Wilshamstead Parish Council

Recognition Of Service To Wilstead Community

Wilstead Parish Council would like to give an enormous thank you to Nigel Jacobs, who has stood down after serving 25 years as a Parish Councillor, dedicating a huge amount of time and energy into so many different projects to support the Wilstead community.  Nigel's meticulous attention to detail, combined with his encyclopaedic knowledge of so very many different subjects from planning through to rights of way, plus everything in between, have been an incredible asset to the Parish Council.

Nigel's enthusiasm and commitment are much appreciated by the Parish Council. As a result we should like to recognise Nigel's contribution over such a long period of time by naming the community woodland that sits along Duck End Lane and Bedford Road after him. Nigel was the backbone of bringing this outdoor space to fruition for all to enjoy, so we will be naming the area “Jacob's Wood”.

The Parish Council wishes Nigel and wife, Judy, and family all the very best for the future.

Average Speed Camera Installation Complete

Bedford Borough Council have confirmed the average speed camera installation along Cotton End Road has now been completed.  The cameras are bi-directional so they are recording traffic ANPR on both sides of the highway.  Following installation the cameras are calibrated by Bedfordshire Police who will now manage the data from the cameras, which will include issuing penalty charge notices to offending motorists.

The sharing of the data from the average speed cameras is sent from Bedfordshire Police to Bedford Borough Council as the local highways authority and then on to the Parish Council.  The Parish Council will be monitoring this data so that it can be shared with the wider community in due course.

Highways Safety Throughout The Village

Following on from the installation of the Cotton End Road average speed cameras it means that the Parish Council will be reviewing the deployment of the vehicle speed activation signs to try and maximise coverage across the village. We hope this will help other parts of the village with reducing vehicle speeds where possible.

Proposal For 149 New Houses In Wilstead

Residents might be aware of the recent planning application, number 24/01566/MAO which is an outline planning application for the erection of up to 149 dwellings and associated works at land to the South East of Duck End Lane.  This site had a previous application back in 2017, (planning application number 17/00284/MAO for up to 250 dwellings).  The 2017 planning application was refused by Bedford Borough Council who are the local planning authority. It was then taken to appeal by the applicant, but the appeal was withdrawn.

It will again be Bedford Borough Council who consider this latest application. It is important as always, that any resident who wishes to engage in the consultation process and have their say does submit their comments to the local authority in a timely manner.  You can send your comments to planning@bedford.gov.uk.  

The Parish Council is working on a detailed objection to this proposed housing which sits on land to the South East of Duck End Lane and on the left hand side of Bedford Road as you enter the village from the Wixams A6 roundabout.

The Parish Council will be sharing their objection with the community, if you would like to view the associated planning documents they can be found on the Borough Council website by heading to the planning portal, please enter 24/01566/MAO in here:

https://publicaccess.bedford.gov.uk/online-applications/search.do?action=advanced

The Parish Council will also be seeking to engage with senior local authority Planning Officers to better understand the current status of the Bedford Borough Council Local Plan - the strategic development framework for the borough, given that this site is not allocated in the current or proposed Plan document.

If in the meantime you have any questions on any aspects of this matter, then please do contact the Parish Clerk or any Parish Councillor.

Wixams End Public Consultation

It was great to see so many residents attending the public engagement event held in Wilstead Village Hall by the site promoters, Cractus Group.  This site is on the Wixams side of the A6 located opposite the Luton Road junction area, however, it is wholly inside the current Wilstead parish boundary.

Parish Councillor representatives made it clear that this site sits in Wilstead, that it would divide the village (and would therefore need to be linked, as well as feeding back on the local issues such as lack of infrastructure and recent flooding issues in and around this part of the village.  

Christmas Lights Turn On…..Date For The Diary

Just a reminder that the annual switch-on of our Christmas Lights for Friday 29th November. As in the past there will be Christmas music, carols from the School children, hopefully some mince pies, the much anticipated arrival of Father Christmas and, this year, the switch-on will be performed by a much-loved local personality. The event will start at 6.15pm (not 7.30 as advised previously).

Universal Studios Meeting Feedback

As reported in the last edition, Wilstead representatives were invited to a meeting during the latest visit to the UK by Universal Studios representatives.  Work is still taking place in the background, finalising details ahead of an announcement on the project, this includes discussions with central government as well as Bedford Borough Council and other local stakeholders.  Details were provided on the work relating to protecting habitats and species prior to construction, clarity on the highways access route, discussions that have taken place with National Highways and a neighbouring local authority as well reassurance that the theme park would not be having daily firework displays.

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 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, on 25th November, 6th January, 10th February and 10th March.

Wilstead Primary School

November already, we have had a flying start to the new school year and have already been on a three day Year 6 residential trip, we welcomed back the Knitting Nanna's (Liz and Dot) to school much to the delight of students, joined in with sports trips to neighbouring schools and we are holding events to show off our school to prospective parents whose children may start next September with us.

The summer was busy with maintenance and improvements. We hope you have noticed our lovely new shelter connecting the Y6 classroom to the main school block. It has already made such a difference to the temperature and light in the adjacent buildings and it is very nice not to have to scurry quickly across when it rains! We thank the generous contribution of a local organisation.

A big thank you to the Parish Council who helped us with funding for new playground markings, we are very pleased with the finished product and the KS2 children are already incorporating them into their learning, they really cheer the place up - thanks also to our PTA for their additional support.

The school calendar is already looking busy this term, with Harvest Celebrations, Remembrance and Christmas approaching. We hope to see lots of you attending events with family and friends - here's to a busy season!

Miss Brown

Headteacher

Bedford Foodbank

Thank you for your continued support. By the end of September we had fed over 1500 people and handed out over 12 tonnes of stock which we could not do without your support.

The items we are needing are:

Long Life Fruit Juice, Tinned Tuna, Shampoo, Long Life Milk, Tinned Rice Pudding, Tinned Meat, Jars of Coffee, 100g Bars of Chocolate, Deodorant, Laundry Tablets, Tin Openers.

Bedford Foodbank

8/9 Murdock Road

Manton Industrial Estate

Bedford

MK41 7PE

Office 01234 268569

P3 Footpath Group

Meetings

The October meeting of the Group saw reports on all of the paths, (both Footpaths and Bridleways), in and around the village.

Whilst all the paths were walkable/usable, the reports given at the meeting identified some work to enable the paths to be more easily used.

This work included some vegetation clearance, both underfoot and overhanging, and improvements to the waymarking along the paths. The odd rotting waymark post and faded waymark disc were noted and these will be replaced.

The next meeting will be on Saturday 7th December in the Village Hall at 10.00am.  Come along if you are interested in the paths around the village. All are welcome.

Working Parties

A Working Party to address any issues raised at the October meeting will be held in the next few weeks.

If you find any problems when going along the paths and bridleways around the village please contact me, see contact details below.

Walks

A late check on the route of the planned October 20th walk, from Silsoe to Higham Gobian and back, found very muddy ploughed fields and flooded paths. A lack of a planned and checked alternative meant that the October walk was cancelled.

It is hoped to do this Silsoe walk next year once the paths have dried out.

The November walk is still scheduled for Sunday 24th November. Meet at Whitworth Way car park at 10.30am. The search for a suitable dry(ish) walk continues. Keep an eye out for details of the walk on the village noticeboards.

The traditional New Years Day walk will be along the Footpaths and Bridleways around the village.

Meet at Whitworth Way car park at 11.00am. Walking shoes/boots, stout shoes are recommended.

P3 2025 Calendar

The 2025 calendar showing all the years planned meeting and walk dates and times, has yet to be finalised. It will be included in the next Newsletter.

Nigel Jacobs

Wilstead Footpath Group

01234 400733

Exciting Guiding Adventures at Chessington World of Adventures!

This month, Wilstead Guides had an unforgettable trip to Chessington World of Adventures! We explored thrilling rides, a pumpkin patch, met exotic animals, and created memories that will last a lifetime.

We want to invite more of you to join us in Girlguiding! Whether you're looking for adventure,

friendship, or new experiences, there's a place for you here. Upcoming events include a private screening of Moana 2 later this year, where you'll gather with local units to enjoy the new release. Plus, we're gearing up for Anglia's Pyjama Party 2025 – an event you won't want to miss.

If you're interested in joining us for these exciting adventures and more, please reach out. We have opportunities for both Guides aged 10-14, and adult volunteers. We can't wait to welcome you to our Girlguiding family!

Little Owl & Robin

Stay tuned for more updates and events!

Instagram: @wilstead_guides

Contact us: littleowl.wg@outlook.com

Santa's Coming to Wilstead

Santa and his sleigh will be seen visiting streets in Wilstead on Thursday 12th December from approximately 5.30pm – 8pm.

All donations collected will be in aid of Keech Hospice Care, our local hospice for adults and children.

We are also looking for volunteers to help collect on the evening. If you would like to get involved, please sign up here Bobsleigh 2024 | Keech Hospice Care (enthuse.com).

Senior Citizens New Year's Tea Party

Wednesday 15th January 2025

The Trustees of Wilshamstead Endowed Charities would like to invite all Senior Citizens to a New Year Tea Party on Wednesday 15th January 2025 commencing at 3.00pm in the Village Hall.

On arrival you will be entertained by children from Wilstead Primary School to be followed by afternoon tea.   After tea the Turf Tappers will be on stage to entertain you with their Country Music and a variety of songs to enjoy and sing along with.  They entertained us at the last Tea Party and were much enjoyed.  To round off the afternoon there will be a raffle.

If you would like to come along please fill in the details in the newsletter and either deliver the cut off strip to Wilstead Post Office (marking the envelope 'New Year Tea Party')  or deliver/send to 125A Cotton End Road, Wilstead. MK45 3DD or email ericbenton@wilsteadparishcouncil.org.

Alternatively you can telephone me on mobile 07749869742  or you may prefer to email me at anne-lowe1@hotmail.co.uk..

Please state If you require a lift to the party.

Anne Lowe

for the Trustees

Wilstead Pre School

Ho, Ho, Ho. its nearly that time of year again! Where does the time go! I have to say anyone who knows me will  know it's my favourite time of the year. And I would definitely like snow on Christmas Day please!

To get us in the mood we have two fundraising events planned in the coming weeks. On Friday 29th November Pre School will be attending the Village Christmas light switch on with a pocket money stall. Do come and find us amongst the crowd. I promise you won't miss us.

On Sunday 1st December from noon until 3.00 pm at the Village Hall our annual Christmas bazaar will be held.  This is a lovely community event where the little ones and the not so little ones can come together for a few hours browsing the Christmas stalls and enjoying Christmas craft, tombola's, games to keep the children and adults entertained, all washed down with some lovely mulled wine and Christmas refreshments.

Top of the list for the afternoon is a visit to our amazing grotto where our legendary Father Christmas and elves will be waiting to greet the children. This is a must for the family. Father Christmas and his elves will be travelling through the Village from 11:30am ready to open the event at 12pm. Do watch out for them.

This year we will also have a gift stall where the children can choose and buy a present for their loved ones which will be wrapped up and ready for Christmas Day. Gifts priced from £3. This is a perfect way for the children to buy a gift for mums and dads, grandparents/aunties/uncles. That means no rushing around on Christmas Eve trying to find something for the family and all chosen by the children. It's enough to melt the heart.

We will be selling raffle tickets for our amazing raffle. Always plenty of good quality prizes to be had too. £50 first prize!  It would be amazing to see the Village Hall busy with Villagers from far and wide, of all ages, enjoying this lovely family afternoon to get you in the mood for the big day itself. If you would like a stall please phone or text 07948565992. Stalls are £15 a table

At time of writing this article we haven't had our quiz night yet so more on that in the next edition. Thank you in advance for your support,  as always it's hugely appreciated by us at our charity run Pre School.

Julia

Wilstead Players

Before the dissolution of Wilstead Players at the Annual General Meeting in June, preliminary discussions were being held regarding a Murder Mystery evening to be held sometime in the autumn.  There had been requests from our regular audience to schedule a murder mystery into our programme.  This something we used to hold every two years because they were very popular.

However, a 'caretaker' committee was formed to discuss the possibility of future amateur dramatics in Wilstead and, a future murder mystery.

It was agreed and you should all be aware that such an event will be held in Wilstead Village Hall on Friday and Saturday, the 22nd and 23rd of November, as flyers were distributed in the October edition of the Wilstead Newsletter.  On the flyer there was opportunity for bookings to be made and although there has been a lot of interest, it should still be possible for you to make bookings.

If you haven't already done so, please send in your order, together with your money, to me, Colin West, at Lincoln House, 14 Fieldfare View, Wixams, Bedford  MK42 6BL – stating which is your preferred evening,  Don't forgetto tell us if you have any special dietary requirements.  At the same time, would you please include an email address if possible as I would like to send you a formal invitation which sets out details for the evening.

For catering purposes, the closing date for applications is Wednesday, 13th November.  So, if you want to be part of this fun-filled evening, with a three course meal for £15.00, make sure your application is received by the 13th.  Thank you.

Colin West

Chairman

All Saints Church

United in Faith Welcoming All

The services have been planned for November as follows

Sunday 3rd November 11.00am

Morning Praise   Robert Heley.

Sunday 10th November 11.00 am

Remembrance Service  Rev Steve Marsh.

Sunday  17th November 11.00 am

Holy Communion  Rev Mike Stewart.

Sunday 24th November 11.00 am

Holy Communion Fr Paul Messam.

Sunday 1st December 11.00 am

Morning Praise Robert Heley.

We are having problems with the use of the Chapter House. At the end of September we had a terrific amount of rain and water got in through some flashing on the Chapter House roof. An outlet drain was blocked and the water brought down a section of the Chapter House kitchen ceiling. We have had quotes from two builders and have sent them to the Insurance Company for their evaluation.

Obviously this may take some time and we can't use the Chapter House at present for our Coffee Mornings or other events and a decision will have to be made regarding our Coffee mornings on 20th November and 18th December.

We still plan our Advent Fair and Christmas Tree Festival on Saturday 30th November. Hopefully the necessary repairs may have been completed by then.

Sunday 10th November is Remembrance Sunday and we shall be having our usual Service beginning at the War Memorial for a short service of Remembrance with wreath laying and remembrance of those who gave their lives in two World Wars and after. This is at 10.45 am with a procession from the Cross  Roads.

All are invited to come into church for the Remembrance Day service led by Rev Steve Marsh.

With all good wishes from All Saints at this busy time of the year.

Robert Heley

Wilstead & Wixams Community Art Group

Our Art Exhibition was a great success except the footfall could have been greater. We managed to display over 200 pieces of art and the whole event went well. Thank you to those who supported us and to others who purchased artwork. Our sincere thanks to the VH Committee, Brian the caretaker and Neville and Heather for refreshments. Our thanks to the Newsletter for promoting the event.

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? To make it clearer, we do not have a resident art teacher but from time to time we may invite a guest artist. Our members are always glad to advise where they can and to encourage you in whatever medium you choose to use. You need to bring your own materials, but we can provide some equipment, easels and paints etc. 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 in a mixed media. Do whatever you like. We'd love you join us.

Wilstead Bowls Club

The short mat sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons have started well. You can join in and play as both a playing member and a social member. The internal club knockout competitions draw has now been made with matches beginning soon.

The recent Bingo and Curry Night went down very well and raised more than £150.

The Finals Presentation Buffet Lunch on  Sunday 3rd November concluded with a presentation  for both winners and runners up.

We would like to thank Matt Bowler, First Aid Interventions, for our recent first aid training.

13 people attended the session which covered adult basic life support, AED (defibrillator) use and choking. The feedback was that as the club has an AED device onsite it is really important that members have been trained how to use it.

Upcoming November Diary Dates:

Coffee Morning Wednesday 6th November 10.30-12noon.  All welcome

Annual General Meeting Friday 15th November.

If you need any club information you can contact.

Sue Marchant - Club Secretary

07716 676383  sue@marchantonline.com

Or visit our website. www.wilsteadbowlsclub.co.uk

Thinking About Christmas

Our Garden Club meeting on Tuesday 19th November will be a social craft and chat with seasonal refreshments. Everyone is welcome to join us whether you want to make an item with a  garden/plant theme or just chat. Entry will be the usual £3 with an optional raffle for £1 per ticket.

In October we enjoyed a fun quiz ably created by Mary and a slightly different format of two sets of 20 questions with a picture quiz in the interval. Owing to holidays and illness, the committee was depleted but we were very grateful to members who took on roles. Thank you.

The quiz was accompanied by delicious cake and drinks, thank you Viv. Perhaps the sugar encouraged lively discussion and loud groans as the questions and answers were read. It was amazing how pictures of flowers somehow don't seem to look like the same as the garden ones. Obviously it needs the whole plant not just the flower to made an identity. As usual, we played for fun.

The sign up sheet for our Christmas meal was opened and we will be collecting the money at our November meeting. The November meeting will be on Tuesday 19th November at 2.30pm, and our December meeting is earlier on Tuesday 3rd December at an earlier time, actual time to be confirmed.

We look forward to seeing you at our seasonal social events.

Wilstead Garden Club Committee

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

Sue Ryder Celebrate a Life Bedfordshire

Sue Ryder is inviting you to join family, friends and the local community to celebrate and remember someone special at its 'Sue Ryder Celebrate a Life Bedfordshire' event this December.

The winter remembrance event, held at Bedford School, De Parys Avenue, Bedford, at 7.30pm on Tuesday 17th December will see people come together alongside others in their community who are also living with loss to collectively celebrate the lives of people who have died.

It will feature readings, songs and live music performances. Guests are also invited to write a personal dedication to remember and appreciate the life of someone special, which will be displayed at the event, and to share memories of those who have meant so much to you.    

Sue Ryder Celebrate a Life Bedfordshire is open to anyone who wishes to remember someone important, regardless of when they died and if they were a patient of Sue Ryder.     

Limited spaces are available. For more information and to register to attend visit www.sueryder.org/ Remember or contact the Sue Ryder St John's Hospice Fundraising Team via email stjohnsevents.fundraising@sueryder.org or call 01767 642424.

Sue Ryder offers a range of free grief support at sueryder.org/grief.

Wilstead WI

We had our 94th birthday party, yes we have been going for 94 years, some achievement, so on the 3rd October we celebrated with a meal prepared and served by The Pavenham Kitchen Caterers  then entertainment from May Blossom singing 50's and 60's song.  We all joined in with the hand jiving and singing along to some well known tunes.

A table quiz was held with the table that won getting 18 out of 20 questions correct and a small gift was given to the six ladies.

Our next meeting is on Thursday 7th  November in the Village Hall at 7.30pm.  Our speaker will be Fiona Balding on Eco printing and making prints with leaves.

Our meetings are held in the Village Hall on the first Thursday of each month starting at 7.30pm -  doors open at 7.00pm. Everyone is welcome and if you would like further information the details are below.

Karen Cook 01234 403936

karencook3@btinternet.com

President