THE LANGFORD DIARY AUTUMN2020
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The Langford Diary
Autumn 2020
A publication by Langford Parish Council Edition 209
Editor: Trudy Emery Diary Office: trudy.emery1@ntlworld.com Tel: 01462 636638
The Winners and Top 10 scarecrows in the
Great Langford Scarecrow Competition
You all put a Smile on the Face of Langford
A Letter from the Editor
Congratulations to everyone who displayed a fancydress scarecrow, there were approximately
140! When Steve Hills first suggested the idea I never dreamt we would have such an
amazing response. Great brain wave Steve, and thanks for organising such an enjoyable event.
The first prize was voted for by Langford residents.Votes were sent to our Parish Council
Clerk, Michelle Albone. The winner was Sue Warburton of Flexmore Way. Her scarecrow
was entitled Love for the Lost. Congratulations to Sue. See page 22 for more details.
It was extremely difficult for the judges to decide which was our favourite.We were looking
for a fancydress scarecrow which put a smile on our face.Well, every time I walked through
the village there was another scarecrow which made me smile. Such wonderful and original
entries.There is so much talent in Langford. Congratulations to our winners.
The panel of judges decided on:
1st Key Workers, Church Street won £20 voucher from The Village Store plus £10 cash
2nd Wizard of Oz, Hollycroft, Church Street won £20 voucher from Indian Spice
3rd Wallace and Grommitt, Cambridge Road, won £10 voucher from Post Office.
There were so many excellent ideas that we have decided to publish the top ten.
4th Bill and Ben, High Street
5th Covid Wars, High Street
6th Mole in a hole, Church Street
7th StawBob Square Pants, High Street
8th Mary Poppins, Denny Crescent
9th French Cyclist, Monsieur Le Mans and friend, High Street
10th Traditional Scarecrow Worzel Gummidge, sitting on a wall, Station Road.
Thanks must also go to Donna Richards who organized a Facebook page and Lauren Kemp
with her brilliant map of where to find the scarecrows. Also thanks to the very talented
Elizabeth Jones for her poem which includes most, if not all the scarecrows.Thanks Steve for
the extra work fitting in the poem and photos into our magazine.
Now we will have to get thinking for next year!
In these uncertain times I am sure our residents have been grateful for the extra work and
support the village shops and businesses have done in the past months.Thank you to all our
shops and to those who took the extra time to write about their experiences for this edition.
I have been touched by their kindness and dedication.
The sunflowers alongside the concrete track were amazing and these were thanks to Theo
Maximillian Goble and his wife, Joanne in order to raise funds for the eagerly awaited
Langford Tales film.
Please keep your Langford Diary handy for details of local trades people, local business
contact details, useful phone numbers and shop opening times. It might be easier than using
Facebook. This time there does not seem much point in publishing the weekly meetings
page, but let’s hope it’s not too long before life gets back to normal.
Keep up to date with parish council news with their excellent new website.
https://langford-pc.gov.uk
Trudy Emery
2
Rainbows, Brownies and Guides
We, like many other organisations, have
had a strange term in that we have been
unable to meet face to face all summer.We
have tried to keep in touch though by
completing activities online, badges from
home and the Guides have been doing
online meetings via Zoom. 1st Langford
Guides have been busy making mug cakes,
upcycling old clothes, doing quizzes,
playing games, fitness workouts, task
master challenges and we had an end of
term party.
We are putting
plans in place
now to start
meeting again in
person.
Girlguiding has
been helping us
to put policies in
place to look
forward to
September start-
ing with meeting
outdoors. Our priority is our members safety in this strange
time but we hope we can get back to seeing everyone as
soon as possible.
Girlguiding in Biggleswade is looking for new leaders
across our district covering Langford, Biggleswade, Caldecote and Northill for Rainbows,
Brownies and Guides. If you would be able to volunteer a few hours a week, please register
your interest at www.girlguiding.org.uk or for more information contact Danielle Ellis on
07866 395739.
Save the Date!
Langford Garage Sale Trail
Sunday 6th September 2020
Sell your unwanted goods from your own drive or garden.
All proceeds are yours to keep.
Sellers - book by 3rd Sept to be listed on the online map.
Contact Jo Smith 07905667427 - jo.smith@langfordscouts.org.uk
Payment of £5 to 19 Station Road
Buyers - use the online map or wander round the village to pick up a bargain
Fundraising for Langford Cubs and Brownies
3
Langford Nurseries & Garden Centre
Lock Down at
Langford Garden Centre
Whilst we knew that a ‘lock down’
was imminent it still came as a shock
when we shut the garden centre to
customers. I can clearly remember
calling Graham, our nursery
manager, at 5.30am on 24th March
and asking “where do we go from
here” his response was not suitable
for print frankly!
Our first job was to inform the The Lockdown Staff
coffee shop staff and some garden
centre staff to stay at home on furlough and following this we put a small team together that
were prepared to work 6 days a week for the foreseeable future. Peter Williams, our delivery
driver, stepped up to the mark and went from mornings 2 days a week to 5 days a week, all
day and then some! Not bad considering he is retired. Our nursery staff obviously had to care
for stock, that they had been growing since the previous year, and continue growing our
summer bedding of course. To say that the telephone and email orders went mad is an
understatement. We had over 4500 emails, at least 5000 telephone calls (although we just
couldn’t answer them all) and we carried out more than 2500 deliveries in eight weeks.
Due to the high demand locally we had to turn down orders for some areas that we would
normally deliver to and this meant letting people down, which was hard to do. We had a very
humbling experience when, just after lock down was lifted, a customer called us from Luton.
We had not been able to help her previously but when we said we would deliver to her she
promptly burst into tears. She hadn’t been out for 12 weeks and no garden centre local to her
were delivering. I, for one, couldn’t imagine not being able to work in my garden in the
spring or any other time of the year for that matter.
Reopening brought its own challenges with social distancing and the safety of our staff and
customers being of the paramount importance to us. Despite demand we would not open
until we had everything in place so, with very little fanfare, we quietly opened the gates on
Sunday 17th May at 1.45pm and stood back to see what happened. From that day on it has
been like a bank holiday week every week and as most of you will know we sold out of so
many of our usual summer plants within a couple of weeks. Compost sales went through the
roof and topsoil, farmyard manure and tomato food are the new ‘toilet rolls’ meaning we
cannot get any for love nor money!
At last the coffee shop has been allowed to open and we have been able to welcome those
staff back although Emma Corbyn worked keeping us fed and watered during lockdown.
So we enter a new chapter in this unforgettable year of 2020 and I would like to thank you
all for your support during these very difficult times.
Wendy Brandrick – Assistant Garden Centre Manager.
4
Langford Women’s Institute
Like other groups in the village we were hoping
to be back to some sort of normality by this
edition of the Diary, but I ask myself what is
normal these days. We continue to soldier on
through this pandemic with its highs and lows.
In May we held our first committee meeting on
Zoom with some success; having carried out a
trial run two weeks earlier, which was not
without its problems, we considered this a big
step forward.Technical we are not and if it was
not for one able lady on our team it would not
have happened at all! There we sat in
trepidation waiting to be invited into the ‘Meeting Room’ and sure enough one by one we
were, except that the last two arrivals came through on only half a screen. Nevertheless we
could all see and hear each other speak - not all at once, we have had to learn to MUTE
ourselves so we don’t speak over each other! We found it worked very well if we raised our
hands and then were asked to speak. UNMUTE. I wonder how many presidents/chairs have
wished for a mute button at an ordinary meeting!
It seems so strange not making tea and biscuits for the committee and seeing them safely off
via the front door after our meeting. Guess we will get used to it but not for too much longer
PLEASE! We want to get back to seeing each other in the flesh and doing the fun things
organised for us all.
Following our success with Zoom, we held our Annual Meeting and now have a new
committee, some familiar and some new.We also have a new president, Iris Beazley has agreed
to take on the role and we warmly welcome her. Iris has kept us all going through the last
few months with emails, distributing members’ photos of their gardens and any crafts they are
working on. She has brought us into the virtual world of Zoom, enabling us to hold
meetings and keep members informed of all that is happening within the WI itself.A virtual
garden party has also been held and during this Jenny Broadbridge, who has been our
president for the last six years, was presented with a voucher and flowers as a thank you for
all her hard work and commitment.We have appreciated so much Jenny’s humorous attitude
to the task, she can now have a well earned rest and we look forward to seeing her enjoying
the meetings with us whenever we return to our venue. She will be a hard act to follow but
we know Iris is more than capable and the one to lead us.
The Bedfordshire Federation of WIs is keeping us up to speed by sharing ideas and news of
what other WIs are doing around the county in their monthly W-Eye magazine, which we
now receive electronically. Online talks are also being arranged on a variety of subjects
including, a talk on how bees make honey, how to crochet a butterfly, a talk on a project that
takes kids off the streets of a particularly poverty stricken part of Kenya, chair yoga and a
cook-along presentation.
So many lovely events have had to be cancelled both nationally and locally which normally
take place without a second thought and I feel there will be many of us who will be saying
‘I will never ever take my liberty for granted again’.At the rate the year is flying by we could
be looking at a virtual Christmas!!!!
On that note I will sign off but if you need any more information please call Iris on 01767
223849.
Olive Ravenall
5
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Building Materials • Garden Furniture & Effects
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6
Unisex Hair Therapy
7B High Street
Langford
Bedfordshire
SG18 9RP
01462 701256
07710 733110
7
8
QUINCE
Granite & Quartz
Worktops
STONEWORKS
Tel: 01767 314180
for new kitchens and replacement tops
Fax: 01767 600872
www.Qstoneworks.co.uk
83 High Street Biggleswade Bedfordshire SG18 0LA
9
10
11
Langford Cricket Club
We hope you have been keeping safe, and as I write this we have just
restarted cricket again! It took its time to arrive this year, and along with
all other sports in the UK, we had to be patient, although to be honest,
most people had more important things to worry about, and people to
keep safe.
Throughout the lockdown work on the cricket square continued, just
to maintain the hard work put in over the years and to be ready, just in
case we were allowed to play cricket in 2020. The work was all done
either individually, or if more than one grounds man was in attendance,
social distancing was strictly observed.The attached picture shows our head grounds man on
the Club roller. If you can name him, he has kindly offered a free 50 hour apprenticeship on
grass cutting, pitch rolling and cricket pitch marking! Answers via the Facebook page!
Langford started the season Mid July with an interclub friendly to organise ourselves and to
make sure we rigorously stuck to the new ECB rules. Things went well and we are now
arranging matches on both Saturdays and Sundays in to September.
This will be a strange season, and we expect things to change as we go.
Any new players are welcome. Please
contact us.
As things progress through the summer
please ensure you keep up to date on
what is happening via the Langford
Cricket Club’s Facebook page
(www.facebook.com/LangfordCC)
and team fixtures, results and player sta-
tistics on the Langford Play Cricket
Website
(langfordcc.play-cricket.com).
Andy Watson, Chairman.
Langford Cricket Club.
Langford Walking Group
As with all other organised group activities the walking group has been on ice since the end
of March.That’s not to say that walking hasn’t been happening. Most of us have been taking
the opportunity of enjoying our beautiful local area throughout lockdown much more
frequently, exploring and finding new walks to share.
We began walking as a group again on 7th July, initially in 2 smaller groups, but we’ve found
that as we all walk at such vastly different speeds social distancing happens naturally!
While the weather stays warm and dry, walks are ending on the playing field with flasks of
whatever we choose to drink - from coffee to Pimms!
For now, all walks are happening in and around Langford but I’m sure we will soon be able
to restart our monthly walks elsewhere.
We continue to meet at Chapel Hill Bridge at 10am every Tuesday morning and enjoy
welcoming new walkers.
For any information please contact Val Henley on 01462 626502
1213
Langford Parish Council
Chairman
Gill Clarke 11 Mill Meadow SG18 9UR 01462 700286
gillyannclarke@gmail.com
Vice Chairman
John Shipman 3 Old Mill Close SG18 9QY 01462 700650
j.m.shipman@ntlworld.com
Parish Councillors
Richard Arnott 01462 700466 Joan Rutt 01462 700451
20 Cambridge Close, Langford SG18 9SH 18 Windsor Way, SG18 9PB
richard_arnott@yahoo.com joan.rutt@ntlworld.com
Mick Beazley 01767 223849 Debbie Wilson 01462 485714
20 Tithe Farm Close, Langford SG18 9NE 1 King George Close, Langford SG18 9QD
mj.beazley@ntlworld.com wilsondebbie4789@gmail.com
Barb Hammond 01462 701070 Jane Wright 01767 601789
2 Manor Close, Langford SG18 9PU 1 Running Water Cottages, Langford Road
barb.hammond21@gmail.com SG18 9RA
jmwri@aol.com
Mike Kalaher 01767 227869
79 East Road, Langford SG18 9QP David Williams 01462 700474
mike.kalaher@ntlworld.com 34 Cambridge Road, Langford SG18 9PS
will-de@hotmail.com
Clerk of the Council
Mrs. M Albone 75 Wilsheres Road, Biggleswade SG18 0DN
michellealbone.langfordpc@gmail.com 07482 276173
Ward Councillors
Steven Dixon - Stotfold, Langford, Fairfield & Astwick Ward
0300 300 8524 - steven.dixon@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
Brian Saunders - 107 Hitchin Road, Stotfold SG5 4JE
01462 626722 - brian.saunders@central bedfordshire.gov.uk
Nicola Harris
Please note the New Parish Website Address
Please go to
https://langford-pc.gov.uk
There is also a Facebook page with some other limited information.
14Langford Parish Council
Our strange lives continue: our deepest condolences go to those who have lost loved ones not
only through Coronavirus, but in these awful circumstances where you cannot give the
respect and thanks usually afforded to those we have loved by way of a memorial service.
On behalf of my fellow Councillors, we express our great sadness.
What an amazing village we have, true British spirit with everyone rallying around to help
those who were, and still are, unable to go about their pre-Coronavirus normal lives. Thank
you.
But the highlight must be the Scarecrows – just amazing, made us laugh and smile when we
needed to and brought so much joy, not only to Langfordians but surrounding villages who
came to visit.Thank you to all families and businesses who participated. Let us hope that this
is a regular event. It has been suggested that there may be a Halloween competition but
further details on this will come via Facebook.
We have been holding virtual Parish Council meetings, which have proved very successful.
Planning applications continue to come in and objections have been made to the two which
are of most concern at the present time: Reserved matters on the Outline application at Tithe
Farm Close, and an Outline application for houses on land at the rear of the new Cemetery.
These have not come before Central Bedfordshire Council Development Control
Committee yet, but the Parish Council, along with residents will make their objections very
forcibly heard.
Due to the Coronavirus, the Annual Parish Council meeting was unable to be held where
the Chairman and Vice Chairman are elected. It was unanimously agreed that John and I
would continue in our roles until a formal meeting is held.
The new Cemetery opened on 1 June. An official opening will be held when social
distancing is removed.
The Parish Council wish to thank Langford Garden Centre for donating plants for the War
Memorial and Mr Don Smith for voluntarily keeping the War Memorial weed and leaf free
plus mowing the grass.
Whilst writing this I am very aware that the summer is in full swing, that most of us haven’t
and will probably not, have a holiday this year but are taking advantage of the lovely walks,
and watercourses in the village. However please be careful near the rivers, they are
dangerous, and it is so worrying to see the youngsters in the Mill race thinking it brave to
swim under the bridge into the sluice gates, which are automatic and can close with no
warning.
Be safe.
Gill Clarke - Chairman
Ivel Sprinter
We very much wish to start the Sprinter runs again, but we need to take on board
government guidelines and put in place the necessary precautions on the bus to ensure that
our passengers and drivers are safe.At the time of writing we are looking at starting again in
September, but as I am sure you can appreciate this could be changed at short notice if the
virus returns.
Terry Woods. Chairman Ivel Sprinter.
15Useful Telephone Numbers & Websites
Bedfordshire Police 01234 841212 Citizen Advice Bureau 0844 4771600
Emergency Services my.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
Gas 0800 111 999 Samaritans 116 123
Electricity 0800 072 7282 0330 0945717
Power Cuts 105 Childline 0800 1111
or text 80876 POWER & postcode www.childline.org.uk
priority services for people in need Silverline 0800 470 8090
www.ofgem.gov.uk Refuge Against
Water 0800 169 3630 Domestic Violence 0808 2000 247
Langford Surgery 01767 316346 Central Beds Council 0300 300 8301
Ivel Medical Centre 01767 312441
Out of Hours Contact Numbers
Langford Pharmacy 01462 701518
Social Services 0300 300 8123
Langford Village Academy 01462 629000
Housing Repairs and Noise 0300 300 8098
Langford Friends 0788 4046741
Langford COVID 19 Highways 0300 300 8049
Responders 07791 520388 Dangerous Structures 0300 300 8098
Langford Friends Update
The last few months have been very strange for all of us.
This has been true for Langford Friends also.We have had
to operate our service very differently to the way we have
worked for the past nineteen years.This is still the case and
will be for the foreseeable future. The Friends volunteers
are in a majority of over sixty-five years of age, so we have
relied heavily on a group of younger volunteers who
offered to help at the very beginning of lockdown. I would
like to take this opportunity to thank them very much for the sterling service they have given
to the residents of the village. Several of the new volunteers have recently offered to become
regular volunteers and we would welcome anyone else who feels they can spare the time to
join us. Ring us on our number 07884 046741 and we will be delighted to answer any
questions you may have.
With lockdown easing we have sought guidance on behalf of our clients as to how GP
appointments will be handled in the immediate future. All surgeries are working to a
procedure given by the NHS and are instructed to continue operating a total triage model.
Therefore, every patient seeking or due an appointment will receive a phone call first from
a nurse or doctor. If needed they will then be called down to the surgery to be seen face to
face. It is unlikely that face to face appointments will go back to how they were prior to the
COVID pandemic. We are requesting clients who need to use our service for transport to
appointments to wear face coverings. Gloves are also desirable but optional.
We launched a Langford Friends Facebook page over a year ago and we would encourage you
to follow us.The page contains useful information which is kept regularly updated.
Margaret Wood - Langford Friends - Tel. 07884 046741
16Langford Covid Responders
Update and Future Plans
Firstly, I want to thank everyone who has contributed to the effort in supporting each other
during the lockdown and beyond. I know that, whilst the online and telephone requests have
quietened, many of us are still supporting people and doing shopping and helping out where
needed. It is a real privilege to be part of this community.
We are now nearly four months in since the start of the lockdown. Whilst lockdown
restrictions have largely eased, life is still very different to how it was, and many of the more
vulnerable people in our community are still isolating or restricted in their movements.
I am sure you all share my wish that, whilst some may be isolating, we would not want
anyone to feel isolated or lonely, and so I am considering some of the longer term needs we
might have as a village and local community.
I have been in contact with the wonderful Langford Friends periodically, during the past few
months and I know that the friends will need our continued support to help people, as
hospital and Drs appointments increase.
I intend to keep the online COVID responders group running for requests and support, as
we are anticipating the second wave during the autumn, when need is likely to increase.
Furthermore, I would like to consider the long term emotional, social, and business needs of
the community, as many will be affected by businesses closing, either as employees,
employers, or sole traders of small local businesses.
To this end, in my role as a peer coach/mentor and psychologist, for the Adept Living
Foundation (ALF CIC), I would like to convene a meeting of those who wish to offer their
time, experience, or
expertise, to discuss some
options for keeping the
community feeling
supported as well as
responding to other more
specific needs, such as
emotional support or
business support.
Whether you are an
individual or a local
business, you are welcome
to register your wish to
attend the meeting and
further details will be sent
to you regarding specific
date and venue, as
numbers will decide
whether we can meet in a
socially distanced way, in
person, or else online.
Please contact me
(Emma) at : contact@alf-
cic.org or call/text 07791
520388.
We look forward to
seeing you !
17Langford Scarecrow Competition
The first Scarecrow Festival We have some fishing,one painting
In the village, has now begun Another hanging from a tree
Who knew it would bring Elvis and Jack Sparrow plus
An abundance of fun. The Tiger Who Came To Tea.
With so many residents
Deciding to take part The cubs and the scouts
How do you judge this one ? Gone camping it seems
Wouldn’t know where to start. It’s just amazing
So many different themes.
All the key workers
Putting on their displays Apologies to those scarecrows
Then a Royal visitor I may have missed
Arrived in The Leys. Too many in the village
A French onion seller Impossible to list.
Cycling down the High Street
And Elsa in Garfield A round of applause
She is ever so sweet. To all those taking part
You really have taken
Disco Dolly hitch hiking This competition to heart.
Bill & Ben with Little Weed
The mole on Church Street Last word to the judges
Inspired indeed !!! It’s really hard to choose
There’s Homer and Marge Everyone’s a winner
Marie Curie as well No one can lose.
Straw Bob Squarepants
Doesn’t he look just swell.
Madame Butterfly
Now she lost her head
Boris in Queensway
Hanging on by a thread.
Well done to Hollycroft
Tin man lying down for a snooze
And of course there is Dorothy
Showing off her red shoes.
Dennis the menace
Arriving a bit late
Real housewives of Langford
Gossip by their garden gate.
The Langford gardener
A bit worse for wear
Can I ask Princess Leia
Who did your hair?
Mr Scarecrow on Station Road
He is sat on the wall
Don’t be like Humpty Dumpty
Be careful don’t fall.
Hello Wurzel Gummidge
A favourite of mine
But please will you bring
Aunt Sally next time?
18My good friends of Langford Mary Poppins she seems to be
Good evening to you Stuck up a tree
Thought I might try Perhaps the canoeist and diver
Scarecrow part two. Are heading out to sea.
I see there’s a Lady The real Humpty Dumpty
Rosemary with her thyme Has landed as well
Propped up by a table Be careful don’t fall
Empty bottle of wine. You might break your shell.
A family on Pound Close If Humpty does fall
In High Street a crash land Please call Susie the nurse
And Jack by the school As the Lady on Cambridge Road
He’s lending a hand. Sits holding her purse .
ET with Elliott Anyone for cricket
About to go home Down on Mill Lane ?
Please could someone Caught out on Station Road
Pass him a phone. For speeding again.
There’s also a mermaid Tied to a lamppost
In her paddling pool You’ll find CP3O
While Eminem in East Road Sorry children it seems
As ever so cool. Santa’s now on furlough.
Windy in Mill Lane To all those I’ve missed
Stood by a window May I apologise
Hold on to that flour Each and every entrant
Just don’t let it go. A winner in my eyes.
Iron man, superman As the judging draws nearer
Spider-Man too I think we all can agree
Bay watch lifeguards It’s not going to be easy
If you need a rescue So let’s just wait and see.
19Ladies and gents Sitting in your wellies
Good evening from me With a tankard of beer
This will be the last one Tom & Barbara living
Scarecrow No 3. The Good Life I fear.
As I drive through the village If you happen to pass by
On this rainy day HMS Be Kind
Seeing all the Scarecrows Take a closer look
Chases my stress away. Perhaps a lolly you’ll find.
I’ve tried my best With Bob the Builder
To fit every one in And Hanks Ranch still to see
Sadly don’t think Don’t forget when your passing
This task I will win. Wave to Happy Bee.
Seve Bale o Strawros Down by the garage
With golf ball in the rough A mechanic for hire
Training session for the cyclist Perhaps our racing driver
Is proving quite tough. Can go change his tyre.
A couple of fans Ken and Barbie have arrived
Sat outside the Ivy Leaf As gorgeous as ever
Meanwhile on Church Street You know that old saying
There’s a crow causing grief. Better late than never.
If you take a stroll So good luck to you all
Along Flexmore Way And may I just say
You may find a scarecrow It’s the taking part that counts
Chasing corona away. At the end of the day.
There’s a happy hippy Taking part in the Festival
With a sign for CND It has been such fun
Another raising awareness To each and everyone
For MND. Good luck and well done.
A handsome chap
Residing in Seward Place
Meanwhile in Church Street
A buster, with germs to erase.
Mrs Mills on the fence
By the riverside
A young lady and pony
Going out for a ride.
Harry Potter is sat
At the side of a tree
A man in his jazzy waistcoat
How dapper is he?
C U Jimmy makes an appearance
With his flame red hair
There are Zombies about
Langford beware!!!
By Ewbank Corner
A twitcher, what can he see
Back on Station Road
A retiree with her mug of tea.
Working from home
Sat on the garden bench
Going back to the office
Could prove such a wrench.
20Well everyone
No more suspense
11th July
Let judging commence
It’s been a delight
To join in the fun
I firmly believe
Langford has won
The village scarecrows
Have enhanced this place
They continue to put
A big smile on my face
To all those involved
What a success this has been
Who will be the winner ?
Congratulations to those
Who worked very hard
Displaying your scarecrows
In your front yard
Good luck to the judges
How will you choose
I am so glad
I’m not in your shoes
To all who took part
Sending massive applause
To each and everyone who
Stepped Up To The Cause
Stay safe xx
Good luck everyone is a
winner.
Elizabeth Jones
21Langford Welfare Trust
In February 1899 the Langford Welfare Trust distributed 2cwt (51kg) of coal to each family
they considered in need and one loaf of bread to each child attending the Board School.
Today things are different but there are still people who need some financial support to pay
for important things in life.
In the last financial year there were six disbursements of funds to Langford people for travel
and accommodation costs for school trips to residential centres for education and
development. In addition, the Trust provided funds for Langford Brownies to purchase
equipment. In this current year the Trust has been supporting Langford Friends and
providing funds for essential items during the COVID crisis such as a washing machine, a
repair to a cooker and the provision of food parcels via the Need Project.
The trust derives its income from investments, a gift from the parish council, the rent of
Town Land, and the letting of fishing rights.A cash donation was received from the recycling
of ink cartridges. A significant donation was also received from the National Lottery Fund.
This last donation will be used to benefit the youth of the village and the elderly.
If you live in Langford and are having difficulty with paying for something that is important
to you and your family, why not see if a payment can help you out? The Trust can provide
funds for such things as basic items of furniture, school uniforms, books, travel costs, tools,
equipment, training costs, or any welfare related item.
To enquire about a grant or to enquire for eligibility, please write to the Trust, c/o 3 Old Mill
Close, Langford, Biggleswade, Beds., SG18 9QY, or ‘phone 01462 700650.
Thank you!
Thankyou to the residents of Langford for
voting for Dave the scarecrow #loveforthelost
as your winning choice.
This means so much not just to me and my
family but to so many more just to know that
awareness of our yellow hearts has been
raised.
Also you all can take comfort that your
scarecrows made many families who are
going through such sad times smile over the
past few weeks.
The kindness shown in this village has been
overwhelming.
The winnings have
been donated to a
memory garden for
people who were
unable to say
goodbye to their
relatives and I was
one of them so I
Thankyou from the
bottom of my heart.
22Langford Hideaway
Surviving Covid-19
I think we will all remember the news of this pandemic and the advice of stay in, don’t go
out, isolate, sanitise, don’t go to pubs, bars and restaurants.
Then the worry for small business owners of how we will pay the mortgage, rents, electric
and staff… Then how can I adapt my business to carry on and survive this.
Thankfully takeaways were still permitted so back to the good(?) old days in contract
catering of preparing a weekly menu. Got advertising my menu and getting customers to use
my landline to ring (the phone rarely used to ring!) and order for any day of the week they
liked with a collection time. Then a chat with friends and neighbours and Nikki’s frozen
dinners was born! With lots of people struggling to get groceries, especially the elderly I also
offered a free delivery of my meals to Biggleswade, Clifton, Henlow, Shefford and
Shillington.
Then a customer asked about afternoon teas so I quickly put a menu together with my foody
friend Jennifer’s help, also offering free delivery and suddenly I was busier than ever!
After a year and half of hard graft I was definitely not going to give up and lucky for me I
enjoy a challenge and change!
None of this would have been possible without the support my lovely customers old and new,
my friends for advice and especially my poor partner that has been my delivery man,
dishwasher, personal shopper and brownie maker!
From the queuing for supplies after a long day, to visiting many supermarkets in the afternoon
to source supplies, it has been quite a trying time for many people but being able to still
provide a service has been very rewarding.
Langford Swap
and Give Away
Facebook Group
A recently welcomed group to the world of
Facebook. A great edition to the village
groups. Its proving popular with over 500
members. We opened in May and members
have helped each other out with gardening
materials, DIY goods, as well as books and
toys to keep the children occupied.
In addition we’ve also made donations to
local foodbanks of much needed items.
All deliveries and pickups made whilst social
distancing at all times.
Langford you rock.
RESIDENTS CAN JOIN US HERE
https://www.facebook.com/group/29782
9714711/permalink/317767336051464/
23Do You Fancy a Pub Crawl?
It’s been a few years since I did one of these so I thought it about time to “visit” all the pubs
in Langford.To help me I will be using the notes of the late Ralph Turner and his excellent
booklet “Langford A Village Walk” written in 1998 and published by Langford Parish
Council in 2000 to commemorate the Millennium. Ralph drew some of his information
from Michael Rutt’s Book “People of The Long Ford” and also from discussions with knowl-
edgeable residents of Langford.
The origin of public house licensing comes as a direct result of The Hundred Years' War
which was a series of conflicts with France from 1337 to 1453. Men and aged 18 to 40 were
obliged by law to practice with their longbows every Sunday and on holidays. Tavern
drinking times were restricted by licence to prevent bowmen from over indulging and
avoiding their obligations at the archery butts.
We start our pub crawl at the south end of the village and work our way towards Biggleswade.
The Boot Inn had stood on the corner of Common Road and Cambridge Road since it was
first licensed in 1776.There are several explanations for the name and one comes from the
legend of John Schorne who was a well educated cleric in 1273. John held medical abilities
and miraculous powers of healing.At the time illnesses and ailments were thought to be the
work of demons which possessed the victim. The legend describes how John was able to
exorcise the demons and imprison them in a boot.The presence of Boot Inns in the local area
is said to derive in respect of these powers and successes. In 1876 and 1885 Amos Stimson
was the landlord but by 1894 Tom Bates had taken over. Much later Amos left his will on the
kitchen table with two half crowns for his sons, Jim and Jack, before he drowned himself in
the River Ivel. Arthur Sale was landlord in 1900 to 1920 and then Thomas Chessum followed.
By 1940 Percy Harradine was in charge.
Moving east up Cambridge Road and close to the railway bridge we come to The Steamer.
The building has been modernised. Stories were that it was haunted due to the many
people killed on the railway and their bodies taken to The Steamer for the inquests. In 1906
a man was found with his head severed on the line. His body was searched at The Steamer
and papers found in his pockets contained various warnings to serve God. One letter said “I
am useless and worthless, neither fit to live or die and as that is so, I have to destroy myself to
end a worthless career”.The jury returned a verdict of suicide while of unsound mind.The
Steamer provided ale for the thirsty land workers who would send a boy back from the fields
for some beer at midday and then again in mid-afternoon during the summer months as they
would be working hard in the fields until dark. In 1927 Charles Rogers was the landlord and
his part time job was to switch on the electric lights in the village, controlled by a box near
the pub. His pay was 50 shillings (£2.50) from 1st October to 31st March.The lights were
switched on one hour after sunset and off at 10:15 pm, except Saturdays when they were left
on until 10:30pm. Mr Odell was paid 8 shillings (40p) per year to clean the lamps. OnVE Day,
1945, the landlord MrVass organised celebrations and a feast.There were races up and down
Cambridge Road for children and the men. The children won penny prizes and the men
enjoyed a bucket full of beer.The celebrations concluded with a huge bonfire. It is said that,
before the railway came,The Steamer got its name from the hot and perspiring horses which
were kept there to haul agricultural loads from the village towards Topplers Hill fields.
The next place to get a drink would be The Elephant and Castle. This was located in Back
Lane (Station Road today).There were also many small little beer shops where beer could be
bought from a cottage window or a doorway.
Next we could stagger to The Ivy Leaf Club, in Station Road, founded in 1921 to provide a
place of entertainment, social recreation, a non-political, non-sectarian and non-profit
making environment. In 1971 it boasted about two hundred members and ten years later this
had risen about eight hundred. Leaving the Club, and going back in time, we could pass
24down The Alley footpath and emerge at the back door of The Bay Horse Inn, on the High
Street.
Now you can fill your car with petrol at the garage but many years ago there were two pubs
next to each other. The Bay Horse Inn landlord in 1885 was David Potton and he was
followed by David Chessum in 1903. Next door was The Gardeners Arms. Nearby was
another pub, The Cross. This was where Lane and Bennets estate agents now reside. It
belonged to Page and Co of Ashwell and the decorative brickwork included a large cross.
Some folk called it Kings Cross after a previous owner Mr King of Biggleswade.The 1903
deeds refer to it as The Cross.
If you were still thirsty you could call in at The Crown Inn on the opposite side of High
Street where a nail and beauty salon operates today.The house next door was also part of The
Crown Inn. It was here, in 1827-29 that the Enclosure Commissioners met to decide on how
the parish lands should be redistributed and enclosed with hedges and ditches. The parish
council also met here. In 1858 four parish constables were appointed.The annual fair was held
in The Crown Meadow. Farm hands and house servants were hired whilst everyone was
entertained by a travelling fair.
The Red Cow, near Ivel Close, was first licensed in 1856 and before that it was a beer shop.
In 1873 it was sold by Steeds Brewery of Baldock and bought by Mardell Ousely Seward. In
1875 it was sold to William Nelson and in 1884 it was leased by Whitely and Nelson to E K
and H Fordham and sold to Phipps and Co of Northampton in 1889 and they sold it to
Wells and Winch in 1926. John Smith was both landlord and wheelwright in 1851. George
Stimson was resident in 1872 and 1888 but later that year Jesse Hills was landlord. The
police reported that he was always drunk and they opposed him being granted a licence.
George Milton took over followed by William Cousins in 1891, then Lennie Roberts and
then Alf Kilby who was landlord through both world wars.
In 1876 William Cousins was said to be the landlord of The Three Tuns.This was thought to
be located where Wilmon Court now stands.
Chapel Hill Farmhouse, on High Street, between the post office and The Leys junction was,
in the eighteenth century, a pub called The Old Armchair and it was owned by James Weston
of Biggleswade.
On the corner of High Street and The Leys was The Corner House. Behind the pub the Rev
Ewbank in 1836 set up the Primose League Clubroom – as sort of Conservative working
men’s club.The clubroom was used for diverse functions and in 1908 a public meeting was
held to consider the future of the village band.The band continued under the control of A
W Wells and Frank King. During and after the Whit Monday village parade a lot of beer was
consumed.A cart loaded with beer barrels followed the band around the village to make sure
their throats were not dry. In 1906 Fred Luddington was landlord. His other job was lighting
the village oil street lamps just after sunset and then extinguishing them at 10:00pm. He must
have got fed up as in 1910 he emigrated to Canada. In the 1930’s the pub was still going and
they also sold home-made chocolates from a street- side bay window.
The Wrestlers was the headquarters of the Wrestlers Friendly Society and the Ancient Order
of the Foresters. These two organisations provided support for the village by providing,
sickness benefits clubs, funeral expenses and terraced houses for rent. Originally it was a
thatched building adjacent to the road.The pub belonged to Stimpsons of Baldock in 1876
and Charles Wells was the landlord. Joseph Brown took over in 1890 and Swithun Simms
followed in 1909.Today it is an Indian restaurant.
We move onwards to The Plough which was first licensed in 1846. Maria Nelson sold the
pub to Phipps in 1889. In 1894 William Whitby was landlord. It was sold again to Wells and
Wynch in 1926. Maria’s husband William was the village carrier in 1848 and he took goods
to London on Fridays at 10:00am and returned on Sunday at 8:00pm.
Finally, we finish our pub crawl in 1894 on the old north parish boundary at a beer shop
owned by Tilly Green. This was, and still is a small cottage at the entrance to The Fields.
John Shipman
25Fred Larman Barn Fire early 1960’s
Sometime in the early 1960's the
massive barns that stood opposite
Hollycroft as shown in the aerial shot
(home of Mr and Mrs Larman) burnt
down.The typical thatched barn had
wooden framed walls which were
thoroughly soaked with many years
applications of tar.When such a
building burnt, all the fire brigade
could do was let it burn itself out and
to try and protect adjoining
property.Biggleswade firemen seem to
have everything under control. They
are wearing black cork helmets and were carrying axes attached to their jacket belts.
The aerial photo shows site of fire.Herbert Thompsons cobblers shop is shown next to land
where bungalows are now and opposite you can see the Church Room(Tin Room) which
was the centre of social activity in the village.Jumble Sales, Xmas Bazaars, drama club
productions, Beetle Drives and Armageddon Disco in later years! Made of green painted
corrugated iron and it made a terrible noise when it rained!.Hollycroft is shown next to the
Church Room and belonged to Fred Larman and Ivy.Together with his brother Ron, they
ran the family haulage business that had been started by their father Alf.
Linda Franklin
26Langford Village Academy
In March, along
with every other
school in the country, Langford Village Academy
closed its doors to most children and embarked
on a new style of learning. Whilst at home the
children all worked remarkably hard, learning
about under the sea, seas around the World and
the human body.We loved seeing how hard the children continued to learn
even when not in school. It also appears that Langford has a number of
budding gardeners and bakers!
Langford remained open for a number of key worker children who also helped make a
scarecrow for the Langford Scarecrow festival as well as a bug hotel which has been hung in
the school trees.
Langford Village Academy is looking forward to welcoming back all children in September
when we will also begin Forest School activities. Children will also be learning about the
Vikings, recent history (1950s-2000s) and all about themselves.
27St. Andrew’s Church
It was a little while ago now when one of the children came
back from school to announce that they had been learning all
about the Great Storm - in history.Apparently it was very windy
and people couldn’t get to work, they said! ‘I know’, I said, ‘I
was there’. Living through something that our children consider
history can come as a bit of a shock.There can be no doubt that
this period of our history will also be something that is built
into the school curriculum in years to come. I wonder how it
will be remembered.
I wonder if it will be something like this:
1. Exercise - Lots of people decided they would start running or cycling that hadn’t for
years. It lasted for about a week!
2. Everyone thought they would start baking - and then couldn’t find any flour in the shops;
3. People thought they could cut each other's hair before realising they really couldn’t;
4. People showed their appreciation for NHS workers by clapping on a Thursday - and also
as a reminder of what day it was;
5. Dog owners suddenly realised why their canine friends got so excited at the prospect of
going for a walk;
6. People realised just how much they really spend on coffee and fuel;
7. Keep safe became the new sign off for emails; and
8. DIY and gardening suddenly became appealing.
There can be no doubt that this has been a difficult time. But hopefully we will also have had
the opportunity to discover and take notice of things that we simply hadn’t before, or at least
for a long time.What seeds have been sown in your life I wonder during this time?
One of the stories that Jesus tells is about how the growth of a seed is dependent on the type
of soil it's given to germinate and grow in.
‘ … some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on rocky
ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no
depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they
withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them.
Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some
thirty. Let anyone with ears listen!’
I pray that whatever seeds have been sown for you during this time - appreciation of the
nature which surrounds us, the opportunity for quality time with our families, or offering the
hand of help or friendship to others in need - that we would be good soil in which they can
continue to grow.
Rev. Shaun Speller
Reordering Fund at St. Andrew’s
We are delighted to update everybody on the completion of Phase 1 of the reordering of St
Andrews Church. Phase 1 was to move our font to a more prominent and user friendly space
which then allows us to install a modern toilet. Also a small enclosed kitchen and space for
tables and chairs.All of this will enable the church to offer better hospitality and a degree of
flexibility that has not been previously possible.
28The photograph shows the font in its
new position with the blue mark
showing the old position.
We now need to carry on with
fundraising for the next phase.
Would you like to help us?
One of the ways you can is to join our
100 Club. We have 44 participants at
present and give back 50% of weekly
monies.We draw a number each week
and the winner wins £22 with £22
going to our Reordering Fund. More
members will mean a bigger prize each
week and more money for our fund.All
we ask is that you pay at least 1 month
in advance cash, cheque or direct bank
payment.
PLEASE support us if you can.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sheila Vidler. 01462 701750.
Langford Shop Opening Times
FARM SHOP LANGFORD HIDEAWAY
SUNDAY 10.00am 1.00pm SUNDAY CLOSED
MONDAY CLOSED MONDAY 8.00am 2.00pm
TUESDAY 10.00am 5.00pm TUESDAY 8.00am 2.00pm
WEDNESDAY 10.00am 5.00pm WEDNESDAY 8.00am 2.00pm
THURSDAY 10.00am 5.00pm THURSDAY 8.00am 2.00pm
FRIDAY 9.00am 4.00pm FRIDAY 8.00am 2.00pm
SATURDAY 9.00am 4.00pm SATURDAY 8.00am 2.00pm
POST OFFICE PHARMACY
SUNDAY 8.30am 6.00m SUNDAY CLOSED
MONDAY 7.30am 8.00pm MONDAY 9-12.45 13.45-17.15
TUESDAY 7.30am 8.00pm TUESDAY 9-12.45 13.45-17.15
WEDNESDAY 7.30am 8.00pm WEDNESDAY 9-12.45 13.45-17.15
THURSDAY 7.30am 8.00pm THURSDAY 9-12.45 13.45-17.15
FRIDAY 7.30am 8.00pm FRIDAY 9-12.45 13.45-17.15
SATURDAY 7.30am 8.00pm SATURDAY 9.00am 12.45pm
LANGFORD VILLAGE STORE
MONDAY - SATURDAY 7.00am - 9.00pm - SUNDAY 7.00am - 8.00pm
29Langford Diary Copy Dates and Advertising
PLEASE NOTE - IMPORTANT
All Copy and Advertising for inclusion in NEXT Diary Winter Edition by
22nd October for events in December, January and February.
2021 Submission Dates
Spring Issue 22nd January - Summer Edition 22nd April.
All Copy for the next Diary to be emailed to both
trudy.emery1@ntlworld.com - steve.alh.hills@btinternet.com
All Adverts and Advertising Material to be emailed to steve.alh.hills@btinternet.com
IMPORTANT
Please let us know if there are any changes to the details of your meeting.
Are the times and contact information the same?
ADVERTISING RATES
FOR ALL NEW ADVERTS
Cost of Adverts in Langford Diary 2020
ALL COLOUR ADVERTS
SIZE - One sixth page
Single issue - £30 plus vat (£36 inc VAT)
Full year (four issues) - £80 plus vat (£96 inc VAT)
SIZE - One third page
Single issue - £40 plus vat (£48 inc VAT)
Full year (four issues) - £120 plus vat (£144 inc VAT)
SIZE - Half page
Single issue - £60 plus vat (£72 inc VAT)
Full year (four issues) - £170 plus vat (£204 inc VAT)
SIZE - Whole page
Single issue - £110 plus vat (£132 inc VAT)
Full year (four issues) - £340 plus vat (£408 inc VAT)
Editor’s Reservation
This Diary is as complete and correct as possible at the time of going to press. While any Inaccuracies and Omissions in any
Articles or Adverts supplied to the Editor and Parish Council for publication are regretted, the Editor and the Parish Council
accept no responsibility for any such occurrences. All articles are copyright and may not be reproduced in whole or in part
without written permission of the Editor or the Parish Council.
The views expressed are not necessarily those of the Editor or the Parish Council.
3031
32
33
The Ivy Leaf Club
We are now open again following the COVID-19 closure.We have been delighted to
welcome members back and have been pleased to see everyone adhering to the new
protocols put in place to comply with Government guidance - thank you !
Obviously all live entertainment is currently suspended and unlikely to resume before
early Spring. Please keep an eye on our FB page for all information and updates.We will
also update our FB page with changes as we follow updates from the Government.
New members always welcome and remember our Lounge Bar can be hired for most
future private functions for the minimal cost of £50.
We will continue to update our Facebook page with any announcements but should
you have any questions, please do contact the Club on 01462 700868.
Julie Devereux - Committee Member
3435
Langford History Society
The History Society has decided not to reopen for talks until January 2021, if it is safe to do
so then. In the meantime we will produce a newsletter so that we can keep in touch with
members, with the first issue appearing in September.
Many of us have been very grateful to neighbours who have helped us in shielding and also
to the Post Office Stores for their prompt and helpful home deliveries during the worst weeks
of the crisis.
After our AGM in February we were able to have one talk on 4 March before the lockdown
by Roy Smart on ‘Another Icarus, the Rise and Fall of Percy Pilcher and the Art of Flight’,
This was about the little-known aviation pioneer who was on the cusp of powered flight
before the Wright brothers but fell from the sky to his death.
If you have an interest in local history there is plenty of material online which you can
investigate. Our own website, www.langfordhistorysociety.org.uk has lots of material about
the village, including short histories of the church and Methodist chapel, stories of incidents
in the past such as a forced landing by a glider in the village and a sadly fatal crash of a jet
aircraft on the common, a connection with Lawrence of Arabia and many others. Our
Facebook page will also have stories and a local quiz.
The website also has the ‘Langford Index of Names’, which is a source for family historians
and those with roots in our village.You can download this 16-page index to people referred
to in the Society’s three books and also in the Parish Council’s Millennium publication,
Langford:AVillage Walk free of charge.The names on the two village war memorials are also
included in the index with an indication of which memorial contains the name.
Our Society is also a member of the county-wide Bedfordshire Local History Association and
their website, www.bedfordshire-lha.org.uk has back numbers of their journal, History in
Bedfordshire, going back to the first issue in 1992. Here you can find articles and book
reviews on almost every aspect of Bedfordshire and Bedford’s history. The latest Summer
Special issue (8.12) is devoted to the Le Mesurier and Halliley families of Bedford who gave
us the much loved actor John Le Mesurier. His most famous role was, of course, Sergeant
Wilson in Dad’s Army.The Summer issue (8.11) has articles on VE Day,The Brown family
of Carlton and their descent from John Bunyan, and a look at Bedford as John Bunyan might
have known it.
There are articles on the two World Wars and many on Bedfordshire villages and towns all of
which can be found by using the index on the site.
Langford History Books
Should you want to learn about Langford’s history, our books are still available and to
purchase them please contact Rowena Wolfe by phone or email: 01767 312556 or
rowena.wolfe@btinternet.com You can collect the books in the village.
The books contain lots of photos preserving the knowledge of the families, homes and
businesses of old Langford.
They are:
Langford Then and Now 2006
This book of 40 pages plus cover has two photographs on nearly every page of well-known
places in the village showing how they looked then and how they look now. Some of the old
photographs were taken from 80 to over 100 years ago. Price £4.
36Langford through the Lens, Volume 1
This book in 73 pages delves into Langford’s past with photographs of personalities and events
explained in extensive captions.The reprint has the advantage of incorporating amendments
and discoveries made since original publication by means of an errata list in the title pages.
Price £5.
Langford through the Lens, Volume 2 (published 1992)
This book in 80 pages offers a selection of old photographs (some with extensive captions)
showing all aspects of village life and the personalities involved over the years. Price £3.
AUTUMN 2020
UPDATE
The adoption of the Langford Neighbourhood Plan was to be decided by a referendum this
year.We now know that this cannot take place until after 6th May 2021. However, this has
not stopped the volunteers who have been working on the draft Plan.Team members have
been compiling several key documents which form part of the written plan. Langford can
submit the Plan to Central Bedfordshire Council for inspection (examination at a distance).
If a referendum is recommended following inspection, our plan under the Covid-19
restrictions should carry significant weight in pending and future planning decisions.
The team will be keeping residents informed via social media, the dedicated website and
leaflets when appropriate. Residents can still make comments to the team. Feedback is always
welcomed. It is hoped to arrange an open meeting before the referendum so residents can
learn more about the plan.
You can keep up to date via our website https://langfordneighbourhoodplan.org.uk/ or
on Facebook (search: Langford Village Neighbourhood Plan). Contact us via email on
langfordneighbourhoodplan@gmail.com or via the Parish Clerk on 07482 276173.
37Langford Tennis Club
In the last update,
the tennis club was
in full lockdown.
Since then the
tennis club committee members have
been hard at work meeting up
regularly via Zoom to review the
government guidelines on Covid-19
and to assess how we could open up
the courts safely. Fortunately, tennis is
a sport that can be played in the open
air with social distancing measures in
place and from mid-May we opened
the tennis courts under restricted
conditions. Initially we opened one
court for singles play as advised by the
government and the LTA. Members had to use their own marked balls and not mix with
other households.
The government issued additional guidance in June and a further relaxation was introduced
meaning that both courts were opened on certain days of the week (we maintained single
court days to accommodate members who might feel safer playing without coming into
contact with too many other households). Also, doubles play was allowed where respective
pairs were from the same household.
As I write now, both courts are fully open 7 days of the week and doubles play is unrestricted
except that the 2m social distancing rule should be observed wherever possible. During all
this time the clubhouse has remained locked to limit touch points and we have had external
floodlight switches installed as evening play is very popular.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the committee members for their hard work
and long discussions and also the club members for their patience and acceptance of the
gradual opening of the courts during a time which has been challenging for everyone.
So, for now, tennis is very much back on the agenda albeit with no social sessions or regular
group coaching. In the absence of any league or inter-club matches, we are running an
internal club competition throughout the summer.We will also be accepting new members
from 1st August if you fancy trying your hand!
Finally, in the last issue, there was a quiz to see how many tennis terms you could spot.
Answers are underlined and in bold in the passage below. How did you do?!
Take advantage of the fact you have to stay at home and let time pass (through no fault
of your own). By all means have a ball but don’t drive the neighbours mad with a noisy
bass line or get caught making a racket. Swing into action and set out to do something
smashing (with no strings attached) like:
• Facetime your friends and family
• Spin or toss a coin to see who does the washing up
• Play games with your children (take a break to slice a seeded bagel)
• Stroke the dog or cat for relaxation
• Match your neighbours with your clapping on a Thursday evening
• Rally round and serve your community
The net result? When we return to “normal” life and say bye to lockdown,
we will bounce back and know that we have spread a little love to those
that needed it most.
For more information about the club please see www.langfordtennisclub.org.uk
38You can also read
