SNOW ON THE WAY?

Mebbe snow on the way? If you ask when will the weather change? take care what answer you get.

Check out

BBC weather

Hare today, gone tomorrow?

Forget the badgers, Cranfield Uni has got hares in its cross-hairs (sorry) because of a muntjac-aircraft collision? Sorry, I don't follow the logic either. We have a meeting with the uni this week and will seek a full explanation. In the meantime read about it here. See comments on the Cranfield facebook page

Uni threatens hare cull

Flooding alert in Bedfordshire

A grium start to the year - everywhere not just Beds. But even though we are scores of miles from the coast there are still hazards

Beds on Sunday reports this morning...

PARTS of Bedfordshire are on flood alert after heavy rainfall since the start of the year.
The Environment Agency has reported this morning (January 3) that the River Great Ouse will continue to rise between Newport Pagnell, where the river level is currently at its peak, and Bedford as the high water levels head downstream over the next few days.
Levels are already beginning to rise in Tempsford while Harrold Bridge is currently closed.
The Agency expects 'low lying land and roads to be affected first' and warn further showers will be expected for the next few days.
A statement read: "On New Year’s day up to 16mm of rain was recorded in the Upper Ouse catchment. As the catchment is now saturated we have seen river levels react to this, and the peak is now travelling down the Ouse, currently around Newport Pagnell.
"We will continue to monitor the situation and update this flood alert as appropriate."

Read more: Environment Agency warning

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 

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


 

Poppies for 1914

The PC recently and regretfully turned down an application from the RBL for a £500 grant  for poppy seeds (for next year WW1 centenary marking)  because we needed more information. See the info from the RBL website, below. 


I  think the PC should encourage individuals in the village including individual members of Cranfield RBL to buy a packet each and scatter. I would also back them buying them from Marshalls (not B&Q) in exchange for a donation from Marshall's which I'm sure could be arranged. Keep our village shops alive.  



13 September 2013 
The Royal British Legion is delighted to announce the Centenary Poppy Campaign, which originated in the Greenhithe and Swanscombe Branch of the Legion, will be rolled out nationally in partnership with B&Q.

The national campaign will see the Legion asking the public and local authorities to purchase Flanders poppy seeds from B&Q to plant on their own land. The funds raised by the campaign will go towards the £1.6million the Legion spends each week on vital care and support to the Armed Forces community.

The idea for the campaign was initiated by members of the Greenhithe and Swanscombe Branch of the Legion, who are now working alongside the national charity to implement the scheme in communities across the UK.

The campaign, which will be officially launched at the beginning of October, will see the UK awash with poppies during the centenary period in commemoration of all those who lost their lives in the First World War.

The Royal British Legion's Director of Fundraising, Charles Byrne, said:

"The Royal British Legion is pleased to confirm we are rolling out the Centenary Poppy Campaign, across the UK, and in partnership with national retailer B&Q.

"The idea to distribute poppy seeds to commemorate the centenary of WW1 originated in the Legion's Greenhithe and Swanscombe Branch, who are working with us to establish this campaign on a national level.

"We want to see members of the public making this campaign their own in their local communities, working in collaboration with local government, schools and community groups, and we will be taking discussions forward with central Government to engrain this campaign in the centenary commemorations."

Graham Mentor-Morris and Phil Berry of the Greenhithe and Swanscombe Branch said:

"We are over the moon our campaign is now being developed on a national level, with support from a national retailer. Not only will the Centenary Poppy Campaign commemorate all those who gave so much during WW1, but also raise vital funds for the Legion.

Walking in Bedfordshire

With a bit luck of luck we'll have cooler weather by the time the Bedford Walking Festival starts. See the website and a recent tweet from Ivel Valley Walkers. Meanwhile check out your boots and OS maps. And stay cool


@walkIVW: Only 6 weeks to go now until this years #Bedfordshire #Walking Festival. Must book my place on the RU4 challenge.

http://www.ivelvalleywalkers.co.uk

One of The Ramblers most active walking clubs in Bedfordshire, with around 300 members & over 150 walks a year. You'll be surprised what Bedfordshire can offer.

Bank holiday sunshine

Trouble in Cranfield hopes everyone who stayed in Beds for the bank holiday had a great time in our blissful spring weather. Waking during the night I could hear the rain thundering on the conservatory roof and thought 'That's good'. It'll help the plants I put in yesterday. 

Then I remembered the gas BBQ had its first outing this year over the weekend and was still sitting out the back uncovered and no doubt very fed up. 

And of course England didn't enforce the follow on on Sunday and batted for ever yesterday raising New Zealand hopes that a washout will avoid a whitewash.

The sun shines on Bradman as he scores 103 for Australia at Leeds in 1938

The plants are great the BBQ is now covered and how the cricket will end is anyone's guess.

In case there's no play today here are some recorded highlights of Test Match Cricket at Leeds. In 1953. Enjoy

The Australians come to Headingley

RBL says no to WWI centenary poppies

We were due to have a speaker at the PC meeting on 5 June from the local Royal British Legion to discuss their World War I centenary commemoration  next year. This involved sowing 10,000 poppy seeds in open space the village. 

We understand this project has now been cancelled by the RBL because, they say, gardeners are worried the poppy seeds will blow into their gardens.

As a result, representatives of the RBL will not be attending the meeting. I hope they will change their minds (about both the plan and discussing it with us) as I cannot believe the objections are that widespread.

Republic of Nadinia

 

Have you voted in Cranfield yet? I haven't either. Short of a by-election - our MP leaves to set up the Republic of Nadinia maybe - we are ballot-free for at least 12 months.

The elections which the news meeja are rabbitting on about are English counties. If Bedfordshire still had a county we would be having one but the entire former Beds is now three unitaries and elections take place every four years. The European elections are due next year. 

In 2015 Central Beds, Bedford Borough and Luton will be up for grabs and parish and town council elections will also be held. Throw in a general election at the same time and it could be a busy year politically. But all quiet for now.

Nadinia - elections are held via twitter and single transferable blog

Love it or hate it

Love it or hate it, it's here...puff from Center Parcs about new Woburn site

First Reveal of Woburn Forest Accommodation
Take a sneak peek at what’s in store at the new village set to open in spring 2014

3rd April 2013: A first look into accommodation at the Center Parcs Woburn Forest site reveals upside down lodges and panoramic views across the woodland showing the transition of modern day family living since Center Parcs first opened 25 years ago.

The Center Parcs values have always been at the very heart of the accommodation design; since the first village opened in the UK in 1987. With 25 years of experience in providing luxurious short break accommodation for families, Center Parcs Woburn Forest has researched and thought about family modern day living and embraced these within the latest designs, just revealed.

Executive Lodges are being built with an upside down design, with the main living area on the first floor offering guests panoramic views across the woodland. This distinct design has been created to nestle within the landscape actually following the contours of the land. Like other Center Parcs, the lodges at Woburn Forest will provide a cosy and comfortable living space for families to enjoy quality time together.

Connecting with nature is also an important part of a Center Parcs short break. Being nestled within the forest landscape, the lodges are as close to nature as you can get with large windows and patio doors looking out into the forest.

Center Parcs Woburn Forest, complete with 625 lodges and a 75-bedroom hotel will be ready for the opening in spring 2014. Guests will be able to book their stay at the new village from summer this year.

There are four types of accommodation to choose from at Woburn Forest so that families can choose accommodation that suits their needs. These include Woodland Lodges, Executive Lodges, Exclusive Lodges and a 75 room hotel.

Martin Dalby, Chief Executive, Center Parcs UK, comments:

“Woburn Forest is really starting to take shape and we are delighted to give guests a first look at the accommodation we’ll be offering at the village. The designs for these lodges are an evolution of 25 years of success providing great family breaks. The accommodation is modern, stylish and embraces the surrounding natural forest environment.”

A quick snapshot into Center Parcs’ shopping list emphasises how the Woburn Forest site is being built with ‘family fun’ at the heart of its design:

* 1,875 family board games
* 625 chalk boards
* 3,522 dining chairs
* 64 bean bags
* 634 rugs
* 7,348 pillows
* 6,356 cushions
* 777 tea towels

To view a 3D visualisation of how Woburn Forest will look at opening visit: www.centerparcs.co.uk/woburnfor

Dunstable and the Tudors

Is Dunstable just that place with horrible traffic jams that's near Luton but isn't Luton? No its not. It has a rich history going back to the Middle Ages ie before the creation of Central Beds Council. Dunstable Priory was the setting for the hearing that led to Henry VIII's divorce from Catherine of Aragon. Check out this fascinating exhibition now open



http://www.dunstable.gov.uk/priory-house/functions/priory-house/tudor-exhibition/

One of the biggest what ifs of English history. Looks like a great INDOOR Easter activity.

Anyone seen Captain Oates?

Right, looks like Easter - and April - is going to be a challenge with Scott of the Antarctic type conditions and the penguins running line dancing courses. Pasted in below is a straight lift from the CBC what's on section and there are some interesting prospects, with or without children. The Marston Forest Centre's "Nordic Walks" seem to be in the spirit of the current north easterly airflow. 

I also had a chuckle at the Bedford Uni Spaghetti western film festival and conference which states: "An international conference running all day on Fri 12 will give delegates the opportunity to learn about & discuss transculturation and liminality within ‘Spaghetti Westerns’ " 

 

It will, will it?

 

Enjoy everyone. And try to forget about Captain Oates. He's not worth it. 

 1 - Easter Egghead Hunt

Date: 23rd, 24th, 29th, 30th, 31st March and 1st April 2013
Time: 10:30am - 4:30pm Join us on our egg trail 
Join us for an exciting egg hunt with our sponsors Cadburys. Complete our trail exploring the Downs and win a yummy Cadburys chocolate egg!
On Easter Monday, join in our free Egg and Spoon races every half hour from 11am till 3pm. There will be lots of family Easter fun happening too, all in the glorious surroundings of Dunstable Downs.
Booking advisable.  Normal admission charges apply.
Download a poster for more information (PDF 139KB)
Venue: Dunstable Downs, Chilterns Gateway Centre, Whipsnade Road, Dunstable, Beds LU6 2GY
Tickets: All Tickets £2 (for trail and chocolate prize)
Contact: Chilterns Gateway Centre Shop
Telephone: 01582 500925
Email: dunstabledowns@nationaltrust.org.uk
Website: Chilterns Gateway

2 to 14 - Easter Fun

Date: Tuesday 2 April – Sunday 14 April 2013
Time: Various times throughout the week. Drop in. Come along to see what Stockwood Discovery Centre has in store for your family this Easter holiday:
• Facepainting
• Trail packs
• Bouncy Castle
• Rides
• Children’s craft activities
Venue: Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Road, Luton, LU1 4LX
Admission: Prices vary according to the activity
Enquires: 01582 548600
Website: Stockwood Discovery Centre

2,9,16,23,30 - Nordic Walking

Date: Tuesdays 2,9,16,23,30 April 2013
Time: 9:30am - 10:30am Nordic Walking burns more calories than normal walking and uses all the major muscle groups in the body. Once the technique is perfected it feels easier than conventional walking.
Participants join 6 x 1 hour sessions to learn the various techniques. A session or two can be missed and can be picked up quite easily.
Wear clothing and footwear suitable for the ground and weather conditions.
Cost: for 6 sessions £20 if paid in advance (£16 for friends of the Forest Centre) or £6 per session (£5 for friends)  Advance booking essential - contact Dennis Simpson on 07508827279 or
email fortytwa@virginmedia.com
Venue: The Forest Centre, Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford.
MK43 0PR
Phone: 01234 767037
Fax: 01234 76260
Email: info@marstonvale.org 
Website: The Forest of Marston Vale  

3,10,17,24 - Health Walks

Date:Wednesday's in April 2013
Time: 10:30am Free, no need to book. Most walks start at Reception but some elsewhere – see notice board or ring 01234 767037 to confirm.
Venue: The Forest Centre, Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford.
MK43 0PR
Phone: 01234 767037
Fax: 01234 76260

4 - Blows Downs Nature Reserve open event

Date: Thursday 4 April 2013
Time: 10:00am - 3:00pm Come and celebrate with us at the re-opening of the paddocks at Blows Downs. Everyone Welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult
Event: Community and Family Event
Booking: Not required
Location: The Paddocks Blows Downs Nature Reserve, LU5 4AE
Price: Free. Donations gratefully accepted
Wheelchair Access: No
Mobility: Uneven steep slopes in areas
Contact: Ruth Sneath 01525 874317 ruth.sneath@wildlifebcn.org
Website: The Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire

4 - Fun, Facts and Craft

Hop to it - Find out about Frogs
Date: Thursday 4 April 2013
Time: 4 sessions for 25 children each: 10:00am, 11:00am, 1:00pm, 2:00pm. Get busy finding out about frogs with some frog-themed fun and games.      
Cost: £2.50 per child. All children must be accompanied by an adult
Venue: The Forest Centre, Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford.
MK43 0PR
To book ring: 01234 767037
Fax: 01234 76260

4 - Learning Lunchtime

Researching Army Ancestry with Nigel Lutt
Date: Thursday 4 April 2013
Time: 11:00am Come and listen to a different angle on researching family history.  
Cost: The talk is free and you can just turn up to the Forest Centre for 11am
Venue: The Forest Centre, Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford.
MK43 0PR

5 - Tea Dances at Kempston

Date:  Fridays - 5th, 19th April / 3rd May  
Time: 2:00pm - 4:15pm Tea Dances are held every two weeks and feature Ballroom, Latin, Sequence and Olde Tyme dancing.
Venue: Kempston Hammers Sports and Social Club, 134 High St, Kempston
Admission:  £2.50 which includes tea, biscuits and a free raffle
Contact: Maurice on 01462 628656

7 - Sunday stroll - a gentle Sunday walk

Date: Sunday 7 April 2013
Time: 10:30am - Walks last approximately 2 hours. Come and join us in the Country Park for a gentle walk to hear how the Park was set up and a little about the surrounding area.  The walk will keep to hard surfaced tracks in the Park which are mostly level but have short sections of gradient up to 1:9.

Cost: £1, payable on the day - no need to book.
Venue: Meet at the Forest Centre Reception, Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford.MK43 0PR
Why not finish the morning off with lunch in our Forest Centre Restaurant? Call 01234 767037 for details.
Further information and updates contact the Forest of Marston Vale

7,14,21,28 - Nordic Walking

Date: Sundays 7,14,21,28 April 2013
Time: 2:00pm - 3:00pm Nordic Walking burns more calories than normal walking and uses all the major muscle groups in the body. Once the technique is perfected it feels easier than conventional walking.
Participants join 6 x 1 hour sessions to learn the various techniques. A session or two can be missed and can be picked up quite easily.
Wear clothing and footwear suitable for the ground and weather conditions.
Cost: for 6 sessions £20 if paid in advance (£16 for friends of the Forest Centre) or £6 per session (£5 for friends)  Advance booking essential - contact Dennis Simpson on 07508827279 or
email fortytwa@virginmedia.com
Venue: The Forest Centre, Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford.
MK43 0PR
Phone: 01234 767037
Fax: 01234 76260
Email: info@marstonvale.org 
Website: The Forest of Marston Vale  

7 - HULA Animal Rescue, Easter Eggstravaganza

Date: Sunday 7 April 2013
Time: 1:00pm - 4:00pm - Easter Egg Hunt
- Easter Bonnet Competition (prize for 1st adult and 1st child)
- Meet the rescued pets and farm animals
- Charity Bazaar and Book Store
- Children's fun and games
- Meet rescued pets and farm animals
- Refreshments
Download an event poster (PDF 558KB)
Entry: adults £2 accompanied children free 
Venue: Glebe Farm, Salford Road, Aspley Guise MK17 8HZ Between M1 Junction 13 and Woburn Sands (Nr. Aspley Guise Rail Station)
Enquiries: (01908) 584000
Website: HULA Animal Rescue
Email: hularescue@tiscali.co.uk
Download the HULA Animal Rescue - Calendar of events for 2013 (PDF 71KB)
All Proceeds from this events goes to the Care and Welfare of HULA's Rescued Animals
Rgd. Charity 1094115

9 - Artist Salon: Touring your show DIY Style

Date: Tuesday 9th April, 2013 
Time: 2:00pm 6:00pm  Presented by The Hat Factory and Arts Council England
Here at the Artist Salon we provide some of the groovy industry tips that you may need to help you take that first step to making a creative piece of work in the performing arts sector as an emerging or mid career artist/company, producer or creative practitioner.
Ever fancy taking your theatre, circus, dance, spoken word production on the road? How do you go about doing this? What budget do you need to make this happen? How do you go about recruiting the right creative team? This event give you an A to Z guide on how to make it happen on a shoe string budget.
Run Time: 240 minutes Box office: 01582 878100
Venue: The Hat Factory, 65 - 67 Bute Street, Luton LU1 2EY 
Tickets: £5 workshop, £10 workshop and My Robot Heart evening performance ticket 
Telephone: 01582 878100
Website: The Hat Factory 

9 - My Robot Heart

Date: Tuesday 9 April, 2013
Time: 7:30pm Molly Naylor & The Middle Ones present
My Robot Heart
Warm, poignant storytelling entwined with live folk music. Molly Naylor (BBC Radio 4) tells the story of a family in which three generations encounter love and fear. ‘Brave, funny, tough and beautiful writing’ - The Guardian.
Ages 14+ Run time 65 minutes
Venue: The Hat Factory, 65 - 67 Bute Street, Luton LU1 2EY 
Tickets: £10 / £8 concessions /  £5 NUS / £3 under 18s
Telephone: 01582 878100
Website: The Hat Factory 

11 - Fun, Facts and Craft

Bluebell wood
Date: Thursday 11 April 2013
Time: 4 sessions for 25 children each: 10:00am, 11:00am, 1:00pm, 2:00pm. Design your own spring woodland and make a bluebell. Find out where you can enjoy bluebell woods in the Marston Vale.      
Cost: £2.50 per child. All children must be accompanied by an adult
Venue: The Forest Centre, Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford.
MK43 0PR
To book ring: 01234 767037
Fax: 01234 76260

11,12,13 - Spaghetti Cinema Film Festival and Conference

Date: Thursday 11 – Saturday 13 April, 2013
Time:  various times The University of Bedfordshire film festival will screen an array of ‘Spaghetti Westerns’. An international conference running all day on Fri 12 will give delegates the opportunity to learn about & discuss transculturation and liminality within ‘Spaghetti Westerns’.
See Luton Culture for more information.
Conference delegate pass (every event): £15
Festival pass (every film plus 2 talks): £10
Individual film ticket: £4 / £2 concs
Frayling and van Husen sessions only: £4
Venue: Luton Library Theatre, Luton Central Library, St George’s Square, Luton LU1 2NG 
Telephone: 01582 547474
Website: Luton Library Theatre

13 - Hugo (pg)

Date: Saturday 13 April 2013
Time: Doors open 2:30pm Ivel Flix presents HUGO
The astonishing adventure of an orphaned boy, sent to live with his drunken uncle, where he learns how to wind the station clocks. When he disappears, Hugo maintains the clocks on his own, becoming a squatter in the station. His aptitude for engineering leads him to steal pieces to rebuild a mechanical man, his father’s project. Avoiding the station's lone police officer and the orphanage, Hugo strikes up a friendship with Isabelle, who unknowingly possesses the last item Hugo needs to make his father’s mechanical man work again.
Download a poster for more information (PDF 254KB)
Venue: Space For Sport and Arts, Holmemead School, Mead End, Biggleswade
Tickets: £3.50
Website: ivelflix.org.uk

14 - Conservation Task - Weaving the willow sculptures and work in the Sensory Garden

Date: Sunday 14 April 2013
Time: 10:00am Join our volunteer team to do something for the environment, get some exercise and have fun. We carry out a variety of practical projects throughout the Vale. Wear old clothes and bring lunch if you want to stay all day. We provide tea and biscuits.
Meet at the Forest Centre (Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford. MK43 0PR) - finishes about 4.15pm. Places on this task are limited so please let us know if you wish to attend.
For further details contact stephen.gascoyne@marstonvale.org or 01234 762614.
Further information and updates contact the Forest of Marston Vale

16,23,29 - Creation Station

Date: Every Tuesday during Term Time
Time: 10:45am - 11:30am A series of weekly events for pre-school children, giving them the chance to experiment with a range of materials, tools and ideas. Sessions, suitable for ages 15 months to 5 years, are designed to develop a child’s thinking and creativity.  In each 50 minute class children will be encouraged to explore new ideas and learn about texture, shape and colour in a structured session incorporating music and a “Show and Tell” at the end.  Great fun for the kids and no clearing up for the adults!
Cost: £5 per child (reduction for siblings).
Venue: The Forest Centre, Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford.
MK43 0PR
To book: email louiseplatt@thecreationstation.co.uk or call 0844 854 9178.
Full details of the events can be found on the Creation Station.
Look out for a full programme of Creation Station events starting at the Forest Centre in January.

16 - The Playground:(scratch n pitch)

Date: Tuesday 16 April, Tuesday 7 May, Tuesday 4 June 2013
Time: 7:30pm The Playground is a night where creative artists from the world of theatre, dance, music, digital installation, live art and spoken word performances test out their creative ideas in front of an audience. If you are interested in giving your creative ideas a try then send us an email: oluwatoyin.odunsi@lutonculture.com
Ages 14+  Run time 90 minutes
Venue: The Hat Factory, 65 - 67 Bute Street, Luton LU1 2EY 
Tickets: £3 per person
Telephone: 01582 878100
Website: The Hat Factory 

18 - Hedgerow craft - its unique role in our landscape

Date: Thursday 18th April 2013
Time: 8:00pm How and why did hedgerows come about?
What is their role in the landscape?
Are there regional variations in hedgerows?
And how are things changing over time? To find out, please come along to a special illustrated talk, Hedgerows and their management, to be given by expert Paul Blissett. 
Some fascinating and distinctive items, including traditional hedgelaying tools and associated protective clothing, will be on display, and members of the audience can also ask questions.
Paul has combined a 20-year career in IT with 25 years’ hedgelaying and 10 years’ yoga teaching. His guiding principle is "find something you enjoy and you'll never work another day in your life". Find out more at http://www.hedgelayer.freeserve.co.uk/
Venue: St Mary's Parish Church crypt, Park Street, Woburn MK17 9PG
Tickets: The talk is open to everyone, free to CPRE Bedfordshire members, and £2.50 for non-members.
This will be a popular event, so please book ahead if you can by email ann.cw@cprebeds.org.uk or telephone 01234 353331. You are also welcome to turn up on the day. 
Website: CPRE Beds

18 - Learning Lunchtime

Archives for Local History: the Bedfordshire Sources with Nigel Lutt
Date: Thursday 18 April 2013
Time: 11:00am Learn something new about the area you live in.
Cost: The talk is free and you can just turn up to the Forest Centre for 11am
Venue: The Forest Centre, Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford.
MK43 0PR

18,19,20 - You Obviously Know What I’m Talking About

Date: Tuesday 18,19,20 April, 2013
Time: 7:30pm A magical theatrical experience about those days when, if anything can go wrong, it will. ‘It’s bright and colourful and big of heart, a kind of live action cartoon’ - The Stage. ‘Mesmerising. One of this year’s most delightfully charming productions ?????‘ - New Current
Ages 5+  Run time 60 minutes
Venue: The Hat Factory, 65 - 67 Bute Street, Luton LU1 2EY 
Tickets: £10 / £8 concessions /  £5 NUS / £3 under 18s
Telephone: 01582 878100
Website: The Hat Factory 

20 - NCT Nearly New Sale - Biggleswade

Date: Saturday 20th April 2013,
Time: 2:15pm - 3:30pm
(early entry at 2:00pm for NCT members, with a valid membership card) Biggleswade, Sandy & District Branch Spring Nearly New Sale.
Items for sale include: children's clothes from 0-8, toys, nursery equipment and buggies
Admission: £1 (in aid of NCT)
Venue: Stratton Upper School, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade
Email: nearlynewsale@biggleswade-nct.org.uk for more information see our Facebook Page (Biggleswade NCT)

21 - Wedding Fayre

Date: Sunday 21 April 2013
Time: 11:00am - 4:00pm Alongside the regular wedding staples - cars, cakes, wedding dresses and jewellery -  this time there will be a new ‘All About the Bride’ section – dedicated to all things bridal!  Hair, makeup, slimming advice – everything you need to make you feel like a million dollars on your big day.
Admission to the Forest Centre is free, however we recommended that you pre-register online, to skip queues on the day. Come and chat to experts and get inspiration; whether you are starting planning or looking for final touches, there is something for all brides-to-be!  While you are here, look at our wedding packages to see how we can help you incorporate the Forest into your big day.
For more information contact lifestyles@woocandoo.com or call 01234 767037
Venue: The Forest Centre, Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford.
MK43 0PR
Phone: 01234 767037
Fax: 01234 76260

25 - Learning Lunchtime

The History of Italian Cooking with Christine Fellini
Date: Thursday 25 April 2013
Time: 11:00am Christine runs an Italian cookery school and will talk you through the various twists and turns in its history with some great recipes.
Cost: The talk is free and you can just turn up to the Forest Centre for 11am
Venue: The Forest Centre, Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford.
MK43 0PR

25 - Single Act / Yellow Card

Date: Thursday 25 April, 2013
Time: 7:30pm Khamlane Halsackda presents
Single Act  / Yellow Card
In autobiographical solo Single Act, acclaimed contemporary dancer Halsackda revisits the first time he fell in love. Yellow Card is a duet looking at the contradiction that is the East Asian image. ‘a charming humour’ – Bournemouth Echo
Ages 14+
Run time 60 minutes
Venue: The Hat Factory, 65 - 67 Bute Street, Luton LU1 2EY 
Tickets: £10 / £8 concessions / £5 NUS / £3 under 18s
Telephone: 01582 878100
Website: The Hat Factory 

27 - Parkfield Middle School 50th birthday celebrations

Date: Sunday 27 April 2013
Time: 12:00noon - 4:30pm Open School  7:00pm - 11:30 pm Hog Roast and Memories Disco Please contact us if you have any memorabilia we can borrow or can offer us any help – Katie Perch 07817317241 katie.perch@sky.com
Download a poster of the day's events (PDF 24KB)
Venue: Parkfield Middle School,
Tickets: On sale in February
Website: For regular updates and information – www.facebook.com/parkfieldsis50

Is it all just wind?

Everywhere is having a wind turbine debate - here is a opinion from Leighton Buzzard thanks to the Leighton Buzzard Observer

Watching health

Mid Staffs Hospital's health record has sent alarm bells ringing but there is plenty of low level, low quality care that needs to be addressed. A good friend of mine, Geoff (not his real name) just out hospital after tests reported staff not knowing what each other were doing  and poor information to him  about what was being done to him. The chief executive will be sorry Geoff was in hospital by the time this is finished.

Now, according to CBC's News central (just out) Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire, starting next month April, will have a key role in monitoring health and social care services.

It will gather evidence about health and social care services are actually like; inform residents about  services on offer locally  and give residents a voice  at the Health   and Wellbeing board,which will make the decisions about which health and social care services are provided locally. All publicly funded health services, including hospitals, doctors surgeries and dentists come under Healthwatch’s remit – as do adult and children’s social services. 

I'm not sure what powers of unheralded inspection and independent publication of results  HCB will have as these are key to really pinning down health professionals. The old community health councils were very effective in this respect but they are gone in England (but still surviving, I believe, in Wales).

To find out more, including how you can get involved, go to www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/ healthwatch

Bird brains

One of the first, distinctive things about Bedfordshire I noticed more than 20 years ago was muntjacs. These little deer caught in your headlights at night can seem like dogs, they are so diminutive. Then they nimbly hop off into the hedgerow and disappear towards a distant thrift.

It's all part of the charm of rural Beds even if you have to keep an eye open for them on the road. But, muntjacs have been fingered in a recent report by the University of East Anglia - see http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-21688447  - that suggests the UK deer population is out of control. It is based on research on East Anglia and focuses on roe and muntjac. The concern  is that deer are ferocious devourers of trees, so threatening woodlands.

Obviously the science needs debating but the argument is massively skewed by the endearing place deer have in the UK popular culture with Bambi at the centre of it. It doesn't stop Woburn Meats however doing a lively trade in venison and at least one of our group enjoyed this at The Old Swan at Astwood on Saturday night. He seemed to enjoy it immensely.

Badgers excite a similar Defence League and there was a big row about a cull of hedgehogs on a Scottish Island some years back because the spiky little mammals were eating all the seabird eggs But then, bless, Mrs Tiggy Winkle was such a dear. You wouldn't cull her? Would you?

As a moderate meat eater I stand on no moral platform so I cant object to reducing certain over burgeoning species, as long as it is done humanely. I also want to ensure that the science of badger culling based on its perceived carrying of TB is strong. But we can't hold that up because badgers are cute and Badger in Wind in the Willows was on the Parish Council for 40 years.

As it is I do brake for muntjac, cats and dogs and baby rabbits. I give up on pheasants which are the stupidest creatures.The last one I hit started out from the right, reversed, three quarters of the way across, changed its mind and rereversed and got clipped. Now that's what I call a bird brain.

Bleeting. I beg your pardon?

The blog now has its own dedicated twitter feed - go to  @TiC1985 for Parish Council, Cranfield and Bedfordshire related news, issues and events and opinions. They are all tweeted personally. Blogging and tweeting - or bleeting as someone once said to me. LOL 

Here it comes

Big slab of white stuff heading to our bit of Beds. According to the BBC we'll get the first dab around 3 am

And the next load will come between midday and 3 pm. Make your preparations accordingly. Deep joy

Worried about the NHS?

38 degrees is a new form of campaigning for the public good that stands outside political parties.  See details of an important meeting this Tuesday


On Tuesday 6th November local 38 Degrees members are getting together near you to talk about the next stage of the campaign to protect the NHS in Bedfordshire. Could you come along?

The details of the get-together are:

8:00 PM, 6th November
The Queens Head
2 Cambridge Rd
Sandy
SG19 1AG




Click here to join in or find out more:
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/bedfordshire-gettogether

As well as helping to save the NHS, these get-togethers are a great chance to have a chat with other 38 Degrees members who live in Bedfordshire.

Hope you can make it,

Marie, Ian, Travis, Andrew, Matt and the 38 Degrees team


PS: If you haven't yet signed the petition to save NHS services in Bedfordshire, or you'd like to find out more about the campaign, click here: http://blog.38degrees.org.uk/2012/09/21/save-your-local-nhs/