DROVERS SPINNEY
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At the time of writing this article there is a blanket of snow covering the Spinney which is situated
adjacent to the Somerfields car-park. The whole area seemed a place of beauty and tranquillity with
mallards and swans feeding in the river and blue tits and other birds flying around looking for scraps
of food. However as I walked further down the path I was confronted with piles of newspapers and
several supermarket trolleys clearly removed from the stores and dumped in the Spinney. I was
informed that the trolleys have been there for sometime and no attempt has been made to return
these to the store. I do wish that companies and individuals would face up to their responsibilities
so this area and other similar amenities could then be enjoyed even more by our residents.
For those interested, the ‘Ivel and Ouse Countryside Project’ are planning a working party at
Drovers Spinney on Tuesday 21st February.
Colin Smith
(Volunteer warden)
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SHEFFORD CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
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The Best Ever!! That is the comment that we have received from a lot of people when giving their
comments about the Christmas Lights. We are also pleased with the display, although we have had
one or two problems this year, particularly with the display around Old Bridge Court.
The switch-on was a great success, with the BBQ going well, in spite of
the blustery, cold weather and the entertainment for the children was well
supported. Thanks are due to Stephen and Marcia from Wade’s electrical
for the use of the PA system, to Michael Watts for the use of his milk truck
as a platform, to Pc Nick Battams and the two Community Officers for
preventing traffic entering the High Street and to Roger Owen, Principal at
Samuel Whitbread College, for switching on the Lights.
We would also like to thank the team of volunteers who turned up on 6th
November to help put up the lights. They were so good that we got the lights
up in double quick time. Our two window cleaner volunteers, David and Simon,
who brought their own ‘A’ frame ladders, were superb. I have never seen volunteers actually run up
a ladder. It may be it was because it was pouring with rain and blowing fairly hard and cold, that they
wanted to get the job done!! We shall definitely be inviting them back next year and all the others
who assisted.
Also to be thanked for their sponsorship by providing new electrical cable are Stephen and Marcia
at Wades Electrical shop in the High Street and Kevin and Ed of K7F Platforms who provided a lorry
with a lift to enable us to erect the very high displays.
We particularly have to thank Coral and Tony of the White Hart Hotel. Every time we were out
working on the lights, they provided us with tea, coffee and biscuits to help sustain us. In addition
to that, they have been collecting money for the Christmas Lights Fund in a large (secure!!) bottle
on the bar. After the switch-on we emptied the bottle and it contained £113. If anybody would like to
donate money towards the costs of the Lights, please pop into the White Hart and put it in the bottle.
You know it will go to a good cause.
We do have our own fund raising events, the next of which is on 17th March,2006, which will be our
annual Race Night held in the Community Hall, Ampthill Road. More information will appear in the
local press and on posters at a later date.
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SHEFFORD SUMMER GALA
12.00 NOON JUNE 4TH AT THE STMA GROUNDS
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The Summer Gala will be preceded by the Gala Parade which will leave Robert Bloomfield school
car park at 11.30am and arrive at the STMA for 12.00 noon.
Judging of the parade and appointing The Summer Queen will launch the afternoon’s activities.
These will include a Classic Car display of at least 30 vehicles, fairground rides for the young and
‘not so young’, an assortment of side shows and stalls from the local organisations and groups.
There will also be a constant stream of entertainment in the central arena
(details will follow once confirmed). ’Watch this space!’
The limited space is filling fast so we need to hear from you ASAP
with your requirements. If, you wish to enter a stall or sideshow
to generate funds for your organisation or require a float in The
Parade, please let us know now so that an appropriate vehicle
can be allocated to your group.
Registration forms for The Gala are available from The Post
Office, Library, and Town Council Chambers, as well as the
STMA Club house.
In all instances, information can be gained from; Martin Wren,
01462 816586,
The Town Council, 01462 816321,
or Vic King on 01462 638675.
See you ALL there!
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GIRLGUIDING SHEFFORD NEEDS YOUR HELP
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After another successful year, Girlguiding Shefford (which includes Clifton, Clophill and Haynes)
now needs extra leaders. I will be leaving Guiding at the end of July 2006, after 12 years service
including local Rainbow and Brownie Units, District Commissioner and a County Training Advisor,
which means that we will require at least 1 new leader to work with the 2nd Shefford Brownies as
well as a District Administrator. The District Administrator does not have to be a uniformed
member of Girlguiding. Other Units in the District also require extra help, both in and out of
uniform. Becoming involved could also include the administrative back up to support our Guiders
and other adult helpers.
As well as helping girls and young women realise their full potential, becoming a uniformed leader
in Girlguiding also brings many practical benefits. It can provide women with a break from a busy
home or work schedule as well as a chance to expand their horizons through new activities, new
friends and new challenges. It’s fun of course and many women are surprised to find how much
the Guiding experience can help them in their personal lives and their careers.
Women in Guiding are encouraged to develop leadership skills and good team work skills by
planning and implementing activities with other Girlguiding members. Full training is given by other
Girlguiding members on a large range of subjects. In the past year there has been training on First
Aid, planning and administration and pack holidays to name a few.
For more information on how to become actively involved within our own community, please
contact Hazel Donald on 01462 812575.
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ALIVE & REEL
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Come and join us for an evening of fun and laughter with our latest ‘live’ performance, MERVYN
STUTTER IS GETTING NOWHERE FAST
Mervyn Stutter is a comedian, comedy songwriter, scriptwriter and founder member of The Flying
Pickets. You may even have heard him on Radio 4! His live shows over the years have always
attracted excellent reviews from audiences and critics alike.
"Like the host of a dinner party, Mervyn treats his audience as welcome guests" The Scotsman
WHERE? The Memorial Hall, Hitchin Rd, Shefford (just past the police post).
WHEN? Saturday 18th March 8pm
WHO? Suitable for 18 - 98
Don’t miss out! Tickets cost just £5 in advance or £6 on the door. Bar available.
BOOK now on 01462 813377 or 01462 638675
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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
1st Shefford Rainbows Wednesday 4.30pm - 5.30pm
Vintage Motorcycle Club - 2nd Thursday of the month
METHODIST CHURCH HALL
Ampthill Road (near Ford garage)
Acorn Pre School Playgroup Monday & Wednesday - 9.15am -11.15am 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 -
1st Sunday 8.30 a.m. Holy Communion, 9.45 a.m. Morning Prayer
2nd Sunday 9.45 a.m. Family Communion and Messengers (for 3-9's), 6.00p.m. 'Second Sunday at Six', informal worship with tea and cakes from 5 p.m.
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. with breakfast before) and sister Church of St Mary's Meppershall (11.15 a.m. followed by refreshmants or buffet lunch) Next - April 30th at St Mary's.
Tuesdays - 9.30 a.m. morning prayer,10.30am - 12 noon Coffee Shop (Biggleswade Adult Centre) also listeners available for those needing someone to talk to.
1st Tuesday of the month 2.30 p.m. Tuesday afternoon Group (ecumenical fellowship)
Wednesdays - 1st & 3rd Mini M's. Worship and fun for 0-4's with parents/minders.
Fridays - 9.50am Service. Tea/coffee from 10.35am - prayer ministry available. Traidcraft stall on
last Friday of month
ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC CHURCH
25 High Street Shefford
Contact Fr. Bennie Noonan 813436 or Parish 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 FIREWORKS APPEAL
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Thanks to everyone who attended the Bonfire and Fireworks on the 5th November last year. It was
another great year and we hope that everyone who attended enjoyed themselves and the display.
Shefford Firework Appeal was formed in 1992 by a local independent group of volunteers with the
aim of providing a value for money evening of entertainment whilst also raising funds for local
groups and societies.
Since it was formed Shefford Firework Appeal has prided itself on entertaining the increasing
number of people attending the event. This was estimated for 2005 at around 2000 people. They
enjoyed the themed bonfire, the limitless supply of supervised free sparklers for the children as well
as a spectacular fireworks display.
Money raised from the events has been given to a wide range of local groups from wildlife projects,
the Town Band, football clubs, scouts and guides to the Christmas lights. The list goes on and on
and we intend to improve on the £20,000 raised to date.
The appeal has been very fortunate to have had the support of the Landlords of the White Hart Hotel
who allow us to use their grounds. We also have good support from the local Police, Fire Brigade
and St Johns Ambulance all of which attend the event.
The committee would like to wish everyone a happy new year and we look forward to seeing you
later this year at the bonfire and fireworks.
Marcus Birleson
Committee Member
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TOWN MAYOR'S COMMENTS SPRING 2006
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As I write this item we are just getting over the ‘restful and stress free time’ of Christmas and the
New Year. Traditionally this is the time to review the events of the last year and to think and plan for
the events of the next 12 months. Councils, whether they are Town, Parish, County or District, are
no different. Each year we each have to calculate and set a precept. That’s the amount of money
we need to operate our council over the next year. While setting our precept for 2006 we have tried
to include all the major expenditure items. Some of these are known, grass cutting and so on, and
can be planned for. Some are not known and finance has to be provided out of reserves.
Right at the end of last year we were informed by Mid Beds District Council that, because of their
‘financial constraints’, they were no longer going to provide finance for the public toilet facilities
owned by them in towns in their area and wanted US to take on the responsibility for Shefford.
Failure to do so would mean no public toilets or public toilet with disabled access. Shefford Town
Council was concerned that this plan would lead to some inconvenience (sorry about the pun) for
members of our community.
Looking further into the options open to us we found that MBDC were prepared to offer us a free
transfer of the facility and a small amount of funding to assist with the first few months of operation.
We would of course be immediately liable for Council Tax on the property, property and contents
insurance, the cost of daily cleaning and janitorial service, locking and unlocking the facility and
repairing any and all damage and wear and tear. Reluctantly we agreed to do so.
Luckily we were able to include an amount of money in the precept to cover the cost of running the
facility for the next year. It is expected that the Town Council will take over the running of the Public
Toilets during the first quarter of the year.
Another fairly expensive budget item concerns the provision of some Vehicle Activated Speed
Warning signs. Earlier in 2005 we were informed that the County Council Highway Department were
prepared to allow us a grant of £4000 towards the cost of a Vehicle Activated Speed Warning. These
signs can cost up to £6000 each, depending on the location and how far electrical services have to
be run. As you may well be aware the speed of vehicles features weekly in the complaints from
members of the community to both the Shefford Community Safety Group and the Town Council.
We felt that one sign would not really be sufficient for the town and decided to ask for three signs
to be installed. After some consultation and a little good fortune the Highways Department agreed
to a ‘bulk purchase deal’ giving us the three signs for an outlay of £12000. The locations are to be
finalised this month with advice from the Police Service and Highway Safety engineers. It is a lot of
money but I feel that it is money well spent. If we can contribute to saving one life, then we’ve
achieved the aim of this project.
Other things we have to look at this year are:-
The renewal of the grass cutting contract, the existing contract has expired. The purchase of the
‘Right to Hold a Market’, this will allow us to develop the existing market and to perhaps add an
occasional ‘Farmers Market’.
The setting up of a committee to ensure the safe operation of the many ‘Play Areas’ that we own now
or soon will own. This committee will be responsible for overseeing the regular inspection and repair
of play equipment and also, longer term, the provision of funds to renew old and defective play
equipment. This year we have budgeted £13250 for inspections, rents, repairs and replacement of
damaged and worn equipment. As you can see play equipment is not cheap to maintain and replace.
Much of the cost is down to regulations that came into force regarding safety inspections.
We will have to find some funds to improve the car park at the Millennium Green. A redesign to
make it less attractive to nuisance youths and night time vandals is desperately needed. The fence
around the children’s play equipment has been replaced. Some of the play equipment is in need of
replacement. Unfortunately the money pot for such works is not limitless and has to be spread
across all areas of the community.
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THE BIGGLESWADE TALKING NEWSPAPER
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On January 5th 2006 The Biggleswade Talking Newspaper celebrated 25 years of un-interrupted
weekly service for visually impaired people.
The provision of local weekly news and information on audio-cassette for visually impaired people
in the district was commenced on the 2nd January 1981.
At the outset there were 25 people who required the service and gradually over the years the
number has crept up to 90.
The committee and volunteers comprise thirty five people who, in five teams of seven operators,
give up their Friday evenings once per month meeting at the Social Services Day Centre and
between 7 and 9pm put the product together and deliver it to the Biggleswade and Sandy Post
Offices. The cassettes are contained in plastic velcro-fastened wallets with a transparent window on
the side into which is slipped a card printed with the out-going address on one side and the return
address on the other.
The Talking Newspaper is marking the January milestone by using every means possible to make
the service known to the whole community.
If any readers of this magazine know of anyone who has poor eyesight, which is not correctable with
spectacles and therefore is not able to read normal newsprint, then the Talking Newspaper team
would like that person to be informed of this service.
There is no charge for the audio version of the local news and a cassette-player can be loaned to
anyone who needs one.
For further information or to request the provision of the service, readers should contact the Talking
Newspaper Secretary, Ann Gilpin on 01767 222278
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SHEFFORD SUMMER FAYRE
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In the last issue I informed you that the Summer Fayre Committee had decided that it could no
longer afford to run the Summer Fayre and gave our reasons for the decision. We are pleased that,
as you will no doubt have already seen in the local paper, a group emanating from
the Town Council will be running it this year.
We would like to thank all who have assisted us over several years,
particularly those who have sponsored us and given donations, provided
vehicles etc. and those who physically helped on the day to set up the field
by putting in markers and roping off the car parking etc.
If any of those people are willing to assist the new committee, please make
contact with Martin Wren tel.01462 816586.
Andrew Boatwright
Former Committee Member
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CIVIC AND COMMUNITY AWARDS FOR SHEFFORD
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As residents of Shefford you are invited to make your nominations for this year’s awards. The CIVIC
AWARD is for any building built or renovated recently considered to be of outstanding design and
which enhances the town. The COMMUNITY AWARD falls into two categories. The first is for any
INDIVIDUAL who has made an outstanding contribution to the life of the town, the second is for any
GROUP which has made such a contribution.
Nominations must be in writing and state clearly the name and address of the building, person or
group being nominated.
Letters should arrive by Thursday 23rd February 2006 addressed to the Clerk, Shefford Town
Council, PO Box 39, 13 North Bridge Street, Shefford SG17 5XN
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MILLENNIUM GREEN
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It is a quiet time on the green at the moment with everything dormant. Over the past year the
volunteers have tried to keep on top of the maintenance work required with some degree of
difficulty due to the lack of volunteers. There has also been some vandalism with trees and fences
damaged. Volunteers do try to make speedy repairs to this type of damage to deter further
incidents. We are grateful to residents who report anti social incidents on the green as this helps to
keep the number of incidents down and keep the green a pleasant place to go for everybody.
I would like to thank Andrew Boatwright for his continued support by mowing the footpaths
throughout the season, not an easy task and much appreciated by the trustees. I would like to
thank the volunteers including those who help by checking the green and catch up with maintenance jobs
between the main work party, also individuals who help to keep the green litter free when they are
out walking by picking up the litter dropped by others and removing it.
The first work party of the year should be around mid February, date to be arranged, depending on the weather
conditions. If you would like to come along and join us please contact Chris Tuffnell on 01462 636320 to register
your interest. You will then be notified when the date is arranged.
If you have not yet visited the green do go along when the weather improves as it looks particularly
nice in spring.
J Harrison
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THE COMMUNITY SAFETY GROUP
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Group Logo
The Shefford Community Safety Group now has its own logo. It was designed for us by students from the Samuel
Whitbread Community College as part of a class work project in the Art Department. Picking the final design
was difficult because of the very high standard of work contained in the selection presented to us. The
students had a ‘working brief’ to design a logo that would be simple, eye-catching and indicative of the
concept of community safety. In addition the logo had to be suitable for using as a letter heading as well as inclusion
in general promotion material. We are pleased with the logo and hopefully you will become familiar with it.
Well done to the students and their mentors.
No Cold Calling Zones
You will no doubt have seen press and media reports about the No Cold Calling Zones being put in place in some of the
communities around us in Bedfordshire. The object is to drive away the people who keep pestering you to buy stuff from their van or have a driveway laid and all the similar scams that they dream up to separate you from you cash. It is also to make the area less attractive to the distraction burglar and the various other undesirables that seem to abound these days.
Bedfordshire is leading the country in this Community Safety initiative. The County Council and the
Police Service have really got their act together, for once. They have got three Trading Standards
Officers who are serving Special Constables. This means that they have powers of arrest to deal
with any of the dodgy traders that venture into the zone.
Well done to Beds County Council and the Police Service.
We are planning to have our entire town designated a No Cold Calling Zone by March/April this year.
There will be leaflets delivered to each dwelling in Shefford. There will be coverage in the local press
and in Newsline. During February we should see the Zone designation signs going up on the
approaches to the town.
This scheme does need one more very important ‘ingredient’, YOU. We need you to report these
dodgy traders to the Trading Standards Officers as soon as they show up in the area. The quicker
the report goes in, the quicker they will be moved on.
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RAPID RESPONSE TEAM TO TACKLE BOGUS CALLERS IN SHEFFORD
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A new scheme which is backed by Bedfordshire County Council, Bedfordshire Police & Shefford
Town Council, aims to protect the residents of Shefford from the menace of cold callers and rogue
traders.
The scheme called "BOGUS? PHONE US" is policed by three Special Constables who have been
seconded to Bedfordshire Trading Standards Service where they are providing a RAPID Response to intercept bogus callers who are reported to their hotline number 08454 04 05 06.
No Cold Calling Zones have been introduced in parts of Bedfordshire as part of the drive to stop
Distraction Burglars and other Bogus Callers who often prey on older and vulnerable residents.
There are currently 17 towns or parishes within the county set up as No Cold Calling Zones.
Residents in a No Cold Calling Zone are given a pack of information showing them how to say NO to
unwanted callers. The pack includes a door sticker with the contact numbers for key utilities organisations
as well as Bedfordshire Trading Standards Service and the Police. This allows homeowners to check out
a caller’s identity and if they have concerns to contact the right people for help.
Already, the "Bogus? Phone Us" Rapid Response Team has made its mark, having intercepted
bogus builders from London who tried to deceive residents into agreeing to unnecessary and
expensive repairs. The officers intervention has saved residents £850 and £750 respectively and
the rogue traders are now facing deception charges.
In another case, an elderly resident paid out more than £40,000 to rogue builders. Over a period of
9 months a group of ‘tradesmen’ went back to the victim’s house again and again to carry out minor
repairs, persuading him to part with sums ranging from £1,500 to £13,000.
Ian Sutcliffe, a Special Constable from the Rapid Response Team said, "This is just the type of
deception we need to stop. The con men in this case were just using the victim as a cash machine
until Trading Standards intervened. "Bogus? Phone Us" is all about residents being vigilant and
looking out for each other. It’s not just a question of being firm and turning away cold callers. We
need to know immediately so we can catch up with them before they strike again".
Anyone with concerns about a doorstep caller should contact the hotline. To find out more about
setting up a No Cold Calling Zone, call Bedfordshire Trading Standards Service on 01234 228897.
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PREPARING FOR EASTER WITH THE SHEFFORD CHURCHES
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It is good to see signs of Spring and in preparing for Easter, the churches would like to offer you a
variety of opportunities to think about its meaning.
There will be Lent groups meeting again this year, with the interesting theme of “Life Balance”,
looking at how we structure our lives, which in an ever-increasingly pressurized world, has
something to say to all of us. Look out for the publicity in regard to this, as usual there will be a
choice between evening or afternoon times.
Along with other events throughout Lent for adults and children, there are plenty of options to take
time to restore a balance and discover God alongside us in our busy lives.
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Sunday February 5th |
3-4 p.m. United Benefice Junior Choir – begins practising at St.
Michael’s (for details contact Sandra Harper 813 334)
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Saturday February 26th |
8.30 a.m. Men's Breakfast @ Shefford Baptist Church
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Wednesday March 1st (Ash Wednesday) |
Holy Communion @ St Michael & All Angels
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Tuesday March 7th |
8 p.m. Lent Group "Life-Balance", venue TBC
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Wednesday March 8th |
Lent Group, "Life-Balance", venue TBC
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Thursday March 9th |
"Lyra" @ St Michael & All Angels (Back by popular demand!) Concert of Russian mixed vocal ensenble from the Conservatoire of Music at St Petersburg. Tickets in advance (available from Stuart Brayne - 01462 815689 or John Harper - 01462 813334)
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Tuesday March 14th |
8 p.m. Lent Group, "Life-Balance", venue TBC
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Wednesday March 15th |
2 p.m. Lent Group, "Life-Balance", venue TBC
8 p.m. Be Creative! Prepare for Mother's Day @ Shefford Baptist Church (details Wendy Eldred 811253)
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Tuesday 21st March |
8 p.m.Lent Group, "Life-Balance", venue TBC
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Wednesday March 22nd |
2 p.m. Lent Group, "Life-Balance", venue TBC
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Saturday March 25th |
8.30 a.m. Men's Breakfast @ Shefford Baptist Church
10 a.m. Children's Activity Morning @ Shefford Baptist Church (details Wendy Eldred 811253)
TBA "SPARKS" Children's Christian Holiday Club - venue TBC
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Tuesday March 28th |
8 p.m.Lent Group, "Life-Balance", venue TBC
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Wednesday March 29th |
2 p.m. Lent Group, "Life-Balance", venue TBC
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Saturday April 1st/April 2nd |
World Vision 24 hr famine
Organised by YNU, the Upper School youth group, this will
involve them going without food for 24 hours. There will be an
opportunity to support this on the day (look out for further
publicity)
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Sunday April 9th (Palm Sunday) |
10 a.m. Family Communion @ St Michael & All Angels
10.30 a.m. Palm Sunday Service @ Shefford Baptist Church
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Monday April 10th - 12th |
Easter Week Devotions @ Shefford Methodist Church
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Thursday April 13th (Maundy Thursday) |
8 p.m. Mass of the Last Supper @ St Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church
8.15 p.m. Commeroration of the Last Supper, with feet-washing @ St Michael & All Angels
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Friday April 14th (Good Friday) |
10 a.m. Morning Prayer @ St Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church
11 a.m. Walk of Witness (from Shefford Baptist Church) - This will
be stopping at each of the churches, with a short open-air
service outside St Michael & All Angels. On concluding the
walk at Shefford Methodist Church, there will be tea, coffee &
hot cross buns available.
2 p.m. "The Last Hour" @ St Mary's, Meppershall
3 p.m. Passion of Christ @ St Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church
7 p.m. Stations of the Cross @ St Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church
7.30 p.m. Good Friday Communion @ Shefford Baptist Church
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Saturday April 15th (Holy Saturday) |
10 a.m. Morning Prayer @ St Frncis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church
TBA "SPARKS" Children's Christian Holiday Club - venue TBC (details Sandra Harper 813 334)
6 p.m. Easter Vigil and renewal of baptism vows @ St Michael & All Angels
8 p.m. Easter Vigil @ St Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church
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Sunday 16th April (Easter Sunday) |
9 a.m. Mass @ St Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church
9.30 a.m. Family Celebration @ Shefford Methodist Church (Please bring a flower)
9.45 a.m. Easter Communion @ St Michael & All Angels (with Messengers 3-9's)
10.30 a.m. Easter all-age celebration @ Shefford Baptist Church
5.15 p.m. Mass @ St Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church
6 p.m. Easter Day evening service @ Shefford Baptist Church
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Monday 17th April (Easter Monday) |
Easter Pilgrimage Trip to St Albans Cathedral (for more details contact John Harper 813334)
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So, on behakf of rthe Shefford Churches, may we wish you a happy Easter! For further details,please contact us on the numbers below:
John Harper (St Michaels/St Marys) 813334
FR. Bennie Noonan (St Francis) 813436
Phil Snelson (Shefford Methodiast) 813284
Steve Summerfield (Shefford Baptist)812564
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REVIEW OF SCHOOL STRUCTURES
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The Executive of the County Council agreed on 19th July 2005 to undertake a review of its 3 tier
system of lower, middle and upper schools. The Council knows that there will be a lot of interest in
the review and will be publishing a series of newsletters to keep parents, schools and other
interested parties informed. Full details and background to the review can be obtained from the
County Council website.
The main consultation period will be from December 2005 to March 2006. Please watch the website
on www.Bedfordshire.gov.uk for latest news and details.
If you have any questions about the review, please contact John Goldsmith on 01234 228196 or
Joan Wheeler on 01234 228822.
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SHEFFORD LIBRARY
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We had a really busy year in 2005 with lots of events and activities and we would like to thank
everyone for their support and enthusiasm. We look forward to your continued support in 2006!
Events being planned this year include
• “Family History on the Internet”
• “Homeopathy: how it can help those aches and pains!”
• “Dunton Community Garden: What’s it all about?”.
• “Chocolate and Books go together well”
All our events are advertised in the Display Cabinet just inside the Library door, as well as in the
Library itself and in the Shefford column of the Biggleswade Chronicle.
Look out for dates and times!!! Ask for details!
Regular activities include:
Storytime sessions for the under-5s every Monday afternoon during termtime from 2.30pm to
3.00pm.
Activity Sessionsare held alternate months for our younger customers – usually on a Thursday
morning. Our next sessions are 26 January and 9 March. We have stories, rhymes and often a
simple craft activity. Look out for more details!
Chatterbooks sessions are lots of fun for our 8-12 year olds who share a love of books and reading.
Discover new authors! Discuss books read! Find out more by asking staff.
Silver Surfer sessions proved so popular in 2005 that we start this year with a waiting list, but we
will be arranging extra sessions on a regular basis. Do you find computers a mystery? Do they
terrify you? Then our FREE one-to-one taster sessions may be just what you need! Ask for details.
Did you know??????
• It is FREE to join the Library!
• We now stock DVDs – adult & children – as well as Videos on 1-week loans.
• There is FREE internet access (booking may be advisable at busy times)
• We offer a Housebound Reader service - we can either select books for collection or
even arrange delivery to our housebound readers.
• You can reserve books from home using our Virtual Library on the internet (ask staff for
a pin number)
• We have Music CDs on 1-week loans
• You can also search the catalogue and renew books on loan using the Virtual
Library
• We have a Photocopier and a Fax Machine (charges apply)
• We can reserve stock from other libraries (charges apply)
Carol Forse
Library Manager
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ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
What it is and how it is dealt with these days
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In the past behaviour that interfered with other people’s quality of life was considered to be more of a
moral matter than a legal one. Whether it was a group of youths outside the local shop frightening
elderly residents or tradesmen dumping unwanted building rubble at the entrance to a field, it certainly
affected community life. Now things are different. Actions like this can be dealt with by the police or
local authority by the use of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders or Acceptable Behaviour Contracts.
ASBOs are designed to prevent behaviour including theft, intimidation, drunkenness and violence
by individuals and families who make life difficult for others. It can also include indiscriminate riding
of motorcycles, graffiti, litter and abandoned cars. An ASBO will often include restrictions on
entering a geographical area or shop but can include a ban on specific acts like swearing in public
or associating with other named people. ASBOs are statutory civil measures designed to protect the
public and are made by a court and apply to juveniles as well as adults. An ASBO is valid for a
minimum of two years and there are rights of appeal. Breaching an ASBO can lead to arrest and
imprisonment for up to five years.
Acceptable Behaviour Contracts are a voluntary written agreement between a person who has been
involved in anti-social behaviour and one or more local agencies whose job it is to prevent such
behaviour (the police or local authority). They can be made with adults or young people and contain
a list of anti-social acts in which the person has been involved and agrees not to continue. Breach
of the Order may lead to an ASBO being granted.
Housing injunctions apply to people living in social housing, such as housing provided by a trust or
landlord. Landlords are able to apply for injunctions to prohibit anti-social behaviour that affects the
running of their property. They can apply for several types of injunction depending on the
circumstances.
Dispersal of Groups Powers (Dispersal Orders) gives the police the right to direct individuals from
an area for up to twenty four hours. This area could be as small as a cash point, or it could be as
large as a whole local authority area. These decisions are made by the police in conjunction with
the local authority and represent the work of a Crime and Disorder Partnership.
Anyone wishing to complain about anti-social behaviour should initially contact the police on 01234
841212.
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WHITBREAD WANDERBUS
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The Wanderbus first started as a community bus in 1989. It is run solely by volunteer drivers and a
management committee, with a co-ordinator who receives a small honorarium for working on the
administration of passenger bookings and drivers rota.
Since 1989 the number of services it provides has increased considerably providing all members of
the public, both young and old, with a convenient and friendly means of transport to the larger
shopping towns such as Letchworth, Biggleswade and Baldock.
Services from SHEFFORD are as follows:
Alternate Monday afternoons to Southill
Departs 1.50pm Shefford Southfields, 2.0pm Ivel Road, 2.05pm Ampthill Road
Arrives Southill 2.30pm, departs Southill 4.30pm
3rd Wednesday afternoon each month to Letchworth
Departs 1.15pm Shefford Southfields, 1.20pm Ampthill Road
Arrives Letchworth (Morrisons) 2.pm, departs Letchworth 3.15pm
4th Wednesday afternoon each month to Biggleswade
Departs 1.23pm Shefford Southfields, 1.25pm Ampthill Road
Arrives Biggleswade(Sainsburys) 2.05pm,departs Biggleswade 3.15pm
Every Thursday morning to Letchworth
Departs 8.30am Shefford Stanford Turn, 8.32am Ivel Road
Departs 9.35am Shefford Stanford Turn, 9.37am Ivel Road
Arrives Letchworth (Station) 9.0am, 10.0am
Arrives Letchworth (Sainsburys) 9.10am, 10.10am
Departs Letchworth (Sainsburys) 11.30am, 12.30pm
Departs Letchworth (Station) 11.33am, 12.33pm
Every Thursday afternoon to Baldock
Depart 1.20pm Shefford Southfields, 1.25pm Ampthill Road
Arrives Baldock (Tesco) 2.0pm, departs Baldock 3.30pm
Every Friday morning service from villages to Shefford
Every Friday morning the Wanderbus brings passengers from Gravenhurst, Campton, Meppershall,
Broom and Southill into Shefford. Full details of this service are in the timetable which is available
from Shefford library or the new Mid Bedfordshire area bus timetable for all local services. Please
phone the co-ordinator on 01462 850075 for further details
Jennifer Stanley
Co-ordinator
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NEWS FROM THE FRIENDS OF SAMUEL WHITBREAD
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The Friends of Samuel Whitbread Community College (FoSW) are staff and parents of students
who fundraise for the college as well as publicising and helping to organise and cater for events
such as our popular drama and music productions. We also intend to arrange social events for
parents, staff and the local community.
We will soon have our own page on the college website where details of proposed events are listed and
where parents can leave suggestions for events and fundraising activities they would like to support at
the college. Messages and suggestions can also be left for us at college reception on 01462 629900.
Proposed Diary dates are as follows:
Musician of the Year Competition Finale. Wednesday 8 February at 6pm. Finalists from Henlow
Middle, Robert Bloomfield, Etonbury and Samuel Whitbread will compete for the soloist and
ensemble prizes. A jacket potato supper with wine will be served. Tickets on sale from the three
middle schools and Samuel Whitbread reception.
Budding musicians may want to join us earlier. From 4pm there will be a selection of stalls from
music shops. Parents and students of all our feeder schools are invited to come along to the Trade
Fair and to try out the selection of musical instruments on offer.
Table top sale on Saturday 4 March. Bookings can be made through college reception. Watch out
for more details on posters in your local shops!
Cryptic quiz for parents and children. Quiz sheets will be on sale at college reception from the
end of January and at parents’ evenings during the Spring term.
Murder Mystery Evening. We hope this will take place in the summer term with a murder mystery
being acted out by our Drama students. Stern quizzing of the suspects by would-be detectives will
take place over supper. Details will be given on our website and on posters. Tickets will be on sale
at college reception after Easter.
Guys and Dolls musical in July. Details will be on college website and on posters from June. Book
early to avoid missing the first major production in our new purpose built theatre!
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LEONARD CHESHIRE
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Christmas seems a long while ago now as we face the rigors of February – but what a wonderful
time was had by all at Agate House – good memories! Residents and staff seem to be settled back
into their normal busy lives – several visits to local dramatic club pantos and trips out to the
theatre/cinema.
Other trips organized throughout the year offer various destinations and interests – Rugby at
Twickenham, fishing, visits to garden centres, shopping, supporting the London Marathon runner
and yes, we have again been fortunate in having a volunteer runner for this year. Belinda, a young
mum of two small children will be running for us on Sunday 23rd April. We are enormously grateful
to Belinda for offering to run for the Bedfordshire Cheshire Home and of course congratulate her for
winning a place in this very popular event. We thank you and wish you every success. Now we
would be grateful for sponsors please, all
offers most welcome. Please give me a
call or pop into the Home if you can help.
Our Easter Bazaar will be held on
Sunday April 1st, 10.30am-2pm.
Jeff’s shop continues to flourish and he
asks me to thank everyone for their
donations to date and he also needs lots
more to sell please!
Our warmest good wishes to all our
friends.
Judith Haggar – volunteer
Coordinator/Fundraising.
Tel.01525 403247
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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
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FOR DIARY DATES SEE MAIN WEBSITE DIARY PAGE
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If your group or organisation hold regular meetings or has future events that you wish to advertise in the Diary, please send details to me at the address below.
COPY
All copy to be considered for inclusion in the SUMMER issue of Newsline should reach me, Jennifer Harrison,
4, New Street Shefford SG17 5BW. Tel 01462 814946, email bryjen3@aol.com by 4th April 2006 for May
publication.
Advertising
For advertising enquiries and rates, please contact Paul Mackin Tel.01462 628860 for further details.
Disclaimer
Diary information is as accurate as possible at the time of going to press. The editor accepts no responsibility for
inaccuracies or omissions. Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the Editor.
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