Updated 26th February 2024
All Saints Church
United in Faith, Welcoming All
We have just entered the season of Lent in our churches. It is the time of preparation for the Easter Festival which happens on Sunday 31st March Easter Day. It is also the start of British Summer Time when we put the clocks forward and we can enjoy the light evenings after the long dark period of winter.
As usual we have planned our services and there are some extra ones in Holy Week which begins on Palm Sunday:
Sunday 3rd March
11.00am Morning Praise Robert Heley
Sunday 10th March
11.00am Holy Communion Rev Steve Marsh
Sunday 17th March
11.00am Holy Communion Rev Mike Stewart
Sunday 24th March
11.00am Holy Communion Fr Paul Messam
(This service will include distribution of Palm Crosses)
Tuesday 26th March
6.30pm Holy Communion Fr Paul Messam
Friday 29th March
11.00am Good Friday service Rev Steve Marsh
(This service will be in the Village Hall and followed by a soup lunch.)
Sunday 31st March
11.00am Easter Day Communion Rev Steve Marsh
We shall have our Monthly Coffee Morning on Wednesday 20th March in the Chapter House from 10.30 am onwards.
We look forward to welcoming you to our services in this very special time of the Christian year.
A very Happy Easter to you all
Robert Heley
Wilstead & Wixams Community Art Group
Why not consider doing some art in 2024? As an Art Group we meet just to enjoy painting or drawing together with others. It has a strong social element and those who come usually go away happier than when they came! 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 usually 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, whatever. You can also paint in watercolour, acrylic or even oil or a mixed media. Do whatever you like. We'd love you join us.
Enquiries: Michael Bradley: Mobile 07526 939164.
Email: revmichael14@outlook.com
Wilstead Bowls Club
Playing members are now counting the weeks to return back outside for the 2024 season. Our annual subscription evening is on Friday 8th March for both playing and social member,. This is the opportunity for the more competitive players to sign up for the club competitions.
Recently, the bowls green underwent the first phase of a refurbishment program repairing the bowls green banking and block paving. This was completed by Simpkins Garden Services to a very high standard at a very realistic price. The Club thanks Paul Simpkins for his time and expertise.
Not only does the green itself have to be prepared, there is also gardening work needed around the green in the flower beds, and the benches and some equipment will need a fresh coat of paint. Our most recent club newsletter called for members to volunteer to help over the next few months.
On the social side during March, both require pre-booking:
Race Night, Saturday 23rd March 7.00pm for 7.30pm £8pp includes ploughman's. Limited places still available.
Easter Bonnet Decorating, with hot cross buns, Thursday 28th March. 1.30pm onwards . £6 pp to include all materials, hot/cold drink and hot cross bun.
Bookings and enquiries Sandra Spinks 07853 395939, sanschambers@hotmail.com
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 …all welcome.
If you need any club information please use the contact details below
Sue Marchant - Club Secretary
07716676383
sue@marchantonline.com
Elstow Cricket Club
(Local cricket club for Wilstead, Wixams, Elstow, Kingsbrook, Cauldwell and other surrounding areas)
The spring will soon be here, and planning has started for the 2024 cricket season at The Warren, home of Elstow Cricket Club. We are all looking forward to getting underway with the new season. Here are details of upcoming events and important dates throughout the season:
Signing on night– Friday 22nd March from 6.00pm at Elstow Playing Field Hall.
The AGM will also be held on the same night starting at 8.00pm. Following this we will hold our annual table tennis tournament. All are welcome to join the AGM and the fun and games afterwards.
Get Set Weekend – Our annual gathering to set up site screens, nets and other equipment will be on Saturday 23rd March from 900am till 12pm. Bacon rolls and plenty of tea and coffee will be on offer for all our volunteers. Please get in touch with our Groundsman, Matt Stevens, if you can help.
Hopefully we will all head off to see our beloved Bedford Blues in the afternoon as they take on Caldy RFC. It's ladies day at Goldington Road so please wear the pink (and blue) of Bedford.
First home Sunday fixture will be Sunday 28th April when our 1st XI take on Stony Stratford at the Warren.
First Saturday home fixture will be on Saturday 4th May when our 2nd XI take on Ickwell.
Vice Presidents and FECCers Day is planned for Saturday 27th July when our 1st XI take on Buckden at the Warren. Look out for information on the theme for the day which will no doubt include one of Elstow CC's famous hat raffles.
Our End of Season Party is booked for Saturday 7th September and will coincide with the 1st XI penultimate game of the season against our good friends from Blunham CC.
Elstow Cricket Club Needs You
Elstow Cricket Club is a friendly club with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. With a thriving junior section and competitive men's and women's teams, the club continues to evolve into one of Bedfordshire's most forward thinking cricket clubs.
Ahead of the 2024 season, we are looking for new members to come forward and help support the rapid growth of our club including:
New players - all genders, ages and ability are welcome.
Scorers – this is a paid position and official training will be provided if needed.
Umpires – this is also a paid position and again training is available if required.
Coaches – training course fee's will be covered for anyone who fancies turning their hand at coaching.
Volunteers - to help with running the bar and serving refreshments.
For more details on All Stars please visit www.ecb.co.uk/play/all-stars or get in touch with us at the Cricket Club.
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 – Chairman 07775 668123
Fiona Tanswell – Treasurer 07855 758696
Geoff Couling – Youth Development Manager 07577 609399
Ranvir Thiarra – First Team Captain 07590 375172
Matt Stevens – Groundsman 07811 105822
Alternatively, visit our website elstowcricketclub.co.uk for more information.
It's Orchid time
The Wilstead Garden Club will be welcoming the return of Susie Lickman on Tuesday 19th March. Susie has previously talked to us about house plants but will be helping us to get the most out of our orchids this time. As before, there may be plants for sale at the meeting.
Meetings of the Garden Club are open to everyone whether they live in Wilstead or elsewhere and even if they are only visiting. There is no membership but we do take contact details for local attendees. Entrance is currently £2 but this will rise to £3 in April to cover extra hall and speaker costs. A raffle is also held with tickets at £1. A recent questionnaire of members said that they enjoyed the social and friendly aspects of the meetings as much as the focus on horticultural topics. So please join us even if you only have a vase of flowers.
At time of writing we will not have had our February talk about the Panacea Society and Bedford's own Garden of Eden. We will have been surprised at the fascinating history of this Christian community formed in the early twentieth century and based in a number of Victorian buildings in the centre of Bedford. A central feature was the beautiful garden, a special area for the members of the community. We will be visiting the now museum on the site in July.
While our gardens are still resting take advantage of local woodlands and gardens. Wonderful snowdrop displays, daffodils and soon bluebells are all to be seen in places such as Moggerhanger Park and Angelesey Abbey.
We look forward to welcoming you to our meeting at 2.30pm in Wilstead Village Hall on Tuesday 19th March.
Wilstead Garden Club Committee
Maralyn, Lynda, Mary, Viv, Julie, Annette and Chris
wilsteadgardenclub@hotmail.com
Ray Terry
1937 - 2024
It is with great sadness we report that Ray passed away peacefully at home on 13th February after a short illness.
Having been such a huge part of the community and having lived in Wilstead for over 50 years, many of you will know and remember Ray and his family.
Ray was an early member of the Wilstead Players in the 1970's with a reputation of being a dab hand at set building. There were many memorable back-drops to some famous scenes. He then joined the group building award winning floats for Bedford River Festival, achieving 1st prize for many years.
As an active sportsman he was one of the founders of Wilstead Football Team. Continuing his love of sport he played badminton into his 70's and had recently taken up table tennis.
Ray loved his village and four day walks, and was always up front leading the others.
He served the village community through his role on the Playing Field and Village Hall Committees and as a Parish Councillor for 16 years.
Since retiring Ray spent his time keeping active as Caretaker of the Village Hall and many of you may also be the proud owners of his handmade garden planters.
Ray's Funeral will take place at All Saints Church, Wilstead on Tuesday 12th March 2024 at 1.15pm.
He would like people to wear bright colours.
Wilstead WI
Wilstead WI met on 7th February to listen to our speaker Delphi Ellis who gave us some ideas and coping mechanisms for stress.
Our next meeting is on Thursday 7th March in the Village Hall at 7.30pm. Our speaker for this month is Jane Dismore who has written for many magazines and The Telegraph. She also contributes to historical and royal websites. This should be a very interesting speaker.
Wilstead WI are doing some trips this year, the first of which is on Wednesday 24th April going to Springfields Shopping Centre in Spalding. This is a shopping retail park with many well-known outlets M&S, Radley, Pavers to name but a few.There are also plenty of places to get lunch. The cost for this is £18.00. If you would like more details or book a place please contact me on 01234 403936 or karencook3@btinternet.com. . Every one is welcome.
Karen Cook - Vice Chairperson
Wilstead Primary School
Hello Wilstead Neighbours
We have had a very wet few weeks as has most of the country, the school grounds will take a while to recover!
We are grateful to all the people using the Clothing Bank at the school. It raises a few pounds for the children for us to provide extra curricular activities or purchase art supplies we normally couldn't afford. Although we had a blip in getting it emptied recently, please do keep using it.
A job opportunity has arisen at Wilstead Primary for a Midday Supervisor role that we need to fill. Are you local and available at lunchtimes? Can you work term times only? Midday Supervisors are needed to set up the tables, help the children in the lunch hall and monitor the children in the playgrounds in all weather.
If this sounds of interest to you and you want more details (or someone you know who may be looking, feel free to pass these details on!) please visit School vacancies | Bedford Borough Council.
The School is now looking ahead to Easter and Spring and before we know it we will be closed for the Easter Holidays.
There will still be activity at the School though as we have some new floors being laid in two of the classrooms and some servicing work taking place. It is never quiet in a school!
Miss Brown
Headteacher
Wilshamstead Parish Council
Highways Safety Update
As previously reported the Parish Council has continued to raise a number of highways issues with the Borough Council Officers to try make improvements to the Village.
At the time of writing there is an imminent site meeting taking place in regards to the next steps of the average speed camera locations and installation for Cotton End Road. There is also expected new bi-directional signage on Bedford Road that has been ordered to highlight the entrance to the local facilities along Jubilee Way.
The vehicle activated speed device located on Cotton End Road by Ivy Lane has had a site visit by an engineer from the manufacturer who has replaced the unit, so this is now back to being operational, and the Parish Council recently shared the speed data for the units in the Village with the Local Community Police Team.
There have also been continued requests sent to the Local Authority to improve the Wilstead crossroads design at the mini roundabout to encourage safer pedestrian usage with a refuge island area for pedestrians preferably. The Borough Officer response to this request is detailed below.
“When the old junction was adapted to be a mini-roundabout, in order to fit the required roundabout diameter it was unfortunately necessary to remove the old pedestrian refuge. As a consequence we installed new crossing points as close as possible to the roundabout give ways lines without affecting the flow of the mini-roundabout. This is in line with the requirements of the design standard, but unfortunately means that the crossing points are further away from the junction than previous.
Given the width of Cotton End Road and the space needed for turning vehicles (including any vehicles coming into and out of the car sales garage), it is not feasible to install a new island in this location. It is also difficult to improve visibility of pedestrians on the southern side of the junction as we are unable to remove the large oak tree on the corner. This limits options for improvements here and my recommendation is that we highlight the presence of pedestrians with the installation of some traffic signs on the approaches to the junction: “
The Parish Council is disappointed that a refuge island will not be installed, though have fed back asking that the above signage is installed as promptly as possible as an approach to try and help pedestrian users.
Land Transfer To Parish Council Update
There has been positive progress with the parcel of open space land off Bedford Road as you enter the Village from the A6 roundabout on the right hand side, with the area being transferred to the Parish Council except for the balancing bond which will remain the responsibility of Bedford Borough Council. Legal processes are continuing to move forwards in a timely manner so the Parish Council will continue to keep residents updated on this.
There does still remain active, open, ongoing dialogue with Persimmon Homes on the transfer of the open space and associated assets in the Longmeadow Drive area, with the Parish Council making sure these discussions continue to be purposeful and moving forwards to securing the transfer as soon as possible.
Littleworth Lighting – Your Thoughts…..
The Parish Council would be interested on your views if you live in the Littleworth area of Wilstead on the level of street lighting that is in situ and what improvements you feel could possibly be made. At this stage it is just to understand resident feedback, but it would be helpful to hear from you so please do let office@wilsteadparishcouncil.org know your feelings on the current lighting.
Large Planning Application In Neighbouring Parish For 1,000 New Homes
The Parish Council is being consulted on an application for up to 1,000 residential dwellings at Land Off Canberra Road, Shortstown. This location is the Wilstead side of Shortstown, and the site agents are L & Q Estates who were formerly known as Gallaghers. They are the main agent who have managed the Wixams development from inception and all the way through.
The significance of this particular application in Shortstown is the size of the proposed development and its proximity to the Wilstead parish boundary. The Parish Council is collating a response to the application but would encourage local residents to look on the Borough Council online planning portal to find out more. The application reference number is 23/02783/EIA
Parish Council – Why Not Join Us?
Please remember you are more than welcome to join the Parish Council. There are presently two vacancies and with so many projects and pieces of work on the go, if there was an increase in Councillors it would be hugely beneficial to help keep these important items moving forwards at a good pace.
There are lots of ways new Councillors are supported, with training available plus experienced Councillors and the Clerk able to assist as much or as little as you would like. Please do get in touch as it would be great to have you with us.
Where Do The Parish Council Meet….
The Parish Council continues to welcome all residents to their meeting and hope you will consider attending to see the Council in action, or if you would like to bring something village related to the Council's attention, your input is most valued and welcomed. Meetings take place at the Village Hall on Cotton End Road, in the smaller of the two halls in the building, which is located on the left hand side as you look at the entrance, so to find us walk down the side of hall and enter through one of the side doors. It would be great to see you at our next meeting.
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, 9.00am to midday. It is worth ringing in advance to ensure it is open.
The next Parish Council meetings are planned for Mondays, 11th March, 15th April, 13th May, 10th June and 22nd July. As always they will be held at 7.00pm in the Small Hall of the Village Hall.
Members of the Public are always welcome to attend and to raise any issues of concern during the 'Open' part of the meeting.
Footpath Group
Meetings
The next meeting is in the Village Hall (small hall) on Saturday 6th April at 10.00am. All are welcome. Come along if you would like to know more about joining in and helping to look at the condition of one of the seventeen paths.
A two monthly check on all the paths in the Parish is undertaken by members of the Footpath Group. Each member is allocated a path and each member's path is changed every two meetings. Maps of individual paths are provided as well as a survey form to be filled in highlighting the path's condition and any work needed on it.
The provisional calendar for the remaining 2024 Meetings is below:
Saturdays 1st June, 3rd August, 5th October, 7th December. (10.00am in Village Hall).
Working Parties
Working Parties over the winter have been curtailed by the weather. In fact we haven't had a working party in the last few months. Still none of the paths around the Village have been made difficult to use because of undergrowth and/or overgrowth. This in part was due to the weather and also due to the working parties during the last few years which have kept the footpaths walkable and horse rideable/cycleable/walkable on bridleways.
A new list of Working Party dates would have been available after the meeting on 3rd February. Come along to one if you fancy helping keep the paths around the Village usable for the majority of people. Unfortunately as these paths are often along field edges, can be uneven and are unsurfaced ie no tarmac! For some with mobility problems these could prove a challenge. However the Carriage Drive up to Wilstead Woods off Cotton End Rd and bridleway to Elstow (opposite Elms Lane) do offer good surfaces which should suit everyone.
If you notice a problem on the footpaths and bridleways around the Village please call the number below and the Group can then look to see how it can be resolved.
Walks
The 11th February walk was planned to be around Streatley so hopefully the weather was kind!
2024 Walks
The remaining 2024 walk are provisionally planned for Sunday 17th March 2.00pm, Sunday 14th April 2.00pm, Friday 10th May 6.15pm, Friday 7th June 6.30pm, Friday 12th July 6.30pm, Friday 9th August 6.15pm, Sunday 8th September 2.00pm, Sunday 20th October 10.30am, Sunday 24th November 10.30am.
These walks will be 4-5 miles long . Meet at Whitworth Way Car Park.
All are welcome on these walks and if you are coming along please wear stout shoes or walking shoes/boots.
Keep an eye out for posters detailing the walks which will be on the Village Hall and Crossroads noticeboards.
Nigel Jacobs
01234400733
Pre School News
Spring is in the air at Pre School, the past couple of months have flown by.
We have been extremely busy learning all about the changing of seasons, arctic animals, hibernation, life cycles, celebrating different festivals and enjoying new experiences with our weekly walks to the woods and our weekly sessions at the forest school at Wilstead primary school.
Can I take this opportunity to thank the school for allowing us the use of this area for our children. They love it and are learning lots about nature and the environment we live in.
Our Pre School (like many others) face lots of challenges ahead with the increase of the minimum wage and the new Government 2 year funding scheme and some difficult decisions have had to be made to ensure the survival of our Pre School. We are a charity run non profit making Pre School. This is why we rely so heavily on fundraising events.
So these are dates for your diaries of some upcoming events:
Monday 11th March 2.00pm
Pre School mums are invited to come and spend time with their children at pre school whilst enjoying a slice of cake to celebrate Mother's Day.
Monday 25th March 2:30pm
Sponsored Easter egg hunt
All Pre School parents and children invited to take part in this fun event. Raffle to be won!
Friday 19th April 7:30pm
Our fabulous fun quiz night is back!! With our fabulous host Sammy back in the building! Teams of up to 8, £5 per person to enter. Bring your own nibbles. Cash bar on the night. Raffle. To book a table text 07948565992 or phone 01234 742546. Please book early as this event sells out quickly!
Monday 17th June 2.00pm
Father's Day celebration afternoon. All Pre School dads are invited to join their children for an afternoon of fun.
Sunday 1st December 12 noon Christmas Bazaar
Yes you did read that correctly. We have moved our Christmas Bazaar to a Sunday! Details to follow nearer the time but I can guarantee it will be a lovely Christmas afternoon to get you in the mood. Put the date in your diaries.
Can I just say a HUGE thank you to all the parents who have stepped up to join our committee. It is essential to the running of Pre School that we have parents on board.
Any parent wishing to join please speak to Julia or Leanne who will happily give you the low down.
Again many thanks to everyone (parents and the wider community) who supports us. Your support is desperately needed and very much appreciated.
Julia
Spring Lamb Day
Sunday 17th March
11.00am to 3.00pm
Manor Farm, Elms Lane, Wilstead, MK45 3DS
Supporting Cotton End Forest School
£5 per person – under 2s free
Visit and feed the lambs
BBQ and refreshments available plus lots more to see and do!
Update from Wilstead Village Agent
Village Agents provide a free, confidential service and are here to help people over 65 with a variety of issues – large or small. We are funded by Bedford Borough Council. We are all DBS checked and operate in the strictest confidence. Andrea is the Village Agent for Wilstead.
Door to Door Transport in Bedford Borough -
Do you struggle to get on a bus? Did you know that the Door2Door minibus service will collect you from home, and has facilities to take wheelchairs and mobility scooters using a tail lift?
A subscription costs £30 for the first year and £20 annually thereafter.
The minibuses operate between 9:15am to 4:15pm, weekdays only. You need to book your journey two days ahead – or earlier for health-related appointments.
Call the Door2Door admin number (01234) 834933 for more details.
Are you worried about dementia? - There is a big difference between normal forgetfulness and dementia. Signs of dementia include problems with language and understanding, forgetting how to do everyday tasks, repeating questions, and changes in regular behaviour.
Getting a diagnosis can take some time, you need to start by making an appointment with your GP. There are several different types of dementia, and some respond to medication more than others, so it is worth getting tested. We are very lucky to have an excellent local charity called Tibbs Dementia Foundation who offer a full programme of activities and support.
You can contact them by phone or email, or look at their website: 01234 210993 or 07483 951737.
Email contact@tibbsdementia.co.uk
Website www.tibbsdementia.co.uk
Help with form filling – many older people aren't claiming the benefits they are entitled to. Andrea can help identify which benefits you can claim by doing a confidential benefits check. We can also help you fill in those complicated forms such as Blue Badge and Attendance Allowance forms.
Please call Andrea, your Village Agent on
Freephone 0800 039 1234
This is an answerphone service, so please leave your name address & telephone number, & we aim to call you back within 48 hours
Wilstead & Wixams Good Neighbour Scheme
A reminder that our AGM is to be held at Wilstead Village Hall on Thursday 21st March starting at 7.00pm.
All are welcome to attend and raise questions and to stand for any of the committee posts, all of which will become vacant as per usual.
If you would like to stand for a committee post please make this known to a current committee member beforehand if possible.
Next Wilstead Cafe dates in the Village Hall are Friday 8th March, Friday 22nd March, Friday 5th April and Friday 19th April at the normal times 2.00pm to 3:30pm. And don't forget Wixams at the Lakeview Village Hall every Tuesday 10:30am to 12 noon.
All ages welcome!
Can I make a call for volunteers for the Community Cafe to help out serving the tea and cakes etc. It's a couple of hours approximately every 3 months.
Also a date for your diary, Friday 5th April, the Café is hosting a 'Coffee with a Cop'. Please support your local Community Police and say hello and ask him any questions. Thank you.
Rick Baxter - Chairman
01234 740854
WWGNS Phone 07807 408928