For details of the various events themselves, please do contact the appropriate person as listed below:-
Rev. John Harper
01462813334
(St. Michael & All Angels, Shefford, & St. Mary's Meppershall)
Fr. Bennie Noonan
01462813436
(St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church)
Rev. Phil Snelson
01462813284
(Shefford Methodist Church)
Rev. Steve Summerfield
01462812564
(Shefford Baptist Church)
On behalf of the churches in Shefford, do have a happy Christmas, and a peaceful New Year!
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REGULAR MEETINGS
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S.T.M.A.
Hitchin Road (entrance opposite Woolpack Public House) Telephone 01462-815495
Royal British Legion - 2nd Monday of the Month (except June & August) 8.00pm
Crafteenies - Art & Craft for mums & pre school children - Tuesday11.30 a.m. and 1.00pm term time only - contact Coyla on 01462 647369
Majorettes Tuesday 7pm and 8.30pm - contact Paulette on 629646
Vintage Motorcycle Club - 2nd Thursday of the month
METHODIST CHURCH HALL
Ampthill Road (near Ford garage)
Acorn Pre School Playgroup Monday & Wednesday - 9.15am -11.45am 12.45pm - 3.15pm
Tuesday & Thursday 9.15am - 11.45pm term time only. Pre-school mobile no: 07759 873775 during
session time. Contact Gill Berry 01462 629237 for details of viewing and waiting list
Merry-Go-Round A group for play for pre school children and babies with special needs. Tuesday
1pm - 3.00pm Wednesday and Friday 10am- 12 noon.
Parent and Toddler Group - Thursday 1.30pm - 3.15pm contact Beth 01462 623745
Town Band Practice - 7.45pm - 9.45pm Thursday - contact Mrs J Steinfeld on 629026
METHODIST CHURCH
Ampthill Road Contact Phil on 01462 813284 or visit www.sheffordmethodist.org.uk
Sunday Services - 9.30am (creche) - 6.00pm 3rd Sunday in month Holy Communion
Junior Church - 9.30am Sunday
All age worship - 9.30am - 3rd Sunday of every month
COMMUNITY HALL
(formerly St Michael's Church Hall)
W.I. - 3rd Tuesday of the month 7.30pm
Civil Service Retirement Fellowship - 3rd Tuesday of the month 10.00 a.m.
Over 60's Coffee Morning club - Wednesday 10.15am - 11.15am
Shefford & District Amateur Radio Society -Thursday 8pm
Slimming World Classes- 9.45am Thursday - details contact Sally on 01462 813367
Line Dancing- Wednesday 7.30pm-8.30pm Beginners contact Rosemarie on 01767 600268 or
www.sheffordlinedancendo.co.uk
SHEFFORD BAPTIST CHURCH
(at junction of Stanford and Bedford Roads) Contact Steve on 812564 or visit www.sheffordbaptist.org.uk
Sunday Services -10.30am & 6pm Junior church & Creche in mornings.
All-age service -10.30am 4th Sunday of every month.
Men's Breakfast Club - Last Saturday of every month 8.30am
Thursday Afternoon Fellowship - Meet every 2nd Thursday of the month. An opportunity to meet together and chat over a cup of tea, with a short reflection For further details contact Eric on 817289
Springboard Youth Group - Every Friday for Middle School young people (Years 6-9) Term time
only
YNU/YNU2 - Groups for Upper school age young people, that meet fortnightly on Saturday
evenings for various social activities and weekly on Sunday evenings for discussion on a variety
of topics from a Christian perspective. For further details contact Jenny on 01462 626101
ST MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS CHURCH
High Street
Contact John Harper (vicar) on 813334 or Jenny Dann (Reader) or visit www.sm3a.org.uk
Sunday Services- 10am - 1st in month Family Service, 2nd Morning Prayer,3rd Family
Communion,4th Thinking Together, 5th Specials (with breakfast from 9am.)
Evening Communion Service - 6pm on 2nd Sunday of the month
As from Jan 1st Sunday services will follow a revised pattern.
1st Sunday 8.30 a.m. Holy Communion, 90.45 a.m. Morning Prayer
2nd Sunday 9.45 a.m. Family Communion and Messengers (for 3-9's), 6.00p.m.Thinking Together or 'Specials'.
3rd Sunday 9.45 a.m. Family Communion and Messengers
4th Sunday 9.45 a.m.Family Service, 6.00 p.m.Holy Communion
5th Sunday United Family Communion alternates between St Michael's 9.45 a.m.) and St Mary's Meppershall (11.15 a.m.), beginning at St Michael's on January 29th.
The sister Church of St Mary Meppershall also begins a revised pattern on January 1st - see link from website above.
Tuesdays - 10.30am - 12 noon Coffee Shop (Biggleswade Adult Centre) Plus Time 4U - listeners
available for those needing someone to talk to.
Fridays - 9.50am Service, tea/coffee from 10.35am - prayer ministry available. Traidcraft stall on
last Friday of month
Mini-M - 10am 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month - worship and fun for O's -4's + parents/minders
ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC CHURCH
25 High Street Shefford
Contact Fr. Bennie Noonan 813436 or Parich Secretary - Rose 811547
Sunday Mass - 9.00a.m. & 5.15 p.m.
Holy days of Obligation - 9.30 a.m. & 7.30 p.m.
Weekday Services - see notice at Church
TOWN MEETING ROOM
Ladies Group - Meetings held fortnightly on Wednesday evenings.
Alzheimer's Carers Group - 3rd Thursday of each month between 11am to 12.30pm
Finger's Crossed Cross Stitch Club - 3rd Thursday of each month - 7.30pm to 9.30pm
OTHER MEETINGS
Union of Catholic Mothers - 2nd & 4thTuesday of the month. Angela Room (rear of Catholic
Church)
Mothers' Union - 1st Tuesday of the month 2.30pm., Church Room, St. Michael's Church
Bible Study Group - 2nd Monday of the month (except August) see Diary for venue
Slimming World Classes - Wednesday 6pm Shefford Lower School. Contact Sally 01462
813367
Line Dancing - Thursday 6.30pm -7.30pm Beginners, 7.30pm - 9.30pm Intermediates. Friday
6.30pm - 7.45pm Improvers/Intermediates, 7.45pm - 10pm Intermediates/Advanced. Bloomfield
Middle School. Contact Rosemary on 01767 600268 or www.sheffordlnedancendo.co.uk
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USEFUL INFORMATION
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Shefford Town Council - Clerk Mr G Barham - Telephone 01462 816321
Email towncouncil@sheffordtown.co.uk or write to PO Box 39, Council Chamber, 13 North Bridge
Street, Shefford, SG17 5XN
Member of Parliament - Nadine Domes MP tel. 020 7219 4239
Constituency office: St Michael's
Close, High Street, Shefford SG17 5DD, tel. 01462 811992, www.midbedsconservatives.com
Shefford web site - www.sheffordtown.co.uk
Police - non-emergency telephone 01234 841212
Beat Manager-Nick Battams 01234 814212 ext.2567
Health Centre - 01462 814899
Shefford Lower School- 01462 629123
Robert Bloomfield Middle School - 01462 628800
Multi Use Games Area - Bookings - 077313 94372
Shefford Library - 01462 639070 - Manager Carol Forse
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SHEFFORD CRAFT AND PRODUCE SHOW
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If you came along to the Craft and Produce Show on Saturday 17th September, I am sure you will agree with us that we had a lovely display of exhibits. It was good to see a number of different people entering this year, as well as new faces amongst our regular visitors during the afternoon.
We would like to say thank you to everybody who helped to make the show possible, in particular all those who entered. We had the highest number of entries for quite a few years and we know that everybody put a lot of hard work into their exhibits. They all looked wonderful and were appreciated by all who saw them. We would also like to express our appreciation to our judges who give up their time to come and judge the entries, they have a hard job and we don't envy them. Also to another group of people that come to present the cups and shields, which have been donated by individuals and groups in the area.
We also have a small army of helpers who all have different jobs. It takes a lot of people to set up on a Friday night, then on Saturday accept entries, act as stewards, clear away after the show and serve refreshments throughout the afternoon. We would like to say a big thank you to them all.
Last but not least we would like to thank everybody who visited us on the day. We hope that you enjoyed the show and feel inspired to enter something next year. Please remember, you do not have to live in Shefford to enter.
As I write this our first meeting to draw up the schedule for the 2006 show is only two weeks away and if you have any ideas for this we would be very pleased to hear from you (tel.01462 811549). We announced at the show that we are going to try a slightly different photographic class next year and want to give people as much notice as possible. We are going to ask for three photographs on a theme. The theme can be decided by the entrant but will need to be stated on the day. Examples could be the same place photographed at different times of the year, three photos from the same day out 'following' a raindrop from a wet day, to a river and on to the sea. The possibilities are endless, the choice is yours and we look forward to seeing the end results. If you know anybody who might be interested in entering this class, please let them know so that they have plenty of time to think about it.
H.Allard
On behalf of
Craft and Produce Show Committee
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SHEFFORD LIBRARY
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WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING?
This year's Summer Reading Challenge was once again extremely popular with our younger readers. An amazing 595 children joined the scheme at Shefford Library, reading a total of 2604 books!! Very well done to you all. For each book read, a donation was made to the Keech Cottage Childrens Hospice by Whitbreads so thank you all for your support. See you again next year!!
Our Silver Surfer computer sessions have proved very popular indeed. It is great to see so many people feeling a bit braver about using computers and the internet. We are still offering FREE one-to-one computer taster sessions so do ask staff for details.
Despite the wet and dismal weather, our Forties Revisited event in August was much enjoyed by all. Union Jack bunting adorned the library, and Jenny Ford led a great session of reminiscences about the war years. We were all enthralled with the sheer variety of memories from a parachutist over Malaya to a Sevan Boy in the mines and to a real Spy! An amazing afternoon with everyone enjoying tea and cakes made by Library staff from wartime recipes.
Late September saw 45 children and adults packing the Childrens Library for the celebration of Thomas the Tank Engine's 60th Birthday! Thomas stories were enjoyed, rhymes sung and celebration flags made. A jolly time was had by all with much enthusiastic flag waving!
Around 40 people were fascinated by local author, Damien O'Dell's tales of the paranormal in Bedfordshire. Everyone had lots of questions to ask and many bought his recent book to find out even more about ghostly deeds in Bedfordshire. We hope to invite Damien back again next year!
"Energize", Shefford Young People's very own Cyber Lounge for 12-18 years olds, has arrived! For a trial period of 5 weeks, all the library computers are reserved for members of "Energize" between 4.30pm and 6.00pm Thursdays from 22 September. There will then be a review of te trial period. Nicola King is running the sessions and she has many other activities planned for young people waiting their turn on the computers - so lots to do for all.
WHAT'S COMING?
Our new Opening Hours started on Monday 3 October. We will no longer close at lunchtime for the convenience of all our customers and will open Wednesday afternoon rather than the morning.
Aged 8 - 12 and love reading?? Then "Chatterbooks" is for YOU! It's a Reading Group for 8 -12 year olds with much more than reading. Each monthly meeting will have a theme with books to be borrowed as well as fun activities. Collect your special "Chatterbooks" bag at your first meeting and add other "Chatterbooks" freebies on subsequent visits. It's YOUR Group, so come along, tell us what you want to read and talk about.
Looking for Half Term fun? Children aged 2-8? ZooLab are visiting Shefford Library and presenting "Meg and Mog; a Story for Halloween". This is a story with live snakes, rats, toads and tarantula!! Free Admission, but strictly ticket only. It's all happening on Wednesday 26 October from 11am to 12 noon. Tickets now available.
The Big Draw, part of the Campaign for Drawing, happens in October in many different places all over the UK. We are thrilled to welcome local sculptor and artist, Susannah Oliver who will run a workshop for sketching in charcoal. Promises to be a lot of fun! Free admission - but strictly ticket only - for Thursday 27 October from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.
Inspired to research your Family History? Then you will find our Family History and the Internet sessions invaluable. Afternoon and also evening sessions on Wednesday 2 November so watch our noticeboard for details. Limited places, but if enough interest, then further sessions can be run.
Also in November, a special visit from Maisy the Mouse at our Activity Morning on Thursday 24 November from 10.30 to 11.15am. There will be stories, rhymes and activities - and of course, Maisy!
A double bill on Tuesday 29 November! - The old and the less old! Come and hear some of the secrets of Chicksands Priory - a place full of history and mystery - as well as learning why someone in the 20th century would create a maze. Secrets of Hoo Hill Maze to be revealed!
DID YOU KNOW?
Joining the Library is very simple - and absolutely free! To apply for full membership you will need to show two documents to prove who you are. One must show your current address and the other just needs to show your name. Just visiting? Just moved in? Visit us and find out how you can still join the library.
Did you know you can renew your books even when we are closed? If you have a library card and pin number (available from the library) you can renew your books until midnight by phoning 01234 228930 and renew or reserve items online 24 hours a day!
NEW OPENING HOURS FOR SHEFFORD LIBRARY
MONDAY 2:00 - 6:00
TUESDAY 9.30 - 6.00
WEDNESDAY 2.00 - 6.00
THURSDAY 9.30-6.00
FRIDAY 9.30 - 6.00
SATURDAY 9.30-1.00
NO LUNCHTIME CLOSING
Telephone: 01462 639070
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SHEFFORD SUMMER FAYRE
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Watch this space!
At the present moment we have indicated to the Town Council that we no longer wish to continue running the Shefford Summer Fayre as the cost of insurance is prohibitive and could result in us losing money. This year we made a profit of only £9 as a result of having to pay an insurance Premium of £400. If we lose money on the Summer Fayre, the loss has to be rectified by using Christmas Lights money. For several years we have run the Fayre on the basis of providing a means for local groups and charities to make some money by taking a stall at the Fayre and we have always made a small profit, but not as small as £9. We cannot afford a loss.
The Summer Fayre Committee evolved from the Christmas Lights Committee. The main purpose of the Christmas Lights Committee is to provide, erect, maintain, refurbish and repair the Christmas Lights. The Lights Committee does not wish to subsidise the Fayre from the money that each year is raised by way of grants, donations, sponsorship and the Lights Committee's own fund raising events, specifically raised for the provision of the Christmas Lights. The Lights Committee could find money dries up if the Lights Committee is subsidising the Fayre.
At the time of writing, we shall shortly be meeting with the Town Council to discuss the Summer Fayre.
More news next issue.
Andrew Boatwright
Committee Member
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MAYORS COMMENTS
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I must start by congratulating all the people who contributed to the recent VJ/VE commemoration events in Shefford. Anybody who attended the dance at the STMA Hall on Friday, visited the 1940's home simulation constructed in the Scout Hall or attended the Act of Remembrance on Sunday can't fail to have been moved by thoughts of 'how it used to be' years ago. I can barely remember the times of rationing but walking into that 1940's house revived some very early memories.
The whole weekend of events was a complete success thanks to the efforts of many people.
The next event we have to look forward to is the Summer Fayre. At the time of writing this item it would appear that we need to find a new organising team for this popular event. If anybody would like to be involved in organising or taking part in the Shefford Summer Fayre please get in contact with the Town Clerk, Geoff Barham, on 01462 816321.
A resident in the Churchill way area has reported a couple of cases of fly tipping on ground adjacent to Churchill Way. MBDC, the current land owners and the body responsible for dealing with fly tipping incidents, seem less than willing to deal with the problem as in this case the tipping involves 'soil'. Fly tipping of any substance is illegal and should be reported to MBDC immediately, even if they are not keen to take action. On the occasions mentioned above the waste has been soil, it could well have been some harmful or toxic substance. Please report ALL instances of fly tipping. If you feel that your complaint is not being dealt with appropriately let the Town Clerk know the details and the Town Council will look into what is, or should be, happening.
Paul Mackin
Town Mayor
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THE COMMUNITY SAFETY GROUP
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The Community Safety Group has now got its own logo. Students at the Whitbread Community College have designed a logo for the group as part of a class work project. Look out for the logo in the next issue, it's quite striking.
The Community Safety Group has hosted a second meeting between 14 local Town and Parish Councils and the Mid Beds Division of the Bedfordshire Police Service with a view to investigating the possibility of employing one or two additional Police Community Support Officers funded by the local councils. The participating councils would need to form a 'user group' to administer the scheme. Employing additional PCSO's, to be committed to the member council's areas would allow the officers to spend more time in the communities they serve.
The Community Safety Group continues to push for the setting up of 'Alcohol Free Zones' in the town. There is a mass of red tape involved because it involves the cooperation of several bodies.
However, we are progressing.
There are still many instances of the sale of alcohol to underage persons. The licensing authority and the Police are looking into the problem. If you are aware of the sale of alcohol to children, please report it. If you wish to make the report anonymously please contact me or the Town Clerk and we will pass on the complaint making sure that your name is not used.
Paul Mackin
Chairman
Shefford Community Safety Group
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