.
The Community Projects Group is able to do
more for the community than the Council
because of the latter‟s legal restrictions and may
obtain grants from which a local authority is
excluded. The Council is also grateful to the
many residents who make up the group and
have ensured its successful first year.
Like the Council, the Community Projects
Group is awaiting the outcome of the Parish
Plan so that it can begin setting up initiatives
which residents would like to see implemented.
Parish Plan
This is another initiative set up by the Council
last year. It is chaired by Rosemary Wickens
and the group have been assisted very much
with both advice and grants from the
Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity.
A questionnaire will be delivered soon to every
household in the Parish and residents are
strongly encouraged to complete and return
them. Once the results have been analysed, a
three to five year plan will be produced and both
the Council and Projects Group will be tasked
with implementing that plan.
Parish Website
The web site has undergone huge changes and
improvements over the last twelve months. The
work has been undertaken by Cllr Minnighan
and the webmaster Peter King. I believe there is
still some work to be undertaken, however, it is
important that it is now kept up to date and so
there is a responsibility for all of us involved in
clubs, organisations and the Council to keep our
pages up to date.
The Website is already a useful tool for passing
information quickly around the Parish. For
example, recently there was a tight deadline for
sending in objections to the proposed alternative
routes for the M1 junctions. When this first
came to light Cllr Minnighan was able to put
this important information on the front page.
(See response from the Highways Agency
elsewhere in the issue of Parish News.) May I
suggest for those using the internet that they
make slipend.co.uk their home page.
Chairman’s Closing Remarks
This report is a summary of the work carried out
by the Council over the last twelve months.
Much has been achieved by the dedication, hard
work and time, given not just by my colleagues
but also a growing number of residents who are
coming forward to help in our community.
There is still plenty to do so if any resident
would like to help please get in touch with
either myself or one of the other Councillors and
we will point you in the right direction. Our
contact details are at the front of this issue.
Our Parish is a small community with a lot
going on and our way of life is coming under
increasing threat from „developers‟. As Rob
Swetman recently said, “We are living on a very
desirable plot.” However, I am sure that if we
all continue to work together, with our
neighbours and Central Beds Councillors we
can keep it just as that, a very desirable plot.
Ken Crossett
May 2010
FAREWELL
At the May Parish Council meeting, Geoff
Daniel announced his retirement as Councillor.
Geoff has served on the Council for eight years
and his work in the Parish will be visible for
many years to come. He led the project to bring
about the refurbishment of Coronation Gardens
at the crossroads and he successfully
campaigned to have new bus stops installed in
Church Road. Geoff also represented the
council for a long time on the management
committee of Aley Green Cemetery.
Throughout his time in the Parish, Geoff has
been involved in other activities, apart from
helping Joy and the wardens at St Andrew‟s, he
has been closely involved with the annual
Operation Christmas Child Appeal and he was a
founding member of both the Joint Consultative
Committee and the Slip End Mountain Rescue
Team both of who used to meet regularly in the
local hostelries.
I sure you will join
with me and the
other Councillors in
thanking Geoff for
all his hard work in
the Parish and in
wishing him and Joy
a long and happy
retirement at their
home in Luton.
Vacancy
As a result of Geoff’s retirement, the
Parish Council has a vacancy for a
Councillor. This comes at an important time
for the Parish and this is your opportunity to
become involved. Meetings take place once a
month and each Councillor usually takes on a
subject of responsibility.
For more information please contact me or
Peter Segal, the Parish Clerk at 5 Chalfont
Way, Luton LU2 9RG.
[email protected] to register your
interest.
Applications need to be in by 26th July. Ken Crossett
LOCAL TALENT
Were you aware that
a young Slip End
lady is challenging
for the title of Miss
Bedfordshire 2010?
The Bedfordshire
winner will go on to
compete in the Miss
England 2010 contest
in the summer, so we
wish her the best of
luck!
Jacqueline Kelly will be
at the Rising Sun on
July 3rd to look for
sponsorship for the
parachute jump she will
be undertaking in aid of
Afghan Heroes. Please
go along and support
Jacqueline for this very
worthwhile cause.
VILLAGE HALL
The management committee is planning
building work to enhance the ladies loo and
fix the stage. Work is being scheduled in
August and the Hall will be closed for at
least part of the month. The committee will
inform users of the Hall regarding
availability when the plans are finalised.
VH stalwart Shirley Knapton, has not been
too well lately: we all wish Shirley a speedy
recovery.
Was it really a year ago when these and many other
locals enjoyed a night to remember in the Village Hall?
Tempus fugit …..
Ladies,
Get Fit in 2010 at
DEBORAH’S
AEROBICS
Thursdays 8pm
at the Peter Edwards Hall
Only £3!
For information call Deborah
on 01582 767916
Reduce waste that goes into landfill
by offering it to your local community for free!
Post your unwanted items on http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/FreecycleLuton/
and an email is sent to all members
who then make contact to arrange collection.
Everything must be free,
preferably local, although some things can be posted.
MP’s Contact details
Gavin Shuker‟s local office is
located at:
3 Union Street,
Luton LU1 3AN
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.gavinshuker.org
For advice surgery appointments
call 01582 457 774
Central Beds
Councillor’s Surgery Heathfield School Caddington
Meet Richard Stay and Ruth Gammons
to discuss local matters which are of
your concern or interest.
First Saturday of each month,
10am to 12 noon
ALLOTMENT ASSOCIATION
Many growers look for basic help
and advice, so I wrote this book. You
c a n g e t c o p i e s f r o m
www.allotment.org.uk, direct from
me with free seeds plus a £5 voucher! John Harrison
July is usually one of the driest months so a
lot of time may be spent watering. Reduce
water loss by mulching with a layer of
organic matter. However, this may encourage
slugs so you will need to take action against
them. Also get hoeing to kill the weeds and
stop water drawing to the surface.
Harvest
Harvest should be in full swing now, to
provide broad, runner and French beans,
cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery,
courgettes, cucumber, kale, salads, onions,
peas, early potatoes, spinach and turnips.
When digging potatoes take care to remove
all the tubers as those left will sprout next
year and become a weed but will also be a
reservoir for disease and potato blight. Fork
over a few days after harvesting because
more seem to miraculously appear! Then you
might consider sowing a green manure crop.
Mustard is fast growing and is supposed to
confuse the potato eel worm into breeding at
the wrong time. It is a brassica so don't use it
if you suffer from club root.
Sowing
There are quite a few things you can sow in
July including spring and Chinese cabbage,
chicory, lettuce, peas, French beans,
beetroot, carrots, radishes.
Planting Out
If they've not gone out yet, it's time to plant
out your leeks. Just dib a hole about 150mm,
6" deep and drop the leek in, then water and
the job's done. There is no need to fill the
holes with soil, enough will wash in with
watering and rain.
It's also the month to plant out broccoli and
Calabrese, cabbages, cauliflowers and kale.
Cultivating
It is easier to hoe weeds as small seedlings
than as grown plants. Even if you cannot see
any weeds, hoeing will actually be killing
tiny seedlings you have not noticed.
Keep tomato sideshoots in check. You want
tomatoes not masses of foliage. Ensure they
are watered regularly. Drying out prevents
the plant from taking up sufficient calcium
and the deficit causes blossom end rot. Feed
your tomatoes as well. It's a good idea to
give maincrop potatoes a feed as well. A
major cause of poor crops with potatoes is
poor nutrition. They are a very greedy plant
and a boost now will pay a dividend in
tubers. A feed balanced as for tomatoes is
ideal. Keep onions well weeded and don't
forget to feed them as well to get the best
crop.
Ensure good ventilation in the greenhouse.
Strong sunlight can overheat the greenhouse
and scorch your plants. You should consider
shading with blinds or with a shading wash
Fruit
Many fruits are ready to harvest or swelling.
Swelling fruit requires a lot of water so
ensure they have enough. July is a good
month for summer pruning apple trees.
General Tasks
Keep on top of the pests. Aphids and
blackflies are a particular problem. Control
them with pesticides or just wash them off
many plants with a strong jet of water. A
wash with soft soap will do no harm to the
plants and will reduce pests.
With broad beans you can pinch out the tops
which are most attractive to blackfly.
Another 'trick' is to plant some nasturtiums
which attract blackfly. You can then pull the
nasturtiums and their blackfly.
Keep an eye on your brassicas for butterfly
eggs and caterpillars. These will most
probably be under the leaves. Pick or wash
them off before they dine on your dinner.
RISING SUN NEWS
Lily and Dave have received their certificate
and plaque after being awarding the Cask
Marque which indicates to visiting clientele,
the sign of a great pint. Well done to them.
Lily hosted her own special „ladies‟ evening
in June when she invited some of the local
ladies to a get together at the pub. It was a
great night and enabled old and new friends
to spend the time chatting, drinking and
eating some of the delicious food Lily had
prepared. Lily had also arranged for a local
magician to provide some entertainment. Paul
Quarman from Caddington did not disappoint
and we were amazed at some of his tricks.
Triumph at the ‘ockey!
Emma Bird from the Rising Sun
Darts team has took the
Markyate league „Ladies Singles
Player of the Year‟ title from the
lady who held the position for the last five
years. Great result Emma and good luck for
the future. Let‟s see if you can keep the title
for the next six years!
24 Hour Darts Marathon @ the Rising Sun
With just about all of the sponsor money
collected, the grand total is £3000. The
money will be divided between Macmillan
nurses and The Royal Marsden cancer
hospital in London, both charities being
chosen because local people have benefited
from their care.
Well done to everyone who worked hard
collecting sponsored cash, to those who were
involved in the organising and to Lily and
Dave for hosting the event at the RS!
Come Chatty
The Chatty Club continues to be a very
popular venue on Tuesday afternoons. If you
are over 55 why not go along from 2.30pm
and enjoy a delicious lunch and as much tea
and coffee as you can drink for only £2,
which includes a free raffle.
Sue Briggs & Katrina Doubleday
Well
done
Emma!
Player of the year
FROG & RHUBARB NEWS
Wedding Celebration
Steve and Clare Walker, who live in Ross
Way with their daughter Zoe, were married at
St Andrew‟s last month. Later, guests were
treated to a fine spread of food and drink at
the Frog. In the evening, there was live music
and a disco. Steve took the turntables for an
hour and entertained guests with his own
music mix, as they enjoyed yet more food.
Steve and Clare stayed at Luton Hoo before
setting off the next day for a honeymoon in
Paris. PN and Frog & Rhubarb wish Steve,
Clare and Zoe all the best for the future!
Royal Ascot & Father’s Day
Royal Ascot was the destination for a coach
from the Frog on 19th June. After a full
English breakfast at the pub, everyone set off
with racing guides under their arms and hopes
of good luck on their minds. Soaking up the
atmosphere of the year‟s most prestigious
race meeting, everyone had a great time and
there were even some lucky winners.
On Fathers’ Day many people treated their
dads to a meal at the Frog & Rhubarb. Dads
enjoyed a free pint with their meal and the
fantastic weather meant the courtyard garden
was buzzing with diners and drinkers alike.
Coming up in July ...
Golfers are in for a treat on Saturday 17th July
at the Frog’s Golf Day. They will start with
coffee and bacon butties at the pub, before
enjoying 18 holes of golf at the exclusive
Luton Hoo golf course. In the evening there is
a three-course meal for all those taking part
when the prize winners will be announced.
The day is a complete bargain at only £40,
but places are very limited, so book early!
On the evening of Village Day there will be a
massive party at the Frog with music
provided by „Banned‟. Finish a fantastic day
of fun by enjoying a few drinks and listen to
the best live music in the area!
The Mad Hatters Kids Tea Party takes place
at the Frog on Sunday 29th August. There will
be a magic show, balloon animals, puppet
show, disco and party games. After burning
off energy during the entertainment, kids will
be refuelled with a snack tea at 5.30pm. The
child with the maddest hat on the day will
also win £25 Toys „R‟ Us vouchers. The fun
kicks off at 3pm and with tickets at only £6 in
advance, there is no better way to entertain
your little ones on Bank Holiday Sunday.
After the kids have had their fun, the adults
can enjoy the evening at a Beach Party.
There will be pitchers of cocktails, a cook-
your-own barbecue and a limbo contest all
accompanied by the sounds of the Caribbean.
Go along from 8pm on Sunday 29th August in
beach wear and join the fun.
The Frog‟s new Charity Quiz takes place on
the last Wednesday of every month at 8pm.
There is something for everyone with skill
and luck rounds alongside the usual question
rounds. The winners get a prize of £40 in
vouchers with the runner-ups £20. There is a
maximum of five to a team and a £1 per
person donation to Macmillan Cancer Care.
Celebrate @ the F&R
When planning your next celebration why not
pop into the Frog and talk to Paul. The pub is
able to offer a whole range of buffets and
meals to suit your needs. They offer free
nibbles and party novelties with their party
package for groups of 20 or more.
Up to date information on events, discounts
and offers at the Frog & Rhubarb is available
at www.frogandrhubarb.co.uk
ECO-WORRIER PLUGS IN AND HEATS UP
It was a dark and stormy night…
Actually, it was a dark and snowy night when
Nikki and I decided that the time was right to
look at more ways to “save the planet” and
“green” up our lifestyles.
We had planned to get solar panels “when we
have time and money”, and with government
payments (Feed In Tarifs, „FITs‟) for renewable
energy, the time was right. All we had to find
was the money! Looking at details provided by
the Department for Energy and Climate Change
(www.decc.gov.uk) it made sound financial
sense to move our savings from the bank (with
terrible interest rates and taxed to boot) and
apply them to the roof, getting a saving of over
7% tax free, in the process.
We now have 10 solar photovoltaic panels on
the roof and, although this will not meet all our
electricity needs, through the year the 41.3p for
every unit we make, added to savings on elec-
tricity that we don‟t have to buy and profit from
selling any the electricity we don‟t use, all adds
up and our electricity bill should be … nothing!
And we save over half a ton of CO2 per year!
We also invested in a Solar Thermal system that
uses the sun to heat hot water: on sunny days
our tank heats to over 70°C, more than enough
for baths and showers for all 9 of us! Even on a
cloudy day there is enough energy to warm wa-
ter so our boiler doesn‟t have to work so hard.
And next year, FITs plan for Solar Thermal too!
So… It isn‟t cheap but, with FITs index linked
and guaranteed for 25 years and a 25 year guar-
antee on the PV panels, it makes sound financial
sense, adds value to your property and helps to
“save the planet” by reducing our reliance on
fossil fuels and atomic energy.
I was so impressed with Solinvictus, based in
Wheathampstead, who did our installation that I
am now working with them, promoting Solar
Micro-generation for homes and businesses. If
you‟d like more information, I‟d be happy to
provide advice and show you our system. We
are in Summer Street, please get in touch.
Matt Russell
TOUCHING TINY LIVES
Markyate Road residents Mel and Matthew
Callow were blessed with the arrival of their
first child last September. Alexander finally
arrived safe and well after a long and difficult
labour, but a lot of babies need some help in
those early stages of their lives. Over 50,000
babies are born prematurely every year in the
UK. Tragically, more than 25 premature
babies die every week because they were born
too soon.
„Touching Tiny Lives‟ is the Action Medical
Research appeal to raise funds for vital
medical research to reduce the unacceptable
high rate of premature birth, prevent
pregnancy complications that threaten babies‟
lives and find the best ways to treat sick and
vulnerable babies.
Matthew has had five hip replacements and
this month he will spend three days cycling
from London to Paris, that’s over 100 miles
each day, in support of AMR.
Matthew told PN that „Sore legs and a sore
backside are inevitable, so your support
would be much appreciated! We‟ll be leaving
Blackheath early on Thursday 22nd, making
our way through South London, Rochester
then along the North Downs and the Pilgrims
Way, down Kent‟s narrow winding roads to
Dover. Then it‟s a ferry ride to Calais, and
another couple of miles to our first night of
well-deserved sleep in France.
Day two will see us pedalling through the
Somme region and on to Theipval before
grinding our way to Amiens. Day three, takes
us from Amiens to the heart of Paris, around
the Arc de Triomphe, down the Champs-
Elysees, finishing under the Eiffel Tower.‟
Only medical research can give real
understanding about babies at risk to enable
doctors to find new treatments. With the help
of Action Medical Research funding, leading
doctors and scientists across the UK are
working to find better ways to diagnose
women at risk of pregnancy complications, to
understand why premature birth occurs and
find ways to prevent it, as well as looking for
new and better treatments to help sick babies.
Your sponsorship of my ride to Paris will
help save tiny lives. You can contribute using
one of several ways:
Log on to
www.action.org.uk/giving/donate/349128/1
Send a cheque payable to
Action Medical Research
Website Donation
FREEPOST CY252,
Vincent House, Horsham
West Sussex, RH12 2DP
Call AMR on
01403 210406
Many Thanks!
Matthew Callow
http://www.betweenthewheels.co.uk/
ANYONE FOR TENNIS?
Slip End Tennis Club was formed in 1987
and is affiliated to the Beds Lawn Tennis
Association. It has two hard courts, eighteen
months old, and sited at Slip End Playing
Fields, Church Road, Slip End.
It is a small friendly club with about 50
members. Membership costs are:
Juniors in full time education £15
Seniors £30
Family £45
With a reduction for early payment!
Club members have priority in the use of
courts, except when matches are to be
played. Club night is on Monday evenings
and Adult night on Wednesday evenings both
from 7pm, to which all members are
welcome. Junior coaching is provided by our
LTA coach, Sally Parry on Fridays, £3 per
session. Beginners 5-6pm and Intermediates
6-7pm. Private coaching is also available.
(Give Sally a call (413501)
We field a Men‟s Doubles and Mixed Team
in the South Beds League also a Mixed Team
in the Winter Indoor League.
Any enquiries about the club can be made by
telephone or e-mail to:
Peter Smith, Chairman, (733253)
Steve Lyons, Treasurer (414162)
CADDINGTON HALL
To enable Caddington Hall residents to take
part in short church services, members of St
Andrew‟s Church have been visiting the
home monthly this year.
The services are either led by Rev Joy Daniel
or Julie Flashman and consist of some bible
readings, prayers, a short sermon and some
hymns, in which the residents are encouraged
to join. It is good to see them singing
enthusiastically and enjoying the meetings.
Caddington Hall residents with
Julie and Ron Flashman and Brian Church.
A little bit of history ...
„It is said that in 1804 the Pedleys by exchange
with the dean and chapter of St. Paul's received
the estate of CADDINGTON HALL for Zouches
Farm. At the date of the exchange there was, it
appears, a small house on the property which
the Pedleys pulled down, and built the present
residence on the site. In 1873 it belonged to
Anne wife of Arthur Macnamara who had
inherited it from John Pedley. Anne died in
1876, when the estate came to her eldest son
Arthur, who sold it about 1902 to Mr. Arthur
Collings Wells who had been residing at
Caddington some five years before it passed
into his possession. John Macnamara, half-
brother of Arthur, who died issueless in 1906,
still owns a considerable amount of property in
Caddington.‟
From: 'Parishes: Caddington', A History of the County
of Hertford: volume 2 (1908), pp. 187-193. URL: http://
www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=43268
ALEY GREEN METHODIST CHURCH
Services & Diary dates for July & August
Saturday 3rd July
Ecumenical visit to Wintershall, Surrey
to see „The Life of Christ‟
Sunday 4th July
11am: Morning Service - Rev Bob Forrest
11am: Sunday School
Sunday 11th July
Action for Children Sunday
11am: Morning Service - Michael Adams
11am: Sunday School
Tuesday 13th July
10am-noon: Cakes & Coffee Morning 7.30pm:
Bible Study - Rev Bob Forrest
Sunday 18th July
11am: Morning Service - Mr John Enejo
11am: Sunday School (break up for holiday)
1.30pm: Sunday School Barbeque
Wednesday 21st July
7.30pm: Coffee Evening - „Action for
Children‟
Sunday 25th July
9.30am: Morning Service with Communion
- Rev Phil Horner
Monday 26th July
7.30pm: Fellowship led by Mike Bull
Sunday 1st August
6pm: Evening Circuit Service led by the circuit
ministry team (No Morning Service)
Sunday 8th August
9.30am: Morning Service led by Ann Meader
Tuesday 10th August
10am-noon: Cakes & Coffee Morning
Sunday 15th August
9.30am: Morning Service with Communion
- Rev Bob Forrest
Sunday 22nd August
9.30am: Morning Service - Rev Phil Horner
Wednesday 25th August
7.30pm: Coffee Evening
in aid „World Vision‟
Sunday 29th August
9.30am: Morning Service - Mr Mike Bull
Sunday 5th September
11.00am: Sunday School „Bring & Sing‟
Light of the world
You stepped down into darkness Opened my eyes, let me see
Beauty that made this heart adore You
Hope of a life spent with you.
So here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down Here I am to say that you‟re my God
You‟re altogether lovely, Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me
At our annual Church Council meeting we
chose „Luton Street Pastors‟ as our Charity
of the Year, pledging to raise an additional
£500. We started the fundraising in June with
a Breakfast Butty Coffee Morning and took
£197. On 5th June our „Brunch & Browse‟
raised £256. Cake sales on the following day
netted £21, making a grand total of £474. A
big thank you to all who came along to
support this worthy cause.
Although our Sunday School closes for the
school holidays our morning services (at the
earlier time of 9.30), Coffee Evenings,
Fellowships & Bible Studies will continue as
usual, so take a summer stroll or drive down
to Aley Green and join us. There‟s always a
cuppa on offer after worship or meetings.
We wish all those going away on holiday,
good weather and pleasant journeys and trust
you will return relaxed, refreshed and
browned off! May God bless you this
summer and always, from all at Aley Green.
Ann Meader
Our last gathering
before the Summer
break is on July 21st,
restarting on
September 8th.
SLIP END YOUTH CLUB
The Youth Club meets weekly on Wednes-
days from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at the playing
field Peter Edwards Hall. We have about 70
members and it costs the children £2 per
week, with a tuck shop available on site.
The idea for the youth club was thought up
by Janet Crawley, one of our parish council-
lors and off the back of her hard work organ-
ising our first Village Day back in 2008,
funds were available to set it up. We have
been fortunate since then with grant applica-
tions which have enabled us to buy items of
equipment for the club including a Nintendo
WII, table football, an air hockey, DJ &
Karaoke, dance mats and games for our Play-
stations. Recently the Karaoke machine
stopped working, but thanks to the electrical
ability of our resident DJ, Martin Simpkins,
he had it back up and working again for us
in no time: thanks Martin!
Grants for equipment is one thing but the
club has running costs (hall hire, wages) to
meet each month and these can add up, but
thanks to a recent grant funded by the Bed-
fordshire and Luton Community Founda-
tion‟s Grassroots Grant fund, we were
awarded £2,500 towards these costs, which
will help the club to run each week.
Shirley is busy organising a trip for the club
to Chessington World of Adventures, Thorpe
Park or somewhere similar, a nice change for
the kids and for some the first opportunity
they‟ve had to visit somewhere like this. The
funding for this trip has been made available
to the club by the Slip End & District Com-
munity Projects Group.
Shirley has been running the club for about
18 months and is ably assisted by Molly
Chappin with Verity who looks after corre-
spondence and paperwork. Additional help
would be welcome so if you are interested in
helping, contact [email protected].
or call 07866 215 453
If you wish to join the youth club pop along
next week and see what it‟s all about!
Sarah Minnighan
July 2nd is the birthday of several Slip End worthies, who dropped into Luton who for tea-time celebrations. The fare was impeccable, served in beautiful surroundings, a recommended treat for all!
Photo by courtesy of Peter Stevens
SLIP END GARDENING CLUB
Gardening Club Visit
On Sunday 20th June, we visited St Paul‟s
Walden Bury, near Hitchin, the childhood
home of the late Queen Mother. The estate
grounds were open as part of the National
Garden Scheme Open Day.We enjoyed a
pleasant stroll through formal woodland laid
out in 1730, long rides lined with beech
hedges leading to temples, statues a lake and
ponds. There was a good variety of shrubs
and flowers, including rhododendrons, irises,
lilies and wild flowers. Tea & cakes with
plant & book sales rounded off a fine visit.
Future Events
Meet for trips at the Rising Sun Car Park.
Sun 18th July: Chenies Plant Fair, near
Amersham. Admission £5. Meet 1.30pm
Sun 15th August: Hever Castle and Gardens,
near Edenbridge Kent. Cost, including coach
and entrance £28, Seniors £26, Children £18.
Please contact Joan Duncombe (404988) by
15 July at the latest if you are interested.
Thurs 19th August: Luton Hoo Walled
Garden. Guided tour with tea and biscuits.
Cost £5. Meet 6.10pm.
Friday 12 November: Quiz Night at the
Village Hall (Questions are general in nature,
not gardening questions)
DUNSTABLE ROTARY CLUB
Family Fun Day on Dunstable Downs
14th August 2010 10am to 6pm
An expected footfall of between one to five
thousand (depending on the weather on the
day!) is expected at Dunstable Downs on
Rotary's first Annual Family Fun Day.
Attractions especially for children have been
booked, include a climbing wall, crazy bikes
bungee run, football and basketball
shootouts, a soft play centre etc. For grown
ups there will be a craft fair and other stalls.
There will be speciality food outlets and a
bar run by a local micro-brewery. And of
course, there's the Downs.
Dunstable Club President, Roger Pepworth,
said, “Rotary has served the community here
and abroad, but we think a really big fun day
for all the family- on Dunstable Downs, its a
bit different. We simply want people to enjoy
themselves and see what Rotary is doing.”
SLIP END
GARDENING CLUB Next Meeting:
Monday 20th September
8pm at the Village Hall
New members welcome!
SLIP END & DISTRICT ASSOCIATION
On Saturday June 5th, 2 coaches with about
80 of us on board, left Slip End for Western-
Super-Mare. We had a very pleasant ride
down when those who wanted too played
Bingo. Everyone on the coaches was given a
free raffle ticket, when their number was
called they had to pick out a surprise parcel
from the bag.
When we arrived at Weston, the front was
closed to traffic, so we were diverted
elsewhere for our meal. The pier was also
closed for the time being due to damage last
year. After showing everyone where we
would be eating later, we went our own ways
meeting up in the afternoon for Fish and
Chips or Salad. After the meal the main raffle
was drawn. (Thanks to all who contributed)
As usual on most overcast days the sun came
out late afternoon when we enjoyed a pleasant
journey home, except for the hold up on the
M25, arriving home late at 10.
This free annual outing, run by SEADA, is on
the first Saturday in June (June 4th in 2011)
and is for Senior Citizens living in the Parish.
PARISH NEWS
An Editorial Opportunity!
Parish News is produced by a team of
volunteers who look after all aspects of
distribution, advertising and production. Two
people, Sue Briggs and I, take turns monthly
at the editorials, putting together each issue
before sending to print.
After more than 30 years hacking, I will be
retiring from Parish News at the end of 2010.
Over the years things have changed a lot from
the days when each month a barely legible,
inky Gestetner production was „printed‟
which has evolved into today‟s higher quality
magazine. Pictures were unheard of way back
in 1979 when we started all this and colour
was beyond dreams. Then along came Bill
Gates who has made some progress, although
software perfection remains some way off:
but he is getting there …. slowly!
So a vacancy will be coming up: can you help
Sue? Under the present arrangement and
spreading the workload, the production job
falls on individual editorial shoulders just five
time a year now. Nowadays, PN has it‟s own
laptop with all required software installed.
Recently, this has made life much easier in
the co-ordinations between the two editors.
If you have some PC skills and broadband
access, further training would be provided as
required on the PN specifics. If you wish to
talk it over and get more insight on what is
involved, contact David or Sue at
David Kingston
BINGO at the Village Hall
Thursdays at Eight
Slip End & District Association
OPEN GARDENS
Saturday 10th July
Afghan Heroes
I recently received two letters from corporal Reynolds and Allan
Carter on the frontline, who received boxes which were donated
from our Parish. I am sure that you will all agree that their letters are
very touching and heart felt, which reiterate to us how important it is
to support our troops in Afghanistan.
Thank you to all who have generously supported: don‟t forget our
boys out there and remember them and their families, many of whom
grieve at the loss of loved ones.
Katrina Doubleday
Afghan Heroes
delivers support by:
The “thank the troops” initiative.
The provision of home comforts
to those serving in Afghanistan.
Motivational and morale
boosting support directly to our
forces on the front line via your
letters and news letters.
A support network for the
families of the fallen, creating an
open environment where families
can give support to each other.
Supporting the many returning
soldiers who have witnessed
horrific atrocities in the course of
performing their duties.
Support Afghan Heroes
locally!
Contact Katrina Doubleday or Lily at the Rising Sun.
www.afghanheroes.org.uk
JU
LY
ST ANDREW’S CHURCH
St Andrew’s Autumn Holiday Club
Thursday & Friday 28th& 29th October
We will be running this popular event again this year for primarily children of school years 1 to 6. Registration forms available in the September edition of Parish News or from Jill or Mary. There will be a suggested minimum donation of £10 per child to cover both days, includes fish and chips on Friday! Family reductions will be available.
For more information, contact Jill on 452539 or Mary 738435
Coming soon ….
Half-Term Holiday Club!
St Andrews Services & Events in July & August Midweek Communions take place monthly at two venues in Slip End, details from Joy on 424363
Sunday 4th 10.30am Family Communion, Speaker from Bible Society
Wednesday 7th 10.30am Little Stars meet in St Andrew‟s
Sunday 11th 10.30am Morning Praise with Baptism, Samuel Parslow
Monday 12th 7.30pm PCC Meeting Family Room
Wednesday 14th 10.30am Little Stars meet in St Andrew‟s
Sunday 18th 10.30am Holy Communion
Wednesday 21st 10.30am Little Stars meet in St Andrew‟s
Saturday 24th 1.30pm Marriage of Richard Wiltshire & Rebecca Sowley
Sunday 25th 10.30am Morning Praise
Wednesday 28th 10.30am Little Stars meet in St Andrew‟s
Friday 30th 2.00pm Woodside Home Service
Sunday 1st 10.30am Family Communion Service
Wednesday 4th 10.30am Little Stars meet in St Andrew‟s
Sunday 8th 10.30am Morning Praise with Baptism of Lily Cox
Wednesday 11th 10.30am Little Stars meet in St Andrew‟s
Sunday 15th 10.30am Morning Praise Service
Wednesday 18th 10.30am Little Stars meet in St Andrew‟s
Sunday 22nd 10.30am Holy Communion Service
Wednesday 25th 10.30am Little stars meet in St Andrew‟s
Friday 27th 2.00pm Woodside Home Service
Sunday 29th 10.30am Morning Praise Service au
gu
st
Some big visitors
We were happy to welcome the Bishop of
Bedford in June to dedicate the work done on
the church roof. Many, including those from
the church family, parish community,
charities, our architect, builders and others
worked and gave time and money towards the
biggest project at St Andrew‟s since John
Sambrooke Crawley had the church built in
1889. It was good and fitting that so many
came to celebrate with Bishop Richard. J.S
Crawley no doubt celebrated from on high!
After the service we enjoyed a great buffet
lunch, with thanks to those who produced all
the food and looked after putting it all on.
Ian Pierce from 3 Counties Radio was there.
You can here us on iPlayer …. http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p008bmt1/
Melting_Pot_with_Ian_Pearce_20_06_2010/
Time for breakfast
The following week, back on earth for Café
Church on Father‟s Day. These are relaxed
occasions in our calendar, quite informal and
family oriented. Our talented group of ladies
kept us all engaged with stories and puzzles,
songs and challenges, bacon and eggs! We
are blessed to have such a talented „team‟ and
appreciate the work and effort which go on
behind the scenes at this and other events.
We are a multi-gifted group at Café Church!
Some ably tackled the
quiz while others, with a more practical bent,
revealed hi ther to
unrevealed Hula Hoop stacking talents.
A personal best was
achieved here, a magnificent 10 hoops:
Well done John!
Two young VIPs, Michael Taylor and Francine Baird enjoying lunch after the roof dedication on the 13th.
We wish Francine well as she recovers, initially quite
painfully, after the operation on her leg.
Little Stars for Mums, Carers & Tots
10:30 Wednesdays at St Andrews
During the school holidays we will be out
and about, weather permitting.
4th August: Stockwood Park
11th August: Ashridge
18th August: Dunstable Downs
25th August: St Albans Park & Abbey
Each week there will be a note on the church
gate to remind folk where we have gone.
Contact Charlotte on 07850126021 if you
have queries. During the holidays siblings are
always welcome to join us (but they remain
your responsibility!) Families with older
children are welcome too, but these children
must be accompanied by an adult.
Youth Groups
The 3;16 Group for Middle School Children
has been replaced by “Energise”, having
wider activities for Young People from
several Churches. Details from Joy at the
Vicarage.
For Youth Group speak to Paula 738205
or Sue 414127
For Footsteps speak to Charlotte 521798
Alpha Joy will be running an Alpha Course during
the Summer.
If you want a refresher or to be confirmed
speak to Joy on 424363.
Just before half term our
Cubs visited the Home
Safety centre in Luton.
They learnt about home safety through a variety
of activities, they watched a home safety video,
had a look around a specially set up house with
hidden dangers which they had to identify and
took part in an interactive quiz based on what they
had learnt. One highlight of the evening was using
the hoses on the fire engine. Another was enjoyed
by the ladies who came along who were pleased
when the men in their fireman outfits turned up. I
don't understand, I do not get the same reaction in
my Scouts uniform!
Unfortunately our District Athletics evening was
washed out last month. However, the following
week the Cubs had their chance to show off their
fitness at the first part of our Super-Six Challenge.
Over two evenings, a fortnight apart, each cub has
to do their best to set a score in five events in the
first week (press ups, sit ups, star jumps, squat
thrusts and shuttle runs) and then beat it two
weeks later.
At the end of June, seven cubs went to District
Cub Camp. This year‟s theme was the circus,
which promised a great weekend and the first
under canvas for them all.
At our Quiz Night at the Rising Sun last month,
we enjoyed a great evening, raising £40 for the
group. The next Quiz Night will be on the 17th
July, so keep the date free. Anyone over 18 is
welcome to come as part of a team of up to 4
people. Entry costs £5 per person and includes
supper. We look forward to seeing you there!
PICTURE PAGE HUMOUR?
Here‟s an interesting group picture taken by Phil Johnson at the Darts Marathon. I find
that studying pictures, rather than just glancing at them, reveals interesting features
which are not otherwise immediately apparent. Surely, this is a happy group, cheerful
and smiling but just look at the way those in the public eye, a few councillors and a
parliamentary election candidate, responded in front of the camera. Most prominent is
Richard Stay, who is never slow in coming forward when a camera is about. In his
defence it may be said that the photograph was taken moments before he dashed off for
his turn at the ‟ockey and so, arrows poised, he is about to hurry out of shot. Sadly
though, he largely blots out Ade and Lily (no mean feat in itself) and consequently Ken!
Paul Cooper is obviously on tip-toe, but successful in getting his head in shot.
(Whatever is going on back there is obviously to Ade‟s great delight.) First prize goes to
Esther, a true professional, clutching a naive Isaiah, who is blissfully unaware that a
babe in arms is worth, at least a few, votes. Finally and most sadly we come to the
chairman of the Parish
Council, lost behind Lily
who in turn strives to be
seen behind Richard.
Despite years of in-depth
training at dubious
colleges of „excellence‟,
Ken Crossett picked up
nothing in terms of
p e r s o n a l m e d i a
presentation. But when that
all is said and done, the
Parish Council are
sponsoring this issue of
Parish News and so,
grudgingly, we gave him a
second chance. A much
better image of Cllr Ken is
also shown but, sadly and
showing scant respect to
his high office, he seems
to be self consciously
adjusting his attire David Kingston
No PN in August,
so items for the September issue to us by 15th AUGUST!
Want Parish News delivered monthly? Contact Alan Buttery at
1 Claydown Way (01582 724527), [email protected].
Anything interesting to report about village activities, photos, holidays,
etc? Please contact us, letters and e-mails are encouraged. Views
expressed by our contributors are not the Editor‟s own. Articles should
be sent by the 15th of the preceding month to Sue Briggs, 4 The Oaks,
Slip End or e-Mail [email protected]
Parish News is grateful to our advertisers for their contributions. Please support them.
Put out Black Bins & glass on Fri-days highlighted above. On other Fridays, put out Green and Orange Bins, not Black Bins.
DIARY - If you would like your events included, please contact the Editor
July 3rd Parish Council meeting at the Village Hall 7.30pm
3rd Afghan Heroes: Meet and sponsor Jaqueline’s Parachute Jump at the Rising Sun
10th Parish Open Gardens Day 13th Community Projects Group - 7.30, at the Rising Sun (Last meeting before VFD!)
17th Cubs Quiz Night at the Rising Sun
18th Gardening Club: Outing to Chenies Manor Plant Farm
20th WI atBaptist Hall, Caddington at 7.30: ‘Italian Cookery’
26th Last application date for Parish Council vacancy
31st Village Day August
2nd Parish Council meeting at the Village Hall 7.30pm
7th Meet Central Beds Councillors: Heathfield School Caddington, 10am to noon
10th Community Projects Group - 7.30, at the Ruchi Indian Restaurant, Woodside
15th Gardening Club: Outing to Hever Castle, Kent
17th WI at the Baptist Hall, Caddington at 7.30: ‘The Art of William Morris’
19th Gardening Club: Outing to Luton Hoo Walled Garden 6.10pm
September 4th Meet Central Beds Councillors: Heathfield School Caddington, 10am to noon
6th Parish Council meeting at the Village Hall 7.30pm
10th-12th Luton Hoo Walled Garden: Heritage Days
12th Joy & Geoff’s last Sunday at St Andrew’s
14th Community Projects Group - 7.30, at the Frog & Rhubarb, Slip End
20th Gardening Club meet at the Village Hall 8pm
26th Café Church, 10.30 at St Andrew’s
October 2nd Meet Central Beds Councillors: Heathfield School Caddington, 10am to noon
3rd Harvest at St Andrew’s on ‘Come to Church Sunday’
4th Parish Council meeting at the Village Hall 7.30pm
12th Community Projects Group - 7.30, at the Social Club, Slip End
16th Luton Hoo Walled Garden, Pumkins & Apples Gala
28th-29th Holiday Club at St Andrew’s
Football Coaching Course for boys and girls from 4 to 12 at Slip End School 26th to 30th July, 9 to 3.30 Contact Matthew O'Brien at Planet Sport 07884485430