September Parish News
ST ANDREWS CHURCH
Services for September
Holy Communion each Thursday at 10.30
2nd 10.0011.00 Family Service Informal Communion
9th 10.30 Morning Praise
12th 10.30 Pram Service
16th 10.30 Holy Communion
23rd 10.30 Morning Praise
26th 10.30 Pram Service
30th 10.30 Morning Praise
26th 2.30 Woodside Home Service
We have just entered an interregnum, which means for the
coming months we will be without a vicar. If you would like
to contact someone relating to matters that you would
normally talk to the vicar about, then visit our "Who
Does What" page to find the relative contact. You are
assured of a friendly, sympathetic and professional response.
We have formed an "Administration Team" to look
after day to day matters during the interregnum:
Administrator: Lorraine Crossett 414168
Churchwardens: Eileen Crapnell 721840
& Roger Duncombe 404988
Lay Reader: Julie Flashman 451002
PCC Lay Chairman: David Kingston 416138
Although it's the middle of the holiday time this has been a
busy time! Members of St Andrew's and Holy Trinity East Hyde
Church Councils met the Bishop of Bedford, John Richardson,
the Archdeacon of Bedford, Malcolm Lesiter and the Area
Deanery Lay Chairman, Clive Richardson. We are now in the
early stages of finding a priest, of either gender, to
replace David. St Andrew's Churchwardens and Geoff Bannister
from East Hyde have been appointed as Parish Representatives
who will take a part in the selection process.
It is anticipated that the interregnum will last at least
eight months and it is usual practice for the Diocese to let
vicarages during interregna.
With East Hyde, we have been working on a "Parish
Profile" which will be sent to clergy who express
interest in coming to us. The profile spells out, in some
detail, who we are and what we are about. This will be ready
within a couple of weeks and a copy will be available in
church for you to take a look.
We are settling into a valuable period of "self-help"
with assistance from outside. The PCC is appreciative and
encouraged by prayer and support, particularly for Julie and
those who have taken on extra duties at this time, from our
people. Thank you, please keep it up.
ALEY GREEN METHODIST CHURCH
Organ Fund Events
Although it rained on July 14th, our Sunday School
Bar-B-Que went ahead and we raised £127.
The Beetle Drive on July 20th was great fun and we raised
another £90 for the organ fund.
Good as New Sale
On Saturday September 8th we will be holding a Good
as New sale, so come and have a look around the clothes (for
all ages and sizes), books, toys and household items. Teas
will be served in the schoolroom with homemade jams,
chutneys, jellies, marmalades and cakes all for sale. So come
along and pick up a bargain or two.
Harvest Festival
Our Harvest Festival and Family Service will be held
on Sunday September 23rd at 11.00am and everyone is welcome
to join us. Next day at 7.30pm we will be auctioning the
harvest goods. All money raised will go to the Methodist
Relief and Development Fund.
Future Notice: we will be holding our Autumn Fair on Saturday
13th October; more news next month.
Yours in Christ, Ann Meader
None of us can do great things, only small things with
great love.
Mother Teresa
BROWNIES
We have received the following letter
from Keech Cottage Hospice:
Dear Brownies,
I am writing on behalf of the Hospice. Thank you for your
kind donation of £211, which you raised by your performance
of "Holiday around the World".
Keech Cottage provides emotional and practical support for
families facing the loss of their child. Providing this care
costs over £1 million each year and, as a charity, we are
dependent upon donations from the local community to fund
this valuable service. Your donation will help make a real
difference to local families who need special care.
Thank you once again for your donation; it is very much
appreciated.
R. Webb
SLIP END GARDEN ASSOCIATION
Vegetable Garden
When first early potatoes are finished, make a start
on the second earlies or mid-season varieties. Lift a few
roots at a time, as you require them. Onions from January to
March sowings will be ready soon; hasten things by bending
the leaves over, just above the neck of each bulb.
Make preparations on the allotment or vegetable plot for next
year, already! Clear and dig when peas and beans are done and
think about the rotation plan in deciding what will go there
next year.
Flower and Fruit Garden
You can continue to bud both fruit and rose stock
throughout the month; remove faded flowers and runners.
Chrysanthemums should be budded and side shoots rubbed out.
If red spider appears in the flower bed, syringe thoroughly.
Plant early bulbs, like snowdrops, for next year.
Pick and prune apples and pears; look out for and treat
American blight on apples.
Competition
As an aside, think about entering your best produce
in local Fruit & Vegetable shows. Last year, Val Church,
one of our keenest allotment holders, scooped the silver at
the Caddington show. Parish News hopes to report her further
competitive successes soon!
FLIGHT PATHS
Christine Benson's useful Parish Council
update last month included a transcript of notes by
Councillor Kirkbright who sits on the Airport Consultative
Committee, proceedings which, if and where intelligible, I
found most disquieting.
There are already far too many noisy flights directly over
Slip End, perhaps due to 'Trial Route R.Nav. Sid' and it
would seem that these are now to be intensified for a year
from September - possibly after briefing meetings for
residents (not consultation!), suggested by Councillor Stay -
not the airport! The expanded trial would evidently increase
frequency and noise levels over the village significantly,
and for an extended period. It seems we are presented with a
fait accompli. Slip End residents need to oppose vigorously
any idea of the standard flight departure route coming
directly over the village. Might the next issue of Parish
News include a sketch map of present and proposed flight
routes in our immediate neighbourhood to give us all a better
idea of what is happening?
Brian Church
Learn to Dance to examination
and festival standard and have fun!
Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz
Monday & Tuesday
Slip End Hall
For
more info call Lucy Martin
on 842658
MURIEL'S DIARY
Owing to the
requests for a letter from me this month I feel that I should
write a small piece for your reading. The reason that I have
not written for the last two months was because there did not
seem to be a lot to write about as holidays were upon us all
and I had little knowledge of the happenings in the village.
I have returned from my Hunstanton caravan Holiday, which I
always enjoy. The flat area and invigorating sea air is to me
a great chance to unwind. I get up when I like and eat and
sleep when I like with no regimentation of being at meals on
time!
Well you lovely Slip-enders out there, I am sure that you
will love the
improvements to our village hall. The lovely bright colours
will give all who venture in to have a look a nice sunny
feeling and I do
hope that most of you will have a peep when passing, even if
you do not use
the hall. The car park looks great and huge now the lads are
not playing Football anymore. I did somehow think that my
request for them moving down to Peter Edwards Area would be
perhaps ignored but it shows how wrong I was to even think
that way: so many thanks you lads for respecting my
suggestions in my last two or three letters.
I notice that the vicar has left and am wondering if there
will be a replacement soon as I have lost touch with the
church side of things but it would be nice to know who we can
expect a visit from in the future. I must admit that I was
disappointed that I never had a visit from David whilst he
was in the parish but I had spoken to him on the phone and I
am sure he will be missed by many people, including my
grandson who had spent happy hours at the vicarage. You are a
good man David and the best of luck in your new Parish and
parishioners.
On my return from Holiday I noticed the new assault course in
the playground and I call it that because they have one at
Hunstanton and the small children have hours of fun. So lets
hope that the small children will love it to balance on
and I can't see any reason why it should not last forever
with care and
attention. Please note that I mentioned small children. If
the teenagers want
to be involved well perhaps they will supervise the little
ones. How about
that suggestion?
Well ladies I am back now with the teapot on the go and
thanks for the ladies that came and enjoyed their cups of tea
with my friend and I which certainly gave us a good laugh at
things. I hope that I can find enough news for next time as
this letter is more or less an answer to the request that a
couple of you asked in August magazine.
Muriel Allsop
PARISH NEWS
August is traditionally the month Parish
Councillors take a break and head to the seaside with their
buckets and spades but because we were so late in the year
getting down to business we held an extra meeting at the
Village Hall on the 6th August. It was quite well attended
and although quite lengthy, I personally promise to try to
keep the meetings as short and sweet as possible.
A5/B4540 Junction:
This problem is ongoing and we are waiting
communication from the Highways Agency as to what their plans
are. This problem has been put on the agenda for the next
Parish Council meeting so if anyone wants to come along to
air their views you are most welcome.
Crawley Playground:
Contractors were due to return to complete
installation of all the bridges and climbing equipment (chains,
ropes ladders etc.,) so then it should be open for business!!
Airport Noise:
Please, please keep complaining to the Airport about
the noise. If you do have access to the Internet Sue
Mackenzie, Operations Director can be e-mailed on s.mackenzie@london-luton.co.uk
or you can write to her at Percival House, Percival Way,
Luton. Beds. LU2 9LY. Please keep
writing and ringing up to voice your protests, the more
people from Slip End ring and write the more notice they are
likely to take of us.
Pedestrian crossing at Markyate Road:
A petition has been received about the safety of
this crossing where it joins the open space opposite the Post
Office. In consultation with Beds. CC some works will be
carried out in this area soon to try to solve this problem.
The scheme - when it arrives - is not the final answer as a
complete scheme needs to be discussed with the Proprietor of
the Post Office, Beds CC and ourselves - so this is ongoing
as well.
Timberlands Caravan Park:
A petition is circulating the village and outlying
areas backing up Cllr. Richard Stay's move to close the
Caravan Park. Should residents wish to sign the petition when
it arrives, please note that all information contained
therein is subject to secrecy and no information will be made
public.
Village Notice Board:
A new notice board will shortly appear outside the
Post Office. This will now be the place for residents of Slip
End to find out about news etc., for Slip End Parish.
Residents in Woodside and Pepperstock already have Notice
Boards.
Parish Clerk/Administrator:
Interviews for this position will be held shortly.
Hopefully news of our new Parish Clerk will be available by
September.
Rights & Responsibilities for this month:
Yes, you do have the right to expect to have your grass
verges cut regularly and kept in good condition. You do
however also have the responsibility to ensure that they are
not driven over and parked upon causing damage and
unsightliness and making them difficult to cut and maintain..
(Hear, hear! Editor) With winter wetness coming on, )
The Whistlers:
I know this sounds a bit like one of those trashy
Sci-Fi comics that were available in the '50's and '60's, but
.… Prior to occurrences of vehicle or property damage or
theft in and around the village, some victims or witnesses to
such felonies report that, just before it happened, they
heard 'whistling'. Coincidence? Maybe, but perhaps if you do
hear whistling, which is unusual in this day and age,
particularly at night, you could perhaps take a look out your
window or just make sure that your property is secure in some
way. We think it could be the way the criminals are
communicating with each other over distances, having found a
vulnerable vehicle or whatever. Keep vigilant.
Be safe, enjoy what's left of the summer. Parents, hang
in there, its nearly back to school time!
Christine Benson
Chairman. Slip End Parish Council
FRIENDSHIP CLUB
Eastbourne 19th July
After a very wet start thirty six members and twelve
friends left for Eastbourne arriving just before one o'clock,
thankfully a dry although a little windy sea-side greeted us.
After a stroll on the front or a visit to the shops we made
our way back past the Band Stand to the sound of brisk
military music for tea at the Wish Tower Restaurant. Leaving
at six we were home before nine, an enjoyable day was had by
all.
Our next outing is on a Tuesday afternoon, our annual boat
trip. We have chartered 'Princess of the Chilterns' for a
three hour cruise and cream tea from Glebe Canal Cruises at
Pitstone. This outing is on 18th September. Unfortunately, we
have been unable to hold a Club for the first four weeks in
August due to refurbishment of the village hall. The next
club is on the 30th August when hopefully we shall be back to
normal weekly meetings.
Viv Porter
Lyn, Sheldon
& Russell Stanbrook would like to thank everyone who sent
messages of condolences on the death of Gerry. Sadly, he lost
his battle against cancer on July 24th after a brave fight.
He would have
been amazed that so many village people turned out to say
their farewells to him. We want to express our special thanks
to Julie Flashman for a wonderful service. Although
Julie had never met Gerry she summed him up brilliantly.
Thank you
everyone for your help and support over the past 18months. It
makes one realise how lucky one is to live in a wonderful
community such as Slip End.
Lyn, Sheldon & Russell Stanbrook
41 Front Street Slip End
ARE YOU DOING YOUR BIT ?
continued
Outside the home
It's not just inside where you can do your bit. As
soon as you step outside there are things you can do to be
more Environmentally Friendly.
Best Foot Forward
How many times do you take the car when you could
walk or cycle? It is not only cheaper but also better for
everyone.
Just by walking instead of driving once a week we could
reduce pollution, which can aggravate asthma.
Cars not only pollute the air but also emit CO2, which
contributes to climate change. Walking is healthy and
pollution free! According to health experts, walking or
cycling for half an hour a day can halve the risk of heart
disease.
On your Bike.
Children spend so much time on a computer or glued
to a TV they don't get enough exercise. Encourage them to
cycle or walk to school and walk with them. Find out about
safe cycle routes in your area.
Trains & Buses
Catching a train or bus is another good alternative
- it saves congestion and can be faster too. A typical bus
seats 50 people - just imagine the increased congestion if
all those people were in cars!
On the road
If the car is your only way of getting around why
not share your journey with colleagues or friends? Doing
everything in one go (shopping, taking the children to
school, club, youth activities etc) can reduce pollution, as
emissions are lower when the engine has warmed up.
Make sure your car is in good condition - badly tuned
vehicles emit more pollution. If your tyres are properly
inflated the car will use less fuel.
WANT TO GET FIT?
Anyone interested in joining our Badminton
Club? We are looking for new members, as two of our present
members are moving.
BADMINTON
Friendly and competitive badminton
club seek new members/visitors.
Wednesdays
8.15 - 11.00 p.m.
For further details
Tel: Roger 429031
or Linda 737461
SLIP END LOWER SCHOOL.
At the end of the Summer term, three members
of the staff left; Mrs. M. Johnson (acting headteacher), Miss
L. Fish (Year 3 teacher) and Mrs M. Turner (Early Years
teacher). Mrs Johnson returns to her own school at the start
of the Autumn term, Miss Fish takes up a new appointment at
another school in Bedfordshire and Mrs Turner has retired.
A collection had been taken by Parents, other members of
Staff and Governors and at the End of Term Assembly, gifts
were presented to the three ladies. Mrs Johnson was presented
with a Sun Dial, Miss Fish with Glassware and Mrs Turner with
a Garden bench and a Patio heater.
Thanks were expressed at the assembly for all their hard work
at the school and all the school wished them well in the
future.
The school also said 'Farewell' to the pupils in Year 4.
These young people will start at their new middle schools in
September. At the assembly, each pupil who was leaving gave a
short presentation of their memories of Slip End School. Mrs
Johnson spoke in turn about each child and their progress in
the school and presented a book of Poetry. We wish these
children every success in the next stage of their educations.
Next term our new Headteacher, Mrs C Fisher, takes up her new
post and we also welcome two new teachers to fill the
teaching vacancies. The Early Years teacher will be Mrs J
Greensmith and the Year 3 teacher will be Miss E Houghton.
IT'S A DOG'S LIFE
1. No-one expects you to take a bath every day.
2. If it itches, you can scratch it.
3. There's no such thing as bad food.
4. A bone can entertain you for hours.
5. If you grow hair in weird places, no one notices.
6. You can lie around all day without getting the sack.
7. You don't get into trouble for rushing up and putting your
head in a stranger's lap.
8. You're always excited to see the same people.
9. Having big feet is considered an asset.
10. Puppy love can last.
Bailey (dog’s name, not photographer’s)
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