Issue 24 of a monthly magazine with news and

FREE!!
Delivered throughout Arlesey, Ickleford, Henlow, Henlow Camp and Lower Stondon
plus libraries in Arlesey, Stotfold, Letchworth and Hitchin
Issue 24, August 2014
website
email
Now 16 pages – inside:
Pub Crawl Part 2
Lights Out –
1 million candles to remember
WW1 Memorabilia Exhibition
ACORN Party
Community Duck Race
Arlesey Remembers You
Cover Image: Steve Maddox
news information local business useful numbers
email: [email protected]
tel: 01462 834265
www.facebook.com/groups/onthebutton/
web: www.onthebuttonarlesey.co.uk
#infoonthebutton
when responding to advertisements please let advertisers know you got their details from ‘on the button’
when responding to advertisements please let advertisers know where you got their details from
|
August 2014
|
Catering for all your pets needs
www.a2zpets.co.uk
Suzanne Glazebrook
Owner
Free local delivery within 10 miles of Arlesey
subject to minimum order value of £5.00
Tidytime_Oct_2014_14:Layout 1
tidytime
24/9/13
14:21
Page 1
07508 136223
[email protected]
Arlesey
Bedfordshire
Cleaning,
ironing and
laundry
services
Wednesdays open until 7.00pm
Cleaning – Domestic and offices •
Weekly and fortnightly
• Blitzes • End of let cleans • Sparkle cleans
Ironing – £3.50 per kg – approx 4 - 5 shirts
Laundry – Service wash, dry and fold – from £8,
Football kits – £13.50, Duvets, pillows, curtains and more
Dry Cleaning – Gents suit £9.95
Primrose Lane, Arlesey, Bedfordshire. SG15 6RD
Call: 01462 732470 for more details
Opening times: Tuesday/Thursday/Friday 10am - 5pm,
Wednesday 10am - 7pm, Saturday - 10am - 12noon
Arlesey W.I. Hall, High Street, Arlesey, Bedfordshire. SG15 6SN
Opening Times:
Mornings: Monday - Friday 8.55am until 11.55am
Lunch available (not provided) until 1.00pm at a cost of £3.00
Afternoons: Monday - Friday 12.00pm until 15.00pm
• Children from 2 ye
ars to rising 5 •
• Funding available
•
• OFSTED Register
ed •
There will an additional charge of £1.00 if you wish your child
to stay at the Pre-School until 15.15pm.
Breakfast Club from 8.00am Monday to Friday costing £3.50 for
the first child and £2.50 for additional siblings.
All of the sessions
are charged at £10.00
per session.
We are a fully flexible setting and these new times will come into effect from September 2014.
Tel: 07815 293670
or pop in and see us
web:
www.arleseypreschool.co.uk
email: [email protected]
Large selection
of vintage
boxes
|
August 2014
|
to advertise telephone: 01462 834265 or go to the website: www.onthebuttonarlesey.co.uk
from the editor
We also finish our pub crawl through Arlesey with our second feature on
the pubs most of which are long closed down (pages 8 to 10).
I hope you enjoy reading what goes into the magazine which has given
me a lot of pleasure putting together. Remember if you have any news,
information, quirky stories or even a photo of someone reading ‘on the
button’ in a far-off or unusual place, please send it to us and we’ll try and get
it in the next months mag.
Finally ‘on the button’ is brought to you free but requires a lot of
background work and part of that work is done by my deliverers who do a
fantastic job of pushing them through letterboxes. I really appreciate the work
they do. Thank you.
Steve Maddox
Published by:
D
ear readers,
This is issue number 24 of ‘on the button’ which means the magazine is
now two years old. Over the last 23 months we have published a wide range
of features and stories, this month is no exception. In fact now with 16 pages
and making more pages colour I hope I can add more content each month.
We carry on our recent theme of the First World War, by putting in again
the details and Order of Service for the Candle Service on 4th August (page
7) reflecting on the day and time 100 years ago Great Britain entered the
First World War.
There is also small piece on the recent exhibition of memorabilia organised
by and held at the Methodist Church. At this exhibition were some pieces
kindly lent by Clive Lombari which we have featured on page 11, with a story
about his Grandad. Clive is a member of the Town Council Archive Group.
Church Services
Arlesey Methodist Church
Services for August are as follows:
Sunday 3rd August: Preacher at 10.30 a.m. Mr Chris Bryant of Hitchin
Sunday 10th August: Preacher at 11.00 a.m. Rev Bob Forrest
Sunday 17th August: Preacher at 10.30 a.m. Mrs Sandra Hare
of Shillington
Sunday 24th August: Preacher at 11.00 a.m. Rev Bob Forrest (Holy
Communion)
Sunday 31st August: United Service at Baldock Methodist Church at
10.45 a.m. when the Preacher is Rev Bob Forrest.
All are welcome at these Services.
Minister at the church is Rev Bob Forrest. Tel: 01582 727880
Local contacts: • Mrs Doreen Archer 731392
• Mrs Betty Joyce 731647
• Mr Jim Webb (bookings) 731309
Arlesey W.I.
Would like to welcome all ladies to our Monthly Meeting
at 7.30pm on Tuesday 12th August 2014
in the W.I. Hall, High Street, Arlesey
(next to the Arlesey Resource Centre) High Street, Arlesey SG15 6SN
Our talk this month will be: Embroidery by Helen Chessum
For further details please ring:
Bron Martin – 01462 639500
Wendy Pink – 01462 625235
For WI Hall Bookings please ring: Katie Juffs – 01462 638286
Kevin’s 25th Anniversary
The Engineers Arms, Henlow from Friday 1st August to Sunday 10th August
for more information call 01462
812284
on the button, 32 Stotfold Road, Arlesey, Bedfordshire. SG15 6XT. Telephone
01462 834265.
When responding to an advert please let advertisers know that you contacted
them through ‘on the button’.
Editorial Please send any letters or articles, to ‘on the button’ email: info@
onthebuttonarlesey.co.uk, or write to us at the address above, before 15th of
the month for inclusion in the next month’s magazine.
Please call for advertising rates on 01462 834265 or visit the
website: www.onthebuttonarlesey.co.uk and click on advertising rates. All copy
and payment to be received before 18th of the month for inclusion in the next
month’s magazine.
Advertising
While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of this publication on the button
cannot accept liability for any statement or error contained herein. All details supplied to
on the button are correct at time of going to press. © 2014
Printed
by Streets Process Colour.1 t:1/10/12
01462 893771
DKHomeImprove_Ad02:Layout
20:32
Page 1
D K Home Improvements
Plumber / Tiler
Complete Bathroom Installer
with over 25 years experience
For a free quotation contact David on:
Tel: 01462 731607
Mob: 07973 912131
email: [email protected]
or visit our website: www.dkhomeimprovements.co.uk
Walk4Health–August/Sept
August 7th and 14th– The Crown PH, The Green, Stotfold
August 21st, 28th, September 4th and 11th – Arlesey Station
All walks start at 10.45am and last for approx 1 hour.
For more information please call Brian & Katie on 01462 638286
Arlesey Preschool
The recent Bingo Night held by our fabulous committee was a roaring
success – we hope all who came along enjoyed themselves as much as
they appeared to! We are holding our first Sport’s Day on the 16th July – we
may discover some promising Olympic talent but if not, it will be a fun filled
morning regardless! We will be closed from 12pm Weds 23rd July & will
reopen with breakfast club on Weds 3rd September. Have a lovely summer
everyone!!!
when responding to advertisements please let advertisers know where you got their details from
|
August 2014
|
3
Community Duck Race
This year’s Duck Race was held on Sunday 29th of June and again as last
year a big turnout saw the ‘Ducks’ racing from the start in the river along
the side of Glebe Meadow to the weir under the flyover by Henlow Bridge
Lakes.
The weather was a little cloudy to start with and did try to rain for a while
but it was great weather for ducks – well plastic ones anyway, and with the
river having been cleaned-out especially for the day, the racing was swift!
It wasn’t long before the winners emerged from under the old Medieval
Bridge and headed for the finish.
The first to arrive in the net was number 398 – Sponsored by Ann Smith.
Second was Duck 396 – Sponsored by Sadie Dalgarno, and third place
number 224 – Sponsored by Chris Livermore.
It was a good afternoons fun. Well done to all.
. . . and the winner is!
Drugs Wastage
Wasted medicines are a huge problem for the NHS. Many patients with long
term chronic conditions have repeat prescriptions with up to ten different items
on them. Understandably some patients, when they are feeling far from their
best, simply ask for a repeat of their full prescription when they know they are
running low on some particular medication. This often means that several items
are unnecessarily ordered and are not used. These are then frequently wasted
• Institute of Chimney Sweeps Registered
as by the time they may be needed they have passed their expiry date.
• Fully insured
Larksfield practice has been talking to the Patient Participation Group (PPG)
about this issue. Our GPs want their patients to be as well as possible and
Gordon West
this often means prescribing a variety of drugs, particulary for those with long
92 High Street, Arlesey, Beds
term conditions. It is therefore important to order the correct items especially
on repeat prescriptions. If you inadvertently order medication that you do not
t: 01462 834600 m: 07504 825626
need, please give it back when you are collecting your medication and before
you leave the pharmacy. Even unopened medicines that have left the premises
cannot be reused.
ArleseyChimneySweep.indd 1
5/12/12
Medicines wastage is also cause by people not taking their drugs as they
should. Firstly this is a massive cost to the NHS and taxpayers, but more
importantly, are the health implications for patients not taking medications
Trading since 1987 we carry out all types of roofing.
as prescribed. This is of great concern as it leads to a large number of
Trading Standards Approved, Confederation of Roofing Contractors
emergency admissions.
and Local Authority Approved
Wasted medicines cost the NHS £300m every year. By reducing the amount
of medicines being wasted each year, we could increase the available funding
for other desperately needed health services.
If you have any questions regarding your prescribed medicines, do ask your
GP, he or she will be very happy to explain the purpose and dose frequency to
you. Your GP wants you to gain full benefit. If you do have unwanted medicines
19 Glebe Avenue, Arlesey,
they can be taken back to any pharmacy or dispensing practice, such as
Office: 01462 732786
Bedfordshire. SG15 6UP
Larksfield, for safe disposal.
email: [email protected]
Mobile:
07977
290148
Larksfield Surgery Patient Participation Group
www.deanroofing.co.uk
4 |
August 2014
|
to advertise telephone: 01462 834265 or go to the website: www.onthebuttonarlesey.co.uk
22:47:53
An early election?
A town councillor has called to fellow members to support an early election.
An email from a resident brought into question aspects of the leadership,
and stating their belief that the council is not working in a way that is ‘Best
for Arlesey’. As a reaction to this, councillor Darren Hazlewood ‘threw down
the gauntlet’ and suggested a total of eleven councillors resign, making
the council unable to function properly. Recent meetings of Arlesey Town
Council have shown division within the council on procedures and some
agenda items.
Cllr Hazlewood wrote “I will resign and not stand for re-election if 10 other
Councillors agree to resign”. A total of five councillors said they would resign,
two stated they would not which including the vice chair. There was no reply
from the remaining councillors, including the chairman. He went on to say “I
will produce a standard letter for all to sign and hand it into the Council office
in one go, do the right thing for Arlesey, show you really do care”.
If an early election were to be called this would bring it forward from May
2015 and could be as soon as September this year.
Do you have views on the current situation? If so contact info@
onthebuttonarlesey.co.uk
Volunteering boosts
employment prospects
Groundwork Luton and Bedfordshire’s qualified Youth Workers run youth
clubs and other activities for young people in Stotfold, Shefford and Arlesey,
in partnership with Central Bedfordshire Council. Young people aged 12-18
can come to sessions packed with activities from graffiti art and music, to
cooking skills and drug and alcohol education.
This work would not be possible without the support offered by volunteers.
Not only is volunteering a great way to give something back, it can also lead
to employment, as Groundwork’s own Angela Chappell proved.
“During my studies to become a youth worker I volunteered for
Groundwork at a youth club in Offley and Cockernhoe. After a couple of
years I was lucky enough to become a Groundwork employee and I’m proud
to say that I became a fully-qualified youth worker in July 2013.
“I couldn’t have done it without Groundwork. The people here are friendly,
reliable, and really make you feel part of the team. Volunteering is a great way
to start your career, help you build your confidence and gain experience.”
Arlesey Youth Club is open on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7pm
– 9pm, for ages 12-18. Groundwork’s youth workers can also be found out
and about in Shefford and Stotfold on Wednesday evenings.
There are youth work volunteering opportunities in Stotfold, Shefford and
Arlesey as well as on the Achievement Coaches programme. Achievement
Coaches help vulnerable pupils achieve their full potential.
For more information, please contact Martin Goddard on:
07702 532328 or [email protected]
Steam Navvy Update
Supplied by Rick Cooper
Following on from our feature in December, January and February, here is
an update on the ‘navvy’.
In 1977, Ray Hooley from Lincolnshire recovered the old Steam Navvy
that had worked the chalk pit now known as the Blue Lagoon. It was taken to
the Museum of Lincolnshire Life and restored working for a short time before
being left to the elements in the grounds of the museum.
It was rescued as it was deemed to be a valuable piece of our steam
heritage and shouldn’t be lost.
From there it was donated to the Vintage Excavator Trust (VET) at
Threlkeld Quarry and Mining Museum near Keswick. In the last three years it
has been granted Lottery funding to bring the old shovel back to its working
condition.
In March this year the machine was due to be re-assembled and fired up
again endorsing the work involved in bringing this the only example of its
kind left in the world. An important piece of our history too.
15-17 High Street,
Arlesey
It’s that time of year again!
01462 735588
Its that time of year again and appointments are filling fast.
Why not give us a visit for that all important holiday hair.
Also while you are here why not start that tan with a sun
shower to prepare you for the summer sun
With our latest Auroa Series stand up Sunbed by Sunquest
it is possible to build up your desired tan weather it’s for
a special occasion or an all year round glow at an
affordable price.
Pay as U go...
• 3 Minutes £3.00
• 6 Minutes £4.50
• 9 Minutes £6.00
• 12 Minutes £7.50
Pre paid courses...
• 30 Minutes £19.50
• 45 Minutes £28.00
• 60 Minutes £36.00
• 100 Minutes £50.00
*Minutes to be used within 12 months of purchase
Strictly over 18’s only
ARLESEY
PHARMACY
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday
– 8.45am to 1pm and
2.00pm to 6.15pm
Saturday and Sunday
– Closed
• Repeat prescription ‘drop-off’ and
collection service from Arlesey Medical
Centre and Larksfield (Stotfold) Surgery
• Prescription delivery service to ALL
Arlesey and Stotfold residents
(including Fairfield Park)
31 High Street, Arlesey, Beds. SG15 6RA
Tel: 01462 731200 Fax: 01462 834068
www.arleseypharmacy.co.uk
when responding to advertisements please let advertisers know where you got their details from
ArleseyPharmacy_05.indd 1
|
August 2014
|
5
18/12/12 16:12:54
Arlesey Methodist Church
Exhibition of WW1 Memorabilia
On Saturday 28th June 2014
Arlesey Methodist Church
organised an Exhibition of
World War 1 memorabilia. A
very popular event with many
items on show including
photos, uniforms, games of
the period, tin boxes, diaries
and posters. Tea and cake
were also available. Old and
young turned out get a taste of
a few things from the time of
the First World War. Here are
some images of the items on
display.
Above right: These two
RAF working uniforms were
issued to Elizabeth Ann East,
(mother of Des Archer) who met and
married Edward Archer whilst she was a nurse at the old Three Counties
Asylum. Lizzie enrolled in the RAF at Port Home Meadow, Huntingdon on
19.7.18 this was just after the Royal Flying Corps became the Royal Air
Force. Her enlistment papers were signed by her CO, Major J H D’Albiac,
RAF, who after a distinguished service career in both 1st and 2nd World
Wars, was knighted and after retiring from the armed services he was
employed as Aerodrome Commandant at London Heathrow, dying on 20
August 1963. Lizzie was stationed at RAF Scopwick, Lincolnshire and was
a cook in the officer’s mess. She was very proud of the fact that she cooked
for Alcock and Brown, the first airmen to fly the Atlantic in a Vickers Vimy.
She later served at RAF Wyton, the same Station that Des serve on whilst
doing his National Service.
The Biggleswade Chronicle printed an article about Lizzie on the 50th
Anniversary of the formation of the RAF as she was one of the few women
left who had served at its formation.
6 |
August 2014
|
This Army Medical Discharge Certificate on display (right) belonged
to Edward (Eddie) Archer, Des’ father. The inscription reads “584486 Pte
Edward Archer, Labour Corps, having previously served in the war in the
Bedfordshire Regt, served with honour and was disabled in the Great War.
Honourably discharged on March 4th 1919. Signed George RI”. We have
been unable to trace his service records as they were believed to have
been destroyed in a fire at the records office along with thousands of others.
Eddie would have been called up at the age of 18 in 1916 and after initial
training was sent to France, he fought in one of the battles of the Somme at
Arras where he was wounded. Whilst advancing across an open field a shell
burst in the air and a piece of shrapnel from it entered his right leg below the
hip and travelled through the left leg where it exited. He then lay wounded
in the field for two days at this point we understand that the regiment having
been driven back advanced again and in this advance a soldier stopped
and asked Eddie if there was anything he could do for him. Eddie told
him he had an orange in his greatcoat pocket and the soldier took it out,
peeled it and gave it to him, folded his greatcoat up, put it under his head
and continued on his way. He was picked up by the stretcher bearers and
eventually brought back to England where he was hospitalised at Bronsbury
Park Military Hospital, just off the Edgware Road at Kilburn, and underwent
8 operations on his legs and was discharged in 1919.
Many years later he became secretary of Arlesey Over 60’s Club at
that time Arlesey and Stotfold took it in turns to entertain each other at
their Christmas with a parties. At one of the Stotfold festivities Eddie was
approached by one of the Stotfold members who said “you’re Eddie Archer,
aren’t you?”, to which he replied “yes”. The Stotfold man then said “it’s a
long time since I saw you. The last time I saw you, you were lying wounded
in a field just outside Arras”. He went on to tell Eddie that he was the soldier
who had taken the orange out of his greatcoat pocket and folded the
greatcoat and put it under his head all those years ago. Unfortunately we
can’t remember the Stotfold man’s name, but maybe somewhere in Stotfold
another family has been told the same story.
to advertise telephone: 01462 834265 or go to the website: www.onthebuttonarlesey.co.uk
Lights Out
One Million Candles To Remember
Arlesey Remembers You
new website
Royal British Legion 1914 WW1 Centenary 1918
Arlesey War Memorial, Monday 4th August 2014 at 10.00pm
Lights out is an invitation to everyone in the UK to turn off lights at 10.00pm
until 11.00pm leaving on a single light or candle for this shared moment of
reflection to mark the 100th anniversary of the date Great Britain entered the
first world war.
The Royal British Legion invites you to take part in this national moment
of reflection and we will be holding a candle-lit vigil to mark the centenary
please bring your own candle or a special centenary candle, available from
your local Marks & Spencer (www.marksandspencer.com) all profits from the
sale of centenary candles will support serving members of the armed forces,
veterans of all ages and families please come and pay your respects to all
who sacrificed their lives during this conflict.
There will be a short service at the war memorial starting at 9.45pm
with the lighting of the candles at 10.00pm.
The service will be led by the Royal British Legion (Arlesey and Stotfold
branch) together with St Peter’s and Methodist churches.
Order of service
In Flanders Fields – John McCrea
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place, and in the sky
The larks still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below
We are the dead, short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow
Loved and were loved, and now we lie . . . . in Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow . . . . in Flanders fields.
Prayer
Give us courage, O Lord to stand up and be counted.
To stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves.
To stand up for ourselves when it is needful for us to do so
Let us fear nothing more than we fear thee.
Let us love nothing more than we love thee.
For thus we shall fear nothing also.
Let us have no other god before thee, whether nation or party or state
or church.
Let us seek no other peace but the peace which is thine,
and make us its instruments
Opening our eyes and our hearts, so we should know always
what work of peace we may do for thee.
Amen
I thought I should let you know about our newly launched website.
It is still very much a work in progress and it is taking time for all the
information we’ve been supplied with to make it on to the individual
pages, but there is some info on there and the two very short films
I’ve made with some of the footage shot already are available to view.
Thanks to Jason Auburn and Mick Holloway for making this happen - its
taken a lot of work. http://arleseyremembersyou.org.uk/ ;
Have a click around and see what we have achieved so far and keep
checking back as new information will be added all the time. The aim
is it will be a community resource so please feel free to contact us via
the website with info or pictures you think should be added. (Although
we are currently working our way through a back log of research to be
added!)
Jodie Chillery
the packs
At the time of going to press, we only
have 15 more crosses left unallocated
to volunteers so thank you all for
your support and enthusiasm for the
project and if you or someone you
know would like to lay a cross, get in
touch quick!
Roll of honour – 1914-1918
Act of Remembrance – Legion exhortation
They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them
(All) We will remember them.
For more information go to the website or email Jodie on:
[email protected] when to
responding
advertise to
telephone:
advertisements
01462 834265
please letor
advertisers
go to the website:
know where
www.onthebuttonarlesey.co.uk
you got their details from
|
August 2014
|
7
a pub crawl through Arlesey
part 2
er
The True Briton. Image: Terry’s the Barb
Following on from last months feature on pubs in Arlesey we carry on our
‘pub crawl’. We finished up last month at the Star on the High Street (now
The Raj Villa, Indian restaurant).
We now go back on our journey walking north for a few metres until we get to
Arlesey Pharmacy on Fiveways junction and turn left into Station Road. No. 1
Station Road was the Hod of Mortar.
• 1855 opened
• 1874 purchased by Simpson & Co brewers, Baldock
• 1911 closed possibly with only one licensee throughout – Daniel Thompson
Grimes bookmakers occupied the building before moving to the High Street.
Carrying on down Station Road to the corner of Hospital Road is the True
Briton at 27 Hospital Road (was Asylum Road). The next few hostelries are in
quite close proximity to each other
• 1857 opened
• 1855 John Houghton licensee
• 1876 owned by John Steed a brewer from Baldock
• 1894 purchased by J W Green brewer, Luton
• 1903 George Medcraft licensee
• 1940
• 1964 J W Green amalgamated with Flower & Sons of Stratford on Avon
and changed their names to Flowers Breweries Ltd
The True Briton is very much still open and is also a Free House.
Across Station Road No. 42 is a private house, this is the former Brickmakers
Arms.
• 1851 opened
• 1857 James Bennett licensee
• 1876 Edward Fordham brewer of Ashwell purchased the pub
• 1903 Thomas Axam licensee
• 1909 closed and is now a private residence.
2
8 |
August 2014
|
No. 2 Hospital Road opposite was the grandly named City Arms, after nearby
City Farm
• 1865 opened and owned by J W Parker, Buntingford George Wootton was
the first licensee
• 1893 purchased by Charles Wells of Bedford who built a new house
• 1902 Thomas Page licensee
• 1910 daughter Miss Lily Page was licensee
• 1926 closed
It is now a private house.
With the railways and the Asylum came visitors and Arlesey had two hotels
to accommodate these. Only metres apart they were close to the Three
Counties Station and also within easy reach of the brickworks, lime works
and engineering works. The station closed in 1960 as part of the Beeching
cuts.
With the prospect of the railways and a new station, to be completed around
1850 in Arlesey, the Lamb Hotel opened ten years before the station would
be complete.
• 1840 opened. Owned by Thomas West.
• 1862 purchased by William Hill
• 1914 purchased by Arthur Hill
• 1920 George Page purchased it and sold it on to Wells & Winch Ltd. The
pub had been leased to Page & Co brewers Ashwell for many years.
• 1964 closed
The site covered around six acres of land. Between 1857 and the late
1930’s, a standard gauge tramway ran from the station past the Lamb along
Station Road, into Hospital Road across Hitchin Road then through the gates
to Three Counties Asylum. It was used to transport coal and other goods to
the asylum from the mainline railway. A hut on the site was used by Army
Cadets, but was destroyed by fire in 1956. Arlesey Town Football Club had
their home pitch on the site of the former hotel – Lamb Meadow, until they
to advertise telephone: 01462 834265 or go to the website: www.onthebuttonarlesey.co.uk
The Lamb Inn. Image: Terry’s the Barber moved in 1999 to a new purpose built ground in Hitchin Road, the original
site was a prime location for housing, this is now Howberry Green and Lamb
Meadow.
Further along Station Road, almost to the footbridge over the railway, we see
Acre Wood Children’s Day Nursery. Formerly the Brickground Hotel which
opened with the railway in 1850.
• 1850 opened
• 1854 purchased by Piggott & Wells of Horne Lane Brewery, Bedford
• 1896 Charles Wells bought Piggott & Wells
• 1993 sold and renamed The Mallard after the record breaking steam
locomotive
• 2000 closed
This is now Acre Wood children’s nursery.
The Brickground with the
Now we take a short walk to Hospital Road and go to the other end to the
Junction of Hitchin Road and High Street. A large corner property was opened
as an Off Licence. The precise location is uncertain.
• 1864 opened by Phoebe King of Arlesey with William King as licensee
• 1894 owned by John Holden the Henlow brewer
• 1899 Frederick Albone also a general dealer was the last licensee until it closed
• 1900 purchased by Wells & Winch Ltd
• 1935 closed
Since then it is presumed to have been transformed into many different
businesses and probably this is the present Londis grocery shop and post office.
On the opposite corner in Hospital Road we see a small shop which at one
stage was The Cock in Hitchin Road.
• 1863 opened – owner unknown but first leased by Benjamin Christie of
Westbury Brewery Ashwell
• Early 1900’s Frederick Hyde also a butcher was the first licensee
• 1921 J R Page & Co bought the business and sold it to Wells & Winch Ltd.
Walter Albone was the last licensee
• 1926 closed when the lease expired
Now it is ‘A Bite to Eat’ eat in and takeaway food shop.
Starting south again along Hitchin Road we pass some new houses on the
right, this was the front entrance to Lamb Meadow – Arlesey Town Football
Club. Then onto a small new estate of houses Prince of Wales Close. This is
the site of the former Prince of Wales pub.
• 1865 opened. Owned by Simpson & Co of Baldock. Jesse Walker licensee
until 1890
• 1910 Thomas Lake licensee until 1931
• 1954 purchased by Greene King & Sons Ltd
• 1974 Allen Ford was licensee who introduced a miniature railway in the
garden with a real steam engine
• 1997 Paul O’Neill licensee
• 1999 closed
r. Image: Terry’s the Barber
‘Cosy Cinema” next doo
The Brickground c1980.
Image: Sheila Oaks
Above: The Prince of Wales around 1920.
Image: From a collection of postcards lent by Doreen Rix
when to
responding
advertise to
telephone:
advertisements
01462 834265
please letor
advertisers
go to the website:
know where
www.onthebuttonarlesey.co.uk
you got their details from
|
August 2014
|
7
9
0’s.
196
the
in
ve from the Fountain
y
A coach party ready to lea
Image: Phil and Hayley Kilb
From here we now travel out towards Ickleford and Hitchin along Hitchin
Road to The Fountain.
• 1863 opened. William Prutton was the first licensee
• 1876 owned by Edward Fordham, brewer from Ashwell
• 1894 James Pennon licensee, who was also a straw factor
• 1954 purchased by J W Green of Luton, and then became Flowers
• 1961 Whitbread took over Flowers
• Early 1990’s closed
At one stage it was called the Blue Lagoon after the water filled chalk pit
between there and Fairfield. It closed in early 1990’s.
There was another off-licence but the site for this has not been traced
opened in 1852 and Joseph Samuel was owner in 1876. The Samuel family
were licensees for many years.
10 |
August 2014
|
OpenedName
1805 White Horse
1840 Lamb
1845 Three Tuns
1850 Brickground Hotel (Mallard)
1850 Old Oak
1851 Brickmakers Arms
1852 Cricketers
1855 Hod of Mortar
1857 True Briton
1860 Steam Engine
1860 Railway Tavern
1863 Crown
1863 Cock
1863 Fountain
1864 Beerhouse
1865 Rose & Crown
1865 City Arms
1865 Prince of Wales
1868 Stag
1870
Star
The Railway
Tavern
After seeing our article last month
the image here was supplied
by Mrs P Taylor and is of The
Railway Tavern. Her family ran
the pub. The name over the door
is George Bland (Mrs Taylor’s
maiden name is Bland). Barmaids
from the pub took jugs of beer to
the Brickworks across the A507
for the workers.
to advertise telephone: 01462 834265 or go to the website: www.onthebuttonarlesey.co.uk
Closed/Open
Open
1964
c2008
2000
Open
1909
c1920
1911
Open
Open, The Vicar’s Inn
1915
1985
1926
c1990
1935
1994
1926
1999
1926
1994
My Grandad
Herbert Allen 1887 to 1962
by Clive Lombari
My granddad Herbert Allen was the only son of Big Jim Allen the Fairground
Booth Boxer. He did have four younger sisters though. Lizzie Goss (Elizabeth
Ann), Louie Ansell (Beatrice), Norah Allen, Violet May Allen (Alexandra)
Big Jim Allen. He used to travel around the country as a Fair Booth boxer.
He was big and strong and boxing came easy to him. The more he boxed
the better he got, but when Herbert was old enough to start school he gave
it up and got a job at Arlesey Cement Works. His mother Ellen Dear “Nellie”
was the daughter of The Fountain Publicans, George and Mary Ann Dear.
She later ran the shop where Fairfield Garage office now stands. Herbert
was born in the now demolished 122 Crawley Terrace in 1887.
He moved to 237 Asylum Road about 1900. He lived here at least until
he left school. His dad moved to 40 New Rd (Newtown) in 1911 and by then
Herbert, who was 24, had moved out. When he left school Herbert started
working with his dad and Allen Uncles at the Arlesey Cement Works. When
work was scarce Granddad even walked to the East End of London and got
a job on the docks. The First World War started and Herbert was called up.
He was pretty useful with his fists like his dad. Tough as he was, Herbert
saw some terrible things in the war, but never talked about it.
The Allens were a cricket mad family and Herbert was a demon fast bowler
for The Lamb Inn, who played in Lamb Meadow. The Three Counties Asylum
poached him so he could play for them. It was here he met my grandmother
who became his wife, when she was making tea for the cricketers.
I used to regularly look at Herberts medals and sometimes I was allowed
to clean them. When Nan was in her 80′s they disappeared. They were
medals given for fighting in a war zone. The star was for fighting in France or
Flanders. The lady with wings is the victory medal. The King George Medal
and the set of 3 were for serving the full term of the war. A soldier only got 2
if they joined after 1915. I looked up Granddad in the National Archives and
have a copy of the paperwork saying he was awarded all three.
Mary Mills “Polly” parents Jane Avery and Jim Mills had emigrated to
Canada with her youngest sister Daisey. Mary needed somewhere to live
and a job. So when Three Counties Asylum were recruiting in Mere Wiltshire
it seemed the answer to her prayers. Herbert and Polly started courting
and after a time they married. They now needed a house. They moved into
Gothic Farm with dad Big Jim and worked there as an Agricultural Labourer.
He also worked at Waterloo Farm. Herbert heard the foreman at the
Brickyard was retiring so Herbert blagged his way into the job.
He told them he was a Sergeant in the army and was used to dealing with
men. He got the job and a Brickyard house went with it. Herbert carried on
working up here till he was 70. They lived in the Brickyard house until they
got 2 St Peters Avenue in 1938. It was almost brand new and had a flush
ACORN 21st
Birthday Party
toilet that was joined onto the house, and a bathroom. Course no hot water or
electric lights yet.
Grandad Herbert died in 1962 aged 75. Nan Polly‘s son Uncle
George and family moved from the Rally to live with her. But he
emigrated to Rockingham in Western Australia in the late 60′s, and
they have all done very well there. Mollie Polly Daisey Alma George
and Whitey the dog. Whitey helped subsidise the families budget
with all the rabbits he caught. So we have family in Brisbane ,
Calgary, Naples in Italy, New York and Toronto on the Lombari side .
Some Early Allens contacted me from New Zealand and their family tree
matched mine. They were the first
to emigrate in the 1800′s .
Herbie Herbert My memories of
granddad was that he always
called everybody nicknames. My
nickname was Clivical Clive. He
then always drew a watch on
my wrist. When the 1 o’clock
home service news was on you
weren’t allowed to say even
1 word, and the same when
the football pools were on
you were hardly allowed to
breathe.
This year ACORN (Arlesey Conservation for Nature) is 21 years old.
To celebrate this milestone they had a Barn Dance. The evening was very
well attended and it was good to see people of all ages enjoying the food
and dancing to Tam Lin Ceilidh Band and caller.
The work done by ACORN to generate and
conserve green
spaces in the
area has been
ongoing, and they
are always looking
for new members
to help with work
in and around the
town.
If you would like
more information
or to join ACORN
Cutting the cake –
contact Tricia
from left to right:
Rita Page, Brian Ju
ffs, Richard Harris
Dalgarno on: 01462
Geoff Page and AC
,
ORN chairman Sa
ul Ackroyd
735510
when responding to advertisements please let advertisers know where you got their details from
|
August 2014
|
11
BBQ Time with Dr Evil
Dance-beat
If you had been in Cambridge on Sunday 22nd June enjoying the sights and
sounds, and had wandered into Kelsey Kerridge sports centre you would
have seen an excited group of children dancing their hearts out at the ISTD
Disco Freestyle rock n roll
competition.
A group of dancers from
Arlesey aged between 5 and
11 took part in their first dance
competition. All the children
were very excited to be a part
of this event. They had worked
extremely hard over the last
couple of months at their
dance class in Arlesey village
hall and had all attended
extra practice and a new
class designed especially
for those interested in taking
their dancing to the next
level and attending dance competitions.
Dance teacher Nicola Hughes from Dance-Beat was extremely proud of
their achievements after winning an array of medals and trophies which
included a first place.
Dance-Beat has been running for 20 years teaching Disco Freestyle, Street
Style, Rock n Roll and Ballroom and Latin for children from ages 4 years
and over.
The class runs on a Wednesday evening in the Arlesey village hall.
Exciting classes are running over the summer including a Princess
workshop on 31st July for ages 5-8 and drop in and dance sessions on Wed
30th July and 3rd and 11th August for ages from 7 -10 years and 10 years
and over.
For more information or to book a place on our summer classes please
email [email protected] take a look at our website www.
dance-beat.co.uk
12 |
August 2014
|
Dr. Evil BBQ are an amateur American style “Low & Slow” competition bbq
team, think Diners, Drive-ins and Dives / Man v Food on The Food Network
and you are somewhere near. We are members of The British BBQ Society
competing in the International BBQ Network French’s Pitmaster series and
this is our 1st year.
It all started with a passion for food and a once in a lifetime chance to
meet and train for 2 days with US pitmaster Harry Soo of ‘Slap Yo’ Daddy
BBq” Diamond Bar California at bbbqs headquarters in 2012, since then we
have never looked back. Also we appear to be going global.
The Team consists of 4 key
members: myself as Team Principal
and owner in the role of ‘Dr. Evil’,
my wife Gill (Foxxy Cleaopatra),
Gareth Peddie (No. #2) and Barry
Jull. We also employ the services
of guest members from time to time
when work invades our competition
schedule. The team HQ is my
home in Arlesey but our members
are from Hertfordshire, Hillingdon,
Cambridgeshire and even as far away as Manchester.
The competitions are run over 2 days under very strict rules mirroring
the Kansas City BBQ Society in America and blind judged on four main
categories Boston Butt (pork shoulder or neck end) Beef Brisket, Pork Ribs
and Chicken (thighs) though most competitions have added compulsory
categories such as desert, chicken wings, burgers or anything goes (chefs
choice). These cuts are huge and slow smoked with wood for flavour at
low temps for up to 14 hours with pretty powerful rubs and sauces to give
the necessary tastes and textures the trained judges expect, only a small
portion of which is presented.
A number of these competitions give not only trophies and bragging rights
but entry to prestigious American events such as “The Royal” world series
of bbq Kansas City Missouri, “The Jack” Jack Daniels Invitational Lynchburg
Tennessee and “The World Food Championships” Las Vegas Nevada
where teams from across the globe get to go head to head with the best
championship winning teams in the world of bbq.
Our achievements in our 1st four
competitions to date are:
• 2nd in pork, 4th in brisket and
3rd overall at the IBQN event
Drum & Baste Tongham Surrey
• 1st in best burger, 4th in
hot wings at & 8th overall at
Grillstock Manchester
• 3rd In ribs and 7th overall
Brighton Paddle round the pier.
Dr Evil are currently looking for funding or ideas on how to fund the team
so if you you can help contact Dr. Evil (aka Gary Craig) on 07833491391
email: [email protected]
Twitter: @Dr_Evil_BBQ
to advertise telephone: 01462 834265 or go to the website: www.onthebuttonarlesey.co.uk
• 15 hours of free childcare per week for 3 & 4 year olds
can be accessed at this nursery*
• 15 hours of free 2 year old funding per week
is potentially available*
* The above offers are subject to the terms and conditions of Central Beds Council and
Acre Wood Day Nursery. Please ask for further guidance.
when responding to advertisements please let advertisers know where you got their details from
|
August 2014
|
13
Hotels
Airport Transfers
Train Stations
Golf Trips
Weddings
All Occasions
[email protected]
useful numbers
1st Arlesey Scout Group
Arlesey Town Youth Football Club
Acre Wood Day Nursery
For more information Contact Steve Hazelwood 01462 732147 or 07867 860872
Email: [email protected] visit club website: www.atyfc2010.co.uk
Aisle O’var Backswording Clubbe Ltd
Barbara Moran. tel: 0800 039 1234 / 07548 122023 email: [email protected]
Arlesey Arts
High Street, Arlesey. Postal address: 21 Stotfold Road, Arlesey, SG15 6XL.
Contact: 01462 638286
Contact Group Scout Leader Stuart McGuire on: 07762 732661
For more information please contact Peter Cremin 01462 835550 or visit
www.acrewooddaynursery.co.uk
For further information or to book your place contact Pete on 07880 605377,
email: [email protected] or go to: www.backswording.co.uk
Edgeworth House, 121 High Street, Arlesey, Beds, SG15 6SX.
Tel: 01462 622222 Fax: 01462 622111
Arlesey Village Agent
Arlesey Women’s Institute
Central Beds Council
Arlesey Karate Club (Jksk)
e: [email protected]
Councillor for Arlesey Ward – Ian Dalgarno: 01462 735510 Councillor for Arlesey Ward – Mrs Rita Drinkwater: 01462 850187
Arlesey Community Safety Group
Contact Hugh Harper on: 01462 731891
If you would like further information please contact the school on 01462 730391
Email [email protected] or visit www.etonbury.com
Contact Tricia Dalgarno on: 01462 735510
High Street, Arlesey, SG15 6SL. Contact: 01462 732002
Rainbows (5 – 7 years) Sue 01462 643231 or 07890 148478
Brownies (7 – 10 years) Julia 01462 451053
Guides (10 – 14 years) Helen 01462 733248
Senior Section - Rangers & Young Leaders (14 – 26 years)
Contact Sue on: 01462 643231 or 07890 148478
www.girlguidingarlesey.btck.co.uk
Area Co-ordinator: John Button. 34, Church Lane, Arlesey,
Bedfordshire. SG15 6UL. Contact: 01462 732419
For more information please contact Sensei Tan 01462 730551 email
[email protected] or visit www.jksk.co.uk
ACORN – Arlesey Conservation for Nature
Arlesey Girlguides
Etonbury Academy
Gothic Mede Lower School
Neighbourhood Watch
Red Bear Childrens Centre
For details of groups call 01462 730623 or email [email protected] or
visit: www.redbearchildrenscentre.org.uk
Royal British Legion
Arlesey Medical Centre
Poppy Appeal Organiser for Arlesey – Mr. Vic Williams. Contact: 07746 464260
Royal British Legion local branch secretary David Langridge Contact: 01462 734133
Arlesey Methodist Church
Church Lane, Arlesey, Bedfordshire, SG15 6UX. Contact: 01462 731227 (Vicar)
Arlesey Nursery School and Childcare Centre
High Street, Arlesey. Contact: 01462 732168
For further information or to book your place contact Pete on 07880 605377
email [email protected] or go to www.backswording.co.uk
Contact Roger Watson on: 01462 731963
Contact: Chris White 01462 639468
For more information call Paula 0794465806
www.arleseyparenttoddler.org.uk
Contact: Elaine Fox on 01462 735642
Contact: 07815 293670
Please let us know if you have details you would like to add here. For more details
High Street, Arlesey, Bedfordshire
. SG15 6SN
Contact: 01462 628128
High Street, Arlesey SG15 6SW Contact: Rev Bob Forrest
Arlesey Old Moat Nature Reserve
Arlesey Parent And Toddler Group And Toy Library
St Peters Church
Team Te-Ma Fitness
Two Blues Art Group
Vivace Choir
Walk4Health
Arlesey Pre-school
Brian and Katie Juffs. Contact: 01462 638286
Arlesey Residents Association
including email and web links go online to: www.onthebuttonarlesey/inandaround.html
Contact: Hugh Harper 01462 731891
Arlesey Resource Centre
High Street, Arlesey, SG15 6SN tel & fax: 01462 731469
Arlesey Support Worker
Floating Support Worker
Bromford Support, Mid Beds Cluster. Contact: Laura Rooke
07595 087618 / 01525 862802.
[email protected] www.bromfordgroup.co.uk
Arlesey Short Mat Bowls
for the over 55’s. Contact: Mrs. D. Rix on 01462 731697
Arlesey Social Club
High Street, Arlesey, Bedfordshire. SG15 6SL. Contact: 01462 731361
Arlesey Town Council
Arlesey Community Centre, High Street, Arlesey, Bedfordshire. SG15 6SN
tel: 01462 733722 fax: 01462 730860
Arlesey Town Football Club
Hitchin Road, Arlesey, Bedfordshire. SG15 6RS. Contact: 01462 734504
14 |
August 2014
|
emergency numbers
Bedfordshire Police
Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. Emergency – 999, Non-emergency 101
Biggleswade Police Station, Station Road, Biggleswade, SG18 8AL
Contact: 01234 841212
Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service
Southfields Road, Kempston Bedford. MK42 7NR
tel: 01234 845000 fax: 01234 845035. Emergency – 999
Gas Emergencies Smell gas? Call 0800 111 999
Central Bedfordshire Social Services
142 London Rd., Biggleswade SG18 8ER. t: 0300 300 8301 www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk‎
trains
live train times
tickets and trains
www.stationboard.co.uk/ www.firstcapitalconnect.co.uk/
www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/arl/details.html
to advertise telephone: 01462 834265 or go to the website: www.onthebuttonarlesey.co.uk
Arlesey
Tel. 01462 337684
24 hour service, 7 Days a week
Committed to fair prices
website: www.benedictfuneral.co.uk
e-mail: [email protected]
design landscape:Layout 2
20/1/14
17:30
Page 1
need a logo?
need a brochure?
need a new company
image?
also:
digital design,
call: 07779 333386
EXPERTS IN RESIDENTIAL
SALES AND PROPERTY
MANAGEMENT
OVER 30 YEARS OF CONTINUED
SUCCESS IN BUSINESS
FOR A FREE VALUATION
ON YOUR HOME CALL
01462 732121
WWW.STEPHENSESTATEAGENTS.COM
when responding to advertisements please let advertisers know where you got their details from
|
August 2014
|
• Classic Greene King ales
• Large family garden
• Texas hold’em poker – Thursday nights
• Sunday night Quiz plus ‘Play Your Cards Right’
• Weekly food menu – Tuesday to Sunday
• Large screen TV for major events
Now
showing
• Pool & darts
SKY Sports
k
a
O
sic at the Old
• Old Oak golf society
u
Quiz & Live M
24th:
Sunday August s at 9:00pm
Fun Quiz start
mber 6th:
Saturday Septe pm
Allergy at 9:00
mber 27th:
Saturday Septegas starts at 9:00pm
Indi & The Ve
85 Church Lane, Arlesey, Beds. SG15 6UX
Telephone: 01462 612536
web: www.oldoakarlesey.co.uk
|
August 2014
|
Arlesey Service Garage
your friendly local car servicing
and maintenance specialists
• MOT’s
• Servicing
• Air conditioning
• Car sales
• Serving the people of Arlesey
for around 100 years
also ASG Biggleswade – T: 01767 310210
74 Stotfold Road, Arlesey, Beds.
SG15 6UX
T: 01462 731284
to advertise telephone: 01462 834265 or go to the website: www.onthebuttonarlesey.co.uk