All Saints Church

United in Faith Welcoming All

The September services are as follows:

Sunday 5th October 11.00 am

Morning Praise   Helen Harbron-Applegarth

Sunday 12th October 11.00 am

Holy Communion  Rev  L Washington

Sunday 19th October 11.00 am

Morning Praise  Robert Heley

Sunday  26th October 11.00 am

Holy Communion  Rev Mike Stewart

The  September Coffee  Morning  was very successful. We  returned to the Chapter House now that the weather has changed.

The Coffee Morning on Wednesday 15th October will different in that we have planned a Soup  and Pudding Lunch. This will begin at 12 midday in the Chapter House.

On 19th  November  we return   to 10.30 am  for our Coffee Morning.

Looking further ahead we are planning our usual Christmas Tree Festival and  Autumn  Extravaganza . This will be on  Saturday 29th November.  More details in the next Newsletter

Robert Heley

Bedford Foodbank

Many thanks for your continued support, with your help so far in 2025, over 108383.83Kg of food has been given out, 6672 vouchers have been redeemed, 13478 people have been fed, of whom 4363 are children.

Bedford Foodbank is part of Trussell: the UK's largest community of foodbanks. Last year, Trussell food banks gave out over 2.9 million emergency food parcels to people in crisis.

A large proportion of this food came from Harvest collections throughout the UK, with local communities stepping up to support their local food bank. Harvest is such an important time of year for us, as it helps us to stock up on essentials the people in our community will need this coming winter.

Bedford Foodbank

8/9 Murdock Road

Manton Industrial Estate

Bedford

MK41 7PE

Office 01234 268569

Wilstead Bowls Club

The outdoor season has now come to an end and concluded with our club finals weekend from Friday evening 12th to Sunday afternoon 14th September. The weather was kind to us on Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning. Fortunately on Sunday afternoon the rain held off until almost the finish with just the last couple of ends of the Men's pairs being played in the wet. Congratulations to all who were successful in the games, especially Barbara Carter who won  four of her five finals. Thanks go to all of those both on and off the green who made the weekend so successful.  Our Finals' Presentation Buffet Lunch is taking place on Sunday 2nd November.

With the weather now changing we are grateful that indoor short mat bowling has resumed on Tuesday, Wednesday afternoons from 2.00 to 4.00pm and Friday evening 7.00 to 9.00pm. We welcome two new members joining us this season. If you fancy playing, no experience necessary,  please join us. You just need flat soled shoes, we have bowls you can borrow.

The skittles and dominoes leagues  have also restarted.

Dates for your diary:

Coffee Mornings  with a raffle

Wednesdays 1st October, 5th November, 10th December - 10.30am to 12noon -  £3,

All welcome, you don't need to be a member to join us .

If you need any club information please contact

Sue Marchant - Club Secretary, 07716676383

sue@marchantonline.com

Wilstead Bowls Website www.wilsteadbowlsclub.co.uk.

P3 Footpath Group

Meetings

The next meetings of the Footpath Group are planned for Saturday 4th October and Saturday 29th November in the Village Hall (small hall) at 10.00am. At each meeting members of the Group will report on the condition of the all of Public Footpaths and Public Bridleways in and around the village. These reports will record ease of use and highlight any problems which  impact on this.

These paths provide off-road links within the village as well as links to surrounding villages eg Haynes, Cotton End, Elstow and Houghton Conquest.

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

If you do come across any problems with vegetation obstructing any path, or with any path furniture (e.g. waymark posts, kissing gates), or uncertainty as to where to go, 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 4th October and Saturday 29th November at 10.00am in the small hall of the Village Hall. All are welcome.

Working Parties

Any problems on the eleven miles of Public Footpaths and Public Bridleways highlighted at the meetings will be assessed and if the Group can resolve them then a Working Party will be organised. If any path cannot be sorted by the Group then Bedford Borough Rights of Way will be notified and the Group will work with them to ensure all the paths around the village remain usable.

Walks

The August walk around Maulden eventually did take place having been postponed a week because of high temperatures.

In contrast the Sept 14th walk in the countryside around Ampthill was postponed because of rain.

Hopefully the remaining walks this year on Sunday 19th October and Sunday 23rd November will not be affected by the weather. Keep an eye on the village noticeboards at the Village Hall and Crossroads for details of these walks and if needs be any changes due to the weather forecasts. We will probably try again with the Ampthill walk in October.

For all these walks meet at Village Car Park off Whitworth Way at a few minutes before 10.30 am. Come along if you fancy a wander (4-5 miles) through the nearby Bedfordshire countryside.

Lastly It is intended to continue the twenty plus year tradition of having a New Year's Day morning wander around the village footpaths and bridleways, (ideal for addressing any over indulgence the night before!). Again keep an eye on the village noticeboards and future Newsletters for details nearer the time.

Nigel Jacobs

Wilstead Footpath Group

01234 400733

Quiz Time in October

The October meeting of the Wilstead Garden Club is our annual quiz. Quizzes are a good way of learning new information so getting answers wrong is actually good. Well we can kid ourselves! Mary has a comprehensive knowledge of all things horticultural and has produced our quizzes for a number of years. This year she has got more multiple choices, so we have a fighting chance of learning something even if we don't get the answer right. As there are no prizes, it is just for fun and company, so please come and join us on Tuesday 21st October at 2.30 pm. Entry £3 with an optional raffle at £1 per ticket.

Our September meeting welcomed our favourite horticultural vicar, Mike Stewart, who gave us a very useful talk about restoring our parched lawns to health. Much of the advice requires some physical work, raking up the old cuttings and thatch, aerating the soil by digging holes with a fork, repairing bare patches with seed and finally giving it some nutrients to help it survive the winter and become a lush lawn in spring. A lot of effort but worth it for what is often the most important part of our garden.

He added a talk on topiary afterwards. Surprisingly the Romans introduced topiary to the cultures they occupied and it has persisted since all over the world. Although we expect trees and shrubs to be trimmed into particular shapes it also used to make pleasing vista by trimming shrubs and hedges into undulating features, as seen at Wrest Park in the parterre and orchard. Patience and gentle trimming is the key but if you see a ball shaped shrub with a tall growth from the top, don't cut it or think it is a mistake, it is probably waiting to grow another ball on top. All gardening takes time and patience.

We look forward to welcoming you to our very friendly and social meetings.

Garden Club Committee

Maralyn, Lynda, Viv, Julie, Annette, Mary and Chris

News from the Pews

On Tuesday 9th September, our new discussion group, “Ready to Share” met at 2pm in HeBrews Café to explore the theme of Christian Hospitality and what it meant to us.

On Tuesday, 14th October, our next meeting is “Ready to Share: Ourselves”. We will explore how being a Christian affects the kind of person we aim to be and how it influences our relationship with others. Everyone is welcome. Doors open at 1.45pm for hot drinks and cakes with a 3pm prompt finish.

Our voluntary contributions in the café are now going towards the Elstow Team chosen charity, “Embrace the Middle East.” We are collecting towards well-being and personal care packages for people living in difficult circumstances.

HeBrews Sunday opening hours have been extended. We now serve hot and cold drinks, including take-way cups, and cakes from 10am-11am and again between 12 noon and 1pm. So, if you are out for your morning stroll or exercising your dog, please drop in. Families welcome. We'd love to meet you.

Please put Saturday, 29th November in your diary! This is the date of our “Christmas Tree Extravaganza”. There will be craft stalls, fancy goods, home-bakes, sweet treats and raffle, plus a small forest of beautifully decorated Christmas trees to view.

Hot lunches will be served in the Chapter House along with tea and coffee and cake. All superb value for money. If you are creating a tree for display, you may bring it to church and set it up on Friday, 28th November from 10am. This is a wonderful occasion for you to come and enjoy time in your parish church and we look forward to welcoming you.

If you would like a visit from an Elstow Team Minister at home, or to request a Home Communion, to discuss a baptism, confirmation or wedding; or advice about funeral arrangements, please contact us at the address below.

Many Blessings

Helen Harbron-Applegarth - Lay Minister, Elstow Team Ministry

01234 261477

vicar@elstow-abbey.org.uk

Pre School News

Well it's great to be back in the swing of things and we have been super busy with our returning children and all our new starters.

They have all settled in really well and it's been lovely meet all our new families. Please can I ask that EVERYTHING is named. Drink bottles, shoes coats etc. Lots of children will have the same so all items need to be named please.

In the following weeks we will be talking about our families, seasons and autumn especially. If your child has anything relevant they would like to bring in please do so.  It's always lovely when they share things from home.

We also have a proud parent board so if your child has achieved something you are proud of please take a star from the board, write on it what they have accomplished, and send it in with your child. For example a child ran a mini mile in the Bedford running festival.  She came in with her medal and showed all her friends, which was really lovely.

Other news. Our AGM is Thursday 23rd October 7:30 at Pre school. We welcome any parent that may be interested in joining or perhaps helping at our fundraising events. We are a charity run pre school who relies heavily on fundraising so the more people the better!

It really is a great way to get to know the staff better and learn more about our fantastic pre school and also make a friend or two.  Please do come along.  All welcome.

Our annual Christmas bazaar is Saturday 6th December in the village hall 12-3pm. DO join us for a lovely Christmassy afternoon of fun, games and craft. Our legendary Father Christmas will be there so please book a slot early as he is very popular!  Our fantastic raffle is also worth a punt. Lots of really lovely hampers and prizes.  Tickets on sale after half term.

Please put the date in your diaries!  If anyone would like a stall at the bazaar please contact 07948565992.  Stalls cost £15.

Thank you all for your fantastic support. It really is appreciated and very much needed.

Julia

Wilstead Primary School News

Welcome back to a brand new academic year at Wilstead Primary School!  The children have had a brilliant start back, and it is lovely to see our brand new children in Reception settling in so beautifully.  This term, Key Stage 2 are continuing their partnership with the English National Opera, and are busy writing libretto and composing melodies to finish the ENO compositions 'Red, Blue, Yellow' and 'Plant a Seed'.  We will also be welcoming the Bedford Food Bank and Father Paul into school to celebrate harvest festival among other lovely activities for the autumn season.

The school has officially entered a consultation period to join Heart Academies Trust. For further information on this change, please view the schools website: www.wilsteadschool.co.uk.

We would like to apologise about the overflowing clothes bin that has been a bit of an eyesore in past weeks. We have successfully arranged for it to be emptied and are looking into different companies who will collect more regularly. Many thanks for all of your kind donations, as they really do make a difference to the school and wider community.

We would also like to thank all of the wonderful volunteers in the community who have already re-joined us for reading, sewing and music roles within the school this year. Your time makes such a difference to the children.

Mrs Webb

Deputy Headteacher

Wilstead & Wixams Community Art Group

We are saying goodbye to two of our members shortly who are moving to be closer to family. We now have two new members who we welcomed in September. 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 2.00 to 4.00pm. 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.

Elstow Cricket Club

Another remarkable season has come to a close We've celebrated multiple championships, made full use of our brand-new Typhoo Bar, and welcomed players of all ages, families, and friends on our biggest tour to date.

1st XI Champions! Under the strong leadership of Ranvir Thiarra, our Saturday 1st XI triumphed in Hunts League Division 1, securing promotion to the Onyx League for the first time in our history!

Led by new captain Kelvin MacFarlane, our 2nd XI narrowly missed promotion, finishing a commendable 3rd in Division 3 – a fantastic achievement in a competitive season.

Both Sunday teams had challenging seasons, finishing in the lower half of their leagues. However, several young players stepped up with impressive individual performances, showing great promise for the future.

Our Friday sessions were buzzing with energy! From All Stars (ages 5–8) through to U13s, the ground was alive with laughter, learning, and packed crowds at the Typhoo Bar.

We were also proud to host the prestigious Heritage Cup Final, showcasing top-class local cricket between Eaton Socon CC and Southill CC.

Our Under 9s continued to grow in strength, and an incredible season for our Under 11 County Team, .Our U13 Development XI held their own, but it was the U13 County Team who shone brightest – winning their league on the final day, capturing the County Cup for the first time in Elstow Youth history. A phenomenal achievement all round!

Our U15 County Team enjoyed a strong season, finishing runners-up in the league.

This year, we hosted three fantastic club events:

·Gin Night returned in style at the Typhoo Bar, with hosts Jo Stevens & Raj Thiarra guiding us through a variety of gins and cocktails late into the evening.

·Vice Presidents Day & Sausage & Cider Festival was a huge hit, supported by our VPs and the ever-loyal FECCers.

·Bottomless Brunch – Turkish Twist debuted in August, with delicious Turkish mezze from Yuksel Couling & Tracy Day, with gin & prosecco flowing all afternoon.

This summer's club tour was our largest ever as Elstow CC descended on Cheltenham for three lively games of cricket. Highlights included:

Croquet Tournament victory for Geoff Couling & Phil Johnson

Golf Tournament winner: Taz Thiarra

Great matches and even better memories made throughout the week!

We wrapped up the summer in style with a memorable End of Season celebration, featuring:

1st XI title celebrations

Youth Awards presentations

Ali Milne Clubman of the Year awarded to Will Wisson

Music, karaoke, face painting – and a final-day 1st XI win to cap it all off!

A heartfelt thank you to our Sponsors, Parents, Volunteers, Committee Members, Players, and Supporters. You are the heartbeat of this club and the reason Elstow CC continues to thrive.

We now turn our focus to the Winter Indoor Season and our End of Season Presentation Evening, coming in November – date to be confirmed, so stay tuned!

Here's to another incredible year at Elstow CC – and an even bigger 2026!

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

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 – Grounds Keeper 07811 105822

Alternatively, visit our website elstowcricketclub.co.uk for more information.

Change of date for Holiday Bible Club

For this year, our annual holiday Bible club is moving from October half term to February half term. Look out for publicity nearer the time - all children are welcome to join the fun.

As many of you are aware, Wilstead Evangelical Church purchased what was the Methodist church building and we have been doing some work on it before moving in. We're nearly there now, and hope to be able to use it before the end of the year. Thank you to everyone who has asked us how we're getting on with it - we'd love to welcome you for a visit when the work is finished.

Wilstead & Wixams Good Neighbours

Use it or Lose it!

As mentioned last month, if the number of visitors to our Community Cafe does not increase we will have to consider its future as it costs us to keep it going, so please, turn up!

It is very dispiriting to the volunteers who spend their own time setting the cafe up each fortnight, only to see a just couple of visitors for their efforts.  Those that do turn up seem to enjoy themselves. Why not you!

Next Wilstead Cafe dates in the Village Hall are Fridays 3rd, 17th and 31st October and 14th  and 28th November 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 !

An update about the suggest donations that could be considered for each volunteer driver who undertakes a trip to take a client to the Doctors or Hospital etc. A trip to Ampthill and to Bedford equates to £7 at a notional 60p a mile which is considered to be a reasonable cost to use a vehicle over these distances.  A trip to Great Denham would be £9 and Luton & Dunstable Hospital £20. Please consider these values for your driver should you need to use them.

Rick Baxter  - Chairman

740854  WWGNS Phone 07807 408928

Wilshamstead Parish Council

Major Gas Main Replacement Works

The Parish Council have been advised that there will be gas main replacement works taking place on Bedford Road towards the roundabout and down along Cotton End Road as far as Ivy Lane.  It is expected this work will take place from the end of October/early November 2025.

This work, does mean there is likely to be significant disruption caused to traffic flow and access in the village for the duration of the works.  The Parish Council have been told that traffic management will be in place whilst this project is ongoing.  At the time of writing, there is no further details known from Cadent, however, as always, when more information is received, the Parish Council will update the Wilstead community via this magazine, the Parish Council website and noticeboards along with social networks.

Planning Application For Up To 149 Houses At Duck End Lane

The Parish Council have engaged and are working with the services of a planning consultant to provide professional support in putting forward more technical and robust challenge to the local authority to the current planning application at Duck End Lane.  This application is with the local authority, number 24/01566/MAO Outline application with all matters reserved, except access, for the erection of up to 149 dwellings and associated works at Land On The East Of Duck End Lane.

Volunteer Thank You

As always, there continue to be a number of wonderful individuals who so kindly give their time to help benefit those in the Wilstead community.  Whether it is the Wilstead Wombles going out and about, keeping the village looking litter free, or those who volunteer their time to help run great village facilities such as the Village Hall and Jubilee Centre.

There really are so many unsung residents who selflessly and quietly go about making a difference in Wilstead, which the Parish Council are most grateful for. So a BIG THANK YOU!

Have You Thought About Joining The Parish Council……?

It is a great time to think about joining the Parish Council, which currently has Councillor vacancies and the Council would be very interested to hear from residents who want to get involved and have their say on village matters, you might:

Like to see improvements to your local area

Or have an interest in improving certain local provisions or services

Have ideas on enhancing the village environment

Want to be involved, when Bedford Borough Council allocate new housing through the Local Plan process

Maybe are really concerned about traffic and highways safety in the village

The Council really would like to have greater representation to make sure your voice is heard.  There is also lots of support available for new Councillors as well.

If you are interested in taking a more active role in the village, supporting with parish improvements and have ideas on how to help move Wilstead forwards, then the Parish Council would really like to hear from you.  Do please make yourself known to the Clerk, Lizzie, office@wilsteadparishcouncil.org.

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 Mondays, 13th October, 24th November, and 5th January.

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.

Wilstead WI

At our last meeting we welcomed Lisa Cranston from The National Animal Welfare Organisation. She spoke about the difficulties that people have when they find that they can no longer afford to keep their dog or other pet, whether it's because they are renting a property and the landlord doesn't  allow animals or they have lost their job. They have to give up what is to most people a member of there family. Interesting to listen how the rehoming process starts.

WI have a trip to London on Wednesday 10th December to see the Christmas  Lights and have a two course fish and chip lunch before being driven around to see the lights and other sights.  I have few places available if you would like further details please contact me on the details below.

Our meeting on the 2nd October was our 95th Birthday party where the committee will have served members with a 2 course meal before our entertainment of an illusionist and magician.  More about that in the next newsletter.

Karen Cook – President  

Contact 01234 40393 or email karencook3@btinternet.com.

45th Annual Wilstead Flower, Produce And Handicrafts Show

Another successful annual Wilstead Flower & Produce Show took place on 30th  August this year and thank you to everyone who entered and visited the show.  Our thanks also go out to all who contributed prizes to what was an excellent raffle:

Chris & Mark Haynes, 9th Kitchen Chinese Take-Away, Wilstead Tandoori, Empire Cars, Red Lion Pub, Herons Green Activity Farm, Wilstead W.I., Wilstead Bowls Club, Wilstead Bowls Club Mid-Week Triples, Burrs Garage, Wilstead Garden Club, Chris Toms

Secondly the people who helped the committee on the day and with the show's organisation:-

Wilstead Post Office, the Carters with the raffle, those who helped with the refreshments, all those who made cakes for the refreshments, all those who helped in clearing up the hall afterwards.

And lastly the Judges without whom events such as these would not be possible:-

Carolyn Cranswick, Mary Koukkoullis, Colin Stennett, June Wheat, Shirley & Bob Field, Mark Smith

The AGM for the Wilstead Produce Association will be held on Thursday 23rd  October at the Village Hall Small Room at 7:30pm. This is a public meeting and you will be very welcome to attend. If you have any points to raise, or suggestions concerning the show you can raise them here and discus them with the association committee.

Linda & Ken Cook