| | County Councillors
Cllr J Saunders 01462 733097
Cllr J Street 01462 730174
District Councillors
Cllr I Dalgarno 01462 735510
Cllr H Harper 01462 731891
Town Councillors
Cllr H Harper – Chairman 01462 731891
Cllr I Dalgarno – Vice Chairman 01462 735510
Cllr Mrs D Archer 01462 731392
Cllr D Beatham 01462 730295
Cllr J Caffrey 01462 733997
Cllr N Daniels 07791 171755
Cllr Mrs H Frost 07904 667179
Cllr R Harris 07951 104995
Cllr C Howitt 01462 731437
Cllr Ms C Marshall 07931 862619
Cllr D Page 01462 834005
Cllr M Rainbow 07771 827337
Cllr Mrs S Sarll 01462 834176
Cllr D West 01462 834821
Cllr V Williams 01462 731767
Arlesey Town Councillors give their time on a voluntary basis, and are
available to the residents of Arlesey to help sort out problems and grievances.
District Councillors Hugh Harper and Ian Dalgarno will be holding a surgery every 3rd Tuesday of the month from 5.00pm to 6.30pm in the Village Hall.
TOWN COUNCIL OFFICE
Town Clerk: Mrs Elsie Hare
Assistant Clerk: Mrs Lesley Rowe
Town Council Office, High Street, Arlesey, Beds SG15 6SN
Telephone: 01462 733722 Fax: 01462 730860
E-mail: atc@4thenet.co.uk or www: arleseytc.co.uk
atc1@4thenet.co.uk
Arlesey Town Council Office is situated in the High Street in the centre of Arlesey, in the same complex as the Health Centre, Nursery and Lower School, Resource Centre and Village Hall.
The office is open to the public Monday -Thursday between the hours of 9am-3pm and Friday 9am-12noon. Outside these hours you can contact us by fax or email (as listed above).
The office is the focal point for the business of the Town Council and here you can view copies of the minutes of all Town Council meetings. By visiting the office you can also:
· View planning applications
· Report defective street lights
· Report potholes and other highway issues
· Rent allotments
· Get latest bus time tables
· Book the village hall
· Get advice on cemetery matters
We are always pleased to help with enquiries; if we cannot give an immediate answer we will look into it and report back.
The Arlesey Town Council Web site is www.arleseytc.co.uk – please have a look.
FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TOWN COUNCIL
Firstly, on behalf of myself and colleagues on the Town Council we give our sincere thanks to all of you who voted us into office at the May elections. We are very mindful of the responsibility working for the Town and can assure you we will do our very best to ensure your concerns and problems are looked into and resolved.
We have over the next four years a substantial amount of work to do to ensure Arlesey does not miss out on future planning. Our proposals for the Local Development Framework together with a relief road have been submitted to Mid Beds District Council. It is important that the Arlesey Town Plan that was produced in 2005 and adopted by the Town Council with your recommendations are covered. The future of Arlesey is of high importance and for this reason it is vital we get the planning right and you are kept informed. It is our intention to make sure that the infrastructure for retail, industry and housing will be in place if any major developments are carried out.
The Local Development Framework after consultations will come into place in the year 2010, we aim to be ready.
I wish now to thank all the local organisations who helped with their stalls to make our Fun Day in July a great success. The weather was kind to us and I am sure everyone enjoyed the day. I personally wish to thank all those for their donations to the Letchworth Garden Hospice, we raised £621.10. To Elsie our Town Clerk and Lesley Assistant Clerk my special thanks for all their hard work in organising this event. We intend to have one annually so if you have any ideas for next year please contact us and we will try and introduce them.
It is of great concern to us that vandalism is still very much in evidence together with anti social behaviour. Patrizia our Community Police Support Officer, is now getting to know who many of the vandals are and together with our Community Police Officer Steve Holbrook, if caught, will start to apprehend them. We still are very much minded to prosecute and get parents to pay for damage to Council property. It is important though as residents if you see these youths carrying out any damage to any property contact the police I can assure you they will respond.
Finally, I hope you find this newsletter informative.
Dates for your diary
11 November 2007 – Remembrance Service at the War Memorial
11 March 2008 – Annual Town Meeting
27 April 2008 – Civic Service
12 July 2008 – Family Fun Day
Hugh Harper
Mayor and Chairman of Arlesey Town Council
THE TOWN COUNCILLORS
Arlesey Town Council consists of 15 Town Councillors, who, on a voluntary basis, aim to provide an effective and efficient service to the community. In exercising their power as a corporate body, the Town Council operate under a strict Code of Conduct and on election must agree to work within this code. The leader of the Town Council is the Mayor, who chairs all Town Council meetings.
The majority of Town Council business is undertaken through its various committees. The work of the committees involves making decisions and recommendations on behalf of the residents of Arlesey, many of which have financial implications. The committees consider how and why money is spent ensuring that expenditure is both appropriate and cost effective.
The Town Council committees meet regularly and make recommendations to the full Town Council meeting, which meets on the first Tuesday of the month (except for August) at 7.00pm in Arlesey Village Hall.
Residents can attend all meetings and are invited to speak at the Public Participation Sessions which are held at the beginning of the meetings. Further information from the Town Clerk.
---------------------------------------------------------
TOWN COUNCIL COMMITTEES:
Planning: 1st and 3rd Tuesday of month
The Planning Committee considers and deals with all planning matters appertaining to Arlesey.
If you wish to object to a planning application write to The Planning Officer, Mid Beds District Council, Priory House, Chicksands, Shefford, Beds SG17 5TQ.
Environmental
The Environmental Committee meets on the 3rd Tuesday of the months of October January and March following the Planning Committee meeting. This committee is responsible for grass cutting, reporting highway and street lighting faults, the management of the play area and recreation field, public open spaces, public seats, footpaths and litter bins, and the BMX track and Skate Park facility.
Property
The Property Committee meets on the 3rd Tuesday of the months of November, February and April following the Planning Committee meeting. The Village Hall, Cemetery and allotments are the responsibility of this committee. If you wish to hire the hall, reserve a plot in the Cemetery or rent an allotment, please call in at the Town Council Office.
Due to vandalism in the Cemetery the gates will be closed from 8pm to 8am during the summer and dusk to 8am during the winter. Anyone wishing to access the Cemetery during the closed period please contact the Town Council Office during office hours, when arrangements can be made.
Due to the ever increasing problem of parking in the Village Hall Car park, which is NOT the car park for either schools, it has been necessary to put in bollards to allow the staff working in the Medical Centre, Town Council Office and Resource Centre to park without confrontation.
The allotments site, which is situated at the rear of Hillary Rise and is reached via the track at the side of Arlesey Nursery School and Gothic Mede Lower School, has been refurbished and a water supply has been installed. If you are interested in cultivating your own crops then rent an allotment.
General Purposes and Finance: 3rd Tuesday each month
The General Purposes and Finance Committee deals with all other business of the Council, the precept to be levied on the District Council, to recommend the payments of any donations, grants or non routine payments. It also deals with the general financial administration of the Council’s affairs including administration of personnel management.
Arlesey’s wonderful War Memorial is looked after by this Committee, as is the financial and budgeting aspect of the Council
Public Relations Committee
The Public Relations Committee promotes and publicises the Town Council
and its activities.
Activities held in the Village Hall include:
Tuesday - 9-11.30am Parents and Toddlers, Toy Library
- 7.30pm Town Council 1st and 3rd Tuesday
Wednesday - 5.30-8.15pm Dance Beat
Thursday - 9-11.30am Parents and Toddlers, Toy Library
6.15-8.15pm Weight Watchers
Friday - 2-4pm Short Mat Bowls
To book the Village Hall for your parties and special occasions please contact the Town Council Office.
If you have any interesting information that you would like to be included in the next newsletter please send to the Town Council Office for consideration.
ARLESEY MEDICAL CENTRE
We are delighted that Arlesey people continue to support us and we now have in excess of 2000 patients on our books. As many of you are aware, the surgery is financed and operated by Bedfordshire Primary Care Trust, therefore if this growth continues we would seek support from the PCT for additional clinical help.
We would remind adult patients who have internet access that appointments can be booked with the doctor online at any time of the day or night. This service is now been extended so that appointments can be booked through digital television sets or WAP enabled mobile phones. Patients must register at the surgery for this service and further information can be obtained at Reception.
We now have a new website with full details of our services and where we will post any news affecting patients. From the website you can book your appointment with the doctor and also communicate with the surgery on non-urgent matters. The address is:-
www.arleseymedicalcentre.nhs.uk
Health Shuttle to Lister Hospital
Just as a reminder, the shuttle is available to our patients who wish to travel to Lister Hospital Monday to Fridays (excluding Bank Holidays). Leaflets giving details of the service are available at the surgery, or call the Health Shuttle Desk on 01438 726219.
LOCAL BEAT MANAGER
Arlesey comes under the Mid Beds, Biggleswade/Sandy area. The Beat Manager for Arlesey is PC Steve Holbrook. You can contact Steve on telephone number 01234 842513 or email SNT.Arlesey@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk.
Since April 2007 Arlesey has had a full-time PCSO her name is Patrizia Vetere. Her police surgery days for the rest of the year are:
Sunday 7th October 10.00am – Midday
Saturday 1st December 2.00pm – 4.00pm
There has been a great deal of vandalism in Arlesey over the last few months.
Please report all cases of vandalism to the police, without this information the police will think there are no problems.
NO COLD CALLING ZONE
The Town Council has supported the initiative from the Bedfordshire Bogus Caller Task Force which means Arlesey is a “No Cold Calling Zone”. Leaflets available from the Town Council office.
Bogus Caller Hotline – 08454 040506, if anyone starts cold calling, residents are asked to contact the Hotline immediately.
TOWN PLAN UPDATE
The Town Plan working party still operate regularly to keep the Town, Mid Beds and County Councils aware of your proposals set out in the 2005 Town Plan questionnaire.
We were delighted with the daffodils in the spring that were set on the approach roads north and south and also outside the church last year. We hope you agree they were lovely.
We organised and judged earlier this year the Arlesey in Bloom Competition there was one for hanging baskets and one for best kept front garden the winners were Mr Paul Crossley, 98 Ramerick Gardens and Mr & Mrs Alan Cooper, 6 Chase Close. We intend to organise another competition next year and will announce the winners at the Arlesey Family Fun Day as we did this year.
Climate – it’s the pace of change that should concern us
It is not unusal for the earth’s average temperature to rise or fall over tens of thousands of years. However, climate scientists consider it ‘very likely’ that global warming is now being accelerated by the high volumes of man-made carbon dioxide in our atmosphere.
The ten warmest years on record have all occurred since 1995. Computer models explain this pace of warming only when man-made carbon dioxide is taken into account.
Whilst scientists predict that rapid climate changes will cause global difficulties in adapting, energy saving is something positive we can do to prolong the availability of finite natural resources which will help us to adapt. Reducing carbon dioxide emissions is as straight-forward as insulating our homes, switching off lights and taking our foot off the accelerator.
For more energy saving information, contact the Energy Efficiency Advice Centre on 0800 512012
HEAVY GOODS VEHICLES
The Town Council Office constantly receives complaints of heavy goods vehicles travelling through the Town at speed, the drivers are often seen using mobiles and some of them have their loads uncovered, therefore causing concern to residents who often have debris from lorries falling onto to them or their cars and property. We need the help of all residents to be vigilant and work with the office to report these drivers who by their negligence are putting us all at risk and making life a misery.
Some lorry drivers travelling through the town to the landfill site do keep within the regulations laid down by the Waste Recycling Group (WRG). At least 2 speeding drivers reported to WRG have been banned.
The Town Council would be grateful for residents co-operation in reporting any incidents of speeding HGVs, drivers using mobiles or debris falling from vehicles to the Town Council Office, giving as many details as possible i.e time, details of company on the HGV and if possible the vehicle number.
If you have anything to report please contact Elsie or Lesley on 01462 733722 or come in and see us in the office. We are open 9am to 3pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 12 noon on Friday.
WASTE DISPOSAL
Refuse collect scheme – Collection day for Arlesey is Friday (you will be informed of any changes to this for example Christmas and Public Holidays)
MBDC will collect all domestic waste that is placed at the property boundary, in a wheelie bin or sack – bins should be left ready for collection by 7am.
When the contractor is at fault MBDC will collect reported missed bins within 24 hours.
Report missed bins on - 08452 304040
MBDC WILL PROVIDE ASSISTED COLLECTIONS FOR THE ELDERLY AND DISABLED PEOPLE WHO NEED THEM UPON REQUEST – 08452 304040
Fortnightly Collection
Dry Recyclable (green lidded bin) and Garden Waste (2 polypropylene bags) is collected one week and Residual Household Waste (wheelie bin) the next.
WHEELIE BIN: Domestic Waste ONLY
DO NOT place paint, oil, clinical waste, commercial waste, poisonous or noxious waste, scrap metal, soil and building materials in this bin,
Waste produced as a result of construction or demolition will not be collected.
PLEASE DO NOT PUT MATERIALS FOR RECYLING IN THIS BIN.
Green Waste and Green Lidded Bins (recyclable waste) to be placed out for collection together,
GREEN WASTE: Two polypropylene bags are provided by MBDC for your hedge and grass clippings. No soil or building waste – these will not be collected
GREEN LIDDED BIN: This bin is recyclable materials only. Materials that can be
placed in the green lidded bin are:
Food and drink cans (aluminium and steel) and aerosols
· Plastic bottles eg washing up bottles
· Magazines, newspapers, junk mail, directories & catalogues including Yellow Pages
· Cardboard packaging (cereal, detergent boxes etc)
Place all these materials loose in your green lidded bin: please do not bag your recyclables.
EXCESS RUBBISH OR WRONG RUBBISH IN BIN WILL NOT BE COLLECTED.
To prevent smells arising from bin – double wrap food waste before putting in bin – uncooked vegetable and fruit waste can be composted – storing your bin out of direct sunlight can also help prevent smells – keep the lid of your bin firmly closed to prevent animals and flies getting in. Nappies should be double wrapped to hold in smells.
COMPLAINTS SHOULD BE REFERRED TO MID BEDS ON 08452 304040 ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICE.
Your Local Recycling Sites
In Arlesey, recycling bins are at:
Bury Mead car park: Clear, green and brown bottles/ jars
Football Club car park: Clear, green and brown bottles /jars
(Hitchin Road)
Methodist Church car park: Paper (newspaper, magazines, etc)
(High Street) - helps to raise funds for Methodist Church.
For further information contact your local council on 08452 304040
Your Home Composting Scheme
You can also compost your garden waste using a home compost bin. You can put extra materials such as fruit and vegetable peelings in a home composter that can’t go in the kerbside garden waste container or to the Household Waste Recycling Centres.
To order a reduced price home compost bin from your local council call: 08451 306090
Your Nearest Household Waste Recycling Scheme
Biggleswade, Bells Brook telephone 01767 313684
From the A1 turn into Biggleswade on the A6001. At the first roundabout turn left towards Sainsburys, The site is on the left past the Sainsburys car park entrance.
For further information on recycling in Bedfordshire visit Beds County Council website www.recycle-now.co.uk
You may be required to obtain a permit before you enter the sites. This depends on the type of waste you want to deposit and the vehicle you are using. The permits are totally free of charge but must be obtained before you visit the site.
For further information pick up a leaflet from site staff or call: 01234 408386 or visit www.bedfordshire.gov.uk/wastepermit
DOG FOULING
DOG FOULING IS NOT ONLY UNSIGHTLY AND ANTI-SOCIAL, IT IS A HEALTH HAZARD. WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR CHILD TO PICK UP A BALL COVERED IN FAECES? THE TOWN COUNCIL CONTINUES TO MAKE NUMEROUS REQUESTS FOR OWNERS TO PICK UP THEIR DOGS’ FAECES ESPECIALLY IN THE RECREATION FIELD – IT IS A VERY GREAT DANGER TO CHILDREN (may cause blindness) – AND THE TOWN COUNCIL WILL NOT HESITATE TO PROSECUTE ANYONE NOT CLEARING UP AFTER THEIR DOGS.
New dog fouling legislation in Mid Beds – The Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996. These are areas where everyone who exercises their dog MUST CLEAN UP after it has messed. Failing to do so is a red card offence and conviction could lead to a fine of UP TO £1,000. The law enables a £25 ON THE SPOT PENALTY to be given.
For further information on:
· The new regulations
· Dog tagging
· Responsible dog ownership
· Micro-chipping
· Toilet training for dogs
Call the Dog Warden on 0845 8495 390
THE “FOUL FREE ZONES” are the following areas:
+ All roads with a speed limit of 40mph or below and all
adjoining paths and verges
+ All parks, amenity and recreation land owned or managed by Beds County Council, Mid Beds District Council or Arlesey Town Council.
+ All land where organised ball games are played
+ All churchyards or cemeteries
+ All hard surfaced footpaths and adjoining grassed or landscaped area.
ARLESEY FAMILY FUN DAY
Arlesey Family Fun Day was held on Saturday 14th July 2007 at the recreation ground. The weather was fine all though rather windy, which did make erecting the gazebos rather hazardous. It was well attended and everyone enjoyed themselves.
A big thank you to all the organisations and local groups that took part and donated to the Mayor’s Charity. The Town Council are making this an annual event and the date for next year’s Family Fun Day has been set for the 12th July 2008. If anyone has any suggestions or ideas for next years event please contact Elsie or Lesley at the Town Council Office.
Thanks also to all who donated raffle prizes, this was very much appreciated. Below are the winning raffle tickets:
1st 121 yellow Nancie Budge
2nd 115 green Unclaimed
3rd 308 pink John Caffrey
4th 316 pink Diane Orwin
5th 146 white Patrina Cleaver
6th 16 yellow Sylvia Frost
7th 87 white Helen Bardell
8th 138 yellow Unclaimed
9th 175 green Sally Staples
10th 73 orange Unclaimed
11th 235 yellow Greta Bosworth
12th 105 orange Barbara Shiel
13th 103 pink Debbie Kolek
14th 104 pink Debbie Kolek
15th 110 green Mrs Pride
16th 219 yellow Greta Bosworth
17th 141 green Barbara Shiel
18th 9 green Unclaimed
19th 93 pink Janet Williams
20th 196 orange Peter Milsom
21st 178 green Sally Staples
22nd 156 orange Unclaimed
23rd 78 yellow Paula Sales
24th 62 pink Charlotte McShane
25th 74 green Unclaimed
There are still a few unclaimed prizes so search deep in your bags and pockets you may be a WINNER.
Arlesey in Bloom Winners
Hanging Basket: Mr Paul Crossley
98 Ramerick Gardens
Front Garden: Mr & Mrs Alan Cooper
6 Chase Close
ARLESEY GROUPS
A.P.P.L.E. (Arlesey Plays and Productions for Light Entertainment)
Unfortunately, APPLE will not be doing a pantomime in January 2008 due to lack of support.
If you wish to contact APPLE call Gail Allen 01462 734241.
AISLE O’VAR BACKSWORDING CLUBBE LTD
“Bringing England’s Country Heritage to Life!”
Have you ever thought about learning Historical European Martial Arts?
Well now’s your chance! Come and learn the ancient and noble science of defence both armed and unarmed. Study the art of the English single handed broadsword/Backsword Circa 1600 and that most excellent ancient English country sport of backswording with Aisle O’var baclswording Clubbe.
Held at Arlesey Youth Centre. Sessions run from 7pm to 8.30pm, You must prebook your place.
Places are limited and will be on a first come first serve basis. Male/Female Ages 16+.
For further information or to book your place. Contact Pete on 01462 733874 or email info@backswording.co.uk. Further information can also be found on our web site www.backswording.co.uk
ARLESEY HISTORICAL ARCHIVE GROUP
The Historical Archive Group was set up by the Town Council’s Public Relations Committee. The archive material is managed from the Town Council Office and at the present time this is being categorised by the group. If you are interested in becoming involved or in donating archive material please contact Mrs Lesley Rowe at the Town Council Office. The Archive Group will be taking photographs of Arlesey as it is today, if you do not want your property photographed could you please notify the Town Council Office.
TWO BLUES ART GROUP
The Adult Art Group meets each week at Arlesey Town Football Club on Thursdays from 9.30am to 12noon. There is no annual fee only 50p per week towards tea/coffee and a Christmas Dinner. And membership to Arlesey Town Football Club is a nominal fee. There is no tutor, but we help each other as we have different abilities.
Come and see what we do and have a coffee and a chat, you would be most welcome. Contact: Chris White – 01462 639468 or Arlesey Town Football Club on 01462 734504
VIVACE
Vivace is your exciting LOCAL SATB choir which rehearses every Wednesday (7.30pm) during school term-time at Edgeworth House, 121 High Street, Arlesey SG15 6SX.
We give a concert every term, sing at weddings and other events, and have enjoyable social functions. Recent music has been by Mozart, Bernstein, Rossini, Gilbert and Sullivan and others. Details can be found on our website www.vivacechoir.co.uk, including information on our conductor John Andrews and pianist Kate Elmitt, both busy professionals in the music world.
For further information contact Kate Elmitt on 01462 622222 or elmitt@btinternet.com
ARLESEY COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTRE
The Resources Centre Manager - Heather McLaughlin
For some time the Town Council has been negotiating with Bedfordshire County Council in a bid to take over the running and management of Arlesey Resource Centre. In the end, perseverance prevailed and that came about with the Official Opening on Thursday 6 September 2007.
For several months Manager Mrs Heather McLaughlin and her Assistant Karen Rogers had been preparing the library section for the new allocation of books being supplied by Bedfordshire Libraries Service. In the meantime, from the 1st April 2007 the Town Council made financial contributions to the Resource Centre and have paid the staff salaries and sort legal advice for signing the Lease and Service Level Agreement (SLA) with Bedfordshire County Council. The SLA is the support given by Bedfordshire County Council to select and supply library stock for the Resource Centre library operation, supply the communications link with the library management system and train the Resource Centre staff. Finally, this was all brought together when the Lease was signed by the Town Council Chairman Cllr Hugh Harper and the SLA by Cllr Harper and the Head of Libraries Barry George.
The Resource Centre comes under the running of the Resource Centre Strategy Group and reports to the General Purpose/Finance Committee.
A thank you goes to County Councillor John Street, who has been a go between with Beds County Council and Barry George and our stalwart Mrs Doreen Rix, for her expertise.
The Resource Centre Strategy Group consists of:
Cllr Hugh Harper (Town Council Chairman) Mrs Heather Mclaughlin (RC Manager)
Cllr Ian Dalgarno (Town Council Vice-Chairman) Mrs Doreen Rix (Group Adviser)
County Cllr John Street Mrs Elsie Hare (Town Clerk)
The Centre is open to the public as a library and business facility for word processing, photocopying, faxing, laminating, colour printing/copying.
There are 6 computer stations available during the opening hours for word processing and internet use.
It is also available for public hire outside its opening times and hosts a variety of Adult Education Courses during term time run by Spark Adult Learning, these vary throughout the year, Computing for Beginners, Yoga, Drawing and Watercolours, Digital Photography and Web Design are just a selection of the subjects that have been held over the last few terms.
During the School Term there is Craft & Story time every Friday morning between 10.00am – 11.00am for under 5’s and their carers, a small charge is made to cover refreshments and craft materials.
Opening times:
Monday Closed
Tuesday 1.00pm – 5.30pm
Wednesday 8.30am – 12.00pm
Thursday 1.00pm – 5.30pm
Friday 9.00am – 12.00pm
Saturday 10am – 1.00pm
Tel/Fax: 01462 731469
Email: enquiries@arleseyresourcecentre.org
CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES
PARENTS AND TODDLERS
Parents and Toddlers Group meet every Tuesday and Thursday mornings (term time) in the Village Hall at 9am – 11.30am. Contact: Justine Mills on 01462 629017
ARLESEY PRE-SCHOOL
Arlesey Pre-School is held at the WI hall. We offer a warm friendly environment and quality childcare by qualified staff for children from 2-5 years.
We are ofsted registered and fully insured.
All needs are catered for and children don’t have to be potty trained. We are open 5 days a week and offer luncheon club Tuesday and Thursday.
Please call in and see us anytime or telephone.
07815 293670
Arlesey Under 5’s Toy Library
Arlesey Village Hall
C/o 3 St Johns Road, Arlesey, Beds, SG15 6ST.
Tel/ Fax 01462 732864
ARLESEY NURSERY SCHOOL AND CHILDCARE CENTRE
The Nursery is situated in the centre of the village and offers Nursery education for children from their 3rd birthday until the age of 5 years. It offers Childcare facilities for children from 3 to 9 years. During term times the Nursery is open from 9am – 3.30pm and 11.30 am – 6pm. The Holiday Club runs during most school holidays from 8am – 5.30pm. The Holiday Club is open to children aged 3 to 11 years old. Nursery is free and Childcare and Holiday Club costs £3.00 per hour. The Nursery has a very large, well resourced classroom area and large garden and playground. Childcare has its own room and also uses the garden, playground and classrooms
Children have 2½ hours free education every day in the Nursery until the term they become 5 when they have 4½ days. The curriculum is planned according to the national Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation Stage, i.e. planned day activities and work with a staff member based on a child’s individual stage development. Children are closely monitored and records of their progress towards Early Learning Goals are kept. These records are available for children and parents to see at any time.
The Nursery has 3 teachers and 3 Nursery Nurses. All staff work with all the children but we are a key worker system that ensures close, personal support for each child. We also have trainee teachers, NVQ 2 and 3 students and other childcare students throughout the term.
Visits to the Nursery are welcome – please phone for an appointment 01462 732168 email arleseynursery@schools.bedfordshire.gov.uk
ARLESEY BEAVERS, CUBS AND SCOUTS
1st Arlesey Scout Group. We currently run a Beaver colony (6-8 years) on a Wednesday evening 6.15–7.30pm. A Cub pack (8-10 ½ years) on Monday evening, 6.30-8.00pm, a Scout Troop (10 ½ - 14 ½ years ) on Thursday evening, 7.00-9.00pm and Explorer Scouts 14 ½ -18 years ) on Tuesday evening 7.15-9.00pm. These groups are open to BOTH boys and girls.
We meet at the Scout Headquarters, Cluny Meadow. There is a waiting list in operation for Beavers and Cubs so please call to register your child and a place will be allocated to the appropriate group for your child’s age, when available.
Call Stuart McGuire (A/Group Scout Leader) on 07762 732661 – “ALL WELCOME”
ARLESEY RAINBOWS, BROWNIES AND GUIDES
For information on when Rainbows, Brownies and Guides meet please call Mrs Helen Frost 01462 732556.
AIR Aragon Youth Panel are a group of eight young people aged 12 - 18 years. They look at housing & community issues via meetings, activities and projects; across Mid Beds. AIR are facilitated by Aragon Housing Association & Beds Youth Service. AIR usually meet for monthly updates at Arlesey Youth Centre.
One of the many projects they have been busy with this year is their anti social behaviour awareness. They secured funding to buy goodies ie pens, torches, play doh etc and had their ASB (anti social behaviour) moto'think b4 u bother' printed on. They also devised various games & quizzes to encourage other young people to take part, talk about ASB and raise awareness of how ASB affects individuals and their communities.
AIR have formed a new 'AIR group' to enable other young people to get involved in some of the panel activities. For further information contact: Nicola - Youth & Community Participation Officer (Aragon Housing)
nicola.king@aragon-housing.co.uk or Jan Cooper (Youth Service) 07981881695 jan.cooper@bedscc.gov.uk
OutreachWork with young people -Nicola King (Aragon Housing) has teamed up with Bedfordshire Police covering the Arlesey area this year as well as seperately working with volunteers to spend time out in Arlesey on various Friday evenings. The purpose: to meet young people, discuss issues or find out 'what’s going on'. The information or observations are collated and used to inform further work that
could be delivered for the young people in Arlesey. Some of which may be addressing anti social behaviour issues.
BOUNCE summer activities for young people in Mid Beds arrived in Arlesey 31st July - 22nd Aug. Attendance at the day sessions was not very high but evening outreach sessions have had more impact.
Youth Bank 'Its up 2u' is an approachable, local funding panel for young people aged 13 - 19 years who live in the Samuel Whitbread catchment area. It is facilitated by Beds County Youth Service & Aragon Housing Association.
Young people in groups of 3 or more can apply to 'Its up 2u' for small grants of 10 -750 to do events, one off or longer projects, that will benefit young people or their communities. Its easy to apply, just call or email (details below) for an application pack. There are examples in the pack to make it easy to follow, help will be provided if needed.
If there are any young people interested in being part of the 'Its up 2u' Youth Bank panel let us know.
Youth Bank is run by young people for young people.
To contact Youth Bank 'Its up 2 u':
youtheye@aol.com
Dave:07981881736
Nicola: 07717313868
ENVIRONMENTAL ACORN - Arlesey Conservation for Nature 9ACORN
A local voluntary organisation for those interested in wildlife and the countryside. Members undertake practical countryside management and also maintain some of the footpaths around Arlesey. A programme of social events and trips are also organised. Membership is £2 per member or £3 per household. We have recently had the Arlesey Circular Walks Guides reprinted, copies of which are available at the Resource Centre or the Council Office. Our AGM and social will be held on 27th October 2007, full details of our activities can be viewed on www.arleseywalks.co.uk. The Environment Agency have now installed two fishing platforms along the ACORN easy access footpath (FP2a) at Mill Lane. These are suitable for wheelchair users. A Guide to the Glebe Meadows and Arlesey Old Moat Nature Reserve can also be obtained at the Arlesey Resource Centre. If you would like more details on membership, etc, please contact the Secretary - Mrs Madeleine Purdon 01462 731323 Glebe Meadows
These traditional managed meadows are situated at the North end of the village to the West of the Railway Station. The meadows follow the River Hiz, which is one of the few first class examples of a chalk bed stream. Disabled parking is adjacent to the entrance on the Henlow side of the A507 bypass. The entrance has a ‘RADAR’ key operated kissing gate to enable mobility scooters to access the riverside path. Volunteers maintain the paths and Red Poll cattle are introduced from time to time as part of a DEFRA management scheme. June is a good time to visit when an abundance of bee orchids can be found at the Southern end of the first meadow. The meadows are administered by the Glebe Meadows Management Group. This group is made up of representatives from Arlesey Town Council, Arlesey Conservation for Nature (ACORN), The Wildlife Trust BCNP and the Ivel and Ouse Countryside Project. Contact details can be obtained from the Town Council Office. WALK4HEALTH
Walks take place on Thursdays at 10.45. Current flyers are available at the Town Council Office or for further information please contact B & K Juffs on 01462 638286 or 07976895328 or M Purdon on 01462 731323 or 07977560324. ARLESEY OLD MOAT NATURE RESERVE
If you can spare the time, why not join us on one or more of the following dates? New volunteers are always welcome at out work parties.
Meet at the Old Bridge, or on the Nature Reserve itself.
All work parties are from 10.00am – 1.00pm unless stated.
Sunday 23rd September 2007
Sunday 14th October 2007
Sunday 28th October 2007
Sunday 18th November 2007
Sunday 25th November 2007
Sunday 9th December 2007
For further information about the nature reserve, please contact:
Voluntary warden: Vic Williams 01462 731767
SOCIAL
ARLESEY WOMENS INSTITUTE
The WI meets in the WI Hall in the High Street every second Tuesday in the month at 7.30pm. We have a very varied programme, enjoying speakers from all walks of life, demonstrations of crafts and making visits to local places of interest. Our social events are always popular. We also join with other local WIs twice yearly for group meetings and, together with the Bedfordshire Federation meetings in Bedford or Dunstable; we have lots of opportunities to hear many interesting speakers. Visitors or new members are always welcome so please call in and see us.
WI Hall available for booking for parties, dances etc.
Contact: Katie Juffs 01462 638286 (anytime)
Age Concern Bedfordshire is the largest older peoples’ charity operating in the county.
We work with and for all people over the age of 60, their families, friends and carers.
We provide a range of services and support to enable older people to make informed choices in the later years.
The range of services includes Information and Advice, benefits assistance, practical assistance around the home (Home Help and Handyperson/Gardening), leisure/clubs information and support. These run alongside our trading products specifically designed for the over 50’s, which include all types of insurance, Aid Call alarms, Funeral Plans and Charity Flowers.
Our services are delivered in a caring, friendly but professional manner, through our team of dedicated staff and volunteers.
If you or anyone you know would like to make use of any of our services or indeed wish to join us as a volunteer, please contact our office on Tel: 01234 360510.
SENIOR CITIZENS
We are a small group who meet at Gothic House, Gothic Way every Thursday afternoon from 2pm to 4pm. We play bingo; have a raffle and tea and biscuits.
Twice a year we have an outing to the seaside and go out for dinner and entertainment at Christmas.
SPORTS
ARLESEY SHORT MAT BOWLS
The group was formed originally after Clive and Jean Batey, keen players, approached the Town Council with a view to using the Village Hall to form a club.
Samuel Whitbread Community College included the sport in their Adult Further Education programme and provided a mat, fenders, bowls etc enabling the players to go ahead. As numbers grew, Arlesey Town Council provided more equipment.
At present there are 18 regular players with a short waiting list. No longer part of the Further Education programme the group meets every Friday in the Village Hall between 2-4pm. Further details from Betty Joyce on 01462 731647
MULTI USE GAMES AREA (MUGA)
The multi use games area courts are situated at the rear of the WI Hall, and are available for hire at modest charges. To book a court, please ring between 9am to 9pm weekdays and 11am to 9pm on Sundays please ring 07939 522650.
ARLESEY TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB – 01462 734504
ARLESEY TOWN YOUTH FOOTBALL CLUB
Arlesey Town Youth Football Club has ten teams from under 8 years old to Under 16s.
The Club prides itself on giving playing opportunities to local children, is keen to attract new players at all levels and seeks to attain the highest standards both ‘on’ and ‘off’ the field. A friendly and open club, we always welcome the involvement of the player’s parents to continue the club’s progress. For more information on ATYFC contact Club Chairman, Trevor Flint on 01462 834360.
INFORMATION COLUMN
Age Concern (Bedfordshire) 01234 360510
Age Concern Handyperson Scheme 01234 215995
Alcohol Services for the Community(Bedford)01234 344133
Bedford General Hospital 01234 355122
Bedfordshire Highways 01234 228661
Bogus Caller Hotline 08454 040506
Children’s Information Service 01234 228229
Childline 0800 1111
Citizens’ Advice Bureau (Biggleswade) 01767 601368
Cruse Bereavement Care 01767 312997
Early Years Helpline 01234 228120
Larksfield Surgery 01462 732200
Lister Hospital 01438 314333
Sexual Health Direct 0845 1228690
NHS Direct 0845 46 47
Ofsted Complaints Line 0845 6014772
Parentline Plus 01707 393937
Register of Births, Deaths and Marriages
Biggleswade 01234 290450
Hitchin and Stevenage 01438 316579
Relate 01234 356350
Samaritans 08457 909090
or 01462 455333
Social Services (all enquiries) 01234 363222
Talk to FRANK (drug abuse) 0800 776600
Tax Credit Hotline 0845 300 3900
QUIT (helping smokers to quit) 0800 002200
Youth services 01234 228155
WORSHIP
St Peter’s Church, Church of England, Church Lane Arlesey
The Reverend Susan Edwards – 01462 731227
Methodist Church, High Street, Arlesey
The Reverend Brian Trudgeon – Telephone number and address from 01462 731647
King’s Baptist Church, Stotfold – Reverend Philip Amos
King’s Baptist Church Office – 01462 730521
St Francis of Assisi, Catholic, High Street, Shefford
Canon Ben Noonan – 01462 813436
The Church of Our Lady Immaculate and St Andrew, Catholic
16 Nightingale Road, Hitchin
Father Michael Lambert – 01462 459126
SCHOOLS
Arlesey Nursery School,
Headteacher – Mrs Penny Mason, High Street, Arlesey SG15 6SL -
01462 732168
Gothic Mede Lower School,
Headteacher – Jacqueline Bradford
High Street, Arlesey SG15 6SL - 01462 732002
Etonbury Middle School,
Headteacher – Mr I Mitchell, Stotfold Road, Arlesey - 01462 730391
Samuel Whitbread School, Principal – Mr R Robson, Shefford Road,
Clifton -01462 851200 HEALTH FACILITIES
Arlesey Medical Centre, High Street, Arlesey – 01462 628128
Opening times:
Monday 08.00 – 12.00 14.00 – 18.00
Tuesday 08.00 – 12.00 14.00 – 18.00
Wednesday 08.00 – 11.00
Thursday 08.00 – 12.00 14.00 – 18.00
Friday 08.00 – 12.00 14.00 – 18.00
Nurse consultation times
Monday 09.30 – 11.30 14.00 – 17.30
Tuesday 08.30 – 11.30
Thursday 09.00 – 11.30 14.00 – 16.00
Friday 09.00 – 11.30 14.00 – 17.00
Baby clinic alternative Thursdays from 11am – 12noon, dates available at Medical Centre.
Dentist – practice in Stotfold – 01462 731938
Opticians – practice in Stotfold – 01462 732393
ARLESEY PHARMACY
31 High Street, Arlesey, Beds SG15 6RA. Tel: 01462 731200. Fax: 01462 834068
Arlesey Pharmacy has been under new management since 2006. Mr Samil Shah MRPharmS is the new superintendent pharmacist and owner.
The pharmacy now benefits from extended opening hours, which are as follows:
Monday to Friday 8.45am – 1.00pm 2.30pm – 6.15pm
Saturday and Sunday Closed
The pharmacy provides numerous FREE services, some of which are listed below:
· Repeat prescription “drop-off” and collection service from Arlesey Medical Centre and Larksfield (Stotfold) Surgery
· Prescription delivery service to ALL Arlesey residents
· Medicines and advice on common illnesses, health promotion and local health and social support
· Disposal of unwanted medicines
· Medicine Use Review – this is an opportunity for you to discuss with your pharmacist any issues you may have with your medication
· Smoking cessation support
· Care Home medication and documentation supply
Please visit or ring the pharmacy on 01462 731200 for further details
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT PHARMACY
 |
