|
Parish
Council. Edited notes by Cllr Maggie Spoor |
|
Attending the meeting held on the 7th November: 7 Parish
Councillors, the Clerk (Mrs Payne), 8 parishioners,
Borough Councillors Attenborough, Brandon and Ellis and
County Councillor Gershon.
Councillor Nicky Attenborough,
Conservative candidate for the Mayoral election in May
2007 attended the meeting at the invitation of the
Parish Council (the present Mayor, Councillor Branston,
having attended an earlier meeting). Councillor
Attenborough spoke of her plans if elected and answered
questions on a range of current issues and concerns.
Matters Arising: The Felmersham & Radwell Community
Trust had been unsuccessful in their bid to purchase the
land next to the river slipway.
Bollards have been installed by the County Council on
the Jubilee Lawn to prevent cars parking on the grass.
Highways: The Parish Council are
concerned about residents who let their vegetation
overhang the highway and will be monitoring the
situation and taking the necessary action. Sunken
manholes have been reported to Anglia Water, gullies
have been cleared. |
Bollards outside Pinchmill
School |
Parish
Partnership money 2006/07 will be used to renew the
footpath on The Green, next to Felmersham bus shelter.
Request received for curbing by Harrowdene Farm as verge
is being eroded. The bollards in The Old Road outside
the School are eyesores - could they be changed?
Possible water leak on the Carlton Road to be
investigated. Councillors to give some thought to how
the Parish Partnership money for 2007/08 is to be spent.
|
Other issues: Quotes for
renewal of the grass cutting contract to be sought.
Quotes had been received for removing the tree stumps
next to Felmersham bus shelter. However the Council has
learnt that the trees are the responsibility of the
County Council. They have agreed to remove the stumps.
Work can then begin on restoring the area.
Parish Plan Report: 40 people
attended this meeting including 5 Parish Councillors.
Six Action Groups have been set up to implement the
Parish Plan. The Community Action Group has already
written to the Parish Council requesting waste bins at
the new bus stops and for the lamp standards in the
conservation area to be changed to a more attractive
style.
Finance: The Budget for 2007/08 was presented and
discussed. The Council voted to set the precept at
£12,500 for the year 2007/08. This is one of the lowest
in the County and equates to an average of £44 per
household per year.
Date of next meeting: Tuesday 2nd
January 2007 at 7.30 pm in Pinchmill Hall Committee
Room.
6/12/06
|
|
Hourly M50 Bus Service |
 |
Felmersham and Radwell
now have an hourly bus service Monday to
Saturday and a two hourly Sunday service. The Mercury M50 hourly service from
Bedford to Kettering (and return) has been routed through Milton
Ernest, Radwell, Felmersham and Sharnbrook.
The two hourly Sunday service terminates at Rushden.
View
Timetable (48KB pdf file) |
|
|
House
Break-in
A house in Felmersham Road, Radwell was broken into and money
stolen. 9/11/06.
Marjorie Gwendolyn Rootham 1911 - 2006
An obituary 6/10/06
|
Felmersham Green |
|
The Parish Council has received a quotation for
the removal of tree
stumps next to Felmersham bus shelter and reducing the height of
the two lopped trees. However it has transpired that the trees are
the responsibility of the County Council so the Parish Council
will ask BCC to do the work. Part of the highway partnership
allocation for Felmersham will be spent on improvements to the bus
shelter area. 9/11/06 |
|
Janet
Receives Award |
 |
|
Congratulations to Janet
Welsh of Felmersham who has received a Pride in Bedford community
award. She was an overall Bedford Borough winner and received The Pat
Olney Arts and Sports Award from the Mayor of Bedford. The photo
shows her receiving the award from the Mayor assisted by
Cllr Pat Olney.
Janet encourages amateur soloists and musicians and gives them the
opportunity to sing in the many concerts she directs. Over the
years she has helped raise considerable sums of money for charity
and at the same time has given enjoyment to audiences and singers
alike. Janet has also recently received a High Sheriff's Award and
the Winifred Fowler's Award.
Photo: Bedford News. 14/10/06
|
|
Coffee
Morning Success |
 |
|
The very
successful coffee morning held on 29 September 2006
raised £448.62 for the Macmillan Cancer Relief Fund.
Margaret Coomber emailed to say: "Thank you to
everyone who attended, made donations and helped".
Photo: M. Coomber 30/9/06
|
|
Felmersham an
Radwell Autumn Show and Fair |
 |
|
Sunny weather, a
good attendance and the new format of holding the Autumn Show
and Fair on the same day, all contributed towards a very
successful event. Organisers had arranged for a varied
programme of events and displays which maintained interest
throughout the afternoon.
The Classic Car Display included pre-war cars from Alvis,
Austin, Lanchester, Vauxhall and Wolseley and post-war
examples of Austin-Healey, Aston Martin, Cobra, Jaguar, Lotus,
Mercedes, Morris, Porsche, Triumph, Turner and Vauxhall. Up to
twenty cars were on display.
The Felmersham and Radwell Art Club mounted an exhibition of
over 30 pictures in various media all exhibits were by local
people. The standard was very high.
The Autumn Show attracted a good number of entries and again
was very successful. Photo: Peter Stephenson. 19/9/06
|
|
Classic Car Run
in Europe |
 |
Ian and Margaret
Coomber entered this 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 for a classic
car run in Europe. Unfortunately the car developed problems so
they returned home and instead took their 1967 Austin Healey
3000. They
motored over 2000 miles visiting race circuits and hill climb venues en route.
They arrived home the day before the Autumn Show and exhibited
both cars. Photo: Ian Coomber. 6/9/06
|
 |
North Wales
Wedding
On 15th July 2006
Jeremy Stephenson
of Felmersham
to
Stephanie Gifford
at
St Peris Church
Nant Peris, Llanberis
North Wales
26/07/06
Photo: Di Stephenson |
Dropshort Cottages to be replaced |
 |
Dropshort cottages are to be pulled down and replaced by a
four bedroom detached property with garage.
Two parishioners objected on the grounds that the stone built
cottages were historically important.
The Parish Council objected on the grounds that it would be better to build two dwellings on
the site suitable for small families or young people. |
|
The 4 cottages were built in 1827 as
social housing for the poor of the parish. They were known as
workhouses because those who lived in them were expected, if
able, to pay for their keep by carrying out some form of work.
These cottages are part of the social history of the
parish. 7/7/06 |
At the Parish Council Meeting 4 July
Councillors discussed a letter from concerned parishioners about the
development of Felmersham Village Green (ie bus shelter area). Their
main concerns were, the removal of existing tree stumps, ensuring
the planting of mature growth trees, reduction in height of the two
remaining trees and the area to be professionally landscaped using
appropriate materials. The council agreed to take the necessary
actions in order to address the concerns.
The cost of street lighting had risen by 75%
The honorary local auditor, Patrick Doyle, was thanked for his work
and the council will show their appreciation by presenting a gift.
The council has taken delivery of a dog bin for Radwell.
Long grass was making the road intersection dangerous for motorists.
Local road bridges are to be inspected for signs of weakness.
In order to prevent cars from parking on Jubilee Lawn the council is
to seek permission to install square oak bollards on the boundary. Bedford has not yet decided to move to a two tier system of
education.
|
Arrow
Head Found in Radwell
Whilst creating a pond in the back
garden a Radwell resident discovered what is believed to be an
arrow head. (See picture on the right.)
We know from the archaeological dig in Radwell gravel pits
that early man settle in the parish during the Bronze Age
(2000 BC to circa 700 BC). So it is likely that the arrow head
is from this period. If however it is earlier than Bronze Age,
then this is the first evidence of Stone Age occupation in the
parish. 26/6/06 |
 |
|
Cornish Wedding |
 |
On Saturday 17
June at the Church of St Pol de Leon, Paul, Cornwall,
Anoushka Hartop formerly of Felmersham married Hugo Feiler of Cornwall.
The reception was held at Porth-en-Alls, Prussia Cove with a
midsummer theme. 24/6/06 Photo Peter Hartop |
|
Triathlon Route Through Parish |
 |
Approximately 200 riders taking
part in the Bedford Sprint series Triathlon passed through
Felmersham on Sunday 2 July 2006. The race involves a 400m
pool swim, 25km scenic bike ride and 5km park run.
The photograph shows two riders turning into Pavenham Road
from Grange Road.
2/7/06
|
|
Toothache? No problem! |
|
"As a change
from pulling pints a landlord chose to pull his own tooth out.
Steve Miasek, boss of The Sun at Felmersham, decided to take
action on Thursday afternoon after getting fed up with pain
from a loose tooth. Stunned customers looked on as he fetched
a vice grip and went to work on the offending molar wrenching
it out by the root. Not surprisingly Steve was later
unavailable for comment." B.O.S. 25/6/06 |
The
"Bedfordshire on Sunday" photo shows Steve's tooth held in a
pair of mole (molar) grips. |
Thanks to
the Mystery Mower
I would like to thank the mystery mower who recently mowed the
boundary path around the cricket pitch. I have hated my walks
recently as the pollen and seeds got in my eyes and ears and I had
to ask to go up to Three Fields, which wasn’t popular with my
family. Now, thanks to the mystery benefactor, it’s wonderful again.
Jess (the dog) Coomber 26/6/06
|
Nave Altar for
St Mary's |
 |
|
A nave altar has
been given to St Mary's church by the
Felmersham and Radwell Community Trust
in memory of Margaret Alleway (1926 -2002). Margaret
left a bequest to the parish and the Trust has chosen to
record their appreciation of her generosity by presenting the
nave altar to her memory.
Over the last few years a temporary nave altar has been used
in order to assess reaction to this innovative idea. The
response has been favourable so this portable altar has been
installed which can easily be moved for non-communion
services. 10/6/06 |
Stolen 4WD
A vehicle was stolen from Church
End on Friday night 12 May 2006. Another car was damaged.
|
Back door
delivery? No problem! |
Photo: P Turvey |
Tree Felling Concerns
At a recent Parish Council meeting concerns were expressed by
residents who lived near to the area where four trees have been sawn
down. The Parish Council removed the trees because a tree report had
indicated various degrees of decay which may have resulted in branch
shedding, thus creating a danger to the public.
The residents were upset that four trees had
been removed instead of the worst two and that there had not been
proper consultation. Concerns were also expressed about heave and it
was claimed that the tree stumps had created a trip hazard.
Residents gardens had also suffered from the effects of saw dust
debris. The chairman stated that complete removal of the stumps
would interfere with the underground services.
On a positive note the Council agreed to look
at suggestions from the public as to how the area can be best
improved. 3/5/06
|
Tree Work on
Felmersham Green |
 |
| Four partly
rotten horse chestnut trees have been felled next to the bus
shelter and the remaining two have been pollarded. |
|
Dropshort Cottages Under Threat |
|
|
An application has been received by the Borough Planning
Department for the Dropshort cottages to be pulled down and
replaced by a single dwelling. Several Parishioners and Parish
Councillors have expressed their concerns over the proposed
destruction of the cottages |
and
representations
are being made by the Parish Council.
The 4 cottages were built in 1827 as
social housing for the poor of the parish. They were known as
workhouses because those who lived in them were expected, if
able, to pay for their keep by carrying out some form of work.
These cottages are seen as part of the social history of the
parish. 3/5/06 |
Crime in the Parish
PC Rob Smith, Beat manager for Radwell and Felmersham, presented his
annual report to the Parish Council. In the 12 month period up to
the 31 March 2006 there were sixteen recorded crimes in Felmersham
and five in Radwell. For full report go to
Neighbourhood Watch. 3/5/06
Vestry Elects New Churchwarden
At the annual Vestry Meeting Jane Wells was elected new Churchwarden
and Paul Keeble was re-elected. In his annual report the Vicar
thanked Sally Carr, the retiring churchwarden, for her support over
the past five years. 30/4/06
Gratuity Award
Were you born in North Beds?
Have you lived in North Beds for the last 5 years?
Are you of pensionable age?
If the answer is “yes” to all these questions
and you have little beyond state allowances then you may qualify for
a small quarterly gratuity. Contact:
The Clerk
St Johns Hospital Trust
1 Hookhams Lane
Renhold
Bedford
MK41 0JT
Tel: 01234 771517
Or if you know of anybody who may qualify then give them the above
details.
More Swans Hit Killer Cable
 |
Two more swans recently met
their fate when they crashed into overhead cables opposite the
New Road junction between Milton Ernest and Radwell.
The photograph shows a previous incident
because on this occasion the dead swans had been taken away
before a photograph could be taken.
They take off from the river and appear to be preparing to
land when they are confronted with the cable. They are unable
to gain sufficient height to clear the cable and fatally crash
into it. |
|
In the early evening of
Thursday 9 March there were two power supply interruptions
within a time frame of a few seconds. This was almost certainly caused
by the swans. It could also explain why they did not see the cable
markers - because they were landing at dusk. 10/3/06 |
Notes taken at the March Parish
Council meeting
1. Four trees are to be
felled next to the bus shelter because they are considered to be
unsafe. The remaining trees will be trimmed.
2. Repair work on the causeway (elevated walk-way) between
Felmersham bridge and the nature reserve will commence shortly.
Whilst the work is in progress the causeway will be closed.
3. A complaint had been received on the vandalised state of the
Marriotts Close street sign. The council is seeking to have it
replaced.
4. Several parishioners in Radwell have complained about dog
fouling. A proposal to install a dog bin in Moor End Road was
carried.
5. A parish litter pick will be held on Saturday 18 March. (See
below for details.)
6. A request has been made for the road to be named between
Felmersham bridge and Tollgate.
7. The Council discussed the draft proposal to build 3 new houses in
the Old Road linked to providing 6 acres of land to be set aside for
use as a playing field, car park and access to a riverside footpath.
5/3/06
Parish Council AGM held on 7 March.
The following reports were presented: Chairman's report, Financial
report, Village Hall report, Village Plan report, P3 report
(See P3 page) and
School Governors report. It is hoped that copies of these reports
will shortly be available on felmersham.net
Winter news
from Dave and Rita Hope - Click Here
Art Club
Details of Felmersham and Radwell Art
Club have been published on felmersham.net.
Click here to
view the Art Club page
Daphne Everest -
An Obituary.
Ivy Helen
(Nel) Longstaff - An obituary.
Quarter
Peal
Felmersham ringers will ring a quarter peel (approx. 40 mins) on Sunday 29 January at 3.30pm in memory of Eddy Jeffries
(Bromham) who taught many of the older Felmersham ringers the art of
bell ringing. 23/1/05
|
|
Christmas
Lights |
|
|
|
The festive spirit has arrived in Felmersham! The
photographs show homes in Trinity Close and Marriotts
Close. Many other homes in the parish are decorated with
Christmas lights which help to lift our spirits on the
long dark evenings.
10/12/06 |
 |
Waste Recycling Centre
A revised state-of-the-art Waste Recycling Centre will be opening at
Barkers Lane, Bedford on Monday 11th December 2006. The new centre
will be twice its original size, with low level waste containers so
that customers do not have to climb steps to dispose of their waste.
The new design and layout of the site will considerably reduce
traffic congestion and improve customer waiting times.
11/11/06
|
Felmersham and Radwell Remember |
 |
|
Parishioners from the Parish of Felmersham and Radwell
remembered those who died in the two World Wars on
Remembrance Sunday. A service was held in the parish
church followed by a wreath laying ceremony at the War
Memorial. Thirty adults and 6 children attended the
ceremony which was conducted by the Rev David Mason.
Jeff Hulatt laid the wreath and read the names of the
fallen, followed by a two minute silence. The Last Post
and Reveille was played on the trumpet by Nigel Doggett.
The photo shows Jeff adjusting the wreath. 12/11/06 |
|
Nicky
Attenborough |
|
Borough Cllr Nicky Attenborough, the conservative
candidate for Mayor,
attended the November Parish Council meeting. During her
presentation to the meeting she made the following
points regarding the rural communities.
If she were elected Mayor she
would ensure an equitable representation of the rural
community on the executive. There would be a rural
portfolio holder on the executive. Ensure that there was
equity, in terms of |
 |
services,
between the town and the rural areas. Rural communities
should not pay for
services that the town already receives. An improved
police presence within the rural areas.
Mayor Branston had made a
presentation at a previous meeting.
9/11/06
|
Rev David
Mason
Congratulations to the Rev. David Mason RD who has been appointed to
the position of Rural Dean for the Deanery of Sharnbrook. Under the
bishop, David will have the special care and inspection of the
clergy within the Sharnbrook Deanery. He will also become chairman
of the Deanery Synod. He replaces the Rev Dr Ian McIntosh of Milton
Ernest who has taken a fulltime theological appointment at
Cambridge. 21/08/06
Increase in Parish Precept
Parish Councillors voted for a 31% increase in the parish precept
for 2007 - 08. Reserves are low and the 3 year, fixed priced, grass
cutting contract comes up for renewal in 2007. The income from the
precept will rise from £9.5K to £12.5K. Council chairman Peter
Hartop stated that even with this rise the parish rate will still be
one of the lowest in the Borough. There was one abstention. 8/11/06
Lieutenant P
J Manton MC
During the Second World War battle for Caen, 20 year old
Lieutenant P J Manton MC - a tank commander, was wounded while
rescuing comrades from the battle area. He was taken to Bayeux
Military Hospital where he died from his wounds. For his bravery
he was awarded the Military Cross and is buried in Bayeux
Cemetery. Lieutenant Manton, was born and lived in Pavenham.
8/11/06 |
 |
|
Jubilee Lawn Bollards |
 |
The Parish Council
requested the County Council to install bollards on
the perimeter of Jubilee Lawn. Over the summer
visitors were parking their cars on the
Lawn interfering with the leisure use of the Lawn. It
is hoped that the bollards will, in future, prevent
car owners from parking on the lawn.
When the Lawn was first created bollards were
installed. 8/10/06 |
|
Parish Plan - The Next Stage |
 |
|
Approximately forty parishioners attended the
Parish Plan meeting on the 27 September 2006.
Peter Hartop, Chairman of the Parish Council and
the Parish Plan committee, explained that a total of
37 issues had been identified from the responses
to the Parish Plan questionnaire.
In order to address these issues the meeting
divided itself into 7 action groups and each group
will address the issues within their grouping.
Each group was assigned a member of the Parish
Council who would act as the conduit between the
Council and the group. Peter is shown in the photo
with an action group in the background. 28/9/06 |
Devonian
Wedding
 |
Kitty Warburton
of Felmersham
married Dale McCrea of Bridford, Devon
on Saturday 2 September 2006.
The Newton Abbott Registry Office ceremony was followed by a
Blessing at St Thomas Becket Church, Bridford.
The couple are honeymooning in the Scilly Isles.
Photo Liz Conibere |
Parish Council Notes -
Meeting held on 5 September 2006
Contractors are to remove the stumps by Felmersham bus
shelter. A site meeting is to be arranged with interested
parties to discuss further work.
Some parishioners and councillors objected to the white
painted stones and various ornamentation on the grass verge
outside the entrance to Stone Pits, Carlton Road. On the plus
side the owner cuts the grass. A letter will be written.
Cllr Cook reported that of the 210 trees he planted in the
parish last year almost half had died in the dry weather. The
Brownie tree on Jubilee Lawn is to be better protected.
Individual councillors are to act as co-ordinators for the
various areas of the Parish Council: Cllr Pipe - Highways,
Cllr Cook - Tree Warden, Cllr Hartop - Grass Cutting, Cllr
Poulter - Radwell, Cllr Thomas - Parish Burial Ground. Others
will be added later.
Councillors were concerned about hedges and trees overhanging
paths and roads. All overhanging vegetation should be trimmed
back to the boundary, the worst offenders will be contacted.
Councillors were also concerned about cars parked on blind
corners.
The travellers who parked in Daisy Bank Pick-nick Area have
been moved on. They left a large amount of rubbish which has
been cleared.
Councillors discussed the sale of land at Felmersham Bridge.
Heavy rain in Memorial Lane caused erosion of the highway,
this has been repaired. A property in The Old Road was also
flooded, the County Council are on notice to rectify the
problem. 6/9/06
|
Land Adjacent to
the River For Sale |
Land with
frontage to the River Ouse near Felmersham bridge is for sale
with a guide price of £16,000. Sale is by formal tender by 12
Noon 14 September 2006. |
 |
|
WI Celebrate 85
Years |
 |
Felmersham and
Radwell WI celebrated their 85th birthday with an anniversary
luncheon on Sunday 20 August 2006. Afterwards members and
guests were entertained by Muse and Music.
The photo shows Hazel Sidebottom, a member for over 40 years,
cutting the birthday cake with the Wendy Williamson the WI
president.
Photo: Peter Hartop
20/8/06 |
New Parish Council Chairman
At the Parish Council meeting held on 4 July, Peter Hartop was
elected chairman and Marjorie Pipe Vice Chairman of the Council.
Peter thanked David Cook, the retiring chairman, for all the hard
work he had put into running the Council during his term in office.
Mike Thomas, the retiring Vice-Chairman, was similarly thanked.
On taking the chair, Cllr. Hartop said he would like to see the
Council organised such that each councillor took responsibility for
a department (ie Highways, Planning, Finance etc). Each councillor
would then report on the progress of various issues within their
responsibility to the full council. He also suggested renaming
"Parishioners Questions" to "Parishioners Talk-time" however the
same guidelines would apply. The councillors endorsed these
arrangements.
|
What on earth! |
The photo shows two
P3 Group members, Marigold and John
Sykes, holding a couple of unusually large natural curiosities.
They were found whilst the P3 Group were clearing the
parish footpaths and styles of scrub and undergrowth.
Yes, but what are
they?
Visit the P3 Group stand at the Autumn Fair to find out. The
Group will also be holding a treasure hunt and a competition
to identify images taken from the parish footpaths.
More on P3.
10/08/06 |
 |
Felmersham Wedding
On Saturday 29 July the marriage of
Elizabeth Barbara Bryant to Richard Martin Papé at St Mary's Church,
Felmersham.
Obituary - Colonel Peter
Francis, RE
Peter Francis remembered by Nigel Booker
 |
Felmersham Wedding
On Saturday 24 June
the wedding of
Nigel Giffiths
and
Karen Jane Gravestock at
St Mary's Church,
Felmersham.
The reception
was held at
Shuttleworth,
Old Warden.
24/6/06 |
 |
Old Warden
Wedding
On 9th June 2006
Sophie Gani
of Felmersham
married
Stewart Firth
at
Shuttleworth House
Old Warden.
3/7/06 Photo:
Lesley Garni |
|
Parish Plan
Report |
 |
Felmersham and
Radwell Parish Plan Report has been delivered to every
household in the parish. After a short period of time, to
allow the report to be considered, a public meeting will be
called for parishioners who would like to be involved in
implementing the recommendations. The aim is to set up a
series of Action Groups to move the Plan forward. |
If
you feel passionate about any of the issues contained in the
report, and you would like to be involved, then the Steering
Committee will welcome you to the proposed meeting.
Webmaster Comment:
I have read the Parish Plan and I think it is excellent, the
Steering Committee are to be congratulated. I especially like
"The Issues" section of the report, it is well set out and not
burdened by statistics. Well done.
28/5/06 |
|
Felmersham on
Anglia TV |
Clockwise top left: Ann
Greenish, Paul Keeble (Churchwarden), Victoria Webb (Anglia
TV), Rev David Mason (Vicar). |
Anglia TV News included a short item about the organ restoration and
the Heritage Lottery Fund grant in their Maundy Thursday broadcasts.
Ann Greenish played the organ at short notice during the previous
day when Anglia's presenter, Victoria Webb filmed the programme in
St Mary's church.
Bedford on Sunday included an article in their Easter Sunday
newspaper including a comment from Robert Llewellyn, HLF's manager
for the East of England supporting the project.
Paul Keeble 3/5/05 |
|
Beating the
Bounds |
|
The band of rain
forecast for Rogation Sunday afternoon didn't disappoint. On schedule,
it bucketed its drenching cargo on our resolute walkers. Wet
clothing? Yes! Dampened spirits? Never! Such is the sheer grit
and determination of the Felmersham P3 Group and their
supporters. 21/5/06 |
Notes taken at the May Parish Council Meeting.
1. Four members of the Parish Council have considered the
Proposed Playing Field Development Brief, the meeting adopted their
response which will be sent to the Planning Department.
2. A report from the Village Hall committee requested that the P.C.
consider cutting the playing field grass more frequently because of
difficulties in finding debris during the weekly safety inspection.
Playing field mowing costs: £50 per cut.
3. The new Radwell bus shelter cost £2792 including VAT. VAT is
recoverable and the insurance claim will contribute towards the
costs. It was agreed to put a seat on the site of the old bus
shelter also to remove some of the concrete, replacing it with
grass.
Next meeting: 4 July 2006. 3/5/06
|
Four Family
Walks starting at Felmersham Church |
 |
Four walks have been specially devised
to meet the needs of parents with young families and may also
be suitable for people with limited mobility. They are
circular walks starting and finishing at St Mary’s Church,
Felmersham.
The walks are relatively easy going with
either no stiles or a limited number of stiles. Some of the
walks are usable all the year round whilst others are only
suitable during the summer. Click
here. |
|
Organ Lottery Grant |
Felmersham PCC
has secured a lottery grant to repair the church organ. The
total estimated cost of repair is £42,000, of which £15,000
has been raised locally by concerts, coffee mornings, grants
and a bequest. The funding gap will be financed by the Lottery
grant.
Work is expected to start in January 2007 when the organ will
be completely dismantled. All the organ components will be
cleaned, repaired or, if necessary, replaced. |
 |
|
The bellows will be transported
to Nicholson's workshop and the 130 year old concertinaed
lamb's leather will be replaced. This is a very expensive
element of the work.
More on the
organ. 18/3/06 |
|
Nature's Pigeon
Pie |
 |
|
A Sparrow Hawk
in Tithe Barn making short work of a recently caught pigeon.
Over the years families of pigeons have roosted on the church
and tower, blocking gutters and creating mess. In recent years
the pigeon population has declined. This incident,
photographed by Mrs Gray, may provide the explanation for the
demise of the church pigeons. |
| |
|
More on Santa-Turbo |
 |
|
Photomontage comparing the scaled
height of a Podington wind turbine with Podington Church and
Hinwick House |
The wind turbines currently being built
at Burton Latimer, Northants are 100 meters high with a 70
metre diameter rotor. The proposed Podington turbines will be
125 metres high with a 90 metre diameter rotor. Planning
applications are likely to be made for 16 turbines (410 feet
high) at Nuns wood on land between Bozeat and Lavendon and 10
turbines (410 feet high) at Petsoe Manor farm about 2 miles
east of Emberton.
Who said the Podington turbines were not the thin end of the
wedge?
3/3/06 |
Strengthening
our Community Spirit
Approximately
100 Residents of
Felmersham and Radwell attended a
Cheese and Wine get-together to informally discuss
strengthening community spirit and to explore the potential
for suitable social and fund raising events. If the
enthusiastic response to the meeting is a guide then clearly
community spirit is alive and well. What the Village Hall committee
is seeking to do is to translate this community spirit into the more
tangible community participation. This objective is worthy of our
support. 9/1/06
Image Gallery on felmersham.net
A few of the images published on the front page of
felmersham.net are shown on this new page. Works best with
broadband. 9/2/06
Windfarm - Update
Bedford Borough Council planning officers are in the process of
evaluating the Environmental Statement submitted by Nuon.
It is understood that the application will be put to the planning
committee in the next couple of months.
People can still write in to object or support the planning application.
24/1/05
National Agenda for Change Meeting
Mr Tony Lindsay (Senior Education Officer,
Education Strategy) Beds County Council gave a presentation on the
Government's "Core Offer" within the context of the "National Agenda for Change in Education"
and how this will impact on Pinchmill School. Approximately 40
people attended the meeting held on 24 Jan.
By 2010, all children should have access to a
variety of extended services in or through their school including
all the year round 8am to 6pm quality childcare.
All schools have many facilities that could, and often already do,
benefit their local communities.
These facilities include sport halls and fields, IT, playgrounds,
classrooms, libraries, assembly and dining halls and numerous other
physical facilities and educational resources.
The extended schools agenda builds on the existing provision to
ensure that schools open their facilities to their local communities. This can be during school hours and/or before and after
the school day and at weekends and holidays.
Not only does greater access to school facilities benefit local
communities, it also benefits schools themselves, not least by
helping make them even more the 'hub' of community life.
The meeting split into groups to discuss and
make suggestions based on the extended schools agenda. 25/1/05
 |
Local History Book
Felmersham
The History of a Riverside Parish
Full Details
Available from |
at Milton Ernest Garden Centre
Open 7 days a week. Plenty of free
parking |
|
|
Archive Index
| Home
Page |
Main
Index
|
Publishing Rules 
