CLAPHAM
VILLAGE NEWS
September/October/November 2009Issue 21
Clapham Show
& Fun Day
1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday 5th September
Clapham Village Hall
To be opened by
DAVID FLETCHER
of BBC’s ‘Flog It’
David will be valuing antiques, so bring yours along!
To exhibit in the show, ring Louise on 217532.
To secure a place for your stall, display or activity, ring John on 313404.
Clerk’s Report
The fishing platforms and a new path to allow disabled access to the platforms have now been installed in Riverside Gardens. Council has objected to the application for an incinerator on the Twinwood Business Park because of the impact of up to ninety HGV movements a day into and out of the site and to the application by Clapham Club to extend its opening hours to 3.30am seven days a week because of the impact on neighbouring residents. Council has supported the decision of Ursula Taylor Lower School in favour of a change to a two-tier education system. Consultation is currently underway on the number of councillors who should make up the Borough Council and consultation on the boundary of each electoral ward will follow later in the year.
We would also like to thank Mavis Nicholson, who has resigned from the Council due to other commitments, for her hard work over the last four years in particular as editor of the Village News. We welcome Mr. Brian Hewitt, who has recently joined the Council.
Playing Field Trust
Following discussion with the Charity Commission, it has been decided that the Trust can allow organisations to use the Field, excluding the Changing Rooms, free of charge. Therefore those organisations that are youth groups with members up to and including the age of eighteen only, which are not for profit organisations with 80% of the members resident in the parish of Clapham and whose aims support the Clapham parish community will not be charged.
Biogen Site
Residents have reported unpleasant smells from the Biogen site during the summer. Council has discussed the problem with Biogen, who have advised that they will not spread the digestate at weekends. However, if the problem persists residents may wish to contact Kate Lister, the Biogen Environment Manager direct on 01234 827241.
Articles for the Village News
This newsletter is published quarterly. Any articles for inclusion in Issue 22 can be dropped into the Parish Council Office or emailed to by 13th November. Please appreciate that, as there are space and budgetary restrictions, the editorial team reserve the right to amend or omit material.
Thank you
Thank you to everyone who voted for me to remain as your councillor at the elections in June. I really appreciate the time that those of you I met on the doorstep gave to me to tell me what you like and don’t like about living in Clapham. There were many issues which as your Unitary councillor I am following up and I hope to get back to any of you who asked for specific help with local issues, as soon as possible.
Waste incinerator at Twinwoods Business Park,
The developers of the Twinwoods business park,have recently submitted plans for an Energy from Waste (incinerator) plant which has the capacity to process 120,000 tons of waste a year and will generate at least 90 heavy goods lorry movements a day. Although the plans specify that the Milton Ernest access will be the main way into the site, the application does leave the way open to use Twinwoods Road which would mean a number of these lorries would be coming in through the village.
Two “open days” were arranged by the developer at the beginning of the school holidays to explain their plans, but as these were not widely advertised and were held during the holiday period, they were poorly attended. I have been informed that the plans are unlikely to come to the planning committee before late autumn so, if necessary I will set up some information meetings in September to let as many people as possibleknow about the consultation and planning process.
If you would like any further information, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I will be happy to give you any information that I have on this.
Jane Walker
07952 879587
Clapham Allotments
At the recent AGM, a new Allotment Committee was elected. Steven O’Driscoll remains as Chairman and John Breed has been elected as Vice-Chairman. Louise Marshall has resigned as Secretary and I would like to thank her for all her hard work over the last five years. Maria Dunne has taken her place and can be contacted on Mr. Brian Hewitt will be responsible for new plots and can be reached on 01234 262381. Anyone interested in viewing an allotment is welcome to visit between 10.00am and 12.00 noon on Sundays.
Dog owners are reminded that all dogs should be kept on short leads when walking through the allotments to prevent damage to plots and harm to animals from fertilisers etc.
Steven O’Driscoll – 01234 404029
Chairman
The Sunshine Club
For our Senior Citizens held every Monday (except Bank Holidays) at Clapham Club. Play starts at 2pm, so be there from 1.30pm onwards. Bingo, raffles, lottery syndicate and bonus number draws along with tea and chatter with new friends. Come and have a trial session.
Contacts …. Mrs Joan Clark …… 01234 313297
Mrs Linda Shipp….. 01234 363097
Clapham Historical Association
Clapham Historical Association has had four interesting trips so far this season. The latest being to Danish Camp. Rather a wet start for those who decided to have a short walk first before lunch. We went in two groups for the recently started barge rides on the Great Ouse. The weather had perked up a bit by then and it was nice enough to sit outside and see the river sliding by. Downstream first as far as Willington Lock, an about turn then and up stream to Castle Mill lock, which is quite an impressive sight. A cream tea on board on the return journey finished a pleasant day out. Boughton House will have been visited by the time this goes to press. Still to come is our coach trip to Eton College. There are a few seats remaining, if interested ring the secretary.
Information….Chair Mollie Foster…..01234 350353
Secretary Jenny Mosley …01234 328454
Loak Family
I am researching my family roots at present and am looking for any information/stories or pictures of the Loak family who have lived in Clapham for three generations (mainly in The Warren).
My Great Grandparents are
William Loak and Alice Florence Loak. William was the Green keeper at Clapham Golf Club from 1912-1926 after which he became the Steward/Grounds person at the Bedford Bowls Club. Also from about 1926 they ran the public house in Clapham called The Star. Their Children were Francis, Walter, Frederick, Jack, William, Cyril, Flora, Jean and Norman
William Edward Loak (Bill) and his wife Gladys Mary Ellen Loak (Nell) ran the Star after his father from about 1952.
If any one has any stories or pictures about the Loak family that they would not mind me seeing please contact me. It would be much appreciated
Many Thanks
Michael Loake
01462 712567or
Clapham Village Hall
The Village Hall is owned by the residents of Clapham and is managed by a body of elected trustees and governed by the Charities Commission.
The trustees are responsible for the upkeep of the hall and the car park is the responsibilty of the Parish Council. Managing the site includes the finances, bookings, internal and external repairs, improvements and caretaking. The Village Hall Management Committee is a separate entity from the Parish Council and is self-funding. Audited accounts are forwarded annually to the Charities Commission and displayed on their webpage
Your regular attendance is neededto enable Clapham Village Hall to operate successfully andto remain solvent. It is the centre of the community and we need to keep the hall running not only for ourselves, but for the benefit of any future generations. Bookings are always very welcome.
All enquiries can be made via our bookings clerk: Mr DelBoyer on 01234 348378.
Pam Williams -Secretary
Email: (Charity No: 1058419)
Bedfordshire Walking Festival 2009
In the 9 days between 5th and 13th September over 60 walks will take place ranging from 1-3 mile Walks4Health, interest rambles, 5-7 mile half day walks, 12 mile full day walks to a 40 mile 3 day trip across Bedfordshire along the Greensand Ridge Path. The Festival makes use of public transport wherever practical and in particular the Marston Vale Railway line on the first weekend which includes a special Sunday service.
Please make a note in your Diary and join us for Bedfordshire’s First Walking Festival. The programme is available via the web site or via local Tourist Information Centres or by telephoning 01234 353704 (Office Hours Mon-Fri 9-00am to 6-00pm).
Barry Ingram on behalf of The Ramblers Bedfordshire Area.
Contact 01234 353704 or email .
Bedford Credit Union
The Bedford Credit Union is all about people helping people. It is a not-for-profit, financial co-operative, owned and run by its members, offering savings facilities and low cost loans. Any surpluses are returned to members as dividends or reinvested in the organisation. We wish to increase awareness of the services and benefits of the Credit Union in the villages and communities of Bedford, North and Mid Bedfordshire, such as Clapham, and provide the opportunity for new members to join and save regularly. We are also looking to recruit volunteers to spread the message in the community and workplace, and to set up and operate local Collection Points and Payroll Deduction Schemes.
We offer Savings Accounts for adults and children, where you can save as little or as much, and as often, as you want. You can save to cover planned or unexpected expenses or to help budget for household bills. You can deposit by cash, cheque, internet, standing order or payroll deduction, and have Benefits paid in directly.
Membership and regular saving gives you access to loans at low interest rates, with no additional fees. We offer a low-cost and hassle-free alternative to banks and doorstep lenders.
The project depends on the help and support of local people, by becoming members or by volunteering. We hope you will support us in establishing this valuable and beneficial service in your community.
If you need any further information or would like to become a member or volunteer, please contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.
Bedford Credit Union
6 St Paul’s Square
Bedford
MK40 1SQ
Tel : 01234-346352
Email :
Website :
MoneyActive
As part of a new service offered by Citizens Advice, the Bedfordshire Bureaux are seeking volunteers to be part of a team to provide basic financial education to community groups and individuals.
Called MoneyActive, theproject aims to encourage people to manage their finances more effectively and help people take control before they reach crisis point.
If you’re looking for the opportunity tolearn new skills and develop existing ones, this project offers roles asa:
Trainer,a CourseAssistant, Marketeer or Administrator
Volunteers will receive free training with all expenses paid, as well as the opportunityto be part of a friendly team and work closely with your local community?
All sorts of people volunteer for theCAB, but one thing that unites them all is that they find it challenging, rewarding and variedand you never stop learning.
We're looking for a minimum commitment of 5 hours per week and volunteers will be attached to their nearest bureau. So if you'd like to be part of this team then please contact:
Pauline Mitchelmore
MoneyActive VolunteerCo-ordinator
Email:
Tel: 01462 819570 / 07798 692086
YOUR FLOOD WARNING SERVICE
The Environment Agency has improved its flood warning service in Clapham. You will now receive a warning specifically for the village. When the warning is issued the Environment Agency expects properties in the at risk area to flood.
To support this change the Environment Agency, along with your local council and the National Flood Forum will be in the Village Hall on Tuesday 8th September between 3.30 and 8.00p m. There will be presentations on preparing for, during and recovering from a flood at 3.45pm, 5.15pm and 6.55pm so come along to the free drop in and find out what you can do if your home floods.
Refreshments will be provided as well as a kids’ activity corner.
Environment Agency
Memories of an Ex-Clapham Girl
When John Howard died in 1940 it brought to an end the Manor way of life in Clapham. The Howards had lived at the Manor since James Howard had it built in 1973. This meant that a number of staff were made redundant. Amongst them was the butler Robert Richards who lived at the South Lodge in Clapham Park with his wife Naomi, whom he met at the Manor while she was working as the cook.
Robert and Naomi Richards had three daughters, Rose the eldest and twins Norah and Eva. I correspond with Eva, now Eva Stewart, who lives in Iowa in America. Eva told me how life was simple living at the Lodge House in the 1930s, they were lovely and wonderful times she said. She also told me about her and her sisters walking down the long Carriage Drive and down Green Lane, carrying a wicker basket with their lunches in it to Clapham School. It must have been lovely in the summer time listening to the various bird songs and the caw of the rooks and crows above the trees, but in winter time it wouldn’t have been so nice walking in all that rain, rough winds or snow, even with an umbrella. Eva’s mother was always at home to greet her and her sisters, and made all their clothes.
At lunch time on sunny days the girls would ask the headmaster, Mr Hands, for permission to leave the school so they could go down The Ford and have a little paddle around the water lilies. The water wasn’t very deep at that time in summer and Rose, the elder sister, always took good care of her twin sisters Eva and Norah.
South Lodge, like the rest of Clapham, didn’t have gas or the electricity laid on at this time in the late 1920s and early 1930s. The house was lit by oil lamps and candles and the heating came from the open coal fires, and as a treat on a Sunday evening after church they would have hot cocoa.
Eva has many happy memories of the times she and her sisters would spend in the large woods that were in Clapham Park. They would see nuts on the trees and flowers such as primroses, bluebells and wild irises, and animals such as deer, rabbits and squirrels. One of the main highlights for the sisters in summer time was when the Howard family went on their holidays. The maids would invite them to the Manor to have tea and look over the house. This was a real treat for the sisters.
When John Howard died and the Howards’ daughters moved, the Richards family had to move out. It was during this time that World War II had started, with most of the young men and women being called up into the Forces. The Richards moved into a house in Clapham High Street and lived there throughout the war years.
The Manor was taken over by the Manor House Hospital, and used to treat wounded soldiers and for convalescence.
Eva met Corporal Orville W. Stewart, who was with the Eighth Army Air Force based at Milton Ernest at the time. (Orville met Glen Miller there.) Orville and Eva married in 1945 in Clapham Church. Afterwards, Eva and Orville went to live in Iowa, U.S.A. Orville has since died, but they had a daughter, Cheryl, son Greg and grandchildren
Eva says that although she has lived most of her life in the States, she has never forgotten her home and schooling in Clapham which will always be her home. She says ‘Blest be the tie that binds.’
John Pickering
DIARY OF EVENTS
Any information for inclusion in the diary should be sent to the editorial team at or to The Village Hall.
Regular Events
MondayBaby College
Methodist
Church Hall
Term Time
Only / Mike’s Line Dancing
1.30 -2.30pm
Village Hall / Sunshine Club
1.30 - 4.00pm Clapham Club / Beavers 6.00 - 7.30pm Scout Hut Term Time Only / Royal British
Legion
7.30pm
Second Monday of Month / Mike's Line Dancing Beginners 7.00- 8.30pm
Intermediate 8.30-10.00pm Village Hall
Tuesday
Melody Makers
9.30-11am
4 months -
5 years
Scout Hut
All year / Rainbows 4.30 - 6.00pm Methodist Church Hall Term Time Only / Brownies 6.00 - 7.30pm Methodist Church Hall Term Time Only / Clapham Ladies 7.30pm Village Hall First Tuesday of Month / Clapham Parish Council 7.30pm Village Hall Third Tuesday of Month
Wednesday
School for Seniors
9.15am – 4.00pm
Methodist Church
Autumn & Spring terms / Mike's Line
Dancing
Beginners
1.30 - 2.30pm
Village Hall / Ballet/Modern Dance 4.30 - 8.30pm Methodist Church Hall Term Time Only / Cubs 6.45 - 8.15pm Scout Hut Term Time Only / Weight Watchers 7.00pm Village Hall
Thursday
Slimming World 6.00 - 7.00pm Methodist Church Hall / Mike's Line Dancing Beginners 6.30 - 7.30pm
Intermediate 8.30 - 9.30pm Village Hall / Kick Boxing 7.30 - 8.30pm Village Hall
Friday
Tumble Tots9.30am - 12.00 noon
Village Hall
Term Time
Only / Scouts 7.00 -9.00pm Scout Hut Term Time Only / Youth Club 7.00 - 9.30pm Methodist Church Hall Fortnightly Term Time Only
Other Events