You have been warned

Watch out for train travel on Thameslink over the next 24 hours due to predicted stormy conditions. Trouble in Cranfield has ventured out but will be getting an early train home this afternoon. 

A statement from First Capital Connect says: "As the storm will continue throughout the night, the lines have to be checked for damage on Tuesday morning before being released back to us to start running services again. There will be no trains on Tuesday in the hours of darkness and we'll resume service as soon as we are able.
"We advise passengers to check our website or contact our Twitter team (@FirstCC) before they travel and allow plenty of time for their journey. If you have booked advanced travel and are using our services to connect with other ones, we are passing all FCC tickets valid for travel on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday on any of these days.
"We are advising customers to try and get home early on Monday and wherever possible not to travel on Monday evening and Tuesday morning. Services are likely to remain disrupted until the close of service on Christmas eve.
"We will continue to monitor the forecast and update our customers as the situation develops."

Read more:Bedfordshire News

Escape pod

Need a break over the festive phase? Rellies getting you down? Want off the couch? Check out the Forest Centre opening times

 

Superfast Cranfield?

We are in Phase 2 (see below):  Superfast broadband is due to arrive in Cranfield between October next year and March 2015. CBC in partnership with MK and Beds Borough just announced the roll out of their superfast programme. CBC states:



Around 15,500 homes and business premises in Central Bedfordshire are set to benefit from new superfast broadband infrastructure, it was announced yesterday (Fri, 20 Dec).

The council is on target to deliver high-speed broadband (24Mbps) to approximately 90 per cent of premises in Central Bedfordshire by the end of 2016, with all areas set to receive services of 2 Mbps or more.

The project is a partnership with Bedford Borough and Milton Keynes Councils, BDUK (the Government’s superfast programme) and BT Openreach.

The locations and phases of delivery are now available on the council’s website at www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/broadband

The  programme will build on the existing fibre networks already provided by BT’s commercial investment.

Wind turbine application

From Against Cranfield Turbines 

Cranfield Wind Turbine application delayed yet again. Latest statement from FCC advises it will be submitted at the end of January.

Find Against Cranfield Turbines 

on Facebook 

Brrrrrrrr

 

6 pm: This white patch is heading for us...brrrrr

Baxter makes it back

My impression of dogs - they are a hobby for insomniacs as the gate to Broad Green clanks again at 6.30 am or it's the chair of the parish council's dog writhing in anticipation of fresh meat on the other side of her door as I knock. Does Jake listen to her plea for good behaviour? I leave  you to work it out.

Nevertheless it's Christmas and this post is for all my friends in Cranfield who I think the world of and who have dogs of which I do not think a lot. To show there are no hard feelings, here's a heartwarming shaggy dog story. Baxter makes it back 




Baxter makes it back 

Planning apps in Cranfield

New planning applications in for Cranfield include the former Hartwell Alms houses (now sold) viewable at

 Central Beds Planning

and the development at the corner of Lodge Road and the High Street viewable at

Central Beds Planning Lodge Road

Holywell expansion

Item of note for full parish council on Wednesday night.

Report of presentation by Holywell head teacher to parish councillors this month 

Before the meeting started, Mr Haddon updated members on the expansion plans for the school.  The school is moving towards being a 600 pupil school, possibly relocating the library which would be used as a village library. The school needs more land for sport which it is hoped will be a school and village facility.  The aim is to put a village sports hall with a 3-badminton hall and a dance hall – located at the end of the MUGA.  

Skateboard Park proposals

Items of note from the Environment Committee at full parish council on Wednesday night. Please note that these minutes and proposals are subject to confirmation.

^1.            War Memorial Green.   Ben Fay had a meeting with PCllr G Young.  He made suggestions as follows:
1.1.     Plant a hawthorn or laurel hedge
1.2.    take bus shelter out and erect metal fence
1.2.1.    It was agreed that separate meeting is arranged with representatives of the committee so that proposals can be put to the council.   PCllrs R Baker, A Morris and G Young will represent the committee.    ^2.            Skateboard Park.   At the last quarterly surgery, the majority of people asked that the facility goes into the Millennium Park.  The Clerk had contacted CBC and they looked favourably upon the project, indicating that it would give permission for the skate park to be sited there.   However the CBC planning did not look favourably, due to location.   RECOMMENDED that Delise Ball should have a meeting with the planners in the New Year.  

Forever Cranfield

A little bit of Cranfield hast been commemorated in Silsoe according to the Bedford Times and Citizen. It reports that the former site of the National College of Agricultural Engineering was officially recognised in the unveiling of a plaque at Bloor Homes’ Silsoe Grange development last week. The site was an international centre for agricultural engineering and related disciplines subsequently becoming Silsoe College, part of Cranfield University running from 1963-2009. All teaching, research and consultancy work were transferred to the Cranfield Campus of the University in 2009, when the Silsoe site closed.

Bloor Homes welcomed the former staff members to the site, plus Professor Frank Inns the first member of staff after the Principal, to be appointed to the college in 1962, who officially unveiled the plaque on what is now a brand new development by Bloor Homes.


Vanessa Macnee, Sales Director of Bloor Homes said the plaque was a reminder and tribute to the college, preserving the key part of history that happened in Silsoe.

Last parish council meeting for 2013

The meeting is, as usual, at Holywell School

Wednesday, 18th December 2013 at 8.00pm 

BUSINESS TO BE DONE
1. To receive apologies for absence

2. To receive declarations of personal and/or prejudicial interests in any matter

3. To confirm the minutes of the last meeting[s] [copy herewith] Clerks Report

4. Health & Safety

5. Reports from Committees

5.1. General Purposes Committee

5.2. Burial Grounds Committee

5.3. Environment Committee

5.3.1. Polling District Review

5.4. Planning Committee

5.5. Finance & Grants Committee


6. Financial matters and accounts for payment

7. Correspondence

8. Reports from unitary councillors (and any other representative)

8.1. Mount Zion – a report from Peter Meadows


9. Highway matters

CBC shuts down its waste disposal project

The news comes courtesy of Beds on Sunday...read full story at Beds on Sunday

Rookery South Covanta

"AS of last Tuesday there is now no plan in place as to how Central Bedfordshire will dispose of its waste.
The Central Bedfordshire Energy and Recycling project (BEaR) was officially closed down this week after members of the authority’s executive decided to abandon any further attempts to proceed to contract with the final two bidders."

 
 

Green Business Network in Bedfordshire

This could be your business.

 
GBN has been awarded a contract to identify small to medium sized enterprises in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and parts of Cambridgeshire for grant funding of up to 28% of the cost of equipment or installations that enable business growth or environmental improvements.

Qualifying businesses – less than £41 million turnover, fewer than 250 employees, and not more than 25% owned by large companies – can apply to take advantage of the grants on offer from the Grants4Growth scheme on offer from South East Midlands Local Economic Partnership
We will be making contact with those businesses that we know are likely to be interested in grant funding, but others are encouraged to talk to us about the scheme.

GBN will use the referral fees generated from the contract to continue to run the Network to benefit member businesses in the area. If you are interested in knowing more about the Grants4Growth scheme, please contact Jane Varley at GBN on 01234 241411 or email info@gbn-bedfordshire.org.uk


 

Well worth a visit

 

It's great to see  disused or privately owned station buildings on the the Bedford Bletchley Line take on a new lease of life. This looks worth a visit over the holiday period.

Minus one centigrade

CBC ALERT
Full salting run tonight

Temperature to fall to -1°C
Full salting run from 6pm tonight

Tree planting in rectory Wood

I was sorry to miss this, but here's an update from volunteer Jean. Tree Planting at Rectory Wood, Cranfield – 1st December 2013

On a bright and sunny Sunday, about 180 people gathered at Rectory Wood for a tree planting session.
A short walk from the coach, parked in the school car park, brought us to the open field already marked out with canes.  After a short demonstration, we each collected a spade and a mallet and were soon happily digging.
The aroma of bacon drifting across the grass eventually enticed us to the refreshment van staffed by familiar, smiling faces from the Lakeside Cafe.

This volunteer managed to plant about twelve of the 1000 or so oak, field maple and birch saplings.  It is inspiring to think of the folk who will wander among the trees in years to come, enjoying the birdsong and even perhaps bluebells.

http://marstonvale.org/tree-planting-at-rectory-wood-cranfield-1st-december-2013/# 

Being a good neighbour

The above sentiments make good sense, especially at this time of the year. It's a CBC 'Look out for your neighbour' campaign. It encourages you to get to know your neighbours, observe home safety precautions against burglary, leave lights on in an empty house  and register valuable and sentimental, property at on the national property database at http://www.immobilise.com

There are more good tips at http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/goodneighbours

DON'T FORGET
Contact your local policing team by ringing 101
Report a burglary by calling 999

Cranfield is over the Moon

Could you make it on the moon?
 
Chance for youngsters to soar, thanks to Cranfield University

Read all about it at
Insider Media Ltd

CBC bin collections and schools this Christmas

BIN COLLECTIONS IN CRANFIELD
CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR  

Usual Monday, 23 December    NOW Saturday, 21 December
Usual Monday, 30 December    NOW No change



Schools
term ends on 20 December
term starts on 7 January

Other dates

half term is 17 to 21 February
term ends on 4 April
 
Summer
term starts on 23 April
half term is 27 to 30 May (26 May is a bank holiday)
summer term ends on 23 July

URGENT - AUTUMN BLOSSOM

Elli (Autumn Blossom) is still operating the florist business from her home. She is no longer able to work from the Mill Rd premises. She can be contacted on her mobile phone for orders 07921359977

Holywell expansion

 School expansion plans as proposed by CBC include Holywell School. Read the full story here.

http://www.bedfordtoday.co.uk/news/local/approval-for-school-expansion-plans-1-5739980?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed

All aboard for the Western Express

Are you and East West rail Rroute  fan? It makes a  lot of sense as most of our main railways and our main roads simply radiate out from London. So going from say Ipswich to Swindon is a bit of a nightmare. See the latest government consultation document which addresses upgrading railways apart from HS2 which is another story altogether. And would involve lots more rail through the Vale. I dont think this will all come to pass in the blog's life time

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/263864/tech-connected.pdf

Eastern region house prices rising

I'm not sure how this translates into house prices in Cranfield, or the Vale or wherever you make your nest. But for what it's worth...

EXPECTATIONS for further house price growth in our region hit more than an 11-year high during November as the amount of homes coming onto the market fell short of buyer demand.
Almost 50 percent more chartered surveyors in the east of England expect prices to continue their upward trend over the coming three months, according to a survey by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
This is the highest reading since June 2002.
This trend is reflected across the country as each region of the United Kingdom saw prices rise for the second successive month in November, data from the institute has shown.

For full story http://www.bedfordshire-news.co.uk/News/Expectations-for-house-price-growth-in-Bedfordshire-still-on-the-rise-20131210073051.htm#ixzz2n4nzeclT

Dementia? How much do you know?

Uni gets green accolade

Well done Cranfield University after being 'Highly Commended' in the ‘Continuous Improvement: Institutional Change’ category by EAUC at the prestigious Green Gown Awards Ceremony held in  Derby last month.

One of 53 universities to reach the final stage of this year’s Green Gown Awards, Cranfield was nominated for its application ‘Cranfield Green – practising what we teach’. The comprehensive campaign implemented over the last five years at Cranfield, involving both staff and students, focuses on reducing carbon emissions and environmental impact.

Gareth Ellis, Cranfield Energy and Environment Manager said: “We are delighted that we have been recognised for the very real progress we have made over the last five years. Our carbon reduction performance since 2008 has been excellent with a 24% reduction. This year we have set more comprehensive environmental targets, introduced a Fairtrade policy and developed a sustainable travel plan. We can now say we practise what we teach.”

Now in their 9th year, the Green Gown Awards recognise the exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by universities and colleges across the UK

---

Cranfield on Facebook

Catch up with Cranfield on Facebook. Events, pictures and  local documents. 

 

Update from Against Cranfield Turbines

ACT don't send me any updates but this is the latest posting from their website written by Cllr Sue Clark. 

We are still waiting for the Brogborough wind turbine application to be submitted to Central Beds Council. I spoke to FCC the landfill operator, last week, and it is clear they are still working towards submission, but their application has been delayed again. I'd guess it will be another 2 to 4 weeks before it is submitted. Once it is submitted, it should only take Central Beds 3 -5 working days to register it and upload the application onto the web site. Once that happens, they will be able to take comments. We will of course keep you closely posted, and intend to step up our campaign to raise public awareness once the application is submitted and registered. 26/11/13

Stewartby wind turbine application

FCC have also submitted an entirely separate application for a single 90 metre turbine at Stewartby Landfill site. This application will be determined by Beds Borough Council. This application is open for comments now, and if you would like to look at the application, the number is 13/02125/FUL - you can find the details on the Beds Borough web site here . There does not appear to be a deadline for making comments at the moment.

We have decided that ACT will OBJECT to this application for a single turbine at Stewartby, on the grounds of cumulative visual impact on the Marston Vale. (That’s taking into account the permissioned turbine at Marston Forest Centre, the Covanta Incinerator, and the 6 possible turbines at Brogborough landfill site). The turbine will be sited close to the 4 brick chimneys, and will be clearly visible from Cranfield. We are in the process of writing our response, and will circulate it to you as soon as it is ready. 26/11/13

Contact ACT at against.cranfield.turbines@gmail.com

Grannies in annexes

"Granny flats (or what the Treasury calls “property annexes”) will see a 50% cut in council tax."

That was one bit of the news from the chancellor's autumn statement yesterday. At PC on Wednesday night we mulled over a planning application to convert a double garage into an "annex" to use the language on the paperwork. Annex sounds harmless like a small extension to your company's HQ. But one member quickly pointed out that it was was another expression for 'back garden development'. BGD is the process of ripping out the herbaceous borders and the veg patch and getting rich by planting a house. When it happens a lot it makes the neighbourhood very crowded.

So on Wednesday we quickly identified that the so called annex (with bargain basement council tax)  was in fact a house, albeit a small one. For someone to live in. Needless to say we are raising it as an issue.

Sublime skies

Maybe you should give up the day job Peter. Peter Hinson went all shutter release happy at the sunset over Cranfield last night. It was awesome...

Julie's managing

Spare a thought for Julie as the pressure builds at Cranfield Post Office. The elves think they have it bad but who'd be on the PO desk in December? Still, she has her cheery smile as ever and seems to be bearing up. My internet research suggest 1.8 BILLION cards are sent each year but that is ASK JEEVES. Let's just say 'tons'.

Trouble in Cranfield is, of course, addicted to electronic communication including tweetering, bookfacing, texting and the beloved blog. But you can't beat a piece of mail coming through your letter box and we do our best to offer friends and rellies the same pleasure. I've just been up  to Coop Corner to send off the US airmail stuff. Now back to the UK list. For the avoidance of doubt here's a guide for last postings. And if you haven't posted that card to your aunt in New Zealand, tough. The last day is gone.

A pinch of salt...

Where Central Beds salts - that's us in the top left hand corner above the green 'V'.


















Predictions for today in Central Bedsland
Strong gusts of wind with rain this afternoon
Clearer skies tonight with temperatures expected to drop to below freezing
Full salting run from 9pm tonight

Up and running

The church clock is up and running  again. Gerry O'Mara reports: "Santa has been to Cranfield and the repairs to the clock have been completed, a new spring and micro switch installed.  I have reset the clock and got the old girl running. I will need to monitor it for a few days to make fine adjustments to the weights but fingers crossed, it will be ok."

Getting colder

The wind was fairly whipping around as I made my way to Pete's Tooth Bar otherwise known as the Peter Litchfield Dental Surgery for a 9 am encounter with a number of sharp pronged implements. It was not overly pleasant but uncomplicated and I'm looking good for a while yet.  So, Ta Pete. But it was even colder on the way home. 

CBC has produced a dedicated winter webpage www. centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/weather a one-stop shop for information and advice on things like signing up for gritting updates, how the council tackles potholes and how to report street light problems.There are three factsheets to download and a video to show how CBC deals with problems on the roads.

The video can be found at www.youtube.com/centralbedfordshire 

Dementia awareness

The next Parish Council surgery, scheduled for February will be themed around dementia awareness. We hope that Rina Persaud who is promoting this project in Cranfield will be able to do a presentation  to both members of the public and parish councillors. 

We will be looking for both an increase in awareness and  any practical steps that local organisations, including the parish council, can take to make the community more conscious of the needs of those who are affected by dementia. And of course their carers/families who bear most of the responsibility.

Visit http://dementiaaware.org/

The Lions' roar

You can always tell its Christmas in the village when the Ampthill and District Lions Club Santa arrives. They wakened up Broad Green last night with their impressive sound systems and highly visible Santa Sleigh.  And they are due in Cranfield again tonight.

For more info about the Lions go to

Ampthill Lions

Cranfield University's voice is listened to

A quick reminder that we live beside a large international resource of research, expertise and study - Cranfield University experts commenting on the Glasgow helicopter disaster

Picking up the pieces after Glasgow’s helicopter disaster 

Read the full account

http://theconversation.com/picking-up-the-pieces-after-glasgows-helicopter-disaster-21090

Following any aircraft accident, the first priority has to be the rescue of injured people and the recovery of those who may be deceased. Inevitably, this may mean evidence that could be used to investigate the accident may be damaged or destroyed. In the case of the police helicopter accident in Glasgow…

1. 

   Matthew Greaves

   Head, Safety and Accident Investigation Centre at Cranfield University
   
2. 

   Graham Braithwaite

   Head of Air Transport Department at Cranfield University
   

The Conversation is funded by the following universities: Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, City, Glasgow Caledonian, Liverpool, The Open University, Salford, Sheffield, Surrey, UCL and Warwick.
It also receives funding from: Hefce, Hefcw, SFC, RCUK, The Nuffield Foundation, The Wellcome Trust and The Alliance for Useful Evidence

Removing the debris is just the first step. Andrew Milligan/PA

Following any aircraft accident, the first priority has to be the rescue of injured people and the recovery of those who may be deceased. Inevitably, this may mean evidence that could be used to investigate the accident may be damaged or destroyed. In the case of the police helicopter accident in Glasgow, this will be a particular challenge.

Caring for those with dementia

Given Rina Persaud's promotion of dementia awareness (see previous big post) CBC's carers' day is relevant.
 
Carers in the area are being encouraged to come to the latest Carers' Forum at Priory House, Chicksands on Friday 13 December, at 9.30 to 12.30 which aims to bring local carers together to share experiences and talk to a range of professionals.

You can book your place at the forum by calling 0300 300 8036 or by emailing carers@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk


The forum will focus on dementia, providing an overview of dementia services across Central Bedfordshire. Councillor Carole Hegley, Executive Member for Social Care said although the focus was on dementia, all carers were welcome and there would be chances to meet other carers and get information and support.

More information about local support is available in Cranfield surgery through the Carers' Pack. Go to www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/carers, email carers@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or call the Central Bedfordshire Carers Helpline on 0300 300 8036.

URGENT - HAVE YOU SEEN SEAN KENNEDY?

Have You Seen Missing Sean?
Bedfordshire Police are appealing for help to trace a 21 year old man who has been missing since yesterday evening (December 1).
Sean Kennedy – who turned 21 on Saturday - was last seen at approximately 6.15pm when he was dropped off at Harlington Train Station by his mother. Sean was expected to return to his home address in Flitwick but never arrived.

Officers are concerned as it is out of character for Sean not to contact his family or friends.

Sean is a white male, around six feet tall, of slim build, with short brown hair and brown eyes. He was wearing grey jogging bottoms, a black jacket with a hood, a light grey bobble hat, dark blue trainers with white soles and a Diesel watch with a brown strap.

If anyone has any information about the whereabouts of Sean please contact the Missing Persons Unit at Bedfordshire Police, in confidence, on 101, or text information to 07786 200011.

Prince Charles in Bedford

Republicanism is strong in Broad Green although we recognise the French went a bit over-le-top 200 years ago when they decided to change the constitution. Like Cromwell, they didn't realise that executing the post-holder in a hereditary business doesn't close the firm down. So England got kings back and so did the French (for a while). 

Bedford is getting an apprentice king tomorrow and in recognition  of those who set great store on that, here is the low down on where Prince Charles will be and what he's up to.

Prince Charles Itinerary

Build up to Christmas in the Vale

Christmas Tree Festival

Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December, 10am - 5pm

Forest Centre and Millennium Country Park, Marston Moretaine, Station Road, MK43 0PR

Winter Wonderland

Saturday 7 December, 11am - 4pm

Rufus Centre, Steppingley Road, Flitwick, MK45 1AH

Central Beds superfast broadband. But how soon?

CBC is promoting a  £1.2m council investment which, it says, means that thousands more homes in Central Bedfordshire coming closer to having access to superfast broadband.

It adds: "The investment is part of an ongoing partnership with BT Openreach, who are upgrading their existing network across the area, and will play a key role in our aim to improve broadband speeds for all our residents and business."

Read more about the plans and sign up to give us your feedback at www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/ broadband 

Crime figures for Cranfield

We've been told that crime is generally falling which is good. But other sources recently featured on the national news  saying some police would deliberately downgrade reports in order to show a better clear-up rate. Trouble in Cranfield has no way of taking a view on this but here are the latest official figures for the village. They were presented by two PCSOs at the last meeting and we were pleased to see someone coming from the force.

Well done Cran Academy PTA

Clearly a successful day for Cranfield Academy PTA's Christmas Bazaar. Follow the PTA on Facebook

Donate to the PTA by going to Give as you live

 

Duncan Hogben posts on Facebook:

"Thank you for making the Christmas bazaar possible. The school and grotto looked fantastic. It was great to see everyone, both old faces and new, working so well together to make the bazaar a success. I thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon and I hope you did too. Please pass on my thanks to anyone I may have missed.

"Now onwards and upwards to the school plays, bags to school and Christmas gift shop - who's up for a bit more volunteering."