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PARISH NEWS
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SHILLINGTON, PEGSDON & HIGHAM GOBION 880066 pprrooppeerrttiieess //11888844 ppooppuullaattiioonn
Issue 109 – December 2013 Deadline for February edition – 31
st January 2014
PARISH COUNCIL
PUBLIC EXHIBITION – COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
Hopefully all households have received an invitation to attend the second public exhibition
by Rowan Homes/Optimis Consulting at the Village Hall on Saturday, 14th
December from
10.00am to 3.00pm. Following further local consultations, modifications have been made to
the proposals for a new Community Building on the Playing Field and also new homes to the
rear of the Village Hall/High Road Cottages. Hopefully you will be able to call in and share
your views.
FIRST WORLD WAR CENTENARY 2014
The Parish Council and History Society are keen to involve the parish in some sort of
commemorative publication/organise a suitable event for the centenary of World War 1.
Many of the village names of the 26 on the memorial from that time remain and we would be
pleased to hear from family members still in the village, who would like to share any history
they may have on those who died and those who survived and stories they may have shared,
memorabilia brought back and if their family members are still in the village today.
12 of the boys were with the Bedfordshire Regiment with others from the Royal Fusiliers,
London Rifle Brigade, Royal Army Service Corps, Royal Field Artillery, Border Regiment,
Royal Berkshire, Middlesex Regiment, Essex Regiment, East Yorkshire Regiment and even
one with the Australian Infantry. As a first step we would be pleased to hear from anyone
who would like to help with research and information gathering – perhaps some younger
people as a school or university project?
If you are able to provide any history or would like to help gather information please contact:
Tony Howells (01582-881611) or Sally Stapleton (07711-504489) or e-mail
BE SEEN IN THE DARK !
With the dark nights upon us, we continue to be amazed at the amount of people walking
along dark stretches of our parish roads (without footpaths) in dark clothes. We already have
one memorial along the Chibley stretch and would hate to see any more. Could walkers and
cyclists PLEASE wear a high visibility jacket or vest so you can be seen by motorists.
HOW SAD
We had a call this week from an old soldier living in Bryants Close, whose 90 year old
neighbour (also an old solder) has been in respite care for a couple of weeks. Over the
Remembrance weekend his home was broken into by some moron and items stolen. Makes
you wonder why he and the thousands of others bothered to go and fight for us doesn’t it !
For all Parish Council issues please contact:
Mrs. K. Cousins, Clerk to the Parish Council
20A Vicarage Close, Shillington, Hitchin, Herts, SG5 3LS. 01462 713567. email: [email protected] website: www.shillington.bedsparishes.gov.uk
ANNOUNCEMENTS / ITEMS / NEWS IN BRIEF
MONKEY’S HOME !
BIG thanks to James Butts and Lewis Wallace-Cooper for helping
to get Monkey the cat home after being missing for 6 weeks !!
The family are very thankful to the boys - without them Monkey
could still be missing !!
A huge THANK YOU and festive greetings to contributors, advertisers, sponsors and distributors of this magazine.
Your kind support ensures the continuity of the Parish News. And to YOU dear reader – very best wishes to you and yours for a
very happy, healthy and peaceful Christmas and New Year.
John Butler Building & Maintenance Services wishes a
Merry Christmas to new and existing customers and everyone
in the village.
Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal
Thank you for all contributions to the 2013 Poppy Appeal, and to the hardy band of collectors.
The sum total for Shillington, Pegsdon and Gravenhurst School is £1,629.77p - about £300,00 up on last year.
The church collection was £255.40.
Shirley McGrath, Poppy Appeal Organiser.
If you’re still looking for a stocking filler, we have a few 2014 Village
Calendars left over from our November exhibition, featuring lovely
old photographs of the village.
Only £7.50
Jan & Peter Watts on 01462-712080
I have just started a facebook selling group for Pirton, Shillington and Holwell as people from other towns say we are all too far to collect from. For more details: https://www.facebook.com/groups/182021538652582/
Or search for Pirton, Shillington, Holwell buying and selling group.
Valerie
ALL SAINTS NEWS
Parish Priest: Rev’d Richard Winslade ( 01462-713311) (Day off on Fridays)
Church Wardens
Liz Allan ( 01462–711084) Peter Farmer ( 01462–711306)
Church Services:
9.30am - Every Sunday. On the 5th Sunday the service is held jointly with the Congregational Church.
First Sunday of the month: 9.30 am - Family service. 6.00 pm - Choral Evensong
Sunday Club:
Takes place at the Congregational Church room from 9.20am each Sunday except 1st and 5th Sundays of the month. There is no Sunday Club during August.
Christmas Services:
Sunday 8th December: 4pm Christingle service; for children of all ages. Collection in aid of the Children’s Society
Sunday 15th December: 6pm Village Carol Service. Collection in aid of Keech Hospice Care.
Tuesday 24th December: Christmas Eve: 11.30pm Midnight Mass. Wednesday 25th December: Christmas Day: 9.30am Family Eucharist.
Please note that during the period 26th to 31st December the church will be kept closed.
Revd. Richard will also be on holiday then. If you have need of a priest at this time, please contact one of the Churchwardens.
Sunday 29th December - there will be no service at All Saints - a joint service will be held at the Congregational Church.
From 1st January 2014 the church will be kept open during daylight hours, as usual. Forthcoming Events:
Christmas Bazaar – Saturday 7th December – From 2pm in the Village Hall.
Christmas Float – will be visiting all parts of the parish on 12th 13th & 14th December. Collection in aid of the Church and Keech Cottage Hospice.
From the Registers:
Baptisms
o 23rd November 2013 Faye Venty Hornsby o 24th November 2013 Elizabeth Ruth Lockey
Burials
14th October 2013 Norman George Skeggs Aged 85 (Burial of ashes)
21st October 2013 Margaret Rose Smart Aged 74 (Burial of ashes)
23rd October 2013 Bertha Spering Aged 99 (Burial of ashes)
24th October 2013 James Hudson Hillyard Aged 46 (Burial)
10th November 2013 Kenneth Thorn Aged 74 (Burial of ashes)
23rd November 2013 Erica Madge Huckvale Aged 83 (Burial of ashes)
200 CLUB WINNERS
October 2013 November 2013
1st £50 42 Michael Oliviere 1st £50 165 Ida Winyard
2nd £25 32 Derek Wilson 2nd £25 23 Revd Jane Wheatley
3rd £10 70 Nellie Mitchell 3rd £10 74 Marion Butts
A Christmas present with a difference
200 club tickets for April 2014 to March 2015 will be on sale at the
Church bazaar, priced £15 each, and from the Churchwardens and
PCC members.
All profits go directly toward the upkeep of All Saints Church.
Letter from the Vicar
Richard Winslade The Vicarage
Shillington 01462-713311
Dear Parishioners
As I write this the shops are decorated for Christmas and the shelves are full of a huge variety of possible Christmas presents. Every year the lead up to Christmas seems to get earlier and earlier. For those of you who like a wide range of choices and plenty of time to think it must be perfect. You can’t blame the shops of course they need to make as much profit as possible especially in the present financial situation. However early the shops start selling Christmas gifts we all need at some stage to organise ourselves and go out and buy our presents for our loved ones. There are many people who organise gift buying like a military operation. Every gift planned and a great deal of thought going into the perfect gift. Others are still the last minute dash on Christmas Eve. Either way the hope is that the gift will bring joy and happiness to those who receive it. The church believes that the true meaning of Christmas is about a single perfect gift given to all. The gift of the Christ child, God’s only Son sent into the world to save us from sin. Everything we do at Christmas, whether it be the village carols or our Christmas Communions, it is all there to remind us of the gift and to offer thanks and praise to the giver. This year as you purchase your gifts to give to others please consider whether the receiver should also know about the one true gift of Jesus Christ. You may also want to know more yourself. We would love to welcome you to any of our Christmas services to join in our praise and thanksgiving to God the giver of the one true gift at Christmas, Jesus Christ.
Richard
WIVES GROUP
The Wives Group has had a really enjoyable first half of their 2013/2014 programme. We
started in September with a Buffet & Social Evening when we welcomed back existing and a
new member.
On September 26th we welcomed Whizz from T.C. Shaw & Sons, who told us about
Farming in general and also when the rapeseed oil was set and then how 'Mrs
Middleton's Rape Seed Oil’ was produced. Whizz brought along some tasters with
rapeseed oil which members enjoyed. The oil was then available for members to
purchase.
In October Caroline & Pauline served us with Italian food for an 'Italian Evening'
together with a quiz about Italy.
On October 24th we thoroughly enjoyed the talk by Duncan Willox from Knowles
Bennington on 'Family Lawyers are almost Human, False Teeth, New Hips &
Woolacombe Bay. He started on a serious note telling of the work of Family
Lawyers and then branching out on the others subjects with his own self penned poems,
which had everyone laughing.
On November 14th we had to rearrange our meeting as the booked speaker was unable to
attend. A hastily arranged Social Evening with Cheese & Wine was enjoyed by all.
We are looking forward to our Christmas Party Outing in December and then to resuming
our meetings on 23rd
January 2014. We also hope to announce what is happening on our
50th Anniversary in the next edition of the Parish News.
CRAFT CLUB - CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
The Craft Club is taking a break in December and will resume meetings in the
New Year.
Next dates between 2.00 and 4.00pm:
7 and 21 January
4 and 18 February
4 and 18 March
The long term project of a panel of embroidered verses with applique/quilted illustrations is
progressing; we should complete this in 2014.
The ladies continue knitting and sewing various items, a selection of which will be on sale at
the Christmas Tree Festival - we hope to see you there!
For further details please contact Janet Worley. Tel: 01582 881824.
Visitors welcome.
WOMEN’S INSTITUTE
With the beautiful weather the WI continued to be busy during the summer
months. The trip down the River Ouse at Bedford was enjoyed very much.
Unfortunately we became cowards when making last minute arrangements for the
Summer Buffet and decided, because of an afternoon shower of rain, to hold it
inside instead of a member's garden. However, it was a lovely social evening and
members and their partners had a good time with plenty to eat and drink.
Our knitting group has embarked on making hats and scarves for the Christmas
Shoebox appeal. These items will be sent to children and young adults both
abroad and in this country who will need something to keep them warm in the
winter.
The book club welcomed a new member and we all ploughed our way
through Jamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier during the summer
break. We have also recently read Sepulchre by Kate Mosse and
Villette by Charlotte Bronte.
Our Lunch Club continues to thrive with visits to local hostelries. The next
gathering will be in January at the Dog and Badger in Maulden by which time it
is hoped that turkey is but a far off memory!
Our speaker in September was Zena Dickinson from Luton Hoo. She held us all
spellbound telling us the history of the manor from its beginnings to the present
day - all without any visual aids. Richard Dimmock, who was our speaker in
October, showed us how to make eggs, bacon, plates (virtually a full English
breakfast) out of paper! Still on 'edibles' Angela Blount came to us in November
and jogged some memories by bringing along some sweets from our youth.
Flying Saucers, sherbert dib dabs, Caramac, pear drops, rhubarb and custard.
They certainly got us talking!
December sees us making Christmas table decorations using a cup and
saucer as the base. We are also holding our annual Christmas Lunch
at Hitchin Priory. Members meet again on Thursday 9th January at
the Congregational Church at 8pm. Guests are always welcome. If
you have any queries or would like more information please call us on 711205.
Wishing everyone every good wish for Christmas and the New Year!
SHORT MAT BOWLS CLUB
Half the club membership decamped to Potters Leisure Resort in
Norfolk for the Short Mat Competitions at the end of October. With
teams from all around the country, and Belgium, fielding several
National and International players we were really up against it.
However, it was all good fun and very enjoyable.
Many members have already signed up for next year - it takes a lot to put us off!
Besides the food’s great, there are plenty of other activities to get involved in on
site and the evening entertainment is of a very high standard.
The ‘Scarecrows’ and the ‘Wickers’, our teams in the Beds and Herts winter
league at Wilstead, have started well and are hopefully on the move to the top.
An all day Charity Match at Deanshanger at the end of September saw
one of our teams reach the final only just losing out to the host club. In
addition we already have five ‘Friendly’ matches lined up for the New
Year, both at home and away.
The regular participation of the majority of members of the club is encouraging.
This is helped, of course, by our ‘In house’ league competition which began in
October, which involves eight teams playing ‘Triples’ on one mat on normal club
nights.
It is hoped that in the New Year members will be able to take advantage of some
professional coaching. Through our affiliation to Northampton Short Mat Bowls
Association negotiations are progressing towards obtaining the services of a
County coach for a few afternoon sessions at the club.
We are now very much looking forward to our Christmas Dinner and
entertainment at the ‘Live and Let Live’ in December. The club is
also supporting the Christmas Tree Festival at the Congregational
Church with our tree this year being themed and decorated for us by Ros
Lewison.
Further info from Jeff Rix (01462 711298)
SHILLINGTON HISTORY SOCIETY Shillington History Society’s web site continues to attract enquiries from far and wide
and Carl Wright from Norwich has been in touch recently about an object passed down
through several generations of his family. This is an engraved drinking glass owned by
William Giddings who was probably the landlord of the Old Red Signpost in
“Shidlingtone” around 1800. Carl took it along when the Antiques Roadshow was
filmed in Norwich in August. You may wish to watch this programme during
December to see if this item makes the final edit.
On a bitterly cold November evening when many sensible souls stayed at
home in the warm, John Whitehall gave an entertaining talk entitled
'Tales from the Graveyard' based on the Church records of burials
which have now been digitised. I won’t repeat here any of the stories
as I expect that it won’t be long before he gives this entertaining talk
again. When he does, don’t miss it.
Before that, on a rainy day in October, some of us took a short walk around part of the
village and past many of the summer's archaeological test pit sites to find out what
their contents had revealed about Shillington’s past. The pottery evidence suggests
that we can now be reasonably confident that Shillington has been inhabited for much
longer than previously thought and that the “Ends” of the village may have formed as
the population expanded in late Saxon times. If you missed it, there will be another
chance to enjoy this guided walk (entitled 'Test Pit Tales') after Christmas. On Friday,
27 December, we'll start at 10.30am from the village hall and take a short cut across
fields - so please wear suitable footwear - and finish at around 12.30pm in time for a
pint at the Crown. Please note that this event replaces the meeting scheduled for 17
December.
Looking forward to the first of March, we have arranged a visit to Ravensburgh
Castle, an important archaeological feature on a spectacular site on the hills above
Hexton - more details next time.
We would also like to dig more archaeological test pits in 2014. Any offers
of locations will be most welcome, particularly where there were none
this year in Apsley End, Hanscombe End and close to Shillington
Bury.
Please contact me if you are interested and send me your email address so I can keep
you posted with news and meeting details.
Derek Turner - 01462 712462, [email protected]
SHILLINGTON FLOWER & VEGETABLE SHOW (Saturday, 21
st September 2013
It may have been its 39th year, but I am sure those of you who attended will agree, it
was a wonderful afternoon. Thank you very much for coming along and supporting
the Show. The enthusiasm, indeed passion, behind all the entries was evident
when we saw the splendid array of fruit, vegetables, cakes and of course the
flowers.
I should make special mention too of the Children’s Entries – not so many as last year, but
the quality was stunning; and so, kids, please make a note on your iPhone calendars to enter
next year.
On behalf of the Committee I would like to thank all those who gave up their time
on the day, the judges, tea makers, table shifters, those who laid out the exhibits
and not forgetting the raffle sellers. Again, as last year, we owe a great deal to
Andrew Alsop, who organised the selling of the produce at the end of the
afternoon – “Auctioneer Extraordinaire” – thank you Andrew.
The 40th
Anniversary beckons, so keep those diaries free for next year and we will see you
there.
Colin Halsall
(Chairman – Shillington Horticultural Society)
PS and DON’T FORGET if you would like to get involved with the Society,
particularly in helping with next year’s (40th
Anniversary) Show, you would be
made more than welcome.
For more information contact Fred West (01462-711561) or Peter Watts (01462-7120801)
Registered Charity 1030391
Shillington Under Fives & High Fives Before/After School Clubs
Our team of professional, highly qualified and trained staff provide childcare from 7.30am to 6.00pm - Monday to Friday in term time for
children aged 2yrs 6mths to 9 years old. Holiday Clubs also available for children up to 12 yrs old.
Located in the grounds of Shillington Lower School.
Visit our website www.shillingtonunderfives.ik.org or call us on 07769-866286 for more information.
1ST SHILLINGTON BROWNIES
The Brownies have enjoyed a busy schedule this year.
We have visited Cadbury's World; arranged a trip to Hoo Maze in Shefford and
had a picnic in the grounds; we went to Gravenhurst for a walk
in the woods and were enchanted by the beautiful Autumn
colours of the trees and grasses, ending the evening sitting
around a campfire drinking hot chocolate and toasting
marshmallows!
We have had a "Brownies Got Talent Night", which all the Brownies participated
in, playing instruments, singing their songs or acting out a play - the talent was
fantastic!
We would like to say a big "Thank You" to Paul Douglass who
brought in some spectacular plants in the Summer and helped
Brownies earn their Gardener's Badge. Brownies took the plants home
with them - and Paul even brought enough for Leaders to take a plant
home! What a treat!
We are now looking forward to our Christmas Party - always a big event of the
Year. We are planning many outings and surprises for next year 2014 as we will
be celebrating 100 years of Brownies!
I would like to end this letter on a personal note.....
I would like to take this opportunity to thank my Leaders.......
Cathy Hardman, Julie Allum and Alice Redman
For all your dedication, fun and enthusiasm you all bring along to our meetings
"THANKS GUYS"
Donna Prestana
1st Shillington Brownies and Leaders would like to wish you all
A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS
and
A HAPPY NEW YEAR!
CBC WARD MEMBER’S REPORT for Shillington, Higham Gobion and Pegsdon Residents
So, autumn's been and gone - grinning pumpkins, amazing fireworks, brilliant blue skies for Remembrance Sunday morning - and Shillington's past, in over 500 photos….the Christmas Tree Festival and other festivities, still to come, as I write.
Now, to ongoing issues. As we all know, there has been a considerable amount of mud on the High Road as a result of the two current sites. The site managers have introduced wheel cleaning and road cleaning as a result of repeated requests from the parish council's clerk and myself. The site manager of the small courtyard site, opposite Bowles’ Garage, told me he is going to offer open days, when anyone can come along to talk to him about the development. A good idea, I think.
Talking about housing, I thought you might like a few facts about what 'affordable housing' actually means and why there is such demand here in the south east. The definition is 'accommodation provided to families who would not be able to afford market rents'. And the number of national new builds fell sharply, from 58,100 in 2011-12 to 42,830 in 2012-13. A drop of 26%, to the lowest level for eight years. This explains the urgency of our local authority to allow planning for affordable homes - and the explosion of new estates in and around our villages. As I said in a previous report, CBC states that there is no limit to this infilling, in theory. It does not make it more acceptable however to villagers who see their environment changing, as it enlarges. But, as a stranger who was warmly welcomed into this village, I believe that Shillington has the strength of heart to absorb new residents into its community and to make their lives as pleasant and fulfilled as our own are.
Scyttels Court lights - the developers have not as yet resubmitted an application. The CBC environmental officer suggested to me that down-lit bollards on this small estate would be both appropriate and sufficient. What do you think? The Highways lamp standard at the end of the passageway beside the Congregational Church was sealed off for the estate to be built - and now has no connection to any power source! Highways is investigating a way to reconnect it, but this will take some time. (Didn't take as long to disconnect it though).
And I have just found out by accident, that Amey, the contractors for CBC highways activities, have been sending their periodic emails to all CBC councillors, asking if they have any minor repairs to be done – to Iain McKilligan who resigned from this ward twelve months ago! They have now promised me to paint the kerb of the pavement from Bells Close to the junction with Church Street white, as this stretch is so dark, narrow, and the kerb is high.
Police: although the figures for recorded crime (and there may be so much UNrecorded crime that the figures could be the tip of the iceberg) - for Bedford and Luton have fallen the figure for Central Beds has risen. So an overall reduction for Bedfordshire actually hides a rise for us, the rural area of the county.
Although the Police & Crime Commissioner is set to recruit 80 new police constables - not PCSOs, his concept is still that we must organise ourselves into 'watches' - street or neighbourhood, here in the wilds. The problem seems to be that criminals from both towns enter Central Beds, do their dastardly deeds - and flee out again, uncaught!
Finally - the draft policy for permitting two wheel parking on verges or kerbs. As I said earlier, this was a contentious draft, scheduled to come back to the appropriate committee in December, having been 'tweaked'. I have just seen, in November, that the Department has announced an order prohibiting parking on any kerb or verge, except where a parish council has indicated that it wishes to permit it....do CBC left hands know what their right hands are doing, here? I have emailed the appropriate officers to find out what is happening and will keep you posted. Weather's not too bad - my cat's like a little polar bear in his white winter coat, and has taken to creeping under the duvet... let's hope this mild weather continues, but a white Christmas would be nice!
All the very best for a wonderful Christmastide,
Alison Graham PS – you can email me on [email protected] or ring 01462 713543, as
usual.
It’s always nice to receive a thank you and I would particularly like to mention two experiences recently, well deserving of thanks……..
The first is to the SHILLINGTON CARE SCHEME (07939-448360). I recently had appointment at the Lister Hospital, Hitchin which was worrying enough, let alone having to think about where to park, late appointment, getting a parking ticket, etc., so I decided to avail myself of the services of Shillington’s Care Scheme. Not only did I receive a prompt response to my call, I also received a text confirming booking and name of driver. Jo arrived promptly – we rediscovered an earlier acquaintance and I arrived in good time for the appointment in relaxed mode. The appointment was very timely and Jo was just a quick call away to come and pick me up at the door. A nice journey back in a warm car and friendly chat and a very modest donation to a village organisation….a very pleasant experience indeed and one which I shall avail myself of in the future…thank you Ida, John and the happy band of voluntary drivers !!
The second is to John Galleymore (ACRYLIC ARTS OF SHILLINGTON – 07785-584474). I hope a number of you have noticed the display at the War Memorial since Remembrance Sunday. Not only are the wreaths adding colour along with the lovely floral poppy arrangement (thank you MARY)….but John very kindly spent many hours fashioning the 35 white acrylic crosses, bearing a red poppy for all the boys listed on the memorial. A tremendous effort and they look fantastic. Thank you JOHN !
Sally Stapleton
SHILLINGTON LOWER SCHOOL
Have you thought about being a school governor ? Do you have skills in either premises management/health and safety or ICT strategy and planning ?
Shillington Lower School has a vacancy for a community governor. Community governors can be recruited from a wide cross section of the local community, and are often people who have a particular skill or area of expertise of use to the governing body.
We are a very active and committed team with a wide variety of skills between us, but there are two areas where we feel we need additional expertise.
Premises management/health and safety – we want to introduce a forward looking plan
for maintenance and redecoration so we have a good view of what will need to be done in future and can budget for it. Our new caretaker has started work on this, but as a Governing Body we need to be developing a strategy and monitoring it. In addition, our current Health and Safety governor has finished her term of office and we need someone to take on this role.
ICT strategy and planning – one of our Whole School Objectives for this year is to
develop a vision for ICT and then a plan for its implementation. ICT resources in our school are outdated and need to be fit for purpose to meet the needs of the new National Curriculum. We are desperately in need of some expertise in this area.
What does the governing body do ? The governing body acts collectively, to support the Headteacher and Staff and to act as a ‘critical friend’. You will be part of the team that sets the future direction of the school. We make decisions on matters such as performance targets, school policies and the school’s development plan. We monitor and evaluate the impact of policies and strategic initiatives and oversee the budget.
What achievements are we proud of? The school’s ‘good’ Ofsted report which commented: “The governing body is a strength of
the school” Developing the school’s new aims and objectives in partnership with other stakeholders Maintaining single age group classes Our Values Education programme The exciting range of extra curricular and enrichment opportunities available to our
children
Why me? Do any of these statements apply to you? I have some spare time and want to make a positive contribution I like being part of a team I am enthusiastic about our school and care about children’s education I want to put my time, skills and experience to good use I am a person who gets things done
Still not sure? If you would like more information, or an informal chat, contact Carol Summerfield, Chair of Governors, via the School Office on 01462 711637 or email [email protected]
RAMBLING on with Derek Turner Derek Turner – 01462-712462 - [email protected]
It is customary in December to say that the following year will be an important one and
2014 merits that title as well as any because of the referendum for Scottish
independence. There is a real possibility that Scotland will become a separate nation
for the first time since 1707 and that the rest of us will live in a country similar in
extent to that ruled by Elizabeth the first. So what has this got to do with Shillington?
At one level, possibly not much. If it comes, independence north of the
Cheviots may be largely symbolic. Arrangements for currencies, trade,
defence and a host of other factors affecting relations with the rest of the
United Kingdom may end up little different to what would happen under the proposal
for ‘enhanced devolution’ should the referendum fail to deliver separation. However,
the principle that more power should be devolved from Westminster is one that we
should all welcome. Most other countries give their local authorities far more freedom
than happens here. So in France where power was decentralised in 1982, the régions,
départements and communes can carry out their affairs without government meddling.
The Länder of Germany and the States in America all have far more autonomy than
our local councils do. In recent decades, UK governments of all persuasions have
imposed restrictions on what they can do and threatened those that spend more than the
government thinks is right with caps and surcharges, despite piling on them more and
more responsibilities.
The continuing deterioration of our roads and cutbacks in welfare services testify to the
widening gap between what councils such as Central Bedfordshire could do and what
they are allowed to do. It would be a big boost for democracy if local authorities had
more power. Where this is the case, as in the countries I’ve mentioned above, turnout
at local elections is far higher because voters feel that their choice matters. In the UK,
more and more people make a conscious effort not to vote because they feel - quite
justly in many cases - that it won’t make any difference.
As I write, bookies are offering increasingly long odds that the Scottish Nationalists
will succeed in their bid for independence but it won’t surprise me if the result is much
closer than many people think.
Around the globe, a host of new countries have emerged since 1990 - 15 from
the fragmentation of the USSR and 7 from the former Yugoslavia whilst the
Czech Republic and Slovakia have separated. German re-unification is a
rare example to the contrary. Whatever the voters in Scotland decide, the
way our democracy functions will be under the spotlight in 2014 and that
can only be good for all of us.
PLOUGHING ON………. A Farmer’s Perspective ! by Whizz – T.C. Shaw & Sons
A couple of weeks ago, I discovered that if I stood on my tiptoes in our kitchen in Pegsdon, I could see the firework display in Shillington perfectly and what a show it was! I was so impressed that I kept whooping to myself and doing the typical “oooh...aaah…” noises after each burst of fiery colour. I saw a good variety of firework displays this year, without ever actually getting to one in
person. On 5th November I drove back up from Cornwall, leaving at 6pm, so my entire journey was interspersed with bold and bright sprays of colour.
The farm came to a standstill over the past couple of weeks, as the ground is incredibly wet and sticky. We have, however, just got going again and this morning the tractors were out in force. We have been spreading solid fertiliser onto the crops to help them get their necessary nutrients. Our new technology means that we base the applications on the information gathered from soil tests and the yields from the previous harvest. Contour maps are created which indicate the areas that need more or less fertiliser. This data is uploaded onto the tractor’s computer and the spreader automatically adjusts the amount that is applied to correlate with the nutrients required.
Blackgrass is a terribly aggressive weed and farmers spend thousands each year trying to eradicate it. This Autumn the wet weather has worked to our advantage on one of the blocks of land that we farm. It has a horrendous blackgrass problem and last year the yield in one field was greatly reduced by the competitive weeds. After we combined the wheat during harvest, we waited for the field to green up and then sprayed it to kill the blackgrass plants that were growing, therefore shrinking the plant population that would subsequently grow in the crop. Now that we’ve had so much rain we still haven’t been able to drill this season’s wheat. The benefit of this is that the blackgrass has tried to grow four times and four times we have sprayed it off. Each time we have sprayed it, we would have killed between 150 and 200 plants per metre squared. Every plant will have several seed heads and each one of these can have up to 600 seeds. These simple statistics show why it is so important to control blackgrass.
I had an interesting evening on Saturday, selling our rapeseed oil at a local school’s Christmas fair. I took along a bag of rapeseed as well as a handful of the co-product, which is rapemeal in pellet form. When processing cold-pressed rapeseed oil, one tonne of seed produces approximately 350 litres of oil and around 600kg of rapemeal. This is a good source of nutrition for livestock and our latest batch is being eaten by the handsome Herefords on our farm at Pirton. I printed a photograph of a cow and explained it all to the children, whilst they
were busy dunking bread in the dishes of oil and pesto. They were fascinated and found it amazing that it all came from the bright yellow fields that they see around them. This, to me, is such an important aspect of farming. Luckily it is becoming very trendy to buy and eat local food, and this should go hand in hand with educating children about where their food comes from and how each crop becomes a meal on their plate. East Anglian vegetables are fantastic and only this evening we had homemade coleslaw made from local beetroot, carrots & cabbage.
Last weekend we raided the Pegsdon hedgerows and as a result have made a cracking batch of sloe gin. Three bottles are stewing away in our pantry and each day I creep in to see how much darker and gloopier the gin has become.
Millie prefers picking blackberries, as she has perfected the “one for the bag, one for me” technique, but sadly they’re nearly all gone now. Miraculously though, we picked our final few tomatoes a couple of days ago which is definitely a record. Admittedly our patio was bursting with tomato plants all summer but we’ve never managed to keep them going until nearly December. We had such a glut that I slow roasted some a month or so ago and then preserved them in oil.
They are bursting with flavour and mean that we can keep enjoying the tangy tomatoes all through the winter.
BEDFORDSHIRE POLICE COMMUNITY SPEED WATCH
Community Speed Watch is an initiative whereby members of the community volunteer to
address speeding issues identified within the local community. Following concerns from local
residents about speeding in the village we are looking for volunteers to become a part of
Community Speedwatch. Speed is a contributory factor in some road collisions and
experience from other Police areas show that Community Speed Watch activity can reduce
traffic speed.
Community Speed Watch groups monitor traffic speeds using Speed Indication Devices at
locations that have been checked and approved by the Local Policing Team.
The group wear high visibility jackets and are clearly visible to the speeding motorist as they
monitor the speed of traffic at specific locations. Standard procedures will then be used to
identify the registered keeper and cross reference it against previous records. For the
speeding motorist who passes through the device travelling at 35 mph and above, for the
first offence a warning letter will be sent, for a second offence a final warning letter will be
sent. Persistent offenders will be targeted for police enforcement. Offenders who have
been recorded at travelling far in excess of the speed limit have been visited by either me of
Sergeant Andy Rivers of the Local Policing Team.
Community Speed watch is designed to be part of awareness and education programme around
speeding vehicles and no enforcement action is taken by the volunteers. Community speed
watch activity is complementary to, and not a replacement of conventional Police speed
enforcement that continues to take place in the village.
There will be some training provided on equipment and Health and Safety etc which will take
place at a convenient time at police headquarters. Please feel free to contact me on the
details below if you would like more information about Community Speedwatch or wish to join
this new group.
PCSO 4827 JULIET WRIGHT
LOCAL POLICING TEAM AMPTHILL & FLITWICK
01234-842613
LIFESTYLE By Revd. Angus McCormick 01462- 712096
Minister of Shillington Congregationalist Church
Open every Sunday from 10.30 am
I read a story about young John who went to his uncle who lived in a big house for the weekend. His uncle loved a party and had gone out the night his nephew arrived. The following morning young John joined his uncle at their large breakfast table. Young John said to his uncle,’why do you keep the dog?’ His uncle said it was to eat the sausages of course.
Many are the parties at Christmas time. I’ve grown up enjoying the parties at church and within a wide family circle. Church gave us music, drama and games at no extra cost; friends and a routine that set boundaries to life. It was not a false life that we dipped into when it suited but a commitment for better or worse seven days a week. The commitment meant that church activities took precedence over others and worship was central. Sermons were for thinking and inspiring us as well as giving us examples of those who cared and those had made sacrifices to follow a non-selfish way of life.
Many of the ideas in sermons were for discussing and no preacher expected us to simply accept all that was said though in many other churches it was different. We usually called many of the other preachers fundamentalists who wanted to take Bible readings literally and not interpret it for our time.
Rosamund Praeger was one of the local people we knew. If you go to the Giant’s Causeway you can go nearby to the Causeway school where you will see a plaster on the wall done by Rosamund of the ‘Children of Lir’. This is the story of children who were turned into swans. Rosamund carved pictures of many famous people but lived an ordinary life in county Down. She donated a field of land as a recreation area for children to play in and also gave a large sum of money to the NSPCC among many other good works.
Today we see people going hungry with the Red Cross offering food parcels in our land. We know hospital care, school places and welfare costs can overwhelm many people in our land. The cost of public inquiries exceed sums of money that most of us cannot conceive to achieve justice.
Sacrificial giving and a lifestyle to go with it is rare now. We dip into doing good when we feel like it and we wish for standards so long as it doesn’t make us commit personally for a lifetime to these standards. We hear of MPs and councillors who are claiming huge expenses.
I always enjoyed the parties knowing that it was part of normal life and nothing was thrown away afterwards; the poor and sick were provided for; the minister lived frugally depending on whatever he was given, respected for giving up careers in making money and helping without counting the cost. Those who made the money didn’t wait till they no longer needed it but gave help at sacrificial levels to themselves. There was a common sense of mutual respect built on a common lifestyle.
Our places of worship were simple and we found courage when dangers and despair came but loads of sympathy with others in their woes. Success also came in the silent time of prayer and I’m reminded of that carol – Silent Night.
Happy Christmas,
Angus
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH NEWS 47 Church Street, Shillington
www.shillingtoncong-church.org.uk
Christmas Tree Festival: As I am writing for this edition, we are
on the eve of our annual event for 2013. It has been for many years now
that we decorate our Church with the help of a lot of friends and
businesses with Christmas Trees and Displays. We open our Church
with NO entrance charge, we just ask for a donation for the charity
which the Church is sponsoring. There is also a raffle and a teddy bear
tombola and refreshments are served throughout the weekend.
Now if you don't already know all this and are reading the Parish News for the first
time, you would have missed our festival. This year we are supporting "The Bedford
and District Cerebral Palsy Society" and "The Stroke Association". If you have missed
the festival, but would like to give a donation then you are still able - you
can drop it in at the Church or give it to anyone associated with our
Church. The cheques will be given to representatives of both charities at
the United Service at our Church on Sunday, 29th December at 11am. At
this service we will be singing many Carols and everyone is most welcome to join in
worship at the end of the year.
Socials: 7th December is our Christmas social and on 25th January
we will be celebrating Burn's Night. On 15th February we will be
celebrating Valentine's Day. Each social commences at 7pm. and you
are most welcome to come along. As seats sell out very quickly please
make sure your name is on the list.
Lunch Clubs: In December we just have one Lunch Club and this will
be on Friday, 13th December beginning at 12:30pm. Turkey and all the
trimmings are on the menu. In January the dates are Friday, 3rd
January and Thursday, 16th. In February - Thursday, 6th and Friday
21st. These all begin at 12:30p.m.
To book you seats for any of these events call Angela on 01462-850266, leave your
name and phone number and your call will be acknowledged.
Sunday Services: We worship every Sunday at 10:30a.m. (except for
the United Service on 29th December). You are always welcome to join
with us Refreshments are always served after each service.
IS THERE BETRAYAL IN PAYING FOR CARE?
Ron Bradstreet ( 01462-711486) E-mail: [email protected]
Who should pay for care in old age? Should the money come from taxes or should the individual pay from their own assets, possibly selling their home to do so. A question most folk would like to avoid. The Dilnot report, sponsored by the Government, was published in the summer of 2011. He came out with a compromise; some from tax and some from the individual. Dilnot decided to raise the level of individual assets allowed and to place a cap on how much an individual would have to pay towards care, regardless of how wealthy they were. Previously anyone with assets of £23,250 received no help. They would have to pay for their care until their assets fell below that limit. Other benefits were allowed, but a contribution below £23,250 was still required. Dilnot raised the limit from £23,250 to £100,000 and contributions would start at £14,251, but if assets exceeded £100,000 all fees would be paid by the individual.
In summer this year the government announced reforms to the existing arrangements for paying for care. These were a cap of £72,000 on the cost of care, after that the state will pay. An increase from £23,250 to £118,000 in the assets an individual can have and still be able to receive contributions to the cost of care. A promise that no-one would have to sell their home in order to pay for care. The new scheme would begin on 1st April 2016. But none of these changes is quite how they may read in the first place.
Once a person has paid £72,000 to a care home it does not mean the state will pay thereafter. The individual will have to pay more. There are several reasons why. The £72,000 covers only the cost of care. There is the cost of accommodation and meals. Board and lodging will be capped at about £11,500 per annum and will still have to be paid even when the care cost has been paid. Also the cap is based on what the local authority is prepared to pay per week for care. The care home may charge more, so the person concerned will have to meet the difference. The local authority will pay £72,000 divided by their rate and will start paying when this period is up. The individual may have to pay for this period at a higher price so, there may be extra to pay, which could be £10.000 - £20,000 more. These are big numbers. On top of that, the local authority will only pay its rate when the cap is reached. So the individual will have to pay the difference if the home charges a higher rate.
Under the present arrangements no-one can be forced to sell their home to pay for care. A person with an empty home can make a deferred payment arrangement under which the local authority pays the bill. When the individual dies the debt is paid by the estate. No interest is charged on the debt whilst the person is in care.
The Government has now issued the Care Bill and things appear to have changed. During the report stage in the House of Lords it was revealed that the Deferred Payment Scheme will only apply to those individuals with less than £23,250 in assets. This will mean a large number of folk requiring residential care will need to sell their homes to pay for it. This magazine is not the place to enter into political arguments, so sticking to Government statements, ministers have admitted that up to 40,000 people might have to sell their homes every year, totally in contempt of the promises made when the Bill was presented at the consultation stage. The Government’s consultation paper said they will protect people from having to sell their homes to pay for their residential care in their lifetime by introducing a universal deferred payment scheme. Many of the reports on this subject see this as “betrayal”. However you see this, it is important to understand the situation as it stands now.
ANNUAL FESTIVE DRINK DRIVE CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES
County borders will cease to exist when a month-long campaign combating drink and drug driving over the festive season starts today across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire.
The campaign, which launches nationally on Sunday December 1 and runs up until January 1, 2013, aims to inform motorists of the consequences of drinking or taking drugs and
then getting behind the wheel. It also serves to warn anyone tempted that if they do drink and drive, they are very likely to be caught and arrested.
Officers, who are also working closely with Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk forces will be carrying out breath tests and, where relevant, Field Impairment Tests* (FIT) to all drivers involved in any road collisions they attend. They will also be on the lookout for any suspicious driving and will stop and check anyone suspected of committing a driving offence, as part of their usual patrols.
Advice and enforcement activity will also be passed directly to the public via Twitter on @roadpoliceBCH. A new telephone reporting line** in Hertfordshire will also join dedicated lines already operating in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire for people to call in and report drink and drug drivers.
Chief Inspector Richard Hann, from the joint Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Roads Policing Unit, said: “We are supporting this national campaign to raise awareness amongst drivers that any alcohol in your system can impair your judgement, cause difficulty assessing road conditions and ultimately cause a serious collision. Individuals’ reaction times will be slower and they are less likely to observe what’s going on around them.
There is no safe drink drive limit, so if you want to enjoy a drink this Christmas, then make sure you have organised a way to get home, either through a designated non-drinker, public transport or a taxi. It is also important to remember that alcohol will stay in your system for a while and depending on the amount of alcohol you have consumed, it is often still unsafe to drive the following morning even after a good night’s sleep.”
Because of the tri-force Roads Policing Unit the borders between the three counties cease to exist making it easy for traffic officers to follow suspected drunk drivers anywhere across the region. Chief Inspector Hann added; “We are stopping people round the clock, so don’t think you’ll be able to get away with drink driving because it is the morning time and police are not likely to be out and about. This is not the case.”
Police are also working with the Courts and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to expedite some drink drive cases to court during the campaign which could mean that those found guilty could lose their licence before Christmas.
Police advise the following alternatives to drink driving:
If you have to take the car, make sure you stick to non-alcoholic drinks rather than having one glass of wine or a pint of beer and hoping you’ll be under the legal limit – you can’t calculate your limit so don’t try to.
Take it in turns for one of your party to be the designated driver on nights out. Leave the car at home and use public transport or take a registered taxi - why not
pre-book one with a reputable company before you go out. Stick to soft drinks – it tends to be a cheaper alternative as well as helping you avoid
that ‘morning after the night before’ feeling.
If you are found to be driving while under the influence of drink or drugs you can face:
A minimum of a 12-month disqualification, as well as a fine and/or imprisonment. The offence of causing death by careless driving whilst under the influence of drink
or drugs now carries a maximum penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment and a disqualification of at least two years.
The legal alcohol limit for driving is 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood but there is no failsafe guide to the amount of alcohol that a driver can safely consume. The amount and type of alcoholic drink, the weight, sex and metabolism of the driver all play a part. Any amount of alcohol affects driving ability – a motorist’s ability to judge speed and distance may be impaired, their reaction times may be slowed and their judgement of risk seriously affected.
The county’s anti-drink-driving campaign supports the national initiative by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) which runs from December 1 to January 1.
**People can get involved in the campaign by supplying police with information about drink and drug drivers via the confidential reporting line.
Bedfordshire – 101 Cambridgeshire – 0800 032 0845 Hertfordshire – 01707 354111
*A FIT comprises an examination of the eye pupils and four psycho physical tests which indicates whether a person’s ability to drive is impaired.
Drink and drug driving statistics will be collated throughout the coming month and will be made available in January.
ALL SAINTS’ ILLUMINATED
To celebrate or commemorate your special occasion please contact:
01462-711850 (Catherine)
It only costs £25 to sponsor a whole week’s illumination – a perfect way to
commemorate a special family occasion or loved one’s anniversary.
The ideal gift for the person who has everything.
DATE MESSAGE SPONSOR 22 Dec- 4 Jan
We wish you all a peaceful Christmas and a happy new year
All Saints’ Church
SHILLINGTON FOOTBALL & SOCIAL CLUB,
top of GREENFIELDS, SHILLINGTON
SATURDAY, 21ST
DECEMBER 2013 – from 7.30pm
PLANNING APPLICATIONS
DECISIONS from CENTRAL BEDFORDSHIRE COUNCIL:
CB/13/03146/FULL. Miss H Dolby, 19 Church Street Refurbishment and extension to existing garden building to form an office/studio
APPROVED 28.10.13
NEW/REVISED APPLICATIONS:
CB/13/02594/FULL. FC Dawes & Son Ltd, 25 High Road. Change of Use: Residential to Office and Storage ancillary to garage use of the site
CB/13/03940/FULL & CB/13/03938/LB. Mr J Penasa, 4 Shillington Bury, Upton End Road, Listed Building: replace existing garden room.
INFORMATION/CORRESPONDENCE:
Electoral Commission consultation on the rules around standing for elections running until 18 December 2013. Available to view at www.electoralcommission.org.uk
Public consultation on Central Bedfordshire’s admission arrangements for Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools from 2015/16 running until 20 January 2014. Available to view at www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/consultations .
Public consultation on proposed changes to housing allocations policy in Central Bedfordshire running until 31 January 2014. Document available to view at www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/consultations .
‘HAWKINS OF HITCHIN’
NIGHT OF FOOD & FASHION
At The Live & Let Live, Pegsdon
Wednesday, 11th
December – 7.30pm
Curry Buffet or
Fish & Chips - £10
In aid of the NSPCC
Everyone will receive a 10% off EVERYTHING Vouchers from Hawkins of Hitchin
Book now to avoid disappointment
01582-881739
Having difficulty collecting prescriptions from the GP?
Getting to the hospital or surgery a problem for you ?
Need help with shopping ? Form filling a difficult task ?
If you answer YES to any of the above questions
Call Shillington Care on 07939-448360
Normally we will answer your call directly. If we can’t there will be a message saying
you have reached us at Shillington Care. Leave a message with your name and phone
number and we will then call you back within two hours and ask how we can help.
If you have an emergency or if there is a difficulty with the new number, or if you
would like to find out how to join our volunteers,
just call Ida (711814) or John (711084)
USEFUL CONTACT NUMBERS
Central Bedfordshire Council, Priory House, Monks Walk, Chicksands, Shefford Bedfordshire, SG17 5TQ. (www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk) General enquiries .....................................................................0300 300 8000 ([email protected])
Highways Helpline ………………………………………….…0300-300-8049 (pavements, potholes, road maintenance, gritting, street lights)
Waste collections/recycling/fly tipping/abandoned vehicles/dog warden services ………….….…………………………………..……..0300-300-8631/0300-300-8632
Planning ............................................................... 0300-300-8692/0300-300-8670
Police (Emergency) ………………………………………………999 Bedfordshire Police ……………………………………….……..101
(non emergency calls, but to report incidents) Police SNT Ampthill & Flitwick .…………………………….…. 01234-842613 Shillington Streetwatch Co-ordinator……………………….…..01462-711108
Trading Standards (Bogus Caller Hotline) ………….…….......08454 040506 .
Anglian Water ………………………………………………….…08457-145145 (water and sewage queries and problems)
Bus Information ………………….………..……0870-608-2608 or 01234-228337
Parish Councillors – contact details: Sue Chalmers via Clerk to Council
John Clark 01462 711446
Alison Graham 01462 713543
Tony Howells 01582 881611
David Middleton via Clerk to Council
David Mott 01462 711222
David Simkins 01462 711209
Helen Smith 01462 711714
Sally Stapleton 07711 504489
Derek Turner 01462 712462
SHILLINGTON BABY AND TODDLER GROUP REGISTERED CHARITY 1054966
Hello! Please feel welcome to join us on Fridays in term-time at the
Village Hall, High Road, Shillington
from 9.30am to 11.30am
We provide toys, books and activities that we rotate weekly, for
children from 0 to 4 years as well as a relaxed, friendly atmosphere for parents
& carers to meet others and enjoy a tea or coffee while their children socialise!
As parents, we know how daunting it can be to walk into a group of unfamiliar faces,
so if you would like to meet a friendly member of the committee beforehand,
please give Steph a call on the number below.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
£1 per adult and £1 per child aged over 6 months
Cost, includes refreshments – drink, healthy snacks & biscuit!
Contact Steph on 07779 823883/01462 713737
Please note, we have toddler sized tables, chairs, ride on bikes, plastic
slides, rockers, and soft blocks – should you wish to hire them for
birthday parties and other occasions.
REGISTERED CHARITY 1054966
We are pleased to announce that we have been awarded a National Lottery Grant
to improve the current equipment that we have!
Please do come along and feel free to bring your friends !
SHILLINGTON BABY AND
TODDLER GROUP
VILLAGE FACILITIES
Looking for an evening venue for your organisation ?
SHILLINGTON SCHOOL
has a large hall available for hire on weekday evenings.
For further information and an opportunity
to view the facility, telephone the School
on 01462-711637
SHILLINGTON
FOOTBALL & SOCIAL CLUB Greenfields, Shillington
07834-556020 / 07785-584474. FREE WiFi to Club Members
Usual Opening Hours:
Mon – 7.30 pm : Fri – 8.00 pm : Sat – arranged evenings Sun – 12 til 4 pm
find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/shillingtonsocialclub
Licensed bar with a variety of beers at social club prices – a £1 a pint less than most public houses.
FREE MUSIC – book your parties – birthdays – christenings - anniversaries - reunions, etc.
Regular Artistes and Fund Raising Events and a great Pool Table
Fresh filter coffee while you are passing, or for a warm up after watching a football match.
The Club is an amenity for the village, why not pop in for a drink or even better ……….become a CLUB MEMBER.
SSHHIILLLLIINNGGTTOONN VVIILLLLAAGGEE HHAALLLL
All enquiries :
contact the BOOKING CLERK on 0011446622--771111777722 bbeettwweeeenn 1100..0000 aamm aanndd 44..0000 ppmm
iiff nnoo rreeppllyy pplleeaassee lleeaavvee mmeessssaaggee oonn aannsswweerrpphhoonnee
Stage - Small Committee Room –Kitchen and Bar Facilities
Disabled access & toilet.
Children’s Parties Discos/Dances Meetings Table Top Sales Exhibitions Keep Fit
Occasional Separate Use of Car Park by Prior Arrangement only.
VILLAGE CALENDAR
DECEMBER
7 All Saints Church – Xmas Bazaar – Village Hall – 2.00pm
7 Congregational Church Social – Christmas Dinner – 7.00pm
7 Sports & Social Club – Ladies Night (& Shaking Shack Disco) – 7.30pm
8 All Saints’ Church – Christingle Service – 4.00pm
11 Hawkins of Hitchin – Fashion Show – Live & Let Live from 7.30pm
12-14 All Saints’ Church – Christmas Float around the Village
13 Congregational Church – Christmas Lunch – 12.30pm
14 Public Exhibition – Community Development Project – Village Hall – 10 to 3
15 All Saints’ Church – Village Carol Service – 6.00pm
21 Shillington Social Club – Christmas Party with live band & disco from 7.30pm
24 All Saints’ Church – Christmas Eve – Midnight Mass – 11.30pm
25 All Saints’ Church – Christmas Day - Family Eucharist – 9.30am
27 History Society – Test Pit Tales- A guided walk - meet at village hall at 10.30am
29 Joint Church Service – Congregational Church -
JANUARY 2014
3 Congregational Church – Lunch Club – 12.30pm
6 Playing Field Management Committee Meeting – Social Club - 8.00pm
7 Craft Club - Congregational Church – 2.00-4.00pm
7 Parish Council Meeting – Congregational Church – 7.45pm
16 Congregational Church – Lunch Club – 12.30pm
21 Craft Club – Congregational Church – 2.00-4.00pm
23 Wives Group – New Year’s Party – Congregational Church – 7.45pm
25 Congregational Church Social – Burns Night – 7.00pm
FEBRUARY
4 Craft Club – Congregational Church – 2.00-4.00pm
4 Parish Council Meeting – Congregational Church – 7.45pm
6 Congregational Church – Lunch Club – 12.30pm
15 Congregational Church Social – Valentine’s Day – 7.00pm
18 Craft Club – Congregational Church – 2.00-4.00pm
21 Congregational Church – Lunch Club – 12.30pm
27 Wives Group - 'Canine Partners' - Congregational Church - 7.45pm.
MARCH
1 History Society - Ravensburgh Castle guided walk
4 Parish Council Meeting – Congregational Church – 7.45pm
13 Wives Group – Social Evening – Congregational Church – 7.45pm
27 Wives Group - 'Looking for Polar Bears' with Paul Heley - Con.Ch. 7.45p.m.
