DownSidemagazine

The

DECEMBER 2016 & JANUARY 2017

Downside Magazine VolunteersClive Bates, Mary Cuckson,

Amanda Evans, Jana Veyres,Moira Wollington, Kim Woodland

Welcome to the Downside Magazine!

Any opinion expressed in these articles is not necessarily the opinion of the editor.

DEADLINE FOR FEBRUARY 2017 EDITION IS 21ST DECEMBER 2016

If you would like to advertise or write an article for the next edition, please contact:

Downside Neighbourhood Centre, Oakwood Ave, LU5 4AS

You can call us on 01582 666 403, pop in, write to us or send us your article and photos

on an email: Dunstablesouth.cc@oneymca.org

If you require any help writing your article, we’ll be happy to assist.

Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC)0300 300 8000

CBC REPAIRS (e.g. Pot holes)0300 300 8049

Downside Neighbourhood Centre01582 666 403

St Augustine’s Academy01582 661 778

Downside Pre-School01582 660 833

Police ContactNon-emergencies 101SNT.DunstableHR&Rural@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk

STREET LIGHT - report a problem(lamp identification number on the lamp post) 0300 300 8049

Dunstable Town Council01582 513 000info@dunstable.gov.uk

Cllr Peter Hollick Dunstable Town MayorTel: 01582 665 133peter.hollick@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

Cllr Des Moffatt DTCTel: 01582 241 867

Cllr Eugene Ghent DTC & CBCTel: 01582 703 036

Cllr Jessica Castle DTCTel: 01582 931 632

Key ContactsKey Contacts

Dear Readers

We would like to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and thank you for staying with us in 2016!

Is there anything new you would like to read about in our magazine in 2017? We would love to hear your ideas and we are always looking for new people to join our small team. We believe in teamwork and every single person involved in our magazine is important. If you are interested then drop us an email or pop in to the Downside Neighbourhood Centre to leave your telephone number and we’ll be in touch.

Please share your pictures of you or your family reading your Downside magazine this Christmas on our Facebook page if you can.

Have a peaceful, happy and prosperous 2017!

Your Downside magazine team

The magazine is also available free in digital form on our website

Visit www.facebook.com/DownsideMagazineDunstable

www.downsidemagazinedunstable.co.uk

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Scouts is not just something you DOIt’s something you ARE

Scouts is not just something you DOIt’s something you ARE

There have been many changes to the Scouting Movement since former army officer, Lieutenant Robert Baden-Powell, took 20 boys to a camp on Brownsea Island in 1907, but the core fundamental of Scouting – to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society – remains the same. B-P would be proud that his vision is thriving more than a century later – the annual Scouting census taken early in

2016 showed that the movement achieved its 11th consecutive year of growth; on average, across the UK, 21 new young people join Scouting every single day.

Dunstable has a number of Scout Groups, of which one, the 9th Dunstable, is based on Downside at St Augustine's church in Oakwood Avenue.

Scouting is organised into age specific sections that allow young people, both boys and girls, to take part in age-appropriate activities that progress as they grow. The 9th Dunstable Scout Group has three sections:

Beaver Colony: for young people from 6 to 8 years. Beavers meet on Tuesday evenings from 6.00 to 7.15pm.

Cub Pack: for young people from 8 to 10½ years. Cubs meet on Monday evenings from 6.30pm to 8.00pm.

Scout Troop: for young people from 10½ to 14 years. Our Scout section meets on Tuesday evenings from 7.30pm to 9.00pm at the Ardley Heights Scout Hut in Buttercup Lane, which is located up a small lane at the junction of Canesworde Road and Hurlock Close.

Why not let your young person come along and try scouting for free for a couple of weeks to see if they like it. They will be most welcome. Turn up just before the start time and talk to any of the adult volunteers in charge on the night. If you or the young person wishes you to stay with them for a while or even the full session, you will be most welcome.

For more information contact:Graham WebbGroup Scout Leaderemail: gsl@graham-webb.eu

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The cost of scouting is typically about £10 per month. 3

Dunstable Town Council, Central Bedfordshire Council, an Anglia in Bloom representative and local residents once again organised a Litter Pick to clean the streets of Downside on Thursday 27th October 2016. A total of 15 volunteers, including local residents, a member

of Dunstable Town Council and Central Bedfordshire Council managed to fill over fifteen black sacks in just over an hour, clearing away many plastic bottles, soda and beer cans, carrier bags and paper. The team of volunteers, which also included young children, focused on clearing three key areas on the estate including paths, hedgerows and alleyways. The group of volunteers then went back to Downside Neighbourhood Centre in Oakwood Avenue for refreshments and to discuss further activities which could help to improve the estate.The volunteers were pleased with the result of the Litter Pick which brought the community together to do something positive.

October Half Term Litter Pick

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With the support of the WG&D Residents Association, Del Dawson has recently met with Jill Cross from CBC Highways. A decision has been made to tarmac most of the verges and to renovate the pathways that have been damaged by parked vehicles.

There is money set aside in the CBC budget to carry out these works.It is also hoped that resurfacing of Southwood Road will begin in January 2017.

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Graham Road Update

Can we please make you aware of our office building, The Children with Disabilities Team, which is located on the left hand side of the road, as you drive towards St Augustine's Academy, Oakwood Avenue, Dunstable.Our offices are surrounded by electronic green gates which open and shut constantly throughout the day. We are very aware that there is a lot of traffic going through these gates on a daily basis and we wanted to highlight with you all the importance of safety during the day when using this part of the road. The stretch of road outside of our office is the main path towards the school and used constantly by children and families.Could you all please be very vigilant with regards to the use of the pavement outside of our offices and ensure that your children are also aware of the risks and dangers so that everyone remains safe.

Many ThanksChildren with Disabilities TeamCentral Bedfordshire Council

Children and parents of Downside

Friday 2 December

7.00 pm

The SquareNothing says Christmas more than singing carols around a Christmas Tree with Santa.

Come and join the school choirs from Dunstable as we celebrate the start of the festive season along with children's rides, late night shopping, refreshments and the opportunity to meet the man himself…Santa!

**New for 2016 a spectacular light

show finale with fire, lights and

pyrotechnics ** Not to be missed!

This Christmas will really go with a bang!

DunstableChristmas Tree Carols

& Torchlight Procession

ILLUMINATING

DUNSTABLE . . . The Christmas lighting scheme is an important part of Dunstable Town Council's role, helping to encourage residents and

visitors alike to visit our town centre in the pre and post Christmas period.

The 2016 lighting scheme will be illuminating Dunstable from the week commencing 21st November 2016. Furthermore, the giant town Christmas tree will be back in pride of place on The Square providing a delightful traditional centrepiece for the town and the venue for the Christmas Carols and Torchlight Procession.

Calling all residents…We have noticed it's not just Dunstable Town Council lighting up our town, we know that you all make a fabulous effort with your homes and businesses for this festive season. To celebrate and encourage more people to light the way to Christmas we are hosting a Christmas Light competition.

If you are a resident, send us your pictures of your own Christmas lights display and be in with a chance to win vouchers for a town centre shop of your choice.

If you are a town centre business send in your Christmas Light and shop display and you could win a free advert in Talk of the Town (worth £215) in the March Edition.

For more information on how to enter visit www.dunstable.gov.uk

Christmas Light competition

Festive Front Shop competition

Together let's shine a light on Dunstable!

Downside Neighbourhood CentreDownside Neighbourhood CentreOakwood Ave LU5 4AS

Tel: 01582 666403

Christmas closure

Merry Christmas

and a happy New Year

The centre will be closed from 5pm on Thursday 22nd December

through until 8.30am on Tuesday 3rd January.

Do you have a few hours to spare every week?Are you looking to go back to work and need some experience?

We are looking for volunteers to help with groups and crèches on a weekly basis. Can you commit to two or more hours every week? Experience isn't necessary, if you are enthusiastic and reliable come and have a chat.

Volunteers wanted

Regular ProgrammeMonday - Friday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Se

% Breastfeeding brasserie 12:00 - 1:30pm

% Weigh and Play 1:00 - 3pmHealth Visitor & Family Support Worker available

% Baby Maestros 10:30 - 11:30am0-12months

% Music Makers 10:00 - 11am (term time only)

% Stay & Play 1:30 - 3pm

% Mini Movers 9:15 - 10:45am

e .our What's on Guide

Look at the winners of the Halloween costume competitions!

Our Halloween disco was a shocking success! All the children came dressed in some fantastically spooky outfits and had a scream!

St. Augustine’s Academy PTA

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We have been really busy developing our outside communication friendly space this term. We have a new sofa and chairs and have made the area bigger for the children to enjoy quiet time and for reading books. We have an exciting autumn term planned. We have been planting daffodil bulbs for the children to take home and to measure their progress in the

spring. The older children will be taking part in Forest School sessions with the Children's Centre Early Years teacher. These sessions run for 5 weeks and are full of outside activities for the children to learn and enjoy. We had a sponsored dance event for Children in Need. Parents and children were encouraged to learn some dances and dance together. As from September 2017, eligible working parents can claim 30 hours of funding for their children. We are busy trying to get this ready for those parents that will want it. If you would like to know anything more about what we are doing please contact the Pre-School.

Julie Russel, Downside Pre-School Manager, tel. 01582 660833

Downside Pre-SchoolDownside Pre-School

Chloe’s fundraising for The Prince’s TrustChloe is an incredible young Downside resident who will be trekking to the Everest Base Camp with Discover Adventure March 2017 between 18th March 2017 and 5th April 2017 to raise money for the Prince's TrustHer Story“I am going to be trekking to mount Everest base camp in March next year. I've chosen to raise money for the Prince's trust because this charity is very close to my heart. They support young adults to transform their lives including those with mental health issues, being homeless and being in trouble with the law. I have already started a very hard journey of training physically and mentally and if you could join me on this journey and support me for an absolute amazing cause please do. Love to you all xx”Please support Chloe - www.justgiving.com/fundraising/chloe-wright9

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Seasonal Shopping at Dunstable MarketDunstable Market offers a unique and traditional shopping experience located right in the heart of Dunstable. Goods on sale include gifts, plants and flowers, clothing, freshly baked goods, sweets, mobile phone accessories and pre-loved items. A range of fresh fruits, vegetables and meats can also be purchased and you can even have your lunch while you’re there!

Dunstable Market operates Wednesday, Friday and Saturday throughout the year. For Christmas opening times and dates please visit www.dunstable.gov.uk Colin Trotman (Market Officer), 07803 627544 @DunstableTown 7

Dunstable Good Neighbours Dunstable Good Neighbours Help Line: 07491 455777

Good Neighbour Scheme launching in Dunstable in December

is a voluntary organisation, aiming to provide help to local residents in need, launching in Dunstable in December. Good Neighbour schemes are volunteer groups set up and run by local residents to provide a 'safety net' for their village or town, responding to calls from any

fellow resident in need of a bit of extra help.

To provide to the residents of Dunstable short term help such as transport, domestic support and household assistance, through local volunteers and to encourage sustainability, self-help and friendship within the local community.

Our volunteers want to be there for Dunstable residents who have no family or friend nearby who might need occasional help, such as a lift to the doctor's, shopping, collecting prescriptions, dog-walking, or practical help such as changing a light bulb or battery, helping to fill in forms or providing a hand of friendship by popping round for a chat and a cup of tea.

Dunstable Good Neighbours is seeking more volunteers who are interested in helping their neighbours – you can give as much, or as little, time as you can spare! Please contact us if you would like more information on volunteering.

Phone the Help Line 07491 455777

Or email:

Find us on Facebook: Dunstable Good Neighbours group page

is supported by Beds Rural Communities Charity and Central Beds Council, and is part of a network of village and town care schemes in Bedfordshire. We have no political or religious affiliations, just local residents who care for our neighbours!

All volunteers carry ID badges, have enhanced DBS clearance and are covered by insurance.

Dunstable Good Neighbours

The aim of the scheme is:

Do you need help? Do you know of a resident who may need help?

Can you help?

How to contact Dunstable Good Neighbours:

Dunstable Good Neighbours

dunstablegoodneighbours@yahoo.com

Sunday 13th November 2016Representatives of

were invited by the Dunstable Town Council to take part in the annual Remembrance Day parade.

took part in the parade which went from Grove House gardens along the High Street to the

with many Dunstable residents lining the route.

Wreaths of poppies were laid at the War memorial on behalf of the residents of Downside.

Woodfield Green and Downside Residents Association

Residents Association Committee members Tony Cootes, Jim McIntosh, Del Dawson, Fred Willis

War Memorial in Priory Gardens_

Remembrance Day ParadeRemembrance Day Parade

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The Wildlife TrustEvents on Blows Downs this Winter

Conservation Volunteering at Blow's Downs Thursday 1st December 2016 at 10am - 12noon

Come and find out if practical conservation is for you. If you would like to help local wildlife whilst being active in the outdoors but are unsure if practical conservation volunteering is for you, why not come along to one of our friendly taster mornings? Try a light task, have a cuppa and chat with one of our Reserves Officers. Please bring sturdy footwear, suitable clothing for working outdoors and a packed lunch if you would like to stay longer.

Meeting point: Skimpot/Hatters Way roundabout (parking on Kiln Way or Skimpot Lane), post code LU4 4GYPrice / Donation: FreeAudience: AdultsDogs: no dogs pleaseBook by phone: 01525 874 317Book by email:sarah.cowling@wildlifebcn.org

Under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

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Additional information :Wheelchair access: No

Mobility: Uneven surfaces, slippery when wet, steep slopes, rough grass paths.

Outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear required.

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1 & 2 December 2016

- Houghton Regis

9.15am to 3.15pm

Travel costs met.

FREE COURSE

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St. Augustine of Canterbury ChurchSt. Augustine of Canterbury ChurchChristmas is now upon us and by the time you read this article we will have enjoyed the company of St. Augustine's Academy choir as they sang Christmas songs at our Christmas Bazaar. The whole school will also have come for their Christmas RE Active Church session on 29th November which is always such fun!Thank you to all in this community who are supporting our fundraising events and join in with the Christmas festivities.At this very special time of year we thank God for all our blessings no matter how big or small. We pray for those who have difficulties whether it is financial worries, health issues or emotional problems. God works in a mysterious yet loving way and with willing hearts anyone can be a friend, helpful neighbour and concerning member of the community. If there is anyone you know that needs a friendly face this Christmas, why not offer them a smile or more?Christmas is when we celebrate God sending Jesus into the world bringing life, light, love and laughter. Our Church Family wishes that everyone can share some of these things and have a very happy, healthy and peaceful Christmas and a hopeful New Year.

Please join us for our regular services:Sunday 10.30am: Sung Eucharist and Junior Church except on the 4th Sunday of each month.4th Sunday of the month 10.30am: Family Service led by our Worship Group; 6.30pm: said EucharistTuesdays and Thursdays 4.30pm: Evening PrayerWednesdays 10.30am: Said Eucharist and coffee

Christmas servicesSunday 18th December 6.00pm: Candle Light Carol Service Saturday 24th December 5.00pm:Family Carol Service with the crib figures being placed in the stable.11.30pm: Midnight Holy CommunionSunday 25th December 10.30am: Christmas Morning Holy Communion.

A variety of community groups use our premises during the week including Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, Karate, an Alzheimer's Group and a Ladies Guild. To arrange a baptism, wedding or funeral please contact the Parish Administrator: Jackie Roberts at Chews House, 77 High Street South LU6 3SF. Office hours are 9.30-12.30 Monday to Friday or you are free to drop in on a Wednesday evening 6.45pm – 7.45pm. Tel: 01582 477401.To make a hall booking at St.Augustine's Church please call Andrea Haughton 01582 661645, or email staugs@dunstableparish.org.uk.If you have any pastoral issues or worries call the Church Office on 01582 661645 to leave a message and someone will get back to you within a few days.

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We continue to support the Foodbank with a distribution centre every Thursday morning from 9.30am – 11.30am. Foodbank vouchers can be obtained from the Downside Neighbourhood Centre (next to St. Augustine’s Academy) even through the school holidays.

FREE LED WALKS IN DUNSTABLEDunstable - Tuesdays at 2pm

Downside - Wednesdays at 9.10amDunstable Downs - First and third Wednesday at 10.30am

Would you like to know more?Contact Ruby Tobin ruby.tobin@sustrans.org.uk / 01582 813018 11

Henry VIII and Post-Brexit Henry VIII and Post-Brexit by Paul Heley

Following the establishment of the Church in England under Henry VIII and the annulment of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon at Dunstable Priory on the 23rd May, 1533, Henry (under Cromwell's promptings) decided to kill two birds with one stone: namely to break the power of the residual Church once and for all and, at the

same time, get himself lots of lovely lolly.

Almost without exception, the Church (and the ordinary c le rgy ) rema ined essentially Catholic in spirit and, so far as Henry was concerned, the basic change was

simply that "for Pope, read Henry". But it wasn't that easy; many powerful people had their own ideas, aspirations and agendas. In particular, the embryonic Protestants referred to in my last article saw their great opportunity to burst forth and take over. But the players of these politico-religious cards didn't put it quite in those terms to Henry; they suggested it was necessary for all church leaders, abbots, priors, canons, clergy to recognise Henry as Head of Church and Anne as his Queen. This was to be known as the "Act of Supremacy".

There was already, however, considerable disquiet over Henry having usurped the Pope (and of his treatment of Catherine in favour of Anne) such that most c ler ics were ext remely re luctant signatories. But the punishment for failing to sign was severe - as a few "refuseniks" found out to their cost, eg the Cistercian Abbot of Woburn who was hanged. To make matters worse - and to increase Henry's unpopularity still further - a large army was sent into the north country (where resistance was, perhaps, greatest) to put down a rebellious uprising. This incursion, called "The Pilgrimage of Grace" -

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a horrible euphemism - was brutal in the extreme and did absolutely nothing to help Henry's reputation.

But gradually, by these and other acts of suppression, the former Roman Church was virtually c r u s h e d . N o t completely, however, with people such as Sir Thomas More becoming effective martyrs for their faith. Even with the Prayer Book being in English rather than Latin, and changes in liturgy, there was general unease and unrest everywhere. The Protestant proponents and the Catholic adherents were at each other's throats and there was little philosophical logic or reason on either side - it was purely a gut reaction of "we must change at all costs" on one hand and "we shall not be moved" on the other!

But, in Henry's mind, Phase One had been completed: the Church had been reduced to a pale shadow of its former glory, power and importance: it was now time for Phase Two and for the realisation of unimaginable riches with the "Dissolution of the Monasteries". For many centuries, religious houses of all sizes had usually (but not always) amassed great wealth in the form of valuable artifacts and, especially, through vast land holdings. Henry felt that if he could get his hands on this wealth, he could conduct all manner of fine deeds (eg setting up new bishoprics, grammar schools and charitable funds) thereby - and simultaneously - restoring his lost popularity. Dream on, Henry!

Starting with the smaller, poorer, houses in the 1530s (such as the nunneries at Markyate and Flamstead and the Friary at Dunstable), these places were reduced to rubble and anything of value (eg silver plate or lead roofing) removed. Each house was "persuaded" (!) to "surrender" and to

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Sir Thomas More

Thomas Cromwell

hope that its incumbents could find e m p l o y m e n t e l s e w h e r e ; w h i l s t entrepreneurs saw the chance to pick up land at knock down prices and builders had the opportunity to help themselves to good building stone (as seen in the walls of old buildings along West Street). Furthermore, since many people thought it was about time the clergy got their comeuppance for past arrogances, not everyone was sorry to see the religious houses demolished.

Another bright idea of Henry's was that Dunstable Priory should effectively become the cathedral for a new see of Befordshire as part of the existing Diocese of Lincoln (which was felt to be too large). Consequently, plans for a new building were drawn up in great detail and costed to the last penny. It was called "The Platt of Dunstabyl" and is presently stored in Hatfield House.

Perhaps you will recall that in the late 14th century, the good folk of Dunstable agreed with the then Prior Marshall that they would undertake maintenance of that part of the original Priory which survives today in exchange for their being able to use this larger space rather than just the North Aisle (as hitherto) and that this space should be recognised as the parish church for Dunstable. Henry, in his infinite mercy (!),

had already ruled that parish churches should be spared demolition - even if they were part of a larger house - so our lovely Priory Church remains; thanks to an original argument (and subsequent settlement) between the townspeople of Dunstable and the Prior back in 1392.

Since it was to become a cathedral, some anticipatory demolition occurred, b u t w h e n t h e

cathedral idea fell through, it "surrendered" on 31st December, 1539 - one of the last houses to do so - and full demolition continued thereafter.

Like so often with Henry, many plans and hopes came to naught: the anticipated son and heir of Anne Boleyn was another girl - the future Queen Elizabeth 1st: and his plans for schools in every county and for Dunstable to become a bishopric were sacrificed when his newfound money was spent on further plans to combat the threat of war from the French and the Scots - yet again! The best laid plans of mice and men -----!

Perhaps, and even though he was a tyrant, we should feel a teeny-weeny bit sorry for Henry. Or should we?

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Every 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7.15pm - Woodfield Green and Downside Residents Association meeting at Downside Community Centre, Suffolk Road.

Everyone is welcome!

18 Candle Light Carol Service 6pm, St Augustine’s Church - see p. 11

DECEMBER 20161

2 Christmas Carols and Torchlight Procession from 7pm - The Square - see p. 53 Santa Ride start 10am from Grove House Gardens - see p.1016 to 22

Skate your way to Christmas 10am - 4pm at The Square - see p. 5

24 Family Carol Service 5pm, St Augustine’s Church - see p. 1124 Midnight Holly Communion 11.30pm, St Augustine’s Church - see p. 1125 Christmas Morning Holly Communion 10.30am, St Augustine’s Church

- see p. 11

Conservation Volunteering at Blow’s Downs 10am - 12noon, The Wildlife Trust- see p. 9

FREE EXERCISE on DownsidePilates 12noon - 1pm on Thursdays -

Our Circuit 7pm - 8pm on Tuesdays -

Pilates is a system of controlled exercises that engage the mind and condition the total body. The blend of strength and flexibility training improves posture whilst shaping toning muscles. Please bring your own mat to session.

Circuit training is an intensive form of fitness training where a group of exercises are completed one after the other with 30 - 60secs recovery!

Please always book your class in advance at http://www.ourparks.org.uk

Email address: SNT.DunstableHR&Rural@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk

We take great care to ensure all information

in the Downside magazine is correct at

the time of going to press. However, we

would advise everyone to phone and check

details prior to making a long trip ... or

promise!

As always, if you need us:in emergency please dial 999

in non-emergencies call us on 101

Police ContactPolice Contact

Dates for your DiaryDates for your Diary

Special thanks to the following sponsors for their contribution

Funded by the Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation’s London Luton Airport Operations Ltd Fundand Dunstable Town Council Our Place project