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SLIP END & District PARISH NEWSSLIP END & District PARISH NEWS October 2009 50p where soldOctober 2009 50p where sold
Is this a record? At over 14 feet high, Paul Goodaker‟s remarkable
triffidossia goodakerii specimen cuts out the daylight
in Front Street. Shortly after the picture was taken the sunflower lunged, enveloping the unfortunate Mr
Goodaker into its lethal, pythonesque embrace. A
neighbouring Sunflower expert (who wishes to maintain her anonymity while the matter is sub
judice) fears that Paul had been illegally cultivating
the carnivorous Amazonian Creeper variety!
St Andrew’s Café Church took place on Sunday
13th September. Photos show some of the ladies
hard at work solving the quiz: Nick & Emma Sweetman with son Harry enjoying their cooked
breakfast and some children with Mary,
guessing fruits by touch. More details of the ‘fruity’ session inside .
Whilst ‘not on the map’ for those who
walked in Bedford in support of the
Historic Churches, the Guadwara Sikh Temple was a spectacular diversion..
Sue Briggs, Jill Acton & Diane Casemore pounded 10 miles through Luton in aid of
the Pasque Hospice at their Midnight
Walk on 6th September.
They are pictured with Billy Byrne the DIY/SOS electrician, who started the race
and gave out bottles of water along the
way. Finally, he was there at the finish to present the girls with medals.
More inside.
The Relay for Life race took place at Stockwood Park on
Saturday 19th September. We
had at least 3 survivors from Slip End who had been
encouraged to join in the first
lap of the race course: Janet, Margaret and Pauline seen
here. The race was started by
Kelvin Hopkins (below) and the teams raced throughout the day
and night, even sleeping in tents
whilst fellow team members
continued with the race. There
were lots of activities on the day
including workshops and music and even a little Elvis singing.
More inside.
New residents in Black Pit field Mary Barker spotted a pair of donkies
happily grazing alongside Felix
McDade’s sheep and cattle.
HALLS
Village Hall: 723109
Peter Edwards Hall: 767916
COMMUNITY
Brownies: 723109
Beavers: 0795 6833488
Cubs: 414157
Fly Tipping (CBC): 0300 300 8000
Friendship Club: 452978
Slip End Assoc: 414796
Mother’s Union: 738435
Playgroup: 728865
Toddler Group 405931
Allotments: 736892
FoSELS (PTA):
Tracey Burgess 07767731187
Women’s Institute: 421034
Police: 473462
Aircraft noise: 395382
Water leaks: 0845 7823333
SPORT
Bowling Club: 412506
Tennis: 733253
Darts League: 425323
Football: 418494
Cricket: 414157
CHURCHES
St Andrew’s Church Rev Joy Daniel 01582 424363
Wardens: Tony Willson 482681
Susan Wiltshire 725984
Aley Green Methodist Church Minister: Rev Philip Horner
Senior Steward: Ann Meader 733668
SHOPS & SERVICES At the Crossroads, telephone 401069
Monday to Friday 6.30 to 21.00 Saturday 7.00 to 21.00 - Sunday 7.30 to 21.00
Garage: Slip End Garage, Markyate Road, telephone 456888
The Parish @ Large
Website: slipend.co.uk
SCHOOLS Slip End Lower: 720152
Caddington Village School: 726058
Streetfield: 613421
Ashton: 663511
Manshead: 608641
PARISH COUNCILLORS Stephen Fuell: 417792
Philip Penman: 455185
Geoff Daniel: 424363
Ken Crossett 414168
Janet Crawley: 07752 902070
Sarah Minnighan
Paul Cooper
CLERK TO THE PARISH COUNCIL
Nikki West: 402312 (9am to noon weekdays)
CENTRAL BEDS COUNCIL: 0300 300 8000
CENTRAL BEDS COUNCILLOR Richard Stay: 724685
Ruth Gammons
MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT
Margaret Moran: 01582 731882
ALEY GREEN METHODIST CHURCH
Services and Diary dates for October
Sunday 4th 11.00am Morning Service - Rev Bob Forrest
11.00am Sunday School
6.00pm Prayer Service - Rev Phil Horner
Wednesday 7th 7.30pm Bible Study - Rev Bob Forrest
Saturday 10th 12.00pm Autumn Fayre
Sunday 11th 11.00am Morning Service - Bob Squires
11.00am Sunday School
Sunday 18th 11.00am Morning Service - Jan Rollings
11.00am Sunday School
Mon 19th 7.30pm Fellowship Meeting - Mike Bull
Wed 21st 7.30pm Coffee Evening in aid of NOAH
Sunday 25th 11.00am Morning Service - Rev Phil Horner
11.00am Sunday School
November
Sunday 1st 11.00am Junior Mission for All Sunday,
blessing of „Link Romania‟ shoeboxes - Jo Prowse.
The Yard Sale in August raised £60 for the
running of our Church and diminished our
„stock‟ a little.
The money donated to the Church in memory
of Ivy Tarrant was put towards our new
Children‟s Christian Book Lending Library:
very fitting because of Ivy‟s love of books
and reading.
Autumn Fayre
Do pop along to our Autumn Fayre on
Saturday 10th, all the usual stalls and we will
be serving lunches and teas. The Sunday
School children will be running their own
challenge stall, so come and join the „Fun of
the Fayre‟
Study
Our Bible Studies & Fellowship meetings are
open to all Christians & Seekers alike, do
come along and sample these lively, friendly
meetings. You can sit and observe, you will
not be forced to take an active part if you
don‟t want to, we promise.
This month‟s Coffee Evening will be in aid of
NOAH and there will be a selection of
Jewellery for sale and a display of Phoenix
Cards. I was reminded recently that Christmas
is just 12 weeks away!
Welcome!
We are overjoyed that we have welcomed a
new child into our Sunday School, there‟s
still room for more! It has also been good to
see new faces at our services, fellowships &
bible studies.
In a troubled world it‟s refreshing to find
Someone who still has the time to be kind
Someone who still has the faith to believe
That the more you give the more you receive
Someone who‟s ready by thought, word or deed
To reach out a hand in the hour of need.
A warm welcome awaits you at Aley Green,
come and see. May God bless you all.
Ann Meader
Weddings & Christenings Looking for something special that won’t break the bank ?
We provide a wish tree and handmade tags designed to co-ordinate with your Wedding/Christening colours or theme. Guests write their best wishes for the bride and groom/new baby and then hang the tag onto the wish tree, creating a stunning display at your reception. Tags are then collected and presented in a pretty handmade album, the perfect keepsake to remember your special day!
Phone Liz on 07968718468 or email [email protected] Samples available to view
A Musical Evening at St Andrew’s Church
Saturday 28th November, 7.30pm
Peter R. Scrivener (Clarinet & Saxophones) Karl Scrivener (Guitar)
Hannah Scott (Flute) assisted by Marc Watson (Library & Audio)
Tickets: £6 Available from the Vicar (01582 424363) Or Peter Scrivener (01582 726126)
“Ballads, blues & a touch of soul”
SLIP END SCOUT TROOP
After many years searching, Slip End
Scout Group now has a Scout Troop for
those cubs who would like to continue their
scouting beyond the leaving age of 10½.
We are lucky to have the services of Scout
Leader Steve Gaunt and Assistant Scout
Leader Hannah Gladman: both are
experienced leaders. Wayne Bracey will be
joining them, moving on from Cubs. Many
fun and challenging activities are promised
over the coming months. The Troop meets at
the Peter Edwards Hall on Friday evenings
between 7pm and 9pm during term time.
The Troop started on the 18th of September,
with eleven boys and girls attending. For a
month this will operate on a „Come and See‟
basis with an investiture at the end of this
period for those who wish to commit.
If you would like to know more about
Scouting in general or more specifically our
Scout Troop log on to www.scoutbase.org.uk
No previous scouting experience is
necessary, so come and see us on Friday
evenings.
WARNING:
Only those boys and girls with
a sense of adventure need apply!
Mike Hockey
Group Scout Leader
01582 414157
WOMEN’S INSTITUTE
It was our 54th Birthday last month so we all
sat down to a supper of cold meats & salads,
fruit salad, various gateaux, cheese &
biscuits, fine wine & soft drinks. We invited
visitors from our group and several ladies
came along from the surrounding
villages. After enjoying all that, there was
birthday cake and coffee!
Relaxing, we were then entertained by Steve
Ashby Howe, Magician. This was based
largely on J.K. Rowling‟s Harry Potter
books.
Sue, our chairman, gave us information on
what was happening in the future, which
included a group meeting in October plus
various Christmas meetings.
We run craft afternoons on Mondays from
2.15pm to 4.00pm which, with tea and
biscuits, comes at £1. You can have a really
enjoyable couple of hours, if you are looking
for something to do or somewhere to go.
On October 20th there will be a talk by a
member of the British Legion. Then on
November 17th „Old Toys‟, a talk by Paul
Bullimore
Come along, you‟ll be sure of a warm
welcome. We meet on the third Tuesday of
every month at 7.30 at Caddington Baptist
Hall.
Sheila Coleman
Hannah & Steve
FLAMSTEAD WAR MEMORIAL PROJECT SLIP END CONNECTIONS
In November 2007 a project was begun to
create a permanent record of the lives and
sacrifice of fifty-one men connected with the
village of Flamstead who gave their lives in
the two World Wars. Thirty eight of these
men (including six from the Second World
War) are named on the Village War
Memorial and our research so far has
identified a further thirteen with strong links
to the village.
Whilst we have been able to establish quite a
bit of information on each of these men we
would be delighted to hear from anyone who
might have any links to any of those listed or
have any other knowledge of any of them.
We would, of course, be more than happy to
share any details we have so far discovered.
So far we have been able to establish that at
least six of the men had links to Slip End
Horace Day was born in Slip End
Arthur Flitton had a Brother who died
in Slip End
William Ginger is named on the
Slip End War Memorial
George Flitton, Walter Robinson
& William Souster all lived at Slip End
The plan is to create a written record of both
the home and the military lives of these men
so that future generations can remember their
sacrifice. This, we hope, will continue the
importance of the War Memorial and what it
represents.
If you wish to see a brief outline of what has
been discovered so far, please go to the
following webpage:
http://www.flamsteadpc.btik.com/
documents/1964068291.ikml
The surnames we are researching are :
WW1
Andrews, Armstrong, Baldwin, Barrow,
Batchelor, Cain, Clark, Cook, Coot, Coote,
Curl, Day, Draper, Dyer, Featum (or
Feetham), Fensom, Flitton, Ginger, Godfrey,
Harris, Impey, Jackson, Kitchener, Lee,
Peacock, Peddar, Riley, Robinson, Silvester,
Smith, Souster, Stevens and White.
WW2: Bandy, Batchelor, Harvey, Horwood,
Morton and Tuckey
If anyone has any knowledge or information
on any of these families then we would be
delighted to hear from them by
e-mail at:
or by calling the co-ordinator:
Simon Goodwin
(01582) 842162.
Farmstead War Memorial
SHIRLEY KNAPTION CELEBRATIONS
Many Happy Returns Shirley!
Shirley‟s 75th birthday celebrations were
held in the Village Hall in June. Many
friends and relatives attended but one of the
biggest surprises for Shirley was to see her
grandson, Mark Liddle who had travelled all
the way from Canada to see her.
Shirley enjoyed a trip around the car park in
her very own super vehicle, a go-kart!
Each Christmas the Parish Council distributes
gifts to the older Parishioners. This year we
are offering the choice of:
Christmas Lunch at one of the local pubs
or a small gift.
If you or someone you know are over 65 and
lived in the Parish for 5yrs, please complete
this form and return it by 31st October to:
Slip End Shop
the Frog & Rhubarb
the Plough
the Half Moon
or 46 Front Street
CHRISTMAS PRESENTS
Name:
Address:
Phone no:
Which would you prefer?
Please Tick
Christmas Lunch
Small Gift
Neither required
Ladies: Get Fit in 2009 at ...
DEBORAH’S
AEROBICS Thursdays 8pm
at Peter Edwards Hall
Only £3!
For information call Deborah on 01582 767916
Reduce waste that goes into landfill
by offering it to your local community for free!
Post your unwanted items on http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/FreecycleLuton/
and an email is sent to all members
who then make contact to arrange collection.
Everything must be free,
preferably local although some things can be posted.
MP’s Surgeries
PN is assured by her officials in Luton that
Margaret Moran MP continues to hold
Surgeries on Friday evenings, where you
can meet and discuss on a person to person
basis.
For appointments:
call 01582 731882
or via www.margaretmoran.gov.uk
GARDENING
CLUB
Interested in joining?
Aims of club would include visits to
gardens, guest speakers, planning &
organisation of Open Gardens &
Plant Sales
Come along to Village Hall on
Monday 19th at October 8pm
NEW!
Vacancy
Maternity cover
for the Clerk
to the Parish Council
Work from home 27 hours per week
Post includes some evening work
Hourly rate of £11.52 (£16,174pa)
Please send a CV together with a brief
summary showing your interest to:
Chairman T. Hansen
Highways Cottage
Little Green Lane
Caddington LU1 4EW
E-Mail:
chairman:caddington.com
ST ANDREW’S CHURCH
SAvE on your houSEhold billS & rAiSE monEy for St AndrEw’S roof !
Call 0800 1313000 or Ade Lokman locally on 01582 873079
and give our appeal number C91942.
We’re part of a new fundraising scheme. Simply
switch your utilities to the Utilities Warehouse
Discount Club and we’ll receive a donation of up to
5% of your household bill - every month. And you’ll
save money for yourself at the same time! Also,
save 5% on all your petrol and household
shopping. Call and ask how.
You save money, We raise money!
Services & Events in October
Midweek Communions take place monthly at two venues in Slip End, details from Joy
Thursday 1st 8.00pm Footsteps meet in the Family Room
Friday 2nd 2.15pm
7.00pm
Village School Harvest Festival
Harvest Supper in Village Hall
Sunday 4th 10.30am
6.15pm
Harvest Festival with Informal Communion
3;16 meet in the Family Room
Wednesday 7th 10.30am Little Stars meet in the Family Room
Saturday 10th 7.30pm Christian Celebration Concert at COGIC Centre, Luton
Sunday 11th 10.30am Morning Praise
Wednesday 14th 10.30am Little Stars meet in the Family Room
Thursday 15th 8.00pm Footsteps meet in the Family Room
Sunday 18th 10.30am Holy Communion
Wednesday 21st 10.30am Little Stars meet in the Family Room
Sunday 25th 10.30am Morning Praise (Clocks go back)
Wednesday 28th 10.30am
1.00pm
Little Stars meet in the Family Room
Set up Church for Holiday Club
Thursday 29th 10.00 - 3.00 Holiday Club in St Andrews
Friday 30th 10.00 - 3.00
3.30 - 4.00
Holiday Club in St Andrews
Refreshments and Presentation to Parents
Sunday 1st Nov 10.30am Family Communion
Much of our effort towards the costs of the
repairs to the church roof has rightly been on
the big fund raising targets: responses have
beyond hopes! But there have been a number
of smaller initiatives, some referred to
elsewhere in this issue, others like cake sales,
the e-Bay scheme, the Tile Guess
competition, a grass cutting scheme, etc.,
which are helping to raise the total quite
significantly.
Plans are in hand for more events over the
coming months. These include:
Children's Ukelele Concert (Pete Smith)
Sale of Wrapping Paper (Julie Taylor)
Jewellery Party (Trish Fuell)
Sale of St Andrews Pens (Joy Daniel)
‘Every little helps!’
Fund Raising
St Andrew’s Half Term Holiday Club
Thursday 29th & Friday 30th October 2009
This year’s theme is the Creative Arts!
An exciting time with Drama, Singing, Games & Crafts along with all the usual fun and games that have been enjoyed at our previous Holiday Clubs.
Holiday Club is most suited to children school years 1 to 6, but others are welcome if numbers allow.
We wish to advise you that we would appreciate a minimum daily donation of £3 per child.
Book early to avoid disappointment!
Please return the Registration Form below, 1 for each child and return to Jill at 19 St Andrew’s Close or Mary at Slip End Lower School.
Call Mary on 738435 or Jill on 452539 for information.
St Andrew’s Half Term Holiday Club
Thursday 29th & Friday 30th October 2009
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Further details and consent forms will be distributed on receipt of the registration form.
The St A’s Team looks forward to welcoming your children!
CHURCH ROOF - UPDATE
At the time of writing we are awaiting tenders
so it is a good opportunity to reflect on how
fund raising has gone and to thank all those
who have contributed whether it be £1,000‟s,
£100‟s or £2 for a tile on Village Day.
I was a doubter who didn‟t think it was
possible to raise £100K, but results speak for
themselves. 95% of the original target is in
hand, pledged or promised as grants. Massive
thanks to everyone who contributed, we are
touched by your generosity. You’re fantastic!
Significant sums are coming in, as one would
expect, from the Church Family which has dug
into savings or foregone luxuries in order to
give to the church they love. More than that,
money has come from local businesses when
they are under pressure financially. Also, sums
have been received from local organisations,
notably the Open Gardens Committee.
There have been modest offerings in response
to letters sent to every household this summer,
as well as sums from the Buy a Tile and Night
on the Tiles competition. (The winner will be
announced on completion of the works, which
we pray will be before the end of 2009.)
The many ways people have applied their
talents is heart-warming. There have been
sales of cakes, garden produce and jams. One
individual has been cutting neighbours‟ grass
to raise funds. Ade Lokman and her partner
have been helping on two fronts. Firstly with
a scheme where the Church earns
commission when people swap to Utilities
Warehouse to provide energy and phone
services. Secondly, Ade has been selling items
on e-Bay. Each Sunday in September she was
in church to explain the scheme and take in
items. Thank you, Ade, we hope you‟ve
enjoyed the experience, it‟s lovely to see you
and Isaiah. If you wish to help with the e-Bay
scheme, call Ade on 01582 873079 or call at
the Rising Sun.
We are thrilled by an approach from Andy
Purford of Jakes Café at Woodside Animal
Farm, who has a selection of second hand
books on sale in the cafe. Proceeds go to a
different charity each month and Andy has
offered to make the Roof Appeal the nominated
charity in October. The advertisement below
shows how attractive the Café is, so we urge
you to donate your books to Andy and visit the
cafe to buy some books in October.
Keep your eyes peeled for more fund- raising
events in the next few months as we push to get
the last 5% we need.
Julie Taylor
Roof Fund Treasurer
at
Woodside
Animal Farm
Opening hours 10am to 5pm
Tuesdays to Sundays Closed Mondays
except during school & bank holidays.
01582 849044
FRUITY CAFÉ CHURCH
What a treat for those who turned up for
church on September 13th. The delicious
breakfast was cooked by Lorraine, ably
assisted by her helpers. You could even go
back for seconds if you wished! Fruit was
also given to all.
The tables had been set out previously and a
quiz sheet and word search greeted everyone
as they sat down. Fruits from the alphabet
had everyone guessing, especially some of
the difficult letters. Who has heard of a fruit
beginning with V or X or Y and no I don't
think you can count Yellow Watermelon!
The children enjoyed doing some art and
crafts and making fruit pictures and then
Mary had them guessing what kind of fruit
they could feel inside a large bag. There
were words to find that had been hidden
around the church (and also on the word
search) and some singing with actions.
Lucy , here with mum, auntie and Henry
really enjoyed her breakfast! Well done
Mary and Julie and your helpers.
COMMUNITY PROJECTS GROUP
Working with local organisations &
businesses to improve your community
What improvements do residents want to see
within the community?
We have significant funds available!
Please come along to our next meeting!
You can commit as little or as much
as you want.
Meetings, held monthly, are listed with
venues on the Diary Page at the back of this
issue.
Meetings are in two parts: Village day
planning starts at 6.30pm, Community
Projects Group meetings start at 7.30pm.
For further details, contact Michelle Stoll on
STOP PRESS
CHURCH ROOF
REPAIRS GO AHEAD!
Building contract has been placed.
Work is expected to start in October!
CRAFT EVENING
Family Room @ St Andrews Church Thursday 19th November 7pm - 9pm
Cards & Wrapping Paper
Home-made Candles, Hand Cream
& Beeswax Polish
Home-made necklaces in glass, fabric & wood
Hand knitted scarves.
Refreshments
A percentage of sales will be donated to the St Andrews Church Roof Fund Appeal.
CUB PACK
Summer Camp
In August Slip End Cubs and leaders went to
Phasels Wood Campsite near Hemel for our
annual Summer Camp. We decided to camp
in the woods this time, rather than in the
middle of a field, to give the cubs a different
experience of camping.
The camp started on Friday afternoon, with
everyone arriving at 5 o'clock. The cubs set
up their own tents before touring the site to
see what activities they would be taking part
in over the weekend, returning just before the
evening meal.
As the cubs were getting ready to sit down to
eat, one of the trees on our part of the site
decided to shed one of its rather large
branches, sending cubs scattering in all
directions. Luckily nobody was in the way
when it hit the ground, but it certainly gave
us all a scare.
After the evening meal the Cubs played a
wide game or two, before heading off to bed
in anticipation of the weekend to come.
Early (6:30!) on Saturday morning the cubs
were up and about, full of the joys of spring,
and after breakfast, started on the days
activities, which for Saturday included
archery, fire lighting, air rifles, grass
sledging and tracking. We were joined for
the day by the Beavers, who had their own
specially devised programme to keep them
entertained. Lunch was cooked backwoods
style (no, that's not a typo!) and was
thoroughly enjoyed by all , especially the
wasps, who we discovered had a nest nearby!
After dinner, the Cubs and Beavers
converged on the campfire circle to have a
traditional campfire complete with songs and
sketches, and in accordance with tradition,
Akela had no voice left at the end of it!! The
Beavers went home to their nice comfortable
beds, while the cubs played another couple
of widegames and then, after hot chocolate
around the fire, hit the sack. Sunday was
another action packed day, again with plenty
of activities. Potholing proved to be good
fun, although slightly muddy, and the
climbing and abseiling both went down well
too. Late in the afternoon the leaders
decided it would be a good idea to cool
everybody down with an impromptu water
fight. It took 45 minutes to fill all the water
bombs and about three minutes to throw
them all (mainly at the leaders) The cubs also
had a go on the Zip Wire and assault course.
After a barbecue for tea, the cubs finished
their day with a game of rounders on the
main field and more hot chocolate around the
fire. Monday was the final day, so to give
leaders time to start taking down the tents,
the cubs were taken away for a hike, which
as always, went completely according to plan
(note the hint of sarcasm in that statement!!).
On their return, the cubs helped finish off
breaking camp before heading home after an
exciting weekend which was enjoyed by all.
Thank you to everybody who came along to
help out - Akela (Jon), Baloo and King Louie
(Wayne and Karen) Jackala (Mike) and also
to those parents who came along to help
(Trish and Caroline) and especially to Russ
and Jeannette who have now very kindly
offered to help us on a regular basis. It would
not have been possible to put this weekend
on without the help and effort from all
involved.
Slip End Cubs is for Boys and Girls aged
between 8 and 10 1/2. We meet at the Peter
Edwards Pavillion on Mondays during term
time between 7 and 8:30 and we currently
have a few spaces should any young people
be interested in joining us. Please contact
Akela (Jon Barker) if your son or daughter is
interested - [email protected]
Too old to join Cubs? Do not worry! After
nearly a decade without one, we are pleased
to announce that we are starting a Scout
Troop for girls and boys aged between 10½
and 15, on Friday nights between 7 and 9 at
the Peter Edwards Pavillion, so far we have
around a dozen recruits, but have space for
more. The troop will be run by Hannah and
Steve, who are both experienced scout
leaders, assisted by Wayne. If you know
anyone interested, please email me and I will
put you in touch with the relevant people.
Finally a big thank you to everybody who
helped us with our fundraising evening in
July. We raised over £300 for the group,
which was split between the Cubs and
Beavers to purchase new equipment and to
go towards the cost of activities.
Thank you
In July we held a Raffle to raise funds for our
Pack. We are very grateful to all those who
generously supported us and those who
donated prizes:
Our ‘locals’ at the Rising Sun, Frog &
Rhubarb, Plough, Social Club and Ruchi
Indian Restaurant: ‘Tiny Riders’, Slip End
garage, Anil@the shop and all others who
gave promises and prizes!
Jon Barker (Akela)
The Frog & Rhubarb hosted the wedding
reception of Alison Farrow and Richard
Hart on Saturday 5th September.
Many of you will remember Alison from her
time managing the Frog some 13 years ago.
The wedding ceremony was held in her new
home town of Crewkerne on Friday followed
by 'serious' festivities on Saturday.
The guest list included, family, friends,
current residents of the Parish and many who
travelled back to their old stomping ground
for the occasion. The centrepiece of the buffet
was the unusual wedding cake which was a
cake of cheese (not a cheesecake).
The tropics came to Slip End on Saturday
12th September at the Frog's Beach Party.
There was a BBQ, cocktails, sand, paddling
pools, vodka ice lollies and a limbo
competition! A great time was enjoyed by all
those who went along. Staff and customers
alike were spotted around the village in
Hawaiian shirts, shorts, leis and grass skirts.
Pop along to a charity race night being
hosted by the Frog & Rhubarb on Saturday
10th October. Bets are £1 each with cash
payouts for the winners.
PUB PAGE
SLIP END SOCIAL CLUB
New Street, Slip End
415804
Live Sky Sports on the Big Screen - Pool - Darts - Crib - Dominoes
Saturday Night Entertainment every fortnight
Golf Society
Opening times:
Weekdays: 4.00 to 11pm
Saturdays: 12 noon to 12 midnight
Sundays: 12 noon to 11pm
Usual Club prices!
New members & their families welcome!
Be social
make it
your local!
.
FRIENDSHIP CLUB
As we boarded the coach for our trip last
month to Moreton-in-Marsh and Bourton-on-
the-Water, little did we know what the day
would bring. The weather forecast was for
warmth and sun. It was cloudy when we left
but we were hopeful that it would improve.
Things were going fine, with the usual
laughter and banter and of course the sweet
tin was doing the rounds. Just before we got
to Oxford Services, we heard a bang and
scraping sounds followed by our driver Keith
swerving and suddenly stopping the coach.
What on earth had happened? We had been
hit by a young eighteen-year-old who had
driven his car across a white line. Keith
jumped to establish that the other driver was
unhurt, although his car was a write-off.
Police and an ambulance soon appeared:
drivers were breathalysed, both were clear,
and they went on their way. We however, had
a burst back tyre so we were not going
anywhere in a hurry. Keith came back on
board the coach and said that there was a
burger van on the opposite side of the road
and they were happy to supply us with tea,
coffee and some food. Our misfortune was
certainly their lucky day because most of the
people on board took advantage of this!
At first it was thought that a replacement
coach would be needed but it was decided a
new tyre would suffice. It was going to be
quite a wait and the practicality of still being
able to visit both villages was discussed. It
was agreed that we would still visit both and
get back home at a later time than planned.
„Fine‟, you would have thought, but this was
not so. Keith, our driver, was beginning to get
over the shock of the accident and the
resultant paperwork with names, addresses,
insurers. He returned to the coach to hear a
request to get an ambulance as one of the
members was very unwell. It was soon
obvious that it was more than just feeling the
heat and an ambulance was called. The poor
lady was then taken to hospital, leaving the
rest of us rather subdued. Finally, a mechanic
arrived to change the tyre. In the meantime
the driver of another coach parked in the lay-
by, waiting to pick up school children later.
He offered to take us on to Oxford Services
which were only about 5 minutes away where
we could rest, have something to eat and use
the facilities. Eventually, Superhero Keith
arrived with our coach and it was decided that
we would still go to Bourton on the Water,
which we did and we had about two and a
half hours enjoying the sunshine and looking
at the lovely shops etc. For most of us this
included an ice cream.
After all the drama nothing else happened to
us, nobody went missing and we returned to
the coach for the journey back to home.
We wish to put on record our thanks to Keith
who remained calm and in control
throughout all the traumas, willing to go
with whatever we wanted.
He was a real hero - Thank you Keith!
At Parish News we add our thanks to Keith
for doing a great job, looking after our folks.
On one warm, sunny Saturday
last month a group left Slip End
to walk in support of the Historic
Churches Trust, which is
financing 25% of St A’s roof repairs!
Their walk began after driving to Cardington,
then on to visit a number of churches in
Bedford during the day. Cardington Church
was redesigned between 1897 and 1901, with
money donated mostly by Samuel Whitbread
III. The church and village are very well
maintained, in the shadows of the old airship
hangers. In the churchyard, as well as a
number of war
graves, there is the
mausoleum for
those who perished
when the R101
airship crashed in
France.
Heading towards Bedford the group bumped
into Paddy Higgens who was on Car Parking
duties at the Water Slalom, with his flotilla of
Sea Scouts. Paddy looked a bit red, having
been in the sun for a while! The Water Slalom
is located in Priory Country Park. It acts as
both a river flood control and a slalom course,
with its long concrete channel in which
fibreglass boulders are fixed and can be
moved to make different river patterns.
Priory Country Park is a beautiful location
teeming with wild life - deer, otters, foxes and
many different bird species. Camping and
caravanning are available on site, and there is
drinking water and an Elsan disposal point in
the car park.
Entering Bedford then calling at several
churches, the group arrived at the Bunyan
Meeting before lunch. The church and the
Bunyan Museum are well worth a visit. The
stained glass windows are fabulous: the
famous image of
Bunyan in gaol Terry
Waite, held captive in
the middle east for
over 4 years, received
a postcard depicting
this window which
was sent by Joy and
Graham Brodier. The
post card was simply
addressed to Terry Waite, c/o Hezbollah,
Party of God, Beirut, Lebanon: it got through
and encouraged him during long captivity.
After lunch, more churches were visited in
the afternoon heat, ending up in the market
which was closing up, with bargains on offer,
before the group boarded a bus, passes
prominent, and headed back to Cardington
and home.
An interesting walk, if a bit tiring in the heat!
About £150 was raised in sponsorship.
A few facts about Bedford, which may go
some way to explain how Bedford has
prospered (in contrast to the ‘fag-end’ of the
county, here in S. Beds) ....
The 1166 Bedford charter granted the
townspeople certain rights. In the Middle
Ages Bedford had a weekly market and an
annual fair. Later Bedford was allowed an
extra weekly market and 2 more annual fairs.
The main industry in Bedford was wool
weaving and dying.
From 1295 Bedford sent 2 MPs to Parliament.
Sir William Harpur founded a school in
Bedford.
In 1689 the Great Ouse was made navigable
as far as Bedford, a huge boost to the town as
it was cheaper and easier to move goods by
river than by road. Bedford then grew rapidly.
The railway reached Bedford (not Luton),
Hitchin and London (King‟s Cross).
In 1773 John Howard, appalled by conditions
in Bedford jail, became a prison reformer.
PASQUE HOSPICE MIDNIGHT WALK
Luckily it was a fairly good evening weather-
wise, apart from it being slightly windy.
Approximately 800 ladies congregated at
Barnfield College and duly checked in with
their numbers, collected a free bottle of
water, a banana and the obligatory ‟bunny
ears‟. There was some warm-up aerobic
dancing and a few words from people with
first hand experience of the Pasque and
Keech Cottage and a welcome from Billy
Byrne who was amazing on the day really
supporting everyone and encouraging all the
ladies who had turned out on the day. At the
stroke of midnight Billy started the walk and
the lively crowd set off towards the town
centre. Many chose to dress up , some in
pyjamas, fairy wings and coloured leg
warmers! The walk took us up to Wigmore,
Stopsley and Round Green and what a
change it was to see Luton at that time of the
morning, with hardly any traffic or noise.
The police were excellent and helped with
road crossings and cheered us on our way.
We finally arrived back at Barnfield at 3.15
a.m. to a very welcome hot bacon roll and
cup of tea. Well done to everyone who
walked the ten miles, a great experience and
approximately £90,000 in sponsorship for the
Pasque so a great effort by all concerned.
Sue Briggs
We made it and medals to prove it!
RELAY FOR LIFE - STOCKWOOD PARK
What a great day this turned out to be, and
right on our doorstep!
The relay for life is organised by Cancer
Research UK and there was plenty going on
throughout the day and night. The relay was
due to last for 24 hours with lots of activities
and performances throughout the event
including the „Survivors Lap of Honour‟
which was started by the Mayor of Luton and
Kelvin Hopkins, MP. Survivors of this
dreadful disease wore their birthday badges
with pride, many with over 10 years of good
health after suffering from cancer of some
sort.
There were dance and percussion workshops,
arts and crafts, children‟s activities, live
music from Elvis and „little Elvis‟, yoga and
skills challenges. All this before the Candle
lit remembrance ceremony on the Saturday
evening, with hundreds of candles being lit
to remember loved ones and people facing
challenges of their own.
Many chose to stay the night in tents whilst
the relay continued throughout the night \and
were woken up to 3 Counties Radio and
Gareth Lloyd, followed by Irish Dancing and
a Gym Display. Luton‟s leading acappella
band Peculi8 rounded up the entertainment
with some wonderful singing before the
closing ceremony and prize giving.
Congratulations to all those who took part.
Together we will beat cancer.
CHARITY BIKE RIDE TO PANAMA, COSTA RICA AND NICARAGUA
Shirley Phillips and Tony Ferrier who live at
68 Front Street are busy planning and
training for an epic 680 kilometre charity
mountain bike ride through Panama and
Costa Rica to Nicaragua in aid of Macmillan
Cancer Support. The cycle ride takes place
over 8 consecutive days, but this is no
ordinary ride as there will be - no hotels, no
restaurants, no showers and no loos! This is
something that they both feel very passionate
about, so if you would like to donate
something towards their charity without it
costing you anything, perhaps you might
consider giving an item that could be sold on
Ebay, Perhaps some old jewellery,
ornaments or any collectables for example.
Any money raised would go towards
Macmillan Support.
Shirley has lived in Slip End for
approximately eight years and Tony joined
her four years ago. Their plan is to get
married just before the bike ride in February
2010 and travel together as part of their
honeymoon, from Panama City through the
rain forest, rugged coastline and smoking
volcanoes to Lake Nicaragua and then to
celebrate their wedding and the completion
of their journey to Central America at the
Village Hall on their return.
If you would like any more information or
could donate an item please call Tony on
07714231640 or 01582 726592. You can
also donate by going to
www.justgiving.com/shirley-f/ for Shirley or
http://www.justgiving.com/Tony-F for Tony.
In October 2008, Tony completed a 680
kilometre ride in China, and managed to
raise £3,700 which went to Macmillan
Support. Apart from some steep climbs, and
temperatures of minus 10° he found that ride
very challenging and is looking forward to
his next demanding adventure. If there is
anybody who would like to join them just
call Tony for a chat. They are also on the
lookout for a DJ to play at their „hopefully‟
successful celebration party on their return
so if anyone can assist with that please let
Tony know. He has promised to write about
the trip for Parish News so we look forward
to hearing all about it next year.
Please help to support the 2 million people
and their families suffering through cancer.
Thank you.
Tony in China
Parents are Needed!
We know how much you appreciate the peace and quiet for a few hours a week when your little darlings are at the Youth Club, but to help maintain peace and quiet at home we need some more volunteers at the YC!
If you can offer your services for just a few hours a month Shirley on 07866 215453
or [email protected] love to hear from you!
Richard Stay resigns from
Joint Planning & Transport Committee
Councillor Richard Stay, the Deputy Leader
of Central Bedfordshire has today stood
down from the Joint Planning & Transport
Committee (JPTC) which is the body with
responsibility for deciding transport and
planning matters relating to the growth area
for the South of Bedfordshire & Luton.
The JPTC has been looking at the
implications of the Regional Spatial Strategy
and the Milton Keynes South Midlands
Growth area for over 5 years and is drawing
up a core strategy for delivery of growth to
2031. Councillor Richard Stay, who has
represented South East Bedfordshire for 13
years, an area which includes the Parishes of
Caddington and Slip End, is a voting
member of the JPTC.
The JPTC is a quasi-judicial body on
planning matters and there are restrictions on
what its members can do or say around
matters that form part of the planning
process.
Richard Stay said “It has become
increasingly clear to me that with the heat
being turned up on decisions around the
growth area, I could not continue to properly
represent my constituent‟s views on a huge
new proposal for building over most of the
Green Belt in my Ward and at the same time
remain a member of the JPTC, the body
which is being asked to make decisions on
where the growth will go.”
“The decision to resign, whilst being
somewhat iniquitous, was straightforward. I
have put duty to my constituents first and I
have today stood down as a Member of the
JPTC. In doing so I have sought to avoid any
perception of a conflict of interest and to
avoid there being any accusation of bias in
the future. I have had to choose between
representation and having a say on the
decisions”
“The ambitious and opportunistic proposals
for concreting over 800 acres of Green Belt,
around Caddington & Slip End, called
Bushwood Green, has made it difficult to
properly represent my electorate and appear
to be open minded when in a planning
committee”
PARISH COUNCIL NOTES
For some time, Councillors have been aware
of residents concerns about the proposed
large scale development known as Luton
West and some more detail of the proposals
have become available. Responding to those
concerns both Caddington and Slip End
Parish Councils have arranged Public
Meetings where residents can be informed of
the proposals. The Caddington meeting was
held on 30th September and the Slip End the
meeting in our locality is arranged for 9th
October at 7.30 in the Village Hall.
Invitations to the meetings have been
extended to the developers, Margaret Moran
M.P., candidates from the other two main
political parties at the next general election
Nigel Huddleston, Qurban Hussein and an
independent candidate, Esther Rantzen. So
far only Nigel Huddleston has responded and
he will be attending the Slip End meeting.
After the presentation, there will be a
question and answer session and the meeting
will then move into an open session for
residents to use the time as they wish. I
understand next summer sees the beginning
of the decision making process and so
residents have until then to make their views
known to the appropriate authorities. The
Council is, therefore, arranging a forum for
residents to discuss between themselves
issues such as whether they want to put
forward their views privately, on a
community wide basis or both and set up the
means to do this if they so wish.
I would encourage residents to come along to
the meeting as a development on the scale
proposed will have an impact on the Parish if
it succeeds in winning approval for the
changes it will bring about will be huge and
dramatic.
You may remember in the July issue I
brought you up to date on the work that was
being done to reduce the number of vehicles
speeding on our roads and reduce the
problems of traffic noise in Church Road.
Since then Airparks have introduced two
new quieter coaches and you will recall they
had also asked their drivers to reduce speed
when travelling past the cottages in Church
Road to 20 mph. The Council had been asked
to provide feedback to Airparks Head Office
of the success of these initiatives.
The reports I have heard so far indicate there
have been improvements and the new
coaches have made a very positive
difference. On the other hand while some of
the drivers are keeping to the 20mph
voluntary speed limit, this has not yet
become widespread. A letter to this effect
will be sent to Airparks early this month,
please let me know if you would like any
other comments to be included.
Steve Fuell has also heard from the Police,
our request to hire an Officer to carry out
speed checks has been approved. Apparently,
this has not been tried in the County before
and we are to be used as a pilot. Steve Fuell
and I have a meeting soon during which we
will hear how much this will cost and sort
out the details of how the scheme will work.
I will let you know next month how we get
on.
With speeding being such a problem locally,
the Police were asked to make this their
priority during the last three months of this
year, concentrating on Church Road and
Front Street. The speeding priority will
continue into next year when the
concentration will be in Woodside and
Markyate Road.
I have also heard from Highways responding
to the request for a survey to be undertaken,
with a view to placing a weight restriction on
through traffic in Markyate and Church
Roads. It appears a County wide survey is to
be undertaken, however, no further details
were given and this is being followed up to
see if we can find out more.
I look forward to seeing you at the Village
Hall on 9th October at 7.30pm
Ken Crossett
YOUTH CLUB
Here’s a few lines written by the youngsters
who went off to Hindleap in August ...
On the trip to Hindleap we had lots of fun.
We did rock climbing and most of the walls
were really hard, my skin on my hands came
off. On the team challenges we did really
badly coz we ended up shouting at each
other, but still managed to do them all first
time. The scariest thing was the leap of faith.
We had to climb up a big wobbling pole and
then jump off and grab the trapeze. The food
was bad and we starved for a weekend. The
best thing was having fun with Jane, the lady
who did the activities.
Sophie
PS: Shirley and Phillipa were awesome!)
The Youth Club had a great time climbing
heights and doing team work activities. It
was a great time and we all enjoyed it. Jane
who was our activity leader was much fun. I
think it would have been better if the food
was nicer. The most funniest time was when
we was all together having fun at night when
it was dark. One member of our youth club
played music. It was loud so everyone could
hear it. It was funny for all the youth club
smiles all weekend. If we had the money
again I would really like to go there again.
Shirly and Phillipher was great.
Vicky.
On the trip we done various activities such as
rock climbing, Jacobs ladder and the zip
wire. It was a great experience . One of the
leaders was called Jane. She helped us with
all of our activities! The trip would of been
better if the food was nicer! The trip was
really enjoyable and I would like to go again!
Sharron
Shirley and Phillipa were great fun. I‟m glad
they went!
Anon
WELCOME BACK!
Seems everyone is back now after the
holiday break and things are getting into
stride. Schools have restarted, students are
back at colleges, organisations and groups
have restarted, it‟s business in full swing as
usual. Plans for Christmas, which is just
round the corner, are in hand with thoughts
of next year‟s activities coming into mind.
But there‟s more! Big issues are being
grappled with right now. St Andrew‟s plans
are well advanced towards starting work on
the new roof, following a remarkable fund
raising response which has raised almost
£100K in what seems like no time at all.
But there‟s more!
What’s all this about ‘Luton West’?
How would it affect us?
What about that ‘Core Strategy’?
Good questions, some answers are at hand.
Our Parish Council has joined with our
neighbours in Caddington in order to present
information as far as it is known, to us
residents. Public Meetings are to be held in
both Parishes (see advertisement), ours will
be in the Village Hall on 9th October. Ken
Crossett told Parish News that interested
parties have been invited to express their
ideas on these large scale proposals: This
meeting will provide an opportunity for
Esther Ranson, Margaret Moran (to name
but 2) to put their views across, although
positive responses to most of those
invitations have yet to come in.
So what does PN feel about Luton West?
First of all it has to be said that what has
crept onto the table so far appear to be ideas
(not yet plans) for potentially huge housing
and industrial developments along the
corridor adjacent to the western edge of the
M1, from Chaul End to Slip End, maybe
Pepperstock. Much is not clear at this stage,
but while questions and concerns begin to be
raised, facts are in short supply.
So let us indulge in reviewing an example
what has happened under the noses of our
local planners in the recent past.
You may be familiar with the Woodside
Estate in Dunstable, an huge area dedicated
to warehousing and distribution. „Logistics‟
is a trendy word these days, much sexier than
old fashioned „Road Haulage‟. Logistics
relate to a constant stream of 40 tonne trucks,
dribbling along the old Luton & Dunstable
Road (the new one isn‟t finished yet, it ends
ignominiously in a hole in the chalk, by a
railway (remember those?) bridge,
conveniently tucked behind Tesco's car
park). These vehicles gyrate around
MacDonald's and Sainsbury‟s car parks and
roundabouts, through interminable traffic
lights, more roundabouts, eventually
grinding into Woodside. That‟s just half the
story, „what goes around, comes around‟ on
all those return journeys.
Therefore: Logistics = Chaos (QED)
Well done planners,
you got it almost right at Woodside!
Now what do you have in store for us?
So what could happen here? We see little in
terms of new access into Luton West as far
as the M1 and A505 are concerned. At PN
we envisage a nightmare scenario with 40
tonners approaching the traffic lights in Slip
End from all directions, mixing it with cars
and 4x4‟s, as our new residents engage in
their commutings.
A common view expressed to PN reporters
these days is “If Luton West happens, the
effect on us will be far worse than the
Kholerdome or anything else we have had to
face. What can we do to stop this from
happening?”
The positive Luton West spin might suggest
that the speeding problems through the
village will be a thing of the past. Traffic will
be generally static.
See you on the 9th!
Editor
SAMARITANS PURSE
A special meeting was called
in September to discuss the
possibilities of running the
Dunstable Warehouse without
Tony and Teresa Willson. After seven years,
they have decided to retire from their
voluntary work with Samaritans Purse. They
shall be sorely missed! Despite a search for
somebody to take over the running of the
warehouse, no-one has yet come forward.
A number of volunteers came to the meeting
at St Andrew‟s with the new regional
manager, Gordon McCann. It was felt that
there was not enough time to make plans for
the running of the warehouse this year.
However, the drivers will still be working in
the area, collecting boxes and delivering them
warehouses at Cambridge and Borehamwood.
St Andrew‟s Church will still be collecting
and making up shoeboxes as in previous years
and if anyone would like an information
leaflet to do one or more themselves, please
contact me at St Andrew‟s or through Parish
News. Perhaps we could make it a bumper
year from the Parish and exceed our normal
contribution of around 100 boxes.
Perhaps next year, all being well, the
Dunstable warehouse will be back in full
operation with plenty of volunteers and
helping to make dreams come true for lots of
disadvantaged children.
Sue Briggs
LAUGHTER
A Irish doctor prescribed ice for a patient who
was very ill. Having qualms that the treatment
might be too severe, he turned to the nurse and
said, “Perhaps you‟d better take the chill off the
ice before you apply it”
WANTED:
1. A list of things that everybody thinks and
nobody says.
2. A list of things that everybody says and
nobody thinks? as said by Oliver Holmes
PARISH PLAN
The Parish Plan committee met at the
beginning of September at the Social Club. It
was their first chance to look at the data that
had been collated from the „Planning for Real
Event‟ on Village Day. It was good to hear
that many visitors had stopped to look at the
large scale maps and offer their suggestions
and ideas. The aim of the findings was to
draw up a plan incorporating some of the
most popular ideas to put into our next
questionnaire to then gain more detailed
information.
Some of the suggestions received so far
include the improvements of pavements,
more litter bins, a car sharing scheme and the
idea of a skateboarding park has been
resurrected, to name but a few.
There is still plenty of opportunity for people
living in the Parish to think about the scheme
and how we can endeavour to achieve the
best results so hopefully, when the next
consultation event is organised, villagers from
Pepperstock. Woodside, Aley Green and Slip
End will attend and indicate their favoured
proposals. A date for the meeting at the
Village Hall will soon be set, so watch Parish
News for more details.
It is also hoped that the Children‟s Rave Bus
will be hired for the youngsters of the village
to use and give their ideas to the Parish Plan.
Ade Lokman has sadly decided to resign as
Chair of the Committee. With a new baby to
look after and her work load increasing, it
was becoming just too difficult to give the
amount of time and computer work she had
previously given to the Parish Plan. The rest
of the committee thanked Ade for all her hard
work and wished her well for the future.
Rosemary Wickens was nominated as the
new Chair with Sue Briggs as Vice-Chair.
The next meeting will be held on 28th
October in the Frog & Rhubarb at 7pm.
Sue Briggs
Items for inclusion in next month’s issue should be in by 15th of this month
If you would like a copy of Parish News delivered monthly, contact Alan Buttery at 1 Claydown
Way (01582 724527), [email protected]. Anything interesting to report about
village activities, photos, holidays, etc? Please contact us, letters and e-mails are encouraged.
Views expressed by our contributors are not the Editor‟s own. Articles should be sent by the 15th
of the preceding month to Sue Briggs, 4 The Oaks, Slip End or e-Mail [email protected].
Parish News is grateful to our advertisers for
their contributions. Please support them!
For advertising enquiries call Steve on
01582 861186 (Monday to Friday 9 to 4)
or 01582 414162 (evenings & weekends)
or e-mail [email protected].
Printer: Lasertype (Caddington) 01582 482596 e-Mail: [email protected] Website www.lasertype.co.uk
Put out Black Bins & glass on Fridays high-lighted above. On other Fridays, put out Green and Orange Bins, not Black Bins.
DIARY If you would like your events included, please contact the Editor
October 2nd Harvest Festival at Slip End Lower School
2nd Harvest Supper in the Village Hall
4th Harvest Festival at St Andrew’s
5th Parish Council meeting at the Village Hall 7.30pm
9th PUBLIC MEETING IN THE VILLAGE HALL AT 7.30pm - “Luton West’
10th Charity Race Night at the Frog & Rhubarb
13th Community Projects Group - 7.30, Venue at Ruchi, Woodside
19th New Gardening Club - Here all about it at the Village Hall 8pm
20th Women’s Institute: ‘The British Legion’
29th-30th St Andrew’s Holiday Club
31st Deadline for Christmas Presents responses
November 2nd Parish Council meeting at the Village Hall 7.30pm
8th Remembrance Day
10th Community Projects Group - 7.30 at the F&R
17th Women’s Institute: ‘Old Toys
18th Craft Evening at St Andrew’s - 7-9pm in the Family Room
28th Peter Scrivener Ensemblea t St Andrew’s: : ‘Blues, Ballads & a touch of Soul’
December 7th Parish Council meeting at the Village Hall 7.30pm
8th Community Projects Group - 7.30, at the Social Club
January 2010 4th Parish Council meeting at the Village Hall 7.30pm
12th Community Projects Group - 7.30, at the Rising Sun
