Rector′s Remarks
If you dial 999 for a medical emergency, before the ambulance arrives an ambulance service first responder might well come to assist. At present there are seven first responders, of whom I am one, who can be called to medical emergencies in the local area. Our role is to be the advanced party until the ambulance arrives. The most important part of our role is to speed up the response to heart attacks so improving chances of survival and recovery. As well as being trained to respond to heart attacks we are also trained to provide assistance to a wide variety of other conditions that are likely to create a 999 call. We are not trained to respond to situations involving pregnancy, children or trauma. We are issued with an emergency kit including a defibrillator, oxygen, airways and glucose. Whichever of us is on duty has the kit and a dedicated mobile phone. If you have a medical emergency please do not try to contact any of us direct – always ring 999. We will be contacted if it is situation for which we are trained.
Typically we are called out about twice a month and although all our calls are to emergency situations, thankfully mostly they are not of the dramatic nature involving unconsciousness or a heart attack. More typically they are to an elderly person with a serious but not immediately life–threatening condition. Sometimes we know that it is most unlikely that the person will be able to come home once they have been treated in hospital but will have to go into some form of residential care. The person concerned normally knows that as well and is fairly distraught by the idea even if they know it is the sensible way forward. When I have been to such a situation I often wonder what happened once the person who seemed so vulnerable when I last saw them.
I have had several such situations during the time I have been a first responder and in an indirect way they came to mind recently when the national media reported on two mothers on trial for the murder or attempted murder of their grown up children both with long–term although non–terminal illnesses. I know the situations seem to be totally different but do bear with me. One mother was found guilty of assisting a suicide and given a suspended sentence. The other mother was found guilty of murder and given a life sentence. That has given rise to quite a bit of discussion about assisted suicide. Those two cases involved the mothers of grown up children but often it will be the spouse or the offspring of the patient who would be asked to assist.
That’s what got me thinking about the occasional distraught and vulnerable elderly person I have attended as a first responder and other elderly people I have visited in care homes over the years. They are often quite vulnerable to suggestions and sometimes they have even asked me to pray that they may die quickly. They are not the people whose cases hit the headlines when assisted suicide is discussed. Those cases are heart–breaking involving people like Debbie Purdey who know they will die in the near future and often in very difficult circumstances. Mercifully I do not know what it is like to face such a situation personally or to be the close relative of some one who is. I cannot know how I would feel in such a situation.
However, I have been alongside many elderly people including my own parents and I know how vulnerable they can be. If assisted suicide became totally acceptable, as Terry Pratchett understandably wants, then I fear that the vulnerable but still mentally capable elderly would be open to suggestion by either their carers or relatives. Such suggestions might well be made with love but in all human situations motivation is not so clear–cut. Love might be dominant but tiredness of the burden of caring might also be involved as might be a justifiable fear for the financial future. I cannot come to any conclusions myself about assisted suicide so I am not using this remark to ask you so to do. I just feel that the high profile cases that so clearly gain our sympathy might hide a range of other, less clear cut situations.
By the way, in case you are wondering, as far as I am aware none of us first responders have been called to an assisted suicide case and I hope and pray we never will be.
Jan Brookshaw
Return to Menu
Lent Course
Our Lent course continues at Swineshead village hall on Sunday evenings from 6pm to 7pm on the following Sundays:
7th March
28th March
Our Bishops have written the programme. Each session is standalone so if you did not make the first session last month or cannot make both the sessions each month you will still be able to participate fully in each session.
Each session will be based on the reading from St. Luke’s gospel for that Sunday. Each session is in two parts:
1. This section is called “Listening with our hearts ”. We listen to and pray on the passage from St. Luke using a method called ”Holy Reading ”
2. This section is called “Listening with our minds ”. A reflection on and questions about the passage are offered for discussion. At the end of the discussion it is hoped that we will have identified the following: one thing that has struck me, one thing that I want to do and one thing that I want to pray about or for.
If you want to have an advanced look at the course you can find further information at:
www.stalbans.anglican.org/Mission/Lent-Course-2010"
Jan Brookshaw
Return to Menu
Lent Lunches
Our Lent course feeds us intellectually and Lent Complines feed us spiritually. But what about our physical bodies? Well come to our Lent lunches for a simple, nourishing lunch of soup and cheese with good company. Donations for the costs of the meal and to give to our Stodden charities are welcome but the important thing is to come and enjoy yourself. Each lunch starts at 12.30pm, finishing around 2pm.
Thursday 4th March Lesley & Mike Pond, Mintaka, Stanbrook Way, Yelden.
Friday 12th March Julie Botterill, 36 Wood End, Pertenhall
Thursday 18th March Vicki Beers, Shelton Hall, Shelton
Thursday 25th March Lindsay Langley, Te Aroha, Aylott Close, Upper Dean
Jan Brookshaw
Return to Menu
Lent Compline
We are now well into Lent and we are setting aside some time to quietly worship God one evening a week. As usual we will be using the service of Compline which lasts about 20 minutes. The word Compline comes from the Latin “completus ” which means completion. Compline is said when the day is complete and is intended to wind us down ready for a good night’s sleep assured of God’s love and protection. Do join us at 8pm at the following venues:
Tuesday 9th March Robin & Alison Mackonochie, The Croft, Park Road, Melchbourne
Tuesday 16th March Bob Green & Denise Halson, Church Close, Shelton
Tuesday 30th March John Braga, Crown Cottage, Lower Dean
Return to Menu
Mothering Sunday – 14th March 2010
There is an old Jewish saying:
God could not be everywhere, and therefore He made mothers.
Mother Church, Mother Earth, Mother of the Gods – our human mothers – all of them have been part of the celebration of ‘Mothering Sunday’ – as the fourth Sunday in Lent is affectionately known. In Roman times, great festivals were held every Spring to honour Cybele, Mother of all the Gods. Other pagan festivals in honour of Mother Earth were also celebrated. With the arrival of Christianity, the festival became one honouring Mother Church.
During the Middle Ages, young people apprenticed to craftsmen or working as ‘live–in’ servants were allowed only one holiday a year on which to visit their families – which is how ‘Mothering Sunday’ got its name. This special day became a day of family rejoicing, worshipping together and the Lenten fast was broken. In some places the day was called Simnel Day, because of the sweet cakes called simnel cakes traditionally eaten on that day.
Do join us to celebrate Mothers during our service at 10.30am on Sunday March 14th at Swineshead before giving your Mother a really special lunch (without her lifting a finger)
Return to Menu
Passover for Christians
On Maundy Thursday, on the night before he died, Jesus celebrated the Passover supper with his disciples. From that celebration and Jesus’ instructions “to do this in remembrance of me ” Christians have continued to celebrate the meal in our service of Holy Communion.
On Monday 22nd March, we will be led through a Passover supper by Martyn and Fiona Furman. Martyn grew up as an orthodox Jew and then converted to Christianity. He is therefore steeped in both the Jewish and Christian traditions. He will guide us through the steps and meaning of a Passover supper and how it links to our Christian faith. We will all share the ritual foods of the Passover supper and take part in the words that accompany the food. It should be an interesting and spiritually uplifting evening. One word of warning – there are 5 ceremonial glasses of wine to be consumed during the supper! Small servings are therefore recommended and there will be a non–alcoholic alternative.
The evening starts at 7.30pm and will last for about 2 hours. The event will take place in Swineshead village hall. There is no charge for the evening although donations will be welcome towards the costs. To book please contact Jan Brookshaw on 01234 708531 or revjanbrookshaw@btinternet.com
Return to Menu
Holy Week and Easter
Sunday March 28th sees the start of the greatest eight days in the Christian year. It begins with excitement as on Palm Sunday we recall Jesus entering Jerusalem and being proclaimed King by the crowds. From the excitement of Palm Sunday the mood changes dramatically. On Maundy Thursday we remember the mystery of the last supper shared by Jesus and the disciples, the sadness and fear of Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane and his betrayal by Judas. Good Friday leads us into the growing horror of Jesus’ passion as we follow his trials, his torture, his crucifixion and finally his death. After all that emotion Easter Eve is a quiet, reflective day. It is the day when we believe Jesus went into hell and released all the souls imprisoned there. Holy week finishes with a far greater high point than that of Palm Sunday. It is a deep joy as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus early in the morning of Easter day on Sunday the 4th April. There is a range of services throughout Holy Week to help us enter into the core of the Christian faith. | |
 | Palm Sunday March 28th, 10.30am, Shelton |  | Maundy Thursday April 1st 8.00pm, Swineshead |
 |
Good Friday April 2nd, Melchbourne, 10.30am
|
 | Easter Day April 4th, 5.30am the Old Rectory, Shelton, 9am at Dean and 10.30am at Pertenhall |
Return to Menu
Christian guide to the 2010 General Election
Who will you vote for in the General Election? Now there are online resources designed to help Christians prepare for it.
Eleven Churches and Church agencies have worked together to create an electronic booklet and website at www.churcheselection.org.uk. The election materials do not support a particular Church view or political party line, but aim to help people engage with a range of important issues facing the country, however they may decide to vote.
It includes a downloadable guide – Faith in Politics. The guide covers issues including the economy, environment, health, education, equality and diversity, Europe, migration and sanctuary, poverty and criminal justice. The resource also provides a series of questions to facilitate personal or group reflection on political issues, or which could be used to quiz election candidates.
Return to Menu
Helping Farmers get a Fair Deal
Farmers have had a tough time dealing with powerful supermarkets, and the Church of England has long been concerned about the situation. And so the recent announcement by the Government (Department for Business Innovation and Skills) that it will now protect farmers by setting in place a body to enforce the Groceries Supply Code of Practice (GSCOP) has been warmly welcomed. The Church of England (Ethical Investment Advisory Group (EIAG)) has documented the harm that supermarkets inflict on farmers by their buying practices, ranging from labelling, promotions, payments and contracts. It strongly supports the creation of an ombudsman, “as soon as possible ”. The Church of England is in a unique position to offer informed comment on the impact of supermarkets’ buying practices on British farming. The Church has strong links with the farming community as a major agricultural landlord and through its parish network and diocesan rural officers; and strong links with supermarkets as an institutional investor.
Return to Menu
Tell us what you think!
What are the issues that concern you?
Bedford Borough Council has four committees dedicated to carrying out “Scrutiny and Overview ”. This is where Councillors review the Council’s policies and are responsible for making sure that the council makes the best decisions on behalf of local residents. Another important part of their work is to investigate issues of concern to the local community. Last year the Committees reviewed:
Ø NHS Continuing Health Care;
Ø Building Schools for the Future Funding;
Ø Highway Maintenance in the Borough.
Your views are important to us in planning our Scrutiny and Overview work for the year, especially those relating to our corporate priorities as a council. These are:
Ø Economic Regeneration
Ø Environment & Climate Change
Ø Children & Young People
Ø Adult Health & Well–Being
Ø Safer Communities
Ø Inclusion & Cohesion
Ø Housing & Transport
Ø Organisational & Operational Effectiveness
If you have any suggestions of topics or issues that we should look at, please write to:
Scrutiny & Overview Support Team
Room 309
Bedford Borough Council
FREEPOST ANG5840,
Borough Hall
Cauldwell Street
Bedford
MK42 9AP
Or you can also send your comments by email to scrutiny@bedford.gov.uk or call 01234 228256.
Please reply by 16 April 2010.
Please note that the Scrutiny and Overview committees do not deal with individual queries, such as individual planning applications or housing benefit claims. Any such queries should be addressed to the relevant department.
Return to Menu
BCKA Kickboxing in Yelden
Classes are held every Wednesday evening at Yelden Village Hall between 7 and 8.30pm at a cost of £4 adults and £3.50 children. We are offering an introductory taster price of £2 per week for 2 weeks, adult or child, for new students.
We have held classes at Yelden for 5 years on a Wednesday evening 7.00 –s 8.30pm and welcome anyone from the age of 5 upwards. We particularly encourage women wanting to learn self–defence and work to a set syllabus, whilst striving to keep a high level of fitness. Last year one of our Blackbelt lady fighters won a Bronze medal in the November 2009 WKC (World Kickboxing Council) World Championships held in Dublin. Jo (23) has been training since 1999 for BCKA at Rushden and Yelden, and she has won 21 major titles to date.
The group have been under the Guidance of BCKA and WKC England Manager, Alex Barrowman who has been training for almost 30 years and is the creator of the BCKA and is a Lau Gar Kung Fu Guardian and 6th Degree Kickboxing Blackbelt.
Please ring Andy Luck on 07804378920 / 01933 3135771 for further information regarding Yelden classes. Andy is a 1st Degree Blackbelt, 2nd level Coach and Senior Grading Officer.
Return to Menu
Thank you
Last Sunday my eight year old Daughter Emily, decided that she wanted to raise some money for Haiti, this was entirely her own idea and nothing was going to stop her!
She decided to ask friends and neighbours in Yelden to guess the name of her teddy bear, Emily asked for a donation of £1 per guess and also decided to donate the bear to the person who guessed the correct name, well done to the Chesher family.Anyone who reads Times & Citizen newspaper may have seen the very nice story and photo of Emily!
I would like to say a big “Thankyou ” to all the people in Yelden who entered my competion to guess the name of my teddy bear. Every one was very kind and I managed to raise £58.20 which has gone to help the people in Haiti.
Thank you Emily Price Aged 8
Return to Menu
Mothers Union
On Wednesday 17th March at 2.30p.m. in Pertenhall Village Hall we will hear about Pilgrimages to Iona. The Rev Clifford Bradley will be coming to talk about his experiences on such pilgrimages. We being with prayer and end with teas. We would welcome extra people.
Gillian Aylott 01234 708174.
Return to Menu
Wanted ! Old and New Photos
The Dean PCC are compiling a notice board in Dean Churchto showthe people and places of Deanthrough time. Does anyone have any interesting photos, books or pictures we could use ? We would love to see anything you may think is of interest and will return it to you.
Many Thanks
Emma Napier 01234 708987
Return to Menu
Smile
Flowers
There are women whose thoughtful husbands buy them flowers for no reason. And then there’s me. One day I couldn’t stand it any longer. “Why don’t you ever bring me flowers? ” I asked. “What’s the point? ” my husband said. ”They die after about a week. ” ”So could you, ” I shot back, “but I still like having you around. ”
Happy
Never miss an opportunity to make others happy, even if you have to leave them alone in order to do it.
Return to Menu
MELCHBOURNE
Correspondent- Philip Pahl
Graham Parkinson
Graham Parkinson died peacefully at home on 8 February. Those who knew him will know that he had been wheelchair–bound for some years which had curtailed his mobility but not his enjoyment of life.
Graham was born in Leicester and went to Loughborough Grammar School. On leaving he was articled to a local solicitors practice. From here he eventually went into partnership in the late Sixties. He became a Stipendiary Magistrate in London in the early Eighties and ultimately became Chief Metropolitan Stipendiary.
In addition to his everyday career he was President of the prestigious Central & South Middlesex Law Society while he also sat on the Board of Green Cloth which dealt with various licences for Royal palaces or premises governed by them. This allowed him to dine at Buckingham Palace on an annual basis for a number of years. Graham was made CBE in the New Years Honours of 2001.
Graham and Dinah moved to Melchbourne in the spring of 1987 with their two children, Georgie and Nick. He was swiftly co–opted on to the Parochial Church Council, ultimately becoming Chairman. Through many devoted years of service to the church he was churchwarden in the Nineties and regularly played the organ.
He made a contribution to village life wherever he could and was chairman of the Melchbourne Village Hall Committee overseeing the transformation of the present building from being in need of significant renovation to the present excellent facility.
Music and the stage was a lifelong love, especially opera, and indeed in the early Sixties he auditioned at Covent Garden. Although his life was to take another direction, his love of music persisted and he took part in many amateur operatic productions as well as the renowned local Stodden pantomimes. Many people will also remember his contribution to the Choir.
In the last few years Graham and Dinah lived quietly in Melchbourne but it was a life that, despite his physical infirmity, was enriched with many trips to Covent Garden and other, mainly musical, expeditions. But his greatest joy was his four grandchildren, Thomas, Ellie, Izzy and Freddie, who knew him as ‘Papa’.
His great warmth, intelligence, wisdom and humour will be sadly missed especially by his many friends in Melchbourne and the other Stodden villages.
The funeral service took place on Thursday, 18th February at St Mary Magdalene, Melchbourne.
Burns Supper
Our Burns Supper held on 23rd January was again a great success, with over 70 guests enjoying the traditional fare, entertaining speeches, a lovely flute recital by Lydia, singing, and finishing with the Scottish dancing. Thank you to everyone who helped to make this evening such a success.
AGM
The Village Hall AGM will be held on Tuesday 13th April in the Village Hall at 8.00 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend and refreshments will be served.
Bring & Buy Sale
April 10th 11am – 1pm The Old Stables
Graham & Dinah are hosting a Bring & Buy sale to help raise money for the repairs to the church clock. All new and nearly new items welcome. Refreshments will be served.
Church Cleaning and Flowers Rota
Service 14th March Cleaning – Pam & Sarah
Service 28th March Cleaning – Audrey & Ruth
(no flowers in Lent)
There is a regular church cleaning rota and volunteers are always welcome. Anyone wishing to be included on the rota should contact Audrey on 01234 708728.
Village dates for your diary:
27th March 2010
Beetle Drive – 7:30 Melchbourne Village Hall
10th April
Bring & Buy –s 11–1pm at The Old Stables
2nd & 3rd May 2010
Flower Festival/Arts & Crafts Fair in and around Melchbourne
15th May
Jumble Sale –s 11am Melchbourne Village Hall
11th July 2010
Melchbourne Feast Day in Melchbourne
Return to Menu
YELDEN
Correspondent- Sue Taylor 01933 355380
e-mail: taylor.topo@btinternet.com
Yelden Methodist Chapel
March 7th 2010 at 11.00am Service led by Barbara Smith
Carol Service
Our joint Carol Service with Melchbourne produced a collection of £239 and as always we were able to apply half of this to support a local charity. The PCC decided to send a cheque for £119.50 to the Prebend Day Centre in Bedford which provides support and assistance to the town’s homeless and rootless. This donation further strengthens our relationship with the centre as we always take our harvest produce to them as well as regular bundles of warm clothes and toiletries. We received a very nice letter from the Day Centre manager and they obviously really appreciate the support we are able to give them. Please keep the supplies coming and these should be passed to Mike and Lesley Pond at 2 Stanbrook Way and once we have a boot full we take them in to Bedford. Many thanks for all your help, especially the staff at Weatherby’s of Wellingborough who have always given generously.
Lent Lunches
Yelden’s Lent lunch will be held at Lesley & Mike Pond’s house, 2 Stanbrook Way, on Thursday 4th March. Come and enjoy good company and bread and cheese between 12.30 and 2.
Cleaning Plan for Lent
7th March Rosemary and Lorna – 9am
21st March Sue and Jane – 10.30
2nd April Lesley and Sue –
Good Friday – Meditation at 2pm
Return to Menu
PERTENHALL
Correspondent- Chloe Reid 01480 861525
e-mail: chloereid@tesco.net
Plant sale
Pertenhall Village Hall will be the venue for a plant sale on Saturday 17th April from 12 until 4pm. We have many specialist Plant stalls and local suppliers supporting the Sale as well as a stall of locally donated plants. Admission will be free, and tea and cakes available for a small fee. All proceeds will be given to the Huntingdon & District Riding for the Disabled group.
For more information contact DI Birtwhistle on 01480 860800 or Vikki on 01480 860729.
Litter pick Up
The bi–annual litter pick will take place on Saturday 6th of March, meeting at Pertenhall village hill from 10.30am to 12.30pm. All the equipment required is provided – grabbers, bags and gloves – by Pride in Bedford. Even if you can only spare 30 minutes, your help will be greatly appreciated! Hopefully the weather will be kind.
Return to Menu
Dean
Correspondent — Annette Brooks 01234 709505
pegasustrans@btinternet.com
Dean and Shelton Parish Council
Police Report
3rd February 2010
Crime Statistics
Upper Dean ’ In 2009 seven crimes were recorded in the area. These were a burglary of a dwelling house, an arson offence, an assault, two criminal damages, and two thefts. Included within this was a theft of BT phone cable. This was a slight increase over 2008’s 6 reported crimes.
Lower Dean – There were no crimes showing as being recorded in Lower Dean. In 2008 two offences were recorded.
Shelton – Three crimes reported in 2009 which was the same as in 2008. The offences recorded were two thefts or attempted thefts and a burglery non dwelling house.
Across the Parish, crime has fallen from eleven offences in 2008 to ten in 2009. The systems show that no crimes have been recorded so far in 2010.
One of the major problems encountered in the area in 2009 was the theft of BT phone cable which was being stolen for its copper content. The area around Melchbourne, Upper Dean and Riseley was the worst affected in Bedfordshire and was linked to similar offences in other counties including Northamptonshire and Cambridgeshire. As a result of proactive policing, two offenders were arrested by Northamptonshire Police in the act of cutting up the cable they had just dragged from the ground and likewise an offender was arrested in Lincolnshire who had connections to the Bedfordshire offences.
As a result of the problems, BT cable thefts were made a Neighbourhood Priority in 2009. Work has continued with other forces and the BT Operation Eiger Team to reduce opportunities for stealing the cable and to actively target the thieves and those people receiving the cable as scrap. No recent offences have been reported in the Bedfordshire area.
Neighbourhood Priorities
At the Carlton to Riseley Safer Neighbourhood Joint Action Group Meeting in September 2009 three Neighbourhood Priorities were agreed. These were issues which the public, through contact with the Police or the Parish councils, had raised as the matters which most needed addressing at that time.
The three priorities agreed were:
BT Cable thefts –s As reported above.
Anti Social Behaviour in Harrold Village.
Nuisance vehicles to include speeding and parking.
The predominant concern in the Parish would be that of speeding motorists. It has been agreed that the Safer Neighbourhood Team would carry out speed checks in the area. Myself and Pcso Michael Blass have visited the area on two occasions and carried out checks. The good news is that no persons were found to be travelling in excess of the speed limit at the time. Further checks will be carried out in 2010 and the times will vary to try and encompass the morning and evening rush hours.
New Priorities –s A meeting has been arranged for the 10th February 2010 to discuss the setting of new priorities for the next three months. These priorities could be the same as they are now or changed to reflect the views of locals from across the Safer Neighbourhood Area. You can have your say by completing the MY NEIGHBOURHOOD PRIORITIES form which is attached to this report. You can post that to me at Riseley Police Station, 37 High Street, Riseley, bedfordshire MK44 1DX, email me details to snt.carltontoriseley@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk or give me a call on 01234 842865 and I will take details from you. These views will be considered at the next meeting.
Village Walkabouts –s In recent months, PCSO Michael Blass has visited the villages and had a walkabout to meet residents and to be visible to anyone driving by. Unfortunately, Michael has left us to pursue a career as regular Police Officer and we now await his replacement. However, we will still aim to have at least FOUR village walkabouts in 2010 and will give advance notice of these so you can look out for us.
You can check out meetings or walkabouts that we have planned at the Bedfordshire Police website. Please check the CarltontoRiseley pages for details. You can also check general crime statistics for the area and compare this with other Safer Neighbourhood areas.
Thank you for your attendance.
Rob Smith
Neighbourhood Police Officer Dean and Shelton
Tel 01234 842865
Email snt.carltontoriseley@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk
Chapel services
Sunday 14th and 28th March at 2.30p.m. in the Chapel Schoolroom.
Sunday 11th April at 2.30p.m. in the schoolroom.
Return to Menu
SWINESHEAD
Correspondent- Jenny Leishman 01234 709241
e-mail: JenLeishman@aol.co.uk
St Nicholas Church
Room 309
Bedford Borough Council
FREEPOST ANG5840,
Borough Hall
Cauldwell Street
Bedford
MK42 9AP
Or you can also send your comments by email to scrutiny@bedford.gov.uk or call 01234 228256.
Please reply by 16 April 2010.
Please note that the Scrutiny and Overview committees do not deal with individual queries, such as individual planning applications or housing benefit claims. Any such queries should be addressed to the relevant department.
Return to Menu
BCKA Kickboxing in Yelden
Classes are held every Wednesday evening at Yelden Village Hall between 7 and 8.30pm at a cost of £4 adults and £3.50 children. We are offering an introductory taster price of £2 per week for 2 weeks, adult or child, for new students.
We have held classes at Yelden for 5 years on a Wednesday evening 7.00 –s 8.30pm and welcome anyone from the age of 5 upwards. We particularly encourage women wanting to learn self–defence and work to a set syllabus, whilst striving to keep a high level of fitness. Last year one of our Blackbelt lady fighters won a Bronze medal in the November 2009 WKC (World Kickboxing Council) World Championships held in Dublin. Jo (23) has been training since 1999 for BCKA at Rushden and Yelden, and she has won 21 major titles to date.
The group have been under the Guidance of BCKA and WKC England Manager, Alex Barrowman who has been training for almost 30 years and is the creator of the BCKA and is a Lau Gar Kung Fu Guardian and 6th Degree Kickboxing Blackbelt.
Please ring Andy Luck on 07804378920 / 01933 3135771 for further information regarding Yelden classes. Andy is a 1st Degree Blackbelt, 2nd level Coach and Senior Grading Officer.
Return to Menu
Thank you
Last Sunday my eight year old Daughter Emily, decided that she wanted to raise some money for Haiti, this was entirely her own idea and nothing was going to stop her!
She decided to ask friends and neighbours in Yelden to guess the name of her teddy bear, Emily asked for a donation of £1 per guess and also decided to donate the bear to the person who guessed the correct name, well done to the Chesher family.Anyone who reads Times & Citizen newspaper may have seen the very nice story and photo of Emily!
I would like to say a big “Thankyou ” to all the people in Yelden who entered my competion to guess the name of my teddy bear. Every one was very kind and I managed to raise £58.20 which has gone to help the people in Haiti.
Thank you Emily Price Aged 8
Return to Menu
Mothers Union
On Wednesday 17th March at 2.30p.m. in Pertenhall Village Hall we will hear about Pilgrimages to Iona. The Rev Clifford Bradley will be coming to talk about his experiences on such pilgrimages. We being with prayer and end with teas. We would welcome extra people. Gillian Aylott 01234 708174.
Return to Menu
Wanted ! Old and New Photos
The Dean PCC are compiling a notice board in Dean Churchto showthe people and places of Deanthrough time. Does anyone have any interesting photos, books or pictures we could use ? We would love to see anything you may think is of interest and will return it to you.
Many Thanks
Emma Napier 01234 708987
Return to Menu
Smile
Flowers
There are women whose thoughtful husbands buy them flowers for no reason. And then there’s me. One day I couldn’t stand it any longer. “Why don’t you ever bring me flowers? ” I asked. “What’s the point? ” my husband said. ”They die after about a week. ” ”So could you, ” I shot back, “but I still like having you around. ”
Happy
Never miss an opportunity to make others happy, even if you have to leave them alone in order to do it.
Return to Menu
MELCHBOURNE
Correspondent- Philip Pahl
Graham Parkinson
Graham Parkinson died peacefully at home on 8 February. Those who knew him will know that he had been wheelchair–bound for some years which had curtailed his mobility but not his enjoyment of life.
Graham was born in Leicester and went to Loughborough Grammar School. On leaving he was articled to a local solicitors practice. From here he eventually went into partnership in the late Sixties. He became a Stipendiary Magistrate in London in the early Eighties and ultimately became Chief Metropolitan Stipendiary.
In addition to his everyday career he was President of the prestigious Central & South Middlesex Law Society while he also sat on the Board of Green Cloth which dealt with various licences for Royal palaces or premises governed by them. This allowed him to dine at Buckingham Palace on an annual basis for a number of years. Graham was made CBE in the New Years Honours of 2001.
Graham and Dinah moved to Melchbourne in the spring of 1987 with their two children, Georgie and Nick. He was swiftly co–opted on to the Parochial Church Council, ultimately becoming Chairman. Through many devoted years of service to the church he was churchwarden in the Nineties and regularly played the organ.
He made a contribution to village life wherever he could and was chairman of the Melchbourne Village Hall Committee overseeing the transformation of the present building from being in need of significant renovation to the present excellent facility.
Music and the stage was a lifelong love, especially opera, and indeed in the early Sixties he auditioned at Covent Garden. Although his life was to take another direction, his love of music persisted and he took part in many amateur operatic productions as well as the renowned local Stodden pantomimes. Many people will also remember his contribution to the Choir.
In the last few years Graham and Dinah lived quietly in Melchbourne but it was a life that, despite his physical infirmity, was enriched with many trips to Covent Garden and other, mainly musical, expeditions. But his greatest joy was his four grandchildren, Thomas, Ellie, Izzy and Freddie, who knew him as ‘Papa’.
His great warmth, intelligence, wisdom and humour will be sadly missed especially by his many friends in Melchbourne and the other Stodden villages.
The funeral service took place on Thursday, 18th February at St Mary Magdalene, Melchbourne.
Burns Supper
Our Burns Supper held on 23rd January was again a great success, with over 70 guests enjoying the traditional fare, entertaining speeches, a lovely flute recital by Lydia, singing, and finishing with the Scottish dancing. Thank you to everyone who helped to make this evening such a success.
AGM
The Village Hall AGM will be held on Tuesday 13th April in the Village Hall at 8.00 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend and refreshments will be served.
Bring & Buy Sale
April 10th 11am – 1pm The Old Stables
Graham & Dinah are hosting a Bring & Buy sale to help raise money for the repairs to the church clock. All new and nearly new items welcome. Refreshments will be served.
Church Cleaning and Flowers Rota
Service 14th March Cleaning – Pam & Sarah
Service 28th March Cleaning – Audrey & Ruth
(no flowers in Lent)
There is a regular church cleaning rota and volunteers are always welcome. Anyone wishing to be included on the rota should contact Audrey on 01234 708728.
Village dates for your diary:
27th March 2010
Beetle Drive – 7:30 Melchbourne Village Hall
10th April
Bring & Buy –s 11–1pm at The Old Stables
2nd & 3rd May 2010
Flower Festival/Arts & Crafts Fair in and around Melchbourne
15th May
Jumble Sale –s 11am Melchbourne Village Hall
11th July 2010
Melchbourne Feast Day in Melchbourne
Return to Menu
YELDEN
Correspondent- Sue Taylor 01933 355380
e-mail: taylor.topo@btinternet.com
Yelden Methodist Chapel
March 7th 2010 at 11.00am Service led by Barbara Smith
Carol Service
Our joint Carol Service with Melchbourne produced a collection of £239 and as always we were able to apply half of this to support a local charity. The PCC decided to send a cheque for £119.50 to the Prebend Day Centre in Bedford which provides support and assistance to the town’s homeless and rootless. This donation further strengthens our relationship with the centre as we always take our harvest produce to them as well as regular bundles of warm clothes and toiletries. We received a very nice letter from the Day Centre manager and they obviously really appreciate the support we are able to give them. Please keep the supplies coming and these should be passed to Mike and Lesley Pond at 2 Stanbrook Way and once we have a boot full we take them in to Bedford. Many thanks for all your help, especially the staff at Weatherby’s of Wellingborough who have always given generously.
Lent Lunches
Yelden’s Lent lunch will be held at Lesley & Mike Pond’s house, 2 Stanbrook Way, on Thursday 4th March. Come and enjoy good company and bread and cheese between 12.30 and 2.
Cleaning Plan for Lent
7th March Rosemary and Lorna – 9am
21st March Sue and Jane – 10.30
2nd April Lesley and Sue –
Good Friday – Meditation at 2pm
Return to Menu
PERTENHALL
Correspondent- Chloe Reid 01480 861525
e-mail: chloereid@tesco.net
Plant sale
Pertenhall Village Hall will be the venue for a plant sale on Saturday 17th April from 12 until 4pm. We have many specialist Plant stalls and local suppliers supporting the Sale as well as a stall of locally donated plants. Admission will be free, and tea and cakes available for a small fee. All proceeds will be given to the Huntingdon & District Riding for the Disabled group.
For more information contact DI Birtwhistle on 01480 860800 or Vikki on 01480 860729.
Litter pick Up
The bi–annual litter pick will take place on Saturday 6th of March, meeting at Pertenhall village hill from 10.30am to 12.30pm. All the equipment required is provided – grabbers, bags and gloves – by Pride in Bedford. Even if you can only spare 30 minutes, your help will be greatly appreciated! Hopefully the weather will be kind.
Return to Menu
Dean
Correspondent — Annette Brooks 01234 709505
pegasustrans@btinternet.com
Dean and Shelton Parish Council
Police Report
3rd February 2010
Crime Statistics
Upper Dean ’ In 2009 seven crimes were recorded in the area. These were a burglary of a dwelling house, an arson offence, an assault, two criminal damages, and two thefts. Included within this was a theft of BT phone cable. This was a slight increase over 2008’s 6 reported crimes.
Lower Dean – There were no crimes showing as being recorded in Lower Dean. In 2008 two offences were recorded.
Shelton – Three crimes reported in 2009 which was the same as in 2008. The offences recorded were two thefts or attempted thefts and a burglery non dwelling house.
Across the Parish, crime has fallen from eleven offences in 2008 to ten in 2009. The systems show that no crimes have been recorded so far in 2010.
One of the major problems encountered in the area in 2009 was the theft of BT phone cable which was being stolen for its copper content. The area around Melchbourne, Upper Dean and Riseley was the worst affected in Bedfordshire and was linked to similar offences in other counties including Northamptonshire and Cambridgeshire. As a result of proactive policing, two offenders were arrested by Northamptonshire Police in the act of cutting up the cable they had just dragged from the ground and likewise an offender was arrested in Lincolnshire who had connections to the Bedfordshire offences.
As a result of the problems, BT cable thefts were made a Neighbourhood Priority in 2009. Work has continued with other forces and the BT Operation Eiger Team to reduce opportunities for stealing the cable and to actively target the thieves and those people receiving the cable as scrap. No recent offences have been reported in the Bedfordshire area.
Neighbourhood Priorities
At the Carlton to Riseley Safer Neighbourhood Joint Action Group Meeting in September 2009 three Neighbourhood Priorities were agreed. These were issues which the public, through contact with the Police or the Parish councils, had raised as the matters which most needed addressing at that time.
The three priorities agreed were:
BT Cable thefts –s As reported above.
Anti Social Behaviour in Harrold Village.
Nuisance vehicles to include speeding and parking.
The predominant concern in the Parish would be that of speeding motorists. It has been agreed that the Safer Neighbourhood Team would carry out speed checks in the area. Myself and Pcso Michael Blass have visited the area on two occasions and carried out checks. The good news is that no persons were found to be travelling in excess of the speed limit at the time. Further checks will be carried out in 2010 and the times will vary to try and encompass the morning and evening rush hours.
New Priorities –s A meeting has been arranged for the 10th February 2010 to discuss the setting of new priorities for the next three months. These priorities could be the same as they are now or changed to reflect the views of locals from across the Safer Neighbourhood Area. You can have your say by completing the MY NEIGHBOURHOOD PRIORITIES form which is attached to this report. You can post that to me at Riseley Police Station, 37 High Street, Riseley, bedfordshire MK44 1DX, email me details to snt.carltontoriseley@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk or give me a call on 01234 842865 and I will take details from you. These views will be considered at the next meeting.
Village Walkabouts –s In recent months, PCSO Michael Blass has visited the villages and had a walkabout to meet residents and to be visible to anyone driving by. Unfortunately, Michael has left us to pursue a career as regular Police Officer and we now await his replacement. However, we will still aim to have at least FOUR village walkabouts in 2010 and will give advance notice of these so you can look out for us.
You can check out meetings or walkabouts that we have planned at the Bedfordshire Police website. Please check the CarltontoRiseley pages for details. You can also check general crime statistics for the area and compare this with other Safer Neighbourhood areas.
Thank you for your attendance.
Rob Smith
Neighbourhood Police Officer Dean and Shelton
Tel 01234 842865
Email snt.carltontoriseley@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk
Chapel services
Sunday 14th and 28th March at 2.30p.m. in the Chapel Schoolroom.
Sunday 11th April at 2.30p.m. in the schoolroom.
Return to Menu
SWINESHEAD
Correspondent- Jenny Leishman 01234 709241
e-mail: JenLeishman@aol.co.uk
St Nicholas Church
There are women whose thoughtful husbands buy them flowers for no reason. And then there’s me. One day I couldn’t stand it any longer. “Why don’t you ever bring me flowers? ” I asked. “What’s the point? ” my husband said. ”They die after about a week. ” ”So could you, ” I shot back, “but I still like having you around. ”
Happy
Never miss an opportunity to make others happy, even if you have to leave them alone in order to do it.
Return to Menu
MELCHBOURNE
Correspondent- Philip Pahl
Graham Parkinson
Graham Parkinson died peacefully at home on 8 February. Those who knew him will know that he had been wheelchair–bound for some years which had curtailed his mobility but not his enjoyment of life.
Graham was born in Leicester and went to Loughborough Grammar School. On leaving he was articled to a local solicitors practice. From here he eventually went into partnership in the late Sixties. He became a Stipendiary Magistrate in London in the early Eighties and ultimately became Chief Metropolitan Stipendiary.
In addition to his everyday career he was President of the prestigious Central & South Middlesex Law Society while he also sat on the Board of Green Cloth which dealt with various licences for Royal palaces or premises governed by them. This allowed him to dine at Buckingham Palace on an annual basis for a number of years. Graham was made CBE in the New Years Honours of 2001.
Graham and Dinah moved to Melchbourne in the spring of 1987 with their two children, Georgie and Nick. He was swiftly co–opted on to the Parochial Church Council, ultimately becoming Chairman. Through many devoted years of service to the church he was churchwarden in the Nineties and regularly played the organ.
He made a contribution to village life wherever he could and was chairman of the Melchbourne Village Hall Committee overseeing the transformation of the present building from being in need of significant renovation to the present excellent facility.
Music and the stage was a lifelong love, especially opera, and indeed in the early Sixties he auditioned at Covent Garden. Although his life was to take another direction, his love of music persisted and he took part in many amateur operatic productions as well as the renowned local Stodden pantomimes. Many people will also remember his contribution to the Choir.
In the last few years Graham and Dinah lived quietly in Melchbourne but it was a life that, despite his physical infirmity, was enriched with many trips to Covent Garden and other, mainly musical, expeditions. But his greatest joy was his four grandchildren, Thomas, Ellie, Izzy and Freddie, who knew him as ‘Papa’.
His great warmth, intelligence, wisdom and humour will be sadly missed especially by his many friends in Melchbourne and the other Stodden villages.
The funeral service took place on Thursday, 18th February at St Mary Magdalene, Melchbourne.
Burns Supper
Our Burns Supper held on 23rd January was again a great success, with over 70 guests enjoying the traditional fare, entertaining speeches, a lovely flute recital by Lydia, singing, and finishing with the Scottish dancing. Thank you to everyone who helped to make this evening such a success.
AGM
The Village Hall AGM will be held on Tuesday 13th April in the Village Hall at 8.00 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend and refreshments will be served.
Bring & Buy Sale
April 10th 11am – 1pm The Old Stables
Graham & Dinah are hosting a Bring & Buy sale to help raise money for the repairs to the church clock. All new and nearly new items welcome. Refreshments will be served.
Church Cleaning and Flowers Rota
Service 14th March Cleaning – Pam & Sarah
Service 28th March Cleaning – Audrey & Ruth
(no flowers in Lent)
There is a regular church cleaning rota and volunteers are always welcome. Anyone wishing to be included on the rota should contact Audrey on 01234 708728.
Village dates for your diary:
27th March 2010
Beetle Drive – 7:30 Melchbourne Village Hall
10th April
Bring & Buy –s 11–1pm at The Old Stables
2nd & 3rd May 2010
Flower Festival/Arts & Crafts Fair in and around Melchbourne
15th May
Jumble Sale –s 11am Melchbourne Village Hall
11th July 2010
Melchbourne Feast Day in Melchbourne
Return to Menu
YELDEN
Correspondent- Sue Taylor 01933 355380
e-mail: taylor.topo@btinternet.com
Yelden Methodist Chapel
March 7th 2010 at 11.00am Service led by Barbara Smith
Carol Service
Our joint Carol Service with Melchbourne produced a collection of £239 and as always we were able to apply half of this to support a local charity. The PCC decided to send a cheque for £119.50 to the Prebend Day Centre in Bedford which provides support and assistance to the town’s homeless and rootless. This donation further strengthens our relationship with the centre as we always take our harvest produce to them as well as regular bundles of warm clothes and toiletries. We received a very nice letter from the Day Centre manager and they obviously really appreciate the support we are able to give them. Please keep the supplies coming and these should be passed to Mike and Lesley Pond at 2 Stanbrook Way and once we have a boot full we take them in to Bedford. Many thanks for all your help, especially the staff at Weatherby’s of Wellingborough who have always given generously.
Lent Lunches
Yelden’s Lent lunch will be held at Lesley & Mike Pond’s house, 2 Stanbrook Way, on Thursday 4th March. Come and enjoy good company and bread and cheese between 12.30 and 2.
Cleaning Plan for Lent
7th March Rosemary and Lorna – 9am
21st March Sue and Jane – 10.30
2nd April Lesley and Sue –
Good Friday – Meditation at 2pm
Return to Menu
PERTENHALL
Correspondent- Chloe Reid 01480 861525
e-mail: chloereid@tesco.net
Plant sale
Pertenhall Village Hall will be the venue for a plant sale on Saturday 17th April from 12 until 4pm. We have many specialist Plant stalls and local suppliers supporting the Sale as well as a stall of locally donated plants. Admission will be free, and tea and cakes available for a small fee. All proceeds will be given to the Huntingdon & District Riding for the Disabled group.
For more information contact DI Birtwhistle on 01480 860800 or Vikki on 01480 860729.
Litter pick Up
The bi–annual litter pick will take place on Saturday 6th of March, meeting at Pertenhall village hill from 10.30am to 12.30pm. All the equipment required is provided – grabbers, bags and gloves – by Pride in Bedford. Even if you can only spare 30 minutes, your help will be greatly appreciated! Hopefully the weather will be kind.
Return to Menu
Dean
Correspondent — Annette Brooks 01234 709505
pegasustrans@btinternet.com
Dean and Shelton Parish Council
Police Report
3rd February 2010
Crime Statistics
Upper Dean ’ In 2009 seven crimes were recorded in the area. These were a burglary of a dwelling house, an arson offence, an assault, two criminal damages, and two thefts. Included within this was a theft of BT phone cable. This was a slight increase over 2008’s 6 reported crimes.
Lower Dean – There were no crimes showing as being recorded in Lower Dean. In 2008 two offences were recorded.
Shelton – Three crimes reported in 2009 which was the same as in 2008. The offences recorded were two thefts or attempted thefts and a burglery non dwelling house.
Across the Parish, crime has fallen from eleven offences in 2008 to ten in 2009. The systems show that no crimes have been recorded so far in 2010.
One of the major problems encountered in the area in 2009 was the theft of BT phone cable which was being stolen for its copper content. The area around Melchbourne, Upper Dean and Riseley was the worst affected in Bedfordshire and was linked to similar offences in other counties including Northamptonshire and Cambridgeshire. As a result of proactive policing, two offenders were arrested by Northamptonshire Police in the act of cutting up the cable they had just dragged from the ground and likewise an offender was arrested in Lincolnshire who had connections to the Bedfordshire offences.
As a result of the problems, BT cable thefts were made a Neighbourhood Priority in 2009. Work has continued with other forces and the BT Operation Eiger Team to reduce opportunities for stealing the cable and to actively target the thieves and those people receiving the cable as scrap. No recent offences have been reported in the Bedfordshire area.
Neighbourhood Priorities
At the Carlton to Riseley Safer Neighbourhood Joint Action Group Meeting in September 2009 three Neighbourhood Priorities were agreed. These were issues which the public, through contact with the Police or the Parish councils, had raised as the matters which most needed addressing at that time.
The three priorities agreed were:
BT Cable thefts –s As reported above.
Anti Social Behaviour in Harrold Village.
Nuisance vehicles to include speeding and parking.
The predominant concern in the Parish would be that of speeding motorists. It has been agreed that the Safer Neighbourhood Team would carry out speed checks in the area. Myself and Pcso Michael Blass have visited the area on two occasions and carried out checks. The good news is that no persons were found to be travelling in excess of the speed limit at the time. Further checks will be carried out in 2010 and the times will vary to try and encompass the morning and evening rush hours.
New Priorities –s A meeting has been arranged for the 10th February 2010 to discuss the setting of new priorities for the next three months. These priorities could be the same as they are now or changed to reflect the views of locals from across the Safer Neighbourhood Area. You can have your say by completing the MY NEIGHBOURHOOD PRIORITIES form which is attached to this report. You can post that to me at Riseley Police Station, 37 High Street, Riseley, bedfordshire MK44 1DX, email me details to snt.carltontoriseley@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk or give me a call on 01234 842865 and I will take details from you. These views will be considered at the next meeting.
Village Walkabouts –s In recent months, PCSO Michael Blass has visited the villages and had a walkabout to meet residents and to be visible to anyone driving by. Unfortunately, Michael has left us to pursue a career as regular Police Officer and we now await his replacement. However, we will still aim to have at least FOUR village walkabouts in 2010 and will give advance notice of these so you can look out for us.
You can check out meetings or walkabouts that we have planned at the Bedfordshire Police website. Please check the CarltontoRiseley pages for details. You can also check general crime statistics for the area and compare this with other Safer Neighbourhood areas.
Thank you for your attendance.
Rob Smith
Neighbourhood Police Officer Dean and Shelton
Tel 01234 842865
Email snt.carltontoriseley@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk
Chapel services
Sunday 14th and 28th March at 2.30p.m. in the Chapel Schoolroom.
Sunday 11th April at 2.30p.m. in the schoolroom.
Return to Menu
SWINESHEAD
Correspondent- Jenny Leishman 01234 709241
e-mail: JenLeishman@aol.co.uk
St Nicholas Church
Never miss an opportunity to make others happy, even if you have to leave them alone in order to do it.
Return to Menu
MELCHBOURNE
Correspondent- Philip Pahl
Graham Parkinson
Graham Parkinson died peacefully at home on 8 February. Those who knew him will know that he had been wheelchair–bound for some years which had curtailed his mobility but not his enjoyment of life.
Graham was born in Leicester and went to Loughborough Grammar School. On leaving he was articled to a local solicitors practice. From here he eventually went into partnership in the late Sixties. He became a Stipendiary Magistrate in London in the early Eighties and ultimately became Chief Metropolitan Stipendiary.
In addition to his everyday career he was President of the prestigious Central & South Middlesex Law Society while he also sat on the Board of Green Cloth which dealt with various licences for Royal palaces or premises governed by them. This allowed him to dine at Buckingham Palace on an annual basis for a number of years. Graham was made CBE in the New Years Honours of 2001.
Graham and Dinah moved to Melchbourne in the spring of 1987 with their two children, Georgie and Nick. He was swiftly co–opted on to the Parochial Church Council, ultimately becoming Chairman. Through many devoted years of service to the church he was churchwarden in the Nineties and regularly played the organ.
He made a contribution to village life wherever he could and was chairman of the Melchbourne Village Hall Committee overseeing the transformation of the present building from being in need of significant renovation to the present excellent facility.
Music and the stage was a lifelong love, especially opera, and indeed in the early Sixties he auditioned at Covent Garden. Although his life was to take another direction, his love of music persisted and he took part in many amateur operatic productions as well as the renowned local Stodden pantomimes. Many people will also remember his contribution to the Choir.
In the last few years Graham and Dinah lived quietly in Melchbourne but it was a life that, despite his physical infirmity, was enriched with many trips to Covent Garden and other, mainly musical, expeditions. But his greatest joy was his four grandchildren, Thomas, Ellie, Izzy and Freddie, who knew him as ‘Papa’.
His great warmth, intelligence, wisdom and humour will be sadly missed especially by his many friends in Melchbourne and the other Stodden villages.
The funeral service took place on Thursday, 18th February at St Mary Magdalene, Melchbourne.
Burns Supper
Our Burns Supper held on 23rd January was again a great success, with over 70 guests enjoying the traditional fare, entertaining speeches, a lovely flute recital by Lydia, singing, and finishing with the Scottish dancing. Thank you to everyone who helped to make this evening such a success.
AGM
The Village Hall AGM will be held on Tuesday 13th April in the Village Hall at 8.00 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend and refreshments will be served.
Bring & Buy Sale
April 10th 11am – 1pm The Old Stables
Graham & Dinah are hosting a Bring & Buy sale to help raise money for the repairs to the church clock. All new and nearly new items welcome. Refreshments will be served.
Church Cleaning and Flowers Rota
Service 14th March Cleaning – Pam & Sarah
Service 28th March Cleaning – Audrey & Ruth
(no flowers in Lent)
There is a regular church cleaning rota and volunteers are always welcome. Anyone wishing to be included on the rota should contact Audrey on 01234 708728.
Village dates for your diary:
27th March 2010
Beetle Drive – 7:30 Melchbourne Village Hall
10th April
Bring & Buy –s 11–1pm at The Old Stables
2nd & 3rd May 2010
Flower Festival/Arts & Crafts Fair in and around Melchbourne
15th May
Jumble Sale –s 11am Melchbourne Village Hall
11th July 2010
Melchbourne Feast Day in Melchbourne
Return to Menu
YELDEN
Correspondent- Sue Taylor 01933 355380
e-mail: taylor.topo@btinternet.com
Yelden Methodist Chapel
March 7th 2010 at 11.00am Service led by Barbara Smith
Carol Service
Our joint Carol Service with Melchbourne produced a collection of £239 and as always we were able to apply half of this to support a local charity. The PCC decided to send a cheque for £119.50 to the Prebend Day Centre in Bedford which provides support and assistance to the town’s homeless and rootless. This donation further strengthens our relationship with the centre as we always take our harvest produce to them as well as regular bundles of warm clothes and toiletries. We received a very nice letter from the Day Centre manager and they obviously really appreciate the support we are able to give them. Please keep the supplies coming and these should be passed to Mike and Lesley Pond at 2 Stanbrook Way and once we have a boot full we take them in to Bedford. Many thanks for all your help, especially the staff at Weatherby’s of Wellingborough who have always given generously.
Lent Lunches
Yelden’s Lent lunch will be held at Lesley & Mike Pond’s house, 2 Stanbrook Way, on Thursday 4th March. Come and enjoy good company and bread and cheese between 12.30 and 2.
Cleaning Plan for Lent
7th March Rosemary and Lorna – 9am
21st March Sue and Jane – 10.30
2nd April Lesley and Sue –
Good Friday – Meditation at 2pm
Return to Menu
PERTENHALL
Correspondent- Chloe Reid 01480 861525
e-mail: chloereid@tesco.net
Plant sale
Pertenhall Village Hall will be the venue for a plant sale on Saturday 17th April from 12 until 4pm. We have many specialist Plant stalls and local suppliers supporting the Sale as well as a stall of locally donated plants. Admission will be free, and tea and cakes available for a small fee. All proceeds will be given to the Huntingdon & District Riding for the Disabled group.
For more information contact DI Birtwhistle on 01480 860800 or Vikki on 01480 860729.
Litter pick Up
The bi–annual litter pick will take place on Saturday 6th of March, meeting at Pertenhall village hill from 10.30am to 12.30pm. All the equipment required is provided – grabbers, bags and gloves – by Pride in Bedford. Even if you can only spare 30 minutes, your help will be greatly appreciated! Hopefully the weather will be kind.
Return to Menu
Dean
Correspondent — Annette Brooks 01234 709505
pegasustrans@btinternet.com
Dean and Shelton Parish Council
Police Report
3rd February 2010
Crime Statistics
Upper Dean ’ In 2009 seven crimes were recorded in the area. These were a burglary of a dwelling house, an arson offence, an assault, two criminal damages, and two thefts. Included within this was a theft of BT phone cable. This was a slight increase over 2008’s 6 reported crimes.
Lower Dean – There were no crimes showing as being recorded in Lower Dean. In 2008 two offences were recorded.
Shelton – Three crimes reported in 2009 which was the same as in 2008. The offences recorded were two thefts or attempted thefts and a burglery non dwelling house.
Across the Parish, crime has fallen from eleven offences in 2008 to ten in 2009. The systems show that no crimes have been recorded so far in 2010.
One of the major problems encountered in the area in 2009 was the theft of BT phone cable which was being stolen for its copper content. The area around Melchbourne, Upper Dean and Riseley was the worst affected in Bedfordshire and was linked to similar offences in other counties including Northamptonshire and Cambridgeshire. As a result of proactive policing, two offenders were arrested by Northamptonshire Police in the act of cutting up the cable they had just dragged from the ground and likewise an offender was arrested in Lincolnshire who had connections to the Bedfordshire offences.
As a result of the problems, BT cable thefts were made a Neighbourhood Priority in 2009. Work has continued with other forces and the BT Operation Eiger Team to reduce opportunities for stealing the cable and to actively target the thieves and those people receiving the cable as scrap. No recent offences have been reported in the Bedfordshire area.
Neighbourhood Priorities
At the Carlton to Riseley Safer Neighbourhood Joint Action Group Meeting in September 2009 three Neighbourhood Priorities were agreed. These were issues which the public, through contact with the Police or the Parish councils, had raised as the matters which most needed addressing at that time.
The three priorities agreed were:
BT Cable thefts –s As reported above.
Anti Social Behaviour in Harrold Village.
Nuisance vehicles to include speeding and parking.
The predominant concern in the Parish would be that of speeding motorists. It has been agreed that the Safer Neighbourhood Team would carry out speed checks in the area. Myself and Pcso Michael Blass have visited the area on two occasions and carried out checks. The good news is that no persons were found to be travelling in excess of the speed limit at the time. Further checks will be carried out in 2010 and the times will vary to try and encompass the morning and evening rush hours.
New Priorities –s A meeting has been arranged for the 10th February 2010 to discuss the setting of new priorities for the next three months. These priorities could be the same as they are now or changed to reflect the views of locals from across the Safer Neighbourhood Area. You can have your say by completing the MY NEIGHBOURHOOD PRIORITIES form which is attached to this report. You can post that to me at Riseley Police Station, 37 High Street, Riseley, bedfordshire MK44 1DX, email me details to snt.carltontoriseley@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk or give me a call on 01234 842865 and I will take details from you. These views will be considered at the next meeting.
Village Walkabouts –s In recent months, PCSO Michael Blass has visited the villages and had a walkabout to meet residents and to be visible to anyone driving by. Unfortunately, Michael has left us to pursue a career as regular Police Officer and we now await his replacement. However, we will still aim to have at least FOUR village walkabouts in 2010 and will give advance notice of these so you can look out for us.
You can check out meetings or walkabouts that we have planned at the Bedfordshire Police website. Please check the CarltontoRiseley pages for details. You can also check general crime statistics for the area and compare this with other Safer Neighbourhood areas.
Thank you for your attendance.
Rob Smith
Neighbourhood Police Officer Dean and Shelton
Tel 01234 842865
Email snt.carltontoriseley@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk
Chapel services
Sunday 14th and 28th March at 2.30p.m. in the Chapel Schoolroom.
Sunday 11th April at 2.30p.m. in the schoolroom.
Return to Menu
SWINESHEAD
Correspondent- Jenny Leishman 01234 709241
e-mail: JenLeishman@aol.co.uk
St Nicholas Church
Return to Menu
MELCHBOURNE
Correspondent- Philip Pahl
Graham Parkinson
Graham Parkinson died peacefully at home on 8 February. Those who knew him will know that he had been wheelchair–bound for some years which had curtailed his mobility but not his enjoyment of life.
Graham was born in Leicester and went to Loughborough Grammar School. On leaving he was articled to a local solicitors practice. From here he eventually went into partnership in the late Sixties. He became a Stipendiary Magistrate in London in the early Eighties and ultimately became Chief Metropolitan Stipendiary.
In addition to his everyday career he was President of the prestigious Central & South Middlesex Law Society while he also sat on the Board of Green Cloth which dealt with various licences for Royal palaces or premises governed by them. This allowed him to dine at Buckingham Palace on an annual basis for a number of years. Graham was made CBE in the New Years Honours of 2001.
Graham and Dinah moved to Melchbourne in the spring of 1987 with their two children, Georgie and Nick. He was swiftly co–opted on to the Parochial Church Council, ultimately becoming Chairman. Through many devoted years of service to the church he was churchwarden in the Nineties and regularly played the organ.
He made a contribution to village life wherever he could and was chairman of the Melchbourne Village Hall Committee overseeing the transformation of the present building from being in need of significant renovation to the present excellent facility.
Music and the stage was a lifelong love, especially opera, and indeed in the early Sixties he auditioned at Covent Garden. Although his life was to take another direction, his love of music persisted and he took part in many amateur operatic productions as well as the renowned local Stodden pantomimes. Many people will also remember his contribution to the Choir.
In the last few years Graham and Dinah lived quietly in Melchbourne but it was a life that, despite his physical infirmity, was enriched with many trips to Covent Garden and other, mainly musical, expeditions. But his greatest joy was his four grandchildren, Thomas, Ellie, Izzy and Freddie, who knew him as ‘Papa’.
His great warmth, intelligence, wisdom and humour will be sadly missed especially by his many friends in Melchbourne and the other Stodden villages.
The funeral service took place on Thursday, 18th February at St Mary Magdalene, Melchbourne.
Burns Supper
Our Burns Supper held on 23rd January was again a great success, with over 70 guests enjoying the traditional fare, entertaining speeches, a lovely flute recital by Lydia, singing, and finishing with the Scottish dancing. Thank you to everyone who helped to make this evening such a success.
AGM
The Village Hall AGM will be held on Tuesday 13th April in the Village Hall at 8.00 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend and refreshments will be served.
Bring & Buy Sale
April 10th 11am – 1pm The Old Stables
Graham & Dinah are hosting a Bring & Buy sale to help raise money for the repairs to the church clock. All new and nearly new items welcome. Refreshments will be served.
Church Cleaning and Flowers Rota
Service 14th March Cleaning – Pam & Sarah
Service 28th March Cleaning – Audrey & Ruth
(no flowers in Lent)
There is a regular church cleaning rota and volunteers are always welcome. Anyone wishing to be included on the rota should contact Audrey on 01234 708728.
Village dates for your diary:
27th March 2010
Beetle Drive – 7:30 Melchbourne Village Hall
10th April
Bring & Buy –s 11–1pm at The Old Stables
2nd & 3rd May 2010 Flower Festival/Arts & Crafts Fair in and around Melchbourne
15th May Jumble Sale –s 11am Melchbourne Village Hall
11th July 2010 Melchbourne Feast Day in Melchbourne
Return to Menu
YELDEN
Correspondent- Sue Taylor 01933 355380
e-mail: taylor.topo@btinternet.com
Yelden Methodist Chapel
March 7th 2010 at 11.00am Service led by Barbara Smith
Carol Service
Our joint Carol Service with Melchbourne produced a collection of £239 and as always we were able to apply half of this to support a local charity. The PCC decided to send a cheque for £119.50 to the Prebend Day Centre in Bedford which provides support and assistance to the town’s homeless and rootless. This donation further strengthens our relationship with the centre as we always take our harvest produce to them as well as regular bundles of warm clothes and toiletries. We received a very nice letter from the Day Centre manager and they obviously really appreciate the support we are able to give them. Please keep the supplies coming and these should be passed to Mike and Lesley Pond at 2 Stanbrook Way and once we have a boot full we take them in to Bedford. Many thanks for all your help, especially the staff at Weatherby’s of Wellingborough who have always given generously.
Lent Lunches
Yelden’s Lent lunch will be held at Lesley & Mike Pond’s house, 2 Stanbrook Way, on Thursday 4th March. Come and enjoy good company and bread and cheese between 12.30 and 2.
Cleaning Plan for Lent
7th March Rosemary and Lorna – 9am
21st March Sue and Jane – 10.30
2nd April Lesley and Sue –
Good Friday – Meditation at 2pm
Return to Menu
PERTENHALL
Correspondent- Chloe Reid 01480 861525
e-mail: chloereid@tesco.net
Plant sale
Pertenhall Village Hall will be the venue for a plant sale on Saturday 17th April from 12 until 4pm. We have many specialist Plant stalls and local suppliers supporting the Sale as well as a stall of locally donated plants. Admission will be free, and tea and cakes available for a small fee. All proceeds will be given to the Huntingdon & District Riding for the Disabled group.
For more information contact DI Birtwhistle on 01480 860800 or Vikki on 01480 860729.
Litter pick Up
The bi–annual litter pick will take place on Saturday 6th of March, meeting at Pertenhall village hill from 10.30am to 12.30pm. All the equipment required is provided – grabbers, bags and gloves – by Pride in Bedford. Even if you can only spare 30 minutes, your help will be greatly appreciated! Hopefully the weather will be kind.
Return to Menu
Dean
Correspondent — Annette Brooks 01234 709505
pegasustrans@btinternet.com
Dean and Shelton Parish Council
Police Report
3rd February 2010
Crime Statistics
Upper Dean ’ In 2009 seven crimes were recorded in the area. These were a burglary of a dwelling house, an arson offence, an assault, two criminal damages, and two thefts. Included within this was a theft of BT phone cable. This was a slight increase over 2008’s 6 reported crimes.
Lower Dean – There were no crimes showing as being recorded in Lower Dean. In 2008 two offences were recorded.
Shelton – Three crimes reported in 2009 which was the same as in 2008. The offences recorded were two thefts or attempted thefts and a burglery non dwelling house.
Across the Parish, crime has fallen from eleven offences in 2008 to ten in 2009. The systems show that no crimes have been recorded so far in 2010.
One of the major problems encountered in the area in 2009 was the theft of BT phone cable which was being stolen for its copper content. The area around Melchbourne, Upper Dean and Riseley was the worst affected in Bedfordshire and was linked to similar offences in other counties including Northamptonshire and Cambridgeshire. As a result of proactive policing, two offenders were arrested by Northamptonshire Police in the act of cutting up the cable they had just dragged from the ground and likewise an offender was arrested in Lincolnshire who had connections to the Bedfordshire offences.
As a result of the problems, BT cable thefts were made a Neighbourhood Priority in 2009. Work has continued with other forces and the BT Operation Eiger Team to reduce opportunities for stealing the cable and to actively target the thieves and those people receiving the cable as scrap. No recent offences have been reported in the Bedfordshire area.
Neighbourhood Priorities
At the Carlton to Riseley Safer Neighbourhood Joint Action Group Meeting in September 2009 three Neighbourhood Priorities were agreed. These were issues which the public, through contact with the Police or the Parish councils, had raised as the matters which most needed addressing at that time.
The three priorities agreed were:
BT Cable thefts –s As reported above.
Anti Social Behaviour in Harrold Village.
Nuisance vehicles to include speeding and parking.
The predominant concern in the Parish would be that of speeding motorists. It has been agreed that the Safer Neighbourhood Team would carry out speed checks in the area. Myself and Pcso Michael Blass have visited the area on two occasions and carried out checks. The good news is that no persons were found to be travelling in excess of the speed limit at the time. Further checks will be carried out in 2010 and the times will vary to try and encompass the morning and evening rush hours.
New Priorities –s A meeting has been arranged for the 10th February 2010 to discuss the setting of new priorities for the next three months. These priorities could be the same as they are now or changed to reflect the views of locals from across the Safer Neighbourhood Area. You can have your say by completing the MY NEIGHBOURHOOD PRIORITIES form which is attached to this report. You can post that to me at Riseley Police Station, 37 High Street, Riseley, bedfordshire MK44 1DX, email me details to snt.carltontoriseley@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk or give me a call on 01234 842865 and I will take details from you. These views will be considered at the next meeting.
Village Walkabouts –s In recent months, PCSO Michael Blass has visited the villages and had a walkabout to meet residents and to be visible to anyone driving by. Unfortunately, Michael has left us to pursue a career as regular Police Officer and we now await his replacement. However, we will still aim to have at least FOUR village walkabouts in 2010 and will give advance notice of these so you can look out for us.
You can check out meetings or walkabouts that we have planned at the Bedfordshire Police website. Please check the CarltontoRiseley pages for details. You can also check general crime statistics for the area and compare this with other Safer Neighbourhood areas.
Thank you for your attendance.
Rob Smith
Neighbourhood Police Officer Dean and Shelton
Tel 01234 842865
Email snt.carltontoriseley@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk
Chapel services
Sunday 14th and 28th March at 2.30p.m. in the Chapel Schoolroom.
Sunday 11th April at 2.30p.m. in the schoolroom.
Return to Menu
SWINESHEAD
Correspondent- Jenny Leishman 01234 709241
e-mail: JenLeishman@aol.co.uk
St Nicholas Church
March 7th 2010 at 11.00am Service led by Barbara Smith
Carol Service
Our joint Carol Service with Melchbourne produced a collection of £239 and as always we were able to apply half of this to support a local charity. The PCC decided to send a cheque for £119.50 to the Prebend Day Centre in Bedford which provides support and assistance to the town’s homeless and rootless. This donation further strengthens our relationship with the centre as we always take our harvest produce to them as well as regular bundles of warm clothes and toiletries. We received a very nice letter from the Day Centre manager and they obviously really appreciate the support we are able to give them. Please keep the supplies coming and these should be passed to Mike and Lesley Pond at 2 Stanbrook Way and once we have a boot full we take them in to Bedford. Many thanks for all your help, especially the staff at Weatherby’s of Wellingborough who have always given generously.
Lent Lunches
Yelden’s Lent lunch will be held at Lesley & Mike Pond’s house, 2 Stanbrook Way, on Thursday 4th March. Come and enjoy good company and bread and cheese between 12.30 and 2.
Cleaning Plan for Lent
7th March Rosemary and Lorna – 9am
21st March Sue and Jane – 10.30
2nd April Lesley and Sue –
Good Friday – Meditation at 2pm
Return to Menu
PERTENHALL
Correspondent- Chloe Reid 01480 861525
e-mail: chloereid@tesco.net
Plant sale
Pertenhall Village Hall will be the venue for a plant sale on Saturday 17th April from 12 until 4pm. We have many specialist Plant stalls and local suppliers supporting the Sale as well as a stall of locally donated plants. Admission will be free, and tea and cakes available for a small fee. All proceeds will be given to the Huntingdon & District Riding for the Disabled group.
For more information contact DI Birtwhistle on 01480 860800 or Vikki on 01480 860729.
Litter pick Up
The bi–annual litter pick will take place on Saturday 6th of March, meeting at Pertenhall village hill from 10.30am to 12.30pm. All the equipment required is provided – grabbers, bags and gloves – by Pride in Bedford. Even if you can only spare 30 minutes, your help will be greatly appreciated! Hopefully the weather will be kind.
Return to Menu
Dean
Correspondent — Annette Brooks 01234 709505
pegasustrans@btinternet.com
Dean and Shelton Parish Council
Police Report
Lower Dean – There were no crimes showing as being recorded in Lower Dean. In 2008 two offences were recorded.
Shelton – Three crimes reported in 2009 which was the same as in 2008. The offences recorded were two thefts or attempted thefts and a burglery non dwelling house.
Across the Parish, crime has fallen from eleven offences in 2008 to ten in 2009. The systems show that no crimes have been recorded so far in 2010.
One of the major problems encountered in the area in 2009 was the theft of BT phone cable which was being stolen for its copper content. The area around Melchbourne, Upper Dean and Riseley was the worst affected in Bedfordshire and was linked to similar offences in other counties including Northamptonshire and Cambridgeshire. As a result of proactive policing, two offenders were arrested by Northamptonshire Police in the act of cutting up the cable they had just dragged from the ground and likewise an offender was arrested in Lincolnshire who had connections to the Bedfordshire offences.
As a result of the problems, BT cable thefts were made a Neighbourhood Priority in 2009. Work has continued with other forces and the BT Operation Eiger Team to reduce opportunities for stealing the cable and to actively target the thieves and those people receiving the cable as scrap. No recent offences have been reported in the Bedfordshire area.
Neighbourhood Priorities
At the Carlton to Riseley Safer Neighbourhood Joint Action Group Meeting in September 2009 three Neighbourhood Priorities were agreed. These were issues which the public, through contact with the Police or the Parish councils, had raised as the matters which most needed addressing at that time.
The three priorities agreed were:
BT Cable thefts –s As reported above.
Anti Social Behaviour in Harrold Village.
Nuisance vehicles to include speeding and parking.
The predominant concern in the Parish would be that of speeding motorists. It has been agreed that the Safer Neighbourhood Team would carry out speed checks in the area. Myself and Pcso Michael Blass have visited the area on two occasions and carried out checks. The good news is that no persons were found to be travelling in excess of the speed limit at the time. Further checks will be carried out in 2010 and the times will vary to try and encompass the morning and evening rush hours.
New Priorities –s A meeting has been arranged for the 10th February 2010 to discuss the setting of new priorities for the next three months. These priorities could be the same as they are now or changed to reflect the views of locals from across the Safer Neighbourhood Area. You can have your say by completing the MY NEIGHBOURHOOD PRIORITIES form which is attached to this report. You can post that to me at Riseley Police Station, 37 High Street, Riseley, bedfordshire MK44 1DX, email me details to snt.carltontoriseley@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk or give me a call on 01234 842865 and I will take details from you. These views will be considered at the next meeting.
Village Walkabouts –s In recent months, PCSO Michael Blass has visited the villages and had a walkabout to meet residents and to be visible to anyone driving by. Unfortunately, Michael has left us to pursue a career as regular Police Officer and we now await his replacement. However, we will still aim to have at least FOUR village walkabouts in 2010 and will give advance notice of these so you can look out for us.
You can check out meetings or walkabouts that we have planned at the Bedfordshire Police website. Please check the CarltontoRiseley pages for details. You can also check general crime statistics for the area and compare this with other Safer Neighbourhood areas.
Thank you for your attendance.
Rob Smith
Neighbourhood Police Officer Dean and Shelton
Tel 01234 842865
Email snt.carltontoriseley@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk
Chapel services
Sunday 14th and 28th March at 2.30p.m. in the Chapel Schoolroom.
Sunday 11th April at 2.30p.m. in the schoolroom.
Return to Menu
SWINESHEAD
Correspondent- Jenny Leishman 01234 709241
e-mail: JenLeishman@aol.co.uk
St Nicholas Church
BT Cable thefts –s As reported above.
Anti Social Behaviour in Harrold Village.
Nuisance vehicles to include speeding and parking.
Thank you for your attendance.
Rob Smith
Neighbourhood Police Officer Dean and Shelton
Tel 01234 842865
Email snt.carltontoriseley@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk
Chapel services
Sunday 14th and 28th March at 2.30p.m. in the Chapel Schoolroom.
Sunday 11th April at 2.30p.m. in the schoolroom.
Return to Menu
SWINESHEAD
Correspondent- Jenny Leishman 01234 709241
e-mail: JenLeishman@aol.co.uk
St Nicholas Church
St Nicholas Church | ||
| Date | Cleaning | Flowers |
| March 14th | Edna, Jan, Emma, Margaret | No Flowers Lent |
| April 1st | Pat, Jean, Jenni | No flowers:Lent |
| April 18th | Frances, Anne, Anne | Edna |
Village Hall
At the AGM of the Village Hall Management Committee. held on 8 February, John Willcock was re–elected Chairman; Sian Slater & Jean Constant were also re–elected, as Secretary & Treasurer respectively. Following the AGM, the Committee discussed plans for the Village Hall extension and forthcoming events (see below).
The Sixth Bell Bar will be open from 8.00pm on Fridays 5 March & 2 April. Afternoon Teas will be served in the Village Hall from 3pm on Thursdays 4 & 18 March, and on 1, 15 & 29 April.
Swineshead Litter Pick
More volunteers would be appreciated for the litter–pick on 6th March at 10.00 am, meeting at the village hall. (Contact Alan 708671)
Pilates
Want to keep fit or into get back into shape? There are still a few places available in the Pilates classes held in Swineshead Village Hall on Tuesday evenings. For further information please telephone 01234–709655.
100 Club
February Draw Winner
Friday 5th Bar Night
Friday 5th Bar Night
| 1st Prize | £20 | Lesley Willcock (48) |
| 2nd Prize | £10 | Margaret Brown (8) |
| 3rd Prize | £5 | Alan Knowlton (18) |
| 4th Prize | £5 | Josie Thompson(32)(Joseph) |
Return to Menu
Forthcoming Attractions
20th March | Swineshead | Bag Whist |
 | ||
Return to Menu | ||
21st March | Shelton | Shelton Open Gardens |
 | ||
Return to Menu | ||
27th March | Melchbourne | Beetle Drive |
 | ||
Return to Menu | ||
2nd/3rd May | Melchbourne | Flower & Art Festival |
 | ||
Return to Menu | ||
Contents this edition
Rector′s Remarks
Lent Course
Lent Compline
Lent Lunches
Holy Week and Easter
Mothering Sunday
Passover for Christians
Christian Guide
Helping Farmers
Tell us what you think
Kick Boxing
Mothers Union
Thank You
Old Photos wanted
Smile
Around the Villages
The Deans
Melchbourne
Pertenhall
Shelton
Swineshead
Yelden
