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As we approach Christmas, I hope you will take a little time to leaf through your parish newsletter and find some exciting things to see you through the winter months - if not veggies from the new farm shop, then maybe an evening finding out all you didn't know about Lawrence of Arabia, (apart from the fact that he really did look a lot like Peter O’Toole,) then start the New Year as you mean to go on by getting into shape for the 2017 Flits either running around Flitton Moor, or indulging in some healthy Pilates, or even just a hair cut to set you up for another fun evening, this time at the Panto. A strange selection? Well they are all things that you will find within these pages! This month’s cover pic is Cobbett Lane leading to the field beyond - still a field at time of going to press… One feature of this front page over the years has been to explain a bit about our different church services, and in January we have a new-look service to tempt you - Cafe Church. What is that, I hear you ask? Well it’s a bit like a coffee morning with a difference. Starting from 10.30am, coffee, croissants etc will be served. There will be an activity area for children which can be messy and noisy. At 11am for anyone who wants to [and you don't have to] Rev Dave will lead a quiet time for prayers and reflections. The coffee and activity area will carry on until about 12. Come for part or all of the time - feel free to pop in for coffee and stay a short while. CRYPTIC CHRISTMAS QUIZ… But before all that, there is still the great Flitton Christmas Quiz to look forward to - copies of this fiendish festive treat can be got from Simon Sadler (861727) at £2 per entry, you just need to fill in all the answers correctly (good luck with that) and return your sheet to Simon by 7 th Jan. It’s a Christmas Day tradition in our family now, and maybe yours too? Christmas wishes from The Rev Dave, the PCC, The Parish Council, all Flitnmore Contributors and of course me - keep reading! M ore F lit

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Page 1: Flit More - flittonandgreenfieldparishcouncil.gov.uk

As we approach Christmas, I hope you willtake a little time to leaf through your parishnewsletter and find some exciting things to seeyou through the winter months - if not veggiesfrom the new farm shop, then maybe anevening finding out all you didn't know aboutLawrence of Arabia, (apart from the fact thathe really did look a lot like Peter O’Toole,) thenstart the New Year as you mean to go on bygetting into shape for the 2017 Flits eitherrunning around Flitton Moor, or indulging insome healthy Pilates, or even just a hair cut toset you up for another fun evening, this time atthe Panto. A strange selection? Well they areall things that you will find within these pages!This month’s cover pic is Cobbett Lane leadingto the field beyond - still a field at time of goingto press…

One feature of this front page over the yearshas been to explain a bit about our differentchurch services, and in January we have anew-look service to tempt you - Cafe Church.What is that, I hear you ask? Well it’s a bit likea coffee morning with a difference. Starting

from 10.30am, coffee, croissants etc will beserved. There will be an activity area forchildren which can be messy and noisy. At11am for anyone who wants to [and you don'thave to] Rev Dave will lead a quiet time forprayers and reflections. The coffee and activityarea will carry on until about 12. Come for partor all of the time - feel free to pop in for coffeeand stay a short while.

CRYPTIC CHRISTMAS QUIZ… But before allthat, there is still the great Flitton ChristmasQuiz to look forward to - copies of this fiendishfestive treat can be got from Simon Sadler(861727) at £2 per entry, you just need to fillin all the answers correctly (good luck with that)and return your sheet to Simon by 7th Jan. It’sa Christmas Day tradition in our family now,and maybe yours too?

Christmas wishes fromThe Rev Dave, the PCC,The Parish Council,all Flitnmore Contributorsand of course me - keep reading!

MoreFlit

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From Your Parish Council ...Keep up to date with what’s going on inFlitton, Greenfield and Wardhedges

I make no apologies for commencing my report as “Furious from Flitton” Most ofyou will have heard by now about the decision from the Planning Inspectorate tooverturn the original decision of CBC Planners to reject the application for up to24 houses in Greenfield Rd Flitton between Oakley’s Bacon Curers andSmokers and the bottom of Sand Road. There were so many sound reasons forthis application being rejected and it seems grossly unfair that someone wholives hundreds of miles away should go against the 50 residents who wrote tooppose this and of course the CBC Planners. I honestly believe that had theInspector lived nearby the decision would have been different as some of theconclusions reached are very questionable.Sadly there is nothing more we can do about this because a Judicial ReviewAppeal to the High Court is way beyond the means of both CBC and the ParishCouncil. Quite frankly the PC feel assaulted on all sides as more and moreplanning applications come forward and all we can do is to continue to fightgreedy developers and landowners and strongly oppose what we considerinappropriate planning applications. It is so important that we all get involved inthis otherwise we are in danger of losing our “small village” status which wevalue so much.We have, out of interest, calculated the total number of dwellings on recentplanning applications which are either still awaiting a decision or which havebeen rejected and this amounts to 79 new dwellings not including infill sites.Don’t forget, even though Central Beds may have refused an application, therecan still be an Appeal, as we have found out, and we still need people to rallyround and write in to make sure local views are heard.On this subject we are now 2 parish councillors short in Greenfield whichcreates an extra strain on the existing councillors and I would therefore askGreenfield residents to search their consciences and consider putting theirnames forward to be elected or co-opted on to the Council. The next planningapplication could affect your property value and the peaceful and quietenjoyment of your home and we need support to keep fending off theseapplications. There are a number of current planning applications in the Parishwhich we consider are inappropriate and which we will be strongly opposing, butnumbers make a difference and we need YOUR support too.If you really do not feel able to put your name forward, then please at least offerto help our Neighbourhood Plan team who are working closely with Pulloxhill sothat we can have more of a say in our planning future. I make no apologies forthis rant, there are over 1400 people living in this Parish and we only need 10Parish Councillors, we have five for Flitton and only three for Greenfield – soplease offer to help defend your village.

Continued inside back page…

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Services for Christmas and beyondat St John the Baptist, Flitton…

Sun 4th December 4.00 p.m. Christingle - a magical children’s service; each child re-ceives an orange with a lighted candle, sweets and driedfruit to symbolise Christ in the world.

Sun 11th December 9.30 a.m. Advent Holy Communion for all the family

Fri 16th December 2 p.m. Greenfield Lower School Nativity Service

Sunday 18th December 6.30 p.m. Carols by Candlelight - a service of Carolsand Christmas readings and poems.Come to the Church Hall at 6pmfor mulled wine and mince pies!

Thurs 22nd December 7.15 p.m. Carols Round the Christmas Tree Outside the WhiteHart. Come and join the choir to sing your favouritecarols - wrap up warm! Mince pies and mulled winecourtesy of the White Hart.

Sat 24th December 10.00 a.m Blessing of the Crib - for the very young and all thefamily. Come and marvel at our unusual woolly crib fig-ures - a short informal service with a chocolate tree deco-ration for little ones, and festive refreshments for all.Please Note; This is a new time for this service, and wehope that it will make a perfect start to Christmas forthose with small children!

9.30 p.m. First Communion of Christmas - with the Rev DaveBell. The choir will lead us in this most special of services- please come early as the church is always full.

Fri 25th December 9.30 a.m. Christmas Day Service at Pulloxhill (No service in Flitton)

Sunday 1st January No services in the Benefice - the church will be open forprivate prayer and reflection

Sunday 8th January 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion for Epiphany

Sunday 15th January 10.30 a.m. Cafe Church - a new service for Flitton - seefront page for more details!

Sunday 22nd January 8.30 a.m. Holy Communion - a shorter service from the Book ofCommon Prayer

Sunday 29th January 10 a.m. Three Churches Holy Communion Service at Silsoe - noservice at Flitton

NB Mothering Sunday in 2017 is on Sunday 26th March, and Easter Sunday is 16th April

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I offer you a warm welcome to St John theBaptist, Flitton over this Christmas season.We have so much happening over theDecember weeks as we head towards ‘TheBig Day’!Across our Benefice of Flitton, Pulloxhilland Silsoe, we have a wide variety ofevents - Christingles, Carol Services, Cribservices, Midnight Mass and of courseChristmas Day. Something to suiteveryone!Whether you just come along atChristmas, or are visiting friends here, orare perhaps curious about what ishappening in our churches or regularlyattend our services, it would be great tosee you and greet you at the door andwelcome you into our lovely church.In amongst the mayhem and chaos of theChristmas season, why not take a momentto see what is happening. Including…

It can be difficult enough to make roomfor Jesus during the year but as Christmasapproaches it seems even moreimpossible. offers aguilt free approach for time pressuredpeople to step inside Scripture andencounter Jesus in new ways.This gathering is aimed to prepareourselves by bible study, group discussionand time in prayer, the four sessions takethe following themes:

When and where?

at The Vicarage, Fir Tree Road, Silsoe

at Flitton Church Hall

at The Barn, 7a High Street, Pulloxhill

at 1 Silbury Court, SilsoeAll 7.30pm – 9pm

On a final thought let us remember theChristmas story and its relevance today.Christ was very much born in poverty, hewas later to become a refugee. ThisChristmas, let us also remind ourselvesthat people still find themselves asrefugees looking for a roof over theirheads, vulnerable and isolated. Perhapsshare this prayer in a quiet moment overthe Christmas season for those who arecold and homeless.

Wishing you a merry Christmas

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The Friends of Flitton and Greenfield Church

CHRISTMASCARD 2016This year’s FriendsChristmas card featuresa snowy view of thechurch and pubtaken in Brook Laneby Bob Pledger.As usual, the cards areavailable in packs of 10(with envelopes) at£5 per pack.This year’s card issquare, 15x15cm.Contact Angela on01525 860723 ormartandang@btinternet.

“Come and Meet Santa”Children’s Christmas Party

Sunday 11th December3pm to 5pm

Flitton Church Hall

£10 per child

Party tea and a gift for every childGames, disco and fancy dress competition

Pay bar with mulled wine and mince pies for adults

Contact [email protected] or Caroline on 07749 836245(All profits to the Friends of Flitton Church)

LAST FEWPACKS!

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David ASemple

Domestic Electrical Services

Friendly service for everything fromreplacement light fittings and extra

sockets tocomplete rewires

Free estimates(01525) 71751907742 662462

Save the date!NOTICE OF THE 13TH

Annual Flitton Flits Family Fun Runs5K Fun Run, Junior 1 mile run

and under 7s’ Flit Sprint

Monday 1st May 2017Time to get yourself fit for a great run around

Flitton & Flitwick Moors over a flat cross-country routeThe event is a great day out for the whole community, which finishes

with prize giving and a BBQ at the White Hart pub.Please let the organisers know

if you can help in any way.Look out for entry forms in local pubs,

or use the address below for email copyFor more information or offers of help please contact David Sedgley

on 01525714961 or Jen Fisher on 01525 713917 Email [email protected]

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Friday February 24th 2017Flitton Church Hall at 7.30pm

Dr Faulkner is an eminent historian and archaeologist. He iseditor of Military History Monthly, an author, TV presenter

on Time Team and other programmes. He is co director ofThe Great Arab Revolt project in Jordan.

Cash bar and raffle All proceeds to St John the Baptist Church, Flitton

Tickets £10 from Margaret on 01525 [email protected]

Lawrence of ArabiaAn illustrated talk by Dr Neil Faulkner

Silsoe Drama Club PresentsA Pantomime by Ben Crocker

Fri 3 February 2017 at 7.30pm, Sat 4 February 2017 at 3pm & 7.30pmTickets £10 and £8 children under 16 (free snack for children on Friday)

Box Office 07977 740953or online at silsoedramaclub.com (booking fee applies)

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John Samuel Crawley - RAF Pilot and Local Artist(4th June 1921 to 31st March 2014)I first got to know Jack when I encountered him painting watercolours on the Moor. I then usedto occasionally visit him at his home (Manor Cottage) as I knew he lived alone, but only talkedto him about his painting. Since he died I have discovered what an amazing man he was, andwhat a wide range of art he was accomplished in. Here is the second part of the obituary writtenby his nephew (Len Aspinal) for his memorial barn on the moor – please visit the barn if youwant to read the whole thing or see more of his artwork. David Sedgley

In the autumn issue, Jack had just arrived in Canada on Christmas Day 1942…Shortly after a period of little real activity, they all headed by train to Ponca City, Oklahoma.There he flew Stearmans and Harvards.During his time at Ponca City he spent many hours practising night flights at very low altitude,clearly a pre-cursor for his activities on his return to the UK in January 1944. There is amysterious 8 months gap no doubt putting into practice all that he learnt about night flying atlow altitude. Hedge hopping as he called it. This was a period of his life that he rarely talkedabout. He then resumes after D Day flying Oxfords, Hurricanes, Mustangs and Spitfires – bothMark IX as well as Mark XVIs.One of his highlights after the war ended was to take one of the Mark XVI Spitfires up to ChurchFenton in Yorkshire and bring it out for the crowds at the Battle of Britain air display, putting ona marvellous aerobatic display. The day job at this point consisted of weather tests at 30,000feet in the Spits and also test work for the new airport that was later to become Heathrow.He later joined 245 Squadron, based at Colerne, as a Meteor Jet test pilot, as part of the RAF’sfirst Jet Fighter Wing. He was demobbed in 1946 and returned to Civvy Street and picked upwhere he left off at Commer Cars as an illustrator, a disappearing skill today and with the adventof computers and CAD. We will not see such skills as Jack possessed again.

Drawing by Jack of a Nortonbike, showing his skills as atechnical draughtsman

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He moved from Commer Cars in 1949, when he joined Percival, at Luton Airport. Whilst atPercival, he made many friends with whom he remained in contact until the very end.In 1952, he moved to Temple Press until 1957 at which point he became freelance and neverlooked back. He was every small boys hero (and some girls too) for being an ex-RAF pilot butalso a keen motorcyclist. He was also something of a mystery as he used to work from his studioupstairs in Ash Road and was never to be disturbed, according to his mother. Nobody told Jackthat so he was always surprised that someone was there if he came downstairs. He would alwaysask, “Why did nobody tell me you were here?” Jack moved his father and mother along withhimself to Flitton in Spring 1963 to his much loved Manor Cottage here in Brook Lane. Thusproviding further opportunities to make many more new friends. He thoroughly enjoyed regularvisits to the Moor to observe, sketch and paint in all weathers come rain or shine.I mentioned his love of motorbikes, encouraged at an early age by his brother George. It was apastime, during which he made so many friends. He was still riding until just a few years prior tohis passing. Indeed he only stopped riding a motor scooter a matter of months before his deathin March 2014, just 3 months short of being 93. He had a number of vintage motorbikes. Somefrom new, or almost new at acquisition. He had amongst others a Rudge Ulster, Vellocettes – aMAC version, his beloved KTS (Dotty) and the KTT racing machine. He also had a ‘modern’ 1960BMW R50 from new. He travelled the length and breadth of the British Isles, Isle of Man andmany trips to Ireland on his bikes. His gear was somewhat unusual but effective.He enjoyed the natural world; you only have to look at his sketches and paintings to appreciatethis love. He had an astonishing range of subject matters from delicate watercolours to verytechnical engineering drawings. He specialised in cut-aways revealing the inner workings ofengines and planes.His artistic talents of course speak for themselves, as was self evident to all. Jack though wasalways very reluctant to blow his own trumpet and was always self-effacing and self-deprecatingof his own abilities. He would often say that if there were two ways of doing something he wouldpick the wrong way or the longer way. However, his ability to draw and paint is legendary and heleaves a legacy for people to enjoy and remember him by for many years to come.Jack, although single, was a family man and was always interested in what other members ofthe extended and extensive family were doing. Making a note in his diary, he would alwaysremember and made you feel important and loved. He would recall where you had been for yourholidays and when you were due back. If you came with photos, and woe betide if you didn’t, youwould be met with a whoop of delight and an exclamation of “whizzo’ or “well I’m blowed”. Hewas a most compassionate man, a remarkable man – a friend to many and an uncle to all hisnephews and nieces and a Godfather to many more.Jack Crawley packed a great deal of adventure and action into his 92 years. He would have beentouched by the thought of having a barn named after him but he would have hated all the fuss.I would like to end this short history with a quote and Uncle Jack’s favourite motto. It is certainlysentiments that he shared and subscribed to in abundance.“Since life so soon must close, would we retain the hope of living to our friends again? Let eachsucceeding day which speeds so fast, afford some leisure to record the past. To note with pencil,or describe with pen, the works of nature or the ways of men, so that, when summoned from theirchangeful scene, these records may declare we once have been.”

Reverend John Skinner 1772-1839.

Prepared for the Friends of Flitton Moor by Jack’s nephew.Len AspellJune 2016

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Personally PilatesSmall Class Pilates or 1 to 1 sessions

Who is Pilates good for? ….Everyone!Small is beautiful which is why I keep my

classes this way. You will get more personalattention, see bigger improvements, easierto stay motivated and focused and a very

safe environment for all levels.

Classes to be starting in September inFlitton, Silsoe and Barton

Please call Charlotte 07801 367967to register as spaces will be limited.

Max 8 per class� It's gentle but also challenging� It's a total body workout� Improve your posture andstabilise your core� Reduces stress� Injury rehabilitation

M 07801 367967 E [email protected]

NAO Catteries07411 [email protected]

● Fully Licensed & Approved● Heated Pens with Individual Outside Runs● Mon-Fri 9-11 to 6-7 Sat 9-11● Collection & Delivery Service Available

Bramble Lodge, 29 Oakley Road,Clapham, Bedford MK41 6AN

www.naocatteryservices.co.uk

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The White Hart at Flitton( 01525 862022 8 www.whitehartflitton.co.uk

Wishing You A Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Thursday 22nd DecemberSing your ‘hart’ out with Flitton Church Choir around

our Christmas Tree, starts 7.15 pm.Eat Mince Pies! Drink Mulled Wine! Xmas is nearly here!

Christmas Day & Boxing Day Drinkies11.30am – 1.30pm Xmas Day 12pm – 2pm Boxing Day

TwixmasNot eaten enough over Xmas? Lunch & Dinner 27th – 30th.

New Year’s DayLunch 12 - 3.45pm (last orders)

Continue your NYE celebrations over lunch shared withfamily and friends. (start your New Year’s Resolution on the 2nd)

Burns Night 2017Thursday 19th January - £37 per person

Bag Pipes. Haggis, Neeps & Tatties. 4 Course Dinner.

Valentine’s Day 2017Surprise yourself and book your table early for Valentine’s Weekend

- before you see the cards in the shops!

TWH Gift VouchersThe Perfect Xmas present….fully personalised & to any value.

Staff Vacancies…Part time bar, restaurant and kitchen vacancies available

in December & beyond.

For further details of all the above, please see our website –whitehartflitton.co.uk

Page 12: Flit More - flittonandgreenfieldparishcouncil.gov.uk

Laptop & ComputerPrinter, Server, Setup,

Repairs, Internet, Wireless,Virus Infection, Network,

Data Recovery, Home/OfficeComputer problems.

7 Day Services from £40.No Fix-No Fee

Qualified and ExperiencedWe Come to You

[email protected] 30631607925 338435

Jackie Laden(FHP chp)

23 yearsCHIROPODY

Experience

Foot CareFor corns, nail cutting, hard skin or

thick nails and much more!

CALL Jackie on 07717 791617

Clinic at The Tanning Station2 Steppingley Road,Flitwick, MK45 1AJ

or home visits available

FLITTON ACORNS HELP GREEN THE COUNTYThis Autumn,pedestrians along the High Street south of the church will have noticed thethousands of huge, shiny acorns dropping from our oak tree. As they have proved to be of highquality and derived from good, old stock, the project manager (Colin Carpenter) from theCommunity Tree Trust based in the CBC Tree Nursery in Clophill has collected sack loads forgermination over the last ten years. Prior to planting in seed trays,the acorns are sorted (oftenby local school children) to remove any with holes or galls and weighed. Records are kept. Ourtree has its own data base! The following Autumn theseedlings are potted up for two to three years and thenare available for purchase by farmers, landowners,PC`s and The Forest of Marston Vale. Some seedlingsare grown on for longer as specimen trees for use asmemorials or avenues. Our tree is estimated to bearound 200 years old and was once one of many in ahedgerow lining the High Street. It is classed as asignificant landscape feature on the conservation map.We feel privileged to be "guardians" of such avaluable tree. More information about purchasinglocal trees and seeds can be found on the followingwebsite.www.communitytreetrust.co.ukColin and Maureen Morey, High Street, Flitton

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Thursday 22nd Dec at 7.15pm outside the White Hart

Join the Choir for…

The Jolly Coopers is celebrating Christmas and New yearas big as ever this year with all the festive favourites.

Christmas Eve – Champagne breakfast from 9.30amEase yourself into Christmas - Disco from 8.30pm

let’s party till Christmas Day

Boxing Day – Let us do Lunch for you.12 – 4 pm We can take the strain.

In the evening exercise your brain with our festive quiz from 8.30pm

Bank Holiday Tuesday we are open all day

New Years Eve Party with us till 2017.Dinner will be served from 7.00pm

New Years Day we are open all day.

We look forward to spending some time with you over the festive period.Merry Christmas from Bobbi & Ian

Wardhedges, Flitton01525 860626

www.jollycoopersflitton.co.uk

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NAO Cleaning07411 [email protected]

Hate housework?We love it!Domestic, Regular & Spring Cleans,Tenancy Beginning & End,Builder's Cleans,Commercial & Contract.

Free Estimates

Bramble Lodge, 29 Oakley Road,Clapham, MK4I 6AN

www.naocleaningservices.co.uk

Page 15: Flit More - flittonandgreenfieldparishcouncil.gov.uk

News from Greenfield Lower SchoolOur Year 2 class, the Owls, were tasked with placing wreaths from the rest of the school at theMemorial. They walked down to the church and were in place by eleven o’clock, to hold the twominute silence before laying the wreaths and saying a prayer. Back at school the rest of thechildren joined together in a circle on the playground and also held the silence. Our Value thismonth is Peace and we are busy thinking about how we can make our world a more peacefulplace.

If anyone noticed a few Ancient Egyptians wandering around the villages last week, do not worry!KS2 children from across the Academy joined together at Greenfield to have an exciting daylearning even more about Ancient Egypt. The day was presented by ‘Portals to the Past’ andtheir facilitator was extremely impressed by the children’s knowledge and excellent behaviour.Well done, Eagles, Herons and Dragonflies.

I hope that you noticed Greenfield’s heart in the local press recently. We gathered together onthe school field with the cherry picker, kindly provided by Cornerways Garage, and aphotographer for a whole school picture with a difference. As our Value was love the childrenformed a large heart and we were very pleased with the resulting photo. Here’s another chanceto see it if you missed it.

Christmas is a coming…….Each week the children are set a homework task. The task in the run up to Christmas won’tfeature maths or English work but will help us to decorate our Christmas tree. Each child is goingto design and make a bauble to hang on the tree. We are looking forward to each child hangingtheir bauble on the tree, and if everyone in school brings theirs in there will be over 150

decorations on the tree. Howbeautiful that will be?

We will be in church on Friday16th to celebrate with ourtraditional nativity service.The Reception Class – TheRobins, will form a ChristmasTableau and lots of favouriteChristmas Carols will be sung.

As always, if you have anyqueries about your childstarting school do not hesitateto contact Greenfield School’sOffice on 01525 712426,where our friendly staff will bepleased to help!

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Flit Vale Wildlife Trust Winter ProgrammeMonday 12th December - 7.15 pm, Maulden Church Hall.AGM - followed at 7.45pm with talk by Amanda Proud on Water Voles -“Is there any hope for Ratty?"

Monday 23rd January - 7.45pm, Maulden Church HallTalk by Steve Halton on “Countryside Sites in Central Bedforshire :Challenges and Opportunities"

Monday 20th February - 7.45pm, Maulden Church HallTalk by Wilf Powell (BNHS chairman) on "Beautiful Butterflies"

Monday 20th March - 7.45pm, Maulden Church HallTalk by Graham Bellamy on "Mananging Chalk Grassland"

£2 per adult requested for talks.Contact Ann on 07890 347327 or [email protected]

THE FAMOUS FLITTON POTATO RACEWill return on Sunday 11�� June 2017 -the Sunday BEFORE Father’s Day.

The committee is looking for new members and sponsors as this event gets biggerevery year and needs ever more helpers. Be proud of your village - get involved!

Work continues on the preparation of the Plan and the importance of getting this complet-ed as soon as possible has been re-emphasised  by the recent appeal decision by thePlanning Inspectorate to permit the building of up to 24 houses on the land in GreenfieldRd, Flitton next to Oakley’s.The Neighbourhood Plan Committee are now evaluating the answers to the recent ques-tionnaire and are appreciative of the high response rate and for the time taken by parish-ioners completing survey.The process we have to follow means that we cannot move as quickly as we would likebut we will move as fast as we can to complete the Plan.

FLITTON AND GREENFIELDNEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN

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At Christmas, angels appear on cards, tree decorations and angel chimes. We have somelovely angels in our woolly Nativity set which will be in the church over Christmas. There willbe a new angel in it this year – something seems to be added each time. We are all familiar with the role the Archangel Gabriel played in the Christmas story togetherwith the heavenly host. We sing carols such as 'Hark the Herald Angels Sing' or 'Angels fromthe Realms of Glory' and then usually forget about them until next Christmas. Did you know that angels are mentioned 273 times in the Bible? However, only 2 arenamed– Michael and Gabriel. Most people think of angels as shining figures with gloriouswings, who appear from time to time to do some mighty work for God or bring a specialmessage from Him. They appear throughout the Bible from Genesis to Revelations, and oftenthey play a key part in crucial events. Archangel Michael seems to have been their leader,often appearing in stained glass windows with a sword because he led the angelic host todefeat Satan and his army. Angels in the Bible cover a wide range of beings. In the Letter to Hebrews, it speaks of'entertaining angels unawares' who practice hospitality. Today, we use the expressionsGuardian Angels or Angels of Mercy for people who have tried to help others but in the Biblethey are simply God's agents, messengers and ministers of God's will who may be ordinaryhumans or spiritual beings. Some churches have many angels in them but you have to look quite hard to find any atFlitton. High up on the wooden roof of the nave are carved wooden figures carrying shields.They would originally have been brightly painted but they don't look much like angels. In theLady Chapel, there is a triptych painting with an angel in one of the sections. Otherwise, inthe church , there are none apart from a cherub head on the monument of Mr Thomas Whitewho died in the mid 18th century In the mausoleum there are cherubs adorning some of the monuments. The monument toLady Jane Hart who died in 1673 has a cherub. She was the mother of the 10th Countessand, therefore, great grandmother to the Duke of Kent, the 12th Earl. There is a very fat cherubon the monument of Mary Jemima, Baroness Grantham. She died in 1830 and was the motherof Thomas Philip, Earl de Grey. He was the last person to be buried in the mausoleum andthe Wrest Park of today dates from his time. The only full figure of an angel is in the fourth and final room behind the east window onthe monument of Henrietta Frances, Countess de Grey who died in 1848. She was ThomasPhilip's wife and an angel is seen carrying her up to heaven,whilst underneath, her husband,family and servants are mourning her loss. Her touching epitaph is long but ends:

Beloved by all her servants and dependants, courted and admired by all her equals in life,Her noble yet gentle character gained the affection of all classesThose who knew her best, loved her most, and it may be truly saidthat she died universally regretted.

Do come along to church to try to find these angels.

Village History bymargaret Butt:Angels are notjust for Christmas!

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RS Cars LtdYour Local Garage for

CompetitiveServicing - PartsExhausts - Tyres

Paint and Body work

Cornerway Garage2 Flitton Road, Greenfield

BedfordshireMK45 5DJ

01525 717346

MGOC

The Farm ShopGardener’s Farm, Pulloxhill Rd

Greenfield MK45 5ES

Come and visit us this ChristmasWe have a great range

of fruit and veg,(local produce when available)We also sell bread, cakes, jam etc.

Free Prize Draw every monthfor a fruit and veg hamper

Open every Friday and Saturdayin December 12-5 pm

(also Thurs 22nd 12-5 pm)We wish all our customers a very Merry

Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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Parish Council News continued…Just a quick mention of the MUGA, it is time, after many years of sterlingvoluntary effort, for the Council to get more involved in the running of thefacility. Our thanks must go to Gail Stoppard who started the project manyyears ago when she was living in Flitton, but has carried on looking after it asChair of the organising committee despite not living here anymore. TheCommittee must also be praised for keeping this facility in tip top conditionincluding the recent re-surfacing. We hope to continue their good work.We also thank Bushmead-Toddington Football Club for the work which theyhave done on a voluntary basis to the storage shed and welcome them as ourlocal resident team. They also mended the vandalised football goal post andhave reset both posts into the ground. We really hope that no more vandalismwill take place, but if you see the posts being swung on or misused, pleasereport this to a member of the Parish Council (numbers on the websitehttp://flittongreenfield.bedsparishes.gov.uk/parish-council-and-email-links/) Weall need to look out for and look after the facilities in the Parish as we reallydon’t have that many!Keeping the Parish looking tidy is important to us all and we have people whovolunteer to help with this at the Playing Field and along the verges. Thanksmust go to Roy Winter who keeps Flitton Hill clear of litter, a never ending taskas it always seems to be the point at which food cartons are discarded frompassing cars. Give him a thumbs up next time you see him out clearing upafter senseless litter louts.The telephone book exchange has never looked better either, it has had abright new red coat of paint and the old Perspex has been replaced and nowreads ‘Book Exchange’. Books are always wanted but it is best if you contactone of the Good Neighbour Group on 07594 578471 to drop these off ratherthan leave them on the floor where they can become damp and hinder usage.I like to think that the fact that we get very few complaints speaks volumes forthe work we all do – it can of course be frustrating but also on occasions verysatisfying. So please think about joining us and helping us out – we try to getthings done and we really are a friendly bunch, even the Chairman!

Nick ThompsonChairman Parish Council

DefibrillatorIs there anyone interested in championing theinstallation of a defibrillator in the village,seeking any funding, managing training and weeklychecking of the machine? The Parish Council issupportive but unable to take on this responsibility at this time

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ORGANISATION CONTACT NAME PHONE

Vicar The Rev David Bell 861163

Churchwarden Margaret Butt 862170

Flit’n’More Editorial: Angela AyresAdvertising: Simon SadlerDistribution: Pat Woodland

860723861727860189

Church Choir Flitton Contact: Clare Butler Ellis 861496

Bellringers Maureen Morey 860422

Church Flowers Lesley Arthur/Julie Abrahams 713325 841888

Friends of Flitton and Greenfield Church Caroline O’Neill 07749 836245

Parish Council Nick Thompson (Chair) 860421

Village Hall Hire Pauline Downing 860595

Church Hall Hire Jill Chandler 860715

Bedfordshire Police Ampthill Team 01234 841212

Greenfield Lower SchoolAnd Ducklings Pre-School

Headteacher:Mrs Annette McCullion

712426

Scouts and Cubs Badger Hill Scout Group; www.badgerhillscouts.org.uk

Brownies Jane Staff 717294

Multi Use Games Area bookings Dawn Leaning 07860 632427

Allotments Gareth Ellis 861496

Village Gala Margaret Lowe 861111

Friends of Flitton Moor Dave Sedgley 714961

Jazzercise Clare Godleman 404858

Fit to the Core UK Fitness Classes Nicola Rayner [email protected]/07801 510988

Women’s Institute Meriel Davies 633421

The Greensand Trust Maulden Office 01234 743666

Flitwick & District Heritage Group Dave Sedgley 714961

Visit the Mausoleum (English Heritage) Wrest Park: 01525 860000 www.english-heritage.org.uk

Ampthill & Flitwick Flyers (Running Club) Dave Sedgley 714961

Ampthill and District Lions Bob Pledger 860962

IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR DETAILS ADDED TO OR DELETEDFROM THIS LIST, CONTACT THE EDITOR

‘Flit ‘n’ More’ is published and distributed by the Parochial Church Council of St John the Baptist, Flitton. The Editor isAngela Ayres, Sunnyside Cottage, Cobbett Lane, Flitton MK45 5DX, 01525 860723, [email protected]

Please note that views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Editor or Parochial Church Council.ADVERTISE YOUR EVENT/ORGANISATION IN FLIT’N’MORE... THAT’S WHAT IT’S THERE FOR!

The next issue will be out in March 2017 for events up until May. Please contact Angela if you have something topublicise or Simon on 861727 if you would like to advertise. Free for voluntary groups, very good rates for businesses.