House 2 House February - Sandhills Community House

House 2 House
February
2014
Issue 17
News from the Community House
Community House Holiday Trips
The trip to Mead Open Farm at Christmas time was such a success that residents
have asked if more excursions could be organised. The Community House are now
planning further outings for residents during the Easter and Summer holidays.
There will be more information in forthcoming newsletters.
Easter Holidays Outing
The Easter holidays trip is to Woburn Safari Park (see photographs below). Examples of the Woburn Safari
Park activities include: a road safari; taking a walk on the wild side; meeting the animals; and a selection of
leisure attractions (Great Woburn Railway, Treetops Action Trail, Swan Boats, and Soft Play Areas).
The outing to Woburn Safari Park is on Tuesday 8 April. A free coach has been organised for all
residents which will leave the Community House at 9.30am. Tickets are subsidised for Sandhills and
Billington Park residents. They will cost: £11.00 for an adult; £9.00 for a senior; £7.00 for a child aged 3
to 15 years old; children aged 2 years and under are free. To take advantage of these discounted
prices, tickets must be booked by Monday 24 March.
Summer Holidays Outing
A day-trip to Southend-on-Sea is being planned for the Summer holidays (see photographs below). Only one
and a half hours away from Sandhills, Southend offers all the traditional seaside pleasures. With seven miles of
seafront, the longest pier in the world, the Marine Activities Centre, the Adventure Island Theme Park and the
Sea-Life Adventure Aquarium, everyone of all ages will be kept entertained all day.
Travel is by coach and will be subsidised for Sandhills and Billington Park residents. Prices will be
confirmed in the next Newsletter. The date of the trip is Saturday 16 August. This is three days after the
Community House’s Annual Family Fun Day which is on Wednesday 13 August.
Contact the Community House for further information about the outings and to reserve a place on one or
both of them. Please let us know if you would like to volunteer to help with organising either of the trips.
6 Plover Road, Sandhills LU7 4AW
01525 374600
[email protected]
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Forthcoming Events at the Community House
Ramp up the Red for the British Heart Foundation
Calling all those aged 13 to 18 years! Come and volunteer to volunteer to cook up a
storm during February half-term and then sell your wonderful red creations in aid of
the British Heart Foundation. It depends on people like you, standing up and showing
you are red-dy to fight for every heartbeat.
The cooking sessions are on Monday 17 February at 10.00am to 12.00pm and on Thursday 20
February at 2.00pm to 4.00pm. Free refreshments are provided. The cakes will be sold on Saturday 22
February outside the British Heart Foundation Shop in Leighton Buzzard. For more information or to
book a place, contact Kate Bygrave on 01525 850559; 07825 205116; [email protected]
Movie Afternoon and Evenings for young people
Young people aged 12 to 18 are very welcome at these free movie sessions either by
themselves or with friends. The sessions and the refreshments (including popcorn) are free.
They are on Monday 17 February at 2.00pm to 4.00pm and on Friday 28 February and
28 March at 7.00pm to 9.00pm. To book a place, contact Ashleigh James on 07557
149316; [email protected]
Games Afternoon for children aged 7 to 11 years old
For all those 7 to 11 year olds, if you are bored at half-term and fancy an afternoon of
playing traditional and new board games, making new friends and challenging each
other along the way, then come along to the Community House. Come on your own or
bring a friend if you want to.
The games afternoon is on Wednesday 19 February at 2.00pm to 4.00pm. Free
refreshments are provided. For more information or to book a place, contact the
Community House.
Whole Tooth Dental Hygiene Information Sessions
A local dentist practice, Whole Tooth situated in Grovebury Road,
is offering dental health and hygiene information sessions.
Qualified members of staff will be on hand to answer any dental
related questions and to offer free oral hygiene, diet and teeth
related advice. If you would like to know more about dental health for you and your family, come along
for a chat to one of these sessions.
Whole Tooth dentists will be at the Community House on Tuesday 25 February at 10.00am to
12.30pm and at the Baby and Toddler Group on Wednesday 12 March at 10.00am to 11.00am.
Nichiren Buddhist group
If you would like to find out more about Buddhism, come along
to an introductory session of this Buddhist group. There will be
a short talk covering the basic principles of Nichiren
Daishonin's Buddhism which will be followed by an informal
chat with refreshments. Everyone is welcome.
The Group meets once a month on the third Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm to 8.30pm. The dates
for the next two months are Wednesday 19 February and 19 March.
Gardening Talk
A Sandhills resident, who is an expert gardener, will be discussing: spring in the garden; summer
preparation; seasonal fruit, vegetables and herbs.
It is on Wednesday 23 April at 7.30pm to 9.00pm. Contact the Community House to book a place
and to email any gardening questions.
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Meeting Space ● Community Café ● Volunteering ● Information ● Community Groups ● Social Activities
Forthcoming Events at the Community House
Cooking on a Budget Course for adults
This is a FREE six-week course for people who are on a low income or on benefits and who
want to learn how to cook some affordable dishes so that they can reduce their food budget.
Each week participants learn how to prepare a healthy low cost dish to take home and also
gain ideas on how to eat more cheaply and healthily.
All ingredients for the recipes are provided FREE OF CHARGE together with a basics pack
containing oils, herbs, spices, etc. There are additional giveaways and bi-weekly competitions
with prizes.
Beth the tutor (see photograph above) is very entertaining and her classes are informal and easy to follow.
Starting on Thursday 27 February the course is on Thursdays at 1.15pm to 3.15pm. A FREE crèche is
provided. Contact the Community House to book a place. For more information about the course,
contact Beth McCausland: 07738 240619; [email protected]
The Southern Residents Group
This group was set up by a group of residents for those who live in Billington Park and Sandhills, to help
create a truly sustainable community.
The next meeting of the Southern Residents Group is on Wednesday 5 March 2014 at 7.30pm.
Issues regarding the Billington Park and Sandhills estates will be covered. An agenda will be
released nearer the time. All residents are very welcome. The forum is apolitical.
For further information visit: www.facebook.com/southernresidents;
www.southernresidents.org.uk; [email protected]
Sandhills Carnival Float Committee
The Sandhills community have entered a float at the
annual Leighton-Linslade Carnival only twice, and have
been successful on both occasions. Last year they won
second prize and in 2012 they won first prize in the Open
Category.
Planning to repeat the success of the last two years, the
Sandhills residents are getting together again and would
like to hear from anyone who would like to be involved
and work in a team to produce another winner at this year’s carnival, which will feature floats on fairy stories.
If you would like to help with this year’s float, please contact the Community House.
An Introduction to Digital Photography
For the third year running, Melvyn Fenton, a Sandhills resident, has very kindly offered to run this popular
course. The four-week digital photography course is suitable for beginners as well as experts and will
cover topics such as: understanding and using the digital camera; useful accessories; practical points for
better photographs; viewing, storing and processing digital photographs. Please bring your digital camera
to the sessions.
The course is free and is on Thursdays at 7.45pm to 9.00pm from 1 to 29 May, except 15 May. To
enrol on the course, contact the Community House.
Quiz Social Evening
This is a very popular event with residents. You can either enter a team of six or join other
residents to make up a team. Tickets cost £6.50 per person and include entry to the quiz, food and
first drink. Further drinks may be purchased. There is a cash prize for the winning team.
The next one is on Friday 9 May at 7.45pm to 10.00pm. To purchase a ticket, contact the
Community House.
Meeting Space ● Community Café ● Volunteering ● Information ● Community Groups ● Social Activities
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Regular Events at the Community House for children/families
Music, Movement and Rhyme
This involves singing action songs and story time for
children aged 0 to 5 years and their parents and carers.
It is free and there is no need to book.
It is on Thursdays at 10.45am.
Baby Ballet Classes
Run by Amy’s Dance Academy, these classes are for
children aged 18 months to 4 years and focus on
movement to music.
The sessions are in term-time only and are at
10.00am to 10.45am on Tuesdays or at 1.30pm to
2.15pm on Fridays. The first session is free, classes
are £3.50 thereafter. To book a place, contact the
Community House.
Baby and Toddler Group
Two Sandhills residents run this group which
offers a chance for children aged 0 to 3 years to
play, and for parents/carers to meet and chat.
Different activities are available each week.
The group meets at 10.00am to 11.20am on
Wednesdays. The cost is £1.00 for an adult
and first child; and 50p for each additional
child or adult. No need to book.
Al the Music Man
After-school Ballet Classes
Run by Amy’s Dance Academy, these after-school
ballet classes are the next step up from the baby ballet
classes and follow the ISTD Pre-Primary Syllabus.
The classes are on Wednesdays during termtime. Classes for 4-5 year olds are at 4.00pm to
4.30pm; and for 6-7 year olds, they are at 4.30pm
to 5.00pm. The first session is free, classes are
£3.50 thereafter. To book a place, contact the
Community House.
Dance Classes
These dance classes are for children aged 3 to 4
years and consist of routines set to upbeat pop music.
They are a good introduction to dance or just
enjoyable for those already taking dance classes.
The classes are on Mondays in term-time only at
2.00pm to 2.45pm The first session is free,
classes are £3.50 thereafter. To book a place,
contact the Community House.
Homemade Cooked Teas
Once a week, the Community Café provides cooked teas
for children after school. Debbie, the Community Café
Chef, cooks a variety of children’s teatime favourites.
Cooked teas are available on Wednesdays during
term-time from 3.30pm to 4.45pm. They cost £1.60
per child; adult portions are available. Places must
be booked with the Community House.
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These sessions are for children aged 0 to
5 years old. Music develops language,
physical and social skills.
Sessions are at 11.00am to 12.00pm on
Tuesdays in term time. Classes are £4.00 per
family payable on the door. No need to book.
Children’s Cookery Classes
Tummytastic runs cooking and
baking classes for children aged 59 years old and they learn how to
cook from scratch. As these
classes have a healthy twist to
them, they are encouraged to cook healthy tasty
foods. Ingredients and cooking utensils are
provided.
The classes are monthly on Saturday 8
February and 8 March at 10.00am to 11.30am.
They cost £6.00 per child with a 10% discount
for siblings. Parents do not need to stay with
their children. The children need to bring a
Tupperware box for their baked goods. Places
must be booked with the Community House.
Baby Massage Courses
These courses show parents how to massage
each part of their baby’s body correctly. Babies
must have had their first health check and must
not be mobile.
To book a place or for information, contact
the Children’s Centre on 01525 384368.
Meeting Space ● Community Café ● Volunteering ● Information ● Community Groups ● Social Activities
Regular Events at the Community House for adults
Bike Maintenance Workshop
This workshop is an ideal opportunity to learn how to
look after, maintain, and tweak your bike. Adults,
and accompanied children of any age or experience,
are welcome to come along with their bikes. There
will be the opportunity to learn a variety of
techniques such as: checking your own bike; fixing
punctures; adjusting brakes and gears; cleaning and
oiling; adding equipment (lights, racks, bottles).
The workshop is on every third Saturday of the
month on 15 February and 15 March at 10.00am
to 11.30am. Each session costs £1.00 per person
which includes light refreshments. For more
information or to book a place, contact Peter
Horry 01525 377627; [email protected]
Sandhills Singers
If you have ever wanted to sing with others but
been too scared, this free choir may be the answer.
Run by a local resident, it is open to everyone and
there are no auditions. No need to book.
The choir is on Tuesdays at 7.15pm to 8.45pm.
Over 50’s Group
If you are aged over 50 and are free during the day,
and you fancy meeting others while enjoying some
light refreshments, then come along to this free group.
Sessions are on every Tuesday at 2.00pm to
3.30pm. No need to book.
Yoga classes
The practice of yoga brings strength and flexibility to
the body, and helps to balance the emotions.
Classes are at 7.30pm to 9.00pm on Mondays in
term time and cost £6.00. Places must be booked.
Please wear loose, comfortable clothing. Bring a
non-slip mat and a light blanket for relaxation.
Sandhills Book Club
This is for people who enjoy reading and who
want to meet up to discuss books (supplied by
Leighton Buzzard Library) that they have all read.
This free club meets at 7.30pm to 8.45pm on
Monday 24 February and 24 March.
Information, Advice and Guidance at the Community House
Westminster Drug Project
Free confidential advice on drugs or alcohol is provided to individuals and to families.
Sessions are on the first Thursday of the month at 10.00am to 11.00am. Contact
Chrissie on: 07587 635390; 01582 501781. 24/7 Helpline: 0800 085 1304.
Bromford Support
Drop-in sessions deliver free and confidential support on issues such as: housing; benefits; and debt.
Sessions are on Mondays at 10.00am to 11.30am. For more information, contact:
01582 476840; [email protected]
The Cambridge Weight Plan
This is a nutritionally complete formula food and is one of the world’s most successful weightloss programmes.
Sessions are on the first Tuesday of the month at 11.00am to 12.00pm. For more information, contact
Jayne Thomas: 01525 631839; 07974 907321; [email protected]
Citizens Advice Bureau
Confidential appointments with a CAB adviser can be arranged at the Community House.
Contact: Leighton-Linslade CAB, telephone: 01525 373878; www.LeightonLinsladeCab.org.uk
Homewatch Scheme for Sandhills
Homewatch and No Cold Calling seek to deter criminals and bogus callers from targeting your homes.
For more information, contact Faye Barrett: 01525 631922; [email protected]
Meeting Space ● Community Café ● Volunteering ● Information ● Community Groups ● Social Activities
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In and around the Community House
News from the Astral Park Sports and Community Centre
Mark Penton has recently been appointed as the Senior Centre Co-ordinator for the Astral
Park Sports and Community Centre and will be responsible for managing Astral Park. He is
currently based at Leighton-Linslade Town Council offices (The White House) until the
official opening of the Centre in the Spring. You may see him in and around the Astral Park
area and, if you do, please introduce yourself to him.
Enquiries about the Astral Park Centre are being taken by email and telephone. Several
groups have already shown interest in booking regular hall and room space. These include:
parent and toddler groups; group exercise instructors; martial art instructors; Mini Soccer;
Leighton Town FC; Leighton United FC; Tumble Tots; and Weight Watchers.
Mark is very excited about Astral Park and hopes everyone else is too. He will be keeping people up to date
with developments in forthcoming editions of House 2 House newsletters and will be visiting the Community
House on a regular basis to let residents know about the new facilities.
Come and meet Mark at the Community House on Tuesday 11 February at 10.30am to 12.30pm. For
details about Astral Park contact Mark: 01525 631910; [email protected]
Planning to get fitter in 2014?
A visit to Central Bedfordshire’s Travel Choices Hub in Ashton Square, Dunstable may
be just what you need to get started. It offers a range of walking and cycling activities
which help residents to improve their fitness enjoyably.
If you want to get into walking, the Hub offers health walks throughout the year. Led by
experienced walkers, the walks are designed to be suitable for all levels. Taking in
beauty spots such as Houghton Hall Park and the Green Lanes around Dunstable,
they are an ideal chance to increase your fitness and to meet new people.
If you would like to cycle but need to build your confidence then the Hub’s led-bike rides could be for you.
Led by trained cycle leaders, they follow cycle routes and quieter roads, allowing participants to enjoy the
ride while building fitness. If you are interested in developing your cycling skills, Bikeability courses help
you cycle more efficiently and safely.
Prefer to go it alone? Then the Hub can provide a range of maps showing local walking and cycling routes.
For more information visit the Hub in Ashton Square, Dunstable or go to the Travel Choices
website at www.cbtravelchoices.co.uk. To travel to the Hub by bus, catch the Number 70 bus
opposite Linwood Grove (on Stanbridge Road); the stop is about a 15 minute walk from Sandhills.
Church of the Good Shepherd
Having started at the Community House as Messy Church, the
new Church of the Good Shepherd (part of the Church of
England) holds services every Sunday at Greenleas Kestrel
Way Lower School at 9.45am. They are as follows:
First and Third Sunday of the month: Communion with
Junior Church and Crèche
Second Sunday of the month: Messy Church
Fourth Sunday of the month: All Age Worship
For further details on any of the services, contact Paul on 01525 385897; [email protected]
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Meeting Space ● Community Café ● Volunteering ● Information ● Community Groups ● Social Activities
The Community House
Community House Café
If you fancy a light lunch or a piece of homemade cake in your
neighbourhood and you want to meet some people who live nearby, then
call into the Community Café where Debbie and her volunteers will
serve you light meals, cakes and drinks at very reasonable prices. A take
-away service is also available.
After-school homemade cooked teas are served on Wednesday
afternoons (see page 4 for further details).
The opening hours of the Café are:
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays: 10.00am-2.00pm;
Wednesdays: 11.30am-2.00pm.
.
Room Hire at the Community House
There are two rooms available for hire on an hourly or daily basis. They can be used for meetings, training
sessions or children’s parties. The cost is £12.00 per hour for one room and £18.00 per hour for two.
For further details and room availability contact the Community House.
Volunteering at the Community House
Volunteers are always needed to help with:
 delivering the
 helping with activities
newsletter
and events
 assisting in the
 organising activities
Community Café
and events
 helping at the Baby &
 setting up new groups
Toddler Group
Relevant training opportunities and qualifications are available to all those who volunteer.
Need further information or to contact us?
Contact the Community House
between 9.30am and 4.00pm Monday to Friday
6 Plover Road, Sandhills, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 4AW
01525 374600
[email protected]
Follow us on Facebook at:
Sandhills Community House Group or Page
Visit our website:
www.slb.uk.com/sandhills-community-house.html
House 2 House is published by Voluntary and Community Action (Charity No.1108879) on behalf of the Sandhills Community Action Project. Sandhills
Community House is operated by Voluntary and Community Action on behalf of Central Bedfordshire Council.
Meeting Space ● Community Café ● Volunteering ● Information ● Community Groups ● Social Activities
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Children’s/Families’ Activities
Calendar for February and March 2014
Adults’ Activities
Monday
3, 10, 24 February;
3, 10, 17, 31 March
7.30pm to 9.00pm
Yoga Class for adults.
Monday
10, 24 February;
3, 10, 17, 24, 31 March
2.00pm to 2.45pm
Modern Dance Group for children aged 3 to 4 years.
Monday
17 February
12.30pm to 1.15pm
Modern Dance Group for children aged 3 to 4 years.
Monday
17 February
10.00am to 12.00pm
‘Ramp up the Red’ Cooking for 13 to 18 year olds.
Monday
17 February
2.00pm to 4.00pm
Movie Afternoon for young people aged 12 to 18 years.
Monday
24 February; 24 March
7.30pm to 8.45pm
Book Club.
Tuesday
4, 11, 25 February;
4, 11, 18, 25 March
10.00am to 10.45am
Ballet Class for children aged from 18 months to 4 years.
Tuesday
4, 11, 25 February;
4, 11, 18, 25 March
11.00am to 12.00pm
Al the Music Man for children aged 0 to 5 years.
Tuesday
4, 11, 25 February;
4, 11, 18, 25 March
7.15pm to 8.45pm
Sandhills Singers Community Choir.
Tuesday
4, 11, 18, 25 February;
4, 11, 18, 25 March
2.00pm to 3.30pm
Over 50’s Group.
Tuesday
11 February
10.30am to 12.00pm
Meet the Astral Park Senior Centre Co-ordinator.
Tuesday
25 February
10.00am to 12.30pm
Dental Health Information Session for all the family.
Wednesday
5, 12, 19, 26 February;
5, 12, 19, 26 March
10.00am to 11.20am
Sandhills Baby and Toddler Group for children aged 0 to 3
years.
Wednesday
5, 12, 26 February;
5, 12, 19, 26 March
3.30pm to 4.45pm
Homemade cooked teas for children and their parents and
carers after school.
Wednesday
5, 12, 26 February;
5, 12, 19, 26 March
4.00pm to 4.30pm
Ballet Classes for children aged 4 to 5 years.
Wednesday
5, 12, 26 February;
5, 12, 19, 26 March
4.30pm to 5.00pm
Ballet Classes for children aged 6 to 7 years.
Wednesday
19 February
2.00pm to 4.00pm
Games Afternoon for children aged 7 to 11 years.
Wednesday
19 February; 19 March
7.30pm to 8.30pm
Buddhist Group.
Wednesday
5 March
7.30pm to 9.00pm
Southern Residents’ Group Meeting.
Wednesday
12 March
10.00am to 11.00am
Dental Health Information at the Baby and Toddler Group.
Thursday
6,13, 20, 27 February;
6,13, 20, 27 March
10.45am
Music, Movement and Rhyme for children aged 0 to 5 years.
Thursday
20 February
2.00pm to 4.00pm
‘Ramp up the Red’ Cooking for 13 to 18 year olds.
Thursday
27 February;
6,13, 20, 27 March
1.15pm to 3.15pm
Cooking on a Budget course for adults.
Friday
7, 14, 28 February;
7, 14, 21, 28 March
1.30pm to 2.15pm
Ballet Class for children aged from 18 months to 4 years.
Friday
28 February; 28 March
7.00pm to 9.00pm
Movie Evening for young people aged 12 to 18 years.
Saturday
8 February; 8 March
10.00am to 11.30am
Tummytastic Cookery for children aged 5 to 9 years.
Saturday
15 February; 15 March
10.00am to 11.30am
Bike Maintenance Workshop for all the family.
6 Plover Road, Sandhills LU7 4AW
01525 374600
[email protected]
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