P3 Footpath Group

Meetings

The June meeting (just after the last Newsletter deadline) saw reports on all of the 17 Public Rights of Way in the Parish.

All of the paths, both Public Footpaths and Public Bridleways were reported as walkable/usable, mainly easy to use, with no real problems with overgrowing vegetation or undergrowth on or near the paths.

If you do come across any problems with vegetation obstructing any path or with any path furniture (e.g. waymark posts, kissing gates) please report this via the phone number at the end of this input to the Newsletter and the Group will look to fix it.

The next meetings of the Group are on Saturday 2nd August and Saturday 4th October at 10.00am in the small hall of the Village Hall.

Come along to the meeting if you would like to get involved with monitoring the state of the paths in the village and/or helping to fix any problems.

All are welcome.

Working Parties

With all the fine dry weather there have been few problems with the Footpaths and Bridleways around the village and no remedial work has been identified.

If you do find any problems please contact the group on the number below and we will try and resolve them.

Walks

The July walk from Great Barford to Blunham and back has now been postponed twice. Both times because it was too hot.

This is a first for the Group.

Only once before in the fifteen years the Group has been going have two consecutive walks been postponed and that was, more predictably, because of rain.

We will try once again on Friday 15th August (note 6.15pm from Wilstead).

The remaining walks this year are planned for Sunday 14th September 2.00pm, Sunday 19th October 10.30am and Sunday 23rd November 10.30am.

Keep an eye on the posters on the village noticeboards for details of these future walks.

Come along if you fancy a wander (4-5 miles) through nearby Bedfordshire countryside

Nigel Jacobs

Wilstead Footpath Group

01234 400733

What Do Wilstead Garden Club and The British F1 Grand Prix Have in Common?

Sadly, not the attendance of some members of the racing fraternity, but by managing to choose a very rare wet and cool day in this otherwise scorching, dry summer. As the rain added some extra jeopardy to the race, so the inclement weather added to our garden visits, albeit umbrellas and raincoats.

Our July meeting was our annual visits to some members gardens. This year they were centred around the crossroads and gave us a variety of sizes and styles. The smallest was a courtyard garden which provided a variety of seating as well as a stunning display of vibrant plants in pots and baskets. We then saw a variety of more sizeable gardens all with different styles. We saw traditional cottage styles focussing on providing habitats for wild animals and birds, there was even a wasp nest where the wasps are busily turning a tree stump into sawdust. There was also an abundance of food crops such as beans, tomatoes, blueberries, plums, pears and apples. A highlight was a Wollemi pine tree which was thought to have gone extinct in the Jurassic period and the dinosaurs, only to be discovered again recently in a remote part of Australia.

Our social gathering had to take place inside and we are very grateful to Geoff and Julie for allowing us in, but not before we had a chance to enjoy their beautiful garden. This had a number of different social areas to take advantage of the sunshine or shade, as well as different sympathetic planting areas of crops and flowers, particularly roses.

So our evening was a success, just like the Grand Prix. Very many thanks to the brave people who had worked so hard on their gardens for us and Geoff and Julie for the hospitality.

In August we are taking a trip out to explore the newly opened local nature reserve, Clophill Lakes. It is managed on the site of previous Fullers Earth excavation and Cainhoe Castle so should be an interesting visit. The site is open daily and is free to enter, but there is a fee for parking, and there is a cafe. Payment for both is by card only.

We hope to see you soon. We will be back in the village hall in September.

Wilstead Garden Club Committee

wilsteadgardenclub@hotmail.com

Wilstead & Wixams Community Art Group

How did you cope with the heatwave? In the Village Hall we enjoyed the benefit of Air Con! If you're interested in art and would love to try out your talent, why not join us? Your first session is free and, if you decide to continue and become a member, it will be £3 a session when you're able to come.

We meet in the Village Hall on Mondays from 2pm-4pm. We don't meet on Bank Holidays.

Our group has members of all abilities, using a variety of mediums. You might like sketching in pencil, charcoal, pen and ink, or painting by numbers. You can also paint in watercolour, acrylic or even oil.

Meeting in the large hall makes it a safe space to work in and we are well spaced out. May I remind members and new people that we do have a small variety of art resources for your use so, if there is anything you haven't got or would like to experiment with, we may be able to help. If you need it, several of our members will help and encourage you in whatever your artistic endeavours happen to be.

Enquiries: Michael Bradley: Mobile 07526 939164.

Email: revmichael14@outlook.com

Wilstead & Wixams Good Neighbour Scheme

Once again not a lot of change from last month's slowdown in jobs but well done to the brave souls who ventured out in the heat to attend the fortnightly Cafe. Your efforts were much appreciated by the volunteers who run the cafe for you. Thank you.

Repeat from last months update, as Vice Chair of your local RBL branch I would like to bring to your attention a RBL event we are organising.  A Horse Racing Night on Saturday 20th September to celebrate VJ day 80th anniversary, and raise needed funds for the RBL, Held at the Wilstead Bowls Club, 7:30 start. Includes Fish & Chips supper and raffle prizes all for £10. Look out for ads & posters with details.

Next Wilstead Cafe dates in the Village Hall are  Friday 8th August & Friday 22nd August and Friday 5th September & Friday 19th September at the normal times 2.00 to 3:30pm. And don't forget Wixams, Lakeview Village Hall every Tuesday 10:30 to 12 Noon.

ALL AGES WELCOME!! KIDS AS WELL !

Rick Baxter - Chairman

01234740854

WWGNS Phone 07807 408928

Step into a starlit evening to celebrate a loved one at

Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Bedford on Saturday 11th October

Get together with friends and family and take part in a 5k or 10k walk for someone special while raising vital funds to help Sue Ryder continue providing expert care and support to those facing grief and loss.

Sponsored by Concept Event Solutions and taking place at the beautiful Everard Meadow, the walk offers live entertainment, an electrifying glow stick fitness dance session, and entertainment along the route. Hundreds of walkers will have the chance to come together to celebrate the lives of loved ones.

At the finish line, participants will receive a well-earned medal, knowing their efforts have helped ensure that no one faces death or grief alone. Every pound raised will support Sue Ryder's specialist care, helping people navigate life's most difficult moments.

Sign up today  at sueryder.org/StarlightBedford or contact the fundraising team at stjohns.events@sueryder.org or call 01767 642412. Standard tickets start from £20 per adult, which includes a medal and tee shirt.

Those unable to take part in the walk can still be involved – volunteers are needed to support Starlight Hike and help make the evening truly special. Get in touch with the fundraising team to find out more.

Wilstead Bowls Club

This is being written the day after Wilstead Bowls Club 40th Anniversary Celebration.  The afternoon consisted of an in-house game followed by a hog roast.

The weather forecast had been watched very carefully running up to the event. After all the rain on the Saturday everyone, approximately 100 members and guests, had their fingers crossed that we would escape any inclement weather. We were very lucky and there was only one very short sharp shower during the whole afternoon.

Thanks go out to all who made the afternoon such a success and to GoodOaks Homecare for sponsoring the event and proving information on dementia care.

The season has gone very quickly and 75% of fixtures have now been played. There are still a few members who are progressing in County competitions. Rounds of the various club competitions are taking place with in-house finals scheduled for mid-September

Please keep a look out on the Wilstead Community Facebook page for more club news and activities or join us on Facebook -  WILSTEAD BOWLS CLUB  or visit our website -

www.wilsteadbowlsclub.co.uk.

If you need any club information please use the contact details below  

Sue Marchant

Club Secretary

07716676383

sue@marchantonline.com     

Wilshamstead Parish Council

Planning Permission Granted For Up To 95 Houses On Cotton End Road:

Bedford Borough Council Planning Committee undertook a site visit to Cotton End Road to review the site as part of the Committee's deliberation process.  On 14th July the Committee then disappointingly agreed to grant permission for the site. So permission has been approved for demolition of existing buildings and erection of up to 95 residential dwellings at Village Farm, 85 Cotton End Road. This sets a precedent for future applications in Wilstead and other parishes across the Borough. Borough Ward Councillors are liaising with Senior Borough Council Officers to challenge this planning decision.

There will need to be a further application to determine greater details within the site, so there will be a further opportunity to engage in that consultation process, with items such as site layout, housing types and facilities on site expected at that stage.

The Parish Council will continue to monitor this site closely to ensure residents are made aware of any further planning applications, providing updates as usual across a range of different platforms.

Wilshamstead Parish Neighbourhood Plan Review

Councillors again discussed the importance of safeguarding the parish against speculative planning applications in light of the current outline planning approval.  Unexpected changes to national and local planning policy framework meant the Parish Council had taken pro-active steps to look at expediting a suitable review to guide the plan review through.

Parish Councillors were also very mindful that the cost of this work is significant, it will take several months to action and may not be fruitful.  In light of the existing planning applications already submitted in Wilstead, it was unanimously agreed to engage the services of a planning consultant to provide professional support in putting forward more technical and robust challenge to the local authority to the next application expected to be determined at Duck End Lane.

Planning Application For Up To 149 Houses At Duck End Lane

With amended plans recently submitted to the local authority for the 24/01566/MAO Outline application for the erection of up to 149 dwellings and associated works at Land On The East Of Duck End Lane, the Parish Council will seek professional input to expand the response to this application further.  Iit is felt this is the best way to approach these applications being submitted to Bedford Borough Council as the Parish Council remain committed to safeguarding the village from unsuitable development.  

Parking Restrictions Consultation Update

The Parish Council, Borough Council Highways Officers, and Borough Ward Councillors have been looking at how to improve highways safety around the centre of the village.  Six members of the public responded to a public consultation held on the proposals with the Parish Council carefully considering these representations. A vote was taken that resulted in a majority supporting the parking restrictions as advertised within the consultation to be implemented.  This feedback will be shared with the local authority for them to take forward as necessary.

Councillors agreed pursuing a 20mph zone for the village centre including outside the primary school, and additional white lineage in the village centre to further promote highways safety. These will be taken to the local authority.  The white lines do not require a public consultation, but when implemented will have coverage along parts of Church Road, Cotton End Road and Whitworth Way.

The Parish Council have agreed to make a financial contribution to enable these works to be actioned as the Borough Council have confirmed they do not have sufficient budget resources available for the 20mph or white line work to take place.  The Parish Council wish to show their commitment to improving highways safety through these works .  

Do You Like Gardening And Have A Few Spare Hours...?

The Parish Council are extremely grateful to the wonderful volunteers from the village who have kindly stepped forward to form the great Wilstead Wombles, keeping the village free from litter.  There was also a number of residents who now carry out checks on the defibrillators located across the village to help the devices remain available for all to access if needed.

The Parish Council would like to welcome anyone who might have a little free time and enjoy gardening to take care of the small area in front of the village entrance signs to improve the welcome visitors receive as they enter the village.  There are three signs in total, in Luton Road, Bedford Road and  Cotton End Road  There would be no cost for any flowers or plants used, the Parish Council would cover the cost of these items.

If you would be interested in finding out more, or coming forward then please do not hesitate to get in touch with office@wilsteadparishcouncil.org.

Universal Studios Theme Park Public Consultation Details

This application has been submitted to central government who will be considering the application, due to the large scale of this proposal.

Contacting The Parish Council

The best way to contact the Parish Council is to email Lizzie (the Parish Clerk) at office@wilsteadparishcouncil.org.

Alternatively you can call 01234 743152 or write to PO Box 1548, Bedford, MK44 5AX.

Please note the Parish Office (at the rear of the Village Hall) is open most Mondays, 9am to midday. It is worth ringing in advance to ensure it is open.

It is always more interesting to attend a Parish Council meeting in person to see what goes on and understand the range of items covered in trying to move improvements for the Wilstead community forwards. Dates and the agenda are advertised on the village noticeboards, with meetings usually on a Monday starting at 7pm in the small hall at Wilstead Village Hall. (Head to the left-hand side of the main hall building and you will see the door open which is where the Parish Council will be).  Everyone is most welcome to join us, with next meeting scheduled for Monday 8th September.

Also please remember to view regular updates published on local matters through the Wilstead Parish Council website, do visit www.wilsteadparishcouncil.org to see the latest news and helpful information.

All Saints Wilstead

News from the Pews

Thank you to everyone who made our contribution to the Village Jumble Trail such a success. Despite uncertainty over the weather, we had an enjoyable time taking part and our HeBrews Cafe replenished all those who dropped in.

We have reached our £60 target to twin our toilet with a new one overseas built by Tearfund. Our "Penny for the Loo" collecting tin has been a focal point in our cafe for several months now. Members have chosen to continue collecting to fund a second toilet overseas and so "twin" our toilet a second time. Once our banking is complete, we can send the amount electronically and wait to receive a certificate and photo of our first "loo."

To complement our Sunday services of Holy Communion and Morning Praise at 11am, our next BIG event will be our "Pet Blessing Service" on Sunday 10th August at 3pm, outside if fine.

We are asking for "Four-legged friends" this time. Lively animals are asked to be kind to their village (animal) friends and small pets, (cats, rabbits, mice, hamsters, tortoises etc.) should be in a suitable carrier. Each pet will receive a named certificate on the day. HeBrews will be serving take-away drinks, squash, biscuits and cakes. Any donations will go towards twinning our loo. You may take as many photographs as you like.

Please contact us at stagsdenopendoor@outlook.com for further information.

Our church is a part of Elstow Team Ministry. If you, or someone you know, would like a visit or Home Communion from a Team Minister, please contact us at Elstow team: 01234 261447

Helen Harbron-Applegarth

Lay Minister

Elstow Team

Wilstead Jubilee Centre

Annual General Meeting

Wednesday 13th August

at 7.30pm

Come along to the AGM of the Jubilee Centre in Jubilee Way  and have a look at our great facilities for meetings and parties.

We are a Charity run for the benefit of Village residents.

We also badly need volunteers to help with keeping the Centre going.

Please come along!

Elstow Cricket Club

(Local cricket club for Wilstead, Wixams, Elstow, Kingsbrook, Cauldwell and surrounding areas)

As we move into the final quarter of the season it's looking like another successful summer.  Our U13's have won the County Cup & represented Bedfordshire in the Vitality Blast National Knock Out Cup.  The Elstow Women's Team have already won the Super 8's league and continue to flourish in the Softball League.  Our Saturday 1st XI is currently top of the league and looking for promotion.  All our teams still have a few games to go and there is plenty to play for.

We have made full use of 'The Typhoo Bar', our newly refurbished Tea Room and bar area where we have hosted a Gin Tasting Night, Vice Presidents' Day and our regular BBQ's.  

Friday nights at Elstow continue to be busy with All Stars (5 to 8 yr old), U7's U9's, U11's & U13's all training.  We have also hosted Beds' Farmers in the East Beds' Charity Shield, U13 & U15 cup games & more recently we hosted the Heritage Cup Final between two of Bedfordshire best teams Eaton Socon CC & Southill CC which was a tremendous honour for the Club.  Thanks to all those who helped with BBQ's, the bar, setting up, tidying away and of course all the parents and supporters who came to watch the cricket and support our club.

We have two more events to take us through to the end of the season.  The first, our Bottomless Brunch on Saturday 9th August when our 2nd Team take on Peterborough Town.  For £35 per person you can have 2 hours of bottomless Prosecco or Gin with a Turkish Meze.  Tickets are now available so please contact Jo Stevens (07854 476670) or Raj Thiarra (07939 153520) for tickets.

Our End of Season celebration has been confirmed for Saturday 6th September after our 1st XI last home game of the season.  The match starts at 12.30pm and the bar will be open from 1pm . We will have live music, food, presentations & raffles.  The bar will be open all day for refreshments & we will party late into the evening.  All are welcome to join.

Please get in touch by emailing us at elstowcricketclub@hotmail.co.uk or by calling one of our current committee members as follows:

Jim Tanswell – Chairperson 07775 668123

Geoff Couling – Youth Development Manager 07577 609399

Ranvir Thiarra – First Team Captain 07590 375172

Nicola Wisson-Hill – Women's Co-ordinator 07789 586671

Matt Stevens – Groundsman 07811 105822

Alternatively, visit our website

elstowcricketclub.co.uk for more information.

All Saints Church

United in Faith Welcoming All

The services have been planned for August  as follows:

Sunday 3rd August  11.00 am

Morning Praise Helen Harbron-Applegarth

Sunday 10th August 11.00 am

Holy Communion  Fr Paul Messam

Sunday 17th August 11.00 am

Morning Praise Helen Harbron-Applegarth

Sunday 24th August 11.00 am

Holy Communion Revd Mike Stewart

Sunday 31st August 11.00  am

Morning Praise Mr Robert Heley

All are welcome to the services with refreshments afterwards.

We do not have a Coffee Morning in August due to holidays .

The September one is planned for Wednesday 17th September in the Chapter House.

However we have fixed  A Pets Blessing Service at Church  on Sunday 10th August at 3pm, outside if fine weather.

Bring along dogs, cats, hamsters, rabbits etc. Please bring small animals  in a  carry container . The HeBrews Cafe will be serving refreshments after  the service. This should be an interesting afternoon

Robert Heley

Wilstead WI

Our meeting in July kept our members enthralled with our speaker's adventures from when he was in the Metropolitan Police force. At the age of 19 he went out onto the streets of London to protect the public. He has written several book's under the guise of Jonathan Cox.

Our Band Concert was a great success with everyone enjoying a cream tea and some wonderful strawberries.

The next meeting on Thursday 7th August is a members evening where we will have beetle drive, or bingo or just sit and have chat. We do however have someone coming from the Police Crime and Cyber Unit to give us a talk on how to keep safe on our mobiles and computers, questions can be asked of course and we will I'm sure learn something.

We meet on the 1st Thursday of each month in the Village Hall start time is 7.30pm.

Karen Cook President

Contact details: karencook3@btinternet.com

01234 403936

Wilstead Primary School News

The children and staff at Wilstead would like to give a big shout out to the Wilstead Bowling Club team who have so generously shared their expertise with the children this year! We have played short-mat bowling in the colder months, moving to the green as the weather improved and gaining some really great skills along the way. We have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to learn something new and spend time with the wider community. A particular thank you to Sue Marchant who coordinated the whole programme so patiently, and to the wonderful regular bowlers who turned up to give of their time so freely.

Don't forget the school has a clothing bank at the front of the site that all local residents are welcome to use.

The school has it emptied every month (or earlier if everyone has been super generous!) and we do get a small reimbursement from the company, so it is a little income for the school that we get to spend on resources for the children.

The school doesn't need to be open for you to drop items off, as it can be accessed even if the gate is closed.

We'll see you in the Autumn!

Miss Brown

Headteacher

Discover a Fun Filled Term at 1st Wilstead Guides

It's been another exciting term for 1st Wilstead Guides, filled with fun, friendship, and new experiences!

Over the past few months, our Guides have enjoyed a wide range of activities —from a Wonka Bar fundraiser to raise funds for a new unit flag, to exploring the local area with a walk to Wixams. We held a movie night with popcorn and lots of laughter and completed the inspiring Woman in Sport challenge, celebrating female athletes and trying out new sports ourselves.

We'd like to thank Wilstead Post Office and Gaye at Bad Hair Day for your prize donations for our Wonka Bar Fundraiser, we raised over £300 which will cover the cost of the flag and more!

Looking ahead, we're thrilled to be planning an exciting trip to London! It's set to be an unforgettable experience full of adventure and discovery.

Girlguiding is all about building skills, friendships, and memories that last a lifetime. If your daughter is aged 10-14 and looking for fun, challenge, and the chance to be part of something special, we'd love to welcome her to our unit.

We're also on the lookout for adult volunteers— if you can offer regular help, your support makes a huge difference. Volunteering is a fantastic way to give back, meet new people, and be part of something really special.

Stay tuned for more updates and events!

Instagram: @Wilstead_Guides

Contact us: littleowl.wg@outlook.com

Houghton win the 19th Houghton Wilstead Golf Cup!

On Friday 25th July 100 local golfers took part in the annual Houghton Wilstead Golf Cup. A wonderful day was had by all as the midsummer sun shone down on Cainhoe Wood Golf Club with Houghton winning 13-12, led by Captain Ant Mullin.

All proceeds from the day go to Sue Ryder St John's Hospice in Moggerhanger, a local charity close to many people's hearts in the local community. We will update with the total amount raised in the coming days but we're hopeful we will be close to matching last years total of £10k.

We'd like to thank Premier Solicitors as the headline sponsor of the event, as well as the hole sponsors whom allow each and every golfer to have a day full of snacks, beverages and fantastic prizes. So big thanks to Sineways Services, Salvus Security, Lall Engineering, Willie Peck, Elstow Cricket Club, Sureflow Plumbing, PD Izzard Haulage, Picciano Cuts, Sports Spikes, Sunset Commercial Finance, Red Lion Wilstead, JW Admin Services, JWL Windows, Knife and Cleaver, Nisa Houghton, Poplars Construction and UK Scaffolding Solutions.

WINNERS Team: Houghton (13-12)

Stableford

Low HC 1st: Joe Nock

Low HC 2nd: Sam Kelly

High HC 1st: Arman Lall

High HC 2nd: Leigh Reynolds

Wooden Spoon: Mark Farrell

Nearest the Pin

3rd: Ranvir Thiarra

13th: Tommy Chapman

15th: Dave Hukin

18th: Adam Ross

Longest Drive:

7th: Mitch Crook

It is an absolute privilege for our family to hold this event every year which started as a bit of fun between 2 brothers and their friends and has extended into a community wide celebration which reaches much further than our two great villages. Next year will be the 20th anniversary and will be taking place on Friday 7th August 2026.

Please get in touch if you would like to get involved in the event, we are always looking for players, sponsors and volunteers who can help take this event to even bigger heights.

Raj Thiarra

07939153520